Author: Fritzjames Stephen

Travel Requirements to Enter Abu Dhabi – Guidelines You Need to Keep in Mind

Abu Dhabi is once more open for tourists and makes an ideal holiday destination; however, there are guidelines and protocols in place that you should know before travelling here.

Go Safe Certification

When it comes to accommodation including 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, ensure you choose one that has the ‘Go Safe’ certification from the Department of Culture and Tourism. These properties such as those belonging to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas have adopted stringent health and hygiene measures ensuring safe stays.

Image via Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

Depending on where you are flying from, you will have to present a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 48, 72 or 96 hours of departure. On arrival at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will have to take another PCR test as well as on day four and day eight, depending on the length of your stay.

The Green List

Those from destinations on the Green List are not required to undergo a 10-day quarantine. You need to present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before your departure to Abu Dhabi, undergo a PCR test on arrival and self-isolate till the results are given.

You can find the Green List of countries at – https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel/permitted-countries

Other Travellers

If your country is not on the Green List, you will have a 10-day mandatory quarantine. After the PCR test on arrival, travellers must register and will be given an electronic wristband to be worn during quarantine; the local health authorities will determine a suitable quarantine location be it a hotel, your home or other accommodation option.

Since procedures can change depending on the global pandemic situation, always check for updated guidelines: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel

What Is Thailand Most Famous For? – Reasons to enjoy your next vacation in Thailand

Thailand is a paradise for all sorts of travellers, especially for the backpackers out there! It’s famous for many great reasons. Here are a few of them.

Thai Food

Forget about the unreadable names of Thai dishes, just enjoy their unique tastes. Thailand is a paradise for those who love street food and even seafood. Diverse kinds of noodles, meat, and spices, you find it all there.

The Temples

The main religion of the Thais is Buddhism. This is why you find many Buddhist Temples (pagodas) and statues that are over a thousand years of age. There are also monasteries that you can visit when you are in Thailand.

© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, Wat Saket, Prayer, Bangkok, Thailand, CC BY 4.0

Thai Hospitality

Since Thailand is a country that considerably depends on the tourism industry, you find many good hotels everywhere. You may head to a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for your stay, and you are sure to enjoy the best of authentic hospitality.

Martial Arts

Those who know about Martial Arts, know about Muay Thai too. Muay Thai has been originated in Thailand. It has its unique ways of kicking, punching, and fighting and that’s worth watching.

Enjoy Flyboarding in Maldives – Soaring to New Heights

Looking for new water sports in Maldives to get your adrenaline pumping? Don’t miss the chance to try flyboarding that takes you above the waves on an experience you won’t forget!

Understanding the Basics

Ever wished you could take off the ground like Iron Man? Well, flyboarding is similar! Your feet will be strapped into special boots on a board connected to a watercraft by a long hose; through high-powered water pressure, jet nozzles lift the board / boots into the air which can reach heights of over 70 feet!

Where You Can Try It

The ideal water sport to try after relaxing at a Maldives water suite, flyboarding is on offer only at certain private resorts so check ahead. This includes properties such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort that have professional instructors and follow the needed safety procedures for a fun and safe experience.

Image via Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort 

More Than Just Flight

While this activity is relatively simple to learn, once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy more than just soaring in the air. Apart from speeding along the water, you can also (with the proper guidance) perform “tricks” which can include spinning around and even diving below the waves before being propelled back up.

Other Fun-filled Thrills

If you are craving more action-packed excitement on the water, then the right place to be is in the Maldives! Resorts feature a range of other thrilling water sports too; you can zip along on jet skis, satisfy your need for speed while kneeboarding, wakeboarding or water-skiing and try parasailing for stunning aerial vistas.

Conserving the Marine Treasures of the Maldives – Preserving an Underwater Paradise

While travellers enjoy seeing the array of coral and fish species in Maldives, many are unaware that this marine ecosystem faces threats too. Here’s what you should know.

Climate Change

While the Maldives has strict laws to protect coral and fish species, one thing it has no control over is climate change, especially rises in water temperature which harm reefs the world over; this has a direct impact on marine life that depends on the reefs and in turn, the survival of larger creatures up the food chain.

Photo by form PxHere

Coral Conservation

Coral conservation is vital and resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have initiated coral adoption programmes that travellers can get involved in; apart from enjoying a stay at a Maldives pool villa, guests can help the resort team to transplant broken coral in a reef nursery and get updates on its progress.

Responsible Tourism

Travellers should choose resorts that are vested in conservation including responsible snorkelling and diving in Maldives. Such properties will have a resident marine biologist who will help you get a greater understanding of marine life too; be it swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay or spotting turtles and dolphins, there’s much to enjoy.

Shaping Young Minds

The next generation will also play an important role in marine conservation in Maldives; to this end, some resorts have marine biology courses for kids with a resident marine biologist. It can include fun Indian Ocean adventures where they can see dolphins, swim with turtles, learn about conservation efforts and even get training on diving.

Make the Most of the Magic Day in Hong Kong Disneyland – When magic becomes real

Situated on the island of Lantau, Disneyland in Hong Kong is one of the most magical places to visit in Asia. You might be travelling solo, with family or as a couple, this place is what brings your childhood fantasies to life and is extremely enjoyable.

Main Street, USA
This is the name of the entrance that stretches out towards the Castle of Sleeping Beauty. It is designed to look like a late 19th early 20th century style town. Find some souvenirs at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or let your little ones play dress up as their favourite characters at Royal Princess Garden.

Adventureland
This is the largest park within the entire complex and is focused on all the adventurous stories by Disney. You can take a tour of Tarzan’s treehouse or join in the Home Coming Celebrations for Moana. If you love adventure, you will never get enough of this place!

Fantasyland
As the name suggests, this is where all your magical Disney dreams come to life. Meet your favourite characters and take pictures with them. You can indulge in various rides like the Cinderella Carousel or The Giant Teacups and much more.

Mystic Point
This is where the dark magic comes to life! It’s a place that is designed for 3D illusions of hauntings and various other items and atmospheres that give you the sense of mystery. It is the ideal place to click away.
Hotels in Wan Chai Hong Kong, the likes of Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong are just a 30-minute drive away from Disneyland, so if ever possible, make sure you visit.

 

Why Is Namibia Unique? – Discover Africa

Being one of the least densely populated countries on the planet, Namibia fills you with an inexplicable feeling that you can’t experience elsewhere. Experience the calmness and immerse in the wilderness as you holiday at one of the hotels in Namibia such as the Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

RudiBosbouer, Fish River Canyon – Boulder section before Wild Fig Bend, CC BY-SA 3.0

That Feeling of Being by Yourself

With just two or so people per square kilometre, Namibia offers you the chance of driving for hours under sunny blue skies without a soul in sight.

The Driest Country Around!

Being the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, deserts reign much of the country. This has helped an incredible array of animals and plants adapt to the harsh desert conditions, making it a popular destination for spotting desert wildlife.

Spectacular Game Safaris

Namibia has a range of parks and game reserves out of which Etosha National Park stands out above the rest. Here, wildlife enthusiasts can track black rhinos and cheetahs on foot.

Extreme Landscapes

These landscapes contribute to the uniqueness of Namibia in a major way. From some of the tallest dunes in the world and breathtaking Fish River Canyon to the sand seas of Namib, this country has the most splendidly diverse natural terrains.

A Guide to Explore Brighton, Melbourne – An Idyllic Suburb by the Ocean

One of Melbourne’s charming coastal suburbs, Brighton is the ideal place to spend the day on your holiday and offers more than just beachside bliss; here’s what to expect.

Donaldytong, Elsternwick Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Planning Your Visit

This suburb is around 11 km from the CBD of Melbourne; hotel apartments in the city centre including the likes of Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites are about 30 minutes away by car. You can also take the train from Flinders Street Station (Sandringham line) to Brighton Beach Station, the bus (#600, 922, 923) or tram (#64).

Brighton Beach

Nestled along Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is made up of three sections; of these, the most popular is Dendy Street Beach as it’s home to 82 historical and colourful Victorian-era bathing boxes that are an Instagram favourite too! Overall, the white sandy beaches here are perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Shopping & Dining

Apart from spending time at the beach, one can also explore Brighton for retail therapy and foodie adventures. Start at Church Street, home to the Dendy Plaza Shopping Centre, clothes shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. Also of note is Bay Street, a historic shopping strip with dining options as well.

Other Highlights

Amongst the best things to do in Brighton is to walk or cycle along the 17 km Bayside Coastal Art Trail that features lovely coastal views and signs regarding artworks by local artists. Other key attractions to visit include the historic Middle Brighton Baths, Billilla Historic Mansion, Brighton Public Golf Course and Elsternwick Park.

Deep Sea Fishing in Negombo

Deep-sea fishing is one of the most exciting water sports you can try out. It’s an opportunity to wrestle with some of the toughest games in the oceans, and though it can be taxing, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Beach Scene at Sunset – Negombo – Sri Lanka (14050166719), CC BY-SA 2.0

Why Negombo
The waters that border Negombo is home to some of the largest big game fish found in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. The Negombo Lagoon is also home to some large species which prefer brackish water. If you’re staying at a Negombo beach hotel – say, for example, the Heritance Negombo – all of this is only a few minutes away.

The Game
There’s plenty of trophy fish for you to test your mettle against in Negombo. The most sought-after specimens include awesome oceanic predators like the marlin, barracuda, swordfish, and even a few shark varieties.

Setting Off
In order to stand the best chance of snagging some big game, you’ll want to set off just before dawn. Most of the trophy fish species are voracious predators and they are most active during this time of the day. Add some bait, cast your line, and wait patiently for a bite.

A Feast Awaits
Once you hook a giant, the real challenge begins. Big game fish can put up quite the fight and it might take hours for you to reel one in. Don’t let up though, the reward at the end is more than worth it.

Honza or Markéta, Negombo beach, drying fish (001), CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Amazing Attractions to Discover in Yala for an Unforgettable Vacation

From wildlife safaris to exploring exquisite cultural sites, Yala is an ideal place to spend your summer vacation. You will find many properties in and around this spellbinding city such as Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Adbar, Tourism Yala National Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yala National Park
No trip to Yala is complete without visiting its amazing national park – one of the most visited of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is home to a beautiful forest that provides lifeblood to many exotic animals. Animal lovers can even expect to spot the elusive leopard here during a safari arranged by their Yala hotel.

Magul Maha Viharaya
Hiding historical value in its ancient constructions, Magul Maha Viharaya is yet another attraction that can be visited during your trip to Yala. According to chronicles, Vijayabahu the Great has used this temple complex during the battle to unite the country.

Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya
A temple complex that’s believed to be built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C., Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya can easily be accessed from many Yala hotels. The main stupa can be found overlooking a large pond from a large mountainous area.

Yala Leopard Centre
Couldn’t spot a leopard during your safari? Fret not – you can visit this incredibly informative centre that offers marvellous insights into the lives of leopards.

 

 

Best Beaches in West Coast of Sri Lanka

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean sure has some amazing beaches that lure tourists every year. The coastal belt of Sri Lanka is something that you must explore. Here are a few beaches that are not too far from Colombo for starters.

 

Negombo
This is a coastal city that is just 37 km away from Colombo which is about 1.5 hours travel time on the highway. Negombo is popular for beautiful beaches that are surfer friendly and safe for almost any water sport.

Mount Lavinia
This is one of the most residential zones in Colombo, especially for the middle class. This place has one of the most scenic beaches where the middle class often visit in the evenings for a jog or to walk their pets.

Beruwela
This is a beach city that is popular for hotels.Beruwela offers some of the best luxury resorts such as The Eden Resort & Spa for a nice stay. The beaches here are great too but the waters can sometimes be too rough so look out for the red flag.

Induruwa
Unlike the rest of the beaches, this isn’t a crowded one. Instead, the ambience is of that of a calm village where you can just relax.