As in Islam, in the Hindu religion there are pilgrimages (yatra) which each of the faithful should complete once in a lifetime to cleanse themselves spiritually and achieve Moksha (salvation). The greatest is the Char Dham Yatra (Four Abodes Pilgrimage), to temples in Puri (Odisha state), Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Dwarka (Gujarat), and Badrinath (Uttarhand).
But there is also an important yatra just in Uttarakhand state, India's northernmost, in the Garhwal Himalayas bordering Nepa
by Tom Bunn
Some who fear flying are concerned about in-flight panic. Others are worried about crashing. A few seriously question whether they will be alive at the end of a planned flight. When someone expresses genuine belief that his or her flight may not make it, I’m surprised. Why would a person have such an expectation?
It’s not based on history. Here in the United States, for example, we’ve gone for years without a crash by a major carrier. In addition to history, experience is a factor. My
Once travel is back on the menu, lovers of the "Old Continent" might want to get a new perspective on a number of beloved countries by experiencing them from the water. A European river cruise can be a dream come true for those of us who want to explore Europe at a relatively slow but steady pace, with typically 50 to 70 cabins (but some up to 200); superior onboard dining reflecting local cuisines; and a plethora of chances to see historic landmarks - either on your own or in organized shore
Whether if it’s your first or tenth time, a visit to Dubai always brings a sense of joy and ends up being a mesmerizing experience. With all its fascinating modern buildings, awesome beaches, beautiful man-made islands, and massive malls, Dubai still maintains its rich culture, traditions, and heritage. From the desert safari to simply enjoying a musical evening at the world’s largest dancing fountain, there’s a lot to see and do here. Here are the top half dozen musts:
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The United States's sprawling, second largest urban area is a great all-round destination for every type of traveller young and old, from fun-seeking singles to parents in search of family fun with their little ones. The kid appeal starts with the theme parks, but there's a lot more for mum and dad to like about Los Angeles, as well. Let's have a look...
But of course the world's most famous just has to top the list! Located in the suburb of Anaheim,
Besides being one of Asia's and the world's premier financial hubs, Hong Kong is also one of their most visited destinations for both business people and leisure travelers. Always teeming with people and full of exciting things to see and do, the city may appear overwhelming to first-time visitors. But especially if you're watching your wallet, this post will help provide some tips on where to stay, where to go, and what to do to make your first trip to this magnificent and unique place easier.
When it comes time to think of the next ski season (which in the Southern Hemisphere's Andes actually starts in early June, though it will likely be altered this year by coronavirus measures), you may find you need new warm clothing for hitting the slopes. And for skiers and snowboarders, gloves are especially crucial, for skiers grasping ski poles and snowboarders keeping hands and arms out for balance (it goes without saying that they're great for ice climbers and other winter-sport practi
Italy's largest island is in some ways like a world unto itself, packed with amazing, art, architecture, history, cuisine, mud baths, and of course lovely beaches bathed in turquoise waters. Sicily's magic has been shaped by civilizations including Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Spaniards, and Norman French, and it's all waiting for you. And though of course a wide variety of accommodation is available, one of the best ways to get the most enjoyment out of your visit is luxury S
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by José Juan Adamuz
What’s it like to be in the presence of the world’s largest waterfalls system? Well, in three words: wet, wild, and wonderful. These wonders of nature formed as the Iguazú River hurtles off the Paraná Plateau in the form of hundreds of waterfalls, at a rate of 1,500 square metres (gallons) per second, mark the local border between Argentina’s Misiones state and Brazil’s Paraná state (with Paraguay’s Ciudad del Este right nearby, as well). And let me tell you, these p
The capital of India's southwestern Maharashtra state is also the entire country's most populous, with a population of 21 million. Situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it's famous as a business and especially cultural hub - among other things home to the legendary Bollywood film industry. The best time to visit is winter, December through February, you'll find a wide variety of hotels to suit your budget, and there's something for everyone here; it's worth noting as well that Mumbai is a s
photos: María José Cortes Llamas
For visitors, this enormous country is packed with appeal for anyone and everyone, from history, culture, dining, and shopping to some of the most amazing ecotourism experiences on the planet. Hikers and other fans of the great outdoors will be in heaven in the wide open spaces out in the American West (and even no small few along the Eastern Seaboard), starting with a network of national parks which though under increasing siege these past couple of years is st
“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.”
― U.S. novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, & cultural critic Wendell Berry
If you’re a "seeker," who travels in part to deepen your religious and spiritual life, you'll want to read this post to learn more about the 13 most spiritual and sacred places that you can visit once travel starts opening up again. These pilgrimage spots are not merely example
As in other areas, Portugal has been somewhat underrated in terms of its scenic appeal, but this small southern European country is filled with winding routes that take you through beautiful landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and small whitewashed villages. In short, fertile territory for renting a car and taking some magnificent road trips.
On top of that, road trips in Portugal tend to be relatively short - hence they're especially well suited for families looking for adventure but without commi
Out in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, this French-, English-, and French Creole-speaking tropical-island country has been compared to heaven on earth, and has been moving up the vacation radar especially thanks to its splendid beaches and diving and gorgeous white-sand beaches with clear sapphire waters. But it also has much more to offer: hiking in the lush hills, impressive ecotourism, and cultural landmarks from Hindu temples (Mauritius is Africa's only majority-Hindu country) to
Operated by Tobu Tower Skytree Co., LTD, the communications and observation tower that at 634 meters (2,080 feet) is the tallest structure in Japan (and second tallest in the world, as well as its tallest freestanding broadcast tower) has for the past several weeks been presenting a special lighting every night, to continue until May 6, as a symbol of solidarity with the world, as we all work together to face the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes. Tokyo Skytree is being lit i
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If celebrating your marriage with a honeymoon on a tropical beach while sipping cocktails isn’t your style, you are not alone. More and more newlyweds are opting to indulge their love of adventure on their first postnuptial trip, and here are awesome countries to consider:
Peru
This South American country is as magical as any wedding day. You are spoilt for choice with its luscious Amazon jungle, ancient and mysterious civilizations. Enjoy the history and culture of Lima, or ven
Road tripping is undoubtedly a ritual and a rite of passage for new drivers as it is the ultimate adventure. Sure, gasoline is expensive, traffic is unavoidable, and car problems might occur. But that has never stopped people from planning an itinerary, packing up a car, and - after making sure their ride's in good shape - including checking tire conditions - hitting the open road.
The truth is that the United States is a country different from any other place in the world in offering an astonis
A half dozen years ago, our blog Love2Fly ran a series of posts reviewing the history of Iberia cabin-crew uniforms from 1946 through the first decade and a half of the 21st century. During that time the airline was fortunate to enlist a distinguished series of top Spanish designers of their times in crafting stylish yet eminently practical attire for its inflight and airport personnel - now numbering 6,500 - contributing to the airline's evolving brand. These have included couture greats such
Denmark's capital is a dream, and it’s worth every krone you’ll spend to visit. However, it's also notoriously pricey. So I’d like to share several tips on how you can cut your costs to get the most out of "wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen."
Not all attractions in here cost an arm and a leg - and some won’t even cost you anything at all! These include picturesque Nyhavn, the court of Amalienborg Palace (museum not included), the Little Mermaid statue, the Star Fort
Located in Heradurra on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, near various beautiful beaches and national parks, Los Sueños Marriott Resort and Marina is an exquisite 1,100-acre oceanfront spread including a luxurious 201-room hotel as well as 600 apartments and private villas with an amazing raft of high-quality amenities and friendly, world-class service. It's just an hour's drive from the international airport outside capital San José, and right near the buzzing beach town Jacó as well as the magical
