Category: Travel

A summer lookbook featuring six breezy outfits, filmed in my favorite city!

This April I went on a family trip to Bangkok, Thailand. While most of my trips comprise a lot of blogger work, this one was a lot more laidback – a vacation in the traditional sense.

Look One – Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok (better known to locals as Yaowarat street) was one of my favorite places during our last trip. However, we went on Lunar New Year which meant the place was at it’s most crowded, ever.

I really wanted to visit on a less maddening day, so we made it a point to visit one evening in April. We went at dusk, when the sun was beginning to set & the vertical neon lights were being turned on. It was chaotic in the most exhilarating way – I even experienced my first Chinese Tea Ceremony (glimpses of it are in the vlog). The light denim dress coupled with my favorite new high tops were just perfect for the evening. The jacket wasn’t necessary in the heat, I just really wanted to photograph it under all those lights!

Look Two – Tropical Smoothie

In the last year I’ve moved from someone with a mostly black, blue & solid color wardrobe to buying clothing in every colour of the rainbow. The co-ord set was the first proper vacation purchase this year. I was instantly attracted to the geometric print & bright colours but it was even cuter when I tried it – who doesn’t love a top that has on trend off shoulder detailing plus a peplum to hide your food baby? Not to mention, the shorts have deep, functional pockets & make my 🍑 look cute, I really couldn’t ask for a better summer vacation outfit.

This would have been super cute to wear to something outdoors but I just ended up wearing it to the mall for the most delicious Asian meal (every meal in Thailand was delicious though!)

Look Three – Botanical

This beautiful Warehouse maxi is a summer purchase from a couple of years ago that I never got around to wearing. It has an interesting botanical print, side slit & an open back detail – the perfect laidback brunch outfit. I wore it for a second visit to Luka Bangkok, this wonderfully designed café & interiors store at Pan road. We first went there for my birthday brunch & I knew I had to revisit it. That place is so chic, with it’s industrial decor & tons of plants that I would probably pay to eat cardboard (& yes, I’ve just come to the realization that aesthetics mean more to me than food when I’m eating out). But you needn’t worry, they have an amazing menu. I finally sipped on pretty soda, munched on a shakshuka & later did my best to pose for this lookbook while concealing my food baby, hehe. Always love when I can walk back to my residence in ten minutes. 🙂

Look Four – The Tourist

There’s nothing much to talk about this look – it’s just your standard vacation casual outfit. Not particularly inventive or special, just comfy & functional. The perfect outfit to just roam around for hours in & eat the most delicious street food.

Look Five – Sunday Sundowner

My final look is technically my birthday dress, I had plans for the evening but got lazy & decided to postpone it by a few days. I ended up wearing it to Ratchada Train Market, my favorite night market in Bangkok. Live music, great food & cool beer – it was just the perfect evening towards the end of our trip.

And those were my five looks! I feel like I’m getting a lot better at vacation outfit planning. If you’ll notice, my red Ray-Ban’s, yellow satchel & multi coloured high tops are each repeated three times in these five looks. I’ve always read that you should carry more solids & neutrals while travelling, because they’re easier to mix & match but I think you can mix & match colourful outfits too, provided you stick to a similar colour palette. Most of my outfits had bright, primary colours & that’s why I could get away with using the same yellow bag & high top sneakers in three of these looks. Despite being ‘loud’ colours, they just went with almost everything I had carried.

I hope this lookbook gives you some dress up or travel inspiration (maybe even a little of both!) Let me know which look is your favorite in the comments below! 🙂 x

Be prepared and have a flexible itinerary to enjoy stress-free travel.
Choose destinations that offer natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Stay budget-conscious by considering alternatives to traditional accommodation.
Weekend road trips offer a refreshing escape from daily routines. They allow you to explore new destinations, enjoy scenic routes, and create memorable experiences with friends or family. Whether it’s a short drive to a nearby town or a longer journey to a hidden gem, these trips provide flexibility, adventure, and the chance to recharge while discovering new places and cultures, all in just a few days.

Why Consider Weekend Road Trips?

Weekend road trips are more than just a brief escape; they are a beacon of adventure and respite from the chaos of daily life. Imagine driving along open roads with the freedom to decide on whims, an array of breathtaking landscapes unfolding around you. These trips allow you to escape the mundane and infuse your daily routine with excitement. Road trips provide flexibility that planned vacations usually don’t, whether it’s the excitement of finding hidden treasures or simply taking in the scenery. By opting for an Iceland camper van rental, travelers gain the added benefit of a home on wheels, marrying the love of exploration with the comforts of home.

Planning Your Itinerary

While spontaneity is the essence of road trips, having a skeleton itinerary can enhance the experience by ensuring you hit all your desired stops. Start by researching destinations that offer a blend of activities, from hiking to museum visits, providing a rich tapestry of experiences. Be sure to prioritize attractions to ensure you don’t miss critical sites, but allow room for those unexpected roadside attractions that might grab your attention. This strategic planning eases the pressure of fitting everything into a short timeframe, allowing more room for serendipitous adventures.

Choose Destinations Wisely

The allure of a weekend road trip lies in its destination and the journey itself. From awe-inspiring national parks to quaint towns steeped in history, choosing the right destination enriches the entire experience. Seek places that balance natural beauty with cultural allure, ensuring a comprehensive travel experience. Trip inspiration can be gathered from resources like the Lonely Planet, which suggests trips that cater to various interests, from those seeking adventure to those yearning for tranquility.

Combining Nature and Culture

Exploring destinations that offer both natural wonders and cultural insights can provide an enriching road trip experience. Imagine hiking through lush forests or rugged mountains during the day, only to wind down with a local festival or a unique dining experience at a family-run inn. By opting for destinations that offer this dual appeal, you enjoy the scenic beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture, adding depth and texture to your adventures.

Stay Flexible and Open

The charm of road trips lies in their unpredictability. A key element to ensure a memorable journey is maintaining a flexible mindset. See an exciting sign for a local farmers’ market? Take the detour. Hear about a spectacular viewpoint slightly off course? Make the stop. This flexibility allows for a more profound, engaging experience, turning an average journey into an incredible adventure. By embracing the unexpected, you might find new favorites you hadn’t planned for and create invaluable memories.

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

One of the most appealing aspects of road trips is their potential for affordability. While travel is often costly, a thrifty approach can yield an equally rewarding experience. Camping under a blanket of stars or booking a night at a cozy bed-and-breakfast can be cost-effective and enchanting. These alternatives leave more funds for other activities and can steep your trip in authenticity, offering a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

Saving on Meals and Activities

Budget-conscious travelers can further tighten their purse strings without sacrificing enjoyment by preparing meals or picking free activities. Packing picnic supplies enables dining with a view, whether overlooking a serene lake or perched on a mountain summit. Moreover, many regions host free public events or attractions, such as local festivals or scenic trails, that provide an authentic taste of the locale without the hefty price tag.

Check the Conditions

Knowledge is power when it comes to preparation. Examine the road conditions and weather before embarking on your excursion to prevent traps. Staying informed through the National Weather Service may ensure that you pack appropriately and help you prepare for unforeseen adjustments. Whether carrying an umbrella or packing additional water, preparing for the journey ensures peace and safety on the road.

Pack Smartly

Adequate packing is an art that can elevate the road trip experience significantly. Consider the journey, destinations, and activities to ensure all essential items are noticed. Start with a checklist encompassing necessities such as clothing, toiletries, snacks, and technology. Aim for versatile clothing suitable for variable weather and various activities to avoid overpacking. Ensure you also bring a first aid kit and tools for essential vehicle maintenance, preparing for any potential hiccups.

Must-Have Items

Packing a well-rounded travel kit is crucial for a smooth trip. Besides personal items, include a map in case digital navigation fails and a flashlight for low-light situations. A small toolkit may be helpful for minor vehicle repairs or adjustments, keeping you safe and prepared for road trip challenges.

Safety First!

Safety should never be compromised on the road. Before embarking:

Conduct a thorough check-up on your vehicle’s condition, including oil levels, tire pressure, and brakes.
Bring a safety kit with emergency flares, jumper cables, and a spare tire.
Ensure that all necessary documents, such as insurance and registration, are updated and easily accessible.
Being prepared in these ways provides peace of mind, ensuring your road trip is both enjoyable and secure.

If you’re planning a holiday with your significant other, you want to make sure it’s perfect. After all, this is a special trip that you’ll remember forever. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure your first couple’s holiday is everything you’ve dreamed of. Follow the tips below and you’re sure to have a holiday to remember.

Choose the right destination

When you’re planning your romantic getaway, it’s important to choose the right destination. After all, this trip will set the tone for your entire relationship! So how do you know which destination is right for you? First, think about what kind of trip you want to have. Are you interested in long term rentals tampa fl for a relaxing holiday, or are you more into adventure? Once you’ve decided on the general tone of the trip, you can start narrowing down your options. If you’re still stuck, try thinking about places that are significant to both of you – maybe there’s a city you’ve always dreamed of visiting or a place that holds special meaning for your relationship. By choosing a destination that you’re both excited about, you’re sure to enjoy every minute.

Plan ahead

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to start planning ahead. This is important for two reasons – first, you want to make sure you’re on the same page about what you’re doing each day. Second, it’ll help you avoid any stressful surprises during the trip. Sit down with your partner and map out a rough plan for each day of the holiday. This doesn’t have to be set in stone – after all, part of the fun of travelling is being spontaneous! It’s helpful, however, to have an idea of what you want to do. Once you’ve planned out your days, you can start booking any activities or making reservations. Just don’t forget to leave some free time in the schedule – you never know when you’ll stumble upon the perfect cafe or want to spend an afternoon exploring a new neighbourhood.

Be flexible

Even if you’ve planned everything to perfection, there’s always a chance that something will come up that you didn’t anticipate. Maybe your flight gets delayed or you can’t get a reservation at the restaurant you wanted. Whatever the situation, it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow. This is where having a flexible schedule comes in handy – if something doesn’t go according to plan, you can always adjust your plans for the day. And who knows, you might even end up having more fun than you expected!

Show your partner how much you care

Your first holiday together is a special occasion, so don’t forget to show your partner how much you care. This can be something as simple as packing their favourite snacks for the journey or taking a stunning photo of them as they run into the sea. Or, if you’re feeling extra-generous, you could surprise them with tickets to a show or a day at the spa. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that your partner will appreciate – after all, this trip is about making memories together.

What to do if things go wrong

Even if you’ve followed all of these tips, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. If this happens, don’t panic! The most important thing is to stay calm and communicate with your partner. If you’re both on the same page, you’ll be able to work through any problem that comes up. At worst, you’ll just have a funny story to tell your friends when you get home!

Conclusion

Your first holiday together is sure to be a special one – so make sure you take the time to enjoy it! Take lots of pictures, try new things, and most importantly, make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, this trip is just the beginning of your journey together!

With all our lives entangled through hectic schedules on a daily basis wandering into some midweek, gateways are more of a necessity to soothe our mind and maintain our sanity. As we all know Bhopal , capital city of Madhya Pradesh is situated exactly in the heart of our country so any gateway trip around it can be easily planned due to its perfect location and easy availability of transportation. Travelling becomes a joyride when efforts are optimised, for which online flight bookings can be the best painkillers as they can save you upon the efforts invested as well as the money with price slashes enough to help you shop more during the trip. HappyEasyGo, an online flight booking website offers exciting discounts on domestic flights and hotel bookings for a smoother and delightful experience.

The 5-midweek getaways around Bhopal are:

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
Pachmarhi
Maheshwar
Ujjain
SanchiThe 5-midweek getaways around Bhopal are:

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary
Pachmarhi
Maheshwar
Ujjain
Sanchi

Ralamandal wildlife sanctuary

Distance from Bhopal: 190 km

This place is the perfect place for photographers hoping to click some beautiful shots but tragically no cameras are allowed here. And frankly, it’s good because people can really enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty with their open eyes and mind not just for sharing photos on social media. This place quite a range of rare and beautiful species of flora and fauna. Wildlife safari and trekking are two of the most attractions of this place. The trekking experience becomes more beautiful due to the surrounding of thick and dense forest. The trekking path is 2.5 km up and 2.5km down. You can enjoy all these for just a mere sum of 20 Rs entry fee which is just nothing.

Pachmarhi

Distance from Bhopal: 194 km

This place, also known as the queen of Satpura is the only hill station of Madhya Pradesh. It is a perfect destination for travellers being famous for its mesmerising natural beauty. The place has an altitude of 1067 feet and is also the home of the picturesque beauty of Bee falls. The history of famous Pandava caves and wildlife at Satpura national park are the other attractions of this place. Watching the sunrise from the hilltop is quite the experience which no one wants to miss while travelling at this place. It has also been serving as a cantonment since the British empire.

Maheshwar

Distance from Bhopal: 288 km

This beautiful temple town is situated on the banks of the Narmada river. This place has quite the mythological and historical importance due to its honourable mentions in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Some of the places here generating the most number of crowds are Holkar fort, Narmada Ghat, Jaleshwar temple, Ahileswar temple and Omkareshwar temple. The picturesque architectural works of Rajwada will surely leave you in awe of this place. Maheshwar is also well known for exquisite cotton sarees, famous as Maheshwari sarees.

Ujjain:

Distance from Bhopal:192 km

This holy city is situated on the banks of the Shipra river. This place holds quite a lot of historical importance due to its so much mention in the kingdoms of different rulers of different eras. It is considered to be one of the sacred cities of Hinduism and it is full of cultural heritage. Ujjain, was the capital of India’s one of the biggest rulers, King Ashoka’s dynasty. Temples at Ram Ghat and Ved Shala are huge crowd attractions due to their spiritual charm. It serves as one the most famous Hindu pilgrimage points due to the famous Kumbh Mela held here once every 12 years time.

Sanchi

Distance from Bhopal: 48km

It is probably one of the best places to visit around Bhopal due to its cultural heritage and importance in Buddhist philosophy which is why it is marked as one of the ‘World Heritage Sites ‘ by UNESCO. This place is mostly known for the Buddhist stupas of hemispherical structure containing huge amount of relics of Buddhism. During King Ashoka’s dynasty, these stupas were made to preserve such wonderful and kind Buddhist philosophy. The architectural beauty of these structures will completely left you bamboozled. The stupas, monasteries, Ashokan pillar and temples are not only huge attractions for Buddhism followers but also for travellers from all around the world.

After going through this article we can have a clear view about why and what to expect during your midweek gateway trip around Bhopal. And if you are looking to do it in a budget without sacrificing the comforts and excitement then websites like Happyeasygo, GoIbibo, Makemytrip are the perfect options for you to book flights or hotels.

The South East Asian nation of Malaysia is one of the world’s most diverse countries. Across its two main territories and its islands you can find a huge range of ethnicities, cultures and cuisines, making it a popular destination for globe-trotting tourists looking for somewhere to visit that offers plenty to see and do.

Malaysia has a rich and diverse history too, spending much of its early years under colonial British rule, and this can often be seen in its architecture and its customs. The country has seen huge advancements in the last few decades, making Malaysia a center of commerce, finance, and industry in South East Asia, but it also balances this with areas of beautiful and picturesque landscapes that offer stunning views of nature that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Before you take a trip to Malaysia, there are some top tips we think you should know to make your vacation unforgettable.

Plan for the Weather

Malaysia typically has a hot and humid climate, and you should plan to experience a lot of long hot days no matter what time of year you plan to visit. It is also likely you will get stuck in one of the country’s sudden downpours.

If you are traveling in Malaysia, you should always have some sort of waterproof jacket or clothing to help you out if the weather suddenly turns.

Make Sure You Travel Around

Many visitors fail to make the most of their vacation by sticking to one place and not taking the opportunity to get around. There are excellent public transport options in Malaysia, and thanks to its location there are excellent ferry links between Bali, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand letting you see even more of South East Asia if you want to. Traveling by ferry can be a great way to see a lot of South East Asia on a budget.

Don’t Miss the Most Important Sights

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s most popular destination, and the city is a great place to stay to get a sample of Malaysia’s various cultures and cuisines; but don’t stop there.

If you want to get the most from your visit, be sure to include trips to Rawa Island to take in some sand, sun and snorkeling, and visit the city of Penang to see some of the country’s oldest structures and rich history. Malaysia also has a number of smaller islands, that offer the perfect tropical island castaway experience.

Have a Food Plan

One of the country’s biggest tourist attractions is its food, and if you don’t plan ahead you could miss out on some of the nation’s culinary delights.

Try to incorporate your meals into your itinerary so you get to experience some of the amazing cuisine on offer, such as the street food of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Along the beaches of Rawa Island you will find a range of sweet treats that make the trip to the beach worthwhile for foodies, as well as a range of restaurants that offer traditional Malaysian cuisine while you watch the sunset.

Try to Visit During a Festival or Event

The diverse cultures of Malaysia have many festivals and special events that can help make your vacation even more memorable. If you are planning a trip, take some time to check if there will be any special celebrations during your stay. You won’t regret it!

Malaysia is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and with so much on offer it is easy to see why. Before you make your trip, use some of our top tips to make your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Malaysia even more memorable.

You have to be ready for any type of emergency or concerns that may affect your vacation to the point of not being able to enjoy it. Among those you have to be ready for should you opt for a cruise is seasickness.

Seasickness at sea can affect both seasoned and first-time cruisers. Many passengers experience some form of discomfort or disorientation within their first 48 hours at sea, while acquiring their balance on a moving cruise ship. For those who can’t find their balance, the trip is sure to be miserable.

Ensure that you get to enjoy one of those short cruises deals from Sydney that you are able to snatch up after a quick search on Google. While there’s no easy way to predict if you’ll suffer from seasickness during your trip, you have to be ready to combat it or, better yet, avoid it in the first place. Here are some ways to do just that.

1.Be Prepared

Over the counter motion sickness medication can be a big help. Make sure you buy non-drowsy formulas, so you don’t fall asleep and miss out on your trip. You can start taking the medication a day or two before the trip, so the medication is in your system before you even board the ship.

2.Stay Focused

The mind is a powerful thing. If you’re convinced you’re going to get sick on your trip, you might just get sick. Of, if you’ve suffered other types of motion sickness in the past, it could influence your wellbeing when you’re on board. Try to focus on activities on the ship to take your mind off things and stay away from anyone who does get motion sick.

3.Stay Away From The Cabin

To get your sea legs working and get used to being on board the cruise ship, spend as much time outside on the deck as you can. Look out towards the horizon to help maintain your equilibrium.

Most cruise ships have gyms or athletic equipment where you can keep your body in shape. Also, don’t forget to consume enough fresh fruit that’ll help you with sugar intake and always stay hydrated. Probably the best advice is to book a cabin with a private balcony so you can have access to fresh air whenever you want. If you haven’t been on long cruises, book a short 3 day cruise first to get the hand of cruising before attempting to embark on a longer cruise.

4.Avoid Known Triggers

There are plenty of factors that contribute to feeling off-balance. Stay away from known triggers like foods high in sugar, salt and fat. Stay away from alcohol, too, for 24 hours before you set off, and steer clear of poor ventilation since strong smells can overwhelm your senses, pushing you over the edge. Stick to small, plain meals to soothe your stomach, like saltines, ginger and green apples.

5.Choose Your Cabin Carefully

Lower and more centrally located cabins tend to pose the least possible threat of seasickness. Balcony staterooms work well, too, as you can open your door for fresh air.

6.Don’t Spend Too Many Days At Sea

Itineraries that include more ports are the way to go. Try to spend fewer days at sea and more on land to avoid getting sick.

Traveling is one of the best ways to give your mind a break from the monotonous routine of your life. It’s a chance to visit countries and experience different cultures. Since it’s so popular it’s no wonder why so many people start travel blogs. These usually show people which places to visit, where to eat, how to plan their trip, what to look out for if they’re traveling alone and many other tips. However, reaching your destination takes time and some places take a long time to reach. So the question is what to do with the time?

Get a Good Book

If your journey lasts for a few hours then you can use that time to dive into a book. You can either read your favorite book again or read a completely new one. If you’re a thriller fan then you can try out something different. If comic books are your thing you go through a few issues of your favorite comic. Finally, if you find the classic way to go through a book boring you can always listen to an audiobook.

Search The Internet

With the introduction of smartphones, we now all have access to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. One of the best ways to kill time is to just lose yourself in the plethora of internet pages and articles. Perhaps you’re interested in the fascinating life of the world’s tallest ever man, Robert Wadlow, and discovering some of the weird and wonderful facts of modern life and history, or perhaps you’d rather read your favourite sports team stats from the previous round of matches. Whatever you are into, you’re bound to find not just hundreds, but thousands of interesting and captive articles to read to pass the time.

Play a Few Games on the Bus, Train or Plane

Adventure, RPG or FPS, whichever genre is your favorite you can enjoy a good game when on a long journey. There are plenty of games you can pick from. If you’re on a trip with your friends you can have a mini competition in CS GO, DOTA 2 or League of Legends. If you’re going solo then a game with a good story will take your mind of the traveling time and a few hours will feel like a bunch of minutes.

Interactive games are also an option when it comes to passing time. They can help you earn a little extra for your trip or just help you have fun while waiting to arrive at your destination. Various sites give you a plethora of games to choose from including the option to play online slot machines on the bus, plane or train.

Listen to Some Music

Nothing can ease your mind like a bit of music. If you’re looking to sleep then some soothing tones will help you relax. If pop is your favorite genre then you can try experimenting with rock or rap music of you feel like it. Either way listening to a mix of songs or albums will help you kill time on a long journey.

Watch Something

Do you have to travel for 3 hours to get to your destination? That’s the perfect time to watch some long movie or get into a TV show. Documentaries can also be a fun way to pass this time and you could learn something along the way. If you want to cheer yourself up then you can watch some stand up comedy special. They last for about two hours and they’re a good choice because you’ll be laughing all the way to your destination. Watching a good podcast is also an option. x

We all love to take a holiday every once in a while, though we don’t always love the effect it can have on our waistlines. When travelling, you almost inevitably step outside of your typical fitness and nutrition routine, and it can be very easy to gain a few excess pounds without meaning to.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! In fact, finding ways to exercise while on a trip abroad can make that trip all the more interesting. This is particularly true at some more exotic and adventurous destinations, which is why below I’m covering some activities that can keep you fit during a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to Thailand.

Attend a Muay Thai Class

Muay Thai is a very popular fighting sport from Thailand that is known for incorporating “eight limbs” (both knees, elbows, fists, and shins). With all of these muscle groups being involved in a Muay Thai match, the activity can rightly be considered the ultimate full-body workout. Naturally, as a tourist and presumably a first-time fighter, you probably won’t want to throw yourself into the ring just yet in any competitive sense. Luckily, however, Thailand’s big cities have a lot of gyms that offer classes specifically for beginners and travellers who are looking to get a little taste of this intense sport. One spot that’s suitable for first-timers is Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, where there’s a regular schedule of classes for fighters of all levels.

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkelling

Swimming is always an exceptional workout, and carries the added benefit of being fairly relaxing in the moment (even if you might be sore the next day). Conveniently, Thailand is one of the best places in the world for water-based activities like snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re not the strongest swimmer you may want to stick with snorkelling, where you often stick to relatively shallow water, you can wear a lifejacket, and it’s easy to come up for air when you need to. For this, I’d recommend heading to Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park, where you’ll be sure to see interesting, beautiful things underwater even in the shallows.

On the other hand, scuba diving is a somewhat more intensive activity that is on many people’s bucket lists. If it’s on yours, or if you’re just interested in a more involved water-based activity, Thailand has some incredible places to do it. The island of Koh Phi Phi certainly ranks among the world’s best scuba spots, and also happens to make a great luxury beach getaway. So really, you can get the best of both worlds, exercising as you explore the sea and relaxing on world-class beaches when you’re done diving.

Join a Football Match

Football remains without a doubt the most popular sport in the world, and in Thailand its popularity rivals and perhaps even exceeds that of Muay Thai. Even though the national football scene hasn’t joined the ranks of the world’s elite, many Thais are consistently glued to the sport through international action. It’s typically easy enough to follow the world’s biggest leagues from Thailand, and for the past decade or so 188bet has given fans a means of staying involved through betting as well. Various promotions and easy deposit options have in fact made betting popular enough that it’s fair to say it has enhanced national interest in football abroad.

As much as Thais love the sport by this point, you’d best believe they spend a lot of time playing it as well. With a little bit of research and effort, you can find a casual match to get in on so as to enjoy some more exercise. In bigger cities the gym organisations may direct you to a match, and elsewhere you may well have luck simply asking around.

Take a Bicycle Tour

Instead of taking a taxi or tuk tuk between sightseeing destinations, you can also enjoy some exercise by riding a bike! This is an easy alternative that is not only affordable but will help you burn off some of the calories from the street food you’ll probably be enjoying throughout your time in the country.

You do the typical bike tour of a city that lasts about half a day, or you can opt to cover more area if you’re up for a challenge. Tour companies like Spice Roads offer expeditions ranging in length from 4 to 11 days and taking you through gorgeous parts of the country you might not see otherwise.

Hopefully through these suggestions you can begin to see not just how you can stay fit while travelling, but how at a destination like Thailand, an active approach can actually enhance your trip.

Shimla and its neighboring areas have always been my favorite getaway. No matter how many times I visit, I always end up discovering something new every time or end with a different experience. I remember, a couple of years ago, during my college summer holidays, we were planning a trek through Himachal. But being the peak travel season, it was hard to find travel and stay options within our meager student budget. After a lot of online searches, we found a cheap cab from Delhi to Shimla. The capital city was swarmed with tourists fleeing the heat of the plains and there was no way we could stay there. We decided to head towards the quieter and smaller retreat of Chail.

Chail at a glance

At about 45 KM from Shimla, Chail was like a breath of fresh air for us. The tiny hill town was mostly occupied by backpackers and trekkers, who just wanted to experience the serenity of nature. Furthermore, the Delhi to Shimla cab fare is cheap, making our trip inexpensive and convenient. There were endless nature trails to explore and enjoy the verdant vistas of the Himalayas in summer and the cool mountain air to rejuvenate us inside out. Fortunately, we found a cozy homestay on the outer perimeters of the town, surrounded by alpine trees and wildflowers on the outside and the warmth of a Himachalese family inside. What more can a weary traveler ask for! And did I mention the nighttime views of the Sutlej Valley, Shimla, and Kasauli? In one word- breathtaking! Like clusters of light huddled into the folds of the mountains.

We were going to stay in Chail for a couple of days before heading to our next destination. We befriended a trekking group and learned about a few famous trails to explore. One of them went through the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and touched Junga. It was a good 4-5 hour trek from the edge of the sanctuary all the way through the forests.

A trek through the wild

The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is a huge forested area with alpine trees and wildflowers, and not to mention, a wide variety of birds. Being summer, there was a lot of greenery around and the weather was perfect to explore the wild.

The trail passed through some tiny hamlets and forested slopes. We started walking through clusters of pine and deodar, with some fruit trees growing randomly amidst them. As we closed into the interiors of the forest, trees like Rhododendrons, Cedar, and Blue Pine, became more prominent, distinguished by their sharp, spicy fragrance. At certain places, the sun shone directly upon us and we took to the shaded ridges when it felt too hot. From the ridges, we could see the entire hillside of Shimla and Shogi skirting the mountain edges.

The path we were walking on was unmarked and hidden within the sanctuary and was truly a hike’s paradise. The wooded charm was enhanced by the chirping of birds, some with unique calls that I had never heard. During our walk, I came across at least 20 different species of birds like the Grey-winged Blackbird, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Headed Jay, Golden Eagle, Grey Headed Flycatcher, Slate-Headed Parakeet, and the Blue Capped Redstart. We also photographed a couple of Chir Pheasants, which are endemic to this sanctuary and the most famous bird of this region.

They say that a sanctuary is also a popular place for sighting various wild animals like the common langur, leopard, Goral, European Red Deer, Asian Black Bear, and the Wild Boar. A lot of wildlife enthusiasts often come here for a safari.

After a few hours of walking, we took a break at an open grassland area within the forest. The views from here were spellbinding. Far away, in a distance, we could spot the Junga Fort, where we would be reaching soon. Post a quick lunch, we continued on our journey. As we gained height, the air started to get cooler and the afternoon sun also felt mellower. It took us nearly six hours (including break) to reach Junga.

I had visited Chail long ago on a winter break and it was an entirely different experience. The trees were dusted with frost and the tiny icicles on the pine needles made it looked like a white Christmas. And now, in summer, there was a greenish-golden glow all around, which the sunny, blue sky smiling on the mountains. Like I said before, I always end up having a new experience in the hills, every time I visit.

Before you go:

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary remains open around the year, but if want to explore the wildlife, visit between March and October, since this is the best time to see animals, birds and a huge variety of flora. For winter treks, you can visit in December through February, but do watch out for heavy snowfall.
You can also plan a Shimla-Chail-Shogi tour since Shimla local sightseeing car fare is inexpensive.
If traveling in peak tourist season, avoid staying within Shimla city and opt for options outside the main town.

Every traveller has a traveller wishlist. A list of dream destinations they’d like to make it to. And for years, Dubai has been at the top of my mom’s list.

We did technically visit Dubai in the early 2000s – but just the airport on a quick layover to the states. The modern & glamorous decor just made my mother all the more interested in visiting.

I’ve always know of Dubai as a really good place for shopping, with large, sprawling mall complexes. And of course, who doesn’t know about dune bashing? But my mother’s desire to visit made me look a bit deeper at what the city has to offer for travellers.

And I was surprised to find a surprisingly diverse amount of attraction in the city, no matter what your age, personal preferences or budget may be. So I thought I’d share my top Top 10 Activities to do in Dubai for different kinds of travellers.

Dubai Attractions for Adventure Seekers

If you travel to get your adrenaline pumping, Dubai is one of the best places for you. They have everything from skydiving to extreme water-sports. If you want the quintessential Dubai experience, don’t forget to take a desert safari. The sunset ones are especially scenic.

Dubai Attractions for Luxury Afficianados

Dubai is currently home to the world’s tallest building as well as a man made island shaped like a palm tree. It houses sprawling malls & some of the world’s most opulent hotels. Whether you enjoy super-luxe hotel rooms, the most exclusive gourmet meals or every luxury fashion brand imaginable – in Dubai, it’s all within reach.

Dubai Attractions for Budget Conscious

While Dubai may be better known for luxury & glamour, there are a lot of good experiences for budget conscious travellers as well. You can spend a day at the beach, people watch or even walk through the souks. The Dubai fountain is also truly spectacular & free to watch.

Dubai Attractions for Photographers (+ Instagrammers!)

If prefer to make visual memories (like me!) Dubai offers a lot of amazing spots for photography & videography. The aforementioned fountains, the marina, Al Fahidi historic district etc. are all. My personal pick would be the miracle gardens, with millions of gorgeous flowers in bloom!

It’s hard to compile everything Dubai has to offer in one post but I tried my best. Have you been to Dubai? I’d love to hear about your favorite things to do in Dubai in the comments below!