Category Archives: Travel

Discover the Top Things to Do When Traveling to Goa

India has always been a mysterious and interesting place for travelers worldwide. It is hard to tell which state has the most to offer, but we have decided to focus on Goa state in this article. Goa is known for many things, including culture, climate, beaches, nightlife, and historical places. It is an all-year-round destination, which is a great thing for people who can’t freely choose the period of the year when they can organize their trip.  
In one place, you will see lush greenery, breathtaking beaches and colorful architecture. For those who do not know, this state is a mix of Portuguese and Indian culture (an unusual cocktail, isn’t it?). Our mini-guide will highlight the most interesting things to do in Goa. That way, you can adequately schedule your trip a few weeks or months before. Let’s get started!  
Enjoy Entirely Legal Gambling 
India has very specific gambling laws. This industry is either in a grey zone or completely illegal in most areas of the country. Three states where you can enjoy legal gambling are Daman, Sikkim and Goa. Goa, in our opinion, is the most casino-friendly country. Your only obligation when heading to a casino is to be at least 21 and bring an identification document. Otherwise, the security at land-based casinos won’t let you enter. Also, remember that most casinos have an entry fee of around $25 on average (varies from one place to another).  
The most popular gambling venues in this state are Casino Pride, Deltin Jaqk, Casino Palms, and Deltin Royale. On the other hand, if you want to avoid crowds and noise, you can enjoy online blackjack and other casino games on different gambling platforms available in Goa. Make sure they possess a valid license to ensure complete safety for yourself!  
Swimming in the Dughsagar Waterfalls 
Did you know that India is rich with waterfalls? They are located all over the country. Speaking of Goa, the highest one (second-highest in India) is Dudhsagar Falls, which is around 600 meters tall. This is a favorite holiday destination for many locals, so be sure you will have the chance to meet many of them and hear some interesting stories about this region.  
The color of the waterfall pool is interesting – it is unusually green, which will impress you a lot. Most people who went there confirmed they had an unforgettable experience, so why don’t you be one of them? 
Take a Tour of Old Goa 
Have you ever heard about the Rome of the East? That’s a phrase people use for Old Goa. This is a historically important spot for India and for Asia as a whole. Believe it or not, Old Goa was one of the richest and most splendid cities on the entire continent. It is full of churches and buildings that have been properly maintained over the years. There are two things you must not skip to visit there – the Basilica of Born Jesus and the Se Cathedral. The second one is the largest church in the entire country.  
Shopping Tour: Visit Anjuna Flea Market 
Shopping in Goa is a charming experience! Visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit Anjuna Flea Market. This is a very popular destination for travel vloggers around the world, so you might already have the opportunity to see it online.  
Anyway, there are a few important information we have to share about this place. First, it is only opened on Wednesdays, from 8 AM to 6 PM. Sellers are offering a diversity of things here; you can find footwear, Tibetan goods, jewelry, garments, and souvenirs.  
Jungle Safari at the Molle National Park 
The Molle National Park has a 50-year-long history. The size of the entire park is around 107 square kilometers, which means you will need a bit more time to explore it. Logically, you won’t do that on a walk; the hosts will rent you the open jeep you can use for the adventure. This location is recommended for people who want to go far away from sunny and sandy beaches.  
So, what to expect there? Animal lovers will have the opportunity to see all sorts of animals. Despite reptiles, birds and butterflies that are on every corner, you can also see leopards, sambars and Bengal Tigers. You can enjoy this adventure from 8 AM to 5:30 PM (try to finish everything at least 20 minutes before that). The entry fee for adults is $0.25, and for kids is $0.12. 
Silent Beach Parties 
Goa is well-known for its beach parties and they really are on every corner during the entire day. However, something unique we recommend is Silent Noise Club which is located on Palolem Beach. All the visitors will have the chance to dance and listen to music while wearing headphones. It will probably look silly when you see all those people dancing like crazy in complete silence. However, it is actually a super fun place and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for tourists. 
Conclusion
Goa offers something for everyone. You can enjoy nature, nightlife, and history in one place. We recommend a holiday of at least 7 days because that will be enough to enjoy all our suggested activities. Prices are meager and suitable for everyone’s budget. Have fun!
(All articles published here are Syndicated/Partnered/Sponsored feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the articles do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
 

Traffic & Travel: Sydenham bypass to remain open this weekend overturning planned closure

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowResurfacing work planned on the Sydenham bypass this weekend will not now proceed and the road will remain open, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announcedThe road will however close from 10pm, today, Friday 22, until 6am on Saturday morning.Prior to reopening the contractor will clear the site ready for the carriageway to fully open.Minister O’Dowd said: “With a yellow Met office warning in place for part of Saturday a decision has been taken to not close the Sydenham bypass this weekend.Sydenham Bypass to remain open over the weekendThis was due to be the last weekend of works before an embargo on all non-essential roadworks on key arterial routes begins on Monday November 25 until January 5.“This early opening of the bypass and the commencement of the embargo will help traffic flow, easing congestion and supporting businesses in the approach to the busy festive period.“I would like to thank the public for their patience while these essential works have been ongoing.”It is expected that the Sydenham bypass scheme will recommence in early January, however the Department will inform the travelling public when dates have been confirmed.

Laos methanol poisonings latest: Sixth tourist dies as police detain hostel owners over ‘tainted alcohol’

Father of tourist in intensive care in suspected Laos methanol poisoning speaks outYour support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreAn Australian teenager has become the sixth tourist to die from suspected alcohol poisoning in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in Laos.Holly Bowles, 19, died more than a week after falling ill at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which previously said it had given out free shots to around 100 guests on 12 November.Her friend Bianca Jones, also 19, as well as British lawyer Simone White, 28, from Orpington in south-east London, have also been confirmed dead.Ms White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, with the Foreign Office confirming on Thursday that they were supporting her family.An American and two Danes have also died after being taken to hospital, with authorities suspecting that the tourists had consumed alcohol laced with the deadly substance methanol.Ms Bowles’ father, Shaun Bowles, toldAustralian media outlet Nine News: “It is with broken hearts, and we are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace.”Thai police have detained the owner and the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, while an officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office said a “number of people” had been taken in for questioning. Earlier this week, the manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel had told the media that the drinks given were from certified distributor and were not tainted by him or his staff.London lawyer Simone White among those killed in Laos Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, was among a number of people taken to hospital following the incident in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng last week.The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed her death on Thursday.Ms White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, whose work involved general commercial matters, and contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law issues, according to the firm’s website.The FCDO also said it was also providing consular assistance to British nationals hospitalised in the incident, as well as their families.Simone White died after she and a number of other tourists consumed ‘tainted alcohol’

China extends visa-free travel for S. Koreans up to 30 days

BEIJING/SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) — China’s foreign ministry said Friday that it will extend visa-free travel for South Korean arrivals from the current 15 days to 30 days.
The new visa-exemption policy will be effective starting Nov. 30 and remain in place through the end of next year, the ministry said.
Under the updated visa-exemption policy, South Korean travelers can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits or cultural exchanges.
The policy, which had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, will newly apply to nine countries, including Japan.
The expanded visa-free entry period will be extended not only to the newly added nine countries but also to the 38 nations that were already eligible, including South Korea.

This file photo, taken Nov. 3, 2024, shows a travel agency in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)

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Meghalaya to invest Rs 4,000 crore in tourism sector

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on November 21 said that the state plans to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore in the tourism sector over the next few years. The government has already invested Rs 2,000 crore in the past three years, creating about 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.Speaking at the inauguration of the newly built Mawsmai Banquet Hall and 32 luxury suites of Hotel Polo Orchid Resort in Sohra, Sangma said the tourism sector is central to the state’s economic growth. “We expect to double job creation to one lakh in the next four to five years with this investment,” he said.
CM Conrad Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s economic progress, noting that the state’s economy had grown from $4.7 billion to $10 billion in five years, with a current growth rate of 10.5%. The government aims to further boost the economy to $10 billion by 2028.
The expanded facilities at Hotel Polo Orchid Resort are designed to accommodate increasing tourist inflow. The new property offers views of the Mawsmai Waterfall, a popular tourist attraction.
Sangma urged stakeholders to ensure visitors experience Meghalaya’s food, culture, and traditions. He said, “Tourists should be immersed in our rich culture and traditions.”

Planning a trip to China? Your essential China Travel Guide is here!

As China expands its visa-free policies and optimizes entry and exit procedures for international travelers, the appeal of “China Travel” is soaring.
For first-time visitors, such questions often arise: What are the requirements for the 144-hour visa-free policy? Should you tip in China? What guidelines apply to foreign visitors in booking hotels?
To address these and more, China Daily Website has launched a comprehensive China Travel Guide on Tencent Docs, providing up-to-date information on entry policies, payment options, hotel bookings, transportation tips, popular travel routes and more.

Scan the QR code to unlock the China Travel Guide. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Need clarity on entry policies? The guide’s “Policy” section covers it all: from the 144-hour visa-free policy to essentials for visa extensions.
Wondering if you’ll need cash? The “Payment” section introduces popular online options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, enabling easy payments from street food stalls to major shopping centers.

Want a city walk? The “Transportation” section organizes key information on using the metro, hiring taxis, renting cars and riding shared bikes.

Additionally, the China Travel Guide offers foreign visitors advice on hotel bookings, recommended travel routes, and tips for booking tickets to popular attractions.
With all this and more, the China Travel Guide is your all-in-one guide for a seamless, enjoyable journey across China.

[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Nautilus Maldives and GlobeAir unite to redefine bespoke luxury travel

The Nautilus Maldives has announced an extraordinary partnership with GlobeAir, Europe’s leading private jet operator. This exclusive collaboration introduces GlobeAir’s long-haul private jet services to the Maldives, setting a new benchmark for bespoke travel and offering an unparalleled journey into the world of ultimate luxury.
By joining forces, The Nautilus and GlobeAir aim to redefine bespoke travel, combining their expertise to deliver highly personalised and unforgettable experiences for the most discerning global travellers. This partnership seamlessly merges two realms of exceptional luxury, elevating both the travel experience and the destination itself.
GlobeAir’s newly launched long-haul private jet services to the Maldives reimagine private aviation with tailored itineraries, exceptional service, and unmatched comfort. From the moment passengers board, their journey is designed to reflect the elegance and exclusivity synonymous with The Nautilus. This collaboration exemplifies The Nautilus’s commitment to absolute freedom and bespoke ultra-luxury hospitality, where every detail is meticulously curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. Together, The Nautilus and GlobeAir invite guests to embark on a seamless transition from takeoff to the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.

The incredible Greek island usually brimming with tourists now ’empty’ in November

Enjoy a slice of a Greek paradise island – but without the usual crowds of bustling tourists. Santorini has become insatiably popular over recent years, famed for its iconic blue-domed houses, stunning sunsets, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. But what was once a tranquil island with quaint bungalows etched into the rugged landscape…

Travel writers explore Türkiye’s Sanliurfa, its ancient history

A group of travel writers visited Sanliurfa with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism following the American Travel Writers Association’s congress in Istanbul.

Second Australian teen dies in tainted alcohol case in Laos that has killed 6 tourists

VANG VIENG, Laos (AP) — A second Australian teenager who fell critically ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos has died in a hospital in Bangkok, her family said Friday, bringing the death toll in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists to six.
Holly Bowles, 19, had been in critical condition on life support following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago.
“We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” her family said in a statement sent to Australian Network 10 and other Australian media. “We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”

This photo shows the exterior of Bangkok Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office, who refused to give his name, told The Associated Press on Friday that a “number of people” had been detained in the case but that no charges have yet been filed. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.
Tourist police offices are common in Southeast Asia and are set up specifically to help with incidents involving tourists and other foreigners.
The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks,” following similar alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved.
Australia’s prime minister announced Thursday that a 19-year-old citizen, Bianca Jones, had died in a Thai hospital where she had been evacuated for emergency treatment, and that her friend — Bowles — remained in a hospital “fighting for her life.” A 28-year-old British woman, Simone White, also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, the British Foreign Office said.
An American and two Danish tourists also died, though specifics about the causes of death have not been released.
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said one of its citizens was sickened in Laos and was a possible victim of methanol poisoning.
Laos is a one-party communist state with no organized opposition and the government keeps a tight lid on information. In this case, officials have released almost no details.
The Foreign Ministry has refused to comment, and in Vang Vieng the small hospital where some of the victims are believed to have been treated initially referred all questions to the town’s health office on the hospital grounds. The town health officials refused to comment, saying they lacked proper permission.
Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
Landlocked Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking partying and adventure sports.
Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said a lot of his customers were very worried about the incident.
“I think it’s never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident,” said Farmiloe, who has lived in Vang Vieng for 20 years. “It’s very sad all around. I’m sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it’s happened.”
The two 19-year-old Australian women who have both now died fell ill on Nov. 13 following a night out drinking with a group.
They failed to check out from the Nana Backpacker Hostel as planned and were found sick in their room and then taken to Thailand for emergency treatment.
Thai authorities confirmed that Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, told the AP the day before he was detained that the two women had joined other guests for free shots of Laotian vodka before heading elsewhere and returning in the early hours of the morning.
___
Rising reported from Bangkok.