Guide to Mousuni Islands, West Bengal, India
Mousuni Island, West Bengal is an offbeat destination to visit in India. Find out how to get to Mousuni Island and what to do there from Ruma of The Holiday Story
Asia
What to eat in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala, the scenic city of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the Kangra Valley of the state. Dharamshala and its many small villages are known for the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. While there are a plethora of things to do in Dharamshala, the most favorite activity for some people there is to try the different food of the region.
20 Unique Cafes Around the World
We’ve seen some really quirky cafes around the world while traveling; some in old factories, some in scary allies, and some of them even situated at the top of mountains. If you look for the world’s most unusual cafes and best coffee shops, you’ll find some really quirky and strange ones. Wondering where they are? … Read more
20+ Best Coffee Shops to Visit in The World
Over 20 of the best coffee shops to visit across the world on your travels. Must visit coffee shops in different cities and countries.
Best Things to do in Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia is a budget friendly city to visit in Eurasia. Here are some of the top things to do in Armenia via Kirstin of Adventures with Ensuite.
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Thai Food
The vibrancy and variety of Thai cuisine can be tasted via a number of Thai dishes, and felt in the intensity and complexity of the flavors.
The history of Indian Mutton Biryani
Biryani, a dish that finds its way to Indian dinner tables often has an uncertain history. Find out more about this rich Indian one-pot dish.
An Iconic Indian Dish, The Dosa
A dosa is a traditional South Indian dish eaten with sambar and chutney. Find out more about the origins of the iconic dish here.
History of an Iconic Dish, the Idli of Southern India
Idli is a savory South Indian rice-cake from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka that’s made by steaming fermented batter of rice & urad lentils and served with sambar and chutneys like tomato, coconut, etc, and milagai podi (spice powder).
Where to Eat In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
A visit to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan is a great opportunity to try different versions of Central Asian dishes at these choice restaurants.
What food should we eat in Bangkok?
If you’re visiting Bangkok in Thailand, here are some of the top foods and dishes to eat.
History and Cultural Significance of Filipino Roasted Pig
The Filipino lechon is pig meat that’s traditionally roasted on an open fire and served at family gatherings and events. Why is it an important part of Filipino?
Discovering Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand
Although one expects a national dish to have roots far back in time, the Pad Thai was invented in the 1930s on request of the Prime Minister. Find out more from Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan.
What to Eat in Delhi, the food capital of India
Delhi is the food capital of India, with delicacies such as chole bathure, gol gappe, tikki chaat, parantha, butter chicken, jalebi and rabri to tantalise your tastebuds.
Where to eat in Istanbul, Turkey
Resting seductively between two continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul has traditionally been a melting pot of cultures, religions and ethnicities like no other. No wonder why food in Istanbul is equally diverse and, thus, fascinating.
Where to eat in Bangalore, India
Bangalore being the IT hub and one of the most populated cities in India, you can spot people form all over India and also from other countries living here. From temples and hill stations to waterfalls and forts, there are many places to visit around Bangalore which makes it a loved destination for tourists. Cultural … Read more
Famous Chapels and Churches in Asia
A home to Eastern religions, Asia is the land of temples! But it’s also home to some of the most stunning and beautiful churches in the world; some even more awe-inspiring that the churches in Europe. If you’re traveling through Asia, you obviously have these questions. Which are the top famous churches in Asia that … Read more
Best Street Food in Asia to Eat
Living in Asia has its perks; warm weather, friendly locals, and most of all the best street food in Asia, or maybe even the best street food in the world. So if you’re traveling across Asia and wondering what best Asian street food you must try; here’s the list of the top Asian food to … Read more
13 Things to do in Tokyo, Japan with kids
Visiting Tokyo without knowing Japanese can seem scary. Luckily their hospitality coupled with most people speaking English makes getting around easier. There are so many things to do in Tokyo for adults and children. Many things on this list will be child-friendly since a six-year-old was my travel buddy. Tokyo is of course one of … Read more
Follow Your Tastebuds Through Taipei
Taipei has more than earned its reputation as one of the best food cities in the world. However, deciding what to eat in Taipei can be a process of elimination that’s too difficult for many travelers, especially if it’s your first time in the city, if you only have a few days or if you … Read more
50+ Must Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia
We were having a chat about the number of UNESCO sites in Asia that we’ve visited. And it seems my percentage of World Heritage Sites is really really small. So I asked my friends who have visited more places than me, ‘Which are some of the most amazing must-visit World Heritage Sites in Asia?’ And … Read more
30+ Weird Foods of the World to Taste
We were having a chat about the unusual food people eat in different cultures, and Laura said, “You know some people eat every part of the fish”. I said “Yeah, we do too! The fins, the eyes, everything.” And that started a long conversation abut how my culture eats goat trotters and tripe, ox tails, … Read more
Where to eat in Bangkok
A Tasty Food Guide from Sticks & Spoons On our Travels to Bangkok we have eaten a lot of great food; from street food to Fine Dining. It’s a vibrant, progressive and interesting restaurant scene with so much to explore if you love to Travel for Food like we do! Here is our top picks … Read more
Inspiration Series : Going Nomad
Going Nomad – Should or shouldn’t I? As an aspiring nomad, I’ve come across quite a few individuals who discredit this lifestyle, and also say that it’s difficult and amounts to no good. To counter this thinking, and to provide inspiration to myself and other aspiring nomads, I’ve started this Going Nomad : Inspiration Series, … Read more
Where to eat in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
It is sad but not a lot of people know that Bir actually has a lot of amazing food spots to try out different cuisines and dishes here. Bir Billing is primarily famous as Asia’s Best Paragliding Site and has many monasteries, treks, etc. for you to check out here. But amongst all this, no … Read more
50+ Popular Drinks you must try in cities Worldwide
Ever had this happen? Travelled on holiday to a new city and after a fun day sightseeing, dropped into that famous café or bar and got stumped looking at the bar drinks list. Yep, that’s happened to me. What should I drink? What drink is famous in this city? What’s on the list of top … Read more
Short Stays in Amritsar: Must Visit Sights
When you take a trip to India, towns like Mumbai and Goa. Ramdaspur or Ambarsar are the erstwhile names of Amritsar, another city in Punjab that you must visit. Located about 217 km North West of the Chandigarh, the State Capital, Amritsar is very close to the Wagah Border that separates present-day India and Pakistan. … Read more
Where to eat in Jaffa, Israel
Israel has the best food in the world. I may be slightly biased since I lived there for 5 years, but the fresh produce; incredible dips like hummus and tahini; and the Middle Eastern take on Mediterranean food is hard to beat. While there are countless must-see places in Israel, one of my favorite cities … Read more
Global Mardi Gras Celebrations and Food
What is Mardi Gras? Or what is Fat Tuesday? The Roman pagan festivals of times long past were integrated into Christian traditions by the Roman Catholic Church and are now part of the festival that is called Mardi Gras. When is Mardi Gras? Or When is Fat Tuesday? Well, depending on the culture celebrating it, … Read more
Top Water Sports Destinations Around The World
It’s summer somewhere in the world right now! We’re lucky we live on a blue dot that has summer in some place no matter the time of the year; and there are always some nice holiday destinations that are perfect for water sports. My friends and I have put together a list of the best … Read more
Unusual things to do in Goa, India
OFF THE BEATEN PATH ATTRACTIONS IN GOAUsgalimal Rock CarvingsGalgibaga beachTalpona BeachSan Jacinto IslandKerim BeachMorjim BeachCabo De Rama FortPalolem BeachSt. Augustine’s Tower Ruins Rita’s Gourment Cooking Class Butterfly Conservatory GoaKakolem BeachButterfly Beach POPULAR BEACHES AND DESTINATIONS IN GOACalangute BeachCotigao Wildlife SanctuaryCumbarjua CanalMapusa MarketNetravali Bubbling LakeArvalem CavesBaga BeachImmaculate Conception Church, PanjimPonda Street MarketCandolim Beach WHERE TO EAT … Read more
Kaka Baptista East Indian Museum, Manori Mumbai
How to get to the East Indian Museum in Manori? The East Indian Museum is in Manori. So we need to cross the Marve Creek by ferry to get to Manori Jetty. (Marve Creek is also called Manori Creek or Malad Creek.) It’s 10 am and there’s a boatload of people already coming off it from … Read more
Best Indian Street Food You must Taste
Street Food and Local Restaurants in India that you must visit to try or eat at least once Indian food is most delicious food in the world! Okay, maybe not the sole winner among food around the world, but Indian dishes are definitely some of the most loved snacks and dinners in the world. Street … Read more
13 Things to do in Vietnam
There’s so much to do in Vietnam. It’s such an incredible country and I simply love it. Here’s my list of 13 things to do when you visit. 1. Go to Ninh Binh When I was in Hanoi I decided to visit Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is two hours away from Hanoi. There are a … Read more
What’s for dessert in different countries and cultures?
What’s for dessert? I love dessert! Don’t you? So I’ve asked a few friends of mine to list the best desserts in their cultures. So here we have it – yummy desserts, Italian desserts, simple desserts, quick easy desserts, chocolate desserts, tasty desserts, light desserts, french desserts, fun desserts, summer desserts. Everything from great desserts to amazing desserts in different countries … Read more
Mumbai City Guide: Bombay, India City of Dreams
Bombay, the city of dreams, that’s where I live. My Bombay. Or should I say my Mumbai? Bombay from the Portuguese meaning ‘good bay’ or Mumbai from the Goddess ‘Mumba’. Of course we’ve had a lot of names over the centuries – Boon Bay, Bombain, Mombayn, Bombaym, Monbaym, Mombaym, Bombay, Mombaim, Bambaye, Bombeye, Bombaiim, and … Read more
What’s for dinner in different countries and cultures?
What’s for dinner? A question as important as asking about breakfast. What’s for dinner tonight? Is there any dinner? What’s easy to cook for dinner tonight? What can we make for dinner? Supper? Wat eten we vanavond? Vad blir det till middag? You cooking up a feast there? Beth sydd i swper? Kin Khao? Kas Vakarienei? We couldn’t … Read more
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
What are the reasons you must visit Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise island in the Indian Ocean that is littered with romantic hideaways, palm tree lined beaches and glistening blue-green waters. Here are just 10 of the top reasons why you should visit this beautiful island as soon as you can. Food … Read more
What’s for breakfast in different countries and cultures?
What’s for breakfast in different cultures and countries across the world? What’s for breakfast mom? What’s for breakfast darling? What’s for breakfast nan? What’s for breakfast at the cafe? What’s for breakfast honey? I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast? Is there any breakfast? Ever wondered what to have for breakfast? Some of these may be healthy breakfast … Read more
Nahargarh Fort: Abode of Tigers
On my recent visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan I was lucky enough to visit Nahargarh Fort, originally named Sudharshangarh Fort. (Nope, not Nahargarh Palace; that’s just the name of many local hotels. Nahargarh Fort itself contains a number of palaces that we saw.) The name Nahargarh Fort directly translates to ‘Abode of Tigers’. Situated on the … Read more
Top Indian hill stations you must visit
India, the land of dreams and legends, the land that has everything to offer – from scorching deserts to frozen mountains, from flowing rivers to blooming valleys – everything you want to see, you can find it in this beautiful land we call home. But if you’re like me – a city dweller – you want to … Read more
Pench Jungle Camp : A night in the forest
Tigers! The majesty, the magnificence, the sheer presence of wild nature. One of the reasons people from across the world visit India. And the reason so many of us visit National Parks. The last time we saw tigers was at Ranthambore National Park in February. So this May we went to Pench National Park in … Read more
Pench Tiger Reserve, India : Jungle Book Land
They say a love of nature and wildlife can make you do strange things. 😉 So there we were at Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India the middle of summer. Crazy temperatures at 45 degrees and dry heat! It was unbearably hot but thankfully there was a thunderstorm that cooled down the place a … Read more
Celebrating Ramzan or Ramadan at Mohammed Ali Road in Bombay
Ramadan or Ramzan is a Muslim celebration of when the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Fasting is necessary for Muslims who aren’t sick, elderly, menstruating, breastfeeding, pregnant or travelling. It’s one of the famous Five Pillars of Islam. My Muslim friends fast from dawn till dusk, and don’t have sex, eat, drink, or smoke. … Read more
13 things to do in Singapore
Singapore is one of my favorite countries to visit. I have been there at least 8 times, and will be living there for three month next winter. My first time there in 2002, we did all of the touristy thing—Raffles, the Night Safari at the Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, the Botanic Garden, Orchard Street, Chinatown—and … Read more
Of bras and things – Travel Stories by women
You’ve already read the blog about how I found it difficult to get back into a Kayak because my boobs kept getting in the way. But that’s not the only problem I’ve had with having big boobs. My country wants me to go braless Take for instance the fact that bras my size are not … Read more
Best local Ice Creams in the World
Bells ringing, childhood memories. The ice cream cart comes to our neighborhood, but here in Bombay it’s kulfi. Sometimes it’s the kulfi man with the basket on his head announcing his arrival. ‘Kulfi-eaah’. As kids we used to run happily for ice cream or kulfi. That instant brain freeze when you bite, the cool feeling … Read more
Bryant Park in Kodaikanal, India
When you’re looking for places to visit in Kodaikanal hill station in Tamil Nadu, Bryant Park shows up in the top 10. This South Indian nature park set up in 1908 by H.D.Bryant covers 20 acres in Palani Hills opposite Coakers Walk on the East of Kodaikanal Lake.
Ranthambore National Park Tiger Safari
So excited to be going on our first Tiger safari! We all were. We knew that chances were slim since many people after going on numerous Safaris fail to see tigers. This Indian National animal has proven to be quite elusive to see, and tourists spend hours on safaris just hoping for a glimpse of … Read more
Palolem in South Goa, India : Why visit Goa?
Why do people go to Palolem, Goa? There are a lot of beaches in Goa that are perfect for getting some sun. Goa is a beach destination, so unlike the rest of India. It’s famous for beaches like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Majorda, Colva, Vagator and many more. But Palolem tops the list. Perfect for budget … Read more
Lebua Luxury near Amer Fort Wall, Jaipur, India
/Although I received a minor discount (media rates) for this stay, this does not influence my opinion of the experience. UPDATE: As of September 2018, the Lodge at Amer is no longer under the flagship of Lebua. “Lebua ae Lebua. Lebua ae Lebua.” I won’t tell you which family member was singing that song as … Read more
Manali trails: An Igloo Stay in Himachal Pradesh, India
Igloo? In India? Really? Normal questions that my friend Tejashree gets when talking about her trips to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. But yes, igloo stays are now economical and I’m so glad I got this off my bucket list. I want to one day stay in igloos in Abisko like my friend Michelle did, or the … Read more
Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta, Manali, India
On our way to the Igloo Camp near Hamta Pass, Manali, which is a well known destination for skiing in Himachal Pradesh, India, we stopped for a bit somewhere near Curve 24 to look at the Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta Village that we plan on staying in once it opens again in April. The … Read more
How to build an igloo: Lessons in the Manali snow
I’ve dreamt of staying in a glass igloo in Kakslauttanen one day; and waking up to see the Northern Lights from the warm interiors of the igloo. I’ve also dreamt of being seated around a fire outside an igloo and traipsing through inches of snow in Iceland or Sweden to see the Aurora and capture its … Read more
Inspiration Series : Nurse around the world – Gemma
The life of a nomad, a dream for many that goes unrealized. You can live the life of a nomad no matter what you do. All you need is the grit and the mettle that Gemma had when she decided to go be a nurse in an unusual location? Want to hear her story? Read … Read more
Elco Pani Puri Restaurant in Mumbai, India
Since we’ve been young, a trip to Bandra for shopping meant we got to eat some tantalizing snack at Elco Pani Puri Centre and Restaurant on Hill Road in Bandra. Hill Road has always been a street shoppers paradise. I remember coming here since I was 4 or 5, with mum and my siblings. And … Read more
Inspiration Series : Solo Travelling Nomad – Melissa
Doing what you want and love isn’t something that should wait till later. Sometimes you just have to break free from the shackles or a routine existence and jump into that different life. And who knows? You just might find what you were meant to do. Today, Melissa from High Heels and a Backpack shares … Read more
Independent Young Nomad : Inspiration Series – Jeremy
As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day and the reaffirming of our freedom, we celebrate our right to be all we can be and our right to choose our own destiny. We celebrate youngsters like Jeremy who have chosen to walk the path less travelled, to find their own destiny, and to give hope to … Read more
Chocolicous Café Olé in Puducherry
Zuka in Pondicherry If you’re ever in Pondicherry, two places that you absolutely have to visit are Zuka and Café Olé. Located almost side by side, they are havens for choco-crazed folk like me. Zuka is a store with a wide range of chocolate goodies to offer, from cakes to pastries to little miniatures. Although for … Read more
Bizarre Travel Encounters and Strange Experiences
Travel exposes you to the strangest things – apart from discovering wonderful cultural diversity, behavioral differences, and contrary thought processes – one is also exposed to a range of novel and sometimes surprising situations. Take for example when I was in Cardiff a few years ago, and after ordering a Whiskey and Soda in a … Read more
How the majesty of Masada awed me
Majestic Masada While on our way to discover the secrets of the Dead Sea region and the healing properties of the Dead Sea, we stopped for a few hours at Masada. The 2000 year old fortification once housed King Herod’s palace, with its 3 rock terraces, overlooking the Dead Sea. We took the cable car up … Read more
Discovering the Dead Sea region
As I was saying earlier, as part of my trip to Israel we spent a few days in different locations. The diversity and beauty of the country is truly amazing. Our next stop on the tour was the Dead Sea area. So we left Tel Aviv early in the morning and headed towards the Dead … Read more
Jerusalem – The Old City, Eternal City
Visiting Jerusalem, Israel is interesting, educational and spiritual. The CityofGold is home to Tower of David, Israel Museum, Via Dolorosa. Read more about Sarah’s trip here, and the marriage proposal’s she received.
A mid week retreat at The Retreat
So the gang of cousins decided we needed a mid-week retreat at The Retreat Hotel in Madh Island. Midweek since one cousin works on weekends, and there’s less of a crowd holidaying. Anyway we got there on the 8th of March at around 11 am, and were greeted with welcome drinks of either kiwi or … Read more
Naturally Eilat – Visiting the southern-most tip of lsrael
‘Where else?’ That’s right, ‘WHERE ELSE’ is an Israel Tourism Conference organized each year by Ortra that helps travel agents from around the world learn about everything Israel has to offer. I had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing journey, and it was well worth it!! As part of the group that … Read more
Chandoli National Park with Jungle Lore
A much deserved break in the Indian rains at Chandoli National Park “There’s a long weekend coming up. Let’s do a short trip together”, says my friend and boss. Happy me starts dreaming of exotic locations that I cannot afford. Of course smart boss-friend is also on a budget like me and decides that an … Read more
Chiang Mai: Travelling to the Gem of the North
“Not going to Bangkok or Pattaya? Not even Krabi or Koh Samui? Are you Serious? But that’s where all our Indian brethren always go!” Our friends had a bit of a puzzled expression on their face when we announced we were off to Chiang Mai. My response was a slight grimace, followed by a long … Read more