India is a beautiful country with a rich history. It is one of the oldest countries in the world that dates back to around 25000 BCE, and it is where some of the oldest religions that are still practiced today originated. With a mix of ancient culture along with new customs brought in by foreign invaders, India has a unique fusion culture that one must experience. My parents are from India and most of my extended family still lives in India. However, despite that, I had not gone to India in over five years. But, late February of last year, my cousin was finally getting married, which finally meant a trip to India. I spent the next month traveling the various regions of India, and here are some of the places to visit if you are ever in India.  

Goa, India 

Goa is state tucked away in the south of India. Though relatively small and less populated compared to other states, it makes up for it with its beautiful beaches. Goa is known for its crystal blue beaches and white sand beaches. You can stay at rustic style beach houses that might even be older than some cities in the United States. The region is also known for gorgeous forests, cascading waterfalls and exotic fruits, which are perfect for a hot day at the beach. The state also has unique architecture, with a mix of Indian and Portuguese architecture, which are remnants of the old Portuguese colony. Definitely visit Goa if you are looking for a tropical getaway.  

Dudhsagar Falls, a famous waterfall located in Sonaulim, Goa.

Himachal Pradesh, India  

One unique aspect of India is how the climate changes throughout the country. You can see the tropical beaches of the south, the scorching desert of the west, the thick jungles of the east and the cold Himalayas of the north. Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most northern states, and home to India’s entrance to the Himalayas. It is famous for its clear water lakes, gorgeous mountains and mix of Tibetan and Indian culture. It is also famous for its remote temples and hostels, which you go on a trek or hike to visit. I highly recommend going to Himachal Pradesh if you like mountains, breathtaking views and a spiritual trip. 

Bhimakali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali. This is located in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh.

And last but not least… 

Rajasthan, India 

Rajasthan is a gorgeous state, located in the north west corner of India. It is home to beautiful deserts, where you can drive sand buggies, go on camel rides and watch the desert sunset. However, Rajasthan is much more famous for its ancient royal palaces. There are over 50 palaces scattered throughout the state. There are also many ancient temples scattered throughout the state. One palace is now on Airbnb, so you can experience the royal life. Visit Rajasthan if you want to experience the rich history and culture of India.  

Amber palace, a must visit palace located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

All in all, India is a beautiful country. India has 36 states with different languages, cultures and religions within each state. I highly recommend traveling to the various regions in India and not just the ones on the list. This list is just a starting point to explore this beautiful region. Have fun exploring. Travel On… 

Dubai is a small city tucked away in the United Arab Emirates, however, these past few decades it has grown into a hub for the rich and is now a popular tourist destination. I recently got the opportunity to go to Dubai, and it was just as glamorous as everyone says it is. Here are a few must see attractions when in Dubai. 

Burj Khalifa  

Dubai has an amazing skyline with skyscrapers making up most of it. It is also home to the tallest building in the world, standing at 2,722ft! The building exterior is a marvel to see, and the view from the top will leave you breathless. There are two main ways to go to the top. The most common is going to the observation decks, which takes you to level 125 of 163. The other option is going to the lounge, which takes you to level 152. The lounge is a bit more expensive due to the higher level as well as food and live entertainment, which is included in the ticket. Tickets to the lounge cost about $170 per person and tickets to the observation desks cost around $55 per person. The lounge is the luxurious way to experience the Burj Khalifa, however, the observation decks is also a great experience at a much more affordable price.  

The view from the Burj Khalifa lounge

Mall of Dubai 

Dubai is well known for its shopping. The Mall of Dubai is a must visit. It is the largest mall in Dubai with many famous designer shops, such as Chanel, Gucci and Prada. There are also many attractions located in the mall, such as Go-Karting, an aquarium and an underwater zoo. It is a great place to roam around, and also has affordable shopping options, such as Nike and H&M. The Dubai mall is also well known for its water fountain in front of the mall, which performs a water and light show throughout the day.  

A picture of the fountain at the Dubai Mall

The Desert  

Some might forget while spending time in the skyscraper tree-filled city of Dubai that the city is actually in the middle of the Arabian desert. Just driving a little less than an hour from Dubai, you can tell you are in the middle of the desert, with the sudden change in the landscape. With so many activities taking place in the desert, it is a must visit attraction. You can go on a camel ride, sandboard, drive a sand buggy, experience a falcon show, go on a desert safari and do so much more. Definitely incorporate a desert adventure when in Dubai.  

A beautiful desert sunset.

All in all, Dubai is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is known as a jewel of the Arab world, and a must visit destination. There is so much more you can explore in Dubai, and this is just a short list to get you started. Add to it what you want and create a unique itinerary just for you. As always, safe travels and Travel On.  

Traveling has been gaining popularity in recent years. With the chance to explore a new environment and experience a different culture, it can an extremely rewarding experience. However, it can be a bit overwhelming, especially when traveling abroad. To get the most out of your trip, here are a few tips to plan your adventure.  

1. Research  

With each country comes a different set of rules and customs. Hence, it is a necessity to research the location you are planning on traveling to. For instance, in Japan due to social stigma around tattoos, those with tattoos will face certain restrictions, such as not being allowed to enter their world-famous hot springs. Rules like these are common knowledge for locals, but not as much for foreigners. Being well informed about local rules and customs will allow for a fun trip without having problems. If you are really worried about this, then you might consider hiring a travel company that will do all the research and plan your trip for you, making sure there are no complications.  

typical travel companies

2. Finance

The sad reality is that travel can be extremely expensive. With so many expenses, such as flight tickets, accommodations, meals, spending money and local attractions, the cost can pile up. A great way to limit this is to budget. Creating a strict budget and plan your trip well in advance will insure you pay the lowest price. Budget travel agencies can help with this as well. Another way to cut down on costs is to find unique accommodations, such as a home-stay or a hostel, which are not only cheap, but also a great way to interact with locals. You could also travel to a budget friendly country, which are relatively cheaper to travel to compared to the traditional travel locations. These countries include many Asian, South American and East European countries, such as India, Croatia and Chile.  

an example of a travel budget

3. Be Prepared 

Traveling also requires months of preparation. It takes time to create the perfect itinerary, find the perfect accommodations and find the best attractions. Make sure to start at least three months in advance. Countries will also have their own set of qualifications to enter the country. Many countries will require a visa to enter. A United States Passport comes with many perks such as on–arrival visas, however, make sure to check here to see the different requirements for each country. Make sure to apply for a visa months in advance for the country you attend to travel to. Applying a few months in advance will insure it will come in on time for your flight. Also traveling abroad can expose you to diseases and illnesses not common in your home country. To make sure you stay safe, you must ensure all your vaccines are up to date and you receive any additional ones. Inform your healthcare provider that you will be going to a foreign country. They will provide you with a list of tips and make sure you are medically prepared for your trip. You can also check here to see what is recommends. Also make sure to constantly check here to see the current situation in the country you are planning on visiting to make sure it is safe. 

And last, but not least… HAVE FUN! 

Traveling is a great way to make sense of this huge world. Places worlds apart are much more similar than you think, and you realize that when you travel. Going to a different country with its own language and customs can be a shock, but it will change you in a positive way. It might seem scary at first, but the people you’ll meet and the memories you will make will be unforgettable. So, feed your wanderlust and stay safe with these tips! Travel On…