The Festival of Love in India

Holi, the “festival of colors” or  “festival of love” is an annual Hindu carnival that exists to celebrate love, fertility, and spring. It is usually held in late February or early March and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi is considered a time of joy, celebration, and renewal. It encourages people to unite and leave aside their differences and celebrate the spirit of love and friendship.

During the festival, people throw brightly colored powder at each other, dance, and feast on sweets and drinks. The legend behind Holika Dahan speaks about Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his rescue from the evil intentions of his father’s sister, Holika. Holika, who couldn’t be touched by fire, tricked Prahlad and offered him to sit on her lap in a burning fire. However, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad and killed Holika.

The second day, Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the day when people play with colors and throw colored powder and water on each other. The idea of this day is to forget social barriers for a certain time and enjoy life in the company of friends and family. People dance, play drums, and enjoy traditional sweets and drinks.

Holi is the time to celebrate life and love. This festival worships not only love but also unity and overall harmony. It reminds us that we are able to overcome all difficulties and reach peace together. 

Hanami in Japan

This Japanese tradition is very romantic and will suit any couple. Hanami happens every spring and gathers many people who want to see the beauty of blossoming cherries. You can go for a picnic under the blossoming trees or even plan your romantic proposal there.

The Hanami tradition goes back to the Heian period (794-1185) and was originally associated with noble people. Later it became a popular pastime among all social classes.

Many people in Japan dress up in their best clothing, wear kimonos, so you will also have a chance to learn more about Japanese culture or even try on their traditional suits during this romantic stay.

This time of the year is very special in Japan. In many cities and parks, they organize “sakura matsuri” festivals with outdoor food, music performances, and other cultural events.

Midnight Sun in Norway

Summer months are a special part of the year in Norway. During this time, the sun never sets and couples can enjoy romantic midnight sunsets. You can have long walks in the never-ending daylight and enjoy each other as much as you want.

The midnight sun is explained by a natural phenomenon that takes place north of the Arctic Circle during the summer months. In Norway, this time starts in late May and lasts till July. A never-ending day gives you strange and magical impressions.

Together with your partner,  you can use this time for romantic strolls, fishing, and boating. Whatever activity you choose, this romantic trip will be unforgettable. 

Lantern Festivals in Thailand

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals take place every year in Thailand.

It is a festival of celebrating light. Thousands of lanterns and floating candles are released into the sky and down the waterways. It’s a magical and very romantic experience to watch them together with your bae. This release of the lanterns symbolizes letting go of all your bad luck and calling for good luck and blessings. 

One more festival, called Loy Krathong, is also closely connected to lights and candles. People use banana leaves to build small rafts, krathongs, decorate them with flowers and candles, and let them float on rivers and canals. These small boats symbolize either negative thoughts and feelings or wishes for the future. Even if you don’t believe that wishes can come true through magic like that, just watching this beauty floating along the waterways is a cool memory. 

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong include cultural events, traditional dances, music performances, and food vendors, which makes them a great opportunity for a couple to enjoy time together.

The Red Thread of Fate in China

There is an ancient Chinese legend, according to which couples destined to be together are connected by a red thread. This red thread can twist and turn but will never break and will always bring the two lovers together. If you go to China, you can purchase red thread bracelets as a symbol of your connection and fate and emphasize the strength of your feelings one more time. 

Traveling around romantic places with your love partner is a great way to make your relationship stronger and get lifetime memories.

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A couple of years ago I had little idea what a sea voyage was like at all. “Why, can you go out on the town from the ship?” was about my reaction to someone else’s talk about cruises. But here I have had the opportunity to enjoy the adventure myself. I share my experiences and, of course, emotions!

The route .
Perhaps this is one of the main criteria for choosing a cruise.

Liners start from one city and finish either in the same port or in another city or country. For example, you can go to Marseille, France, Port Mahon (Menorca), Cagliari (Sardinia), Valletta (Malta), Messina, Naples, Genoa. Or start sailing in Palma de Mallorca, visit Barcelona, Marseille, Savona, La Spezia, Civitavecchia (Rome) and return again to Mallorca.

There are many itinerary options, you can choose for all tastes.

And going out in the cities is possible and even necessary! Most often the ship spends the night at sea, and in the morning you wake up in a new location. Staying in the port can be either 5-6 hours or 12-14 hours. What to do during this time depends only on your wishes:

1) You can stay on the ship. No one will kick you overboard. But it’s a little strange to be on a liner with Nice or Barcelona in front of you.

2) You can buy an organized city tour.

Pros: first off the ship, organized transfer all the way, guide.
Cons: the price (the prices for the tour start at 50 euros, and may be as much as 150 euros).
3) You can go on your own in the city.

It used to be that when I was looking at itineraries and saw the line “day at sea,” I would immediately close it. “What’s so silly? Losing a whole day!” – I thought. But after my first cruise, I realized how wrong I was! A day at sea is the only opportunity to fully enjoy the entertainment on the ship. Otherwise, imagine walking around somewhere in Rome from 10am to 8pm, and almost certainly after that your only desire will be to relax in your cabin or at most, sitting in the bar.

What’s on the ship? Fitness center, pools, spa, numerous bars and clubs, stores, movie theaters and show programs, are the most minimal services. Each cruise company is trying to surprise travelers, luring them on board their ships with certain features.

What’s in the stateroom?
Staterooms on a liner are divided into several types. An inside cabin, a cabin with a window, a cabin with a balcony and a suite. Most tourists prefer a cabin with a balcony. Agree, waking up to the sound of the sea is anyone’s dream. But if you go on a cruise for a few days, then suit enough and the inner cabin, because on the liner so much interesting things and want to have time to see everything.

Meeting the sunrise on the balcony of your cabin is unforgettable. And although this type of accommodation is more expensive than on the interior deck, I still advise you not to save money.

Rocking
No matter how huge the liner is, you’ll still feel like you’re at sea. Even in the calmest weather. It won’t give you any discomfort, but the sensation of a slight rocking will. Even when you come ashore, you will still be “carried on the waves” for some time.

All cruise liners are equipped with stabilizers, so you will not feel strong vibrations. If you get motion sickness, the reception desk will always give you a pill against motion sickness.

Dress Code and Atmosphere
Any girl/girl/female will definitely enjoy the cruise! It’s easy to feel like a princess on the liner. Even on the way to the ship, everyone greets you, wishes you a pleasant trip, finds out if everything is all right and offers any help.

In the daytime you can walk on the ship, as you like – shorts, jeans, T-shirts. In the evening, too, in principle. But you yourself will want to dress up. At the water show to go in a cocktail dress for dinner in a fancy restaurant dress to the floor, and the bar, you can wear your highest stilettos and the very, very mini! Well, you get the idea that on a ship you can wear all your clothes that you’ve been waiting years for the right occasion. The cruise is it, the ultimate occasion.

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Wear comfortable clothes
The main rule in choosing clothes for flying – comfort. Choose comfortable clothes: tracksuit, leggings, sweatshirt. You will have to fly for a few hours without changing your position, and this is not the easiest test. It may be cool on the plane, so take this into account when choosing clothing. On your feet is better to wear comfortable shoes that will be comfortable to stand for a long time, while passing the check-in. To avoid weighing too much luggage wear the heaviest shoes on the plane, if it does not interfere with comfort, of course.

2. Try to move around more.
   Spending a few hours in the same position is difficult: the body stiffens, the blood accumulates in the lower extremities and does not reach the upper torso. Especially in such a situation, legs suffer – swelling after hours of flight is not uncommon for many people. So we advise to warm up during the flight, get up and do some exercises. Another item to wear to help with the swelling. Get compression socks or socks. These are just tight high socks that improve blood flow.
3. don’t forget to take earplugs/headphones.
   If you are disturbed by the hum of the plane, we suggest getting earplugs or headphones. Especially on long flights these useful items will help you fall asleep or get rid of headaches, be quiet, and calm down.
4. Sleep Mask.
   Your roommates may be awake and, for example, turn on the lamp to read. So, to avoid feeling uncomfortable, take a sleep mask with you, which will get rid of any light irritation and help you sleep comfortably.
5. Take care of your skin
   The air on the plane is very dry, which can take a toll on your skin. Lip balm or hygienic lipstick and moisturizing hand and face cream in your carry-on will solve this problem.
6. Water is your best friend.
   Due to restrictions, large quantities of liquids cannot be taken on board. But you can always take an empty bottle with you so that you can ask the flight attendant for a refill. It is very easy to become dehydrated on the plane, so you should drink a lot. Of course you can always call the stewardess, but it is better to have your own supply so you can drink as much water as you want.
7. Take a small snack
   On the plane you will be fed – this is included in the ticket price. If your flight is short and lasts up to 3 hours you’ll be offered a coffee, tea or juice. But we never know what exactly we’ll be fed, and whether we’ll eat it. So take some snacks, cookies, nuts, fruit or vegetables. You can buy sandwiches before you board, there are usually plenty of little stores or cafes at the airport.
8. Carry a pen with you.
   You need it to fill out immigration forms if you are flying abroad. Take a pen with you, it will save you a lot of time going through the formalities.
9. Choose a window seat.
   It is considered the best, because firstly, no one will disturb you when you get up from your seat. Secondly you will always have your own armrest and a wall of airplane on which you can lean comfortably and fall asleep. And you get a great view out the window, too.
10. The opportunity to get into business class
    Yes, this also happens. Usually the passenger is offered an upgrade when there are not enough seats in the economy class. However, there are cases when you can be transferred to business class, for example, if you do not like the level of service. Holders of an airline’s Silver and Gold loyalty cards have the best chance of flying in Business Class. Address the flight attendant politely and correctly, you will not lose anything if you ask.

Now you are fully prepared for the plane, and you know all the tricks. Don’t forget to bring an entertaining book to pass the time! Have a great flight!

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Travelling by your own car is available to many. This type of travel has a number of indisputable advantages:

• Freedom of movement;
• Reasonable cost of travel;
• Lack of luggage restrictions (except for the physical size of the car);
• Possibility to change the route at any moment.

Travelling by own car a person independently chooses the schedule of movement, stops and rest. The motorist can always change the route, having noticed something interesting on the way, and visit some interesting places. In addition, choosing this type of travel can be absolutely sure that there will be no surprises with unpleasant fellow travelers. Such a trip may be less time-consuming than, for example, by train.

The cost of traveling by car is quite democratic and acceptable in comparison with a train or air travel. In addition, today are quite popular with all kinds of services to find hitchhikers, which makes the trip even cheaper. At this time, in an economic crisis, the ability to find hitchhikers and pay only a portion of the expenses can save your budget. And if a thorough approach to the selection of companies, you can also brighten up the road fascinating communication. It is important to approach this issue responsibly.

However, there are several disadvantages of this type of travel. First, the trip over long distances can be very tiring for the driver. It is good to travel in company, changing each other at the wheel. Otherwise, fatigue and reduced concentration of the driver can lead to trouble on the road. In addition, the pleasure of such a trip the driver is unlikely to get. If there is no possibility of periodic changes at the wheel of a car, it is important to think about comfortable places for stops and a good rest. It is also important not to forget to take into account the cost of such stops, planning the budget of the trip.

It is also important to remember that even the most modern car is just a mechanism that is subject to breakdowns and malfunctions. Planning your route, it is better to ask in advance about the state of the roads in the chosen area, as well as the availability of repair shops on the route. Travelling by car is always associated with the risk of getting into accidents, even through no fault of your own.

Going on a trip by car, it is necessary to think in advance and find secure parking places. Unfortunately, it is people who are traveling this way who often become victims of all sorts of scammers and swindlers on the road. In addition, conducting a financial analysis for the trip is worth to consider in advance the paid parking lots, because it can become quite a tangible item of expenditure on the road.

Going on a trip by car, it is worth considering the physical capacity of anyone who is in the car. Not everyone will be comfortable to remain without proper motion during a long trip. It is worthwhile to take into account this point in advance and foresee stops for the purpose of stretching. This can affect the time spent on the road.

Nevertheless, despite the disadvantages and difficulties of such trips, this form of transport remains quite popular among the population. The only exceptions are very far destinations.

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Traveling by train is really a great way to see more than traveling by plane. After all, the plane “eats and sleeps” between points A and B. The train is a contemplation, covering a huge area, experiencing nature, non-touristy towns, small, climatic, authentic halfway houses with local food.

Planes and airports have their own atmosphere, but a train trip is a much slower, more intellectual and sensory experience. Train travel is a special affair that every self-respecting traveler should experience at least once in his or her life.

Preparing for a train journey
A person accustomed to getting on a plane and being there for 3-4 hours will ask many intelligent questions: how to travel by train? What to take on such a long trip? What kind of things, medicine? What to eat on the road? How to have fun? All of these problems can and should be solved at the stage of preparation for the trip. Let’s sort it out point by point.

Clothes and things
What to take with a train of clothes and essentials:

A change of clothes so that you can walk in the carriage and sleep in it should be as comfortable and relaxed as possible;
a pair of shoes, which can be traditional flip-flops or flip-flops or lightweight sneakers;
a change of socks and underwear, especially if you are traveling long distances;
Earplugs that allow you to get a good night’s sleep, because there will be absolute silence in the car, at best a few hours a day;
An eye mask to keep you away from the bright lights at halfway stations and to shine the overhead light when your new companion walks into your compartment in the middle of the night;
toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, dry and wet wipes will all end up in the toilet at the most inopportune moment, and it’s better to have your own supply than run to the guide;
Towel.

Travel kit
Traveling by train allows you to take more drugs with you than by plane, but is it worth overloading your suitcase with endless bubbles with pills, sprays and solutions? Take only the essentials.

Here’s a sample list of basic medications for travel by train:

analgesic and antipyretic (many modern drugs combine both functions, it can be paracetamol, nurofen and others);
Drugs that normalize the digestive tract to this position should be treated very carefully, since poisoning while traveling is not uncommon (it can be activated charcoal, stopdiar, imodium, etc.);
Allergy medications (e.g., suprastin); hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or verdigris;
Bandages, gauze, cotton swabs.

If you are going on a trip with children, you can take a more extensive first aid kit, but for a more or less healthy adult is enough. In addition, remember: in every train car there is a first-aid kit, if necessary, help should be provided by the conductor.

Where better to buy train tickets
Before a train trip you need to buy tickets. Of course, this can be done at the station ticket offices, but modern people still prefer to use the Internet.

What are the advantages of the traveler who bought a ticket on the site:

The ability to compare prices, departure and arrival times, travel time, routes and transfer options and choose the most suitable;
the opportunity to buy, register, print, as well as return or exchange tickets online, without leaving home;
the opportunity to accumulate points, participate in various promotions and affiliate programs, and receive bonuses and free tickets;
the ability to track the route of the trip throughout its duration.

Meals en route
If the duration of the trip is not more than two days, this issue is not acute. But what if we travel by train for three days? Baking? Seven? It may seem to the inexperienced traveler that any food has time to run out or spoil over such a long period of time. But this is a misleading feeling. Many foods can be stored long enough without refrigeration.

• What you can have:
• Vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots;
• jacket potatoes (the first 24 hours);
• Fruit: apples, oranges, and tangerines can lie in perfect condition for several days, but bananas, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, especially strawberries and raspberries should be eaten on the first day of the trip;
• Vacuum-packed sausages and cheeses can also be kept out of the refrigerator for a few days;
• most importantly, if you open them, you must eat the entire package within the next few hours;
• grilled or boiled chicken (first 24 hours); boiled eggs (first two days)
• bread or bread substitutes;
• instant porridge in bags; dried fruits, nuts, seeds; Biscuits, wafers, gingerbread;
• Chocolate candy and caramel.

Entertainment on the road
On long flights, passengers can usually use mini-computers built into the front seat, watch movies, listen to music, play video games and read e-books. More often than not, the only television on the train is the same movies and shows. So you need to find entertainment for yourself. So what to do on the train if you are not bored?

You can:

• socialize with other passengers (if you’re traveling for a few days, it’s silly not to just get to know them and exchange travel impressions);
• play board games with other passengers;
• watch movies and TV shows on gadgets (smartphone, tablet, laptop);
• to draw or fill in coloring books, including anti-stress books;
• solve crossword puzzles, Sudoku, logic puzzles, etc. ;
• make crafts taken with you; read books, listen to music; organize a photo session;
• No more sleeping!

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