5 Ideas For Wine Tours In Barcelona- Make It Happen

BY  Ankita Feb 1, 2024

Setting off on a journey calls for careful planning. You've got your clothes, toiletries, travel documents, and of course, your travel insurance. But beyond these essentials, some unique items could make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here's a guide to those extra, often forgotten items that could be a game-changer for your travels. Handy Portable Power Board Our world is full of gadgets, and a portable power board can be a real lifesaver. Most places you stay will have only a few power outlets. With a power board, you can charge all your devices at once. It's a simple item, but it's super useful for keeping all your electronics ready to go. Foldable Water Bottle For Easy Travel Staying hydrated is key, especially when you're out exploring. A foldable water bottle is great because it doesn't take up much space. You can fill it up whenever you need, and you're also doing your part to reduce plastic waste. It's a small, easy step for a more sustainable trip. Swiss Army Knife: A Compact Toolkit A multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife can be handy in so many situations, whether you need to cut something, open a bottle, or tighten a screw. It's small, so it's easy to pack, but remember to put it in your checked luggage if you're flying. Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag Bringing a reusable shopping bag is both practical and good for the environment. It's perfect for those unexpected shopping trips, carrying snacks on a day out, or even for your laundry. They're light and don't take up much space, making them a great travel companion. Personal Travel Pillowcase Lots of travelers bring a neck pillow, but a travel pillowcase is a nice extra touch. It means you always have a clean, familiar place to rest your head. It's a small comfort that can make a big difference when you're sleeping away from home. Light And Quick-Drying Microfiber Towel Traditional towels can be bulky and take up precious luggage space. Enter the microfiber towel – lightweight, quick-drying, and compact. Perfect for beach vacations or impromptu swims, a microfiber towel is a game-changer in terms of convenience. Its fast-drying properties also make it ideal for those unpredictable rain showers. Handy Ziploc Bags Ziploc bags can be incredibly useful. They keep your electronics safe from water, help you organize small items, and are great for keeping snacks handy. Having different sizes with you means you're ready for anything. Snack Pack For Emergencies Unexpected delays or long journeys can leave you hungry with limited food options. Packing a small stash of non-perishable snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit can be a lifesaver. Not only does it save you from hunger pangs, but it also provides a quick energy boost during your adventures. Guide To Pack Smartly Even if you do get a hold of all the things that have been discussed here, it will only get you so far. So, to help you out with packing, here is a brief guide of all the pointers that you need to remember to pack efficiently and with minimal resistance. Let us dive right in without further ado. Pick & Pack Clothes First One of the trickiest parts of the packing process is packing the clothes. They take up a lot of space and have to be done right. Otherwise, you will have to wear creased clothes on your vacation. The best way to pack clothes is by rolling them. Rolling prevents creases and also takes up less space. Lay your tops facing up and fold in the sleeves. Then, roll the top from the bottom up. For the pants, you need to put the legs together and roll it from the waist down. Once you are done rolling, place them at the very base of the suitcase. One thing I do that helps me is to pack my clothes according to the order in which I will be wearing them. Moreover, I carry a separate handbag for my shoes and socks. This stops the odor problem that might be caused. Place Heavy Items At The Base Another tip that helps me pack effectively is to place the heavy luggage at the base of my bag. This helps with the weight distribution. Weight distribution is a very important aspect of packing. A weirdly weighted bag will obviously feel heavier than a weight-managed bag. By ‘base,’ I mean the wheeled end of your luggage. This will dial down the impact of bumpy roads and other such things. Apart from weight management, packing the heavy stuff first will also safeguard these items. While traveling, I carry a heavy camera and a lot of lenses. So, keeping them at the very base cushioned by all the rolled clothes really saved my camera and other stuff from some close calls. Layer It Up Just as layering is important in fashion, layering is also very important while packing. However, this layering is a tad bit different from the kind that I just mentioned. Even though plastic is a cancer that is eating away at our ecosystem, it can be very helpful if you know how to use it. Save the plastics that you get when you receive your dry cleaning. You can use them while packing. Use these plastic bags to wrap the clothes and items that run the risk of accidental tearing and pulling. This will ensure that your clothes remain pristine and do not get damaged in any way whatsoever. Subsequently, it also keeps the clothes fresh and odor-free. Do Not Overpack Or Under-Pack Two of the biggest enemies of travelers are underpacking and overpacking. Under no circumstances should you be overpacking or underpacking. Try to strike a balance. Before you start packing, make an itinerary. And while packing, stick to that itinerary. This will greatly help you with packing. And those were some of the most basic and useful tips that I can give you about packing efficiently. Conclusion These uncommon items can really enhance your travel experience. They help you stay connected, prepared, and comfortable, no matter where your journey takes you. So, when you're packing for your next trip, think about adding these to your list. They might just make your adventure even better! Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?

BY  Arnab Jul 25, 2023

Churches, Venetian castles, olive groves, and forests of pine right up to the water's edge set the iconic Ionian islands of Greece apart. Having lived for centuries under Venetian rule, it is aptly reflected in their age-old buildings. Choosing the right operators, like www.ionianislandholidays.com can be a deciding factor in making or breaking your holiday to these stunning Greek islands. The sapphire-blue Ionian Sea welcomes visitors to the breathtaking destinations. There’s so much more to witness, from Kefalonia to Lefkada, Corfu, Zakynthos, Paxos, and Ithaki. They are all wonderful island hot spots that you will adore exploring. So, if you are still not considering moving to Greece, which is easier than you could imagine, you aren’t living life completely. Below are a few reasons that will prove the point! Why visit the Ionian islands? While on land you can explore monasteries, mountain villages, and waterfalls, kites, and windsurfers regard the waters of the Ionian Sea as a prime location to enjoy water sports. If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that with favorable winds, there is no better place for sailing than these beautiful islands of Greece. Some other compelling reasons to visit the Ionian islands are: 1. The celebrated beaches There are countless beaches, big and small, all over the islands of the Ionian Sea that have a charm of their own. The Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos is a mega crowd puller from all over the world, and so are the pristine sands of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki, Voutoumi, and Engremni. Again, while Antipaxos and Vrika are a one-stop for boat owners, Schinos in Ithaki and Myrtos in Kefalonia are where the elite mingle with each other. Finally, there is the much-photographed Kaladi on Kythera and Paleokastritsa in Corfu which are lapped by blue waters against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs. 2. Rich culture and history The ancient monasteries, churches, castles, and other buildings lay testimony to the myths and colorful traditions of the Ionian islands. Homer's kingdom of the Phaeacians, Corfu, is home to Old and new Venetian Forts, Achillion Palace, and Mon Repos, all top-class architectural wonders. Then there is the outstanding Asian Art Collection museum inside the Palace of St Michael and St George, the Municipal Gallery, and the Archaeology Museum. Lefkada, too, has some impressive medieval buildings, while the most sturdy attraction of Greece, by far, is the 14th-century castle of Santa Maura. 3. Best for water-based activities Many of the Ionian islands are known for consistent wind conditions which attract water sports lovers, especially beginners as conditions are best for them. This makes the islands a great place to take up a new water-based activity or even some laid-back paddling in the pristine waters When it comes to water sports, the Ionian islands enjoy a reputation of their own. While Lefkada draws ever-increasing hordes of windsurfers, year after year, sailors flock to the beaches of Myli and Vasiliki, ranked by many as the best in the Mediterranean. Adventure junkies also head to the nearby isles of Meganisi, Kastos, and Kalamos, north of Corfu, who then head around the island before sailing south towards Paxos Antipaxos, Ithaki, and Kioni are all other destinations that are loved by sailors in the Ionian Sea. For hikers, there are well-marked trails through the green mountains and the famous 220 km long Corfu trail. 4. Delicious cuisine The Greek cuisine in itself is a good reason to visit the country, especially the food served on the Ionian islands which has a strong Mediterranean diet base which is considered to be key to longevity. Inspired by the history of the Ionian Sea, the delicacies of the Greek islands will surprise you with their wealth of culinary delights. The Ionian islands stand out, not only for their sophisticated dishes like sofrito and Bianco but complemented for their locally produced ginger beer and kumquat liqueur. Diners in Zakynthos and Lefkada are usually regaled by strolling musicians while the locals serve their own delicacy, a nougat treat. Ask for it if you don't get it. The piece de resistance of Kefalonia is the rich meat pie and another one of Zakynthos is salsa, a meat stew accompanied by cheese. An integral element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is world-renowned, and used in most dishes. 5. Fantastic year-round weather There are few better holiday spots in the world, than the Ionian islands of Greece, which enjoy near-perfect weather all around the year. There are plenty of beaches if you wish to soak in the sun with your family at any of the famous ones in Greece. Typically, the temperature never drops below 70°F through September or in any case below 50°F during the winter months in any of the top islands you may wish to visit. Moreover, the frequent rainfall has made the vegetation lush green which characterizes the islands. Snow is rare, and summers are cool even on the hottest of days. This means, even in the off-season, conditions are near perfect for hiking, checking out the vibrant scenery, and not forgetting loads of shopping all without being troubled by the teeming hordes of visitors. 6. The hospitable locals Greek hospitality is legendary with its roots deeply embedded in every heart of the locals. The word for hospitality in Greek is philoxenia which literally means "friend to a stranger" and refers to the art of caring for anybody who visits a Greek home. The value of hospitality of the ancient Greeks still lives today in modern Greece. Over the centuries, the generosity of the locals has become a cultural norm and revolves around sharing life with others, like inviting a newcomer to their home for a homemade meal. Ancient Greek's care for strangers was an institution as they considered the act of welcoming someone as a missionary sent by the gods, Hence hospitality enjoys important value, even today, for every Greek citizen and they happily open their doors to foreigners and invite them for a treat in their homes. 7. They produce awesome drinks Greek wines are among the best in the world. Brands like Retsina, Agiorgitiko, and Vidanto are all legendary to wine lovers, with Assyrtiko from the island of Santorini being one of the most popular of all Greek wines. It is the diverse landscape that explains the presence of distinct characteristics in these wines, especially the red variety from the volcanic island of Santorini, the most wine-producing state in the country. Another good variety of white wine by the name of Robola is associated with the island of Kefalonia where some of the best brands can be found. Ouzo is another famous Greek drink that is worth a try. This is a heady licorice-flavored drink served with a glass of water before meals and best enjoyed with eating mezedes by the seaside on any of the islands. Do not forget to say Yamas, the Greek equivalent of "cheers" before you begin to drink. Read Also: Aeolian Village Beach Resort: The Ultimate Destination For Relaxing Holidays 4 Fun Destinations For All-Inclusive Holidays Acropolis Of Athens Tickets

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 16, 2021

Have you heard the term tattoo tourism? It is the practice of getting a design inked on your body as a souvenir of the place you have visited. Bali is a popular hub for tattoo tourism, fusing cultural symbolism with artistic expressions.  Further, reputed tattoo parlors, experienced artists, and an affordable cost attract many ink aficionados to this picturesque and culturally rich country. So, do you want to get tattooed in Bali? Here are some tips before getting a tattoo in Bali. Best Tips Before Getting A Tattoo In Bali: Tattoo Tourism At Its Best Aren’t we all fascinated with those beautiful strokes on our skin? No matter how painful it is, we all are big fans. Further, something is thrilling about visiting a country (for tattooing) that exudes a mystical charm. So, before you start scratching your head and finding the best tattoo place near me, here are a few helpful tips. Tattoo Bali – Tips Before Getting A Tattoo: Aren’t we all fascinated with those beautiful strokes on our skin? No matter how painful it is, we all are big fans of it. So, before you start scratching your head finding the best tattoo place near me, here are a few helpful tips: 1. Search The Best Tattoo Artist In Bali: Everyone has their own set of ideas and opinions about who is the best tattoo artist. Just like not anyone country is the best vacation spot or one kind of dish is the best food. Similarly, the ideals of the best tattoo artist also vary from one person to the other. It may happen that the tattoo artist who was the best for your friend may not prove as good for you or vice versa. So, do not depend on just hear and say. Search thoroughly, go through a number of online reviews and ratings to know more about the style and skill of the tattoo artist. In the end, your mission is just to find a tattoo artist who meets your specific requirements, like a specific style of tattoo Bali that you wish to have or someone who is available on the dates and prices that you want and soon. However, the thing you must not compromise with while selecting a Bali tattoo artist is that you must ensure that the artist works with tattooing practices that are safe and hygienic. Also, you must also make sure that the tattoo shop where the artist works is a nice place and you are comfortable getting inked there. 2. Look For Hygienic Tattoo Studios In Bali: One of the most important steps of getting a tattoo done is to find a hygienic and safe tattoo studio or shop. Other than the tattoo design and tattoo artist, it is very much essential that you are comfortable in getting inked at a particular studio. Also, you need to make sure that the studio is completely safe and uses hygienic tattoo practices. Though any of the studios or shops don’t tend to share the same reputation for long and it changes with the artists, time, and customers. So, you need to have a thorough search to find the ideal tattoo Bali studio. If you want to search for the best tattoo studios in Bali’s regencies, then be rest assured that Badung is the place you need to go for getting inked.  Other than that, the borders of Badung house the complete couth west coast of tattoo Bali, which the tourists love to explore. For more options, you can also go through over 200 tattoo parlor options in areas like Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak. There are many roadside tattoo artists and tattoo shops in Bali that will make your tattoo for 5-10 bucks, but you never make your tattoo from them. As they use poor quality tattoo equipment and there is not much concern about hygiene and safety. They use inexpensive unsafe tattoo inks. This all can lead to tattoo infection and other kinds of complications. Always go to reputed tattoo shops as they use high-quality sterilized equipment and natural and safe tattoo inks. Have a hygienic and safe environment. However, they charge you. Here Are The Names of Few Popular Tattoo Parlors in Bali Mex Tattoos https://www.instagram.com/p/CgeYDrUr_rC/?img_index=1 “Was my first ever tattoo, these guys were great. Can be very confusing choosing a place in Bali, there are so many. Very reassuring, hygienic. Walked me through every step of what was going to happen. Even my wife and sister in law decided to get one they were so impressed.” - Eric Moss Bali Tattoo Studio https://www.instagram.com/p/BhV97XDhy4Z/ “An easy choice for tattoos. The talent these guys have is unreal. I am extremely happy with my tattoo and was impressed with their professionalism and friendly atmosphere. I even drank with them after we were finished and learned more about Balinese culture. If you want quality and a reasonable price, definitely check these guys out” - David Kim Two Guns Tattoo https://www.instagram.com/p/DBLaGPdTHO1/?img_index=1 “Awesome studio & artists. Dodo is amazing, I get all my work in Bali done by him, and have for a few years now. Highly recommend Two Guns & Dodo 🔥” - Isaac S. Tattoo Hut Bali https://www.instagram.com/p/DBU5zhPyzLH/ “Booked my tattoo in January and it was such an easy process. When we arrived in Bali the tattoo hut team was able to check sizing and design to ensure I was happy with the tattoo. All the tattoo hut members were extremely friendly and funny which made the experience much more enjoyable. Jony was my artist and he did such an amazing job. He is very professional and his style is impeccable. My whole arm sleeve only took 2 days! I highly recommend to go to tattoo hut!!” - James Fernandez Addicted Ink Tattoo Studio Bali https://www.instagram.com/p/C9W7-Uip1j6/?hl=en “The artists were so friendly and professional. We came in with simple standard outline designs, but for a couple of them, the artists asked if they could spend more time to elevate the concept (with shading or definition etc). It was wonderful that their priority was to ensure that our tattoos came out looking the best, regardless how long it took. I highly recommend Addicted Ink :)” - Sheridan K Bali Family Tattoo Studio “This is my second time getting inked here in 3 years. They did an amazing job with all my requests. I had numerous small pieces done and two bigger intricate ones also. highly detailed, patient and friendly. Very affordable prices. Definitely one of the best around in Kuta.” - Ashwin C. M. Paradise Ink Tattoo https://www.instagram.com/p/DADnJyWvgYM/?hl=en “Excellent services. Award winning artiste is very patient and takes time to understand the whole designing process. Studio is clean and neat. Equipments are new so you don't have to worry about hygiene. Location is easy to find. Check out their portfolio. Awesome works.” - melvin lee 3. Know About The Tattoo Prices In Bali: Another important concern which people usually have before getting inked is that the pleasurable tattoos come at what cost. People who have concerns about getting an appointment with the tattoo artist or studio must know that they can do so online or in person. However, many tourists schedule their tattoo Bali appointments in the last days of Bali vacation things to do, because of following the precaution that up to two weeks of getting inked you can’t go underwater, surfing or swimming.  You can pay at Bali tattoo parlors with Indonesian rupiah only because neither many studios accept other currencies nor do they have a credit card machine. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a small tattoo which can be done in a few minutes. Usually, in Bali, the price for most Bali tattoos is calculated per hour and the rate varies depending upon the tattoo artist, tattoo design, and the tattoo studio. However, the average Bali tattoo price in 2018 was around 1,000,000 IDR which is approximately equal to $100 Australian dollars. When making an appointment with the tattoo Bali studio or artist, you most probably will be expected to pay a deposit amount also. After getting inked, if you are satisfied with the work of the artist and the tattoo design, then you can any day give away a generous tip to the artist. 4. Know The Meaning Of The Tattoo Design: Tips Before Getting A Tattoo In Bali  With tattoo tourism on the rise in Bali, there is a tendency to disrespect a design's religious and philosophical significance. However, in most cases, it happens because of ignorance, and at the same time, no two travelers are the same.  You must learn and appreciate the cultural significance of a tattoo design before getting it inked on your body.  You can discuss this with your local tattoo artist or an expert in Balinese culture to learn about the design you are getting inked.  In addition, these tattoos are more than memories. The body art is an expression of the island’s spirit. So, enjoy the excitement, but be respectful of the tradition.  Did You Know?Mencocoh is the term for traditional tattoo art in Bali. Further, in conventional Balinese tattoos, only black ink needles were used. Also, only the clergies, rulers, and the “elite of shamans” used to wear these tattoos. So, tattooing was only allowed for the people in power and those considered closer to god. Though you will find many secular tattoo designs in Balinese culture today, traditionally, these designs draw inspiration from nature and Hindu gods and goddesses. Further, you will notice the presence of Balinese weapons like chains, daggers, maces, and axes in the design. Moreover, Ongkara, Ung, Ang, and Mang are symbolic Balinese scriptures popularly depicted in tattoos. In addition. Rangda, Kala Raksa, Kala, and other evil figures were common in traditional Bali tattoos.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali? if you are careful enough, then it is absolutely safe to get a tattoo from Bali. This means you have to do your research when choosing an artist. Get proper information about the studio and the artist. Make sure you have a good design with you and look for the hygiene in the studio. Above all looking after the tat is the big challenge. How much do tattoos cost in Bali? Well, it depends upon the size, so do all tattoos around the world. if it's small then it will cost $30 to  $85. In the case of medium to large, it is $80 to $190,$295 to $850. For half and full sleeves,it will cost  $600  to $1.450, and $1.200 to $3.000. What is a tattoo blowout? When a Tattoo artist presses too hard while applying the ink to the skin, that is called tattoo blowout. The ink goes below the top layers of the skin where tattoos actually belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out on a layer of fat. This starts the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout. Is Bali cheaper than Thailand? Thailand is an expensive place, it is overall a place of a high standard. On the other hand, Bali is cheaper in everything almost. So, if you want to get inked with that dream tattoo Bali, then wait no more and book the Bali holiday packages from Delhi, and other than just getting a tattoo, also have an amazing vacation there! Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore Vacationing In Florence