Best Cruises for Families: Vacationing with Kids! 

BY  Barsha Dec 21, 2022

Are you sitting in Sydney desperately looking for some halal food? Are you sick of all the confusing answers Google is giving to your basic ‘halal food near me’ search? Guess what? We have been there, doing exactly that! But we were determined to find all the many halal restaurants in and around Sydney.  It was a great experience, and later, we realized there were many people like us looking for the best halal food in Sydney. So without wasting any more time, check out the best Halal restaurants in Sydney.  15+ Best Places For Halal Food Near Me In Sydney: While searching ‘halal food near me’ or even ‘halal restaurant near me’ is a pretty good idea, the problem starts when Google comes up with way too many options leaving you spoilt for choice and subsequently extremely confused. This is why the best thing that you can do is save this article, keeping it for future use.  We have done some extensive research for you - so scroll down to check out all the places you can visit the next time you are looking for halal restaurants in Sydney!  1. Cafe Birkenhead: Stop your ‘halal food near me’ search because we are here to help you with the same, and the first place on our list is Cafe Birkenhead! It’s a pretty cool place with good food, great service, and even better reviews.  Review By MV: “Lovely cafe with large windows overlooking the boats and water! Natural light makes you feel instantly relaxed as soon as you step into the space. The staff is all so friendly and all smiley! :) Yummiest bacon and egg sandwich I’ve ever eaten, and good coffee! Highly recommend!” 2. Zinger Taj Indian Restaurant: Are you typing ‘Indian halal restaurant near me’ on Google because you are craving some spicy Indian food? In that case, Zinger Taj Indian Restaurant is the place to be - go, check it out today!  Review By Elena Gelbling: “Excellent! From the service, food and ambience - we truely enjoyed our dining experience and would highly recommend the Zinger Taj Indian Restaurent :)” 3. Shaahi Tandoori: Another Indian halal restaurant in Sydney; if you are a sucker for Indian spices, then visiting Shaahi Tandoori is a must. But if you aren’t used to Indian spices, then be a little cautious with your choices. Review By M0: “Shaahi Tandoori is great value authentic Indian/Pakistani food in Enmore. The portions are quite small but it’s a good chance to try extra dishes. The butter chicken and goat biryani were standouts but every dish we tried was nice.” 4. No1 Halal Beef Noodles And Kebab: Are you still doing the ‘halal food near me’ search? Stop, really! Instead of wasting your time on your smartphone, if you are up for some tasty beef noodles, then you have to visit NO1 Halal beef noodles and kebab today!  Review By Lutfur Rahman: “Nice halal place in the city. Staff's friendliness can improve. Foods not as tasty as expected. Wanted to order lamb fried rice with vegetables but they didn't have it. Requested to do it with beef but they didn't give much importance. Poor customer service.” 5. It's Time For Thai: Are you in the middle of ‘halal Thai food near me’ search? Then stop doing so right now and instead check out It’s Time For Thai! A great Thai restaurant, you will simply love the delectable Thai dishes here.  Review By Erick T: “I only visit this place for their crispy chicken and having it in the restaurant. Occasionally i would have an entree too. The chicke is a standard battered chicken, but just cooked perfectly every time. Crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Nothing special, but just great chicken.” 6. Lal Qila Darling Harbour: Sydney is home to more than one or two Indian halal restaurants - Lal Qila Darling Harbor is yet another Indian halal restaurant. This place was perhaps one of the best results that came out of doing the ‘halal foods near me’ search. Read More: Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling Review By Babar Khan: “Delicious food, professional staff, overall ambiance was great, food arrived quickly and all together which was great. I wish they had a branch in Melbourne. Highly recommended. Slightly pricey but totally worth it.” 7. Mamak Haymarket: What’s the point of doing any type of ‘halal restaurants near me’ search on the internet when you can simply visit places like Mamak Haymarket? The restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes and never disappoints!  Review By Abbie Love: “Haven’t been in years, so went back again last this weekend. The roti is as delicious as I remember, and the noodles were full of flavour. Everything is cooked fresh and comes out quick. Was less impressed by the curry and satay, but it was still good. Be prepared for a queue, but it moves relatively quickly. It’s also BYO.” 8. Taste Of Turkey: We were so done with the whole ‘near me’ search that e just stepped out and did some research on foot. And trust us, you will never find places like the Taste of Turkey by typing something like ‘halal restaurants gold coast’ on Google - go, check out today! Review By Jane D: “Lovely authentic Turkish flavours and lovely customer service. Would look forward to visiting again to try out the lunch / dinner menu as I only got to experience the breakfast menu. P.S. The Turkish Tea was amazing.” 9. Neptune Palace Restaurant: The Neptune Palace Restaurant was so good that we kept visiting this restaurant multiple times during our trip to Sydney. If the food is good, then we don’t have any complaints. Both their food and service were excellent, making us really happy!  Read More: Top 12+ Block Island Restaurants For You – Travel & Food Guide Review By Zain Abbas: “Loved the experience, from booking table online to being served. Waiter was nice and helped with all our needs(being with kids). Food was amazing. Ordered chicken corn soup, Sze Chuan Chicken, sweet n sour chicken, Chicken Hokkin Mee noodles and steam rice. Loved every dish, especially Sweet and Sour chicken was amazing, loved by all.” 10. Jounieh Walsh Bay: After spending quite some time doing the ‘halal food near me’ search and following it up with practical research, we stumbled upon Jounieh Walsh Bay. And we didn’t have to regret our decision even for a moment - the place wa perfect, and the food was even better.  Review By Fiza Mughal: “A great place for a celebratory meal or just for some really good food regardless of the occasion. The fish croquettes stole the show. I also particularly really loved the extra touch on the hummus with crispy chickpeas.” 11. Cairo Takeaway Newtown Cairo Takeaway Newtown might just be a takeaway joint but understand it’s the only takeaway joint featured on this list. This is because the place might not have had dining options, but the food was so good that we couldn’t have left the place off our lists.  Review By Alfred Tao: “Food was delicious and tasted very authentic. Tastes like you are in the streets of Egypt. The food is cheap/reasonable, and there are vegetarian options. The staff is great, and the service is pretty quick. The place is fairly small, but they do have some seating out the back” 12. Ipoh Town On York: One of our favorite results that came out of the ‘halal food near me’ search is Ipoh town On York - it’s that one perfect place you have been looking for! The food is pretty great, and the place definitely deserves more than one visit.  Review By Yee Sin: “So good to have a bowl of hot chicken and prawn hor fun. The soup tastes good, and it is a good portion. Although it is a long cue, ordering is fast and organized. But seats are limited; try to come earlier during lunch time.” 13. Zahli Located at 529 Elizabeth St. Surry Hills, Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, this restaurant is open from 12 pm to 10 pm. It is a well-known restaurant from which the customers always leave satisfied. The Restaurant caters food like Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Arabic, and Mediterranean along with healthy yumminess! On Tripadvisor, the restaurant has been rated as 4.5 out of 5 based on 752 reviews. Customers are quite satisfied with the option of Halal food as it is respectable to a lot of culture and religion! The restaurant is rated as one of the top ten restaurants in Sydney. Review by Nathalie F: “A grand feast of fine Lebanese foodEating here was just grand! The owner helped us pick a beautiful mix of Lebanese bites. We had a great mix of fish, meat and veggies, and good wine. The only point of criticism would be that everything came at once.” 14. Anason - Turkish Restaurant If you are craving Turkish or Mediterranean food while in Sydney, go for Anason especially when the option of Halal food is still there. The restaurant is located at Barangaroo Anandara Shop at 5/32 Barangaroo Ave Barangaroo in New South Wales, Australia. The restaurant was open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Based on 576 reviews, people have rated the restaurant as 4.5 out of 5. The customers in the review appreciated the service, food and value of the restaurant. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty good! Review by 872remat: “We went on a Sunday evening and hadn’t booked a table. This wasn’t a problem. Two of our guests were an hour late and the staff were very understanding about us waiting for them before ordering food. The food and drinks were excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful about the food. All traditional Turkish meals and very delicious. Highly recommend if you want to experience food that is not mainstream. The Lamb shank was a favourite.” 15. Kadmus In this restaurant, the food is pretty affordable along with delicious halal food available. The reviews rate the restaurant 4 out of 5 based on 212 customers stating what they feel of the restaurant and its quality of food. This is one of the restaurants for Halal Food near me! It is located at 105 Thompson St, Drummoyne at Sidney, Australia. Customers go ga ga over the food of the restaurant, the service is quiet while the atmosphere is quite enigmatic. Apart from halal food, you will also get Vegan and vegetarian options at the restaurant. Review by jamh99:“ WOW how good is this placeBy far the best Lebanese food in Sydney I have been to so many times over the years and I have never been disappointed by the food or the hospitality.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the ‘halal food near me’ search trend mentioned below.  1. What Fast Foods Are Halal In Australia? Ans: The fast food chains that are halal in Australia are as follows,➊ KFC,➋ McDonald's,➌ Subway,➍ Domino’s, and➎ Hungry Jacks. 2. What Popular Foods Are Halal? Ans: The popular food items that are considered to be halal are as follows, ➊ Chicken,➋ Lamb,➌ Vegetables,➍ Fruits and➎ Fish. 3. What Cannot Be Eaten Halal? Ans: Food items that cannot be eaten halal are as follows,➊ Amphibians,➋ Reptiles,➌ Insects,➍ Pork, and➎ Shellfish. 4. What Are The Three Rules Of Halal? Ans: The three rules of Halal are as follows,➊ You cannot consume pork or even any of its by-products. ➋ Any animal that has not been slaughtered properly.➌ Any animal that died before it could be slaughtered.  And It’s A Wrap! So that’s a wrap on the ‘halal food near me’ search based in Sydney - because we have come up with the ultimate list of halal restaurants in Sydney. All 15 restaurants on this list are known for the high-quality food they serve - so what are you waiting for? Stop searching for places, and instead, check out the places listed above.  Meanwhile, tell us what you think about these restaurants. Also, don’t forget to share your past experiences with halal food in the comments below. Read Also: How To Enjoy Your Night In Sydney Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Factors To Consider When Hiring A Boat In Sydney

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

No park in the Rockies in Canada is as beautiful as the Banff National Park. This park has a year-round allure. So, no wonder the park had 4.288 million visitors in the 2023-24 fiscal year.  However, Banff National Park is breathtaking in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 181 inches, the park also offers thrilling winter activities.  Banff National Park Visitor HighlightsBanff National Park had 4.13 million visitors in the 2022-23 fiscal year. So, 2023-24 has seen a massive increase (31%) in the footfall.The traffic congestion in the area has increased with the most traffic in the Lake Louise area. In 2023, there were 2,547 reports of human-wildlife encounters in this national park. So, you must be respectful to the wildlife in the park.  Further, Banff National Park and its surrounding areas expect 10-15 cm of snow in October 2024. The higher terrains can even receive a snowfall of up to 25 cm. So, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other ski resorts in the area have started preparing for the winter ski season.  These resorts consider this snowy condition ideal for better winter tourism and activities. So, let’s find out the outdoor pursuits you can participate in at Banff National Park this winter. You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park  Winter calls for an immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park is not an exception. You can enjoy a casual stroll along the snow-covered streets. Further, you can just cherish the snowy beauty while sipping on your favorite hot chocolate drink. Of course, there are delightful activities like ice skating in the frozen lake, skiing, and snowboarding. However, before putting on your skiing shoes and gear, you must check the snow conditions in the park and at a particular resort.  Nevertheless, let’s talk about the activities without further ado!  1. Skiing And Snowboarding Banff National Park offers some world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. In fact, the skiing season here is one of the longest in North America. The skiing season starts here from the end of November until May. It is phenomenal, indeed! Further, it does not matter whether you have not done skiing and snowboarding before. You can give it a go, thanks to the guidance and rentals available here. However, if you are not confident enough, you can just get a sightseeing tour ticket and explore the park. The three skiing resorts in Banff National Park are: Mt Norquay (10 Minutes Away from Town) Banff Sunshine (20 Minutes Away from Town) The Lake Louise Ski Resort  (40 Minutes Away from Town) You can try skiing at all the resorts or at least visit one during the cold season. You have to pay a nominal fee to ski at these resorts. However, if you need guidance or rentals, you must pay extra charges. Nevertheless, here is a snapshot of the admission fee to the park for your reference. Moreover, if you want to visit a particular ski resort, you can buy lift tickets. However, if you have plans to visit all the resorts, go for the SkiBig3 tickets for a better deal.  2. Ice Skating Ice skating rinks in Banff National Park are free, and Lake Louise is the best spot in the park. It is a Canadian dream to ice skate on the frozen lake. Also, you can take part in Pond Hockey here.  Further, you can enjoy the snow-capped beauties while enjoying your time at the Lake Louise Ice Skating Rink. The mountains around this lake are: Mount Whyte Mount Niblock Hungabee Mountain Mount Godor Fairview Mountain Mount Goodsir Moreover, you will love the ice castle at the Lake Louise ice skating rink. Don’t forget to take lovely snaps against the backdrop of this ice castle.  3. Snowshoeing/Winter Hikes Snowshoeing and winter hikes are two different activities. However, both make winter in Banff National Park very special.  So, check out the following snowshoeing hotspots in the national park. Lake Louise Marble Canyon Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls Sunshine Meadows Sulphur Mountain Trail Bow Glacier Falls Sulphur Mountain Trail is also a popular hiking route in the park in winter. Here are some hiking trails in the park in winter. Tunnel Mountain Summit - Moderate, 2.4 Km one-way Stewart Canyon - Easy, 1.5 Km, one way Sundance Canyon - Moderate, 3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop Spray Connector - Easy, one way 2 Km Marsh Loop, Easy, 2.8 Km loop However, winter is within the avalanche season in the park. The Avalanche Season in the park continues from November to June.  You can even reach the Avalanche Terrain after a short walk. So, follow the Avalanche Danger Signs and Avalanche Symbol while trekking in the park in winter.  4. Dog Sledding Dog Sledding is a great way to explore the park in winter. The mighty and energetic huskies will make your day. While exploring the park, you will also learn about its history and why it is so crucial for the community and locality. In addition, your musher or guide will explain the dog sledding technique to you. Moreover, dog sledding is a popular activity in Banff National Park during the SnowDays  Event in January and February. It is a celebration of Everything Winter in Banff.  5. Relax In Upper Hot Springs Hours of Operation: 10 am to 10 pm (Last entry: 9:30 pm) It will be the most relaxing experience for you to soak in the warm water of the Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain in the chilling winter. You can kinda call it a Canadian tradition. So, no wonder that it has been one of the best things to do in Banff National Park in winter since 1886.  Banff Upper Hot Springs has 100% natural mineral water. Take a dip in the outdoor pool as you behold the Cascade and Rundle Mountain peaks.  Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Bath House, which is a federal heritage building that houses some interpretive exhibits. These exhibits tell you about the history and nature of the hot springs.  Did you know that Upper Hot Springs is the highest operational hot spring in Canada? 6. Ice Climbing Banff National Park is one of the most popular destinations for ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, along with Jasper and Kootenay National Park. November to April is the best season for ice climbing in these parks.  Easy access and reliable conditions are two factors promoting ice climbing in these parks. In Banff, the canyons and waterfalls are especially brilliant spots for ice climbing. The most visited spots for ice climbing in this park are: Johnston Canyon Professor Falls Louise Falls Weeping Wall Polar Circus Cascade Falls However, ice climbing requires avalanche training, and you must abide by safety guidelines.  7. Wildlife Spotting In May 2024, the Rocky Mountain Outlook came with disturbing news of Wildlife Paparazzi putting pressure on the Grizzlies of Banff National Park to take snaps. This is a sheer disrespect of wildlife and a form of hunting trophies in the form of photos of those animals. “With cell phone cameras, the digital photos of wildlife have become the 21st Century equivalent of hunters going out and bagging an animal that they can hang on their wall.”Brian Spreadbury, Former Human-Wildlife Conflict Supervisor, Lake Louise Nevertheless, exploring the wildlife of Banff National Park in winter is a delightful experience. It is most famous for the black and grizzly bears. Further, you will find bighorn sheep, cougars, moose, elk, and wolves here.  However, you have to be at the following sports to explore wildlife here. Icefields Parkway Bow Valley Parkway Lake Louise Moraine Lake Vermilion Lakes You will also find many small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in Banff National Park. Moreover, with bald eagles and hundreds of bird species, this park is a birder’s paradise.  8. Snow Tubing Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that takes place at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Further snow tubing activities happen in two different time slots. The first slot is from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and the next slot is from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.  The snow tubing park in Mt. Norquay is the largest in Alberta. Moreover, the eight sliding lanes in the park let you enjoy the activity with your friends and family.  9. Northern Lights Viewing Late September to April is the best time for northern light viewing in Banff National Park. Longer nights and clear skies during these months are the best times for stargazing and northern light watching.  Vermillion Lakes in the national park is easily accessible by car and on foot. It is the best location for watching the Northern Lights.  10. Attending Festivals and Events Along with the SnowDays Festival, many events transform Banff National Park into a festive hub. You can attend the following upcoming events in the park. Event Upcoming Date Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival26th October - 3rd November, 2024Power of Presence - Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024Embrace Joy - Your New Freedom - Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025SnowDays Festival17th January-2nd February So, get geared up for winter fun at Banff National Park. You can reach the park from Calgary through a shuttle service.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 1, 2023

Imagine a world where your travel companion can fly with you for almost nothing—an aviation enthusiast's dream come true. The Southwest Companion Pass opens the door to such a realm, revolutionizing the way frequent travelers experience air travel. What Is The Southwest Companion Pass? In essence, the Southwest Companion Pass is a golden ticket that allows a chosen companion to fly for free whenever you purchase a ticket. Unlike traditional airline loyalty programs, this pass extends beyond the individual, making it a game-changer for those who love to explore the skies in pairs. How To Earn The Southwest Companion Pass Earning this coveted pass requires accumulating a set number of points within a calendar year. We'll delve into the strategies for meeting these requirements and explore how you can swiftly amass the necessary points to unlock this incredible benefit. Benefits Of The Southwest Companion Pass The perks are not limited to just free flights for your companion. We'll uncover the full spectrum of advantages, including unlimited use for a designated companion and the extension of pass validity, ensuring you get the most out of your travel experiences. Unlocking The Perplexities: Understanding Points System To truly appreciate the Companion Pass, one must first comprehend the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and how points play a pivotal role. We'll break down the intricacies of the points system, providing you with a roadmap to maximize your rewards. Burstiness Of Savings: Real-life Scenarios Let's bring theory into practice with real-life scenarios showcasing the burstiness of savings. Through illustrative examples, we'll demonstrate how the Companion Pass can turn your travel dreams into budget-friendly realities. Strategic Planning For Maximum Value To extract the maximum value from your Companion Pass, strategic planning is key. We'll guide you in planning your travels around the pass's validity and offer insights on combining its benefits with other travel perks. Common Misconceptions And Clarifications In the journey to understanding the Companion Pass, there are common misconceptions that need clarification. We'll debunk myths and clear up any confusion surrounding the pass's features and limitations. Southwest Companion Pass Vs. Competing Programs Is the Southwest Companion Pass truly unique, or are there comparable programs? We'll conduct a comparative analysis, highlighting the distinctive advantages that set the Companion Pass apart in the competitive landscape. Tips And Tricks For Companion Pass Optimization For those seeking to make the most out of their Companion Pass, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks. From earning points faster to optimizing the pass's perks, these insights will elevate your Companion Pass experience. Keeping Up With Changes: Southwest's Policies Updates Airline policies evolve, and so does the Companion Pass program. Stay informed about any modifications that may impact current and potential pass holders. We'll guide you on staying ahead of the curve. User Testimonials: A Closer Look At Satisfaction Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of those who have embraced the Companion Pass. We'll gather user testimonials, providing you with firsthand insights into overall satisfaction and potential pain points. Future Prospects Of The Southwest Companion Pass As the travel landscape evolves, what does the future hold for the Companion Pass? We'll explore predictions, potential enhancements, and adjustments that could shape the future of this sought-after travel benefit. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Can I change my designated companion for the Southwest Companion Pass? No, you can only change your designated companion three times per calendar year. 2. Are there blackout dates for using the Companion Pass? No, there are no blackout dates, providing flexibility for travel plans. 3. Can I earn Southwest Companion Pass points through credit card spending? Yes, credit card spending is a significant avenue for earning Rapid Rewards points towards the Companion Pass. 4. How long is the Southwest Companion Pass valid once earned? The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. 5. What happens if I don't earn enough points for the Companion Pass in a calendar year? Any unused points from the previous year do not carry over, and you must start accumulating points anew for the pass. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Southwest Companion Pass is more than just a travel perk; it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences. The benefits, coupled with the ease of earning and using the pass, make it a must-have for avid travelers. Consider unlocking the benefits of the Companion Pass and elevate your travel adventures. Read Also: Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Here Is My Experience With The Priority Pass Lounges! Vietnam’s International Tourist Influx Surpasses Expectation, Reaches 8.9 Million What Is Universal Pass? – Registration, Application, And Login