BY Sarmind SafiNov 22, 2023

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years. Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran? AirTran: A Brief Look Back Conquest Airlines' co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation's new holding company, Airways Corporation. The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet's holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines' AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became "AirTran Airlines" before merging with AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran's last revenue flight on December 28, 2014. It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran's fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft. AirTran History Image Source This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando. AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines. In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando. In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012. Latest Developments On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Aruba. Southwest integrated AirTran's Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015. On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international). Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline's last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign "Critter" as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet's first flight. Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel Reviews From AirTran Flyers Image Source AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans. 1st Review "I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane - I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first." - SharonSaver 2nd Review "I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you." - mrsyoung1983 3rd Review "I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I'll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I've never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!" - jenniandtonyx1 Wrapping Up AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline's history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!

BY RosieDec 3, 2021

Udaipur is also famous as “Venice of the East” and is located in the western reaches of Rajasthan. It had a history of more than 1000 years. Udaipur is well known for its magnificence and elegance. It is well known for desert safari, palace tours, shopping, celebrations and class functions. The best time to visit Udaipur is in the winter season. The Indian state of Rajasthan receives millions of global tourists every year. Some of the cities, which see the highest number of visits include Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer. Udaipur has been famously named as the ‘City of Lakes’, owing to the presence of majestic lakes that are situated around Palaces. If you wish to see Indian royalty at its best, a trip to Udaipur should be right on top of your list. Udaipur is a concoction of the royal luxurious life, as well as the life of commoners. Tourists visiting the city can experience a slice of both in this majestic abode. From sun-kissed deserts to 7-star palaces turned hotels, Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Here Are 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur: 1. Karni Mata Temple Ropeway: Karni Mata Temple Ropeway is a ride which connects Machala Hilltop, Sri Karni Mata temple, and Deendayal Upadhyay Park. It is a prominent pilgrim spot. There are 2 ways to reach the temple, staircase, and ropeway. This is a unique experience and the best way of transportation to the temple. Other major reasons are the architectural attraction and a panoramic view of the temple surroundings. The ropeway can be accessed easily, as it is located in the heart of the city. It will provide the best views of Sajjangarh Fort, City Palace Complex, Fateh Sagar Lake and Pichola Lake. There is also a viewpoint which is the privileged place to see the sunset over the city. In addition, at night, the lighting of the different palaces gives a splendid view. 2. Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola is a prominent tourist attraction place in Udaipur. The sparkling lake reflects the hues of the sunset, magnificent palaces, and the incredible city of Udaipur mingling together to create magical effects. The lake contains 4 islands called as Arsi Vilas, Mohan Mandir, Jag Niwas, and Jag Mandir. It is really a blissful and relaxing experience to take a boat cruise into the freshwater lake during the time of sunset. Enjoy some crisp sunshine as they hit the lake giving sparkling reflections. Lake Pichola along with City Palace Lake and Udai Sagar Lake form the magnificent trio of scenic destinations that arouse magnificence. Lake Pichola is surrounded by luxurious 5 star and 7-star properties like Taj Lake Palace and Leela Palace. You can also look up accommodation in other properties that are affordable and within your budget. There are a number of options, which offer beautiful views of the lake from their rooms. 3. Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a village located near Udaipur. A 10-day will be celebrated every year during the winter season. It is famous for fairs which will be conducted for craft items, handicrafts, and textiles. Besides fairs, workshops will also be conducted for locals and tourists. It is the best place for souvenir shopping. Shilpgram will be organized at the western side of the Udaipur. The highlights of the region are mirror work, bandhani, tie and dye, terracotta sculptures and marble. It is especially a pleasure for those who are interested in learning pottery or any other type of craft. Crafts and tourism are an important industry for the state of Rajasthan. This is where you will be able to find some of the best handicrafts of Rajasthan. Local women do most of these artworks. NGOs along with Government appointed self-help women groups to help local women find sources of employment through handicrafts. Not only will you be able to get a fine piece of Indian handicraft, but you will also end up contributing towards sustaining the livelihood of women and the local population.  4. Horse Riding around Aravalli Hills: Taking a horse ride along the sloppy regions of Aravalli Hills is the best experience you can have in Udaipur. You can also spot animals like blue bulls, antelope and many more. For beginners, it is better to take the horse ride for a short period. For professionals, it is advised to hire the horse for a long time and have overnight riding. All the equipment required will be provided by the service providers. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the city while you ride. This is one of the most fun experiences and a quirky experience to try. Explore the countryside through villages and nearby rural areas. If you want to feel like the Royals, there is no better way to imitate their lifestyle than exploring the mountain ranges of the Aravallis as they used to do hundreds of years ago. Horse riding is an intrinsic part of Rajasthan’s royal culture. Some of the Rajput kings were famous for their horse-riding skills. Most of them had thousands of horses of Arabian descent in their stables. 5. Sound and Light Show: The Sound and Light Show will be held at Kumbhalgarh fort. A show to watch, attend the flamboyant performances depicting the history and rich culture of the kingship of Mewar and Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is one of the amazing things to do in Udaipur. The sound and Light show will take place in the evening, every day. The sound and light show will narrate the history of the fort with the help of music and lights. Rajasthan State Government Tourism Department used to organize this show. The fort continues to be lightened for one hour after the show. This extraordinary sight creates a lasting impression. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is special in Udaipur? A: Udaipur being the capital of Mewr, Rajasthan is known to be the royal tourist destination.  Travellers with the love of history, culture and architecture can enjoy the place very much. The place is renowned for its massive palaces, ancient forts, beautiful lakes, green gardens, temples and so much more.  Q2: What are the famous foods in Udaipur? A: 1.Pav Bhaji at Pandit. Daal baati ata Manoj Prakash. Vada pav at Shankar. Tea in Kamlesh Tea Stall.     Momos ate Meals on wheels.  Q3: Where should I stay in Udaipur? A: 1.Fateh Prakash Place.     2.The Lalit Laxmi Vilas.      3.The Fern Residency. Hotel Le Roi.  Q4: What seasons are good times to visit Udaipur?  A: The best months are September, October, November, December, February and March. July is the beginning season of monsoon in Udaipur that stays till September. The rainy season makes Udaipur look good and the summer season in Udaipur is extremely hot.  Conclusion The mystical, enchanting and visually rich city of Udaipur will captivate all your senses. For thousands of visitors all over the world, Udaipur is a necessary visit. Whatever your budget, Udaipur will be able to offer its finest hospitality to all. P.S- while in Udaipur, please do try to eat ‘Rarha Gosht’. It is a preparation of Mutton Shanks in thick gravy- a dish loved by the Royals of the land! Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Experience Udaipur Through Deccan Odyssey

BY Barsha BhattacharyaSep 4, 2023

Exploration and traveling lead to countless possibilities that can help you open your minds and hearts. The world is not only a place where you live – it is also a classroom that has hosted millions of people and nations before you. The rewards of traveling the globe and exploring new cultures are vast. Traveling is also the key that can help unlock the boundless potential that is within every human being. When we pack our bags, book a flight, and embark on a journey – whether across the globe or even a short road trip to the nearest countryside- we essentially leave our comfort zones as we expose ourselves to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Let us look at three reasons to spend time outdoors and travel more. Why Traveling Is A Must For You? Traveling away from your home can unleash the self of exploring oneself. Only then would you be able to understand yourself. Traveling unleashes different aspects of you and can entirely change your mindset besides just the fun and entertainment.  Embarking on experience days while traveling is a key aspect of broadening your horizons. These specially curated journeys offer unique encounters, allowing you to delve deeper into the culture and history of the places you visit. But is that all? Certainly not! In this section, we discuss some of the reasons to understand why you must travel. So, let us get started with the discussion to form a better understanding of it. Explore New Things Out Of Your Comfort Zone  When you travel, you keep yourself in touch with the new experiences in life. Initially, you think that it's expensive and a waste of money. But you can only experience the treasures when you simply dispatch your comfort zone and set out for the all unknown.  When you see a new lifestyle, which is a new way of living, it will start to awaken your senses. Traveling has the dynamism to do it for you.  Leaving A Positive Impact On Your Health When you travel, you can feel the charm and positivity from within. The quality time that you spend fills you with joy. Now, when you feel happiness from within, then you automatically experience its benefits. Constant monotonous life brings in fatigue. If you set out to explore, you will definitely have a positive impact on your health. Relieves Stress  Our life is filled with stress all the time.  It has disrupted our lifestyle. Stress at work and at home can affect your body. It also affects your productivity at work. Stress is a cause of growing physical complexities like heart disease, high blood pressure, and others.  If you go out for a week-long journey, it will provide you with freeness from the shackles of duty, and you will undoubtedly find yourself rejuvenated.  Experiencing The Diverse Culture  Traveling is not only about mental peace but also about acquiring knowledge. You will be able to get an idea of different cultures, people, customs, beliefs, and lifestyles. The world is one village, and you can easily understand it if you are good at traveling.  This approach of looking at life from different perspectives can indeed work to bring out the transformation from within. Changing your perspective about the world is important if you wish to live a healthy lifestyle.  Unraveling The Ways To Open the Doors of Mind And Heart Traveling is all about rejuvenating yourself, and therefore, you need to take it as one of the ways of entertainment and fun. In this section, we try to form an understanding of the three ways through which traveling can open your mind and heart.  Get Innovative Experiences The innovative encounters that we experience during traveling have the power to transform us from the inside out. Traveling can transform our worldview and shape our perspective about who we are as individuals. Just think about it – if you don’t travel, you won’t be leaving your bubble, which will only make you feel more disappointed after a few decades down the road. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and make a plan – you can explore the world alone, with your partner, and with your friends. We recommend you travel mindfully with a plan in mind if you are looking for innovative experiences, such as learning about history. If you are keen on history, you cannot miss out on the WW2 tours that are exclusively designed to take you to places where the previous generations fought and changed the course of today’s socio-political world. Feel Good From The Inside Out Traveling requires you to step out of your house and spend time in nature, which is essential to make you feel good inside out. Research shows that you can lower your cortisol levels induced by stress by spending time in nature. According to studies, people feel more revitalized after spending time outdoors compared to living a monotonous life that requires them to spend more time indoors. Outdoor space helps you boost your cognitive skills, which can later control cognitive decline in older age. So, if you are looking for ways to strike a balance in a culture where we are pushed to be more and do more, then you will want to travel frequently and benefit from travel therapy as much as possible. Explore Other Cultures   Exploring and traveling the world enables you to get first-hand experience with other customs, traditions, and ways of life, which will give you a fresh perspective on life, and by the time the day arrives when you are heading home, you will be a changed person. Through traveling and exploring the world, you will also discover the power of human connection and the beauty of cultural diversity, along with the importance of empathy. By exploring other cultures, you will go through a life-changing experience, and who knows, it might further fuel your passion for travel and personal growth. You get the point – the benefits of traveling and exploring are far-reaching and can be experienced on any scale, from learning about history, exploring a different culture, venturing into a new city, and immersing yourself in an unfamiliar way of living. Conclusion It is important to mention here that If you want to use the power of travel, you will want to keep an open mind as it will help you immerse in the new cultures and get a first-hand experience that you can never get if you read about other cultures in books or watch documentaries on the screen. Additionals: Why You Need A Military Flashlight? Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Stephen Gleave On The Best Waterfalls And Trails In Ancaster