Enjoying Your Holiday at the Bay of Biscay: 7 Considerations to Enjoy the Incredible Bilbao

BY  Barsha Oct 22, 2025

I know what’s going on inside that pretty head of yours. You are probably thinking how many hookups I've had during my travels - especially since I am here to talk about travel hookups!  TBH, a few times for sure - not too many times, but definitely a few times. I mean, I had no idea about how the hookup culture worked during vacations - until I tried it out a few times. And now? Well, while the adrenaline is certainly thrilling, it does come with some major risks.  And while I’m nobody to stop you, it’s important that I help you out with my comprehensive list of dangers associated with travel hookups. Once you are aware, you will be safe while having ‘fun’ on vacation. Stay tuned. What Are The Dangers Of Hooking Up When You Travel? Romantic relationships on the road can be a great way to experience a foreign culture intimately, but at the same time, navigating the dating scene abroad can be a minefield.  Hooking up while traveling is an experience many actively strive for; as of 2025, 58 percent of travelers have embarked on a vacation romance, according to a recent TripAdvisor survey. Hookup culture not only accepts but actively encourages casual sex, including activities like one-night stands, without necessarily including bonding or emotional intimacy.  The term “hookup” has a broad scope because it can indicate any form of sexual activity between partners, including kissing. One can expect the dangers of hookup culture to be amplified when the partners in question have gone all the way at least once, especially regarding the following point.  In this context, let’s look at the primary dangers of travel hookups: Misaligned expectations  The risks of overindulging in alcohol The dangers of hooking up are relative  About good old-fashioned regret  The big issue of safety. 1. Misaligned Expectations: The question of whether it’s acceptable or even desirable to hook up with someone while traveling is very complicated. It first depends on the object of the hookup: a local or a fellow traveler? It seems far less complex when the person is also traveling and in a similar situation to you.  Given the significant financial gap and ensuing power imbalance between tourists and locals in destinations like third-world countries, there’s no shortage of potential problems. The traveler might see it as a fling, and the local – as real love, finally. Streams of messages over different online apps will follow the interaction, which can get awkward and, ultimately, one person could decide to block the other and move on.  2. The Risks Of Overindulging In Alcohol: It’s a fine line between lowering inhibitions and becoming too intoxicated to make smart decisions about what you do or don’t want to engage in. Overindulging in alcohol makes you more vulnerable to assault and theft, not to mention risking alcohol poisoning and ruining your entire vacation. 3. Relative Dangers Of Hooking Up: That only begins to scratch the surface of the dangers faced by women. Trust your intuition if a situation feels wrong or unsafe. Don’t assume you’re safer leaving a bar in a foreign country with someone you just met than you would be back home.  The sometimes misleading sense of security you feel while on vacation can make you vulnerable. Other vacationers won’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. Safe sex is about more than wearing a condom; it’s about not ending up on the news as a cautionary tale.  4. About Good Old-Fashioned Regret:  An online survey of 1,468 college students found that more than 27% felt embarrassed about a recent hookup, just under a quarter reported emotional difficulties, a fifth felt a loss of respect, and a tenth shared they had problems with their long-term partner.  78% of women and 72% of men who had casual sex reported experiencing regret thereafter, according to a Canadian survey of 200 undergraduate students.  5. The BIG Issue Of Safety: Obviously, this is perhaps the most important issue associated with travel hookups. When you reside somewhere unfamiliar, you become more open and vulnerable to any kind of sexual assault.  Both drug use and alcohol are common parts of travel, and both can sufficiently increase risks when you are traveling. Why? Well, it can impair your judgement, increasing risks in the process. As per travel data on Satista, sexual violence in international trips is typically perpetrated by strangers or even recent acquaintances.  Of course, this is correct, considering you won’t have your usual security network of family and friends who can interfere or even help in case of something dangerous. Moreover, in a foreign land, you might not be familiar with social cues or even local emergency support.  How To Minimize Risks Associated With Travel Hookups? Now that I’ve highlighted the major risks associated with travel hookups, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to minimize the dangers associated with travel hookups: Always meet in Public! If you are meeting someone from a dating or hookup app for the first time, and that too while you are traveling, then it's best to meet them in a public spot. And best to avoid drinking - what if they spike your drink? But if you still want to be a little tipsy, drink a little, depending on your tolerance, and then go meet someone new.  Always confide in someone about your plans. So what are they miles away from you? My best friend lives on another continent, but I always message her - she knows what to do if she doesn’t hear from me every few hours. Also, I always share my live location with her - just to be extra safe.  While you can do a thousand other things, it is best to trust your gut. If something feels off, then trust your instincts and leave. You don’t need to hook up with someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable at the onset. And if you are meeting in public, then leaving is always an easy option. Lastly, never disclose personal information. This basically means don’t tell your tour ‘date’ which hotel you are residing in, what your plans are for the next few days, and stuff like that. This is because once you do leave, considering something feels off, they might just follow you and make it unsafe for you.  The Dos Of Hooking Up When Traveling: It’s not about avoiding hookups while traveling, but approaching them the right way. To make sure you don’t regret the experience, don’t lower your standards. Always be selective and don’t hook up with people in your tour group or who are staying at your hotel – it will prevent the awkwardness of running into them after a disappointing experience.  Follow the golden rule: come and leave with friends and look out for each other and, ideally, other travelers. Being an active bystander will make sure no one looks back on situations abroad with regret. 

BY  Sibashree Dec 10, 2025

Seeing elephants in the wild? Wow. Just wow. They’re huge, slow, and somehow look like they know everything. I mean, you watch them, and it’s like, “Yep, this is Africa walking by.” That is, these giant elephants literally showcase the continent’s untamed spirit. If you’re thinking about a safari, you’re probably asking, “Right, but where do I actually go?” There are loads of places.  Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is one of them. Big herds, easy to spot, and honestly… it feels kind of magical. Watching a whole family cross a dusty plain, or spotting a tiny calf sticking close to its mom… that kind of thing stays with you.  But yeah, luck helps, and knowing a bit about when and where elephants move helps a lot. So, if you are also curious about where to see African elephants in the wild, I have got the perfect guide.  In this blog, I will be highlighting all the famous places where you can find them and experience a journey amidst the wildest nature. So, keep reading to know more! Where To See African Elephants In The Wild? Even though there are countless zoos and sanctuaries to explore, not everywhere can you find an African elephant. That’s why you need to visit the specific regions where these majestic tuskers truly show themselves. So, here’s where to see African elephants in the wild.  1. Botswana: The Mega-Herd Sanctuary If you want numbers that will make your jaw drop, Botswana’s got it. They have the biggest elephant population in the world, and it’s over 130,000. I know, crazy. So, no matter which sanctuary you visit, you will definitely find some friendly elephants walking by. 2. Chobe National Park Chobe is kind of legendary. Especially the riverfront. In the dry season from May to October, elephants just pile in by the thousands. They drink, splash, hang out, just being elephants. Take a boat, get close, watch them play. Honestly, your brain will keep going, “Wait! Is this even real?” Now, the best viewing time is during the summer months of April to October. That’s when you get to see them flooding the riverside in herds.  But during the rainy weather, they migrate and come back again during the dry season of winter.  3. Okavango Delta The Delta is different. Slower, more spread out. Elephants wander through reeds, walk in shallow water.  Sometimes they even swim across little channels. It’s so calm, almost hypnotic. You can just watch for hours, and yeah, it’s peaceful. Unlike the other places, this area is the transition route for the migratory elephants. That is, during the monsoons, they pass through this region for food and water. But the area often faces conflicts between the herds and the local communities. For instance, the herds at times raid the crop fields. Causing havoc and outrage among the local communities. 4. South Africa: Accessible And Diverse Viewing South Africa is great if you want elephants without trekking into the middle of nowhere. The parks are easy to get to, and you can usually spot them without much stress. 5. Addo Elephant National Park Addo, in the Eastern Cape, is perfect. Big herds chill around cars, and their darker color makes them stand out. Plus, you can mix safari with a beach day. It’s like, “Why not, right?” Two awesome things at once. Additionally, it features one of the densest populations of African elephants. So, when you visit the park, you can enjoy the unique elephant viewing along with the biodiversity of the area. But these elephants are characterized by shorter stature and thicker tusks. Making them stand on their hind legs to grab food from taller branches. Another interesting fact about this park is that the herds are led by a matriarch in the group. That is, the female members of the herd lead others to food and shelter. 6. Tanzania: An Elephant Hub Sure, everyone talks about the Great Migration, but Tanzania’s elephants are incredible too. Mainly after the massive poaching crisis, it is finally reviving its herds of elephants to balance the biodiversity. 7. Tarangire National Park Tarangire doesn’t get enough attention. In the dry season, elephants gather around the Tarangire River. And the baobab trees? Massive. Like, movie-set huge. Watching elephants wander under them… wow. Just wow. Moreover, the African elephants choose diverse locations for their habitats such as swamps, savannahs, baobab forests, and even the rocky hills. Since they play a massive role in shaping the park’s ecosystem, they are protected under strict poaching laws. So, the population of the elephants can recover from its below-average levels. 8. Zambia: Walking Among Giants If you want up-close-and-personal, emotional stuff, South Luangwa in Zambia is it. Walking safaris started here. They’re still amazing. Moreover, the concentration is finally starting to grow after the major poaching crisis. Also, the laws are aiming to curb poaching and restore the elephant population in the area. This way, they can maintain the natural connection of the local communities with the elephants. So, the initiatives have started to conserve the giant beings from being eliminated. 9. South Luangwa National Park Guides take you out on foot. Yeah, walking. You’re safe, don’t worry. But when an elephant passes nearby, you feel the ground move. It’s humbling. Slow, personal, and totally sticks with you. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the entire population of elephants in Zambia resides in South Luangwa. So, when you visit this national park, you will get to see some of the most iconic and brilliant ones. Especially near the riverside, you can spot the elephants crossing in herds. So, this is the only time to view them so closely and vividly without needing your travel binoculars. Visiting African Elephants To Enjoy The Journey Botswana’s endless plains, Addo’s herds, Zambia’s walking safaris… it all matters. Visiting these places helps keep elephants safe.  But honestly, these are the places where you can see the African elephants in the wild. And that’s a memory you keep forever. Future generations deserve that too! Don’t you think?

BY  sagnika May 18, 2024

Are you planning to go on a romantic date with your partner? If you visited the room recently, you could create your special location or look forward to planning the birthday dinner or the anniversary dinner that you have been preparing for a long time. So, let's go through the most romantic restaurants in Rome! You can organize a perfect romantic dinner or a romantic afternoon lunch in Rome by visiting these restaurants with your partner. With losing love and romance all around, I am sure your partner will be impressed. Let me share with you some of the most romantic restaurants in Rome where you can have a nice dinner or lunch with your partner! Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Rome for the Perfect Date Ever! If you plan to go to Rome, you must go on a romantic dinner date or show up in the street and check out small cafes with your partner. With charming culture, beautiful pieces, and historic landmarks, the room is embodied in romance. An eternal city with history and idyllic places for couples to spend some time alone, we can share centuries-old fine dining establishments with you. There are also little restaurants that were the charming and romantic aspect of the city. Let me share with you some of the most romantic restaurants in Rome! I am sharing with you the names of restaurants we created to give you the perfect place to enjoy yourself. For a special occasion, there are several things to do with your partner in this beautiful and romantic city. Antico Arco The restaurant is one of the most romantic in Rome and is situated in the Trastevere neighborhood, the mecca of restaurants. If you walk towards a fine dining institution from Piazza Garibaldi, you will enjoy panoramic views across the city! What's more, you can also catch a glimpse of the Colosseum while walking down this street. These beautiful views add to your romantic evening out! The classic Italian fare is quite elegantly presented with a modern twist and good quality food. You must try the risotto, which has rotating toppings based on the Chef's preferences! It is one of the most popular items, along with spritz and prosecco! I would ask you always to remember the truffles. You will love the wine here as they have some of the best collections. Aroma The restaurant Aroma offers Roman cuisine and is situated on the top floor of The Relais & Chateaux Hotel! It is an airy and bright fine-dining restaurant, and the view alone can take your breath away. Both traveling and local customers visit this restaurant, with Colle Oppio on near the horizon! The environment and ambiance of the dining spaces are quite chic, so it is perfect for your date. The seating is limited, so making reservations before you go is better! The intimate environment is ideal for the dates when you go in the evening. This restaurant serves traditional Roman dishes with seasonal ingredients. Its classic and modern sensibilities create a beautiful setting for a romantic dinner with stunning views. Once you enjoy Rome, are you wondering how many days in Venice you should spend? Imago The Michelin-starred restaurant is so in demand that reservations must be made months in advance! It is an intimate restaurant on the sixth floor of Hotel Hassler, and from there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic city of Rome. You can spend a romantic evening with your partner, drinking wine and eating traditional Italian food. Yes, it is expensive, so you can plan this date around a birthday dinner or anniversary dinner date! The food is impressive, thought-provoking, and delicious, even though it has a modern twist. The Library If you expect to go on the most romantic dinner date in Rome, the library checks all the boxes! In a dimly lit dining room, complete with candlelit tables, and traditional Italian songs, which a singer performs, this classic restaurant is the perfect representation of Italian culture. This is so romantic that, at a certain point, you might find it easy to indulge in delicious food that only has Parmesan cheese in a regional Italian dish or delightful pasta! It might have a fine dining reputation, but it is quite casual for grabbing a meal. Situated in an alley just off the main street, grabbing a table is very easy. Even if you can, you must wait; it is brief. After all, you are in Rome, so you will have a good time, but you must wait a little as per the traditions. About 10 minutes from the restaurant, Piazza Navona is nearby, so you can enjoy an indulgent meal by taking a romantic stroll with your partner around it. You will also find the Trevi fountain and the Pantheon, which is quite close! Strolling the streets with your partner will be memorable. Several wine bars and cafes are nearby, where you can continue the night considering the good weather! If you are wondering about the weather in Italy in October, read my next blog to know more! Ristorante Mirabelle A rooftop restaurant with a truly elegant dining room is a perfect place to spend a romantic evening with your partner. The restaurant is located at Hotel Splendide Royal and offers a panoramic view of Rome.   Apart from the view, the first thing you notice is the delicious food and drinks available there. Mirabelle has one of the best-tasting menus in the room, and the sommelier-curated Wine list is quite impressive. You must explore the impressive menu if you and your partner are wine enthusiasts. Why don’t you start by ordering a drink before your meal is brought to you? The historic city of Rome is beautiful; hence, you will spend a beautiful dinner enjoying the view. I would suggest trying their traditional Italian food. However, they have some of the best gluten-free dining options in the room. If you are a health enthusiast, this is the place you should go in a city dominated by Arancini and pasta. Il Pagliaccio Do you like tasting food with a twist? This restaurant will impress you and your partner with a romantic meal. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant, so you know you will be getting superb food in an intimate setting. Chef Anthony Genovese offers modern cuisine with a wide spectrum of influences. It is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and should be at the top of your list, especially for visiting at night. Remember to snag a reservation at least a few weeks or months before. The restaurant is upscale, so rest in peace! If you and your partner are foodies, this is the best place to go. Apart from the restaurants, do you wonder what are the best places to go in Italy? Let me share that in my next blog! Retrobottega The modern, sleek, and fun restaurant has no sense of limitations when it comes to romance and companionship. Of course, as a young couple, you can visit historic cafes in trattorias of Rome! It is a novelty that you can’t stop enjoying. However, every restaurant must be 100 years old. The Retrobottega restaurant is in a beautiful location, very close to Anna Varna and Pantheon! So, they are within walking distance of the restaurant! You can stroll before or after a romantic dinner date with your partner. The gorgeous cobblestone street is perfect for walking hand-in-hand with your lover! You must make a reservation at this restaurant for the weekend. The clientele is young, hip, and well dressed, so you can dress to impress. The restaurant keeps its silverware in a drawer everywhere, so impress your date with that information! I would suggest that you try their five-course tasting meal. There are also a la carte options! If you are non-vegetarian, I would suggest you taste the cuttlefish, veal, or wild boar tartare; they are quite popular. Zia Restaurant Filled with superb restaurants and the trust of your neighborhood, it is the best place to have a romantic dinner with your partner. Zia is a classic Italian restaurant that offers modern presentation and cooking techniques. The dining room, food, and ambiance are sleek and sexy. So, if you have a fun and adventurous partner, this is a perfect place to bring them to date. The design of the lounge and the dining room is inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and contrasts with the historic Roman trattoria design. Their seasonal menu keeps changing. However, Italian cuisine goes well beyond pasta. If You Are an Amit lover, you can have a hearty Cut of lamb or even pulled pork with delicacies like sweet bread. They use fresh and organic produce in their food and create each dish with an inventive modern twist. The price of the menu is not exorbitant, but they are indulgent. Adelaide Ristorante & In Salotto If you plan to go on a romantic date with your partner down the street of Via dell’Arancio, you must stop at one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome. In Hotel Villon, you can go for fine dining, known as Adelaide. The setting is modern and elegant, thus creating a beautiful setting for you and your partner. The dining room and lounge are open-air, and you can sit in them all year round, as they are quite comfortable. The boutique hotel and the restaurant are small, so it is better to make reservations when you visit this hotel. Their menu is quite popular concerning Italian cuisine, but they have beautiful twists! Spaghetti is another popular dish in this restaurant. Remember, there is a wine list, delicious cocktails, and classics such as Negroni. This place is perfect for celebrating your love on a hot summer day! Per Me The outside setting of this restaurant is perfect, especially when you sit at the table on the Roman street of the Vicolo del Malpasso with your love! With the moderate setting, you can sit on the sidewalk if the temperature is lower and enjoy the food by Chef Giulio Terrinoni. The interior is elegant and minimal, so you can have a romantic dinner with your partner. It is a one-Michelin-starred gastronomical delight with its famous tapas-style snacks, Tappi! You can try the “Primi Passi,” which comprises five of the Chef’s iconic dishes. Finishing Off... In short, the restaurants in Rome are romantic because of the locale. However, the Michelin-starred restaurants, the fine dining options, and the small cafes create a magic you want to share with your partner. With traditional Roman street food or rooftop terraces, offering delicious and traditional Italian food is perfect for a romantic dinner date. Comment on which restaurant you would like to check out the next time you visit and why. Of course, you can choose any! Learn More About: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome The Ultimate Guide To Hassle-Free Sightseeing In Rome Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy!