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BY  Sibashree Oct 27, 2023

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June through October during the dry, sunny peak season, which pairs perfectly with mainland safaris. January through March offers another hot, dry window with fewer crowds. While November and December bring short, isolated showers that rarely disrupt travel, the long rainy season from March to early May causes heavy downpours, high humidity, and silty seas. For ocean activities, Zanzibar maintains a year-round average temperature of 30°C. March through November delivers the calmest waters, lowest winds, and best visibility for diving and snorkeling. Additionally, September through December is the absolute prime window to see incredible marine life, including whale sharks, reef sharks, and manta rays. Best Time To Visit Zanzibar Image Source: gumlet.assettype.com Strictly speaking, the dry seasons of December to February and June to October are the best times to visit the Zanzibar islands. In general, the beaches in the southern and western parts of the islands are more protected from wind during these months. On the other hand, the wind typically comes from the southwest from June to October. This makes the northern and eastern coasts ideal for holidaying. But in the end, these islands remain at the whim of the ocean, and their weather can be erratic year-round. Even in the “dry” seasons, afternoon showers do occur, but they usually last only a few minutes and are refreshingly cool. It is not a bad idea to travel to Zanzibar during the rainy season, when the number of tourists declines and you will likely find affordable trips and lodging (among those still open). The sunsets are stunning. The rain, although severe, isn't usually consistent, and delicious pineapples come into season! You might find it tricky to navigate the roads and buses, but things eventually settle. Zanzibar's prominent climates are wet and dry seasons, influenced by the Indian Ocean’s rainy season. From November/December to February/March, the northeast monsoon winds, or kaskazi (in local parlance), blow. And from June to September/October, the southwest monsoon winds, also called kusi, blow.  A brief rainy season (the vuli) occurs in November, in addition to the main rains (the masika), which last from mid-March to the end of May. Weather Image Source: www.holidaysplease.co.uk Although winds and sea breezes can reduce it, humidity remains relatively high year-round. The average daily temperature on Zanzibar Island is roughly 26°C (80°F) from June to October and around 28°C from December to February. However, during the latter period, humidity is often higher, making temperatures feel hotter. Pemba has a milder climate with a little more rainfall than Zanzibar Island. The islands are crowded with tourists from outside and expats from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam during major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Expect crowded flights and higher hotel prices. On the other hand, life moves more slowly as many restaurants and shops close during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The annual Zanzibar International Marathon takes place in the first few days of November. This can be a great draw for sports enthusiasts, making it a great time to visit Zanzibar. Festivals Image Source: www.gallerytours.net The majority of Tanzania's public holidays are observed on the islands as well. On these days, companies and offices are typically closed, while some tour operators are still open. Some of the public holidays with set dates observed on the island are: 1 January – New Year 12 January – Mapinduzi ‘Revolution’ Day 7 April – Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day 26 April – Union Day: Zanzibar and Tanganyika 1 May – Workers’ Day 7 July – Saba Saba (Seven Seven) 8 August – Peasants’ and Farmers’ Day 14 October – Nyerere Day 9 December – Independence Day 25 December – Christmas Day 26 December – Boxing Day The Muslim holidays of Idd il Fitri, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Idd il Maulidi (also known as Maulidi ya Mfunguo Sita), which commemorates Muhammad's birth, are widely observed and are public holidays. These festivals fall 11 or 12 days earlier each year, with dates determined by the lunar calendar. If you are planning to visit Zanzibar in 2024 and want to be part of Ramadan, it is set to run from 10 March to 8 April. Places To Visit Image Source: zanzibardestination.co.tz Zanzibar is one of those rare treasures you keep to yourself, as a secret, as a deeply significant memory, and as the most joyful days spent. Now that you know the best time to visit Zanzibar, if you want to know a few places you can check out while visiting, here are a few: Slave Trade Image Source: pbs.twimg.com The Slave Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about Zanzibar's sordid past. The last active slave market in the world closed in 1873. You will pass by rooms where slaves were housed before being sold as you move around the museum. To work on plantations, hordes of Africans were first transferred to this island. Slave traffickers utilized the port at Zanzibar as their center of operations to transport slaves to countries including Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire. Sunset Dhow Show Image Source: www.tanzaniatourism.com If you miss taking a Sunset Dhow Cruise on the translucent, emerald seas of the Indian Ocean, your journey to Zanzibar will remain incomplete. The bustle of a busy town gradually disappears as the sunset cruise departs the coast, replaced by the musicians' melancholy ballad of lost love and found romance, or a tune played on a taraab, violin, or oud. The crew will provide you with crackers and your preferred brand of beer or soda. Sip your drink while you soak up the exotic vibe on the cruise. Mnemba Atoll Image Source: www.andbeyond.com Explore the fascinating marine life at Zanzibar, which is home to more than 400 species of fish, turtles, nudibranchs, and many rare forms of coral, while scuba diving at Mnemba Atoll. If you are lucky, you might see reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. Mnemba Atoll is one of Zanzibar's top locations for water sports, and it's also a conservation area and marine reserve. Mid-February through mid-May, as well as mid-October to mid-December, are the best times to scuba dive in Mnemba Atoll because the sea is calm and visibility is high, making for an even better experience. Darajani Market Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org A market is a location where we meet new folks, socialize, and engage in addition to trading and selling items. One such place in Zanzibar is Darajani Market, the town's main market. You can find merchants selling everything from Chinese toys and other trinkets to indigenous Zanzibar spices, kofias (Zanzibari hats), and dates as you stroll the streets. You will have an amazing experience wandering the market's winding streets. Wrapping Up The best time for either a rustic vacation or participation in Zanzibar activities is June and October. These are spring months in Africa, when the weather is mild and delightful. You can also visit this tropical island paradise in December and February. Zanzibar experiences hot, dry weather while other countries are in winter. Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!

BY  Barsha Apr 24, 2026

Santorini is a place that people from around the world dream of visiting.  Irrespective of whether you are looking for a romantic holiday with your partner or a wholesome travel experience with your family, the Island has a lot to offer for your needs and requirements.  To emphasize, the Greek Island sailing tour also provides you with the opportunity to connect with yourself.  However, many remain completely confused about what to do when they visit the place. Well, the Island is really small. Often, people think there isn't much to do when they visit the Island. Apart from visiting the beautiful villages of Fira and Oia, there are multiple things to do in Santorini.  When I visited the place, I conducted very detailed research, which allowed me to experience and explore Santorini in the most optimal way. Keeping this in mind, I have prepared a guide for you so that you can navigate around the beautiful Island and explore as much as possible. Well, here are the top things to do in Santorini.  What Are The Major Things To Do In Oia, Santorini? You can do several things at Oia Village in Santorini. Moreover, this includes taking photos of the famous blue domes, watching the sunset at the castle, and various other activities.  Let’s learn in detail about the things to do in Santorini (Oia) 1. Watching Sunset From Castle The Castle of Angio’s Nikolas offers the best spot for watching the sunset at Oia. The dilapidated castle rests on one of the highest points in the Islands. The island offers the best location to watch the sun gradually set, sinking into the blue ocean, with a shimmering golden glow on the water's surface.  But the place gets very crowded fast. Speaking from personal experience, you should always arrive early to get the best spot for the best experience. 2. Clicking Photos Of The Blue Domes The blue-domed churches have given Santorini its identity. The moment you picture Santorini in your mind, you think of the blue-domed churches only.  As a result, people often think that Santorini is full of blue domes. However, that is not really the case. On the contrary, I realized there are only a few blue domes. But clicking pictures of the blue domes should definitely be at the top of your priority list.  3. Why Are Luxury Stays So Special? Santorini has become one of the most popular places in the world. As a result, tourists from all over the world come to the island.  This often makes things a little crowded and suffocating for people. I generally choose to travel in a more cost-effective way.  But lately, I have realized that you may have to pay a little extra to get a premium experience at any place.  Hence, I decided to spend some quality time during my stay in a luxury cave hotel in Oia. Moreover, that felt like one of the best decisions that I had ever made. The experience was really gorgeous and relaxing. Additionally, I got the opportunity to explore Oia early in the morning and later in the evening. The crowd is generally not around early in the morning. As a result, you can explore the village in a whole new way. 4. Exploring Around The Streets Of Oia A simple walk through the streets of Oia can easily introduce you to a new world of magic. This will allow you to explore the best places for photos and panoramic shots.  You should always try to explore the village during the evening. I personally found things getting really crowded once it was day. Thus. I advise you to stay in the village for a night rather than just taking a day trip. Staying there at night should be convenient. It will allow you to explore things in your own way. 5. Visiting The Amoudi Bay People who are afraid of stairs should not consider visiting Amoudi Bay. I am a traveller, and hence I try to keep myself fit. But even I had to put in some extra effort while climbing up.  You will not really feel the pain while climbing down. But it is going to be a different story while climbing up and on the way back. The place is worth exploring. There are multiple restaurants in the place that serve some of the best seafood. The spot remains the closest place for swimming in the ocean.  6. Buying Some Local Souvenirs  There are several shops in Oia. You should always explore the streets. Moreover, while exploring the streets, you will find some of the best local shops and artisans. These artisans make the best merchandise to take home and gift to your friends and family. These are the most important activities among all the things to do in Santorini, Oia.  Things To Do In Santorini (Fira) While you are done with exploring Oia, now you should consider the things to do in Santorini (Fira). Well, exploring the village should give you the perfect experience.  Here are the things that you should explore. 1. Explore Around The Village Fira, as a village, is absolutely different from Oia. Travellers can easily find American restaurant chains here. You can easily find restaurants like McDonald's. You will also find the local souvenir shop and Greek tavernas. This place has its own beauty that is very different from what you get to see in Oia. However, the village is much larger than Oia. You should always try to take early morning and evening walks. The early-morning and evening walks allow you to avoid the crowd. 2. Explore The Nightlife Of The Place I have travelled to several coastal destinations around the globe with some of the most bustling nightlife, such as Pattaya and Goa. In contrast, I have realized that Santorini is not really much of a party Island. Hence, there is not much of a bustling nightlife in Santorini.  However, Fira has a couple of club-like spots as well. But, they are considerably small, and you do not really get to party here in the conventional way with loud music. But these places are great for having fun with friends and family. You can have a couple of drinks while talking to your friends. When I visited Santorini, I arrived with a group of friends. Thus, we had a lot of fun despite it not being a party city. 3. The Fun Of Staying In A Cliffside Hotel Fira generally remains less crowded than Oia. But the affordable places can still be crowded.  On the other hand, staying at a luxury hotel with facilities like a pool, a balcony, and a good view can help you avoid the crowd.  4. Going To The Museums Travelers with a keen interest in Greek History should definitely visit museums. Thira has multiple museums.  I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Prehistoric Museum of Thira. Moreover, the place exhibits some of the most ancient jewelry and figures.  Additionally, they also have a massive collection of fossils of various prehistoric creatures. 5. Going To The Old Port You can go to the Old Port if you want to explore some adventure. But again, do not go there if you hate stare cases. The path to the Old Port has almost 588 steps, which are very slippery. However, if you want, you can always hop on the back of a donkey. A donkey is a very famous mode of transportation in Santorini. Thus, people who have problems climbing stairs should ride a donkey. But it is very risky at the same time, as the road becomes very slippery with donkey excrement spilt all over. As a result, you should always choose the cable car. You can even take the cable car on the way down. Thus, the cable car makes visiting the Old Port really convenient. Visiting the old port is one of the most exciting and adventurous things to do in Santorini. Which Are The Best Beaches To Visit In Santorini? Santorini is all about the cliffs and the beaches. Hence, let’s have a look at the best beaches to visit in Santorini. 1. Kamari Beach The Kamari beach is one of the black beaches in Santorini. It is one of the most mesmerizingly beautiful places to spend the day. When we think of beaches, what comes to mind is silver sand. But that is not really the case over here. In contrast, this beach is full of black rocks. The black rocks generally get really hot in the summer.  You can also wear water shoes, which will protect your feet from the heat of the rock. The place has many shops and bars along the beach.  2. Perissa Beach Perissa beach is another long beach in Santorini. This beach is great for those who want to spend some quality time with their friends and family in the water.  The spots near the restaurants and the bars generally remain a little busier than the others.  Thus, you can spend only the necessary time near the restaurants if you do not want to stay long in crowded areas.  For the rest of the time, feel free to stay near the open, less crowded areas. 3. Red Beach The red beach is also one of the most famous beaches in Santorini. As you can understand from the name itself, the sand on the beach is red. The Red Beach is located near Akrotiri. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.  As a result, you may have to walk on some rocks. Keeping this in mind, you should wear decent shoes to protect your feet while walking. The place is a little remote from the crowded suburbs, so you will not find any snacks or water if you want. Keep These In Mind While Visiting Santorini When I think about the things to do in Santorini, a plethora of them actually come to my mind. But, doing all the activities may not actually be possible during a short trip. You can explore volcanoes, visit the ancient ruins of Akrotri, go kayaking, go scuba diving, and explore the marine life. In addition to taking a wine tour, going for helicopter rides is also one of the most exciting things to do in Santorini. But whatever you wish to do, you should always do proper budgeting before going on the trip. Moreover, this will make your trip more cost-effective and enjoyable. Frequently Asked Questions  Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about things to do in Santorini. 1. What Should I Not Miss In Santorini? A traveler can do several things when he or she visits Santurini. However, doing all of them cannot be possible.You should not miss the iconic sunset from the Oia Castle. Apart from that, you should also not miss out on several other things, like a donkey ride to the New Port, exploring volcanoes. 2. Can I Flush My Toilet Paper In Santorini? Flushing toilet paper down the toilet does not fall under the list of right things to do in Santorini. Hence, you can not flush it down.You will have to dispose of used toilet paper in the special garbage disposal bin located near the toilet seat. This is a common practice in most places in Greece. 3. How Many Days In Santorini Is Enough? A three- to five-day trip is great for visiting Santorini. Moreover, this will allow you to complete all the things to do in Santorini. Read Also: The Best Luxury Villas Greece Le Collectionist: Why Are They Unique? Chios Greece Travel Guide: How To Explore Chios Beyond Santorini? 9 Best Beaches In Greece That You Must Visit Once In Your Life

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history. This has led to a massive online interest in dark tourism in Canada. Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton, or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide, are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.  Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917. So, let’s explore the scary and unusual sites.  THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada  In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources, or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe out the history of disease and suffering, as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.  So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of Canada's most prominent dark-tourism destinations.  Canada has many dark-tourism sites that tell tales of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts of these sites if you want to walk into the shadows.  Asbestos  Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is no longer done here, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.  The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.   Unfortunately, asbestos use became widespread by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, people discovered it caused many health hazards for workers in the industry or those living near an asbestos plant or mine.  Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning its use, import, and export, Canada kept it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.  Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground. Halifax  In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I. On 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian ship SS Imo collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, making it the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.  This human tragedy, however, marked a milestone in changing Halifax's medical landscape. Two prominent examples were improvements in pediatric surgery and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December. Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada  Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. On paranormal tours here, you can explore paranormal equipment and meet experts for an otherworldly experience. You can also visit Edmonton's haunted buildings. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel its breath.  Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiancé left her on their wedding day.  So, she committed suicide by hanging herself by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.  She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.  Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit Moreover, if you're in Edmonton to experience haunted activities, Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or being disturbed at this place. It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields. This also suggests paranormal activity.  The Museum of Fear and Wonder https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsrNX5L7Al/?hl=en&img_index=1 It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone, with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.  The little jack-o’-lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.  The museum carefully places all the collectibles to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the museum's founders, does not believe things can be haunted or related to paranormal activity.  According to him, things, at most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.  Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating feelings of repulsion. Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.  Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winters in the Prairie region drove residents to leave. In the 1800s, many Europeans came to Canada and received free land to set up a working farm within a year. As a result, the prairie became a bustling home for farmers and their families. Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era. Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually. As you walk through Saskatchewan's ghost towns, you will never feel alone. You'll always feel like someone is following you or walking with you. Even at the most dilapidated structure, you feel like someone could come out at any moment. I planned to go inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I grew anxious and left. The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.   The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories. Rowley was a town of about 500 people in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the town, causing residents to leave. A lack of rain dried up the crops.Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.  Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues and Legends of the Fall used some of these buildings as locations. Visit Rowley in the summer, when it offers free tours. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties fund restoration and preservation efforts.  THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are: Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s) A Printing Press A School Now Abandoned Former Hospital Abandoned Railway Tracks A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner) Municipality of Starland Office Canada National Telegraphs Building Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues. The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate 1920s scenarios.  So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeking through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.  Overall, the experience felt like being in a classic Western movie.  Alberta Frank Slide  Alberta Frank Slide is one of Canada's most tragic dark-tourism sites. 121 years ago, this place witnessed Canada's deadliest slide. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people. What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide? It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.  Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 in Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.  “It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.  However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers each year, and scientists suspect it will come down again.  That said, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.  When you're in Alberta, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 hit the area hard. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town, where 189 miners died in a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.