Is Costa Rica Safe for Traveling? Costa Rica Safety Guide

BY  Mashum Nov 20, 2024

Puerto Rico is more than just a beach vacation. There is a reason why it is all over the internet, with a 22% surge in the search volume in 2024 (year-on-year). The UN Tourism report further highlights Puerto Rico as the second-most searched Caribbean destination.  The tourism attractions in Puerto Rico are diverse, and there is a sincere attempt from the government to develop the tourism infrastructure.  San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has a vital role to play in the tourism boost of Puerto Rico. Along with being a stunning destination, San Juan also has vibrant street art and a happening neighborhood. Moreover, it is a quintessence of joie de vivre.  Need more reasons to head to San Juan? It has many activities that will not charge you a single buck. Sounds fun, right? Let’s explore the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  You Can Try The Following Things To Do In San Juan, Puerto Rico, For Free | Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In The Caribbeans  It will not be a jugglery of words if I call San Juan a “Caribbean Gem.” By the end of the 1800s, San Juan became a part of the USA. Further, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city under the USA jurisdiction. Did You Know?Some airlines in Puerto Rico have increased their line of flights. Avelo Airlines is one of them and it has added a flight in “The Lakeland (LAL) – San Juan (SJU) route.” Further, it is the second route it has added to its itinerary outside the continental USA.  The flight will have 20000 more seats, and this addition is expected to yield an economic impact of $6.3 million only in the first year of the line’s operations. This news corroborates the prospects and boost of tourism in San Juan.“The strengthening and expansion of air access to the island is key to the full development of the local tourism industry, so negotiations to attract new airlines and the increase in routes and frequencies is decisive for everyone. We share the enthusiasm of Avelo management with this new non-stop route since this new service between Puerto Rico and Florida will result in economic benefits for the entire tourism industry.”Carlos Mercado-Santiago, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) The city has rainforest, beaches with cobalt blue waters, century-old architecture, heritage, and of course, the things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  So, why not try them? 1. Explore The Street Art In Santurce El Patio de Sole is a local restaurant on Calle Cerra and it is one of the highlights of Santruce, the most happening neighborhood of San Juan.  Murals and larger-than-life art pieces by street artists have transformed this locality into a vibrant art gallery.  Calle Loíza, the “Foodie and Arts Avenue” of Santruce, is another great place to explore street art here. Moreover, Aguacates and Las Musas are some of the best larger-than-life installations here. Did You Know?Almost 10 years back, San Juan, Santurce, and the entire Puerto Rico were going through an economic crisis. Through the Santurce Es Ley street art festival and the Color Libre engagement project, the street artists addressed social problems.   2. Enjoy Bird Feeding At Parque de las Palomas Parque de las Palomas is a public park and it is a place to relax amidst or after a tiring day at work. You can just sit on the benches overlooking the ocean and enjoy the cool breeze here.  Further, feeding birds at Parque de las Palomas is one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free. This park is home to pigeons. You can collect bird seed from the park kiosk and feed these playful creatures.  3. Indulge In Street Food At Piñones Piñones on the beach bustle with local street foods. You can have fresh coconut here. Also, the alcapurrias and empanadas available at the local kiosks are amazing. Tour And Travel Note Don’t forget to get some honey and souvenirs from local vendors and artisans here. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a bike ride in the mangrove forest.  4. Flying Kites At El Morro El Morro, a famous fort in San Juan, is located on the top of a hill, and it overlooks the bay. The grassy land in front of the fort is a big draw to the visitors.  The high winds here make the grassy stretch ideal for flying kites. You can carry your own kites or buy one from the local vendors and enjoy your time with kids and the ones young at heart.  5. Sunbathing Playa Ocean Park, a hub of offshore reefs, is the highlight of Condado, the most popular beach in San Juan. Condado and all other beaches of Puerto Rico are free as those are public land. Further resorts like Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and La Concha make visiting Condado one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Moreover, you can go kitesurfing or just relax on the beach and enjoy a sunbath.  6. Paseo De La Princesa Scenic Walk Paseo De La Princesa is an esplanade. This 19th-century promenade from the cruise port to El Morro fort stands out due to its European vibe. As you take a walk along Paseo De La Princesa, just outside the city wall, you will find large trees making arches. Further, the antique street lamps will grab the attention of any connoisseur. Moreover, you will find many food vendors as you enjoy the scenic walk. Are you travelling with your partner? Visit Paseo De La Princesa during sunset for the most romantic experience.  7. Experience The Best Of Night Life At La Placita De Santurce Do you want to experience the happening nightlife of San Juan? You must visit La Placita De Santurce after 9 PM as most of the bars here open after 9 or 10 PM and remain functional till early morning. Especially on the weekend, La Placita, or the famous market square, is the most vivacious with people on the street. Enjoy the Salsa moves and the grooviest reggaeton music.  8. Take A Walk In The San Juan Botanical Garden Operating Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM The San Juan Botanical Garden is a great place for the study of local plants and animals. The botanical garden is on the University of Puerto Rico campus. You can take a free entry here, and you also don’t need to pay any charges for parking.  This is a great place to relax and exercise in San Juan. It is also perfect for a picnic. Moreover, you can explore the Japanese bridges and trails to make the most of your time here.  9. Pray At San Juan Cathedral Operating Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM (Sunday - Up to 2 PM) Mass Times: 7:25 AM and 12:15 PM on Weekdays, 7 PM on Saturdays, 9 AM and 11 AM on Sundays The Catedral de San Juan Bautista, or San Juan Cathedral, is the oldest church in the entire Western Hemisphere.  Juan Ponce de Leon rests here, and the church also houses the mummified remains of a martyr from the first century, St. Pio.  Attending the Noche Buena mass on 24th December is a one-of-a-kind experience at this church.  To make the most of these fun and free things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you need comfortable accommodation in the city. The table below has a list of some of the best hotels in San Juan with contact details.  Hotel In San Juan, Puerto RicoContact Number Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort+1 787-791-0404Residence Inn Isla Verde+1 787-961-1155Hyatt House San Juan+1 787-977-5000Dream Inn PR+1 787-200-6340Condado Vanderbilt Hotel +1 787-721-5500Tropica Beach Hotel+1 787-728-8119La Concha Renaissancece San Juan Resort+1 787-721-7500Dreamcatcher by DW+1 787-455-8259Hotel El Convento+1  787-723-9020AC Hotel San Juan Condado+1 787-827-7280 If you are planning to explore the best things to do in San Juan, contact any of the hotels first to book your accommodation.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Jul 6, 2026

“Hayley Atwell has revealed the best road trips she and Gerard Butler have taken across Victoria as the A-list pair film their action thriller Empire City in Melbourne.”  Herald Sun, 7th January, 2026.  This excerpt from the Herald Sun news shows why and how Melbourne is changing for the better as a romantic tourism destination.  It was already famous for its laneways, coffee culture, and arts scene. Now, it has emerged as one of the most romantic places to propose in Australia.  No wonder that the internet is getting flooded with “romantic proposal ideas Melbourne” queries.  Also, this surging popularity is massively backed by the fact that couples are drawn to its mix of modern city energy and soft, scenic pockets that feel surprisingly intimate once you know where to look. Moreover, Melbourne, with its natural landscape supporting meaningful moments, stands out.  You can move from a riverside walk to a hidden garden or a rooftop skyline view within minutes, each setting offering a different kind of atmosphere for a proposal that feels personal rather than staged. Here is more on why Melbourne is now the most sought-after place for proposals.  Why Melbourne Works So Well For Proposals? Melbourne beautifully blends a vibrant urban life with serene green spaces and coastal retreats.  Furthermore, it has some intangible heritage such as the Yarra River, St Kilda Beach, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.  These are peaceful gathering places and sanctuaries that allow cultural reflection and foster wellness practices and connection.  Moreover, the seasonal beauty of the city and the fusion of contemporary design and historic architecture keep the city so alive!  1. A City Built On Contrast And Character Historic architecture and contemporary design give Melbourne a distinct character.  Furthermore, this contrast creates diverse options for creating backdrops for engagement or proposal moments.  So, from the elegance of Southbank at sunset to the quieter charm of Fitzroy’s leafy streets, you can make your choice in Melbourne!  2. Seasonal Beauty That Enhances Every Moment Melbourne shines with its beauty every season. So, it is a year-round destination for weddings and proposals.  Autumn brings warm tones through the parks, while spring fills the Royal Botanic Gardens with soft colour and movement.  Even winter has its appeal, with moody skies and cosy indoor spaces that feel intimate rather than cold. Romantic Spots That Set The Scene Some couples gravitate towards iconic locations like the Royal Botanic Gardens, where still water and greenery create a calm, cinematic setting.  Others prefer the coastal feel of St Kilda Pier, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to reflect across the water. Laneway proposals have also become increasingly popular. There is something quietly romantic about tucked-away corners, where the noise of the city fades and the moment feels like it belongs only to two people. Nevertheless, there are spots you can choose from if you want to excel in your romantic proposal ideas in Melbourne.  1. The Princes Bridge  If you want to propose to your beloved during twilight hours, the Princes Bridge will be the best destination in Melbourne.  The Arts Centre spire is on the Princes Bridge, and the iconic Yarra River flows beneath it. So, when the last ray of the Sun for the day catches the water, the entire ambiance becomes magical.  Weekday evenings are the best if you want a quiet moment, as sometimes it is even busier than the Royal Botanic Gardens.  Moreover, for the best photo ops, choose the southern side of the bridge.  2. Royal Botanic Gardens Yes, it is an obvious choice and everyone making a list of romantic proposal places to visit in Melbourne will consider it.  However, very few lists mention that the dusk or the moments before sunset are the best time for a proposal here.  It is the moment when you will feel the city going into silence behind the treeline. Also, the pool near the Ornamental Lake reflects the changing colors of the sky and the entire ambiance perfectly.  3. Choose Eureka Skydeck, 88th Floor, For A Grand Proposal  Eureka Skydeck has transformed the romantic proposal scenes in Melbourne. 285 meters above the city, you are saying the magical words to your partner with the entire city as the witness.  The Edge, the glass cube extending from the building, makes the experience all the more dramatic.  The Role Of Jewellery In Melbourne Proposals A proposal in Melbourne often carries a sense of intention, where every detail feels meaningful, especially the ring.  Many couples are moving away from trend-led choices and leaning towards pieces that reflect personal stories, long-term value, and a deeper emotional connection. This shift has placed thoughtful craftsmanship at the centre of modern engagement ring selection.  Brands such as Cullen Jewellery embody this direction through designs that feel refined, contemporary, and carefully considered.  Their presence in Australia has made it easier for couples to explore rings that align with both everyday lifestyle and individual values. Cullen Jewellery Melbourne designs collection highlights this connection even further, offering styles that sit naturally within Melbourne’s understated yet expressive aesthetic. Each design reflects a balance between modern architecture, natural surroundings, and the city’s creative energy, making it a fitting choice for couples planning proposals across Melbourne’s diverse settings. Proposal Ideas Melbourne: Planning A Proposal That Feels Personal The best proposal ideas Melbourne focus more than just the scale. In fact, you have to consider three components to master the art of proposing.  Timing Setting Emotional Alignment Furthermore, have you ever been to a Melbourne garden in the morning? It feels so peaceful and calm.  On the other hand, if you want to propose in the evening, choose the Yarra River as your destination.  It brings a sense of quiet energy as the city lights reflect off the water. Moreover, you have to add some personal touches to make a proposal idea stand out. Also, some couples want to make the event more memorable by choosing places where they first met or kissed.  Others prefer to create a new memory in a location they have never shared before. What matters most is that the moment feels authentic to the relationship rather than shaped by expectation.

BY  Sibashree Aug 24, 2026

Thekkady may not have the best tourist season in 2026 due to the fall in the water level of the Periyar Lake. Still, it remains a classic Kerala experience with its unpredictable and untamed nature and wildlife. My day in Periyar started with an unexpected encounter with a majestic elephant. I was in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing my binoculars to get a glimpse of the wildlife. It was dawn, and the elephant seemed to appear from nowhere, evading the mist. This is how Thekkady catches you off guard. However, it is not just the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The Thekkady tourist places also include spice plantations, cultural centers, and some important places of religious and spiritual significance. Furthermore, the Thekkady resorts with private pool promise unmatched comfort for visitors who want a fusion of natural abundance and luxury. These focus on ecotourism and visibly function as extensions of the wild and untamed nature of Thekkady. It is no wonder that Thekkady had 757017 domestic visitors and 79736 foreign visitors in 2025. This data is from the Kerala Tourist Visits Statistics – 2025. Do you also want an immersive journey into Thekkady? I will talk about the tourist places, location, transport options, and a tentative itinerary. Where Is Thekkady? Thekkady is in the Idukki district of Kerala and close to the Tamil Nadu Border. Located in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is at the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Kumily, around 4 km away, is the nearest town, and most visitors choose to find accommodation in this town. Furthermore, with an elevation ranging between 700 and 1800 meters, Thekkady enjoys easy road connectivity to more famous tourism destinations such as Munnar, Kochi, Madurai, and Kottayam. Also, it is located at a distance of around 204 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. How To Reach Thekkady? The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai, which is located at a distance of around 136 KM. Also, the nearest railway station is Kottayam, and the distance is around 110 KM. From both places, you have to reach Thekkady by road. Madurai To Thekkady From the airport, you can book a private taxi to reach Thekkady within 3.5 to 4 hours. The charges will be around ₹3500-₹7500. You can also board the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from the M.G.R. Bus Stand to Kumily, which is just 5 minutes away from Thekkady. The travel time in these buses is around 3 hours and 20 minutes, and the ticket price is ₹154. Moreover, you can check the redBus platform for more such bus options. From Kottayam To Thekkady You can book a private car or taxi from Kottayam to Thekkady. The charges will be around ₹2600 to ₹4000. From Kottayam, you can also board KSRTC buses running from Ernakulam or Fort Kochi to Thekkady. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the ticket price will be between ₹150 and ₹300. Moreover, along with Kottayam and Madurai, many urban areas in Kerala, such as Kochi, have excellent road connectivity with Thekkady. What Are The Thekkady Tourist Places? The Thekkady tourist places are eclectic, offering a mix of wildlife, spiritual, and off-beat trekking experiences. Moreover, there are cultural places and tea factories. So, here, I have presented them in different categories. Nature And Wildlife Attractions While the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is at the epicenter of the wildlife experience in Thekkady, you can also visit the Elephant Junction. Here are more Thekkady tourist places for nature and wildlife exploration. 1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary And Tiger Reserve In 2022, Periyar Tiger Reserve won the title of the best-managed tiger reserve among the 54 reserves in the country. This is a community-based ecotourism project. Also, it is home to Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, leopards, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, and many other mammals. The sanctuary remains open from 6 AM to 7 PM. The entry fee to the national park is ₹45 for Indian adults and ₹15 for Indian children. For foreigners, the charges are ₹500 (adults) and ₹180 (children), respectively. 2. Elephant Junction Elephant Junction is the place to get up-close and personal with elephants in Thekkady. I am never in for the rides or the logging activities, as I know how these can literally ruin the lives of the adorable creatures. However, I enjoyed feeding them and watching them when they were taking a bath in the nearby stream. The safari park remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the packages start from ₹700. 3. Chellarkovil At a height of around 1200 meters above sea level, with a beautiful landscape and waterfall, it is an important ecotourism hub. Due to the ecotourism project here, you will come across many huts, medicinal plants, and pathways. Moreover, from the God’s Own Balcony of the Chellarkovil Watchtower, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the neighboring Theni and Kamabam. 4. Vandiperiyar At a distance of around 18 km from Thekkady, Vandiperiyar is a scenic hill and spice town in the Idukki district of Kerala. The beautiful Periyar River forms the lush landscape here, and it is also home to the Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden. This farm and flower garden feature a rich collection of roses, orchids, and anthuriums. Moreover, it has tea, coffee, and pepper plantations in abundance. Also Check: Natural Wonder: Top 11 Best Landscape Places In The World. Thekkady Tourist Places Offering Religious And Spiritual Experience The religious or spiritual vibe of Thekkady is not limited to designated temples. You will find the hidden and the most significant gems in a plantation town or at the top of a hill. 1. Ramakalmedu There is one famous saying about Ramakalmedu. It is the place where “the wind never stops.” However, around 40 km away from Thekkady, this mountain peak gets its name from the mythological legend of Lord Rama setting his foot on this rock. Also, once you reach the summit, you will find the Kuravan and Kurathy statues, the biggest in Kerala and inspired by local legends. It is a peaceful area, offering sweeping views of the Cumbum and Bodi villages on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. 2. Kurisumala Kurisumala, the tallest peak in Thekkady, means the “Mountain of the Cross.” This is a pilgrimage for Christians, who climb uphill with a cross. At the top, there is a peaceful monastery. Also, on the eastern side of this Kurisumala, stands Muruganmala. It has a Murugan temple, constructed by cutting a rock. 3. Mangala Devi Temple I reached the Mangala Devi Temple after a trek of around 11 km through the forest. Kannaki, the protagonist of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, is the presiding deity in this 100-year-old temple. After facing betrayal at this place, she transformed into a divine figure and blessed all the locals here. Thus, she became famous as Mangala Devi, or the deity who brings blessings. Unfortunately, the temple was closed when I visited it, and it only opens during the annual Chithrapournami festival. 4. Peermede Peermede, around 44 km away from Thekkady, is a plantation town. However, I visited it after knowing it was named after a Sufi Saint, Peer Mohammed. The town still has the mausoleum of the saint and the summer palace of the Royal Family of Travancore. After visiting these historical and spiritual places, you can also explore the rubber, cardamom, and tea plantations here. Also, for some more adventure, you can trek to Kuttikanam or Thrissanku Hills. How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Thekkady Tourist Places? Plan Your Itinerary Three to four days are enough to visit Thekkady tourist places. Here is an itinerary you can follow for a comfortable, rush-free experience. DaysFocusLocationsDay 1Wildlife and Town•Periyar Tiger Reserve  •Elephant Junction ChellarkovilDay 2PlantationsVandiperiyar RamakalmeduDay 3Peaks and HeritageKurisumala and Muruganmala Peermede So, when are you planning a trip to Thekkady? Remember that October to March is the best time to visit this hill town. Read Also: What Are The Best Family Vacation Spots In The World? Here Are Our Favorites What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel