Traveler’s Must-Know! 5 Money-Saving and Practical Packing Tips

BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2025

As a couple, imagine sitting on the wide deck of the cruise ship, sipping sparking water, staring at the horizon! With your partner right beside you, holding on to your fingers while you both see the sun slowly setting, coloring the sky red!   “What a romantic thing to do! To make me think of you!”   The line resembles what you feel as a couple when you go on one of the best cruises for couples in the Caribbean! The spectacular turquoise waters create the perfect background for some of the best Caribbean cruises you are on.   So, what are your plans to visit the Caribbean? Let's get inspired by the celebrity cruise experiences and share them with your partner. Not just exploring new places but also tasting new cuisines and watching over the horizon, getting to see new migratory birds!   Let me share with you some of the most romantic destinations and which cruise packages are perfect to take you there!    THESE Romantic Destinations Make Best Cruises for Couples!   As a couple, you need to spend quality time with each other. Going on a cruise with beautiful scenery is a perfect date setting! Let me tell you, going on one of the best cruises for couples means you get to spend quality time together.   Additionally, you get to do fun activities such as jazz dance, go for spa treatments, fine dining, or watch a movie together. There are a variety of experiences that you will get from one of these romantic destinations that you can visit while on a cruise together.   Let us explore more about these cruises, be it the princess cruise package or the sunset cruise package. It will not just relax you and your partner individually but also improve your relationship as a couple. Furthermore, you can also get some February vacation ideas!   The Mediterranean   The priceless moments that you will experience while romancing your partner on a Mediterranean cruise are unmatched. If you are both huge adventure seekers, this is the perfect cruise to go for you!    You can book some of the best Mediterranean cruises 2025 after learning more in this blog! Go through diverse experiences and make memories for a lifetime with your partner. You can go biking across the Tuscan hills or you can walk on the streets of Rome, hand in hand with your lover.    You can also see the beautiful leaning Tower of Pisa! Additionally, you can cozy up in a Venetian Gondola, spending beautiful moments of togetherness. If you know how to swim, you can go for a dip in the clean and sparkling waters of Corfu.   Hawaii   Are you wondering about going on a cruise with your partner? Do you have any idea about some of the best cruises for couples? Of course, how can we forget Hawaii as the paradise of all cruise experiences?   You will need at least 19 days to go on this cruise trip! However, if you cannot manage that long, why don’t you choose the 16-Day Hawaiian Islands roundtrip? You can get on the cruise from San Francisco, California. It will cover five ports in Hawaii, Kona, Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Ensenada!   Hawaii is known for its nightlife along with entertainment in the Island-inspired activities. Do not miss the world-class cuisine! Enjoy beautiful ocean views.    Alaska   If you are planning to see beautiful glaciers and check out some of the coolest wildlife, Alaska as a destination offers one of the best cruises for couples. Arctic excursions are not everyone’s cup of tea hence, committing to this cruise is the best way to enjoy Alaska.   The beautiful blue of the sky and the lake of the place make a perfect view for you and your partner to enjoy a glass of wine together! Simultaneously, some of the best Alaska cruises will ensure your perfect holiday.   You can take princess cruises or celebrity cruises, depending on your requirements, be it a spa, or delicious Italian restaurant!   Key West   There is no direct cruise line going to the Key West especially because of the increasing risks to the fragile tropical environment. The economy of the place is dependent on tourism therefore, cruise ships dock at the closest piers, be it the Navy-owned Outer Mole pier or the Truman Annex!   You have to watch the beautiful sunsets at the Key West cruise lines! Along with that, you get live music and a full bar. You must enjoy the delicious cuisine that is available on these cruises.   New Orleans   There are some specific activities and elements of cruise travel that you can enjoy when in New Orleans! When you want to go on a romantic date or trip, you have to take one of the best cruises for couples.   Starting from stunning views of the city, delicious Creole cuisine, and live jazz music combine to offer you a unique New Orleans experience. The cruises go through the Mississippi River giving you the genuine traditional feel of New Orleans.   New England   Are you planning to go on a romantic trip to New England on a cruise ride? Let me share with you some of the best cruises for couples such as Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise or Lighthouse Lovers Cruise in Portland.   Furthermore, you can go for a whale-watching trip on the cruise in Gloucester. You will get to see pristine beaches while on the cruise along with scenic harbors all around. The CruiseLine can be completed in seven days, going from Quebec to Bar Harbor to Boston.    San Francisco   For me, one of the best cruises for couples if you want to go to San Francisco. You can go on a romantic sunset Catamaran Cruise where you can go around the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. You will get a complete view of the city at night, having the perfect date night!   Henceforth, you will get guides on these cruises along with those who will give you informative commentary. Simultaneously, you will also experience the beauty of the city with its sky-high buildings and bridges.   The Caribbean   What is more beautiful than the white sand and turquoise water, bringing you the most peaceful sound ever? Let's not forget the beautiful palm trees lining the beaches! If you are a couple in love, celebrating your wedding anniversary, or want to host your wedding, this is it for you.   The cruises are available year-round with five departure ports! The itinerary includes 23 islands covering all the regions. They have 11 ships active on that route and what is a better experience than going on a cruise, having a laidback vibe, enjoying local food, and island hopping?   Are you Ready for Some Romance?   Now that we have shared with you some of the most romantic destinations that you can cover, I am sure your plans are ready. Get your reservations on one of these best cruises for couples and use the trip packages to the best of your advantage.   Most of these cruises are of 5 nights and above! They cover at least 3 to 5 ports when going on the cruise including local cuisine and local Island inspired activities.   Comment below on what you think is the best cruise trip that you think of out of the ones I have mentioned. Do let us know some of the best cruises you have gone on with your partner!  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  Arnab Sep 28, 2022

If you consider yourself a boat enthusiast and have been planning to get a yacht for so long, perhaps this is the perfect time to fulfill that dream. Since the pandemic, there has been an unexpected increase in demand for boats, which is unlikely to go down soon. If you are not going to start taking advantage of your time and energy today to enjoy life, when will you wait? Here Are The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Get A Yacht In 2024: Whether a first-time buyer or an experienced boat-lover, you will want to read this article. We will discuss why this is the perfect time to get a yacht. Let’s go straight to it! 1. Enhances Happiness These days, people are becoming more workaholics than ever, which is not at all beneficial. The constant stress from pressure, traffic, toxic environment, and screen time can significantly cause mental and physical health decline. Humans don’t realize it until they are already in the worst state of well-being. Spending a few days or weeks away from work is a great way to unwind and find things that make you feel alive again. If you love boats, getting a yacht will be a good distraction from worries. You can also use it to enjoy the ocean and do relaxing activities with your family. 2. Helps exercise your body When you are boating, you don’t just spend all of your time lounging under the sun. You will also do some cleaning, supply loading, towing, and launching. These things can be good for your muscles, as they help keep your body healthy. When you are in the water, swimming and water sports are also great examples of cardio exercises. Even if you are not actively working out, such small actions are enough to keep your muscles in place and strong. 3. Feel comfortable away from home Owning a yacht is like having another house on the water. Most boats have great features and amenities that cater to large families for vacations, parties, and weekend getaways. Sometimes, it can be scary to stay in a new environment. If you have a yacht, you don’t have to worry about that because the whole place is yours. You can even move it around the ocean and find a place where you can enjoy the view and time with your family.  You can try checking out the yachts available in Simpson Marine, as they have a wide selection that you can choose from.  4. Learn new skills No person learns about boating from just research. It takes real experience to master such things, and you can only achieve that by working on an actual yacht. You can hone your skills in essential maintenance, fixing faulty wirings, and the overall operation on board in different weather conditions. 5. See the world from a new perspective There’s something magical about being in the ocean that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It’s like a whole other world, filled with marine animals and unique beauties. If you own a yacht, you have the freedom to explore your surroundings and find new things along the way. You can visit secluded islands, hidden coves, secret beaches, and more that are not usually accessible by land travel. 6. Make friends There is a whole community that loves yachts as much as you do. Meeting new people with the same interest and passion can be fulfilling and gives a sense of belongingness. If you’re lucky, you can even make friends that you can rely on for a long time, especially with things related to yachts. 7. Opportunity for business Aside from getaways and quick vacations with friends and family, you can use your yacht for a charter, just like this Key West Yacht Rentals. This way, you can earn money for maintenance and even get a portion of what you initially paid. This is an excellent opportunity if you don’t necessarily spend most of your time on board.  8. Privacy It’s okay to enjoy little vacations every once in a while, but other people can sometimes ruin it for you. Owning your boat means privacy. You don’t have to spend your time around people you don’t know, and you can also choose the people you want to sail with. Also, you can do whatever you want because the whole yacht is yours! 9. Social distancing Even if it is not for the pandemic, it’s okay to distance yourself from the real world when needed. You can use the time to do things you love or even discover new things about yourself.  10. Morale boost If there is a most important reason to get a yacht today, it is the fact that you deserve it. If you have the budget right now, then that is because you worked hard. It is okay to reward yourself if that is what your heart truly wants. You should start living your life today however you want to. Read Also: Speed Boat Miami Tour – Sightseeing And Entertainment Discover Paradise On A Seychelles Yacht Charter Where To Stay In Key West? – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Nov 4, 2025

I was having sticky rice with steamed hot freshwater fish cooked in banana leaves at Tamarind Restaurant. I took the first bite and I closed my eyes. It was a moment to cherish, to feel! The taste was similar yet distinctly different from what I usually have at home. Sticky rice is the soul of Lao cuisine, and it is related to community sentiment, as every village has its own rice field. And the fish was a game of perfect balance, and the spiciness was just right to titillate the taste buds, but not overpowering.  Furthermore, as I explored the villages and went a little way away from the town center, I found food cooked in bamboo hollows. Another important aspect of Lao cuisine is the art of fermentation.  From sun-dried fish and meat to fermented vegetables and salted lime, a Lunag Prabang food tour is an experience curated with love. Also, to cherish the authentic flavors of Laos, you have to try the street food here. It’s not Vietnamese, not Thai, but simply Laotian.  I will talk about these street food delicacies shortly. However, before that, let’s find out what makes the food in Luang Prabang Special.  Cooking Techniques And Ingredients That Make Food In Luang Prabang Special  Food in Luang Prabang and Laos stands out for its distinctive techniques and ingredients. Check out the table below for a brief understanding. Techniques/IngredientsUse in Luang Prabang FoodFermentation• Key to Local Laos Flavors• Used in Picked Vegetables, Soy, and Fish SauceGrilling• Grilling over Charcoal Gives the Fish or Meat a Distinct FlavorHerbsCommon Herbs Used Are:• Mint• Lemongrass• Coriander• Kaffir Lime• GalangalSticky Rice Steaming• Rice is Cooked in Bamboo Baskets over Boiling Water.  What Is The Best Street Food In Luang Prabang Laos?  Have you tried something as “interesting” as a honeycomb cooked and charred in banana leaves? I have. And the smell of charcoal and honeycomb got blended with the whiff of lemongrass and grilled fish.  This is what my senses caught first as the tuk-tuk dropped me at the morning market in Luang Prabang. Another thing I found special about the morning market was the presence of women in large numbers. Most vendors were women.  I saw a lady whose face looked like a painting with all the creases, but her smile was all about silent resilience. I went to her stall and ordered a bowl of khao soi. It was bliss with the right amount of pork, herbs, and tomatoes.  The sky was still pale pink, and I saw monks in saffron robes pass quietly collecting alms. My breakfast moment suddenly became about discovering everyday spirituality in the rhythm of food. I closely felt that breakfast is not just food for the people here, it’s about gratitude, humility, and connecting to the origin.  Now, my stories of Luang Prabang will never end. It’s like the silent river that flows and does its magic by touching the lives on its route. So, let me share with you brief details about the best street food in Luang Prabang you cannot miss. 1. Khao Soi Luang Prabang Everyone loves Khao Soi in Luang Prabang. This pork soup with fermented soy and tomatoes is the perfect breakfast delicacy here.  2. Lao Sausage (Sai Oua) It is a pork sausage delicacy. In these sausages, the pork meat is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and herbs.  3. Sticky Rice (Khao Niew) You cannot imagine a complete Lao meal without sticky rice. I love to have sticky rice with fish.  4. Grilled Mekong Fish In Luang Prabang, they use fresh riverwater fish to make this dish. They marinate the fish using local herbs and grill it on charcoal for a distinct flavor.  But do you know why grilled fish in Luang Prabang tastes even better? Mr. Somchai, a Mekong fish griller, said, “We catch fish at dawn and grill them by sunset. No freezer, just fire.” 5. Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok) The coconut pancakes are also the most unique in flavor. It has a crispy outer layer, which is complemented by the creaminess inside.  These pancakes are served with spring onions.  6. Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong) If you love the pungency of fermented fish, this crunchy salad will be your instant favorite. The raw papayas used in the salad give the dish the right crunch.  Furthermore, the fermented fish sauce and the use of lemon add the right balance of flavors to the salad.  7. Larb (Laap) Larb is a comfort food. It’s a salad with minced meat, lime, mint, and rice powder. It has the right balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors.  It is the national dish of Laos and a common staple in everyday food and festivals.  8. Jaew Bong Jaew Bong is more like a condiment or a side served with dishes like fried seaweed. It is a smoky chilli paste with strong flavors of garlic and buffalo skin.  9. Fried Seaweed (Khai Paen) I liked the umami flavors of the fried seaweed or Khai Paen here. It was served with roasted sesame seeds, which added just the right amount of nutty balance to the dish.  Also, the fried seaweed dish came with Jaew Bong. 10. Spring Rolls Spring rolls are my favorite, and I love the ones with fish stuffing the most. So, at Luang Prabang, a hub of freshwater fish, I had to try these spring rolls.  I had the fried ones with the vermicelli, giving the outer layer the right amount of crunch.  11. Banana Roti Traditionally, a banana roti is a flatbread with banana slices and a condensed milk topping. The bread's crispiness balances the banana filling's moisture.  The banana rotis are also served with chocolate syrup and sugar. I even tried the ones with an egg filling. 12. Grilled Chicken Skewers Now, the grilled chicken skewers here are different, mostly because of the prominent presence of lemongrass. And honestly, the amount of lemongrass used was a bit too much for my taste.  However, it’s the way the locals love it.  13. Lao Coffee Lao coffee, for me, was like the desert I could have every day and not get bored with. It is rich and sweet as it uses condensed milk.  However, the use of condensed milk does not overpower the strong aroma of coffee. 14. Fruit Shakes           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Escaping Abroad (@escapingabroad) The food stalls in Luang Prabang have some amazing fruit shakes. I loved the dragon fruit shakes here the most. However, mango and pineapple shakes are also easily available.  15. Rice Cakes With Coconut If the morning market treated me with the best khao soi, the night market treated me with the best rice cakes with coconut.  The Sun dipped, and the night market became alive with gold and red lanterns adorning the stalls. I could smell a mix of chili smoke, coconut milk, and sticky rice roasting on bamboo skewers. At a stall, I was sitting on a wooden bench with the locals, and I was waiting for my vegetarian buffet with stir-fried greens, bamboo shoots, and pumpkin curry to be served. Suddenly, the lady vendor of the stall smiled and nodded, and handed me a few rice cakes with coconut.  The dessert was as delightful as the night air in Luang Prabang, and despite many requests, the lady did not take any money for the rice cakes. Rather, we started having conversations and shared a laugh. Some soft Lao music was being played at a distance. So, my dinner moment at the night market became an act of bonding.  Almost one year later, I read an article about the distinct nature of food in Laos in the South China Morning Post. I could relate to what Saeng Douangdara, a Lao-American chef based in Los Angeles, said,  “For Lao people, food holds a central place. It serves as a unifying force that brings people together.”  Overall, I think the way people approach food here stems from the fact that it is a Buddhist land. It’s all about gratitude and mindful consumption.  How To Take The Best Food Tours In Luang Prabang? (Some Ideas To Explore) My local guide and the tuk-tuk drivers completely curated my food exploration journey in Luang Prabang. I became friends with Seng, a local tuk-tuk driver. He said,  “The best food isn’t in restaurants—it’s in the alleyways. Follow the locals.” My morning food tour in Luang Prabang to the market became all the more special by participating in the alms-giving ceremony.  You have to experience the profound meaning behind the restraint and silence of the entire experience to understand why it is spiritually elevating. Also, the night market has a charm of its own, and the morning and night markets both need to be explored on foot.  However, if you want a more luxurious tour, you can opt for something like Marriott Bonvoy Tours and Activities. Professional food guides conduct these tours, and the tour includes more than 15 tastings. It is a movable tour with many spots around the Old City. Furthermore, Asia Tours conducts a food tour in Luang Prabang with organic farm visits and learning to cook from a local chef. Also, Thrillophilia conducts a tour with a street food walk, cultural storytelling, and exploring vegetarian-friendly options.  Street Food Map & Walking Route In Luang Prabang If you ask me, I will tell you to keep the Luang Prabang food tour spontaneous, and you must listen to your local guide.  However, you can also follow this simple walking route map for a Luang Prabang food tour.  Taking a tuk-tuk or a walk to the Morning Market near Wat Mai Heading to Ban Phanluang for grilled fish stalls Exploring the night market at Sisavangvong Road Trying local drinks and Lao Tapas at Utopia Bar Morning Vs. Evening Market Guide Luang Prabang Here is a brief comparison between the morning and night markets in Luang Prabang. CriteriaMorning MarketNight MarketTiming• Opens at 5:30 AM• Starts around 5:00 PMBest for• Fresh Produce• Herbs• Breakfast Items• Grilled Meat• Souvenirs• DessertsMust Try Items• Khao Soi• Sticky Rice• Coconut Pancakes• Lao Sausage• Banana Roti• Grilled Fish A 2-Day Luang Prabang Food Tour Itinerary  Making an itinerary for a food tour is difficult, as you cannot rush it. The idea is not to consume as much as you can. It’s about cherishing the flavors, the cultural content, the bonding, the tradition, and the people behind it.  Still, here is a 2-day itinerary for the Luang Prabang food tour.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Exploring the morning market at Phousi Road and participating in the alms-giving ceremony• Having coffee at Le Banneton• Lunch and cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant• Exploring the Night Market Food AlleyDay 2• Mekong Breakfast Cruise• Dara Market Visit• Lunch at Khaiphaen Restaurant• Visiting Whisky Village and trying Lao Lao Whisky• Dinner at Manda de Laos Luang Prabang Food And Buddhist Rituals  The Tak Bat Ceremony, or the alms giving ceremony, makes the food tour in Luang Prabang associated with Buddhist rituals. Monks are offered fruits and sticky rice at dawn.  Furthermore, food becomes the core of community celebration during festivals such as Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year. In these festivals, the local people prepare food for monks.  In addition, food tour organizers such as A Chef’s Tour organize a Luang Prabang Food Tour, including a Monk Blessing Ceremony. Vegetarian Options In Luang Prabang Food  The vegetarian food options in Luang Prabang are many due to its Buddhist roots. You have to just say “Bor Sai Nyam” or “No Meat” to vendors to get vegetarian food.  Here are the alternatives or vegetarian versions for the popular staples in Luang Prabang.  Common FoodVegetarian AlternativeLarb• Options with mushrooms and tofu are available. Papaya Salad• Request not to use fish sauce in the dressingSpring Rolls• Use veg fillingsFruit Shakes• Avoid dairy products in the fruit shakes Sticky rice, the staple item in the Luang Prabang food, is already a vegan item. You can have it with any veg side or fried seaweed without the chilli and buffalo skin paste.  Estimated Food Prices In Luang Prabang  The budget of your food tour will depend on the places you eat. For example, the same dish brought from a street stall will cost at least 10000 LAK when you eat at a top-grade restaurant.  Furthermore, some delicacies such as the coconut pancakes or coconut rice cakes may not be available at all restaurants.  DishStreet Stall PriceRestaurant PriceKhao Soi10,000 LAK (\$0.50)30,000 LAK (\$1.50)Lao Sausage15,000 LAK (\$0.75)40,000 LAK (\$2.00)Grilled Fish25,000 LAK (\$1)60,000 LAK (\$3.00)Larb25,000 LAK (\$1.25)70,000 LAK (\$3.50) Things To Keep In Mind For A Delightful Luang Prabang Food Tour Arrive at the morning market before 6 AM to talk to the local vendors and have freshly made coconut pancakes, steamed sticky rice, and khao soi. Arriving before the crowd helps to have authentic conversations with the local vendors.  You must follow where the locals are heading. A smart tip: Find the food stalls in the alleys near the temples. You will often notice long queues in front of those shops.  Also, most street foods cost between 5,000 and 20,000 LAK. So, carry small change.  Make sure that the vendor at the food stall you visit is wearing gloves, and use clean utensils.   Keep your behavior respectful while taking part in an alms-giving ceremony or food tours blessed by monks.  Luang Prabang Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang food tour.  1. What Is The Most Famous Street Food In Luang Prabang? Khao Soi, or the pork noodle soup, is the most famous street food in Luang Prabang. It is a popular breakfast item. However, it is a wholesome dish with pork, tomatoes, and subtle flavors. Unlike traditional Thai Khao Soi, the Luang Prabang Khao Soi does not use coconut-based curry. Instead, it has fermented soybean paste.  2. Is Street Food Safe In Luang Prabang? Yes, street food is safe in Luang Prabang. However, you have to visit food stalls that locals frequent. Also, drink bottled water. Most importantly, when trying local liquors at the Whisky Village or local stalls, take your guide's suggestions.  3. Can I Join A Food Tour As A Vegetarian? Yes, you can join a food tour as a vegetarian. You can always replace the minced pork or fish in springroll stuffing or choose tofu and mushrooms in larb. Just mention, Bor Sai Nyam or no meat to the vendor. In addition, you can customize the spice level in your food with adjustments in spice levels or ingredients.