Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure

BY  Pijus Maity 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 Dec 8, 2022

Are you a frequent traveler like I am? Well, if you are, you know it can take a lot of time to plan and organize travel arrangements and plane tickets. In my case, it helps if I have a reliable travel agency to do everything for me, so it becomes easier. But I am sure you have seen that not all travel agencies are reliable or legit. So, how will you know the difference without losing money? It would help if you read a thorough review of any travel agency, which is why I am here to review one of the best and trusted travel agencies I have used for my last few trips. So today, we are going to talk about the Trip.com travel agency. I can gush about it all day, but for you guys, I will stick to the facts. Trip.com has been around for a while. I know it still has questionable customer service and inappropriate customer reviews. So is trip.com legit? Or are we just wasting our time and money on it? About Trip.Com Trip.com Group Limited (parent company) is a Chinese travel service provider headquartered in Shanghai, and it was listed on NASDAQ in 2003 as Ctrip.com International. Also, I liked the fact that Trip.com is affiliated with about 1.4 million hotels and operates in approximately 200 countries and other regions. The company was established back in 1999. By now, they have over 2 million routes that connect over 5000 cities all over the world. The company has a massive network and well-connected 24/7 customer service in more than 20 languages. Also, its stocks are pretty high-stakes, as NASDAQ states. It's priced at $64.92. Recently, Trip.com, at the global partner summit, invited other travel agencies and industries to join them and build a future together. Why Is Trip.Com So Cheap? While booking your tickets, you would prefer somewhere you get the best deals. Although there are several places where you can save your money while traveling, getting the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, and other travel expenses is a good thing. And that is one of the great things I prefer about Trip.com, as they give the best deals on flights and hotels.  This makes them a popular choice for most travelers. But how do they offer such low prices compared to other companies? Ever thought of that? Since Trip.com sells to its customers directly, it can avoid other high costs from other agencies. And another thing that Trip.com does is they give back a part of the commission taken from the hotels and all the airlines to the customers, as low fare costs. So this is how Trip.com stays ahead of its competition. Can We Use Trip.com On Our Mobile Devices?  Of course! You can use Trip.com on your mobile devices. You just have to download their app. It is available for both iOS and Android. The app lets you book all sorts of tickets, such as: Flights  Hotels  Trains  Airport Rides  Attraction Tickets  You can also access Trip.com through their website on your mobile web browser.  Is Trip.Com Legit? If the company's legitimacy is in question, then there is no doubt that Trip.com is a legitimate company operating worldwide. Furthermore, it's been twenty years since the company has been operable, so you can rest assured that they are here to stay and will not disappear one day.  The services offered by Trip.com through their website are safe to use, and you can easily access flights and hotels from the website if you want.  And regarding website safety issues, it is safe and secured using SSL encryption to ensure all your data privacy, like financial and personal information.  Read More: Top Trips For Travelling With A Big Group Of People Are there Cancellation Policies on Trip.com? Trip.com has cancellation policies for flights, hotels, and trains, but these policies can be very different depending on the airline, hotel, or train operator, as well as the type of ticket or room you booked and when you cancel. Always check the specific rules for your booking to see if it is refundable and to find out what fees may apply.  How Can I Cancel A Flight Booking On Trip.com?  To cancel a flight booking on Trip.com, you need to follow the steps written below:  To cancel a flight booking on Trip.com, you need to follow the steps written below:  On your mobile or laptop, log in to your account on Trip.com. Once you are logged in, navigate to "My Trips -> All Bookings" or “Account -> All Bookings” on the Trip.com app.   To cancel your booking, tap "Manage My Booking" and select the "Cancel Booking" button. I want to clear, according to Trip.com’s Flight Cancellation Policy, you may have to pay a service fee and cancellation charges.  Now, you have to review the refund details. Then, you must confirm any processing fees that might be associated with cancelling your flights. Then, click "Next" to proceed to the details page.  Now, you must carefully verify the refund details and information, then tap "Submit" to complete the cancellation process. It will take a day or two for the amount to be refunded. How Can I Cancel A Hotel Booking On Trip.com? To cancel a hotel booking on Trip.com, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:  On your mobile or laptop, log in to your account on Trip.com.  Once you are logged in, navigate to "My Trips -> All Bookings" or “Account -> All Bookings” on the Trip.com app.  To cancel your hotel reservation, tap "Cancel Booking." Keep in mind that some hotels do not refund cancellations, while others may give a full or partial refund if you cancel by a certain date.  Enter the reason for cancelling your hotel booking and click "Submit" to confirm your cancellation.  After you submit your request, click "View cancellation policy" to check your refund details. Look over your refund information and status to finish the process.  How Can I Cancel A Train Booking On Trip.com?  Do you want to cancel a train booking on Trip.com? No biggie. You can follow the steps mentioned below: On your mobile or laptop, log in to your account on Trip.com.  Once you are logged in, navigate to "My Trips -> All Bookings" or “Account -> All Bookings” on the Trip.com app.  Click the "Refund" button to cancel your China High Speed train booking. Please remember that a small assistance fee may be taken from your refund.  To complete the cancellation process, please provide the front and back of your ID. After that, review the refund details. Finally, click the "Refund" button.  The refund fee for China High Speed trains depends on how early you cancel your ticket before the train departs. Here’s a simple overview of the refund fees:  Time Of Refund Fees Required More than 8 days No fee 48 hours-7 days 5% of the ticket fare 24 hours-48 hours 10% of the ticket fare Less than 24 hours 20% of the ticket fare  Is Trip.Com Reliable? Relying on a certain travel company can be tough, as hundreds of travel companies give great deals. So now the question is the trip com reliable?  The easy answer is yes. The Trip.com Group is a huge multinational Chinese company that is one of the world’s leading travel service providers. Although the figure isn’t accurate, currently, the Trip.com group has over 32,000 employees. In addition, the company owns other travel companies, such as CTrip and Skyscanner. Is Trip.com Better Than Other Online Travel Agencies?  Umm, it's really tricky to answer that in a single sentence. So, I will explain it in detail. You see, the other notable online travel agencies, or OTAs, include booking.com and Agoda.com. Now, Trip.com is a bit different than both these sites. How?  Well, firstly, these sites are more accessible depending on which destination you choose to travel to. To be precise, if you are planning a trip to China, please go to Trip.com. Also, if you want to book your entire trip together? Of course, including hotels, flights, and tours in one place, Trip.com is your answer.  Additionally, Trip.com will give you the best deals and possible discounted prices. Plus, you will have quick and easy booking, without any follow-up negotiations. These are all the reasons why I completely shifted to become a Trip.com user, and I intend to stay this way for a while. Trip.Com: Customer Reviews A company that has been around for more than twenty years is sure to have a good reputation and reliability as a travel company. But the real reviews come from the customers who have already used the services of Trip.com.  So here are a few original customer reviews of Trip.com.  **“Nice and easy! The details were clear with each step! Clearly showed the important stuff such as baggage allowances with each flight, dates, times, etc. On top of that, was cheaper than other websites I've tried looking. Will definitely keep using this moving forward!” ( August 24, 2025, Trustpilot)** **“I tried to book a flight then after typing all the information it kept showing it wasn’t available for like the next three times, every time showing a higher price… I wished it just showed what was available. The price turned out to be 3 times higher, still couldn’t book so I just gave up.” (August 25,2025, Trustpilot)** Is Trip.com Legit If The Reviews Are Mixed?  Even though most of the reviews the customers wrote are bad and negative, it is important to note that the company’s customer service department replied. They tried to respond to almost 94% of the bad reviews and tried to solve their problems. Not only the bad reviews. Trip.com even replied to the good reviews as well, showing their gratitude. So unlike most travel companies that ignore the negative reviews given by customers, Trip.com not only responds but tries to help them as well. Read More: Do You Know How To Buy Cheap Air Tickets?  Is Trip.com Legit? A Reliable Yes. Now that you are well aware of your question, is trip.com legit? You can decide whether you want to rely on Trip.com for your next trip plans. But it is important to note that you shouldn’t get discouraged due to the bad reviews as they are inevitable in every business. Rather it is important to know how the company deals with all those bead reviews and tries to improve itself. So if you think Trip.com legit is worth taking a chance on, comment below on how you feel. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

Travel is all about enjoying the sunny weather with the light breeze blowing away your hair. But, unlike a sprinkle, torrential rain can literally ruin your entire trip. Making it one of the worst memories. So, it is kinda wise to check the rainy season prior to visiting that place. This way, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and know when to travel and what to do during this time. For instance, Bangkok’s rainy season spans from May through the beginning of November. And, when it rains there, it literally pours down buckets. So, be prepared to get stuck in some muddy puddles and flooded metropolis. Making it tenfold difficult to travel to your destinations or go for a city walk. But, if you are a rain lover, you should know about a few things before setting off to Bangkok. Here, I have brought you a complete guide on things to do in Bangkok’s rainy season. Stay tuned! Why Is Bangkok’s Rainy Season Considered Low Season? During the rainy season, the temperature drops to 26 degrees with humid weather. So, you will feel stuffy while traveling to tour spots. Moreover, the rain comes in bursts of torrential pouring. Turning the entire city into a flooded region. So, traveling or commuting becomes more difficult. And to top it off, the sky is mainly overcast with clouds all the time. Just killing the vibes. So, you won’t be able to enjoy the place. Naturally, this season earned the nickname of “Low Season” because of the mood-ruining weather and low tourist visits. What You Should Do In Bangkok’s Rainy Season? Here is a list of the things you need to do when you are stuck in Bangkok during the rainy season. 1. Wear Rubber Shoes The last thing you need is to walk around with nothing on your feet; wear strong rubber flip flops/sandals that are made for wet weather, and you will have no issues.  A sturdy umbrella is always a wise thing to carry around in the rainy season, while a plastic anorak with a hood will save you if you get caught in a tropical downpour.  Staying in one of the best hotels in Bangkok Sukhumvit puts you in the centre of the action, close to BTS stations. 2. Keep Your Digital Device Dry Buy one of those waterproof plastic bags for smartphones and store your device in there, along with paper money and your passport.  If you get caught in a tropical storm, your stuff is very likely to get wet, and with a few dry bags, your stuff won’t get damaged.  You can buy these online, and they come in packs of 10. Wear the bag around your neck and keep everything you need to keep dry inside. 3. Avoid Walking In Water Imagine being in the middle of a busy market, with stalls everywhere and electric cables in use; accidents can and do happen, so avoid walking in water whenever possible.  Some foreigners take off their shoes and walk barefoot, which we don’t agree with.  This is dangerous for many reasons. For instance, you could stand on broken glass, and a foot infection could follow. Thailand is the number one destination for wellness retreats. 4. Take Cover In A Shopping Mall If you are out and about and the heavens open, seek refuge in a nearby shopping mall, at least until the water has receded. A coffee shop would be the perfect solution, and they would welcome your business.  One place you should not take shelter is under a tree, as lightning is common in tropical storms. Also, you should not be holding an umbrella when thunder and lightning are happening. 5. Afternoon Showers Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, and when it stops, the sun quickly dries everything out, and you would hardly know it had rained.  It rarely drizzles in Thailand, the rain is heavy and the sun quickly returns. The exterior electrics in Thailand leave a lot to be desired and water and electricity do not mix.  Use your common sense when it comes to being in water and avoid any situation you think might be dangerous. 6. Use The Canal Taxi Boats A great way to get around in the monsoon season, using the electric boats is both cheap and fast; search with Google to find out where the different canals actually go. Bangkok has many canals that wind through the city, and they are frequent and safe. Rain And Bangkok: How To Enjoy A Flooded Trip? Even though the weather is not perfect, sunny, and beautiful one which highlights the natural beauty of Thailand, it is a peaceful time to visit Bangkok. However, going there without taking the right precautions can make it a frustrating trip. So, make sure you pack up your rainy gear to fight against the torrential bouts. Also, given that most tourists avoid the place during Bangkok’s rainy season, you will find the tour spots less crowded. Letting you to actually enjoy a place in peace. Mainly, the greatest and busiest attraction, Grand Palace in Bangkok, becomes a spot with relatively fewer people. So, you can spend some time enjoying the view and architecture without enduring the rushing crowds. Additionally, you can book tickets for the annual arts festivals in the International Festival Auditorium. Then, enjoy exploring different art forms and cultural excellence without wetting your feet in the rainy puddles. Along with that, you can go around Chinatown to dig into some of the mouthwatering delicacies. From exciting street foods to different flavored mooncakes, grab a bite of every kind of food. So, turn the wet trip into a memorable one with the right activities and fun-filled experiences. Just take measures to avoid the rain and indulge in a peaceful Bangkok tour. Read More: Exploring Southern Utah’s Hidden Dive Sites Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? Three Of The Best Must-See Attractions During Your Time On The Thai Island Of Phuket