4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2023

Rome is unlike any other place. Here are some of the best things to do in Rome, as recommended by locals, whether this is your first or 20th visit. This is a city where narrow streets lead to stunning temples, the mound serves pasta, and there are endless opportunities to people-watch. There's a reason it's one of the most well-known cities in the world, but you can only truly appreciate its allure if you visit. Things To Do In Rome It's important to have a plan because Rome is much larger than you may have imagined. Archaeological finds, famous art collections, and an abundance of culture can all be found here, making you want to visit again and again. But don't worry, you still have plenty of time to enjoy an aperitif outside in the warm sunshine and digest your lunchtime pasta. Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel Across 54 galleries, courtyards, and hallways, the Vatican Museums, established by Pope Julius II in the sixteenth century, are home to one of the greatest and most significant art collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel is home to thousands of prehistoric sculptures, Raphael pieces, and, of course, Michelangelo's frescoes. Get tickets to explore the Vatican Gardens, which are home to fountains, plants, and a recreation of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, as well as the Vatican Necropolis, which is beneath St. Peter's Basilica, if you have the time and can arrange well in advance. The Colosseum The Colosseum is a must-see when visiting Rome, of course. Rome's crown jewel is this magnificent building—you know, the kind of thing you see on postcards—and it's even more amazing in person than you could have imagined. It is the world's largest amphitheater, with a capacity of 80,000 people, and was constructed between 72 and 80 AD. This used to be much more peaceful, with local Romans coming to watch animal hunts or bloody gladiator fights. Because of the sometimes insane lines, we advise purchasing tickets in advance. However, the 360-degree view over the theater on the fifth level makes it well worth the climb. Castel Sant’Angelo Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, constructed the striking cylindrical fortification known as Castel Sant'Angelo, or "The Castle of Angels," on the banks of the Tiber River in the second century AD. The popes used it as a castle and fortress after it was first inaugurated as a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family. It even has a hidden escape route connecting the building to Vatican City. These days, it's a museum featuring rooms decorated with frescoes, a display of medieval weapons, and expansive views of Rome and the neighboring St. Peter's Basilica. Inside is a small cafe where you can have a drink or some snacks while taking in views of the Vatican. The Pantheon One of the best-preserved ancient structures is the Pantheon, which was constructed by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD. With a diameter of 142 feet, its dome is the biggest in the entire globe. This is a must-see in Rome, and if you're visiting the city over Pentecost weekend, you're in for a treat. This tops every tourist's list of things to do in Rome. To commemorate the occasion, tons of rose petals are dropped from the oculus during Sunday Mass. It's quite a sight. The Pantheon is free to enter as of the time of publishing (May 2023), but there are plans to charge visitors an admission fee of €5. Galleria Borghese Originally built in the sixteenth century, Cardinal Scipione Borghese showcased his extensive art collection under its roof. It is still regarded as one of Rome's top museums. Expect to find extraordinary creations within, as the Cardinal was an ardent art collector who was also a big fan of Caravaggio's works and an early patron of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Highlights of the museum include Caravaggio's Boy with a Basket of Fruit, Canova's Paolina Bonaparte, and Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. Take a stroll through the park after your visit to the "pleasure palace," which was once a suburban villa submerged in the vast gardens of Villa Borghese. Domus Aurea The opulent Domus Aurea (Golden House) of Emperor Nero is a rare window into Rome's underground world and is regarded as one of the most magnificent homes of its era. It was constructed as an opulent amusement venue close to the Colosseum between 64 and 68 AD, covering numerous historic hills in Rome. It was then devastated by the city's destructive fire in 64 AD. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, guests can participate in guided tours. A virtual reality tour is also available, which helps recreate the villa's former splendor. Read Also: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are housed in three buildings on the trapezoidal Piazza del Campidoglio, which Michelangelo created in the sixteenth century. Known as the world's first public museums, they hold Renaissance marble statues and Roman bronzes, including the Capitoline Wolf, a symbol of Rome's founding, and the Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. An underground tunnel through the Galleria Lapidaria connects the two buildings of the museum. Visitors can also enjoy a superb view of the Roman Forum. Make time to spend a few hours perusing the collection, and don't forget to pay a visit to Piazzale Caffarelli's hidden garden, which is tucked away right behind the square. Gianicolo Rome sometimes referred to as the "city of seven hills," is renowned for its picturesque viewpoints and abundance of terraces that provide breathtaking views of the cityscape. Gianicolo, the highest point in Rome with a panoramic view over the Eternal City, is worth the trek even though it isn't technically one of the fabled hills. It is situated above the Trastevere neighborhood. Nearby is the magnificent Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, which was featured in La Grande Bellezza's opening scene. Its majesty will astound you. Testaccio Market The Testaccio neighborhood is the epicenter of Rome's culinary traditions, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and daring diners alike. The region was once home to the biggest slaughterhouse in Europe, and workers were typically compensated with leftover animal parts, known as the “quinto quarto,” or fifth quarter. The Testaccio Market, a bright and modern structure full of enticing stalls, serves everything from freshly made pasta and craft beers to tripe stews and artichoke sandwiches. It is one of the best things to do in Rome while enjoying the varied cuisine and delicious street food. Wrapping Up Rome, with its two millennia of architecture, art, and culture, is an outdoor museum and one of the most visited cities in the world for good reason. You can lose hours discovering historical marvels, traveling between sites, or searching for the best gelato, but insiders use guided tours and skip-the-line entrance tickets to beat the crowd. Hop-on, hop-off tours let travelers quickly check off items on their lists of things to do, but group excursions to the Vatican Museums, Roman Forum, and Colosseum provide a deeper experience. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Rome, please comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy How Much Time To Spend In Italy

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

Do you want to travel without breaking the bank? Leeds offers affordable options for city breaks that let you discover new things. We've compiled some ideas for ways Leeds is an inexpensive city destination for singles, families, and couples. It offers inexpensive nights out to the fascinating year-round calendar of festivities as part of Leeds 2023. Most museums and galleries in Leeds are free to enter. Let's explore and find out the best things to do in Leeds. Things To Do In Leeds cloudfront.net Leeds has gained a reputation in recent years as the liveliest city in the UK, with a broad and welcoming cultural scene. Leeds is a city full of culture, from venues and organizations that are breaking new ground to street art trails. This is partially attributable to Leeds' abundance of museums and galleries, the majority of which offer free admission. A few of the best art galleries in the city may be found in the cultural district of Leeds, including the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds Central Library, and Leeds City Museum, all of which are only a two-minute walk apart. Leeds City Museum offers amazing exhibitions and artifacts that let you travel through time and experience amazing history. Leeds Art Gallery features exhibits of Victorian art, sculptures, paintings, and portraits. It also has one of the best exhibits of 20th-century modern art outside of London. The Henry Moore Institute, one of the biggest sculpture exhibitions in Europe, honors the art of sculpture. The Leeds Central Library holds a great collection of books from all over the world. Things To Do In Leeds: Museums & Art jaga.co.uk There are always plays or other forms of entertainment in Leeds because of the city's outstanding theaters and touring companies. Leeds Grand Theatre - one of the UK's most stunning Grade II listed theaters - offers shows for as little as £15. This is home to Northern Dance and Opera North, the only resident dance and opera companies in the country outside of London. Some of the most well-liked Westend productions, including Sister Act, The Bodyguard, and Dirty Dancing, are also available online for a reduced price. Do you need more excuses to visit? Leeds is hosting its Year of Culture in 2023, which makes it an extremely interesting year for the city. A calendar of events is planned for the entire year, all throughout Leeds, with the goal of "letting culture loose." There are countless options for events and activities that highlight the vibrant arts and culture of the city and its residents. Most events are either free or "pay as you feel." Some of the highlights include 90 painters from throughout the city on display at Leeds Art Gallery. They will be showcased at the "The Leeds Artists Show" through April 30. Pay what you feel for "As You Are," a sound, walk-in musical experience designed by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe. It will be held for the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North. There is still a lot to look forward to. Things To Do In Leeds: Food & Cuisine welcometoleeds.co.uk Searching for a culinary-themed staycation? Leeds is the ideal place to be. The city, which is home to a booming independent food industry, has several cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants. Leeds is the unofficial gastronomic capital of the North. Not sure what you want to do? Visit Trinity Kitchen. Trinity Kitchen is a great spot to visit for lunch, supper, or even an afternoon snack. It features rotating street food vendors serving it all, from pizza to Pho. It has a laid-back, distinctive setting for you to enjoy lunch, dinner, or afternoon snack. Kirkgate Market also has a similar street food setup. Kirkgate Market, where M&S first made its appearance, is currently the largest indoor market in Europe. Its recently renovated food hall is home to some delicious treats. There is the award-winning Manjit's Kitchen- a vegan Punjabi street food vendor. There is also Fat Annie's- an entirely plant-based restaurant serving American-inspired burgers and hot dogs. You must also visit the renowned Yorkshire Pudding Wrap Company to indulge in one of their delicious wraps. Searching for new openings in the food and beverage industry? Leeds can take care of that.  The brains behind Doh'nut, the greatest doughnuts in town, opened Things in Bread, a brand-new gourmet sandwich store right in the middle of the city center. You're onto a winner when you find traditional sandwich flavors made with premium ingredients and freshly baked bread. Things To Do In Leeds: Parks & Greens There are numerous ways to enjoy Leeds, so a trip to this city offers more than just the bustle of the city center. You can find some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the UK beyond the nightlife, museums, shops, and restaurants. Roundhay Park, a few miles outside the city center, has more than 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woods, and gardens. Get hot beverages and snacks from the on-site Lakeside Cafe. Visit the nearby Tropical World for a family-friendly island experience. In the desert, meerkats stand boldly, while exotic butterflies and birds are free to roam throughout the recreated rainforest habitat. Adult admission to Tropical World is £7.20, £3.80 for children, and kids under five enter for free. One of the most well-loved tourist destinations in the city is the medieval ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. It is located just outside of the city. Tickets are £5 for the ruins and expanse of grounds to check out; children under five are admitted free of charge. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal runs alongside Kirkstall Abbey, so why not take a leisurely stroll down it first? Things To Do In Leeds: Architecture & Heritage travel-assets.com Leeds is also an ideal starting point for discovering the splendor of the surroundings. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is home to some of Yorkshire's most famous landscapes and attractions, such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Ilkley Moor, Bolton Abbey, and the adjacent ancient towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough, is conveniently accessible from Leeds station. The industrial towns of Yorkshire are also well worth a day trip. Nestled next to the Leeds-Liverpool canal, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through its charming alleys or visiting the well-known Salts Mill. It's certainly worth the journey, with a magnificent variety of Hockney artwork, literature, flowers, cuisine, and 21st-century business, and free admission.  When you take an inexpensive city holiday to Leeds, you may discover all of this and more. Things To Do In Leeds: Lodging nationalparks.uk Book a stay at Art Hostel for consistently reasonable and distinctive lodging. It is the first establishment of its kind in the UK and the ideal spot to unwind after a strenuous day of sightseeing. Regional artists from East Street Art designed imaginative, reasonably priced, and distinctive lodging. It is a vibrant, artist-run company that spearheads avant-garde art initiatives and shows. The Art Hostel's themed rooms are all the product of the creative minds of Leeds-based artists working with regional artisans. Wrapping Up Leeds is a great place to take an inexpensive staycation in the UK because there is a lot to do there. The city is filled with events that do not break the bank. Use this guide to figure out how to spend your time here, whether you have 24, 48, or 72 hours. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Leeds, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Brighton Bliss: Crafting Your Perfect Coastal Getaway Itinerary Unmissable Urban Delights: Things To Do In Glasgow UK City Hidden Gems: Things To Do In Manchester

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 6, 2024

When you apply for a visa application when traveling to any country of the world, you have to submit certain documents. Hence, among them, a two-way itinerary is a must. This will show the embassy of the target country that you have planned your entire trip. Moreover, it will also disclose that you fulfilled your purpose of visiting the state and coming back to the origin.  Apart from this, when applying for various types of visas, you need other documents. Therefore, you must show your passport, photos, visa application form, cover letter, invitation letter, proof of stay, and enough financial sources. Consequently, be sure to check the guidelines of the concerned embassy through which you are applying. This article will explain everything you need to know about the two-ways itinerary for visa application. Therefore, hold on and read the following blog post. What is a two-way itinerary for a Visa Application? Its alternative names are transport booking, round-trip itinerary, or confirmed flight itinerary. This is a document the embassy needs during the visa application process. Moreover, you have to fill out a visa application form and there is a section in that form that asks you for your travel plans. This means that you have to disclose your exit and arrival countries along with other details. An itinerary is of two kinds, one-way and two-way itinerary. The one-way itinerary is when you leave for your target country and have no intention of coming back to your hometown. However, the embassy may ask for a return or two-way itinerary to show that you will be back home soon. Furthermore, it acts as evidence to present that you won't start staying illegally there after your visa expires. Besides, a two-way itinerary unfolds your flight details. This may include the place you are going, the date and time when you are departing, and how long are you planning to stay. Moreover, it is also important to share whether you will stay in a hotel or at the house of a host, such as a friend or a family member. What is proof of itinerary? You need an itinerary when applying for a visa application. This may fall into two categories. However, it is important to have a proof of itinerary to show it to the respective personnel. A POI is a confirmed ticket. The embassy gives you a confirmation code or approves your itinerary at the time of your visa application. This means that you have booked or reserved your tickets. Importance of Two-Way Itinerary: Why It Is Essential The importance of a two-way itinerary is beyond the horizon. However, it is not a real ticket. When applying for the visa application, you have to prove to the embassy that you have purchased your flight tickets. However, the officials are aware of the fact that buying an actual ticket upfront may cause you more money to lose. There are many reasons for getting a dummy ticket instead of an actual one. For instance, your visa application may get rejected or delayed due to some obvious reasons. Moreover, you are unable to have a tentatively scheduled trip. Therefore, buying an actual ticket is a bit risky especially when you have to lose a huge amount of money before your trip. On the other hand, a two-ways itinerary for visa application will save you from the trouble of the ‘no refund’ or ‘no cancellation’ policies of some embassies. Therefore, it is advisable to go with a round-trip itinerary or fake flight ticket when submitting the documents. If your visa gets approved, you can buy the actual ticket and start your journey. There are also other alternate methods through which you can compensate for this segment of your visa application process. They are mentioned beneath in detail. Related: 5 Leading Golden Visa Programs For Wealthy Investors Step-by-step Guide to Get a Round-Trip Flight Itinerary When applying for a visa to a Schengen or any other country, you need to fill out a form. Moreover, the form may have several sections that you need to complete. One of them is putting your round-trip flight itinerary information. Therefore, be sure to follow the steps mentioned below to get the procedure right. The first step is to provide information related to your flight reservation and hotel booking. This will help the embassy confirm the sites you are visiting and the place of your stay. Therefore, you need to include this information in the form as well as in the itinerary. What is the itinerary for the US visa? The itinerary for the US visa is the same as for other countries. Moreover, it may also show your inner flights scheduled. For instance, you are headed from the US to India. The inner flights may disclose where you will be traveling in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Agra. Secondly, you have to show your return ticket. This is especially important if you want to commute by other means instead of a flight. For instance, if you have any plans to come back on a train or want to experience the road adventure. It is one of the most important requirements of the process to provide proof of onward travel. Irrespective of the information listed above, you can also briefly discuss your travel plans. For example, this may include your daily activities or the events or business meetings you intend to attend. The second last step is to submit your visa application, along with all the other supporting documents. For instance, the flight reservation document, place of stay or invitation letter, and daily schedule of the trip. Lastly, wait patiently for the response from the embassy. It may usually take fifteen days. However, in rare cases, the embassy may take a month to reject or approve your application. Always seek a logical reason if your application is rejected. Besides this, you can look for other methods to get an itinerary. You can buy cheap flight tickets or search for airlines that offer refundable tickets. However, all these methods come with their pros and cons.  Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary For An Unforgettable Trip! Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary