What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide

BY  Arnab Oct 27, 2023

Travel is more than just setting foot on unfamiliar terrain. It's a journey into the heart of a culture, a deep dive into local traditions, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of a place. Authentic travel experiences allow you to see, taste, and feel the true spirit of a destination. The era of tourist traps is fading. Today, travelers seek genuine interactions, unique tales, and opportunities to venture off the familiar path. So, how can you ensure your next trip is teeming with authentic experiences? Delve into these essential tips. 1. Embrace Language And Communication Mastering a few local phrases can significantly transform your travel. Imagine being in Japan and ordering your meal in Japanese instead of pointing at a menu. Before departing, consider enrolling in Japanese classes online. Doing this not only impresses the locals but also enriches your journey. Language serves as a bridge to deeper interactions and understanding. Dive into local media like films or podcasts. They offer a window into the nation's heartbeat, illuminating its culture, values, and everyday nuances. And keep in mind: patience and an open heart go a long way. Not all conversations will flow seamlessly, but your effort won't go unnoticed. Many appreciate your attempts to speak their language. 2. Opt For Local Accommodations Staying in local lodgings such as guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, or homestays can elevate your journey. In such accommodations, you can feel the warmth of local hospitality and perhaps form lifelong friendships. Often, these places are situated in less touristy areas, letting you explore authentic neighborhoods. Additionally, the owners usually have unmatched local insights and can suggest hidden treasures you won't find in guidebooks. More so, supporting these accommodations boosts sustainability. By backing local businesses, you contribute directly to the community, ensuring a rich experience for yourself and a boost for the local economy. 3. Eat Where The Locals Eat Food plays a central role in travel. Rather than dining at tourist-centric spots, find places where locals congregate. Street food vendors, local markets, and family-run diners often serve the most authentic and tantalizing dishes. Venturing into local culinary scenes also immerses you in a location's cultural and historical narrative. Food mirrors a country's past, influences, and rituals. So, while savoring different dishes, you taste myriad stories and traditions. Stay adventurous and be open to sampling new foods. Some might seem exotic, but they could be the highlights of your trip. Remember, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about tasting new flavors, too. 4. Participate In Local Traditions And Festivals Joining local traditions and festivals offers a profound cultural immersion. These events reflect the heartbeat of a community and its binding tales. Whether you're dancing at a festival in Bali or celebrating Carnival in Brazil, active participation profoundly connects you to the local culture. However, approach these events with respect. Stay aware of local customs and etiquette. For instance, if a festival requires a certain attire, respect that. Always ask before taking photos, especially during religious events. While these experiences are new to you, they're integral to many locals' lives. Your attitude can determine whether you're appreciating or appropriating. Respect ensures your experiences are memorable and positive. 5. Take Public Transport Using public transportation isn't just economical; it also offers a front-row seat to everyday life. Riding buses, trams, or trains lets you witness the mundane yet beautiful moments of daily life. Furthermore, public transport can introduce you to lesser-known parts of a city or town. These spots often provide a more authentic experience, whether it's a hidden café, a quiet park, or a lively market. Choosing public transport is also eco-friendly. It reduces your environmental impact, eases traffic, and supports the local economy. So, hop on local transportation during your next trip and discover unexpected treasures. 6. Choose Experience Over Sightseeing While landmarks are captivating, hands-on activities offer unparalleled authenticity. Rather than just sightseeing, dive into local activities. Enroll in a pottery workshop, learn the local dance moves, or whip up local dishes. Such activities immerse you in the details of local traditions. Plus, they often lead to lasting connections with residents. Engaging in a craft or skill provides avenues for rich interactions, leaving indelible memories. 7. Engage With Locals  Conversations with locals offer insights no guidebook can match. Interacting with a street vendor, a fellow commuter, or a café proprietor can deepen your understanding of local beliefs and aspirations. Always approach with genuine interest and respect. Not everyone may be in the mood to chat, but that's okay. When conversations do occur, you might be surprised by the hospitality and warmth. Often, these chats can lead to recommendations for off-the-radar attractions or experiences. Such insider info can redefine your journey, uncovering hidden spots and moments to cherish. Related: Prepping For Your Winter Trip To Salt Lake City 8. Embrace Sustainable Practices Integrating sustainable practices into your travels ensures that the destinations you love remain beautiful and vibrant for future generations. Consider eco-friendly accommodations or those that have sustainable certifications. These places often go the extra mile to reduce waste, conserve water, and support local communities. Another aspect of sustainable travel is conscious consumerism. Opt for handcrafted local products rather than mass-produced items when buying souvenirs or gifts.  This not only supports local artisans but also helps keep traditional crafts alive. Remember, every purchase you make has an impact, and as a traveler, you have the power to make it a positive one. 9. Travel Slowly In this fast-paced world, leisurely travel offers a distinct pleasure. Allowing yourself to explore slowly enables you to soak in the ambiance, sync with local rhythms, and form genuine bonds. Instead of rushing from one spot to another, meander through lanes, relax in parks, or savor extended meals. Slow travel emphasizes mindfulness, helping you appreciate nuances—the scent of fresh bread, the sound of laughter, or the art in local crafts. These moments often encapsulate a destination's essence. In Conclusion True travel goes beyond sightseeing—it's about immersion, comprehension, and connection. By diving into local languages, traditions, and activities, you not only elevate your travels but also leave a positive mark on the places you visit. Embracing these tips means every journey offers a chance to evolve. Here's to more authentic and unforgettable adventures. Safe travels! Read Also: Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Stay Safe And Satisfied: Exploring Paraguay’s Culinary Delights With Travel Insurance In Mind A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence

BY  Shahnawaz Nov 18, 2022

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? It is always good to know how you can pull yourselves out of any danger. Whether you are taking a Boat Ed exam or you just want to be safe during a boat ride, you need to know about all the different safety precautions. One popular question on the internet is why someone falls overboard and what to do in such a situation.  Falling overboard is a major risk on small boats. But how can you reduce this risk? In this article, I will help you find out. What Does It Mean To Fall Overboard? Falling overboard here is mainly referred to as falling from a boat when it is on the move. According to the recreational boat statistics by U.S. Coast Guard, 299 boat accidents happened centering falling overboard. A massive 63% of these accidents ended up in death or fatal injuries. When a boat is moving, it usually causes swaying movement back and forth, and the people in the boat experience agitation, causing them to lose their balance during the ride. It is extremely against safety protocols to stand up while on a recreational boat ride. Since you already struggle to have balance while sitting, standing up reduces that balance to zero. Usually, people don't stand up when riding small recreational boats. However, most of the cases are caused due to carelessness or under the influence of alcohol. What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? The most prominent reason for a passenger falling overboard is due to standing when the boat is moving. But why would someone stand when the boat is moving and swaying the passenger back and forth? Here are a few common reasons - 1. Fishing Anglers need to stand up when they are fishing. Standing up makes it easier for them to handle their rod and fight the fish when it resists. Unfortunately, standing during fishing may also cause someone to fall overboard. That is why anglers are recommended to wear certified PFDs when they are fishing. 2. Alcohol/Intoxication Although it may sound silly, alcohol is among the topmost reasons for people fall overboard when they are sailing. Some people ride on boats when they are under the influence of alcohol or intoxicated by drugs. These influences force them to make a poor judgements. An intoxicated person has more chance of standing up than a sober person. As a result, they fall overboard. So, what is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? You can ask that for alcohol and drugs. It’s better to ditch them before getting onboard. 3. Carelessness Another cause for falling overboard is carelessness. Boat riders may want to stand up carelessly to take photos and videos for social media. Sometimes, they also stand up just to show off or impress others. Standing up during a small boat ride is considered careless since it makes you lose your balance. Also, it is one of many reasons for falling overboard. What Is The Immediate Thing To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? When you notice that someone fell overboard, it's critical to remain calm. You don't want to get into a panic, waste time, or worsen the situation. When you realize you have a man overboard situation, the first thing you need to do is slow the boat down and turn off the engine.   This will permit you to focus on the casualty so that protecting them is simpler. Additionally, it extraordinarily decreases the gamble of the individual incidentally being harmed by the boat on the off chance that it's actually moving and the motor is running. You must yell "MAN OVERBOARD!" if you are just another passenger and are not actually in charge of the boat. What's more, keep your eyes on the individual in the water. It's easy to lose track of someone in the water, so point them out so the captain and other passengers can find them.  This is doubly evident on the off chance that the individual isn't wearing a PFD, despite the fact that they ought to be. In the water, a life jacket is a useful visual locator. However, if one is not present, you must make every effort to keep an eye on the individual. What To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? It is possible to save someone who has fallen overboard. But, the actions need to be taken immediately. You should also know if the person has fallen into warm water or cold water. Here are a few important steps to help you rescue someone who has fallen overboard. Ask For Help When you notice that someone has fallen overboard, the first thing you have to do is to ask other passengers and occupants for help. If the situation is critical to handle, you should call U.S. Coast Guard for help. Keep An Eye Of The Victim When someone falls overboard, you should keep an eye on them and track their movement. Usually, they will try to swim and go to safety. However, when the wave is rough, they will struggle. Also, if the water is cold, you need to make sure that they are alert and awake at all costs. Most importantly, you should keep track of their location at all times. Throw A Life Ring Or Jacket When someone falls overboard, you can help them by throwing in a life ring or jacket. The life rings are Type IV PFD colored in bright shades. You can also help them with a reaching pole or offer them something to grab onto. It will help you get them out of the water. Turn Back Or Stop The Boat You should slow down the boat and turn back for the victim when someone falls overboard. But, some boats are big enough and cannot be moved easily. Using a smaller boat or life raft can help you save the victim. Having a life raft or small boat as a precaution can help prevent propeller injury while reaching close to the victim in an attempt to save them. Pull The Victim Back In The Boat If all the conditions are met, you are ready to pull the person back on the boat. However, make sure not to put all the weight of the boat on one side of the boat. Doing so can put you at an even larger risk. Read More: When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? How To Avoid Falling Overboard When The Boat Is Moving? Having proper precautions minimize the risk of an accident happening. Here are some of the precautions you can take before sailing off. Wearing PFDs or lifejackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should be mandatory for passengers.  The driver of the boats needs an ignition safety switch that acts as a kill switch. It can come in handy during such events. The passengers should not sit in places that are not meant for seating. Passengers should also not sit on the pedestal seating when the boat is on the move.  A boat should not be overcrowded with too many passengers. All the passengers and gears should be well-balanced. Passengers must not stand up or move around the deck of the boat during the journey. If journeying on a smaller boat, do not let the passengers lean themselves beyond the gunwales. Slow down the boat during a turn. Also, stay updated with recent weather reports and travel accordingly. Rules To Follow Onboard The same rule applies to all boats to ensure the safety of passengers. This is because you should always have at least one hand on the boat when standing or moving around the boat. Here are some of the rules that you must follow: Numerous toe rails and lifelines, as well as handholds scattered throughout the boat for you to grab and hold on to, ensure your safety. You run the risk of going overboard if you disregard this rule and are careless while aboard the ship.  You should also avoid going onto the deck when the weather is windy or when the boat is caught in any other bad weather to ensure your safety onboard. Assuming you should go at hand, we recommend wearing a saddle that is secured to jack lines and continuously keeping one hand on the boat. Decks can be risky, particularly on more modest boats, for example, boats when the boat is moving. To stay away from undesirable and dangerous circumstances, forever know about your environmental elements, remain as quiet as could be expected and remain sober while exploring a deck. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some important questions I have answered. These might be helpful for situations such as falling overboard. 1. Do People Survive Falling Off A Cruise Ship? Ans: The chances of survival when someone falls from a cruise ship are very minimum. In most cases, the chances of survival are reduced to 85% to 90%, which causes death. 2. What To Do If You Fall Overboard? Ans: If you fall overboard during a boat cruise, the first thing you should do is stay calm and think positively. Also, it is better for you to stay afloat than try to swim. That way, you will save more energy. Also, cooperate with the rescuers when they try to help you. 3. Can You Survive If You Fell Overboard? Ans: Yes, the chances of survival become high if you are already wearing a life vest. But, if you try to float and stay close to the boat after the fall, it will be easier for your companions to save you. Bottom Line Most of the cases of falling overboard are caused by someone standing when the boat is on the move. You should always try not to stand up or move around the boat during a journey. As long as you and the rest of the passengers are maintaining all the precautions, no accidents should happen. However, if anything were to happen, you can follow these precautions to help them. I think this article was helpful. You can share your feedback in the comment. Read Also: Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City – Reviewed Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling

BY  Barsha Dec 30, 2023

Bali is unquestionably among the most magical places to travel. There are breathtaking temples that literally number in the tens of thousands. It is accompanied by almost daily ceremonies that are loud, colorful, and multi-sensory, with the clanging gamelan paired with chanting. In addition, there are countless beaches with waves that are constantly curling and pulsating with dancing surfers, all trimmed in aquamarine. There are endless stretches of lush rice terraces that are incredibly neat. Not to mention canang sari, the abundant offerings of flowers that are blessed and positioned seemingly everywhere every day on the so-called "Island of Gods." Bali has an allure that draws in equal amounts of wellness enthusiasts, design aficionados, and wild Gen Z travelers, as well as enthusiastic surfers, spiritual travelers, yogis, beachcombers, and a plethora of celebrities and influencers. The most rewarding as well as exciting Bali vacation takes you to as many locations as possible. Savor the island experience and the incredibly kind, giving, as well as sincere people who live there. Taking everything into account, it's practically hard to leave Bali feeling anything but happier, healthier, and unquestionably more tan than when you arrived. Bali offers activities for every kind of traveler, making it feel like an endless adventure! It's understandable why so many people choose Bali as their travel destination from all over the world. This magnificent island paradise offers endless idyllic beaches, enticing spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets. There is so much to see and do! Enjoy yoga, meditation, surfing, hiking, mouthwatering cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife. Bali has seen tourist influence in some areas, where there are clusters of photogenic cafes, trendy bars, and vegan eateries. However, some regions retain their distinctive Balinese beauty and charm despite being desolate, remote islands. Bali Vacation: Things To Look Forward To Bali, a tropical destination covered in breathtaking scenery, is genuinely a paradise on Earth. It is one of the world's best places for a honeymoon. It has amazing beaches, lively culture, historic temples, and friendly locals. Temples There are over 300 temples on the Island of Gods. Some of the most important ones to see while setting off for a Bali vacation are the Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, Uluwatu, Goa Gajah, Taman Ayun, Besakih, and Pura Lempuyang Luhur temples. Beauty Bali is popular for its breathtaking scenery. In addition to the breathtaking views of Kintamani Village, Mt. Batur, and the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Bali's verdant mountains are home to some stunning waterfalls. You can swim in the natural pools created by waterfalls like Tegenungan Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, Nungnung Waterfall, and Sekumpul Waterfall as you hike up the picturesque mountains. Culture Explore Bali's dynamic culture by stopping by the Ubud Palace, where you can take in the breathtaking architecture and discover the palace's fascinating history. Seeing the Balinese barong dance and the traditional kecak dance allows you to delve even further into the island's culture. Beaches Bali's tranquil beaches are practically paradisaical. You can swim in the glistening water, take in the vibrant underwater life, soak up the sun, and engage in a variety of water sports. Seminyak Beach, Jimbaran Beach, Kuta Beach, Blue Lagoon Beach, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach, are the top beaches in Bali that you can visit. Best Time To Visit Bali Bali's dry season is the ideal time to visit the island. You will not have to worry about sudden rain ruining any outdoor activities from May to October, and summertime humidity is low. The fact that it's the most popular time to go is the only drawback. During this time, flights are more costly, and reservations for your top hotel option must be made well in advance. If you can tolerate brief downpours, plan your Bali Vacation between November and April. It's the cheapest time to travel, and there are still lots of things to do! Cost Of Food In Bali Depending on your preferred experience and the area of the island you choose, food and drink prices will differ considerably. Should you be in the mood to sample some of the best Indonesian cuisines around, Seminyak and Uluwatu typically have pricey dining options. There are less expensive options in other places like North Bali, Ubud, and Canggu. If your Bali vacation is on a tight budget, try Warungs. They are tiny neighborhood eateries. You can get a good meal there for as little as $1–$3 per serving. Meals at mid-range restaurants cost $5 to $10 per person, while beach clubs or upscale dining establishments charge $14 to $50 per person. Due to local taxes, wine and beer can be somewhat pricey, so don't be shocked if you see alcohol marked up 300%. Remember to drink plenty of water! The temperatures are usually high in Bali, so don't forget potable water. In most places, you can purchase bottled water as well, provided you're willing to pay the tourist tax. Things To Keep In Mind Language: English, Balinese, and Indonesian are the three primary languages spoken in Bali. Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency used in Bali. Credit cards and ATMs: Bali's major cities, such as Ubud and Canggu, have an abundance of ATMs. You can use your credit card to pay for your meal as long as you are not at one of the neighborhood "warung" restaurants but do carry cash. Plugs: Bali uses type C and F plugs. 50 Hz is the standard frequency, and 230 V is the standard voltage. For hot tools like hair dryers, I advise using a converter and purchasing a universal adapter (be sure to check for surge protection). Safety: Bali is among the safest places for women traveling alone! The most important thing to be aware of is traffic safety, particularly if you are renting a motorcycle. If you are not a confident rider, get a taxi. It will never be more expensive than a hospital bill. Wrapping Up It takes a lot of work and effort to plan a Bali vacation. With any luck, this guide will provide you with some useful information to help you get ready for your next trip to Bali! Bali is the ideal place to go on vacation. Nothing compares to spending a leisurely trip lounging on Kuta Beach, dining by candlelight at Jimbaran, or indulging in a soothing spa treatment in Ubud. See the sunrise and sunset in Bali from various locations and be in awe of the scenery.