A Guide To The Most Scenic Road Trips Around The World

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Singapore is one of the top countries in dark tourism if you consider the market growth rate. The country, known as the “Asia Light,” was a British colony, and for them, it became a strategic commercial point. With British rule established here, it became a land of trade, fortification, and military activities. Further, in 1941, Singapore was hit by Japanese attacks. Remember, it was coordinated with the attack of Japan on Pearl Harbor. However, the British rule and the Japanese attacks are just the tip of the iceberg if you look at Singapore's war-trodden and complex political history.  Thus, you will find many sites in Singapore that tell the tales of tragic human incidents. Even if all the places for dark tourism in Singapore are not related to death, there is something mysterious or “somber” about them.  Moreover, the dark tourism sites in Singapore are the places to familiarize oneself with the history of the country, its political landscape, and human stories. THESE Are The Best Destinations For Dark Tourism In Singapore  Most sites for dark tourism in Singapore are related to WWII and Imperial Japanese attacks. Despite being a center of British fortification, it failed to protect itself from those ravages. Let’s explore the places that present Singapore when it was a British Colony fighting against Japanese invasions.  Kranji War Memorial Kranji War Memorial is a place to honor the people of the Commonwealth who died in World War II. It is heart-wrenching to see the names of the allies on the walls of the Kranji War Memorial. Can you believe that there are inscriptions of 24000 allies whose bodies were never found? Further, it is the burial of more than 4000 people who died in the Second World War.  At Kranji War Memorial, you must visit the following spots to remember the brave and lost souls.  War Graves Memorial Walls Singapore Wall State Cemetery Military Graves Singapore Civil Hospital Grave Memorial The Singapore Memorial is the highest point of this cemetery. This iconic structure has soldiers standing in attention, a plane’s wings, and the fin of a submarine.  Choa Chu Kang Cemetery | Another Dark Tourism Site Near The Kranji War Memorial  After exploring the Kranji War Memorial, you can bring out your adventurous spirit. The Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is less than 20 Kms away from the Kranji War Memorial.  The architecture of the cemetery has an eerie appeal. Further, passers-by from the area have often reported seeing women trying to board their cars.  In addition, many cab drivers have carried passengers to the cemetery. However, these passengers suddenly vanished into the air.  Pasir Ris Tower: A Ghost Tourism Site Near The Kranji War Memorial  Pasir Ris Tower, also known as the Suicide Tower, is one of the most haunted places in Singapore. According to stories, a boy with the special power to see spirits saw a person at the top of the tower. He climbed up the tower but got pushed down by someone. Even today, anyone approaching the tower has a strange feeling. The fear is so intense here that people have stopped exploring or ghost hunting.  Changi Chapel & Museum Changi Chapel & Museum is one of the best spots for dark tourism in Singapore because of its educational value. This educational center passes on the heroic stories of Changi that occurred during the Japanese occupation of the country. Further, the Changi Museum is dedicated to people who lived and died in the Changi prison during World War II.  Moreover, the Changi Chapel took inspiration from St George’s Church in its architecture. The prisoners of war (POWs) worked to furnish the church.  The Changi Chapel and Museum has a guide on wheels. Temi is a robot with the knowledge and information to help visitors navigate the museum and learn about the exhibits.  Changi, A Hub Of Dark Tourism In Singapore  Dark tourism is not just about places of tragic human history. Ghost tourism is an important category of dark tourism. When in Changi, you will come across some of the most haunted places in Singapore.  So, are you ready to walk into the shadows? Old Changi Hospital  The Old Changi Hospital was constructed for the treatment of British soldiers. However, under the Japanese troops, it became the house of the prisoners of war.  You can still hear the screams of these prisoners when you are near this hospital.  Changi Old Beach House The Changi Old Beach House is the site where the Sook Ching Massacre took place. Many visitors to this house have experienced screams, and they have seen blood stains on the walls.  Also, many have claimed to see violent paranormal activities at Changi Old Beach House.  The Battle Box The Battle Box was a British underground command center located at Fort Canning Hill. It functioned as a part of the Malaya Command headquarters. Further, the Malaya Command headquarters defended Singapore and Malaya during World War II. The site was restored in 2016. Further, it is a site that speaks about the true reasons behind the fall of Singapore during World War II. So, it is an important educational and tourist destination in Singapore today. Lieutenant-General Arthur E. Percival and Allied Forces decided to surrender to the Japanese Forces at The Battle Box. The surrender happened on 15th February 1942.  Haw Par Villa For me, Haw Par Villa is one of the scariest sites I have visited. According to Chinese mythology, there are ten hells, and Haw Par Villa mimics them.  However, the scariest thing about Haw Par Villa is that you can hear screams from this area at night. Also, many people believe that the statues here are real human beings covered in wax. Further, the local people call it one of the doors of hell.  Even if you are not up for its haunted story, you can visit this site to see the 1000 statues and dioramas. These structures are the best displays of Asian craftsmanship. Further, the stories of 10 hells presented here are the fusion of various Oriental beliefs and philosophies like Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism.  Haw Par Villa, or the ten courts of hell, are “the result of the mixing of four different religions and philosophies: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Confucianism.”Eisen Teo, the chief curator of Hell’s Museum Fort Siloso Fort Siloso gets its name from the Malayan word Siloso, meaning rock. It is the only coastal fort in Singapore and has played a significant role in the country’s defense. This fort has an on-site military museum filled with the memorabilia of World War II.  The most striking elements of the museum are tunnels, fortified military structures, interactive video documentaries, and wax figures. The wax statues at the Surrender Chambers depict British and Japanese soldiers.  Reflections At Bukit Chandu https://www.instagram.com/p/CgB2RnvOoDU/ Reflections At Bukit Chandu is an interpretative center for dark tourism in Singapore for educational and historical purposes.  Today, the Reflections at Bukit Chandu tell the tales of the Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942. The Battle Point 226 here is a testament to how the Malay Regiment stood against the Japanese troops.  Malay Regiment began its journey only with a recruit of 25 people in 1933. Within 10 years, this “experimental company” was strong enough to combat the Imperial Japanese forces.  The Japanese killed a hundred men from the Malay Regiment, and a few more were butchered as they refused to take off their uniforms during the surrender of Singapore.  Reflections At Bukit Chandu commemorates and presents the sacrifice of the men in the Malay Regiment as they lived up to the “Ta'at Setia,” or “Faithful and true” motto.  You must explore the following collectibles at Reflections At Bukit Chandu. British .303-inch projectiles The entrenching set of the British Army Personal kit used by the British Army Bronze bust of Lieutenant Adnan Saidi Marseille roof tile Sculpture depicting the Malay Regiment You will find many publications on World War II at the visitor shop here. Moreover, don’t forget to read the poetry by Edwin Thumboo and Noorhaqmal Mohamed Noor to reflect upon the bravery of the Malay Regiment.  That’s it! Enjoy dark tourism in Singapore and explore various aspects of the country’s history. These places are beyond local or national importance as they are testaments to World War II, triggering human tragedy all over the world.  After you are done with your dark tourism in terest in Singapore, it is time for you to check some other opportunities at that place. For instance, consider tax consultancy services for all your tax requirements on a business trip in Singapore. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree May 9, 2025

Tour and Travel: Can you tell us about this new frenzy around dual or multiple citizenships?  John: (A Specialist in Residence and Citizenship by Investment Programs) Yes, we just have the news of the European Union (EU) striking down the “Golden Visa” provision of Malta due to security reasons.  However, ever since countries such as Malta have created provisions such as citizenship by investment, we have seen “dual” or “multiple” citizenship becoming the ultimate goal for many.  People now see this as a chance to explore career opportunities and build a strong financial future for themselves.  Now, you can call it professional hazards or perks! I get to meet many immigration experts and lawyers as a travel writer.  I have quoted John Matthew here. However, all of the officers have the same opinion.  Also, if I consider the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, I see a significant rise in the number of people seeking citizenship in different countries.  USCIS has completed naturalization of 818,500 new citizens in the 2024 fiscal year and that was a 3% rise from the previous year.  So, it’s your turn to realize your dream of becoming a global citizen. As a traveler and a writer, I know that it’s our dream to call the world our home. Add to that the financial, career, and standard of living benefits! However, what are the easiest countries to get citizenship in 2025? That’s what we will find out in this Tour and Travel Guide.  What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship? Now, it’s difficult to quickly come up with an answer to what the easiest countries to get citizenship are.  It’s because the types of citizenship or the provisions are different.  For example, countries such as Austria and Grenada offer citizenship by investment. On the other hand, Canada and Brazil will offer a child citizenship by birth irrespective of the native land of their parents.  Furthermore, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland or Greece are the easiest countries to get citizenship by descent. It means that if your parents are the citizens of any of these countries and even if you are born in a different country, you will get the citizenship. Moreover, countries such as the USA and Portugal offer citizenship by naturalization. Here, you will have to meet certain legal criteria, and you may have to take language and cultural tests or make investments based on the country you are from.  I think that knowing the names of the easiest countries to get citizenship in 2025 by continent will be a more comprehensive approach.  1. Which Countries Are Easiest To Get Citizenship In North America? ‣ Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, birth, descent, and naturalization are four modes of obtaining citizenship in Dominica.  As a single applicant, you can contribute $200000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or real estate. ‣ Grenada Along with citizenship through birth, adoption, and descent, Grenada also offers citizenship by investment.  Here are the provisions for getting citizenship in Grenada by investment. US$235,000 in one-time National Transformation Fund (NTF) donation Minimum US$270,000 in a government-approved real estate project ‣ St. Kitts and Nevis St. Kitts and Nevis offer citizenship through citizenship by investment (CBI) and Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) programs.  You have to either contribute $250,000 to the SISC or make an investment of $325,000 in a real-estate project approved by the government.  2. What Countries Are Easiest To Get Citizenship In South America? Argentina is a South American country offering citizenship to foreigners through birth, marriage, descent, and naturalization.  For citizenship through naturalization in Argentina, you have to live in the country for at least 2 years.  3. What Are The Easiest European Countries To Get Citizenship? Europe has many countries offering citizenship to foreigners.  ‣ Italy The Residence by Investment program, naturalization, and by descent are the three programs for citizenship in Italy.  If you invest in innovative Italian startups, your threshold is around €250,000. Further, you can make a €500,000 investment in Italian government bonds and shares.  Moreover, you can invest €1 million in philanthropic activities or €2 million in government bonds.  ‣ Portugal The Golden Visa Program allows you to obtain citizenship in Portugal. Once you have the five-year visa, you will be eligible for citizenship through naturalization.  ‣ Spain There are multiple methods to get citizenship in Spain. The easiest method is to establish continuous residency in Spain for 10 years.  This is the primary condition for earning Spanish citizenship through naturalization.  Moreover, you can earn citizenship by investing €500,000 in real estate.  ‣ Turkey Three methods of earning Turkish citizenship are marriage to a Turkish citizen, residency for 5 years, and investment.  Furthermore, the investment amount for earning citizenship is between $400,000 and $500,000. ‣ Ireland You need to maintain permanent residence in Ireland for 5 years to earn citizenship of the country through naturalization. 4. Which Country Is The Easiest To Get Citizenship In Asia? Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea are the easiest countries to get citizenship in Asia. ‣ Thailand Thailand is one of the countries where you can claim citizenship through residency programs and investment.  ‣ Permanent Residency And Citizenship 10 Years of permanent residency to get citizenship Financial stability Clean criminal record Better Thai language proficiency ‣ Residency Based On Investment Investment of $300,000 in real estate, government bonds, or local businesses Clean criminal record Moreover, you can apply for an Elite visa, allowing you multiple entries to the country and a long-term stay. ‣ Malaysia Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is the main provision for getting long-term residency in the country.  However, naturalization is the process through which you can get citizenship in the country, provided you have completed 10 years of legal residency. ‣ South Korea Naturalization, special naturalization, and citizenship by investment are three provisions in South Korea.  5. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In Africa? Kenya and South Africa are the easiest countries to get citizenship in Africa. ‣ South Africa South Africa is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in Africa. The provisions for getting citizenship in South Africa are many. Citizenship by descent Citizenship by birth Retention of citizenship and dual citizenship ‣ Kenya You can stay in Kenya for at least 7 years, get married to a Kenyan person, or get adopted by a Kenyan person to get Kenyan citizenship.  6. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In Oceania? Vanuatu is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment (CBI) The minimum threshold for an individual is $130,000, and the same amount for a family of two is $150000.  Further, when you gain Vanuatu citizenship by investment, you will have a dual-nationality option and visa-free travel opportunities to 94 countries. Nevertheless, the general requirements to be eligible for this program are: Background checks Due diligence No minimum stay requirements Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the easiest countries to get citizenship. 1. Which Country Give Free Citizenship In Europe? No country in Europe offers citizenship until the set criteria are met. However, European countries such as Portugal and Ireland have simpler ways of getting citizenship.  2. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship For Indians? Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and Canada are some of the easiest countries for Indians to obtain citizenship. Canada: Express Entry ProgramPortugal: Golden Visa ProgramNew Zealand: Skilled Migrant VisaAustralia: Skilled Migrant ProgramFurthermore, Ireland offers citizenship to Indians who stay there for five years. Also, Vanuatu and Malta are countries that offer citizenship by investment programs.  3. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship Without Investment? Portugal, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are some of the easiest countries to get citizenship without investment. Portugal: Golden Visa for Permanent ResidencyIreland: Citizenship by DescentCanada: Express Entry and Provincial Nominee ProgramsAustralia: Permanent Residency through Skilled MigrationNew Zealand: Skilled Migrant Program and NaturalizationSerbia (on meeting residency requirements) and Turkey also offer citizenship without investment. Turkey also has a citizenship by investment program. However, here, we are referring to the naturalization process.  4. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship By Investment? Turkey, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda are some of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment. The citizenship application process for these countries are simple. Moreover, the investment threshold for these countries is reasonable. For Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, the investment thresholds are $100000. However, for Turkey, the threshold is $400,000.  5. What Are The Countries Offering Citizenship For Free? Countries that offer citizenship by birth, descent, and naturalization do not charge anything. However, in such cases, you must meet stricter legal criteria and other parameters. Countries offering citizenship by birth: Canada and BrazilCountries offering citizenship by descent: Hungary, Ireland, Greece, and the  United KingdomThe countries offering citizenship by naturalization are: Portugal and the USA 6. What Are Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship For International Students? The Express Entry Program of Canada is a favorite of international students who want to become citizens of the country. Further, Australia is another country offering post-study work permits and residency to international students. Germany, Ireland, Portugal, and New Zealand are some of the easiest countries for international students to get citizenship.  7. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship As An American? Americans can easily get citizenship of different countries by investment and naturalization. They can also go for the citizenship by descent where applicable. Having said that, for Americans, the easiest countries to obtain citizenship are Dominica, Italy, Malta, Ireland, Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, etc.  8. What Are The Easiest Countries To Get Dual Citizenship As An American? Americans are now aggressively pursuing and they also now can have dual citizenship thanks to the citizenship by naturalization and citizenship by naturalization programs. Countries offering dual citizenship to Americans by naturalization are Canada, Ireland, and Argentina. On the other hand, an American can earn citizenship by investment in Dominica, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Turkey. 

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2025

Okay, so, picture this: Chile laid out like a long ribbon—kind of wild, right? Mountains stacked on one side, waves crashing on the other, and somewhere in between, these sun-kissed vineyards doing their own thing. And not just recently, either. Some of these spots have been growing grapes longer than most countries have existed. When folks talk about wine in Chile, it’s no stuffy affair—honestly, it feels more like jumping headfirst into the whole shebang: the scents, the crazy landscapes, locals chatting about soil like it’s family gossip...and the wine isn’t just a drink. It’s, I dunno, almost like reading a diary of the land and weather and the winemaker’s mood last summer. Believe me, if you find yourself wandering around Central Valley’s endless stretches, or just chilling with a glass of something zippy and white right off the coast, the whole experience flips whatever you thought you knew about wine on its head. Here’s a rundown of how to, well, do it up right—and why Chilean wine country is totally underrated for anyone who actually cares what’s in their glass. Why Chile Belongs On Your Wine Travel List Let's be real. Chile’s geography, if you look at a map, is ridiculous. It's absurdly long and skinny—on one side, you’ve got the Andes looking dramatic, on the other, the Pacific just doing its endless thing.  That combo means you get all kinds of grapes—each with its wild backstory.  Sometimes, you’ll even wonder if the wine tastes different because of the wind or the fog, and honestly, maybe it does. Way back, some old Spanish guys brought over vines during the 1500s (imagine lugging grape plants on a boat…). Fast-forward: these days, Chile fires off everything from bold Cabernet to its famous Carmenère (which was basically lost everywhere else until they stumbled on it growing here), and while tradition is huge, they’re also not afraid to play around—mixing, blending, inventing. But don’t let the obsession with the grape fool you—traveling here, you’re in for high-energy Santiago, mind-blowing seafood in Valparaíso, classic farmhouses, and some wineries that look like spaceships landed in the vines. The Essential Wine Regions Of Chilean Wine Country Can’t see it all? Yeah, same. So here are the spots you wanna hit if you thrive on the good life: 1. Maipo VALLEY – The Bordeaux Of South America Jump in a car from Santiago and you’re basically in wine heaven before you’ve finished your podcast.  Maipo’s like Bordeaux if Bordeaux were dragged down to South America and given a tan. Their Cabs are everything—sun, altitude, crazy temperature swings. Here, you bounce between proper castles and tight-knit family farms. Pro tip: Say yes to barrel tastings, even if you don’t know what’s going on. Also, picnic in the vines? Yes, please. 2. Colchagua Valley – Bold Reds And Boutique Luxury Prefer your wine big and loud? Colchagua’s where it’s at. You get Carmenère, Malbec, and Syrah, all hedged in by mountains and dusty hills.  Out here, you can sleep in some bougie lodge, eat with a chef who got bored with Santiago, or hop on a horse and clop around feeling very, very far from home—or work. 3. Casablanca Valley – Cool-Climate Elegance Suddenly need something crisp? Casablanca’s like dipping your toes in the ocean, but with wine. The vibe? Super chill (temperature-wise too), close to Valparaíso, and heavy on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that somehow taste like the smell of fresh rain. And, weirdly, the buildings at some of these wineries—glass walls, clean lines—make you feel like you’re drinking inside a modern art painting. Not bad, right? 4. Aconcagua Valley – Tradition Meets Innovation Nose around north of Santiago, and you hit Aconcagua. This place is a mashup: grandad techniques next to bright-eyed winemakers pouring orange wine and talking about fermentation like it’s the new rock ’n’ roll.  Reds, whites, and all kinds of stuff in between. More Than Just Wine: Immersive Chilean Wine Country Experiences Let’s be honest for a second: even if wine’s great, no one wants just wine, all the time. Some add-ons you can’t miss: Gourmet Food: Loads of wineries double down with restaurants that’ll ruin you for regular meals—seafood, lamb, veggies, all paired so well you’ll start rating salad at home. Art and Architecture: Sometimes you come for the wine, and end up taking fifty photos of the cool ceilings or a painting hung next to barrels. Nature and Adventure: Think: hiking near volcanoes, pedaling past vines, even floating in a hot air balloon. Wild? Yes. Culture Stuff: Pick grapes with strangers, learn a dance and laugh at yourself, or poke around for cheese, olive oil, or crafts that weigh down your suitcase. When To Visit Chilean Wine Country Best part—Chile’s long enough that there’s always somewhere worth going. If you want the inside scoop: Harvest (March to May): Grapes everywhere, everyone’s busy, and there’s a good chance you’ll get roped into a festival—or grape-stomping contest. Spring (September to November): The Weather’s sweet, gardens and vines exploding, and not a tour bus in sight. Summer (December to February): Big sunshine, big crowds, big everything. Good if you want max hustle and bustle. Traveling In Style: Curated Luxury Wine Tours Hate planning logistics? Me too. Just get a fancy tour company and let them sweat the details—private tastings, cool places to crash, cars to get you from A to B, and guides who know when to hang back and when to start telling crazy stories about wine politics. Check out Into the Vineyard or anyone who actually answers their emails. They make sure you’re doing what you want, not what the last ten tourists did. One of the best ways to experience the breadth of Chile’s wine regions is with a specialized travel company like Into the Vineyard. A Sample Luxury Chile Wine Tour Itinerary Let’s imagine how a week goes down (give or take, you know?): Day 1 – Land in Santiago. Someone grabs your bags; you’re at a boutique hotel with a welcome drink before you even check Wi-Fi. Day 2 – Maipo Valley. Taste, eat, repeat. If the schedule says “vineyard lunch,” you’re in for at least three wines before dessert. Day 3-4 –  Colchagua Valley. Sleep in a posh lodge. Visit small-batch wineries. Maybe fall off a horse (hopefully not). Day 5 – Casablanca Valley. White wine and seafood until you need a nap. Then, go to Valparaíso for a night out. Graffiti, music, food, the works. Day 6 –  Aconcagua Valley. Get nerdy with organic wine folks. Learn that “biodynamic” isn’t just a buzzword. Day 7 –  Back to Santiago. Last gifts, one more meal, then gone. Insider Tips for the Perfect Chilean Wine Country Tour Here are some of the tips for travel. The travellers should follow these tips for a more immersive experience while visiting the place. Honestly, don’t drive yourself. Local drivers know where to go (and where to stop for the best empanadas). Try the funky grapes—País, Carignan, even that Riesling with the label you can’t pronounce. Book the good stuff early—boutique tours disappear quickly. Look for places with a pool or a hot tub. Thank me later. The Last Few Things To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Chile Chile’s not just another check on your wine passport. You’re standing with snow-capped Andes in the background, sipping a glass that could’ve been impossible anywhere else, and finishing your last meal by the ocean.  Mix in a little culture, art, and memories you can’t fit in a suitcase, and well, that’s what makes Chile a story you can drink. Read Also: With Popular Wineries, Learn the Things to Do in Mudgee! 5 Ideas For Wine Tours In Barcelona- Make It Happen Wineries You Should Visit In Winter