Speed Boat Miami Tour – Sightseeing and Entertainment

BY  Sibashree Dec 13, 2018

Are you a passionate traveler or have you found a life full of exciting thrills? You must explore the places to visit in Italy.     With Italy on your traveling bucket list,  you should be ready for a gala tour of history, food, art, music, and sacred sites. Further, the villas, colorful villages, and astonishing scenery are elements that make a trip to Italy mesmerizing.    It’s time you feed yourself with the knowledge about the places that await their glory.  Places To Visit in Italy on Your Next Trip  I am always at a loss for words when it comes to describing the mesmerizing beauty of Italy. So, without much ado, let’s know about the places you cannot miss in Italy.   1. Rome  “Rome is not built in a day.” One of the best places to visit in Italy, it has amazing vibes for its history as it can be called Europe’s most vibrant city. If you go to this place for the first time, you will discover that it is one of the best decisions that you ever made.    Glorious Relics from the Colosseum, Pantheon, Appian Way, and Palatine Hill. All these are included in your package for visiting Rome. It all depends on your personal preferences as a visitor.    The enchanting riches of the Vatican are the top attractions of the place. Michelangelo’s Pieta gives you another reason to have a day well spent in Rome. No wonder most visitors end up after spending a day or two in Rome if they have the budget.    Breathe fresh in the Borghese gardens and walk down the narrow streets of Trastevere. You will be able to collect the most cherished memories that Rome must deliver.    A must-go place to get in touch with the culture and people of this place. Don’t miss out on this destination if you are planning to visit Rome.   2. Florence  The Italian Renaissance, Florence is like a giant art museum with excellent architecture that dazzles your eyes. The art museum gives any person who visits this place the best moments in life. It is one of the things you will not want to leave out of your list of places to tour when visiting Italy.    The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a satisfaction to watch with a gravity-defying massive dome. You will not get such an experience in any other part of the world. It is an exceptional opportunity that you will not want to lose when in Rome.    The marble-inlaid bell tower and the incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti need no introduction to put forward in Renaissance art. All these experiences come your way when you choose to visit Florence.    There are several art museums filled with paintings and masterpieces that offer you a visual treat. It is amazing to see the pieces of artwork in Florence. There is so much to explore in Florence that you don’t feel like you are still done with it! The destination should be among the top places you need to visit when going to Italy.   3. Venice  You cannot not love a city that has watery streets, where you have boats to accommodate, and love is in the air. This is what you will get on your Venice tour in Italy. So, there is no wonder that Venice is one of the best places to visit in Italy.    It is a magical city filled with several tourist destinations. The great Basilica of St. Mark, near the Doge’s Palace, is a definite treat. All this will be part of your experience if you choose to go to Venice when you visit Italy.   A Gondolas ride can make you go crazy once you are on the go. Beauty meets culture, a place where you can find the most authentic food to tantalize your taste buds and savor delicacies. Therefore, you will see the beautiful scenery and taste delicious meals in Italy.   Which other place will give you the combination of these two worlds? What a pleasure that is to be lost in the pleasures of Venice! Several postcards await you when you tour Venice! Way to Go!! Yes, Venice will give you the best experience ever on your Italy tour.   4. Lake Como  The lakes and their beauty are breathtaking, making Italy the most beautiful lake city. No one would like to visit a country without seeing what the lakes have to offer. One thing you need to understand is that Lake Como offers more than an ordinary lake will do.    Como can be your favorite summer retreat, and you can definitely pick up Villas in Italy near Lake Como to have a fantastic travel experience. You cannot compare the experience that you get here with any other place in the world.    Lake Como has its own uniqueness that makes it stand out. The microclimate of the western shore makes Como bearable, with moderate temperatures even in winter. Therefore, you can still target this place even when you feel like the environment is not conducive.    The natural touches can help you choose tranquility over cheer. Quench your travel thirsts by traveling to Lake Como this upcoming New Year! No one has regrets after choosing to visit Lake Como, Italy.   5. The Cinque Terre  The top five towns would almost be impossible if there were no railway connections made. After all, how will you move from one place to another without a reliable transportation system?    In contemporary times, the trail with cliffs is the only mode of travel. This can be called the most visited tourist attraction in Italy. Therefore, you could be the only one missing the opportunity if you don’t include it on your list.    It is one of the most soothing and relaxing places to visit. Cinque Terre is a definite reason to visit Italy once in your lifetime. Beauty attracts all, and why not explore the serene when you have all the beautiful things aligned in a city? This destination is the only reason why some people choose to visit Italy.   6. Amalfi Coast and Capri  The high and unlikely Amalfi Peninsula hugs the Mediterranean in the south of Naples is unimaginable for its pill down and dangerous steep slopes. However, the site is amazing, especially if you are experiencing it for the first time.    Streets can be called stairways, and houses surrounded with colorful natural decorators add more beauty to them. It is quite amazing to stare at these landscapes and watch what they have to offer.    Flowers and beaches amidst the emerald water are sure to soothe your mind, body, and soul. The Amalfi Drive is one of the world’s greatest scenic routes. Lavish villas and lush green gardens add zeal to your travels.   All these features will keep you watching for an extended period. No wonder we have a non-countable number of visitors who get to this destination every year.    Conclusion     Travel enthusiasts find the places to visit in Italy to be the full package of history, culture, customs, and sites that feed their hunger for aesthetics.   It’s time for you to be in this land of lakes, castles, and delicious wines. Doesn’t the idea sound just perfect? What is the one destination in Italy that you want to visit the most? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us!  

BY  Sibashree Jan 27, 2026

A series of misunderstandings? A place that fails to connect? I don’t know why I never felt that connection during the couple of times I visited Bangkok. I think as we “grow up” or evolve as human beings, we look for something more meaningful beyond the neon and crowds. It’s all about the “life stages.” Even as a backpacker, the streets of Khao San Road and the cheap lager smells never attracted me. I found most of the experience surface-level, and the tourist traps were many.  Overall, as a woman in her mid-thirties, I felt that I had joined the wrong party. However, I started to feel at ease as I reached the southern beaches, especially the limestone cliffs of Krabi or the turquoise waters of the islands. However, the last trip to Bangkok changed many things. My experience was curated, and based on that, I am here to share the things to do in Bangkok for adults. What Are The Things To Do In Bangkok For Adults? Beyond the street-buckets of gin and the smog, this time, I found Bangkok to be a community-oriented city. I could feel its cultural richness and sophistication this time. If you’ve also previously written off Bangkok as too chaotic or "young," here is a guide to the elevated, authentic, and age-appropriate experiences that turned me into a lifelong fan.  1. Elevated Gastronomy At R-Haan View this post on Instagram A post shared by R.HAAN (@r.haan_restaurant) Yes, street foods are very much a part of the authentic Thai culture. However, this time, R-Haan was my destination.  This two-Michelin-starred restaurant serves high art without adulterating the soul of Thai cooking. We experienced the Samrub, a traditional Thai way of dining that feels like a family-style degustation. Also, trying the food here was like getting familiar with the seasons and regions of the kingdom.  From amuse-bouches to the curries in the main courses, the wholesome experience is achieved by balancing the five pillars of Thai taste: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy. 2. Sightseeing With Siam Hop The humidity of Bangkok is always a challenge to keep the mood even. However, Slam Hop, with its four distinct routes, changed my experience this time.  It covers Heritage, CBD, Shopping, and Entertainment through its routes. So, you can tailor your experience.  Furthermore, these buses are air-conditioned, and the integrated app with real-time GPS tracking offers traffic updates.  We took the bus and visited the Grand Palace and the sleek skyscrapers of Sukhumvit. And guess what? The exhaustion was 0.  3. The Bang Lamphu Backstreets We probably had the best experience in the backstreets of the Bang Lamphu district. Here, the local people, especially the young ones, have taken great initiative to maintain the heritage.  We met a lady who has been hand-sewing the costumes for the traditional mask dance, or Khon. She started when she was 15, and now she is 50.  Furthermore, it was a Friday, and the community leaders at the local mosque spoke about the area's history and how it has always maintained religious harmony.  These are the moments when you feel the real connection and even forget to click photos. 4. Curated Street Food At SookSiam View this post on Instagram A post shared by WBC Muaythai Korea (Official) (@wbc_muaythai_korea) We had to give the street food a try. However, we did not want the outdoor heat to be a challenge. So, we visited SookSiam inside the ICONSIAM mall.  Here, you will find street food from all 77 provinces of Thailand.  They have also recreated canal boats and traditional shopfronts, and you will find artisans from across the country. We tasted northern khao soi, southern spicy curries, and delicate Isan sausages all in one loop.  5. Holistic Healing At Dii Wellness View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diiwellnessmedspa (@diiwellnessmedspa) The Dii Wellness Med Spa in the Central Embassy mall offered us the rejuvenation we wanted. They used essential oils and focused pressure techniques that took away the exhaustion of a long flight.  It is a wellness experience that I can travel for.  6. Industrial Chic At The Never-Ending Summer View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Never Ending Summer (@theneverendingsummer) The Never-Ending Summer was previously a warehouse on the Chao Phraya River banks. This converted space has now become a place to enjoy Thai food with a beautiful view.  The natural lighting adds to the ambience, and we loved having lunch while watching the river traffic go by.  We had an amazing salad there, made with battered flowers, and the curries were well-balanced. After finishing our lunch, we took a stroll to the Jam Factory complex, which had an art gallery and a bookstore.  7. The Golden Hour On A Sunset River Cruise A sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River is magical, cliché it may sound. The sky turns into a burnt orange canvas at first, and then there are the touches of violet.  With this change, the city's silhouette changes completely. The ancient spires of Wat Arun glow against the modern glass of the riverside hotels.  8. Spirit Jim Thompson: A Jungle Oasis You cannot miss lunch at Spirit Jim Thompson even if you are having just one meal in Bangkok. It felt like a tropical sanctuary in the heart of a lush garden.  This is such a welcome break from the streets of the city.  In true honor of the legacy of Jim Thompson, the place maintains elegance and its impeccable style.  You can choose anything from the menu. You will experience bold flavors, arty presentation, and overall, the quintessential Thai hospitality.  9. Cocktails At ThreeSixty Rooftop Bar ThreeSixty atop the Millennium Hilton was the place we chose for a cocktail with a view experience.  We took the outdoor seats. The evening was warm, and we saw the river winding its way through the glowing city.  A perfect moment for romance, reflection, and more!  10. Afternoon Tea At The Gingerbread House View this post on Instagram A post shared by บ้านขนมปังขิง เสาชิงช้า (@baankanompangkhing) The Gingerbread House, a Victorian-style wooden home, has a 100-year-old history. It is the place where you will cherish the tradition.  We sat under the shade of a huge 80-year-old mango tree, and we ordered iced coffee. Furthermore, the colorful Thai desserts here were served in crystal dishes.  How should I describe the experience? Graceful? Yes, if we can say that about the food experience.  11. The Labyrinths Of Chinatown You really have to be an early bird if you want to explore Yaowarat or the Chinatown of Bangkok.  Furthermore, as we walked through the small alleys, we could smell the incense, and we came across the ancient shopfronts and lanterns.  Many of the historic buildings of the city have become boutique teahouses or mini museums. It is a sensory explosion of history and tradition that offers a fascinating counterpoint to the city’s modern malls. 12. Legacy Flavors At Nuttaporn Ice Cream Nuttaporn Ice Cream in the Banglamphu district is a family-run place that serves ice cream made using the same coconut milk-based recipes for over 60 years.  Furthermore, it is a “no-frills” place, and we loved the bowls of mango ice cream with the toppings of peanuts and lotus seeds.  This time, I chose experiences that valued quality, community, and comfort. So, I finally saw the Bangkok that had been hiding behind the backpacker facade all along. Moreover, it’s a city that grows with you, and you just have to give it the right itinerary. Read Also: A Guide To What To Do Around Siam Square Bangkok Bangkok in the Rainy Season -What You Should Know 5 Top Bangkok Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

BY  Sibashree Feb 17, 2026

Just outside Colombo City, I found the Mount Lavinia Beach. I did not know that such a beautiful sea bathing spot was located so close to Colombo. It is swimmable and has the most amazing sunset views.  The beaches in Jaffna will be my silent favorite. However, I was happy to find this quaint place and met adorable sea turtles here.  Here is more about a day at Mount Lavinia Beach.  How I Reached The Mount Lavinia Beach?  The closest railway station to Mount Lavinia Beach is the Mount Lavinia Railway Station. I took a train from the Kollupitiya railway station, and the train ticket cost me around INR 10 or 30 LKR.  It was a train journey of 20 minutes, and as the train started getting closer to Mount Lavinia, I could smell the sea, and young men were all near the doors of the train carriage, enjoying the breeze and soaking in the vibe.  The Mount Lavinia Beach: A Day Well Spent By The Sea  It was late afternoon when I reached Mount Lavinia Beach. Everyone was playing cricket or rugby, and some young couples were taking selfies.  I joined the bunch playing cricket, and it was a lot of fun talking about Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya, two Sri Lankan cricket icons. They were happy to know that I was from India, and we talked more about the cricket that we played.  After I played with them for one hour, they accompanied me for lunch at a special door. The place was indeed special, as I watched the trains pass with thunder and even could cross the tracks.  Meanwhile, the Sun was about to set, and I planned to have some beer and watch the sunset. The plastic chairs and tables were in dilapidated conditions, but I cherished my beer time.  As the sky turned blue from orange, and then purple and black, I patted my back for deciding to spend an afternoon at Mount Lavinia Beach.  Sea Turtles And Food At Mount Lavinia Beach  I visited the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre before hitting the beach, and the food I had here deserves a special mention.  Here is more about the highlights of my Mount Lavinia Beach experience.  1. Sea Turtles Conservation Centre, Colombo  Ticket Price: INR 180 The Sea Turtles Conservation Centre was the first place I visited after getting off at the Mount Lavinia station.  I walked through makeshift shacks and beach houses between the Mount Lavinia Railway track and the beach to reach the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre.  It is a small beachside rescue center that buys turtle eggs from locals and raises them. It is an attempt to stop the selling of tortoise eggs or tortoise meat as food.  Furthermore, it is a place where injured turtles are nursed, and their health is restored. I saw adorable Albino Loggerheads, tiger turtles, and leatherbacks here.  Also, I was elated seeing the tank where tiny, 1-week-old baby turtles were swimming. I am a tactile person, and the best thing was that they allowed me to hold the turtles.  They also explained the volunteering opportunities here and how the entire preservation project is managed.  Overall, it was a fulfilling experience. 2. The Galkissa Beach My experience in Sri Lanka began with a trip to Jaffna. I have also hiked the Ritigala Forest Monastery and Trincomalee.  By now, I must have been aware of how Google Maps can be deceiving in Sri Lanka. However, overjoyed with the turtle experience, I did not notice that I had walked in the wrong direction from the railway station.  I could sense the mistake when I could see a stretch of sand with fishing nets lying before me. There were no bars or restaurants as I had seen in the images of the Mount Lavinia Beach.  People were playing with kites and swimming there.  I waited there for five minutes. Oh, the introvert in me really becomes unbearable sometimes.  Nevertheless, I tried to be at the best of my best social skills and asked a local about the place. He told me that it was the Galkissa Beach.  I took some photos of the place and then started walking toward Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. Food On The Mount Lavinia Beach Finally, I reached the Mount Lavinia Beach, and it was exactly like the photos I had seen of it. I was at the beach around July, and the waves were quite strong.  So, people were more into paddling than swimming. Also, after playing some cricket, as I have mentioned, my stomach was rumbling, and thanks to the guys I was playing cricket with, I got to grab a place at a bar cum restaurant.  I ordered some seafood fried rice and prawn curry with chilled Lion beers.  Food was good and spicy, and with occasions sweats! Though the food here was not as spicy as the food in Jaffna.  After finishing my lunch, I decided to go for another stroll along the beach and watch the sunset. Finally, it was time to bid goodbye to the waters and take a train to the Kollupitiya railway station.  Mount Lavinia Beach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Mount Lavinia Beach.  1. What Is Mount Lavinia Famous For?  Mount Lavinia is famous for its golden sand beach and the heritage Mount Lavinia Hotel. The beach is an ideal place for swimming, paddling, beach crickets and enjoying a vibrant nightlife. Furthermore, the hotel was built in 1806. It was the former residence of the governor of Sri Lanka, and thanks to its old-world charm is one of the most celebrated hotels in Sri Lanka. Moreover, romance is in the air of Mount Lavinia. British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, fell in love with Lovina Aponsuwa, who was a Sinhalese-Portuguese dancer in the 19th century. Sir Thomas Maitland named the area and the hotel after her name.  2. Is Mount Lavinia Beach Safe To Swim?  Yes, Mount Lavinia Beach is safe to swim. It has shallow areas, calm waters, and a shoreline patrolled by lifeguards. So, it is an ideal place for swimming and a favorite among the locals for a family visit. Having said that, November to April is the best time for swimming at Mount Lavinia Beach. Also, weather conditions can change anytime. So, check the local safety flags and listen to the advice of the lifeguards before getting into the water.  3. What Is The Mount Lavinia Beach To Colombo Airport Distance? The distance between Mount Lavinia Beach and Colombo is around 44 km. The travel time via the Colombo - Katunayake Expressway is around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The best option is to take an airport transfer from the Colombo Airport.