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BY  Shahnawaz Dec 13, 2023

For the vast majority of people in Australia, their wedding day is a pretty big deal, and it is something that they have been thinking about for most of their life. Due to its importance, it is a day that needs an incredible amount of planning, and many would-be brides start planning the moment that their partner proposes to them. This is an incredibly important day for both the bride and groom, but it is equally important for all of the guests that you are going to invite to celebrate your big day. If you have been lucky enough to have been proposed to quite recently, then you should know that planning should start straight away. Starting Off With The Wedding Plan… One of the first things that you have to make sure that you get right is finding the right venue, and lucky for you, there are a number of quality wedding venues in Northern Beaches. Don’t try to do everything by yourself and so turn to your family members and friends to help you plan out everything. It is going to be a very exciting time, but it is also going to be stressful as well, and so the following are just some of the top tips that will help you to plan your wedding & honeymoon.Why Is It Important To Plan Your Wedding And Honeymoon? They say, “failing to plan is a plan of failing,” which is quite right. Especially when it comes to the most important event of your life - the wedding. It doesn’t matter how long you have been planning your wedding and honeymoon- it always falls short. Thus, the best thing to do is to plan early. Exactly like your wedding, the honeymoon is another important phase. It helps to set the tone for the new life that’s coming forward. These are the first personal moments between a couple, which should never be wasted. And to ensure your honeymoon is a big success, planning is very essential. Tips To Plan Your Honeymoon And Wedding EfficientlyThere can never be the “right” way of planning your wedding and honeymoon in Northern Beaches. These are some of the special days in life, and they must be unique, just like your relationship. So, here are a few tips to strategize about your big day: Begin making plans today - If you and your partner have decided on a date and it’s at least one year away, then you might think that there is lots of time, so there is no need to worry. This is a mistake that many couples make, and they go on to regret it when they have nothing decided upon and the wedding is just around the corner. Start planning today, and you get to take advantage of booking it early and maybe getting yourself some much-needed discounts. Many venues get booked up rather quickly so don’t make the mistake. Plan the wedding together - Some brides are guilty of taking on the reins of responsibility and running with them without asking their other half about their opinions. This can make the other person feel very left out and so the day isn’t as special to them as it should be. Talk together and make sure that all wedding plans are made together, and that includes the destination for your honeymoon. Disagreements are very common while planning such an important thing in life. Embrace it, move on, and settle on a common choice. That’s the key to happiness as you embark on a new journey of life.  Go see the venue yourself - You should never look at any wedding venue based on what you have heard or what you see on their website. Many in the hospitality industry use photographs from when it was first done up and maybe the pictures that you’re looking at are from 10 to 15 years ago. Go see the venue in person, and then you know exactly what you are getting into. However, this is something you should do in advance. Because if you don’t like the venue, you can simply skip it and move on to a better one! Discover Your Vision – Ever since we were kids, we have been planning our wedding. As we continue to age, the plans improve and new elements are added. But the vision remains the same. We plan to marry in this particular month or in this particular location. Make sure you discover your unique vision and stick to it.  Doing so eventually makes you prepare for several backup plans in case something goes wrong. And the same is true for honeymoon, too. Remember the first place that comes to your mind when you think of this romantic journey! Stick to it and plan a proper budget for that.  Don’t Forget To Capture These Memories – Most people are after this- we are so busy capturing memories that we forget to create one. Don’t let that happen. You are out there with a person you have chosen as your life partner- make the most of your time.  Go on picturesque beaches, romantic dinners, and exotic getaways. Take millions of pictures together- but most importantly, learn to live in the moment, too. Nothing truely matches the feeling of coming home to tons of your special memories. For the wedding party, hire a professional photographer to get away with the work yourself.  Parting Thoughts Your wedding is the most special thing that can ever happen to you. Hence, ensure that you do not waste it just like that. These are some excellent tips that will help you to plan the best wedding & honeymoon ever. Never lose sight of the fact that this is for both of you, but remember that you will have guests also.  With this, we put this article to an end. If your big day is approaching, make sure to implement these tips to have a successful wedding day. Thank you for reading till the end. Communicate your thoughts in the comment box below.  Read Also: Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit In 2023 10 Best Fishing Charters In Florida To Visit Top 8+ Splash Pad Near Me In Florida

BY  Sibashree Feb 17, 2026

Trincomalee has one of the closest gateways to Harbarana, the gateway to the Ritigara Forest Monastery.  However, as a tourist from India, Trincomalee is more than a tourist attraction for me. As Jaffna, Sri Lanka, connects the country with India, my homeland, with its Tamil culture and Top Hindu Temples, Trincomalee is important for political, economic, and security reasons.  That is why India has taken a keen interest in the development of the “socio-economic infrastructure and energy hub” in the region.  Also, Trincomalee, with adventure opportunities such as whale watching, surfing, and historical exploration, plays an important role in the tourism development in Sri Lanka.  However, it is unfortunate that most tourists think of only Uppuveli Beach when there is any discussion regarding Trincomalee.  This time, I will talk about the things to do in Trincomalee beyond the Uppuveli Beach.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Trincomalee? I know it’s difficult to avoid the allure of the Uppuveli Beach, which has a laid-back vibe. Also, its emerald waters attract the divers and snorkelers.  Still, there is so much to see beyond the Uppuveli Beach. I loved the beautiful beaches in Jaffna for their quiet and pristine vibes.  However, I found the Uppuveli Beach very touristy, and that was a big turn-off for someone like me, who believes in the principles of the LowDownUnder Travel.  So, here are the other and more exciting (for me) things to do in Trincomalee. 1. Visiting The Nilaveli Beach I took a tuk-tuk from the Uppuveli Beach and reached the Nilaveli Beach within 20 minutes. It was summertime. So, even if the Sun was very strong, the crowd was very small. Just the way I like it! The restaurants, shops, and resorts were not up from their siesta yet, and it was the surfing locals who kept the beach alive.  I started walking south back along the white beach toward Uppuveli, and fortunately, found a place that looked deserted. It was just the turquoise waters, white sand, and me.  However, the current was pretty strong, and I could not spot any lifeguards. So, I bunked the idea of swimming and again walked back toward the north. I had chilled beer with some snacks and watched the surfers in action.  The guy serving food asked me to come back in the peak season when the beach becomes a bustling coastal hub. I told him, “I like it this way!”  2. Visiting The Thirukoneswaram Kovil Temple  Entry: Free Hours: 6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 6:45 PM Photography: Not Allowed Dress Code: Modest Clothing with Knees and Shoulders Covered  I again took a tuk-tuk from the Nilaveli Beach and started for the Sri Thirukoneswaram Kovil Temple. The temple is on the Trincomalee cliffs, and on my way, I found Fort Frederick, once a Dutch stronghold in the country.  Also, as I started walking upward, there were many sellers, market stalls, and fruit vendors lined on both sides of the road. So, the temple is not just a religious place. It is at the epicenter of the local economic and cultural activities.  Nevertheless, once I reached the temple entrance, the majestic statue of Lord Shiva evoked awe. The main temple in pastel shades is erected behind the statue.  The main temple and many of the statues were destroyed by the Portuguese, and they built Fort Frederick with the temple ruins. However, the locals saved many of the statues by burying them underground, and now they are restored again.  The interior of the current temple is as beautiful as its exterior. You will find intricate wooden work and Hindu deities everywhere you look. Also, as you take a walk around the temple, you eventually walk down the cliffs, enjoying the beautiful views of the bay.  3. Lover’s Leap  Lover’s Leap is an area in the Trincomalee cliffs themselves. Francina van Reed, the daughter of a Dutchman, sacrificed her life by jumping from the cliffs.  She saw the ship of her lover sinking in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Out of grief, she took her life.  4. Fort Frederick Fort Frederick was once a Portuguese stronghold, and now the Sri Lankan army uses it. So, you can only see the fort from the road.  Also, there are many old colonial buildings in the same area.  Furthermore, the Fort is occupied by the local deer. Spotting them here was unexpected and obviously a high point.  However, there are warning signs, and you must obey them. So, do not try to feed them, however tempting it may seem.  5. Visiting The Trincomalee Maritime And Naval History Museum Hours Open: 9 AM to 4 PM (Wednesday to Monday) Entry: Free I took a short walk from the fort and reached the Trincomalee Maritime and Naval History Museum. The barrel of a giant cannon welcomed me there.  I opted for a guided tour as I wanted to know the stories behind the exhibits. The museum has recreated a shipwreck, and among other exhibits, there are 3D models explaining the history and landscape of Trincomalee.  There are also archaeological exhibits and the display of naval uniforms.  However, the high point in the museum was yet to come for me. I learned that it was once the residence of a Dutch Commissioner. However, the building fell with the roots of a giant tree bursting through the property.  Still, it was restored to its glory after a reconstruction work of five years.  I was slowly soaking in the story of human resilience as my guide took me to the roof of the museum. I climbed up through a set of tiny stairs in the backroom.  The view was beautiful, and I could see the bay, Fort Frederick, and everything in the surrounding areas.  6. Exploring The Trincomalee Market Exploring the local market was at the core of my Jaffna food tour. Similarly, to know about the local culture, I decided to visit the Trincomalee Market.  Trust me, it is one of the best things to do in Trincomalee if you are planning to try activities that are not very touristy.  I spotted some beautiful street art while exploring the market. Furthermore, the textile shops were selling vibrant clothes, vegetables and fresh fruit. Also, the fish market has a separate section.  So, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can explore the market without hesitation.  The market is also easily accessible from various parts of Trincomalee, as the setup is around the Central Bus Station and the Clock Tower.  Lunch And Food At The Trincomalee Market For me, a trip remains incomplete until I try the local food. Food here is very much like Jaffna, only a little less spicy.  The hotels (restaurants) here serve warm vadas, rice and curry, samosas, and seafood. Lunch for a person at these hotels will cost you around INR 120.  Then, we walked opposite the bus station and found many fruit and vegetable stalls. We bought some bananas, dragon fruits, and the jackfruits there were the biggest I have seen. The Fish Market I was a little late, and most of the fish was sold by then. Still, the crowd of vendors and sellers was pretty decent there.  I bought some fresh crabs and prawns and requested the cook at the hostel to prepare our evening snacks and dinner with them. I made quite a few friends at the hostel. So, sharing the meal with them was a lot of fun.  7. Whale Watching  Whale watching is one of the most exciting things to do in Trincomalee if you are here between November and mid-April.  It is located at a distance of 2 hours, and Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches are the best places to spot whales in Trincomalee.  In the peak season, you can spot at least ten species of whales here. Things To Do In Trincomalee: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the things do in Trincomalee. 1. What Is The Meaning Of Trincomalee? The name Trincomalee comes from the Tamil word Thiru-kona-malai. It means the Lord of the Sacred Hill. Furthermore, the name indicates the presence of the Koneswaram Temple on the hill. It is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.  2. What Is The Trincomalee To Colombo Distance? The distance between Colombo and Trincomalee is around 260 km. Buses run by the National Transport Commission and the Sri Lanka Transport Board run buses on this route. The transport time is around 7 hours, and the ticket price is INR 250 onward. On the other hand, you will get direct trains from Trincomalee to Colombo. The travel time is close to 8 hours, and the ticket price is INR 400 onward. However, if budget is not a constraint, you can book a private car at around INR 3500 and 4500. Also, book a flight ticket to Colombo Airport, Bandaranaike International Airport. The flight ticket will be around INR 4000 to 35000.  3. What Is The Coldest Place In Sri Lanka?  Nuwara Eliya, with the nickname of “Little England,” is the coldest place in Sri Lanka. In the winter season, the temperature frequently drops to 10 degrees Celsius in this region. Furthermore, in January, sometimes the temperature is near freezing. Moreover, Horton Plains and Pattipola are some of the coldest places in the region. 4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Trincomalee? March to May and October to February are the best seasons to visit Trincomalee. From March to May, the temperature is around 30 to 36 degrees Celsius, and from October to February, the average temperature hovers around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, from November to April is the best time for whale watching in Trincomalee. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 2, 2024

Ah, summer vibes mean vacays, road trips, and the classic "Are we there yet?" soundtrack. But let's face it, keeping kiddos entertained during long car rides is no easy feat. The struggle is real! And we all know too well that screen time takeover – not the best road trip memo. Why miss out on the fun? Road adventures are a golden chance for your little explorers to dive into new activities, discover cool stuff, and dive into some classic road trip games. Because let's be real, they won't remember the drive if their eyes are glued to a screen. Time to make those miles memorable. I mean, if you're living in a place for a few days, I think you might be Looking for soccer camps all around. However, if you can’t find something as such, we would suggest you go through the following tips instead. Tip – 1: Make The Entire Thing A Game  Picture this: you're on a classic car ride, cruising down the road. Now, you've got your go-to games like I Spy, Car Bingo, and The License Plate Game. But when those start feeling a bit too familiar, it's time to turn up the fun with some karaoke action! Now, I get it, not everyone's a singing superstar, so let's mix it up. Try this game called Karaoke Masters: create a playlist of tunes everyone knows before you hit the road. Play just a few seconds of a song, and let the kids guess what it is. Throw in some rather goofy ones like "Old McDonald Had a Farm" or "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" for extra laughs. Trust me, it's a road trip game-changer! Note: Ever tried those travel trays for road trips with the kids? I swear by them! They’ll give the little ones a handy flat space for coloring, drawing, or whatever keeps them busy. Plus, no more stuff rolling off with that raised edge. And get this – there's even a cup holder and pockets for snacks. Safety-wise, the edges are soft and padded, just in case. Perfect for meals on the move too! We've been using them for years, and they've been a game-changer. 2: Give Them A Surprise Box  So, on every road trip, my kids get super pumped about this amazing thing we call the "surprise box." It's basically just old lunchboxes I snagged at a garage sale. Now, the magic happens when I fill them up with all sorts of fun stuff I’ve found on the – garage sales, Dollar Tree, clearance aisles, you name it. And let me tell you, it's a big hit! The best part? Everything inside is brand new to them, making each little toy or activity way more exciting. I toss in some snacks and sweet treats for good measure, too. Now, if you really want to milk the suspense or use it as a reward for some stellar behavior, you can get creative. Maybe make a bunch of small surprise bags to open at specific times or pit stops. Think Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, smaller-sized dolls - you name it. Dollar Tree is like a goldmine for budget-friendly goodies. Happy travels! 3: Let Them Listen To An Amazing Story  Switch up your pre-trip routine this summer! Instead of downloading movies, go for podcasts – like movies for your ears! Check out NPR's Wow in the World, their first podcast for kids. It's not just for your little ones; the whole family can enjoy it. Discover the mysteries of why shoelaces never stay tied, the secrets of astronauts' bathroom breaks in space, and how saying "thank you’ can boost your health. It's a fun way to learn together! 4: Play Mobile Games Or With Toys  When you've got a whole bunch of time ahead of the children, make the most of their iPad love! There are cool games that are not just fun but also educational. If your little one enjoys coloring, grab 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book – it's like coloring without the mess of crayons. Plus, there are world maps for some on-the-go geography lessons. And for the older ones, Minecraft Pocket Edition is a big hit! When the road trip gets bumpy, go back to the good old days! Try card games, Mad Libs, and even the classic Etch A Sketch. Travel-sized board games like Clue, Trouble, and Scrabble are perfect for the ride. Don't forget Bingo! And hey, let your little one bring along their favorite toys – it's not just fun, it's like a piece of home on the road! 5: Make Memories As You Go  Ever wish you could relive those awesome family trips without spending hours on photo albums? Well, here's a cool idea: get the kids involved! Let one kid be the photo guru, another the daily journal keeper, and a third the memento collector – think souvenirs, coasters, and random cool stuff. Pack some instant cameras, paper, markers, crayons, glue, and tape. Every night, before crashing, let the kids create a page of memories from the day. When you're back home, make it a massive deal with a family night dedicated to flipping through their masterpiece. Trust me, it's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss! 6: Reward Their Good Behavior  You know, sometimes a little bribery can work wonders. Are kids not cooperating? Try throwing in a sweet deal. If they can keep the complaints to a minimum for the next hour, promise them a pitstop at the ice cream stand. Want some quality time with mom or Dad by the pool? Well, leaving the siblings alone might just do the trick. And if you can manage a whine-free morning, congrats – you get to decide where to eat for lunch or which attraction to hit up first. But, let's not forget the other side of the coin. If kicking the back of Dad's seat is your thing despite being told to stop, sorry buddy, but the hotel game room is off-limits that night. Tough love, you know? 7: Let The Children Have A Say Have you ever noticed how kids can turn a simple car ride into a full-blown protest when they're not into it? Well, here's a trick to avoid whining and complaining to get them involved in the trip plans! Imagine this: instead of dragging them along, let them take the wheel (figuratively, of course). For the little ones, just give them a few hours of power. They get to decide when and where to stop and for how long. Yeah, it might mean hitting up every random spot on the way, but hey, it's a small price for some peace and quiet, right? And it's not just about pit stops. Let them call the shots on what to do during their reign on the road. Maybe a quick detour to a quirky roadside attraction or a pit stop at a diner for a milkshake. Let their imagination run wild. Now, if you've got some older kids, turn the planning up a notch. Give them the keys to the whole day. Let them map out the route, plan all the stops, and come up with a theme for the day. It's like a little road trip takeover by the mini road trip experts. Plus, they can create the ultimate playlist for the journey. So next time you're hitting the road, remember, hand over the reins to the little road trip planners, and you might just avoid the dreaded backseat rebellion. Happy travels! Read Also: Journey To Joy: Unleash The Potential Of Your Road Trip With These Tips Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites