Stop Getting Bond Wrong

BY  sagnika Feb 13, 2025

Whether it is the beaches or the museums, there are several things to explore in the USA! But what is stopping me and you from visiting these places? I don’t know about you but I need to pay my bills you’all!   My work often requires me to go to the office Monday to Friday, which makes it difficult for me to go on a trip without any plans! So, I have found a solution, creating a list of February vacation ideas. What's more, I will be sharing these with you so that I can get some realistic feedback on my random impulses!   By impulse, let me explain! I am a mix of everything, I love reading a book and vegetating on a chair in front of the sea. While on the other hand, I love putting on my hiking shoes and climbing a hill just to watch that beautiful sunset!   Now you know, what I am talking about! Therefore, let me list some ideas that will help you decide on which ones you want to do. This list will also help you identify the type of traveler you are as an individual! You will also get to know about some of the best places to visit in February!   Here are the February Vacation Ideas for a Busybody!   Either it's chilly or it's just the perfect warm that will create a beautiful environment for your vacation. When considering February vacation ideas, I have some of the coolest ones especially because I keep thinking about them all the time.   In the USA, you have several places which offer a variety of activities! You have to consider the temperature behavior along with your budget. If you are someone who is looking for adventure, you might need to keep money aside for adventure sports.   Furthermore, if you have planned to visit museums and gardens, walk a lot, and eat local food, well your budget will be much more friendly. Overall, there are specific factors when you are planning vacation ideas, so let me share some of mine!   1. Perform Beach Activities   February is a perfect month when a lot of really hot places have the perfect weather! For example, The Keys in Florida has several beaches and night life so does Miami. Additionally, how can we forget about some of the best cruises from Miami? These are the perfect places for my February vacation ideas.   With a corporate life giving me back pain, I would love to sprawl across the beach with a book and a drink in my hand. Furthermore, I would also love to try snorkeling and surfing. Sitting on the beach, taking in the view of the Caribbean waters, I can already imagine the sand shining on my toe!   One of the coolest beach activities that you can do in February is snorkeling in a sea cave at Captain Cook Kealakekua Bay. Yes, weather plays an important role but if you are lucky, you can encounter whales and wild dolphins.   Also, if you visit Hawaii, you can have one of the best experiences of whale watching! Get on a raft boating cruise to watch Whales while on your way to Molokini Crater.   2. Visit Museums, Aquariums, Zoos and Gardens   https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ojbOIxKzy/?img_index=1 I am a huge fan of history and animals; hence, I just adore walking around gardens and zoos. Checking out the artifacts and exhibitions is one such hobby of mine and what better way to spend some vacation time in February than doing something I love?   Be it, San Diego or Palm Springs, I can visit museums every month if I can manage a day off! Furthermore, as a corporate individual, I am so habituated to sitting on a chair for long periods that I welcome a visit to an aquarium while on a vacation.   I visited the Butterfly World once when I went to Coconut Creek, Florida. It is the largest in the world and one of its kind with approximately 20,000 butterflies living there! You must check this out when you are planning a vacation in February with the perfect environment.   Another beautiful place you must visit is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher! It is a perfect place if you love watching fishes and other mammals in their natural environment. Additionally, you cannot miss the magical Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney when you are traveling with kids.   3. Celebrate Festivals and Events   There is a festive feel to February, what’s with the Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, and others. I am all in for festivals and events when it means I can eat, celebrate, and be merry while on vacation.   I would prefer to visit New Orleans in February or March so that I can participate in parades, eat rich food, and share laughter and happiness with all. Did you know it is an official state-declared holiday?   Well, what could be better than going on a date with my boyfriend while on vacation and ushering in Valentine’s Day? A romantic dinner and sharing some special moments during a vacation seems like the perfect way to relax and enjoy life.   When in New Orleans, you can also take one of the best Caribbean cruises offered by Norwegian Cruise Line or Carnival Cruise Line. You will be amazed at the views of the ports like Progreso and Grand Canyon along with inclusive activities.   4. Explore Local Markets, Shopping Centers and Streets   If you are someone like me who loves exploring local markets, artisans, and shopping streets, you know what I am going to say. One of the coolest February vacation ideas for me is to stroll around local markets, smell fresh produce, and buy home decor and flowers.   Trying out a new pair of sunglasses or a jewelry bit at a local street shop is my perfect way of spending my vacation. With beautiful weather, especially if you visit New York City, you can check out shop displays and splurge on yourself a bit.   If you are looking for some affordable shopping, you can visit the Reading Terminal Market and Maui Swap Meet! Furthermore, there are other streets for shopping such as Lincoln Road. Let’s not forget Manhattan in NYC, when talking about shopping!   5. Attempt adventure sports   I am a bit of an adventure freak when I want to be! Especially because 9 to 5, my life is so boring, I hunt out for some adrenaline shocks. So why don’t we try bungee jumping in Hansen Bridge, Idaho, or hike a trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California?    How about taking a hot air balloon ride at Sedona, Arizona? I have always wanted to go ziplining, so can we try that at Catskills, New York where you can zip at the height of 60 feet across a 3200-foot cable?   You can take a hiking tour in the lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona. It can be a little sandy and rocky so be careful about the shoes you choose! There are vibrant passageways creating a kaleidoscope for you when you ascend the canyon!   If you want to ski, the perfect destination for you will be Park City Mountain in Utah! Also, Montana has resources where you will get great groomers and can freeride. Another adventure is that you can go on an airboat tour to visit the reptile and alligator exhibit at the Florida Everglades.   You can then come back taking one of the best cruises from Florida with delicious BBQ options and an open bar, a perfect night out for a group of friends!   Any new Ideas?   Why do you think you need February vacation ideas? Guys, seriously! It is one of those months that scream relaxation, adventure, love, and party together. February rolls on like a festival on wheels, you have to take some time off and see the world.   And if you are a corporate girlie like me, I know exactly what you need! A two-week vacation that includes a bit of adventure, a bit of fun, and loads of beautiful memories to keep you going for the rest of the year. Comment below on what is your favorite vacation ideas or plans during February and why!  Also read Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Beautiful Places In Antarctica. Best Romantic Experiences In Orlando | A Travel Guide For Couples. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 22, 2021

Despite being a tiny city-island state, There are many popular tourist places in Singapore. This is not just because of deliberate action by the Singaporean government to attract tourists but also due to the rich and vibrant cultural and historical experience the country provides. But the sheer variety of places to visit often tends to confuse some travelers who are pressed for time. They would prefer a list of the best places to visit, which will help them organize their trip and make the most of their time. Although making such a list is difficult in a country that offers myriad options, here are 10 of the top places to explore Singapore. Keep in mind that many of these attractions have an admission fee, and it would be a good idea to carry a travel card with you for a secure, hassle-free experience. Top 10 Singapore Tourist Attractions Tourist places in Singapore are pretty famous among all-age travelers. The Singapore tourist destinations are not only famous for their cultural diversity. The law and the social structure are also other noticeable things. Here is the list of Singapore sightseeing top 10 Singapore tourist attractions. 1. Resorts World Sentosa Perhaps the best place to visit in Singapore is not on the main island itself but on one of the adjacent resort islands, known as Sentosa, off its southern coast. Resorts World Sentosa is a destination resort spread across almost 50 hectares of land with several unique attractions in it. Among all Singapore’s special places, this place belongs to our top priority list. Some of these include the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and a wide range of restaurants. In fact, if you are a food explorer, this is an ideal place for you because it has more Michelin star outlets than any other single destination. Other attractions at Resorts World Sentosa include a casino, spas, and frequent concerts and shows. 2. Marina Bay Marina Bay is considered one of the most happening tourist places in Singapore in the whole country. In fact, some even call it the epicenter of tourism in the country. At the heart of this is the Marina Bay Sands, a resort that has almost everything to satisfy your senses. Whether it is nightclubs, casinos, spectacular shopping centers, performances, or even luxurious accommodation, Marina Bay Sands has them all. But the attractions of this spot don’t stop there. Offering a wide range of exhibitions, there is the ArtScience Museum in a lotus-shaped building. You will also be able to find The Float at Marina, which is the biggest floating stadium in the world, and the Merlion Park, which has the iconic statue that has a lion’s head and the body of a fish. The tale of the ever-booming and flourishing business sector in Singapore never gets old. The business industry is a highly developed one with a mixed market economy. But in the midst of work chaos, a few vocational escapes never hurt anyone. Thus, Marina Bay also acts as a retreat for many business vacations and trips in Singapore. 3. Gardens By The Bay One of the best things about tourist places in Singapore is that it has something for everyone. For instance, if nature is your thing, but you are not looking for an exhausting trek through the wilderness, head to Gardens by the Bay. This urban jungle is located at Marina Bay itself but requires a special mention for the one-of-a-kind experience it offers. Top attractions within this nature park include a Cloud Forest and a Flower Dome. The former is home to the tallest indoor waterfall in the world on a mini-mountain. Things get more scientific in the Flower Dome, which is a greenhouse with plants categorized by their native countries. Apart from these, don’t miss The Supertree Grove, a cluster of tall structures supporting a skyway. 4. Singapore Flyer If you have seen the London Eye in the UK or the High Roller in Las Vegas, US, and wanted to try a Ferris wheel in Asia, tourist places in Singapore are the best place to do it. This 42-story-tall observation wheel will give you a panoramic view of not just Singapore but places as far as Malaysia and Indonesia. There are different options to choose from when taking a trip on the Flyer. These range from a Singapore Flight that costs about S$33 per person to a more luxurious Premium Champagne Flight that would set you back by S$79. Use your travel card and enjoy a breathtaking experience. 5. China Town Fancy an experience of Chinese culture in Singapore? The country is home to a significantly large migrant Chinese population and this has played a major role in its development. Located in the Central Area of the country, Chinatown, with its characteristic stores and food stalls, is an ethnic enclave where you can get a taste of authentic Chinese culture. Different parts of Chinatown are known for different attractions and makes this place a unique tourist place in Singapore. Pagoda Street, for instance, is the place to go if you are looking to pick up some souvenir trinkets. The district of Tanjong Pagar has several pubs, bars, and quintessentially Asian karaoke stores. 6. Singapore Zoo If you are an animal lover and wish to see wildlife in their natural habitat without worrying about your safety, the Singapore Zoo would be a great place to visit. Located within an artificial rainforest, this zoo has over 2,800 animals housed across a staggering 26-hectare compound. One of the most attractive features of this place is the chance to experience wildlife as they would in their native regions, such as the African savannah grasslands. Among all the tourist places in Singapore, this place is like a smooth touch of nature. There are other enticing activities to engage in as well. For instance, you can have breakfast with orangutans for company. How much closer to nature can you get? 7. Little India Besides the Chinese, Singapore has a thriving Indian community as well. And if you want to get a taste of India without actually going over to the subcontinent, Little India is worth checking out.  From aromatic spices to bright, colorful clothes and scrumptious food, this place will feed your appetite for an authentic Indian experience. If you visit during any of the Indian festivals like Deepavali, you would even be able to get a glimpse of how the celebrations go. Little India is also a popular shopping and tourist place in Singapore. Its Mustafa Centre is open around the clock, and Tekka Centre is popular for sarees and gold. For seeing the diversity of the culture, these are the unique tourist places in Singapore. 8. Orchard Road If you are looking for an incredible shopping experience, head to Singapore’s commercial avenue, Orchard Road. The place got its name from orchards that existed in the area during the 19th century, but it has come a long way since then. Orchard Road is now a vibrant stretch of malls and food outlets. When venturing out to shop till you drop, a good idea would be to use your travel credit card to ensure safe and secure transactions. These places are the famous tourist places in Singapore among shopaholic travelers. 9. Asian Civilisations Museum Little India and Chinatown are guaranteed to get you a taste of Singapore’s migrant culture, but if you want to have a more comprehensive experience, head to the Asian Civilisations Museum.  With over 1,300 artifacts that include religious scriptures, relics, and ceramics from across the continent, this museum is a great place to learn and understand the different Asian cultures. Apart from the permanent exhibition, the Asian Civilisations Museum frequently hosts various events that throw light on different cultural aspects.  10. Singapore Botanic Gardens Spread across 60 acres of land, the Singapore Botanic Gardens was the first site to get the UNESCO World Heritage title in the country. Whether you are just interested in being close to nature or are an avid scholar of botany, this place has enough attractions to keep you engaged for hours. Start with its famous library if you are interested in checking out some academic resources on the subject. There is an orchid garden if flowering plants in a multitude of colors excite you.  The whole place is great for activities such as picnicking or even a casual jog, although the weather can get rather hot during the day. Among all Singapore tourist attractions, these natural tourist places in Singapore are a little bit different experience. Frequently Asked Questions What are the most popular things to do in Singapore with children? The popular things to do with children in singapore, 1. Singapore Mass Rapid Transit 2.National Orchid Graden 3.Grdens by the bay 4. Singapore Botanic Gardens 5. Cloud Forest Is Gardens by thr bay free? It is free to visit Gardens by the Bay and you can watch the light show. You can also access the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and OCBC Skyway by buying tickets. When you buy it in person, you get access on both conservatories at Gardens by the bay is for an adult you will have to pay $28 SGD, and for a child $15 SGD. How much does it cost to go on the Singapore Flyer? Tickets for a flight to Singapore Flyer cost $33 for visitors aged 13 or above, $21 for children aged 3 to 12, and $24 for residents or citizens of Singapore aged 60 or above. Children under the age of 3 has a free entry. Where can i go in singapore for free? 1.Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay. 2.Merlion Park. 3.Singapore Botanic Gardens. 4.Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. 5.Sri Mariamman Temple. 6.Sentosa. 7.MacRitchie Reservoir. 8.Jurong Lake Gardens. How long is Singapore flyer ride? For you tyo reach Singapore flyer ride, it will take you more or less 30 mintues. All Set to Go? Don’t Forget These In the excitement of deciding what to see and do & visit Singapore, do not forget to take some basic precautions to avoid any difficulties during your trip to tourist places in Singapore.  The most important among them is to buy travel insurance that would cover things like medical expenses and loss of personal possessions when you are at your destination. Check with popular insurance companies to know what they offer and purchase a plan that suits you. If you are planning to use your credit card abroad, remember to inform your card-related issuer of the same to avoid transactions being blocked on fraud-related concerns.  As mentioned before, a safe option is to carry a travel credit card that would be accepted anywhere you go. Claire Huang  Is Financial Advisor & Travel geek and has also interest in entrepreneurship & Digital marketing world. He is also working as a freelancer in Sales Team: www.bankbazaar.sg Read More: Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Affair: Here’s How Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events What Can You Expect From the New Year’s in Mexico

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities.  So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine.  However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past.  So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss! Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit  For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list! 1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands  One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India.  The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese.  When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps.  2. Jallianwala Bagh Location: Amritsar City, Punjab The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule. Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people.  Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre.  A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was.  3. Roopkund Lake  Location: Uttarakhand Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India.  However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.”  Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry.  However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons.  4. Shaniwar Wada Location: Pune, Maharashtra Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort. Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince.  5. Kuldhara  Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village. Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.”  6. Dumas Beach Location: Surat, Gujarat Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up.  The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses. While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows.  There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents.  7. Bhangarh Fort In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen. Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 3 No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths) Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well. The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives.  Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.