Summer In Rome: Sleep, Do, See

BY  Sibashree Jul 3, 2026

Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is also called “sapno ka seher”, the city of dreams. It is a metropolitan city with many different people.  Be it a dreamer, laborer, gangster, top film industry celebrities, and ofcourse, vada pav lovers. Mumbai lives in contrast: the most expensive houses and the biggest slums, people earning millions and others just surviving the day. The urban city that never sleeps and surprising tropical forests.  Mumbai doesn’t just have big buildings and busy traffic. Mumbai’s heart lies in street corners, old buildings, small cafes, sea-facing promenades, and markets.  Among those who are always in a rush are some who seek solace in a big city like Mumbai.  Here’s a guideline to help you reach the heart of Mumbai. Buckle up; whether you're arriving on a Goa-to-Mumbai flight for a weekend break or planning a longer stay, this guide will help you with the 12 top things to do in Mumbai. Best Things To Do In Mumbai: Here are some of the places that make Mumbai feel like Mumbai and not like any other destination to travel. These experiences will make you feel you belong here: 1. Walk Through Mumbai's Colonial Heart Everyone will suggest you visit the Gateway of India, but before that, slow down and have a walk through South Mumbai to feel the essence. Start at Flora Fountain, walk past St Thomas Cathedral, and continue towards the famous Asiatic Society building.  Honestly, this is the place where you will understand that Mumbai wasn’t built overnight. Every corner has a story to tell. 2. Look Around For The Parsi And Irani Cafe Now, keep walking through the gali (lanes) of South Mumbai; you’d come across the fire temple and iconic Parsian cafes.  These cafes are hidden in lanes, and you will definitely be out of the wifi zones here. Jimmy Boy, Kyani & Co, and Yazdani Bakery will make you stop and wonder if it's the smell of the food, or you’re really hungry.  3. Visit Gilbert Hill Let’s be real, geology in mumbai; not in your bucket list, right?  But Gilbert Hill is one of those places that will subtly surprise you. The massive rock formation in Andheri, somewhat 66 million years old, makes it one og the world’s monolithic basalt hills.  And I’ll be honest, you will be standing on something that is even older than dinosaurs, whereas the chaos of Mumbai around you continues. 4. Explore Bandra Beyond The Cafés Whenever you step into Bandra, people will want you to flee to cafes, but that is certainly not the only place to visit.  Another by-lane cafe, along with the Parci, is the Portuguese-style homes, beautiful street art, and old churches. I would rather be lost in the lanes of Bandra than follow Google Maps. 5. Watch The City Wake Up At Marine Drive Almost everyone will drag you to Marine Drive in the evening with one Kulfi in hand. I would suggest paying a visit at sunrise instead. Come when the city is still calm, when the joggers are out, and uncles are discussing life over cutting chai.  This is the time when Mumbai feels a little different than any other part of the day. 6. Take Some Time To Admire The Neo-Gothic Architecture Bole to, these forts are recognized as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. If you are into literature, these Victorian buildings will steal your heart.  Oval Maidan is the only place where Victorian heritage and Art Deco stand face to face. The easiest way to be there is to take a train to Churchgate. It is a 2-2.5-hour walk at a relaxed pace. Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clock Tower, CSMT and Elphinstone College are your spots. 7. Spend A Few Hours At Sassoon Docks If you want to see a more authentic side of Mumbai, head to Sassoon Docks to see the Koli people out for work. They are the original inhabitants of Aamchi Mumbai. Fishing boats arrive throughout the day, workers sort the catch, and colorful murals add character to the surrounding area. I mean, isn’t this the exact essence of the sea? 8. Take A Ferry To Elephanta Caves As Arijit Singh sang, “Safar khoobsurat hai manzil se bhi,” that definitely fits the ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves. Many visitors focus only on the caves themselves, but the ferry journey is part of the experience. Hop on the ferry from the Gateway of India to the caves and slowly witness the skyline and buildings fade from your sight. Take ample amount of time to feel the centuries-old rock-cut cave. I can bet it is fascinating. 9. Discover Mumbai Through Its Food “Bhau ek cutting chai dena” is a phrase I would want you to learn once you step into the streets of Mumbai.  Mumbai's food culture goes far beyond restaurant recommendations. Grab a vada pav from a busy local stall. Order pav bhaji at a long-standing eatery. Finish the evening with kulfi or gola by the beach. And the best part is, different neighborhoods have their own favorites, which makes exploring through food especially rewarding. 10. Escape The Crowds At Sanjay Gandhi National Park Believe me or not, there is a tropical forest in between these urban buildings. Finding a national park inside a city isn't something you expect. Yet that's exactly what you'll find in Mumbai. If you need an escape button from traffic, noise, and busy streets, spend a few hours exploring Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The greenery, trails, and forest will, for a moment, make you forget that you are standing in one of the busiest cities in India. 11. Watch The Sunset From Malabar Hill After running around Mumbai, if you want to hit the pause button, come to Malabar Hill. Look around and try finding a spot near the hanging gardens; watch the sun slowly defeated by the horizon of the Arabian Sea. 12. End Your Day At Juhu Beach No, Juhu Beach is definitely not the cleanest beach, but that’s not a point. I'll be honest, people come here for the vibe. That reminds me of Ishan Avasti wandering by himself with a gola in his hand on Juhu Beach (Taare Zameen Par). You’ll find families catching the evening breeze, kids flying kites, and local street food stalls working overtime. Grab a plate of spicy pav bhaji or a tangy bhel puri, take a walk along the shore, and just watch the city breathe. Plan Your Journey Before You Arrive Aamchi Mumbai will teach you 2 things: people here are always in a hurry, and the traffic almost never is. If you are stepping off a Goa to Mumbai flight, map out your accommodation before you touch down. Depending on the hour, the drive from the airport can either be a quick cruise or a lesson in patience. A few travel tips that always comes handy: Check-in online whenever you can: Save time by skipping the airport check-in desks. Since most airlines open their check-in window 48 hours before departure, I suggest you complete your web check-in to secure your boarding pass.  Know your timelines: While domestic flights are straightforward, international flight check-in usually requires a 3-hour head start.  Audit your luggage: Nobody likes spending extra time at the check-in counter; review the policy prior to packing to save time and money! Stay Ahead of the ScheduleFlight times fluctuate. Before you leave for the terminal, check your flight status or view it live on your phone. If you are flying with the national carrier, you can track Air India flight updates, check your flight PNR status, or monitor the broader flight schedule right from their app.The same logic applies when you are leaving the city. Taking a minute to verify your flight time before heading to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saves you from sitting in terminal lounges longer than you need to. Plan Your Trip NOW! Mumbai is one of the cities that grows on you. You surely would visit the landmark that goes unsaid, but the real magic is when the tunes and the people make you visit places you did not plan for.  The best experiences often come from mixing the famous attractions with neighborhood walks, local food, historic streets, and places that don't always appear in traditional travel guides. And it is great if you slow down; Mumbai is already in enough rush. So if this is your first visit or fifth, there is always something new to experience here, but a few things that never change- bhau ki cutting chai, aur akka Mumbai ka favorite vada pav.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

For a long time, Air Canada and WestJet have dominated the Canadian airline industry, driving up airfares. However, with the emergence of new contenders, things are finally changing. Flair Airlines is one such competitor to the legacy airlines that have a strong hold on the Canadian Airline industry. It is a low-cost carrier that expanded its operations during the pandemic. This includes U.S. travel hotspots like Arizona, Florida, California, and Nevada. While continuing to operate an extensive Canadian route network that covers most major cities in the country. Here is my brief take on my Flair Airlines experience. Keep reading because this is going to be very useful. My Experience Of Flair Airlines Image Source: assets.bwbx.io Hereis my first-hand Flair Airlines review of a recent trip I took from Toronto to Montreal. Read on to know if it was worth it. Booking Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net I booked my flight on Google Flights, searching for the cheapest flight from Toronto to Montreal. On my flight date, both Flair and Air Canada had early-morning flights, yet Flair was priced at half the Air Canada ticket. There was, of course, the added benefit of a full-size carry-on bag, but even on a standard fare, Air Canada would be charging for seat selection. Flair is a solid selection if you are traveling light, even if it includes seat selection. Flair's baggage policy is a little icky if you are traveling heavy instead. A one-way flight on December 15 via Flair costs 40. Whereas WestJet’s and Air Canada’s cheapest flights are $135. I had to pay at least $7.90 for seat selection. Check-in Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net Checking in at Toronto Pearson International Airport was simple. All of Flair’s Toronto flights depart from Terminal 3, so I checked in there. Flair has a few baggage drops and check-in counters located in the center of the terminal. Ground Experience Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net My flight was supposed to depart from Gate B38. I cleared security in under 10 minutes. The airport was mostly empty, given the wee hours we were departing (7:30 a.m.) Some shops were still open, so I grabbed a coffee and yogurt from Starbucks and sat away from the crowd for an uninterrupted breakfast. Flair does not have its own lounges. Cabins And Seats Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net The flight was one of Flair’s three 737-800 (read tiny) aircraft. The airline operates economy-only cabins suited to its ultra-low-cost model. The interiors were nondescript and spotless. It is designed simply, without frills like overhead or seatback displays. The flight was designed to take a passenger from point A to point B. The seats were comfy enough at the cost I paid. They didn't recline, but they weren't as slim as seats on other similar U.S. carriers. The extra padding on the seats helped make up for the limited space. The legroom was commendably larger than its other similarly ranged carriers. It also had a full-size tray that could easily fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Spirit Airlines offers only a small drink tray. Flair Airlines Amenities Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net There are no in-flight amenities or entertainment. There is no wifi, streaming services, or outlets on the 737-800. With that in mind, keep your devices fully charged and try to get a window seat to stay entertained on these otherwise short flights. Food and beverage services could cost you $2.75 for a soda and $5.50 for a Molson beer. A coffee would cost $2.35. All that after currency conversion. My Verdict Image Source: runwaygirlnetwork.com I did not have many qualms about flying with Flair. It was a regular journey from one place to another. The airline’s internet service is also set to launch soon, which could be an attraction for travelers. Flair’s rapid expansion is on track to break into the expensive airline industry with its budget-friendly approach. Flair Airlines Tripadvisor Reviews Image Source: media.flyflair.com I told you what I felt from my experience. But if you want to know what others are saying about Flair Airlines, here are some of the Flair Airlines reviews left by real flyers on Tripadvisor. In case you are asking yourself, “Is Flair Airlines good?” or “Is Flair Airlines safe,” here are all your answers: "My mom and I traveled to edmonton in the beginning of July to a convention, it was my first time on plane and was understandably nervous. The folks when I arrived at the gate was friendly and welcomed us! Everything was on time and found our seats okay, we will definitely upgrade next time but being it was only an hour 1/2 flight it was fine. If you are flying and bringing more than 1 bag and carry on, one thing I recommend to save $ is to purchase a package online and pre book. It's the one thing I wish I knew before hand. Otherwise baggage is pricey. Coming back from Edmonton it was a great experience too! Given the option I will choose Flair again to travel within Canada. Prices are good and the staff are very friendly. Even better, our flights to and from were 10 minutes early. So bonus!" Ashley P "After reading some questionable reviews about Flair i was convinced i was not going to have a good experience. I am blown away by the level of kindness and overall attentiveness of the flight attendants, along with the customer service i had received over the phone. Had bought our seats prior to both flights and we had no problems with keeping those seats unlike some other airlines that tend to mess that up every time. I highly recommend this airline to everyone and will gladly be returning!" Stefanie b "I am tired of people complaining in this industry. Covid changed many things, but I am grateful to travel again. We took a family trip out to Vancouver Island with Flair. Captain Tyler McDermot was wonderful and after the flight, I was invited for a picture with him. The crew were wonderful, check in was quick and our flight on time. Great job Flair!!!" Gail G "Booked online and purchased carryon only. Checked in online to avoid paying checkin fee at airport. Downloaded movies and brought my own snacks. People need to realize that Flair base prices only include your seat. Their website clearly states all extra costs. It would be great if Flair continues their Windsor to BC route throughout the whole year. I booked taking a chance, after reading all of the negative reviews about cancelling, I guess I was one of the lucky ones. It's nice to have a direct flight to BC from Windsor and avoid paying three times more, with other airlines and having connections, at either Pearson or Metro.” monicahumenny Wrapping Up Have you taken a Flair flight recently? How was your experience? Do you like how budget-friendly it is? Or do you feel like they could add something more to their services? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2023

Skipping breakfast is never an option for me, and you shouldn't skip it either! Learn Panera's breakfast hours and decide what you want to eat. Read this article to learn more about the breakfast hours and food items available during breakfast! If you want to try some of the best bread, choose Panera! Other breakfast options are also available. Hence, you can choose based on your preferences. The restaurant is known for its fresh food and high-quality dishes. There are free membership programs, discounts, and offers available at the restaurant chain and on websites that you can avail. The restaurant chain's website claims to offer high-quality food and emphasizes 100% cleanliness! Panera Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast? Some days you wake up craving a delicious, high-quality breakfast but don't want to make it! This happens for working individuals most days, but it is only possible sometimes. Instead, opting for Panera breakfast can be a perfect way to satisfy the craving. Panera Bread is quite transparent about calories and added sugar in its food items and beverage options. The restaurant chain claims that the food offered is completely sustainable, as are its practices. The restaurant has dining and pickup options. An efficient way to use the pickup option is to opt for a rapid or curbside pickup! On its website, Panera Bread lists all information on ingredients, nutrition, and allergens. About Panera Breakfast! Panera Bread Company is an American chain store, a bakery-cafe with fast-food casual restaurants. Linda and Ken Rosenthal first established the restaurant chain in 1987 in Kirkwood, Missouri. The bakery-cafe chain Saint Louis Bread Company launched in 1993. The company was then purchased by a public company called Au Bon Pain Co. The purchaser later renamed it Panera Bread Company. The company offers a variety of pastries and baked goods, such as cookies, bagels, croissants, brownies, baguettes, muffins, and scones. Cold sandwiches are also available, so the restaurant is quite satisfactory for breakfast. In addition, the regular menu offers dine-in and takeout options. You will find flatbreads, Panera Kids, Salads, pasta, panini, and side choices. You will also have tea, lemonade, iced drinks, and frozen drinks! What Are Panera Breakfast Hours? So, Does Panera serve breakfast all day? There is a rumor that Panera Bread serves breakfast 24 hours a day, but it's not true. Panera breakfast hours run Monday to Saturday at 6:00 a.m.; on Sunday, they start a bit later, at 7:00 a.m. The Panera breakfast hours on weekdays end at 10:30 a.m. So, dearies, it would help if you woke up early to catch up to the breakfast menu. Want to know when does Panera stops serving breakfast? However, the time extends a little longer on Saturday, which means breakfast ends at 11 a.m. The Panera breakfast hours on weekends, including Saturday and Sunday, end at 11 a.m.! At times, if you don't feel like getting up early or you cannot make it in time, order a delicious Panera breakfast on any food-delivery app like Uber Eats, GrubHub, or DoorDash. However, stick to the 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. window to order! What Does Panera Serve For Breakfast? Oh, the yumiliciousness that is Panera Breakfast! Panera offers a wide variety of breakfast items; some of my favorites are bagels, cakes, and muffins! They have some of the best breakfast sandwiches, including the classic combination of cheese, egg, and bacon on brioche! It's a classic combination! Don't worry; they also offer vegetarian options, such as cheese and egg sandwiches. Egg lovers can also order scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage on ciabatta. Not all restaurants offer this, but Panera Bread lets customers customize their egg and bread choices. Another favorite item of mine is Panera's baked egg soufflé, absolute heaven. If you haven't tried soufflés, try their four-cheese, spinach and bacon, and spinach and artichoke soufflés! Other classic items on this menu are mixed berry parfait, a summer fruit cup, steel-cut oatmeal with pecans and strawberries, and Greek yogurt! Did you know about Panera's secret menu? The menu includes the Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl with roasted turkey and the Egg Bowl with steak. Want to know the Panera breakfast menu? You can visit their website. You cannot see the secret items on the menu, but you can order them in the associate stores. Even if they do not know, tell them the ingredients you want, and they will make it up. Also, remember the different bagel styles, such as blueberry, plain, sesame, cinnamon swirl, chocolate chip, Asiago, cinnamon crunch, and French toast. If you are diet-conscious, you can order just plain sprouted grain bagels. Lunch And Dinner Hours! You can order lunch after breakfast, especially when the soup prep starts! The best part is that Panera's lunch options are available all day! At least most of the options for the food are available. If you feel like mac and cheese or a salad at 6 a.m. on Friday morning, Panera can satisfy your cravings. You can access the lunch menu after 11 a.m., and most dinner menu items are also available. If you want something healthy, they offer a diverse selection of dishes, including spinach breakfast sandwiches with egg white and avocado, quinoa, oatmeal with almonds, black bean salad, and more. You can modify the food items based on your preferences or requirements if you are health-conscious! For example, you can ask the staff to reduce or lighten the dressing on a Caesar salad, ask for multigrain bread instead of a Ciabatta roll, etc. Competitors Of Panera Breakfast! Panera Breakfast is an established name in the food industry, but for a company to flourish, competitors are an important part of the picture. Let's look at four competitors of Panera Breakfast and how they bring the best to customers. The market offers diverse food options, along with their popularity, to the people who visit these restaurants. Let us talk about 4 competitors of Panera Breakfast who have worked hard to create products which become quite popular for the people who visit. McDonald’s The company McDonald’s was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. Initially, the focus was on selling hamburgers, chicken products such as cheeseburgers, soft drinks, breakfast items, desserts, and milkshakes.  Over time, they added fish wraps, salads, fruit, and smoothies to the menu. McDonald's operates through three models: corporation, affiliate, and franchise. Starbucks Starbucks was founded in 1971! It is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roasteries, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It is a global and the largest coffeehouse chain! Starbucks is a global coffee shop chain, with locations in many parts of the world. You may be surprised to learn that it has 24,500 outlets in countries such as Canada, China, the USA, South Korea, and Japan. Domino’s Domino’s Pizza was founded in 1960 and is now a popular restaurant chain headquartered in Michigan, USA. The company has outlets in over 80 countries worldwide.  One of the world's largest pizza chains, Domino’s sells more than 1.5 million pizzas every day! The restaurant is owned by master franchisor Domino’s Pizza, Inc., and is led by CEO Russell Weiner. The brand's headquarters is in Ann Arbor Township, near Ann Arbor, Michigan! KFC An American fast-food chain, KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken, and it was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders. The restaurant began humbly during the Great Depression. It started as a roadside stall. But now it has become one of the largest fast-food chains, alongside Burger King and McDonald’s! Reviews Of Panera Breakfast! On Tripadvisor, Panera Bread has a rating of 4 out of 5 based on 63 reviews. Most reviews are tagged as excellent, and people appreciate the restaurant's quality of fresh food. One review by johnb403 says the half soup and sandwich combo was delicious. The broccoli cheese soup and turkey breast are something to be tried by you. The review also informed that the restaurant's salads are also very good. Another review, rated 5 out of 5 by Klittle59, tells about the good meals always available at Panera Bread. Menu choices are delicious and varied, they change from season to season. The have added fancy teas and lemonades. Pastries are awesome. Soups and sandwiches are always delicious and filling. Finishing Up… Now that you know Panera breakfast hours, you should visit and try it! The restaurant chain is a well-known American bakery-cafe chain, and you should take advantage of the delicious food available there! They offer various non-veg items, health-conscious options, veg options, and more. The breakfast hours end at a good time because you can also have brunch if you are late for breakfast at Panera! Leave a comment for us about your favorite item at Panera Bread! Read Also: Hardee’s Breakfast Hours: When Do They Serve Breakfast? Wendy's Breakfast Hours: When To Visit Wendy's For Breakfast? Brekkie At Golden Corral: When Does Golden Corral Start Serving Breakfast?