Tips Before Getting a Tattoo In Bali: Exploring Tattoo Tourism At Its Best

BY  Barsha Jul 7, 2022

If you are located anywhere in Eastern India, then Darjeeling is one name you must have heard while growing up. A favourite vacation spot for Bongs across the country, there is no best time to visit Darjeeling. I mean, you can definitely go during Summer like most bongs to escape the heat. But be prepared to encounter lots of other tourists, long queues outside restaurants, and even probable ticket cancellations. Instead, you can choose to be a little more adventurous and maybe consider travelling to Darjeeling during the latter half of the year and witness something magical like some snow (but only if you are very lucky). Keep reading to find out how I witnessed the most beautiful snow of all time. Exploring The Unexplored: Screw The Itinerary Are you still wondering what is the best time to visit Darjeeling? There are two ways to go about it - either you could visit like most of the country during Summer or drop in during the winter months for a crowd-free experience. The first thing that I did once I set foot at Darjeeling was screwing the itinerary. Because you might think that the place’s done and dusted, but it’s so not, considering all the offbeat places to visit in Darjeeling! Scroll down and find out the places I visited on my solo trip to Darjeeling last Summer!. Spend A Weekend At Dhotrey: Location104k.m from Siliguri Costing (Stay And Meals)1500/- nightTransportationReserved Car or Shared Taxi from SiliguriNearby TreksSandakphu, and Phalut via TongluNumber Of Days2 Days (excluding time for the trek) If you have never heard about Dhotrey, it’s because this beautiful hamlet is one of the smallest villages in Darjeeling - and it’s not just small, not many people even know about this place. There is no best time to visit Dhotrey, considering it’s always free of crowds! The locals are friendly, and I even ended up making lifelong friends with Manoj and his wife. Manoj was my guide who let me stay at his house since there were no rooms in either of the two homestays in this village. His wife cooked yummy meals for me and even made a comfortable, warm place for me to sleep in - she almost tucked me in that night… The best part? The village was breathtakingly beautiful, with lush, green landscapes on different sides, and it also happens to be the starting point for the even more popular Sandakphu trek. You can spend a whole weekend at Dhotrey and embark on the Sandakphu trek for a more adventurous approach to your trek. Hike To Tonglu: Location2.5 hours from Darjeeling at 10,130 feetCosting (Stay And Meals)1000/- nightTransportationWalk from Dhotrey village via Singalila ForestNearby TreksSandakphu, and PhalutNumber Of Days1 or 2 Days (excluding time for the trek) If you are already spending a weekend at Dhotrey, then you can easily hike to Tonglu - it’ll take you somewhere between an hour and a half to double the time, depending on your speed stamina, and the weather. Walking to Tonglu was perhaps my first hiking experience, and it was so cold! If Manoj had not offered to help me out with my heavy backpack, I would have probably given up on the hike! Yes, my boyfriend did carry my bag too, but then again, he adapts to mountain weather far better than I will ever be able to do. The most astonishing thing about visiting Tonglu during winter was the bone-chilling cold, the hot food, and the WIND! At night, it felt like a woman was running around screaming in a high-pitched, shrilly voice - but it was the wind making all that noise, a kind of sound I had never heard before. Instead of finding out the best time to visit Darjeeling for honeymoon, you can always spend your honeymoon at Tonglu - you can always walk to the equally beautiful nearby village of Tumling - also, I witnessed my first snowfall at Tonglu since it was January and boy was it cold! Gorge On The Best Darjeeling Has To Offer: If you are spending a few days in Darjeeling, the best thing that you need to do is gorge to your heart’s extent on the delicacies that Darjeeling has to offer! Experiment with traditional cuisines from the different local communities such as the Gorkhas, Sherpas, Lepchas, and Khampas.  Instead of typing ‘Darjeeling best time to visit’ on Google, have you considered finding out the dishes you must try here? Here you go! ThukpaKunga Restaurant (51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and Devekas Restaurant (Chauk Bazaar)Depends from stall to stallTraditional Nepali ThaliRevolver Restaurant (110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling)300 to 400/-Naga CuisineRevolver Restaurant (110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling)300 to 400/-ChurpeeKeventer’s (Keventer’s, 1 Nehru Road, Darjeeling)400/-MomosKunga Restaurant (51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and many places in and around Darjeeling100 to 200/-Aloo ThukpaLocal vendors, and Hasty Tasty (Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling)200/-Sael RotisLocal vendorsDepends from stall to stallShafaleyNawangs Restaurant (No 7 Robertson Road | Clubside, Darjeeling)100 to 200/-ChaangHot stimulating cafe (Lebong Cart Rd, Richmond Hill, Darjeeling)100 to 200/-Lots of Darjeeling TeaThe House of Tea Address (11, Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling) and Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge (The Rink Mall (Opp. GPO), 19, Ladenla Road, Darjeeling)Depends from stall to stall If You Still Want To Know About The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling! Darjeeling has primarily two tourist seasons. Ask anyone! They are either planning a trip between April to June, or they are up for an autumn trip between September to November.  In both these seasons, Darjeeling has clearer skiers and longer sunny hours. Further, the days of precipitation go down during these months. So, the chances of landslides, mudslides, or road blockages are less in autumn and spring. Moreover, with better clarity, Darjeeling, in these seasons,   Having said that, Darjeeling has something to offer to its visitors across all seasons. So, let’s find out the seasonal attractions of Darjeeling.  1. Spring Season (March to May) Spring is the best time to visit Darjeeling if you want to see rhododendrons, orchids and other famous flowers of the region in full bloom.  Many photography enthusiasts flock to Darjeeling this season to capture the beauty of these flowers in red, pink, and white.  Further, there are dedicated trek routes to Sandakphu and Tonglu, where you will find beautiful rhododendron flowers in full bloom.  In this season, you can even enjoy a ride in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or Toy Train to have the best view of the tea gardens and lush greenery.  2. Summer (May To June) With decent sunny hours, charming weather, and cloud-free skies, May to June or, in fact, April to June is the best time to visit Darjeeling.  Further, this is the season for going on a trek to Sandakphu. Sandakphu is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal. Once you conquer Sandakphu, you will get an amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.  3. Late September To December (Fall And Winter) September comes to Darjeeling with post-monsoon beauty. You can enjoy the lush greenery in these months minus the continuous days of precipitation. Further, from October to early December, you can explore the trekking routes in Darjeeling, including Sandakphu and Tonglu.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Which Month Is Off-Season In Darjeeling? The winter months are usually off-season in Darjeeling. The months of December and January happen to be the least humid, with temperatures dropping to 2 to 7 degrees, and in some cases, even below zero degrees in January. In addition, there are no chances of floods or landslides, making it the perfect time to visit for a crowd-free experience. 2. How Many Days Is Good For Darjeeling Trip? You can easily spend four to five days in Darjeeling if you have no plans of checking out the nearby trekking routes or even villages. But make sure you have at least 4 days in your hands for touring Darjeeling, otherwise, it’ll be a complete waste of time and money. 3. Can We See Snow In Darjeeling? Snowfall is rarely a possibility in Darjeeling, but if you are fortunate, you might just get snowfall in case temperatures to fall down to negative 2 degrees celsius. But if you visit the nearby areas in winter, there are a hundred possibilities that you might just witness some snow. Bitten By The Wanderlust Bug: Can’t Stop Travelling! If you are planning to visit Darjeeling, extend your trip to include surrounding locations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and even Kurseong for a long vacation. The best time to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok depends on the kind of travelling you want to do - if you love spending time away from crowds then winter is your season, and if it’s too hot to stay during Summer, it’s better to escape the heat! In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences (if you have already been to Darjeeling) on the same in the comments below. Read Also: Expedia.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Which Is The Best Time To Visit Kashmir? – Travel Guide

BY  Mashum Apr 22, 2022

There is only one way to fall in love with the September hues. Travel! September arrives each year with some love that connects one season with another. So, you can consider that it makes the summer season fall in love with the winter season and vice-versa. Now, it is obvious that the hues of nature would change for good as two seasons connect with each other. Somewhere, it marks the inception of the fall whereas, in other places, the spring arrives.  Now, what would you do at such a wonderful time? Well, pack your bags and set out for a trip. As every trip has a destination, your September trip is no different. Here is a list of the best places to travel in September. You can read about different places around the world and select one to visit.  I hope you will have a good time reading about the places that turn alluring in September. So, let’s start! Top Ten Places To Travel In September 2022 As we all hope that September 2022 will not be the same as the last couple of years, you can start planning for a trip. Well, before that, go through the places. 1. Gothenburg, Sweden Overview Sweden is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. In September, Mother Nature paints a lot of pictures here with all her hues. So, you can consider it one of the best places to travel in September.  You can be in Gothenburg city and spend some days solo or with your partner here. Make sure you take light woollens as the night temperature can drop well. In this city, you can let your soul breathe.  Reaching Up You can take a direct/connecting flight to the Landvetter Airport from the US. The city is also connected to many cities in Europe by the railroad. Top Activities Take a walk up to the harbors. Visit the organic hotspot in Taverna Averna.  Go sightseeing in the city on a cycle.  Top Hotels Upper House, Gothia Towers, Clarion Hotel Post Top Restaurants River Restaurant On The Pier, Restaurang Piga, Sjomagacinet Sverige Popular Dishes To Try Honokaa, Cinnamon Bun, Shrimp Sandwich 2. Cali, Columbia Overview If you desire to enjoy the September bliss with smoky dance, good music, and food, Cali can be the best place for you. It has been one of the unsafe cities but now the bosses are in jail. In Cali, you can enjoy the isolation with vibrant sunlight. Moreover, you can also do some memorable activities while in this city. Reaching Up There are flights connecting to Cali from most of the airports in the US. You can purchase tickets easily.  Top Activities Visit the salsa schools in Cali. Enjoy your stay in Cali witnessing the singing and dancing shows. Do not forget to attain the Festival Mundial de Salsa.  Top Hotels Cali Marriot Hotel, Hotel Intercontinental Cali, Hotel Spiwak Top Restaurants The Market Cali, Waunana Restaurante Popular Dishes To Try Tamal Valluno, Manjar Blanco, Aborrajados 3. Corsica, France Overview Corsica is one of the vibrant fall destinations to visit. You can find it in the list of best places to travel in September 2021. This year it is quite the same. From highlands to the sea and a fortress, the island of Corsica can be the best. The best fact about Corsica in September is that it is cheap. Reaching Up You can reach the Paris International Airport from the US and take a connecting flight to the Corsica island airport.  Top Activities Get atop the Corsica Fort. Spend a lot of time exploring the beaches and highlands. Taste Corsican food in the restaurants and cafes.  Top Hotels Hotel Villa Josephine, Hotel Cala di Greco 4 étoiles, Dominique Colonna Top Restaurants Sci Le Panorama, La Riviere des Vins, U Museu Popular Dishes To Try Civet de Sanglier, Veau aux olives, Agneau Corse 4. California Wine Country, USA Overview When it comes to the best places to travel in September in USA, you can blindly choose Wine County. It is located in California and you can visit here on a solo or a friend’s trip. This place gets such a name due to the presence of a lot of wineries. Now, you can take a bicycle and just spend time exploring the place during the daytime.  Reaching Up There are a lot of domestic flights to California from different cities in the country. So, you need to purchase a ticket early.  California is well-connected with a network of highways from different parts of the cities. Top Activities Take a cycle and visit the Napa Valley. Indulge in wine tasting in Sonoma. Top Hotels Meadowood Napa Valley, Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Alila Napa Valley Top Restaurants Farmhouse Inn, Rustic-Ford Coppola Winery Popular Dishes To Try California Pizza, Coipinno, Cobb Salad 5. Barcelona, Spain Overview While the football fans in all corners of the world know Barcelona for its team, travelers know it for its beauty. Well, it would be best if you are both a traveler and a football fan. Barcelona is no doubt the best place to travel in September because it experiences a vibrant fall season. You can enjoy the sunny days and cool nights in this city. Moreover, you can get a good chance to explore the tourist locations and indulge in the nightlife. So, this is one of the best places to travel in September. Reaching Up Reaching Barcelona from the US is easy as there are multiple direct and 1-stop flights available from multiple cities in the US. Top Activities Witness outstanding art at Casa Mila. Indulge in shopping at La Rambla. Spend some quality time at Montjuic.  Top Hotels Hotel HCC Taber, Cosmos Apartment, Hotel ME Barcelona Top Restaurants Disfrutar, Lasarte, Via Veneto Popular Dishes To Try Patatas Bravas, Paella, Potato Bombas 6. Kovalam, India Overview Kovalam is a small yet beautiful town in India. Kovalam is located in the state of Kerala. It is a lesser-known place but has still backed a place in the list of the best places to travel in September. It is so due to the presence of the exotic fall season. In winter, this place turns more exotic. So, you can put it on the list of the best places to travel in December too. You can spend a few days in Kovalam beside the tranquil beach. Here, you can allow the waves of the Arabian Sea to kiss your feet. There is nothing much to do in Kovalam but you can relax and rejuvenate here.  Reaching Up Reaching Kovalam is easy in the US. You can take a flight to New Delhi. Afterward, you need to take a connecting flight to the Kochi Airport. After you land in Kochi, you can take a cab to reach Kovalam. Top Activities  Enjoy the beach life at Kovalam. Indulge in shopping from the markets besides the beach. Reach up to the top of the Kovalam lighthouse. Explore local culture at Kovalam. Top Hotels Samudra Theeram Beach Resort, Sagara Beach Resort, Park International Kovalam Top Restaurants Black Cat Restaurant, Sanjeevni Restaurant, The Tides Popular Dishes To Try Kerala Style Beef Curry and Rice, Kerala Appam, Ela Ada 7. Machu Picchu, Peru Overview If you are looking for one of the best places to travel to in September in South America, Machu Picchu can be the right pick for you. However, you must remember that the trip will be full of activities. In Machu Picchu, you can expect to get outstanding weather as it would be the springtime. You can spend a lot of time in the Inca, the main point of attraction of the place. So, what are you waiting for? Just, call your travel agent and plan for the best places to travel in September. Finally, you can expect a less crowd in the place. So, it would be an outstanding experience to explore one of the seven wonders of the world. This place can come among the best places to travel in October too. Reaching Up The main international airport near Machu Picchu is in Lima. Well, it is easy to reach out to the place as multiple airlines serve flights to that place. Cab services are available from the airport to the Machu Picchu base. Top Activities Visit Lake Titicaca. Hike up to the ruins of Inca City. Top Hotels Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Panorama B&B Top Restaurants TreeHouse Restaurant, Chullpi Restaurant, Full House Peruvian Cuisine Balcony view River Popular Dishes To Try Grilled Chicken, Barbecue, Lomo Saltado 8. Pula, Croatia Overview Pula is a beach city in Croatia. It is one of the best tropical places to travel in September. You can be here with a prominent expectation to get clear weather with enough sunlight. So, expect your mood to be elevated. When in Pula, you should not miss visiting Fort Punta Christo. You can have a good time witnessing the musical performances taking place here.  If you are a fan of music, this can be one of the best places to travel in September.   Reaching Up The Pula Airport is well connected with several major airports in the US. So, you can land in it. Top Activities Witness the St. Francis Church in Pula.  Be an audience in the musical performance taking place in the Fort. Take a tour of the Kastel Fort. Top Hotels Hotel Galija, Park Plaza Arena Pula, Hotel Veli Joze. Top Restaurants Kod Kadre, Farabuto, Orfej Popular Dishes To Try Grilled Pork, Cevapici, Local Prsut 9. San Francisco, USA Overview If you are craving a September trip but are not willing to travel out of the country, the best you can do is visit San Francisco. Well, it is one of the best places to travel in September as the place experiences bright sunlight. During this month, you can witness the main attraction of the city clearly. Well, the Golden Gate Bridge is not covered with snow at this time. Moreover, a lot of festivals take place during this month. So, you can have a wonderful time while visiting the city of San Francisco for a vacation in September. Reaching Up There are several domestic flights that can take you to one of the airports in San Francisco. You can also reach the city by road.  Top Activities Do not forget to visit PIER 39 and take a view. Indulge in the midnight fun in Union Square.  Take a cruise ride to Alcatraz Island.  Top Hotels EL Capital Hotel, Downtown Hostel, San Francisco, Hyatt Regency Top Restaurants Nopa, Liholiho Yacht club, State Bird Provisions Popular Dishes To Try Explosive Chicken, Prime Rib, Caldo Verde 10. Vienna, Austria Overview If you are newly married and looking for one of the best places to travel in September, the best you can do is to reach Vienna. This Austrian city is considered to be one of the best honeymoon spots in the world. You can reach this place with your partner during the fall season and enjoy its unmatched vibrancy. The most important activity you can indulge in is tasting the outstanding dishes of the Austrian Cuisine.  If you had a long-cherished dream to witness a European Opera, expect it to come true in the next September trip. Moreover, you can also witness the exotic Vienna Fashion Week. All you have to do is know the date when all the festivals are taking place.  Reaching Up Vienna is one of the main cities in Austria. You can reach the city by catching a direct/stop-over flight from the US. There are several airlines that serve flights to the city. Top Activities Do not forget to witness the musical program of the Vienna State Opera. Check out the classic beauty of the Belvedere Palace. Take a city sightseeing tour to explore the streets of Vienna. Top Hotels Melia Vienna, Vienna Marriott Hotel, Hilton Vienna Park Top Restaurants Steirereck, Le Salzgries, Restaurant Konstantin Filippou Popular Dishes To Try The Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Tafelspitz Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Where Is The Best Place To Go On Vacation In September? You can go for a city trip to California or Sweden in September. It would be an exciting vacation. 2. Where Should I Vacation In Summer 2022? You can go for a vacation in any place where the fall season is prominent. 3. What Is The #1 Vacation Destination In The World? Paris is by far the #1 vacation destination in the world. It is strict as per the trend.  4. Where Is The Cheapest Place To Vacation In September? You can visit Kovalam in Kerala, India for a budget trip in September. Final Words A September trip can always be exciting but only when you choose the right destination. Well, you can now talk with your travel agent as you might have probably chosen your destination. I hope you will come back with a bucketful of memories from the trip. I would always expect you to come back to this page and share the experience of your trip to the best places to travel in September. Well, for now, you can go and set an itinerary. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

BY  Ankita Mar 12, 2024

Traveling opens up a world of new experiences, and choosing where to stay is a big part of that adventure. Whether you're planning a getaway to the scenic city of Pigeon Forge, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, or heading to another destination, finding the right accommodation can significantly enhance your trip. Pigeon Forge, known for its breathtaking mountain views, family-friendly attractions like Dollywood, and an array of outdoor activities, offers a diverse selection of places to stay. However, with so many options, deciding where to book your stay can feel overwhelming. That's why it's essential to consider what matters most to you: Is it the proximity to attractions, the range of amenities, or perhaps the charm of the place that speaks to you? In this guide, we'll explore key tips to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your travel needs, ensuring your visit to Pigeon Forge or any other destination is memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding Your Destination Before you book, take the time to understand your destination. Knowing the area helps you decide the best place to stay. For instance, if you're wondering where to stay in Pigeon Forge, consider the attractions you want to visit, like Dollywood or the Great Smoky Mountains. Staying at a central location would be best as it'll save you time and reduce travel costs. We suggest staying in a hotel room in an area that's close to the attractions you want to visit. These hotel rooms are not only super comfortable but are reasonably priced also. Budgeting for Your Stay Setting a budget for your accommodation is crucial. It helps narrow down your options and prevents overspending. Start by determining how much you're willing to spend per night. Then, look for accommodations within this range. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider what's included in the price, like free breakfast or Wi-Fi, which can save money in other areas. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, especially during off-peak seasons. Amenities And Services The amenities and services offered by accommodations can significantly impact your stay. List the amenities that are important to you, such as a pool for relaxation or a fitness center to keep up with your workouts. Families might look for kid-friendly services, while business travelers may need in-room desks or business centers. Choosing a place that offers the right amenities can make your stay more comfortable and convenient. Read Reviews And Ratings Reviews can provide insight into what to expect and help you avoid unwanted surprises. Look for comments about the cleanliness, customer service, and overall experience. Remember, no place will have all positive reviews, but a pattern of similar complaints is a red flag. Ratings on trusted travel websites can also guide your decision, helping you find the best accommodation for your needs. Read Also: Pigeon Forge Indoor Adventures: From Go-Karts To Laser Tag Accessibility And Location Location is key when choosing your accommodation. You want to be close enough to the attractions and activities on your itinerary. If you're in a city, staying near public transportation can save you time and money. For more remote destinations, consider the proximity to natural attractions or parks. A well-located base can reduce travel fatigue and give you more time to explore. Always check the map before booking to ensure the location suits your travel plans. Safety And Security Safety should never be compromised. Research the area around your accommodation to ensure it's in a safe neighborhood. Many booking sites and travel forums provide insights into different areas' safety levels. Look for accommodations with good security measures, such as 24-hour front desk service, security cameras, and guest-only access. Especially when traveling solo or with family, knowing you're in a safe and secure place can give you peace of mind. Booking Channels And Policies The platform you use to book your accommodation can affect your overall experience. Direct bookings often offer better customer service and more flexible cancellation policies. However, online travel agencies (OTAs) can provide wider selections and competitive prices. Compare prices and benefits before deciding. Also, familiarize yourself with the cancellation and change policies. Life is unpredictable, and understanding these policies can save you from potential headaches and financial losses. Special Requirements And Preferences Everyone has unique needs when it comes to accommodation. Whether you need a pet-friendly hotel, a family suite, or accessibility features, identifying these requirements early can narrow down your search. Don't hesitate to contact the accommodation directly to ask about specific needs. Most places are willing to accommodate special requests or provide additional information to ensure your stay is comfortable. Leveraging Loyalty Programs For those who find themselves on the road often, enrolling in a loyalty program can be a wise move. Numerous hotels and hotel chains have rewards programs designed to reward frequent travelers. By accumulating points through stays, you can unlock a variety of benefits such as complimentary nights, room upgrades, late check-outs, and even access to exclusive lounges. These perks not only enhance the quality of your stay but also offer significant value as you continue to travel. Over time, the savings and advantages from these programs can add up, making each trip more enjoyable and cost-effective. Additionally, some programs offer partnerships with airlines and car rental services, further extending the reach of your benefits. Engaging with these loyalty programs means your travel habits can lead to memorable experiences, superior comfort, and a touch of luxury, all while keeping your budget in check. Conclusion Choosing the right type of accommodation requires a bit of research and consideration, but it's well worth the effort. By focusing on location, ensuring your safety, understanding booking policies, catering to your specific needs, and taking advantage of loyalty programs, you can significantly enhance your travel experience. Remember, the best accommodation is one that fits your budget, meets your needs, and helps you make the most out of your trip. With these tips in mind, you're ready to make an informed decision that will make your travel more enjoyable and hassle-free. Happy travels! Read Also: 9 Exciting Things To Do In Pigeon Forge Unique Pigeon Forge Activities For The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush Top 7 Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You