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BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

Scotland's second city, long eclipsed by sophisticated, tourist-heavy Edinburgh, has been quietly demonstrating that it's anything but second best. Glasgow has won many accolades for its culture. From the street art-filled east end to Rennie Mackintosh's architectural achievements (except for the tragically destroyed School of Art). Are you eager to visit the hippest city in Scotland? Everything you need to know is right here. Here are the mandatory things to do in Glasgow. Things To Do In Glasgow Glasgow in Gaelic stands for “dear green place.” And to no surprise, Glasgow is as green as it gets. It houses more than 90 parks and gardens that are woven through the city’s landscape. The Glasgow Botanical Garden is home to the largest plant collection in the UK. Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow. Don’t miss out on your next trip. George Square George Square awaits everyone landing at Queen Street Station. It aids in the orientation of newcomers in the city center and is a constant site of protest and joy. George III is absent from the square. Enraged cotton and tobacco lords had monuments of him pulled down one after another. It happened ever since he lost their lands in the American War of Independence. Instead, the adjacent area known as Merchant City is booming these days, offering a ton of Glasgow activities. It also has a vibrant nightlife and boutique shopping. From that point on, Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle streets come together to form the Style Mile, a retail district. West End The city's famed West End houses opulent parks, incredibly elaborate Glasgow University buildings, and the ever-popular Kelvingrove Museum. It has everything from Salvador Dali's artwork to Glasgow's master architect and polymath Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The artwork feels like it belongs in a different universe. River Clyde It is difficult to visit Glasgow without spending some time on the banks of the River Clyde. It is where the superb Riverside Museum and the restored Tall Ship Glenlee are located. The SSE Hydro is close, but you can check out King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or the storied Barrowlands Ballroom. It is where Oasis first appeared. Art Museums The legacy of Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow's poster child, is deeply ingrained in the city. You might spend an entire vacation simply strolling down a path of his creations. Many additional Mackintosh artifacts can still be seen. However, the beloved Glasgow School of Art is now recuperating from a series of devastating fires. Visit the House for an Art Lover, have tea at Mackintosh at the Willow, or go to The Lighthouse. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre honors the life and career of the architect. Don't miss the opportunity to see the expansive city views from the observatory of the Water Tower from The Lighthouse. When the tower was first constructed, it had a functional dovecot. The carrier pigeons were employed to bring the Glasgow Herald journalists the afternoon sports scores. If you can escape Mackintosh's hold, there are still a lot of other cultural boxes to check. Behind an outstanding neo-classical façade, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) houses works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney. Of particular note is the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the entrance, posing with an orange traffic cone happily placed on his head. Explore the east end's mural trail for a gritty perspective on art, where enormous pieces of art loom around corners and look down from office buildings. Bars And Restaurants The Merchant City offers a variety of cuisines. Highlights include the amazing, enduring Café Gandolfi fish bar, Obsession of India, and the insanely popular Paesano Pizza. The bars are extremely busy, even though they are a little forgettable. Head to the freshly reopened Babbity Bowster for a more sedate pint. In the West End, things are, maybe unsurprisingly, considerably more upscale. A longtime favorite in the area near Glasgow University is Stravaigin. Glasgow's 17-year drought for a Michelin star was just ended when Cail Bruich was included in the 2021 guide. It is located nearby on Great Western Road. Ashton Lane, a short stroll south, offers a night out unto itself with its jam-packed bar and restaurant scene. The cobblestone includes the always-popular Ubiquitous Chip. Are you thinking of going south of Clyde? Admirers of Malaysian cuisine are gushing about Julie's Kopitiam. In the much-maligned Govanhill neighborhood, Nanika is a fantastic tiny Asian fusion restaurant. Over a hundred different rums are available at the nearby Rum Shack, but if you'd rather keep things classy, stop by the Gnom café, which is next to Queen's Park. The Necropolis The Necropolis, an exquisitely decaying cemetery with a spectacular location, is located in Glasgow's east as well. Paths wind among a variety of tall-spired mausoleums and weathered burial stones stacked up on a hill behind the historic cathedral in the heart of the city. When you reach the top of the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views over the city. Food & Cuisine Glasgow is a city that truly knows how to feed you; forget stories of deep-fried Mar Bars coupled with Irn Bru, and discover one of Scotland's most lively culinary scenes instead. Glasgow has an abundance of excellent places to stay, a thriving entertainment scene, and everything you could possibly need for a weekend getaway. Good cuisine, in fact, is a source of pride for the city's residents and a constant topic of conversation. Ask a Glaswegian where to eat, and you'll never receive a straight answer. But one thing you'll hear a lot is that the city's culinary center is located in Finnieston. The neighborhood that’s been named the hippest place to live in the UK. Of all the options, Crabshakk is unquestionably a must-see. This wonderful restaurant specializes in delicious Scottish seafood offering a rotating menu of specials and some amazing house specialties. The sizzling pan of scallops with caramelized anchovy sauce is a must-try. In addition to supporting Scottish food, The West End's enduringly well-liked Ubiquitous Chip has been setting the standard. It has been offering upscale, contemporary Scottish cuisine since 1971. One of Glasgow's most exciting culinary endeavors, Dockyard Social, is located in Finnieston as well. It is a street food market housed in a large industrial warehouse with three inspiring goals. It aims to highlight the best of the city's culinary scene, assist start-up food businesses, and support the neighborhood. This provides the most impoverished residents with professional culinary training. There are still foods to try throughout the entire city if you venture outside of Finnieston. A'Challtainn is located east of BAaD (Barras Art and Design), a hip urban area in the Barras Market. With a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from Scotland, this stunning restaurant has already won a few accolades in its brief existence. It won Best Rookie to the Glasgow culinary scene. While you're in the center, make sure to check out Paesano for their exceptional pizzas. They are masterfully charred in wood-fired ovens built in Naples using only the finest Italian ingredients. Wrapping Up Glasgow is home to the third-oldest underground train system in the world. The majority of the city's attractions, however, are easily accessible on foot. One single loop that revolves around the inner or outer line makes it impossible to misunderstand. When Celtic and Rangers, the city's Old Firm rivals, play, it's advisable to stay away from Celtic Park. It is located in the east of the city and Ibrox in the south. Almost 130 years later, one of the most bitter rivalries in sports is still incredibly bitter. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Glasgow, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath UK City Hidden Gems: Things To Do In Manchester Coastal Bliss: Top Things To Do In Bournemouth

BY  Barsha Oct 22, 2025

I know what’s going on inside that pretty head of yours. You are probably thinking how many hookups I've had during my travels - especially since I am here to talk about travel hookups!  TBH, a few times for sure - not too many times, but definitely a few times. I mean, I had no idea about how the hookup culture worked during vacations - until I tried it out a few times. And now? Well, while the adrenaline is certainly thrilling, it does come with some major risks.  And while I’m nobody to stop you, it’s important that I help you out with my comprehensive list of dangers associated with travel hookups. Once you are aware, you will be safe while having ‘fun’ on vacation. Stay tuned. What Are The Dangers Of Hooking Up When You Travel? Romantic relationships on the road can be a great way to experience a foreign culture intimately, but at the same time, navigating the dating scene abroad can be a minefield.  Hooking up while traveling is an experience many actively strive for; as of 2025, 58 percent of travelers have embarked on a vacation romance, according to a recent TripAdvisor survey. Hookup culture not only accepts but actively encourages casual sex, including activities like one-night stands, without necessarily including bonding or emotional intimacy.  The term “hookup” has a broad scope because it can indicate any form of sexual activity between partners, including kissing. One can expect the dangers of hookup culture to be amplified when the partners in question have gone all the way at least once, especially regarding the following point.  In this context, let’s look at the primary dangers of travel hookups: Misaligned expectations  The risks of overindulging in alcohol The dangers of hooking up are relative  About good old-fashioned regret  The big issue of safety. 1. Misaligned Expectations: The question of whether it’s acceptable or even desirable to hook up with someone while traveling is very complicated. It first depends on the object of the hookup: a local or a fellow traveler? It seems far less complex when the person is also traveling and in a similar situation to you.  Given the significant financial gap and ensuing power imbalance between tourists and locals in destinations like third-world countries, there’s no shortage of potential problems. The traveler might see it as a fling, and the local – as real love, finally. Streams of messages over different online apps will follow the interaction, which can get awkward and, ultimately, one person could decide to block the other and move on.  2. The Risks Of Overindulging In Alcohol: It’s a fine line between lowering inhibitions and becoming too intoxicated to make smart decisions about what you do or don’t want to engage in. Overindulging in alcohol makes you more vulnerable to assault and theft, not to mention risking alcohol poisoning and ruining your entire vacation. 3. Relative Dangers Of Hooking Up: That only begins to scratch the surface of the dangers faced by women. Trust your intuition if a situation feels wrong or unsafe. Don’t assume you’re safer leaving a bar in a foreign country with someone you just met than you would be back home.  The sometimes misleading sense of security you feel while on vacation can make you vulnerable. Other vacationers won’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. Safe sex is about more than wearing a condom; it’s about not ending up on the news as a cautionary tale.  4. About Good Old-Fashioned Regret:  An online survey of 1,468 college students found that more than 27% felt embarrassed about a recent hookup, just under a quarter reported emotional difficulties, a fifth felt a loss of respect, and a tenth shared they had problems with their long-term partner.  78% of women and 72% of men who had casual sex reported experiencing regret thereafter, according to a Canadian survey of 200 undergraduate students.  5. The BIG Issue Of Safety: Obviously, this is perhaps the most important issue associated with travel hookups. When you reside somewhere unfamiliar, you become more open and vulnerable to any kind of sexual assault.  Both drug use and alcohol are common parts of travel, and both can sufficiently increase risks when you are traveling. Why? Well, it can impair your judgement, increasing risks in the process. As per travel data on Satista, sexual violence in international trips is typically perpetrated by strangers or even recent acquaintances.  Of course, this is correct, considering you won’t have your usual security network of family and friends who can interfere or even help in case of something dangerous. Moreover, in a foreign land, you might not be familiar with social cues or even local emergency support.  How To Minimize Risks Associated With Travel Hookups? Now that I’ve highlighted the major risks associated with travel hookups, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to minimize the dangers associated with travel hookups: Always meet in Public! If you are meeting someone from a dating or hookup app for the first time, and that too while you are traveling, then it's best to meet them in a public spot. And best to avoid drinking - what if they spike your drink? But if you still want to be a little tipsy, drink a little, depending on your tolerance, and then go meet someone new.  Always confide in someone about your plans. So what are they miles away from you? My best friend lives on another continent, but I always message her - she knows what to do if she doesn’t hear from me every few hours. Also, I always share my live location with her - just to be extra safe.  While you can do a thousand other things, it is best to trust your gut. If something feels off, then trust your instincts and leave. You don’t need to hook up with someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable at the onset. And if you are meeting in public, then leaving is always an easy option. Lastly, never disclose personal information. This basically means don’t tell your tour ‘date’ which hotel you are residing in, what your plans are for the next few days, and stuff like that. This is because once you do leave, considering something feels off, they might just follow you and make it unsafe for you.  The Dos Of Hooking Up When Traveling: It’s not about avoiding hookups while traveling, but approaching them the right way. To make sure you don’t regret the experience, don’t lower your standards. Always be selective and don’t hook up with people in your tour group or who are staying at your hotel – it will prevent the awkwardness of running into them after a disappointing experience.  Follow the golden rule: come and leave with friends and look out for each other and, ideally, other travelers. Being an active bystander will make sure no one looks back on situations abroad with regret. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

Mauritius! I had the amazing experience of going to this island country recently, and let me tell you, it was an experience of a lifetime. Initially, I was confused about which time to plan it out for. The temperatures and weather in Mauritius are at odds with the rest of the world because of its position in the middle of the ocean. But, when I got there, lucky as I was, I had arrived just before peak season. I got to know about their culture, their food, and most importantly, the best time to visit Mauritius. Here I will describe to you what Mauritius has to offer in each of the months of the year. If you want to know about Mauritanian weather the year around, make sure to stick it out to the end. Plan your trip then on, accordingly. The Best Time To Visit Mauritius Image Source: images.news18.com Mauritius is known for its sunny beaches and beautiful nature treasures. I am here to give you a season-by-season breakdown of the island. Keep reading! January To March Image Source: www.lexpressproperty.com In Mauritius, January is considered one of the hottest and wettest months of the year. Despite the high rainfall, the island is still quite busy due to the influx of tourists from the Christmas period. You can expect heavy rainfall during late afternoons, and there is a possibility of torrential storms during this month. Similarly, February is also quite hot, humid, and rainy in Mauritius. However, the rain usually doesn't last long and clears up after a few hours. Though not perfect for a beach vacation, February has fewer crowds than January. It is important to note that there is still a chance of cyclones during this month. March marks the Holi Festival, also known as the 'Festival of Colours' on the island. This annual celebration is held in honor of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity. During the festivities, people line up on the streets and cover themselves with vibrantly-colored powder, creating a jovial atmosphere. Despite being a humid month, March sees less rainfall than January and February. April To June Image Source: media1.thrillophilia.com The month of April is a hot and humid season, making it an ideal time for sun-seekers. However, the Easter holidays make the island quite busy. If you prefer a quieter beach vacation, it's better to plan your trip outside of this period. April is also the beginning of the best time of the year to indulge in surfing or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. May is officially the start of winter in Mauritius, but the temperature remains comfortable, and the humidity drops. This month is popular among tourists as there are reasonable travel specials on Mauritius accommodations. The evenings can get chilly, so it is recommended to pack some warmer clothes. June is a cooler month in Mauritius compared to the humid weather at the beginning of the year. If you prefer hot weather, then June may feel much cooler. The trade winds start to increase, and like in May, the evenings can become a little colder. It's the perfect time for kite surfers. July To September Image source: www.eventsmauritius.mu July is also considered a cooler month in Mauritius. If you want to enjoy the best possible weather during this period, it's recommended to visit the North of the Island. Despite the lower temperatures, July is still a popular time of the year due to school holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. I visited Mauritius in August. In Mauritius, August is a month with mild temperatures and no rainfall, making it perfect for sunny days without the scorching heat. I would recommend you stay on the west or north coast during August as these areas provide more shelter from the wind. This month marks the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, a festival honoring the God Ganesh, and you can see statues of the Elephant God all around the island during the celebration. September is considered the unofficial beginning of peak season in Mauritius. At this time, the strong trade winds start to die down, and the temperatures rise, ushering in the summer months and longer days of sunshine. Despite this, September still offers some quiet beaches, good deals on flights, exciting tours in Mauritius, and discounts on accommodations. October To December Image Source: www.mauvillas.com October is the driest month of the year in Mauritius, and it tends to be a busy time at the most popular destinations on the island. This month is also significant as it is the time for the Hindu festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. During this festive period, candles and lamps light up the island in a soft glow, making it a beautiful sight to behold. November is characterized by a significant increase in humidity and temperature. The month offers more sunshine, but it's also associated with an increase in rainfall. It's a perfect time for scuba diving enthusiasts who want to catch a glimpse of the seasonal turtles, particularly the Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle, which are commonly spotted during this period. In December, the last month of the year, Mauritius experiences a surge in global activities, and the island is no exception. Humidity levels rise, and heavy rainfall is expected, mostly in the afternoons. The sea temperature is warmer, making it ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and scuba diving. However, it is advisable to plan your beach holiday well in advance to avoid the high demand during the festive season. Things To Do When Visiting Mauritius Image Source: planetofhotels.com Mauritius is absolutely gorgeous most of the time, and visiting it is a must, whether solo or with family. Here are some things you can try once you decide to try this island country for your next trip: Snorkeling At Blue Bay Marine Park Image Source: static2.tripoto.com If you're interested in witnessing the beautiful marine life of Mauritius, snorkeling is an excellent way to do so. By snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park, you'll have the opportunity to closely observe the amazing underwater world of Mauritius that has been hidden for centuries. This excursion will transport you to a different world, allowing you to explore something that is beyond your imagination. Cave Sea Kayaking At Albion Caves Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com Kayaking in Mauritius offers a unique and adventurous experience. One such experience is kayaking across the cave sea, providing you with an exclusive opportunity to witness the beauty of the caves. If you are fascinated by caves and enjoy exploring their hidden stories and interesting designs, then you should definitely try a kayaking tour at Albion Caves. Walks With Lions At Casela Park Image Source: toursmauritius.mu Have you ever considered taking a walk with the king of the jungle? If so, Casela Park in Mauritius offers an opportunity to experience the wild side of the jungle by taking a thrilling walk with lions. This excursion in Mauritius promises to give you an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience that you may have never imagined! Wrapping Up If you are planning to visit Mauritius and want to know more I hope this article helped. My Experience of Mauritius and knowledge of it will help you select your trip timing better. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! 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