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BY  Shahnawaz Nov 1, 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan emerges as a land bathed in the amber glow of its desert sands, steeped in history and alive with cultural vibrancy. It's a nation where narratives from the past intersect with the bustling energy of the present, inviting travelers worldwide to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the hauntingly beautiful façades of Petra to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea, every corner of Jordan whispers tales of civilizations, heroes, and legends, offering a journey that tantalizes the senses and nourishes the soul. Beyond the historical allure and natural beauty, what strikes most is the warmth of its people. Jordanians embody a tradition of hospitality. It harks back to age-old Bedouin codes of honor, encapsulated in the Arabic term "diyafa." It is the cultural cornerstone representing generosity and courtesy extended to guests. This deep-rooted value transforms a tourist's sojourn into something profoundly more meaningful. It intertwines experiences with genuine human connection and turns brief encounters into lasting friendships. Embarking on an exploration of Jordan is more than a simple escape. It's a pilgrimage to the cradle of cultural fusion. Thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with modern progressiveness. It is a place where awe-inspiring architecture, sacred sites, and transformative landscapes are the backdrops against which daily life unfolds. All of it is bound together by an intangible yet palpable spirit of resilience and unity. In this land, every path, every ruin, and every sunset is a testament to the enduring legacy. It is the continued renaissance of a nation that stands as a beacon of tranquility, acceptance, as well as adventure. The Historical Tapestry Jordan is a dream come true for history enthusiasts. The ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, invites you to walk through a narrow gorge called the Siq, revealing the famous, rose-red Treasury as you emerge. Exploring further, the Monastery and the Roman-style theatre embody the artistic brilliance of the Nabateans, who carved an entire city out of the rocks. Not far from Petra, the Roman ruins of Jerash, sometimes called the "Pompeii of the East," offer a peek into the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. Columns, temples, and amphitheaters come alive, transporting visitors back in time amidst festivals that reenact historic gladiator fights and chariot races. Spiritual and Cultural Immersion Jordan's spiritual allure is undeniable, with Mount Nebo offering panoramic views that Moses once witnessed of the Promised Land. The waters of the River Jordan, a site of countless baptisms, hold religious significance, while the mosaic map of Madaba artfully depicts ancient holy lands. Moreover, the compelling allure of Bedouin culture can be experienced in the enchanting Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon, where travelers can spend starlit nights in traditional camps, enjoying stories, music, and traditional cuisine. The Dead Sea and Beyond No visit to Jordan is complete without floating in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Rich in minerals and set against a stunning backdrop, it provides a unique experience along with luxurious spa treatments available in nearby resorts. For adventure lovers, the Red Sea city of Aqaba offers pristine coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, the Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Mujib Reserve of Wadi Mujib serve as thrilling destinations for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Culinary Delights and Heartfelt Hospitality Jordanian cuisine is a flavorful roller coaster. There are dishes like mansaf, a conventional Bedouin meal of lamb slowly sauteed in a fermented sauce, including dried yogurt. It is delectable when served with rice and maqluba, a hearty upside-down rice and eggplant dish. Sweet treats such as knafeh will satisfy dessert lovers with its perfect balance of cheese and syrupy goodness. However, what amplifies the experience is the Jordanian people's hospitality. Visitors often find themselves invited for tea or a meal, engaged in heartfelt conversations, and treated like family. This warm cultural practice, known as "diyafa," leaves travelers with a sense of home and belonging. It also has a deep connection that transcends the duration of their visit. Modern Amman Amidst its historical grandeur, Jordan’s capital, Amman, buzzes with contemporary life. The city is a juxtaposition where the old meets the new, from the ancient Citadel that tells stories of bygone civilizations to modern art galleries, cafes, and boutiques that paint a picture of Jordan's emerging creative scene. Cultural festivals, concerts, as well as culinary events are common, celebrating the country's progressive heartbeat. In Summary Jordan's timeless landscapes offer much more than just the visual allure of historical sites or the thrill of adventure. They discover the heart of hospitality and the soul of a culture unyielding in its warmth. This nation, with its harmonious blend of the past and present, offers a unique resonance of peace, stability, and authenticity. Despite being a fast-paced world often overwhelmed with commercial tourism. The true beauty of Jordan lies in its ability to offer an immersive experience. From wandering through ancient ruins and savoring traditional cuisine to forming unexpected friendships as well as finding moments of spiritual solace. Each aspect of the journey is a thread in a larger narrative that speaks of human connection. There is a historical wonder as well as the promise of unforgettable memories. As visitors depart from Jordan, they carry with them more than just souvenirs and photographs. They take a piece of Jordan's spirit, etched into their stories and reflections. The land and its people leave an indelible mark. There is a yearning paired with the knowledge that you want to visit Jordan again. Yes, it isn’t just a destination to tick off a travel list but a place to return to. It is a haven that continuously reveals deeper layers with each visit. It’s in this ongoing discovery that Jordan’s magic truly lies. It beckons travelers from across the globe to return to its welcoming arms, to explore further, dive deeper, and connect more closely with the land and its endless tales. Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Top 5 Tourist Destinations In Middle-East That Should Be On Your Bucket List

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 2, 2021

Sometimes, traveling with kids can bring excitement to your trip. This is because they bring fun and joy to your whole journey. However, when traveling with your children, it'd be a good idea to ensure they're comfortable and safe. That's where travel pillows for kids come in. This article walks you through all you need to know about travel pillows for kids. You'll know what they are, how to select the best ones, the benefits they offer, and much more. Read on to get enlightened. What Is A Travel Pillow For Kids? This is a special pillow designed to provide support to young children when traveling. Since travel pillows are designed for children, they come in small sizes than the standard ones. If you want your small children to be comfortable and well-rested when traveling for long periods of time, you should buy them travel pillows specifically made for their age group. Not only will these provide comfort to your children, but they’ll also allow them to sleep well and enjoy any trip, no matter the duration. Although most travel pillows for kids are U-shaped to help support the neck, children can use other special types of travel pillows to rest their heads on when asleep. A good example of such is the buckwheat travel pillow for kids. A buckwheat pillow serves several purposes. For instance, apart from being used as a travel pillow, it can also be used as a sleep pillow. So, if you're going to camp with your kids for several days, the best deal could be to buy them buckwheat pillows. For more information about buckwheat pillows, you can watch this video. What Are The Benefits Of A Travel Pillow For Kids? Travel pillows can offer several benefits to your kids. Some of these include: Provide Better Sleep Better sleep is one of the reasons why every child needs to carry a pillow when traveling. As you may already know, sleep is better for small children. Better sleep allows for physical and cognitive development in children. If you want your children to boost their overall well-being, the best deal is to provide them with travel pillows when on trips. These offer your children comfort, thus, allowing them to sleep better. Besides, travel pillows can allow your children to have peace of mind, which also helps boost their sleep. If you want to see your children sleep for long hours during travel, it'd be a good idea to allow them to use travel pillows for kids. Prevent Fatigue Another benefit of travel pillows for children is that they can help prevent fatigue. This is important, especially for long journeys that require your kids to remain seated for several hours. Note that young children are susceptible to fatigue. For instance, when they suffer from it, it can affect their overall body health. Fortunately, using travel pillows will help prevent your children from suffering fatigue during long travels. Help Reduce Snoring Another benefit of carrying a travel pillow is that it helps reduce snoring during sleep. Snoring is a situation wherein the nostrils are partially blocked, thus, preventing a smooth flow of air in the body. This happens especially when someone isn't seated upright. If your children snore when they sleep, it'd be a good idea to buy them their own travel pillows. These can offer support to your children, allowing them to sit upright. This goes a long way in assisting them in reducing snoring. Prevent Neck Pain Another reason to have your kids use travel pillows is that they prevent neck pain. Neck pain is a major problem among children when traveling. This occurs after straining their heads for so long, causing internal injuries to the neck. When your child suffers from neck pain, it can cost you a lot of money. This happens especially when you need to take your kid to the hospital for specialized medical care to heal their neck injury. To avoid unnecessary medical expenses, encourage your kids to carry travel pillows. Not only will this help avoid unnecessary medical expenses, but such pillows will also allow your children to enjoy their trips. This is possible because travel pillows can support your children’s necks as these help them avoid straining their heads when traveling. Prevent Spinal Injuries Preventing spinal injuries is another reason your kids need to use travel pillows on all their trips. Most of the spinal injuries among kids are caused by poor posture when traveling by bus or airplane. This occurs when the spinal cord isn't properly aligned. Your children can avoid spinal cord injuries and pains by supporting themselves with travel pillows. This is possible because such pillows can help align your children’s spinal cords, thus, boosting their posture. Combined with one of these high-back booster seats, your child will benefit from increased comfort and safety and will be less likely to suffer a spinal injury in the event of a crash. The Tips For Choosing Travel Pillows For Kids Although travel pillows provide numerous advantages, you must ensure that you're selecting the right type. To start with, here are essential factors to consider when purchasing travel pillows for kids: 1. Breathability Breathability is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a travel pillow for your kids. This aspect is also synonymous with their ability to absorb moisture. This feature prevents your kid from overheating or sweating. If you want your children to avoid excess heat, buy them breathable travel pillows. These can also prevent the formation of blisters. Such is possible because breathable travel pillows can absorb excess moisture, which is a major cause of blisters among children. 2. Comfort Using travel pillows helps boost comfort. For that reason, you may want your children to carry travel pillows that can offer them maximum support and comfort while traveling. Although it's impossible to know the comfort level of a travel pillow until you use it, the best way is to try it before purchasing it. So, if you're buying travel pillows for kids from an online store, be sure that they can allow you to return the pillows in case they don’t perform as advertised. 3. Size Size is another consideration to put at the back of your mind when selecting travel pillows for your kids. Considering the size is important because, just like any other children's item, there are no one-size-fits-all travel pillows for kids This means that travel pillows for kids come in different forms. So, you need to know and choose the best size of travel pillows for your children. Moreover, some trips may involve carrying a lot of luggage. This is true, especially when you'll be on a trip for several days. So, apart from considering your children’s size, it'd also be a good idea to choose travel pillows that can best fit into your carry-on luggage. For that reason, you can consider purchasing compressible or inflatable travel pillows. 4. Durability Durability is another factor to consider when choosing travel pillows for your kids. This aspect refers to how long it can last. But, apart from considering the durability of a travel pillow, it'd be a good idea to ensure that it's easy to maintain as well. For that reason, be sure to pick a travel pillow that's washable either by hands or machines. 5. Support Support is another essential thing to consider when buying travel pillows for kids. This is important because you need to select the ones that can support the neck and head of your kids when traveling. 6. Cost Cost is another factor to consider to ensure you're buying the right travel pillows for kids. It’s always important to remember that, sometimes, the price doesn't always reflect the quality of a product. For instance, you can pay a high price and end up receiving a substandard travel pillow. Therefore, you must ensure that you get value for your hard-earned money. 7. Warranty Warranty is another factor to consider when purchasing travel pillows for kids. This is a written guarantee by the seller promising to refund or replace a product if they receive the wrong item within a specified timeframe. It also explains the terms and conditions in which exchanges can be made. So, to ensure you possess the right travel pillow for your kid, it'd be a good idea to ensure that your seller provides warranties. This helps ensure you can replace it in case it fails to serve your interests. What Are The Major Types Of Travel Pillows For Kids? There are many types of travel pillows for kids that you can choose from. Some of these include: Seat Belt Travel Pillows Seal belt is one of the most common types of travel pillows for kids. Such pillows are mostly used for long trips to support the neck. Besides, your kids can use seat belt pillows in case they want to sleep for many hours when traveling. To use this type of kid travel pillow, you need to wrap it around the car seat belt. Leg Rest Travel Pillows For Kids They’re mainly used by children when traveling on airplanes. Ideally, a leg travel pillow for kids is a big cushion that can be placed in the front of the child to allow them to rest their legs on top of it. This can allow your children to have a relaxed journey. The Neck Ring Travel Pillows For Kids The neck ring travel pillow for kids is U-shaped to help support the neck. It resembles an adult neck travel pillow, although it’s smaller in size. It can help support your children when sleeping to prevent their heads from leaning forward or backward. How Can You Find The Best Seller Of Travel Pillows For Kids? You must ensure you’re buying travel pillows from a reputable seller. This is important because only by buying your pillows from a recognizable seller can you be guaranteed great quality products and services. You can find a reliable seller by Asking For Referrals This is one of the best ways to find the best pillow seller in the market. It involves seeking recommendations from other buyers and users about the best pillows for kids. However, it’d be a good idea not to make your purchase decision merely on recommendations. For that reason, you need to research and find the best seller from your recommendation list. Read Online Reviews Reading online reviews is another effective strategy to find a reputable seller of travel pillows for kids. It involves going to various sellers’ websites to learn what other customers say about them. You can achieve this by going through other clients’ opinions and feedback. Reading online reviews is helpful because most customers are honest, so they’ll leave genuine opinions. That said, positive reviews are an indication that most customers were satisfied with your prospective pillow seller. On the other hand, you must be worried about buying pillows from a seller with negative reviews as they’re likely to provide poor products or services. However, if you see mixed reactions from different customers, research to find how your seller responds to negative criticism. Takeaway Traveling with your children is the best decision you can ever make when going for a vacation. This is important because, apart from giving you companionship, they get the opportunity to travel and experience the world. However, you must ensure they carry along with them the right gadgets, including their travel pillows As earlier noted, travel pillows for kids are special travel pillows designed to be used by small children when traveling. They resemble the standard travel pillows, but they come in small sizes to suit young children's needs. Besides, there are different types of travel pillows for kids. That's why you need to research and find the ones that best fit your children’s needs. As you've seen above, there are several factors to consider when purchasing travel pillows for your kids. Some of these include breathability, comfort, and support. Besides, you need to consider the size, durability, and cost of the travel pillows for your kids. By using travel pillows, your children can experience better sleep, prevent fatigue and neck pains, avoid spinal injuries, and reduce snoring. All these allow your children to boost their health and enjoy their trips. Read Also: Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World Making The Most Out Of Your Next Flight 14 Hacks To Make Your Road Trip Go Smoothly

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.