BY  Arnab Feb 22, 2023

You might be familiar with the term universal pass. It was quite popular during the covid-19 pandemic. People, especially the front workers of society, were allowed to have these passes, which helped them travel without restrictions during the covid lockdown. It is necessary to follow the covid 19 lockdown rules and regulations. However, living takes work, and work takes us outside our safe zone. That is why introducing the Universal Travel pass was a great decision. So, what is this travel pass, and how does it work? This article should give you a clean and complete overview of the same. What Is A Universal Travel Pass? The name of the passUniversal Travel passTypeQR code based.Levels of travel category5 different levels.Launched byMaharashtra governmentAdopted byCentral governmentApplicable inAcross IndiaPurposePublic transport free of covid restriction.EligibilityCitizens aged above 18 who have taken both doses of the vaccine and completed 14 days after their second dose.When to applyAfter 14 days of taking the second dose.Online applicationAvailable. Universal travel passes are electronic passes with a QR code. Fully vaccinated citizens of India are issued with QR Code-based universal passes that allow them restrictionless travel through different mediums of transport. The universal pass started with the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority. They started it in association with the Indian Railways. Two of these authorities ensured that people who are fully vaccinated and have the universal pass with them are eligible to travel through metros, local trains, and monorails in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government issued the pass in five degrees; people working at the forefront of society, like healthcare workers, utility, education workers, and other essential services, were prioritized to have the pass. Gradually, this travel pass became available to people from other cities in India. One only needs to get their vaccination done to be eligible for the universal travel pass. Why Was The Universal Pass Introduced? Following are the objectives for introducing the universal travel pass – People with this QR-based pass can travel safely across India during the covid pandemic. The travel pass was introduced to ensure that the education and healthcare system runs smoothly despite the obstacles caused by the covid pandemic. People had safer modes of transportation thanks to the e-pass or Qr code-based travel pass. There is no need for people with a travel pass to go through a physical examination to check whether they are fully vaccinated or not. The pass is proof of their vaccination. During the covid-19 restrictions, there were many incidents of people traveling with a fake ID. The universal travel pass put a stop to this practice. People with a travel pass can travel using any mode of transportation, be it a rickshaw or a train. The universal travel pass reduces the need for RT-PCR tests during any interstate travel. Who Are Eligible For A Universal Travel Pass? The adult people of India are eligible to have a travel pass. However, they need to fulfill two simple criteria to be eligible for the universal travel pass. Citizens need to have both doses of their covid vaccination done. Also, they need to spend a period of 14 days after the vaccination before they can apply for the universal pass. There is no need for children to apply for a travel pass. How To Apply For Universal Travel Pass? Here are the necessary steps for applying for a universal travel pass – First, navigate to epassmsdma.mahait.com. There, you will see the Citizen category. Under this category, you should click on Universal Pass for Double Vaccinated Citizens. Vaccinated individuals have to enter the mobile number they have used during their CoWin registration. An OTP will be provided to you. Now, you have to enter the OTP. The previous procedure will show the applicant’s Covid-19 vaccination details. The details of their beneficiaries will also be there. Now, the applicant's details will be visible along with a slot to upload their photos. Now, they must upload their photos (below 3 MB) and checkmark the declaration. Once they click on Apply, the photo will be uploaded. Then, the applicant will get a link to download their Universal Pass through SMS. Applicants now download and print their universal travel pass. One can use both computer and mobile devices to generate, download and print their universal passes. Once you go through these steps, universal travel pass downloading will be easier. Data Displayed On The Universal Travel Pass Here are the data displayed on the Universal travel pass - Name of the Travel Pass-holder. UTP holder’s gender. Age of the UTP holder. Picture of the applicant. Level of their travel category. The IDs of the applicant’s beneficiaries. QR code Date of both dozes of the covid vaccination. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): I hope you have found the information you were looking for regarding the universal travel pass Maharashtra. Here are some extra queries and answers in case you need them – 1. Can I Travel Using Universal Pass? Ans: The universal travel pass allows users to travel without any restrictions. The Indian railway and central government have issued this pass allowing citizens to travel across the country without any restriction. However, pass holders need to complete both the dozes of covid vaccines. 2. What Is The Process Of Universal Travel Pass? Ans: People with a universal travel pass can travel across the country without restriction. They need to have a printout of the travel pass while booking train tickets or using any other public transportation. Only fully vaccinated individuals are eligible for the pass. 3. Is Maharashtra Universal Pass Valid? Ans: You can use the universal travel pass all over the country, and the Maharashtra UTP is a valid government-issued document. This certificate is valid across all the states in India. The Central government has adopted the pass that the Maharashtra government initiated. 4. How Many Degrees Of UTP Are There? Ans: There are five degrees of UTP issued by the government of India. These degrees are issued according to the level of covid restriction applied to certain states. Bottom Line People having the universal travel pass can travel across different states based on the degree of their pass and the levels of restrictions applied to different states. If citizens need to go out during the covid lockdown, they should have the UTP with them along with other necessary documents. I hope that this article was helpful. If you have any questions about the same, you can approach us for clarification. Please comment below to engage with us. We cherish and encourage your support.

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

Vancouver has some iconic places that you must visit when you travel there. Still wondering whether Vancouver is safe? The city's natural beauty will draw you in, and there are plenty of outdoor activities, too. It is one of the cheapest places to travel around the world in 2025!   Be sure to consider the safety tips we share here. Whether you're visiting parks or museums, you must know the policies. Be cautious of wildlife when hiking or walking on trails in the forests around Vancouver.   The weather is a little unpredictable, so carry an umbrella and wear waterproof shoes. When you are walking or driving, be careful if conditions become too cold or if it starts snowing. Read the article for more safety tips, and enjoy your trip to Vancouver.   Want To Know If Vancouver Is Safe For A Traveler?   If you want to know whether Vancouver is safe to visit, these safety tips will help you stay aware. Knowing these tips will help you enhance your overall experience. Yes, the city has some property crime and petty theft. However, you can avoid most of them if you are careful.   Use basic personal awareness and safety tips to stay safe. If you are traveling with family, keep your children close and teach others to watch for petty crime.   However, if you are alone, it is better to store your luggage using online services. You also need to know the essential safety supplies to pack on your backpacking trip.   Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting Vancouver   Here are sometips ttokeep in mind when you first arrive in the city In Vancouver, you will be blown away by the scenic beauty, walking around and taking in the ocean views from the West End and the mountains downtown.   However, watch out for aggressive thieves or attackers. Pickpockets are not prevalent. So, if you visit crowded places like Granville Island, you might face one. m Not only that! You also need to be careful. Keep your bags close and don't leave them unattended.   When planning to visit Vancouver, research the city, its streets, and its neighborhoods. You might not feel safe in Downtown Eastside. However, other areas such as Kitsilano, Yaletown, and Downtown are perfectly safe and quite vibrant places to visit.   Safe Accommodation In Vancouver   Let me share with you some of the safest accommodation options that will keep you safe and give you the comfort you need. I will also keep your budget in mind as I mention the places you should consider when booking your accommodation.   Yaletown The waterfront views are to die for, so if you are a nature person, this is the neighborhood for you. It also has upscale vibes and is both stylish and safe for tourists.    Downtown Vancouver If you are traveling to Vancouver for the first time, I suggest booking your accommodation here. It is ideal for first-time travelers because it gives you easy access to Vancouver City Center and other major attractions. The place is well-lit and well patrolled. Thus, you can easily come and go based on your itinerary.   North Vancouver If you love the outdoors, this place is perfect for you. This neighborhood is closer to forests and the outdoors, as you can easily go skiing or hiking from here. With a wide range of outdoor activities, you will enjoy the most in this area. Keep these crucial hiking tips in mind to stay safe while hiking.   Kitsilano  The neighborhood is quite family-friendly, so you can easily book rooms here. The place is also close to the beaches, so with the laid-back atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy your trip.   Awareness of the Cultural Changes   Considering it is a different place. Vancouver is an amalgamation of several cultures. So, be aware of its multicultural identity and its integration of progressive values, which makes it a great destination to visit. Learn about these tips here:   Language The primary language is English. However, you may hear several other languages because the city has a diverse population. You must be respectful to everyone and avoid insulting them, whether through words, actions, or gestures.   Etiquette Personal space and politeness are normal etiquette everywhere, not just in Vancouver. As an individual, you must be thankful for little gestures or help from strangers. So, holding the door or saying “thank you” will go a long way toward making your stay safe and memorable.    Scams Scams are common everywhere, whether in Vancouver or elsewhere. You must be conscious of your surroundings, and beware of unsolicited offers, especialdon't crowds. Also, don’t buy tickets or accept services from an untrustworthy source.   Dress Code The city is known for its unpredictable weather, so layering is key. You will see a lot of locals doing the same. Hence, casual attire is quite acceptable. But wear clothing you are comfortable in, and don't force yourself into something uncomfortable.   Vancouver has a municipal bylaw that prohibits smoking within 6 meters of a window or doorway. Do not prefer smoking cigarettes or look down upon those who do. You must not smoke in public parks because locals might raise their voices against it.   Safely Navigating the City   When you visit Vancouver, let me share some easy ways to get around safely. Explore the city safely by following these guidelines. You can also consider these smart travel solutions to help you enjoy your trip!   Try to travel mostly by public transport because it is the safest. However, try to avoid empty stations at night. TransLink operates SeaBuses, SkyTrains, and buses, which make it easy to get around.   Did you know Vancouver is a bike-friendly city? You can easily ride a bike when visiting Vancouver. Especially with dedicated bike lanes. Mobi is an online app that offers bike-sharing services.   During rush hour, Vancouver can be difficult to drive in. Cyclists and pedestrians also share the roads. Hence, if you are driving, you need to be a little careful.   It can be worse when crossing the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows. Plus, it's worse on weekends. That is when you need to try either the Swartz Bay ferry or Vancouver Metro.    Wrapping Up!   Vancouver as a city is not dangerous; however, you need to be careful and attentive wherever you travel. You may encounter some of the poorest people around town, so there may be a risk of petty theft or crime. And yet, remarkably, it is safer when it comes to violent crimes.   Comment below on what you think about Vancouver, or are you too scared to visit the place? Do you think I missed any safety tips that might help others visiting Vancouver?  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Sibashree Sep 20, 2023

What is the closest beach to Knoxville TN? No, it does not.  For the longest time, I have been planning a long beach holiday. But something else always turns up and ruins the plan.  The kids have exams, and we have family commitments. So, our beach vacation was always limited to Douglas Lake or Cherokee Lake.  However, I had done my research on the closest beach to me, and this time, we had a long weekend.  So our road led to Sullivan’s Island, the closest beach to Knoxville, TN. That said, many beaches are near Knoxville, TN.  For example, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the most popular ocean beaches near Tennessee. We also have Folly Beach in South Carolina and Oak Island in North Carolina.  In today’s Tour and Travel blog, we will talk about the beaches near Knoxville, TN, and explain why they're perfect for the ultimate Tennessee beach vacation. What Is The Closest Beach To Knoxville, Tennessee?  Our journey to the closest beaches to Knoxville, TN, starts with Sullivan’s Island, as promised.  However, before taking you on a tour of these beaches, I wanted to share the best time to visit the closest beach to Knoxville, TN.  Knoxville primarily has two tourist seasons. You can visit the closest beach to Knoxville, TN, between March and June and September and November.  So, let’s begin the ultimate Knoxville beach journey. Here we go!  1. Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 380.4 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours I was looking for ocean beaches within 6 hours of me, and I found Sullivan’s Island. It is a barrier island covering about 8.91 km².  Further, Sullivan’s Island, the closest beach to TN, stands out with its local history. It has Fort Moultrie, built in 1776, which still tells the story of how it protected the city from cannonball attacks by warships.  Moreover, Sullivan’s Island is important in literary history. Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie between November 1827 and December 1828. 2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 412 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 46 Minutes Sitting in Knoxville, I was looking for beaches within 7 hours of me. I found Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.  Myrtle Beach is nothing short of a fantasy island, and it was once the hub of pirates. Further, Myrtle Beach is associated with the Indigenous people and roaming ghosts.  A visit to Myrtle Beach is incomplete without exploring the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Also, spend time at Myrtle Beach State Park and the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum.  3. Folly Beach, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 383 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 35 Minutes  Folly Beach, one of the closest beaches to Knoxville, is the ultimate destination to stay, eat, play. and explore!  Further, life on Folly Beach revolves around outdoor activities. You can have a casual stroll on the beach or do more adventurous activities like surfing, boating, kayaking, and biking. Folly Beach offers the perfect beach vacation.  Moreover, Folly Beach is a wonderful melting pot of modern entertainment and wildlife. You can attend the Annual Folly Festivals and enjoy birdwatching and wildlife.  Blu Restaurant and Bar, Bert's Market, and Bounty Bar are some popular places to eat on Folly Beach.  4. Kiawah Island, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 396.5 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes Kiawah Island, with a majority of marshland, is 6 hours and 16 minutes by car from Knoxville.  To add to the adventure, the beach is often used for native wildlife watching! Several locations across the beach are perfect for wildlife spotting! Two popular spots for this are Canvasback Duck Pond and Marsh Island Park. Plus, Kiawah has two scenic observation towers that offer a 360-degree view of the sea and land!  If you are a hiker or like to bike, this beach is perfect! They have natural paths for these types of adventures. For accommodation, you can rent a private 2nd-story deck to enjoy stunning ocean views.  There is one popular restaurant called Jasmine Porch where you can splurge on good food, especially the Low-country favourites such as Shrimp and grits, She-crab bisque, Fresh seafood, Po’boys, Burgers! 5. Isle Of Palms, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 383 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes There is a playground for children, so this is the perfect destination if you have kids.  There is also a picnic area, so if you plan to spend the whole day out, you can go to this beach. For accommodation, there is a single-family cottage which is well decorated! Food is another important part of the vacation, so I suggest the Sea Biscuit Cafe! Try out the seafood omelettes, shrimp, and gravy because these are the low-country options. 6. Hilton Head, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 411 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 32 Minutes You have to visit this beach for the best sunsets across the water! Just 6 hours and 26 minutes from Knoxville, this coastal paradise is worth a visit.  If you plan to stay the night, you can book a resort rental. You can enjoy the outdoor and indoor pool, a tiki bar, etc. You must try the coastal-area food, especially crab cakes, sandwiches, shrimp, grits, and salads.  7. Oak Island, North Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 441.5 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 14 Minutes If you are looking for a scenic beach, Oak Island is the place to visit for all adventurous activities.  Water sports are quite famous here. You can also see Fort Caswell, used in the 1800s and 1900s. This is one of the beaches near Knoxville, TN! It takes 7 hours and 8 minutes to reach the beach, and you can visit the island lighthouse, which sits right beside the fort.  Oak Island Nature Centre offers a perfect walk at the beach, so if you are a nature lover, you know where to go! For outdoor adventures, kayaking is a great option. Many family homes and rentals are a short distance from March Beach, offering incredible views across the water. If you visit the beach, you must try scrumptious food items such as steak, chicken, and pasta, along with delicious seafood. 8. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 442 Miles The beach is a little farther from Knoxville, TN, taking about 7 hours and 23 minutes.  Wilmington has three beaches: Kure, Carolina, and Wrightsville. All three are among the best beaches near Knoxville. Beyond common activities like shopping and dining, you can also go on catamaran cruises, visit the History Museum, and attend fairs and seasonal festivals. The Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center organizes educational programs and treasure hunts for children.  For food, you will find some of the best cheeseburgers at this closest beach to Knoxville, TN! If you are a picky eater, you will find various options, from steaks to seafood platters. 9. Kure Beach, North Carolina, Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 449.5 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 30 Minutes Kure Beach is beautiful, and the North Carolina Aquarium is located at Fort Fisher.  Key features include a nature play area, an adventure reef, and touch tanks. This beach is 7 hours and 31 minutes away.  Besides the beach, you can also visit places such as the Civil War Museum, the Fort Fisher State Site, beach cruises, a dog park, and a playground in front of the beach. You cannot miss the food such as burgers, sandwiches, seafood and pasta! I am already drooling! 10. Tybee Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 434 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours The beach is 6 hours and 55 minutes by road from Knoxville. Some of the place’s main attractions are the restaurants and the quaint little shops.  The beach is popular with people looking for a relaxing haunt near Tennessee. It is the closest beach to Tennessee! It is a low-key beach situated just outside of Savanah! Beyond relaxing on the beach, you can also enjoy amenities in Savanah. This includes museums, historic architecture, upscale shops, ghost tours, and other attractions perfect for family outings. Beautiful rentals are close to the beach and a 1-minute distance from where you can enjoy some stunning visuals.  The food available in and around the place is quite popular! One such restaurant near the waterfront is Bubba Gumbo. The seafood Gumbo is their signature dish! You can also order fried fish, jambalaya, burgers, and crab cakes. They also popularly serve shrimp. 11. Simon’s Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 491.2 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 32 Minutes The beach is 7 hours and 42 minutes from Knoxville, TN! The beach Oasis is a perfect place to relax, with amenities that make life easier.  The Neptune Park Fun Zone offers family attractions. You can also find a store to rent water-sports accessories, restaurants, and several shops that offer good food and equipment for the beach vacation, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and more. There is also a family beach rental with a private swimming pool. The rental can host a family and is pretty close to the lighthouse.  You cannot miss the delicious food available on this closest beach to Knoxville, TN! Once the restaurant opens, Porch will offer fried catfish, shrimp, and fried chicken. Read Also: Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit Top 10 Beaches In Gloucester In Massachusetts – Travel Guide The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World!