Top 7 Destinations for Asian Solo Travelers in 2021

BY  Barsha Aug 1, 2022

The travel scene in the world has not evolved since the Pandemic - people have now realized that countries around the world have their doors to tourists again in the absence of strict covid travel guidelines. In fact, the summer of 2022 has witnessed so many stories about overcrowding, travel mishaps, and even dangerous heat waves at major tourist destinations across the world, especially in Europe. However, things in Asia have been a little different. As Asian countries are taking more time to open their doors to tourists with far lesser reports of flight cancellations or lost luggage, it has been seen tourists are not really coming back. One of the biggest examples of this strange travel phenomenon is Japan. Japan Is Open To Tourists Now: So Why Aren’t They Coming Back? Japan opened its doors to tourists in the summer of 2022 to a whole lot of fanfare, and that too at a time which is generally considered to be peak tourist time for travellers in this country. However, according to the Japanese Immigration Services Agency, only a meagre 1,500 tourists visited the country between June 10th and July 10th. The data points out how the numbers have gone down by a solid 95% as compared to data obtained during the same period of time before the Pandemic. Perhaps one of the possible reasons for the sharp decrease in tourists is because the country is only allowing leisure tourists and those too tourists who visit with ‘organized groups’ and not individually. Melissa Musiker, a PR professional based in New York City, commented in this context, “We don't need to be babysat” - Melissa used to be one of the frequent travellers to Japan before the Pandemic. So is Japan ruining its tourism industry because of its own rules, or is it because of some other strange reason nobody is aware of yet? Only time will tell us - till then, we can only speculate. Read Also: 9 Things Every Traveler Should Know When Visiting Shanghai 10 Best Places To Travel In November – Travel Guide 2022 Top 5 Used Japanese Vehicles In Australia

BY  Barsha May 24, 2025

Just imagine you are out in the sea, cruising through the crystal clear waters with towering cliffs around you. And, you sailed to reach the most breathtakingly beautiful fjord in the world. Exciting, right? But, does this kind of place truly exist? Well, welcome to Trollfjord in Norway. One of the most beautiful and mystical fjords in the wilderness of Norway. Here, you will enjoy the natural essence of fjords with a cinematic view of the cliffs converging towards your sailing cruise. It is one of the most famous spots to experience fjord cruises in their purest form.  For those planning a fjord tour that’s a bit off the tourist radar—but packed with jaw-dropping beauty and Arctic charm—a Trollfjord cruise in Norway should be at the very top of your itinerary. Why Cruise Norway’s Fjords? If you are wondering why you should cruise through Norway’s fjords? You will be awed to know about the beauty of the western coastline of Norway. It is carved into numerous sea inlets for you to cruise down. And, the coastline stretches to all the way from the city of Stavanger to the Arctic Circle. The best way to experience this extraordinary landscape is from the water. So, you need to take the Trollfjord cruise to navigate through these majestic cliffs. And thanks to Norway’s long summer days, the golden evening light stretches for hours. So, the cliffs are literally washed with the surrealistic glow of the long sunsets. Moreover, you get to enjoy the wildlife spots like puffins and porpoises to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of Norway. The Secret Splendor of Trollfjord Trollfjord (or Trollfjorden) is a narrow fjord located in Northern Norway, nestled between the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos. It stretches for around 2 kilometers. So, it is not one of the biggest fjords to explore. But the breathtaking beauty of the place balances the short stretch of it. Moreover, you can access the fjord only by using a boat to sail down, as the entrance is quite narrow. Around 100 meters wide, the entry leads to towering granite cliffs rising straight out of the glassy waters. Inside the fjord, you will see beautiful waterfalls and alpine peaks all around the place. Truly, the fjord offers a marvellous spectacle to nature lovers. Unlike more famous fjords like Geirangerfjord—which draw crowds and cruise liners—Trollfjord is remote, wild, and blissfully quiet. So, you can enjoy its tranquility while cruising. The Best Way to Experience Trollfjord? Go Small, Go Local One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a fjord tour is how you’ll see it. Large cruise ships are great for comfort and convenience—but they can’t get into Trollfjord.  The narrow entrance and tight turning space make it accessible only to smaller, more agile vessels. For an unforgettable and sustainable experience, book with a small, eco-conscious operator like World Sea Explorers.  Their Trollfjord tour is designed for travelers who want to get up close to nature—not just view it from a distant balcony. On a small ship, you’ll: Sail quietly through the fjord with fewer than 12 guests on board Get closer to waterfalls, wildlife, and cliffs  Hear stories and local legends from expert guides  Support sustainable tourism and low-impact exploration  It’s a fjord cruise experience that feels personal, peaceful, and immersive—more like a nature retreat than a sightseeing tour.  What You’ll See on a Trollfjord Cruise Each Trollfjord cruise is shaped by the weather, the wildlife, and the season, but here’s a taste of what you can expect: 🦅 Sea Eagles in Flight Trollfjord is famous for its population of white-tailed sea eagles, Europe’s largest birds of prey. These majestic raptors often glide close to the cliffs, circling boats and scanning the water for fish. 🐬 Marine Life Porpoises, seals, and even whales can be spotted in the fjord and surrounding waters—especially in early summer when marine activity peaks. 🌄 Towering Peaks and Waterfalls The granite cliffs on either side of the fjord are peppered with snowmelt-fed waterfalls. In summer, they cascade down like silver ribbons, especially after rain. 🌿 Pristine Silence One of the most powerful features of Trollfjord is the silence. With no road access and minimal boat traffic, the fjord has a serene, sacred quality that’s rare in today’s world.  When to Go: Best Season for a Trollfjord Tour Although the place is beautiful throughout the year, there is a specific seasonal time when you can best enjoy the place. During the months of May to September, Trollfjord has the longest summer days. So, you get to enjoy the mild weather and long hours of daylight while cruising or sightseeing the wilderness around. Moreover, if you are visiting around the months of June and July, you will get to experience the most awesome sunsets. With the midnight sun, you can enjoy the evening golden hours to relax or sail through the fjords. However, in August, the weather becomes slightly cooler. So, it is perfect for enjoying the cool sea breeze while cruising through the marine life. Also, you get to check the migratory birds and whales around the place. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in an offbeat location with few tourists and beautiful natural landscapes, try visiting during September. Amidst the autumn weather, you can enjoy the beautiful mornings and a hint of winter’s arrival in the air. Some tours also operate in the winter months, combining a fjord cruise with Northern Lights chasing. While Trollfjord may be harder to reach in icy conditions, you can cruise through the surrounding waters to see the Arctic starry skies. What to Pack Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, dress in layers and prepare for rapidly changing weather. A waterproof jacket, warm base layers, and good shoes are essential. Don’t forget: A camera with a zoom lens (for eagles!) Binoculars Reusable water bottle and snacks Gloves, hat, and scarf even in summer—it gets breezy on the water  Extend Your Adventure in Lofoten & Vesterålen If you’re traveling this far north, you’ll want to spend a few extra days exploring the surrounding region.  The Lofoten Islands are postcard-perfect: colorful fishing villages, dramatic peaks, white-sand beaches, and cozy rorbuer (traditional fisherman cabins) you can sleep in. Vesterålen, just north of Lofoten, is quieter but equally stunning. It’s one of Norway’s best areas for hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.  You can also explore Sami culture and taste traditional Arctic cuisine in this lesser-traveled region.  Why Trollfjord Should Top Your Norway List If you are a traveler who loves experiencing unique and breathtaking nature, Trollfjord should be on your next trip plan. From the wilderness to the natural serenity, it offers you everything you need right in one place. It’s raw, powerful, and deeply moving—and the feeling cannot be replicated in any other place. By choosing a Trollfjord cruise in Norway with a small-ship operator, you’re getting more than just a photo dump. In a way, you’re immersing yourself in one of Norway’s most magical places. With the locals and the beautiful nature around, you are guaranteed to love the land, sea, and everything in between. With the craze of travelling for Instagram views, most of the tourist spots have become crowded. So, choose Trollfjord in Norway to immerse yourself in an offbeat trip to nature! Up Next.. Here is a List of Best River Cruises in Europe! These Best Places To Travel In Europe Are Amazing In Winter Chartering a Yacht in Norway: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Adventure

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 11, 2021

If you are planning a vacation with your family in the monsoons, there can’t be a better place than Kerala. It is one of the best tourist attraction centers all over the world.   Known as God’s own country, Kerala has several picturesque sites that are perfect backdrops for selfies. No traveler will go to this place and fail to get a selfie for himself. Add to that monsoon rain, and you are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A few hours of rain give way to soft sunshine with the temperature never crossing the 30 degrees Celsius mark. Therefore you can be sure of enjoying the beauty of nature when you choose to visit Kerala.   When traveling to Kerala for vacation, booking a tour package is not enough for smooth sailing. You have to do a lot of research to find what will work best for you.   In Kerala, many locals are not well-versed in English and Hindi, which often results in communication problems. You must learn a few words in the regional language – Malayalam. You can get a reliable online tutor to help you go through this training session.  After all, it’s all about doing as the locals do. Here’s a list of few Malayalam words every tourist must know when traveling to Kerala. These tips will make sure that you have a comfortable stay in Kerala.   10 Useful Malayalam Words To Learn Before Traveling To Kerala Here is the list of 10 famous Malayalam words and phrases you can learn before going to Kerala. 1. Namaskaram One of the foremost words to learn in any language is the word used to greet others. In Malayalam, you say “namaskaram” whenever you meet someone. It means “hello” in the Kerala language.   Namaskaram should be at the top of your list of Kerala language words because you will use it whenever you encounter someone. It will help to establish a sense of familiarity. 2. Sukhamaano: Malayalam Words To Learn Before Traveling To Kerala It is also crucial to know the meaning of this word while traveling to Kerala. “Sukhamaano?” is Malayalam for “how are you?” So, to know how someone is doing, say Sukhamaano?   When asked the same by someone, reply with “enikku sukhamaanu,” which means “I’m fine.” It is good to learn these basic terms so that you can have a good time interacting with the locals.  3. Dayavu Cheythu or Dayavayi “Dayavu cheythu” or “dayavayi” means “please” in English. It’s an important word to know as you may have to use it often when traveling. You will use it when you want to excuse yourself or remain cautious while dealing with other people.  4. Nanni “Nanni,” pronounced as nan-n穩, is Malayalam of “thank you”. It’s a useful word to have in your vocabulary as you may often need help or assistance from locals during the trip.   You can also use it to show gratitude after you receive a gesture from the local people. You will hear this word repeatedly as you interact with the locals. 5. Enikku Vishakunnu If you are hungry and have nothing to eat in your bag. Reach out to locals and say “enikku vishakunnu”, it is Malaylam for “I am hungry.”   You can be sure that the locals will provide you with some refreshments. This is one of the popular Malayalam phrases for travel and is essential to fill your belly. 6. Ningalude Peru Enthaanu To strike a conversation with locals and know their name, say “ningalude peru enthaanu”, its Malayalam phrase for “what is your name?”   If you are asked the same, reply with “ente Peru” and mention your name, Malayalam for “My name is.” You can communicate with the locals and tell them your name without a problem. 7. Njaan Ningalude Phone Upayogichotte You can face a situation where your phone has a low battery, and you need to make an urgent call. You would require someone else to help you with his phone. This word will come in handy when you are facing such a situation.    To request them to use their phone, say “Njaan Ningalude Phone Upayogichotte,” which means “Can I use your phone?” You will be able to get the assistance that you deserve within a short period. The secret is knowing how to use some of these Malayalam phrases for travel. 8. Pinneedu Kaananam Thank the locals for their help and bid them goodbye by saying “pinneedu kaananam.” It is a word that you will use when exiting a particular destination.   It shows that you are thankful for your encounter with the locals. Use this phrase when bidding farewell to the locals of Kerala.  9. Engene Enikku _________ Etham? To find your way when you are lost, just ask “engene enikku _________ etham?” filling in space where you want to go, hotel, and restaurant, bus or railway station. It is Malayalam of “how do I get to _____?”  It is one of the most important terminologies especially if you are strange in the city. It will help you to get back to your destination within no time.  10. Ithinu Enthu Vila? “Ithinu enthu vila?” is a useful phrase when shopping for local goodies. It will help you know the price of commodities. It is Malayalam for “how much is this?”  Learning this phrase as one of the best Malayalam words will create a sense of familiarity. Further, you can bargain for every buy and strike a good deal. Cute Malayam Words To Learn Before Traveling To Kerala Learning this phrase as one of the best Malayalam words will create a sense of familiarity. Further, you can bargain for every buy and strike a good deal.  Cute Malayam Words To Learn Before Traveling To Kerala  So, you have learned the basics. Now, you can try some really cute Malayam words to learn before traveling to Kerala.  11. Valare Upakaram Valare Upakaram, one of the easiest Malayalam new words to learn, means “Thanks a Lot.” So, by uttering this phrase, you express your gratitude, which is important with someone helping you in a new land. 12. Suprabhaatham Suprabhaatham is very similar to Suprabhaat, which means Good Morning in Malayam. It’s a must-learn phrase, as you cannot avoid uttering this when you meet someone at the beginning of your day. Maintain positive body language and a happy expression when greeting someone, Suprabhaatham.  13. Shubha Raathri Shubha Raathri is an easy Malayam phrase to bid someone “Good Night.” You can remember this phrase to create an impression on your local guide or tour operator as you end your activities for the day.  Further, Shubha Raathri is similar to “Shubh Ratri” in Hindi. However, there is a difference in the diction, and you must try to adapt it from videos or tutorials.  14. Sahaayikkoo Sahaayikkoo should be on your list of easy Malayam words to learn because it means help. As a traveler, you will need assistance in many matters in a new city. Further, this word is easy to pronounce and similar to its Hindi counterpart, “Sahaayta.” 15. Kandathil Santhosham Kandathil Santhosham is one of the most famous Malayalam phrases meaning “Glad to Meet You.” This is a useful phrase as you will make new acquaintances and friends at the new place. Uttering this phrase will bring a smile to their lips.  Trust me! This phrase is a great conversation starter; you can even use it for formal meetings.  Malayalam Words To Learn: Taking Care Of Your Communication In addition to these useful Malayam words, you must know the directions and initial numbers in Malayalam.  Knowing Kerala essential words and phrases can help you communicate with locals, and understanding what they say can prove extremely useful during travel.   The Malayam words to learn will take care of communication. So, book a  Kerala tour package for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Whether in Delhi, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad, you can easily find several reputable tour operators who can help you with the travel package. Did You Know? The traveling meaning in Malayalam is Yaathra Cheyyunnu. Some other Malayalam names for tour are:1. Yatra2. Pariyatanam3. Deshasancharam4. Sancharam You will discover you will have an easy time interacting with these locals.  You can employ the services of an online tutor to get more insights into Malayalam words to learn.   How To Improve Your Vocabulary Of Malayalam Basic Words | A Tour And Travel Note Now, you have learned a few Malayalam phrases that will help you during a trip to Kerala. However, if you want to learn more Kerala language words, you can try the following practices. Read Books And Newspapers The first step toward increasing the Malayalam words list is reading Malayalam books and newspapers. You can even read Malayalam travel blogs online to learn famous Malayalam words and indulge in the pleasure of traveling at the same time. Interact With Native Malayalam Speakers  Conversing with native Malayalam speakers is the best way to learn Malayalam language phrases. It’s great if you have friends or family members speaking the language. Otherwise, you can join in-person or virtual language exchange groups. You will find many beginners and native speakers there helping you to learn basic Malayalam words.   Use Applications Teaching Malayalam Words For Beginners You can install apps like Ling Learn Malayalam Language or Learn Malayalam Language to learn basic Malayalam sentences.  These apps have fun activities and assignments to learn common Malayalam phrases. Further, by using these apps, you can improve your speaking power, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. You can even use the Shabdkosh app available on Google Play and check out Malayalam words to learn in the English Malayalam dictionary.  Find A Tutor For Learning Malayalam Words If you want to learn good Malayalam words, you must hire a language tutor. The tutor will help you one-on-one to learn Kerala basic words with a customized plan.  You can even learn cute Malayalam words from an online tutor.  Read More : Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India Things To Do In Maryland – Free Places To Visit In Maryland The Easy Way To Travel In India Best Time To Visit New York – Know All About New York Weather