10 Travel Books You Should Be Read in 2024

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of socials. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮 So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.  At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.  We wanted to keep it all hearts as the Hollywood movies have taught us!  Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.  In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for the visitors to this city. So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  Completing a hike to the Hollywood sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potter Heads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies.  If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  Moreover, Universal Studios Hollywood has year-round attractions like “Jurassic World - The Ride,” “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, etc. So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the topmost once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids. 3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of your day of visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj/ Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is the best amalgamation of all three elements mentioned in the name.  It is an excellent place for researchers as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span between the 11th to 21st centuries.  Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American and Asian work.  Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from 7th December after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain put till New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road lines.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Long-haul flights are dreadful. The stark, urbane terminals and the long nights of tiresome, cram-y seating sure work you up just thinking about it. The flights that roll over to the next morning always have some drama up their sleeves. Then came the rescue team from Taiwan- EVA Air, which is currently one of the 10 Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world. Would you believe it if I told you it was little known even up until a few years back? It was founded in 1989. However, I started hearing about this flight in the early 1990s when my extended family would talk about this new carrier with non-stop flights on B747-400 jets. Back then, it sounded like a story from another realm. I would hear them talk about the aroma of delicious noodles when woken up from sleep by a flight attendant as a late-night snack. I also heard of the very non-conforming Sanrio aircraft that were Hello Kitty Jets, decked out completely from the headrests to the meal cutlery. Everything featured the widely adored character. I finally had the chance to board it. Despite all the different things that this airline was revolutionizing, the most exciting part as a young traveler still remained the all-new cabin category between the economy and the EVA Air business class. This change was surprisingly affordable, and I was willing to upgrade for my 14+ hour flight home. Here I am going to share my experience of flying from New York to Taipei. Stay tuned because you are about to find out the hype behind Eva Air flights and a pretty up-close EVA Air Premium Economy review. The Beginning Of EVA Air Premium Economy Image Source: www.evaair.com The press releases from the airline say that AVA Air’s first trans-Pacific debut took place on December 12, 1992. It had four cabins, which was a first at that time. The four cabins included Super First, Super Deluxe, Economy Deluxe, and Economy. With Economy Deluxe, the airline became the first to introduce an improved economy cabin that is the Economy Deluxe. It became a benchmark for the airline as most others took two to three decades to introduce this cabin to their list of offerings. Recently (last summer), KLM debuted its premium economy. The seat prices are reasonable with business class-like perks. My Taipei experience was very endearing to me because of its convenient pair-up of high quality and affordability. The street food, the stationery, and the convenience stores all added to my love for Taipei. The EVA Air flight was a big cherry on top because all of that now comes in an aircraft. Read More: Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines! A New Version 30 Years Later Image Source: www.evaair.com Three decades since its first flight, I booked the Premium Economy class for my way back to Taipei from NYC. The perks of this flight began even before I boarded it. This airline offers free shuttles from 2 Pennsylvania and 5 New Jersey locations toward JFK Airport. Dallas to Houston Airport also offers a free shuttle service. It has successfully removed one of the biggest issues of international travel, which is simply getting to the airport. I took a $20 Uber to the Jersey City stop, which would have otherwise been a $130 Uber ride all the way to the airport. Being a part of the Star Alliance, I was granted access to the lounge with my United Gold status. It allowed me to upgrade my boarding from Zone 4 to Zone 1. As soon as I got into the cabin, it felt luxurious. They used sweet endearments with my name in Mandarin. They helped me settle in my seat and confirmed my meal selection, which I had previously made online. The seats had a 2-4-2 arrangement, and I had managed to secure a front-row seat, which meant no under-seat coverage but plenty of leg space. On my seat, there were slippers, a water bottle, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy blanket that felt like a cloud. The blanket was quilted on one surface and had faux fur on the opposite side. How It Went An attendant soon came and gave me an overnight bag. It was a Kipling amenity kit consisting of Hudson Made New York products. It had the brand’s trademark monkey keychain with a scene of Taiwan’s Yilan on the bag. My entire EVA Air flight felt like a warm, pamper session with juice, fruits, and snacks while suspended at 30,000 feet mid air. The breakfast was amazing, with Chinese-style scallop congee with egg & Chinese sausage. There was an option for another Western version that comprised smoked turkey accompanied by cheddar cheese. There was also a “leisure delight” meal in between the meals with BBQ chicken-filled brioche roll. The restrooms were clean, and I can say so because I went three times, and it was clean each time. To clarify, I took a private plane recently that got filthy by the last hour of the flight, which was one-third the duration of the EVA Air. When I took the return journey, I wanted to take things further, getting myself the business class name Royal Laurel. It featured 6.5-foot-long lie-flat seats, a retractable armrest, a cocktail table, and a shoe cabinet. This cabin had a 1-2-1 configuration with dated seats compared to other airlines. EVA Air raised the bar, however, with their Rimowa & Salvatore Ferragamo branded care kit and a complementary Jason Wu pajama set. All the passengers ended up wearing it, and I, too, could not resist it. I wore it all the way home. The plaid duvet was so snug and comfy I asked where I could buy one. At one point, I fell asleep and dreamt of those noodles. But it was not my dream… they did bring noodles in between our slumber, and it just completed the experience all around. Wrapping Up Have you flown EVA Air before or recently? What was your experience like? What do you think about the Premium Economy class? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

BY  Barsha Dec 20, 2022

Are you currently in Florida craving some Indian food desperately? Are you busy asking Google ‘which is the best Indian Buffet near me?’ If you are nodding your head already, then just stop your google search and instead scroll down! Because we have managed to dig all the hidden Indian gems in Florida, the ones known for their buffets! Keep reading to find out! Indian Buffet Near Me In Florida - Best Buffets For You So you are on Google typing ‘best Indian buffet near me’ and waiting for search results - but isn’t it so confusing? There are so many results - which one is better than the other? Which ones are closest? Which one’s out of budget? So many queries and so little time. Take a pause because we are here to do the research for you! You just need to scroll down and find out all the top places in Florida serving killer Indian buffets!  1. Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar: Address7000 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819Phone(407) 370-9830HoursMonday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 5:30 - 10:30 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 - 3:00 pm & 5:30 - 10:30 pm A mixture of tastes and flavors, this restaurant brings you a mix of cultural diversity and demand for Indian food. The dishes are all delicious and fresh so there is hardly any complaint. You don’t need to type ‘Indian restaurant buffet near me’ on Google because you can just go to this great place instead! Located near Universal Studios, the Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar brings the best Indian platter to you, complete with all the right spices and flavors. Recently, there have been complaints about the prices going up! Well, can you raise your voice against it, especially when the food quality and quantity are both satisfactory? Delicious! The rice was perfect; fluffy, tender, fragrant, and fresh! The lamb coconut curry and chicken spicy curry were phenomenal. The lunch menu is seemingly different from the dinner menu. I'm not sure but what we had was fantastic. We will surely be back to try all the other food options. Review By Brandon Kline 2. Moghul Indian Cuisine: Address401 N Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792Phone(407) 599-9001HoursTuesday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 - 10:00 pm | Monday: closed Located right at the heart of Winter Park, in Florida, if you are a sucker for Indian buffets then you must try the food here once. Instead of looking for the perfect ‘Indian food buffet near me,’ just visit Moghul Indian Cuisine, and you will be sorted. It is a renowned restaurant that makes its food from the freshest of ingredients while its dishes are authentic. The menu boasts of authentic Moghul flavors with rich aroma, established culture, and culinary perfection. Great place for Indian buffet. Worth the price. The taste is really nice. They have both veg and non-veg options. Chicken tandoori was really nice, and the samosa chat was awesome. Naan was freshly made, got the crunch, one of the best you could have. Review By Gangesh Yadav 3. Saffron Indian Cuisine: Address7724 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819Phone(407) 674-8899HoursSunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 5:00 - 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 5:00 - 10:30 pm Want to try some Indian dish which is sumptuous and vibrant? Visit Saffron Indian Cuisine restaurant to try the wide selection of food dishes that have been meticulously cooked and presented. Do not miss their lunch buffet that is during the weekend because you can taste some of the most diverse and cozy dishes. Finding the best Indian buffet near me was definitely difficult, but just for the distance, you cannot compromise on the quality of food. Saffron Indian Cuisine doesn’t compromise the food quality, the price, or even on the location, making this place worth the visit! Absolutely delicious, and great customer service. One of the best in Nashville, and certainly the best in downtown. Flavors and spice level perfect. We eat a vegan gluten free diet and their menu was labeled, and they were so accommodating. Will definitely go again. Review By Joy M. Salasin 4. Mynt Fine Indian Cuisine: Address7000 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32819Phone(407) 370-9830HoursSunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 5:00 - 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & 5:30 - 10:30 pm The restaurant offers a fusion treat for visitors as they are offered customized food items, meticulously crafted food, and exclusive recipes. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. You will enjoy a unique and eventful experience when you visit the restaurant for dining. Each dish is artfully presented but with a classic Indian look! Florida has pretty great Asian restaurants provided you know where to find them. And finding the best Indian buffets near me was relatively easier. You will find a pretty inspiring menu that boasts an authentic Indian palette - plus, the staff here is great, and you will feel at home. I ate here on Valentine's for the first time, and it was excellent!  I got the lamb korma with medium spice, and everything about it was amazing. I really love Indian food am I’m glad that there’s a great Indian restaurant close by now. I’m a middle age white male who has been to India. Review By Christopher Gray 5. Kohinoor Indian Restaurant: Address249 W State Rd 436 #1093, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714Phone(407) 788-6004HoursTuesday - Sunday: 11:15 am - 2:30 pm & 5:00 - 10:00 pm | Monday: Closed There’s no way you have never heard about the Kohinoor Indian Restaurant in Florida! In fact, every time we typed ‘Indian buffet near me’ on Google, we stumbled upon this restaurant - so we ended up visiting this place, and whoaaaa - the food was simply delectable. The food is spicy but delicate when it comes to introducing foreigners to the taste of India. There is a beautiful and sublime approach to the way the food is prepared. There is a wide variety of food that you can choose from the homestyle Indian bistro food joint! Went for the buffet, and the food was so delicious! So many options for vegetarians. The service was great too! Our kids finished eating before us, so our waiter named, Willie came over and entertained them with some brain teasers! If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. Review By Magally Putt 6. Gateway To India Longwood: Address790 E State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750Phone(407) 339-9996HoursMonday - Sunday: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm The best part about visiting Gateway To India Longwood is you get to eat an Indian buffet that’s literally approved by experts. There are a variety of options that you cannot miss, such as Vindaloo, tandoori, and vegetarian dishes. The town of Longwood in Florida is a historic town where the mystique restaurant offering northern Indian delicacies is based. The restaurant presents a wide variety of Indian haute cuisine made by the freshest and finest ingredients. The food is delicious and a welcome change, especially if you are bored with your regular food. The sumptuous food is pleasing on the palate and gives you a great sense of adventure. The best part about visiting Gateway To India Longwood is you can eat an Indian buffet that even experts approve of. You don’t need to waste your time on ‘Indian dinner buffet near me’ searches; instead, you can just check out this award-winning restaurant for delectable food! MJ and the staff put together a wonderful experience for date night with my wife. The food is amazing. I couldn’t recommend this restaurant any more. Best meal we’ve had in a very long time. Review By Dr. Brandon Mondesir 7. Ahmed Indian Restaurant OBT: Address11301 S Orange Blossom Trl #104, Orlando, FL 32837Phone(407) 856-5970HoursSunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 10:30 pm There are a variety of Indian dishes that you can order from Ahmed Indian Restaurant! They have the option of dining in and ordering delivery or pickup. They also offer a lunch buffet on a regular basis which is organized in an intricately decorated dining room. The restaurant is quite distinguished with regards to the quality of Indian cuisine that is available. They also serve regional dishes from India, such as selective Bengali cuisine. Apart from that, some Pakistani dishes are also available. You will also get appetizing desserts that are unique and will tease your tastebuds. The restaurant has been around for 10 years, and trust me when I say you will enjoy the food. Not everyone can understand the pull of Indian Mughlai - but if you are a fan of Indian cuisines, there’s no way you can forget about Ahmed Indian Restaurant OBT! India is a diverse country with diverse food options. So you can’t miss out on anyone - try all and trust us, you won’t regret it.  I wanna say thank you! It was such a BEAUTIFUL GASTRONOMIC TRIP. Indian spices makes everything taste super rich and awesome.  I had "Chicken Korma", "House salad", "Lentils soup" and "Milk Tea" everything was delicious! Friendly staff, chilled indian music and great food. Highly recommend this place! Review By Igor Biteev Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas 8. Tamarind Indian Cuisine: Address501 Orlando Ave Suite #149, Winter Park, FL 32789Phone(321) 207-0760HoursMonday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 - 9:30 pm | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:30 - 10:00 pm | Sunday: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 - 9:00 pm India is diverse, and so is her food - if Mughlai doesn’t float your boat, how about some South Indian? If you are in the whole ‘Indian buffet near me’ phase, step out of it right now. Just opt for all kinds of Indian restaurants serving all kinds of Indian food, including Tamarind Indian Cuisine. The food is delicious, and so is the interior of the place. Unfortunately, according to a report on Yelper, the place has shut down. Instead, you can visit the Tabla Indian Restaurant Lake Nona, which serves Thai, Indo-Chinese, and authentic Indian cuisine. The vibe of the restaurant is very similar to that of the Tamarind, as the atmosphere is quite tasteful and refined, giving the restaurant a classy feel. There is also an option for outdoor seating and also allows private events. Portion sizes are large, the food is fantastic. I live the level of flavor and spice in the vindaloo sauce. The garlic naan is fantastic as well. I definitely wouldn’t skip out on trying the trio of sauces they bring out to start the meal. Service was quick and efficient. Review By Atrenique Deamus And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap on restaurants serving Indian buffets in Florida! The next time you are craving some great Indian food, you can simply come back here and check out which place best suits you. You need not type ‘Indian lunch buffet near me’ or even ‘Indian buffet near me’ on Google for best results.  Meanwhile, tell us what you think about Indian food. Share your experiences with Indian food in the comments below. 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