What Is The Closest Beach To Nashville? (10 Beaches With Guide)

BY  Ankita Nov 7, 2023

One of the most enjoyable jobs on the planet is being a tour guide. If you love to travel and enjoy sharing that love with others, as well as the knowledge you have gleaned about the destinations you are guiding them to, then you should consider building a career based on that passion, and become a tour guide! There are lots of options out there, walking guides for the city sights, cruise and bus tour guides, and museum or special attraction guides. Finding work is fairly easy as there is always a demand, and when that tour operator payment gateway sends you your reward you will feel great knowing you earned it doing something that brought a smile to people's faces! The best tour guides have a certain set of skills in place that suit their profession, here are some of the most important: Knowledge –                     A tour guide needs to know a lot about where they are taking their group, and what they are showing them. They should have an in-depth knowledge of the area and its attractions that they can share with their group in order to give them the best experience possible. They are always prepared to answer unexpected questions, and ready to give pertinent insights and recommendations. A knowledgeable tour guide is one the tourist never forgets, and they will recommend you to their friends. Communication – t's important for tour guides to have excellent communication skills, they should be able to speak clearly and informatively, with proper pronunciation in order to facilitate easy-to-understand directions and information sharing, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings. They should also have a loud enough voice to carry across a crowd without the aid of a microphone or bullhorn and be able to command the attention of many people at the same time. Charisma – Being a tour guide is very much a people-oriented profession, one must be able to share their passion for the experiences they are guiding people to, share information in an informative yet fun and engaging manner, and build a cheerful rapport with their group. A successful tour guide has enough charisma to bring repeat customers back, not just to see the sights again, but for the pleasure of their company! Understanding And Empathy – People sometimes experience difficulties, even when they are out on a pleasant excursion. A tour guide must be sensitive to the individual's needs, and be able to handle any problems their charge is having with sincerity, kindness, and grace, as well as be accommodating as possible. The best tour guides are quite simply put, nice people! Flexibility - Things don't always go as planned, and in the event of a course change, the tour guide has to be able to think on their feet and make adjustments on the fly. Always have a Plan B in place! Check out the Tourism Australia website for more useful information for both guides and tourists. Good luck with your tour guide career Read Also: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Top 5 Used Japanese Vehicles In Australia Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece

BY  Sibashree Mar 11, 2026

I traveled extensively across Jaffna, the Tamil heartland of Sri Lanka. The Delft Island, a boat ride away, offered the most historically and culturally enriching experience during my entire Jaffna trip. Yes, the day trip to Delft Island was a bit rushed, as you have to catch the 8 AM boat from Kurikadduwan Jetty. Otherwise, your entire day will be ruined. However, after traveling 30 kms off the coast of Jaffna, Delft Island unfolded its mystery before my eyes. Overall, it is a limestone and coral island that has all the drama. At the same time, there is something very authentic about this island. Local history and culture exude through every corner. That is what won me over as a follower of the TravelDownUnder principles. Here is more in this travel guide. I will begin with where Delft Island is located and the modes of travel to and around Delft Island. Then, I will talk about its history, significance, and things to see. Where Is Delft Island? Delft Island is in the Palk Strait, and it separates Southern India from Sri Lanka. It is a small island with a maximum width of 6 km and a length of 8 km. With such a tiny landscape, it is surprising to find out how much the island has to offer to the visitors.  How To Visit Delft Island From Jaffna? As I have mentioned, if you include a visit to Delft Island in your Jaffna travel itinerary, you have to be very particular about your timings. You have to reach Kurikadduwan Harbour at least by 7:30 AM to catch the ferry at 8 AM. To reach the harbour, you will have to take bus 776 from the Jaffna Bus Station, or you can take a tuk-tuk.  The bus ticket costs LKR 90, and the tuk-tuk ride costs LKR 2000. Furthermore, the return ferry from Delft Island starts at 2:30 PM. Once you reach the Kurikadduwan Jetty, you will get the bus to Jaffna. The return bus was very crowded, and you must not expect the best infrastructure during the jetty ride. Still, the hassle is worth it. How To Move Around Delft Island? Once you arrive on Delft Island, you can take a tuk-tuk ride to explore the main attractions. Many tuk-tuk drivers wait for the tourists aligned with the arrival time of the ferries. You can book a tuk-tuk ride for 4-5 hours, and the cost will be around LKR 2000-2500. Why Visit Delft Island, Jaffna? The history of Delft Island goes back to the time of the Chola Dynasty. Since then, the island has gone through various reigns, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and finally the British colonial periods. As you walk through the roads graced by palm trees and the sea breeze touches your cheeks, you will find how history speaks here, through the ruins, dirt roads, coral walls, and quaint villages. You suddenly start missing your home, especially the afternoons of summer vacations, when time was simpler. There is a rustic charm here that you cannot miss. The locals here are very hospitable. However, the only thing I missed was that there were no restaurants. So, if you are planning a food tour in Jaffna, Delft Island can be a disappointment. Still, here are more reasons to visit this beautiful coral island. Delft Island: A True Hidden Gem And In Close Encounter With Nature After Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best travel destination in the world in 2019, Colombo and Kandy became overcrowded. That’s a big turn-off for backpackers like me. So, it’s important to find a break in the north of the country and visit Jaffna temples and other attractions, where you can experience the spirituality, understand the local people, and most importantly, experience the story of human resilience. This is because this part of the country is still rebuilding after the civil war ended in 2009. Delft Island. Jaffna takes these humane aspects and the rawness of Northern Sri Lanka to a new level. In this age of 5G, Delft Island still has 3G connections. Also, the rise in sea levels still impacts the crops, ancient sites, homes, and the entire livelihood of the island. So, when I started exploring the island, I had to walk through the ankle-deep water in the fields. I had no problems in cherishing the experience as everything reminded me of my home.  Stories That Make Delf Island Fascinating Ancient Tamil legends and forgotten colonial ambitions have intertwined in the landscape and livelihood of Delf Island. Moreover, you have to listen to the inside stories here if you enjoy a good mix of history and local folklore. 1. The Growing Stone  There is a limestone outcrop on the island that keeps growing physically. Now, scientifically, it is the calcite and coral deposits that are to be blamed for the growth. However, for local devotees and the followers of Lord Mahadeva like me, it is a Swayambhu Lingam. This self-manifested form of Lord Shiva resembles Nakathampiran, or a multi-headed cobra. I made some offerings there, following the local customs, and had my moments. 2. The Giant’s Footprint Nobody Remembers The indentation close to the Sarapiddi area grabbed my attention. It was around 40 inches in length. There is a local belief that this is the left footprint of Lord Hanuman. Some even say that it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. Nevertheless, a similar indentation, resembling the right foot of the same identity, can be found on the Neduntheevu island. 3. The Wild Ponies And Their Secret Lives The Portuguese and the Dutch brought the wild ponies here. These feral ponies are the descendants of the European mares and Arabian stallions. They grew in numbers and were celebrated during the time of Lieutenant Nolan. He conducted a huge horse-breeding program. By the end of the British Era, most of these ponies were abandoned, and today they are a protected species of the island. So, you cannot take them outside the island. 4. The King Vedi Arasan Vedi Arasan, or the King of Firecrackers, was a celebrated Mukkuvar king here. He was the helm of the pearl trade in the Palk Strait. Furthermore, local stories suggest that the Dutch Fort was built on the foundation of the king’s ancient palace. 5. The Pigeon Cote Or The Dove Cote  The Pigeon Cote or the Dove Cote near the ruins of the Dutch Hospital is a witness to the colonial past of the island. It is 2 meters in length, and it shows how pigeons used to function as the physical internet connection. They were trained, and they used to fly between the Jaffna Mainland and the Delft Island. Though the pigeons were used to carry military dispatches, they were also used for the dissemination of personal letters. 6. The Massive Baobab Tree  The Baobab Tree is a telltale of how Arab traders enjoyed supremacy in this region. The hollow in the trunk of this ancient tree is large enough to accommodate two people.  Furthermore, prisoners were often kept inside the big hollow during transition.  What Are The Things To See In Delft Island, Jaffna? Delft Island may be small in size. However, its diverse cultural and historical attractions will keep you busy. However, these are the attractions you must not miss. The Portuguese And Dutch Fort  This fort is one of the most prominent attractions on Delft Island. It is a free place to visit. The Portuguese built this fort, and then the Dutch occupied it. Moreover, this fort has a coral and limestone structure. So, it stands out because of its unique architecture. The Baobab Tree  The Arab merchants brought the giant baobab tree in the 16th century. You suddenly feel that you are in Africa. The Old Dutch Hospital And Pigeon Nest  The Dutch built this hospital, and in the early 1900s, it became an administrative center. You can still see an inscription of the British Emblem on the Courts. Furthermore, the Pigeon cote or pigeon nest near the hospital shows how pigeons used to function as messengers between Jaffna Mainland and Delft Island. Where To Eat And Drink On The Delft Island? You can eat at the Delft Hotel near the jetty. You can eat parathas, rice, wade, and dosai. Also, you will find many local vendors selling snacks. However, you will not find a hotel on Delft Island. So, carry adequate snacks and water when traveling to Delft Island.

BY  Sibashree Oct 8, 2025

Brazil’s one of those places that just buzzes with energy — the colors, the music, the people, the food. It’s wild how every corner feels alive. And when it comes to eating out, this country doesn’t play around. Whether you live here or you’re just passing through with a hungry stomach and Google Maps open, finding a stylish restaurant (yep, “Rest P Ir Estilosa Perto”) is easier than ever. Let’s wander through some of the coolest Brazilian spots where flavor meets serious flair. 1. D.O.M – São Paulo View this post on Instagram A post shared by D.O.M. Gastronomia Brasileira (@d.o.m.restaurante) If São Paulo had a culinary capital, D.O.M would probably be it. Chef Alex Atala’s the brain behind this masterpiece — he’s the kind of guy who takes wild Amazonian herbs and somehow turns them into fine art on a plate. Everything here screams modern minimalism but never feels cold. Think sleek wood, calm lighting, and dishes that look too perfect to touch for a second — until you can’t help yourself. If “Rest P Ir Estilosa Perto” is your search, D.O.M sits at the top of that list, no doubt. 2. Maní – São Paulo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maní Manioca (@manimanioca) Maní feels like a warm hug disguised as a restaurant. Chef Helena Rizzo has this magic way of blending traditional Brazilian comfort food with little bursts of innovation that make you raise an eyebrow (in a good way). The place isn’t stiff — it’s beautiful, but cozy, like you’re having dinner at that artsy friend’s house who always lights candles and plays soft music. The plates? Tiny masterpieces that somehow taste like home. 3. Fasano – Rio de Janeiro Now, Fasano in Rio… that’s a whole vibe. You’ve got the sound of waves rolling in from Ipanema, the smell of the ocean, and the low hum of soft chatter mixed with clinking glasses. It’s classy, no doubt about it — polished service, rich Italian-Brazilian flavors, and that timeless atmosphere that makes you wanna slow down, order dessert, and just stay a bit longer. Looking for “Rest P Ir Estilosa Perto” in Rio? This one’s hard to top. 4. Oro – Rio de Janeiro View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oro Restaurante (@oro_restaurante) Oro’s what happens when tradition and experimentation collide in the best possible way. Chef Felipe Bronze basically plays with fire — literally — using open flames and modern tricks to twist classic Brazilian dishes into something completely new. The space itself feels modern and alive, like a stage for his creativity. One bite, and you get why people call it a must-try. It’s stylish, yes, but it’s also kind of exciting — you can smell the innovation before the food even hits the table. 5. A Casa do Porco – São Paulo A Casa do Porco doesn’t take itself too seriously, and maybe that’s what makes it genius. This downtown São Paulo gem celebrates pork in all its glory — roasted, braised, smoked, you name it. It’s casual, it’s loud, it’s packed with energy. There’s art on the walls, laughter in the air, and plates that look good enough to photograph but taste even better. Locals love it, travelers rave about it, and let’s be honest — it’s a total flex on your feed. 6. Aprazível – Rio de Janeiro View this post on Instagram A post shared by TERRITÓRIO APRAZÍVEL (@aprazivel) Picture this: you’re sitting up in Santa Teresa, surrounded by trees, looking out over Rio’s skyline while the sky turns pink. That’s Aprazível. It’s got that effortlessly elegant charm — wooden tables, soft lights, the smell of grilled food floating in the air. The dishes are all classic Brazilian flavors, served with that little touch that says “we care.” It’s calm, romantic, and just the right amount of fancy without trying too hard. Locals treat it like a secret, even though it’s too good to keep quiet. 7. Tordesilhas – São Paulo Tordesilhas feels like a warm invitation to rediscover Brazil through food. It’s refined but never distant — more like a love letter to every region’s flavors, written with style. Inside, everything glows: the lighting, the wood, the warmth of people who genuinely want you to have a great meal. Dishes are rooted in tradition but plated with elegance. It’s a rare balance — comfort food that looks like art. Why Stylish Dining Matters in Brazil Here’s the thing: in Brazil, food’s never just food. It’s rhythm. It’s storytelling. The best restaurants here get that — they make you feel something before you even take a bite. The music, the décor, the energy — it all matters. A stylish spot isn’t about showing off; it’s about creating a vibe that hits you from the second you walk in. With so many trendy, creative restaurants popping up all over São Paulo and Rio, finding “Rest P Ir Estilosa Perto” has become almost too easy. Whether you’re chasing fine dining perfection or just want a cozy, camera-ready spot with killer food, Brazil’s got your table waiting. Conclusion Exploring Brazil’s dining scene feels a lot like falling in love — a little unexpected, sometimes bold, but always unforgettable. From D.O.M’s artistic plates to Aprazível’s dreamy hilltop dinners, each spot has its own way of mixing flavor and style. So next time you’re in Brazil and searching for Rest P Ir Estilosa Perto, trust your gut (literally). These places aren’t just restaurants — they’re little stories you get to taste. Read Also: Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: What Your Brazilian Real Gets You 8 Must-Visit Vacation Spots For Nature Lovers