Monthly Archives: July 2017

Egypt: Famous Ancient Monuments Other Than the Pyramids

Egyptian Pyramids are the only surviving ones out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They are brilliant examples of the stunning architectural capabilities of ancient people and attract tourists from all over the world. But there is a lot more to Egypt as a holiday destination than just mighty Pyramids. Here is a list of four other historical monuments you must visit during holidays in Egypt.

Kom Ombo Temple

Kom-Ombo-Egypt

Located at a distance of 30 miles from Aswan, the Kom Ombo temple, also known as the Double Temple, dates from about 180 BC. The temple is unique as it is devoted to two gods – Horus, the falcon headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. You will be surprised to see two adjacent entrances to the same structure. The temple has a two of everything – two gods, two courts, two halls and so on!

Valley of the Kings

Valley-of-the-Kings

Valley of the Kings, situated on the West Bank of River Nile in the ancient city of Thebes is also known as the burial site of King Tutankhamun. It is said that the Valley of Kings is one of the most opulent tombs built by ancient Egyptians for enabling a better afterlife for their pharaohs. The extraordinarily carved walls, brilliantly crafted paintings and magnificently planned architecture inside the tomb will leave you spellbound.

Temple of Osiris

Temple-of-Osiris

The Temple of Osiris located in proximity to many other ancient temples in Abydos is among the biggest treasure after the pyramids in Egypt. The beautiful ruins of this temple will compel you to run your imagination back to the past and envisage the temple in all its glory. There are a few other ancient temples including the Portal Temple and the Funerary Complex located nearby this temple.

Abu Simbel

Abu-Simbel

Abu Simbel temple was built during the reign of the Ramesses II by cutting into a solid rock cliff located near the first and second cataract of the River Nile. It was built in such a way that every year precisely on February 22 and October 22 the sunlight would fall into the inner sanctuary and light up the three statues including one of the Pharaoh seated on a bench.

9 Must Pack Essentials for Happy Holidays

Wondering what essentials to pack for next holidays? Here is a list of 9 must pack items that will help you make your holidays a happy, safe and an enjoyable affair.

Happy Holiday

Charcoal tablets

Charcoal tablets are counted among the best ways of stopping diarrhoea and checking dysentery. These tablets work by absorbing toxins and pathogens. They usually don’t take more than three hours to bring you back to normalcy. A must pack if you feel dicey about the food quality served at the destination you are visiting.

Portable Water Filter

A good water filter on a trekking tour can become a life saver. You can consider small devices that use ultra-violet light to kill bacteria and other harmful elements present in the water. A portable water filter will always come in handy when bottled water is not easily available.

Pollution & dust mask

You will definitely encounter places with a lot of dust and pollution in the air. Such places will not only make you sick but would also lead to a bitter holiday experience. Putting on a good dust and pollution mask can help you keep your holidays happy!

First-aid kit

Many travellers overlook the importance of packing a travel-medical kit.  Such kits come to the aid in times of medical emergencies and also make sure that you don’t have to step out in search of medical supplies during odd hours. Pack a first-aid kit keeping allergies and prevailing climate conditions in mind.

Protein Bars

Protein bars come in handy at places where you are not sure about the quality of food. A usual protein bar can provide you with good amount of calories and keep your stomach full for a long time, probably till you find a restaurant good enough to eat.

Ear Plugs

A lot of tourist attractions especially beaches and local markets are crowded with persistent hawkers who can be very pushy and loud. Simply put in those ear-plugs, close your eyes and relax. Ear plugs are also useful during train and airplane journeys.

Travel toilet Paper

Using toilet paper is not a regular practice in many countries, especially the ones in Asia. Travel toilet papers come in small sizes and can be packed easily too. These will also be useful during night stays at camps or during long trekking trips.

Sunscreen

Holidays generally include instances of exploring cities in the sun and getting tanned by the beach. Do carry a good sunscreen if you do not want to end up with skin burns during holidays. A good sunscreen is a must carry essential on trekking trips as well.

Universal power adapter

Power adapters or power plugs usually differ from country to country. Carrying a couple of good quality universal power adaptors will help you charge your phones, laptops and camera batteries with ease.

Eight Bizarre Laws From Around the World Every Traveller Should Know Of

holiday

Planning to travel the world? Here is a list of weird laws from around the globe that you must know before embarking on that next travel adventure.

No high heels at ancient sites

Thinking of visiting the historical monuments in Greece? Make sure you leave those stilettos at home! Authorities in Greece do not allow women wearing heels entry to any of Greece’s historical monument sites. The decision was taken to stop damages caused to the monuments by sharp pointed heels. Besides heels food items are not allowed at the sites.

Don’t pee in the sea

Portugal has some of the most pristine beaches. But what would you do if nature calls amidst a swim in the sea? The answer will depend from one individual to another; however, you must know that urinating in a sea in Portugal is completely illegal. Not sure how the authorities plan to catch people urinating in a sea!

No chewing gums please!

Have a habit of chewing gums? Well, you will not be able to do so in Singapore as chewing gums are completely banned in the country. The reason cited as responsible for the ban is the huge cost paid by the Government of Singapore in getting the leftover gums removed from the metros and other tourist attractions.

Don’t climb a tree

It’s illegal to climb a tree located in a public area or a park in Oshawa in Canada. It is also illegal to stick bills and carve letters on any part of the tress. The reason, Oshawa, Canada wants their tree cover to be safe and like it has always existed.  And if you get caught climbing a tree in a public park or in any other space falling under the authorities’ rule, you will get charged with a hefty fine.

No feeding the pigeons

In San Francisco, it is illegal to feed pigeons. The authorities claim that pigeon droppings soil public places and are also a hazard to the human health. The authorities also say that pigeon food attracts rats.

Don’t forget to wear the Underwear

It is illegal to leave your home without wearing underwear in Thailand. Any arrests being made on the pretext of not wearing underwear have not been reported so far in the country but it still is best not to leave the house without wearing undergarments. It is also illegal to drive without a shirt in Bangkok.

Paying food bill? Who cares!

It is completely legal to deny paying the food bill in Denmark if you don’t feel full after eating at a restaurant. The best part about this law is the fact that it is only your opinion that matters. So if you feel hungry in Denmark and don’t have the money with you, you know what to do!

Drive a car wearing a bikini but…

Driving a car wearing a bikini is legal in Kentucky only if the woman driving is carrying an object for self-defence. Women can also wear bikinis if they are being accompanied by two officers. Moreover, the law does not imply on women weighing over 200 pounds and under 60 pounds.

Holidays to South Africa: Top Attractions across the Country

South-Africa

People from all over the world fly to South Africa for exploring some of the most beautiful sites in the world. There are several things one can do here and we have made a list of some of them. Have a look at them and plan your trip better.

Johannesburg

Cradle of Humankind- Located about 50kms from Johannesburg, this is a world heritage site in the Gauteng province. With as much as 47000 hectares of land, there are several limestone caves here that you can explore.

Gold Reef City- This is a beautiful theme park situated in an old gold mine. Gold Rush is the theme of the park and there are several rides and other attractions that you can enjoy here. It is definitely a place you would want to visit with your friends and family.

Durban

Ushaka Marina World- Visit this place while in Durban. You can enjoy a host of interesting activities here such a swimming with the dolphins, watching sharks up close, and snorkelling to see some amazing reefs and marine life.

Durban Botanic Gardens- Situated in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, the Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest botanical gardens in Africa. It stretches for around 15 hectares and one can learn a lot about the flora of the region here.

Pretoria

Voortrekker

Visit the Voortrekker Monument. It comprises of a number of granite structures; located famously on a hilltop built in the memory of the voortrekkers that had left the Cape Colony back in the 1800s.

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Founded in the year 1899, this 85 hectare national reserve is one of the most famous places in the country. People visit from across the world to spot the animals in their natural habitat here. There is a collection of exotic flora and a number of species of birds here too.

Kimberly

The Big Hole - This is an open pit mine situated in Kimberly and is said to be the largest hole that was manually excavated. It is a major tourist attraction.

Mc Gregor Museum- Formally known as Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum, it holds memorabilia from Northern Cape. You can learn a lot about the culture and history of the country when you visit this interesting site.

Nelspruit

Kruger National Park

This extremely famous national park should be on every traveller’s list of things to do. There are a number of animal and bird species that you can spot here.