Spain offers free train tickets in 2022: these are the best journeys to take.The Spanish government has said that they will apply to round-trip tickets - to the same destination - for a minimum of 16 journeys (four per month).
Although tickets are free, passengers must pay a deposit. That's €20 for Media Distancia journeys and €10 for Cercanías. The deposit will be returned at the end of the year if you've completed a minimum of 16 journeys. We recommend paying the deposit by card because if you pay by cash, the refund process can take longer. However, even if you don’t complete the minimum 16 trips, it’s already worth signing up for the scheme. For example, a Media Distancia round-trip ticket from Barcelona to Figueres is €32, which is already more expensive than the €20 deposit. You'll need to download the RENFE app and sign up for an account to purchase your free train tickets. The measure doesn’t include either long-distance train journeys or the high-speed lines of AVE, Avant, and Avlo. How to get around in Spain Bilbao, Spain; Indalecio Prieto Station arrivals, Bilbao city, Spain © gurb101088 / ShutterstockSpain by train: the best local and medium distance itinerariesFrom MadridThe capital of Spain is the main transportation hub in the country, with direct trains to almost every major city. Near Madrid, however, there are more than a few worthwhile cities located in the historical region of Castile, all of them making for excellent day trips from Madrid. Toledo is perhaps the most visited city around Madrid. Home to sword artisans and one of the largest old towns in Europe, its historical city was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1986. It is composed of architectural masterpieces: the result of the different civilizations that lived in Toledo for more than 2000 years, including Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians. Those looking for a rarely found culinary experience can take a train to Segovia, located less than 100km north of Madrid, nationally famous for their cochinillo asado (roasted piglet), always served crispy and washed down with local red wine. If the local food isn’t enough reason, Segovia is also home to the most well-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1985. If you want to escape the crowds, you might want to try Cuenca, a fortified medieval town also part of Unesco for its unusual hanging houses and Spain’s first Gothic cathedral. Trail magic happens all the time on Spain's best hikes Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.From BarcelonaThe most touristy city in Spain is the perfect base for exploring the region of Catalonia. First-timers should take the train to Girona, a 2000-year-old city founded by the Romans, which also contains one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the world. The entangled, medieval alleys of the old city were also a major filming location for Game of Thrones. Continue on the same train for an extra 30 minutes, and you will reach Figueres, the birthplace of the painter Salvador Dalí. The city houses his museum, which contains the largest collection of the artist’s work. An easy, short train trip from Barcelona could also be Sitges, a coastal, bustling, and sophisticated town with white-washed houses, filled with restaurants serving Catalan cuisine. Do try xató, a local sauce made from almonds, vinegar and red pepper, typically eaten with anchovies, cod fish and salads. Sitges is also the center for LGTB+ tourism in Spain. Furthermore, consider getting off the beaten track by visiting Vic, a rarely visited town located in the center of Catalonia, famous not only for its medieval architecture but also for producing the best embotit (pork cold meat) in all the autonomous region. Don’t forget to buy some fuet and llonganissa in one of their many butcheries. The locals from Vic are also known for having the strongest Catalan identity in all the region. The fishing port of Bermeo on a sunny day in Basque Country, Spain © Ivan Soto Cobos / ShutterstockFrom BilbaoBilbao is the most populated city in the Basque Country. If you had to take one single train journey from Bilbao, it should be to San Sebastian (Donostia, in the local language) the most refined city in Spain. The main reason to come here, however, is that most Spaniards agree that San Sebastian offers the best food in all of Spain, ranging from budget pinchos (local tapas) to a wide range of Michelin-star restaurants. Wine enthusiasts may have also heard of Rioja wines. They are all produced in a Spanish region named La Rioja, Logroño being its capital. While the best wineries are not found in actual Logroño, all its bars and restaurants have an extensive list of Rioja wines to try. Moreover, the old city gets particularly busy around 1pm and 7pm, when locals gather over a few glasses of wine and tapas, before going for lunch and dinner respectively, making it a great local experience. Camino de Santiago: Here's my itinerary from two weeks walking the Portuguese Way From MálagaMálaga is the most cosmopolitan city in the region of Andalusia, and also a transportation hub for going anywhere in the area. The capital of Andalusia is Sevilla, the fourth largest city in Spain, and an open-air museum containing endless examples of jaw-dropping Moorish and Gothic architecture, like the Alcázar and the city’s cathedral. Andalusia is where flamenco originated, so the capital isn’t short of flamenco-related activities. With that and the fact that this is home to two important football clubs, Sevilla FC and Real Betis, it is no wonder that Lonely Planet chose Sevilla as the best city to travel to back in 2018. Often overlooked by tourists, Cádiz is an ancient port city located in the Atlantic southern coast of Spain. Cádiz is known for its local and friendly nightlife, especially during the summer season. February should be an excellent time to come too, since their Carnaval is supposed to be one of the best in Spain. In Cádiz, they love seafood, and they tend to eat it fried. A must-try local specialty is tortita de camarones, consisting of deep-fried dough filled with shrimps. Embankment of Segura river and old bridge "Viejo de los Peligros". Murcia, Spain © Sergey Didenko / ShutterstockFrom AlicanteAlicante belongs to the region Comunidad Valenciana, with Valencia as the capital, but Alicante has the main airport. Valencia is the third most important city in the country. They often like to compare it with Barcelona, since they are similar in many aspects but, being far less touristy, Valencia has a more notable local atmosphere, making it one of the most charming and welcoming cities to visit in the country. Remember that paella is a dish that originated in Comunidad Valenciana so, as the regional capital, here you are supposed to find the most delicious and authentic paella in the whole world. Very few travelers know about a city named Elche, but we believe it’s definitely worth a train trip because here you can visit El Palmeral, an actual oasis made of groves of date palms built by the Arabs during the 10th century, today considered a Unesco World Heritage site for its complex irrigation system. Highlights of Spain: 3 great travel itineraries to make the most of your visit Public transport Multi card of Madrid at an underground metro station © Ivan Marc / ShutterstockHow to take a train in SpainRenfe is the national train company in Spain, which operates several types of trains, depending on region and speed. These are the main trains operating in Spain.Low-speed trains:Cercanías: These trains link the main cities with their metropolitan area. Cercanías operates in Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cádiz, Madrid, Málaga, Oviedo Santander, San Sebastián, Sevilla, Valencia and Zaragoza. Rodalies: Same concept as Cercanías, but it only operates in the region of Catalonia. MD: It usually links different cities, towns, and villages from a single Autonomous Region, Regional: Same concept as MD, but with more stops, hence being slower (and cheaper). Timings can be checked on renfe.com but tickets can’t be purchased online. You must buy them at the counter, or at the respective machines. MD and Regional also allow to buy tickets in the train itself, but you must bring cash. 8 incredible national parks in Spain Rodalies de Catalunya regional train at Franca railway station in Barcelona, Spain © Markus Mainka / ShutterstockHigh-speed trains:
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Top 10 Best Things About Spain that Will Make You Love the Country !Why is Spain famous?One may be tempted to say that the underlying reason that makes Spain famous is its geographical position.
This has enabled the country to develop a delicious cuisine, offer perfect weather and temperature opportunities during the whole year, and be populated by charming and open individuals. Nevertheless, others will say that you cannot define the wonders of a country in general terms. You need to be specific for that. Is it each and every single small detail and peculiarity that creates the general and magic end result. That is why we created this list. After many years working as immigration lawyers dealing with individuals from all around the world, we have finally understood. We have come to the conclusion that there is a specific set of things that make it inevitable to fall in love with it. A group of reasons that makes it nearly compulsory for those foreigners who visit the country just once to feel the desire to establish themselves in the country forever. And that learned list is what comes next. But be careful! You can experience a huge need to move to Spain after reading each of the elements of the following list. 1. BarcelonaIt was nearly mandatory to start with this one, and not only because our offices are located in this city. The truth is that Barcelona embodies everything good the country has to offer. And that partially explains the nearly exponential growth of tourists the city is experiencing. We can try to outline everything good about the city, but only way in which you will really understand why this city is so special is visiting it by yourself. But let’s try it either way. First of all, it offers a varied landscape, combining sea and amazing beaches with a mountain background. It is possible to go hiking to Montserrat, a mountain close by, and enjoy a fully nature experience. But then, you also have its unique vibe and charm. A vibe that delights you during the day with its restaurants and Gaudi’s monuments, and thrills you at night with the party lifestyle that makes the city so lively. As the list could go on and on, we developed an article in which we specifically talk about the pros and cons of Barcelona, which you can find here. 2. SiestaThese mid-afternoon naps are a common habit in Spain. There’s no way of conceiving your day if it does not include a small siesta. They can be as short as 30 minutes just to recharge batteries. But they can also take up to 2 or 3 hours for the laziest ones. Of course during weekdays they are not a common thing, unless your working schedule allows you to (in which cases it will definitely happen). Nevertheless, siestas are like a national sport during weekends. After all, its a logical consequences of the relaxed and laid-back spirit the Spanish population has. But, on the other hand, sciences backs its effectiveness. It points out how much more productive you can be after a short 20 min nap. 3. Spanish footballFor many in the country it is perceived as a religion. In Spain, football is the king when it comes to sports. And it’s not strange: the Spanish football league is one of the best in the world, housing some of the best players from all time. Just check the statistics when “El Classico”, the famous match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, takes place. Millions of eyes from all around the world are watching expectantly. It’s a truthful and unique experience attending to any football match in the country. Because no matter to which stadium you attend, you will always encounter a devoted fanbase. Don’t worry if you are not much into this sport. You will always remember the experience. Besides, it is a topic that dominates many of the daily conversations spaniards have. On bars, the streets, restaurants… It’s omnipresent. So you better understand what they are talking bout! 4. Summer in the islandsAnother thing that makes Spain famous is its archipelago blessing: its two groups of islands. We talking about both the Canary and the Balearic Islands, two destinations that become the holiday homes for many tourists around the world. Who does not know Ibiza and its parties? And Lanzarote and its volcanic landscape? It’s like being in the Caribbean… while enjoying the wonders of the Spanish culture at the same time. What a great combination! And if you are able to avoid the main touristic areas, you can get delighted with the unique and unspoiled landscapes that Formentera, Cabrera or Menorca have to offer. Resting under the sun in any of this islands really feels like paradise! After visiting them you will understand why many expats choose to retire there. 5. Mediterranean foodFor many the best thing in Spain. Because maybe there is no other place in the world in which you’ll leave a restaurant with such a feeling of having eaten a lot of delicious food at a really cheap price. And that’s because the food offering in Spain not only tastes amazing, but it is also capable of creating truly unique lunch or dinner moments. First of all you have a wide variety of restaurants in any city you visit. Some more fancy, others more traditional. But they all have something in common: it’s impossible to leave without a negative feeling. Both food and quality of the service are exceptional. Secondly, you have unique dishes that have traveled the world, feeding nationals and foreigners alike. We are referring to the famous Paella (a real icon from the country), tapas (which have created their own meal occasion), or crema catalana (the famous dessert). Finally, the icing of the cake: the price at which you can enjoy all of that. You can take pleasure in all those delicious foods trough complete 10€-12€ lunch menus (including water and bread). And if you go shopping, 50€ will be more than enough to completely feed your fridge for one week. 6. Culture and architectureNo matter where you go, you will find it. Go to the northeast part and get delighted with the amazing architecture of Sagrada Familia. Go to the south and enjoy an amazing visit to the Alhambra in Granada. Go to the north and discover the Cave of Altamira. Spain is a living museum where you can discover and learn lot. Its regions encompass a really long tradition that has survived until today. That is why you will always need extra time to visit all the different monuments and historical attractions that are scattered through the Spanish territory. You will always have an amazing weekend plan, or traveling options within the country. Its landscape is completely diverse and full of attractions to discover. Perhaps what’s most important is not only the fact that many of those iconic places are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But also that they have been preserved until the current era. 7. Local “fiestas”Fiestas are nothing more that special local celebrations that take place during the year in each of the different Spanish regions. Each Autonomous region (and even each city/town) has their own thing, and is completely amusing to be part of that. In fact, if you ever get the chance to experience any of these local fiestas in the country, you’ll see how that is something unique you will always remember. Everyone gets on the street, stay together with a really fun and party vibe, which creates a charming atmosphere that drags you in. The vast majority of this festivities have a religious background. But they are all completely different from what you are used to see. Some examples? In Valencia you have the well-known Fallas, a giant puppet parade that gets burn afterwards. Tenerife has its peculiar Carnival and Pamplona offers the famous Bull Run. Indeed, each “fiesta” is something amazing and unique. That is why it attracts the attention of many foreigners worldwide who visit the country just to be part of those singular events. 8. WineWho has never tasted a Rioja and though was in heaven? The truth is that Spain is really famous for its wine, which exports overseas to every single corner of the world. It is the 3rd country in the world when it comes to wine manufacturing, and the extension of its vineyards is amazingly extensive. Even though both white and rosé are produced in the country, it is most famous for the red ones. The main regions that produce, and hence give name to the main wines in the country, are la Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. Hence, you can’t even start to consider a meal at any restaurant if it does not contain a glass of wine. It has become the perfect companion for every single lunch or dinner, even acquiring a “must have” status. 9. AndalusiaThe south of Spain is a really iconic area. With its own style and architecture, people there are the most extrovert and talkative in the whole country. As the saying goes, Andalusía has a special color. And that is the color that houses flamenco, the typical Spanish musical genre that has become a real icon of the country. It basically combines a musician playing the guitar virtuously, someone playing the cajón flamenco, voice and the typical dancer dressed up in colorful red dresses. Flamenco is simply a reflection of the spirit of the peoples in Andalusia. A viby place that will touch your heart. As we understand it is really hard to choose one, what we suggest is that you devote 2 to 3 weeks to tour the whole region. But make sure to visit Malaga, Granada and its Alhambra, Sevilla and its Giralda, Marbella and its Puerto Banús. Without any doubt, each of this places are something you must include on your bucket list. 10. NightlifeThere’s no empty streets at 5 am. The Spanish nightlifes may be one of the most active in the entire world. Because yes, Spain has gained the fame of being a place to party. And places like Ibiza, full of famous DJ’s the whole year around are good proof of that. But you don’t need to go that far to experience what partying at night in the Spanish territory is like. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia also offer unique clubs and bars. And then you have the rest of the country, including southern areas and the northern coastline, with its unique partying style. You won’t get the full picture unless you enjoy the country both during day and night. 1. Work Abroad in Expat-Friendly IndustriesThere are plenty of expat-friendly job options overseas, from international nurses and doctors to au pairs to educators to engineers.
Teaching abroad is how my wife and I can afford to do so much traveling. She works at an American school in Abu Dhabi. It provides us both with round-trip flights home every summer, free upscale housing that includes a gym, pool, and jacuzzi, and comprehensive health insurance. Oh, and there’s no income tax in the United Arab Emirates. Living in Abu Dhabi has allowed us to travel all over the world. We flew nonstop to Bulgaria for $185 round-trip. We spent even less on nonstop round-trip flights to Cyprus. Every time we fly back to the United States, we make a stopover in Europe for a few days to enjoy gastronomy in Lyon, the Christmas markets in Munich, or the nightlife in Amsterdam. There are thousands of international schools worldwide looking for qualified English-speaking employees, from IT specialists to administrators to teachers of all specialties. If you’re interested, check out international recruiting agency Search Associates. Don’t have a teaching degree? You can still potentially teach English as a foreign language with a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate. But don’t expect the same benefits as credentialed teachers working at international schools. Or keep it even simpler and research international positions for your existing skill set. You’d be surprised at the number of opportunities for Americans overseas. 2. Look for Work ExchangesThere are plenty of employers who provide free housing for short-term or even long-term stays in exchange for work. This arrangement is called a work exchange. For example, if you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of living and working on a farm, WWOOF is your chance to see the world while you do so. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Farming is primarily seasonal work, and farmers need seasonal help. While they often have an abundance of space, housing, and food, many organic farmers don’t have an abundance of money. So in exchange for four to six hours’ help each day, they provide room and board. You’re on your own for the cost of transportation to get there, though. You can go “WWOOF’ing” by yourself, as a couple, with friends, or even as a family with children. Select which country you’re interested in, and WWOOF will show you a list of host farms and connect you with the farmers. And many hostels find themselves in a similar situation as organic farmers — with plenty of beds and rooms but short on labor. So they offer a free room (and sometimes free meals) in exchange for work. A few even pay a small stipend of spending money. Check out HelpX, helpStay, and Workaway for thousands of opportunities worldwide to stay for free in exchange for your services. 3. Volunteer Long-Term With the Peace CorpsThe Peace Corps offers incredibly rewarding opportunities to live for several years in a community that needs committed volunteers. While the Peace Corps is a large international organization, they do an excellent job of keeping their focus on the grassroots level. Volunteers go to the ends of the earth, living and working in the poorest communities on the planet. The Peace Corps isn’t for everyone, though. It requires a 27-month commitment: three months of training, then two years in the field. You’ll also be leaving the comforts of Western democracy behind. You may or may not have mobile phone service, and you may not have air conditioning in hot climates. You receive a living stipend, which is enough to cover housing (if they don’t provide you with a free place to stay), food, and basic spending in the community where you’re stationed. But when you come home to visit, don’t plan on fancy dinners out or hotels. Expect to crash with friends and family. That said, you’ll have the opportunity to personally transform poor communities into livable, sustainable towns and villages. In many cases, you will literally save lives. If you’re truly driven to change the world and see some of it in the process, the Peace Corps may be a good fit for you. 4. Volunteer With Short-Term Volunteer OrganizationsIf your volunteer travel timeline is measured in weeks or months rather than years, try short-term volunteer placement services like Go Overseas or Idealist. They offer global opportunities for work ranging from teaching English to building infrastructure. For a comfortable way to ease into international volunteering, try Diverbo. It hosts one-week English retreats in Spain and Germany to immerse non-Native English speakers in English-based activities. As a native speaker, you’re there to give them someone to practice with. It pays for hotel stays and meals. All you have to do is get there. There are endless ways to volunteer abroad for free travel and rewarding experiences in a new culture. Spend an hour researching options online, and you can’t help but be inspired by the possibilities to give back while seeing the world. 5. Organize Your Own Volunteer TripYou can also organize your own volunteer trip. With crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe, you can raise money from your friends, family members, and colleagues (and sometimes even strangers) to cover the costs of your volunteer trip. Perhaps they’ll even join you on your expedition. But ensure your trip will genuinely change lives for needy people rather than serve as a cover story for you to persuade your friends to pay for your vacation. I saw this happen just recently with a newly arrived couple at my wife’s school. They raised money from their friends back in the United States, inventing the name of an education-based “ministry” they claimed to be leading here in Abu Dhabi. It was an utter scam, as they have the same generous teaching package my wife does. Whether they got away with it among their friends back home or not, they didn’t get away with it here. The link to their GoFundMe page made the rounds among the school faculty, and they’ve found few friends as a result. So approach any crowdfunding attempts with complete sincerity and transparency. 6. House-Sit or Pet-SitDid you know there are entire websites dedicated to connecting house sitters with pet owners? Pet owners don’t want to leave their pets in kennels surrounded by unknown dogs and cats when they travel. They’d rather let them stay at home — a home which is just sitting vacant and unused. House sitters can stay for free at these homes for the price of caring for the owners’ pets. While it’s a relatively easy job, it does mean you have to schedule your day around the pets’ needs. You can’t leave for a weekend excursion or go on 14-hour day trips. But for animal lovers, it can be an easy way to save money with free accommodations anywhere in the world, often in high-end homes. And house-sitting isn’t limited to pet owners. Some homeowners sleep easier knowing someone is minding their home while they’re away, whether that means you care for their plants or are simply there to deter break-ins. But these opportunities are the exception, not the rule, and most house-sitting gigs do involve caring for pets. Try TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse as starting points for free house-sitting gigs in many different countries. 7. Swap HousesYou live in Seattle and want to visit Berlin. Someone in Berlin wants to visit Seattle. Why not swap houses with them for your trip? It’s a win-win. You get to stay for free in an authentic local home rather than a hotel, and your home doesn’t have to sit vacant and vulnerable to catastrophes like break-ins or flooding. Granted, it’s not always that simple. Perhaps you want to visit Berlin in July, and the Berliner wants to visit Seattle in October. Perhaps you’re worried about the risk of having a stranger stay in your home. The good news is reputable home-swapping websites provide a level of transparency, with peer reviews and identity verification to give members greater peace of mind. Some home-swapping websites also offer credit systems for indirect house-swapping. By offering your house to others, you accumulate points or credits, which you can redeem at your leisure at houses all over the world. Think of it like couch surfing for grown-ups. A few reputable house-swapping websites to try are HomeExchange, Love Home Swap, and HomeLink. But even if you’re using one of these services, always do your homework before agreeing to your first swap. 8. Travel to ‘The Old Country’ for FreeSome countries offer discover-your-roots programs for descendants to come back and visit the home of their ancestors. In most cases, these programs are designed for young adults to come and stay with local host families. Programs include: Whatever your heritage, do some research on private or government-funded programs to streamline your visit back to “the old country,” stay for free while there, and potentially even cover your airfare. While you’re at it, you can also look into citizenship programs for descendants. For example, Italy has a generous citizenship program through which descendants who can prove an Italian ancestor are generally eligible for dual U.S.-Italian citizenship. A close friend of mine who was born in Boston was able to dig up proof that his great-great-grandfather was Italian, and he now has an Italian passport and the option of living in the European Union if he so wishes. 9. Drive Someone’s Car Cross-CountryDuring cross-country moves, people sometimes need help moving their cars. That’s where you come in. Some car owners will pay you to move their vehicles from Point A to Point B within a specified time frame. In some cases, they also cover your flight home. There’s no better way to get to know a country, especially your own country, than driving it. In my 20s, I spent two years moving across the country every few months with my then-girlfriend, a travel nurse. I drove across the country a half-dozen times and developed a fondness for and truer sense of the U.S. than I ever felt from flying and visiting cities for a weekend. After sitting alone in a car for six hours, when you stop at a roadside diner for lunch, you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the locals. You can end up meeting fascinating people while eating local favorites. And these road trip experiences don’t necessarily have to happen within the U.S. People on every continent need their cars moved. Start with Auto Driveaway for U.S. and Canada car transports — and a free road trip. 10. Crew a Yacht or Cruise ShipJust because you don’t know a slipknot from a half-Windsor doesn’t mean you can’t crew a boat. Yachts and cruise ships need crew members of all skill sets, from cooking to security to communications. The ship provides room and board plus a chance to see the world while sailing the Seven Seas and beyond. But expect the hours to be long and the wages to be low. One of my friends spent a year working on a cruise ship. She reports she averaged five hours’ sleep every night they were at sea. If you long for the sea life but are wary of cruise ships, look into yacht jobs instead. Several websites help connect yacht employers with crew members, including CrewSeekers, Yacrew, and Find a Crew. 11. Sit Through a Timeshare PresentationI’ve taken plenty of free vacations through timeshare presentations. But it’s playing with fire, and it can cost you far more in the long term if you end up buying. Timeshare sellers have their pitch down to a precise science. They’re the best salespeople you’ll ever meet. Take my father’s advice and commit before going that you won’t buy, write it down on a piece of paper, and pull that paper out of your pocket to read it when you feel an overwhelming desire to buy. Think about it. If it weren’t so profitable, how could they possibly give away a free vacation to everyone who attends? At the event, the salespeople make the initial presentation and offer. A few people buy at the opening price. Then, you sit down one-on-one with an expert salesperson, who pitches you personally, probing for weaknesses and customizing their pitch directly to you. Then they drop the price — a lot. After they probe and coax and tempt you some more, they drop the price again — and then again and again. By their final offer, the price is a tiny fraction of the opening price from the original presentation, which is hard to pass up. If you understand and accept the risk, you can scope out some of these deals at TimesharePresentationDeals.com. 12. Take Advantage of Overbooked FlightsYou’ve probably experienced this one. The airline employee opens the intercom and announces, “We’re slightly overbooked for today’s flight and are offering a free flight voucher up to $500 for any passengers willing to take our next flight at 7pm.” It’s not always practical to take them up on it. Sometimes, you need to get home for a pressing reason, such as a big meeting the next morning. But sometimes, it only costs you a few hours at the airport, and you stand to save a lot. Typically, if no one takes the airline up on these offers, they escalate. They may start at a $300 voucher, then $500, then $700, and keep going until the offer is so astounding people race to the counter to take it. If the first offer isn’t worth the inconvenience to you, but you do have some flexibility, move closer to the counter and keep your ears open. Be ready to jump on the deal if it escalates enough to be worth your trouble. A little flexibility can go a long way. 13. Maximize Credit Card RewardsIf you have the right card, you can earn free plane tickets by putting purchases on your credit card. And many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer some enticing benefits. But that’s far from the only option for maximizing your rewards. Many travel rewards cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card from American Express, offer free or discounted companion vouchers every year. You can score a free flight from your rewards points plus a cheap or free flight for your travel partner from the companion voucher. Then there are sign-up bonuses. Some are positively generous, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card‘s. You can also maximize rewards by using your credit card every time you pay for flights. Some credit cards and partner airlines offer double or triple rewards — or higher — for booking flights. There are loads of ways you can score free flights with rewards. Just don’t overspend in the name of saving money. 14. Capitalize on Loyalty ProgramsRewards don’t just come from credit cards. Airlines, hotel chains, and other travel businesses often offer loyalty points for frequent travelers. If you always fly with the same airline, you can rack up frequent flyer miles. The same goes for hotels. These businesses sometimes offer brief promotions with killer deals to score points quickly and cheaply or accept fewer points than usual for flights or stays. Travel forums and frugal travel blogs let you stay on top of current promotions. 15. Open a Bask Bank AccountMost rewards programs require you to spend money — counterproductive to saving. But Bask Bank rewards you with American Airlines miles for saving money, rather than spending it. Every dollar you save earns you 1 mile with American Airlines, every single year. Best of all, Bank Bank doesn’t charge fees, so you get the rewards at no cost. Unlike credit cards, who fund their rewards programs with the interest paid by less savvy-cardholders who don’t pay their balances in full each month. Click on the map to check the applicable entry requirements for the country you are travelling from and the restrictions for your return home. If your country is not on the map, check the “Are you travelling to Spain?” section.
You can also find out what measures are in place for each region you are visiting during your stay in Spain. https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. In the beginning, you make a lot of travel mistakes. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water. I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes (and I often make a lot of them), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential. I’ve learned these tips over the last twelve years. These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler. Without further ado, here are the best 61 tips in the world: 1. Always pack a towelIt’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off. While many hostels offer towels, you never know and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag. 2. Buy a small backpack/suitcaseBy purchasing a small backpack (I like something around 35/40 liters), you will be forced you to pack light and avoid carrying too much stuff. Humans have a natural tendency to want to fill space so if you pack light but have lots of extra room in your bag, you’ll end up going “well, I guess I can take more” and then regret it. —> Click here for more tips on finding the best travel backpack 3. Pack lightIt’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row. Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! —> Click here for tips on packing 4. But take extra socksYou’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. I only take a few more than I need. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks! 5. Take an extra bank card and credit card with youDisasters happen. It’s always good to have a backup in case you get robbed or lose a card. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had an extra and not like my friend, who didn’t and was forced to borrow money from me all the time! Here are some helpful articles on banking and travel hacking:
—> Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that 7. Travel by yourself at least onceYou’ll learn a lot about yourself and how to become independent. It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Traveling solo taught me how to fend for myself, talk to people, and handle unfamiliar situations with ease. It’s made me comfortable with myself, helped me learn about what I’m capable of, and allowed me to be super selfish and do whatever I want! It can take some getting used to if you’ve never done it before but do it at least once. Make yourself uncomfortable and surprise yourself. You’ll learn valuable life skills when you push yourself! Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:
9. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost.Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps! 10. Always visit the local tourism office.They know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource! This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Use the tourism board! Save money! 11. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid.Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff! 12. When you go out, take only what you need.Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD. 13. Always carry a lock.They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms and need to lock your stuff up. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. Don’t use one with keys because, if you lose the keys, you’re screwed! 14. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents.Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report. 15. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there.Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it. 16. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destinationThe locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried. —-> Here are some tips on how to learn a language. 17. Read a history book!You can’t understand a place’s present if you don’t know anything about its past. Read up on the destinations you are visiting. It will give you a deeper understanding of this place you’ve wanted to see for so long! Here are some of my favorite travel reads from last year. For more book recommendations, read these articles:
18. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s.Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!) 19. Don’t fly directWhen booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly into airports close to your final destination, and then take a train or bus to where you need to go. Be sure to shop around for your flight and know that direct isn’t always the cheapest route. My favorite flight search engines are:
20. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines.They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line! 21. Never get behind families.They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take awhile. 22. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade.They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice! 23. Libraries, Starbucks, and most cafés have free Wi-Fi.If you’re staying someplace that charges you to connect, check out one of these places. You can connect for free. 24. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites.Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself! 25. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attractionAs a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp, Google Maps, Foursquare, or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you. Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists! 26. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you.Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, surprise yourself! 27. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch.Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but half the price! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel. 28. Pack a flashlight.It will let you see at night, you avoid stepping on stuff, and help you tell ghost stories. Who’s afraid of the dark? 29. Carry a basic first-aid kit.Accidents happen so be prepared. I take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel. —-> Here are some tips for packing a professional first aid kit! 30. Book flights 2-3 months in advance to get the best price.Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Here are some article on how to save money on flights: 31. Stay in hostelsThey are cheap, organize events, you’ll meet a lot of people, and they are just tons of fun! Plus, hostel bars sell cheap beer. Here are some posts on how to pick a hostel (and some of my favorite ones):
Here are some of my favorite sharing economy and hospitality websites:
34. But keep your guard up.Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. —> Here is a list of travel scams to avoid. 35. Try new food.Don’t ask what it is. Just put it in your mouth and see if you like it. If you put your guard up, you might miss out on some unusual and delicious local cuisine. Here are some articles on how to eat delicious — and cheap — food around the world:
37. Take an empty metal water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate.Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw and Grayl as my two preferred ones. 38. Take free walking tours.Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are! Take a walking tour when you travel! Here are some lists of my favorite free walking tour companies in the world: 39. Get city attraction cards.If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!). 40. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes.If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you. 41. Carry emergency cash.Because emergencies happen. Like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel! I usually try to keep around a $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens! 42. Get good shoes.You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places. 43. Get vaccinated.Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them so, regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to. —> Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road 44. Learn to haggle.Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market. 45. Use points and miles for free travel.You can go a lot further in the world when you don’t have to pay for it. Learn the art of travel hacking and collect points and miles through your everyday spending so you can get free flights, accommodation, train tickets, and other forms of travel! It’s what all expert travelers due to lower their travel costs and something you should do too! Here’s how I earn 1 million frequent flier miles every year! 46. Take a jacket.Nights get chilly. 47. Eat street food!If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture. Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you. 48. Get travel insuranceTravel insurance is the most important thing you get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. It will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip. You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance. My favorite companies are:
50. Be respectful.Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist. 51. Don’t over plan your trip.Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels! 52. Relax.See Be patient. 53. Be frugal — but not cheap.Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely. 54. Take earplugs.Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep. 55. Always have an extra USB charger.Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t. 56. Take photos of and with people.Lots of photos. Years from now, you’ll want to look back on those nights you can’t remember and the people who made them memorable. 57. Book your tickets onlineIf you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points! 58. Sign up for flight dealsWhen it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, and Secret Flying. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first! 59. Pre-book your tickets to attractionsMany major attractions allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day! 60. Avoid TripAdvisorTripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed. On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all. 61. Finally, wear sunscreen.For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes: If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience. www.nomadicmatt.com BRUSSELS — For months, Europeans and their leaders seethed about what they considered unfair treatment from the United States, which kept a Covid-related travel ban in place for much longer than Europe did.
Even now, as the United States is opening up again to travelers, many remain wary. Some were planning to jump on planes as fast as possible — just in case the welcome mat is suddenly pulled away again. Laurence Tesson was one of them. The fear that something could still go wrong haunted her as she prepared to see her son in Los Angeles for the first time in three years. In the hours before her flight was to leave from Paris, Ms. Tesson ran through her checklist of worries: Her train from Lille in northern France to Charles de Gaulle airport could hit a wild boar. The train conductor might not show up. Or maybe a rail union would call a strike. And, of course, her U.S.-required coronavirus test could be positive — meaning no flying to the United States for her. “Only when I set a foot at the Los Angeles airport will I be relieved,” Ms. Tesson, 54, said this weekend. By Elian Peltier Nov. 8, 2021Updated 7:07 a.m. ET The coronavirus outbreak has left Thailand’s hotels empty, its tour guides without work and its markets unusually quiet. The country’s wildlife may also now be noticing the lack of visitors.
A video filmed this week in Lopburi, north-east of Bangkok, showed large crowds of monkeys brawling in the streets, apparently fighting over a yoghurt pot. Residents in the city, which is famed for its monkey population, say the fall in tourist numbers means there are far fewer people offering food. “It’s the summer, so usually we see a lot of tourists, but now because of the outbreak there’s so few that the markets are very quiet. Not enough tourists come to leave food for the monkeys at Prang Sam Yod [temple],” Sasaluk Rattanachai, who posted a video of the brawl online, told Khaosod English. AdvertisementThe monkeys are known for marauding the streets and stealing food from residents and unsuspecting tourists. Scraps between the monkeys are not uncommon, but a brawl of this size is rare, prompting one Thai reporter to attempt a vox pop with the local monkeys. Each troop has at least 500 members, according to Manad Vimuktipune of the Lopburi Monkey Foundation. They’ll steal anything, he said: “Colourful ornaments, caps, sunglasses.” There are fewer tourists in the city, he added, and there is not enough food being offered. The coronavirus outbreak is a severe blow to Thailand’s tourism industry, which is crucial to the country’s already struggling economy. This week, the country’s tourism authority warned that the number of foreign visitors may fall to 30 million this year from last year’s 39.8 million, according to the Bangkok Post. The government has been criticised for a lack of clarity over its guidance to potential visitors, including over the quarantine measures that are likely to be imposed on tourists from affected countries. It was announced this week that passengers who have travelled from or transited through several destinations – mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Italy and Iran – in the 14 days prior to their arrival may be subject to quarantine. Travellers from these destinations must also provide a health certificate, issued within 48 hours of their departure, certifying that they are free of Covid-19 Britain's famous tourist attractions, including palaces and castles galleries and zoos, have closed their doors to visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, millions of people from around the world are now taking virtual tours of tourism hotspots across Britain, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) said Thursday in a new report. ALVA said said that millions of people may discover the diversity of Britain's tourist attractions through websites and digital galleries, science podcasts, virtual tours of the Houses of Parliament, web-cams of zoos and safari parks, as well as being able to take part in church and cathedral services and watching opera and theater, China.org reported. "In the last week or so there has been an explosion in the number of people, here in Britain and around the world, virtually visiting the UK's top visitor attractions," ALVA Director Bernard Donoghue said in the report. ALVA said that the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and National Gallery have all seen a substantial increase in visitors to their websites. The number of visitors to the British Museum's website has doubled in the past two and a half weeks, while visits to the National Gallery's virtual tour pages are up almost 800 per cent compared to last week, and 1,144 per cent up over last year. Britain's best-known cathedrals, from Durham to Canterbury are also streaming church services. Zoo cams have also become popular sites for virtual visitors. Even William Shakespeare is proving to be a website hit more than 400 years after his death. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon is offering a video tour of the five Shakespeare family homes. Visitors can travel even further back in time to the early days of the Roman occupation of Britain around 2,000 years ago, by paying a virtual visit to the Roman Baths in the city of Bath. 1 of 18
Are you one of those who hates to go through the process of applying for a visa to an exotic holiday destination? Fret not, as an Indian national, you can visit 17 countries ‘visa on arrival’. Your holiday could not get smoother than this. According to local tour operators, the destinations include a good mix for water, adventure and nature lovers from India 2 of 18 Sri Lanka. According to Sophia Tamang, Head of Business Strategy, AFC Holidays, "We have noticed the overall trend in Indian guests has been either to "travel for FOMO" or "travel for passion" but travel for sure and this has brought a surge to even exploring many of the visa-on-arrival destinations. Egypt, Jordan, Africa (especially Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda), even places like Uzbekistan and much easily accessible places like Kyrgyzstan are on our list this year because we've seen a growing demand for these destinations, 3 of 18 Maldives: Maldives is one of the most astounding places for Indians to visit without the hassle of arranging a prior visa. You just have to be a water lover and you will love every bit of your stay here. White sands, pristine clear water, you could not ask for more. What are you waiting head straight away for your holiday. Places to see in the country: Male, Addu City, Lhaviyani, Kaafu etc. Key attractions: Scuba diving, Snorkelling, Water Skiing, Wind Surfing etc. Recommended duration of stay in the country: 5 to 6 days. Best time to visit: All year round. Cost Minimum Dh3,700 or Rs 70,000 excluding airfare, sightseeing. 4 of 18 Mauritus: Mauritius has white sandy beaches, cobalt-blue seas, and luxury hotels. The island country has plenty tourist spots too - such as Port Louis, Hindu Temple, Waterfalls, Moonscape valleys and mountains, Champ de Mars, Mahebourg, Naval Museum, Pamplemousses Garden, Natural reserves and wildlife parks and beaches. With sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts, Mauritius is a fairyland made before heaven. Places to see here : Grand Baie, Rodrigues, Flic en Flac, Mahebourg, Tamarin Riviere Noire etc. Famous for: Beaches, Water Sports, Multi-Ethnic Culture, Backpack Trips, Honeymoon. Ideal Duration: 7 to 8 days. Best time to visit: From April to June, September to December. Cost: Minimum budget, Dh3,600 or Rs. 120,000. 5 of 18 Seychelles: Spellbinding beaches are the main attraction of this island, along with the delectable cuisines and serene staycations. Seychelles is a group of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The capital city Victoria has a number of tourist spots including the Victoria Botanical Garden, Museum of Natural History, Le Jardin du Roi, St. Anne Marine Park, Aldabra, Bird Island, Cousin Island, Mahe Island, Beau Vallon Beach, Morne Seychellois National Park, Praslin Island, La Digue Island, etc are the main destinations to cover. You can engage in a number of land and water sports when you are in Seychelles. The Island is having an active nightlife. Place to see here Victoria, La Digue, Denis, Frigate etc. Key things to do : Water Sports, Beaches, and Luxury Resorts in Seychelles etc. Ideal Duration: 6 to 7 days. Best time to visit: October to March, May to September. Cost: Minimum budget: Rs. 65,000, Dh3,350. 6 of 18 Sri Lanka: Adam’s Peak. Sri Lanka is a country known for its islands, beaches, mountains, and aromatic tea. Sri Lanka makes traveling easy for all Indians what with the visa on arrival facility. Sri Lanka issues an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which gives permission to stay in the country for 30 days. Places to see here : Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Horton’s National Park. Key things to do here: Sightseeing like Tooth Relic, shopping, food, beaches, spiritual and religious centres, historical places to see. Recommended number of stay in the country : 5 to 6 days. Best time to visit: October to March. Cost: Minimum budget: Dh3,865, Rs.75,000 excluding air fare. 7 of 18 Bhutan: Another destination that offers visa on arrival to Indians free of cost is that of the Land of the Thunder Dragon – Bhutan. While the citizens of Maldives, India, and Bangladesh do not need any visa to reach and getting around the country, other international travelers can also attain the visa on arrival either from the Paro airport, or from Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu in case they are traveling by road. Places to see here : Thimpu, Paro, Phuntsholing, Jakar, Wangdue, Phodrang etc. Famous for: Dechen Phodrang and other ancient Buddhist Monasteries, Adventure Tourism, Culture, Spirituality and Wellness, food Recommended duration of stay in the country : 4 to 5 days. Best time to travel: All through the year. Cost : Minimum budget: Dh1,546, Rs30,000 8 of 18 Nepal: Kathmandu, Nepal. This is by far one of the cheapest countries Indians can visit visa on arrival. It is the land of mighty mountains, trekkers for the Everest Base Camp. The visa ranges for 15, 30 and 90 days that may cost around $25, $40, and $100 respectively per person for single-entry. Places to see: Kathmandu, Lumbini, Mount Everest, The Himalayan range. Things to do here: Adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, rafting etc., learning Buddhist culture. Recommended duration of stay in the country: 5 to 6 days. Best time to visit: October to April. Cost : Minimum budget: Dh1,288, Rs. 25,000 (excluding airfare). 9 of 18 Fiji Islands: Did you know that Indians can travel visa on arrival to Fiji Islands? A land where the time seems stagnant, the Fiji Islands is an archipelago of exquisite islands, lush-greenery and abundant underwater marine life which can be witnessed closely. And just in case you’re craving for a beach vacation without a visa then these islands will be a splendid retreat. The Fiji islands offers a Visa-on-arrival to the Indian citizens for up to four months which can be further extended to six months after applying for an extension. Places to see here: Suva, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Beqa, Lautoka etc. Key things to do here: Enjoy resorts, the pristine islands, food and more. Recommended duration of stay in the country : 4 to 5 days. Visa on Arrival: Free, up to 4 months. Best time to visit: November to February. Cost : Minimum budget: Dh4,123, Rs.80,000. 10 of 18 Madagascar: The island is all about exotic landscapes and variety of food. The island country has abundant flora and fauna. For Indian citizens, it is easier to plan a vacation at this island nation, as they can avail a visa for up to 30 days for free. Places to see here, Nosy Be, Antsiranana, Toamasina, Ranomafana National Park, Isalo National Park etc. Key things to do here: Wildlife, Reefs and Rainforests, Trekking, Diving, Deserts. Recommended duration of stay in the country: 4 to 5 days. Cost of Visa: Free for 30 days, $75 for 90 days. Best Time to Visit: May to October. Cost: Minimum budget: Dh3,350, Rs.65,000. 11 of 18 Jamaica: The Caribbean country offers not only an exotic holiday experience amidst the nature’s finest views but also poses as one of the best visa on arrival destinations for Indians. A perfect escape for the travelers who are looking for a relaxing vacation. Apart from that this country is one of the places which offers a visa on arrival for Indian travelers. A traveler can enter and spend 30 days in the country without a visa. Places to see here: Montego Bay, Negril, Kingston, Falmouth etc. Famous for: Rastafarian Culture, Bob Marley Museum, Beaches and Caribbean Lifestyle. Recommended duration of stay: 6 to 7 days. Best time to visit: December to April. Cost: Minimum Budget: Dh4,639, Rs. 90,000 excluding airfare. 12 of 18 Kenya: It is a paradise for wildlife admirers who want to capture the beauty of the rugged topography and abundant wild beasts residing on it. The country offers a visa on arrival to Indian citizens at a cost of $50 for 3 months. Travelers can avail the service of visa on arrival online through E Visa. Place to see here: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park, Ngong Hills, Lake Nakuru. Key things to do: Wildlife Safaris, African Tribes and Culture. Recommended stay in the country : 5 to 6 days. Best time to visit: August to October. Cost : Minimum Budget: Dh.3,608, Rs.70,00 13 of 18 Laos : Laos is a little South Eastern retreat which despite being small in area offers a magnificent tour of the enchanting landscapes, lush-green and dense forests sheltering abundant wildlife and sublime temples. Indians can get a free visa for a maximum stay of 30 days. All they need to do is provide a valid passport and onward tickets. Places to see here: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phakse. Key things to do here : Visit historical places, Archaeology, and Buddhist Culture. Recommended duration of stay in the country : 3 to 4 days. Best time to visit: October to March Cost : Minimum budget: Dh 2,061, Rs. 40,000 excluding air fare. 14 of 18 Bolivia: This is a country known as a complete roller coaster ride for its dangerous roads, lip-smacking delicacies, coffee, flora and fauna. Indians can avail the benefit of visa on arrival if they are willing to visit these adventure’s paradise. They can enjoy a stay for 90 days without a visa at a cost of $100. Places to see: La Paz, Sucre, Beni, Cochabamba, Oruro, Santa Cruz. Key things to do: Experience the multi-ethnic culture, visit Carnival de Oruro, The Andes, World Heritage site Potosi, Ruins of Inca civilization and other historical places. Recommended duration of stay in the country: 5 to 6 days Best time to visit: April to October. Cost: Minimum Budget: Dh.4,123, Rs.80,000 excluding air fare. 15 of 18 El Salvador: It is an offbeat destination in Central America. El Salvador has beautiful and peaceful locations to see. The country is known for its abundant coffee plantations and splendid national parks. Indians can get a visa for up to 3 months at a cost of just $10. Places to see here: San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco. Key things to do: Surfing, Volcano Hiking, visit the Intipuca Beach, visit historical and cultural places. Recommended duration of stay: 3 to 4 days. Best time to visit: November to April. Cost : Minimum budget, Dh4,123, Rs. 80,000 excluding airfareImage 16 of 18 Nicaragua: The country has volcanic landscapes and guess what Indians can get a visa on arrival to Nicaragua easily at a cost of just $50 per person. All they need is a valid Schengen, US or Canadian visa. What to see here: Corn Islands Volcano, Islets of Granada, Volcano Boarding, Natural Reserves, Cathedrals, Spanish architecture, and beaches. Recommended duration of stay in the country: 5 to 6 days. Best time to visit: December to March. Cost: Minimum Budget, Dh4,123, Rs.80,000. 17 of 18 Cook Islands: Did you know Indians do not need prior visa to travel to Cook Islands? Well you know now. The country is renowned for its snorkeling and diving sites. Cook Islands is one of the offbeat island countries located in the heart of South Pacific. Indian travelers can explore the country here without a visa for upto 31 days. It is one of the most exquisite places for Indians to go to at zero visa cost. Places to see here: Rarotonga & Aitutaki. Key things to do here : Enjoy the beaches, kite-surfing, fishing, play rugby, lagoon diving, snorkeling. Recommended duration of stay: 6 to 7 days. Best time to visit: May to August. Cost: Minimum Budget: Dh6,185, Rs.120,000 excluding airfareImage 18 of 18 Cape Verde: Set off the northwestern coast in Africa, Cape Verde is a stunning destination famous for its culture and exotic beaches. Indian nationals can explore this beautiful town for just a cost of 25 Euros. Places to see here : Boa Vista & Praia. Things to do here : Wind-surfing, safari, visit cathedrals, do hikes, Pico do Fogo, do a turtle safari, visit art galleries. Recommended duration of stay: 4 to 5 days. Best time to visit: October to March. Cost: Minimum budget: Dh5,154, Rs.100,000 The Oman Ministry of Tourism recently revealed that significant investments will be poured in to transform ancient houses into heritage inns and guest houses in an aim to boost tourism efforts promoting the Sultanate’s vibrant local heritage. As one of the Ministry’s top priorities, the preservation of ancient houses - which are considered architectural treasures that show Oman’s archaeological character – are central to national initiatives showcasing the unique heritage and rich history and civilization of the Sultanate.Ancient local neighborhoods have already been restored using innovative engineering and architectural techniques to turn them into an attractive tourist destination. The Ministry said that tourists can visit these communities, among others, to get a glimpse of the Omani way of life during the ancient times as well as gain a rich cultural experience by immersing themselves into activities that define authentic local traditions. Heritage inns, green cabins, and guest houses will serve as a unique style of accommodation for the growing number of travelers arriving to the Sultanate.
The Ministry’s announcement is expected to result in higher tourist arrivals to meet the government’s goal of attracting 11 million local and international visitors by 2040. Boosting domestic tourism will also lead to new job opportunities for citizens and a diversified national economy. Saleh bin Ali Al Khaifi, Director of Promotion and Marketing Department, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said that preserving heritage houses and building green houses are also aligned with the Sultanate’s intensified tourism initiatives that are responsive to the rapidly changing global tourism community and to the international environmental sustainability calls. Oman also aimed to sustain its top position on the list of the best cultural and heritage tourist destinations for 2019. Al Khaifi added: “Investing in heritage homes is a step in the right direction amid our continued efforts to entice more tourists from all over the world to come visit Oman. Therefore, we are moving forward with our mega tourism projects aimed at transforming old traditional homes into heritage inns with the best services, while preserving and protecting the old structures and the atmosphere of the neighborhoods in our ancient areas. We will observe the highest standards in these projects, keeping sustainability and the finest hospitality in mind. We look forward to bringing the Oman experience of all tourists to new heights in conjunction with us promoting sustainability and heritage tourism, a sector that is fundamental to the Sultanate’s development and global positioning.” Global demand for heritage inns is growing, with more and more tourists preferring to experience nature. Oman, which is accompanied with a pleasant climate throughout the year and is known for its hospitality, is celebrated for its unique cultural heritage, among others. The Sultanate has been taking proactive steps to meet the unique and ever-evolving requirements of its visitors. |