My love for travel derived from my dad’s passion to travel. He made sure , as kids, we could explore the world and we have taken numerous offbeat vacations as a family. The longest and most diverse of all trips was a month long exploration to east and west coast of USA and Canada. And the most memorable trip was to the Andaman and Nicobar islands which at that time (1990s) was less crowded and untouched. This trip was so inspiring to me, I almost became a poet looking at the beauty of the beaches, corals and the sunsets of Port Blair. I thank my dad for this.
Further on life and marriage got me moving to United States and opened a plethora of careers and though it came a little late, with my experience and husbands support , I trained to become a travel advisor . And now I design and customize vacations for enthusiastic travelers worldwide and it has been so rewarding when they appreciate and send compliments about their experiences. My career also led me to explore more then ever and traveling has become a hobby. Documenting my journeys has become my other passion.
Technically its my 4th trip to Disney and just the 2nd with my Kids. After the Vaccination, and checking destination protocols we decided on our much awaited break to Disney world.
Reasons why we chose to travel to Orlando Disney in April 2021:
It was Spring Break for Schools in NYC
Will be my 6 years olds first trip finally
Easy protocols for travel to Florida
Disney capped its capacity to 30% to avoid crowd.
Lot of friends and family I came across after the trip, asked me one common question – how was Disney different during Pandemic? Hence the inspiration to write this and share my before and during pandemic experience at Disney world, Orlando.
Pre-pandemic I took a trip with my son to celebrate his 7th birthday and his first trip to Disney in October 2019 . We were accompanied by another active mom and child.
My Spring 2021 trip to Disney came in the wake of pandemic still soaring and we went with all preparations and faith needed. This time with my husband, both kids and my 2 lovely nieces.
Before and During Pandemic Planning Phase:
Prepandemic in 2019 –
I Reserved the hotel and tickets package 6 months before travel. Prime reason to book in advance was to take advantage of difficult-to-snag restaurant reservations, Fast Pass slot availability and do modifications and cancellations while they were possible.
Planning for 2021 – Booked 2 months before departure.
Here is why things were clearly different:
Fast pass system was halted for a moment ☹
Early and late access to parks were halted as well. Ropes went down half an hour only before schedule. ☹
Capacities of Visitors each day were capped to 30% in each park – i.e. instead of 100,000 people attending in a day they allowed only 30,000 in per day. 🙂
We realized Lines were still long (atleast they seemed) coz each family were standing 6ft distance apart and also because the rides were modified to take limited people in it at the time. ☹
Stringent Mask rules and Mask ambassadors all over the park – We rarely could click photos with our masks down. Luckily we didnt invest in Memory pass package =)
Courtesy : the Mask ambassadors. The best picture we could take 🙂
No parades or character meet and greets around the park. We focused on thoroughly enjoying rides :)) However there were cavalcades on random times.
Cavalcade of princesses
No eating and drinking were allowed while in lines. However many rides which were halted like character meet and greet stations, were converted to Mask relaxation stations for some breather. ☹
Millions of 6ft apart sticker markings all over the park . There was no confusion. The distance had to be adhered to. :))
6ft apart
Disney buses were lined with partitions after every 3-4 seatings and were neatly organized by the driver to allow only that many passengers which could adhere social distancing inside. This did increase our wait times a little. :))
Fast pass Favorites pre-pandemic:
The fast passes select with app saved us a lot of time to cut lines with the most popular rides. We saved easily hours, coz the lines can be notoriously long. Fast pass helps in reserving slot for using a ride with a special short line entrance (3 rides per park at a a time) Some of our favorite rides that made difference to get Fast pass for were –
Epcot – Soaring, Fast track, Finding nemo / Planet earth
Magic Kingdom – Peter Pan ride, Seven dwarfs mine train, Splash mountain (alternate choice was to do space mountain fast pass). Alternately we wanted to get the pirates of Caribbean and Jungle cruise ride.
Hollywood studios – Slinky dog dash, Star tours, Rock and Roll Rollercoaster
2021’s New Park pass system – Pandemic crowd control plan:
Parks need to be preselected by the date of visit (as soon as tickets are purchased) through the Disney app. If we change our mind we needed to cancel the previously selected park for the day and then select another based on availability. (with the risk of loosing your previous selection)
Our itinerary:
In 2019 arrived in afternoon and after checking in we headed straight to the park to enjoy the half day event (in our costumes) – Mickey Horror nights trick of treating (Halloween event in Magic kingdom park)
The park closes for non ticketed guest to attend this event. We took advantage of doing the popular rides in Magic kingdom for the evening we were there and the totally transformed park had many trick or treating spots and decorated creatively to look spooky but festive too for the delight of our kids.
Next 4 days we did – Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal kingdom in line. We had a choice of any extra day of enjoyment before we depart and my son and I chose to do Magic Kingdom to cover up what we missed.
2021 Itinerary:
Arrival day – Made sure we enjoyed our beautiful Disney property and got accustomed
Day2 : Magic Kingdom
Crowd at peak HOURS in Magic Kingdom
Day 3: Hollywood Studios
Toy story land – Hollywood Studies
Day 4: Animal Kingdom
Dino-saur ride at Animal Kingdom
Day 5: Epcot (half day)
Flower Show at Epcot Center
Availability of park systems were limited coz of capped capacity. Therefore I can say we were lucky to get availability for the most popular choice Hollywood studios for atleast one of the 5 days that we were there. PHEW!
Hotel choices:
We chose Disney hotels both times for some extra perks and proximity, transportation ease and just being part of it all. Booking hotel and package together also allows better refundability and modifications needed(even on tickets). Also access to magical express bus from airport to hotel and back is complimentary (in 2021 trip we took an uber to reach our hotel in disney it was close to $60 one way, so it was a good saving)
2019 – we chose to stay at Disney’s POP Centruy (Budget Themed Disney Property) – Rooms at Pop just got renovated and we wanted to experience the upgrade . Also the hotel was in the new skyliner route giving it quick and better transfer to Epcot and Hollywood. We were very excited for those reason while traveling under a single moms budget. It was a great call.
2021 We chose a moderate hotel with again the skyliner access. Our first choice was to get rooms at the new Disney Riviera Resort for all the nights but this hotel was unavailable months back. Better luck next time .
We chose to stay in Disney’s Caribbean beach resort for multiple reasons:
It was the skyliner hub and proximity to parks. We love Disney skyliner hands down
It still gave an access to restaurants we wanted to experience at Disney Riviera Resort, being it an adjoining property
The hotel had planned activities like “movie under the stars”, free time art, and multiple pools options, a small manmade beach with hammocks (the property was huge) very beautifully themed like Caribbean villages. Biggest pool had 4 waterslides as well and a kiddie pool area. We had an amazing time at the resort for watever time we were there.
Most of the rooms were connecting and 2 rooms accommodated our group of 6 perfectly. Again the rooms were neat and newly renovated.
Dining review:
Disney is big about dining experiences and restaurant choices. My last experience in the park I came across some really unique cuisine options and thought will try my hands on them and plan to reserve some this time.
Something I learnt as we planned the 2 times:
Traveling with kids between 6months to 16 years you cannot just plan just the vacay and be done with without planning where and what to eat on time to avoid anxiety. The POPULAR restaurants need some pre-thinking and patience to book because walk ins not always guarantee immediate seating. This is where my being Disney authorized planner came handy and I could snag most difficult character dining experience or themed restaurant reservations easily for us.
2019 – We enrolled to Disney dining quick service plan . We could experience park and resort food at participating quick service locations (entrees appetizers and unlimited drinks in souvenir cups)
Celebrated my sons Birthday by dining with the main characters at TUSKER HOUSE at Animal kingdom. Not only was it themed to look like a rustic restuarants in Africa but the food was unlimited variety of Asian and African cuisine with inidan and African flavors both. This was the best meal we had on our trip. The characters gave us a good time with enough intereactions and photo moments.
2021 – Dining plans were cancelled in pandemic times. I Picked and planned many food experiences this time with what I read were the best options in the park, and with my foodie husband accompanying me this time I wanted us to focus on getting variety restaurant experience as well.
If you didn’t have much time to plan and prefer eating in comfort of you rresort, you can use Uber eats to order dinner (they conveniently deliver to all Disney resorts outside your room) . However I had dinner reservations for rest of the days which worked efficiently coz the kids were very tired and wanted to have a good planned sit down meal each day.
At Magic kingdom, Lunch we had at Pinnochio haus (quick service) we loved the margerita pizza and tatertots.
DINNER at JUNGLE SKIPPER CANTEEN.
Located right next to Jungle cruise ride. Thematically it looked like a museum designed to looks like a skippers collection of items from his journey through the rivers and forests. We sat right next to such a showcase of artifacts as a backdrop. Food was filling and tasting exotic and mix of unique flavors. Menu was very mixed for example We had thai pineapple curry along with some Mediterranean varieties as well. We were quite satisfied with the flavor. Well delivered by Disney.
OGAS Cantina at Hollywood studios I had this hard to get reservation for just my husband and I, A bar cum restaurant at the Star wars land. I had heard a lot about the interior of the bar designed to look like a galactic outlet in out space and it truly matched its reviews – straight out of the sets of a Star Wars movie. The drinks were themed to taste and appear this way too. It was a tingling experince. I was particularly impressed with the drink dispensers on ceiling which were actually functional . and we cant miss the most entertaining dj robot who appeared to mix music and spoke in the mike in his funny voice, time and again
DJ BOT PLAYING MUSIC IN OGA’S
Dinner at SCI-FI Drive in theater restaurant .
Menu was the American burgers fries and salad with classic sodas and milkshakes (vanilla choclate were to die for) . Excitement on the kids face when they saw the restaurant tables which looked like a vintage chevy-type cars, facing big screen playing movies form 50s and 60s and clips of classic tom and jerry as well . it was overall entertaining experience for us and another unique memory we have of Disney!
Dining at Animal kingdom. Lunch at Yak and Yeti restaurant (takeaway stayle) we made use of mobile order from the restaurant through the Disney app. Veggie noodles and a blend of Asian tapas were very savory and filling.
Dinner – There was something exemplary waiting for my family at Disney Springs. I snagged a tough to get restaurant reservation for the mere experience it gives like a caves during the prehistoric times restaurant set up. It was the T-Rex Café! We were drawn by the ice age dinosaur era ambience and its light effects that often appered to add drama to the place. This was also so memorable to us and we got to visit the Disney Springs area as well.
Last day – Character breakfast time At the Topolinos terrace.
Not only was it located at the beautiful and all new Disney Riviera Rooftop, (Neighboring Carribean Beach resort) it was also the most beautiful location. From its terrace we can spot 3 of the the 4 parks and allowed us Many picture ops.
The difference with character greeting during pandemic was the social distancing element. All the characters appeared in background of our pics during their performances atleast 10 feet away form whee we were deating. The charcter appeared 2-3 times to perform and stop by for some photo ops. The were dressed like a artists with thir apron and painters pallete. Our favorite was mINI mouse. Her costume and amazing grace in her greetings was talk of the restaurant! Also the autographs were presigned ina a beautiful envelope to take home as memorabilia. The breakfast was so wholesome. There were plenty of mini muffins were provided on the table even befor ewe ordered and we got to take some with us. No one can completely finish the portion size provided per order. Definitely another must-do checked on our list of dining.
All in All here is what we experienced as a change between the 2 times we visited:
Pre pandemic with my meticulous planning, we had a flawless and timesaving experience with the fast pass structure
The parks were filled with surprise appearances of characters and character meet stations. Which we missed a lot in 2021 and came home with empty autograph book.
Parades were schedules to take place in every park twice a day, for which people used to hold the spots in advance to get best viewing. We missed that in 2021
The day concludes with an extravagant night entertainment like Rivers of light in Animal kingdom, Fantasmic show at the Disney Hollywood studios. Clearly missed in 2021
Specially designed fireworks every night in 2018. We cant wait for these fireworks to return each night
NO early access and late exit was worth it to take advantage of rides later after the non resort guests aren’t at the park. Our staying in resort within park in 2021 had fewer perks like these.
These are the things that added value to your visit each day in 2019. We hope the normalcy returns and the classic Disney experience is definitely the best way to experience by far.
Big update – Say goodbye to the Magical express.
RIDE IN THE MAGICAL EXPRESS FROM AIRPORT TO RESORT
The bus ride transferring guests staying in Disney resorts to and from the Airport. 2021 will be the last year for this service. Tough your wait times were bad, we still enjoyed the comfortable ride and accessibility.
Autumn Around the World: 14 Pretty Places to Leaf Peep
When I experienced the fall this year, I didn’t want to rush and just absorb the beauty. And got an inspiration to write this – rather picture this for you!
Fall is undoubtedly a magical season, with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow in their full splendor across the world. From Croatian lakes to New England’s mountains, scroll down to enjoy a scenic tour through the prettiest places to see autumn colors! These are some of the undoubtedly The most favorite collection of the season.
Washington, D.C. United States
Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge Germany
White Mountains, New Hampshire United States
Jozankei Japan
Central Park, New York United States
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia United States
Lapland Finland
Jiuzhaigou National Park China
Julian Alps Slovenia
Montreal Canada
Chaudfontaine Belgium
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska United States
Scottish Highlands United Kingdom
His res. photos Collected from my vendor – smatours! This article is complicit in itself , no words can express the beauty of these locations. 3 of these being close to home, I would like you to have the rest in your bucket list and let the pictures lead your way.
Contact me for any travel queries for your future travel before the deals go down!
Date traveled: Labour day weekend 2020 ( 4 nights)
The Pandemic Covid19 has changed a lot for the travel industry. With most the countries shutting their borders for americans, we were left with exploring Places to go near home – but GO must we! Big or small, far or near, with friends or family, traveling every 6 months has been in our charts for sure.
Hence we stumbled upon this Resort in a month long research. So happy it could take us only 1.5 hours to reach here from Queens New york (our home), in Hamburg NEW JERSEY! Suprisingly we never heard of or been before.
Factors that made us pick Grand cascades were the proximity and Activities offered by the property. Tripadvisor has always been a guiding light in our decisions and then the ease of getting information and safety related answers from the staff made us feel more confident to take the first vacation in 2020!
About the Hotel: The property is a part of a family owned hotel group called the crstal springs, which own 2 hotels: The minerals and the Grand cascades Lodge. With a very small difference in price, Grand Cascades is a newer and better hotel property with many activities and things to do for the visiting families.
Day 1:
Thursday night , we checked in late with an ease . The first impression of the room – it was spacious and cozy rustic. The weather was perfect to eat the home packed meal outside in the balcony. We explored hotel in the dark , there were fire pits and closed restaurants. Hopefully rest of the weekend will be eventful as I highly recommend advance bookings of the activities and restaurants. Many of them are waitlisted in a weeks time.
Day 2:
Friday night!
Its a great surprise on waking up. The view out of the balcony of every room must be so beautiful especially coz of the way the hotel is built. We were surrounded by foggy green mountains golf landscape. One of the best coffee i had in morning with that view in front of me!
Hotel occupancy doubled and we could see larger group and families who will be staying in for the labor day weekend. we scheduled a mountaintop lake visit 25 minutes away. rugged path meant only for the suvs. reached the height and the fall to a serene lake with a small sandy beach. Activities open were fishing, canoeing kayaking, hiking and Archery. They had a picnic pavillion with games and hammock cove to relax at the end.
Back to the off-Roads and to the hotel, we dunked our tiredness into the indoor outdoor pools. Biosphere slide and natural surrounding of the spa type pool which had he cold and hot side meant for great blood circulation. Pool side snacks and drinks were easy to get.
Musician playing the classics. we cooked dinner tonight and spent the rest of the time at the fire and water terrace with live music and roasting marshmallows – another great activity for families . They had a pinging table and snooker on the terrace for the guests to indulge and live musicians singing the mellow classics. Glow in the dark golfing was amazing and a must experience as well.
Day 3:
Day full of relaxation and taking it easy. Lazy start of the day, even had breakfast in the room. However we wanted to dedicate this day to hike around not too strenuous so the kids can cope. Thought the hotel managed hiking trail will be good to explore especially with the scavenger hunt sheet given to the kids. The trail was a true wonder but harder than we would imagine. it went on for almost 4 miles, educating us along the way by having us view the some fact about animals and natural elements. we realised we are going to run out of water soon and then we were back to the start of the loop – thank goodness . How badly we wanted to hit the pool.
My husband aayush took his time off to get an aromatherapy massage in the red spa. The hotel is also known for its spa services and in his words they really settled his stress out after months of not going to a gym. Mark it as a must experience!
Ended up cooking some instant healthy comfort food in the fully equipped kitchen provided to us in the room . i ended my day early listening to the live musicians from the balcony itself. However kids still had a lot of energy and they went down to the pool to watch the family movie.
Day 4:
Our last day, we had a scheduled activity of a farm tour. We drove to an actual working farm introduced to us by a local farmer and his farm life with lifestock and machines. Got an opportunity to take a hay ride to the interior portions of farm to feed some pigs, cows and chicken. We saw the pens where red chicken and laid their brown eggs. It was very educational for my kids who had so many questions about how the animals and bees are living in the farm and why they don’t want to escape from there.
Post the farm visit we hit the pool and got dressed for the dinner night at the “Crystal tavern” – an in-house farm to table restaurant located above their wine cellar.
Roasting marshmallows have become a staple every night here, but tonight the hotel arranged for a fireworks spectacular to celebrate labor day. It was not to be underestimated, was among the good fireworks we came across.
It was a sparkling night and we got a chance to have a unique sparkling effect photo op family pic clicked by the hotel photo crew.
After this eventful night my kids still didn’t give up and changed into their swim outfits to enjoy the movie at the poolside for the rest of the night.
Day 5
Check out time and we still feel we have missed on few things to do here. We took our last minutes to play golf at the 15 hole golf course which is complimentary by the hotel. What a wonderful time we had to explore what the hotel had to offer and beyond.
Things we missed to do:
>Eat and other 2 restaurants of the hotel which had a different vibe on. Especially the chefs garden where we could witness live cooking. Also missed the gardeners tour to the beautiful edible garden.
>Visiting a u-pick farm nearby in warwick.
and the The garderners tour int he hotel garden (if you are a gardening enthusiast)
>Even though we did 2 hikes, we still missed the highlight to go hiking at the Appalachian trail which is within 15 minutes drive form the hotel. Felt it would be strenuous for our young kids.
Those are the reasons we will come back to this hotel. Next time with a larger family or friends group for sure. Let me know who wants to join me 😉
Conclusion: Hope you enjoyed reading my experience.If you like the hotels I select of my family and would like me to select them for you as well, for this hotel or any other at any destinations, please feel free to contact me for the best rates available and specials.
One of the major reason to finalize a destination by travelers is to check their bucket list of activities to do and attractions to visit – in person! one desires to visit and wants to gain thorough expert knowledge for many of them.
There are local-led organized touring options which are in demand and bookable in advance. This also builds a format and scheduling to an itinerary and makes an activity for each day spent at a new country away from home. Also in unknown neighborhood an organized tour offers safety and direction .
Tours are also designed to build everlasting memories and Photo opportunities for the travelers
2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards are in – and I have compiled the results as under! this may help you in taking inspiration to travel again
Tripadvisor and Viator partnered to pull together all the reviews, ratings, popularity among travelers across the globe — and use that info to spotlight the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best. Below, we’re highlighting the top 25 experiences across the world.
Top 25 Experiences across the World
1. Premium Red Dunes & Camel Safari with BBQ at Al Khayma Camp by OceanAir™️
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Topping the list is this half-day dessert tour with just over 7,500 reviews and a 5-star review rating. Ride camels, go sandboarding, and see live performances. Round-trip transport from Dubai hotels and barbecue dinner are included!
2. Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence
Florence, Italy
Pizza and gelato. Need we say more? You will learn to make both from a professional Italian chef on a Tuscan estate near Florence. This hands-on experience culminates in a 3-course feast featuring the fruits of labor.
3. Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Luxury Open Boat – Small Group – from Anne Frank House
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Among a small-group, you will cruise through the canals of Amsterdam on an open-air boat offering an unobstructed view of the city’s sights. The tour will pass by several landmarks, like the Museum Quarter and the Red Light District.
4. Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour
Berlin, Germany
This affordable half-day walking tour takes travelers through Berlin’s past and present. Being led by a knowledgeable guide, YOU will tour through the Mitte district, visiting landmarks throughout the different periods of Berlin’s history.
5. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Leaving from Dublin, you will head to Northern Ireland to see some of the area’s top attractions: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This jammed-packed tour makes it possible to visit everything in just one day.
6. Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Chicago, United States
Operated by Shoreline Sightseeing, this river cruise through many of Chicago’s top architectural beauties has a 5.0 review rating and over 4,200 reviews. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.
7. Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys & Waterfalls – Camel ride Day Trip Marrakech
Marrakech, Morocco
Take the day to journey to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to explore the Three Valleys on this private tour led by an informative guide. Go on a camel ride, sip Moroccan tea, and visit the home of a local family.
8. Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Ticket Upgrade
New York City, United States
If you are looking to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island without dealing with the crowds, this tour is for them! Clients will be guided through the pedestal and observation decks as well as through the Great Hall exhibits of Ellis Island.
9. All Inclusive Blue Mountains Small-Group Day Trip from Sydney
Sydney, Australia
This small-group day tour from Sydney offers you sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and other sights like the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Free admission and a chef-prepared lunch are included.
10. Adventure Dubrovnik – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
Dubrovnik, Croatia
See the “Pearl of the Adriatic” from a sea kayak tour accompanied by a guide. you will paddle past medieval walls, go snorkeling, swimming, and have snacks at an isolated beach cave. The evening tour offers sunset views.
11. Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour
Rome, Italy
You will see the secrets of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum on this tour through Rome. Led by a knowledgeable guide, clients will benefit from skip the line entry at the Colosseum and a small-group setting.
12. Montserrat Tour with Lunch and Gourmet Wine Tasting (Private Tour Optional)
Barcelona, Spain
Leaving from Barcelona, you will venture into the Catalan countryside for a full day of wine tasting and sightseeing at Montserrat. Learn more about the abbey, explore the wine cellars and vineyards, and enjoy a multi-course Catalan meal.
13. Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour
Lisbon, Portugal
This walking tour of Lisbon is filled with intrigue and culture. Led by a guide, you will walk the Moorish Alfama and art deco-style Chiado districts. This is a great experience for first-time visitors who want to experience the culture and see the top landmarks.
14. Harry Potter Walking Tour for Muggles in London
Greater London, United Kingdom
Harry Potter fans will obviously love this walking tour throughout London where they’ll see the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and the Ministry of Magic. Along the way, the small group will learn more about the series and movies from an expert guide.
15. Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, and Optional Lunch and Cruise
Porto, Portugal
Taste wine among the vineyard-clad hills of Douro Valley, a World Heritage-listed region. you will visit wine estates, dine on typical Douro cuisine, and learn about the history, culture, and people.
16. Niagara Falls, Canada: Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour in Canada
Greater London, United Kingdom
This experience starts on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and then travels along the Niagara Gorge, past the American and Bridal Veil Falls to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. you can stand out on the deck and feel the spray of the water. A poncho is included!
17. Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This personalized tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness offers clients the opportunity to explore tucked-away villages in the Scottish Highlands. There is even an optional boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster!
18. Bali Full-Day Traditional Village Sightseeing Trip with Lunch
Denpasar, Indonesia
Visit picturesque villages around Ubud on this full-day tour of Balinese Culture. Enjoy a buffet lunch with views of Mt. Batur, learn about luwak coffee, visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, and more! Round-trip hotel transportation is provided.
19. Small-Group Prague City Walking Tour Including Vltava River Cruise and Lunch
Hlavní město Praha, Czechia
Take a full-day tour of Prague to see top sites like Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and Wenceslas Square. Discover lesser-known Prague attractions like colorful Havelska Market and enjoy a traditional Czech lunch in the Old Town.
20. Best of Ubud Tour with Jungle Swing
Denpasar, Indonesia
This experience is definitely “Instagramable.” you will discover Ubud’s natural wonders, rice terraces, and sacred temples at their own pace. They’ll also visit the Monkey Forest and have plenty of opportunities to take a picture on the jungle swing.
21. Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch
Southern Poland, Poland
Combine two of Krakow’s important historic sites: Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees are included with this ticket.
22. Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
This tour of the Great Ocean Road is offered in 12 languages! Leaving from Melbourne clients will hop aboard a deluxe mini-coach with a small group to visit Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park to take in the sites and spot wildlife.
23. Full-Day Tour of Chernobyl and Prypiat from Kyiv
Kyiv, Ukraine
you will travel back in time to explore the Chernobyl exclusion zone and gain insight into it’s Soviet-era history. Leaving from Kiev, they’ll see key sites and learn about life before the catastrophe. Round-trip travel and dinner are included!
24. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train
München, Germany
Gain insight into the Holocaust of World War II on this half-day tour of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site from Munich. Round-trip travel by local train and bus is included. A professional guide will lead you on this tour.
25. Teotihuacan Morning Tour with an Archeologist and Tequila tasting
Colonia Juárez, Mexico
Avoid the crowds on this early morning tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids. An archeologist will walk you around the UNESCO World Heritage site offering plenty of photo opportunities. Even better, you will enjoy liqueur tastings of tequila, mescal, and pulque.
To Conclude : When building itineraries I work with local tie ups and been trained to do so. One of our multiple vendors we trust in efficiency and timeliness is – VIATOR . I work closely with clients, customize and offer options Based on reviews I get . I also encourage self exploration and research . If there is an activity or experience my clients have in mind we coordinate and get the best schedule and prices, even offer discounts for that activity. Contact me to plan you next destination in 2020 for any travel upto 2022!
Property Highlight : The Cove, Atlantis – Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Bahamas Ranks as one of the top 10 destinations to spend your Holidays at because of the following reasons:
Every resort participates in making a well programmed celebration and they really bring out the party culture of the Bahamas . For me it was a grand welcome at a fully decorated lobby and holiday music in the atmosphere at all times. Atlantis had planned live bands , Jazz music, party nights and live concerts by famous artist . 2019 had The Jonas Brothers doing a 2-3 hour concert in their Imperial Ballroom.
You can witness their annual carnival called the ‘JUNKANOO’ . It is a splendid show of different themes and colors, local music and dancers with creative colorful costumes. They give their best at this extravaganza where they are rated on all the above points by a panel of Judges. The troops come from the neighboring islands and perform on their local art, a plethora of display of colors , costumes and themed decor vehicles. The carnival begins on Christmas eve at midnight and ends next day around 2pm, or longer.
The weather is just right. Between 75 to 80 degrees. Perfect beach weather, most popular with travellers from the North eastern regions.
Multicultural cuisines can be eaten at international restaurants chains housed inside this resort property itself. Right from eating Japanese at Nobu, Meditarrean at Olives or italian at Carmines, and many more options to indulge into fine dining.
Atlantis :It Runs an amazing marine life rescue program housed within a rich marine habitat , preserved in their near to natural conditions in the aquarium called “THE DIG”. The variety of fishes and aquatic life they hold is varied and most colorful i have seen. They maintain a regular feeding time shows for resort guests and also encourage snorkelling programs, and other forms of animal interaction. Their most popular program being shallow water interaction and swimming with the dolphins, sea lions or stin gray. They have housed many dolphins, turtles etc. rescued during the Hurricane Katrina. A very impressive documentary bas been made on their program.
Atlantis is build like a cluster of towers serving accommodations for guest with different expectations:
Harbourside facing the Harbour gives a very floridian look with basic amenities and access to yatchs
Royal Tower is the main building connecting to the other towers . this is where we can see a bridge between the big towers. The bridge is the atlantis suite
Beach Tower – with a direct access to the beach and also budgeted as compared to other towers
Coral Tower – The accommodation in this tower just got latest refurbiushments and the newer rooms definately stand out to meet the new and modern expectations.
The Cove – This is where we decided to stay. The newest and most modern of them all and known for a private beach access and world of its own. Also staying in thsi tower also means facing less crowd and more seclusion on the beach than the rest of the popular beaches. Their beautiful dark wood cabanas are very upgraded and equipped and you can rent them for the entire day and not need your room at all . They look like mini beach bunglows.
MY TRAVEL DIARY TO ATLANTIS
My experience and Things I did at The Cove, Atlantis:
Day 1
Dec 24, 2019
Explore and accustom , This Resort is huge. It can be simplified by just going the shuttle routes to hop towers, but to do it differently, there are short ways to connect by foot to any tower. It did take us few days to understand the map. We realised it a long way atleast 2-3 mile walk on an average each day between towers. The activities and restaurants are spread out so depends on what you choose to do. Definately Do not miss a dip in the waterpark on day 1 to refresh and remove the tiredness of the flight.
Restaurants: Reservations are done days in advance for most of the fine dining locations, you are better of starting your experimental day with marina pizzeria / delicatessen. They have housed in popular chains like Nobu, Carmines and Chopstix. In the 7 nights we were there we tried atleast 3 of the fine dining locations, and 2 casual and 2 local town restaurants.
They have a whole day of activities e.g. interaction with Santa from Breakfast with Santa to Meet the Santa.
Fees applies to these and many other add on entertainment activities. So if you think you have saved and grabbed a great deal on the hotel + air package, there will be surprise charges to follow and you will know it as you read on!
Day 2:
Dec 25, 2019
Woke up late. We decided to dedicate the whole day near the Mayan temple water slides. Got my sun block and kindle and cellphones fully charged. Spent the day in the swim costumes. Plenty thrill rides so be ready for the non stop fun. This makes a whole lot of reason why you need to stay in Atlantis. Our favorite of them all was the Rapid river tube ride. I think its every age group favorite and best family ride. However todays highlight was the Challenger water slide which my son (7 yr old) did multiple times.CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CHALLENGER SLIDE
…and here is how the ABYSS waterslide looks like from inside . Could not pick my guts up to experience this. its FASTEST FLOWING and scariest of all waterslides. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ABYSS
Tips:
1.The food overall is going to add on to your bills in a big way. Do carry some munchies for those untimely hunger times . Spending a long day in water does build frequent hunger pangs
Carry a waterproof phone case and lots of sunblock (one bottle won’t do)
Do block your seats in the morning before the water park opens. They do run out of chairs especially with holiday crowd.
Day 3:
Dec 26, 2019
Highlight of the day : Atlantis Pals Kids Club, Casino day sans kids and fine Dining at Nobu
Today we thought we will try the kids club since they had day events and holiday party night . And hoping kids can meet and make some new friends for the rest of the days they are here and familiarize. This gave us around 3-4 hours of free time and we explored the Adult only activities like casino, the Adult only side of Cove and of course some fine dining fitting a date night dinner. I highly recommend 1 Kid-free night, There is a lot to do.
Dec 27:
Glimpse of the Junkanoo Parade
Lucky to be around this time, and not getting a glimpse of the crazy fiesta would be something i would regret. We were warned by lot of locals that this ticketed street parade gets booked and remains jam packed with onlookers. So going there would’nt be an ideal thing to do especially when the tv runs a live telecast of it.
However nothing like feeling the vibe in person. We took our chances and went Downtown.
The parade was at the verge of getting done and the best participants were the ones which were finishing it off with a grand exit. The streets were emptying up and wasnt as crazy as we thought it would be. We could see and feel the ongoing festivities up close and personal and also got a chance to interact with the group personally in background. It believe end of the event was the best timing to go, though the parade began as early as previous night at 2am.
Can’t believe the humongous energy of the group , dancers and musician who have been trumpeting the streets for 12+ hours.
Few inconveniences involved (difficulties of finding taxis, long walking, hot weather, etc.) but where there is a will there is a way. So thrilled to actually witness one of the best parades with extravagant costumes and themed vehicles in lifetime.
Dec 28:
Another day at Waterpark paradise .
We met some familiar faces today as 4-5 cruise ships docked and Bahamas being a very popular port of call . Many guests prepurchase an atlantis day pass and spend an entire day at the waterpark and enjoy dining.
Dec 29:
Exploring local shopping and dining
A relaxing day of casual dining and a day we decided to explore local town. This was a good they buy some souvenirs (which are all duty free ofcourse). We were alsofllowed by a bunch of ladies time an again for hair braiding art. We did find $2 per braid the most reasonable and well negotiated offer but by the time we accepted, the lady was lost of sight. Maybe next rime for the beautiful braids. Some of the favorites were bead necklaces and handcrafts made with coconut shells. The local Jambe drums were so artistic and so were the statues , all made with coconut shells. Must buy some to support the local artisans.
We also dined at “señor Frog” the local restaurant we would love to go again and again For its live guacamole and party culture. We believe it had the best view of the harbour and saw cruise ships departing in the last rays of sun!
Day 30
Our final day we decided to catch up with all that was not accomplished in our list of things to do . Most recommended was the Swim with Dolphins and various animal interactions. We had such a unique and close experiences with the aquatic experiences, we definitely did save the best for the last. Also celebrated my daughters 5th bday at the heaven. The in-house fine dining “Carmines Italian” was our pick for the night for the finale
Day 31
Checking out : The last early morning beachwalk
Checking out today and took the last early morning beachside walk on an empty private beach of The Cove!
We Rented a Limo ride to the long ride to the Airport and it was most rewarding.. Taking back a heart full of memories and precious Tan back home.
CLIENT DIARIES: Suman Bafana’s 50!
I did have many families booked to go to Atlantis (5 families and 1 group), However this family booking was an emotional experience for me and very thankful for their positive word of mouth as well!
This was a surprise vacation gifted by Suman’s family to her. It was really memorable for them as the surprise was well kept and we could add her sister very last moment to the itinerary as well, who flew specially from India for this occasion.
Their STAY at the iconic Royal tower made it convenient for them to shuttle within the resort and more central to most of the attractions
We had a special surprise waiting for them in the room as well with a humongous fruit basket placed carefully in Sumans bedroom right on time! The family really enjoyed their fruitful time though the weather had been a hit or miss each day, they could do only 2 of the 4 activities scheduled for them. However the plan was to have each day eventful and indulging and that was thoroughly achieved . You can see their smiling faces through the pictures.
I heartily thank her family to giving me the opportunity to plan the 5day getaway to this beautiful resort and activities for them. My vendors Atlantis made it special to make small changes and trivial minutes for the family and working with this kind of partners is always a great experience.
Greece, known for its ancient history, beautiful islands, and Mediterranean cuisine, is a captivating destination with something for every traveler. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the stunning beaches of Mykonos and Santorini, Greece offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, Greece is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.
ALL ABOUT GREECE
An all-time classic, Greece is known for its epic history, fascinating culture, incredible food, and incomparable beauty. Home to some of the world’s most important historical sites, along with some 6,000 idyllic islands, the variety of experiences and landscapes you’ll encounter will have you planning your visit back to Greece before you’ve even left!
Visit the Capital : Athens
Athens’ illustrious history stretches back more than 3,000 years and today you’ll find everything from ancient monuments and medieval churches to world-class museums and high-end boutiques. Must-visit sites include the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the historic streets of Plaka.
Journey to Delphi
This sacred site was used to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle. It’s made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and stadium, dating from between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD.
Explore the Monasteries of Meteora
One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Meteora. To reach these UNESCO World Heritage sites, you need to climb several flights of stone steps carved into the rocks.
Go Island Hopping
Although there are thousands of islands in Greece, only 227 are inhabited, including well-known spots like Santorini (famous for its dramatic sunsets), Mykonos (famous for its great nightlife), and Crete (famous for its pink-sand beaches). With the ideal climate, safe waters, and small distances between ports, the Greek islands are popular among both locals and visitors. Also there are lot of off beat island choices if you have more days in hands, my personal favorite being Paros, Naxos, Hydro and Milos. Nothing can beat the beauty of the Stark blue island waters and varying colors of sand in each island.
Savor the Local Cuisine
Steeped in history and surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, Greece is home to an abundance of delicious food made with some of the finest ingredients in the world. Recipes often incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables, olive oil, meats, fish, and grains. Traditional dishes range from a simple meze (appetizers) of feta cheese and olives, to hearty meals like gyro and moussaka, to delicious desserts like baklava.
When you’re ready to book, we’ll be ready for you. Customized itineraries based on your expectations are now available for travel
Call me to Sample and itinerary
11-day Spectacular Greece land trip starts from $2099 (5 star accommodations)
12-day Mediterranean Cruise starts from $2299 (Balcony cabins)
When you’re ready to book, we’ll be ready for you.
I am Writing this article In June 2020, inspired by the Pride Month and its symbol (Rainbow). I had asked for some contributions from the subscribers here and followers on Instagram, to suggest me to fill this content with colors. Many of you suggested me the locations and many even shared their travel pictures with me. Its my pleasure to hear from you all and feature your inputs in my post.
Here is a list of some really colorful towns around the world:
Bo Kaap (Cape Town, South Africa) Virtual tour click here!Cape Town’s rainbow-colored Bo-Kaap neighborhood wasn’t always a kaleidoscope of color. The buildings here were originally used as rental homes for enslaved people, who weren’t allowed to change the white exteriors of the houses. After given the freedom to buy their homes, they celebrated their liberty by painting their houses the vibrant colors visitors see today.
Manarola (Cinque Terre, Italy)Virtual tour click here!One of the five villages comprising Cinque Terre (meaning “Five Lands”), Manarola is jaw-droppingly beautiful with its scattering of precariously perched buildings, smattered in colors from ice blue to pastel pink. Above the picturesque harbor, you’ll find a tiny piazza with delicious seafood restaurants among the multicolored houses facing the sea.
Willemstad (Curacao) Virtual Tour Click Here!The brightly painted Dutch colonial-style buildings of this Caribbean capital have earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There are 750 colorful structures painted a multitude of bright gem-colored shades which, combined with turquoise waters, make the waterfront of Willemstad look unreal.
Burano (Venice, Italy) Virtual Tour Click Here!On a small island at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon is the fishing village of Burano known for its traditional lace-making and brightly painted houses. The look of the town came about when fishermen were coming home and couldn’t find their house in the fog so vibrant colors were used to help them stand out from the emerald waters of the canals.
Chefchaouen (Morocco)Virtual Tour Click Here! Located in the northwest of Morocco, this small city is famous for its mesmerizing medina where every building is painted varying shades of cyan, powder blue, and periwinkle. The blue walls make a spectacular sight, especially in contrast to the surrounding arid mountains, making it a dream destination for fans of a good photo-op.
La boca (Buenos Aires, Argentina)Virtual Tour Click here! Famed for its colorful wooden houses and pedestrian-friendly paths, La Boca is home to artist colonies who bring the streets to life with impromptu tango dance performances. The most popular street, El Caminito—“The little walkway,” is a hub where tourists from all around the world can come and enjoy the street shows, purchase trinkets, and souvenirs, or take in the sights and admire the hodgepodge of multicolored houses.
Nyhavn (Copenhagen, Denmark)Virtual Tour Click Here! Copenhagen’s picture-perfect port of Nyhavn is iconic. This colorful district was originally a busy commercial port and was once home to renowned fairy-tale author Hans Christensen Anderson. Today, the striking houses—some dating back to 1681—are lined with cafés and restaurants where people can enjoy a nice meal by the waterfront while watching the wooden ships trail through the canal.
Kampung Pelangi (Semarang, Indonesia)Virtual Tour Click Here! Known as the Rainbow Village, Kampung Pelangi is a recent entrant onto the list of the world’s most colorful cities. In April 2017, the town council decided to paint all 232 houses in the village with at least three different colors each, as part of an attempt to draw more tourists. And it’s not just the houses that are rainbow-colored, everything from the awnings to the fences in this village is bedecked with rainbow hues.
Guanajuato (Mexico)Virtual Tour Click Here! Mexico has no shortage of colorful cities, but Guanajuato is one of the most charming. A colorful feast for the eyes, the hills around the city center are blanketed with houses in every shade, while the historic center features cobblestone streets and a striking basilica painted in bright yellow and red.
Moscow (Russia)Virtual Tour Click Here! The fabulous monument of Red Square is St Basil’s Cathedral, whose popping domes are a swirl of candy-cane colours. The colorful memory and picturesque beauty of this monument makes travelers come here for a picture perfect moment and breathe of fresh creativity. Every chapel is different, and the tomb of St Basil is splendid in red and gold
Although it has a population of over 2.5 million people, Bergen still feels like a quaint mountain town. One of the best things to see in Bergen is the famous Bryggen, the colourful houses in Bergen. These buildings are great for an Instagram snap or for those wanting to check out the infamous Bryggen sites with your own eyes. That is, ff you haven’t already stumbled upon the old wooden buildings by accident while strolling around the harbour.
Acknoledgements: >>>>Special Thanks to the readers and ardent Followers at Instagram page, who contributed and helped build the content to this article and our research – Akshata Karnavat (for sending a picture of her travel to Cinque Terre which we helped to design in 2018) , Samit Hirawat (Suggesting “bergen” to be included or we might have missed it) and Sneha Dhadda (For suggesting our cover image for this article itself).
>>>>Happy pride month to my special friends Donald Lemke and Richard Young who had faith in me and held on their cruise booking for 2021. Thank you for the support and faith in me and the cruise industry especially your favorite – Celebrity Cruises!
Inspired for your next travel? Contact me to learn more how to get there. .
A Destination wedding and food journey – A mom’s getaway
It all started with prepping for the trip. Considering traveling to Bangkok, All the way from New york wasn’t a cake walk. It’s a total 24 hour journey by flight and not so ideal if you are traveling with children. Luckily I was not.
In the month of May 2019, when the heat is at its rapid high, I got an opportunity to travel solo to Thailand! 2 reasons: Attending a destination wedding, and spending some quality time with my extended family. It ultimately became an all ladies food journey to Thailand, if rightly put. I have lots of memories built up in this short trip.
Korean Airline (operated by Delta) was a comfortable, clean flight flying Airbus 380 with more than ample leg space for an economy cabin. I was really happy with the quality of service, food and drinks overall. However the choice of in-flight entertainment lacked variety. That was a blessing in disguise, as I was planning on beating the jet lag anyway.
I had a layover in Seoul, South Korea for atleast 5 hours. The Incheon International Airport has a specific area which they call the “Transfer Lounge”, which was free of cost for transferring passengers and ideal place to hangout for layovers which are atleast 3+ hours. It was very impressively built and I believe JFK must have one too.
They had showers with inbuilt toilets, a nap room with single bedchairs, a massage area, an advanced digital gym for who would like some new workout, internet area, and a small coffee and snack shop. Relaxed enough, took a shower and boarded the flight on time.
(I recommend carrying A kindle to pass time during travel, for book readers who want to carry light but still plenty to read)
After 5 hours of flight time, I arrived Suvarnabhoomi International airport. Everything was smooth with luggage and exit process (A many thanks to my US Passport). I witnessed a long wait for other passengers who needed an e-visa or visa on arrival at the airport. That wait could be nightmarish for even business class passengers. After a traffic-less 1.5 hours pursuit on road, I reached Hotel Pullman G in Pattaya Central.
Weather in Pattaya was hot and humid. The humidity was a turn off, but I am looking forward for some real good wedding fu, food and family time. After a late pool party in the scorching Pattaya heat (cant wait to get inside the air conditioned hotel lobby) It was time to relax a bit and prepare for the evening festivities. It was the sangeet night well delivered. A merry crowd on stage performing on the latest numbers, really lit the evening. I had to do some proxy compering which was a last moment task alloted to me and a team of relatives. It was a decent show I believe and memorable for the bride and groom. Lots of dancing and good music played all night.
I woke up much earlier to feel the quiet of an early morning sunrise visible from the balcony of the beach view room. Nothing better than complimenting this view with a cup of ginger masala tea made in the room (courtesy : my father-in-laws homemade tea kit, a mini hot pot and spices). Apparently the word and aroma of the special tea spread like wildfire and tea was made and served a multiples time later in the day.
Bangkok being in close proximity to East of India, Indian food was majorly sourced from Calcutta. All the guests were enjoying the variety of flavors in food during the breakfast, lunch and dinner. Few delicacies like The south indian menu in breakfast, Mutter bedmi and aaloo, Burmese khao suey, flat bread pizza, and of course original thai boat soups, salads and pad thai were everyones favorite. I like it with some extra spice. Nothing can beat the sweetness of the local thai fruits- papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, logan, rambutan and mangoosteen. I knew it was going to be a mouthwatering journey…Still waiting to have the coconut water though.
Beautiful and picturesque beach wedding, complimented by a warm (not too hot) weather with everyone donning white and gold color hues was timely done and the pheras were not too long. It was a happy moment for all. We caught up with whatever time we had with each other, before most of us depart to different cities in Thailand for an extended vacation . Pattaya conveniently connects to many other tourist locations like Chiang mai, Koh samui, Phuket and of course Bangkok.
Next morning we checked in to our comfortable suites in our centrally located hotel in Bangkok. The boutique hotel managed by the Sofitel group – VIE Hotel – was located minutes away from popular siam central and paragon mall, local food and shopping streets and to sky train connecting the key areas of the city.
Tip for traveling locally – “when in doubt take the tuktuk”
We tried some local delicacies on our break from shopping in malls. Appetizing pineapple fried rice served beautifully was the highlight. We tried stir fry assorted mushrooms, veggies and pad thai as well. Most important part of any meal experience is how it ends. And what dessert will give it a finishin end. The restaurant in the mall served us a free choice of dessert and it was quite fancy 5 tier ice cream condiments with a coconut ice cream.
Tonight we slept early to face an early day tomorrow. This is what wewere waiting for – A vegetarian Thai food cooking class. The kitchen and the training school went with the name – “MAI KAIDEE” . Apperently they mentioned they have a restaurant in new york with the same name which they run. Cant wait to try that when back home.
While in Bangkok must try street food quirky street shopping as well. Our favorite to go being variety of fruits. Do not miss out on unseen and unheard of fruit varieties. Try it all! City of shopping nightlife and restaurants led us to some advance planning by my sister-in law Puja on getting reservation to quintessential michellan star chef GAGGAN SHARMA at his restaurant Gaggan.We managed to get a reservation 4 months before the trip after trying a lot. This was his final year to his pop up restaurant serving 25 course reimagined dishes in a 3-hour long experience of indulgence. Every bite was special , unique and blends of variety flavors and non-stereotypical combinations. Being a music lover his style of serving was designed with music and rhythm in mind. Big Cheers to Gaggan!
It was worth taking the next day late night flight. I got to wake up late, pack it through and had enough time to explore the humungousMall culture in Bangkokcentral area. Massage lovers can get their last street massage before boarding a long haul flight, I opted for a foot massage.
Getting back to kids and routine hadn’t been such a sweet wait but felt like a short one. The desperation to land home took me over when I reached my layover in Korea. Cant wait to be back home and Miss Bangkok dearly . I will be back!
Cape Town’s rainbow-colored Bo-Kaap neighborhood wasn’t always a kaleidoscope of color. The buildings here were originally used as rental homes for enslaved people, who weren’t allowed to change the white exteriors of the houses. After given the freedom to buy their homes, they celebrated their liberty by painting their houses the vibrant colors visitors see today. 
One of the five villages comprising Cinque Terre (meaning “Five Lands”), Manarola is jaw-droppingly beautiful with its scattering of precariously perched buildings, smattered in colors from ice blue to pastel pink. Above the picturesque harbor, you’ll find a tiny piazza with delicious seafood restaurants among the multicolored houses facing the sea. 
The brightly painted Dutch colonial-style buildings of this Caribbean capital have earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There are 750 colorful structures painted a multitude of bright gem-colored shades which, combined with turquoise waters, make the waterfront of Willemstad look unreal.
On a small island at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon is the fishing village of Burano known for its traditional lace-making and brightly painted houses. The look of the town came about when fishermen were coming home and couldn’t find their house in the fog so vibrant colors were used to help them stand out from the emerald waters of the canals.
Located in the northwest of Morocco, this small city is famous for its mesmerizing medina where every building is painted varying shades of cyan, powder blue, and periwinkle. The blue walls make a spectacular sight, especially in contrast to the surrounding arid mountains, making it a dream destination for fans of a good photo-op.
Famed for its colorful wooden houses and pedestrian-friendly paths, La Boca is home to artist colonies who bring the streets to life with impromptu tango dance performances. The most popular street, El Caminito—“The little walkway,” is a hub where tourists from all around the world can come and enjoy the street shows, purchase trinkets, and souvenirs, or take in the sights and admire the hodgepodge of multicolored houses.
Copenhagen’s picture-perfect port of Nyhavn is iconic. This colorful district was originally a busy commercial port and was once home to renowned fairy-tale author Hans Christensen Anderson. Today, the striking houses—some dating back to 1681—are lined with cafés and restaurants where people can enjoy a nice meal by the waterfront while watching the wooden ships trail through the canal.
Known as the Rainbow Village, Kampung Pelangi is a recent entrant onto the list of the world’s most colorful cities. In April 2017, the town council decided to paint all 232 houses in the village with at least three different colors each, as part of an attempt to draw more tourists. And it’s not just the houses that are rainbow-colored, everything from the awnings to the fences in this village is bedecked with rainbow hues.
Mexico has no shortage of colorful cities, but Guanajuato is one of the most charming. A colorful feast for the eyes, the hills around the city center are blanketed with houses in every shade, while the historic center features cobblestone streets and a striking basilica painted in bright yellow and red.
The fabulous monument of Red Square is St Basil’s Cathedral, whose popping domes are a swirl of candy-cane colours. The colorful memory and picturesque beauty of this monument makes travelers come here for a picture perfect moment and breathe of fresh creativity. Every chapel is different, and the tomb of St Basil is splendid in red and gold
Most important part of any meal experience is how it ends. And what dessert will give it a finishin end. The restaurant in the mall served us a free choice of dessert and it was quite fancy 5 tier ice cream condiments with a coconut ice cream. 
We managed to get a reservation 4 months before the trip after trying a lot. This was his final year to his pop up restaurant serving 25 course reimagined dishes in a 3-hour long experience of indulgence. Every bite was special , unique and blends of variety flavors and non-stereotypical combinations. 
Being a music lover his style of serving was designed with music and rhythm in mind. Big Cheers to Gaggan!
I want you to travel! 