AMAZING ROAD TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD

RING ROAD, ICELAND

The Ring Road in Iceland also known as Route 1 is a 1,339-km motorway that encircles the island giving you glimpses of beaches, volcanoes, glaciers and little known villages from the countryside. 

CABOT TRAIL, CANADA

The 298-km trail passing through the island of Cape Breton, takes you past villages with French and Scottish influence and vast expanses with wildlife from the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA

If off-road adventures are your thing, then a trip through the Gobi Desert is just the ticket. Travel through the nothingness, the rugged beauty will definitely impress you and if you get tired staying behind the wheel, then hop on a camel ride or camp with the nomads under the stars. 

SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

The highlight of the circuit is the drive between Te Anau and Milford Sound which goes through the quaint Fiordland and the Southern Alps.

INTERSTATE-84, USA

The 112-km road passes through Colombia River Gorge, while travelling east out of Portland, Oregon. The stretch offers a splendid view of the dramatic waterfalls on USA’s second longest river.

TASMANIAN PENINSULA, AUSTRALIA

A trip down the peninsula’s coastline from Eaglehawk Neck to Port Arthur gives you stunning visuals of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, crystal clear water and spectacular scenery.

THE KARAKORAM HIGHWAY, CHINA

Trace one of the many paths of the ancient Silk Route through the highest motorable road in the world. This motorway also connects China and Pakistan across a mountain range. 

THE GARDEN ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA

The road between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth is marked with green lush on one side and beaches on the other – making for a beautiful introduction to the coastal country.

SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA

The transport road across the Bolivian plateau is a flat route across the world’s largest salt lake, where there is fair chance you might get to see the pink flamingos.

SAN JUAN SKYWAY, USA

The 380-km road across Colorado’s San Juan Range is a delight to travel through any season. During autumn, the landscape is lush with bursts of red, orange and yellow leaves spread all around.

PAN-AMERICAN HIGHWAY

The longest driving road in the Americas - the Pan American highway starts from Patagonia, Argentina and goes all the way across to Alaska. An astounding 48,000 km long, there is a impenetrable small gap between Panama and Columbia that must be undertaken by sea or air. 

RUTA 40, ARGENTINA

Running parallel to the centre of Andes, the longest road in American known as Ruta 40 passes 13 lakes and salt flats, 236 bridges and 20 national parks along the way. 

SKELETON COAST, NAMIBIA

Whale and sea lion remains along the coast give this trail its spooky name. The shipwrecks behind the bones does only adds to the splendour that is the Skeleton Coast. The rugged and harsh countryside looks bleak, though perhaps because of minimal human interference, the shoreline remains pristine and one of the most beautiful. 

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, AUSTRALIA

Stretching 285-km between Torquay and Warrnambool in southwestern Victoria, the road was built as tribute to commemorate the soldiers who died during World War I. The highpoint of the track is the “Shipwreck Coast” which is home to the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles.

BLACK FOREST, GERMANY

The road through the picturesque region passes villages, historic towns and evergreen forests.

THE ATLANTIC HIGHWAY, ENGLAND

Also called the A39, the route running from Bridgewater to Bude along the northern coast of Devon boasts of sea views on one side and hills on the other.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, USA

The iconic 198-km route that starts at Monterey ending at Morro bay is considered to be the most iconic drive in North America. It threads through central California cutting through Carmel-by-the-sea, through Big Sur hugging the coast overlooking the cliffs in the vastness of the blue pacific ocean. 

THE OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

A trip through the 210-km single track road running down the chain of islands from Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis enables you to do island hop, experience beautiful beaches and ancient standing stones.

ATLAS MOUNTAIN ROAD, MOROCCO

This 188-km road carved in the centre of Africa could easily be mistaken for a Formula 1 circuit owning to its sharp twists and turns.  Drive down this route for a breathtaking views from the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass.

THE ATLANTIC ROAD, NORWAY

Though 8.3-km long, this road connecting the islands Molde and Kristiansund with eight bridges tops the must-do list of road trips by The Guardian. The high point of the track is the curve above the water at Storseisundet Bridge.

THE GOLDEN ROUTE TO SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN

Travel through time and head towards the turquoise domes and you retrace the steps of ancient traders on another road that was once a Silk Route. 

THE ROAD TO MOUNT NEBO, JORDAN

Starting from Persha, if one drives towards the northern end of the Dead Sea, you may find the route for Mount Nebo along the way. Considered to be a holy ground by the Christians, there is much to see along the 120-km route and when you reach the summit, one can also see see Jerusalem on a clear day. 

AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS, MADAGASCAR

Also known as the Alley of Baobabs, this is a dusty track between Morondava and Belon’i Tsirbihina which is lined by baobab trees that can be up to 800 years of age and reach heights of 30 metres.

THE ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII

The 109-km road on Hawaiian island of Maui has six hundred twists and turns and fifty narrow bridges.

Source:  Amazing road trips around the world

Luxurious Top 7 Star Hotels in India

 

 Luxurious 7 Star Hotels in India

India is one of the most prominent places that families, tourists and newly wed people visit. For tourists, it is always a daunting task to search for the best holiday destinations that suits their pockets. Online information may sometimes mislead tourists by providing wrong information about the hotels in India. However, given below is a list of some of the best luxurious hotels in India.

1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
   

   The Oberoi Udaivilas

Located in the historical land of Udaipur, Oberoi Udaivilas provides tourists with the much needed luxuries. Located amidst the traditional Indian forts, monuments and palaces, the hotel provides royal beauty, rippling fountains, luxury rooms, riding boats, outdoor activities and rooms with great view.

2. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

This is one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in India, and is the most favoured hotel amongst the tourists who visit Mumbai for holidays or business trips. When one visits Hotel Taj Mahal, an amazing night view especially at night when the moon is bright can be experienced. Further, it also offers spacious and luxury rooms, night clubs, spa activities, swimming pools, restaurants and fitness clubs. It is, no doubt, one of the most luxurious hotels one can visit.

3. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Oberoi Rajvilas is one of the costliest and most luxurious five star hotels in India. Tourists can spend time amidst private pools, gardens, luxury rooms, royal villas and the old beautiful Rajasthan fort. For tourists on business trips, the hotel offers spacious rooms for corporate and business meetings.

4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

 Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The hotel is one of the prominent five star hotels in India for tourists. Hotel Taj Lake Palace has won many prizes for being one of the most prestigious places with incredible architecture and natural beauty in India. Further, the hotel is popular amongst the newly wed couples who wish to spend their honeymoon in India.

5. The Oberoi, Mumbai

This is one of the many luxurious Oberoi hotels located in India. The Oberoi is a major competitor to the Taj Mahal in the city of Mumbai offering presidential suite, premier ocean view, premier suite, and executive ocean suite and luxury rooms. In addition, the hotel offers services such as night clubs, spa, fitness club and luxurious salon.

6. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

This is the best five-star hotel in the whole of Hyderabad and is most recommended for tourists who wish to visit the hi-tech city of Hyderabad, located in the south of India. The traditional architecture of the hotel is a big impression for anyone who visits the city. The hotel offers luxury rooms, private pools, restaurants, conference halls and modern night clubs and spa.

The Leela Palace Kempinski, New Delhi

7. Windflower Hall, Shimla

This is the most luxurious, high-end hotel located at the top of the Himalayas. Tourists enjoy swimming in the luxury pools, spa, luxurious rooms, health clubs, conference rooms and sun beds at the top of the hill.

8. The Leela Palace Kempinski, New Delhi

This five star hotel in New Delhi offers royal services to tourists who do not mind spending exorbitantly during their travel. The hotel is close to the Prime Minister’s office, the Secretariat and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Additionally, the hotel has over 250 luxury rooms, costly restaurants, nightclubs and an executive spa. The hotel is a must visit for business travelers, corporate professionals and honeymooners.

source: http://www.excitingindia.in/luxurious-7-star-hotels-in-india/

10 of the World's Hardest-to-Get Visas

Nobody likes rejection, but if you're planning on visiting these countries you might have to prepare for the worst...

1. China

Chinese Embassies are getting increasingly strict when it comes to visa applications. The Embassy will require a long list of documents including flights in and out of China and a hotel booking confirmation for every night of your stay. 

 

If you're planning to stay for 30 days or less, they'll generally issue your visa without any problems. But for stays longer than that (and/or if you're visiting sensitive areas like Western China), you'll also need to provide a detailed day by day itinerary of your trip.

You can only apply for this visa in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. And in many of their application centres (including the UK), applications can only be submitted by appointment. Plan early, as the next available appointment could be a few weeks away.

2. Iran

Iran visas have never been straightforward, but the process is now harder than ever. Before you start thinking about your visa application, you'll need to get an authorisation code. This is really a pre-approval of your visa by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), but it can take up to a month to get – and has to be applied for by an official Iranian travel agency in Tehran.

If you are from the UK, Canada or US, you'll need to hire an MFA-approved guide for your trip and provide their details when you apply for your visa. Once you have your authorisation code, Iran now requires all visa applicants to apply at an Iranian Embassy in person and submit biometric data. With no Iranian Consulate in London for the timebeing, that's quite a challenge if you're living in the UK.

 

Ladies, don't forget to wear a headcover in your passport photo; if you don't, your application will be rejected.

3. Russia

By introducing biometric applications, Russia made getting a visa a good deal harder. You have to go in person and submit your fingerprints and facial image when you apply – and for obvious reasons no agency can help you to do this! You'll have to first find a visa centre or Embassy that will process your biometric application, and then secondly get yourself there and cross your fingers that the queue isn't too big that day.

 

Before you can start your visa application, you'll need to get a Letter of Invitation for Russia, which must be issued by a travel agency that's registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Be very careful filling out their online application form. One mistake – even a small one – can lead to delays or even rejection. Visa agencies like Visa Machine can help you with your invitation and application forms, so check them out if you feel you want a helping hand.

4. Turkmenistan

This country remains one of the most closed in the world. You can only get a tourist visa if you're joining a tour or have hired an individual guide and booked all of your hotels in advance.

 

Like Iran and Russia, you'll need your tour agency or guide to arrange a Letter of Invitation with the immigration authorities in Turkmenistan before you can get a visa. This takes two or three weeks and isn't guaranteed. After that, if your application isn't rejected, you can expect your visa application to take another two weeks.

5. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has numerous public holidays, especially throughout the summer when Embassies and many of the immigration bodies will be closed for up to a week at a time. This can really slow down the process of getting a visa.

 

There are a couple of tourist visa options: the standard tourist visa issued by the Embassy with a processing time of two and a half weeks; or an electronic visa issued by authorised agents of the Azeri Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a processing time of four to six weeks. Although the eVisa takes significantly longer, the application is done online, so there's no need to part with your passport. 

Once you've applied for your visa, there's no way of checking the status or influencing the processing times. So expect to hear absolutely nothing for a fairly long time – as if visa applications aren't stressful enough!

6. India

India has recently introduced an electronic E-visa as well as its standard tourist visa. Whichever you choose, the application form needs to be filled out online, and it's a rather long and often frustrating process. 

On certain browsers, you won't be able to fill out your employment details, on others you might not be able to pay. And so on. All of the payments are processed by the Bank of India and if their system is down (which happened in January for a week) there's no alternative way of paying for your visa, which means it's impossible to apply for it.

 

E-visas are occasionally rejected. If that happens, you'll then need to submit an application for a standard tourist visa at the Embassy. It's significantly more expensive and requires your passport to be submitted to the Embassy along with another application form and a few other documents.

7. Thailand

If you're from certain countries such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. But if you're planning to stay longer you'll need to apply for one. The application process isn't complicated if you are applying for a single entry visa.

 

However, if you want to travel in South East Asia and go in and out of Thailand more than once, the list of documents you require to submit with your application becomes endless. Amongst other documents, you'll need to provide flight tickets, an employment letter and bank statements for the last six months showing at least £5,000 in your account continuously. 

Waiting times at the Embassy should also be noted. It can take a couple of hours to submit your application as the Embassy is exceptionally busy. It can then take the same amount of time to collect the passport once your visa's been issued. So you'll need to take a couple of days off work.

8. Chad

Though not necessarily a top destination, this is up there with the hardest-to-get-visas. For UK applicants, Chad's nearest Embassy is in Paris. Although they do accept postal applications, they have no standard processing times and you'll need to call them regularly to check if the application has been processed.

However, they don't speak English at all, so you'll need to speak good French or know someone who does. The application form itself is also only available in French. You'll then need to arrange a courier to collect the passport from the Embassy, which can be tricky to coordinate. Allow at least 3 weeks for this application to be processed.

9. Nigeria

This visa requires a lot of paperwork. In addition to your hotel booking confirmation, you'll need to provide bank statements and a letter of employment. You'll also have to make three separate payments: the first to the Nigerian government (which is done online when you fill out your application form); the second to the Nigerian High Commission (which can be done only at the post office as a postal order); and the third to the visa application centre when your application is submitted. 

 

However, you can't do this yourself because the Embassy doesn't deal with applicants directly. You'll have to use a visa company instead – but at least that takes the hassle off your hands!

10. Sudan

Although the visa process itself isn't very complicated, yet again, you'll be required to provide a Letter of Invitation approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan. This letter can take a month to get, so you need to plan well in advance.

 

You'll need to apply for the letter via an authorised travel agent, but the majority of travel agencies in Sudan are very relaxed, so getting hold of them can be difficult. Prepare for quite a wait when it comes to your Sudanese visa application.

How to cope with visa rejection

Whether you get a visa or not is entirely at the discretion of the Embassy, so submitting and paying for your application isn't a guarantee that you'll get the visa. And if your application is rejected, an Embassy has no obligation to tell you why.

Rejection brings with it a looming sense of panic when in the context of travel visas. It's gutting and expensive. Embassies don't really care about your flights, your accommodation, the friends you planned to see, the sights you're now going to miss. They also won't refund your money.

So what can you do to avoid it?

Use a visa agency. Though this doesn't eliminate the risk of rejection altogether, it does reduce the likelihood. Usually their admin fees are similar or less to the cost of a train to go to the Embassy if you're planning to hand your application in, in person.

They'll check your paperwork and present the application on your behalf meaning the likelihood of rejection is less. They can also do things quicker than you can, and often have special access to Embassies that you won't have.

Apply for your visa in plenty of time. Unless you have to wait because of visa regulations (some countries like Ethiopia start your visa time from the visa issue date, meaning the later you apply the better), never leave your visa application until the few weeks before you travel. If things go wrong, you'll be stuck, and not even a visa agency will be able to help because you'll simply have run out of time.

Only book in advance if you have to.

If you can avoid it, don't pay for your flights or accommodation until the visa is issued, and have comprehensive travel insurance. Insurance is important because even once the visa has been issued, it doesn't guarantee entry into the country.

And if your application is rejected?

In most cases you can re-apply. However, you'll need to apply again in full including paying a second time. Embassies don't issue refunds. They might also ask for additional documentation now that you've been rejected on one occasion. Some Embassies advise not to re-apply for a visa unless your circumstances change.

Re-apply quickly. Remember the second application will take the same amount of time or longer to process, so advance planning is essential.

Don't despair. In a lot of cases, the second application is successful.

Source: 

http://www.msn.com/en-in/travel/news/10-of-the-worlds-hardest-to-get-visas/ar-BBppHET?ocid=SK2CDHP

Air India changes its menu for first time in 10 years

Believe it or not but the menu on Air India’s (AI) flights from Delhi to London has remained unchanged for nearly ten years. And, if you thought this was due to a strong demand from frequent flyers for the same old dishes, you are wrong.

This has happened simply because each small or big decision had to be approved by someone sitting in Delhi, said a senior official, who did not wish to be named. However, this will change soon.

Ashwani Lohani, the airline’s new chairman and managing director, was shocked when he was told about the issue during a recent visit to some of AI’s European stations. Lohani, on the spot, ordered a change in rules allowing the regional offices to take a call on such issues like in-flight food.

“I have delegated the power to regional offices to take decisions on such issues. They will have the power to decide on the menu,” Lohani said.

“In airline and hospitality business, you can’t let such issues drag on for years. The decision has to be quick and in line with the changing times. We have seen a new domestic start-up airline in India change its menu multiple times in the last one year after observing passenger demands,” said another official.

“London is one of the most important routes for us and was one of the first destinations where we started operating the Dreamliner,” the official said.

So gear up for a steaming hot new menu, the next time you fly to London by Air India.

Source:  http://www.msn.com/en-in/travel/other/air-india-changes-its-menu-for-first-time-in-10-years/ar-BBqt6o1?ocid=SK2CDHP