Showing posts with label Tourist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourist. Show all posts

Monday, July 13, 2026

What things should you never do in Germany as a tourist?

 Below are a few small things I've noticed since I started living here, and these might be very useful tips.

  1. NEVER download movies, games, music, software, etc. through pirated channels! While browsing the internet might be considered a gray area, downloading is a serious offense here and you could face a hefty fine if caught.
  2. Although many sections of theAutobahn(Highways) have no speed limit, although some sections do. Take them seriously.
  3. If you happen to be driving or walking along the road and witness an accident or someone being injured, you MUST call 112 to report an emergency, even if you didn't help the person. Ignoring an injured person and simply walking away is a crime.
  4. Pedestrians always have the highest priority on the road.
  5. While Germans can be loud during a soccer match, they generally prefer peace and quiet. Try not to be noisy at your accommodation. You could receive a warning from the police if your neighbor takes it too seriously.

Edit: I forgot to mention the most important thing. That would be point 0.

Never forget to validate your ticket in Germany if you're traveling on public transport. Even if you've bought a ticket, if you haven't validated it, it's the same as traveling without one.I know it sounds ridiculously stupid, but that's how DB (Deutsche Bahn) has done it.Your ticket is considered validated only if it has a date and time stamp.Generally, a weekly, monthly, or annual pass doesn't need validation, as they are pre-validated with the dates. But I assume that as a tourist you can't buy monthly passes.

There are DB employees who wear ordinary clothes and travel with you on trains. You'll never notice them until they show their ID and start checking passengers and asking for tickets. They especially frequent airport routes where there are more tourists. This is because the more people they catch without tickets, the more commission they can earn.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

What is the most dangerous tourist destination in the world?

 Contrary to popular belief, countries ruled by dictators are quite safe. In such countries, criminals are overly fearful of their dictators, who are not avid readers of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Corruption and crime in general are usually perpetrated by those who work for the state. Tourists are rarely affected.

The most dangerous places in the world are often in developing countries. El Salvador is a great destination, but one with a terrible history. The moment tourists set foot on the ground after landing at the airport, the first thing that comes to mind is kidnappings. Prevention is better than cure; I wanted to visit the country when I was in Mexico, but after reading the newspapers, I quickly changed my mind.

El Salvador is probably as beautiful as Costa Rica. It's a great windsurfing destination, full of history, natural beauty, and friendly people… A small country that's easy to visit and explore. However, it has a past marked by political instability and war. The friendly Salvadorans would surely love the opportunity to show the world what their country is really like. But…

El Salvador leads the world in homicide rates relative to population. Kidnappings are very common. It's not exactly the ideal tourist destination for millionaires. Or for your average Joe from, say, Texas.

“El Salvador may be dangerous, but it is not the only Latin American country with such high homicide rates,” wrote Robert Muggah, a Brazilian crime expert. Despite representing only 8% of the world’s population, the region accounts for 38% of all homicides globally. Every day, 400 Latin Americans are murdered.

Ultimately, all of this has a simple explanation: corruption.

“José Miguel Cruz states that gangs like MS-13 are not the only cause of so much crime in Central America,” but rather a symptom of a much more serious plague afflicting the region: corruption.”

According to Cruz, gangs like MS-13 have grown in number and power in El Salvador because the political class allows it. In August, the prosecution demonstrated how MS-13 and other gangs collaborated with the two main political parties, paying them more than $300,000 to help them win the 2014 presidential election.

“The same link between governments and criminal organizations is repeated throughout Central America, places where political institutions have turned a blind eye to criminal gangs in exchange for economic and political support from the neighborhoods they control. Very few are brought to justice for their crimes,” Cruz asserts.

This severely damages the concept of the rule of law in Central American countries, and makes it even more difficult to fight violence. “If we were to eradicate corruption among rulers in Central America, the gangs and criminals would disappear,” says Cruz.

Friday, July 3, 2026

What mistakes do most tourists make in New York City?

 1. Don't bring your car.

Your vehicle has no place in New York particularly not in Manhattan. Chances are you won't need it at all during your stay, and parking fees alone will drain your budget faster than anything else.

2. Sort out your airport transfer in advance.

Taxis from the airport are costly. But cheaper options exist every airport has an information desk to point you in the right direction. A little research before you fly could land you a shuttle that drops you directly at your hotel for a fraction of the price.

3. Stop underestimating how long things take.

You might stroll through Central Park and think the Natural History Museum, the Met, and the Guggenheim are all a quick detour away. They're not. Each of those museums can easily fill an entire day. Be honest with yourself about what's actually achievable.

4. Take the subway.

It's the single best way to move around the city. Yes, it can be confusing at first but don't let that put you off. New Yorkers are more helpful than their reputation suggests. Just ask.

5. Don't limit yourself to Manhattan.

Coney Island in Brooklyn. DUMBO. The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. The Bronx Zoo. Manhattan is extraordinary, but it isn't all of New York. The outer boroughs also tend to be far easier on the wallet when it comes to food and shopping.

6. Use every restroom you come across.

Seriously. Go before leaving your hotel. Use the facilities at museums whenever you visit — they're usually excellent. Public restrooms in New York are not exactly plentiful. Don't wait until you're desperate.

7. Plan your meals before you go out.

New York has outstanding affordable food just none of it is anywhere near Times Square. Great Italian exists well outside Little Italy. Brilliant Chinese food can be found far beyond the borders of Chinatown. Look it up the night before.

8. Keep moving on the pavement.

If you need to stop for a photo or to check a map, step to the side first. Stopping dead in the middle of a busy New York pavement is a guaranteed way to frustrate everyone around you and possibly get walked into.

9. Wander off the beaten path.

Some of the best spots in the city sit just outside the most visited areas. Union Square, tucked between Broadway and 14th Street, is a personal favourite two bookshops and a comic store within steps of each other. Stay curious and explore.

10. Don't let old reputations scare you off.

Words like "Harlem," "Hell's Kitchen," or "Lower East Side" might conjure up outdated images but the reality on the ground today is very different. All three neighbourhoods have genuinely interesting things to offer. Go and see for yourself.


Harlem

Lower East Side

Hell's Kitchen

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

What is the most ingenious "tourist trap" you have ever fallen into?

 During our holiday to celebrate our 20th birthday in Italy (in Amalfi, near Naples), we took a trip to Capri (which is a small island off the western end of a peninsula) by water taxi (like a bus, on the water - nothing to do with a boat cruise).

Upon arrival in Capri, there were monumental queues for boats offering tours of Capri – visiting various caves (including the Blue Grotto).

We had considered taking a boat tour around the island (my wife loves boats - she never misses an opportunity) and while we were considering our options, we were approached by a charming local (named Mario, I think) who offered to take us around the island on his private boat.

A tourist trap indeed. It might have been a scam...

But we were feeling adventurous, so we went for it.

And we were right because… it was magnificent!

A private boat took us to visit every little cave around the island. Privately, just for us. It was fantastic!

A selection of photos:

Mario - our adorable pilot and cameraman!

If you ever find yourself visiting Capri, I recommend avoiding the main commercial routes and talking to the friendly private boat owners.

A wonderful experience, and a truly triumphant moment (in the middle of a week of enchantment).

Saturday, June 6, 2026

What food should every tourist visiting South India try?

 When you are visiting Tamil Nadu you should definitely try these items

1.Idli : First thing to try is our Idli. Well you can get idli in other south indian states too but the batter composition is different in Tamil Nadu and it is too soft, spongy and bright white compared to other state. We used to call it as Malligai Poo Idly (Jasmine idly) because of its colour and softness.

2. Idiyappam with Coconut Milk : You can even add a pinch of cardamom to the cocount milk if you prefer.

3. Ven Pongal with Medhu Vadai : Another most popular breakfast in Tamil Nadu.

4. Full Meals : While travelling in Tamil Nadu you should not miss our full meals. Number of dishes and currys may differ depending upon the place and the restaurant.

5. Dindugal Briyani : Contender from our state for the Briyani competition. Contrary to the basmati rice we use Seeraga Samba which is comparitively small and adds a special taste to the briyani. Another difference is its colour. A typical Dindugal briyani will be brown in color.

Some other traditional dishes to try

6. Adai Aviyal :

7. Asoka Halwa : Made from Moong Dal. Try this in Tiruvaiyaru for authentic taste.

8. Paal Paniyaaram :

9. Vaazhaipoo Vadai :

10: Maangai Pachadi : A sweet dish made from Mangoes. Some used to add Neem flower to enhance its taste.

11: Ilaneer Payasam : Gheer made from tender coconut

12. Kambu Koozh :

Is Kashmir an overhyped tourist destination?

 I will let you decide if Kashmir is overhyped about tourism or not.

Just go through the answer..

1. Srinagar

Aerial view of the city

The beautiful sunset at Dal Lake

An evening in a Shikara

The valleys and mountains

A romantic getaway in a Shikara in the beautiful Dal Lake

2. Pahalgam

The snow filled lanes

Nature at it's best

View of Lidder river in Pahalgam

The ever scenic Pahalgam valley

3. Sonamarg

The gigantic Himalayas and the evergreen valleys

A view of the Himalayas from Sonamarg

Does it look less than Switzerland???

Nallah Sindh at Nilgrar Sonamarg

Sonamarg - Nature's abode

4. Dras

Dras - The gateway to Ladakh

The Kargil war Dras memorial. Experience a great sense of patriotism here.

The Dras valley. Coldest place in India.

Be ready to experience goose bumps here. Dras war memorial.

5. Leh - Ladakh

Amazing Sunset & Moonrise at Leh

Frozen Glassy Peaks on the way to Leh

Leh in Summer.

The valleys and rivers of Leh

Inner peace.. Shanti Stupa at Leh

This town has it's own history too. Ruined palaces at Leh.


Yes this is in INDIA!! The beautiful ladakh

If you have not taken a bike trip to Leh-Ladakh then pack your bags now and hit the road.

The architecture and history

Ladakh - The barren beauty of India.

6. Zanskar

Mani Wall in Zanskar. The rich history of Tibet.

Row of Chorten (or Stupa) at the village of Purne. Each of the elements that constitute these edifices, as well as their color, has a symbolic meaning in Tibetian Buddhism.

Experience faith in this town. Get your prayers answered. Prayer flag above the monastery (Gompa) of Tanze, in the Kurgiakh valley. The wind is believed to propagate the prayers printed on tissue

Don't get deceived. This is not Greece. It is the Phugtal Monastery in south-east Zanskar

You can never get tired of valleys, mountains and rivers in Kashmir. The Zanskar valley.

Anything for a Frost-bite ;) . In winter Zanskar is accessible only on foot through a frozen river. This track is quite popular with adventures.

7. Nubra Valley

Yes this is not Rajasthan. This is Kashmir. Sand dunes of Hunder are worth a visit in Kashmir. After all it's not only about snow, valleys and lakes.

The Bactrian camels of Hunder.

The Nubra valley.

Diskit Monastery at Nubra valley.

The beautiful town Hunder.

I hope these pictures are enough to give you the answer of your questions. Kashmir will never let you down. It will surprise you at each step.

Not enough money for an international trip?
Kashmir is your answer.

EDIT:
As suggested by
Goku Kashyap, i would like to add two other important places in Kashmir. Thanks a lot for the suggestion.

Saffron fields and Apple farms.

There are only two or three places in the world where Saffron grows and our Kashmir is one among them.

The saffron flowers.

This is the saffron which are later derived form these flowers.

Jammu and Kashmir is also famous for apples. They have huge farms here where they grow tasty apples as shown below.


Edit 2:
I would like to add a few delicacies of Kashmir as suggested by
Michael Sangma. After all its not only about beautiful locations, but also the tasty food.

Cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir has become world famous for its uniqueness and variety. The most famous Kashmiri non-veg dishes named Wazwan are seekh kababs, tabak maz Roganjosh, Yakhni and Gushtaba, and the renowned veg dishes are Dum Aloo and Chaman
Here are a few :

Kashmiri Duma aloo - Potatoes fried in mustard oil and dipped in a rich, masaledar gravy. An easy way to host a crowd!

Haak - Haak leaves are green in colour and look a lot like spinach. Cook them for 30 minutes with mustard oil and spices for a healthy, filling meal.

Kashmiri pulao - A sweet and unconventional pulao, loaded with the goodness of dry fruits, rich cream and few spices.

Khatte baingan - A sweet and sour brinjal curry. Fried brinjal bathed in a host of hot spices and pepped up with the tang of tamarind.

Chaman - A hearty blend of spices, milk and paneer. The creamy texture of this dish will get you hooked!

Rista - A delicious Kashmiri food. Rista is made with mutton meat balls simmered in a red spicy gravy.

Rogan ghosh - A beautiful Kashmiri gravy that is robust with flavors of varied spices. Serve this aromatic rogan josh with Kashmiri pulao.

Beverages
Kashmiris are heavy tea drinkers. Here are two famous teas from there.

Noon Chai - It is a pinkish color salted tea. It is made with black tea, milk, salt and bicarbonate soda.

Kahwah - It is a green tea made with saffron, spices and almonds or walnuts. At marriage feasts, festivals, and religious places, it is customary to serve Kahwah.

Dessert:

Kashmiri phirni(phirun) - A sweet, traditional dish made with rice, milk and cream is an authentic Kashmiri desert.

Image source : Google