How to travel safely in India

India is an incredible and unforgettable country to travel. But there is no doubt that the initial thought of visiting India raises some questions even in the most seasoned traveler's head.

Don’t trust strangers, even youngsters

Never trust strangers, not even a young person, as harmless as they might seem to you. A lot of people use juveniles to commit crimes as they look less threatening and in case they get caught, the penalties they receive are considerably less severe. In a shameful incident in October 2017, three underage boys were among five arrested for assaulting a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. An argument had ensued after the boys demanded a selfie with the woman.

Be careful with what you eat

Staying safe does not just include defending yourself against criminal activities but also taking care of your health. When in India it is important to watch what you eat and drink. Any vendor using tap water should be strictly avoided, such as street-side juice shops. You do not have to completely stay away from delicious street food, but check basic hygiene before you indulge.

Don’t go out alone at night

Indian cities now have some great nightlife. From concept restaurants and themed bars to a line-up of acclaimed performing arts, options are aplenty. However, a solo night out in India is never a good idea. It is always better to have someone with you when you go out.

Learn to say “no”

Taxi drivers, tour guides and street hawkers will come at you with full intensity to try to sell their services. Firmly saying “no” without being rude is the easiest way to get out of such situations. Be confident in your tone as well as your body language instead of flustered. The more unnerved you look, the more these people are going to pursue you. Being outright rude can also give rise to unwanted circumstances.

Get a local sim card

In India, it is not very easy to find wi-fi connectivity. That is why getting a local sim card should be a priority if you want to have constant Internet connection. While all mobile networks work well in the cities that is not the case in the smaller towns. Find out which network has the best connectivity in your area and get a sim card to suit.

Use the women’s compartment of trains

If you are a woman and travelling on the Delhi Metro, the Mumbai Local or any other train, you should use the coach or compartment reserved for women, especially at rush hour. It is not that the public transport is totally unsafe, but travelling in the women’s compartment is much more comfortable, you can evade the occasional gawking of men, and generally less crowded. While the Mumbai local has first and second class ladies’ compartments, the first coach in every Delhi Metro train is reserved for women. The Kolkata Metro has designated seats for women.

Source Internet

The most beautiful paradise islands to visit in Asia

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth. They are the perfect answers for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Located in Northern Vietnam, the stunning Cat Ba National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

3. Jeju, South Korea

Considered the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju Island is a long-time favorite amongst South Korean travelers and honeymooners. Iho Beach stands out in the region with its combination of grey and yellow sand. It is a shallow beach, perfect for a good swim. Downtown Jeju is also a great spot for people watching and having a beer at one of the numerous bars.

4. Baros Island, Maldives

Baros Island is part of the North Malé Atoll and home to the luxury Baros Maldives hotel. The peaceful and stunning beaches circling the perimeter are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. With facilities such as a dive center (courtesy of the hotel), tourists can make the most of the clear, warm ocean lapping the island. Or guests can simply submit to pure relaxation through the variety of spa treatments, complimentary morning yoga classes and infinity pools offered by the resort.

5. Akajima, Japan

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

6. Cebu Island, The Philippines

Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu consists of a beautiful, long and narrow island with upland areas offering stunning views of mountains and seas and 167 surrounding islets. There are high-end resorts in tourist areas such as in Malapascua, Badian and Camotes, but also more modest resorts in fishing villages such as Moalboal.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Consisting of a group of 11 archipelagos located off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are stunning islets protected by the Thai government. Under the crystal-clear waters of this marine nature reserve lies a paradise for divers and snorkelers. With warm weather all year, this is the perfect spot to see gorgeous corals, imposing boulders and beautiful tropical fish in a peaceful setting.

Read more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

Source theculturetrip

Souvenirs you can only find in Korea

When traveling to a foreign place, it can be quite hard and time-consuming to find a unique gift to bring back home. If you fancy a change from the standard postcards, magnets, and T-shirts, we’ve got you covered with this guide on traditional souvenirs to buy in Korea.

Korean Tea

There is a wide range of different Korean tea specialties that make a great souvenir to take home. One of the most popular is daechu-cha, or jujube tea, made of small Korean dates with a juicy flavor. Very different in taste, but also extremely popular, is buckwheat tea. This ingredient is also used a lot in traditional Korean dishes, such as noodles or bread. If you enjoy sweet and sour citrus flavors, yuja-cha is for you. With the consistency of marmalade or jelly, this tea is simply stirred into hot water and enjoyed during cold weather. You can buy a good selection of tea from any food market or supermarket around Seoul.

Dojang Stamp

Most artists and calligraphers, as well as officials like to use the traditional dojang seal stamps in Korea. The seals are traditionally made of wood, gold or even jade. Today, you can find various artists around Seoul who specialize in the making of personalized dojang seal stamps. If you appreciate this ancient Asian tradition, you can get your own seal engraved with your Korean or Chinese name around Myeongdong, Insadong, and Bukchon in Seoul.

Hanbok Dress

One of the more extravagant souvenirs you could get while in Korea are traditional dresses, also referred to as Hanbok in Korean. A woman’s hanbok consists of a blouse, jeogori, and a wrapped skirt, chima. The male version also features a jeogori as well as baji, loose-fitting pants. This traditional clothing dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. However, many Koreans wear hanbok for special occasions such as weddings and holidays still today. In Seoul, you can easily spot local and foreign tourists wearing hanbok while sightseeing. A popular place to purchase your own hanbok is Dongdaemun Shopping Complex. If you don’t want to buy your own, you can also rent a hanbok for a day.

Ginseng

Famous around the world, Korean ginseng has extremely powerful health benefits. While it’s certainly on the more expensive side, it is the perfect gift for those looking to boost their immune system. People from all over the world come to Korea to purchase local ginseng. Today it is also consumed as energy drinks, liquor or tea. Visit the Seoul Herbal Medicine Market to purchase ginseng.

Dried Seaweed

Koreans are obsessed with seaweed. They don’t only consume it in soups, but also munch on it in a dried form as a snack. In fact, dried seaweed contains a lot of helpful antioxidants to boost health. In Korea, you also have the choice between a wide range of different flavored seaweed snack, from olive oil and onion to wasabi and spicy chipotle.

Soju

Traditional Korean drink, Soju should be high up on your souvenir list. Traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley, it is usually consumed neat. In recent years, soju producers have come out with a variety of flavored options, such as grape, grapefruit, citrus and peach. Koreans follow a strict drinking etiquette that includes holding the glass with both hands when receiving a glass from an elder as well as bowing the head.

See more: Non-touristy activities to do in South Korea

Source: Internet