Travel world wide

As one of the Middle East's most dynamic holiday hotspots, Qatar welcomes visitors from around the world. With a vast majority of its residents made up of expats, it is safe to assume that it's easy to adopt the local lifestyle when one moves to this desert nation. From hitting the best restaurants to taking part in more traditional activities, here's how holidaymakers can also enjoy their getaway like a local during their time in Qatar. 1. Shop like a Local Interior of Doha Book & Souvenir store | Image via Unsplash While the Doha Mall, Doha Festival City, and other high-end luxury department stores are the main retail hubs where tourists are concerned, walk off the beaten path and head to the souqs instead. Those who have never ventured inside a maze-like thoroughfare in the Middle East will find these extensive marketplaces the best venues to grab tasteful souvenirs and other products that are frankly not available in plush malls and shopping complexes. Retailing eve...

Showcasing Thailand’s royal heritage, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is a popular attraction among tourists, locals and business travellers. Situated in the heart of the Thai capital, the Grand Palace is easily accessible via various public and private transport options. Discover which of Bangkok’s travel options will get you to the Grand Palace. What is the Grand Palace? Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand | Image via Flickr If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ve probably heard much about Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Constructed in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the royal residence of the Thai monarchy, beginning from King Rama I until King Rama V. Today, it is used solely for ceremonial purposes or to host foreign dignitaries. The Grand Palace comprises two main sections: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (also known as Wat Phra Kaew) and the royal residence, the latter further divided into the Outer Court, Middle Court and Inner Court. The buildings on the palace grounds are a stunning test...

  Characterized by its vibrant shopping districts, eclectic cuisine, and historical attractions, Singapore is a destination like no other. Despite its modest size, this city-state has much to offer its business and leisure travellers. Much of Singapore’s surroundings and architecture resembles state-of-the-art designs and technology. Its transport network is perhaps among the most efficient globally. Discover how you can travel around this cosmopolitan nation with ease. Whiz to your destination on the MRT Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the nation’s local subway. It is the quickest mode of transport in the city, with trains calling at stations every 2-3 minutes at peak times and 5-7 minutes at other times. There are currently 5 lines in operation: North-South (red), North-East (purple), East-West (green), Circle Line (orange), and Downtown (blue). Don’t fret about which line to take, as there are handy maps posted on the walls of MRT stations depicting the stops al...

Many consider packing for a holiday in Singapore to be straightforward. It’s not surprising given that Singapore is a developed country offering 5-star facilities and many consumer goods. There is much to do and experience in this unique urban city-state. Hence, you must devote some thought to your packing to avoid the misery of taking time from your vacation to engage in essential-item shopping. Here is a practical packing list for Singapore. Travel necessities Travel Necessities packing | Image via Unsplash Whether you take lots of luggage or none, these necessities have to cut, as, without them, you won't even have a vacation, to begin with. Considered the sine qua non of a packing list, travel necessities comprise essential documents, copies of documents, and other items that you absolutely must carry with you. Before you get down to packing the easy things, ensure that your passport, entry visa (if required), and bank cards are packed in. Don’t forget to include printed/digita...

 Doha, a culturally rich city, is also a modern metropolis. It’s a place for loads of modern glitz and glamour. But head to the old quarter and you will come upon traditional Arab souks. Or take a short drive out of the city and end up on a Bedouin trail exploring the desert. Or swap desert sands for time on a gorgeous beach because Doha has plenty! But for when you have just three days in this amazing city, here’s what to do. Take a look at how to cover Doha’s main attractions in three days.   1.  How to Enjoy Day 1 in Doha  Most flights arrive in Doha by morning. Therefore, you can easily check into your hotel, get refreshed, and head out for your first adventure in Doha. The   best hotels in Qatar  are located in Doha. And the popular resorts will offer you easy access to the main attractions. For example, Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is just a short walk away from the famous bazaar, which makes shopping, dining and exploring a breeze. Ideally, yo...

The Maldives is a tropical paradise loved by travellers. Often described as a luxury destination, the Maldives offer the best value for your money. The archipelago is a composition of over 1000 tiny islets, and most of them are yet to be inhabited. Despite the threat of the rising sea levels, the Maldives continues to be one of the most visited destinations. If you are planning to visit the islands, you should start planning your trip at least a month in advance. Things to know about the Maldives Learning about the country you are planning to visit can help you avoid the mishaps that are bound to occur. The most important thing you need to understand is that this is a conservative country that emphasizes the importance of religion. Religion is an integral part of everyday life in the country, and almost every aspect of life adheres to the rules set forth by religion. As a tourist, you must be careful not to do anything that may contradict societal norms; for instance, a female shou...

Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is an energetic city bustling with activity of every kind, from lively street and fish markets, crowded crossings to elegant parks, historic temples, and towering skyscrapers. Tokyo is a beautiful blend of the past and the future, a classic example of old meets new. With the diverse range of things to see and do, spending a weekend here might seem impossible. All it takes is some thoughtful planning. Here is how you can spend a weekend visiting the best of Tokyo. Asakusa Begin your first day at Asakusa, home of the historic Senso-ji temple. Located at the end of Nakamise shopping street, Senso-ji is a 1400-year-old Buddhist temple identified by its signature red lantern. Many visitors gather around a cauldron placed in front of the temple, as it is believed that the incense burned inside promotes health. On the left side of the temple stands a renovated pagoda of 5-storeys, considered the second tallest pagoda in Japan. Ueno Next, head to Ueno, which features an...