United News of Bangladesh

International air flights connecting flights offer broader route options and competitive fares. However, for first-time flyers, navigating unfamiliar airports and managing transit procedures can be overwhelming. From booking to baggage, every step demands informed choices. This guide aims to simplify that journey by covering all essential aspects of multi-leg flights for beginners. Here’s a professional walkthrough for travelling globally through international air travel with connecting flights and layovers. Essential Tips for Connecting International Flights with Layovers . Pre-Booking Considerations Selecting the right flight involves more than just picking the lowest fare. Direct flights offer convenience and time savings but are often more expensive. Connecting flights, on the other hand, open access to competitive pricing and flexible routes, though they demand careful planning. Always prioritise a safe buffer between flights, preferably 2 to 4 hours for international connections. It's helpful to be proactive about potential delays, immigration checks, and terminal changes. Understanding visa and transit requirements is equally vital. In certain countries, a transit visa may be required even when the traveller remains within the airport's international zone. European hubs under the Schengen Zone often have specific rules that can surprise unprepared travellers. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Use tools like Skyscanner for price comparisons, FlightConnections for route mapping, and SeatGuru for aircraft layouts. For first-time travellers, airports with efficient signage and clear terminal layouts, such as Changi, Doha, or Munich, can make a noticeable difference. Booking Tips and Smart Planning When booking international flights with connections, the platform you use matters significantly. Direct airline websites often provide greater reliability, transparent policies, and easier support in case of delays or changes. While third-party portals may offer marginal savings, they can complicate refund or rescheduling processes. Most importantly, always ensure all legs of your journey are issued under a single ticket to secure your connection rights if a delay occurs. Your seat choice can also influence your transit ease. If your layover is short, seats near the front of the aircraft can reduce disembarking time. For critical schedules, business class may offer faster immigration clearance, priority boarding, and lounge access. Avoid tightly scheduled layovers, particularly during peak hours or late-night slots when airport services may be limited. Larger airports with complex terminal systems require longer transit windows. Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Offline Assistance: Local Airline Offices For beginners, visiting the local office of an airline can provide clarity that online platforms often lack. These offices offer face-to-face guidance on booking complexities, baggage allowances, and layover arrangements. Printed itineraries, verified baggage details, and tailored layover advice make these visits particularly useful for first-time international travellers. Staff can also explain stopover hotel eligibility and suggest suitable travel insurance. They can even walk travellers through rechecking procedures during connections. Before visiting, travellers should prepare specific questions in advance on layover durations, visa implications, baggage handling, and airline-provided accommodations. Airport Navigation During Connection Upon arrival at a layover airport, following signage marked “Connecting Flights” is essential to maintaining the scheduled transfer. Depending on the airport's infrastructure, an additional security screening may be required even if the traveller remains within the international zone. Terminal changes are a critical aspect of many large hub connections. Identifying the mode of terminal transfer is best achieved through official airport apps or terminal maps. It usually applies particularly in complex airports such as Heathrow, Dubai, or Changi. Read more: Trip to Bali: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Transit procedures vary by location. In some cases, international passengers may be required to clear immigration before proceeding to the next gate, even without exiting the airport. A clear understanding of these processes contributes significantly to a smooth onwards journey. Baggage Transfer Rules Understanding baggage transfer protocols is essential when planning journeys involving connecting flights. When tickets are issued under a single booking, baggage is typically through-checked to the final destination. This eliminates the need to collect and recheck luggage during transit. However, bookings involving separate airlines, particularly those outside major alliances, often require travellers to claim and reprocess their bags at each stop. Given such uncertainties, a well-packed carry-on becomes crucial. Essential items such as medications, travel documents, a change of clothes, and valuables should remain easily accessible. Additionally, international regulations must be observed – liquid limits, electronic device screenings, and prohibited items vary by region. Strategic packing prepares for baggage mishandling while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Dealing with Flight Delays and Missed Connections In the event of delays, rebooking and compensation depend on jurisdiction and ticket structure. Under regulations, passengers are entitled to assistance and compensation when delays or missed connections result from the airline’s fault. However, when connections are missed due to short layovers or separately booked itineraries, responsibility often shifts to the traveller. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online Comprehensive travel insurance can significantly mitigate these risks. Coverage for delays, missed onwards flights, and baggage issues offers both financial protection and access to emergency support. Familiarity with policy terms and claim procedures ensures timely assistance when disruptions occur. Punctuality and Being Concerned Efficient time management is fundamental to successful transit. For domestic-to-domestic connections, a layover of at least 60–90 minutes is generally sufficient. However, international connections, especially those requiring terminal changes, demand a minimum of 2 to 4 hours. Upon landing, adjusting the phone or watch to the local time zone helps maintain alignment with airport schedules and departure times. Information desks, real-time flight display monitors, and airport Wi-Fi services can provide critical updates and assistance. Boarding gates are occasionally changed, and announcements may not always be repeated. Maintaining personal well-being and safety enhances comfort during longer waits. Many major airports offer lounges, rest zones, and prayer facilities. Valuables, passports, and essential documents should never be left unattended, particularly during overnight layovers or crowded peak hours. Read more: Top 10 Online Platforms to Book International Flights from Bangladesh Wrap Up This beginner’s guide to international air travel with connecting flights has covered every critical phase. It spans from pre-booking decisions and offline assistance to baggage handling, transit procedures, and time management. Each step presents unique challenges, but with structured preparation, even complex itineraries can unfold with confidence. Staying informed about airline rules, visa requirements, and airport layouts can significantly reduce stress. A well-packed carry-on, timely bookings, and awareness of passenger rights further support smoother travel experiences.

Are you ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Himalayas? Darjeeling, Tonglu, and Sandakphu should be on your bucket list if you enjoy trekking and exploring serene hill stations. Nestled in India’s West Bengal, these destinations offer stunning panoramic views, rich culture, and thrilling trekking routes. For travelers from Bangladesh, this guide will provide everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to these amazing destinations. Darjeeling Location Darjeeling, known as the "Queen of the Hills," is located in West Bengal, India, at an altitude of about 2,045 meters (6,709 feet). It is famous for its tea plantations, colonial-era architecture, and majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Journey/ Path/ Route The most convenient way to reach Darjeeling from Bangladesh is through the Burimari border. You can take an overnight bus from Dhaka to the Burimari border (8 hours). Complete immigration formalities at the border, then take a bus to Siliguri (3-4 hours). From Siliguri, catch a shared jeep to Darjeeling (3 hours), which will cost 150 INR each. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of hills and tea gardens.  Read more: Moulvibazar Travel Guide: Explore the Top Tourist Attractions What to See There or On the Way On the way to Darjeeling, you will pass through picturesque tea gardens, small hill towns, and lush green forests. Once in Darjeeling, start with a sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Everest. Visit Ghoom Monastery and its 15-foot Buddha statue.  Explore the Darjeeling Zoo to see rare animals like the red panda and snow leopard. Discover local wildlife at the Bengal Natural History Museum and tour the historic Happy Valley Tea Estate. Do not miss the spiritual tranquility of the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the adventure-filled Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.  Interesting Activities to Do - Ride the Toy Train through the hills for scenic views and a unique experience.- Take a cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway for aerial views of tea gardens.- Climb Tenzing Rock for some amateur rock climbing.- Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre to explore Tibetan culture.- Stroll through Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park for a peaceful retreat.- Trek and river raft in Singalila National Park and Teesta River. Read more: Exploring Sreemangal: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

Enjoying the unparalleled beauty of nature cannot be measured by any monetary value. However, everything in the world comes with a price, tourism is no exception. Though travelling costs are getting higher day by day, Bangladeshi tourists can visit overseas within a tight budget with proper planning and right information. Let's explore some popular international tourist attractions to visit with 10,000 taka. 10 Overseas Places to Visit from Bangladesh with a Budget of BDT 10,000 Cherrapunji This city, which is also called Sohra, is situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Notable attractions here include Mawsynram, the Double Decker Root Bridge, Mosmai Cave, and Mokdok View Point. Foreign visitors are drawn to enchanting waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Thankharang Park, Mosmai Falls, Kalikai Falls, Rainbow Falls, Krangsuri Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls. To reach Sohra, travelers must take a train from Dhaka to Sylhet and then a bus to Tamabil. The minimum train fare from Dhaka to Sylhet is around BDT 400, and the bus journey from Sylhet to Tamabil costs BDT 35. Read more: 10 Most Affordable Destinations in Indonesia: Winter retreats on a budget Upon reaching Tamabil, complete Bangladesh immigration and cross-border checking at Indian customs. Subsequently, a taxi or minibus will leave for Shillong through Dauki Bazaar. Cherrapunji is a bit further, past the Wardslake gate of Shillong. For budget accommodation, homestays in Naingriat village can be arranged, with room rents for 4 people ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, approximately equal to BDT 1,330 to 2,000 (Rs 1 = BDT 1.33). The cost of food can range from Rs 160 to Rs 200 (approx. BDT 215 to BDT 266) per person per day. All in all, one can travel from Dhaka via Shillong to Cherrapunji and back to Dhaka in 3 days for around 8 to 9 thousand taka. Read more: Best Asian Alternatives to the Maldives: Affordable Island Getaways Delhi Delhi, the Indian capital on the banks of the river Yamuna, retains its popularity among travelers due to its historical significance. Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, and Emperor Humayun's Tomb are among the city's prominent sightseeing spots. Dhaka residents can reach Delhi affordably by first taking a bus to Kolkata. A non-AC coach will cost around BDT 890 to BDT 900 per person. From Kolkata's Howrah, they need to take a train to Delhi, with a non-AC sleeper costing approximately Rs 650 to Rs 700 (close proximity to BDT 865 to BDT 931). Opting for a tour agency's sightseeing package, which typically costs Rs 300 to 500 per person (hovering near BDT 399 to BDT 665), is recommended. The average daily cost for food is Rs 390 (roughly BDT 519). Double-bed rooms in Paharganj can be found for Rs 500 to Rs 650 (approx. BDT 655 to BDT 865). Read more: Shopping in Malaysia: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Shimla The capital and largest city of Himachal Pradesh in North India is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Places to visit in the picturesque city include Mall Road, The Ridge, Summer Hill, Viceroy Lodge, St. Michael's Cathedral, Himachal State Museum, and Jakhu. Budget visitors must first come to Kolkata from Dhaka by the ways mentioned earlier. A minimum of BDT 1,100 will be spent here along with the immigration process. After that, the explorers have to go to Howrah station in Kolkata as before. From there, the Kalka Mail train will take them to Kalka, for which the ticket price will be around Rs 710 (about BDT 945). Toy Train fare for Kalka to Shimla is Rs.50 (close to BDT 67). A room in Shimla can be rented for Rs 1,000 (near BDT 1,330), and food per day can cost Rs 194 (almost BDT 258) per person. Read more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh

Travel and shopping complement each other seamlessly during travels. Purchasing souvenirs and other mementos is a delightful part of the travel experience. With its deep-rooted culture and history, Kolkata in West Bengal, India offers many distinctive items for travellers to take home and cherish. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to buy in Kolkata. Best Souvenirs to Buy in Kolkata Kolkata is a city synonymous with cultural richness. It is renowned for its diverse array of offerings, particularly its exquisite sarees crafted from various fabrics like cotton, silk, and muslin. Among these, the Tant, Dhakai Jamdani, and Murshidabad Silk sarees stand out. Besides these, diverse attire for women like party-wears, 3-piece salwar kameez sets, embroidered lehenga sets, etc are widely popular among tourists visiting Kolkata. In addition to sarees, Kolkata is celebrated for its terracotta handicrafts, meticulously shaped from clay. These handicrafts come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, adorned with intricate designs. Shola pith or sholapith (also known as shola or Indian cork), a unique reed, finds its purpose in crafting delicate figurines, masks, and jewellery. The craftsmanship involved in creating Sholapith handicrafts is awe-inspiring, making them a coveted gift item. Conch shell bangles (also known as Shaankha) are a good choice as memorable souvenirs. Crafted from conch shells, these bangles come in various colours and sizes, suitable for any occasion. These bangles add to Kolkata's list of distinctive offerings. Visit to Kolkata will be incomplete without indulging in this city’s delectable sweets. Rasmalai, Mishti Doi, and Sandesh, made from fresh milk and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom or saffron, present a symphony of taste. They epitomise the city's culinary excellence.  All of these showcase the city's skilled craftsmanship. Kolkata's vibrant tapestry of culture and craft beckons visitors to take home a piece of its artistic heritage and culinary delights.  Read more: Mumbai Travel Guide: Must-visit Places and Fun Activities Home Decoration Things to Buy in Kolkata Kolkata is revered for its diverse craftsmanship, notably its brassware. Forged from brass, a versatile metal alloy, brassware presents different shapes and sizes, often embellished with intricate designs. Incorporating brassware into your home decor can infuse an appeal of elegance. Another prominent craft in Kolkata is woodwork, fashioned from various high-quality woods. This craftsmanship manifests in furniture, figurines, and wall hangings. They adorn your living space with warmth and sophistication. The natural beauty of wood adds a timeless charm to any home.