travel
Essential Travel Gadgets to Make Your Tour Safe and Comfortable
After the hit of the Covid-19 pandemic, the trend of travelling is returning to a regular pace. People are setting out to explore the world again. And, the most important part of travelling is preparing for it. What to carry, besides the passport, credit cards, clothes, and Smartphone? This article will help you prepare for safer travel with the most essential gadgets.
Useful Travel Gadgets for Safer and Comfortable Outing
Travel Bag
It is difficult and burdensome to carry a hefty rucksack through the congested streets of your travel destination. For instance, when you visit the roads of Rome or climb up and down the Mayan ruins, the weight of your travel bag does matter!
So, pick the right luggage or backpack considering the length of your travel and the weight of most essential gadgets you may need.
A nylon drawstring backpack that compresses or rolls up is sufficient to carry your camera, computers, notebooks, and everything else you need for a day vacation or city walk without extra stress.
While you do some shopping during the day travel, not everywhere shopper provides the customers a bag for the purchased goods. In that case, the travel backpack can be a savior.
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Mini Coffee Maker
When travelling, individuals often get fatigued and clumsy due to the effects of jet lag. In this situation, nothing can be more helpful than a coffee maker. You can ground your own coffee beans and create the beverage whenever and wherever you need, if you have a small portable coffee machine.
While choosing a coffeemaker for your trip, keep an eye out for qualities such as portability and simplicity of use. This handy tool must be packed with the rest of your travel gear when you go somewhere, whether in the chilly Himalayas or the scorching Middle East.
An External Battery
If you could only bring one piece of travel gear with you, make it an external battery. You won't regret it. If you are away from a power outlet for an extended period, you should always have at least one extra battery to charge your phone and any other electrical devices.
Because of how rapidly your smartphone's battery dies, you cannot keep in touch with your loved ones or your friends in an emergency. An option that is friendlier to the environment would be a solar-powered portable charger.
Read More: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
Antibacterial Wipes and Sanitizers
When you travel, you should always remember to carry antibacterial wipes or hand sanitiser with you, regardless of whether or not you have a healthy fear of germs. These wet wipes are of the utmost significance.
These products are usually individually wrapped, allowing you to easily tuck someone into your purse or pocket. These are ideal for cleaning soiled surfaces on flights (tray tables, armrests, and seat belt buckles), as well as in hotel rooms (TV remotes), and they come in useful situations in which there is nowhere to wash one's hands.
Camera and Tripod
Besides your smart phone you can carry a camera while travelling. The camera is the handiest gadget, when you are out there enjoying a good time surrounded by nature, you don't want to waste a single second of it by missing out on anything.
29 countries by bike: Romanian girl now in Satkhira
Elena, a Romanian tourist, has always wanted to travel the world on a bike. She has so far visited 29 countries.
Elena came to Satkhira on Monday from India and is now staying at a private organization ‘Rishilpi International’, at Binerpota in the district.
Elena’s Italian friend Andreya came to Satkhira by bike one month ago and he is a donor of Rishilpi International.
Also read: Satkhira journalist, earlier ‘picked up by law enforcers’, shown arrested.
Besides, at the invitation of Elena and Andreya, their friend Elierio also came to Satkhira through Bhomra land port on Tuesday.
Elena said, “I am a tourist and I have been traveling for the last three years, and have already visited 29 countries. I like Muslim countries and I love the culture of the country. I am now observing everything.”
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
It is the season of love. It doesn’t have to be any specific time or season to celebrate love, especially for honeymooners. Over the years, western Europe and its coasts have become go-to spots for newlywed love birds. From Santorini’s coast to Amalfi’s peaks, Europe is probably the perfect destination to make your honeymoon absolutely magical. With that said, here’s our list of 10 of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe.
10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
You will need to create an itinerary that best suits your travel plan. In this article, we will mainly focus on the places and their offerings.
Santorini, Greece
Starting the list with the blue lagoon and the lush white houses of Santorini. For over 3 decades, Santorini has been one of the top choices for destination weddings and honeymooners.
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And why not? The place has everything from the crisscrossed houses on the side of the mountain to the horizon touching the Aegean sea.
Can You Travel Abroad Without Buying US Dollars?
With the price of the US dollar skyrocketing, Bangladeshi travellers are directly affected by fluctuating exchange rates. Should you then drop your travel plans until the price of the US dollar becomes stable? Is there any way to deal with this dollar crisis and still travel? Let’s look at some alternative ways to travel abroad without purchasing US dollars.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO BUYING US DOLLARS
Traveling abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest expenses of international travel is the cost of converting Bangladeshi taka into the currency of the country you are planning to visit. Travellers usually carry US dollars when visiting any foreign country.
The recent price hike of US dollars has made the exchange rate high regardless of the base currency. Therefore, it would be wise and cost-effective for travellers to consider the alternative ways.
Read More: Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index
WAYS TO TRAVEL ABROAD WITHOUT BUYING US DOLLARS
· USE CREDIT CARD
Bangladesh Bank advises taking dollars through an international card (dollar-endorsed VISA/Mastercard) in case of traveling abroad. It has given this advice due to rising exchange rates and supply shortages in banks and open markets. The difference between the cash dollar price in the open market and the bank is currently over Tk 10.
It is cheaper to endorse dollars on your credit card. In the current situation, it may save you around Tk 5 to 10 per US dollar. However, currently, the exchange rate for cash and card endorsement is the same, which is Tk 106 (as of January 12).
According to a news in August 2022, when it cost up to Tk 109.50 to buy one US dollar in the open market, the price of buying dollars through a bank or card went up to Tk 95.
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“This is why we are recommending travellers to request their banks to ask for travelcards instead of asking for cash, so that they pay less,” Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Sirajul Islam told media at that time.
· BUY THE LOCAL CURRENCY OF YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION
Buying the local currency of the country where you are traveling can reduce your exchange cost. The exchange rates of different currencies against the US dollar have also gone up. So, you can check if buying your destination country’s currency reduces the cost or not. For example, if you are travelling to India, buying rupees from Bangladesh may give you more currency than converting to the US dollar. You
· USE DIGITAL WALLET
Many countries now accept digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. If you plan to travel to a country that accepts these types of payments, you can avoid the need to convert your currency altogether. You can load currency using a third-party service.
Read More: 10 Best Professions for Travelers
· TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FOREIGN ATMS
When you are in a foreign country, it can be more cost-effective to withdraw cash from an ATM than to convert currency at a bank or currency exchange shops. If you have a dollar-endorsed card from Bangladesh, you can withdraw money in the country you are traveling to using the local ATMs.
However, check with your bank to ensure that your card will work in the country you are planning to visit and see if there are fees for using foreign ATMs.
Thailand reinstates foreign arrival vaccination requirement
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will reinstate the requirement that all international passengers show proof of full (two doses) vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand.
Saksayam Chidchob, Transport Minister of Thailand, stated yesterday that the Civil Aviation Authority had now formally notified concerned parties about the change in arrival rules for international travelers over the age of 18 that will take effect tomorrow, reports Bangkok Post.
“They will last at least until the end of the month,” he said.
Also Read: Bangladesh-Vietnam direct flights may begin this year-end
Everyone entering the nation needs to provide documentation of a complete immunization record or a letter of proof that they have recovered from Covid-19 infection in the last six months. Travelers who are unvaccinated must provide documentation explaining why they cannot receive a vaccination.
Airlines are required to check these documents before boarding passengers and are responsible for returning those who do not have the proper documentation to their point of origin.
The guidelines go into effect at the same time that China's border reopens following nearly three years of closures and restrictions.
Beach Bucket List: 9 Magnificent Sea Shores in South Asia
Beaches have always been the best place for enjoying vacations, leisure periods, and relaxation. It is a perfect getaway to distract the mind from worldly stresses and tensions through the heavenly combination of golden sands, gentle breeze, incessant waves, and a horizon that meets the sea at sight’s end.
While every beach offers its own experience, there’s nothing quite like the ones found on the southern end of Asia. Why? Because the tropical climate of this region, combined with the temperate weather all year round, makes it the most splendid beach-going experience. Here you’ll find everything and some more. Let's take a look at the 9 top beach beaches in south Asia to plan your next getaway.
9 Most Exotic Beaches in South Asia
For this list, we will be covering the entire southern half of Asia, starting from the coral reefs of the Maldives to the steppes of Thailand and beyond. Let's get started.
Reethi beach, Fonimagoodhoo, Maldives
Kicking things off from the western coast of the island nation of Maldives. Fonimagodhoo, more commonly known as Reethi beach to the locals, is part of the Baa Atoll area of Maldives. It's one of the hundreds of small island that makes up the country of Maldives.
Read More: 10 Best Professions for Travelers
10 Best Professions for Travelers
Traveling cherishes the soul and gives the inspiration to live a better life. An annual vacation of a week or two may not be sufficient to kill the travel bug for many travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts may need more than this. The wanderlust souls bear strong desires to explore to new places and experiences around the globe. Though the regular 9 to 5 office jobs can make this practically impossible, some vocations allow to travel and earn money simultaneously. Let’s take a look at the top occupations for travelers.
10 Most Amazing Vocations for Wanderlusts
If you want to arrange your life around travel, you can consider any of the following occupations and plan your career accordingly.
Freelancing or Outsourcing
If you have any skills like writing, editing, video creation, graphic design, coding, etc then you can work on the outsourcing platforms like Upwork, 99 design, People Per Hour, Fiverr, etc. You may outsource your skill and travel outside your city and country!
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Online Passive Income
In this digital era, it is becoming more normal to create a passive earning source, and live abroad on the road. Many online passive income sources like selling online tickets, digital products, etc. can be operated even from coffee shops.
There are diverse kinds of digital products. You can pick as per your skill, and passion. For instance, you can write an ebook, or design a WordPress theme and thus earn selling it online.
Teaching Language
There are great options for those who are fortunate enough to speak international languages like English, French, German, etc. Teaching English or other international languages in a foreign country presents extraordinary employment options for those interested in traveling. You can also work as a translator.
Read More: This is the top travel destination of 2023 according to Lonely Planet
Flight Attendant
Working as a flight attendant might be the dream job for those who want to see the world. Flight attendants are an essential component of an airline crew since they help customers and make certain that their safety and comfort are maintained. Flight attendants may find employment with commercial airlines, private jets, corporate jets, or even certain types of military aircraft.
Au Pair
A profession that involves working with children may be very fulfilling. An incredible profession would be one in which one works with children and also gets to travel the globe. To become an au pair, you are required to have prior experience or training in child care and the ability to speak a language other than English.
You will be expected to live with the family that you will be working for and care for their children. Your obligations may include anything from helping their kids with their homework to changing their diapers, depending on the ages of the kids in their care.
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Travel Writing, Blogging, or Vlogging
If you love traveling and get hired for writing about travel, it’s a dream-cum-true career. Travel writing may take many different forms, including first-person features, destination pieces, guidebooks, and tales based on research. As your assignments will vary with each trip, you can enjoy the challenge and never get bored.
If you have video-making skills and a good camera, you can create vlogs. You can also run a personal travel blog and earn from AdSense, affiliation, brand promotion, etc. Your tasks will be different for each journey since each sort of writing has its own set of criteria and its own set of destinations.
Travel Photography
You can buy a camera, and hone your skills as a photographer or videographer. Selling your travel photos on the internet is a smart move to make money. If you have a passion for traveling, and want to make the road your permanent home, learn and earn from photography.
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Despite the fact that you will need to make a very modest investment, the possibility of making photography your vocation can be exhilarating, challenging and joyous.
Athletic Recruiter
People who have a strong desire to see the world also often have an interest in leading physically active lives. Travelers often enjoy activities such as skiing, sailing, swimming, jogging, and yoga when they are away from home.
Besides, if you would rather combine your love of travel with a job in a team sport such as baseball, basketball, football, or soccer, then athletic recruitment could be the perfect fit for you.
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Travel Agent
This is the perfect career for you if you have such a strong passion for vacationing across the world. Thus, you can travel and at the same time organize trips for other people. Working as a travel agent, you can also make substantial savings for your personal vacations.
Cruise Ship Worker
Work opportunities aboard cruise ships are plentiful, but they are also quite competitive to land. If you can get hired on a cruise ship, you can make a livelihood while traveling the globe. In this profession, you can get free meals and a place to stay while you are on the sea.
Conclusion
While a travel-focused profession can allow you to spend unlimited days in a distant city, or region of the country, it may have a few downfalls. A profession that includes a lot of travel comes with a busy schedule, which can be challenging when you have a family and kids. Travel-related careers often require certain education, skill, and experience requirements. Not to mention, unlike regular jobs, travel vocations are risky.
Read More: Hassle-free travel tips for senior citizens
So far we have discussed 10 professions for travelers. The wanderlusts who are seeking ways to make money while traveling, can choose from these vocations and acquire the necessary skills and qualifications.
Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo draws to close
The first Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo that started Thursday to boost the country's tourism industry and showcase it to global tourists drew to a close Saturday at a Dhaka hotel.
The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) organised the three-day expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
According to organisers, airlines, hospitals, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts and other travel and tourism-related service organisations of more than 15 countries including India, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and the UAE, joined the expo.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present as the chief guest and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen as the special guest at the closing ceremony.
Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, ambassador of Spain, Ito Naoki, ambassador of Japan, Haznah Md Hashim, high commissioner of Malaysia, Pham Viet Chien, ambassador of Vietnam, Ghanshyam Bhandari, ambassador of Nepal, were also present.
At the event, the industries minister announced that the Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo 2023 will be held from December 1 to 3.
Read more: FBCCI partners with CNN to promote trade, investment opportunities in Bangladesh globally
Travelling 100 countries with the 9th weakest passport in the world
Maliha Fairooz, or “Maliha Around the World” as her travel blog is called, has been exploring the world on her own with a Bangladeshi passport. She promotes travel culture among Bangladeshi youth by sharing her experiences on her blog.
On November 25, 2022, Maliha reached her 100th country – the Republic of Ghana. On the occasion, she made a long post on her Facebook page, recounting the challenges, joys and discrimination she experienced while travelling as a “brown, Muslim, Bangladeshi woman”.
In Maliha’s own words:
“100 at countries, 6 continents, mostly solo with the 9th worst passport in the world. What a wild ride it’s been! I have dreamt of this moment for as long as I can remember and whilst it’s taken 1 year longer than planned – I am still so grateful to have been able to make it.
READ: This is the top travel destination of 2023 according to Lonely Planet
Modern day travel as it stands is extremely neo colonial – built to favour those from wealthy countries with a strong imperialist and colonial past. From passport privilege to race privilege I have seen my more privileged travel friends waltz in and out of countries without any accountability or difficulty, whilst I have been detained, deported, put in immigration jail, interrogated, searched, subjugated, harassed and simply made to feel like I was not welcome by the authorities in spite of fulfilling every single entry requirement in many countries – simply because I am a brown Muslim woman who holds a Bangladeshi passport. I dream of a world where the colour of my skin and the place of my birth are irrelevant but sadly the reality could not be further than this.
READ: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
As I write this, I am reminded of the utter privilege I possess to have been able to make it this far. Class, wealth, education, language privileges that majority of the world can only dream of. But there is a long way to go and my work to urge travel world to decolonise travel will continue – so stay tuned as I attempt to reach what only a few hundred people in the world have managed to do so far – go to all 197 countries.”
READ: How to get an Indian Tourist Visa from Bangladesh
This is the top travel destination of 2023 according to Lonely Planet
The authoritative travel guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet was founded in 1973. Besides travel guidebooks, they produce monthly magazines and travel shows. One of the highlights each year from Lonely Planet is their list of top travel destinations across the globe. None other than Manchester has just made it to the first position of the top destinations of 2023. Are you wondering whether Manchester is the best place to travel in 2023? Let’s have a look at this northwestern end of England and what should excite potential tourists.
7 Best Places to Visit in Manchester
The history of Manchester is fairly new, unlike other territories of the British union. Up until the 19th century, Manchester was a simple Lancastrian township. With the industrial boom of the early 19th century, Manchester started to grow rapidly due to unplanned urbanization and ever-expanding textile industries.
Today Manchester stands as a postindustrial urban city rich with its township heritage, and Victorian aura and home to several sporting and media institutes.
Read More: Bangladeshi applicants for UK visa need to pay online from Nov 28
Canals of Castlefield
The first thing you can do embarking on Manchester is to visit the canals of Castlefield. The canals and their surrounding Victorian buildings have been restored and are now part of the Urban Heritage Park.
A walk down the canal will take you to the Roman fort and Bridgewater. Here you will find several tour boat options for a Venice-esque experience of Manchester.
And if you have a passion for art and opera, be sure to stop by the Castlefield Art Gallery and Bridgewater hall.
Read More: Top 10 Historic Places, Landmarks in Dhaka
Imperial War Museum North
Those who have interest in war history should never miss a trip to the Imperial War Museum North. It is the extension of the main museum situated in London.
The Manchester branch was established in 2002 and has an impressive collection of war weapons and fighter jets used in several British engagements. But perhaps the best thing about the museum is the documentaries on war history.
The impressive audiovisuals take back the visitors to prehistoric times to as recent as the last world war.
Read More: How to get an Indian Tourist Visa from Bangladesh
Manchester Cathedral
Much of the UK’s history revolves around the church of England and its associated cathedrals. These palatial structures have been a key tourist destination in almost every corner of the UK. And Manchester is no exception.
Here tourists can visit the historic Manchester cathedral, founded in the mid-15th century. While it's relatively new compared to its peers, the centuries of history are still a testament to the city’s rise as a prominent English metropolis.
Be it the choir stalls, tapestries, or the misericords; the Manchester cathedral will surely leave you awestruck with a sense of divinity.
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Manchester Museum
One of the most notable structures on Oxford Road is the Manchester Museum. It is currently part of Manchester University and prides itself on being the largest university museum in the world.
About 4.5 million artifacts and historical documents are stored in the Manchester museum. The museum especially prides itself on its Chinese cultural collection. The museum is undergoing major renovations and is expected to open by early 2023, perfect for the new year.
Manchester Football Museum
Anyone with remote knowledge of football has heard of Manchester City and Manchester United. The two top English premier league clubs share their home in Manchester. So it's only fitting that the city would have its own football museum.
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The museum will definitely take you on a trip down memory lane. The impressive documentaries present here would surely give goosebumps to any diehard football fans. The museum also houses important memorabilia of the two clubs from their long and illustrious history.
China Town
China Town is home to the Chinese community of Manchester. The way they have developed the community here is a marvel in itself. Stepping through the gates, it would feel like you’ve been transported to an actual Chinese city.
The place has some exquisite Chinese architecture which is sure to enthrall you. Besides, there are Chinese cultural souvenir shops available throughout the main street. But the place is actually famous for its Chinese cuisine. If you’re craving some authentic Chinese cuisine in Manchester, then China Town is the place to be.
Read More: Bhutan Travel Guide: Best places to visit, interesting things to do
How to Reach Manchester
Most people take a direct flight to the Manchester International Airport. However, if you’re coming via London, a host of options are available for you.
You can either take a flight, bus or train from London to Manchester. Airfare costs about $70 or 7070 BDT, while bus and train cost $20 and $100 or 2020 BDT and 10100 BDT, respectively (1 USD = 101 BDT).
The best way to get around inside Manchester is either by bus or tram. Tourists can get the daily tram or bus pass which ranges from 6.6 GBP to 10 GBP or 806 BDT to 1221 BDT per day (1 GBP = 122 BDT).
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Food and Accommodation in Manchester
If you’re traveling with family or your partner, there are a host of hotels and inns available in the greater Manchester area. However, the cost-saving route would be to book an Air BnB. Air BnB in urban Manchester would cost you around $35 to $50 or 3535 BDT or 5050 BDT per night.
However, if you’re traveling solo, then we suggest you book one of many available hostels in the city. The all-inclusive cost of hostels tends to be between $15 to $20 or 1515 BDT to 2020 BDT per night.
If you want something fancy to eat, head over to the Laundrette, Delhi House, Slug and Lettuce, or Double Zero Neapolitan. Fine dining in Manchester can cost you up to $50 per person. But a simple takeaway or walk-in diners would cost between $10 to $15.
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Final Words
While Manchester is globally known for its football heritage and a seat for higher education, the city has many more charming aspects and tourist attractions. The city has been featured in the 2023 list of top travel destinations by Lonely Planet. So when are you planning a trip to Manchester?