TRAVEL TIPS
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AVOIDING JET LAG
1. Choose your arrival time wisely
When trying to fight jet lag, prepping begins when you book your flight. If you find it hard to sleep on planes, it’s better to arrive in the evening so you can head to bed soon after checking into your hotel. If you are a plane-snoozer, look for flights that arrive around lunchtime. You’ll want to make the most of your extra half-day at your destination and moving about will send your body the message that it’s time to be up and about, even if it’s 3 am back home.
2. Split up the trip
The more time zones you cross at once, the more likely you are to suffer from jet lag when you land. Look for flights with layover options in a destination halfway between there and home. For example, if you’re going to Vietnam (seven hours ahead), try to stop in the United Arab Emirates (four hours ahead) for a day or two. This gives your body time to adjust and ease into its new schedule.
3. Move your bed and meal times
Moving your bedtime forward or backward by a few hours in the days before you fly has a similar effect to splitting your trip and can really help you fight jet lag. You don’t have to do the full eight-hour shift, but if you usually go to bed at 11 pm try going at 9 pm or 1 am. Adjusting your meal times will also go some way to combating any middle-of-the-night hunger pangs.
4. Set your clocks as soon as you board your flight
Don’t wait until you land. Once you’re settled in your seat, that’s the time to switch to your new timezone. If it’s bedtime there, try your best to go to sleep. Most airlines provide amenity kits on long-haul flights with eye masks and earplugs, and these can help to drown out distractions. A sling for your legs that hangs down from your tray table can make you feel comfier, too. If it’s daytime at your destination, try not to sleep. Short 20-minute naps are okay, but it’s best to stay awake so you can go to bed on arrival.
5. Stay up until 10 o’clock
It’s so tempting to sink straight into bed after a long-haul flight, especially if you don’t sleep well on planes. This can be a huge mistake. Your body will stick to its old rhythm and you’ll end up lying awake all night, and feeling fatigued the next day. If you really have to snooze, keep it short – a two-hour nap is enough of a boost without destroying your chances of a good night’s sleep.
6. Get some sunlight
Our bodies are designed to respond to daylight – we want to be awake when the sun’s out, and asleep when it’s dark. That’s why so many people find it harder flying west to east – it shortens the days and gives you less time to recover. No matter how tired you feel during the day, do your best to get out into the sun for a stroll around to fight jet lag.
7. Avoid coffee and alcohol
You might be tempted to knock back the caffeine to wake yourself up, or have a few glasses of wine to make you dozy – but both will disturb your sleep even more. Sure, grab a coffee when you land, but switch to water at least four hours before bed. Another reason to avoid booze is that morning-after fuzzy head. If you thought jet lag was bad, wait until you combine it with a hangover.
8. Create a ‘sleep-friendly’ environment
When it’s finally bedtime, you might find that you don’t fall asleep right away – even if you’ve been on the verge of dropping off all day. If that’s the case, try to make your sleep area as relaxing as possible. Keep hold of the earplugs and eye mask from your amenity kit, and put your electronics away. Give yourself a 30- to 60-minute wind-down period with no electronics, turn on the fan for a bit of white noise, and draw the curtains so it’s pitch dark.
9. Get up early and go explore
Even if you only managed to grab a few hours of sleep, resist the urge to have a lie-in. Don’t just set an alarm, give yourself a good reason to get up on that all-important first day. Book in for a morning food tour, make a reservation at a popular brunch place, or schedule a sunrise hike. Your body clock will fight jet lag and get back on track faster once you’re up and about in the sunshine and chatting with other people.
10. If your trip is short, try to stick to ‘home’ time
It can take days to recover from jet lag, so if you’re being sent to your company’s Singapore or Seattle office for less than a week it’s really not worth changing your circadian rhythms. Try to keep as close to your bedtime at home as possible, even if that means waking up at 4 am and going to bed straight after work. You’ll feel much better when you get home, as your body won’t have to adjust so much.
Jet lag can be pretty bad. But with a bit of sunshine, forward-thinking, and resisting the urge to sleep you’ll be able to get over it quickly and enjoy your trip.
PACKING YOUR SUITCASE
1. Roll, don't fold.
Many travel experts—including backpackers, who must stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.
2. Make a packing list
When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.
3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy
Figuring out the airlines' tricky and befuddling baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights. Spirit Airlines—that notoriously customer-unfriendly discounter—even charges as much as $100 for carry-on bags.
Before you begin packing, take a peek at your airline's website and read its baggage policy. This is something you might even want to do prior to buying your plane ticket, especially if you're set on bringing a checked bag or two. Consider flying on Southwest or JetBlue, both of which permit at least one free checked bag on domestic flights.
4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule
What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage? Attempt to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line and the TSA will likely confiscate your stuff, holding you up in line in the process. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This isn't as simple as it sounds. Foods such as peanut butter, pudding, mashed potatoes, and icing are classified as gels. Mascara, lip gloss, and aerosol items are also classified as liquids or gels. But keep in mind that liquid prescription medication is exempt. See a more complete list of liquids and gels that are not permitted in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces here.
5. Use your personal item wisely
It's standard for airlines to permit each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable.
6. Wash your clothes on the road
Laundry facilities are one of my favorite parts about staying in vacation rentals. If you know your accommodations will have free laundry facilities, you're golden. You can wash and wear just a handful of outfits for the duration of even very long trips.
If you're staying in a hotel, call in advance to see if laundry services are available and how much they cost. Travelers staying in properties without laundry facilities or taking cruises—cruise lines are notorious for charging an arm and a pant leg for laundry services—can wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry. I always make sure to pack a travel-size packet of laundry detergent and a sink stopper to clean my clothes on the road—it's my secret for fitting everything in a carry-on bag. Portable laundry-drying lines that attach to showers via suction cups are also a good choice; you can find them at many travel-supply stores.
7. Pack dual-purpose garments
If it's two-in-one, it's one less thing to pack. Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.
8. Layer
This advice is twofold: Wear layers and pack in layers. First, your on-the-road wardrobe should feature plenty of layers, which will help you jetset through multiple climates in style and comfort. Second, the items in your bag should be packed in neat layers for easy screening. According to the TSA, "Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)" so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what's inside. The faster the TSA agent can screen your stuff, the faster you'll get through the security line.
9. Never check essential items
It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. We probably don't need to tell you why you need to keep your passport and wallet on your person. But if the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.
10. Use packing aids
My all-time favorite packing aid: Eagle Creek Compression Sacs. Use them to shrivel your clothes into a vacuum-packed, tiny, tight bundle that takes up minimal suitcase space. Other packing aids that can help you organize better and fit more into your bag include packing envelopes and packing cubes.
TOP DESTINATIONS
PARIS
One simply cannot talk about travel without mentioning PARIS! Well, all of us have at one time or the other thought about planning a long vacation to the City of Lights and take a long walk near the “oh so gorgeous” Eiffel Tower. Other than the iconic attractions like Louvre and Arc De Triomphe, the divine cafes, and vibrant markets, the je ne sais quoi charms are to die for. Travelling to Paris is the much-needed break that everybody has to catch post the pandemic, as wandering around the cobblestone streets holding a croissant in our hands is all we need. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and fly away on vacation in Paris.
LONDON
London is not just a city; it is a world in itself. The blooming green parks with crowds impossible to escape from, London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Famous for its blend of modern-day attractions and historical landmarks, London is a tourist hub. The Towers of London, Tate Garden, and Buckingham Palace are some of London’s most famous tourist spots. The best time to travel to London is during the warmer months, which are also the busiest months. Also, while you are at it, don’t forget to try London’s classic afternoon tea.
TAHITI
Who doesn’t love a vacation to laze around in a lavish overwater bungalow? And if the same is the case with you then my friend, you have found your dream travel destination. You heard it right. Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is the perfect destination for you. Apart from its posh resorts, Tahiti offers a great Cultural travel experience in its ancient traditional temples and shops at its traditional covered markets. Beyond this, Tahiti is also a prime spot for adventure sports like surfing and snorkelling. However, the best trip to Tahiti is incomplete without experiencing this paradise on a cruise.
ROME
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” and you surely can’t take a trip to Rome and see everything in a day. A trip to Rome isn’t just a dream travel destination, but it is a whole experience in itself. Rome is a destination for travellers who relish learning about the past. From Churches to museums and the famous Colosseum to the Pantheon, Rome is situated with gorgeous tourist spots. So, don’t wait. Go ahead, book those tickets for a memorable trip to Rome.
PHUKET
Leonardo Di Caprio’s movie “The Beach” has given all of us some serious travel goals. If you’ve been longing for a vacation for quite some time now, Phuket is the best tourist spot to chill. There’s so much to do in Phuket that one can’t name them all in a stretch. From having a walk beneath the neon lights at Bangla road while you continue your shopping spree to partying at the island’s club lined beaches, Phuket gives you the perfect wholesome vacation.
BALI
Bali is no less than an Indonesian Paradise. Surrounded by serene temples and gorgeous beaches, Bali is the perfect beach vacation spot there is. And while you stay there, you can also pay a visit to the famous Kinta Mani, which is home to an active volcano and a beautiful lake. And if your Instagram lacks an aesthetic vibe, then you can give it a spin with pictures of your trip to Bali. If you’re missing those crazy adventurous vibes, you can always rent a scooter and explore the rice terraces and jungles during your trip.
BARCELONA
If there’s a city that is a treat to sore eyes, it has got to be Barcelona. The serene lanes of Barcelona truly capture some tremendous architectural work. Famous for La Barceloneta beach and Parc De La Ciutadella Barcelona is a beautiful city. Apart from this, you can always take a trek up to Mount Tibidabo, a very famous tourist spot for travellers who want to see the city from above. And if you’re a football fan, then a trip to Barcelona isn’t worth missing.
DUBAI
If your Instagram bio reads “wanderlust”, and you still haven’t travelled to Dubai yet, then are you still a traveller? Dubai’s stunning Persian Gulf views, adventurous activities, and historical landmarks await all travellers from around the world. The place is famous for its attractive tourist spots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and indoor ski. Even the city is as modern as it can be, but it holds on to its heritage roots, which can be witnessed in the Bastakiya Quarters and the ever so traditional and culturally rich Gold and Spice Souks. Don’t still wonder, pack your bags, book your flights, and Escape to the land of magic.
GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyons is like God’s unique gift to all adventure junkies out there. It offers all sorts of outdoor activities ranging from hiking to rafting. And not just adventure junkies but anybody can take a long sweet trip to this beautiful place famous for its national park’s Rim and Bright Angel trails and the Colorado River. Besides this, your travel is incomplete without a view of the serene Arizona landscape view from up above on a helicopter tour.
MACHU PICHU
Machu Picchu, also known as the “Lost City of Incas” is a life-changing travel destination for all travellers. The place is not for the faint-hearted and offers several challenging activities, including a four-day hike along the Inca Trail. The beautiful sunrise view from the Peruvian site is so serene that it is to die for. But don’t worry if you’re not up for a trek. You can also enjoy the mountain base by taking the tourist train, which is an easier route to the top. So, if you’re up for an adventure and have been longing for a trip, then Machu Picchu is the place for you.
BEST FOOD
In its most basic form, this popular type of pasta consists of durum flour and water. The word spaghetti means a small string, and this long, string-shaped pasta was originally rolled by hand. Originally known as itryya, it was invented in 12th century Arab-ruled Sicily, the home of the first dried pastas.
Today, like most modern pastas, spaghetti is made by being extruded through a die. The types and names of spaghetti vary according to the diameter of the pasta and the region where they're produced. Today, the name spaghetti is synonymous with “made in Italy”, and in the 20th century, Italian immigrants became the largest importers of spaghetti and other Sicilian and Neapolitan pastas to the United States.
Tortilla, originally a corn flatbread, is one of the essential bread varieties that has been present in Mexican culture for thousands of years. The first tortilla was created out of the staple ingredient of indigenous cultures, the ubiquitous corn.
It was an ingredient used by the ancient Mesoamerican people, who would store the corn kernels and later process them to create masa, which was then formed into balls and hand pressed to create the familiar, round and thin tortilla. This ancient tradition is still present among some native Indian groups, who are excessively trained to perfect the art of making authentic tortillas.
These flaky, golden-colored, crescent-shaped pastries are best made with pure butter and a slightly sweet yeast dough. If made properly, the yellow-white interior should be just the slightest bit elastic when pulled from the center, ready to be covered with a pad of butter or some fresh jam.
Experts agree that the croissant was heavily influenced by Austrian kipfels. This pastry originated in 1683 as a celebration of the Austrian victory over the Ottoman Empire, its shape supposedly mimicking the crescent moon found on the Turkish flag.
Tofu is a unique vegan product, similar to cheese in texture, and made out of coagulated soy milk. The process of coagulation separates the curd from the whey, which results in the formation of protein-packed soy curds which are stored in containers to retain a rectangular shape, making it readily available for further use.
Most tofu varieties are created by the process of coagulation, but might differ in how hey are stored and drained, which affects the texture of the final product. The primary distinction is made between firm and soft tofu, which are used according to their composition and characteristics.
Also known as Chinese vermicelli and glass noodles, these thin noodles are made from water and starch extracted from mung beans, yams, cassava, or potato. They are characterized by their translucent appearance and extremely mild flavor. Cellophane noodles are often used in soups and stir-fries, but can also be served cold in salads.
They tend to soften quickly when used in soups, while they remain al dente and soak up the flavors of other ingredients when used in stir-fries. The noodles are commonly flavored with vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, or chili oil. Apart from China, cellophane noodles are popular in numerous other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Tibet, India, Pakistan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hawaii.
Ramen is a noodle soup that first appeared in Japan in 1910, when Chinese cooks combined the noodles with a salty broth. These curly noodles were of bright yellow color and more elastic than the Japanese noodles prepared at the time – the dough was kneaded with a sodium carbonate-infused mineral water called kansui.
In 1958, its name was derived from the pronunciation of the Chinese word lamian (pulled noodles), and that same year, Nissin Foods produced the first-ever instant version of noodles with a chicken-flavored broth called Chickin Ramen.
Tacos are the national dish of Mexico, dating back to the Mexican silver mines of the 18th century, when the word taco referred to gunpowder that was wrapped in a piece of paper and inserted into rocks. It was used to excavate the precious ore from mines and was called tacos de minero or miner's tacos. Today, the word is widely known to signify the leading street food and fast food item in Mexico – thin, flat griddle-baked tortillas topped with numerous fillings, folded and eaten without any utensils.
A taco is basically anything eaten on a soft tortilla, and there is an infinite variety of them. In Sonora, in the north of Mexico, they eat the classic carne asada - thinly sliced meat grilled over coals and topped with salsa, onions, guacamole, and a lime wedge.
A quintessential American food, burger evolved from the German Deutsches beefsteak, according to the New York Times food critic Mimi Sheraton. Its other name (hamburger) is a result of the fact that many German immigrants originally came from the port of Hamburg.
Burger is a succulent dish consisting of, ideally, medium-rare seared beef patties tucked in fresh, lightly toasted buns, accompanied by onion slices and ketchup or Dijon mustard. Of course, there is a variety of other condiments and vegetables such as salad greens and tomatoes, but they tend to turn the meat cold, according to Mrs. Sheraton.
Sushi is Japan's most famous culinary representative, typically made with rice and fillings which have been rolled inside a a sheet of dry seaweed. However, the term sushi is actually an umbrella term covering a wide range of subvarieties which can be made with a myriad of different ingredients and in as many forms and presentations.
Although the dish has become wrongly synonymous with raw fish, the primary ingredient of every type of sushi is only vinegared rice. Originally, sushi was only a method of preserving fish - first developed in Southeast Asia, but it reached Japan in the 8th century.
The story of the invention of this everyday household name changes depending on how you define it. If you think a pizza is an oven-baked flatbread, its origins lie in the ancient Middle East. If pizza must have toppings, its origins date back to the ancient Romans and Greeks, who baked flatbreads and topped them with available, local spices and olive oil.
But the pizza we all know today, made with tomato sauce, cheese, and numerous toppings, originated in Italy. It became popular in Naples in the 18th century as a cheap, nourishing food that was consumed mainly by peasants. The modern pizza as we know it today evolved from early Neapolitan flatbreads topped with lard, salt, and garlic.