International – Travelogue90

Why are we a sucker for sunsets?

Published on June 6, 2020January 21, 2024 by travelogue901 Comment

I love sunsets. I am sure everyone does. Sunsets leave me in thoughts, ‘how come such vivid colours leave us speechless every evening?’ I know there are many psychological and scientific reasons behind those hues, but it just makes our jaw drop every single time. Sunsets have the tendency to make us feel small, well in a good way.

It reminds us that the world can be a pretty place despite all the ugliness it throws towards us, for instance COVID-19. Even if it is not the pandemic, there is too much of selfishness, conflict, greed, strive, negative thinking, and stress that sucks the life out of us. This is when we thrive for peace. This is when travel and sunsets walk hand-in-hand.

We all have been a bit sulky off late due to the lockdown. The household errands as well as work drains us. The only thing accessible to us from our homes or terrace or balcony is the sunset. It is a wonderful way to infuse some wonder and awe into our regular routine.

As I looked back to some of the pictures, I was reminded how I took some time for sunset every day, wherever I was, and I am sure you will resonate with it too –

Touristy in your city: Every city has an undiscovered place where you get breathtaking sunsets. This was one such experience. Mumbai as we know is surrounded by the sea, You move to any corner, you will find the sun setting by the sea. After leaving from work, I went to show around a place to my friend before she headed to her hometown. Since she is also a sucker for sunset, the best place was the Bandra Fort, which not only gives you a history of the region but also a blazing sunset from the tip.

Work travel: The one thing I look forward to after work is sunsets. They are just beautiful and Instagrammable. I wish people appreciate the sky show at the end of the day, no matter where they are. By witnessing the beauty of the sunset, you can slow down the perception of time. By taking some time out to gaze out to the colour-soaked sky, we actually empower ourselves to regain control of the clock.

Local train sights, Mumbai © Travelogue90

Local train sights: When I set out to travel by the local train and it passes by the sea, I make sure to stand near the foot board and capture the spectacle of the sky. I am drawn to sunsets during work travel not only because they are pretty and all, but because they are fleeting, just like the commute and maybe, like life too. It is good to appreciate the small things, even if it is only for matter of minutes.

Desert Sunset: In deserts, sunsets are more colourful. The entire atmosphere acts like a filter, just like you add filter for your pictures on the camera or editing tool The colours stand out and that is purely because deserts are clear and less polluted. Oh, and less people as well 😉

Vacation: There is something about sunset that completes the vacation experience. The perfect end to a perfect day in a new city. It is not necessary to idolise sunsets and beaches always. There is something magical about waiting to watch the sunset from the top of the mountain or when you are walking around and exploring a new city. The sunset adds to the charm of it.

Heritage site: Sunsets are beautiful alone and add a heritage site alongside, you end up with something gorgeous. As you walk down to the exit of Burj Khalifa, you notice how the beast glorifies amidst the sunset. While others were rushing for the fountain show, I waited to soak in the majestic Burj Khalifa a little more that day. Mumbai, situated right next to the vast Arabian Sea, is breathtaking from every corner of the city during sunsets. One of the famous spots is the Gateway of India with the sunset paving a golden carpet to the Taj Mahal Palace.

Beaches and Sunsets: When it comes to sunsets, few places come close to Goa. You can witness the change of colours from yellow to orange to purple in a jiffy, whether you are with your loved ones or enjoying your solitude time. The experience becomes enjoyable and peaceful while you are at the pool with a sumptuous meal or a cocktail 😛

Healthy: Do you know the best cure to depression, anxiety, and stress are sunsets? Just by sitting and observing the sunset, gives a health boost. It is considered a chance to practice mindfulness. Research has proved practicing mindfulness reduces stress levels and improves cognitive behaviour. What better way to practice being aware of the moment than watching the time pass by as the sun sinks by the horizon?

So, here’s to enjoying many more sunsets, rising from the petty issues of life, and living abundantly, not just on holidays but everyday! 🙂

Eiffel Tower from the eye of a tourist

Published on May 15, 2020July 3, 2021 by travelogue902 Comments

Let’s be honest, your trip to Europe is incomplete if you miss out on the skyline of Paris. Most importantly, Eiffel Tower. I have always wondered what is so special about Eiffel Tower? Many have dreamt of visiting the beauty since childhood. I remember the first time I ever wanted to visit Paris solely for Eiffel Tower was when I saw Shammi Kapoor dancing away to glory in ‘An Evening in Paris’ song from the same movie.

Before I even go about my emotional experience with the place, let us dig into some facts and history about this mesmerising architecture –

The structure was complete on March 31, 1889 and remained the tallest man-made structure for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York completed in 1930.
The tower opened to the public for the very first time on May 15, 1889.
It is almost 324 metres tall and weighs 10,100 tonnes.
It was also the tallest structure in France until the construction of a military transmitter in Saissac in 1973.
You can climb all the way to the top for which you need to walk up almost 1,665 steps. Hence, many prefer the lift.
Did you know the tower shrinks by six inches during winter?
The tower welcomes every year over 7 million people, making it the most-paid visited monument in the world.
The construction took two years, two months, and five days – 180 years fewer than Paris’ other big attraction the Notre Dame.
Over 20,000 lightbulbs are used to make the Eiffel Tower sparkle every night.
From evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes hour on hour while its beacon shines over Paris.

Eiffel Tower from River Seine © Travelogue90

The best part about the Eiffel Tower is you can see it from any part of the city. My first experience with the monument came through the River Seine cruise. I had a long flight from India and this cruise was a breather in the evening. On a Friday evening, I was standing at the top berth of the cruise and soaking all the cool breeze. It was perfect sunset and seemed like the sunset illuminated differently that day when I saw the Eiffel Tower so close from cruise.

Eiffel Tower architecture © Travelogue90

I could not wait for the next day to watch the Tower up, close, and personal. No wonder Eiffel Tower is considered a symbol of love, it was love at first sight for me when I saw its grandeur. If you want to experience it, nothing matches the climb to the top. Yes, there is a lift but then you miss that little adventure and the architecture. Of course, there is COVID-19 on now, else the Eiffel Tower is open all year round from 9 AM to midnight.

View from Eiffel Tower 3rd floor © Travelogue90

I visited the place during the peak tourist season (May to September). There was line but as they say some experiences are worth the wait. The line movement is quick and we managed to get in within an hour. We decided to take the stairs and as I reached, the view was breathtaking. The third floor, the peak point of the Eiffel Tower, is the ideal point.

From this floor, the view is up to 85 kms, but theoretically, we get to see points 126.5 kms. You can take as many hours you want to catch the views of the city from left, right, and center. Even those few hours seem like seconds. While you take a look at the view, do not miss on some ice lollies or doughnuts in the floor.

View from Eiffel Tower 1st floor © Travelogue90

While coming down, the stairs might seem steep but is worth it. Head to the first floor all the way and you will find hive of activity with restaurants, exhibition, various look-out points, and a documentary showing all the history related to the tower. Oh, missed a very crucial fact here, did you know the Tower literally moves with the wind? Yes, you can witness that from first floor. Also, the entry point view from the first floor makes the people look like caterpillars. I even found the perfect caterpillar shape.

The second floor too is pretty buzzing with restaurants and buffet. But the views from the first and second floor are incomparable to what you get to see from the top. The panorama view from the top is mind boggling and difficult to express in words. At the top of the antenna is an exclusive restaurant for which you need to make bookings. With a glass of champagne it is the perfect romantic experience with a view.

The exit point has seating arrangement and souvenir shop where you get the mini Eiffel Towers . You could also head to the lawn and admire the grandeur of this monument.

Eiffel Tower from the exit point © Travelogue90

While travelling the world is a dream of almost every traveller, seeing the Eiffel Tower in its flesh is definitely a moment that goes on your travel bucket list for life (maybe again and again and again).

Although the actual birthday is on March 31st, you came into our lives on May 15. So, Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower! 🙂

COVID 19: Shifts in travel industry and for travellers

Published on May 6, 2020July 3, 2021 by travelogue902 Comments

Since the pandemic came into existence, wanderers are left wondering if they will ever get to travel again. Cruise lines have suspended their schedules, airlines have stopped taking off, and public transportation has come to a historic standstill. As we continue to practice social distancing, tourists attractions remain shut and tourism industry are experiencing the ripples.

Although we are unsure whether this is a distant dream still or no, travel eventually will become a part of our normal routine. However, you could expect some twists there. Here is a prediction on future of travel:

Public transportation and business travel: Let us accept that taking a metro or calling for an Uber or entering the public bus will never be the same again. Several changes and implementations will take place for protecting the passengers and staff. Disinfecting the facilities and surface well would be a priority. You would notice people wearing gloves and respiratory protection for months post lockdown. The face masks is already mandatory in places like Thailand and South Korea currently. Social distancing will become the new norm. Moreover, companies will cut down on business travel costs and expect to have more and more discussions over video conferences.

2. Airports and Airlines: There is going to be a war against congested lines. This would not only be at check-in points but the entry gate and immigration as well. For far too long, airports have mulled over using technology for speeding these processes, especially domestic airports. Some changes expected in airports and airlines are –

Bringing in biometric screenings, temperature checks, digital documentation setup, are some of the systems that airports could implement.
As you are aware, Europe has been worse hit with COVID 19. Considering this aspect, Schengen visa applications could get tough as test results and vaccination documents might become a necessity while applying for the same. The information was updated on Schengen visa website.
Oh, expect some surge on ticket prices too!
Meanwhile in India, Mumbai airport have already released post-lockdown measures.
Delhi International airport will resume their operations post-lockdown from terminal 3. According to PTI, entry gates, self-check-in machines, and check-in bays would be allocated to airlines for avoiding overcrowding of passengers.
As for hygiene, KLM, United Airlines, and Lufthansa have made face masks obligatory.
On the other hand, Japan Airlines and Emirates are practicing social distancing.
Etihad are preparing passenger kits before passengers board the flight.
Passengers, on the other hand, are doing away with middle seats onboard.

3. Hotels: You cannot wait for things to get back to normal, can you? But the truth is, change is inevitable. This is going to impact the way you choose your accommodation as well. We could witness sudden increase in bookings for small and boutique properties or renting of private homes or villas. The best part is bigger hotels are already aware of your concerns and this is what the following brands have planned:

The ‘Stay With Peace of Mind’ program of Anantara aims to build one existing health and safety measures.
Marriott International has launched a new internal platform for promoting hotel cleanliness.
Hilton too announced new hygiene programme to reassure the existing as well as old consumers after the lockdown.
Hyatt international’s accreditation process by the Global Briorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) will include cleaning, infectious and disinfection disease prevention programme. More than 900 Hyatt hotels will observe this schedule.
Kempinski reassures that guests would require to wear white gloves.

Road trip from Pondicherry to Chennai © Travelogue90

4. Road trip rage: Experts already have opined that short destinations means welcome of road trip. Also, an open road, favourite track playing in the background, blue skies is not that bad after staying home for three to four months, right? Although the borders within the country might still experience restrictions, you may need to search for options within your state. The metro cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bengaluru in India have hosts of options.

5. Choice of destination and packing lists: At the moment, close-to-home destinations will matter. People will prefer to take their own vehicle, short-distance flights, and passenger rail to explore the nearby places. Densely populated places need to take a backseat for a while. Packing will definitely see a change with more of hand sanitisers and face masks taking space in the luggage. Soon, airlines could make the disinfectant a compulsory product onboard.

People will step out for travel again, be it for leisure or business. But being informed becomes a necessity after the pandemic. Several companies and country Government have launched apps which give you on-the-go updates about high-risk places, tracking of potential patients, and daily COVID 19 reports.

Hence, have these apps handy on your phones before you step out to experience the new world again. And yes, stay safe always!

Life as a part-time traveller

Published on November 13, 2019July 3, 2021 by travelogue902 Comments

In the recent past I have noticed a sudden boom in the travel blogging space. Some have quit their jobs and invested their all for the nomadic experience. Then there are those who have taken Dalai Lama’s quote seriously, ‘Once a year go some place you’ve never been before.’ I fall under the second category and we group of people have a term as well – part-time travellers. It is a phrase that has been bandied around the travel community for a while now.

It is the focus of my blog, rather my ‘niche’ as some would say. However, the moment I mention part-time travel, I am welcomed with host of questions. People outside the travel ‘blogosphere’ do not get it. I was thinking of varied topics to write on and came across a discussion on Twitter recently.

One of the travel bloggers, Darcy Vierow, made a serious statement – ‘Guys, the struggle is real. Between the day job, some recent family obligations, and home life obligations, it’s been really hard to keep my head above water and still breathe some life into my blog. Please tell me I’m not the only one.’

It dawned up on me, she is absolutely right. She pretty much summed the life of a part-time traveller, in fact. I work almost 10 hours, five days a week. I have mortgages, career, home, and personal life that need attention as well. But that does not stop me from travelling.

I was not much into travelling initially until I headed to my first international trip to South East Asia. I had the knack of clicking pictures through smartphone and my regular Canon camera, but the thought of making a side hustle of it never crossed my mind.

I know this side hustle required all my time and attention initially for growing it. Hence, I started with an Instagram page. Since I got good response from the page, I extended it to Facebook and soon Twitter as well. The next hurdle was starting a website which needed complete attention. But my 10-hour job and other obligations, only gave me weekends to concentrate on it. Yet, that never stopped me from giving some life to my passion – travel.

Part-time travel, simply put, is travelling. The term for me typically means heading for a heritage walk within my city, weekend breaks, short to long haul getaways. These are all different forms of part-time travel which we all embrace today.

Nowadays, majority of people that love travelling do part-time travel. There are a few who are in a position for extended holidays or embrace the full-time role. I try to squeeze in my wanderlust as much as my annual leave allows.

Here are some reasons why I adore part-time travelling –

1) Excitement: Considering the work and personal stress consumes most part of the year, the eagerness to a visit a new place brings back all the happiness. The moments away from your puzzled mind and life at home are rare and precious.

2) Layer of security: A cushion of money that the 9-6 job offers me is something I can invest for the comfort of my next trip. Travelling requires sustainability, especially if you look at it from a long-term perspective. Budgeting and monitoring the funds is crucial while wander-lusting.

3) Flexibility: Ask any nomad and they will tell you how much they miss birthdays, weddings, brunches, the latest Netflix series, and so on. Adjusting your travel according to special events at home is a daunting task for full-time travellers. This year I had decided to head to Australia. Owing to a special family event, I had to push it back to next year. Thankfully, part-time travellers have that convenience.

4) New adventures right outside the doorstep: I stress on the fact that nothing beats being touristy in your hometown than any place on the globe. You could discover new restaurants or hangout spaces. I guarantee you that there is a whole new world unexplored right outside your doorstep.

5) Relationships: Exploring new places also builds new relationships. During my trip to Europe, South East Asia, and Dubai, I encountered people from different spheres and countries. There are a few who form a part of my memory while others are still in around me.

Over the past four years, I have travelled to 7 countries, apart from my home country India. Yes, with family, career, and financial obligations, it is not possible to completely divert all the attention to exploring several new places in a year’s time and inject some quality on your blog as well. But maintaining the right balance along with other facets, is what I love about my daily life. A balance that is slowly and steadily taking my travel passion a step ahead each day.

Here’s to those who manage all the spheres of life and enjoy time to travel. Here is to all my part-time travel bloggers.