lisajolly

My visit to Cairns could well be labelled as a love story. Cairns has actually proved to be the love of my life (due apologies to my husband, Luke!). The city is extremely beautiful and comes across as a sort of poetry eulogising the natural prowess of Australia! The tropical climate of the city allowed me to relax and take in the natural environs of the place without having to worry about the climatic conditions of the place. For most, Cairns is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef but for me, the city has a lot up its sleeve but it only unfolds to those who are not satisfied with only the superficial. Let’s talk about the attractions of the city. There is a lot to experience in this city and it is ... read more

I am in the middle of my world tour and I have to say that I have seen so much and so many that nothing startles and overwhelms me now. However, if there is one surprise package that really winded me out with its earthly charm, it would be Indonesia. And to think I almost skipped this one as I thought it was the usual tropical beach destination that are so many around! Indonesia is like a fine wine. It actually grows better with time you spend here. It is a good thing if you head to the country, like me, with no knowledge of it whatsoever. Unexpected beauty is always more powerful! Of course, it the beaches in Bali that have propelled the country to where it is – among the top of tourism in ... read more

The world, it seems, is a candy store where all flavours and every taste come together to put smiles of the faces of children (the travellers). From my incredibly invigorating trip to Thailand, it was time to explore charms held by Singapore, “the world's only sovereign city-state that is also an island country,” goes the Wikipedia. Singapore, like Thailand and India, comes across as a mesmeric blend of the traditional and modern. But unlike the two countries, dissimilarities here in Singapore are more compact. You needn't travel miles to unearth contrasting facets of this country. It is right here. Right where you stand! Of course, it is the modern that has always been the more dramatic and is more likely to stun you in silence of admiration. The sky touching buildings, gigantic shopping malls, colorful nightlife ... read more

After a long trip through the Royal Heart of India, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, it was time for me to board my flights to India’s Powerhouse of Entertainment, Mumbai and country’s Premier Beach Destination, Goa. Mumbai I arrived in Mumbai on flights from Udaipur and checked into the Best Western Emerald Hotel in Juhu area that is popular for its beach – perhaps the most popular beach in Mumbai. The location is pretty close to the airport and I was spared the long and tiring commute after I disembarked my flights at the airport. The hotel is a three star budget accommodation but features fairly impressive facilities and amenities. Hotel staff is caring and friendly and I found the room service quite prompt. I wasn’t equally impressed with the dining though; but I guess it ... read more

Booking flight tickets is only a small part of the preparations that go into making an overseas journey possible. Ensuring that one possesses valid travel documents (passport/visa) and will be eligible for entry into the foreign destination or even for transiting through an en route stopover is necessary; and these factors must be mulled over carefully well before one calls the travel agent for booking air tickets for flights and accommodation etc. And since these factors can make or break your holiday, here are the significant entry requirements related to visas and passports for the popular Asian destinations including India and Far East that I cover on my holiday starting this weekend. The info has been sourced from FCO which offers advice for British Nationals; and it is recommended to check www.gov.ukfor latest and updated requirements ... read more