Explore! Macau has much more than casinos to offer

 Macau a tiny 30 square kilometre peninsula and is just an hour's ferry ride from Hong Kong. Once a Portuguese colony until 1999 before being handed over to China. It is a territory similar to Hong Kong in terms of administrative autonomy, and the good news is that you don't need a visa to visit this tourist-friendly haven.

When Macau springs to mind, a vision of grand glittering casinos surfaces. But my recent trip made me look beyond casinos. With its architecturally designed streets, traditionally structured homes, religious institutions and Portuguese and Chinese buildings, the Historic Centre of Macau is a perfect crossroad of East and West cultures meeting.

The highlight is the European influence one experiences while shopping around Senado Square with its beautiful Portuguese cobblestones surrounded by neo-classic buildings, fountains, trees and benches.

Macau is a city of contrast where two totally different worlds meet each other. One being its old world colonial heritage so well preserved in their buildings like the Ruins of St. Paul (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the other Macau, a miniature version of Las Vegas with its gigantic casinos, enormously luxurious hotels, night clubs, shopping complexes and entertainment venues etc.

Peninsula and the Cotai Strip are filled with several of the very same casinos and luxury hotels that line the Strip in Sin City. You name it, they've got it-there's The St. Regis, Four Seasons Hotel, The Venetian, Wynn, Galaxy and many more.

The famous Venetian Macau is a replica of The Venetian in Las Vegas. The art treatment on the ceiling and the intricate interior design leaves you in awe while enjoying the gondola ride. And for those who love shopping, this is one shopping haven with all the top brands lined up under the same roof waiting for you to explore.

And when you are done with sightseeing, gambling, shopping, and dancing, then all you need to do is indulge in Macau's multicultural cuisine. A paradise for sea food lovers the city offers a great mix of street food and fine dining experiences all at the same place. Last but not the least is the famous Portuguese specialty, the traditional almond cookies and egg tarts which make good presents with the "taste of Macau" for visitors to take home with them.

Planning an underwater getaway this summer? Check out top 5 destinations

It's summer and we know how you are hoping for a respite from the scorching heat. Well, if you are a globetrotter and are tired of the land exploration, why don't you go for some deeper expeditions? Well, we are talking about underwater trips. Happy? We know.

When you are bored of the world above, fret not, because there is a great deal of beauty waiting to be explored underneath. If you love the blue sky, you will definitely love the rich, blue waters of the oceans and rivers and explore the underwater life.

Yes, although a bit expensive, they can be worth it. So, what are you waiting for? Get a glimpse of the vast, colourful, breathtaking beauty of the marine life in any of these destinations this season.

Take a look:

Oahu, Hawaii

Explore the rich underwaters in Oahu island. The boat is designed with a glass bottom and the trip lasts for about a couple of hours. Indulge in the beauty of local fish, coral reefs some 100 feet under the water!

Mauritius

There are many underwater trips in Mauritius. Go 35 meters deep to explore the shipwrecks, species of fish and make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Andamans, India

Known for its rich marine life, Andaman islands will assure a worthy coral safari which will enrich you with its deep, beautiful coral life experience. You can also explore the semi-submarine in Andamans.

Costa Rica, Central America

Experience the richness of marine life in this abode. Exhilarate in the extreme beauty and get surrounded by leatherback turtles and blue whales!

Aruba, Netherlands

This is one of the best places to visit when it comes to underwater adventure. You can view the colourful world underneath and it's not going to be that tough.

Planning a trip to Auckland? Here’s your travel guide

Auckland is the largest and most multicultural city of New Zealand. Located on a narrow strip of the northern island, Auckland is a city of Volcanoes. Interestingly, Auckland is the only city in the world to have been built on basaltic volcanic field.

The city is equipped with modern amnesties and is also abundantly blessed by nature.

Auckland’s soothing weather, employment opportunities, quality educational institutions and natural beauty attract tourists from world over.

It is one of the richest cities in the world and has the reputation of being a city with a great quality of life.

If you wish to visit this part of New Zealand, here’s a travel guide for you:

15 Awesome Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur

Here’s a list of all the fun things you get to do in the Malaysian capital.

December is here — that means it’s time to pack your bags and fly off into that gorgeous sunset. A time to reflect, rejuvenate, and relax. And what better place to take a break from life’s hustle than Malaysia? Make this New Year’s Eve magical, and set off for the capital city of Kuala Lumpur!

The city boasts of a vast and diverse culture, quirky adventures, and delicious food. 

Still not convinced? Here’s a list of all the fun things you get to do in the Malaysian capital.

(Source: AirAsia)

1. VISIT THE PETRONAS TOWERS

This goes without saying — when in Kuala Lumpur, the first stop should be the Petronas Towers. The towers are the tallest twin buildings that the architectural world has ever seen. You can see them from almost anywhere in the city and they look absolutely breathtaking. But the best view is from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Park at night, when the lights come on.

2. EAT AT JALAN ALOR
Experience street food at its best at Jalan Alor. The street comes alive when the sun goes down and hawkers start preparing their delicious offerings. Hog on some yummy satays accompanied by sweet and spicy chutneys. A little crowded but so worth it!

3. FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT MENARA TOWERS
One of the tallest structures in the world, the Menara, or the KL Tower as it is also known as, provides a panoramic view of the entire city. It takes about a minute to reach the observation deck that has binoculars set up with an in-built audio system, which gives you a virtual tour of Kuala Lumpur. The view from here of the city is almost as lovely as it is from your AirAsia flight! The tower is iconic for the locals, who use it to spot the moon during the holy month of Ramadan.

(Source: AirAsia)

4. MAKE SOME FRIENDS AT THE KUALA LUMPUR BIRD PARK
The KL bird park is among the largest aviaries in the world. With around 3,000 species to keep you company, this is a haven for all bird lovers. Although there are imported species here, the heroes of the park are the locals. It is an open bird park, so they are literally walking or flying right alongside you!

5. LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
If you want to learn more about Malay culture and history, then the National Museum should definitely be on your ‘must-see’ list. Located near the Lake Garden, the museum has hints of traditional Islamic architecture and modern elements. There is also a Railway Museum in the city that tells you about the well-organised railway system and history of trains in Malaysia.

6. SHOPAHOLICS, HEAD TO SURIA KLCC
There are malls and then there is the Suria Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The 6-storey, huge shopping centre has everything that you could possibly want. Sure, you’ll be shopping at Duty Free before catching your AirAsia flight, but this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Cinemas, food courts, rides, a supermarket, and vendors selling arts and crafts on their carts – you name it, they have it!

(Source: AirAsia)

7. SAY HELLO TO CHINATOWN

Malaysia has a large Chinese population, which Petaling Street clearly proves. The area is a mini China, with food stalls, bazaars, and Chinese temples. Pretty lanterns of all sizes decorate the place and make it look just lovely at night.

8. WALK AROUND BUKET BINTANG
Easily accessible from the KL monorail, this place is absolutely perfect for budget shopping. Hawkers and vendors of all kinds line up the street and sell pretty much everything you can think of. If street shopping is what you love, this is where you have to go to! After all, you should take advantage of your baggage allowance from AirAsia, right?

9. CAPTURE BEAUTY AT THE BUTTERFLY PARK
KL hosts a magnificent park that has around 120 species of butterflies. The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park has been modelled to look like a jungle, with an abundance of flora and fauna. There are experts on board that explain their life cycles, mating patterns, etc., to tourists, and help educate people about these wonderful creatures.

(Source: AirAsia)

10. HIKE UP THE BATU CAVES
A short drive from the main city, the Batu Caves are a popular pilgrimage site. Full of Hindu shrines, this place sees a large number of devoted visitors from the Tamil population of Malaysia. Monkeys will keep you company as you climb up the limestone caves. There are over 150 different routes to choose from, each with their own unique markers. Hiking up to the Caves is a great way to round out your holiday. Keep this for the fag end of your trip so that it tires you out, and you can enjoy the pampering and hospitality on your AirAsia flight back.

11. AQUARIA KLCC FOR ALL THE WATER BABIES
No, it’s not just an aquarium. Situated in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Aquaria is home to over 5,000 water creatures. A huge property of 60,000 sq ft, it houses a 300-feet-long tunnel that takes you hundreds of feet below surface level, giving you a surreal feeling of being in limbo.

(Source: AirAsia)

12. FEEL ROYAL AT ISTANA NEGARA
The Istana Negara is a palace that hosted the Malaysian kings until a new one was built in 2011. Now, it is a heritage museum where you can learn all about Malaysian royalty and even visit some of the rooms. There is a change of guard ceremony that takes place every day, which is magnificent to witness. On every special occasion that the country celebrates, the palace is lit up and decked up to the nines.

13. EVENING STROLL AT THE KLCC PARK
No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without spending some time at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Park. A stone’s throw away from the twin towers and the Menara observatory tower, it is located right at the heart of the city. With sprawling lawns and excellent views, it is the perfect place to laze around with friends and family, and enjoy some much-needed down-time.

14. ADMIRE THE STREET ART NEAR JAMEK MOSQUE
Located where the Klang and Gombak Rivers meet, Jamek Mosque is one of the oldest in the country, famous for its Moorish architecture and, of course, its location. Along the Klang River, you will see a lot of street art on the walls that is just so pretty!

15. TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THE SUNWAY LAGOON THEME PARK
If you are travelling with family, make some time to visit this theme park – it promises to show the little ones as well as the adults a great time! This one park has a water zone, zoo, adventure land, and so much more. Getting bored is not an option here. Rest assured, your AirAsia flight back with the kids will be replete with excitement and stories.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/sponsored-lifestyle/15-awesome-things-to-do-in-kuala-lumpur-4417423/

Best And The Most Affordable Places To Travel This Winter

Summer holidays are too mainstream, so how about taking a break and escaping to get some warmth this winter? To satiate your wanderlust here are some free spirited in the budget travel destinations from around the world.

Binge in the sun with your soul in your backpack and check them out, because when it comes to traveling - once a year shouldn't really be enough and trust me, here is a world of reasons to make you believe that!

The Seychelles - East Africa

One of the most beautiful havens of about 115 islands, this place, is surreal beyond faith. 

This archipelago will not burn a huge hole in your pocket if planned wisely and at least a 

month or two prior. Mahé, La Digue, Praslin, and Victoria are the prime destinations with absolute divine and picturesque sights of beaches and amazing coral life for the ones who snorkel.

Puerto Plata - Dominican Republic 

The Caribbean has been on the hottest destinations for winters since time ever. Being the busiest in the month of January a trip to Caribbean might be little pricey but definitely not if you escape to this province of Dominican Republic - Puerto Plata where you can relish the nightlife, culture and luxury of the Caribbean at the most reasonable price. Also, it's a place to get away from the tourist crowd along with enjoying the finest travel experience.

Boracay Island - The Philippines

Often cited for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the recent years, this tiny island is a mixed bag of everything that a traveler seeks. From the tranquillity on the beaches to hustle on the array of shops, this place will keep you on your toes and no matter how much you love it all during the day, you would always stay back to watch the dreamlike sunset here.   

Goa - India

The land of spices, seafood, spirituality and of course trance parties, this state in India has to be the point of cultural amalgamation. The laid back tropical vibe, the tinge of Indo-Portuguese lifestyle and its age old colonial architectures will etch beautiful memories in your soul. The nightlife and food here is definitely the experience of a lifetime.

Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

A concoction of pulsating city life and placidity of the countryside make this city in Vietnam almost impossible to miss if talking about budget traveling or even otherwise. Due to its significance in the Vietnam War, this has numerous museums and art galleries glorifying the past and being a treat to history amateurs. Also, Vietnam being the highest coffee exporter, this city will ensure you take back home its indigenous coffee and surely stop by for some on the way.

Tenerife Island - Spain

A jar of extraordinary cultural diversity, this is one of the most celebrated and populous island on the archipelago of seven Canary islands. The 'must visit' list if coming here would be really long - ranging from modern art galleries, temples, carnival celebrations, sandy beaches, tropical forests to sight seeing at the Pico del Teide, Spain's tallest snow mountain. 

Sharm El Sheikh - Egypt 

A resort town near the Red Sea is travelers' paradise. It is known for its coral reefs, sandy beaches, and exquisite resorts, this town never fails to impress, more so with all kinds of facilities ranging from water sports to desert safaris. Also, this place is a one-stop destination for shopping and entertainment.

Lima - Peru

Lying on the Pacific coast of Peru, this capital is the ever-growing metropolis. A rich union of past and present, one cannot miss its famous culinary variety and display of pottery and artworks. Standing above and along a long coastline of cliffs, veiled in history, and full of tasteful delights, this budget friendly city will always welcome you. 

Bali: A gorgeous Indonesian island – Here’s your travel guide

Bali – an Indonesian Island is tourists’ paradise blessed with beautiful mountains and coasts. . The island that is home to Indonesian Hindus is known for its architectural and artistic geniuses, performing arts, sculptures and paintings.

The people of Bali are warm and friendly. They welcome their tourists with utmost love and admiration.

Bali is extremely attractive and has all the amnesties that tourists would need. It was awarded with the Best Island title from Travel and Leisure in 2010.

If you wish to visit Bali, then watch the following travel guide:

India’s North-East, a paradise unexplored – Watch video

The seven states in the north-eastern part of India – Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland – are also collectively addressed as the seven sisters.

Abundantly blessed by Mother Nature, these states have so much more to offer than we can ever think of. Each of these states has scenic beauty galore. They are indeed a visual delight and hence are rightly known as paradise that’s unexplored.

The Incredible India campaign video meant to promote tourism in this part of the country captures the scintillating beauty of these states. These captivating visuals will certainly make you plan a trip to the North-East soon to personally witness the jaw-dropping gorgeousness of nature.

Check out this video here: