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Saudi Arabia is considering barring overseas pilgrims from the annual hajj as worries grow about the emergence of new variants. Ibrahim Uz / Unsplash

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Leisure travel still leads the recovery at Hilton, but business and group travelers are signaling a return to booking rooms. Matti Blume / Wikimedia

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A bigger number of U.S. travelers interested in international trips will use travel advisors post-pandemic. C Watts / Flickr Commons

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Airplane flying over natural vista in the U.S. Sylvia Gorajek / Unsplash

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The post 10 Places to Visit in Oregon (That Aren’t Portland) appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.

Read the Complete Story On Skift

Read the Complete Story On Skift

The exterior of the Hard Rock Cafe in Venice, Italy. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on May 4, 2021, that his country would launch travel passes for vaccinated travelers by mid-May. Hard Rock Cafe

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The active hotel lender market is throttling back to pre-pandemic levels. Labor is a different story. Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay

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Traveling is one of the most rewarding activities in the world. It is an addiction, and once you start, it’s difficult to stop. Of course, visiting countries that resemble your own culture and customs is relatively easy. You won’t have too much homework to go through. However, when you visit more exotic destinations or polar opposites of your home, there are more than a few things you should know. From the way you should act in an Airbnb apartment to the local etiquette rules and customs that apply, everything is essential.

Since each person is different, your personal trip checklist may not the look the same as another traveler’s checklist. What works for others might not work for you and vice versa. The trick is to think about your most essential, must-have travel necessities that will ensure you have the smoothest trip possible.

With that in mind, let’s see the items that might be on your list.

Travel Luggage

Every travel essentials list should include your luggage, bags and suitcases. Depending on your destination, budget and travel style, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to getting a travel bag. Still, there are plenty of options that you should take into consideration:

• Cross-body bags (great for agility)
• Anti-theft travel bags (security as a priority)
• Backpacks (easy and reliable)
• Wheeled suitcases (convenient, especially smaller ones)
• Spinner luggage (good for larger luggage)

If you’re carrying a backpack, which is often a good idea while out and about each day, go with the one that has a variety of security features and that suits your body type the most. Make sure it has enough space and pockets to store your day-to-day items.

Travel Wallets

Travel wallets also come with a range of great security features to ensure that your personal belongings, credit cards, IDs and money are safe. There are all kinds of sizes, shapes, materials and so on and it generally comes down to personal preference.

You simply want to find a travel wallet that fits securely in the pocket or bag you plan to carry it in. Of course, while walking around each day, it’s best not to have all of your valuables on you. Even more, since you can use your phone to pay by credit card in many parts of the world these days, there’s even less of a reason to have too many cards and cash on you.

Use the travel wallet only for the essentials that you need each day. Something like the Key Smart Urban Union Passport Wallet is a great option for many travelers.

Staying Safe While Traveling

No matter where you travel to, safety should always be your number one concern. From a simple door alarm to more advanced cybersecurity measures, we recommend that you take your time to create a safety routine to ensure maximum safety and security wherever you go. 

Suppose you need additional security in your hotel room, and it happens that some hotels lack proper door locks and security. In that case, you can handle it easily by getting a simple personal security door stop alarm. It’s battery-powered and compact enough to fit almost anywhere in your luggage. 

Also, if you travel alone, never reveal that to random people you meet. If someone asks you for some personal details, never provide accurate information. Additionally, scammers might try to take advantage of rookie travelers. Such dangers include the taxi overcharge, which is a rather well-known trick. However, there are many others that might be unique to the specific country you visit. For instance, one traveler reported a scam in Morocco, during which travelers would be asked to help locals write letters or postcards. The goal here was to lure travelers into shops and pressure them into purchasing something. 

We also recommend that you get an anti-theft portable safe bag. It is a combination of stainless-steel wire mesh embedded into the poly canvas and comes with a TSA-accepted 3-dial combination lock, and is quite small and easy to carry. 

Simply use the stainless-steel cable to secure your safety and everything in it. This portable personal safe is an excellent solution for keeping your valuables and precious belongings secure while you explore.

Stay Connected

In the age of the internet, staying connected has never been easier. It’s important to let your friends and family know where you are. Since you’ll be using your smartphone a lot on your adventures, knowing a few safety tips can help a lot. 

The first tip is to get local SIM cards to save on calling expenses and roaming fees. If you need to connect to the internet, you’ll likely consider free Wi-Fi, but we advise caution when using fully public networks. 

Even though most places worldwide are equipped to provide access to the internet, a public Wi-Fi connection can be dangerous, especially if you’re using it to access some critical or personal information. To ensure your data remains confidential, we recommend using a VPN. A travel VPN might not be something you consider getting before your trip. However, it is a tool that will allow you to stay protected on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it will help you unblock content that might be unavailable in the country you are visiting.

Conclusion

Now that you know what it takes to start conquering the planet, pack your bags, arm yourself with a good camera or smartphone and start venturing into the unknown. The world is full of wonders, and they await just around the corner. Every big adventure starts with stepping right outside your door!

The post Traveling Guide: Top Tips and Traveling Essentials for Rookies appeared first on Wandering Earl.

If you’ve been to India or live in the country and have still not visited Tirupati, it’s time to get there! There are very few cities or locations that boast of such rich cultural heritage, architectural splendors and amazing festivals.

With its convenient airport, you can take advantage of regular and affordable flights from around India, such as flights from Hyderabad to Tirupati or from any other major city in the country. Famous as one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots within India, every year, thousands of tourists and pilgrims flock to this city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

When you do plan a trip to Tirupati, make sure you have sufficient time for the major attractions:

• Sri Venkateswara Temple – This is a must-see temple in Tirupati, and the ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara. Also known as Tirumala Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple, the Sri Venkateswara Temple is perched at the height of 2799-feet on the seventh peak of Seshachalam.

• Talakona Waterfall – The Talakona Waterfall is very scenic and the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. You need to trek for about two kilometers to reach the spectacular waterfall that is deep inside the forest. There is a wonderful lush aura around the waterfall during the rainy season.

• Sri Vari Museum – Located near the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, the Sri Vari Museum is known as a rich source of Vaishnavism, Traditions of Tirumala, and Hinduism and boasts thousands of historical and archaeological items.

• Chandragiri – A major heritage site in Andhra Pradesh, Chandragiri is an ancient town that is famous for its magnificent palaces and excellent fort. Built by the Vijayanagara rulers, the castle is fortified by strong walls and is located at a height of about two hundred meters. The palaces and forts are an excellent example of Vijayanagara architecture and are made from brick, stone, and lime mortar.

• Kapila Teertham – Another popular waterfall in the city, Kapila Teertham is located at the base of Sheshadri Hills, and its water body ends as a pond inside the Kapileswara Swamy temple. The beautiful waterfall is a major pilgrimage spot of Tirupati.

• Srikalahasti – Known for its historical and religious significance, Srikalahasti is an ancient temple town, and all its temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rahu, and Ketu. The religious significance of Srikalahasti lies in its name and is seen as the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also identified as the Kailash of the South, and this is what makes it one of the popular sites to visit in the city.

• Deer Park – The Deer Park of Tirupati is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Although it is named a deer park, one can enjoy observing several other species other than deers as the park is known for its impressive range of flora and fauna. There is immense nature surrounding the park, and it is a nice way to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

Apart from the above main attractions of the city, there are many other places of interest near and around Tirupati. For example, travelers can visit Tiruchanoor Temple, which is just about 5 km from Tirupati. Some other temples around the city include Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple, Sri Venugopalaswami Temple, and many sub-temples too. The Navratra and Dussehra festivals are also very popular here, and one can visit the city during those times to enjoy the colorful and festive celebrations.

The post Best Things to Do on Your Trip to Tirupati appeared first on Wandering Earl.