So what are your plans for Raksha Bandhan this year? ‘This is not a fresh one’ as most of us, encounter this question for every occasion that comes up. It is likely that you have your answers prepared for every function as you know how the day is going to go. So, what exactly make these occasion special each year? One thing that I know that adds fun to it are gifts. Gifts that can come from anyone but, we have some of the regulars that make our day and our expectations from those boxes are pretty high.
For Raksha Bandhan we have our siblings who live up to that expectation or may be way beyond as they get fun into anything they plan. They know us the best so, chances are they know what gifts online to get us most of the time. For those off chances, when you do not get a right gift to wish your loved ones with, Gifts by Meeta is at your service. This year we have few of these lovely handcrafted pieces to woo the hearts of siblings and would go easy on your pocket.
All the health hamper-Rakhi
Lots of love with some healthy snacking: This is an easy one that you can offer them this Raksha Bandhan with two jars full of pistachios and raisins. Include a planter with these jars and it would be a great addition to the morning Rakhi surprise.
Printed Cushion, Notebook and Mug (Moustache)
Mustache cozy set: This set has all the magic that you have been looking for with mustache print on the white, to keep it all coordinated in one set. Black and white magic is here with the happening items that can be included in their study room. For the brother who loves his mustache would surely love this combination.
Whiskey Glasses Set up a mini bar for all the occasions, with simple addition of these and have a great time with friends and family
Funky bar accessories: Little things add-on to a perfect wish for the celebration. If, your sibling is a party animal then we have perfect accessories that they can make use of for holding the coolest house parties.
Special Feng Shui hampers with Rakhi are also here for directing all the luck their way while restoring good living. Finished with evil eye touch, this special Rakhi wish is here to concentrate all the positivity at one place.
Small little things like a headphone wrap and mobile charge can be a major savior in their life. Get the lovely items that you have been planning and include these easy to carry items for giving them a sorted travel or outing time.
In my earlier post, we spoke about how Croatia is a stunning European destination, let us now see what are the culinary delicacies in Croatia or what you can find to eat and drink in Croatia
Croatia is known for its beautiful seafood. While here, there are certain dishes that you just can’t miss.
Pasticada
Beef seasoned with bacon and a sauce of herbs and vegetables. It is usually served with gnocchi and Swiss cheese.
Credits- Cherrylet
Fritule
Fritule are fried doughnuts flavoured with brandy, raisins and citrusy zest, topped with powdered sugar. It is a popular sweet with tourists and locals alike.
Sljivovica
A plum brandy, this drink is commonly used as an aperitif, and is served in a chilled glass to minimise the effects of the high alcohol content.
Do share your experience about your visit to Croatia.
Croatia Is A Stunning European Destination You Can Visit For The Price Of An Asian Country
Croatia is a stunning eastern-European country, which has been around for only 25 years. Yes! A young country, thriving on tourism, Croatia needs to be on your bucket list.
On one side it is bordered by a long coastline, and on the other, it is dotted by the Dinaric Alps! Historic cities, picturesque coastal towns, unspoiled nature, and pristine beaches are some of the attractions that have put Croatia on the tourism map. The vibrant inland city of Zagreb has the country’s best museums, galleries, and bucket-list-worthy restaurants. And the coastal city of Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most glamorous city, which is centered around an old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters, and picturesque villages rich in history, Croatia is a country that you just can’t miss. If you imagine your vacations to be spent sipping cocktails on the beach and enjoying the waves of the sea, Croatia is the place for you. If you want to marvel at European architecture and get lost in old historical cities, Croatia is the place for you. If you wanna just soak in the thriving culture and taste exquisite cuisines, Croatia is a must-visit. And if you want to walk the lanes where Game of Thrones was shot, well, Croatia it is for you.
>> How to reach
From New Delhi you can fly to Zagreb, the capital or Dubrovnik.
New Delhi to Zagreb – You may check exact prices here
>>> Visa
Croatia is not part of the Schengen countries and therefore you can’t visit it on a regular single entry Schengen visa. However, if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can visit the country. You can apply for a visa to Croatia from VFS Global here.
The following is an itinerary to follow for your 9 day duration in Croatia
DAY 1
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital is an underrated destination waiting to be explored. It is not as popular as Dubrovnik or Split, but is a quintessential metropolitan city combining elegant 19th century buildings with plenty of cultural divisions and a vibrant cafe life. It is a great place to discover charming boutiques selling unique dresses, shopping for souvenirs, and tasting local delicacies. It is also a good place to visit undulating hills and charming villages nearby.
Zagreb skyline Image credit – Ivan Antolic
What to see
1. Start you day at the main city square and check out the Ban Josip Jelačić Statue and fountain.
2. Visit the Antiques and Flea Market on the Britanac Square and pick up cheap vintage accessories, books, clothes or pottery.
3. Visit the Museum of Illusions and the Museum of Broken Relationships, both unique and original museums that will test your perceptions about things.
4. Take the Funicular Railway to the Upper Town, and visit the Lotrscak Tower, where everyday at noon a cannon is fired to commemorate Zagreb’s victory over the Turks.
5. While still at the Upper Town, visit the Dolac Market, the best place to buy fresh fruits, local flowers and souvenirs.
6. For a fun night, visit Lemon Bar, in the centre of town or Katran, a club which has four dance floors.
Some tips
1. Use public transportation, it’s cheap and efficient. If you are stuck somewhere and don’t know how to go about using public transport, there is Uber and Cammeo Taxi that you can use.
2. Euro is not widely accepted in Croatia, so get it converted before you venture out.
Credits- Kristina
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Bus & Metro): Rs. 476 (47 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1000 (95 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 1500 (150 Croatian Kuna).
DAY 2
Plitvice Lakes National Park
On day 2, you can either drive down to Plitvice National Park or take a public bus (one way ticket will cost around 9-10 Euros).
Credits- Good Free photos
The collection of lakes and waterfalls in Croatia’s most popular national park are a marvel to see. The 16 crystalline lakes that fall into each other via a series of waterfalls is a sight that draws many visitors every year. You can either see this park on your way to Dubrovnik, if you are driving down, or can go visit it as a full day tour from Zagreb. It takes a minimum of four hours to fully see and experience this beautiful place.
Image credits Dormidon
On the morning of day 3, you can either take a short flight, about an hour-long, to Dubrovnik (one way will cost you around 75 Euros) or take a bus, that will take around nine hours, to Dubrovnik (one way will cost you around 30 Euros).
Day 3 to Day 7
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a unique and bewitching coastal town that has become the crowning glory of Croatia in recent years. The city is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the place where parts of super popular TV show Game Of Thrones are shot. However, it’s not just a famous shooting location; Dubrovnik has much more to offer. It is a glittering jewel in the Adriatic Sea bordering Croatia and it holds the power to leave you asking for more. The city’s white limestone streets, buildings from the Baroque era and the shimmering Adriatic Sea will leave you mesmerised.
One can spend a week, a month or even a year here and not get tired of this city, but for those who are on a tight budget, dedicate at least three days to see this city.
What to see
1. Walk along the Old City, Dubrovnik’s best feature. It is the perfect place for a casual stroll to enjoy excellent views over the Adriatic Sea and the Old City centre.
2. Walk on Stradun Street, the most famous street within the Old City. It is lined with shopping stalls and cafes on both sides and a great place to grab a cup of coffee and just relax.
3. Don’t miss out on Walking The Walls, a great architectural site in the city, and also the place where Game Of Thrones is shot.
4. Take a cable car ride to Srđ Hill for the most amazing aerial views of the city.
5. Visit Fort Lovrijenac, dubbed as ‘Croatia’s Gibraltar’, and Croatia’s most prominent fortress.
6. Visit the beautiful Dominican and Franciscan monasteries.
7. Spend a day visiting the Elaphite Islands surrounding Dubrovnik.
8. Take a Game Of Thrones tour and visit all the spots where the show is shot.
credit Dennis Jarvis
Some tips
1. Prices around Old Town are really high, so try and negotiate and go in a large group rather than alone.
2. Public transport in Dubrovnik is also cheap and efficient.
3. You can reach the top of Srđ Hill by taxi as well if the line to the cable car is too long.
credit Jennifer Boyer
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Bus & Metro): Rs. 500 (50 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 4500 (450 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1500 (150 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna).
On the morning of day 7, leave for Split. The best and easiest way to reach Split is by bus. It will take around five hours by road and cost around 22 Euros one way.
Day 8 and 9
Split
The remains of Diocletian’s Palace in Split is the heart of the city. A main getaway to the south Dalmatian islands, Split in itself is a city that you must stop and explore. Always buzzing, always alive, this city is a perfect example of a seamless blend of old and new; and this blend is clearly shown by bars, restaurants and shop hidden in between ancient columns, temples, walls.
What to see
1. Start your day by visiting Diocletian’s Palace, the ancient Roman ruin that was built-in 305 AD.
2. Cathedral of St. Domnius is recognised as the oldest cathedral in Croatia and one of the most well-preserved Roman buildings in Split. Visit this cathedral and then climb the bell tower for the most beautiful panoramic view of the city.
3. Visit the Riva Waterfront and promenade for some relaxing time and to pick up souvenirs. This is the place to try delicious ice creams and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while staring at jewelled waters.
4. Climb up the Marjan Hill for some amazing views of surrounding islands on one side and imposing mountains on the other.
5. After that tiring climb up and down the hill, relax at Bačvice Beach and spend the evening enjoying the sunset.
6. For a fun night out, check out Ghetto Bar, famous for its delicious cocktails or just chill at the Bačvice Beach shacks with a pint of beer or two.
Some tips
1. Almost every bar and coffee-house has free wi-fi. The passwords are generally written on the receipts, but if you don’t get one, ask the waiter and he/she will happily provide you with one.
2. Public transport is almost non-existent, but the cabs here are cheaper compared to the rest of the country, Uber being the cheapest option.
credit Maria Michelle
Costs Per Day
Local Transport (Buses): Rs. 1000 (90 Croatian Kuna)
Taxi Starting Tariff: Rs. 60/km
Hotel Stay: Average price for a night per person is Rs. 4000 (400 Croatian Kuna)
A Meal: A lunch or dinner without alcohol will cost you around Rs. 1400 (140 Croatian Kuna), and with alcohol around Rs. 3000 (300 Croatian Kuna).
For travelers seeking an active holiday visit the islands and national parks of Croatia for exhilarating outdoor experiences.
Thailand is a country that is part of the ASEAN community. It can be considered as one of the richest countries in Asia and it is also one of the most populated and frequented in the world. A lot of people from all around the globe are paving their way just to see the beauty of Thailand. Major key cities like Bangkok and Pattaya are travelers’ favorites.
If you wanna know more about Thailand, here are the five things you should know before you set foot in the beautiful country:
Tickets Are Cheap
In some airlines, they offer mega-high-priced tickets but in most airlines, they are offering tickets that are very much affordable. One thing that you have to do is to wait for airline promos so that you will be able to save more money for your trip. Always keep in mind that in traveling, it is much better to lose money at your destination than lose money because of your airline ticket. And that is one thing that you have to consider when you travel to Thailand. Tickets going to Thailand are fairly cheap so you should definitely grab one!
Taxi Fares Can Be Really Pricey
This is a fact. Taxi fares can be really pricey especially if you are a foreigner. Most taxi drivers are taking advantage of tourists who don’t know the real price. If ever you encounter a demanding driver, try as much as possible to haggle. If you are looking for a more affordable ride to your hotel or to your tourist spot destination, go to the nearest bus station and book a ride.
They Have The Best Street Food
Street food places are rampant in Thailand and you will surely get tired because there are so many to choose from. Street food lovers will love Thailand because they have so much to offer. Some of the bestsellers that you can find on the streets of Thailand are the following: Som Tam, Khao Pad, Pad Thai Kung, Khao Mun Gai, Gai/Moo Bing, Sai Krok Issan, Pad Krapao Moo, Pla Pao, and many more.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Thailand has a very rich culture which is why it is important to show respect to the country because they are preserving their traditions and enriching their way of living. There is beauty in Thai culture and anyone will surely appreciate them all. Try visiting museums and visiting historical shows in Thailand so you will have a better grasp of their history and culture.
Most of the time, a lot of people have this notion that Asians are not great at speaking in English but that’s actually not true. In fact, most Asian countries are now requiring their citizens to practice speaking the English language just like in Thailand. You will not get a hard time locating your destination if ever you get lost in Thailand because it’s just easy to ask people for directions since the majority can speak and understand the English language.
Thailand is really a beautiful country and you should definitely book your flights now. It is also a great place to have some retreat just like in other countries. You will surely have one of the best experiences of your life if you set foot in Thailand.
Author bio:
Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a writer forKims, one of Australia’s perfect beach retreat places that offers a cluster of deluxe timber bungalows and spa villas on the beach. Mark also gives out guides and tips for people regarding how they can enjoy their vacations and trips around the world.
