Life on the airplane is a life of its own! Do whatever you can to keep yourself busy!
During long-haul flights I recommend:
Long haul Bailey Cheng
Watch 2 movies on the entertainment screen.
Read almost a whole e-book on my Kindle
Sort some pictures in my digital camera.
Play a few games on my smartphone.
Have a nap (or two).
Speak to a neighbour.
Stare at some fellow passengers 🙂 secretly, of course.
Eat a few snacks, have a few drinks.
Stretch in the toilet area, walk in the aisle.
Inspect the toilet, check how much paper there was, do a little dance, stretch again, just fool around.
It’s a good idea to do everything separately – don’t try to multitask. If you are eating, don’t watch a movie at the same time. When the meal is served, take your time and just eat, as slow as possible. It will pass 30 minutes at least. Also make sure not to drink too much, avoid alcohol (as it will dehydrate your body and make it difficult to sleep, as you will be waking up all the time with your mouth dry).
Finally, think of some story and write it down. If you don’t own a blog or a diary, just post it on your Facebook. Share your thoughts! In today’s fast-paced world we hardly get to slow down and think about our life – this could be a perfect time!
Adjust your internal clock.
Several days (at least four) before departure, gradually shift your sleeping and eating times to coincide with those at your destination. Once you arrive, adopt the local time for your daily routine.
Opt for overnight flights.
You’ll have dinner at a normal time and be much more likely to sleep than on an afternoon flight. Depending on the length of the flight and the number of time zones you cross, you’ll arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon. This is the best way to replicate your normal schedule, and it’ll be easier for you to reset your clock.
Innumerable people from various states in the USA intend to visit China for their vacation and holidays. Till few years back there were restrictions on visiting the country. However, now the Chinese government has become flexible in its policies and regulations opening up its doors to foreigners from across the globe. Interestingly, with this step, China has become a leading tourism destination and bringing in lots of revenues for the country. It is a well-known fact that China is a country which abounds in historical and cultural richness and heritage. Moreover, the country offers attractions for all kinds of travelers and tourists in all age groups. You would need a valid China travel visa for entering the country and exploring the places.
Getting a visa for China for travel and tourism has become convenient now. In this article, you will get all information required to get a valid Chinese visa intending to travel to the country for tourism.
What is actually a Chinese tourist visa?
A Chinese tourist visa, which is also known as L Visa, is the most common kind of travel paper visa issued to US citizens. The visa is affixed to the page of a passport. Usually this visa remains valid for 10 years. Even if the passport in which the visa stamp is affixed gets expired, the visa on it remains valid. You will only have to carry your old passport with the new renewed one and that will suffice. The traveler can easily visit China for travel and tourism with this kind of visa in hand.
What are the documents which are needed for obtaining Chinese travel visa?
To get your China tourist visa without any problem and hassle, it is important that the right documents are submitted so that there are no chances of visa application cancellation or rejection. The documents are as follows:
The Chinese visa application form, which should be duly filled up without any errors. It is recommended to read through the instructions in the application form and then fill it up accordingly. Do not leave any part unfilled or incomplete. Do not overwrite as well.
You will need your passport, which should have validity of at least six months from your return date. If the validity is less than that or just by the deadline, it is recommended to get the passport renewed and then apply for the visa to avert any kind of problem later. Along with the validity, it is also important to check the numbers of blank pages which are available in the passport. There should be minimum two blank pages, save the ones on which visa stamps cannot be affixed.
You will need a clear photocopy of the passport data page. Try to see that your name and photograph in the copy comes clear enough.
A recent colored passport sized photograph will be needed.
You will need to furnish the China travel itinerary, which should display information about the hotel reservations and the flight tickets (both going and returning). In case you are not staying at a hotel and have no reservation details, you will need to produce an invitation letter with various kinds of details in the same. The details will be of the person inviting you, of the planned itinerary and lastly your details.
If an US citizen applies for Chinese tourist visa from outside USA, he will need to furnish evidence of residence status or legal stay in the country from where the application is done.
Visa fee needs to be provided at the time of the application as well. Chinese tourist visa fee is $140. However, if you need express and expedite service for obtaining your visa, you will have to shell out few extra dollars for the same.
Submission of the visa application and documents
Once you have filled up the form and gathered all the important documents required for the visa application, you can proceed towards its submission. Find out a Chinese consulate which is nearest to your place and make the application in person. Visa applications via the mail are not accepted. The office hours of the consulates vary from one another and might be closed on holidays and on weekends. The payment for the application is accepted via cashier’s check, credit card or by money order. Personal checks and cash are not accepted in any way.
It takes about 4 working days for the processing of the visa. However, expedite services can be availed on paying extra charges.
Take some time in planning the trip so that you have abundant time in hand for obtaining the visa without any kind of hassle.
Dorothy Jones, an experienced content writer having 5+ years of experience in “Travel & Hotel” industry. She is also associated with some renowned travel and food blogs as a guest author.
Istanbul is unique. Do you know that this city stands half in Europe and half in Asia? Straddling the two continents on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the cultural hub and the most populous city of Turkey. The city is proud of its seventy museums, 17 palaces, 64 mosques, and 49 churches of historical significance.’
Founded in 660 BCE as Byzantium, and as Constantinople in 330 CE, the Old City is amazing. Go around the Sultanahmet district, and see the open-air Roman-era Hippodrome (the ancient site of chariot races), Egyptian obelisks, and the Byzantine Hagia Sophia which has a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Do you know that Bosphorus, being the only sea route between the oil-rich Black Sea and the Mediterranean, is one of the busiest waterways in the world – three times that on the Suez Canal?!
Hamam, Akko | by Jean-David & Anne-Laure
Hamam- Not to be missed – are the famous Turkish Baths and the Belly Dancers! The Turkish Baths, or hammams, are a great escape for all seasons.
Turkish belly dancers are known for their energetic, athletic style of moving their torso, and their adept use of finger cymbals.
Istanbul is famous for its historic seafood restaurants, many of which you will find along the Bosphorus, along with the Sea of Marmara, at the Prince Islands, and at the Eminonu Pier. Head for the Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi for smoking some flavored tobacco as well as for traditional tea and Turkish coffee.
Don’t miss out on Istanbul’s famous nightlife, wine houses, pubs, and historic taverns, which you will find along the Istiklal Avenue, Çiçek Pasajı, or Nevizade Street as also Nişantaşı, Ortakoy, Bebek, Kadıkoy and the Beyoglu Square.
Blue Mosque Istanbul Turkey mosque architecture Image credit-Pixabay
Blue Mosque, Istanbul –
Exploring the city’s rich historical sites will be a rewarding experience. One of the most famous is the Blue Mosque with its huge dome, its lighting, the bright blue of the shining tiles, the awesome blue stained glass windows, and blue painted ceilings! The Rustem Pasha Mosque, on the other hand, was built by Rüstem Pasa, the Vizir of Suleyman the Magnificent, as atonement for his very sinful life! In addition, do go to the Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) and see the Viking graffiti carved into the wooden rails of the top floor.
At Basilica Cistern, remember to keep your camera ready. The ancient ruins are the largest of the many hundred ancient cisterns lying beneath the streets of Istanbul. Also, don’t miss the upside-down Medusa and the Carps! Attending a concert here would be an amazing opportunity to enjoy the unique acoustics here.
Istanbul Turkey Topkapi palace castle sultan Image credit-pixabay
The Topkapi Palace is famous not only for its large collection of jewels and artifacts but its harem too! Include a tour to see the sacred relics believed to be Abraham’s Pot, Moses’s Staff, David’s Sword, Muhammad’s footprints, and much more.
An unparalleled shopping experience awaits you at Grand Bazar in the dozens of covered streets and thousands of shops. However, try to keep an eye on the signage pointing to the different exits if don’t want to get lost. Haggling is OK here!
Spend a day at the Golden Horn and see the Eyup Sultan Mosque, the Saint’s tomb, shop for Turkish Oya scarves and pashminas, and rose and jasmine oils, and visit the old Ottoman cemetery and the Sufi Monastery.
Istanbul Turkey spice market colorful local shop Image credit-pixabay
The famous centuries-old Spice Bazaar is a haven for budget shopping and delectable food. Pick up gifts, sweets, spices, rose and jasmine oils, saffron or pastrami, or plenty of traditional Turkish meats and cheese, as you wind your way through this aromatic place. Harking back to the 6th century the Galata Bridge is famous for its numerous bars and restaurants and the sunset views. The 1,500-year-old Galata Tower offers some of the best views of the city, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus.
Scan the local news before heading for Taksim Square as this is the place not only for festivities like New Year’s Eve but also for hosting political protests! You must also enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus which will give you a chance to explore the 15th-century Yoros Castle, views of the Black Sea, and have a seafood lunch near the base of the castle or on the waterfront. The gardens and the fountains at Dolmabahce Palace are gorgeous. This is the modern palace of the Sultans, but more importantly, the place Atatürk passed on.
Always carry a scarf and a long-sleeved cardigan to wear to mosques, etc. as shorts and miniskirts are not allowed. Also, Istanbul is a very hilly city, so wear comfortable shoes and bring your own socks because you’ll need to take your shoes off to enter mosques. Unfortunately, if you are wheelchair-bound, I do not recommend Istanbul.
Travelling solo is a great way to gain new insights, experiences, and discoveries about the world you live in – and about yourself. When you’re on your own, you have the freedom to roam wherever and whenever you want and do whatever you please. You’re alone, and it’s one of the best feelings ever – unless you want to take home a good photo of yourself.
Since no one’s available to take a photo of you, chances are that you end up stretching your arms the farthest they can get, only to get a selfie that captures 20% scenery and 80% face.
But for some savvy travellers and photography enthusiasts, who always take their IG feed, blog or vlog, and personal album to the next level, solo travel photos are never an issue. You can snap a photo of yourself, in a picturesque location, even if you’re out on your own.
You just need to remember three great Cs: Camera, Creativity, and Confidence.
Camera and Gear
Your tripod is your BFF
A tripod is every solo traveller’s best friend.
You can have a long shot of the beautiful place with you in it without the help of another human. There are three ways:
Set the timer for 10 to 20 seconds, run in front of the camera/phone, and strike a pose.
Set your camera to burst mode, a setting that lets you take lots of photos in a short time.
Purchase a remote controller for easier access.
Next to holding your camera in place as you pose, using a tripod is also recommended for photographers who want to capture photos using long exposure, like shots of northern lights, night sky, fireworks display, and other dark scenes. Perfecting these shots is impossible with shaky hands.
Pick a tripod that’s sturdy enough to hold the camera and withstand the winds. For a more travel-friendly option, go for a lightweight and versatile gorilla pod or a mini tripod that fits easily in your pocket. Lastly, be mindful of your belongings, especially when shooting in public places. One can easily steal your beloved equipment while you’re striking a pose.
2. Bring a monopod or selfie stick
A monopod or selfie stick is a more convenient option. Just pull it out at every opportunity, strike a pose, and click – just like when you’re ziplining. It’s easy to use, carry around, and store inside your bag.
Selfie sticks, however, can only do so little if you want to capture more of the destination. You have a closer shot of yourself and a more limited shot of the space since the stick can be extended only up to 75cm long.
But hey, it’s enough to get more of a landscape into your photo than with a standard way of taking selfies. I mean, just look at the featured photo above. You can even use special effects to up your selfie game, like using fisheye lenses.
3. Use an action camera
Love outdoor adventures? An action camera is a must-have. It can capture images in environments where other cameras may fear to tread.
They come in a waterproof protective case, so you can get extraordinary shots, like when you’re playing with the school of fishes underwater or you’re tumbling through the air. Since it’s small and lightweight, you can place it anywhere – even on your head.
Creativity
Creativity
4. Take videos and freeze your favourite frame
Just capture a moving picture and freeze it – that’s one amazing way to get a shot that looks alive. The technique works to give you that “candid-looking” shot of you walking along the beach or a jaw-dropping shot of you floating in the air (jump shot).
5. Snap random parts of your body
Sick of seeing your face in every picture? Take a break and just snap random parts of your body. You can take a shot of your feet on the white sand, with the turquoise sea in front of you, or a shot of your hand, holding a vivid cocktail glass in a busy bar.
6. Make the most of the reflective surfaces
We’re not just talking about cringy hotel bathroom selfies – we’re talking about making the most of different reflective surfaces you can encounter. One example is using the glass windows of restaurants and cars and taking a photo of your sunglasses that reflects the picturesque view.
7. Play with different viewpoints and angles
A close-up shot, medium shot, long shot, extreme long shot, low angle, high angle, bird’s eye view, worm’s eye view – your pictures will shine if you have a variety of angles and viewpoints. Use silhouettes too.
Don’t have the skill and set of gears to take photos of yourself? You can always seek help from other people – like friendly strangers.
Ask a stranger to take a photo of you. It can be a hotel staff in the hotel you’re staying in, or a waiter at a restaurant, or a tourist like you. Find someone holding a camera, which may imply that they know how to shoot.
And besides, you’re not only travelling to see a foreign place or culture. You’re there to take part in a whole different world or way of life. Interacting with a new person is a great way to make memories.
9. Work it!
By taking a photo of yourself, especially if you’re carrying attention-grabbing gear, you might get that “look at that self-centred tourist right there” kind of glare from people.
The key is to stop caring: The less you care, the better the photos will turn out. You won’t even notice if anyone’s looking at you because you’re too busy framing the shot. It’s better to feel slightly uncomfortable for a little while than leave the place with regret because you weren’t able to document your journey through photographs.
Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for Holiday Inn Parramatta Hotel, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional hotel accommodation and location, which appeals to travellers in Australia. She has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementoes from different places.
