Travel

Ever since I moved to Mexico City people from back home have always asked me to describe what it is about this place that made me move here, and the truth is that I don’t know. Something else I am not able to do very well is describe this city properly because there is so much in it, that trying to encapsulate all of that ins a single comment, or even blog post, may not be possible.

In reality I came here first to see my friend Rose Burillo who had just opened a restaurant in the city. After falling in love with the place I stayed, and the thing that I always tell people, is that it is a city with many surprises in store, and here are some examples of what I mean.

Lack of English

English speakers are often guilty of going abroad and not picking up the local lingo, but in our defense so much of the world speaks English that we very often don’t need the local lingo. Despite the heavy impact which the US has had on Mexico however, I found it really surprising just how few people speak English. This is not a criticism at all, just something which I found quite surprising.

Cost of Living

There are two points which I was surprised about when it comes to the cost of living. The first thing is that if you want it to be, the cost of living can be incredibly cheap and you can easily live, and live well on less than $10 per day, for everything. The other point to make here is that I was never aware of just how high the cost of living could be if you wanted it to be. Some of the apartments in Polanco for example can cost $2000 per month, and the fine dining and high end options in the city are there if you want them.

Warmth of the Locals

I have spent a lot of time in many of the world’s busiest cities and there is very rarely the warmth from people which I found in Mexico City. Usually there is such competition for everything that it is very much sharpen your elbows and do what you have to in order to survive. This is definitely the case on the roads in Mexico City, but it is not the case with the people who are warm and friendly and who will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable.

Pockets of Culture

Something which you will find all across the city are these little pockets of culture which pop up. For example standing outside the national theater and listening to a hip hop cypher, or walking down a seemingly average street in the Roma neighborhood and getting hit by these huge and impressive art murals. It stands to reason that with so many people this would be the case, bu that doesn’t make these little pockets any less surprising.

 

There are so many sectors that are growing at a peak and travel and tourism is also one of them. Every sector contributes something to the economy and helps it to grow. In the same way, the travel and tourism sector is also contributing a lot to the economy. Earlier the people were not much aware of the importance of traveling and that is why they didn’t plan for travel. The time has changed and people are now paying attention to their self-care, spending time with family, etc. It is time for the tourism sector to set its pace high to get ready to meet the demands of the travelers.

There are so many online sites available that are helping travelers to make the necessary booking for their travel. They can book a hotel, villas in Hyderabad, air tickets, train tickets, etc online by sitting anywhere. These online sites are helping people in making every essential booking at their convenience. Not only this they can compare hundreds of options in hotels on the basis of the price, facilities, etc. Nothing can be better than this that you can book anything anywhere by sitting at the comfort of your bed.

Earlier the people follow another way while traveling but now they have changed their way. There can be many reasons why their way of traveling has been changed. Some of them are:

• Modernization of technology: It is the modernization of technology only that have facilitated people and changed their way of traveling. Technology has come up as no less than a revolution in the traveling sector. The new innovations are coming this way every day that is proving travelers with every facility and convenience that they can ask for. You can book flights, tickets, check-ins, make payment online, book a villa or hotel with just your Smartphone, and so on.
• The use of internet marketing: Not only the travelers but also the businessman is making use of e-marketing to attract their customers. The advent of internet marketing has raised the bar of competition as there are so many sites that are offering booking services. They are offering huge discounts, offers, cash backs to the customers so that they can attract them to travel. Every hotel is now taking the help of online sites to promote its promotion, attract, and retain its customers. Everyone has understood the revolutionized mechanism that is beneficial for all the parties involved. That is why the way of traveling of people has undergone a huge shift.
• Change in the behavior of the customers: Not only this, but technology has also changed the behavior of the customers. They are well educated and aware of the facilities, technology, rights, competition, bargaining, and so on. They are using every possible tactic to get discounts and that is why they are now relying on online sites to make their bookings. They focus on so many factors that can help them in choosing the best of all. They check ratings of the hotels; look out for the images available, discount offers, coupons, etc before making their booking.
• Mixing their professional travel and family travel: Earlier the professional or business people went on tours alone. But now they are combining their both travel together. Whenever they travel relating to their business they like to add their pleasure travel with it. They like to stay on a vacation on their business travel and this is one of the reasons why the way of traveling of people has changed.

So, these are the following reasons why the traveling way of people has been changed. These reasons have come up with so many new evolutions in this sector those are having their own impact on the travelers. Some of them are:

• The growing number of lifestyle, luxury hotels, and villas: The advent of these hotels is mainly due to the changing way of traveling among people. They have raised their expectations and then get facilitated with luxurious and lifestyle hotels. The people now prefer to stay in luxurious villas as they want to experience comfort with royalty.
• More focus on the experience of the customers: More focus is now emphasized on the experience of the customers so that they can get what they want. You can book a villa in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, etc so that you can stay in a comfort filled with luxury. For offering a unique experience to the customers. Restaurants are built inside the villas only so that the travelers don’t have to go anywhere. They can stay inside and enjoy everything around them.

So, these are the following things that have come into the picture. Not only this, there are so many other things that have changed the outlook of the traveling sector. There was a huge need for the different developments of technology in this sector because only that has added a new spark to the travel and tourism sector. Here are some steps that can help you book the best hotel or villa for your vacation.

1. Find out the available sites: You need to search for the different sites available that offering various booking services. You can choose a site that offers you a platform on which you make multiple kinds of booking including hotels, flights, trains, and so on.
2. Explore as much as you can: You need to explore those websites in detail so that you can make yourself aware of everything. You need to start exploring and making various searches to gets information regarding available hotels or villas in different budgets.
3. Check details before booking: Looking blindly at the photography of hotels or villas in not sufficient. You need to check and read about the details like the location of the villa, proximity to the market, attractions available around it, and so on.
4. Check available offers: You have to check the available offers that you can avail by using coupons, etc.
5. Final booking: You must make your final booking only after exploring options and discounts so that you don’t have to regret it.

 

When you go to another country, it gets hard to manage everything in the initial. Amidst so many things, one thing that is absolutely important would be your housing. You must be sure that you have the space to stay that makes you feel comfortable.

There are so many things that you should be careful about before you take a place to stay in abroad. You know Student living in London is not easy if you do not have a good place to reside. You must ensure that you have a space to stay comfortably and only then you can concentrate on your studies and other activities well. Following are a few important things that you should keep in mind to make your final decision regarding housing.

Locality is crucial

The main thing is the locality. You should be thoughtful about the locality of the apartment or accommodation. You cannot just take a place that is at a long distance from your university or college. It is crucial because it might not be easy for you to deal with all the things simultaneously. You might speak with the professionals and tell them about the alternative you have. Or you can even check out the listings in the area and find out what is going to suit you the most. The point is, locality is gong to have a significant role in your stayover.

Paper work is important

You know, when you have finalised your apartment, you need to do proper documentation or paper work. You cannot just take your luggage there and start staying. There are diverse paper works and documentations. And as you are new to the country and place, you must be thoughtful about every step of paperwork.

Here, if you do not have proper idea about the paper work, you must take guidance of professionals once professionals would help you with paper work, you would not need to do anything yourself. Your paperwork is going to be carried out by the professionals if you get the lodging with their assistance or through their platform. The thing is if your paperwork lacks anything, that could be risky for you. You might even get into legal procedures as well.

In case you are wondering what would paperwork include then it could encompass:

Signing of your lease agreement

Payment for the first month rent

One time application fees

These things do differ from option to option in housing. So, these are all aspects that you might not be acquainted with and only professionals can assist you through. After all, you would never wish to get fooled by anyone right. There are many lodging providers who claim that they would get you proper housing that too at a rate that is suitable to you. Well, since you are new to the region, it is always better to avoid getting into any such temptations.

Booking

In case you want that the moment you reach the country you should have ahousing to drop in, that can also be possible. Yes, once you have talked to professionals, they would figure out all the requirements and pick the options for you. Through internet and platforms, you can find out the specifications of the locality and the housing option and hence, make up your mind. In this manner , you would be sure that you have a place to stay that is all set for you the moment you land in the country. Everything from beginning to end would be done by experts only.

Solo, shared or what?

Then perhaps you have no idea what type of rooms or apartments are there in the area. You can speak with the experts in advance and find out the options. You can also check rental statistics in Washington to know the types of units available in the area.. No matter you are looking for solo apartments or rooms; duet , shared or any other sort of; you can place your requirements and the responsibility is going to be of the professionals to fetch you the options as per your criteria. After all, your preferences are going to be their command. When you are spending so much on your stay overseas, you cannot simply stay in anyplace that is below your standards and cost you threefold.

Safety

No matter how cool you think you are, safety is one thing that you should always have on your mind. You must not simply take any housing in any area. It is better to search for the areas where most of the students stay. In this way, you can be certain about the options that can be good for you. After all, since you are new in the country and the specific city; you cannot take a place without any digging.

Why shouldn’t You Look for a Housing Place Yourself?

In case you are wondering why cannot you look for an accommodation yourself then you are just overthinking. The point is since you are naïve and you are not armed with the rules and lifestyles of the area or country; it gets crucial that you are vigilant. What is the point if you end up into any problem? What if you pick an accommodation in your haste that turns out to be wretched and you end up staying there because you have already played in advance? Such a thing is going to be silly and somewhat foolish.

Again, even if you are of the opinion that you have friends or acquaintances in the country like London or so on; that is good. But you know what, the world is so expensive that no one is going to keep you for months. And it is always going to be a tension on your head. You might feel uneasy in a place that is not yours. Rather then taking up a space that is of your friends or family member’s; it is better to stay in a housing that a professional chooses for you. Come on, once you have given professionals the responsibility to look for a housing option for you; they would make sure that you have one before you land in the country.

Conclusion

Hence, once you have a right accommodation, you can be more confident about your studies. You can stay focused and relaxed.

 

The Caribbean is one of the top emerging relocation destinations for adventurous high-net-worth singles. It’s a lively region with friendly people, fantastic weather, and incredible potential, especially for new business ventures. And in the West Indies, one of the ideal countries to move to is the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda gains the interest of future-oriented people for being the country with the best citizenship by investment program. Aside from being the most affordable, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship applications are processed faster as well. There have been some occasions wherein citizenship was approved in just 60 days.

Besides the clear immigration investment pathway to become a citizen, Antigua and Barbuda offers other numerous benefits such as low taxes should you become a resident, best healthcare in the region, and more affordable cost of living to mention just a few. Thus, it’s no surprise that its growing expat population is comprised of a significant percentage of single folks.

While you are sure to enjoy many beautiful days at the beach, which the country has 365 of, solo living in Antigua and Barbuda does come with a few challenges. Therefore, if you are considering securing Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and making the country your new permanent home base, you may want to heed the six practical pieces of advice shared below.

1. A luxury condo is perfect for solo living.

There are numerous luxury condominiums to choose from in Antigua and Barbuda. Not only are most of them in strategic locations such as the west coast, English Harbour, and Nonsuch Bay, but they are available through the Antigua citizenship by investment program.

Why is a condo perfect for singles, aside from their location?

First, it comes with all the typical conveniences that foreigners want in a home, such as useful amenities and access to prompt house maintenance services. Second, the community is safe, which is certainly an advantage for single females. Third, luxury condos are always in developed communities, the market value of which may rise in the years to come. And fourth, the units are the perfect size for a single person who upholds a high standard of living.

Overall, it’s a more convenient option for people who live alone.

2. Buy a heavy-duty vehicle.

It may be smarter to opt for a heavy-duty car rather than a stylish one if you’re going to live in Antigua and Barbuda. Although the country is one of the fast-developing nations in the Caribbean region, the roads do still need a lot of work.

Beyond the streets of your beautiful community and the main thoroughfares, you will find smaller streets and highways in rough condition. They either have a lot of potholes or they have not been paved with asphalt or concrete yet. Therefore, driving a luxurious vehicle may not be the best option for getting around.

Additionally, if you frequently intend to go on adventures, a heavy-duty vehicle such as a 4×4 is perfect. You’ll be able to take on difficult terrain more easily.

It’s vital to note that public transportation is sufficient in the country. However, buses and small public utility vehicles typically do not include most tourist destinations in their route, which you may be quite interested in visiting often.

3. Be a savvy shopper.

The country’s public markets are the best places to seek out fresh produce. The variety is impressive, and you can really get the best bang for your buck at the local markets. However, it would be ideal if you learned how to haggle for a better price. According to locals, haggling is Antigua’s public market culture, and if you know the lingo, this will make shopping even more productive.

Aside from the public markets, you can also purchase goods from supermarkets. The supermarkets sell a lot of imported products. So, if you find yourself missing certain processed foods and other items from overseas, supermarkets are where they’re at.

Do note that there aren’t many of these huge grocery stores, so it can be a bit of an effort to shop here because they are some distance away. This means that if you’re more of a supermarket shopper, you should establish your shopping days and stockpile items to get the most out of each shopping trip. By doing so, staying on top of your necessities will be convenient and easier on the budget since you’ll get to buy a lot of things wholesale.

4. Find health professionals and facilities during your first week of living in the country.

One of the typical solo living issues is that you don’t have loved ones who can look after you when you get sick. So, it’s imperative that you find a physician and specialist (if you need one) as soon as you move to the country. This way, should you experience any health issues, you can easily reach the right medical professionals to take care of you.

Likewise, find the health facilities in your area such as hospitals and dental clinics. Visit them as soon as you can to see if they are well-equipped and have excellent staff and an extensive range of services. Antigua & Barbuda has the best medical facilities and services in the eastern Caribbean region, something that makes it all the more attractive to international residents. Use the visit as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the procedures these facilities implement for check-ups, appointments, and other treatments.

5. Take care of bills right away.

When you’re living in a new place alone, it is always smart to promptly take care of your regular financial responsibilities, such as paying for electricity, water, and other utility bills. This way, you can avoid or correctly address unnecessary complications, such as errors and delays with bank payment records.

Also, if there are transactions that you cannot accomplish online, you can pay early and avoid the traffic in payment centers due to the common inclination of most people to take care of bills so close to the deadlines.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

 

Sydney Harbour is rated by many as one of the most beautiful and picturesque harbours in the world. It attracts visitors from all across the globe. There are many fun and interesting things you can either do near the harbour or on the harbour itself. Let’s take a look at some ideas, so you can make the most of this iconic and unique part of Australia.

#1 – Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

There are organised tours where you get to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a bird’s eye view of the Sydney CBD and the stunning harbour. There are a variety of climbs to suit all ages and fitness levels and generally climbs take place at either dawn or dusk, although bridge climbs occur at other times of the day as well.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re flying solo or are part of a group, you can book in for a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and experience something very unique and memorable.

#2 – Visit Sydney Harbour National Park

Australia is home to many stunning National Parks and the one located on Sydney Harbour is simply amazing when it comes to views of the harbour and surrounds.

You can either choose to take a guided tour of the National Park or do your own thing, explore the area and even find a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. There are bushwalking tracks, picnic spots, safe areas where you can go for a swim, or simply just check out Australia’s native wildlife as you cruise through the park.

Other features of note are convict buildings, aboriginal sites and military fortifications. Sydney Harbour National Park really makes for an interesting day out.

#3 – Paddle Off On a Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking adventures are one of the most relaxed and unique ways to explore everything Sydney Harbour has to offer. There are companies that operate sea kayak expeditions to all parts of the harbour, where you get to see and explore regions that are not readily accessible by land.

There are tours to suit all fitness levels, and some tours even include an overnight camp out.

To find tour operators, just go online and search for:

• Sydney kayaking tours
• Sydney Harbour kayak tours
• Kayak tours Sydney
• And so forth…

#4 – Take the Sydney Harbour Circle Walk

The entire circle walk is 26 kilometres long. Alternatively, there are various loops of the walk along the way that extends the overall distance to up to 45 kilometres. Now, these distances may sound like a long way, but you don’t have to walk the entire circuit if it’s simply too long.

While you stroll along the circuit, you can take in the incredible sights of the harbour, the landscape, bushland, bridges, islands and the city skyline.

You have a choice of walking the entire circuit (a feat that takes approximately 8 hours for a fit person) or break the walk up into smaller chunks and jump on public transport to get to the next section of interest.

#5 – Explore the Harbour Via Water Taxi Or Ferry

Water taxis and ferries snake their way across Sydney Harbour all throughout the day and evening. It’s one of the most relaxed ways to take in the sights of the harbour and foreshore, as well as being an easy way to access the North Shore and Manly regions of beautiful Sydney.

You’ll be cruising in comfort with plush seats and business class-like conditions aboard the water taxis and it’s a handy way to transport a large group of people.

#6 – Check Out Fort Denison

Located on a small harbour island, Fort Denison is a former defence facility that has now become a major tourist attraction. It’s also become a prime location for party-goers to see in the New Year each year.

You can take guided tours of the fort, where there is a museum, a gunpowder store, or take the winding staircase to the top of Martello Tower.

The fort even has a cafe where you can kick back to enjoy a snack and your favourite beverage.

The Wrap

Sydney Harbour boasts many interesting and fun things to do, so get out there and enjoy everything this iconic harbour has to offer locals and visitors alike.

 

An individual who sustains an injury while traveling for work may qualify for a workers’ compensation claim equivalent to workers comp code. Workplace injury claims are relatively simple when the accident occurs on the premises and the negligent party is clearly established. However, when a person gets into an accident while on a work-related trip, the claim becomes a bit more complicated. Employees need to be knowledgeable about what is considered a job-related activity while traveling. Additionally, understanding the steps to take following an injury can help a claims process go more smoothly.

About Travel-Related Workers’ Compensation Claims

Employers often have established policies in place regarding expectations surrounding workplace travel. Typically, these policies determine what activities qualify as work-related during the trip.  These policies may also include information about transportation. Travel to and from an airport to make a business flight also qualifies as work-related travel. If an individual sustains an injury while pursuing a personal errand on a work trip, he or she may not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Similar to a traditional work-related injury, individuals who are hurt while traveling for work should maintain a clear record of medical expenses, receipts, and accident reports.

Steps To Take Following a Work-Related Travel Injury

It is in an employee’s best interest to report a work-related injury to his or her employer as soon as possible after the incident. An injured employee should work closely with a human resource department and a workers’ compensation attorney to navigate the claim process. This also applies to injuries sustained while traveling for work. These are some best practices for victims to follow after an injury.

• An injured worker should promptly report the incident to his or her employer and supervisor.
• Any details about the accident, such as eyewitness accounts, should be collected. In the case of auto accidents, an accident report number is an important piece of information to obtain.
• Victims should seek medical attention for injuries sustained during the accident. It is important for employees to keep close track of symptoms as they may progress in the weeks after the incident.
• Maintaining a well-kept record of all medical bills, incident reports, doctor’s notes, and receipts can help the claims process to go more smoothly.
• Seeking legal representation can help a victim recover all of the damages for which he or she qualifies.

What Qualifies as a Job-Related Injury When Traveling?

Determining whether or not an activity is considered work-related is an important step in filing an injury claim. Though employer policies may provide guidance, some circumstances will require a more thorough examination. Many of the same activities can vary in coverability depending on the context. For example, an employee who sustains an injury while at a business-related dinner meeting would likely qualify for coverage, whereas an employee injured during an after-hours non-business related meal may not qualify. If an employee becomes injured in a motor vehicle accident while on the way to the airport, a meeting, or another work-related event during a trip, the incident will likely be covered. An employee would not qualify for workers’ compensation coverage if an injury is sustained during recreational activities or personal errands, even if he or she is on a business trip. In those types of cases, a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be an option to recover compensation for losses.

London provides a host of unique and quirky experiences for people in search of an alcohol beverage in something more interesting than your local boozer. It has everything from rooftop gardens to secret speakeasy dens. You’re spoilt for choice, whether it’s fire breathers, taxidermy or full-on immersive experiences. If you’re on a quest to find your dream drinking experience, here are the top five cool bars in London.

Swingers

Combining crazy golf with cocktails and street food, this British 1920s seaside themed venue is great for groups of competitive and fun loving friends. Originally a pop-up event, swingers now has two fully equipped locations. Both feature traditional courses stylishly remodel for the 21st Century. Before you tee off around the elegant and baffling world that is Crazy Golf, visitors can enjoy a selection of food and drink. In house are London’s most exciting street food venders and teams of mixologists providing classic and innovative cocktails.

Otherworld

This portal to another dimension lies in East London, hidden under a railway arch. Its in-game environment adapts dynamically to immerse you fully in your new world by using heat, wind, and rumble effects. A custom-built island, which looks like a futuristic pod stolen from your favourite sci-fi film links 14 different rooms and allows you to join up with your friends or strangers before making next move. Your experience could be anything from fighting the zombie hordes, flying through space or breaking a sweat in the VR rhythm game, Beat Saber.

Alcatraz

Obsessed with Hollywood prison stories? This one could be the one for you. A theatrical cocktail experience, Alcatraz immerses you in the convict role. They provide orange jump suits on arrival and usher you into the real metallic cells. These individual blocks give you an intimate setting great for private parties. You’ll need to smuggle your home-brought booze inside and meet notorious bootleggers to help guide you through. There’s no set menu here. Once you’ve got your liquor through unseen, the serving inmates will create personalised and unique drinks for you.

The Four Quarters

A star of Peckham nightlife, this bar-come-video game fortress combines old-school arcade games, movie nights and craft beers. Nostalgic gamers will be dazzled by the choices available. They are fully equipped with everything from shoot ‘em ups to button bashers. You can enjoy a tipple while playing classics like Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Pac Man. Typical sounds on offer are electro beats, Fridays feature 90s rock, and Funk and Soul rule on Saturdays. In this gamers-must-visit location, there are also movie nights for your film buffs.

Cirque

Brought to you by the Shoreditch Bar Group, this circus themed cocktail bar in Old Street is all kinds of quirky. It is filled with eccentric memorabilia, vintage posters, dangling model aeroplanes and bizarre zebra-unicorn hybrid that looks out across the dance floor. During their happy hour guests can sip two cocktails, while sitting on Rubix Cube stools, for just £10. The DJs play a variety of party tunes, and despite there not being acres of space, there’s enough for cutting a groove in their cool basement space.

 

 

When people visit Sydney, they often think that the CBD area is the only trendy place to socialise when in town. This is simply not the case. While the city certainly offers up plenty of entertainment opportunities, the vast Western Suburbs district can actually offer up so much more variety.

Let’s take a look at why visitors and locals alike should consider venturing a little further west when looking for fun and entertainment in Sydney.

#1 – Prices Are Cheaper For the Most Part

Once you get out of the Sydney CBD and venture further afield, you’ll find the prices for things like dining out, alcoholic drinks and other entertainment is generally cheaper. This means you can have fun on a budget, or get more mileage out of your money.

Depending on where you go and what you’re doing, you may even save up to fifty percent on restaurant meals or a night out drinking with your friends.

#2 – There Are Many Social Clubs To Choose From

If you love social and entertainment clubs and are looking for a social club, Sydney has loads of options; particularly in the Western Suburbs. An example of an excellent and popular social club in Western Sydney is Dooleys Club. It’s a Lidcombe club that’s very centrally located.

You’ll discover some other great social clubs out west as well, so it’s just a matter of doing some research to locate a venue you like.

#3 – Parramatta Is Trendy For Nightlife

In some ways the city of Sydney really has two CBD districts. The first is obviously in the city of Sydney itself, while the second is trendy Parramatta in the Western Suburbs. If you are looking for fun nightlife and lots of variety, then Parramatta is the place to be.

If nightclubs are your thing, the Parramatta strip has quite a few options. There are also many cool bars to kick back in, or if you’d rather a coffee or other non-alcoholic beverage, Parramatta has a bustling cafe scene as well.

Along with partying, there are plenty of other entertainment options in and around Parramatta for people of all ages.

#4 – Sample Tasty Dishes From Many Different Cultures

The Western Suburbs of Sydney are very multicultural. For this reason, there are restaurants and takeaway food outlets that offer cuisine from places all across the globe. Your taste buds will be so spoilt for choice, you might find it hard to make a decision on where to eat.

There is also something to suit everyone’s budget, and loads of food even the kids will love to eat.

Whether you fancy some Lebanese food, cuisine from just about every Asian country, European dishes or even some good Aussie tucker, you’ll find everything on offer in the Western Suburbs.

#5 – Every Suburb Offers Something Different

With so many suburbs comprising Sydney’s West, you’ll discover that each one offers a unique entertainment or dining experience in one form or another. This also includes daytime activities. There is loads to see and do across such a vast area.

Getting around is no problem either, if you don’t have a car, as there are plenty of taxis, buses and trains networking all across the West.

#6 – Accommodation Is Abundant

Whether you plan to stay for a night or a week, there is accommodation everywhere in the Western Suburbs, and once again, you’ll find the prices more affordable than in the city centre.

There are hotels, AirBnB, motels and other lodgings where you can stay overnight or longer. You will find most are located conveniently near public transport too, so it’s very easy to get around and explore the region.

#7 – Join a Fun Single’s Group

If you’re single, you don’t have to spend your weekend nights alone, as there are many social groups dedicated to singles right across Sydney. If you join one of these groups, not only will you experience many fun times, but you might also meet your perfect match.

In Conclusion

If you’re visiting Sydney, don’t limit your options to the CBD. Head out west and discover what Greater Sydney has to offer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

 

The impact of the recent coronavirus pandemic on the travel and tourism industry has been severe, with a recorded $443 billion in losses for the US travel economy. This loss has also directly impacted federal, state, and local tax revenue, resulting in $57 billion in losses since March. This significant economic decline is seen as a direct result of the pandemic. The drop in travel and tourism is likely due to the impact of travel on the spread of the virus, as well as the presence of travel restrictions at state and local levels. It has been the recommendation of health officials to restrict social contact and travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While this has helped to flatten the curve of infection, the success comes as a direct loss to the travel and tourism industry. Consumer behavior is predicted to be similar to that of the 2008 recession, with an uptake in travel behavior expected as restrictions decrease and travel conditions become safer. Though public health officials stress the importance of restricted travel there are several precautions that consumers can take to make public health and safety a priority while traveling this holiday season.

The Rise of the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Significantly Impacted the Tourism Industry

The tourism industry has seen a significant loss in revenue compared to previous years as a direct result of travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The impact is felt on a national scale as travel spending has dipped by 41-45% compared to 2019 spending activity. Though there are slight upticks in travel as the year progresses and restrictions ease up, the loss of revenue has deteriorated employment rates throughout the industry with over 3.5 million direct travel jobs having vanished over the course of the last seven months. This loss is projected to continue to grow as it is expected that 50% of direct travel jobs will be lost by December of this year. The impact on the American people is significant, as travel jobs make up for 33% of those lost in the US economy during the pandemic.

Potential Exposure Hazards For Travelers To Avoid

The decline of tourism spending is seen as a direct result of the role travel and social interaction play in the spread of COVID-19. In anticipation of these risks, nearly 50% of Americans have canceled travel plans during the pandemic. A reduction in travel to the United States has been recorded as well. This is likely because travel by plane or bus places consumers within six feet of potential carriers of the novel coronavirus, a violation of recommendations on social distancing made by public health officials. In addition, air, bus, and car travel each create ample opportunity for individuals to come into contact with frequently touched surfaces. Though a small percentage of Americans claim they would book travel plans if proper travel insurance and discounts were available, the potential rebound of the tourism industry relies on safer travel practices of consumers.

How to Make Public Health and Safety a Priority While Traveling

There are many ways consumers can help to rebound the travel industry while still prioritizing public health. The primary components of a low-risk travel experience are maintaining social distance of at least 6 feet whenever possible, reducing the frequency of rest stops, wearing a mask in any circumstance where social distancing is not possible or while indoors, and washing or sanitizing hands regularly. In addition to practicing responsible travel behaviors while traveling, it is important to prepare ahead of time by investigating the travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, infection rates, and testing requirements of the destination. It is recommended that individuals exposed to the virus cancel or postpone any travel plans until a clean bill of health is received.

On his first visit to this scenic country Mark Twain said, “The Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo.” Aptly nicknamed “Bel Paese” or beautiful country, Italy is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. It is equally well-known for its masterpieces in art and architecture, as for its natural wonders. The boot-shaped archipelago prizes its many coastal delights.

Italian tourist attractions were closed while the COVID-19 preventive measures were in place. As of early June these destinations were reopened to European tourists. Soon they will be accessible again to visitors from around the world. Here are short descriptions of some of the spots that are simply too good to miss.

Cinque Terre

This small coastal town in the province of La Spezia measures merely 12 sq km. Vernazza is one of the most beautiful locales in Italy. It also holds historic importance. The region served as a strategic base in the defence against Saracen pirates. Several watch towers overlook the surrounding sea and land. One of the most frequented tourist spots is the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antochia. Vernazza has three well-known beaches. First of these is Monterroso beach which marks the path to the “old town”. Another one of the beaches is located near the harbor, and is a place to enjoy the quiet waves. The third beach is part of a less frequented area surrounded by cliffs.

Genoa

This is the capital of the Liguria region. Genoa is the birth place of Christopher Columbus. One of its most popular spots is the Palaces of Via Garibaldi. This was home to families of nobles during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another notable destination is the Acquario di Genova, one of the largest aquariums in Italy. It hosts 400 different species, and is an ideal spot to visit with children. Another jewel of Genoa is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which holds many prized ancient artefacts.

Ravello

This destination hosts concerts and festivals so frequently that it has come to be known as the City of Music. Visitors to Ravello also take the time to marvel at the gardens and mansion of Villa Rufolo, a residency of the affluent on the Amalfa coast. The Oscar Neimeyer Auditorium hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions. Even without the events the auditorium is admired as a marvel of abstract architecture. The Piazza del Duomo is another place worth a visit. The many restaurants and cafés scattered around the piazza offer refreshing treats to weary tourists.

Puglia

The heel of Italy’s boot is best known for its diversity of valleys and residential landscapes. Castel del Monte is an eight-sided castle constructed by Federico II. It is a most sought-after viewpoint to gaze upon the Valley of Murgia, as well as the Adriatic Sea. The antique town of Monopoli is a place of significant geographic anomalies. Here lie the Grotte di Castellana, ancient caves more than 90 million years old. “The Florence of the South,” better known as Lecce, is an iconic city and a haven for vegetarians. This region is rich in historic sites such as the Roman Amphitheater.

Sardinia

Measuring 24,090 sq km this is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The attractions of Sardinia include a profusion of white sand beaches and hill tops. Many ancient structures on the island are now protected as UNESCO world heritage sites. Some of these date back to 1500 BC. By contrast the port area of Costa Smeralda offers glimpses of luxury yachts, and a chance to stay at one of the many luxury resorts. The port was built in the 1960s and is still operational today.

In summary

Not least of Italy’s attractions are its people. The country is home to a vibrant collection of international cultures. Millions of migrants live and work in Italy, particularly in tourism and hospitality. Many of them send money to their families using the Ria Money Transfer App. Italy remains high on the list of millions of international travelers in 2020.

About the author:

Hemant G is a contributing writer at Sparkwebs LLC, a Digital and Content Marketing Agency. When he’s not writing, he loves to travel, scuba dive, and watch documentaries.