Free Download: February Wallpaper Featuring the ‘Tunnel of Love’

This dreamy section of a railway line near Klevan, Ukraine is almost 3km long and has become a popular spot for lovers’ promises.

The tunnel was formed over several years by the train passing through three times a day on its way to a local factory.

Romantic Significance
In addition to serving as a train route, the tunnel is used by lovers to make a wish – it is said that if they are sincere in their love, their wishes will come true.

Free Wallpaper Downloads for February 2014

Laptops
1440 X 900 – DOWNLOAD (WITH CALENDER)


Tablet Computers
960 X 800 – DOWNLOAD
Phones
320 X 480 (for iPhone 3/Small Android) – DOWNLOAD
640 X 960 (for iPhone 4/Regular Android) – DOWNLOAD
Facebook Cover Photo
851 X 315 – DOWNLOAD

Krazy for Kerala

Kerala is one of India’s most special states. Founded quite recently, in 1956, today Kerala is extremely popular with tourists from around the world.
It’s so popular in fact that National Geographic Traveler magazine has named it one of the “ten paradises of the world.”  High praise indeed! This is a relatively new designation – as recently as the 1980′s, travellers hadn’t even heard of Kerala. It used to be well off the beaten track for travellers in India.
What’s the attraction to Kerala?  Well, there are countless reasons.  First and foremost is its natural beauty, located on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast. It’s home to nearly 10,000 square kilometres of forest, and 1/4 of India’s plant species. It’s considered the global ayurveda captal, a popular form of traditional medicine. The state also has the highest literacy rate in all of India and one of India’s highest standards of living.
Kerala is also well-known for its ecotourism initiatives, and its unique cultural traditions.  Some popular attractions include the hill stations of Munnar (photo), Nelliampathi, and Ponmudi. There are numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, including Periyar and Eravikulam. Heritage sites in the region include the Mattancherry Palace, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace. Shoppers should be sure to hit the cities of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and take in the traditional theatre and musical performances.
A good friend of mine from Mumbai is originally from Kerala. He returns to visit his family there, perhaps once every year. Whenever he describes Kerala to me, he always uses the word ‘special.’   Some places we travel truly are special. Most who have been, seem to agree that Kerala is one of those special places.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Kerala is known as God's Own Country and why not? Nature has blessed her abundantly right from Hill Stations, sun kissed beaches, dense forests, beautiful backwaters and friendly people.Share in Cochin’s famous heritage before riding the rails deep into Kerala’s remote southern forests, accompanied by the fragrant aromas of coffee and spice, and maybe even catch sight en route of India’s famous wildlife too. Finish your trip by exploring Kerala’s stunning waterways on your own private houseboat.

TAKE ME THERE, contact travel & more at sujit@travelandmore.in; OR visit website page for Kerala: www.travelandmore.in/domestic/kerala

10 of the World’s Best Street Foods

When visiting any new city, it’s probably most important to dig into the local cuisine. Where better to learn from than the people on the street. Street food is where it’s at right now, so here’s a round-up of ten great street foods to try in ten fantastic foodie cities:

1. Amsterdam: Frites with mayo
No Dutch meal is complete without a dash of mayo. Now, one deep-fried treat you shouldn’t miss, whilst strolling along the canals, is frites. Especially those sold at Rembrandt square. They are to die for!

2. Istanbul: Kumpir

Pay a visit to the neighbourhood of Karaköy, where you’ll find streets laden with food stalls selling these huge baked potatoes, topped with an array of dips, olives and more.

3. Paris: Nutella Crêpes

A visit to the city of love is not complete without a taste of their delicious choc-nut crêpes. Pop over to Montparnasse, where you can find them from a vendor for under 6 euros.

4. Tel Aviv: Falafel
You’ll know this one, but where better to try it than in Tel Aviv? Find this yummy, savoury pita stuffed with veggy falafel balls (made from chickpeas) around any street corner, for next to nothing, in this bustling city.

5. Marrakesh: Tagine

Visit the busy night market of Jemaa El Fna for some fantastic veggy tagine. This will set you back just over R20 – depending on your bartering skills of course.

6. Mexico City: Re-fried Bean Burritos

We all know this one, but nowhere in the world will you find a better re-fried bean burrito than downtown Mexico city. They go for around R20.

7. Hong Kong: Shumai dumplings

If you’re in the mood for a greasy and cheap meal, you can find these pork-filled dumplings at almost any of Hong Kong’s best known night markets.

8. Kuala Lumpur: Kway Teow noodles

This fried ricecake-strip dish is a seafood lover’s favourite. Noodles are fried with prawns, soy sauce and cockles.

9. Mumbai: Chaat snacks

The streets of Mumbai offer and amazing variety of chaat snacks. The best snack to try is definitely the papri-chaat. This dish is usually served with sweet and sour tamarind chutney and chilled yogurt. The real taste of India.

10. Frankfurt: Currywurst

Find some delicious German sausage covered in curry sauce anywhere in the Innenstadt. Try Pommes Freude for a super cheap (and scrumptious) wurst.

Tea Time Around The World

I’m sure most of us enjoy a good cup of tea every now and again. Now, see how the rest of the world takes their tea:

Japan

We all certainly know this one by now. Green tea is loved here because of its amazing health benefits. It is a great antioxidant and is rich in vitamins. It can also help to lower cholesterol. Most people drink theirs without sugar and definitely without milk.

South America

Try Yerba over a social chat with a local in South America. It is made from dried leaves of the Yerba plant. How is it made? It is dunked in really hot (not boiled) water. It has a very herbal taste, yet it contains a lot of caffeine. Some drink this tea as a somewhat healthier alternative to coffee. Well worth a try!

Taiwan

They love their bubble tea, which is now starting to gain popularity outside the country’s borders as well – especially in the U.S. It can be prepared two different ways: tea, fruit and milk mixed or as a smoothie blended with ice. Delicious!

China

When visiting China be sure to have some black tea. It is much stronger that other types and is enjoyed with light meals. Also make sure you stop by a tea house during your stay to take part in a traditional tea brewing ceremony.

Turkey

Here you’ll find a lot of fruity teas, yet one of their favourites is Apple tea. Served black with a bit of sugar, the locals tend to indulgence in this tea whenever they get the chance. Locals are also happy to offer you a cuppa any chance they get!

Can A Romantic Getaway Renew Your Relationship?

Are you looking for a way to reconnect with your one true love?

Do you have kids now and never seem to find time to do those little things to show you care?

Do you or your mate feel your relationship has grown old or boring?

Do you or your mate seem to prefer being at work rather than home?

Are you or your mate afraid that the love you show now will diminish in years to come?

 If you can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, then this is a terrific time to think about planning a romantic getaway.  Our daily lives  force us to choose how we will spend our time, and often it is our relationships that suffer.  We spend every day and every week working, caring for the kids, taking care of the house/vehicles, and paying bills.  We often feel our best efforts are not enough to keep everyone we love happy.  Sometimes we have to think back to the last conversation we had with our mate that didn’t involve bickering.  Is it any wonder that many couples find themselves growing apart?

Planning a romantic getaway together can help you remember one another’s tastes and preferences; but surprising the love of your life with a romantic getaway to their favorite destination can also be rewarding.

Take 5 minutes and picture a place you’ve always wanted to go.  Picture you and your mate doing all the things you’ve always heard were so great about that place.  Picture yourselves “catching up” on all the details about each other’s lives you’ve missed lately, and remembering all the things you love about that person. This month I’ll be posting a few ideas for romantic getaways. If you want to go through a few ideas right now click here

Feel free to share your romantic getaway ideas in the comments.

If you would like assist with, please contact me at sujit@travelandmore.in / +919930602334.

Money Saving Tips for International Getaways

Planning International Getaways

Do you have a passport?

• If not, get one… soon.  You can start here.  Save yourself money by getting the application completed and sent in at least 3 months before you travel.  Save yourself sanity by taking care of it right away.
• If you do have one, find it.  Check the expiration date.  Make sure it is valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return.  Some countries will not let you enter unless this is the case.  If it expires shortly after your travel, apply for renewal.

Buy your airline tickets as soon as you know your itinerary.  People are planning their getaways much farther in advance than ever before, and airlines are raising ticket prices faster than ever.  Prices are higher right now than the were last summer, but likely not as high as they will get this summer.  Protect yourself by buying early… but not so early that you will have to pay outrageous change fees. Buying tickets 3 to 2 Months Prior is advisable. Trust me this will save you a lot of money.

Consider purchasing Travel Insurance, especially if the policy covers flight delays or cancellation. It can also help if your baggage is lost or delayed, loss of passport and very important medical coverage. Trust me you will need deep pockets if you fall sick in a foreign country. The medical expenses are too high. So consider buying the policy to save yourself a lot of money. It cost less than Rs.1000 for a 10 to 12 days Trip. For additional cost you can also insure yourself for trip cancellation & trip delays which will protect you from last minute cancellations of your trip because of unforseen situations.

Can you travel off-season?  The summer months are the most popular for traveling to most foreign destinations, but going spring or fall can often save you some serious cash.  Besides, tourist attractions may be less crowded at those times.  There are exceptions like Spring Break and Thanksgiving week.

Are you open to flying any day of the week?  Sundays are usually the most expensive day to fly, closely followed by Fridays.  Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Satuarday to get the best deal on airfares. 



After Your Itinerary Is Decided, But Before You Travel

Once your flight is booked, check with us about what fees you will encounter:

• Seat assignment fee
• Baggage fees
• Fuel surcharge add-ons
• Ask about any others

If you must pay for baggage, considering sharing a suitcase with your sweetie and putting everything else in carry-ons.  This is especially helpful if you are likely to return with more than you take.  But make sure your suitcase stays under 20 kgs or you will not save money.
Keep an eye on currency exchange rates for the country/countries you will be visiting.  If the US Dollar gets a particularly high exchange rate one day, it might be a good idea to exchange some.  While it is widely advised that credit cards give you the best exchange rate, that doesn’t take into account additional fees that your bank may charge.  Besides, you may find having a bit of local currency when you arrive in a country keeps things running smooth.
Once your travel plans are finalized, call the customer service number on any credit/debit cards you want to take.

• Give them your travel dates, and the countries/cities you will be visiting.
• Ask about currency conversion fees, international ATM fees, & cash advance fees.
• Be sure to ask if they have any applicable fees you have not asked about.  This will give you the true cost of using your cards internationally.

Know about tipping guidelines.  Not all countries/areas have the same tipping policy as we do in India, so find out how much you should and shouldn’t leave where.

At Your Destination

If transportation is not included in your getaway package, consider using public transportation.  Many cities have excellent subway systems… and even bus systems if you take the time to understand them.  Combining this with walking as much as you can will save you money over taking taxis everywhere.
If your meals are not included in your getaway price, try eating and shopping where the locals do. Ask someone you meet at your destination their favorite restaurant.  It will likely give you a more authentic experience as well as save you some money compared to eating at restaurants that cater to tourists.  It may also make you a friend or two, which could also lead to getting more tips.

If you have any other tips to include, please leave a comment.  If I can help you plan your international getaway, please contact travel & more at sujit@travelandmore.in

Last Minute Holidays By Air - Indonesia

Indonesia - The world's largest island archipelago combines mystique, adventure and beauty to make a heady holiday cocktail. Java's Borobudur, a Mahayana Buddhist relic, which includes 5km of Buddhist carvings and rises from a carpet of pretty paddy fields, will be a sight you wont forget in a hurry. Tana Toraja in Sulawesi is home to ethnic Toraja People and a cultural discovery. See the traditional tongkonan houses and be mystified by their funeral rites, which includes buffalo and pig carnages, tall wooden effigies and hanging graves. Head to familiar Bali and immerse yourself in its concoction of temple ceremonies, scenic treks, quaint beach town, shadow-puppet theatre and vivifying spa retreats. Kalimantan's steaming jungles and their reticent inhabitants (proboscis monkeys, sun bears and orang-utans) and the tribal hamlets are great exploration spots. Visit Komodo  National Park, home to the Komodo dragon, the world largest living lizard, and dive in its waters alongside manta rays and dolphins. Hire a mountain bike to scale Sumatra's volcanic craters, mountains and jungles for wildlife sightings, and cycle to the volcanic Danau Toba Lake.

Visa: Tourist are issued a visa on arrival (valid for 30 days from arrival, Rs.1120) your passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date, have at least one unused page for a visa on arrival sticker, and a confirmed return/onward ticket.