Cover Story
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
The Land of Smiles-Thailand is one of the best destinations to tour with friends.
It's time. You're ready to say goodbye. It's adios to the unrelenting traffic. You won't be seeing the stacks of paperwork. Early mornings and you are so done. At least for those few magical days of vacation.
Staying at one place for a long time can be dangerous to your physical and mental state. Your responsibilities start dictating your life. You can feel your eyes resisting the sights and scenes that greet you day in and day out. You might just be reaching the frayed ends of your sanity. Getting out of the country for some days might just be what the doctor prescribed. The Star Magazine brings you the ultimate travel guide! Here, you will find first hand information from seasoned globetrotters, suggestions on what to do before and after you reach your travel destination, and tips on how to survive abroad. Let the journey begin!
Going Solo
Turkey has become a recent favourite among Bangladeshis for its rich historical monuments.
Travelling alone can be fun and self-indulging, as it gives travellers the chance to meet new people and culture. It also gives people a feeling of freedom, to do as one likes without having to adjust to other people's likes and dislikes. Travelling alone, however, has its own risks and some research and common sense can save you from getting swindled!
"Background research is an integral part of my trip. I'm very detail oriented and I always research a place before going there. I get most of my information from sites like Tripadvisor and LonelyPlanet. I also visit several travel blogs for more detailed information,” says Monzur Morshed, Business Development Manager of Noman Group who has bagged a lot of experiences as a solo traveler.
“love to travel alone most of the time. It's not like I don't like hanging out with friends. But travelling alone means I get to meet new people and can acquaint myself with different cultures,” says Zia Islam, a young photographer. “I travel to photograph, when I am alone, and I can plan my tour the way I want. When I roam around I can look at things with more time and attention. When I am not photographing, I find myself sitting with a chatty gang and exchanging information about our respective cultures,” he adds.
So, where can we travel if we are all on our own? “For lone travellers, who are on a tight budget and travelling for the first time, you can always choose more familiar locales like India, Nepal, Bhutan or Thailand. You can find fellow expatriates and travellers who speak your native tongue or find other tourist groups to tag along,” Zia opines.
"Traveling solo in countries like Nepal or India is very common. However, at the end of the day no one is left alone, and in a couple days our solo travellers find themselves touring in a big group of people coming from diverse cultures who have similar interests,” says tour manager Jahangir Alam.
Europe also offers a lot to explore. “If you can spend a bit more, solo travellers could tour Europe, which is very accessible for them. It'll be very easy to meet people in the lounges from different countries in affordable hostels, and so you'll never feel alone”, says Monzur.
If you want to give adventurous trips a shot you can always find like-minded company by joining different groups consisting of solo travellers like you. Joining a small group can let you have new friends, ensure safety and also help you in cutting costs by sharing expenditure. At the same time, remember there are always con artists out there and solo travellers are more prone to getting conned! Hang out, smile, share but always keep your guard up and make sure that you don't trust strangers with your life.
“Scammers are everywhere in the world. My advice would be to use your common sense. If someone offers a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Monzur says.
For lone travellers, Zahangir has three tips. Firstly, pack light. Secondly, always carry your identification card, a copy of your passport and a map. Finally, learn some common local language words and phrases.
In countries where travellers go with extended groups or their family, a solo traveller might get strange and sympathetic glances. Don't be perturbed by this and just enjoy your free-agent status.
India's diversity in culture makes it a travellers' haven.
Friends Go Round
If you are a student and want to go on a fun trip with your friends inspired by road trip movies, choosing the right destination is crucial for you. “We had our meagre savings, and our family had to sponsor the rest. So, India was our first choice. I had to convince my parents why this trip was very important to and what greater knowledge I might miss acquiring if I miss the trip,” laughs Nishat Islam a BBA student in North South University. Picking a locale that is relatively close to Bangladesh will allow you to have a fun trip at a minimum budget. India's diversity in culture, landscapes, historical places and ancient structures will allow you and your friends to choose from a list of options.
If you belong to a troop who are adventure enthusiasts and look forward to going to long mountain expeditions and indulging in daring adventure sports, Nepal is the right choice for you. You can have a low to medium budget to enjoy the scenic beauty, scrumptious food and trekking as a group.
Masudul Amin Rintu, General Manager of Robi Axiata Limited, identifies The Land of Smiles-Thailand as one of the best destinations to tour with friends. He explains, “Thailand offers a cluster of fun and affordable wonderments that will engage and entertain big groups of travelers.”
It is very important to remember that traveling with a group needs finesse and consideration for others needs. Picking the right group is no less important than picking the right destination. If you don't want to be the spoil-sport of your trip, travel with people who you think will be compatible with your expectations and interests. Also while planning for a tour and planning the budget, it is important to respect everyone's interest when it comes to accommodation, food and transport. A mutually agreed upon travel plan will always save yours on disagreements and squabbles. Touring in a larger group does not necessarily mean you have to stick to it all the time. Splitting up for a shorter period of time can be considered as a good idea if your interests don't match all the time. Above all, don't expect everything to happen the way you want!
Couples’ Delight
Luxurious villas, extravagant meals, gleaming sands, pearly white beaches, romantic mountains. What do you look for in a romantic getaway, far from the maddening crowd and countless responsibilities? If you want to spend a serene holiday far from the hustle-bustle of daily life, in an idyllic spot, Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain or the Maldives are the perfect picks for you.
Masudul Amin, has spent holidays with his wife in a couple of countries. “Malaysia has always been a favourite,” says Masudul. “Its peaceful nature, serene beaches, affordability, Halal food provision, wide range of shopping facility, and an overall gentle atmosphere, have made the country a genteel haven for couples of all ages.”
You can always pick India, Nepal or the Himalayan kingdom Bhutan if you want to go to a country nearby. “The last Shangri La in Bhutan is the most romantic destination,” croons Samira Alam who went her honeymoon there two years back. “We have been to other places in the last two years. But Bhutan's pristine beauty and happy people make it unbeatable.”
The couples who are not on a budget and don't mind spending a bit more could consider going to Paris, the romance capital of the world. “Apart from France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are ideal of lovers visiting Europe,” says S M Mazharul Islam, Brand manager of Wings Classic Tours and Travels Limited.
Family Time
Where do we prefer to go on a family vacation? Well, the answer depends on a number of variables: time, money and our own preference! There are plenty of amusement items like theme parks, sanctuaries, water sports, museum, and historical palaces in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to keep the whole family entertained. If you plan your vacation during your children's long summer vacation, and if your budget allows, plan for a long vacation outside of Asia. Europe can make for an amazing family trip for its Eclectic range of natural beauties and towering historical structures.
Mashi ud Duza, Head of Health and Safety, Lafarge Surma Cement Limited, often goes on world tours with his family. He and his family have visited countries like Singapore, UK, Canada, France, Germany; the list goes on! He considers three issues when planning a trip abroad. Firstly, being an executive of a multinational company, he has colleagues in different countries. “I find it very convenient if I have friends and colleagues living in the country we plan to visit, as they help me plan the trip and choose places to visit,” he explains. Secondly, if he goes on an official tour in a country for more than two days, he decides to take his family along with him and extends the trip to more days. “Once I am done with my official work, I can spend time with my family,” says Mashi ud Duza. Thirdly, he chooses the countries where he has got some close relatives whom he can meet during his vacation.
Malaysia has always been a favourite destination for Bangladeshi travellers.
Tabrez Bin Mahbub, Director of Local Corportaes, Standard Chartered Bank, prefers Thailand and Malaysia when he goes on a family vacation. “These two countries make me feel at home; I don't feel out of the circle. Also, when you are with your family, shopping is a must on the itinerary! Thailand and Malaysia offers a lot in terms of shopping,” Tabrez says.
Ideally, you should pack light to have a hassle-free travel. But when you are with your family and if you have children, this rule of thumb might not work every time. Tabrez continues, “If your kids are big enough to carry a small backpack or any baggage you should make them do that, no matter how small and light the bag is. It will make them feel important and will develop a sense of responsibility in them.”
While traveling with your family, supervising your children in a proper way is very important. Being a frequent traveller, Mashi ud Duza has developed his own strategy, “I prefer giving my children safety travel tags with information including their name, their parents' name, emergency contact numbers, flight details, name of their home country and any other important information related to our travel. This small step can save travellers like us from getting into trouble.”
Agent Speak
In terms of the most preferred and in demand holiday destinations. Bangladeshi tourists prefer to visit India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bhutan most, says S M Mazharul Islam, the brand manager of a travel agency. “People also love traveling to Singapore Indonesia and the Maldives during their holidays,” he says.
For those who have a fairly large travel budget a European trip has become quite the craze says Islam. “A Euro tour is relatively more expensive, and people prefer staying there for a longer period of time. Nowadays, people travel to France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland,” Mazhar explains.
"Egypt was formerly a popular holiday destination but due to its current political turmoil, the country is losing its appeal for travellers,” Mazhar says. Dubai attracts a large number of travellers every year who visit the country for relaxing and shopping purposes, even though the trip is relatively expensive.
"Turkey has become a recent favorite amidst Bangladeshis for its rich historical monuments and also for having a number of cheap direct flights from Dhaka to Istanbul,” concludes Mazhar.
Bhutan's pristine beauty and happy people make it a desirable trave destination.
Bye Bye BD
There's nothing more refreshing than getting out of the country for a while. When you feel like you just aren't being able to continue, a break from all of it is sure to do you good. You don't want to remain stagnant at one spot all your life without giving yourself the chance to explore the world, do you? Give yourself a break, pack those bags and start with the exploring, already! Bon Voyage!
What, Where and How
To make things easier for you, the Star Magazine offers hotel suggestions, places you can visit and visa costs of some of the popular holiday destinations.
Shoppers' Paradise
Kolkata is the place to go if you are looking for cheap bargains and a trip down memory lane. Look for hotels in the Park Street or New Market vicinity as those are the shopping and entertainment hubs of the city
Visa Cost to India: BDT 400
Hotels:
Budget: Hotel Victerrace
Where: Park Street and Vicinity
Price: starting from $25 per night for 2 people
Mid Range: Hotel Lee International
Where: Park Street and Vicinity
Price: starting from $35 per night for 2 people
High End: Kenilworth Hotel
Where: Park Street
Price: starting from $76 per night for 2 people
Thailand is the postcard destination. You can go there with your family, you can go there on your honeymoon, you can go there only for shopping. If you want a holistic experience at affordable rates not too far away from home, Thailand would suit just fine!
Visa Cost to Thailand: BDT 3400
Hotels:
Budget: 13 Coins Antique Villa
Where: 304 Surawongse Road Bangrak,Bangkok,10500
Price: $28 per night for two people
Mid Level: Silom City Hotel
Where: 72Soj Prachum, Silom Road, Bangkok
Price: starting from $37 per night for two
High Range: Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri Hotel
Where: 153/2 Soi Mahatiek Luang 1 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Bangkok
Price: starting from $150 per night for two
Couples Retreat
The romantic capital of the world Paris is the way to go if you are one to go for grand gestures. What can be a more romantic getaway than glancing up the Eiffel Tower with your partner?
Visa Cost to France: BDT 10,000
Hotels:
Budget: Port Royal Hotel
Where: 8 Boulevard, Port Royal, 5th
Price: $94 for two
Mid Range: Hôtel de la Herse d'Or
Where: 20 rue Saint-Antoine, 4th
Price: $128 for two
High End: Terrass Hotel
Where: 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre
Price: $218 per night for two
For those wanting a more accessible, affordable option, you could look at Malaysia. Be it the culture, the food, the people; Malaysia truly offers the best in terms of adventure and romance.
Visa Cost to Malaysia: BDT 600
Hotels:
Budget: Best Stay Hotel
Where: 55, Jalan Pasir Bogak Perak
Price: starts from $29 per night for two
Mid Level: M-Suites Hotel
Where: 16 Jalan Skudai, Straits View
Price: starting from $48 per night for two
High End: Prince Hotel and Residence
Where: Jalan Konlay, Kuala Lampur
Price: starting from $115 per night for two
For Adventure Freaks
Nepal is ideal for those who want to appreciate nature and also want to go on a trekking expedition with friends. Bungee jumping, river rafting, mountain climbing; Nepal has all this and more.
Visa Cost to Nepal: Visa on Arrival
Hotels:
Budget: Hotel Garuda
Where: Thamel, Kathmandu, PO Box 1771
Price: $30
Mid Level: Hotel Northfield
Where: Thamel, Kathmandu, PO Box 1764
Price: $59
High End: Hotel Shanker
Where: Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Price: from $138 per night for two
Going in Groups
Indonesia is the perfect place to go to if you go with your family or with friends. Its tranquil beauty and indigenous culture makes this country a must-see for all seasons.
Visa Cost to Indonesia: BDT 3800
Hotels:
Budget: The 101 Bali Legian
Where: Jalan Raya Legian No. 117, Legian
Price: $ 32.50
Mid Range: Club Bali Suites @ Jakarta Bali Hotel
Where : 526 Werkudara StreetLegian- Kuta
Price: $63.02
High End: The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali
Where Jalan Camplung Tanduk Seminyak
Price: $199.80
If you want to take kids along with you then Singapore should do the trick. There are a number of amusement parks, restaurants and other entertaining options to keep the little ones distracted while you tour and shop.
Visa Cost to Singapore: BDT 2600
Hotels:
Budget: Broadway Hotel Singapore
Where: Little India
Price: $ 70.50
Mid End: Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Where: Orchard Road
Price: $210.02
High End: Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Where: Orchard Road
Price: $ 270.10
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