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Mauritius Trip: Airport to Port Louis, My Hotel (Day 1)

by VV
written by VV

This is the second video of my Mauritius trip. In this video, you will see me travelling from the airport to my hotel in Mauritius. While travelling I have shared information on how to travel from airport to the Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. If you are looking for public transport or bus from the airport to Port Louis, then watch this video for sure.

My hotel in Mauritius

This also includes a bit of information on various topics like buses in Mauritius, Aapravasi Ghat, Indian history in Mauritius, Mauritius Metro, etc. Watch this video if you are searching for luxury hotels in Mauritius. I stayed in Hotel Zilwa Attitude in the north of the small country.

How I reached Mauritius from India

My Mauritius trip: Flights, Visa for Indians, Immigration, etc.

 

 

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Travel Guide

USA Travel Guide

by VV
written by VV

AUTHOR: RAHUL TYAGI

I am an Indian living in USA for almost 9 years now. Based on my experiences I have shared a few inputs which may be useful for anyone planning to visit USA for tourism, work or study for short or long durations. Check USA travel guide for details on ways to travel on a budget in USA, getting a mobile sim, accessing free internet, getting vegetarian food and many more relevant topics.

FOOD

How to find good Restaurants in USA

In order to make sure that you are able to eat and have good options while you are travelling to USA please download a useful App called as “Yelp” which can help you find a restaurant near you or wherever you are going. You can also choose a specific cuisine you are looking for.

Vegetarian food in USA

You can get Vegetarian food at most restaurants in USA. Make sure that you ask the waiter that you are looking for something “without meat”. Also, a lot of times they can make a dish without meat if you ask them. Also note that in Indian Restaurants in USA, generally, you’ll get complimentary (Free) Rice with every dish you order.

Indian Grocery stores in USA

In the most major cities, you will find Indian grocery stores as well where you can get almost everything you will get in India.

INTERNET

How to get Free Internet in USA

You will find free WiFi at almost all Coffee Shops in USA. If you are travelling across USA search for the nearest Starbucks. They offer you free WiFi with no time limit and you do not need a phone number for connecting to the WiFI. Starbucks is pretty lenient with customers, you do not necessarily need to buy anything at Starbucks. You can just go inside Starbucks sit and connect to WiFi and enjoy.
Another place you can access free WiFi is public libraries, every city in the US has a public library where you can not only access free WiFi but also access to PC and printing services etc. and on top of that access to Public Library in any city is Free.

Free WiFi tips

Also, there is a retail chain across USA who provides free Access to WiFi. Check this link,  https://www.thesimpledollar.com/ten-places-to-find-free-wi-fi-in-any-neighborhood/

These applications also can be used to find free WiFi Hotspots near your location. ‘WiFi Map’ & ‘Wiffinity’

MOBILE SIM

Mobile Networks in USA

There are three major Wireless Operator in USA. Verizon (Only CDMA), AT&T (GSM) and T-mobile (GSM). Rest anyone who is selling you a SIM card is what is known as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). They are virtual operators using the physical network of the above three operators. Usually, MVNO’s are cheaper than AT&T, T-mobile as they buy data, voice and text services in bulk from these operators and pass the benefit to consumers. AT&T and T-mobile are equally good but T-mobile has a slightly better network, especially in remote areas.

Here are few MVNOs that can be good for your stay and provide the same connectivity as AT&T and T-Mobile will provide:

H20 Wireless [ Uses AT&T Network]

I use it. Benefits: Free calls to India. You can get this SIM for $1 directly at either Best Buy or Target or Walmart locations.
Plans: https://www.h2owirelessnow.com/mainControl.php?page=planMonth. It does say Monthly Plan but essentially it is a Prepaid Monthly with no commitment required.

Ultra Mobile [T-Mobile Network]

Needs to be ordered Online to avoid paying an extra activation fee
Plans: https://www.ultramobile.com/monthly-plans/

Cricket Wireless [ Uses AT&T Network]

You can get this SIM directly at either Best Buy or Target or Walmart locations.
Plans: https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop/serviceplans

Straight Talk [ Uses both AT&T & T-mobile]

You can get this SIM directly at either Best Buy or Target or Walmart locations
Plans: https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop/serviceplans

Other Helpful links

1. https://bestmvno.com/ (Dedicated for MVNO and Cheap Plans) and
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators [ List of MVNOin USA ]

STAY

Budget stay options in USA

You can use Couchsurfing to stay for free with locals. Airbnb is also very popular for staying with the locals in the USA. The good thing about Airbnb is that staying at an Airbnb is usually cheaper and comfortable than hotels. Please make sure that you are staying at an Airbnb which has a rating of 3 stars and above or else your stay can be really bad. The best is staying with people who are tagged as ‘Super Host’.

Free credit on AirBnb: Use www.airbnb.com/c/rahult27 to get $40 Credit with signup which you can use towards your stay.

Other Options [ Not personally used]
https://www.bedandbreakfast.com/
https://www.hostelbookers.com/
https://www.hostelz.com/
https://www.hiusa.org/
https://www.hihostels.com/

TRAVEL

Public Transport in USA

Most cities have good and some cities have a great Public Transport system. Boston and New York have a great Train/Subway/Metro system. You can usually buy Cards depending on the city for unlimited travel (for Ex. 2 Days, 14 Days, 30 Day pass) which gives you access to both Train and Bus (please check each city-specific information) for unlimited travel. Please make sure you check out the Public Transport website for the city where you are travelling.

Taxi or Uber!

If you plan on using Taxi, try leveraging either Uber or Lyft for getting from one place to another especially short distances. Also going into and out of Airports you usually have a service called as ‘Super Shuttle’ which will Pick you and Drop you off at the Airport depending on your address.

Buses in USA

Also, buses are really good and you can find cheap tickets if you book before time. Please make note that Bus Travel is not good for Long Distance Travel.

Useful Applications / Website

Uber : https://www.uber.com
Lyft : https://www.lyft.com/i/RAHUL95122
Super Shuttle : https://www.supershuttle.com/
Bus : https://wanderu.com and https://www.gotobus.com/

Budget Flights in USA

Frontier and Spirit Airlines are the two major low-cost airlines in the USA. To travel the long distances, flights are the best option. You can get really cheap tickets if you buy them in advance. Although there are a few other websites like airfarewatchdog.com and Skiplagged.com to get dirt cheap deals, alerts and tricked fares.

How to deal with the Emergencies

If you have an emergency like medical or theft or anything that requires immediate attention, call 911 immediately. 911 is a universal number for use across the USA for any kind of emergency. If you need help but is not an emergency and you have no other option, call 311 (please double check depending on City ). Also If you can’t figure out anything, go talk to a Police Officer (sitting in a Police car or if you see one) they are very helpful. Indians, in general, are really helpful, even if you don’t know them.

Medical emergency in USA

Medical expenses in USA are very high. Please make sure it is a good practice to cover yourself against any medical emergencies while you are in USA. Out of pocket medical is very high. I would advise you to get a Travel Insurance Plan for USA. You can also buy Medical Insurance before you travel from India but I would suggest picking provider who is local to USA as it would ease your claim and approval process.

Aggregator website that helps you compare different choices are listed below.
Square Mouth: https://www.squaremouth.com
Visitors Coverage: https://www.visitorscoverage.com/
Insubuy: https://www.insubuy.com/

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dubai trip
Travelogue

My Dubai Trip: A journey to the city of dreams

by VV
written by VV

Author: Unmesh Rajput

I went on a 7-day trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman in October 2017. Based on my experiences, I have shared few tips which may be helpful for anyone planning a Dubai trip.

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is ‘hot’! I suggest a trip to Dubai in the months of October/November so that weather is not unpleasant. Else you will not be able to explore the outdoors and beaches, which should not be missed.

Most important: Before you take your flight to Dubai

Ensure your Visa Agent confirms they will get an “OTB = OK To Board” from Dubai embassy. Unless you have an OTB, you will not be able to board a flight to Dubai even though you have a valid Visa and Ticket. OTB is done 24-48 hours before the flight.

Getting there

Visa is easy but requires flight and hotel bookings in advance. Indigo offers 30+7kg luggage for onward and return flights to Dubai. Make full use of this capacity and shop till you drop!!

Hotels in Dubai

All hotels or other stay options in Dubai are expensive. So just book and forget. Don’t think much. I stayed at Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites, Dubai Marina. The view from its 51st floor is just fantabulous.


Booking.com

Getting around Dubai

Buy ‘NOL card’ right at the airport. Use Red/Green lines metro or the Bus system to get into the city. Do check metro and bus operational hours beforehand as they can change. Taxis are an expensive affair unless 2-4 people are ride sharing.

  • Do read all rules before you travel, e.g. sleeping in Metro and seat sharing is not allowed.
  • Trams are operational only in Dubai Marina area. Police are not everywhere, but cameras are! So be mindful.
  • Don’t jaywalk, cross the roads only at Zebra Crossings when the light turns Green.
  • Hop-on Hop-off tourist buses are also available at a cost.
  • Do take the boat ride in old Dubai, it costs only 1 Dirham.

Dressing code in Dubai

Conservative for man/woman, a fellow male tourist was caught by police as his shorts were way below his waist. You are only expected to cover yourself adequately when you visit a place of worship. Makes sense, right! However, bikinis and swim shorts are allowed on beaches. Surprised!

Must see-Must do in Dubai

There is so much to do in Dubai. Covering even in one month is difficult. I have listed a few, but you should research thoroughly before. Certainly not to be missed are star attractions like:

  • Desert Safari with BBQ dinner and entertainment
  • Burj Al Arab and its beach
  • Top of Burj Khalifa
  • Dubai Mall and its Fountain Show
  • Atlantis and Palm Jumeirah
  • Old Dubai and Dubai Creek
  • Watersports and Speedboat cruise in Dubai Marina
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise
  • Gold Souq
  • Temple of Shiva and Krishna in Old Dubai (only Hindu temple in Dubai),
  • Dubai Sky Dive
  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • Ski Dubai
  • Miracle Garden
  • Bur Dubai
  • Deira markets
  • Electronics Shopping

Food & Alcohol

Wow! Heres the interesting part. Local food is fantastic and cheap. A meal can usually cost between 15-20 Dirhams without compromise on taste. Restaurants can be costly. Do try the white as well as red shawarma. You will get exposure to excellent Arabic, Pakistani and Indian food. I loved the Pakistani cuisine on offer, and it was damn cheap, only around 10-15 dirhams/meal. Public sale of Alcohol is not allowed, you can buy only in Hotels/Pubs/Restaurants/Clubs or through a local friend (Indian jugaad! lol).

Travel Guide – Dubai’s visa, flights, tips for Indians

Tips for Dubai trip

  • Read “Time Out Dubai” before you go. Check for events and programmes. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. So plan accordingly.
  • There are not as many Emiratis as there are travellers and expatriates. Don’t be surprised. Also, everyone speaks English.
  • Dubai is ridiculously safe. You will almost never lose your valuables. Police and Authorities keep making surprise checks on everyone. So carry Passport and Visa everywhere, even I was asked to produce it twice along with all the other local people.
  • Never plan Dubai on a budget. Dubai has to be seen to be believed. Explore it completely, and you will never regret it. Plan it as per your budget, and it will never leave unimpressed.
  • Everything here is massive, beautiful and beautifully planned. Do carry your best cameras and don’t miss any opportunity to Click.
  • Electronics in Malls/ Stores like Saraf DG/Jumbo are expensive. I bought iPhone 7 Plus 256GB in a market shop for 46,000 Rupees in October 2017 from Al Fahidi Street. One option is to shop electronics online and have them delivered to your hotel in Dubai. Yes! Or shop in markets like Bur Dubai Mankhool Road, Al Ain centre or Computer Plaza. Good deals are also at GITEX exhibition, but it is only once a year in September/October.
  • The variety and beauty of ornaments on offer in Gold Souq are simply mind-boggling. Do your homework on the Indian gold prices very well. Prices of 22k and 24k gold biscuits vary according to the certification body. (Swiss/Middle East etc.) Even ornaments are accredited. Buy gold on Saturday/Sunday as international markets are closed, and the price will be stable. Bargaining is the key to getting a good price. Don’t stress and politely walk away if you do not like the price. That’s ok. This is one place your wife or girlfriend is going to love. Don’t miss the biggest gold ring – 63kg on display in Gold Souq and displayed in Hindi movie “Welcome Back”!
  • Cost cutting options: Buy food at Supermarkets like Carrefour. Travel by Tram, Metro, Bus. Try and explore free possibilities as far as possible. Shop only at a discount. Some exceptional shopping deals are during Ramadan, National Day or Christmas.
  • The Dubai Mall fountain show is every 30 mins, different each time with Arabic, Chinese and Indian music. Do watch all three shows. Don’t miss the free aquarium view in Dubai Mall and you can also pay to get inside the aquarium with the Sharks and Stingrays in full view of the public.
  • Try water taxi. Take the RTA water taxi from Old Dubai to Dubai Marina. The views are fantastic and entirely paisa vasool. The RTA water taxi maps and info is available at RTA offices.
  • Flights/Hotel are at least twice as expensive in peak season as during offseason. So discounts at Dubai Shopping Festival will be set off. Be wise and visit in offseason. Book Flights and hotels two months in advance. Check the weather in advance.
  • Shamelessly admire cars and click pictures. Luxury cars are extremely common. Go to all the car showrooms and see all the luxury cars for free. You can rent any supercar, yes even a Lamborghini on an International Driving License. But please study all the traffic rules and regulations online as punishment in case of violation is very strict. Else you can plan to be taken around in one of the luxury cars, even the stretch Limo or stretch Hummer.

Useful travel websites in Dubai

  • Metro information: https://www.dubai-online.com/transport/metro/ & http://www.dubaimetro.eu/
  • Water Taxi – https://www.rta.ae/links/marine/en/dubai-water-taxi.html
  • Tour tickets – www.headout.com
  • Rules for Indians – https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/11-things-indians-must-never-do-in-dubai
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