Posts Tagged ‘Ups’

Top Tips to Making Friends in Berlin

August 29th, 2011 Tushar Mathur
Starting out on your new life in any place can be difficult – all the worries of leaving your friends and family behind and having nobody to talk to if you need them. Of course that won’t do and you’ll have to start looking for new connections. Luckily for you, Berlin residents are a friendly bunch and you shouldn’t find it too hard to start making friends there. Here are some handy pointers on how to get started making new friends in Berlin;

·       Go to non-tourist places

Avoid all of the well known tourist traps such as Brandenburg gate because the only people you will end up meeting are other tourists. Instead check out local flea-markets such as Arkonaplatz in Mitte or Moritzplatz in Kreuzberg. Of course make sure the interesting people you meet are young enough to remember your name the next time you get chatting to them!

·       Clubbing

Much like anywhere in the world, clubs are a great place to meet new people. A friendly bunch of people out to have a good time, there is no way you will fail to meet some young and interesting Berlin folk. My advice to you is to check out the Weekend Club which is found on the upper floors of an old office building in Alexanderplatz and King Kong Klub in Mitte as they both house some of the most interesting people you will find in Berlin. Of course let’s not rule out small bars and cafés, particularly the ones found along Kastanienallee and on Oderberger Strasse as there are always a friendly bunch of young people to get talking to and may even invite you along for a night out.

·       Meet other non-natives

Just because you are looking to meet new people in Berlin, doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be German! There are various groups of non-natives who hold meet-ups for travelers from far and wide to mix and make new friends. Why not check out the Language Party (also known as the Boat Party) which is held on a ship named Eastern Comfort. It is here where you can meet people from all over the world and perhaps brush up on your German or eat some very tasty homemade hummus. The party usually begins at 7pm and is only 1 euro to enter!

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Morocco, a beach holiday for grown ups

April 19th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of beach holidays. When I was small, my parents took me to the seaside as often as they could, although  it has to be said that we didn’t have too far to go, and while I’ll always treasure the excitement of those trips, I have to admit that as soon as I hit my teens, I was ready to get further away. Then followed a few years of cheap package holidays to resorts in Spain and Portugal, which were all lovely in their own way. Now though, I’m looking for something a little different when I think of sunny holidays – and I think that’s why I’m such a fan of places like Morocco.

Not your typical, cheap and cheerful beach holiday destination, but a wonderful place to soak up a little sun as well as some gorgeous views. It’s got both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, so there are plenty of beaches to choose from. And while the sea is a little too rough for swimming sometimes, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s perfect for my desires (which are basically to spend plenty of time relaxing with a book and a few minutes dabbling my toes in the surf every now and then).

Many of the beaches are a little rocky, and great for walking along to enjoy the views, but people who like softer sand or who are travelling with a family will find more suitable beaches along Agadir or Casablanca.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for ways to really relax, I highly recommend a trip to a traditional public steam bath. I was a little shy the first time because I didn’t know what to expect, as it used to really be a way for a lot of people to have a bath (something I very much prefer doing at home!), but these days it’s not really any different to visiting a pool with a hot Jacuzzi or a spa.

I also managed to get some lovely shopping done in Marrakech. My best buy was a nice leather bag, although I probably paid slightly more fir it than I should have. As in some many places that aren’t the UK, you are meant to haggle and bargain when shopping at souks – and even in some shops – but I don’t have a talent for it at all. But I don’t mind, the bag was more than worth what I paid for it anyway.

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Travel and Tourism In 2009

February 20th, 2009 Tushar Mathur

In 2008, we saw ups and downs in every field and industries. There were number of factors that made 2008 a challenging year such as low demands by consumers, cost for skyrocketing fuel, fall of US dollar comparing to other currencies and so on. Most of the business welcomed 2009 with hope and expectation of development in global economy. For most of industry, 2008 was a year of struggle for survival. Only thing that gives hopes and positive thoughts in business are systemic development in global economy and hopes to continue well in the whole 2009.

Here are some prediction or foresee of travel experts which may continue or likely to happen in 2009.

Fall in Oil price

It is wonder for travel industry as it depends on energy. The year 2008 witnessed record fall in oil price and it is expected to continue in year coming days. The steep fall in energy price has led in decreasing price for package of travel and tourism. The industry depending on travel such as travel suppliers, cruise will reduce the price and the expense for travel will fall in record price in order to ensure high occupancy. The fall in price can be experienced in industries or resort cities where visitors expenditure place such as Las Vegas.

Government Office as Tourist spot

There will be direct involvement of government in advertising and offering incentives to attract number of tourists to visit their office or place. These incentives will not be available to all regions but can be enjoyed by countries like Europe and Canada. Government based bonus package is available to all visitors who stay for specific period.

Strengthening of Dollar rate

Major industrial nations have reduced the interest rate to promote lending and this can result in rise in dollar rate. Experts predict that tourism can be benefit from a stronger dollar.

Late booking trend

In recent years, late booking trend has been growing and it will reach to its climax by this year. The late booking trend will lead for greater reduction in price by supplier and traveling public will learn late booking and wait for the price to be lowest. Additional cruise facility for economic development will worsen the problem. In order to find greater demand and more revenue, more cruises will be relocated to South America, Middle East or Orient and other parts of the countries.

Obama Presidency

Obama Presidency is looked with positive as the Obama’s global popularity can lead to the development of US tourism.

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Ten Tips for Travel Commandments

November 17th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Traveling has become an important part of our life and it makes us enjoy and stress free during our vacation with friends or family. But traveling does not mean simply to pack bags, book the tickets and have fun. It means more than that. It needs whole sole preparation and planning before going to our favorite destination. There are ten travel commandments which should be discussed as they are very crucial for us and never makes us go wrong in any of our business trips or family holiday. It completely ensures our safety and security and provides trustworthy plans; which if we do not follow can put us in trouble.

Here are the basic 10 commandments discussed below:

  1. The very first commandment is to keep all the important documents. Keep your passport, visa and bank cards to avoid any danger. Other things include tickets, travel passes and credit cards. In fact you all should alert your credit card companies before going on a travel so that loss of credit cards can be prevented.
  2. The second most important thing is to arrive at the airport early enough to clear check -ins, customs and security check ups. If you happen to come by taxi then better ensure its booking a day before. And if you happen to go with your friend then remind them beforehand to escape the stress overcoming you.
  3. The next thing is to pack your bags lightly and very sensibly. Keep the entire medical and toiletry kits with you. If the destination where you are heading to is very cold then better you keep the winter stuff with you. Keep only necessary footwear with you; one for everyday wearing, another for formal wearing and last for the walking purposes with the proper shoe cases.
  4. The fourth one is to care for yourself while you are in the flight. Drink lots of water and eat hygienic food only. Do not try to take alcohols while traveling. Keep your skin moisturized and so ladies should not wear the make-up while traveling as it may lead to skin problems. Even wear stretchable clothes to make yourself comfortable. The more you will take care of yourself the more you will be stress free and will experience the less jet lag.
  5. Next thing is to keep a journal or a diary to keep writing all your experience while traveling. In this, you can easily write the names of various famous places to share it with your friends. This will help you collect your memories. You can also make album of the snaps taken.
  6. Be polite while traveling to other destination of which you are not aware of.

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