The Journey of Holiday Bookings from Traditional to Digital Waters

Embark on an “Online Odyssey” as the journey of holiday bookings transitions from traditional to digital waters. This article explores the profound shift occurring in the way sailors plan and book their maritime adventures, navigating through the digital seascape to embrace a future defined by convenience, accessibility, and the endless possibilities that the online odyssey brings to the world of sailing holidays.

“Online Odyssey” encapsulates the transformative journey of holiday bookings into digital waters. Online platforms have become the guiding stars of this odyssey, illuminating a path where sailors can seamlessly explore destinations like Tuscany, compare, and customize their sailing experiences. The digital waters signify a departure from traditional booking methods, ushering in an era where the entire odyssey—from inspiration to confirmation—occurs in the virtual realm, providing sailors with a navigational toolset to craft their dream voyages with ease.

Online platforms serve as the vessels propelling sailors through this online odyssey. User-friendly interfaces empower users to embark on a digital journey, transforming the planning phase into an immersive and enjoyable experience. The online odyssey is more than a practical shift; it symbolizes a cultural evolution within the sailing community, as sailors navigate towards a future where the digital waters redefine the way maritime adventures are planned and booked.

As sailors embark on the online odyssey, it fosters a sense of community. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to sailing holidays serve as virtual ports of call where enthusiasts share insights, offer advice, and celebrate the joy of navigating the seas of digital waters. The online odyssey signifies a collective journey, as sailors unite in their appreciation for the convenience and endless possibilities that the digital era brings to the world of sailing holidays.

Interesting facts about the Italian cuisine and customs

Most people across the world are conversant with Italian food, as well as the different versions of it that have come up in different other countries. However, there are a few things about Italian cuisine that have changed as the food crossed borders and interacted with other cultures and customs. In this post, we shall discuss some of the most interesting facts about Italian food that you might have not known before.

Let’s delve in!

There’s no Italian wedding soup in Italy

Well, we can’t trace the origin of this dish, but it’s most likely that it came from a mixture of American and Italian cuisine. If you’ve never heard of the Italian wedding soup, it consists of meat, vegetables, and stock. And, although it’s a mouthwatering soup, if you were to order for the soup in Italy, you’d be surprised that it doesn’t exist.

There’s not much use of garlic in Italian cuisine

While garlic bread seems to be a staple in most restaurants across the world, it can be a challenge to find it in Italy. This bread is typically served plain, and not saturated in garlic butter. There’s one rule that’s followed in Italian cuisine when it comes to flavor and seasoning—less is enough. Italians depend on a mixture of fresh and flavorful ingredients when making their dishes.

Italians don’t drink cappuccino the way you think

The rising of coffee shops across the world with elegant Italian-sounding coffees has misled a lot of people. What you should understand is that there’s one rule in Italy—coffee is reserved for breakfast only. Thus, you can never find an Italian ordering for a cappuccino past 11 am. In case it’s post-meal coffee, they will order an espresso.

The Italian cuisine doesn’t have a spaghetti and meatballs menu

Spaghetti is one of the most renowned Italian dishes across the world. And, there’s a chance that you’ve ordered spaghetti and meatballs at some point in life. However, it’s important to note that this is not an authentic dish in Italian cuisine. Interestingly, you will not find most pasta dishes in Italian cuisine topped with meat. And, while we are talking about pasta and meat, you will never see chicken atop pasta in Italian cuisine, since chicken is not as popular as you think.

Bread isn’t an appetizer

If you ever get into an Italian restaurant, place your orders only to get a basket of bread before your main meal is served, never touch that bread. In Italian cuisine, bread is used to clean the extra sauce that remains on your plate after eating. So, if you want to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience, save the bread and enjoy your sauce with it. In Italy, this is referred to as ‘Fare la Scarpetta.’

Never walk while eating

While this might seem ok in most countries, walking while eating in Italy is considered rude. Someone spent their time and effort preparing that meal for you to enjoy—something you cannot do if you are concerned about where you should be next. Now, this connects very well with the general mentality towards food in Italy—always take your time to enjoy your meal with family and friends, make jokes, and relax.

An authentic Italian pizza is very simple

Most people have a misconception about authentic Italian pizza. An authentic Italian pizza has a thin crust—the thicker, spongy crust variety was not invented in Italy. Also, the toppings are more basic than what’s used in England or America—Italians use Margherita. Also, pizza isn’t something that you’d just order in an Italian restaurant—just go to a pizzeria if you want a pizza. You can enjoy italian pizza in Orlando Florida.

Why we are leaving the UK when the winter comes

Winter is coming and it is the high time to think about moving out of the UK. This year’s winter in the UK is expected to be freezing cold like the previous year. Hence, it is the high time for you to think about leaving the UK before you face such harsh climate conditions. However, that’s not the only reason available to leave UK. If you are confused on whether to leave the UK or not, let’s take a look at the reasons on why you should go ahead with the decision. Based on that, you will be able to make a decision. Should you be convinced, you can easily find winter rentals in Spain on Kuhamia.com.

  • You can fight against seasonal depression

Seasonal depression, which is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder is a health condition, which can happen to people during winter months. When you are affected with this health condition, you will have to experience depression like symptoms. It can mainly happen because you are lacking your exposure to the sunlight. Hence, you will not be able to provide Vitamin D needed by the body. If you are at the risk of facing seasonal affective disorder, you should think about moving out of the UK during winter months and coming back during spring.

  • You can improve your mood

Spending winter months in the UK can be depressive for some of the people. If you are facing the same, you should leave the UK and go to a warmer country such as Spain. You will hate to see clouds and snow during winter months. On the other hand, you will not love to enjoy the scenery filled with snow all around you. Instead, you will focus on things that can badly hurt your mood, such as trees without leaves. You can easily boost your mood by moving to another country.

  • You can continue with your workouts

Working out consistently is good for your health. However, you will come across challenges when focusing on the consistent workouts due to the climate. But if you can move to a warmer country, you will be able to focus more on the workouts. You can make sure that your consistent workout schedule will never get disturbed.

  • You can refresh the relationships

Moving to a warmer country from the UK during winter can provide an ideal environment for you to refresh your relationships as well. You will never have to fight against the weather. You will have all the freedom to spend your time outdoors and enjoy with your loved ones. The natural setting will provide you the chance to refresh your relationships. You will experience the warmth linked with flowing conversations as well.

  • You can experience weather-proof inspiration

Environmental settings can create an impact on your brain and body. It has a direct impact on your cognitive function. When the temperature drops under zero, you will not be able to keep the cognitive function of your body working as usual. Hence, you will have to face the negative consequences that come along with it. By leaving the UK, you can make sure that it will not happen.

Take a look at these reasons and you will be convinced to move out of the UK during winter. Take maximum advantage out of your holiday breaks and enjoy all the benefits that come along with it.

Why Fine Dining Is Important Still

In today’s ever-changing and fast-paced society, there is still a place for fine dining. Of course, casual dining will often suit your purposes just fine. However, when you enjoy a fine dining experience at an outstanding restaurant, you will then discover what dining out really means. 

We dine out at fine restaurants in order to celebrate special occasions. There are many reasons to celebrate including retirements, promotions, anniversaries, and birthdays. 

We dine out for the exceptional experience that it has to offer. When you arrive at a fine restaurant, you feel important. Hopefully, you made reservations in advance and your table is ready and waiting for you.  Your host will escort you to your table, and maybe place a napkin on your lap, while handing you the menu. You are often welcome to the restaurant as a special guest – which you most certainly are. You will be provided with a wine menu and a sommelier may stop by to help you choose a wine based on what you are ordering.

You are provided with impeccable service. You won’t need to wait a long time for your server to arrive at your table, to tell you about the nightly specials. Your server will be able to answer whatever questions you have. They will have tried out most or all of the dishes that are on the menu, including the nightly specials. Your server will provide you with sparkling or still water and perhaps a basket of bread.  

You are served the first course. You admire how beautifully prepared the dishes are that could never come from your kitchen. The aromas and flavors enhance the visual splendor. Your wine is decanted and ceremoniously served to you. You are able to relax and completely enjoy the wine that has been paired expertly with your meal. 

You need to be an active participant to fully enjoy your fine dining experience. The restaurant that you have selected will do everything they possibly can to provide you with a special and memorable experience. They have considered the smells, the sounds, the lighting, all of the small details that you might not notice. The shape of your cutlery. The way they plate your meal. 

That is why it is important for you to do whatever you can to help enhance your experience. Dress for the occasion. You won’t be able to truly enjoy everything the restaurant has to offer if you wear your regular casual clothes. When you dress appropriately, it shows the restaurant that you are prepared to enjoy the entire experience. 

There are other manners that are also important. Of course, there are regular manners such as not putting your elbows on the table, and chewing with a closed mouth. New manners that are now part of our society include turning off your phone and putting it away.  You want your dining companion who is sitting across the table from you to feel special throughout the experience also. If you feel the need to take a photo for social media, be sure to not disturb the other diners. 

We are all busy these days. Our society runs on a 24/7 basis. This doesn’t mean you cannot take a couple of hours out of your busy day and slow down so that you can enjoy an outstanding meal. Learning to enjoy a good meal at a fine dining restaurant will help you understand why there is still an important place for fine dining these days.

8 Cultural events that define Hong Kongers

Hong Kong is a city marked with a couple of Chinese cultural events in every calendar year. However, every event is organized in different seasons and different destinations depending on the purpose of events like religious, cultural, among others.

All these events make the City activity-filled vacation. While planning for the upcoming holiday tour to Hong Kong, you need to know some of these cultural events. Therefore, click here to check the Hong Kong flights to secure your chance in attending to some of these Amazing Hong Kongers cultural events. 

  1. Hong Kong Arts Festival

This is one of Hong Kong’s best cultural events hosted in the Chinese land.  The festival is mainly attended by most of the artists within mainland China, Hong Kong city, and even artists from the rest of the world. Since the festival is primarily marked by 80% of the artists, the whole festival is accompanied by amazing presentations such as drama, dancing, Chinese, and western classical music marks the event.

However, this makes many people from every corner of the world flock to this City to form part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival.  Therefore, when planning to have a Hong Kong trip, this is the right time to carry on your journey.

  1. Le French May

Are you looking forward to attending an event in Hong Kong? If yes, then Le French May festival becomes a must-attend event. The event is annually organized by the French Embassy based in Hong Kong to mark the French culture in Hong Kong. Therefore, during the festival, French culture dominates Hong Kong’s land. 

 However, what makes many people love attending this Le French may is that the festival is accompanied by a lot of entertainment such as Opera, cinema, Cultural dance, among others. Moreover, the delicious French dishes and drinks are well prepared to ensure everyone who attends the festival has a memorable encounter with French Dishes.

To become part and parcel of the Le French May celebration, ensure you book a chance as early as possible.

  1. Lunar New Year Fair

This is one of the famous cultural events in Hong Kong. It is considered flower day since, during this event; different flowers are displayed in the whole of Hong Kong streets.  Besides, the event is not only marked by Celebration, but it is the selling day for a couple of flowers such as peach, peony, chrysanthemum, among others.

Moreover, for the Hong Kongers, the event is displayed on the open grounds of Victoria Park and Fa Hui Park, where people turn up in large numbers to mark the New Year celebration. However, if you intend to attend this Hong Kongers cultural event, then make prior bookings to secure the chance to participate in the event.

  1. Freespace Fest

This is the event that defines real Hong Kongers’ culture. It is one of the outdoor festivals held at the Charming West Kowloon waterfront Promenade. The event is accompanied by the reading of Cantonese Poetry, selling off the Chinese handicraft items, among others.

Besides, the entertainment slots are given out by the top international artists such as Orange mike and DJ Rupture. They offer tremendous performance leaving their audience in a terrific mood. This is the best festival in Hong Kong that you should ensure you attend.

  1. Lantern Festival Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city well known for having a couple of cultural festivals. Lantern Festival Hong Kong is a fantastic Chinese festival that you must attend. This Lantern Festival marks the final day of Hong Kong New Year celebrations. 

The whole of the event is marked with eating and drinking, where you will likely meet some of the traditional Chinese dishes.  As one of the best Hong Kongers festivals, many people choke to secure a place in a part of this festival. Therefore, to ensure you secure a chance at the festival, make before the festival, make bookings as early as possible.

  1. Clockenflap Cultural Festival

Clockenflap festival is the most exciting event that brings most Hong Kongers together. The event itself entails the music fest where Hong Kongers get the chance to have music entertainment from the top-class musical bands and artists. Being that the festival is attended by many people from every corner of the world, it is held at a high and open place where people will have free space to participate in dancing. 

What many people come to this event is that, along with the festival are different restaurants and hotels offer delicious cultural food that will ensure you feed before or after attending the event. Also, they provide top class accommodations that will ensure you have enough rest after the long hours of dancing.

  1. Chinese New Year festival

For any other significant day in Hong Kong, the Chinese New Year celebration becomes one of the best holidays in the city. During this festival, the entire city of Hong Kong is well decorated with beautiful flowers and other decorations. Moreover, the festival is marked with all kinds of Hong Kongers’ traditional foods.  Therefore, if you intend to have a taste of the Chinese dishes, then this is the day where you will have to enjoy. 

Nevertheless, the Chinese new festival includes the flower selling day. In every corner of Hong Kong city, you are likely to find any of your favorite flowers. Also, the children playing grounds are well equipped with all children fun equipment only to ensure your kids form part of Festival celebrations.

  1. Cheung Chau Bun Cultural Festival

This is one of the must-attend Hong Kongers cultural festivals. The festival marks the religion’s celebration in favor of the birth of Buddha.  During this event, many of the Hong kongers turn up in streets in costumes representing the honor of their religion Buddha.

The festivals attract many tourists from every corner of the world to form part of the celebration. What makes the event much attractive is the burning of Kwon Kam Kee, which is adored by all Chinese people. While you intend to have a vacation in Hong Kong, then make your visit during this fantastic cultural festival.

The Basics Of Restaurant Atmosphere

A restaurant’s atmosphere is frequently overlooked over other elements. However, it is very important for restaurant owners to pay just as close attention to their dining room’s ambiance as they do to the service they are providing and the food they are serving. Generally speaking, there are three main characteristics of restaurants that diners tend to notice the most whenever they are eating there for the very first time: atmosphere, service, and cuisine. Some customers might prioritize one of those factors over the other two, but any three of them can determine whether or not most guests will go back to the restaurant for a second visit.  

The goal of any restaurant, no matter what its target customer or concept happens to be, is to provide diners with an experience that will make them want to return again and again. A loyal and strong customer base helps to keep a restaurant earning enough revenue to stay and business and continue to thrive. Creating an outstanding restaurant atmosphere is an aspect that is frequently overlooked but is necessary in order to provide diners with a memorable experience that will make them want to come back for more. 

What Is Restaurant Atmosphere?

Although some concrete elements of a guest’s restaurant experience can be named that are part of the ambiance, realistically speaking, the atmosphere of a restaurant is a fairly abstract concept. It is a feeling that a restaurant exudes, and when it is done right, it can significantly enhance a meal’s entire experience.

Any aspect of a restaurant that influences how guests experience dining can contribute either negatively or positively towards the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance. It includes how the food is presented by the chef, the way servers are dressed, music, furnishings, and decor. 

The fact that there are so many different factors that make up the atmosphere of a restaurant is what makes it so hard to control. Even one factor being out of line with all of the others can affect the success of a restaurant. 

Why Is Restaurant Atmosphere So Important?

One key factor is that the foodservice industry is among the most highly competitive markets around. Therefore, your restaurant’s target audience most likely has many other options that are available to them. The amount of competition within the foodservice industry is much higher than in many other industries. It ultimately comes down to whether or not consumers make their decisions about dining based on concept and atmosphere alone.

Can Having a Bad Atmosphere in Your Restaurant Be a Deal Breaker for Customers?

Ohio State University researchers conducted a study that showed that almost twenty-five percent of restaurants do not survive beyond their first year. Although there are many plausible reasons for that, it is possible that the statistics may be partly attributed to a restaurant having a poor atmosphere and also simply because it is quite difficult to manage a restaurant. There is research that supports the claim that guests value a good restaurant atmosphere. A study was conducted by Coyle Hospitality Group that used data from almost 2,500 guests regarding the atmosphere of an establishment. The results of the study were divided into three groups that were based on a meal’s average price: upscale, luxury, and casual.

Diners at each of the restaurant levels were asked how much specific factors influenced how likely they were to recommend a restaurant to their peers and friends. The factors that were studied included food, timing (service), atmosphere, and staff attitude. Diners at every level, unsurprisingly, reported that the most important factor was food when deciding whether or not to recommend a specific restaurant. However, the atmosphere of a restaurant was also a major consideration in the luxury and upscale dining categories. 

These results demonstrate that the atmosphere is valued by diners, and to the point that a negative atmosphere makes them less likely to recommend a restaurant, no matter how positive their experience was of the service, staff, and food. 

How To Create a Good Atmosphere for Your Restaurant 

Each restaurant is different. Therefore, there is no exact recipe for creating a good atmosphere that is available to give your guests a positive and strong impression of your restaurant. However, there are certain factors that guests are likely to notice that can contribute to the atmosphere of a restaurant.

Adhering to a Concept 

The very foundation of the atmosphere of a restaurant starts to be planned just as soon as a concept is chosen by a restaurant. This concept should be taken into consideration in all decisions that can potentially shape the atmosphere of your restaurant. For example, the concept of a classic diner should give the feeling of a diner that is expected by guests: Plenty of stainless steel, pastel colors, plenty of tile, and a bar countertop, booths, and barstools for furnishings. 

At times, the concept doesn’t need to have a specific atmosphere in order for it to have an authentic feeling. For example, there are really no precedents for a modern steakhouse. Customers don’t have preconceived ideas about how this kind of restaurant is supposed to feel and look. With this type of place, there is no exact blueprint for how to create a good atmosphere but it is still important. 

Furnishings and Decor 

Guests are more likely to have a positive response when the decorative accents, furniture, paint colors, and wall decorations all are part of a single cohesive theme. The key is consistency to create a design for your restaurant that contributes to providing a memorable restaurant atmosphere for your guests. 

Lighting

The lighting of a restaurant has a significant effect on its ambiance. A majority of casual and fast-food restaurants use bright, cold fluorescent lights since guests don’t’ really take into account the atmosphere very much. However, in sit-down restaurants, warm, comfortable lighting is much more appealing and inviting to diners. 

Generally speaking, cold, harsh lighting isn’t conducive to providing a good experience for guests since it contributes in a negative way to the atmosphere of your restaurant. 

Cleanliness

When considering the atmosphere of a restaurant, cleanliness might not be the first thing that people tend to think of. However, it is actually one of the most critical elements. No matter what the target audience or concept is, nobody wants to dine in place with sticky surfaces, trash, dirty tables or other signs that indicate they may be eating in a place that isn’t as clean as it should be.  

Music

If you decide to play music, it should contribute to providing your guests with a positive dining experience. For example, although fast-food and fast-casual restaurants can get away with practically any kind of music, for an upscale dining restaurant, heavy metal music played at a loud volume would not be a perfect choice.  

The volume level of the music also contributes to either a bad or a good restaurant atmosphere. If music is played too loud, guests have to try to talk over the loud music. That increases the crowd noise which does not make a positive contribution to the overall atmosphere and dining experience for your guests. 

Staff

Although the service that your restaurant staff provides is very important, in terms of atmosphere the way your staff dresses and the attitude that they convey is also important to consider when it comes to your restaurant’s atmosphere. For example, if you have a sit-down or upscale restaurant, you wouldn’t want your servers to be dressed in t-shirts and jeans. 

Presentation

How your food is presented is also important. Comfort food and soul food restaurants enhance the experience and atmosphere by piling food up high on the plates. By contrast, upscale, modern restaurants meticulously arrange food items on plates. It is very important for restaurants to understand the marketing power that meals have when guests are enthusiastic about photography and share their meals with others. 

Technology

the kind of POS system that a restaurant uses affects its atmosphere. It has been shown that iPad-based newer POS systems provide faster restaurant service. However, depending on what type of aesthetic you are attempting to give, this type of system can also enhance a modern concept of a restaurant’s atmosphere.

Key Take-Aways 

Although most diners might say it isn’t true, the bottom line is that most people visit restaurants for more than strictly the food. Having a good atmosphere, or a great view – such as bayside brunch for example, can help to ensure that  guests have positive feelings from interacting with the establishment. 

Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth, MA

At A Glance:

Delight in first-class amenities when choosing Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth. The family- and business-friendly property impresses guests with its array of perks including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. You’ll love a day of exploring nearby attractions with the hotel’s great location just minutes from Plymouth Rock.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

  • Non-smoking guestrooms feature modern home conveniences
  • Great dining with an onsite restaurant and bar
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Charming indoor pool with complimentary poolside tables and chairs
  • Stationary bikes, treadmills, and other updated exercise equipment in the gym
  • Great gaming options in the arcade room
  • Room service
  • 3 state-of-the-art meeting facilities
  • Fax, print, and copy services in the business center
  • 24-hour staffed reception

In and Around:

  • Plymouth Rock is a quick 2-mile ride from the property
  • Only 10 minutes to Mayflower II
  • Enjoy sightseeing at famed National Monument to the Forefathers
  • Close to Plimoth Plantation
  • Explore Harlow Old Fort House for a well-spent afternoon
  • Enjoy premium in-room leisure amenities like pay movies and 42-inch flat screen televisions
  • Appreciate the convenience of in-room refrigerators and microwaves

3 Must-stay Beach Resorts in Goa

White sand, pictographic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and serene atmosphere, Goa is India’s southern paradise. The state has increasingly garnered attention and admiration from tourists all over the world. Apart from the food and laid-back air, what makes Goa more remarkable is the beautiful beach resorts. These beach resorts in Goaoffer you the best of the beach and comfort. If you are all in for exploring your beach resort stay in Goa, here are some of our handpicked resorts that offer you the best of Goa. 

1. PousadaTauma:

Located near the Calangute Beach, PousadaTauma is one of Goa’s finest beach resort. The resort is built to offer lavish holiday experience. The fine ambience and tasteful décor will welcome you to a world of luxury and comfort. You can witness the Portuguese influences in the architecture of this beach resort in Goa. The fine-dining restaurant of this resort offers you a scrumptious spread of various continental and Goan delicacies.

PousadaTauma beach resort in Goa comprises of 15 rooms. These rooms are categorized into standard rooms and superior rooms. Each room is designed thoughtfully to suit the modern-day needs of the guests. The resort offers many facilities such as 24-hour front desk assistance, airport transfers (at an extra cost), and power backup facility. You can also use the medical service, parking space, and room service available at the property. This beach resort in Goa is situated close to Candolim Beach (3.8 km) and Anjuna Beach (5.8 km).

2. Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort

The plush design and spacious rooms of the Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort in Goa will leave you in awe. This 4-star resort is situated in close proximity from a few of the famous beaches in North Goa. Water lovers can indulge in various water sports such as jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, etc.

This beach resort in Goa has an on-site spa that offers rejuvenating Balinese massage, and you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise. If you want to elevate your experience further, the resort can also arrange for a candlelight dinner for you.

3. The Leela Goa

The Leela Goa is where comfort meets luxury. Every element of this beach resort in Goa spells extravagance. Nestled in the middle of Canaguinim Beach and Betul Spring, this resort offers you stunning sights of the beaches. The Leela Goa features state-of-the-art amenities and impeccable customer service. With well-matched décor, ambience, and interiors, this beach resort in Goa is sure to elevate your overall experience of the city.

Is Cancun Safe in 2019?

Your wedding day should be one of the highlights of your life. One of the most incredible moments you will ever experience. So when one of my friends mentioned he and his wife got married just outside of Cancun in 2011, I thought to myself, “Beautiful location, but wasn’t there the concern of crime and violence?”

I am sure he was well aware of the current stigma regarding Cancun, but I kept my mouth shut as I wanted him to maintain the incredible memory he has of his wedding day under the palm trees, fine white sand sinking between his toes and the melodic sound of waves crashing in the background. It was at this point I realized that I really don’t know what is happening in Cancun and why the city has such a bad reputation. I decided to dive into the rabbit hole known as the internet and do a little research of my own…

Sifting through numerous articles, videos and forums, I found a wide range of information and opinions. It wasn’t until I came across a post titled Is Cancun Safe in 2019? when all the pieces fell into place. The first question I asked myself was, “In 2011, when my friend got married, was Cancun a safe place?” While the aggressive campaign targeted against drug cartels began in 2006, Cancun still remained relatively untouched from cartel activity and violence in 2011. Any cartel activity that was found in Cancun was far away from the main tourist areas. So first question answered, my friend’s wedding wasn’t overshadowed by potential crime and violence!

Next, I wanted to know if Cancun is safe right now. While cartel activity has increased in recent years, the famous Cancun Hotel Zone remains a very safe destination. The majority of the fighting and violence between cartel members happens on the outskirts of the city. With tourism being the countries primary source of income, the government has ensured that tourist areas remain safe. There are police who patrol the area day and night, and with Zona Hotelera being a one entry, one exit design, it remains very easy to secure the area.

Sure, it could be unnerving to see armed policeman wandering around during your vacation to Cancun, but is that not similar to police patrolling the streets in your hometown? Very few instances of violence happen in the tourist areas, and that is due to many factors, one of them being the police presence in the area.

At the end of the day, my friend enjoyed his wedding day along the pristine beaches of Cancun in 2011, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same myself in 2019!

How to get great deals on infrequent flights

Getting a flight on a route people don’t seem to take a lot, may take you some time. We walk you through how to book it and get good deals on the booking.

Though the aviation industry has grown tremendously in India over the last two decades, adding several more carriers and routes across the country, you would be hard-pressed to find any airline offering routes connecting every single city or town to each other. Then there are some routes that are so infrequently booked, that there may be less flights altogether.

Here’s how you can get a good deal on an infrequent flight:

Check which airlines operate on that route

Many airlines in India do not operate flights on certain routes, while others may have one flight a week, or one every fortnight. Start by checking which operators are available for the route.

The ticket might be economical to begin with

Some routes don’t have daily flights, or just one flight a day. The aviation industry prices its tickets based on demand. However, that is not to say that if the demand for a flight route is low, the tickets will be priced high. The flights are scheduled as per average preferred timings by passengers, so that the flight runs as full to capacity as possible. Thus, the demand-price equation often works out. In fact, tickets on infrequent routes might cost less than those in high demand. For example, a Bagdogra to Dibrugarh flight will often cost less on a premium aircraft than a Mumbai-Delhi one.

* Set alerts on the chosen route to know when tickets are priced at their lowest

Setting fare alerts lets you get the best of the flight ticket price on the same route by different airlines. Travel aggregator sites offer fare alerts, where you can clock in your desired route, travel dates and timings. When a good offer opens up, or when an airline offers its lowest price on that ticket, you can snap it at once and save a lot of money. The websites of leading airlines in India also offer fare alerts, but you will only get a choice of flights for that airline instead of a choice across airline operators.

* Look for operators that have ongoing sales or offers

Some leading flights offer discounts or rewards for booking flights. Some airlines offer last-minute deals for booking infrequent routes, such as a Bagdogra to Dibrugarh flight. So, keep your eyes open for those. Also, take note of how manymiles or points you have saved upand redeem them to get a great deal.

* Check if the airline offers add-ons with the ticket

Leading airlines offer add-ons like discounts at certain restaurants, or on subscriptions of premium business publications, or even booking travel on certain sites. These add a lot of value to your booking, and you can redeem the offer by showing your boarding pass within a few days of making the flight booking.