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Bali is one of the 17508 islands belonging to the Indonesian Archipelago in the Java Sea. Contrary to the popular misconception of most Indians, it is not as close to India as Thailand or Singapore, for instance. I was quite surprised to learn that Darwin, Australia’s westernmost coast is just a little over an hour from Bali. It’s a good 9-hour long flight from New Delhi to Bali and no direct flights are available. Cheaper travel options include flights run by Malindo Air. Let me start by saying that there is a lot to do in Bali. A vacation to Bali can give you an excellent taste of the beautiful Balinese beaches, an insight into the architectural marvel of their temples, water sports, traditions and culture, cultural performances, lively shopping streets and much more! What struck me the moment we landed at the Arrival Lounge in Bali at the Ngurah Rai International Airport was an artistic display of Balinese life and culture everywhere starting from the precinct of the airport. The entire city has beautiful statues depicting scenes and anecdotes from the Hindu sacred texts of Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the heart of the main city is the stunning statue of Ghatotkach, the powerful asura-son of Bheem, the strongest of the five Pandavas... Things you should know before planning a visit to Bali - Bali is predominantly Hindu and the island is replete with old Hindu temples with breathtaking architecture and locales, Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, Goa Gajah, and Tirth Empul Temple to name a few. - If you’re visiting Bali as a regular tourist, then it would be wise to plan ahead and take your pick on which temples you would like to visit during your stay in Bali, depending on your interests, their location and popularity. Otherwise, you could spend your entire vacation only seeing all the temples. There is nothing wrong with that but there are many other things worth seeing too! The same is true for the many other attractions depending on which part of Bali you plan to stay at. - The island of Bali is divided into many regions and each region is radically different from one another with a different vibe to it. If you're a compulsive shopper and a foodie, then the upscale Seminyak  is the place for you. It has the exotic Seminyak beach, luxury restaurants and beach bars that exude vibrancy as the sun goes down each day. If you like fancy clifftop resorts and vast walking stretches all around, then Uluwatu  should be your place to stay. For serenity, you could try Ubud  with its beautiful rice paddy fields and lush green landscape. If you’re a party animal, then Kuta  will cater to your needs. And of course, Nusa Dua , the high-end southeastern coast of Bali that is synonymous with luxury and opulent living. Nusa Dua is like a luxurious tableau depicting the Balinese culture and religion in its impeccably manicured verdant green landscapes. The most popular attraction in this part of Bali is the famous Nusa Dua Theatre. My Tip - The distance between these regions is a lot but travel by cab is cheap. You will need to watch out for the traffic during rush hours though. Cab drivers are very polite and are more than willing to help resolve your touristy curiosity about the place. Most of them speak English, so communication is not a problem. My husband complimented one driver for this, he told us that the economy of Bali was hugely dependent on tourism for its sustenance. The bombing in Kuta in October 2002 had adversely impacted tourism and their livelihoods for some years when tourism declined drastically but the city crawled back to its status as being the safest destination in Asia for travel. We were in Bali to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, so we started our vacation with an upscale resort called ‘Nyuh Bali’ in Seminyak. The resort has independent cottages with a private swimming pool and is extremely well maintained with excellent room service and great food. The breakfast in the morning is made to order, so indulge your taste buds if you're staying here. Don't miss the bamboo straws and the wicker bread basket! I can’t help but notice that a lot of bamboo and wood has been used as a part of the décor which gives the rooms a rustic yet cosy feel. Bamboo straws are used throughout Bali, I noticed, which I found to be a wonderful variant to the conventional paper or plastic straws. Day One - Tanah Lot Temple We have only the second half of the day at our disposal. We start with the Tanah Lot Temple. The temple is built on a huge rock and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. The temple is surrounded by seawater and one can walk right to the base of the temple when the tide is low over a makeshift bridge of small rocks and stones. The scenery around Tanah Lot is beautiful and one can spend a whole evening looking at the sights. Entrance to Tanah Lot - The split doorway or 'Candi Bentar' is typical of all Balinese temples! There is also another small temple called Batu Bolong Temple near Tanah Lot overlooking the Indian Ocean conspicuously located on top of a cave with water flowing through it. My Tip - If you plan to visit this area, then you should plan to go in the early evening to be able to catch the sunset. The temples' views in the setting sun's backdrop are mesmerizing. Batu Bolong Temple from far away.......Can't afford to miss the sunset! Day Two - Double Six Beach, Seminyak We start our morning at Seminyak Beach. It's quieter in the mornings but comes alive as the evening descends. If you go in the mornings, you can find children taking surfing lessons and flying kites. There is a 500-meter stretch of golden white sand on the beach called the Double Six Beach. One can stroll along this beautiful coastline that is lined with amazing eateries and bars and the whole place comes alive around sunset. Some coconuts contain at least a litre of coconut water. Giant coconuts...one is enough for the entire family....Walk along the beautiful Seminyak beach... Day two also happens to be our 25th wedding anniversary. We had made dinner reservations at 'Bambu', a classic Indonesian restaurant in the quieter side of Seminyak. The restaurant boasts a modern twist to classic dishes. The restaurant is expensive but well worth the money. Day Three - Seminyak to Kuta We move out of our cottage in Seminyak to Anavaya Beach Resort in Kuta. As I've mentioned earlier, Bali has very distinctly different regions and we wanted to stay in at least two of them. The route to the beach in a cab is a treat in itself. A tour of the city throws up some very interesting facets of Balinese culture, which is steeped in religious rituals even in this day and age and is very much a part of the people's everyday life. Along the roads, throughout the city are bamboo poles adorned with palm leaves and flowers and some fruits, even vegetables, tied to them. We again chat up with our driver, I learnt that these poles are called 'Penjor' and these fruits are a way to thank Mother Earth for its many blessings. At a lot of places, in front of trees and shrines, I notice this black and white checkered cloth tied around trees and even around small temples made outside houses. This is called 'Kain Polena' , literally meaning two-coloured cloth. This cloth symbolises the two dual aspects of life, the good and the evil, darkness and light. I saw this even in front of houses and shops. Apart from this, the Balinese people also keep offerings to spirits outside their shops and houses each morning, called 'Canang Sari' . These are small palm leaf baskets filled with rice cookies, sweets and flowers. Passersby ensure that no one steps on these while walking by. After jostling through heavy traffic, taking pictures en route and chatting with our cab driver, we finally reach the Anavaya Beach Resort . This is a very popular resort for tourists in the centre of Kuta on the Islands of the Gods. The uber-luxurious resort boasts a private sand beach and walking platforms. The resort has beautiful water bodies all around. These musicians are playing the 'Rindik', an instrument made by suspending bamboo tubes on a wooden frame. At the entrance to the Resort...musicians playing Rindik, a percussion instrument Day Three - Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance In the afternoon, we head to the beautiful Balinese Sea Temple of Uluwatu. En route to the Uluwatu Temple, one can see the mammoth statue of Garuda Wisnu in the Kencana Cultural Park which is about 11 km away from Uluwatu. This colossal statue is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserving deity in the Hindu Trinity and Garuda, his mount. The statue is huge, about 30 meters taller than the Statue of Liberty! A trip to the park can be exhilarating and informative. There are street performances, cultural events in the amphitheatre and many more activities for tourists to give them a full day of entertainment. Time was short, I had set my heart on watching the Kecak dance at the Uluwatu temple. I had read so much about it. So, we saw the statue from a distance and it looked just as majestic. Garuda Wisnu at the Kencana Cultural Park...you cannot miss this mammoth structure jutting out into the sky! A lot can be said about Uluwatu and the energetic and mesmerising Kecak Dance. Please click on the link below to learn more about this Balinese dance that will blow your mind away... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/the-mesmerizing-kecak-fire-dance-at-uluwatu-temple-bali Day Four - Dream Museum Zone DMZ After Watching the scintillating Kecak dance performance on the previous night, we decided to spend the morning at the Anavaya beach. The water is shallow and the weather is great for walking on the platform around the resort. In the evening, we decided to go to DMZ, Dream Museum Zone, Bali. My Tip - The museum is not a very impressive structure on the outside but the artworks inside are fun. This can easily be the highlight of your trip if you're travelling with kids. This is a 3D Art museum with illusionist effects. One can take pictures against the backdrop of these 3D artworks. The pictures are embarrassingly childish but the experience was certainly enjoyable. Day Four - Evening - Jimbaran Bay Late evening we go to Jimbaran Bay. The bay is located in the south of Kuta and is a haven for seafood since it is the biggest fish market on the island. The sea here is tranquil, and in the evening the beach comes alive with tourists wanting to taste the seafood delights. The barbeques are rustic and cheap. My Tip - There are numerous luxury beach resorts in Jimbaran, it's called the Beverly Hills of Bali. But this experience of going into the fish market and picking the seafood of your choice and then eating it on the seashore is hardly the definition of luxury! Go to this place if you're not too finicky about hygiene and ambience because the fish we ate was not cleaned properly and not well cooked. Day Five - Devdan at Nusa Dua Today is the last day of our stay in Bali. We decide to go shopping in the morning and have tickets for the famous Nusa Dua Theatre for the evening. Kuta has some of the hottest shopping centres in Bali, Ubud Art Market, Guwang Market and Pasar Badung Market are some of the markets to buy souvenirs, handicrafts and clothes. Don't forget to indulge in some bargaining before you go buying things. There is also Legian Street with luxury boutiques. A memorial to the infamous bombing of 2002 in Bali is also located here. In the evening, we head to Nusa Dua Theatre for the Devdan Show. This spectacular show turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Bali. Click on the link below to read more about it https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-the-captivating-nusa-dua-theater-bali

The beautiful hilly state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, also called ' Devbhoomi ' or 'Abode of the Gods,' owes its name to the presence of 60 temples dedicated to the revered Lord Shiva on its sacred land. Each of these temples is seeped in mythology and folklore, mysticism and magic, and interesting anecdotes from the Puranas* that help reiterate the belief that these temples stand for, an unshakeable, unwavering faith in the almighty Lord Shiva, the invincible. About Tungnath and Panch Kedar Tungnath temple belongs to the group of ' Panch Kedar Temples ' or 5 Kedar temples. As per popular folklore, Pandavas , the gallant and righteous five princes of Indraprastha defeated their deceitful one hundred cousins, the Kaurvas in a fierce and bloody battle of Kurukshetra. After the war, the Pandavas wanted to atone for their sin of fratricide (the sin of killing one's kin). They worshipped Lord Shiva and sought his forgiveness but Shiva wanted them to undergo penance for their deeds and cleanse themselves of their sins. When Pandavas reached Varanasi at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the abode of Lord Shiva, he disguised himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas and hid himself in the Garhwal Himalayas. This place came to be known as Guptkashi , Gupt meaning hidden and Kashi, the city of Shiva. Lord Shiva re-appeared as a bull in the Himalayan region. Bheema, the most powerful of the Pandava brothers was looking for Lord Shiva. He spotted the bull and recognised it as Lord Shiva. But the bull vanished and re-appeared in five parts at five different locations namely Kedarnath , where the hump appeared, the arms appeared in Tungnath , the face in Rudranath , the navel in Madhyamaheshwar and the hair in Kalpeshwar . The Pandavas built temples in all these 5 locations to seek the forgiveness and blessings of Lord Shiva. All 5 temples of Panch Kedar are located in the same region and cover a total mountain trek of about 170 km. It takes about 15 to 21 days to cover all these temples in one go. Rudranath is considered to be the toughest of all these 5 mountainous treks. How to reach Tungnath Tungnath temple, located at an altitude of 12,070 feet above sea level, is the highest Shiva temple in the world! There is a scenic pass through the hills, 3.5 kilometres long, that will take you right up to the temple's entrance. 3.5 km sounds quite doable, but the steep incline and the high altitude can be challenging for some people. The walk uphill starts on a cobbled path from the nearest town of Chopta. The winding pass passes through beautiful meadows and scenic valleys. Ponies are also easily available if you do not wish to walk. Here are the Top 5 tips for your Tungnath trip The trek is only 3.5 km but it's quite steep uphill. If you're not up for walking all the way uphill, then you should opt for a pony. The high altitude can cause breathing discomfort in some people. You must carry camphor tablets to ease breathing on your way up. There is very limited infrastructure en route to the temple. There are just one or two small shacks selling basic snacks and drinks. Unlike many other popular shrines, there are no covered sheds or resting places along the way. You should carry an umbrella if the weather forecast is cloudy. Also, carry drinking water for the journey. Most importantly, start early in the morning. The trek is even but there is no lighting throughout the route. It was pitch dark by the time we came downhill. It would help if you carried a torch to see the route. We had to depend on the torchlight of our phone to get back safely. 1.5 km further from the Tungnath temple is Chandrashila, a viewpoint that offers unobstructed and glorious views of the Himalayas, Nandadevi, and Kedar Peak. If you have the zeal and energy to walk up another 1.5 km, you should not miss it. We visited Tungnath in October 2024. The journey was every bit memorable. I'm sharing some pictures of our journey. The route to the temple was very scenic, as we went through lush green valleys and meadows.... Last leg of the journey.... Entrance gate of the temple... First look of the temple complex... The valley around the temple at dusk... The trek is plunged into darkness by the time we set forth on our return journey... * Puranas are Hindu religious texts that are part of the Vedas. There are 18 Puranas in all, that deal with exhaustive information on many subjects like theology, cosmology, religion, astronomy and medicine among others. Puranas use religious symbolism and fables to carry their message.

The western Canadian province of Alberta is a paradise waiting to be explored. The surreal beauty of this vast arid land has to be seen to be believed. Set against the backdrop of the mighty Canadian Rockies, you will see verdant greens of the Prairies, foothills of the Rockies and stunning emerald and blue glacial lakes dotting this scenic landscape at every turn. A road trip through this region will take you on the Trans-Canada Highway connecting Calgary to Banff and onward to Jasper National Park via Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), considered one of the world's most scenic highways! Ten handy tips for your travel within the national parks in Alberta The best time to travel to this rugged mountainous region is summer, when the days are sunny and bright, and you can expect sunshine till about ten o'clock at night!! Mountainous weather is unpredictable, so you must carry a light woollen jacket even when travelling in summer. If you plan to visit the Glacier in Columbia Icefields, all the more reason for you to carry warm clothes. A Parks Canada Pass is required to enter all the national parks. The pass is available online on the official website, and you can also buy the same at the counter on the day of travel. I have written in detail about Parks Canada Pass in my memoir about our time in Banff National Park in a separate post on the link pasted below in this post. An important point to remember is that a Parks Canada Pass does not automatically give you free access to all the parking lots inside the national parks. You might have to pay the parking fee at some places, such as Lake Louise, for instance. So, please ensure that you check for parking fees wherever required to avoid any penalty later. We had 5 days at our disposal to see the national parks, but I feel that a slightly longer week-long trip would be ideal to soak in the beauty of this region. Plus, keep an extra hour for every road trip you plan in this region because you will be tempted to stop your vehicle at every turn to click pictures of this scenic landscape. Remember to research what you wish to see during your stay in the national parks because there's so much to do, and you will waste a lot of time without a proper plan in place. We, for instance, covered Lake Louise on our way to Canmore and Lake Emerald on our way to Jasper. This helped us save precious time. There are many ways to access the national parks. You can make a round trip, starting from Calgary to Banff, to Jasper and back to Calgary with overnight stays at Calgary and Banff of 2 to 3 nights each, depending on the available time. A lot of people also start from Calgary and close their trip in Edmonton, which is slightly closer than Calgary. Banff, like all touristy places, is more expensive compared to the nearby town of Canmore or the closest city of Calgary. If you're travelling with a family with kids and looking for more spacious and economical accommodation like Airbnb, then your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Canmore, which is closer and equally scenic as Banff. Staying in the bustling city of Calgary is also a great option, which is only about an hour and a half drive from Banff. A drive through these national parks can bring you face-to-face with many wild animals like elk, big horn sheep, moose and even grizzly bears! We came across a huge grizzly bear and its cub slumbering in the woods, and some tourists were trying to catch its attention by gesticulating, making noise and taking pictures. Remember, it can be very dangerous to provoke the animal. Please refrain from doing so and do not step out of your vehicle to take pictures. Also, when going on hikes in the national parks, remember to carry a bear spray can. Once you cross Banff and hit the road towards the national parks, you will not find any provision stores or eateries on the journey. So, stock up your car with snacks to munch on and enough water. The same should apply to your car's fuel tank too. Fill her up nice and full because you might not see a gas station for many miles ahead. Now, let me take you through our 5-day road trip through Alberta with the final leg of the road journey from Jasper to Vancouver BC. Our 5-day detailed itinerary in Alberta was as follows ..... Day 1 - Calgary to Banff National Park Idled around the town of Banff Bow Falls Surprise View Corner Johnston Canyon Lake Minnewanka We had only 5 days to cover both Banff and Jasper, so instead of spending our first day in Calgary, we headed straight to the famous Bow Falls  in Banff. A lot of people do this since Banff has lots of activities to cover. I have written a separate memoir about Banff, Bow Falls, Surprise View Corner, Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka. Please click on the link below to read all about it https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-days-in-banff-national-park-alberta Day 2 - Half-day Sightseeing in Calgary Calgary Downtown Peace Bridge After the excitement of the previous day, we started our second day in Calgary on a slow note. Calgary is rated as one of the cleanest cities in the world and a visit to this beautiful city reiterates this claim. One can find an abundance of open vistas and green patches in the city. We were in Calgary in June, but if you happen to be there in July, you should not miss the chance to see the popular annual event called Calgary Stampede. It's a 10-day festival known for its outdoor rodeo show that has the distinction of being the world's largest outdoor rodeo, plus other events like concerts, parades and exhibitions by First Nations. First Nations refers to the Indigenous people and ethnic groups who first inhabited Canada. Calgary is not a hot tourist destination per se. Still, its proximity to Banff National Park (around 127 km via the Trans-Canada Highway) prompts many tourists traversing that area to use it as a base for further travel. We had only 2 days in Calgary. Our outing started with a trip to Downtown Calgary to explore the famous pedestrian hub, Stephen Avenue Walk . The area has many restaurants, shops and boutiques. We spent about an hour and a half and then headed to the Peace Bridge. Peace Bridge is a conspicuously red-coloured bridge built over the Bow River in Downtown Calgary in Prince's Island Park . You will find tourists and locals alike strolling and biking around the park. Another famous landmark of the city is the Calgary Tower . Located in the heart of Downtown Calgary, the tower is 190.8 metres tall and is known for its spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains in the distance. We had limited time, so we had to skip climbing the tower. Another important attraction in Calgary is the Calgary Zoo . If you're travelling with kids, then this should be the top of your itinerary for Calgary. But remember, the zoo is massive and you would need a full day to be able to see it all. Close to Calgary, about 135 km away, is the town of Drumheller . The town is famous for its striking badlands terrain in the Dinosaur Provincial Park. Again, it's a one-day outing from Calgary; go for it if you have time. Day 3 - Calgary to Canmore by road via Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail The next two nights were in Canmore. As I've mentioned earlier, there's a lot to do in Banff, so after a quick trip around Calgary, we headed straight to Lake Louise in Banff. Besides, the day was bright and sunny, and it would have been foolish to miss the opportunity to see the famed lake in all its glory. Read more about Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day 4 - Sightseeing in Canmore Biking trails Engine Bridge We had allocated the second day in Canmore to see Lake Moraine. But we could not get tickets for the tour package. Please remember that you cannot drive to Lake Moraine in your personal vehicle. The tours to the lake need to be booked well in advance. We learnt this fact the hard way and had to miss this tour. I have discussed this in the blog link posted above. So, instead of driving to Banff again, we decided to look up the beautiful town of Canmore. And boy, did we love it!! Canmore is a dreamy town lying in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, not as touristy as Banff but every bit as charming. If you can spare a day, then don't miss the chance to explore Canmore. Read  more about Canmore by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-nights-in-canmore-alberta Day 5 - Drove from Canmore to Hinton, Alberta via Lake Emerald and Columbia Ice Fields   Lake Emerald Tour of Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper National Park Very close to Canmore, just about 115 km away, lies another stunning water body, Lake Emerald. It lies in the Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Read more about Lake Emerald by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-lake-emerald-yoho-national-park-bc We spent half a day at the lake before proceeding to the tour of the Columbia Ice Fields . Read more about our experience at the Columbia Ice Fields by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-the-columbia-ice-field-and-the-athabasca-glacier-in-alberta Our last destination for this road trip was Vancouver. Jasper to Vancouver is close to 800 km and takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes to cover. We decided to break the journey and spend a night in Hinton, a small town close to Jasper, about 40 minutes by road. The town has excellent infrastructure and offers cheaper accommodation than the touristy Jasper. On Day 6, we drove from Hinton, Alberta, to Kamloops, BC and further to Vancouver. You can read about our Vancouver experience by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/top-5-must-do-things-in-vancouver-the-bustling-capital-of-british-columbia For more general travel tips, click here Some Useful Travel Tips | journeys2memories

The deep turquoise blue hues of the glacial waters of Lake Louise set against the backdrop of the snowy mountainous terrain and lush green forests of larch trees in the background lend an ethereal feel to this stunning body of water, which has also earned it the nickname of The jewel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies ! Your trip to Banff would be incomplete without seeing the two most iconic lakes in the national park, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. It's important to know a few things about Lake Louise before your visit... Lake Louise is free to visit. You only need the Parks Canada Pass to enter the national park. Parking at Lake Louise is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's not free. Please ensure that you get your parking ticket to avoid any penalties later. And parking rates are crazy at around $ 36 for a day! I normally don't make a note of parking rates, but after having paid that much money for a 3-hour parking, I'm sure anyone would remember. The best time to visit the lake is early morning in summer to beat the massive tourist rush and also to get a decent parking slot. Keep a tab on the weather forecast before you visit the lake. The views on a clear sunny day are unmatched in their beauty. Right opposite the lake is the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with fine dining options. If you're looking for a quick bite, then there is a cafe, a takeaway joint, on the ground floor which is open to walk-ins. They serve fresh coffee with good options for knick-knacks like sandwiches and small meals. Lake Louise will mesmerise you with its deep blue colour created by the presence of fine rock dust that flows into the lake from the nearby glaciers, remains suspended in the water and reflects the light. The lake shore has a pedestrian-friendly boardwalk that's ideal for clicking pictures. One should plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at the lakeside since there are a whole lot of activities that can be done while you're there. Hiking on the famous Fairview Lookout Trail is one of the top favourites among visitors. Canoeing on the lake is another popular activity; you will see a lot of conspicuously coloured red canoes on the blue surface of the lake. Lake Louise Gondola is another popular attraction. The 14-minute gondola ride will take you up an incline of 2088 m, where you can get splendid views of the mountains and a bird's eye view of the lake. However, if you are okay with hiking up a reasonably steep incline, then the hike up to the Fairview Lookout Trail should be at the top of your list of must-do activities in Lake Louise. View from the Fairview Lookout Point The trail is about 1 km in length, and although the level of difficulty mentioned on the signboard was easy, I'd say that it's moderate since the climb to the viewpoint is uphill all the way. Return is all downhill. We came across a lot of people halfway through the trail wanting to enquire about how much further to go. We did it in summer on a sunny day, so the path was dry and easy to walk on. In winter, this steep slope can get very slippery, so be careful if you go in winter or if it's raining. Another famous lake that should be included in everyone's itinerary visiting Banff is Lake Moraine. This lake is considered to be more beautiful than Lake Louise...how is it even possible?? But I believe it is....since getting access to the lake was a nightmare. We tried making a booking 2 days in advance after reaching Calgary, but could not find any vacant slots, and even shuttle tickets were not available. We had to forego the idea of seeing Lake Moraine altogether. Hence, I am sharing our experience with you so that you can make the bookings on time and be able to visit this wonderful lake!   A visit to Lake Moraine is paid for and can be visited with a tour only, since driving to the lake in your private vehicle is not permitted. You can access Lake Moraine only by the Parks Canada shuttle buses, Roam Public transport or if you have a pre-booked tour package. Tour packages are expensive. Ideally, one should book a shuttle to and fro in advance in the peak season. The official website for Lake Moraine is https://morainelake.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Day-Visits-to-ML-2023.pdf . You must go through this if you're serious about visiting this lake on a day trip, and that too in the peak season. So, Lake Moraine will have to wait for another trip to Alberta, but Lake Louise was definitely the show stealer of our trip to Banff. If you're able to visit both these lakes on your trip to Alberta, do share your experience with me. I would love to hear your story.

After spending two nights in Calgary, we headed to Canmore. Canmore is 103 km away from Calgary, it lies in the heart of the Bow River Valley in the Kananaskis Country, on the southeast boundary of Banff National Park. Its proximity to the park makes it the perfect place for tourists traversing the region to stay here. A fleeting pic en route to Canmore... The town is as beautiful but not as expensive as Banff, plus if you're travelling with your family and are looking for spacious accommodations, then Canmore is your best bet. Stunning mountain scenery visible from our backyard! Canmore is very popular amongst sporting enthusiasts. If you're an avid outdoor sports lover, then this city is the answer to all your sporting desires. It's famous for ice climbing and its many walking and biking trails, plus the famous Rat's Cave Tours. Also, skiing enthusiasts flock to Canmore since the town has the distinction of having one of the longest ski seasons in the world. There are many spectacular trails, the most popular being the Policeman's Creek Boardwalk. This is an easy trail and you'll love the views you get from it as you stroll along. The walking trail has the famous Big Head Sculpture and goes past Downtown . We had gone there for a morning walk sans our phones, which is a rare thing for tourists like us to do, but Big Head Sculpture warrants a mention and a picture, I had to take this from a public portal... Another stunning trail in the region is the Grassi Lakes Trail.  This trail lies in the Kananaskis Country and is about 4 km long. Its gentle incline has made it a popular choice for families. It should take about 2 hours to do a round trip that will take you to the beautiful twin turquoise lakes, Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes. When we visited in June 2024, this trail was intermittently closed for maintenance purposes. Please check the official website of Alberta Parks https://albertaparks.ca/  for more updates on this trail in case you wish to explore it. Day One Lake Louise Fairview Lookout Trail Lake Louise is one of the top attractions in Banff, and if the day you plan to visit it is bright and sunny, don't miss the opportunity. We did exactly that and visited the lake en route to Canmore. I have written about our day trip to Lake Louise in a separate blog. Please follow the link to read more... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day Two Explored the beautiful city of Canmore Engine Bridge Biking trails Our day started with walking around town looking for the iconic Three Sisters . We finally spotted them while walking towards Downtown. The trail to this trio of peaks is challenging and takes about 3 and a half hours to complete. Considering we had just a day in Canmore, had to contend with clicking pictures of this beauty only. We decided to hire bikes and see as much of the town as possible, starting with Downtown Canmore. I have never seen such a picturesque downtown. There are rows of shops and galleries that you can explore at leisure with the beautiful Rockies peering from the sides. Since the Grassi Lakes Trail was closed down, we set out on the picturesque Bow River Trail , a 6.9 km long loop with the level of difficulty stated as easy. The trail goes over the historic Engine Bridge , another popular attraction in Canmore. View of the Bow River from Engine Bridge The famous Engine Bridge Stunning views of the Canadian Rockies in the backdrop of the Engine Bridge Biking around Canmore's many picturesque locales.... Canmore is a gem, largely overshadowed by its illustrious neighbour, Banff. Plan to spend some extra time here, and you will get to see the raw side of nature without the spoils of excessive tourism. If you happen to visit Canmore, do share your experiences with me. I'd love to hear from you!

The lakes around Canada's national parks never cease to amaze you. We've all heard about Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, but believe me, the lesser-known ones are equally stunning. Lake Emerald is one of them. Silhouetted by tall, lush green trees on all sides, the scenery around the lake is a sight to behold, adding to the beauty of the blue-green glacial waters of the lake, aptly called Emerald! One gets to see a different kind of topography on the route to Lake Emerald in the Yoho National Park. The beautiful winding road is lined by tall pine, spruce and fir trees, and the Rockies appear much closer... Some basic tips about a visit to Lake Emerald The lake lies in Yoho National Park at a distance of 115 km from Canmore. It's closer to Banff at about 94 km. The lake is free to visit. Your Parks Canada Pass will be valid here. There is free parking very close to the lake. It gets filled up easily, but I saw vehicles moving in and out quickly, so it's better to wait for your turn. I also saw some cars parked along the side of the road. I'm not sure if that's permitted. Please be sure if you park outside the parking lot. Canoeing is the most popular activity on the lake; You will see many red canoes dotting its calm waters. The best time to go to the lake is early morning when the light hits the water, making the lake look ethereal, and getting easy access to the parking is an added advantage. Remember to carry caps or hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and enough water to drink if you plan to go canoeing on a sunny day. The sun's rays can be very scorching. A free toilet facility is available very close to the lake, and if you walk up the path right next to the lake a bit further, you will find a small place for coffee and sandwiches. You need only about 2 hours around this lake, so plan it en route to some other destination. We visited it on our way to the Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper, it worked out pretty well. Lake Emerald is a gem worth exploring. Don't miss it on your trip to Alberta!!

A day trip to the famous Columbia Ice Field and the Athabasca Glacier was the last outing on our road trip around Alberta. Before we visited the Columbia Icefield, I did not know the difference between an icefield and a glacier. So, let me start there. An icefield, as the name suggests, is a large mass or field of ice made up of multiple glaciers. Columbia Icefield, spread over 325 square kilometres, is the largest icefield in North America. Whew!! It straddles the boundaries of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and comprises 6 major glaciers. Out of these 6, Athabasca Glacier, a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's most accessible glaciers, hence every bit touristy. View of the Athabasca Glacier flowing from the icefield between the two mountain cliffs as seen from the terrace of Columbia Icefield Glacier   Discovery Centre..... What makes an outing to this glacier really thrilling is the entire experience of reaching it on an all-terrain Ice Explorer! The Ice Explorer is a huge vehicle with massive tyres designed specifically for travel on the fragile surface of the glacier. It can carry up to 56 passengers at one time. Let me give you a few handy tips before you plan this outing... The entire province of Alberta is beautiful, but the road leading to the Columbia Ice Fields needs a special mention as it winds its way through breathtaking scenery. The Canadian Rockies that were visible from afar throughout the journey are now up close as we drove past them here. So, keep extra time for this drive as you'll be tempted to halt at every turn to click a picture. En route the Columbia Icefield....I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss this, would you? The tour starts from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre located on Icefields Parkway Highway 93 N. You must plan to reach the centre at least 30 minutes before the departure time that you wish to avail. There is a tour every 15 minutes, and your ticket is valid for the entire day. You will need 2.5 to 3 hours at the icefield. The best time to visit the icefield is in the morning before 11 am or after 3 pm when the crowds are thin. We booked a tour after 3 pm and got a discount. You should check their website for any additional discounts on your day of travel before making the booking. The Columbia Icefield Adventure is heavily booked. You must plan this trip to ensure that you don't miss it. There are 2 tour options available. Option 1 is Glacier Adventure, which includes the Skywalk. Option 2 is Ice Odyssey, where you are taken in a smaller group higher up the glacier. For Glacier Adventure, park in the lower Jasper-side parking lot. A very wide open stairway will lead you directly into the Discovery Centre. Carry proper woollen clothing in summer too. It can get very cold on the glacier with icy winds blowing all around you. Just about a 10-minute walk away and at a slightly steep incline from the parking lot is the stunning Peyto Lake. Don't miss it! And now getting to the glacier..... The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is a very well-organised facility. There are signs everywhere to guide you to the correct queue.....oh yes! there are queues everywhere. We arrived right on time for our tour. We were led to an open waiting area and from there onto a shuttle. The shuttle drove us to the point where the Ice Explorers were parked. This gigantic bus drives at a snail's pace through the paved road near the icefield, making deep ridges on the ice as it passes... This 10 to 15-minute drive up the glacier is accompanied by a very interesting commentary about the icefield and the glacier. I was happy to learn that despite the heavy inflow of tourists, the fragile ecosystem of the icefield is preserved vigilantly. So much so that before the ice explorer hits the glacier, it is made to pass through a small natural pool of meltwater called the 'tyre wash'. This is done to ensure that the debris from the surroundings is not carried onto the glacier and soils it. As the ice explorer rumbles on, the beauty of the ice field starts unfolding in front of our eyes. Upon reaching the glacier, we de-board the ice explorer, and this is what we see... We are greeted by huge mammoths of snow, icy cold winds and a rapidly thawing snow floor willing to give away the moment we step on it! There is a lot of mirthful shrieking all around as people's feet dip into the icy chasms of the glacier. A 15-minute window is allocated to each ice explorer; tourists are expected to return to the vehicle within that time slot. The ice explorer brings us back to the bus stand, we board the bus again and are driven in the shuttle to the riveting Skywalk. Skywalk is a one-kilometre-long glass-bottom walkway built over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass platform is 280 metres high and offers beautiful views of the valley. The entire skywalk is lined with signage and displays with interesting information about this ecosystem. We spent about 45 minutes here and then took the connecting free shuttle back to the Discovery Centre. Path to the Skywalk, scenic views all around and the trees that look like specks of green through the glass of the Skywalk.... A visit to the Athabasca Glacier is a journey back in time. And the receding glaciers, too, have a story to tell! Don't miss this amazing experience on your trip through Alberta.

Vancouver has always found a place of pride on the list of most liveable cities in the world, and a visit to this city reiterates this fact. The city is flanked by the peaks of the North Shore Mountains on its northern coastal edge, with its famous Grouse Mountain ski resort and by the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean on the west. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean is the beautiful city of Vancouver. My first and foremost tip for anyone visiting the city is to check the weather forecast for the day before making any bookings, since it rains quite a lot in Vancouver. The summer months of June to August are the driest, so planning a vacation during that time would be ideal, as most of the activities are outdoors. We were there in June 2024, so although it rained now and then, it was dry for the most part. We spent four days in Vancouver, our second visit to the city. Our first trip was in the summer of 2011, for a week when my kids were still very young. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the city has retained its charm even after so many years, although, like most metropolises, it looked more crowded. If you're a first-time visitor to the city, you must plan to keep at least a week aside to see its many wonders. There are an endless number of things to do, and the city boasts something to cater to all tastes. On this trip, we wanted to see what we had not seen on our previous visit. In this post, I'll cover all the Top 5 must-do things in Vancouver that we saw on our previous trip and this one and try to give you insights into both. I. Stanley Park If you're an outdoor enthusiast, go for a run or bike around this massive 405-hectare public park. The park has the famous Stanley Park Seawall Path which is a 10-km long loop around the park that runs along the ocean and offers spectacular views. It takes about 3 hours to walk and 1 hour to cycle around the park. In my opinion, if you wake up on a sunny day in Vancouver, then don't miss a chance to go to Stanley Park. Conducted biking tours are also available if you wish to learn about the local history and see all the important points within the park. We had spent a day at the park on our earlier trip, and we had hired bikes that were easily available around the many shops very close to the park. We made a short stop this time, too. The park looked pretty much the same, except there were way more tourists along with the locals, and the free shuttle service that used to ferry passengers from the city is no longer there. II. Granville Island Located on False Creek, Granville Island is a perfect place to spend an evening. On first look, it would look like any other seafront promenade with eateries, boat rentals and souvenir shops. But after having spent an evening here, I think this should be on your not-to-miss list. The Granville Island Public Market is a great place to try fresh produce and gourmet delicacies. The entire area is bustling with eateries, breweries and local shops selling trinkets and handicrafts. You can also opt for a ferry ride called the Aqua Bus that will take you around the scenic harbourfront. III. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park lies in the District of North Vancouver and is known for its 140-metre-long suspension bridge, 70 meters above the Capilano River. But it's not the bridge alone that makes this park special; the entire 30-acre park has 7 other suspended footbridges, treetop adventures and Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway above the Capilano Canyon. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. During Christmas, it stays open until 9 p.m. for a display of lights called Canyon Lights. Please check the official website for more details if you happen to be in Vancouver in winter https://www.capbridge.com/events/canyon-lights/ The park is a must-see attraction if you're travelling as a family with kids, and this is exactly what we did on our previous trip to Vancouver. This time, though, we decided to visit Lynn Canyon instead. IV. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge Lynn Canyon Park also lies in the District of North Vancouver at a distance of about 9 km from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Unlike Capilano, entry to the park is free, but you have to pay for the parking. There is an East Parking lot that is free. If you happen to enter the park from there, then you won't have to pay for the parking either. Spread over an area of 617 acres, the park has many beautiful hiking trails with different levels of incline and narrow to wide streams of water flowing from Lynn Creek. The favourite trail is the Lynn Canyon Loop, which is 1.4 miles long and kid-friendly with a moderate incline. Except for some parts of the park which can be reached only by the wooden staircases, most of the park is wheelchair friendly. The park boasts a suspension bridge about 50 meters high and all the basic amenities like toilets and a small refreshment area, too. My Tip - After having seen both the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge this time and the Capilano Suspension Bridge on our earlier visit to Vancouver, I'd say that you must see the latter if you're a first-time visitor. Capilano is paid but every bit touristy with dangling bridges, colourful totem poles and a fun adventure park with cute cottages and small hiking trails. That doesn't take away the fact that Lynn Canyon is also a great place to spend a day in the outdoors, but it's more for nature lovers and not for tourists, especially those travelling with family. I'm pasting some pictures of Capilano from our earlier trip for your reference. V. Flyover Canada This was our day three in Vancouver, and it turned out to be cloudy with scattered rainfall. We decided to shop around and check out Flyover Canada, a recreation facility that offers simulated flying journeys over Canada. I'd seen a trailer for this show on YouTube and found it very impressive, but the experience was more fun than we could have imagined. Located in Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver, the simulation ride lasts about 20 minutes of sheer thrill. We were made to sit in flight-motion seats with seat belts to give us a real feeling of flight as the seats swooped over mountains, lakes, and volcanoes, leaving us in raptures. The 4 D experience includes wind, mist, and the scents of the region we flew over. The show covers Canada's entire length and breadth with spellbinding special effects. My Tip - This show was spectacular. The only negative is that it should have lasted a bit longer than 20 minutes. By the time the feeling of euphoria kicks in, it's time to get off the seat. The facility is very organised. Photography inside is strictly prohibited. Apart from these top 5 not-to-miss attractions, a day trip to the beautiful mountain town of Whistler and Victoria, the stunning capital city of British Columbia, should be on your itinerary too. We visited Whistler on our last visit, so I'll share my experience with you here. We visited Victoria again. On our last day trip, we opted for a whale-watching cruise. It was super fun, to say the least, but that left little time for anything else. This time, we drove around the city and visited the famous Butchart Gardens and the beautiful area around Ogden Point Breakwater, the popular walk near Downtown Victoria. Day trip to Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia Day four turned out to be sunny again. Based on this weather forecast, we'd planned a day trip to Victoria and were glad to see that our plan had been successful. Read more about the beautiful capital of British Columbia by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-victoria-bc-from-vancouver Day trip to Whistler We had done a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver on our previous trip. Sharing the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-whistler-from-vancouver-in-summer So, that is Vancouver for you. After having visited it twice, I'd like to sum up by listing these Top 5 Not-to-Miss attractions that are unique to the city and a great way to spend your time in Vancouver. If you're travelling with kids, then visiting the Science World and Vancouver Aquarium should also feature on your itinerary. I. Victoria - Picture-perfect destination. Ideally, one should keep at least two days to soak in the ethereal beauty of this city, go on a whale-watching tour and see the Butchart Gardens. II. Whistler - Visit for its world's longest and highest lift system called Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. III. Capilano Suspension Bridge - This unique park is a perfect getaway for families. IV. Stanley Park - The park offers a great outdoors, and the Seawall is a must-see. V. Granville Island - A great way to spend a memorable evening, it has great eateries, and the place is vibrant and fun.

Let me start by saying that Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is picture-perfect. It's located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Olympic Mountains. The city is renowned for its vibrant art scene, culture, international cuisine, beautiful parks, a plethora of outdoor activities and an unmistakable old-world charm by way of its colonial architecture, which has been very well preserved. There are many ways to travel from Vancouver to Victoria BC, you can fly, go by bus or ferry or take a seaplane. Some more luxurious options like V2V are also available for travelling between these two cities. We took a BC Ferry, which is quite a popular option since you can drive straight onto the ferry parking in your vehicle. There is a ferry every two hours, so availability is not an issue. You must book your tickets in advance, though. Also, the ferry is spacious, there are eateries, washrooms, a play area for kids and an open deck with seating. The ride lasts 90 minutes from the Tsawwassen Terminal to the Swartz Bay Terminal in Victoria. The ride is fun, and your sightseeing will begin from here as the ferry sails past a beautiful coastline over the Strait of Georgia in the Salish Sea. Once you reach Victoria, plan to stroll around the stunning waterfront before heading on to any activity. See the entire city come alive here, no words are needed to describe this .... This was our second trip to Victoria. After having visited the city twice, both times on a day trip from Vancouver, I've concluded that we should've ideally kept aside at least two to three days in the city. On our last visit, we opted for a whale-watching cruise. I'm sharing my experience via a video. This was in 2011, please bear with me, the video quality is not as per today's standards, but the excitement of seeing Orca whales in their natural habitat so close to our boat was thrilling... This time, though, we decided to drive around the city and see the world-famous Butchart Gardens and spend the sunset at Ogden Point Breakwater, a beautiful walking trail close to Downtown Victoria. Butchart Gardens Victoria Butchart Gardens is a haven of colour, and if you visit it in spring, then flowers like cherry blossoms, daffodils and tulips are in full bloom. But regardless of the season, the garden with its beautiful Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, exquisitely arranged lush green foliage, water bodies with fountains, small winding paths, colourful totem poles and even a cute-looking carousel, is a treat to visit. The carousel is paid with a nominal ticket of $2 per person. Close to the entrance is a nice souvenir shop and some eateries, too. The gardens are located at a distance of 22 km from Downtown Victoria. It's easily accessible by both private and public transport. Parking facilities are good. You should plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours inside the gardens to fully appreciate their beauty. They are open till 11 pm on most days of the year except on holidays and Christmas Day. We, like most people, visited the gardens during the day. But I've heard some rave reviews from people who visited it at dusk when the garden is illuminated. To have the best of both worlds, you can plan to go there in the evening and stay on till dusk falls. You don't need a conducted tour of the garden, the paths are wheelchair-friendly and there are adequate spaces to sit and relax. What more can I say about these gardens....the pictures are self-explanatory... This was in summer, so one can imagine the glorious hues in spring!! Ogden Point Breakwater After having spent a leisurely first half of the day amidst the beauty of Butchart Gardens, we decided to go to the Ogden Point Breakwater, a walk near Downtown Victoria. It should take you about 5 minutes to drive to Breakwater Point from Downtown Victoria, or if you're up for walking, it will take about 35 minutes to reach the Breakwater. Walk towards Dallas Road and turn right onto the wide path leading to the Breakwater. A 1.6-kilometre-long round trip of this scenic walk can take about 30 minutes to an hour. At the end of the walk is a lighthouse from where you can get glorious views of the sunset and the Juan de Fuca Strait. The walk is incredibly beautiful with planes flying overhead and cruises passing by. You will be able to see the busy Victoria Harbour with ferries and sailboats on the water and helicopters whirring overhead. That sums up our day trip to Victoria. My parting tip is that one should plan to spend more time than just a day in this vibrant city to soak in its many wonders.

The beautiful mountain town of Whistler is a haven for sports enthusiasts, and a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver is a must-do activity. In winter, the town sees tourists flocking to it for skiing and snowboarding at the Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. In summer, the town comes alive with activities like mountain biking and hiking. And the not-to-miss Peak-2-Peak Gondola that plies between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. If you have just a day in Whistler in summer, then this gondola ride should be at the top of your itinerary. Vancouver to Whistler Whistler lies at a distance of 121 kilometres from Vancouver. The best way to get to Whistler is by bus from Vancouver, which will take about 2 hours and will go through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. A luxury train called 'Rocky Mountaineer' also runs between the two cities on scheduled days and offers panoramic views of Fraser Valley and the mountains and forests of Alberta and British Columbia. But it's expensive both in terms of money and time since it takes 12 hours to cover the distance. A day in Whistler We started very early from Vancouver since we had just a day in Whistler. Buses ply at regular intervals, but it's best to buy tickets in advance, especially during the peak season. We reached Whistler within two hours through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. The town is small and has an old-world charm to it. Whistler is a walkable city; you can easily go on foot around restaurants and the marketplace. The day was sunny and bright, and we wanted to make the most of it, so we headed straight for the gondola ride. This post does not have lots of information about Whistler since we visited the town as far back as 2011; a lot of things would have changed in this much time. I'm just sharing my personal experience with some photos. For the latest information and updates, please refer to their official website https://www.whistler.com/activities/peak-to-peak-gondola/ And now the gondola ride.... There are 3 gondola rides in all, the Whistler Village gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The 436-metre-high Peak 2 Peak gondola is a cable car connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It has held the Guinness World Record for being the highest of its kind gondola. You should keep aside at least two hours for the entire gondola experience. Buy the Peak 2 Peak 360-degree Experience ticket. This will give you access to all three gondola rides. At 4 kilometres long, it is also one of the longest lift systems in the world. The ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is an 11-minute journey. One gets to see stunning alpine scenery through the gondola... I've come across a lot of forums where there is a lot of comparison between the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and the Sea to Sky Gondola.   When we visited Whistler in 2011, the Sea to Sky Gondola did not exist. It was built in 2014. I'm afraid I will not be able to give any input on this comparison. To sum up, I'd say that the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is worth your time and money. We sighted a huge grizzly bear on the mountain slope below us during our gondola ride. Back then, photos were taken with cameras, not phones. By the time I switched on my camera, both the gondola and the bear had moved on. But the experience of seeing such a huge bear in its natural habitat was amazing. If you visit Whistler, do share your experience with me.

You cannot miss Italy on the World map with its distinct boot-shaped landmass jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea in the southern part of Europe. Just the way you simply cannot miss the iconic monuments seeped in history scattered all over Italy that are the remains of the formidable Roman civilisation. These historical artefacts attract over 65 million visitors every year, making Italy the fifth most visited country in the world. There are a few things you must remember while planning a vacation to Italy 1. Number of travel days If you're travelling to Italy for the first time, then keep at least 10 to 12 days for your visit, even a bit more won't hurt. Starting in Rome, the city is laden with all the touristy goodies and choosing one over another will be a tough task. Followed by Florence, Pisa, Venice, the Amalfi coast, Pompeii, Milan and of course, the Vatican. Each of these charming destinations has so much to offer that you will be spoilt for choice. 2. 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the largest ever in one country. Out of these 58 heritage sites, 53 are cultural sites and 5 are natural. No one can compress 58 worth-seeing sights into a short itinerary, so plan your vacation by carefully picking the sites you actually wish to see. 3. Peak tourist season Summer is the peak tourist season, which translates into more crowds everywhere. Prices of all commodities skyrocket during the summer months. So, plan your vacation judiciously so as to make optimum utilisation of your time and money. 4. Beware of Pickpockets Be careful with your belongings while travelling by public transport. We'd been told that there are a lot of pickpockets and petty thieves around who steal wallets, bags and phones. Thankfully, we didn't run into one. 5. Travelling by trains Trains are the cheapest mode of transport throughout Italy. They connect all major cities and tourist attractions. For instance, you can do a day trip to Pisa from Rome via train. There are a lot of trains, but the Frecciabianca or FB is especially good as it takes you along the scenic coastal route. The best part is that the Leaning Tower is within walking distance of the railway station. 6. Cutting across massive crowds Italy is bustling with tourists at all times. There are massive queues anywhere you go. I have not seen so many tourists walking around with maps and cameras anywhere else in the world. So, plan your itinerary ahead to beat the crowds. To see the famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, it's best to arrive early in the morning. As I've mentioned earlier, there are many attractions in Rome to see. If you have limited time, then pick the ones you really wish to see first. For instance, on our trip to the Vatican, there were massive crowds and multiple queues lined up for different areas of the Basilica. We ended up getting into the wrong queue, which led to the tombstones. There is no coming out if you've entered the wrong queue. We ended up spending two extra hours trying to get out and get into the right one for the chapel. 7. Some more handy tips At a lot of places in Italy, if you're availing a service, be sure of what you have to pay for it. In Rome, around the Colosseum, there are men dressed as knights and gladiators, wearing centurion costumes. First, they'll coax you to take pictures with them and then harass you for money. Sometimes, they'll ask you to pay an exorbitant amount of money, like 100 euros for a picture. I'll have to mention here, though, that we've heard such accounts from fellow travellers. Luckily, we never encountered such harassment; these guys quoted 2 euros for this picture. Many others don't. We had a similar incident in Venice. We wanted to take a gondola ride. The boatman told my husband that he'd charge 8 euros for a ride around a specific route in the canal. We happily opted for it. We did get the promised ride, but after disembarking, my husband paid him 10 euros. He said it's 80, not 8. And then cheekily added that one gets ice cream for 8 euros. We obviously had to pay 80 euros. We realised that the boatman, using his thick Italian accent, had intentionally twisted 80 to make it sound like 8. Such incidents are common in Italy, so establish clearly what you have to pay in advance. 8. Travelling by buses Buses are the cheapest mode of transport for travelling within Rome. No wonder they are crowded at all times! And don't get spooked out by the unwanted attention you might get on the bus from total strangers. Italians are a bit too garrulous for comfort. Being an Indian myself, I noticed they are quite loud and, like Indians, they swing their hands and make a lot of facial expressions as they talk. 9. Shopping in Italy Italy is known for its leather goods. You will find markets flooded with leather goods everywhere in Italy, both in high-end stores and flea markets. You will get the most variety of leather bags in Florence in the marketplace around the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Although I cannot comment on the quality of the leather. I bought 3 leather bags from an Italian brand, Guidi, in Venice. They turned out to be quite good. I also bought one from a roadside shop in Rome. The leather came off really fast. Don't ever buy a fake brand in Italy, it's illegal, and the leather will peel off in no time. In my opinion, it's best to buy from a regular shop that is a known Italian brand. Venice, known for the world-famous Carnival of Venice, is also the best place to buy Venetian masks. They are available in many sizes, shapes, colours and types in Venice, in various price ranges. There are some mask shops in the small islands of Murano and Burano, also close to Venice. Murano is also known for its intricate glass pieces. You will see a lot of glassware, glass jewellery, and even glass watches in the narrow streets of Venice, which are lined with small kiosks and shops. At times, they sell fake Murano glass. It's best to buy glassware from a factory in Morano or from an established glass gallery only. 10. And lastly, Italian cuisine Italians take their pizzas and pasta very seriously. While in Italy, you should try different kinds of pasta. There are over 100 kinds of pasta, each of them with a specific purpose. You should try as many as you can. Pizzas are everywhere in Italy. In Ristorante, as they call their restaurants in Italian, and in roadside Pizzerias. What I found really interesting was the way they cut out huge slices of pizza with a pair of scissors for you. It is always served fresh, but with no extra condiments except olive oil. I found the classic Italian simplest pizza, Margarita, the yummiest of all. And yes, Italians do love to decorate their windows and balconies with flowers. This is a common sight in Italy... If fresh flowers are not available, then fake ones are okay. All I can say is that Italy is everything that one can ask for in a dream destination. It has the romance of history, the warmth of a very vibrant culture and the indulgence of great shopping. Benvenuto in Italia!! Want to learn more about an Italian vacation? 3 days in romantic Rome. Click on the link below to read more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-3-days-in-romantic-rome Day trip from Rome to the Vatican. Click on the link below to read more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-day-trip-to-the-vatican-from-rome Day trip to Pisa from Rome. Click on the link below to read more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-10-things-you-should-know-about-pisa-before-you-go-visiting 2 Days in Florence. Click on the link below to read more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-2-days-in-florence-the-city-of-architectural-marvels A 3-Day trip to Venice. Click on the link below to read more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-3-days-in-venice-the-queen-of-the-adriatic-sea

If you're a romantic at heart, then Rome will fulfil every fantasy that you've ever harboured about travel. This 3000-year-old city is bursting with remnants of the past that instantly transport you to the world of gladiators and their fighting arenas. There is a certain madness about the crowds in Rome. There are so many people everywhere; almost every second person you come across is a tourist. It's exhilarating to see so many people vying with each other and hovering around you to take pictures...it's impossible to click a picture without some heads showing up in it. 8 things you must know about Rome before planning your visit - 1. 3 days are not enough to see the entire city. I can say this with a certain amount of certainty because we were in Rome for 3 days only, 3.5 days to be precise and boy. ..was it crazy!! To top it all, it started pouring in the morning on Day One, so we had to start our sightseeing in the second half and had to forego some important attractions. You can, of course, rush through the sights, but if possible, keep at least 4 to 5 days for Rome. If that is not possible, then plan your trip thoroughly. 2. Don't travel to Rome without advance bookings for attractions. There are crowds everywhere, and you will not be able to see much if you don't have a fixed itinerary. 3. The Rome airport, Fiumicino Airport, is well connected to the main train station, Termini, by the Trenitalia train, Leonardo Express. This train runs non-stop to the main station and takes about 30 minutes. If you get a Rome City Pass, then you can travel by bus, train, tram, or metro, free of cost within city limits. 4. Take guided tours, wherever possible. There is so much history to learn about that you will feel quite lost if there is no background to it. Even with a guide at most places, we used to exchange notes in the evening, trying to remember what we had seen during the day! 5. The entire city can be seen on foot. Most destinations are within walking distance of each other. Just follow the map so that you don't miss the attraction that you wish to see. In 3 days, it will not be possible to see all the attractions from the inside, so pick the ones you wish to see thoroughly. 6. Rome is a deep pool of history and information. Most of it is very intriguing and interesting, too. But, as I always write in all my travel blogs, not every museum and art gallery needs to be seen from the inside, not unless you're a historian or a serious history buff. I have seen tourists, especially in places like Rome, going berserk, running around to catch everything they can. This can take away the romanticism of a beautiful city like Rome. Some monuments should just be experienced for their architecture and beauty alone, and most importantly, for the experience of you being there in that moment! 7. Italy is bustling with tourists at all times. There are massive queues anywhere you go. I have not seen so many tourists walking around with maps and cameras anywhere else in the world. So, plan your itinerary ahead to beat the crowds. To see the famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, it's best to arrive early in the morning. As I've mentioned earlier, there are many attractions in Rome to see. If you have limited time, then pick the ones you really wish to see first. For instance, on our trip to the Vatican, there were massive crowds and multiple queues lined up for different areas of the Basilica. We ended up getting into the wrong queue, which led to the tombstones. There is no coming out if you've entered the wrong queue. Almost 25,000 people visit the chapel each day, so you can imagine the sea of people who are jostling to get inside the chapel. We ended up spending over 2 hours extra trying to get out and get in the right queue for the chapel. So, be very clear about where you are headed in the chapel. 8. At a lot of places in Italy, if you're availing a service, be sure of what you have to pay for it. In Rome, around the Colosseum, there are men dressed as knights and gladiators, wearing centurion costumes. First, they'll coax you to take pictures with them and then harass you for money. At times, they'll ask you to pay an exorbitant amount of money, like 100 euros for a picture. So, decide in advance what needs to be paid. Read more about Italy by clicking the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-top-10-things-to-remember-before-you-plan-a-vacation-to-italy 3 exciting Days in Romantic Rome Day One Colosseum Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Capitoline Hill Day Two - Day trip to the Vatican Vatican City Day Three Piazza Venezia Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona Piazza del Popolo Colosseum As we stepped out of the metro station, Colosseo, on metro line B, this awe-inspiring mammoth structure of the Colosseum made me gasp. We all have seen pictures of the Colosseum on every possible travel pamphlet and travel site about Italy, but when you actually set eyes on it, the effect is surreal. As mentioned before, there was a sea of people waiting in the queue outside. We had pre-booked a tour with a tour guide. He spoke clear English and took us around the stunning ruins of what is considered to be the world's largest amphitheatre. There are many tour options to choose from. Some tours take you only to the main arena, some take you to the underground level and the top tier also. Here you can see the working mechanism of the rope-and-pulley system that controlled the 80 passageways, from where almost 50,000 spectators could enter the Colosseum. Please check the official website of the Colosseum before visiting for any changes in the tour itineraries. There are many options available depending on what you wish to see and the amount of time you can spend. My Tip - The Colosseum is the star of your trip to Rome. Keep ample time for it. The guided tour is a must as it enhances the experience of seeing this historical masterpiece manifold. There is a combo ticket available for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We came across tourists who started their day with the Roman Forum on their combined ticket because the Colosseum was too crowded when they got there. Well, the Colosseum is always crowded. So, reach early and tick off your Colosseum tour first, since there are time slots that you will have to adhere to, and then you can take a stroll in the Roman Forum at leisure. And pre-book your tour so that you can skip the queue. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill The Colosseum and Roman Forum can be seen on the same ticket. After doing the tour of the Colosseum, we headed to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Both these were included in the ticket to the Colosseum. It's just about a half-kilometre walk. You can take a cab too, but walking around in this area is fun. There are 7 important hills in Rome, and the Palatine is the highest. You can get splendid views of the city from the top of the hill. It is believed that Rome was founded by Romulus on this hill. The Forum lies adjacent to the Palatine Hill. It is an open area with ruins of ancient Roman government buildings. You can spend about 2 hours walking along some of the famous sites in the Forum, like the Temple of Saturn, the largest temple, the Temple of Venus and the ruins of the oldest shopping mall. My Tip - Even if you're tired from your outing at the Colosseum, don't skip the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. If you have 3 days, then you will not have time to come back to this spot. The entire Roman history is on display here; enjoy the spectacle! Capitoline Hill Just an 8-minute walk from Palatine Hill lies Capitoline Hill. This is one of the 7 hills in Rome and is the most beautiful. It played a very significant role in ancient Rome. Michelangelo turned the hill into a beautiful Piazza. Entry to the hill is free, and it's open 24/7. There is a beautiful staircase designed by Michelangelo that takes you to the main square at the top of the hill, Piazza del Campidoglio. In the centre of the piazza is a beautiful bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. Behind the piazza is a beautiful fountain. We were tired from all the walking during the day, so we just walked up the staircase to get stunning views of the Roman Forum below and then decided to spend the rest of the evening just sitting around and soaking in the sights. The piazza has the Capitoline Museums, which are believed to be very interesting, with some of the most significant Roman sculptures. If you have the time and the inclination, you can book tickets in advance for that. In that case, you will have to visit the hill in the morning. My Tip - Piazza del Campidoglio is beautiful. Go there for the views of the Roman Forum at night. As far as the Capitoline Museums are concerned, there are many museums in Rome, so it's wise to be a bit picky. Otherwise, it can get extremely tiring and a bit muddled up, with too much history in one trip. Vatican City What can I write about the Vatican City that has not already been said and discussed? Although there is still so much more to be said about this smallest country in the world. I have written about our day trip to the Vatican City in a separate blog. Please click on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/italian-delights-day-trip-to-the-vatican-from-rome My Tip - Keep a full day aside for this trip. There was not a single dull moment during our entire day at the Vatican. There was history, art, architecture and loads of touristy stuff to indulge in. Piazza Venezia We started our last day in Rome from the point where we had left on Day One at Capitoline Hill. Just a 2-minute walk away, at the foot of Capitoline Hill, lies Piazza Venezia. It is located at the intersection of many roads, right in the central hub of Rome, so it's quite noisy all around with a lot of traffic. We crossed the Piazza so many times during our stay in Rome. The Piazza has many buildings all around with amazing architecture. However, the one building that stands out is the stunning marble structure, which is a monument to King Vittorio Emmanuel II. The layered appearance of its outer facade has earned it the nickname of 'Wedding cake'. I did not know this at the time of our visit, but we were just awed by the magnificence of this structure. The monument was built in honour of the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. The famous landmark can be identified by the two chariot horses on the two top sides of its outer facade. You can take pictures of this stunning monument from the outside, or you can buy a ticket and go to the top via a Panoramic Glass elevator. From there, you can get beautiful views of the city. My Tip - Spend some time walking around the Piazza to look at Victor Emmanuel's monument from different angles. You can also go to the terrace by taking the staircase for free. But remember, there are lots of stairs to climb to reach the top. There is a museum inside and a restaurant on the top with beautiful views of the city. You can also see the change of guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Trevi Fountain We started walking from Piazza Venezia towards the Trevi Fountain, which is about 800 m away. There was so much anticipation in our minds about what to expect once we reached. And as expected, the fountain is a sight to behold! The massive fountain is 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide. The intricate baroque craftsmanship of the structure cannot be expressed in words. There is a tradition in Rome that throwing a coin in the water in the Trevi Fountain will ensure that you will come back to Rome again. We saw people throwing coins with their right hand over their left shoulder. We learnt that all these coins are collected daily and given to local charities. Most traditions have their roots in certain beliefs. Ancient Romans tried to please the Water Gods by throwing coins in the water to earn their blessings so that they would return home safely from journeys or wars. One can easily spend an hour at this fountain. The stunning artwork and the vibe around the place are intoxicating. My Tip - If possible, do another round of the Trevi Fountain at Twilight. We could not do it since we were leaving early the next morning, but I've heard a lot of wonderful accounts of it. Pantheon Walking along narrow alleyways, in about 8 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, we reached the Pantheon. The Pantheon was built as a Roman temple and was used as a burial place for kings. It is known for its famous dome, which still holds the title of the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. Here again, there are hordes of people all around. Entrance to the monument is free except on weekends when a reservation is needed. We were not aware of this. We saw a long serpentine queue, but it moved very fast. So after a wait of about 30 minutes, we got inside. There are audio tours and guided tours available that will show you around with all the historical details. As soon as you enter the Pantheon, what catches your attention is the huge dome with a big gaping hole in the ceiling. I read somewhere that some tour guides will tell you that water does not enter through the dome when it rains. They do this to create some mysticism about the Pantheon. But it proved to be a myth since we could see some waterlogging on the floor inside after the previous day's rain. Although there are holes along the floor for water to run through. Even minus this magical fact, the Pantheon has an aura of mystery around it. The entire area around the Pantheon is the Piazza della Rotonda. The eye-catching obelisk of Ramesses II, hordes of people just sitting around on the steps of the Fontana del Pantheon right in front of the Pantheon, roadside eateries, art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops and the cutest toy shop by the name of Bartolucci give this piazza a very lively vibe. I recently learnt that this shop has now been closed. It would be sad if it has indeed closed down. We had bought wooden name plates and a cute bunny rabbit clock for both our kids from here. Do write back to me if you happen to visit this shop and it's still open!! My Tip - Plan to spend the entire evening in the area around the Pantheon. The vibrancy and the warmth of Italian culture are so palpable here. Ideally, we could have just walked around the streets, looking at stunning artefacts strewn all over the Piazza, but this was our last day, and some attractions in Rome remained to be seen. Piazza Navona I could not imagine that after the magnificent Pantheon, another architectural marvel was waiting for us just a 4-minute walk away. Piazza Navona is a beautiful historical square in Rome. The square is not a square but an oval-shaped complex because this Piazza was originally designed to be a stadium. There is art and history splattered around the square, in every nook and around every corner. There are beautiful churches, museums, cafes and fountains in the square. The most eye-catching is, of course, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Four River Fountain. Everyone knows this fountain by this name. The fountain is a stunning baroque-style structure with four statues that represent four important rivers of the continents where Christianity had spread, the river Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata. My Tip - Just a 10-minute walk away from Piazza Navona lies the stunning St. Angelo Bridge over the River Tiber. If you walk over the bridge, it will lead you to Castel Sant'Angelo, a beautiful castle on the River Tiber. You can walk over the bridge, or if time permits, you can go inside the castle. Entry to the castle is paid, and bookings have to be made in advance. We had no time for the castle, but the bridge was very stunning with beautiful views of the Tiber. Piazza del Popolo This was our last destination of the day. We were tired from all the walking throughout the day. We had to walk another 20 minutes to reach Piazza del Popolo. This is the largest square in Rome. It has churches, some fountains, and an obelisk. By the time we reached here, we had seen multiple fountains, obelisks and churches. That, of course, did not take away our excitement on seeing the famous church, Santa Maria del Popolo, that featured in Dan Brown's famous 'Angels and Demons', which was later adapted as a movie by the same name. Apart from that, there are two twin churches, and one of the largest obelisks in Rome is here in the piazza. People were sitting around, eating and drinking from the various kiosks. The food was good, I've forgotten the name of the eatery, though. We spent our last evening at the piazza, soaking in the richness of this beautiful city and hoping we had more days to spend in this historical paradise. Effectively, we had just two days in Rome, with one whole day at the Vatican and another half dedicated to the rain gods. This was simply not enough to see all the sights. We had to forego some attractions, including the Spanish Steps, the longest and widest staircase in Europe. If we had more time, I would've spent it around the Trevi Fountain; one can never get tired of looking at this exquisite piece of architecture.