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PASSPORTS
The World’s Most Powerful Passports

Imagine holding a passport that unlocks the gates to 194 destinations! Well, 2024 just made it a reality as 6 countries, led by Singapore and Japan, create history by sharing the coveted title of the world's most powerful passport.”

This has never happened before in the history of the Henley Passport Index. 6 countries have tied for the top spot for having the most powerful passport in 2024.

Singapore, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. For the past half-decade, Japan and Singapore took turns being the cool kids on the Henley Passport Index block.

But hold onto your hats, because France, Germany, Italy, and Spain just rolled up, stole the spotlight, and threw a massive European fiesta at the top spot!

Now, citizens from these six countries are basically holding golden tickets, enjoying an all-time high with access to a whopping 194 destinations – breaking records in the index's 19-year history. It's like the passport Olympics, and Team Europe just clinched the gold! 🌍🏆✈️

The world’s most powerful passports in 2024 or

Which passports lets you travel the most destinations..?

1. Singapore, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain (194 destinations)

2. Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193 destinations)

3. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192 destinations)

4. Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191 destinations)

5. Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190 destinations)

6. Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189 destinations)

7. Canada, Hungary, United States (188 destinations)

8. Estonia, Lithuania (187 destinations)

9. Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186 destinations)

10. Iceland (185 destinations)

Where does your country fall in ?

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Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Dubai is kicking your passport & visa stress to the curb ! Starting March 2024, they'll allow passengers to travel without passports or visas, using advanced biometric technology.

2. Looking for good quality of life in 2024 ? - 13 European countries are in the top 10 for quality of life: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, U.K., Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Austria, Spain, + 6 more as per Global Citizen Index, which measures political freedoms, the cost of living, sustainability & social well-being.

3. Going to Paris this year might cost you, & you can blame the Paris Olympics for it, prices for luxury palaces, 5-star hotels & the like are seeing a surge of 199% & 186% respectively, although Paris is not the only country. For exact prices visit link.

4. France needs you as it’s facing labour shortages, the most in-demand jobs in France: Accounting & bookkeeping clerks, Electrical engineering technicians, Healthcare assistants, & more click link to view the entire 38 point job list. if you have any of the skills above, you may have a higher chance of getting employment and a work visa in France.

Adventures & Experiences

❤️ CARNIVAL - Be prepared for a sensory overload of dazzling costumes, rhythmic beats, and a contagious enthusiasm that sweeps you off your feet. There’s a Carnival in the Canary Islands & the themed for this year is “The Carnivals of the World” & will be held from 25 January to 18 February 2024. Check the entire day by day itinerary here.
Join the vibrant parades, adorned in dazzling costumes, and dance to the infectious rhythms that echo through the bustling streets. Indulge your senses in the kaleidoscope of colors, savoring local delicacies and experiencing the unique blend of tradition and revelry.

😋 WHAT’S COOKING ? - New Orleans, is stealing the culinary spotlight as the best food destination in the U.S. for 2024!
Tripadvisor marked New Orleans as the No. 1, for best domestic, food-focused travel destination. “Overall, Southern destinations rank highly among foodies on Tripadvisor, with six of the top 10 cities in the American South.” Tripadvisor added. From a taste explosion of Savory gumbo, sugary beignets that'll make your sweet tooth sing, and don't even get me started on the spicy jambalaya.
So, mark your calendar, pack an appetite, and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure in the heart of the Big Easy – where every bite is a jazzed-up delight!

Deals

• Save Super on $39 Flights to Las Vegas, Miami

• Check Special Sales - $30 for Beach & Skiing Destinations

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• 📰 Read - Freezing Your Bottles Yet ? - Ex TSA Agent Reveals Secrets about getting Through security

• 👁️‍🗨️ Watch - Get Your Cashback When You Book Flights - using Google

• 😲 React - Awww - Kind Passenger Knits Beanie For Baby Sitting Next To Her.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
Stairway to the Gods

📍 Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, 🇯🇵 Japan
Over 16,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Nestled in the scenic outskirts of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine beckons you with its mesmerizing allure. Prepare to be captivated by the iconic path lined with over 10,000 vermillion Torii gates that ascend the sacred Mount Inari. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to the rice and prosperity deity Inari, offers not just a spiritual journey but a visual feast that unfolds around every corner. As you embark on this enchanting adventure, discover the cultural nuances, indulge in street food delights, and immerse yourself in the timeless traditions of Japan.

Embark on the Thousand Torii Gates Hike: Follow the path lined with thousands of vibrant torii gates. It's like walking through a tunnel of vermillion, each gate donated by individuals and businesses, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Snap Photos at Senbon Torii: Don't forget your camera! The Senbon Torii, or "thousands of torii gates," is an iconic spot for breathtaking photos. Capture the vivid red gates stretching into the distance and share the beauty with your friends.

Witness a Traditional Kagura Dance: Check the shrine's event schedule for a chance to witness a Kagura dance performance. The rhythmic movements and colorful costumes tell captivating stories rooted in Japanese folklore, providing a cultural treat for visitors.

Visit the Fox Statues: Keep an eye out for fox statues, messengers of the Shinto god Inari. These adorable creatures are often adorned with key-shaped objects, symbolizing the keys to the rice granary. Snap a selfie with one for a cute and memorable keepsake.

Try Local Street Food: The pathway to the shrine is dotted with stalls offering delicious local treats. Indulge in some yuba (tofu skin) ice cream or munch on grilled rice cakes. It's a great way to refuel while savoring the flavors of Kyoto.

Experience Night-time Illumination: If visiting in the evening, witness the shrine's transformation with subtle nighttime illumination. The torii gates take on a mystical glow, offering a different perspective of Fushimi Inari-taisha.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your Fushimi Inari-taisha experience:

• Fushimi Sake District: Sip and Savor Kyoto's Finest Brews - Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Kyoto by exploring the Fushimi Sake District, renowned for its sake breweries. After your spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari, indulge your taste buds with a sake tasting tour, discovering the nuances of Japan's traditional rice wine amid the historic breweries and picturesque canals.

• Tofuku-ji Temple: Zen Serenity Amidst Maple Trees - Just a short stroll from Fushimi Inari-taisha, Tofuku-ji Temple beckons with its expansive gardens and stunning autumn foliage. As you wander through the wooden corridors and contemplate the serene beauty of the Zen landscapes, the tranquil ambiance provides a perfect complement to the vibrant energy of Fushimi Inari.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Exploring Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

  1. Morning: Begin your day at Fushimi Inari-taisha

  2. Afternoon: Explore Fox Statues

  3. Evening: Sunset views

• Day 2: Tranquility at Tofuku-ji Temple

  1. Morning: Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

  2. Afternoon: Enjoy autumn foliage

  3. Evening: Relaxing ambiance

• Day 3: Sake Tasting in Fushimi Sake District

  1. Morning: Fushimi Sake District tour

  2. Afternoon: Historic breweries

  3. Evening: Canal-side charm

Recent Review - It’s hauntingly beautiful and like nothing else I’ve ever seen. The gates never stop until you reach the actual Inari shrine at the top of the mountain. The hike is worth every step of your willing.

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. What is Rabbit R1 ?

2. Iran attacks alleged militant bases in Pakistan; Islamabad says 'unprovoked' strikes kill 2 children.

3. CES Unveils Robot baristas, AI chefs.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Place Holds The Least Powerful Passport In The World

- - - - A - - - - A -

Last week’s answer to:
Which Country Has The Most Number Of Airports - America

• As of 2022 America has around 13,513 airports. Brazil ranks as the 2nd-largest country globally in terms of airport infrastructure with 4,093 airports.

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