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TRANSPORT / FILM TRAVEL
Save Tones On These Top 3
Most Affordable European Cities

Athens, Greece

Greece's historical hotspot, Athens, is one of the cheapest spot for an autumn getaway in Europe! Prices have dipped by a cool 15% since last year, making it a budget traveler's dream.
And forget cramped hotel rooms – Athens serves up affordable stays in cozy family-run joints and boutique hideaways. Picture yourself sipping ouzo with a view of the Acropolis from your balcony at Hotel Adonis, all while saving some serious euros. Who said luxury had to break the bank? Athens is here to prove them wrong!

Lisbon, Portugal

London to Lisbon, the budget traveler's dream route! With airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, and friends, you'll be swapping Big Ben for pastéis de nata in no time. And speaking of pastéis, Lisbon's culinary scene won't break the bank – you can score a three-course meal for the price of a fancy coffee in other European capitals.
Plus, forget about those wallet-wrenching pints – Lisbon's got €2 beers that'll make London's £6 pints blush. Don't forget your Viva Viagem card for tram adventures – it's like a golden ticket to half-off fun! So, pack your bags and get ready to live the high life on a low budget in Lisbon.

Riga, Latvia

Looks like Riga's giving Dublin a run for its Guinness with its cultural charm and Athens a run for its drachmas with affordable digs!
Get ready to explore the city's Old Town maze – it's like a budget-friendly treasure hunt, minus the pirate hats. Need a cheap lunch? Hit up the covered market for €2 samsas and let your taste buds do the cha-cha.
And forget sightseeing from the sidelines – grab a paddleboard for just €15 and cruise the Daugava River like a budget-friendly pirate! Ahoy, mateys, Riga's calling – and it's a steal of a deal!

✦ BONUS: Brașov, Transylvania, Romania

Welcome to Brașov, where Dracula's budget-friendly cousin reigns supreme!
This Transylvanian gem offers all the spooky charm of Bucharest at a fraction of the cost.
Take a cable car ride up Mount Tampa for just a handful of lei – it's like a cheap thrill ride with a view of those iconic brick-red rooftops. And forget about draining your wallet on tours – Walkabout's got you covered with a free morning stroll through the town.
Don't forget to fuel up on kürtőskalács, the local energy booster – because who knows when you'll need to outrun a vampire?

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Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Dreaming of exploring Japan while working remotely? Japan is gearing up for launching a Digital Nomad Visa next month & will allows people from 49 nations to stay in Japan for up to 6 months. But there are monetary requirements for it.

2. Iran will grant visa-free entry for 28 countries, these include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Japan, Brazil, India & More. The visa waiver applies exclusively to those arriving in Iran by air. Check if yours is on the list.

3. UK and Japan are offering up to 6,000 visas, for each for each other’s citizens through the mobility schemes. Meaning more young nationals from the UK & Japan will be able to work and live in each other’s country through the young mobility visas, as per VisaGuide.World.

Adventures & Experiences

🪄 THE FORBIDDEN FOREST - Sentosa, Singapore
Embark on a magical journey through Sentosa's Forbidden Forest, inspired by the Harry Potter universe. Wander along a scenic trail illuminated by colored lighting and surrounded by mist, while speakers play music and movie quotes. Encounter iconic characters like Hagrid & magical creatures like hippogriffs as shown in these images, with opportunities to cast spells and even summon your own patronus. Don't miss out on Butterbeer and exclusive merchandise at the onsite gift shop!
Tickets available for purchase, starting at S$51 (US$38) for adults and S$39 for children. Check Images & more details in link above.

🎂 GIFTS TO EAT - Universal Studios Hollywood 
is turning up the excitement for Super Nintendo World's one-year bash!
On Feb 15, a new Power Up Cafe will open on New York Street, located on the Upper Lot inside the park, & will be dishing out Super Mario-themed goodies – it's like a mushroom-powered feast for your taste buds.
Snacks available at the new cafe include Super Mushroom Calzone, 1-Up Mushroom Calzone, Fire Flower Pretzels and Super Star Popcorn. The Power Up Cafe will also offer Fizz drinks that can be customized by dropping sugar shapes inside to change the color and flavor. But that’s not the only special things they’re releasing.

🐟 FISH & SPA - As soon as Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai's seafood restaurant and spa opened its doors on Thursday, travelers like you swarmed in! Picture this: a food court straight out of samurai times, with 65 restaurants serving up the freshest catches from the nearby market. You'd be snapping photos left and right of the Edo-style eateries and stalls, maybe even lining up for some tuna sashimi on sticks. Tokyo authorities are aiming to reel in 2.6 million visitors annually with this clever combo of dining and relaxation.
“I'm confident that Tokyo residents and visitors from in and outside Japan will enjoy our diverse food culture as they savor fresh and high-quality food that only the fish market next door can serve," Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said in a speech at an opening ceremony.

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
Into The Heart of the Mayan

📍 Chichen Itza, 🇲🇽 Mexico
Over 18,300 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Welcome to Chichen Itza, a mesmerizing archaeological site where ancient mysteries and architectural wonders that await you here. Did you know that Chichen Itza was once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient Maya civilization? Its iconic pyramid, El Castillo, stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of its builders.

Marvel at El Castillo: When you first lay eyes on the iconic pyramid known as El Castillo, it's hard not to be blown away. This towering structure is an architectural marvel and the centerpiece of Chichen Itza. Don't forget to snap some photos!

Take a Guided Tour: To gain deeper insight into the history and significance of Chichen Itza, consider taking a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating anecdotes and answer any questions you may have about this ancient wonder.

Witness the Equinox Phenomenon: If you time your visit right, you can witness a fascinating phenomenon during the spring and fall equinoxes. The shadow cast by the sun creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps of El Castillo—a breathtaking sight you won't soon forget.

Visit the Temple of the Warriors: Admire the impressive columns and intricate carvings of the Temple of the Warriors, a structure dedicated to the god Kukulkan. Don't miss the Chac Mool statue guarding the entrance—an intriguing piece of Mayan artistry.

Discover the Sacred Cenote: Cool off from the Yucatan heat with a visit to the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole once used for ceremonial purposes by the ancient Maya. Take in the serene atmosphere and learn about the fascinating rituals that took place here.

Attend the Light and Sound Show: For a truly immersive experience, consider attending the evening light and sound show at Chichen Itza. Watch as the ancient ruins are illuminated against the night sky while you learn about the history and culture of the Maya through storytelling and music.

Enjoy a Traditional Meal: Refuel after a day of exploration with a traditional Mayan meal. Sample dishes like cochinita pibil (marinated pork) or papadzules (tortillas filled with boiled eggs and topped with pumpkin seed sauce) for a taste of authentic Yucatecan cuisine.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your Mayan experience:

1. Ik Kil Cenote: Just a stone's throw away from Chichen Itza lies the enchanting Ik Kil Cenote, a natural sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation. Take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters and marvel at the vines cascading down from the opening above. It's the perfect serene escape after a day of exploring the ancient ruins.

2. Ek Balam: Journey further into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula to discover the lesser-known archaeological site of Ek Balam. Climb to the top of its imposing Acropolis for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and marvel at the intricate stucco sculptures that adorn its structures. It's a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Chichen Itza Exploration

  1. Morning: Explore El Castillo

  2. Afternoon: Visit the Great Ballcourt

  3. Evening: Witness Equinox Phenomenon

• Day 2: Ek Balam Adventure

  1. Morning: Journey to Ek Balam

  2. Afternoon: Climb Acropolis

  3. Evening: Return to Chichen Itza

• Day 3: Ik Kil Cenote Relaxation

  1. Morning: Head to Ik Kil Cenote

  2. Afternoon: Swim in Cenote

  3. Evening: Return to Accommodation

Recent Review - A dream come true. So spectacular! The primary pyramid is so impressive, but there are also many related Maya structures to see in the surrounding grounds. A highlight of our trip.

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. A Quiet Place Releases Trailer for it’s 2024 Movie

2. Apple Releases Guided Tour Of Apple Vision Pro

3. Kobe Bryant’s Statue Unveiled By His Wife.

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This Country Has The Most Number Of Festivals In The World - India

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