With millions of fans expected to attend the tournament across the US, Mexico and Canada, the US government is gearing up to make international travel smoother. During the launch of FIFA Pass at the White House, both FIFA President Gianni and US President Trump said the country is ready to welcome fans from every corner of the world. This is the first time the United States is coordinating a priority visa program directly with FIFA.

United States’ FIFA Pass: Key points

• FIFA Pass gives faster US visa appointments
• Only official ticket holders qualify
• Standard visa rules still apply
• Full instructions will be released in early 2026
• FIFA Pass does not guarantee a US visa. It only helps get earlier interview slots

Why the US Government Launched FIFA Pass

Since this is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, the United States is seeing a huge influx of visa applications from fans across Asia, Europe, Africa and other regions. The 2026 edition will  feature 48 teams and over 100 matches across three North American countries. The US will host most of the games, including 78 matches in 11 cities, from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Both Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each.

Millions of FIFA lovers are already searching the US embassy and consulate websites for B2 visa interview slots, alongside best flight deals to USA from China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other countries. Countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and several others often face long US visa waiting times, which is why the US government introduced FIFA Pass to expedite the visa interview process. Look no farther than iEagle.com for unbeatable flight offers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup fans!

To support this, the US government is

• deploying hundreds of additional visa officers globally
• increasing interview capacity
• improving the visa scheduling system
• coordinating directly with FIFA for ticket verification

How to use FIFA Pass: Step-by-step guide

• Step 1: Buy your official FIFA World Cup ticket. Only official tickets are valid. Unofficial or resale tickets will not be accepted.

• Step 2: Wait for the FIFA Pass portal to open in early 2026. US Consulates and FIFA will share guidelines and verification steps.

• Step 3: Register your ticket on the FIFA Pass portal. This will connect your ticket information with US visa systems.

• Step 4: Complete the DS-160 visa form. This is the standard US visa application.

• Step 5: Once verified, you will get access to earlier and faster visa interview slots.

• Step 6: Attend your interview. Carry all required documents, including original FIFA match tickets.
• Step 7: Once your visa is approved, book flights to US host cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.

Does FIFA Pass Guarantee a US Visa

No. FIFA Pass only gives faster interview appointments. It does not replace any US immigration rules. B2 Visa approval to you will still depend on

• your documentation
• Your DS-160 form
• your background check
• your travel history
• your interview outcome

FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales Updates and Key Dates

FIFA World Cup ticket sales began on 10 SEP 2025, followed by a second phase from 27 to 31 OCT, with more than one million tickets already allocated. The third phase will open on 5 DEC 2025, allowing fans to request tickets for specific matches. A final sales window is planned for Spring 2026. Buying tickets early is important because FIFA Pass eligibility requires an official match ticket.

The post All about FIFA Pass: How It Helps 2026 World Cup Fans Get Early US Visa and Cheap Flights to USA appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

What is China’s visa-free transit policy?

Designed for international transit passengers from 55 countries, China’s visa-free transit policy allows stopovers in 24 provinces of mainland China for 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) without requiring a visa in advance. Available at as many as 60 entry points across mainland China, the visa-free transit facility lets you plan stopover tours in Beijing, Hainan, Macau, Hubei, Hunan, Liaoning, and others while traveling on USA to China flights with connections to a third country.

Countries eligible for visa-free transit in China

55 countries, including the United States, are eligible for China’s 72 to 240 hours visa-free transit policy. The citizens of 6 countries from the Americans, 7 countries from Asia, 2 from Oceania, and 40 countries from Europe can visit and explore designated areas of China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a Chinese visa when traveling between two countries on multi-city flights, for instance, USA to Philippines via China. The US, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, UAE, Japan, Singapore, and Qatar are among the countries eligible for visa-free transit in China.

Requirements for visa-free transit stopovers in China

If you’re a US citizen, you must book flights from USA to Beijing with a stopover transit to some third country. Precisely, the final destination should not be the country of your travel origin.

If Philippines or Vietnam is your final destination, you must have confirmed airline tickets to Manila or Ho Chi Minh City from China within the visa-free transit period. If you plan a 72-hour transit stopover in China, your onward travel to the final destination should start within 72 hours.

In addition to the above, requirements for China’s visa-free transit policy, 72 hours to 240 hours, include your valid passport and visa or residence permit to the destination country.

How to apply for China’s 10-day visa-free transit: A quick guide

The process to get transit visa-free stay in China for up to 10 days or 240 hours is simple and straightforward.

Before boarding your flight with any of the top 10 airlines from USA to China, you need to inform the airline about your plans for a visa-free transit stopover in China. The airline will notify China’s immigration authorities on your behalf. After arrival, proceed to the “Transit Without Visa” (TWOV) desk at the port of entry.

Eligible foreign citizens require a temporary entry permit for transit visa-free stay in designated regions of China. At the port of entry, be it Beijing or Shanghai, you need to apply for a temporary entry permit by filling out the arrival card form and any other form mandated by the Chinese immigration authorities.

China’s temporary entry permit for transit travelers will be granted to you after satisfactory inspection of your documents – passport, visa to the destination country, onward flight ticket, and/or hotel booking confirmation in a designated region of China.

You can go through customs and enter China for a visa-free stopover up to 10 days only after you obtain the temporary entry permit.

I am a Filipino American with a US passport. Are Filipino Americans eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

Since Filipino Americans are US citizens, they are eligible for a visa-free transit stopover in China for up to 240 hours or 10 days. Besides, you need to meet the other eligibility requirements listed above, such as a multi-city itinerary with a significant layover in China and confirmed onward travel booking to a third country. iEagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Filipinos, Americans, and other immigrants in the US, offers phone-only budget flight deals.

The post How to Get Visa-free Transit Stopover in China for 72 to 240 Hours: A Guide for 55 Countries Including USA appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Greet as Vietnamese do 

Vietnam is a pretty conservative country, although the younger generation is more open to Western culture. How Vietnamese greet each other is among the things you should know before visiting Vietnam.  They generally greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. While shaking hands is common among men in formal settings, hugging is reserved in familiar settings like a family gathering. If you come across a Vietnamese elder among your co-passengers on flights to Ho Chi Minh City, bow slightly to greet him/her.

Don’t touch anyone on the head in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoist temples among holy sites. Inappropriate dressing is one of the things tourists must avoid in Vietnam while visiting any holy sites. Make sure your upper arms and legs are properly covered. Don’t forget to remove your shoes and any headwear before entering a holy place. Basic do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include – not touching anyone on the head. Further, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward any person or Buddha statues there. This highly disrespectful gesture is against the Buddhist culture.

Avoid wearing white headbands and dark clothes

Your apparel choices may convey unintended meanings. Wearing a white headband is one of the things not to do in Vietnam, otherwise, locals are likely to assume that someone in your family has passed away, as this is standard funeral attire. To prevent such awkward moments, it is best to avoid wearing a white turban or headband in Vietnam. Similarly, wearing any dark colors, especially black, can signal that you are in a sombre or bad mood. Thus, do’s and don’ts in Vietnam for tourists include wearing colorful clothes and, ideally, local apparel to blend well with the locals.

Don’t misinterpret direct comments 

One of the things to know before traveling to Vietnam is that what is culturally inappropriate in the West is sort of a tradition in this Asian country. In Vietnam, it is normal to make observations about someone’s appearance as a way of showing care and acknowledging them. For Western visitors, this might be perceived as “blunt” remarks; however, this is largely a matter of cultural interpretation.

It’s quite common for locals to candidly comment on your weight, skin tone, or if you look tired. While this might be considered rude in many Western societies, in Vietnam, the motive is quite the opposite. So, if someone refers to you as “chubby,” “too skinny,” or “tired,” understand that no malice is intended, and simply take it in stride during your Vietnam trip. 

Avoid making “Fingers Crossed” sign in Vietnam 

The “fingers crossed” gesture – which is pretty common in the US and other countries – is one of the things not to do in Vietnam. If your host anticipates winning a lottery or hopes his child scores good marks in the exam, you may wish him good luck. But avoid making the “fingers crossed” sign, as it is considered highly impolite in Vietnam. If you are hoping for good fortune, good results, or good time, keep your hands separate. 

Mind Your Table Manners in Vietnam 

Typically, Vietnamese dine together in a group. Dishes are often shared, with each diner receiving a small rice bowl and chopsticks. Chopstick manners are significant among the do’s and don’ts for tourists in Vietnam. Make sure you do not leave your chopsticks standing upright, dug into the bowl. This gesture is primarily associated with the use of incense sticks during death rituals and can be seen as inviting bad luck.

When passing a dish, always use both hands or your right hand (your left hand is generally considered less clean). If you are enjoying soup, hold the spoon in your left hand. Furthermore, in social settings, the person who extended the invitation typically pays the bill. Otherwise, the most senior individual at the table normally takes care of it. So, one of the important tips for tourists in Vietnam is – do not be adamant about paying the bill; it might be taken as a lack of courtesy.

Don’t expect free napkins in Vietnam 

You may be used to the waiter getting you unlimited napkins and may even expect them on flights to Hanoi, but wasting napkins is among the things you should not do in Vietnam. While iced tea or jasmine tea is often provided free of charge once you order, each napkin generally costs around VND 2000 or VND 3000. Waiters may also subtly keep track of how many you use by lingering around your table.

Subscribe to Fly High for more such guides to Thailand, Manila, Taiwan and other destinations. Fly High is a leading travel community portal by iEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Americans and immigrants in the US. Look no farther than iEagle for budget flight tickets from USA to Vietnam, China, Philippines, Taiwan, and other countries.

The post Dos and Don’ts in Vietnam for Tourists: A Guide on What You Need to Know before Visiting Vietnam appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Check out the 10 best airlines to fly to China from USA in 2025 and 2026. The list is curated considering a number of factors, like budget, nonstop travel, one-stop transit, layover tours, transit visa, onboard seating, inflight facilities, etc.

EVA Air

On the list of top US to China airlines, EVA Air is one of the 10 safest full-service carriers, according to 2025 AirlineRatings. As part of Star Alliance, EVA Air flights from US to China are operated from major American gateways like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, and New York via its hub airport in Taiwan.

For a comfortable long-haul journey, EVA Air provides a range of cabin experiences. Their top-tier Royal Laurel Class (Business Class) features lie-flat seats, exquisite dining with a selection of exclusive wines, and branded amenity kits, along with access to VIP lounges. EVA Air’s Premium Economy Class is an award-winning product, which offers industry-best seats with 42-inch pitch, a “cradle motion” recline mechanism, and enhanced entertainment systems.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines’ nonstop US to China service comprises flights to Shanghai from Los Angeles, Seattle, and Detroit, Michigan. Delta and China Eastern have partnered to enhance travel options, operating nine routes between China and USA. Delta covers over 250 US domestic destinations, and China Eastern offers flights to 145 destinations across China and Hong Kong, flying customers out to a larger network with better flexibility and more choices.

Delta Air Lines offers complimentary Starbucks service onboard and Chinese meals that can be pre-reserved 24 hours in advance. For enhanced in-flight experience, Delta One® offers Westin Heavenly® In-Flight Bedding and TUMI amenity kits with Kiehl’s Since 1851® Deluxe skin care products, along with loungewear.

United Airlines 

United Airlines’ US-China network for 2025-2026 includes daily nonstop flights from Chicago and Newark to both Beijing and Shanghai, in addition to Newark-Hong Kong and San Francisco-Chengdu. United Airlines flights from the US to China are especially appealing to business class travelers. United offers the luxurious United Polaris® Business Class, featuring lie-flat seats, bespoke dining, premium bedding, and exclusive Polaris Lounge access.

United also prioritizes family travel with Family Seating assistance, ensuring children under 12 can sit next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge. United Airlines’ interline and codeshare partnership with Air China enhances connectivity for United passengers to their final destinations from the primary gateway cities in China.

American Airlines

Among the best airlines to fly to China from USA, American Airlines’ Dallas to China flights are in demand throughout the year. Check out iEagle.com for budget flight tickets to Shanghai and Beijing from the US. Though American Airlines directly flies to Shanghai, its strategic relationship and codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines provides seamless access to a broad network beyond Shanghai in China.

American offers its premium Flagship® Business experience. This includes lie-flat seats, a comprehensive free entertainment selection, and access to exclusive Flagship® Lounges, ensuring an elevated pre-flight and in-flight journey. Recognizing the importance of cultural comfort, American also staffs its transpacific routes with Chinese-speaking flight attendants.

Furthermore, to streamline the departure experience, eligible AAdvantage members can utilize American Airlines’ TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes. This innovative service offers expedited, contactless security screening at participating US airports, leveraging facial recognition technology for efficiency.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific flights from US to Hong Kong further connect to mainland China, including major cities like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Chengdu (TFU), Chongqing (CKG), and Guangzhou (CAN), owing to its extensive intra-Asia network as a founding member of the Oneworld Alliance. Cathay Pacific offers premium cabin options, notably the new “Aria Suite” on select Boeing 777-300ERs for greater personal space, comfortable seating, and an upgraded dining experience with selections like prosecco and dishes from renowned restaurant partners.

In 2025, the Skytrax World Airline Awards ranked Cathay Pacific among top three airlines globally, and also adjudged it as “World’s Best Economy Class Airline” for the second consecutive year. Cathay Pacific bagged the “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment” award for its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, which includes 4K content and a wide array of movies, TV shows, and music, frequently updated with new titles including Disney+ Originals.

Air China

Air China is one of the best airlines for nonstop flights from USA to China. The People’s Republic of China operates daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai from major US cities – Washington D.C., New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

On Air China flights, travelers experience a genuine taste of Chinese hospitality and culture from the moment they step onboard. For families, Air China supports family check-in for adults traveling with 1-2 children on the same booking and offers pre-select special meals for children and infants. Premium passengers enjoy special services, like complimentary chauffeured car transfers in select Chinese cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and personal escort services at Beijing Capital Airport (T3).

China Eastern

Among the top 10 airlines operating between US and China, China Eastern Airlines has nonstop flights to Shanghai Pudong from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. As one of China’s largest carriers, China Eastern also provides onward connections from Shanghai to over 145 destinations across mainland China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, its partnership with Delta Air Lines enables passengers from China to travel beyond New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

On China Eastern Airlines flights, Business Class passengers can expect larger, often reverse herringbone lie-flat seats with in-built massage features, individual interactive entertainment systems, and laptop power points. China Eastern also provides special meals for dietary requirements (pre-orderable) and offers assistance for family travelers with infants or young children, and passengers with disabilities.

China Southern

You can book China Southern’s nonstop US-China flights to Guangzhou (CAN) from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The airline deploys mostly moder Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s for these long-haul routes.

For families, China Southern allows children aged two and above to occupy seats at a corresponding child fare, and outlines policies for the carriage of infants and unaccompanied minors (from 5 to under 12 years old, with prior arrangement). This Chinese Airline has codeshare agreements with other international carriers like American Airlines and Qatar Airways offering integrated travel with reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities.

The post What are Best Airlines to Fly to China from USA? Top 10 Picks for Your Travel between USA and China appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

When to book the cheapest flight to Manila?

If your priority is to save tens of dollars on flights from USA to Manila, Philippines, off-peak seasons (typically late January to early March, and September to November, excluding major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas) is the period to save your dates. Furthermore, booking 6 to 8 weeks prior to your intended departure date will most likely get you the best fares.

How to book budget flights to Manila from USA?

Here are some flight-booking hacks to help you get budget flight deals to Manila Philippines from USA.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Flight prices fluctuate wildly based on demand. Avoiding fixed dates allows you to target periods with lower passenger traffic. Even shifting your departure or return by a single day can lead to substantial savings. Generally, midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and sometimes Thursday) are less expensive than weekend departures (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) due to lower demand.

Set Up Real-Time Price Alerts: Instead of spending hours checking flight prices manually, use the “flexible dates” or “whole month” search options on iEagle.com or flight comparison websites to see fare differences across a broader range. Set an alert to receive instant notifications via email or WhatsApp for the best iEagle deals for cheap flights to Manila Philippines from USA.

Consider Alternative Airports: While Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila is the primary gateway into the Philippines, Clark International Airport (CRK), located about two to three hours north of Manila (depending on traffic), is a good airfare-saving alternative for travelers from the United States.

You can easily compare airfares to Manila and airfares to Clark on iEagle.com. Other than Philippines Airlines and EVA Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, and STARLUX Airlines operate flights to Clark, Philippines from the USA. iEagle.com books cheap flight tickets to Clark from USA with these airlines.

Which Airlines Offer Cheap Flights to Manila Philippines from USA

Traveling from USA to Manila is quite convenient, with options ranging from non-stop to one-stop flights. For nonstop flights between Manila and USA, Philippine Airlines is the top choice, offering nonstop routes from major US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, and New York. United Airlines also operates nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila.

If you prefer to fly with a single stop, many international carriers offer excellent routes via their hubs, including EVA Air and China Airlines through Taipei, Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, Qatar Airways through Doha, Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, Emirates through Dubai, and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. To make sure you’re getting the best possible fare for your trip, iEagle.com can be your go to place for comparing prices and finding cheapest flights to Manila from USA.

The post How to Get Budget Flight Tickets to Manila from USA: A Smart Travel Guide appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

As per a report in the fiscal 2022, CBP confiscated more than 25 million forged goods from international travelers flying into the US. This suggests how serious the penalties can be if a passenger bypasses the rules of the CBP.

The CBP has intensified the enforcement efforts at the US airports to nullify the inflow of counterfeit items. As soon as the products of international brands are found to be fake, they are not only seized but also destroyed. There were quite a few instances where travelers have had goods confiscated upon investigation by the CBP officers.   

In one of the recent incidents at a US airport, a South Asian traveler was stopped and questioned about the brand authenticity of some items that he had bought for his family members in the US. The items were seized for having a fake brand label. Although he tried to get back the seized items, he suffered a loss to evade further penalties.

Counterfeit goods are prevalent globally, with major hubs in Asia. In China, key markets include the Silk Market and Han City in Shanghai, as well as the Garment Wholesale Center and AP Plaza. The Greenhills Shopping Center in Manila serves as a significant market in the Philippines, while South Korea’s Dongdaemun Saebit Market is notable for counterfeit products. These locations are known for selling a wide range of counterfeit items, posing challenges to intellectual property enforcement and consumer protection efforts.

So, to avoid facing any sort of penalty, let’s get well-informed about the US regulations for travelers with counterfeit brand items?

CBP allows travelers to carry only one counterfeit good of each apparel and accessory for personal use. Carrying more than one fake piece per category like shirts, handbags, shoes, wristwatches, is deemed to be an act of non-compliance of the CBP regulations that can lead to some serious consequences.

One of the recent reports suggest that the global market for counterfeit luxury items is estimated to be $4.2 trillion. The increased inspection at the US airports is in line with the efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights (IPR) of international brands, specifically those based in the US. 

In essence, the major intention of such heightened investigation is to enhance the safety, economy, security and mitigate environmental risks posed by the forged goods flowing into the US.

The post Traveling to USA with Counterfeit Brand Items? Check Regulations to Evade Seizure of Items or Penalties on Your Arrival appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Imagine a scene where you find yourself in a state of euphoria, enveloped with harmony and rowing down a lake covered with alluring pink water lilies. Thailand houses one such lake – the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake in the Northeastern province of Udon Thani, one among the many must-visit tourist hotspots in Thailand.

One of the most important wetlands in Thailand, the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is spread across an area of 36 square kilometers (8,895 acres) and is covered with millions of pink water lilies. Apart from pleasing the locals’ senses, the lake also provides abundant freshwater, not just for agriculture but for drinking as well. This Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake covers most of the Kumphawapi district and a few parts of Prachaksinlapakhomand and Ku Kaeo districts. 

Location:

The Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is situated North of the Kumphawapi district in the Udon Thani Province. You can gain access to the lake from the Ban Diam village, which is South of Prajak Sinlapakhom town. 

Best time to visit:

October to March is the best time to visit the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake as the full bloom of the lilies is a most spectacular sight to behold this time. From 6 AM to 11 Am every day, the water lilies bloom completely, spreading their petals and radiating a vibrant pink color; this is also the best time to experience this breathtaking phenomenon, which is one among the many must-visit places in Thailand.

If you are a photographer, you can’t afford to miss clicking pictures of not only the blooming lilies but also a variety of birds and aquatic animals – which is one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Getting around the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake:

Rentals boats can be availed from the following piers – Ban Don Kong and Ban Khon Sai in Kumphawapi district; Ban Diem, Chiang Wae and Ban Chaelae in Prachaksinlapakhom district, and Ban Non-Nam Yoi in Ku Kaeo district. 

A small boat that holds around two to three people can be availed for 100 Thai Baht ($3.21) per person. On the other hand, tourists can avail a bigger boat that has the capacity to hold around 10 to 12 people can be availed for 300 Thai Baht ($9.64) for one hour or 500 Thai Baht ($16.07) for two hours.

Thailand’s Tourism Ministry believes that the pink water lilies in the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake would act as a catalyst in wooing not just local tourists but international tourists as well. And so, they’ve laid out an open invitation asking tourists from across the world to come and experience the heavenly scenery. Mrs. Pawana Prajit, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Udon Thani office stated that every tourist across the world must get an opportunity to experience nature’s beautiful gift to Thailand – the Nong Han Kumphawapi lake, which is one of the many tourist places in Thailand.

Udon Thani’s connection with History:

In the meantime, an exciting fact for history buffs – the Udon Thani region is also famous for its archeological wonders. The bronze artifacts discovered around the Ban Chiang village dates back to early 3600 to 4000 BC, i.e., these artifacts are around a thousand years older than the Indus Valley Civilization. Exploring the artifacts at the Ban Chiang World Heritage site is also one among the list of things to do in Thailand.

If you plan on touring Thailand, don’t you worry! iEagle has got you covered with cheap flights to Thailand.

The post Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake in Thailand: Romance Nature while Boating amidst Pink Water Lilies appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Standing on the Baima Mountain in Chongqing, each of the two massive statues – one male and one female – holds a rotating platform. Swinging from ground level to the sky high reach, the Flying Kiss Ride overwhelms you with a most enticing panorama of lofty mountains and lush green valleys. Reflecting/enlivening the Chinese mythical story of two lovers, the statues appear to blow kisses as they reach the peak. 

China elevates cultural love through its Flying Kiss Ride in a contrasting theme park environment, and this cultural emblem is catching the attention of globetrotters.

In a short time, the Internet is overwhelmed with this not-to-miss ride story. The Flying Kiss Ride not just boosts your adventure streak, but takes you on a trip to a mythological love story. Its surrounding waist-high security gates simultaneously protect and allow you to move freely across the platform. Notably, the no-safety-harness feature makes it one of the most terrifying rides that you have ever come across in your lifetime. The climax of your adrenaline rush, as you reach the highest elevation, will efface the COVID backdrop in the blink of an eye.  

Travel enthusiasts’ elation can be clearly gauged by the stunning amalgamation of history and amusement in this thrilling ride. Get ready for an upbeat adventure on the Flying Kiss Ride in China.

The Flying Kiss Ride  (Baima Mountain) is a 2.5-hr road trip from the Chongqing International Airport and is a 3-hr drive from Beijing. Both Chongqing and Beijing are just a short domestic flight away from Shanghai International Airport. You can also enjoy breathtaking sightseeing across tea plantations and mountain valleys en route before hopping on to the thrilling ride.

Don’t let the pandemic beat your lust for adventure. Book your flights from USA to Beijing or Shanghai for cheap airfares and set the clock back to the pre-pandemic times. Log on to iEagle.com and get set – go!  

The post China’s Brand New ‘Flying Kiss Ride’ is World’s Tallest Attraction with No Seat Belts and Safety Gears appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

What is Horsetail Fall?

Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall (Burning waterfall) is just a regular waterfall that turns orange or red owing to optical illusion on select days of the year, making it one of the must-visit tourist hotspots in California. Around the second week of February, the setting sun hits the Horsetail Fall at just the exact angle and illuminates the upper reaches of the waterfall. On occasions when the atmospheric conditions are perfect, Yosemite Firefall glows orange and red, as it gives away the feel of watching molten lava cascading from the top. Should it not be on your list of must-visit tourist attractions in 2020?

Best Time to See Horsetail Fall

The first and foremost condition is that the Horsetail Fall (Burning waterfall) must be flowing. In case, there is not enough snowpack in February, there are chances the snow completely melts before you get to see the Firefall. Similarly, the temperature must be warm enough for the snow to melt. However, if the temperature is too cold, the snow stays frozen and alas! You won’t get to see the Firefall. Consequently, in the month of October, the snow stays frozen owing to the drop in temperature and there is no runoff. That’s why you don’t get to see this magical phenomenon even when the sun rays hit the Yosemite Valley at the same angle.

Secondly, it requires a clear sky at sunset. If the sky is cloudy, the sun rays will be blocked and, oh dear! You won’t be able to witness the Firefall in spite of the water flowing down El Captain. 

However, if Lady Luck favors you and the conditions are just right, you will be able to witness the Horsetail Fall glowing blood red and lighting up the locale for about 10 minutes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime supernatural and breathtaking experience – the burning waterfall in California.

The word about Yosemite Firefall (Burning waterfall) spread like wildfire after Galen Rowell, a wilderness photographer, took the first-known photograph of the glowing Horsetail Fall. A tourist hotspot in California – the Horsetail waterfall descends in two streams side by side; the larger one on the eastern side drops 1,540 feet while the smaller one drops 1,570 feet. When flowing, the Horsetail Fall is the highest fully airborne waterfall in Yosemite, after the Ribbon Fall which drops 1,612 feet.

The post Yosemite National Park in California is Home to the World’s Most Spectacular ‘Burning Waterfall’ appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

The prison-themed hostel in Thailand, Sook Station, is a perfect spot for travelers in search of something different during their trip to the land of smiles. Known as one of the best offbeat places to visit in Bangkok, this hostel does not just give you the feel of a prison, but it is also photogenic. There you go! Ready to spam your social media feed and startle everyone?

Located in Bangkok’s Bang Na district, the Sook Station is just around 15 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Touted to be one of the unusual things to do in Bangkok, the Sook Station offers the prisoners aka tourists black and white pajamas, a mug shot and a serial number upon check-in. Wearing the black and white pajamas inside the hotel is fine, but make sure to not flaunt it outside. You do not want to be mistaken for an escapee and chased by a police vehicle or two and at the worst, maybe spend time inside a real prison.

The walls and surroundings of the Sook Station are painted in dreary colors of black, grey and white to evoke the bleak atmosphere of a real prison, making it one of the most offbeat places in Thailand. Moreover, the open area has grey brick walls with concrete benches to lean against. Instead of a room key, you’ll be provided with an inmate number which can be used to lock and unlock your jail cell. The rooms are narrow and are furnished with bunk beds to give you the feel of a convicted criminal.

The hotel’s furnishings definitely bear similarities to prison but it holds none of the gritty and dank conditions here. You will have to spend as much as $75 to $91 per night in order to experience one of the best offbeat places in Bangkok. The inmates are also provided with the option to choose between a two-person room and a four-person family room. Imagine spending a night in a jail cell along with your family!

Apart from exhibiting the features of a prison, Sook Station also houses an outdoor Jacuzzi, office space, restaurant, a coffee shop and a lounge for relaxation. The hotel also functions as a regular cafe and co-working space for non-guests, so it is perfectly normal for the ‘inmates’ to co-exist along with the ‘law-abiding’ citizens. There is also ample car parking space for visitors, plus they offer lip-smacking food. Considered to be one of the best offbeat places in Bangkok, Sook Station also offers free Wi-Fi to its customers.

Prisons are known to have ‘lights-out’ time and Sook Station, one of the unusual places in Thailand, is no different. Sharp at 8 pm, the lights are switched off and doors to the hotel are locked. You’ll be witnessing a pin-drop silence, which is broken by occasional whispers and coughs from your fellow inmates locked up along the corridor.

Sook Station is the brainchild of the 55-year-old Sittichai Chaivoraprug, and his wife Piyanat Teekavanich, 49. Surprisingly, the couple left their technical careers to pursue their dreams of etching their names in the hotel industry. Even today, Sittichai proudly says that the movie ‘Shawshank Redemption’ is the inspiration behind building Sook Station, which gives a heavy competition to offbeat places in Thailand.

If you plan on spending quality ‘jail time’ at this prison-themed hostel in Thailand, worry not! We’ve got you covered with cheap flight tickets to Bangkok.

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