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.

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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!  

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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.

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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.

The post Offbeat Places in Thailand: Get a Taste of Life behind Bars at This Prison-themed Hostel in Bangkok appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Given below is a list of new tourist attractions to visit in Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the largest of the seven Emirates.

One does never have to wonder about what to do in Abu Dhabi? The luxurious metropolis is covered with a stylish blend of cultural monuments and breathtaking 21st-century mega structures. The Abu Dhabi tourism 2020 varies from some of the most beautiful mosques to one of the best theme parks in the world and from endless deserts to rustic old towns that give you the feel of Arab culture.

Al Qana National Aquarium

With Al Qana National Aquarium all set to open its doors to the public in 2020, Abu Dhabi’s corniche will have tough competition, sooner than expected. Developed by Al Barakah International Investments, the Al Qana, a waterfront destination, stretches across over 2.4 km and will be the home to the Middle East’s largest aquarium with around 33,000 marine creatures. The creatures will be ethically sourced from across the world, as far as species from the tropical Pacific Ocean, which adds it to the list of best places to visit in Abu Dhabi in 2020. That aside, Al Qana will also house a cinema hall, cycling, and jogging tracks, dedicated areas for indoor and outdoor sports and furnished luxury apartments, making it one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi tourism 2020.

Mangrove Walk

The Mangrove Walk is a perfect place for nature buffs and adventure junkies. Spread across one million sq ft, the Mangrove National Park will have a stunning boardwalk meandering through it, making it a must-visit place for the best views in Abu Dhabi. Costing the government a whopping AED 5 billion, the Mangrove Walk aims to enrich Abu Dhabi’s eco-tourism. Apart from the stunning nature walk, there will also be myriad entertainment options for families – kayaking, interactive educational lessons on the importance of mangroves in our ecosystem and play areas for children. The mangrove forest also houses around 60,000 species of birds and marine life, exploring which is among the best things in Abu Dhabi tourism 2020.

Reem Mall

Spread across 2.8 million square feet, the Reem Mall comprises of at least 450 shops including 85 food and beverage outlets and a variety of family-focused entertainment. Reem Mall is located on Reem Island, right in the heart of Abu Dhabi, and cost a whopping AED 4.4 billion. Apart from the parking capacity for 6,800 vehicles, Abu Dhabi’s Reem Mall also houses the world’s largest indoor snow park, which, unquestionably, adds it to the list of must-visit tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. The snow park will feature a total of 13 rides and attractions including Blizzard’s Bazar, snowflake garden and Flurries’ Mountain, apart from the winter wonderland-style characters for kids.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Among the must-visit tourist places in Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a newly planned art museum spanning across 320,000 square feet, which will be the largest Guggenheim museum in the world upon completion. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum will have a diverse art collection reflecting upon the Islamic and middle-eastern cultures. This museum is said to be modeled on the Guggenheim Foundation in New York City. The construction began in 2019 and is expected to be completed within a period of four years. Surround by the Persian Gulf on three sides, Saadiyat Island is another inescapable place for the best views in Abu Dhabi, among the places listed in Abu Dhabi tourism 2020.

Flamingo Observation Tower

Located 40 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve comprises of five square kilometers of wetlands, fossilized sands and dunes, and salt flats. The reserve is known for its array of over 250 species of plants, animals and aquatic species such as the black-winged stilt and the indigenous spiny-tailed lizard. Moreover, with over 4000 flamingos migrating to this reserve every winter, it gives a heavy competition to other tourist places to visit among the places in Abu Dhabi tourism 2020.

Club Social

Club Social is considered Abu Dhabi’s most Instagrammable event, which boasts of the battles of bands, music concerts, fitness activities, land and water sports, other beachside activities, and stalls selling unique mouth-watering dishes. Various family-friendly workshops are also organized here. Club Social, one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi, promises loads of outdoor fun.

The post Abu Dhabi Tourism 2020: Brand New Tourist Attractions to See in Abu Dhabi will Surely Amaze You appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

1. Don’t touch monks in Thailand 

Monks are one of the most highly respected people in Thailand, which is why you should make sure that your actions or words do not displease them. The things not to do in Thailand include making any form of physical contact with monks; especially if you are a woman, as monks are not allowed to touch women. If touched by a woman, monks are required to perform a lengthy cleansing process.

You might even see a few monks exiting an internet cafe or playing games on their phones. However, if a monk approaches you – do not panic! But take advantage of the conversation as this might be your chance to know about their daily life in a temple or anything else that interests you. Another rule in the list of things to avoid in Thailand as a tourist is taking too much interest in their personal lives as it might displease them. Moreover, you should not place yourself in a position above a monk’s. For instance, if a monk is seated, do not stand near them as it puts you in a higher position when you are standing up.

2. Don’t badmouth Thailand’s royal family

Everyone might have their personal opinions, be it about politics or the royal family. You should refrain from sharing your personal opinions in Thailand when it comes to the royal family. Anyone who defames or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent will be punished with a jail term of three to 15 years. Furthermore, even stomping on a Thai coin is considered impolite as coins display images of Thailand’s royal family members and their ancestors. Make sure to read the list of things not to do in Thailand as a tourist before booking your flight to Bangkok, Thailand from SFO, USA.   

3. Don’t touch people’s heads in Thailand 

Back in your country, you might be used to pat or touch someone’s head to show affection. But when it comes to knowing things to avoid in Thailand, one of the most important things to remember is that you refrain from touching anyone’s head as the head is considered the holiest part of the body. Just like the Thai people, the Chinese consider it disrespectful when you pat or touch their heads. You can learn more about such things to avoid in China. 

4. Don’t point your finger or foot at anyone 

The moment you land in Thailand from your flight to Phuket from the USA, or any other port of entry, the first and foremost thing you should remember is to not point your finger at anyone, even while calling for a taxi. Moreover, sitting with your foot pointed at someone is considered as disrespectful. It is because the Thai people consider the head as the holiest part of the body and the foot as the dirtiest part. The things not to do in Thailand with your foot also include stepping on the Thai currency and holding a door with your foot.

5. Don’t wear shoes or slippers everywhere

The Thai people have their own customs and traditions and you must know what not to do in Thailand as a tourist, to make sure that you don’t violate anything. Back in your country, you might be used to wearing slippers or shoes everywhere but most homes, temples, restaurants, and shops in Thailand consider it inappropriate. When you see pairs of slippers left outside the main entrance of place in Thailand, do make sure to remove yours before you step into the place.

6. Don’t be careless around Buddha statues

Before booking your flight to Chiang Mai or any other Thai destination, you should know that more than 90% of the people in Thailand practice Buddhism and they highly respect the Buddha in any form. Along with the other things not to do in Thailand, make sure you respect Buddha statues and follow the local customs. While taking pictures of any Buddha statue, people are not allowed to lean on the statue or imitate the pose as it is considered disrespectful.

7. Don’t overstay your visa in Thailand

One of the most obvious things to know before visiting Thailand is not to overstay the duration of your visa. However, if you do, you’ll be fined up to a maximum of 20,000 Baht and on failing to pay the fine, you could be jailed. In addition, Thai immigration can also ban you from entering Thailand for up to 10 years based on the number of days you’ve overstayed.

Along with the things to know before visiting Thailand, Fly High also brings you much more information about other tourist destinations across the world. Fly High is a subsidiary of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights to Thailand from USA.

The post Things to Know before Visiting Thailand: 7 Things not to Do in Thailand as a Tourist appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Though the transit visa exemptions in China are the same for travelers from a total of 53 countries across the world, different hours-based types of visa-free transit to China apply to different cities and provinces. The nationals of the below listed 53 countries can make the most of the policy while traveling on Air China flights from USA or some other airline transiting through China.

Details of transit visa exemptions in China

In most cases, the traveler will only be allowed to visit certain cities during their layover in China. Travelers entering China via Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao are allowed to travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the ones entering via Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing are allowed to travel within Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu province.

China’s 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:

If you travel to another country of destination within 144 hours of your landing in China, to say, from USA to Shanghai flights, you need not have a transit visa to China. Further, you must also have a valid passport from one of the 53 countries that China’s visa-free transit policy is extended to. The 53 countries include 24 Schengen and 15 other countries in Europe, six countries in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.

China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy was first implemented in East China’s Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area and later was expanded to North China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. In January 2019, the government decided to implement it in the cities of Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Chengdu. Eventually, later this year all the international airports under Guangdong province started following this policy. Starting December 2019, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy is set to cover 20 cities with four railways, eight land entries, and 27 ports. The 20 cities include Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Jieyang.

China’s 72-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:

To be eligible the 72-hour transit visa exemptions in China, you should carry a confirmed flight ticket to another country of destination and travel to the final destination within 72 hours of transit through the participating ports of entry in China. Having a valid passport from one of the 53 countries listed above is an eligibility criterion, according to the China visa-free transit guide. Changsha, Guilin, and Harbin are within the ambit of 72-hour visa-free transit in China.

China’s 24-hour Direct Transit Policy:

The eligibility norms for 24-hour visa-free transit in China are the same as those for the above-mentioned types of China’s visa-free transit policy. If you travel to another country of destination within 24 hours of your landing in China, to say, from USA to Beijing flights, you need not have a transit visa to China. However, a confirmed travel booking to the final destination is mandatory. Most ports of entry in China offer 24-hour visa-free transit to the eligible foreign nationals.

Countries eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy

The countries eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy are include 24 Schengen countries in Europe – Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Among them are 15 other European countries – Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, UK, and Ukraine.

Six countries in North and South America – Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the US; Two Oceanic countries – Australia and New Zealand; Six Asian countries – Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE are also eligible for the transit visa exemptions in China.

Visa-free Entry to Hainan in South China:

Foreign travelers from a total of 59 eligible countries can travel to South China’s Hainan province and stay for up to 30 days without a visa. The eligibility norms for visa-free entry to Hainan in South China are different from those for transit visa exemptions in China. China’s visa-free policy for Hainan Province does not require travelers to hold a confirmed travel reservation to a third country. However, they are allowed to visit Hainan only on travel bookings made through travel agencies registered in Hainan and approved by China’s National Tourism Administration.

The 59 countries, the citizens of which are eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan province, include 25 Schengen and 15 other European countries, six countries in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and UAE.

Furthermore, travelers planning to obtain any of the above-mentioned visa exemptions are advised to confirm their eligibility with their local Chinese embassy or the concerned port of entry in China prior to departure. The Chinese State Council has also released a tool to help potential travelers to determine their eligibility based on their nationality and the port of entry in China.

The post China’s Visa-free Transit Policy: A Complete Guide on Transit Visa Exemptions in China appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

1. Don’t talk about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics

The Chinese are often uncomfortable discussing political topics, religious policies, territorial and economic conflicts with foreigners as there are chances it may cause embarrassment to their country. Refrain from talking about death or mentioning a person who has recently passed away as it is a quite serious topic to Chinese. Talking about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics stands as one of the most important in the list of what not to do in China as a tourist.

2. Don’t disrespect the customs of minorities and temples

With around 55 minority groups in China, they have their own traditions and customs. They do not allow anyone to touch the objects related to their ancestors and worship. It is also important to remove your hat, sunglasses, and shoes before entering temples in China. Pointing your finger at the statues and stepping on the doorsills is also one of the things not to do in China.

3. Don’t make personal contacts such as hug or kiss

The Chinese are considered to be less affectionate and most of them consider handshakes, hugs, and kisses unnatural; so it is best to just greet them verbally or with a slight nod instead. Owing to traditions and religions, the Chinese consider the head more sacred than other parts of the body. Do remember while in China that a touch or a pat on the head could be considered disrespectful.

4. Don’t forget table manners while using chopsticks

If you are planning on using a pair of chopsticks in China, do not forget its etiquette. The Chinese believe that chopsticks are only used to eat and not to point at anything. Don’t place chopsticks inside a bowl after your meals; rather place it on the top. Messing up the chopstick etiquette is on the list of things not to do in China as a tourist.

5. Don’t just rely on your credit card

The Chinese rarely use credit cards; however, they prefer mobile and cash payments. If you go on a shopping spree in China, relying solely on a credit card might turn out a disaster. It is better to install an application like WeChat, which they frequently use for payments.

6. Don’t use unlicensed transport services

It is usually not recommended that you board an unlicensed taxi as most of the drivers lack English knowledge. The most reliable means of transport are public busses or taxis operated by legal companies with their name on the doors. Licensed taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare; this will save you the trouble from getting ripped off. So from the list of things not to do in China, make sure you choose the proper means of travel for a hassle free journey.

7. Never show up empty-handed

The Chinese are habituated to exchanging small gifts frequently and not just on special occasions. For instance, if you are dining at a person’s house or attending a pre-planned meeting, do make sure to take a gift along as a goodwill gesture or a token of friendship. Ignoring the social etiquette is also on the list of things not to do in China. You won’t be penalized or punished for not exchanging gifts though.

8. Refrain from tipping in places that also serve Chinese people

The Chinese do not follow practice of tipping in return for any service provided to them. When you tip the restaurant staff or bellmen, they might eventually return the money back in a state of confusion. In order to refrain from putting yourself in an awkward situation, make sure to restrain your generous tipping nature.

Also Know: 7 Things not to Do in Thailand as a Tourist

9. Keep a VPN handy while traveling to China

When you are in China, do not forget that their firewall blocks multiple sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. However, to access these sites you’ll need a VPN. While purchasing a VPN, do not forget to check if it covers China as well.

10. Remember to take your own toilet paper

Except star-rated hotels in China, many other places do not provide toilet paper in restrooms. While traveling to supermarkets or on trains, you might find tissue dispensers but with nothing inside them. Believe it or not, no one likes to get stranded inside restrooms without toilet papers in times of emergency. Luckily for you, local shops sell packets of tissues for cheap prices, so make sure to grab one.

Along with the list of what not to do in China as a tourist, Fly High also brings you much more information about other tourist destinations across the world. Fly High is a subsidiary of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights on Air China, Cathay Pacific and other major airlines.

The post What to Know before You Visit China: 10 Things not to Do as a Tourist appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

The law is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1365 and House Bill 4767 approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 17 and May 16 respectively. The senators have voted 18-0 and passed the senate bill 1365 on the third and final reading on May 15.

Senator Cynthia Villar, sponsor of the bill and vice chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, earlier said that it would make traveling abroad easier, especially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

She added that the current Philippine passport validity is, in reality, less than 5 years because foreign travel is prohibited for individuals whose passports are about to expire within 6 months prior to travel.

“We owe a lot to our OFWs. They keep our economy afloat with their remittances of approximately $50 billion annually. Giving them a 10-year guarantee on their right to travel abroad will certainly be a great help to them,” Villar said in a statement during the passage of senate bill 1365.

The 10-year Philippine passport validity is applicable to Filipinos who are above 18 years of age. But, Filipinos under 18 years are eligible only for 5 years of Philippine passport validity. The law also states that the issuing authority may limit the period of validity to less than 10 years in special cases or circumstances.

Such restriction will be imposed in view of the national economic or political stability of the country. A new passport may also be issued to replace an invalid one.

For the passport processing system to be seamless, convenient and pro-people, the Department of Foreign Affairs is designated to issue implementing rules and regulations under the Republic Act(RA) 10928. The new law amends the Republic Act 8239 or Philippine Passport Act of 1996. This amendment comes as a huge relief to millions of Filipinos who had to stand in long queues while applying or renewing their passport.

FlyHigh is a cultural wing of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights from USA to Manila and Cebu. iEagle Travel books the best flights with the lowest airfares to Manila and Cebu. 

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Turkey is home to 82,693 mosques, that is the largest number of mosque in the world. Most of Turkey mosques are located in Istanbul, the largest Turkish city. Istanbul’s Blue Mosque is one of the major tourist attractions in Turkey.

Turkey is the world’s largest producer and exporter of hazelnuts. There is a high global demand for Turkey’s hazelnuts for the finest quality. Turkey produces 70% and exports 80% of hazelnuts in the world.

Turkey shares a special bond with Australia because around 70,000 residents of Australia have their ancestral root in Turkey. Some 33,000 Australians were born in Turkey, according to the report of Australia’s 2011 census.

Turkey’s Adana and Australia’s Sydney have some things in common. Both cities consider and celebrate the 1915 Gallipoli landing as an event of historic significance. Many Turks and Australians commemorate the event at Gallipoli every year.

It is a myth that the Netherlands is the origin of tulips. Tulip used to grow as a wild flower till it was discovered by the Turks in the 10^th century. Turkey was the first country to have started cultivating tulips. It was introduced to Europe in the 17^th century. Several such myths are true, interesting facts about Turkey.   

The ancient Greek city of Troy, famous for the historic Trojan War and the setting of Homer’s epic Iliad, is located on the northwest coast of Turkey. Troy is renamed as Hisarlik.

The Anatolian region of Turkey has been cultivating cherries since 72 BC. Cherries made their way to Rome later on.

Alacati, a Turkish town at the southern tip of the Cesme Peninsula in the middle of the Aegean, gifted the Mediterranean die to the world.

Rahat Lokum is the oldest Turkish delight dating back 500 years. Rahat Lokum with pistachio filing was a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill. Pablo Picasso, a most influential artist of the 20^th century, was in the habit of eating this Turkish delight while working.

One of the most interesting things to know about Turkey is the story of Noah’s Pudding (locally known as the Asure). This Turkish dessert is said to have its origin in Noah’s family. Legends say that when Noah’s Ark reached a safe place near Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey and escaped the Biblical Deluge, Noah’s family celebrated it with a special delicacy of grains, nuts and fruits, which came to be known as Noah’s Pudding.

The cuisine of Turkey is largely influenced by the Middle Eastern, Balkan and Central Asian cuisines. Ottoman chefs of the bygone eras enriched the Turkish food using ingredients such as nuts, garlic, cumin, lentils, mint, pepper, and paprika from those exotic cuisines.

Two of the 7 historic wonders of the ancient world are located in Turkey. One is the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the other is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, a site of architectural ruins, in Bodrum. Both architectures belonged to the Greek era.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites include 11 heritages from among the tourist attractions of Turkey, as of 2012. These Turkey heritages are the City of Troy, the City of Safranbolu, Istanbul’s Great Mosque, the Hittite Capital, Selimiye Mosque, Nemrut Dag, Hospital of Divrigi, Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk, and Xanthos-Letoon. 

One of the interesting facts about Turkey is that traditional bathhouses or hammams in Turkey are not Turkish in origin. The hammams were modeled and built after the Roman and Byzantine baths in the Roman Empire, dating back to the 7^th century.

Turkey’s coastline consists of 383 beaches and 21 marinas with high environmental standards. The beaches of Turkey rank third in the world. 197 out of the 383 beaches dot the coastline of Antalya, a Mediterranean Resort City in Turkey. Antalya boasts the distinction of having most of the ‘Blue Flag’ certified beaches in the world.

Saint Nicholas of Myra (now Demre), who is globally known as Santa Claus, was a Christian Bishop in Lycia in the 4^th century. Lycia, which was part of the Byzantine Empire in historic times, is located in Turkey now. Though it makes a reason to celebrate Christmas but Turkey does not. Isn’t it one of the interesting, lesser-known facts about Turkey?

Turkey is one of the largest biodiversity hubs in the world. Turkey is home to some 10,000 plant species out of 13,000 plant species in Europe. Turkey is the only country in Eurasia to have the greatest variety of bird species. 9,000 species of flowers are found in Turkey alone, while the entire Europe has 11,500 flower species. Turkey is said to discover a new species of flora every 10 days.

Turkey houses the Cave Church of St. Peter in Antioch (previously known as Antakya). The church was carved out of a cave on one side of Mount Starius. It is a pilgrimage destination for the global Christian community.

The Fez, a different type of hat, was once a symbol of nationality, a matter of pride and a badge of identity for the Turks. They used to flaunt the Fez as part of their fashion statement until it was banned on August 30, 1925. Not a single Muslim wears the Fez these days.

The abolition of the 623-year long Ottoman rule led to the formation of “Republic of Turkey” in 1923. Ankara is the birthplace of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal, Republic of Turkey’s First President, was honored with the prestigious title, “Father of the Turks”. A trip to Istanbul or Ankara will reveal many such historically interesting facts about Turkey.

Turkey is the world’s first country to have constructed an underground mosque at a depth of 7 meters from the surface. Inspired by Cave of Hira in the make, Sancaklar Mosque is located in Istanbul. In the World Architecture Fest Competition, the mosque won the first rank among religious places around the world.

Göbekli Tepe at the top of a mountain elevation in Anatolia Region of Turkey is the finest and oldest example of mountainous architecture in the world. Göbekli Tepe dates some 11,600 years back.

Turkey has no desert though camels are seen at some holiday resorts in coastal regions. Evidently, camels are not native animals in Turkey.

The name of Julius Caesar is historically associated with Turkey. He uttered the famous words, “Vini, Vidi, Vici” (meaning I came, I saw, I conquered in English) on his triumph of the Pontus, a kingdom in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

Some other lesser-known, interesting facts about Turkey are that many native Turks drink at least 10 cups of tea a day and Europeans owe their coffee culture to Turkey because Turkey had introduced coffee to Europe in the 15^th century.

The Black Sea coastline of Turkey runs along a stretch of 1650 kms, which is equal to the distance between Paris and Berlin. There are many such unknown facts about Turkey.

“A stranger at one’s doorstep is God’s guest at least for three days” is one of the age-old Turkish beliefs.

Travel to Turkey on the cheap flights to Istanbul and Ankara from the United States, and explore more such interesting, offbeat, lesser-known facts about Turkey at anytime of the year.  

The post 30 Lesser-known, Interesting Facts about Turkey that Every Traveler Should Know appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.