Indian Abroad - April 16-30, 2022

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TRAVEL

Vol 2, Issue 5 April 16-30, 2022

Re-plan your travels How does COVID-19 fit into your travel plans?

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re you gearing up to get away for a vacation? As many people are planning for spring break travel and summer vacations, just see how does COVID-19 fit into your plans? Must skip the following countries from your travel list as their travelling protocols changed amid a surge in the cases again. Israel Israel is one of the countries reporting an increase in COVID cases. According to reports, more than 14,000 new cases are reported on a daily basis, which is one of the reasons why the country has

decided to postpone relaxing travel rules. Greece Despite the fact that Greece has opened its borders to travel, all arrivals must produce a negative RT-PCR test report that is no more than 72 hours old or an antigen test report was taken within 48 hours of arrival. According to reports, the country reports more than 20000 new infections per day on average. France Vaccinated travellers are no longer required to be tested before

departure, and their proof of full vaccination expedites their entry into France, regardless of their country of origin. Those who have not been immunised, however, must still provide negative test results in order to enter the country. France is also experiencing an increase in hospitalisations, with more than 20,000 cases reported per day on average. United Kingdom Following a positive COVID test, the UK relaxed all COVID-related restrictions and waived the requirement for self-isolation. The country now reports an average of 70,000 new infections per day, according to reports. Italy Throughout all COVID waves, Italy has been one of the world’s most severely affected countries. According to the most recent news reports, daily COVID cases in the country are on the rise again, with an average of around 70,000 cases per day. Indoors, one must maintain social distance and wear a mask.

David Beckham talks about the FIFA World Cup™ The England legend says he thinks football fans will enjoy what Qatar has to offer

5 reasons to choose Seychelles for the summer Seychelles is an exclusive holiday destination with a very small population,

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ummer is synonymous with beach fun, and Seychelles is every beach lover's dream vacation destination. Summer activities for visitors include lounging on pristine beaches, participating in outdoor adventures such as hikes and treks, island excursions, and sailing. Travellers who would rather avoid the sun than bask in it can indulge in world-class wellness at spas and luxurious hotels that provide relaxation with a breathtaking view.

Travelers can expect especially calm waters at this point. Island hopping Seychelles is a 115-island archipelago. Even on a long vacation, you will struggle to cover all of them. Excursions by boat can introduce you to the refreshingly unique landscape that can be found on various islands. Seychelles has something for everyone, whether you want to wander through bustling markets, take enviable photos around colonial-style mansions, or explore coastal mangrove forests and unspoiled nature reserves. Nature lovers will thrive in this reincarnated Eden, which is home to over fifty endemic

nature's lap. Weather Window Some visitors enjoy the overall summer vibe, the vibrant colours that everything takes on in the brilliant sunlight, and, of course, the fact that children are off from school, but would rather enjoy a pristine beach from the comfort of a restaurant, spa, yacht, or hotel room with a view. Spend the day relaxing in your luxurious hotel room, which offers 360-degree views of azure waters and powder-white beaches lined with palm trees. Step outside to savour sumptuous Creole cuisine. On a sheltered boat ride, you can get a dose of both vitamin sea and adrenaline. Relax in a relaxing spa session and let your stress melt away. Whatever you do, ocean views are almost always present.

La_Digue_Source_d'Argent Here are 5 reasons why Seychelles is the ideal summer getaway:

David Beckham cannot wait for the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world. The Football legend, 46, has played and scored in three World Cups, and has witnessed Qatar’s preparations for the 22nd edition of international football’s showpiece event. Beckham looks forward to the final draw, which will take place in Doha on 1 April, and gives a keen assessment of England’s chances heading into the tournament, outlining what fans can expect when they travel to Qatar in November and December. The final draw for Qatar 2022 takes place this week. How exciting is this milestone for players and fans? Beckham: It’s a really big moment and something you always look forward to as a player and fan. It’s exciting for players as you get to know who you’re coming up against and who you have to prepare for. It’s a moment for players and fans to realise that the World Cup is almost here and for the excitement to begin to build. This is the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world. How important is that? Beckham: It’s a massive moment for everyone in Qatar and very inspiring. I’ve always talked about the legacy of the World Cup for Qatar – but also the legacy of the World Cup everywhere. That’s what the World Cup brings to a nation – it’s an inspiring moment. For Qatar, it’s a chance to show off the country and its love of football, its history and culture. Having some of the biggest players in the sport descend on Qatar is a huge moment for the country and region. It’s going to be a compact World Cup, with all the stadiums near to one another. How will this benefit the players? Beckham: It’s a huge benefit. The furthest a team is going to have to travel is 40-45 minutes on a bus. In the World Cups I played in, it could take two or three days to recover www.indianabroad.news www.indianabroad.news

from the game and the travelling. The tournament will take place in November and December. For many countries, it will mean the World Cup takes place in the middle of the football season. What kind of benefits will that have? Beckham: As an England player, we went into every World Cup after a gruelling season in the Premier League, which is one of the toughest leagues in the world. When you come to the end of the season, you’re exhausted and it takes a while to recover – more than a few weeks. This time, it will be mid-season, so this is perfect for English players – and other teams – who can go into the tournament with a real opportunity. With many players coming in fresh, are you expecting a better standard of play during this World Cup? Beckham: Without a doubt. You always expect a high standard during the World Cup – but coming in mid-season, the standards are going to be even higher. The weather is going to be perfect, the stadiums are amazing, the facilities are amazing, the fans are going to have a great time. It’s set up perfectly. What are your expectations for England heading into this tournament? Beckham: My expectations for England are always high. Ours fans will have high expectations – and rightly so. I feel Gareth [Southgate] has done an incredible job. We’ve got a team that’s been together for quite a few years. You can’t really call them a young team anymore – but many of the players are pretty young, while they also have experience in there with the likes of Harry Kane. I feel this is a real opportunity for us. We’re coming into the tournament in good form. We just have to keep that up. Who is England’s key player? Beckham: I would have to say Harry Kane. He’s a leader, he’s our captain and he’s our goal scorer. With him

performing at the highest level, he’s massively important to our team. England will be one of the favourites to win the tournament – but who will be their main rivals? Beckham: When you think about the World Cup you automatically talk about Brazil, Argentina and France. They are all great nations who have won many tournaments. Another country I am excited to see play is Denmark. I think they could be the surprise package. They’ve had a good lead-up and always do pretty well in major tournaments. I’m also looking forward to seeing the host nation, Qatar. They have a young team who have been together a long time. They know each other well and I think they’ll be boosted by the atmosphere in the stadiums. What advice would you give to players playing in their first World Cup? Beckham: Enjoy it. The World Cup is the pinnacle. It’s the best and highest level any player can reach. My advice is to enjoy it because it might be the only one you’re involved in. You’ve visited many stadiums here – when you walk out on the pitch, how much do you wish you were still playing? Beckham: I’m 46 years old but I still feel I can put my boots on and play in a World Cup. Even at my age – which is not old – I still feel I could play in the Premier League or La Liga or for England. When I walk into a stadium I always want to put my boots on. What’s your message to the fans heading to Qatar for the World Cup? Beckham: They’re going to have a great experience. In the past, fans have had to travel between games but in Qatar, they’re going to be able to go to more than one match a day because it is such a compact tournament. I think the fans will enjoy what Qatar has to offer. There will be great food, a warm welcome from the local people and lots to see and enjoy besides the football.

Pure shores The beaches of Seychelles draw visitors from all over the world. Whether seeking lively or secluded beaches, long never-ending stretches of sand or tiny half-moon patches fringed by trademark boulders, visitors are sure to find their signature style of beach. Did you know that the typical summer vacation months in India, April and May, coincide with one of the best times to visit Seychelles?

Sailing in Seychelles A mild dose of adrenaline People all over the world have rediscovered their love of the great outdoors in the last two years, and there is no better place to get your fix. Take a leisurely stroll along a nature trail or put yourself to the test by ascending a steep mountain path. Indulge in bird-watching or simply enjoy the sensation of life slowing down as you take a deep breath in

Sunset over granite Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue Wide, open spaces The last two years have made everyone more conscious of their personal space than ever before. Seychelles is an exclusive holiday destination with a very small population, allowing visitors to enjoy just the right level of seclusion and ease.

Top destinations for the best mood-boosting activities Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East,” is home to several scenic waterfalls and has been named one of the best waterfall destinations where visitors can enjoy sunset sun scuba diving and paddleboarding. salutations by a natural spring, or Explore the easy cycling trails sunrise for early risers. Whether you immersed in nature inland, or head practise Vinyasa or Bikram, a yogi to the beach to sunbathe, read, or novice or a yogi master will find a simply lie down. relaxing retreat. Wellness in Auroville, Tamil Nadu Waterfalls in Shillong, Meghalaya Auroville is a quiet town in Tamil Shillong, known as the "Scotland of Nadu that is an experimental townthe East," is home to several scenic ship. It's well-known for hosting waterfalls and has been named one weekly workshops, therapies, and aking a vacation is the ultimate community yoga, making it the ideal of the best waterfall destinations by the platforms travellers. Meghalaya vacation for rest and relaxation way to feel good, with 85 has 16 major waterfalls, one of – and one of the top destinations percent of Indian travellers which, Nohkalikai Falls, at 1,115 feet, for wellness according to Booking. stating that their motivation for is said to be India's tallest plunge com travellers, which is a key travelling is to improve their mood. waterfall. This waterfall is fed by factor in feeling content. Visitors Travel can lift spirits and boost rainwater that collects on the top, can de-stress and relax in its wet happiness levels for weeks after making the once-in-a-lifetime and dry tropical climate, as well returning home. sound of water plunging to the as take walks on its open roads to Booking.com has chosen five of earth difficult to forget. The city is instill inner peace. The township's the top destinations with the best also notable for its towering pine community is very close-knit, and mood-boosting activities based on conifers, pineapple shrubs, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. traveller reviews. From scuba diving undulating terrain. Along with the Matrimandir is a secular gathering in the Andamans to yoga on the breathtaking waterfalls, visitors place in town where people can beach in Varkala, adventure sports meditate and experience tranquillity can stroll through Mawlynnong, to wellness therapies and delectable in peaceful silence. This lovely town Asia's cleanest village known for food, include a mood-boosting its wood carvings and traditional has become synonymous with activity in your next vacation to craftsmanship. community healing and is a haven make it the most joyful yet. for those seeking inner peace. Nature in Munnar, Kerala Outdoor activities in Neil Island Yoga in Varkala, Kerala Munnar, located 1,600 metres above Neil Island is a perfect gem of sea level and a few hours from Varkala, a coastal town in southern the Andaman Islands, blessed Alleppey, is one of Kerala's most Kerala, is a hipster's paradise, with with magnificent biodiversity, scenic areas. With its vast tea plantapalm-covered red cliffs, pristine unexplored coral reefs, white sandy tions, beautiful cottages, and vibrant golden beaches, and pilgrimage beaches, and tropical woodlands. hiking trails, it's no surprise that the sites. Varkala is more of a state of Officially known as 'Shaheed city is one of the top destinations for mind than a location, but it is one of Dweep,' it is one of the platforms nature walks. Few people visit the the top recommended yoga destinatravellers' top-recommended lush green mountains, eat authentic tions on the travel site, according outdoor activity destinations. It's the food, or indulge in an ayurvedic to travellers. Head to Papanasam ideal place to find happiness, with spa while still embracing the sheer Beach, ten kilometres from Varkala, activities ranging from surfing to

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