Saturday, June 30, 2018

TRAVEL SPECIAL ....An experience of a lifetime


An experience of a lifetime

Dive deep into the heart and soul of a new travel destination

Experiential travel is easily the most exciting (and biggest) trend taking the travel scene by storm. There's been an expressive shift from the beaten-familiarpath towards an authentic travel experience to holidays dedicated to sports, a favourite recreation or indulging in pure luxury. Here are a few themes popular internationally that focus on history, culture, or people of the local community you are visiting.

WONDERS OF RED SEA
SHIP WRECK DIVE AND MUMMIFICATION WORKSHOP
Region: Red Sea
The Red Sea has some fantastic wreck diving. Of note is the SS Thistlegorm, a 125 meter long British army freighter, which ranks second in the list of the world's best wreck dives. The ship, sitting in the Straits of Gubal, northern part of the Red Sea sank just 18 months after launch in April 1940. The SS Thistlegorm is a war grave, an underwater museum, and a unique piece of military history all rolled into one. The ship set on its last voyage in June, 1941 as it sailed to Alexandria loaded with wartime supplies during World War II. During the start of October, 1941, the Thistlegorm was split in two and sank almost instantly after being hit by two bombs from a German long range bomber. The hit not only blew a hole in the vessel but also ignited the cargo tank ammunition, causing the bulk of the damage. A long list of its inventory includes tanks, aircraft, armoured vehicles, jeeps and Bedford trucks which sit entwined with corals. You can explore these wrecks as day dives from Sharm El-Sheikh. However, the best way is by liveaboard - either from Hurghada or Sharm.
Mummies are one of the most important Egyptian legacies the pharaohs have us with. The mummification process was a long, intricate procedure. The Program Officer for Culture at UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo, Tatiana Zamora organises workshops, which elaborate the lifestyle of ancient Egyptians and the mummification process. Lectures by professors about the genetics of royal mummies, a visit to Egypt’s biggest mummies’ restoration lab, which is the very first specialised lab in renovating mummies remains using Nitrogen is also included. While this is an elaborate workshop reserved to train participants, basic workshops allow you to learn about the wrappings, amulets, and even coffin styles that saw several changes through the years.

KNOW A NEW CULTURE
VISIT A PERUVIAN AMAZON INDIGENOUS TRIBE
Region: Peru
While you’re visiting the Amazon Basin near Iquitos, you have the chance to encounter one of Amazon's native tribes–the Yagua. With a handful of 4,000 to 6,000 members left, meeting the Yagua is a rare opportunity to enjoy a glimpse into an important aspect of life in Amazon. Their fascinating attire, the first thing that catches the eye, calls for a clear distinction. Grass skirts and a red dye made from berries that are painted on the skin serves as a garb to help camouflage themselves in the jungle. Visitors are fascinated by many aspects of the tribes; the Yagua’s use blow darts to hunt for their meals from the jungle. The tribal also perform stunts with blow darts to demonstrate their skills to visitors. You also have the opportunity to see atunas, a traditional dance performed to a drum beat that has reverberated throughout the Amazon for many generations. Many members of the tribe still wear traditional clothing made of palm fiber. Further, you can purchase blow darts, jewellery, dolls, colourful masks and other wood carvings to take back as souvenirs.

RIDE THE WAVES
LIVE ABOARD IN HIGH SEAS
Pegged as live aboard, dive safari or dive charter, the experience allows you to ride the high seas on a luxury yacht. The vessel is purpose built for scuba diving that supports longer diving trips. Live aboard is considered by many experienced divers as one of the best way to enjoy dive vacations. Sometimes jumping aboard a dive safari is the only way to reach remote areas like Cocos Islands in Costa Rica or the Similan Islands in Thailand. Other times, dive charters allow you to explore vast areas and dive different parts of a country. From the Bahamas to the Galapagos to Raja Ampat to the Philippines, there's a fulfiling experience awaiting you. Snorkelling with calving and mating humpback whales in Tonga or the Dominican Republic will simply have you astonished at the grace and gentleness these massive mammals possess.

REKINDLE ROMANCE
AN INDULGENT ESCAPE ON A PRIVATE JET
Region: Maldives
The Maldives offers the height of tranquillity and an incredible tropical climate, making it the ideal place to unwind and recharge your batteries in absolute privacy. Add a signature touch to your romantic escape by chartering a private jet, a perfect way to kick start a vacation to the Maldives. After your private charter flight to the Maldives arrives at a commercial airport, book a luxury yacht, helicopter or seaplane to transport you to your preferred resort or island. Unwind at two of the region’s most spectacular desert-island escapes, along with a two-night cruise aboard an ultra-luxurious yacht. Throughout the exclusive adventure, butler service, freshly-prepared gourmet cuisine and the chance to explore some of the world's most pristine coral reefs adds the necessary frills to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. In terms of stay options, Maldives is sure to leave you spoilt for choice. Take your pick from floating villas to luxurious villa with a private pool, just a few steps away from a tranquil white-sand beach. Nature-inspired villas features an en suite bedroom, open-air garden bathroom are a popular choice amongst Indian travellers.

TRAVEL TO EXPERIENCE A SPORT
CYCLING FOR FUN AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES
Region: United Kingdom
For those cycling enthusiasts, The Monsal Trait allows you an unforgettable experience. The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The route is stretched within the Peak District -UK’s first National Park, following part of the former Midland Railway Line that once linked London and Manchester. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. The flat topography of Monsal Trail is perfect even if you are by no means an expert cyclist. This route is sure to leave your senses refreshed; traversing through nine miles of river gorges, a meandering river, mills and limestone villages...the scenic landscape serves as the perfect motivating factor. The four tunnels and the two viaducts en route serve as highlight.

Compiled by Shireen Kanchwala
ETTR 28JUN18

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