by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | business, government regulations, passports and international travel, tourists, Travel
Despite warnings, the expansion of a UK travel permit scheme to EU visitors is not impacting tourism to Northern Ireland according to some businesses in the sector.
Starting Tuesday, travelers from the European Union will join others worldwide in requiring an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for entry into the UK.
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance has stated that this situation creates an obstacle for visitors who enter the Republic of Ireland and might want to explore Northern Ireland as well.
Nonetheless, a hotel chain and a travel agency have informed SANGGRALOKA that they haven’t experienced any effects on their operations.
Colin Johnston, the managing director of the Galgorm Collection, stated that although the industry had lobbied against the ETA, when it was properly communicated to tourists, “they find it acceptable and comprehend it.”
During his appearance on the SANGGRALOKA’s Talkback program, he mentioned that some participants were unnerved by the considerable negative coverage of the ETA in the media. He also noted that “by persistently discussing it, we might be causing more harm to ourselves.”
Heather Rennie McGill from the touring company Rabbie’s mentioned that this situation boils down to “improving communication and making it easier for customers to handle the necessary legal requirements for entering the country.”
When the ETA was initially implemented in 2023 for travelers heading to the UK from non-EU countries, she mentioned that it affected “the quality of service or customer care we needed to provide,” however, she did not observe any effect on our reservations.
She mentioned that the system was inducing stress among certain customers and imposing an unwanted additional expense.
The British government has stated that the ETA will assist in stopping misuse of the immigration framework.
‘Deeply concerned’
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, Joanne Stuart, has stated that several tour operators are excluding Northern Ireland from their trip plans to the island of Ireland as a result of the program’s growth.
We are highlighted as part of the island of Ireland, and this has consistently been rooted in effortless travel experiences.
She informed the SANGGRALOKA that 69% of those vacationing in Northern Ireland arrive via the Republic.
We’ve placed this obstacle in our path… and now we’re beginning to feel the effects of it.
During her address at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald expressed deep concern regarding the consequences of implementing the ETA scheme and how this would affect the region’s tourism industry.
Archibald mentioned that she had interacted with the UK government just last week regarding this matter and reiterated her call for an exemption of Northern Ireland from the plan.
Previously requested exemptions for Northern Ireland
were rejected
According to the previous UK government, this would lead to “an unacceptably large gap” in United Kingdom border security.
What does ETA stand for, and how can you obtain one?
The ETA is a document required for non-British and non-Irish citizens who don’t need a visa but wish to enter the UK.
This will cover international tourists who land in Dublin with intentions to visit Northern Ireland afterward.
The current application cost for the UK ETA via the app or the GOV.UK website is £10; however, starting from April 9th, this fee will increase to £16.
As stated on the official government site, applicants for an ETA typically receive a response within 3 business days; however, they also mention that numerous applications may result in “an even faster outcome.”
The travel journalist Lisa Minot informed SANGGRALOKANews NI that for most individuals, it should take merely a few minutes.
A visa subclass ETA is valid for 2 years or up until your passport expires, allowing you unlimited visits to the UK during this period.
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UK denies travel permit exception for Northern Ireland visitors
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Tourism leader claims travel permits will negatively affect Northern Ireland’s hotel industry.
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Minister cautions about effects of electronic travel authorization
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | driving, environmentalism, innovation, news media, Travel
VMPL
New Delhi [India], April 2: As part of an unprecedented effort combining adventure, activism, and ingenuity,
Onesea Media
has launched ‘
Unity Drive
“Unifying Nations Through Mobility,” a nationwide adventure aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and environmental preservation. This bold venture begins in Hyderabad and concludes in Spiti Valley, with an official launch ceremony held in Mumbai that garnered backing from prominent business figures, government officials, and eco-conscious supporters.
A fleet of 100 vehicles will journey across various landscapes—from busy urban centers to isolated mountainous areas—aiming to shatter records while promoting social justice, environmental protection, and eco-friendly lifestyles.
Beyond Just a Trip: A Quest for Transformation
The
Unity Drive
seeks to involve communities throughout India, promoting consciousness, advocacy, and measurable impact in these crucial sectors:
Women’s Empowerment: Promoting gender equality, supporting female leadership, and amplifying women’s voices in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Sustainability Leadership: Championing environmental preservation, advocating for eco-friendly behaviors, and decreasing our impact on nature.
Large-Scale Reforestation Initiative: An extensive tree-planting drive aimed at addressing climate change and highlighting the issue of deforestation.
Beyond leaving a enduring impression, the expedition also intends to be recorded in the Limca Book of Records, highlighting it as one of India’s most notable community-focused automotive adventures.
A Partnership Between Technology and Activism
This project is supported by Axle Aesthetics, which specializes in top-tier car modifications, along with Xvitesse Blockchain, an innovator in distributed ledger technologies.
We aren’t merely traveling across the nation; we are propelling transformation forward.
Unity Drive
“embodies a strong combination of technology, adventure, and social responsibility,” stated a representative from
Onesea Media
.
Official Approval and Organizational Backing
The Maharashtra government has backed the initiative, with Shiv Sena representative Siddharth Waghmare being one of the voices supporting it.
Makarand Padhe
Attending the formal unveiling, their support underscores the increasing collaboration between government officials and community-led initiatives working towards social change.
A National Appeal for Collective Action
As the
Unity Drive
is set to begin its grand voyage from Hyderabad to Spiti, this initiative is rapidly attracting national attention. Corporates, NGOs, environmental advocates, and agents of societal change are coming forward to back an endeavor that is swiftly turning into one of India’s most significant movements.
social campaigns
.
From the lanes of Hyderabad to the harsh landscapes of Spiti,
Unity Drive
aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering — one route at a time. Commencing on May 9th from Hyderabad. For additional information, please visit:
Home
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLOSURE: The aforementioned press release has been supplied by
VMPL
ANI shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the content thereof).
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | children, international travel, Travel, travel advice, travel planning and tips
The Daily Mail journalists choose and organize the items showcased on our website. Should you decide to buy through the links provided here, they may receive a commission.
learn more
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The 11 key travel items listed here can enhance the experience for families with children by making trips more seamless.
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EXPLORE FURTHER: As a seasoned travel professional, here are my top picks for Amazon’s finest travel gear.
Journeying with little ones can be immensely fulfilling—yet it comes with its fair share of obstacles.
Whether facing meltdowns and postponed departures or misplacing toys and dealing with diaper issues, parents frequently encounter an array of unforeseen challenges when traveling with their families.
However, even with these challenges, venturing into new locations with young children can lead to invaluable memories and provide chances for connection and excitement.
One mom, identified as @explorewithethan2021 on
YouTube
and
TikTok
She has dedicated herself to assisting other parents in overcoming the difficulties of traveling with small children.
After visiting 40 countries accompanied by her four-year-old son, she has offered her best advice and essential travel items that can make traveling with young children much more manageable.
No matter if you’re organizing an international vacation, a trip to a European amusement park, or a beachside retreat close to home, being prepared is essential.
These 11 key travel items can help make the trip more pleasant for both moms and dads as well as their children.
11 child-friendly travel essentials
Combiubiu “Our Adventure Book” Travel Scrapbook
£19.99
Shop
£19.99
Shop
This
retro-style scrapbook
able to store more than 300 images – ideal for saving moments throughout your journey.
Containing 73 sheets (146 pages) along with a collection of stickers and bookmark cards, this item also comes with a durable craft paper envelope at the rear designed to hold photographs, postage stamps, travel tickets, and keepsakes, making it ideal for safeguarding cherished moments.
The mother remarked, “I am smitten with this travel scrapbook. It contains all the essentials for documenting your journeys.”
Onedone Portable Urinal
£7.99
Shop
£7.99
Shop
Perfect for toddlers during potty training or kids out and about, this enjoyable,
elephant-shaped portable urinal
It can contain up to 500 ml – additionally, it’s designed for repeated use, spill-resistant, and small-sized.
The mother commented, “This portable urinal is incredibly convenient for travel. It really makes a difference. Both girls and boys can use it—I haven’t tried it with adults though!”
Licootty LCD Writing Tablet
£10.44
Shop
£10.44
Shop
This creative,
reusable LCD drawing board
enables children to unleash their creativity even when they’re traveling.
Featuring a convenient eraser button, a stylus pen, a secure lock switch, robust construction, and a long-lasting replaceable battery that can last up to 12 months, this tablet is ideal for silent amusement while traveling.
Astaron Reversible Sticker Activity Book
£6.59
Shop
£6.59
Shop
Reusable sticker books
provide an entertaining and instructive method for children to learn and have fun while enhancing their fine motor abilities.
These activity books cover topics from animals to outer space, making them engaging while also aiding in enhancing hand-eye coordination and fostering creative expression.
The Astaron series includes books with folding features, a carry handle, and reusable 3D stickers crafted from premium TPE material.
Treezy Triangular Crayons
£2.99
Shop
£2.99
Shop
In simple terms, triangle-shaped crayons are easier to track compared to their circular counterparts.
This set of ten vibrant jumbo triangular crayons from Treezy are designed for better handling compared to standard rounded versions, aiding kids in refining their grasping technique.
They are constructed from plastic instead of wax for enhanced sturdiness, and their user-friendly shape ensures they stay in place without rolling off.
The mother remarked, “I can’t count how often I’ve scrambled around on the airplane floor searching for dropped crayons. Triangular ones really simplify things.”
Clomnpe Busy Book Sensory Activity Board
£9.99
Shop
£9.99
Shop
Ideal for young kids, this
activity board
is intended to captivate and instruct via gameplay.
Composed of gentle felt material, this book includes an assortment of activities such as buttoning, zippering, recognizing colors, counting from 1-10, learning the alphabet from A-Z, understanding time, identifying animals, and much more.
It’s light enough and simple for children to handle, making it perfect for extended trips in planes or cars.
Bibado Coverall Bib
£19.95
Shop
£19.95
Shop
Crafted from ultra-soft high-quality matte material, this acclaimed bib protects your little one’s whole body, ideal for tackling even the most untidy dining experiences when you’re away from home.
Thanks to its adaptable strap, it can be quickly attached to highchairs, keeping your child tidy and reducing parents’ daily cleanup time by about 30 minutes.
MiaMily Carry On Suitcase
£329
Shop
£329
Shop
This adaptable baggage has the capability to turn into a ride-on case for children or serve as a portable chair for adults, which makes it an excellent choice for traveling as well as taking breaks during journeys.
It safely holds necessities such as a diaper bag, travel bag, or briefcase when there’s no child around.
This removes the necessity of using a stroller and can fit into most overhead bins; however, customers should check with their airline before traveling.
The innovative design includes a load limit of 100kg (which encompasses all items inside the luggage), has a volume of 43 litres, comes with a baggage clip for attaching to the rear of seats, incorporates a universally accepted TSA-approved combination padlock with three digits, rotates smoothly on 360-degree wheels, and also integrates a seat belt.
Bubba Board Seat Extender
£65
Shop
£65
Shop
Extended journeys can be tough on small children, however, the inventive Bubba Board provides an effective answer.
The seat extender offers a level area where children can comfortably recline, enhancing their ease and stability.
To provide extra assistance, the shoulder strap can be attached to the tray table. It is essential to wear a seat belt at all times.
Setting it up and taking it down is simple, which makes this an essential item for parents traveling with small kids.
Amazon Fire Tablet
£199
Shop
£199
Shop
The
Amazon Fire Tablet
offers a wide 10.1″ display and comes with parental controls to help manage screen time and access to content, a child-friendly case and a 2-year worry-free guarantee.
Mom and dad have control over all aspects via their smartphones, which includes setting screen-time restrictions, pausing or restarting the device, viewing educational material, and authorizing requests from the app store like installing Netflix, Disney+, and Zoom.
A year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+ transforms this into a comprehensive entertainment hub for children, offering them access to countless applications, games, and video content designed to keep them engaged.
Bezdug Over-Ear Bandeau Headphones
£9.73
Shop
£9.73
Shop
These wireless headphones function also as a cozy fleece headband, ideal for trips.
They link up with gadgets such as tablets and smartphones through Bluetooth and come with adjustments for enhanced comfort.
These are perfect for lengthy journeys, and the included microphone is an extra advantage.
Read more
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | beaches, events and festivals, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel
Cox’s Bazar, April 2 – In Cox’s Bazar, home to the planet’s longest uninterrupted natural seaside stretch, there has been a significant influx of tourists due to the elongated Eid-ul-Fitr break attracting myriad visitors.
The beaches at Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point buzz with tourists, fostering a lively festival atmosphere.
Visitors are enjoying an array of beach pursuits—some zip around on jet skis, capturing thrills amidst the waves; some lounge about on inflated rafts basking in the sun. Meanwhile, groups of family and friends find respite from the warmth beneath vibrant parasols, relishing the soothing sea air.
Hotels Nearly Full Booked
The president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, Abul Kashem Sikder, mentioned that approximately 90% of rooms across over 500 establishments including hotels, motels, and resorts had been reserved beforehand.
Sylhet prepares for an influx of 1.5 million visitors during Eid as business opportunities surge.
“Our facilities have the capacity to accommodate up to 187,000 visitors daily, and we’re experiencing an unusually high demand during this Eid season,” Sikder stated.
Robin, who hails from Dhaka, mentioned that during the Eid holidays, Cox’s Bazar is considered the premier spot for travelers seeking an ideal mix of enjoyment and rest along the coast.
Improved Security Protocols for Visitors
To guarantee a secure time at the seaside, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organization has stationed 27 certified lifeguards along Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points—the most popular areas of the shore.
Imtiaz Ahmed, who serves as the Field Team Manager for Sea Safe Lifeguard, stated, “Our crews are on heightened alert, and we’re conducting educational initiatives to avoid incidents while swimming at sea.”
Sajek and Khagrachari are now accessible to tourists following a month-long restriction.
Additional DIG Apel Mahmud from the Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police mentioned that assistance stations have been established at crucial locations, and surveillance has been increased in collaboration with the district police to guarantee safety.
“The aim is to guarantee that each traveler has a secure and stress-free holiday experience, leaving with cherished recollections,” he mentioned additionally.
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | airfares, flights, flying, software and applications, Travel
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EXPLORE FURTHER: As a physician, here are the drugs you should definitely steer clear of before boarding a plane
Skyscanner has always been recognized as the destination for finding the most affordable flights, and now they’re providing a new opportunity to secure an even better deal.
The application has introduced a new feature named DROPS, designed to locate return flights that have decreased in price by at least 20 percent over the past seven days.
Available exclusively through the revamped app, this feature can help vacationers save both time and up to several hundred pounds when making flight reservations.
To secure these discounted fares, all users need to do is visit the DROPS tool and enter their departure location.
The application goes through an extensive database of travel costs to identify the most significant decreases in flight prices, which must be at least a 20 percent reduction for destinations around the globe.
For instance, when MailOnline Travel examined the situation,
Skyscanner app
, and utilized the DROPS tool to search for flights in May 2025. We discovered routes from New York to
Gatwick
For £404, which is £315 less than £719.
We likewise discovered a returning flight to Ibiza from
London
The price at City Airport decreased by almost £200, dropping from £830 to £639.
There were significant discounts on other flights to various European cities departing from London’s airports as well.
We discovered savings of up to £68 for Krakow, with flights available at an incredible price of £48.
Fare for flights to Pisa was decreased by £87.
People traveling from Birmingham and Liverpool airports might also benefit from significant discounts.
Fares for flights departing from Birmingham to Verona this month have decreased by £153, whereas tickets heading to Alicante in April showed a reduction of £45.
Regarding the new tool, Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, stated: “Our aim is to assist budget-savvy travelers in discovering and reserving their upcoming crucial journey effortlessly and with assurance.”
‘Using DROPS, they gain effortless access to fantastic deals right at their fingertips, ensuring they get great bargains.’
The feature from Skyscanner that scans as many as 80 billion prices daily can be found in version 7.135 of their application available on the app store.
Read more
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | culture, events and festivals, tourists, Travel, travel destinations
Dhaka, April 2 — Over time, Eid has transformed from being solely an occasion to visit one’s hometown into a crucial timeframe for domestic travel and tourism.
However, both the broader audience and sector specialists contend that Eid tourism in Bangladesh has grown limited and repetitive.
Nazrul Islam, a 55-year-old high-ranking official at a corporation, had originally intended to go overseas during the Eid holiday.
Nevertheless, he eventually chose to remain in Bangladesh.
Even so, he does not plan to travel anywhere inside the country or even venture out into Dhaka on Eid day.
Rather than doing anything else, he intends to dedicate all of his time to being with his family.
When questioned about his reasoning, he responded, “Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that most festivals in our nation adhere to a similar structure. On Eid day, following the dawn prayer and a communal meal, what typically occurs? People usually head either to a relative’s home, a public garden, or an eating establishment.”
This predetermined Eid celebration, which recurs annually, doesn’t take place in large foreign cities. Even venturing outside of Dhaka proves pointless—after several hours, you’re worn out from witnessing the unchanging scenery.
Mossabber Hossain, who is 72 years old, shares memories of Eid festivities in Dhaka, stating, “In those days, each neighborhood had fairs, there were boat races in Old Dhaka, and horse racing took place in open fields. However, nowadays, Eid mostly involves walking in parks and eating at restaurants.”
A tourism surge is anticipated in Khagrachari during the Eid holidays.
A Metropolis Driven by Commerce, Lacking Celebration
Adil Muhammad Khan, who serves as the president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), pointed out the constraints of Eid celebrations in Dhaka by saying, “The city has grown increasingly commercialized to such an extent that space for non-commercial leisure activities has been significantly reduced.”
A number of areas where fairs used to take place no longer remain today. The waterways designed for boating activities have been overtaken. Bodies of water have been reclaimed to make way for massive office towers, and as a result, eateries inside these structures now serve as focal points for Eid celebrations.
Even public spaces like parks have not escaped this change. If you go to Dhanmondi Lake nowadays, it might seem as though the focus has shifted from the water body itself to the many eateries that now line its shores. There appears to be no vision for an energetic Dhaka. People staying in the city during Eid find themselves stuck in monotonous festivities.
A Dull Encounter Outside of Dhaka
Humayun Rashid, aged 32, went to Cox’s Bazar with his family during the last Eid holiday.
He felt let down by his experience. “Cox’s Bazar can be explored thoroughly within just two days. Anything beyond the beach, such as boat tours, parachute flying, and horseback riding, tends to be overly priced and seems fraudulent.”
He remarked, “Once visitors recognize they are continually taken advantage of, they start losing faith in those locations. During last Eid, approximately 800,000 travelers descended upon Cox’s Bazar. The shore became as packed as a busy fish bazaar in Dhaka. Room rates at hotels surged dramatically, and basic meals were priced multiple times higher than normal. Who would wish to revisit an area like this?”
Tulilia’s Tulip: Enhancing Tourism and Regional Economy
Even though there are complaints, hotels in Cox’s Bazar have already secured bookings of more than 80% for this Eid, with the few available spots anticipated to be taken soon. Nevertheless, numerous travelers continue to express dissatisfaction regarding the increased costs. A tourist named Faisal was searching for a hotel room when he discovered that an average priced, air-conditioned room designed for couples and overlooking the ocean was being charged between Tk 8,000 and Tk 9,000—a price nearly twice as high as normal rates.
Murshid Hossain, who previously managed a hotel in Cox’s Bazar and now serves as a general manager at a three-star hotel in Dhaka, stated, “Hotels find it difficult to occupy their rooms during the low season despite providing discounts greater than 50%. Therefore, to ensure business sustainability and cover employee wages, they have to increase prices significantly when tourism peaks.”
An Unprepared Tourism Industry
Professor Muhammad Shoaib-Ur-Rahman from Dhaka University’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management feels that Bangladesh’s tourism sector is inadequately prepared.
Each year, we’re told that around 1.5 million travelers visit various locations during Eid; however, there isn’t any verified information supporting this statement. Without basing our development of tourist attractions on actual attendance figures and reconsidering what defines enjoyable experiences, genuine progress won’t occur,” he stated.
Travel limitations eased in 4 Bandarban upazilas
He further explained, “Tourists often go to Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban just once or twice and seldom come back. In contrast, locations such as Bali or Bangkok tend to draw returning guests. The main factor behind this difference is that Bangladesh’s travel spots provide a limited variety of experiences. Overseas, tourism combines natural beauty with human ingenuity to produce multiple points of interest. It takes more than couple of days to truly see all that Bangkok has to offer, whereas one could easily complete sightseeing in Cox’s Bazar within a brief period.”
He cautioned that uncontrolled price increases and cartels are adversely affecting both travelers and residents. “Since tourism drives up the prices of essentials, locals begin to view tourists unfavorably. This growing resentment might ultimately result in security issues.”
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