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A Few Days In Kathmandu

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Kathmandu is a dusty, chaotic, and incredibly fascinating capital city. From the ancient architecture of Bhaktapur to the cafes & shops of Thamel to the religious sites that the Buddha himself visited, there is so much to do and see in Kathmandu. Emmett and I spent a month in Nepal, with Kathmandu being both the first and last place we visited. There is so much to see in the city and I know that we only scratched the surface. Check out our five favorite places in Kathmandu below.

Heading to Kathmandu for just a few days? Try this for an itinerary (details on each activity to follow):

+ Shopping & Dining in Thamel – 1 Day
+ Swayambunath, Boudhanath, & Pashupatinath – 1 Day
+ Bhaktapur – 1 Day
If you have more than 3 days, you could always add an extra day to exploring Thamel or Bhaktapur and throw in a side trip to the town of Nagarkot to see a view of the Everest range. (Just check the weather forecast before going to Nagarkot because it was very cloudy when we made our attempt).

See Also :Two Days In Malaysia’s Tea Country

1. Thamel

Thamel is the primary tourist district in Kathmandu. It has the widest variety and most affordable choices for accommodation in the city. I love Thamel. It’s very much a touristic place but there’s something so endearing about all the alleyways and shops. The best thing to do in Thamel is Shop for Souvenirs. A lot of the shops will sell the same sorts of items, so make sure you ask the price of the product you want at each shop first to compare deals. And don’t forget to barter a little because that’s the expectation most vendors will have of you as a tourist.

On each of our visits to Kathmandu, we stayed at the dorm in the top of the cozy and very friendly Hotel Silver Home for 1,000 NPR ($10 USD) per person per night.

Swayambhunath

Also known as the Monkey Temple due to it’s population of rhesus macaques, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in all of Nepal. The whole site is comprised of a set of very steep steps leading up to a hilltop complex of Buddhist temples and shrines surrounding a large stupa. In addition to it’s historical and spiritual significance, Swayambhunath is a great place to do people-watching. There are souvenir touts, locals in prayer, women feeding the monkeys and stray dogs, and plenty of other tourists.

Entry for tourists is 200 NPR per person (about $1.80 USD) and Swayambhunath is about a 30 minute walk from Thamel.

Boudhanath

Along with Swayambhunath, Boudhanath is one of the most significant sites for Buddhists in Nepal. The huge stupa is said to be built around the remains of Kassapa Buddha and is surrounded by a circular courtyard which must be walked in a counter-clockwise fashion as one circles the stupa. It may be difficult to see in photos, but Boudhanath is a maginificent sight to behold. The top of the stupa is estimated to be 118 feet (36 meters) high – if that gives you any indication of the scale. We walked both of the lower rungs of the stupa, taking our time and listening to the tinny sounds of a stereo playing the Buddhist chant “Om Mani Padme Hum.” The stupa is, like most historic sights in Kathmandu, surrounded by a series of shops selling souvenirs and religious artwork.

Entrance to walk the lower level of the stupa is 400 NPR per person (about $3.60 USD).

Pashupatinath

If you’re anything like me, you may be under the assumption that Nepal is a Buddhist nation. Maybe it’s the plethora of Buddhist prayer flags to be found in every souvenir shop in Nepal? Or maybe it’s the fact that the Buddha himself was born in the country? Either way, you maybe be surprised to learn that the majority of Nepali people (a whopping 81.3%!!) follow Hinduism!

Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal and is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. I have a confession to make: Emmett and I were running low on Nepalese rupees and did not purchase passes to enter the complex. Instead, we wandered around the outskirts and watched a Hindu funereal procession from a respectful distance. We spent a while just watching some stray cows eat from a garbage pile as monkeys played in the dirty river that ran through Pashupatinath’s center. The shops surrounding the temple were full of Hindu souvenirs and piles of very photogenic powdered dyes.

Entrance to the Pashupatinath temple complex is 1,000 NPR (about $9 USD) per person.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an incredible ancient city about 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside of Khatmandu proper. In fact, Bhaktapur is the most well-preserved ancient town in all of Nepal and is full of beautiful and ornate architecture. However, even after three years, the whole of the city is definitely still reeling from the effects of the 2015 earthquake. . In fact, I have so many good things to say about it that I plan to make a post solely about Bhaktapur very soon.

Entrance to Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is 1,500 NPR (approx. $15 USD) per person.

 

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Airport Car Service Essentials for Stress-Free Arrivals

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Stress-Free Arrivals

You’ve just landed after a brutal flight, totally wiped, dragging your heavy bags in a packed airport. The terminal gives the vibes of a zoo. The packed taxi lines, honking horns, and in between your ride’s a no-show, leaving you stressed out.

But you choose to travel in luxury. You landed at JFK, walk out of Terminal 4, and a suited chauffeur’s got your back. He is grabbing your luggage and assisting you to a sleek black sedan. You lean back, sip some crisp water, and vibe with killer WiFi as you move to your spot.

Which vibe’s gonna set your trip off right? Booking a premium airport car service like Prestige Ride is the move to leave behind the chaos and roll into your journey stress-free. They received five 5-star ratings and reviews on Google. Here’s how you can make your next airport commute smooth as butter.

Why Car Service to the Airport Matter?

People travel for many reasons: a business meeting, a family vacation, or a weekend trip home. But the joy of travel can fade when stress takes over. Psychologically, a smooth start to your trip adds positive energy to you. A seamless travel experience increases happy emotions and reduces depressive vibes. 

That’s why choosing an airport car service is a must. It transforms travel stress into a relaxing, refreshing experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip. What’s better than a reliable car waiting just for you? With full control over your plans and ride, you can travel with ease and confidence.

Top 5 Must-Have for Your Perfect Airport Car Service Experience

Here are the top 5 essentials of Airport car service offers for stress-free arrivals.

Smooth Airport arrivals with real-time Tracking

It offers real-time monitoring to adjust your ride in case of delays. You can land stress-free because you have control over your ride. The professional chauffeurs are trained for punctual pickups, so you won’t have to wait for your ride at the terminal. The chauffeur is waiting at the airport with a nameboard for you.

Professional Chauffeurs with Local Expertise

A friendly, pro chauffeur is a total lifesaver for your airport trip. You get a driver who knows the roads inside out, using GPS to avoid traffic and take quick shortcuts to get you there on time. The best part? Our free meet-and-greet service! Step off the plane, and your chauffeur’s waiting with a smile, ready to grab your bags. 

Comfy Vehicles with Luxurious Amenities

The comfy vehicles are the essentials for stress-free arrivals. For instance, airport car service offers a variety of well-maintained and clean vehicles. They offer luxurious amenities in their vehicles, including spacious seats, WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, and complimentary snacks. The tinted windows ensure your privacy so you can relax.

Customer support and the help you need

The best part of airport car service is their 24/7 customer support. You can make changes to your ride at any time. Another benefit of our airport car service is the chauffeur service, which includes luggage assistance and meet-and-greet services.

Luxurious Services with Clear Pricing 

Unlike traditional rides, the Prestige ride offers transparent pricing. Whether it’s bad weather or peak hours, you’ll pay the same price you booked with us. Your ride won’t end with hidden surprises that disturb your budget. 

Quick Comparison: Car Service vs. Taxi Showdown

The difference is transparent. Now the choice is yours. 

Features Airport car service Traditional services 
Wait time Zero Unpredictable 
Comfort level Luxurious amenities Basic 
Reliability High Varies 
Pricing Transparent, fixed Meter surprises, surge pricing 

Elevate Your Next Trip with Prestige Ride

At Prestige Ride, these essentials are our top priority. Our professional chauffeur takes care of all the airport chaos as soon as you meet them. Prestige Ride delivers premium service whether you’re heading for a city tour, a business meeting, or an airport transfer. So, book the airport car service and see the difference. 

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Gap year ahead? 5 crucial tips every parent must know before their child jets off

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Gap year ahead

A gap year is a fantastic opportunity for young travellers to experience other cultures and gain new experiences and independence. But for parents, it often brings a wave of worry alongside the excitement.

To help families prepare for this big step, Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, shares her top tips for supporting young adults as they head off on their travels.

  • Sort Travel Insurance First

Before anything else, Sarah advises getting comprehensive travel insurance tailored to your child’s destination and length of stay: 

“Start with travel insurance: be sure to take out a comprehensive policy that caters for the countries they’re visiting and length of trip.  It should cover things like their belongings, emergency medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation, curtailment and any adventurous activities, such as hiking or scuba diving, that they might want to try. If they have any pre-existing medical conditions, including food allergies, asthma, or diabetes, declare them on the policy. It’s worth keeping a copy of the policy yourself and making sure you both know how to access the emergency contact numbers if needed.”

Travel insurance policies can only be purchased by individuals aged 18 or older. For travellers under 18, a parent or guardian must purchase the policy on their behalf. However, if the traveller is 18 or older, they will need the traveller’s consent to access any details related to the policy. 

And don’t forget the health essentials. Make sure they’re up to date on recommended vaccinations for their destination, and pack enough prescription medication to last the trip, along with a basic first aid kit.

  • Create Copies of Important Documents

Losing a passport or other important documents can be distressing, especially when abroad. 

Sarah suggests: “It’s a good idea for both of you to have digital and printed copies of all their important documents like their passport, visa, insurance, driving licence and emergency contact details. If something gets lost or stolen, having quick access to that information can make a big difference.”

Make sure they’ve saved these securely, and that you have copies too in case of emergency.

  • Discuss Money Management

Managing money abroad is another learning curve. Sarah suggests using prepaid travel cards for safety and ease.

“Discuss how they’ll manage money abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be a safe and convenient option: not only do they help with budgeting, but they are also easier to replace than bank cards if they get lost.”

If they plan to use online banking, remind them to stick to secure networks and avoid logging in on public Wi-Fi.

  • Have Tough Conversations

Some topics can feel awkward to bring up but they’re just as important as flights and packing lists.

“Talking about safe sex may not be the most comfortable conversation to have, but it’s a necessary one. Not only do adolescents need to be fully aware of issues of consent, but they should also know where and how they can access items such as condoms on their travels, as well as how to get sexual health advice at a clinic, if necessary.”

Alcohol can also pose unexpected risks abroad, particularly with reports of counterfeit or unregulated drinks circulating in some regions.

“Given recent reports of home brewed alcohol with dangerous substances such as methanol laced drinks in hostels can pose a serious risk.  Educating them about the dangers of accepting unbranded or unregulated drinks is important and doing their research of the local area before they go is crucial. While backpacking and drinking may go hand in hand for some, they should be aware that consuming too much alcohol could not only put them in dangerous situations but also lead to serious health issues.  They should also know that accidents and injuries abroad that occur from over excessive drinking may invalidate their travel insurance if they’re found to be intoxicated.”

If you make a claim for an unexpected incident that happened while you were under the influence, your provider may not cover it. So, it’s important to remember that and urge them to stay safe.

And while tattoos and piercings can feel like part of the gap year adventure, they come with health warnings too.

Additionally, no matter what your personal feelings are about body art, tattoos and piercings are often gap year rites of passage. Talk to your children about hygiene and safety tips to reduce the risk of infection. Keeping a tattoo covered, clean and out of water and sunlight help the healing process.  It’s also worth mentioning that their travel insurance is unlikely to cover them if they need medical treatment which has been caused by a tattoo or piercing so it may be best to wait till they get home.”

  • Research Local Customs and Laws

Finally, she says: 

“Research the countries they’re visiting. Understanding local customs, basic laws and safety tips can help them avoid issues allowing them to get more out of their travels. A little preparation goes a long way and will help them feel more confident navigating new places.” 

This includes respecting dress codes and religious practices, which can vary widely between countries.

Letting your child head off on a gap year is a big milestone for them and for you. By taking time to prepare together, you can help make their trip as safe and rewarding as possible. 

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Weekend Warrior Strategy – Upgrade to Business Class for Short Trips

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Warrior Strategy - Upgrade to Business Class for Short Trips

Your weekend can feel epic even if the calendar barely budges. The secret is squeezing every ounce of comfort and time out of a short hop, then arriving ready to play tour guide, foodie, and nap connoisseur without ever yawning through dinner. Upgrading your seat is a power move. It changes the whole vibe. Suddenly the airport soundtrack softens, queues seem kinder, and your weekend brain snaps into vacation mode before wheels lift. You step off energized, not scrambled.

If you want the smoothest path from idea to aisle, check this website and compare the smartest fares through Business-Tickets. You will see cabins, aircraft, and timing lined up clearly, so you can pounce on value without juggling twelve tabs and a growing headache.

Build Upgrade Momentum Before Your Weekend Even Begins

Think like a sprinter, not a marathoner. Short trips reward quick decisions and flexible thinking. Keep your options open, and let your itinerary bend a little so your seat can treat you a lot.

  • Pick flights with historically lighter loads.
  • Watch price drops during midweek afternoons.
  • Choose fare classes upgrade eligible.
  • Track aircraft with better business cabins.
  • Hold seats, then recheck award space.

These tiny nudges add up fast. Suddenly your quick getaway looks like a mini retreat with a welcome drink and a proper blanket.

Turn Short Flights Into Big Comfort Without Big Prices

The magic of upgrading a short trip is that the cost often stays friendly while the comfort leaps skyward. Think priority lanes, peaceful lounges, and that glorious moment when your seat reclines and your shoulders unclench. Even a short hop becomes a calm pocket where emails wait, shoulders loosen, and you remember travel can feel simple, human, and oddly joyful again.

  • Use miles to top up.
  • Mix cash with miles wisely.
  • Compare nearby airport options.

Be flexible by a few hours and you might snag a cabin that feels custom built. The difference between a cramped commute and a relaxing glide is often one smart search using Business-Tickets.

Play The Gate Game With Polite Confidence

Upgrades are part strategy and part theater. You prepare well, then deliver your best smile at the right moment. Gate agents juggle a thousand moving pieces; kindness travels far.

Frequent weekend flyers often score last-minute paid upgrades; Travel + Leisure notes that asking again at the gate can still secure a lie-flat seat, while savvy travelers check this website first to benchmark real-time fare floors.

A few etiquette wins help enormously. Dress like you belong, arrive early, and have a clear ask. If there is space, you will hear angels sing. If not, you still board first in spirit.

Lock The Win And Maximize Every Precious Hour

The point of your weekend upgrade is not just comfort. It is time. You want more of it for brunch, galleries, soccer, or blissful nothing. Treat your booking like a game plan and make each minute count.

  • Preselect seats near faster exits.
  • Choose terminals with better lounges.
  • Pack light to avoid carousels.
  • Set alerts for return upgrades.
  • Schedule arrivals outside rush windows.
  • Keep backup rideshare or train plans.

Now your Friday evening starts at takeoff instead of after baggage claim. And your Sunday night ends with you feeling smugly human, not travel-wrecked. Business-Tickets keeps the comparisons honest, the choices simple, and the deals within reach, so your short trip acts like a long vacation. Next thing you know, you are back home telling friends you blinked and somehow fit an entire adventure between breakfast and Monday.

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