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Dark Tourism: Blessing in disguise

A holiday or vacation is associated with relaxation, merriment, fun and so on…but of late tourists are demanding visits to disaster zones, a trend never seen before

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DArk Tourism Blessing FWD Life

A holiday or vacation is associated with relaxation, merriment, fun and so on…but of late tourists are demanding visits to disaster zones, a trend never seen before.

According to a recent report Japanese authorities are seriously contemplating to turn the disaster site of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into a tourist destination. Last year, the notorious Missouri State Penitentiary, nicknamed “the bloodiest 47 acres in America”, was opened to visitors to see the gas chamber once used for executions. And many more such macabre jaunts may be opened for public in future. Definitely, disturbing news for many but for those who want to evoke dark fascination in them, this is the destination.

 

Polar vortex, United-States-of-AmericaPolar vortex, United States of America

The deadly Polar vortex turned US a hotspot of visual treats. The record-breaking chill across the U.S. and Canada was so frigid it literally stopped Niagara Falls in its tracks. One would think the icy cold would keep tourists away, but those who enjoy taking photos rugged up to snap the conditions, producing exceptional images they wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to capture. Tourists were out in force with their cameras at the Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park and Rainbow Bridge, where frozen mist and solid ice was clearly visible.

St. Louispolar-vortex-ap

 Chelyabinsk MeteorChelyabinsk Meteor, Russia

Last year, an asteroid weighing at least 10,000 tons and traveling at more than 41,000 mph entered Earth’s atmosphere, morphed into a superbolide and exploded approximately 14.5 miles above Russia’s southern Ural region injuring more than 1500 people and damaging thousands of structures. Today, it’s attracting tourists. Visitors to southern Ural can follow an unofficial meteorite trail, stopping off at Chelyabinsk, the city directly beneath the meteor’s explosion; Lake Chebarkul, where one of the largest chunks of meteor fell; and Ilmen reserve, which boasts a small exhibit of meteor fragments. Regional authorities are even planning a celebration on the event’s one-year anniversary, February 15, 2014.

Chelyabinsk MeteorChelyabinsk Meteor

Pompeii-Italy-Ancient-CityPompeii, Italy

The mother of all disaster tourism sites, Pompeii lay undiscovered for approximately 1500 years. When nearby Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it buried the ancient Roman city—along with neighboring Herculaneum—under mounds of ash and pumice, ultimately preserving everything from its streets to its frescoes. Pompeii was initially rediscovered in 1599. More recently, 300 human skeletons of people trying to flee the eruption were found on a nearby beach. Today, Pompeii is part of the larger Vesuvius National Park and is one of Italy’s most popular tourism attractions, with approximately 2.5 million visitors annually.

 Pompeii-StreetPompeii-Italy

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Soomaa Floods, Estonia

An Estonian region hit by floods is using this natural disaster to attract visitors and organize canoe tours through flooded territories. The end of March and early April is the time when this unique phenomenon can be seen. Visitors are most attracted by the Soomaa floods or the fifth season, which follows the thawing of snow and heavy rains. During this period, all low-lying forests, roads and even yards are flooded and people can only get around by boat.

Soomaa_-_Gardensoomaa

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Prypiat, Ukraine

Ever since Japan’s earthquake and tsunami prefaced a near-nuclear catastrophe in March, visitors have flocked to the doomed wasteland in the Ukraine, where bona fide disaster struck in 1986. Now, droves of tourists are flocking to Chernobyl’s ruins, a ghost site the Ukrainian government claims is safe. Still, Chernobyl tours come with strict rules because of the chance of lingering radiation: visitors are not to touch any onsite vegetation, and are even forbidden from eating outdoors or setting their tripods on the ground.

prypiat_ukraine_IMG_8743Prypiat-Ukraine_City-ruins_5127

arenal-volcanoArenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Generally, people flee when a volcano erupts, Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world is the perfect destination for many visitors to Costa Rica.   It is truly an awe inspiring sight to see the burning lava flows towards the base of this enormous volcano.  This natural wonder, and its scenic surroundings, is one of the main attractions, not only of the Alajuela province, but also of all Costa Rica. Lake Arenal lies beneath the volcano and is a 41 km artificial lake that provides different forms of entertainment from boating to windsurfing.  Its beautiful natural surroundings allow visitors to discover a wide variety of flora and fauna.

ArenalVolcanoatnightcosta rica

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Travel Wellness: Staying Healthy and Fit While Exploring

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Travelling is an enriching experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories. However, maintaining your health and fitness while on the road can be a challenge. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets, lounging on a beach, or embarking on an adventure, staying well and fit is crucial for enjoying your travels to the fullest. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy and active while exploring new destinations.

Plan Your Travel Meals

Eating healthy while traveling can be challenging, but with a little planning, it’s entirely achievable. Research local cuisine before your trip and seek out restaurants or markets that offer nutritious options. Opt for meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider preparing some of your meals to maintain control over ingredients and portions.

Stay Hydrated

Travel can easily disrupt your hydration routine. Always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. Drinking enough water helps with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you’re traveling to a place with different water quality, consider bringing a portable water purifier or sticking to bottled water.

Incorporate Physical Activity

Finding time to exercise while traveling can be tough, but it’s essential for maintaining your fitness and energy levels. Here are a few ways to stay active:

  • Use Hotel Gyms: Many hotels offer fitness centers. Utilize these facilities to keep up with your workout routine.
  • Explore on Foot: Walking or biking around your destination not only provides exercise but also allows you to experience the city’s sights more intimately.
  • Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of local outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or even a beach workout.

Maintain a Sleep Schedule

Traveling at first class. Flight with comfort. Pretty young woman sleeping in airplane.

Adjusting to new time zones can disrupt your sleep pattern, which affects overall health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to calming music, can also help you wind down and improve sleep quality.

Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Travel can be exciting but also stressful. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Many travel destinations offer wellness retreats or classes where you can participate in mindfulness activities.

Pack a Travel Health Kit

Prepare a travel health kit with essentials like vitamins, medications, and first-aid supplies. Include items such as hand sanitizer, travel-sized disinfectant wipes, and any prescription medications you may need. Having these on hand can help prevent illness and manage minor health issues.

Stay Active During Travel

Long flights or car rides can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Take breaks to stretch or walk around every few hours. Simple exercises like seated leg lifts, neck stretches, and shoulder rolls can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.

Adopt Local Wellness Practices

Explore and embrace local wellness practices and traditions. Whether it’s a traditional Thai massage, Japanese hot springs, or Ayurvedic treatments in India, incorporating local wellness practices can enhance your overall travel experience and contribute to your well-being.

 Avoid Overindulgence

While it’s tempting to indulge in local delicacies, moderation is key. Balance indulgent meals with healthier options and be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoying treats in moderation allows you to savor local flavors without compromising your health goals.

Stay Social and Connected

Social interactions and maintaining connections with loved ones can boost mental health and overall happiness. Make time to connect with fellow travelers, locals, or family and friends back home to keep your spirits high and your travel experience fulfilling.

By integrating these wellness tips into your travel routine, you can ensure a healthier and more enjoyable journey. Staying active, eating well, and managing stress will help you feel your best and make the most of your travel experiences. Safe travels and happy exploring!

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Real House of the Dragon Location You Want to Visit

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Returning to Westeros for the battle between the Blacks and Greens in “House of the Dragon” season two. A civil war within the House of Targaryen over who should inherit the Iron Throne is the subject of the television drama series, which is based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and takes place two centuries before Game of Thrones. Along with other important members of the season one ensemble, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen are returning for the presently running second season.

We can’t wait to explore all of the amazing filming locations that this series has brought us. Considering how rich the universe is, it makes sense. Rather than depending solely on computer-generated scenery and soundstages, several of the actual filming locales contribute to the world of Westeros’ distinctive atmosphere.

Here, a guide to House of the Dragon filming locations you can visit:

Castleton, Derbyshire, England

In the first season of the show, Castleton, a village in high-peaked Derbyshire with one of the oldest lead mines, was transformed into The Vale of Arryn. Those who watch Game of Thrones would recall this as the location of House Arryn and the Eyrie, a stronghold where adversaries can be driven to their deaths via a moon portal. The region, which was once inhabited by Celtic people, is well-known for its traditional English hamlets and the limestone valley of Cave Dale, which is located inside the national park.

St. Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England

St. Michael’s Mount is a rocky tidal island with a 12th-century mediaeval church and a small, intimate village connected to the island of Marazion by a causeway that visitors can cross on foot during low tide. Blackwater Bay, a sizable body of water at Kings Landing’s edge, is home to House Velaryon, the fictional Driftmark of House of the Dragon, which is housed in the island’s main fortress. A prior appearance of Driftmark occurred in the Battle of the Blackwater in Game of Thrones.

La Calahorra, Granada, Spain

Reimagined as Pentos, one of the cities bordering the seas of Westeros, the imaginary continent at the heart of the world of Game of Thrones, is the municipality La Calahorra in eastern Granada. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the solitary hill in the region, lies a mediaeval fortress known as Castillo de La Calahorra, one of the region’s most iconic monuments. The exterior of the castle, which serves as the seat of House Targaryen on House of the Dragon, defies the rules of Gothic design, making it one of the first buildings in Spain to be influenced by the Renaissance between 1509 and 1512. Its exquisite split-level interior features a centre courtyard, four corner towers, and marble.

Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain

The province of Cáceres, in western Spain, is a veritable time capsule. Ancient structures that date back hundreds of years nevertheless look substantially the same, displaying a variety of architectural influences, such as Roman, Moorish, and Gothic. Several locations in the region were used to film the King’s Landing sequences, including the walled city of Plasencia in season one, Trujillo in season two, and the capital city of Cáceres in both seasons.

Bourne Wood in Farnham, England

Bourne Wood was the location of one of the largest fight scenes from season two of House of the Dragon. Large clearings in the forest make it perfect for expansive combat scenes and large film crews, while the absence of newer, more contemporary buildings or power lines gives the location a timeless sense. According to London Cult’s documentation, the forest was outfitted with a tent camp and certain areas were covered in artificial snow. The woodland is about an hour’s drive away, making the setting very handy for films like House of the Dragon that are headquartered out of the Warner Bros. Leavesden studio.

Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain

An island in Biscay called Gaztelugatxe has a hermitage that goes back to the tenth century. The iconic stone bridge was used for filming House of the Dragon. In season seven, the islet served as a stand-in for Dragonstone during filming for Game of Thrones. the location of the initial season’s encounter between Rhaenyra and her dragon on Dragonstone Bridge.

 

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Essential Summer Travel Bag Must-Haves

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As the summer sun beckons, it’s time to dust off your travel bags and embark on exciting adventures. Whether you’re jetting off to exotic destinations or exploring hidden gems closer to home, packing the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey. Join me as we explore the must-have items to pack in your travel bags for a memorable summer getaway.

Sun Protection Essentials:

Beat the heat and safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays with sun protection essentials. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses to shield your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. Additionally, lip balm with SPF and aloe vera gel can provide relief from sunburns and keep your lips hydrated.

Lightweight Clothing Options:

Embrace the spirit of summer with lightweight and breathable clothing options that keep you cool and comfortable on your travels. Pack versatile pieces such as cotton shirts, shorts, flowy dresses, and swimsuits for beach outings. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics to minimize the need for ironing and save space in your luggage.

Hydration Essentials:

Stay hydrated on the go by packing a reusable water bottle in your travel bag. Fill it up whenever you have access to clean drinking water to quench your thirst and reduce plastic waste. Consider packing electrolyte packets or tablets to replenish lost minerals during outdoor activities or hot weather.

Travel-Friendly Toiletries:

Travel toiletries in clear plastic, quart-sized bag on white background

Streamline your toiletry bag with travel-sized essentials that meet TSA regulations and save space in your luggage. Pack items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and moisturizer in leak-proof containers. Don’t forget to include a compact travel towel and wet wipes for quick refreshment on the go.

Tech Gadgets and Accessories:

Capture unforgettable moments and stay connected with essential tech gadgets and accessories. Pack your smartphone, camera, or GoPro along with chargers, power banks, and adapters for international travel. Consider investing in a lightweight and portable Bluetooth speaker for impromptu beach parties or outdoor picnics.

First Aid Kit and Medications:

Home first aid kit on a blue background. The elements of the first aid kit are laid out on the table.

Be prepared for minor emergencies and health-related issues by packing a well-stocked first aid kit in your travel bag. Include items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need during your trip.

With these essential items packed in your travel bag, you’re ready to embark on a summer adventure filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. From sun protection essentials to tech gadgets and first aid supplies, being prepared for every situation ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey wherever your travels may take you. So, grab your bags, soak up the sun, and let the summer adventures begin!

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