Holiday

Why Jungle Beach Should Be at the Top of Your Itinerary When in Unawatuna
Concealed among the greenery and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Jungle Beach is one of Unawatuna's best-kept secrets. Hidden away from the more crowded main beach, this beach gem has the perfect mix of adventure, serenity, and nature. Here's why Jungle Beach is the top pick for your Sri Lankan itinerary.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why Nuwara Eliya Is Worth a Visit Even If You Are Not a Tea Lover
Located in Sri Lanka's cloudy central highlands, Nuwara Eliya—"Little England" to some in sarcastic reference—is famous for its immense tea estates and colonial flair. But even if tea sampling isn't to your taste, this hillside bolthole is much more than a tipple. From panoramic views and old-world architecture to serene lakes and colourful horticulture, Nuwara Eliya is a refreshing retreat for all sorts of travellers. Here's why this cool-climate gem needs to be included on your travel agenda.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why Experiences Make Great Birthday Gifts. Content Warning.
We’ve all been there: another birthday on the calendar, another frantic scramble to figure out what to buy. A watch? A handbag? A bottle of perfume? Let’s be honest, after a while, even the nicest “things” start to feel a bit generic. That’s why more people searching for birthday gifts Dubai are turning to experience gifts.
By Karter Odin4 months ago in Families
Being Alone and Fine with It
Greetings, Vocal readers. Thanksgiving, a time of spending time with our loved ones, will be here before you know it. According to a study posted on Vice, five percent of Americans plan of celebrating this holiday all by themselves. This was significantly lower from 2024 where it was around 14%. The last time I've spent Thanksgiving with my family was back in 2010. Nearly 15 years later, I've since had a different perspective on this holiday. Many people would feel sorry for me because I'm single and alone on Thanksgiving. While the gesture is well-intentioned, I've resigned to the fact that I don't have to make a huge deal out of this day. Also, I don't necessary need people to make me feel happy. The only person who's responsible for my own happiness is myself. In the past, I would watch my Dallas Cowboys play on TV every Thanksgiving. I now treat this day as a regular one.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 months ago in Families
What is the Best Route to Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan, Thailand's laid-back island haven, boasts beaches that are gorgeous, jungles that are lush, and nightlife that is truly untamed. Since the island has no airport, though, most tourists are left with the dilemma of how to find their way there. Luckily, there are several lovely and convenient ways to travel to Koh Phangan—each of which provides a taste of southern Thailand's beauty that is unique. Whether you’re travelling from Bangkok, Koh Samui, or elsewhere, here’s a complete guide to the best ways to reach Koh Phangan with ease and comfort.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why Sri Lanka Is the Perfect Destination for Adventure Seekers and What You Can Do There
Sri Lanka might look small on the map, but it packs more adventure per square kilometre than most countries twice its size. This tear-shaped island is a haven for thrill-seekers who crave everything from mountain hikes and rainforest treks to ocean dives and white-water rapids. It’s a destination where you can start your morning chasing waves, spend your afternoon climbing peaks, and wrap up the day ziplining through misty hills. Whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or just dipping your toes into adventure travel, Sri Lanka offers the perfect blend of excitement, challenge, and raw natural beauty.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
What Makes Abu Dhabi a Top Wedding Destination
Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a premier wedding destination, offering a blend of luxury, culture, and modern sophistication. From pristine beaches and world-class resorts to iconic landmarks, the city provides a backdrop that can turn any wedding into a truly memorable event. The combination of stunning venues, professional services, and warm hospitality makes Abu Dhabi ideal for couples seeking a celebration that is both elegant and unique.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why the Maldives Should Be on Every Traveller’s Bucket List
The Maldives has long captured the imagination of travellers with its picture-perfect islands, turquoise lagoons, and powdery white sands. But beyond the postcard beauty lies something deeper—a sense of peace that feels almost otherworldly. Each island seems to exist in its own bubble of calm, where life slows to the rhythm of the ocean and the horizon stretches endlessly. Whether you’re watching the sun sink into the sea or listening to the soft whisper of waves at night, the Maldives offers an escape that feels both luxurious and grounding.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Touchy Topics Not to Talk About at Family Gatherings
It is good for families to get together at special times of the year to see one another and to celebrate the occasion. It is customary for families to be in one central location on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals. When large groups of relatives get together, some tend to say things that are not pleasing to others.
By Margaret Minnicks4 months ago in Families
Why Phan Thiet Should Be on Your Vietnam Travel List
Phan Thiet is one of Vietnam’s coastal treasures that quietly blends natural beauty with authentic local charm. Located along the country’s southeastern shore, this fishing town has grown into a relaxed beach destination without losing its traditional character. Unlike more crowded resort areas, Phan Thiet offers travellers an experience that feels refreshingly genuine. Its long stretches of sandy beach, warm weather, and laid-back rhythm make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking the comfort of the sea with the culture of a working coastal town.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why Whale and Dolphin Watching Should Be Part of Your Sri Lankan Itinerary
Sri Lanka’s coastline holds one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the world—watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Just a few kilometres from shore, the deep waters of the Indian Ocean attract some of the largest marine creatures on earth. Travellers who include whale and dolphin watching in their itinerary get to witness a side of Sri Lanka that goes far beyond its beaches and temples. The experience is both peaceful and powerful, reminding visitors how rich and alive the island’s surrounding seas truly are.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families
Why Visit Hoi An? - A Town That Feels Like a Living Postcard
Hoi An is one of those rare places that manages to feel timeless. Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, this historic town combines old-world charm with natural beauty in a way that captivates every visitor. With its lantern-lit streets, peaceful river views, and centuries-old architecture, Hoi An looks and feels like a scene from a dream. Whether you arrive for the history, the food, or simply to unwind, this riverside town has a calm rhythm that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
By John Ashley4 months ago in Families