It all started July 1. I left for India for two weeks. It was my first real trip that I didn’t plan and it was my second time to Asia. But this time I was in the real Asia. (Well from my perspective) My first stop was Delhi, a busy city filled with endless amounts of history and lots of culture shock. But the highlight was seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra! Wow!! Even though it was plus 45 C and my body was draining in sweat, I still couldn’t believe I was seeing it with my own eyes! It was one of those things on the top bucket travel lists, so you can only imagine my excitment. I finally checked it off!!

The next part of my India trip was volunteering in the Northern regions. As for explaining how I felt, learned, and experienced, well that will have to be another few articles. But for now please see my photos below.

Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Fiji can provide niche products such as water and organic farm products to niche markets.

During his appearance at the Fiji-Korea Business Forum Catalogue Exhibition he confirmed that Fiji is aiming to position itself as a market leader for providing niche products including water, organic farm produce, fruit and seafood to feed a growing niche market.

“We cannot carry out mass production in Fiji but we have many locally grown, locally produced and even locally manufactured items that are targeting the niche market,” he said.

Fiji is already home to unique products including a perfumed soap which has proved to be very popular with Koreans.

Speaking at the Exhibition, Korean Ambassador Hae-wook Cheong also revealed that a Korean venture called Korean Resort Company has commenced drilling a new source of mineral water in the Tavua area.

“Once licence is granted, a new brand of Fijian mineral water will be exported to Korea and other Asian countries,” Mr Cheong said.

Highlighting Fiji’s excellent manufacturing position compared to other island nations, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum explained, “We have the infrastructure, we have the safety and security and we have the economies of scale and we also have literate and skilled workforce here in Fiji”.

With an increase in reality cooking television shows and Fiji’s locally grown produce and renowned ‘pure’ ingredients set to be on the rise, more and more cuisine connoisseurs are flocking to the island to experience the unique culture and their distinctive cuisine.

There are wide variety of dining options situated around the island that range from casual dining on the beach, sidewalk cafes and onsite resort restaurants to fine dining establishments. Each venue offers its own individual menu with selections including Western favourites, traditional Italian, Asian and Mediterranean influences as well as authentic Fijian fare all lovingly prepared by experienced Chefs from the island’s crops, farms and organic produce.

To savour the staples of Fiji, take a journey on a food odyssey across the islands and sample everything from gourmet cuisine to traditional meals prepared in genuine Fijian villages.

Fiji holiday packages can take care of everything and offer significant savings by combining flights, accommodation, transfers and travel insurance with optional extras like resort vouchers, massage and spa treatments and tours. These Fiji holiday packages are also a great way to secure your spot in some of the more popular resorts and restaurants on the island.

As the seventh physically largest country in the world it is hardly surprising that India has such a diverse climate. Such variety adds flavour for visitors to the country and allows tourists to enjoy winter and summer concurrently in different parts of the country. In fact India is categorised as having six unique climate subtypes, with the country’s geography and local variances each adding to the weather’s character.

Read on to find out about all of India’s climate regions and the best times of year to visit this south Asian wonder.

Climate regions

Wet and Monsoon climate

India’s Western Ghats and Assam regions are characterised by their consistently high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. An average of 78cm falls between May and November, helping to fuel these areas famous tropical wet forests containing many of India’s most well-known animals.

Wet and savannah climate

Across the majority of the peninsula of India the temperature rarely falls below 18 degrees, with winter and the beginning of summer significantly dry. In fact these areas can get so hot that the temperature can reach as high as 45 degrees in the height of July.

Steppe climate

With the Tropic of Cancer bisecting India, it is hardly surprising that much of the country is semi-arid. Visitors to Karnataka, western Tamil Nadu or central Maharashtra can expect little rainfall other than during the summer monsoon period. Much of the land is open and unworried by vegetation, which means monthly temperatures of 32 degrees.

Sub-tropical desert climate

These areas typically see less than 30cm of rainfall each year and are prone to extremes in its climate. Western Rajasthan is the most famous of these areas, with the area sparsely populated due to the temperatures which can reach 50 degrees.

Sub-tropical humid climate

Bihar, parts of West Bengal and Assam experience this diverse kind of climate. Winters are usually dry, while temperatures can reach 46 degrees during summer. Rainfall varies between 65cm and 250cm annually meaning the area has a rich array of flowers and fauna.

Mountain and Highland climate

While India might have a large proportion of dry areas, sections in the north of the country are characterised by the Himalayas and an alpine climate. From Jamma to Uttarakhand and Sikkim to Arunachai Pradesh, these areas are renowned for their variety of weather. Some of the regions receive snow and are characterised by lower average temperatures while areas to the south of the mountain range are typically protected from colder Asian winds during winter.

When is it best to visit India?

When you visit India depends entirely on your destination, with the blistering heat and severe snowfalls capable of happening at the same time in different parts of the country.

During the humid summer months many tourists enjoy visiting the country’s alpine regions, where they can escape the oppressive heat of certain southern states. India’s national parks are especially popular during summer, with tiger spotting just one of many activities holidaymakers can enjoy.

The monsoon season makes it harder for visitors to travel around the country, although areas such as Ladakh largely avoid the treacherous conditions and offer tourists many seasonal attractions.

Throughout winter the south of India still enjoys remarkably pleasant conditions with the state of Tamil Nadu particularly lovely. Tourists from around the globe flock to the hotels in Chennai, the state’s capital city, to enjoy the Marina Beach and the region’s vibrant cultural attractions.

Have you ever been to India? When would you recommend for tourists to visit the country?

-        By Chris Mustaine
Follow Chris on Twitter @MeChrisMustaine

Visa applications increased by 15% in the first 4 months of 2013, when compared to the same period in the previous year. Global Visas handled a staggering 257,389 requests from those who want to leave the UK this year. One of the main reasons that hopeful emigrants gave for wanting to up sticks and leave was the especially poor climate that Britain has experienced of late.

Photo courtesy of Masuru Kamikura

Where is everyone fleeing to?

So where are these hundreds of thousands of expats planning on emigrating to? It is easy to assume that Britons are heading to sunnier skies where they can still enjoy a few home comforts and direct flights, but figures show that the previously popular EU destinations such as Spain are taking a backseat in favour of more far-flung locations.

Canada has proven to be a popular but perhaps unexpected location for many expats, with 27% of those leaving the UK for Mounties and maple leaves. The laid back lifestyle in Australia also attracts a large group of Britons who seek sun over snow, with 22% of those leaving behind the drizzle to head down under.

The recent Eurozone crisis could be a contributing reason as to why so many people are choosing to relocate further afield; the relative familiarity of what we know is no longer comforting when gripped by recession. With the rest of the world suddenly a realistic possibility for so many aspiring expats, where do you choose to make your new home, and why?

 Asia

Asia is becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst expats seeking a more exotic emigration destination. Matthew Montagu-Pollock runs Globalpropertyguide.com, and emigrated to Asia himself. Matthew lived in the Philippines for 15 years, and rented out a tiny and rather grimy ex-council flat in London and was able to use solely the income from that to rent a 300sqm house with a swimming pool in a luxurious gated community in Manila.

Due to a boom in economy and popularity, the same can’t be done for the same sort of money in the Philippines, but is this standard of living is available if Brits relocate to neighbouring countries such as Thailand. Due to foreign currency exchange rates you are suddenly rich on what would seem like a rather average wage in Britain. As these countries are still developing, they have a fantastic period for potential growth ahead which expats could really reap the benefits of if they choose to relocate there now.

Photo courtesy of epSos.de

Australia

Australia has remained the most popular destination for emigrating Brits, with numbers relocating down under steadily increasing from 48,000 to 64,000 in the twenty years since 1991. As a country with the same love for beer and good natured British banter but with weather regularly reaching the high 30C’s there’s no surprise why so many people from the UK are packing their bags and jumping on the next long haul flight to Australia.

For those choosing to migrate down under, there are subject to a rigorous screening process and points based application system – this is to ensure that Australia attracts the most skilled migrants who will be an asset to their country. However expats may be more than willing to endure this lengthy procedure to hopefully exploit the promising career paths available in Australia that are perhaps out of reach in budget-stricken Britain. Thanks to a boom in the mining industry in Perth, the Australian economy has expanded and the demand for a skilled workforce has increased, therefore opening up more career opportunities. Due to the demand for diverse Australian resources, the country only experienced one quarter of negative growth during the global financial meltdown. This is certainly an attractive and refreshing change for expats looking to bid farewell to a debt-riddled Britain!

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a nation of emigrants – 2010 records showed that only 16.5% of the population were born and bred Emiratis. There are seven regions within the United Arab Emirates, the most popular for emigrants being Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Since 2007, more than 10,000 Britons have chosen to make the move to the UAE each year.

A huge attraction with moving to the UAE is that you do not pay tax in any earned income. This therefore balances out any higher living costs as you have more of your wages coming back to yourself. Just looking at the glittering metropolis’ that have been constructed across UAE show the wealth and luxury social life that is to be had – what more could an expat want?

Rosie Percy writes for a diverse range of topics and industries including travel, finance and health. Rosie has previously written for the Guardian and lifestyle blogs, and currently lives in Brighton.

So get your trusty set of binoculars packed – Uttings Outdoors are offering binoculars from Opticron and Nikon for bargain prices in case you are running short on reliable equipment – and book your trip to one of these four destinations in Asia.

India

Let’s begin the list with a country that often pops up on people’s top ten backpacking countries on earth – India.

So why is this country so popular? One of the main reasons is likely because of the fascinating buildings and locations which are dotted all across this vast nation.

From the instantly recognisable Taj Mahal to discovering the startling contrast between the vibrant city of Mumbai and the seaside oasis of Goa, there is just so much to see and do once in this awe-inspiring country.

What’s more, backpackers on a budget and hoping to stretch their cash as far as possible will also be pleased to hear that India’s food, accommodation and travel are often available very cheap when compared to other destinations across the globe.

Vietnam

Vietnam has sure had its fair share of bad fortune in the history books. A number of highly-publicised wars held the country back for many years, and yet it has emerged as one of the world’s most beautiful nations now that it is once again enjoying peacetime.

The country was put in the mainstream spotlight a few years back when it was featured on a special edition of BBC’s well-loved motor series Top Gear – have a look here if you need a reminder.

Backpackers can follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Clarkson and company by stopping off at the stunning havens of Hanoi and Danang City, although the highlight of the tour could well be a visit to the mystical Halong Bay.

Indonesia

Indonesia sets itself apart from every other country on the planet due to it being made up of thousands of islands, each of which is just as fascinating to explore as the last.

Backpackers who take the time to explore as much of Indonesia as they possibly can will likely pass through spectacular rainforests, vibrant jungles and lush silver beaches lapped with crystal-clear green waters by the end of their travels.

For actual destinations to make a note of in your self-made itinerary, Harau Valley at Abdi Homestay and Lake Maninjau are both brilliant starting points.

In its top ten backpacking countries guide, Ask Men went as far as to call Thailand “ backpacker’s paradise”. Once you do a little research into the country though, it soon becomes clear why the publication feels this way.

For one, the country is packed to the brim with historical and cultural architectural masterpieces. The Wat Arun temple, the Wat Phra Kaeo temple, the Wat Benchamabophitr landmark and Bangkok’s Grand Palace all must be seen to be believed.

Thailand is also very inviting to tourists, thanks to how well the country’s mass transit system has been set up and operated. This is not to mention the glorious Thai cuisine which is served up fresh from many of the nation’s restaurants at excellent prices.

My surroundings

Vietnam has oodles of natural beauty! And it has is all; mountains, beaches and its surreal lime stone islands. By TEFL in Vietnam I have worked the typical average of 20-25 hours per week and this has given me plenty of time to explore. I live in the capital Hanoi. With French and Chinese cultural influences, Hanoi has a bustling, big city feel. I love the old part of the city where traditional life is in abundance as well as the parks, when in search of a little peace and quiet. In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam’s economic driving force) a fascinating mixture of traditional native heritage and 21^st century economic growth can be found.

The Food

The food in Vietnam really is a treat for the eyes, the nostrils and the taste buds. I don´t think a day has gone by when I haven’t got to try something delicious. One of my favorite things to do is to visit the markets to sample the street food. Although some foods, for me, are definitively a no-go, I often discover new, tasty dishes. The food-only markets are the best as they are less touristic. As a rule of thumb, where the locals go, I follow. As in the whole of Southeast Asia, rice plays a central role. I often find myself eating it for lunch and dinner, which is something I would never do at home. But also in Vietnam, noodles are just as popular, coming in all different shapes and sizes. One thing I love is that the street food is always fresh. Whether its seafood or meat, fruit or veg, great tasting choices are always to hand.

The People

There is a general culture of respect for others in Vietnam and it is evident in everyday life. People are generally friendly and accepting and I can say that I have never once felt uncomfortable or threatened. The Vietnamese economy is growing and you can see why. The people appear incredibly hardworking and optimistic, a positivity that has rubbed off on me. When I started teaching, I was initially wary, as I did not know what to expect. However, the mentality runs in the schools as well, where the children possess a genuine respect for teachers. The children are attentive, open and have a real desire to learn, especially English, which really makes a difference!

My Experience

I live with another English teacher who I met at the public school where I teach. Accommodation is very affordable and so is the cost of living. Pay is well enough to live a comfortable lifestyle. I have met friends for life, seen the sites of this diverse country, gained priceless work experience and learned about myself in the process. The confidence I have gained from this adventure will last me a lifetime.

Laura Wright is an English teacher who loves travelling and, after a year spent teaching English as a foreign language in Vietnam, wanted to share her experience with you all. 

Even if you had only intended to spend just a few weeks on your Vietnam vacation, before heading home to the familiarity of your local McDonalds and the joys of finding gainful employment, the sheer breadth and beauty of the country may well entice you to stay for longer.

In a bid to discover more about the local culture, many gap year backpackers opt to carry out some charitable volunteering as a method of learning more about their temporary home. Volunteering often means that you’ll have to pay in order to offer your services to any given charity; your fees will go towards the work of the charity, but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find a volunteering opportunity where you won’t have to pay.

An Exception

The CDS Rural Education Development Organization offers support and help to young Vietnamese living in rural areas who for one reason or another are seen as disadvantaged. The scheme is free for volunteers and is mainly concerned with English language skills and introducing multiculturalism to these young Vietnamese. One of the positive advantages of taking part in this sort of scheme is that you’ll be able to learn a lot more about Vietnamese culture and gain a greater appreciation for the country and its people as well as sharing your skills with an appreciative audience. This particular charity offers accommodation for its volunteers.

Hanoi

If after volunteering you want to spend some time unwinding in Vietnam then head to Hanoi. This northern city has still retained traces of its French colonial heritage combined with its unique Vietnamese atmosphere. The Old Quarter with its numerous traders is fascinating, and if you’re travelling on a budget then look out for one of the many cheap guesthouses that proliferate the city. Many travellers use Hanoi as a starting point for visiting the rest of the North of the country. The city has good connecting rail services and there are some internal flights to other parts of the country as well as a widespread bus network.

Mai Chau is a three hour drive to the West of Hanoi but its picture postcard beauty makes it well worth the effort. Over the last few years many of the more isolated indigenous peoples (there are about 58 tribes throughout Vietnam) have taken part in a variety of schemes that encourage them to open their homes to overseas travellers, and most of the organized tours will offer this facility; you will be offered some regional cuisine and invited to hear local music

National Parks

If you enjoy cycling or trekking there are numerous opportunities to hire a bike and head off to one of Vietnam’s thirty National Parks. Cuc Phuong, just south west of Hanoi, is the oldest and has set up an ambitious programme of conservation. The park is home to many unique species of plants and animals and its Endangered Primate Rescue Centre has been credited with saving Delacour’s Langur, an endearing and vulnerable primate.

By, Celina Bledowska, writer and journalist

photo credit: etraveltrips.com

Backpacking in India can indeed be a very exciting experience. Right from the Himalayas in the north to the Nilgiris in the south, the vast stretches of deserts in the North West to beautiful natural landscapes and valleys in the north-east, the hills in the central region of the country or the wild-life sanctuaries, India is a one land which is rightfully called every backpacker’s dream! If you are a foreign traveller, here are a few tips to learn to get about in the country. A fair amount of common English words are understood almost anywhere in the country but it is advisable to read the lonely planet guides before visiting any place. Do not carry too much cash at any point of time on you. Even if you are backpacking, ATM’s and bank networks are very well established so withdrawal of money is easy at almost all times. Traveller cheques could come handy. However if you are backpacking in the mountains and have limited avenues, carry some amount of extra cash. Do not worry about staying in touch with your folks back home as international calls are now easy. Buy a caller card or a phone or arrival, you have plenty of options with a lot of service providers offering pre and post paid plans. Carry all your medicines and toiletteries as these might be unavailable based on your specific requirements.

If you are a native to your soil, you already know her people, her cultures well so no need of a brief there. However, backpacking can still be fun as there is still a lot more to discover and a lot more that this country has in store for you. A common occurrence, no matter where you travel is that with every few miles changes the dialect of the people and the customs and traditions followed by the natives of the hills is far more varied that the ones followed by the inhabitants of the plains. It is interesting to note how topography dictates the very way of life of people here and nature commands and shapes the religious beliefs of the people in this sub-continent. A few accommodation options available are the youth hostels and the chains that they offer in terms of bed and breakfasts as also camping sites all across the country. If you are travelling with the Youth Hostel International group, it is fun and you are less worried about your security. Last but not the least, carry your camera to capture some of the most stunning images you will ever see in your life, be it the natural landscapes or the flora and fauna of the region. Carry enough batteries on you, wear a good sports gear, equip yourself with the best accessories available in terms of trekking and other adventurous activities and you are good to go!

The blossoming trees mean that warm weather is on its way and also signifies the beginning of the working year. The cherry blossom front – the order in which the trees blossom throughout the country is known as the ‘sakura zensen’ . It is closely mapped out by the Japanese Meteorological Society and broadcast along with the weather forecasts. The blossoms remain on the trees for around a week before falling.

Photo credit: japan-guide.com

When to go

The cherry blossoms first open in the south of Japan and move up the country, taking around 10 weeks. Generally the first to appear are in Okinawa from mid to late January. It is usually late March by the time the cherry blossoms begin to open in Tokyo and the higher climbs of the country. It is a popular tourist season for the Japanese with many families taking a break to incorporate visiting one of the blossom hotspots with a little holiday. The Japan Cherry Blossom Association has details of where is best to see the blossoms each year as this changes depending on the weather over the Winter.

Where to go

There are cherry trees in most public parks and gardens throughout Japan. They are outside schools, offices, places of worship and Buddhist shrines. There are cherry blossom hotspots though that are famous for their Spring displays of flowers. Here are my top five;

• Ÿ   Maruoka Parka in Kagoshima has over 6,000 trees. These are stunningly lit at night, like a fairy tale vision.
• Ÿ   Sengangen Garden in Kagoshima has a beautiful view of Sakurojima as well as over 2,000 trees.
• Ÿ   Ichifusa Dam in Fukuoka is home to more than 20,000 trees and has special night viewing.
• Ÿ   Mount Tsurumi in Oita is typically picture-postcard perfect. The cherry trees blossom in April.
• Ÿ  Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto is literally surrounded by cherry trees. It would make an amazing wedding venue!

Touring the country

The ultimate Japanese trip has to be a tour of the country, following the cherry blossoms from region to region as they open and fall. There are plenty of tour operators that offer arranged visits, moving from one town to the next. For a 2 week visit you can expect to pay anything from £2,000 upwards. The upside of this however is that everything from flights and transfers to hotels and park tickets are arranged for you in advance.  If you are thinking about arranging your own tour of the country though make sure you book accommodation early as hotels, particularly those with natural hot spas book up quickly.

Travelling to Japan is nothing like going on a short trip to Spain or even responding to the allures of Thailand, much further east. However, Japan is as far east as one can go and the mysticism of the land of the rising sun has no equal there.

India spines an extravagant galaxy of lures by merging eclectic blend of cultural groups, the cruise of the region is no less than a shot of tequila for travelers. “Incredible” there is no other word in the dictionary which can express the splendor of this enchanting country or captures the enigma that India is having.

The country bestows an endless range of sightseeing for the traveler. Some of them could prove to be challenging for the newbie’s but lot of them would be no less than a hot cake.   The country encapsulates the experiences of love, life, spirituality & nobility.

The land is completely decked with hundreds of attractions along with different culture, value and religion. As it’s a melting pot of all for religion. You’ll be delighted with thousands of colorful marbles along with different shades and values.

For the first-time visitor, India can be a wee bit different. The lifestyle & culture is completely different from the west, therefore you must have the awareness of some do’s and don’ts while visiting India first time or anytime.

Do’s for travelling in India

• India’s roads are so congested due to human & vehicle traffic so make sure to leave early.
• Do greet people with smiley faces and don’t shake hand with strangers.
• Do hire a licensed guide don’t follow any unknown because they may offer you wrong information about any specific monument or attraction.
• Do exchange money with authorize banks or money changers.
• Do bargain with shoppers while making any purchase from roadside stalls or hawkers where “fixed price” tags are not displayed.
• Do respect culture, religion and god and goddess of country.
• Do keep first aid box along with you during travel. Some diseases like typhoid, malaria, hepatitis etc are prevalent in India so do take meditation you need in ample supply.

Don’ts for travelling in India

•  Don’t smoke or drink any alcohol in Public. It’s an offence according to the law of India, if caught then you may get penalized for this.
• Don’t try to make any deal with tenacious touts and taxi-wallahs at airport/stations/bus stand to help you find your hotel, monuments tickets etc.
• Don’t buy food from street or mobile shops as they include much oil, spice and calories that can cause your health by disturbing your stomach. Stay healthy!
• Don’t drink local tap water. Always drink mineral water.
• Put off your shoes while entering in Hindu’s temples and follow all rules and regulations instructed by the temple.
• Don’t hire any type of transportation services from unauthorized agencies, in case if you need any auto rickshaw try to hire them from the pre-paid booths if possible.
• Don’t enroll yourself in hunt and poaching activities, it can drop you in serious travel like penalty and Jail term as well.
• Don’t make racial gestures or comments.
• Don’t walk over books and papers as Indians treat them as a metaphor for the Goddess of Learning.
• Don’t purchase any spiritual salvation or magic remedies from the saints, quacks and Godmen because they may prove to be conman and you could be duped by them.

About the Author: Ashok Kumar is a travel enthusiast and specializes in India tourism and travels. He enjoys exotic delicacies, swimming, hanging out with friends and losing his mind to house music. He happily shares his personal experiences with the readers through his creative India Blog and articles.