Ronan O'Connell

Ronan O'Connellhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/ronan-oconnellRonan O'Connellhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/is-thailand-safeTheft, scams, traffic accidents, and sickness are the four main concerns regarding Thailand crime and safety. 2026-03-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/is-thailand-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thailand can be both very safe, and very dangerous for tourists. It all depends on their actions and attitude. During my ten years living in Thailand, I learned that tourists who are careful and respectful of local people and laws will find it a peaceful nation.</p> <p>In contrast, trouble will find those who treat Thailand like a lawless fantasyland. Such behaviour upsets the locals, and leaves tourists open to being scammed, robbed, arrested, or injured by an assault or road accident.</p> <h2>Why Thailand is considered a safe destination</h2> <p>Thailand’s rule of law is not strong. However, it relies so heavily on tourism that it has a giant <a href="http://www.touristpolice.go.th">Tourist Police Bureau</a> (about 1,700 English-speaking staff) whose job it is to provide foreigners with protection and justice.</p> <p>This is a key reason that Thailand safety for tourists is robust, and it has a low rate of street crime against tourists: criminals know that targeting foreigners will be treated more seriously. This bureau is part of Thailand’s strong tourism infrastructure, which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Well-connected international airports.</li> <li>A massive range of accommodation.</li> <li>Huge variety of restaurants and bars.</li> <li>Cheap taxis, trains and buses.</li> <li>English language signage and English speaking staff in abundance.</li> </ul> <h2>Common Safety Concerns in Thailand</h2> <p>Theft, scams, traffic accidents, and sickness are the four main concerns regarding Thailand crime and safety.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Petty theft</strong> – Your phone, camera or bag may disappear if you leave it unattended in a public space. Thai thieves mostly target those who are intoxicated, as they can’t give police reliable information, or descriptions of their attacker.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Scams</strong> – Most scams occur in Thailand’s busiest tourist areas, and involve no violence, just the loss of a small amount of money. Easily the most widespread are taxi scams. Taxis that wait outside big hotels, popular attractions, and nightlife areas often refuse to use a meter, and instead quote an inflated flat. Ignore them and flag down a taxi driving past or order a car via the reliable <a href="https://www.grab.com/th/">Grab app</a>.</li> <li><strong>Traffic accidents</strong> – Thailand’s roads are the <a href="https://www.who.int/thailand/health-topics/road-safety">single biggest threat to tourists</a>. It has the second-highest road deaths per capita of any country, and ranks first for motorbike deaths, according to a 2019 study. So avoid long trips in minivans or buses, which may have unreliable drivers. And be wary when using zebra crossings, because many local motorists speed straight through them. Lastly, don’t hire a motorbike, even if you’re a veteran rider.</li> <li><strong>Heat and dehydration</strong> – Thailand’s combination of high heat (frequently 90F or higher) and extreme humidity (frequently 75% or higher) can quickly cause dehydration or heat exhaustion, <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand">especially for tourists</a> from cold climates. Aim to drink at least three litres of water per day, and avoid prolonged, direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-one.jpeg" alt="A city in Thailand" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Is Thailand Safe for Tourists Right Now?</h2> <p>For readers wondering – is Thailand safe for tourists right now – the answer is absolutely. If, of course, you are cautious and respectful, as detailed above.</p> <ul> <li><strong>General stability</strong><strong> - </strong>Thai politics can be unpredictable. In the past century, Thailand has had at least a dozen successful military coups, when its army seized control of Government. The most recent was in 2014, which I witnessed while living in Bangkok, where many protestors were killed or injured.</li> <li><strong>Protests and what to know</strong> - According to <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html">official government travel advisories</a>, Thailand is generally safe for visitors, though travelers should stay aware of occasional political tensions and demonstrations, which can arise quickly but rarely affect tourists who avoid protest areas.</li> <li><strong>Seasonal considerations</strong> – Avoid Thailand from March to May, when it’s at its hottest, and during the June to September monsoon season. Come instead during winter in December or January, when heat and humidity are much lower.</li> </ul> <h2>City and Region Safety Breakdown</h2> <h3>Is Bangkok Safe for Tourists?</h3> <p>In 10 years living in Bangkok on-off I never experienced an assault, theft or robbery. The foreigners I knew who did were either flouting local laws, or made themselves easy targets by getting drunk in public. Here’s three safety safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Public transport</strong> – Motorcycle taxis will save you time, by weaving through Bangkok’s traffic, but they’re extremely dangerous. Otherwise, Bangkok’s skytrain and underground are very safe.</li> <li><strong>Pickpocketing</strong> – Pickpocketing is fairly rare in Bangkok. High risk locations are on public transport and nightlife areas.</li> <li><strong>Nightlife areas</strong> – Bangkok’s thieves and scammers target intoxicated foreigners in nightlife areas. So stay in groups, mind your valuables, and don’t get wasted.</li> </ul> <h3>Is Phuket Safe?</h3> <p>As opposed to Bangkok, Phuket has wider issues with safety during the day, due to a higher concentration of scammers and thieves. Here’s three safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Beach safety</strong><strong> - </strong>Phuket has dozens of ocean drownings each year. Travelers must be wary of undertows, which can pull them out into deep water, and also of jetskis and speed boats, which roar through swimming areas.</li> <li><strong>Jet skis & water activities</strong><strong> - </strong>Renting a jet ski in Phuket is risky. Because it commonly involves a scam, where tourists are intimidated into paying huge sums for supposed damage to the jetski.</li> <li><strong>Scooter accidents –</strong> Tourists with no, or minimal scooter experience are crazy to learn this skill while navigating Thailand’s deadly roads. Yet many still try.</li> </ul> <h3>Safety in Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand</h3> <p>Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand are not just quieter than Phuket and Bangkok, but also slightly safer. Here’s three safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Safety in temple areas</strong><strong> – </strong>Some popular temples in Northern Thailand are built on mountainsides or inside caves, requiring tourists to ascend slippery paths, or climb steep staircases. Like Chiang Mai’s <a href="https://www.tourismthailand.org/Articles/plan-your-trip-thai-etiquette">Wat Phra That Doi Suthep</a>.</li> <li><strong>Motorbike safety</strong><strong> - </strong>Northern Thailand’s mountainside roads are wonderfully scenic but also deadly. They’re so narrow and winding that hurrying drivers commonly do blind overtaking, creating a serious safety risk.</li> <li><strong>Burning season</strong><strong> - </strong>Avoid Chiang Mai from mid-February to early-April, when it’s <a href="https://www.iqair.com/thailand/chiang-mai">air quality is horrendous</a> due to local farmers burning their land to regenerate it.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-two.jpeg" alt="A woman on a swing between two palm trees on a picturesque Thailand beach" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Common scams in Thailand (and how to avoid them)</h2> <p>Thailand is infamous for tourist scams, which can be easily avoided by following this advice…</p> <ul> <li><strong>Jetski and motorcycle scams</strong> - When tourists return these vehicles after renting, the vendor may point at damage you supposedly caused and demand hefty payment. So either avoid renting, or take many photos of the vehicle before you rent it.</li> <li><strong>Gem scams</strong> – Quite simply, do not buy expensive jewellery in Thailand unless you are a jewellery expert. There are so many jewellery scams that I can’t list them all here.</li> <li><strong>Tuk-tuk scams</strong> – Tuk-tuk drivers may offer you a city tour at an extremely low price. Do not accept. Because they’ll likely ferry you around to uninteresting shops, who compensate them for delivering potential customers.</li> </ul> <h2>Is Thailand safe for solo travelers and women</h2> <p>Thailand is one of Asia’s safest countries for both solo and female travelers, especially those who follow this advice.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Cultural awareness tips</strong> – Do not dress in skimpy or shabby clothes when visiting temples or museums. Do not wear shoes inside people’s homes. And avoid arguing, raising your voice, or showing public displays of affection in public.</li> <li><strong>Night safety best practices</strong> – Avoid getting heavily intoxicated, always stay with your friends, don’t leave your drink unattended due to the risk of drink spiking.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-three.jpeg" alt="A Thailand beach with people sitting on tables" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Health, Medical Care and Emergencies in Thailand</h2> <p>Thailand travel advice isn’t complete without considering how to respond when you’re injured or in trouble.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Hospitals and clinics</strong> - Thailand’s main tourist destinations have excellent private hospitals with English speaking staff. But they’re expensive, especially if you need a week or longer of care.</li> <li><strong>Emergency numbers</strong> – The 24/7 Thai Tourist Police phone number is 1155. Also save the phone number of your home country’s embassy in Thailand.</li> <li><strong>Travel insurance importance</strong> – A week in a Thai private hospital could cost you up to $10,000. A solid reason why you may want to consider <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand">travel insurance from a trusted provider</a>.</li> </ul>Ronan O'Connell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/indonesia/is-indonesia-safeIndonesia charms tourists with its tropical scenery, sublime religious sites, addictive food and welcoming people. However, some travelers are wary.2026-03-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/indonesia/is-indonesia-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Indonesia charms tourists with its tropical scenery, sublime religious sites, addictive food and welcoming people. However, some travelers are wary of its history of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. That’s fair. But, during my 35 years of regularly visiting <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Indonesia.html">Indonesia</a>, I’ve found the greater concerns are road safety, theft, scams, and illness.</p> <h2>Why Indonesia is considered a safe destination</h2> <p>Foreign tourism in Indonesia is heavily concentrated in capital Jakarta, and dreamy islands Bali and Lombok. While Jakarta’s very crowded and polluted, it has low rates of crime against tourists. The same is true for Bali and Lombok, where tourism revenue is so crucial that local police prioritise solving crimes against foreigners.</p> <p>In Bali and Jakarta, particularly, tourism infrastructure is quite reasonable, and includes:</p> <ul> <li>Modern international airports with connections to many countries.</li> <li>An incredible number and variety of cafes, bars and restaurants</li> <li>Greatly varied accommodation, from cheap hostels up to ultra-luxe resorts.</li> <li>Bargain public transport via taxis, buses and trains.</li> <li>English signage and English speaking staff are common in the main tourist areas.</li> </ul> <h2>Common Safety Concerns in Indonesia</h2> <p>Natural disasters, terrorism, theft, scams, sickness, and traffic accidents are five common tourist concerns about travelling in Indonesia.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Natural disasters</strong> – Indonesia has repeatedly been affected by <a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/">earthquakes</a>, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and flooding and landslides due to typhoons. These catastrophes cannot be easily predicted; however, you can avoid monsoon season (November to April).</li> <li><strong>Terrorism </strong>– Indonesia has suffered many major terrorist attacks in the past 25 years, including deadly bombings in tourist hubs Jakarta and Bali where dozens of tourists and locals were killed in 2002 and 2005. Since then, security has gotten much tighter in tourism centers.</li> <li><strong>Theft</strong> – Pickpockets target foreigners, especially drunk ones, in busy tourist areas like Bali’s Kuta and Seminyak. Otherwise, theft against tourists is rare.</li> <li><strong>Scams</strong> – Indonesia has myriad <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/worldwide/common-travel-scams">scams targeting tourists</a>. But the most common ones are taxis refusing to use a meter and then greatly overcharging, and money changers using sleight of hand to steal your cash.</li> <li><strong>Traffic accidents</strong> – Up to 30,000 deaths a year occur on <a href="https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/safety-and-mobility/road-safety">Indonesia’s wild roads</a>. Jakarta is safer, because its traffic is so dense it’s hard for cars to build up speed. But Bali is very dangerous, due to its narrow, winding roads.</li> <li><strong>Sickness</strong> – Many tourists get food poisoning in Indonesia. Heard of <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia">Bali Belly</a>? It’s a real thing. It’s not necessarily because Indonesian food is unhygienic, but because it contains bacteria their body is unaccustomed to.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/indonesia/indonesia-safety-one.jpeg" alt="A busy market street in Indonesia" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Is Indonesia Safe for Tourists Right Now?</h2> <p>Here are three safety issues to consider when asking the question: Is Indonesia safe to visit in 2026?</p> <ul> <li><strong>General stability</strong><strong> – </strong>For such a massive, varied nation, Indonesia’s society is stable compared to regional neighbours like Thailand and Myanmar. Violent protests and rare, and not a major concern for tourists.</li> <li><strong>Terrorism</strong> – After a wave of terrorist attacks in the 2000s and 2010s, Indonesian police have cracked down on extremist groups, significantly weakening their networks and <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2025/11/does-jakarta-school-bombing-herald-a-new-wave-of-terror-in-indonesia">reducing the overall threat level</a>, according to the U.S. State Department.</li> <li><strong>Seasonal considerations</strong> – Indonesia is so battered by storms during its monsoon season (November to April) that tourists can easily find themselves stuck in a location due to flooded roads, or airports shut because of volcanic clouds.</li> </ul> <h2>City and Region Safety Breakdown</h2> <h3>Is Jakarta Safe for Tourists?</h3> <p>Across many visits to Jakarta I’ve never felt unsafe, nor have I been a victim of crime. Partly that is due to the fact I’ve behaved with caution and shown respect to local customs. Culturally, Jakarta is vastly different to holiday spots like Bali. Here are three safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Public transport</strong> – Jakarta is among the world’s worst cities for traffic, with even a 2-mile taxi ride taking up to 60 minutes in peak hours. So book a hotel near a station on its metro system, which opened in 2019, and is very modern, clean and safe.</li> <li><strong>Pickpocketing</strong> – Slick pickpockets are known to operate on Jakarta’s crowded MRT, and in its busiest tourist areas, like the Kota Old Town. But they remain quite rare.</li> <li><strong>Nightlife areas</strong> – Jakarta has subdued nightlife, and attracts very few party-oriented tourists. Those who do go for a drink in entertainment areas like Blok M should avoid heavy intoxication, which is socially unacceptable in this Muslim city.</li> </ul> <h3>Is Bali Safe?</h3> <p>Here are three <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/southeast-asia/indonesia/how-to-behave-when-visiting-bali">safety issues to consider</a> on Indonesia’s most-visited island:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Volcanic eruptions</strong><strong> - </strong>Bali is famed for its spectacular volcanoes, which have erupted multiple times in the past decade, producing ash clouds that caused many delayed or cancelled flights. But the chance of such an inconvenience affecting you remains low.</li> <li><strong>Beach safety</strong><strong> – </strong>Tourists in Bali commonly risk their lives by ignoring the red flags on beaches, which indicate treacherous conditions. Bali’s oceans can be furious, so follow the guidance of the flags and swim at a beach with lifeguards.</li> <li><strong>Jet skis & water activities</strong><strong> –</strong> Be careful renting a jet ski in Bali, where vendors sometimes cover jetski damage with tape, then later remove it and claim you caused the damage. Only rent a jetski through your hotel.</li> <li><strong>Scooter accidents</strong><strong> –</strong> Bali’s roads are crowded, unpredictable, and often narrow and winding. So unless you’re an experienced rider, stay away from scooters.</li> </ul> <h3>Safety in Lombok, Java and other islands</h3> <p>Beyond Bali and Jakarta, here are two safety issues to consider in the rest of Indonesia:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Respect for religion</strong> – While laidback, Hindu-majority Bali overflows with foreigners in skimpy outfits, dressing that way in other parts of Indonesia may get you arrested, and will certainly offend locals. Indonesia is a Muslim nation, so it expects locals and visitors to dress and behave in a modest fashion.</li> <li><strong>Be wary of boats</strong> – If possible, avoid traveling by ferry or speedboat. As maritime safety standards are weak in Indonesia, which has had several catastrophic boat accidents in recent years, including a <a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Sinar_Bangun">ferry disaster on Lake Toba</a> that killed more than 160 people.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/indonesia/indonesia-safety-two.jpeg" alt="An island with buildings on it, surrounded by water in Indonesia" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Common scams in Indonesia (and how to avoid them)</h2> <p>Indonesia does not have as wide a variety of tourist scams as nearby countries like Thailand. But here’s two to be wary of.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Money changer scams</strong> – My wife fell victim to a common tourist scam in Indonesia. A Balinese money changer giving her Indonesian currency counted these notes right in front of her. Then he skilfully slid one-third of them under the counter. So she walked away with just two-thirds of the amount she was due. Avoid this scam by only using money changers inside banks, or major hotels.</li> <li><strong>Taxi scams</strong> – Being overcharged by taxis is particularly common at Bali and Jakarta airports. When tourists leave the arrivals hall they’re often approached by fake taxi drivers, who have rigged meters, or add hefty additional charges at journeys’ end. The solution is simple: Approach the airport information desk and ask which taxi service is reliable.</li> </ul> <h2>Is Indonesia safe for solo travelers and women?</h2> <p>Indonesia’s suitability for female travelers varies depending on the location. Whereas Bali and Lombok are very popular with female tourists, they must be far more cautious traveling in less touristed parts of Indonesia, particularly those with strict Islamic customs, <a href="https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/general-information/practical-information">like Banda Aceh and Sulawesi</a>.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Cultural awareness tips</strong> – Aside from Hindu-majority Bali, the remainder of Indonesia is Muslim. In line with their religious beliefs, Muslim women in Indonesia typically dress in a conservative fashion. Female tourists will be safer if they follow suit, wearing long, loose-fitting pants and tops.</li> <li><strong>Night safety best practices</strong> – Although alcohol is legal in the vast majority of Indonesia, it’s not common for Indonesian women to get drunk in public. So, once again, taking your lead from locals is a good idea. Even in Bali, where the nightlife is soaked in booze, female tourists should be wary of drink spiking.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/indonesia/indonesia-safety-three.jpeg" alt="People walking through a shrine in Indonesia" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Health, Medical Care and Emergencies in Indonesia</h2> <p>If you get injured or in trouble in Indonesia here are three key things to know:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Hospitals and clinics</strong> – Bali and Jakarta both have an array of good private hospitals. But be prepared to pay through the nose, especially for multi-day stays. Lombok’s hospitals are far more basic.</li> <li><strong>Emergency numbers</strong> – The 24/7 phone number for Indonesian police is 110. Just as importantly, save the number of your home country’s embassy in Indonesia.</li> <li><strong>Travel insurance importance</strong> – Unless you want to pay thousands of dollars for a multi-day stay at an Indonesia hospital, you may want to consider getting <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance/destinations/bali">travel insurance from a reputable provider</a>.</li> </ul>Ronan O'Connell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/what-is-global-entryThe Global Entry program can help streamline airport security screenings when entering or departing the US. Find out who is eligible, requirements for application, and how the new Global Entry app and other technologies are helping the process move even faster.2026-04-21T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/what-is-global-entryhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Entering the US can be an intimidating and tiring experience for foreign travelers. I was apprehensive when I flew into Los Angeles last year for my first US trip as an adult, anticipating long lines at immigration and stern questioning about my reasons for visiting.</p> <p>Instead, I breezed through the LA airport. The immigration officer who checked my passport explained I’d been lucky to complete this process so quickly – especially given I’m not a member of Global Entry, the US Government program which lets travelers fast-track their security screening upon arrival in the US.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#ttp">What is the US Trusted Traveler Program?</a></li> <li><a href="#how">How does Global Entry work?</a></li> <li><a href="#eligible">Who is eligible for Global Entry?</a></li> <li><a href="#tsa">What is TSA PreCheck?</a></li> <li><a href="#differ">How does Global Entry differ from TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus?</a></li> <li><a href="#application">How to apply for Global Entry</a></li> <li><a href="#number">What is a Known Traveler Number?</a></li> <li><a href="#drawbacks">Drawbacks of Global Entry</a></li> <li><a href="#tech">How is technology evolving Global Entry?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ttp">What is the US Trusted Traveler Program?</h2> <p>Global Entry is one of five services in the US Government’s <a href="https://ttp.dhs.gov/" target="_blank">Trusted Traveler Program</a>, which aims to make it quicker and simpler for people to move into and out of the US, as well as between its states. Its services most relevant to international travelers are <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry" target="_blank">Global Entry</a> and <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/tsa-precheck" target="_blank">TSA PreCheck</a>.</p> <h2 id="how">How does Global Entry work?</h2> <p>Global Entry aims to simplify customs and immigration processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving at US airports from overseas. Such travelers need not join the masses in often slow-moving immigration queues. Instead, they:</p> <ul> <li>Proceed through separate Global Entry lanes at more than <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/airports-with-global-entry">75 US airports</a>, including tourist hubs like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Miami. Some international locations are now also included on the list, like Bermuda, Abu Dhabi and Dublin.</li> <li>Have their photo taken at a Global Entry kiosk which uses facial recognition to verify their identity. In some cases, they may still be asked to scan their passport.</li> <li>Follow on-screen prompts or instructions from an officer to complete their customs declaration.</li> </ul> <h2 id="eligible">Who is eligible for Global Entry?</h2> <p>You can apply for Global Entry at any age, but applicants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian. You must also be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of one of these nations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil&nbsp;, Bahrain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Japan, Jordan, Germany, India, Netherlands, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, or United Arab Emirates. As additional countries may be added in the future, refer to the list shown on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility"> website</a> for the most up-to-date list of countries.<br /><br />Before being approved for Global Entry, applicants must go through a strict background check and then attend an in-person interview at a <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers">Global Entry Enrollment Center</a>. If you're enrolling for the first time, your interview will need to be in person. However, some renewing Global Entry members may be eligible to renew with a <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/remote-interview-pilot-trusted-traveler-programs">remote interview via Zoom</a>.</p> <h2 id="tsa">What is TSA PreCheck?</h2> <p>TSA PreCheck lets people departing from US airports access fast-track security lanes which don’t require them to take off belts, shoes, or light jackets, or to remove laptops and liquids of less than 100ml from their luggage. Only US citizens and US permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck as a standalone service. <span>Citizens of partner countries who are enrolled in the <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus">NEXUS</a> or <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri">SENTRI</a> Trusted Traveler programs may also have the ability to</span><span> participate in TSA PreCheck.</span></p> <p>And both foreigners and US citizens get TSA PreCheck membership as part of the package when they join Global Entry. This means they can not only move through US airports faster on arrival, but also during departure from US airports on domestic or international flights.</p> <h2 id="differ">How does Global Entry differ from TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus?</h2> <ul> <li>Global Entry streamlines your passage through US airports upon arrival in the country. It costs USD $120 for a five-year membership.</li> <li>TSA PreCheck offers a simpler departure experience from many US airports.A membership costs UDS $76.75 for five years, though it is cheaper to renew once you're a member.</li> <li><a href="https://www.clearme.com/clear-plus" target="_blank">CLEAR Plus</a> is run by a private company, not the US Government. Like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus makes it quicker and easier to depart from <a href="https://www.clearme.com/where-to-use-clear">many US airports</a>. Instead of lining up to show airport staff your ID, you use a faster-moving CLEAR Plus channel where you’re identified via eye, fingerprint or facial scanning. The downsides of CLEAR Plus is that it costs $209 per year. However, there are sometimes promotions that may allow you to also get<a href="https://enroll.clearme.com/enroll/tsa?_gl=1*u10yj0*_gcl_au*MTY0MTE4ODk2NS4xNzc2NTE3NTk0*_ga*MTg4NDExMjQ1OC4xNzc2NTE3NTk0*_ga_Y6Y01NZLYQ*czE3NzY1MTc1OTMkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzY1MTgwMzQkajM2JGwwJGgw"> TSA PreCheck for free</a> when you join CLEAR Plus.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-wiser/global-entry-security.jpg" alt="Travelers at an airport security check place their trays on the X-ray conveyor belt." /> <figcaption>TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR Plus let passengers bypass the long security process. Image credit: Getty Images / AzmanJaka</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="application">How to apply for Global Entry </h2> <ul> <li>Create your personal account on the <a href="https://ttp.dhs.gov/" target="_blank">Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website</a>. Click the “Create an account” button and enter your email address.</li> <li>You’ll then be sent an email – open it, click on the verification link within, and follow the instructions for creating a personal TTP account.</li> <li>Once your account is created, you’ll see an option to apply for Global Entry. In this application you will need to provide personal information such as age, place of birth, citizenship status, employment status, your passport data, any criminal record, and details of any previously rejected applications for US Visas or entry permits.</li> <li>During the subsequent interview, which typically lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, you’ll be asked to present ID documents.</li> </ul> <p>A shorter, less stringent appointment is required to get approved for TSA PreCheck. This in-person appointment takes roughly 10 minutes, during which the staff member will take your photo, scan your fingerprints, confirm your ID documents, and take your payment for the application.</p> <h2 id="number">What is a Known Traveler Number?</h2> <p>The most important detail of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership is your Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is the nine or 10-digit number assigned specifically to you once your membership to one of these services is approved.</p> <p>When booking domestic or international flights via US airports, you must type your number into the KTN box during the reservation process. This will ensure that you’re listed as being TSA PreCheck or Global Entry-approved on your boarding pass, which will give you access to the fast-track lanes.</p> <p><em>Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can help</a> when things don't go as planned on your travels – such as lost luggage, cancelled flights, or unexpected illness.</em></p> <h2 id="drawbacks">Drawbacks of Global Entry</h2> <p>The only downsides to Global Entry membership are the cost – $120 for five years – and the slow application process. <a href="https://ttp.dhs.gov/programs-info?code=UP">80% of applicants</a> are approved to schedule an interview within two years. However, some applications could take over a year to be processed. There may also be significant delays in booking the in-person interview. If you don't have a criminal history, your Global Entry membership could be completely finalized within 4-6 months after the date that you first submit your application. Beware, also, that the membership fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.</p> <h2 id="tech">How is technology evolving Global Entry?</h2> <p>Phone apps, self-service security stations, and facial recognition are being used in US airports to improve Global Entry and TSA PreCheck services. In 2024 the US Government <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/global-entry-mobile-application" target="_blank">launched its Global Entry ap</a>p, which lets members submit their passport details and photo so that, on arrival in the US, they can skip the Global Entry lane and proceed straight to the final airport security checkpoint.</p> <p>Departure security processes are also being updated. New screening technologies being tested at some U.S. airports aim to streamline the security process, including automated lanes and improved ID verification systems.</p>Getty Images / Andrew Bret Wallis 1142309131 Getty Images A woman checks her phone at an airport next to a long security line.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkokA local resident shares his tips for places to visit in Bangkok, where to stay, getting around, and where to get the best street food.2023-01-19T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkokhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>One of the world’s most-visited cities, Bangkok has deep history, wonderful architecture, incredible food, and renowned nightlife. It’s also a giant, sweltering, and sometimes bewildering place. If you plan on visiting Bangkok, here are my travel tips to help you navigate the city where I’ve lived on and off for a decade.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#traffic">Public transportation in Bangkok</a></li> <li><a href="#stay">Where to stay in Bangkok</a></li> <li><a href="#temples">Visiting Bangkok’s famous temples</a></li> <li><a href="#food-courts">Shopping center food courts are a secret wonder</a></li> <li><a href="#street-food">Where find the best street food in Bangkok</a></li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14-day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <h2 id="traffic">Public transportation in Bangkok: how to bypass the nightmare traffic</h2> <p>A gargantuan metro area of more than 15 million people, the Thai capital is horrendously difficult to navigate by road. Because it’s not laid out on a grid like many Western cities, Bangkok is plagued by a huge quantity of dead ends. This greatly reduces the number of routes vehicles can take, and so funnels traffic onto main thoroughfares.</p> <p>As a result, it takes forever to get around by taxi. A 3mi (5km) drive, for example, might take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, and I’ve found you can never predict how long such a trip will take. I’ve driven the same route at the same time of day and had it take four times longer, for no discernible reason.</p> <p>Sometimes, you’ll need to take a taxi, such as when heading to and from Bangkok’s two international airports. But at other times you can avoid Bangkok’s traffic by using its clean, modern, and cool underground and Skytrain systems. They reach most of central Bangkok, run like clockwork and cost only between THB 16 – THB 66 (USD 50c - $2) for a one-way fare.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/thailand/bangkok-guide/skytrain.jpg" alt="The Skytrain transit system in central Bangkok." /> <figcaption>The Skytrain. Image credit: Getty Images / Alexander Spatari</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="stay">Where to stay in Bangkok</h2> <p>Bangkok’s layout can be confusing because it doesn’t have a defined center. Instead, it has several hubs – clusters of skyscrapers surrounded by shopping, entertainment, dining, and accommodation options. Some of its key hubs are Asoke, Silom, and Siam.</p> <p>I always recommend friends and family stay in Asoke or Silom because they have both underground and Skytrain stations, which greatly increases the number of locations you can visit without having to wade into Bangkok’s awful traffic. Although, if your focus is on exploring Bangkok’s ancient sights, you should consider staying near the new Sam Yot or Sanam Chai underground stations, which give easy access to the city’s historic Rattanakosin area.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/thailand/bangkok-guide/rattanakosin.jpg" alt="Historic Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok." /> <figcaption>Historic Rattanakosin Island. Image credit: Getty Images / Natabong Supalertsophon</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="temples">Visiting Bangkok’s famous temples</h2> <p>Bangkok’s shimmering Buddhist temples are perhaps its biggest draw. As visitors wander the grounds of these <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">religious sites</a>, dazed by the majesty of their architecture, many would be unaware of the extraordinary tales they hide. Stories of magic, poets, evil, and mystery.</p> <p>Within the sprawling grounds of the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s number one attraction, lies the gilded glory of Wat Phra Kaew temple. At the centre of this 18th-century masterpiece is Thailand’s most important artefact, the 2ft (66cm) tall Emerald Buddha. According to Thai mythology, this revered statue is imbued with such power that it for centuries has protected the country from evil and granted wishes to those who pray before it.</p> <p>Not far away, in Bangkok’s Chinatown, another popular temple hid a priceless Buddha statue in plain sight for about 200 years. Each day tourists flow in and out of Wat Traimit temple to admire its massive, five-ton gilded Buddha. Yet for many generations, this statue was covered by stucco plaster, giving it an unremarkable appearance and concealing its enormous value.</p> <p>The similarly beautiful Wat Benchamabophit temple, in the Dusit district, is embedded with the little-known story of two unsung Italian architects who changed the appearance of Bangkok in the early 1900s. Mario Tamagno and Annibale Rigotti were asked by the Thai Royal family to add European flair to the city, which they did via an array of stately mansions, palaces, libraries, railway stations, and temples.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/thailand/bangkok-guide/marble-temple.jpg" alt="Wat Benchamabophit temple, aka the Marble Temple, in Bangkok." /> <figcaption>Wat Benchamabophit. Image credit: Getty Images / Marco Bottigelli</figcaption></figure> <p>Meanwhile, the nearby Wat Thepthidaram temple, now a popular stop on Bangkok’s tourist trail thanks to its vibrant murals, was once the abode of Thailand’s controversial version of Shakespeare. Behind that temple tourists can visit a small museum dedicated to Sunthorn Phu, the greatest poet in Thai history, whose life was fractured by adultery, alcoholism, incarceration, and a fight with a King.</p> <h2 id="food-courts">Shopping center food courts are a secret wonder</h2> <p>Visitors travel from around the world to eat street food at Bangkok’s famous roadside stalls. So, here’s a surprise: many Bangkok locals prefer shopping center food courts, which are cheaper and more comfortable than street dining, and serve similarly great food.</p> <p>I was shocked when my Bangkok born-and-raised wife revealed this secret, because back home in Australia, food courts are infamous for bland cuisine and heart-clogging fast food. Whereas in Thailand, they have a great reputation.</p> <p>In fact, Thailand’s food courts are so popular that shopping centers use them as magnets to draw people inside. They position them on the top floor so that, on the way to and from your meal, you must walk past lots of shops, which pleases the shopping center’s tenants.</p> <p>To keep food court customers satisfied, Thai shopping centers headhunt talented street-food cooks, offer them cheap rent to set up in their food court. and subsidize the cost of their food so it’s <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-thailand#cheap">even cheaper</a> than the meals you buy on the street.</p> <p>As a result, you can get a delicious meal for just THB 33 (USD $1), all in air-conditioned comfort. Bangkok’s extreme heat and humidity makes this more attractive to many locals than sweating over a meal on the street.</p> <h2 id="street-food">Where to find the best street food in Bangkok</h2> <p>Regardless of the strong appeal of food courts, traditional Thai <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/health-hygiene-in-thailand">street food</a> should not be missed. If you haven’t visited Asia before, then dining on the street or within a teeming open-air market will be a unique and memorable experience, particularly if you head to Yaowarat, Silom Soi 20, or Nang Leong Market. Each evening, food seems to explode from every nook of these three locations.</p> <p>Yaowarat, also known as Chinatown, is a sprawling neighborhood which has countless alleys brimming with vendors selling my favorite comfort foods such as Kway Teow fried noodles and Kha Mu braised pork leg. When I visit Silom Soi 20, a narrow road lined by more than 20 street food operators, I favor its excellent Kuay Jab noodle soup and Khao Man Gai chicken rice. And for traditional Thai snacks, I visit Nang Leong market. There I slowly wander its stalls while grazing on Thong Yip egg dessert, deep fried bananas, or Nang Kai fried chicken skin.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/thailand/bangkok-guide/chinatown-2.jpg" alt="Outdoor food stalls in Bangkok's Chinatown." /> <figcaption>Food stalls in Bangkok's Chinatown. Image credit: Getty Images / Martin Puddy</figcaption></figure>Getty Images / Chadchai Ra-ngubpai 1962954154 Getty Images A traveler takes a photo at Wat Phra Kaew temple in Bangkok.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/asias-top-food-destinationHeavily influenced by the culinary styles of China, Malaysia, and India, Singapore’s food scene is unlike any other. Nomad Ronan shares where to find the best dishes.2021-12-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/asias-top-food-destinationhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Asia is home to some of the planet’s most popular food: Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malay, to name a few. Yet after nearly 10 years of living and traveling in Asia, I believe its premier food destination is not one of these countries, but rather a nation that borrows heavily from several of them. The continent’s culinary kingpin is <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/singapore">Singapore</a>.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#diversity">Singapore’s culinary diversity</a></li> <li><a href="#street-food">Singapore street food</a></li> <li><a href="#what-to-eat">What to eat in Singapore</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="diversity">Singapore’s culinary diversity</h2> <p>Singapore doesn’t really have a distinct national cuisine like regional neighbors Thailand or Vietnam. This is largely due to its greater <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/discovering-singapores-religious-diversity">ethnic diversity</a> – of its 5.9 million people, about 74% have Chinese ancestry, followed by large populations of Malays (13%) and Indians (9%).</p> <p>It follows that Singapore’s food scene is heavily shaped by all three of those countries. Comfort foods such as <em>char kway teow</em> (stir-fried noodles) and Hainan chicken rice originate <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/surfing-in-hainan-china">in southern China</a>, from which many Singaporeans can trace their ancestral roots.</p> <p>Singapore’s beloved <em>laksa</em> noodle soup and <em>nasi lemak</em> (coconut-infused rice with chili, anchovies, peanuts, and a fried egg) arrived from neighboring Malaysia. There are also <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/delicious-food-and-flavors-of-indian-cuisine">common Indian influences</a> – from the fried rice dish called <em>biryani</em>, often served with mutton or chicken, to<em> roti</em> (flatbread) eaten alongside savory dishes or even as a desert, embellished by fruit or honey.</p> <p>On the subject of sweets, Singaporean deserts are inspired by Southeast Asian varieties and often feature rice, jelly, fresh fruits, and either coconut or sweetened milk. Its two most famous hubs for dining are, not surprisingly, Chinatown and Little India. Both neighborhoods brim with so much enticing food, it’s a wonder Singapore isn’t plagued by obesity.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/street-food/chinatown-hawker-stalls-getty-1323602423.jpg" alt="Crowds walk through the food market in Singapore's Chinatown." /> <figcaption>The Chinatown Street Market in Singapore. Image credit: Getty Images / John Seaton Callahan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="street-food">Singapore street food</h2> <p>Singapore is renowned for its “street food”, yet you won’t find these restaurants on the street. That’s because, in an effort to clean up its footpaths, Singapore long ago moved its street-food vendors into centralized indoor locations known as “hawker centers”.</p> <p>There are dozens of these places across Singapore and, as a visitor, you’ll very likely have one a short walk from you at all times. Hawker centers are so central to the Singaporean way of life that, in 2020, they became the city-state’s first listing on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.</p> <p><a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">Having lived on-and-off for years in Bangkok</a>, I love eating by the roadside, which is a cultural phenomenon in Thailand, but hawker centers are undeniably superior. Compared to the haphazard style of traditional street food, hawker centers offer better functionality, variety, and sanitation.</p> <p>Typically, they’re made up of a huge cluster of dining tables surrounded by dozens of different food stalls, yet, you still pay street-food prices. Hearty meals such as roasted pork noodle or chicken rice start from $US 4 a dish. Many hawker stalls specialize in one dish, having perfected the likes of prawn omelettes, <em>char siu</em> BBQ pork, fish head curry, chicken satay skewers, or pork rib soup.</p> <h2 id="what-to-eat">What to eat in Singapore</h2> <p>While I’m not a fan of seafood, my wife is, and when we arrive in Singapore she practically sprints to the nearest hawker stall that sells chili crab. One of the most-worshipped Singaporean dishes, it involves an entire mud crab stir-fried in a wok while immersed in a thick blend of chili, garlic, ginger, onions, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and coriander. It’s a messy, spicy and, apparently, addictive meal.</p> <p>For me, meanwhile, Singapore is synonymous with <em>laksa</em>, a creamy curry noodle soup which in my 20s surpassed Neapolitan pizza as my ultimate food. <em>Laksa</em> sums up Singaporean cuisine; it’s cheap, impossibly flavorful, and benefits from a blend of cultures.</p> <p>A pile of egg noodles in a coconut-infused soup brimming with chicken, tofu, and prawns,<em> laksa</em> originates from the Peranakans, an ethnic Chinese group who migrated to southeast Asia between the 15th and 17th centuries and intermarried with Malays, Indians, and Arabs, creating a new, blended culture. <em>Laksa</em> is a revered dish in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, all three of which make different versions of it. But my favorite, due to its creamier style, is found in Singapore.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/street-food/laksa-getty-1224570757.jpg" alt="Prawn laksa, a beloved curry soup often served at Singapore's hawker centers." /> <figcaption>Laksa, perhaps the ultimate Singapore comfort food. Photo credit: Getty Images / ADX Collections</figcaption></figure> <p>The other two Singaporean dishes I daydream about are slow-cooked beef noodle soup – a light broth with egg or rice noodles and the tenderest meat – and the simple yet satisfying Hainan chicken rice. It was my father who turned me on to the latter dish after raving about the rich taste of the plain rice, which is cooked in a broth of chicken bones, garlic, ginger, and spring onion until it absorbs the flavor. Combined with slices of chicken, also cooked in a broth, it creates an incredibly basic treat that’s basically incredible.</p> <p>If you’re visiting between June and September, make sure you try the odd seasonal fruit that locals crave – the stinky durian. I can’t stomach it – not just because of its pungent odor, but also its slimy texture and oniony flavor. But once again, my wife loves it and she’s a wonderful cook with a more refined palate than mine, so listen to her, not me.</p>Getty Images / photography by p. lubas 1952865148 Getty Images Cooks prepare grilled chicken satay at hawker stall in Singapore.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/discovering-singapores-religious-diversityTiny Singapore is home to a wide range of religions. Nomad Ronan shares seven of Singapore’s most fascinating and beautiful religious structures, and the best ways to experience them.2021-07-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/discovering-singapores-religious-diversityhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>In a tiny city-state in Southeast Asia, mosques sit alongside Catholic churches, Taoist temples, Hindu shrines, Protestant cathedrals, Buddhist temples, and Armenian Orthodox churches. Singapore is populated by people from a wide range of religions, which have long co-existed in relative peace. Here are seven of Singapore’s most attractive and important religious structures.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#st-andrews">St Andrew’s Cathedral (Protestant)</a></li> <li><a href="#sultan">Sultan Mosque (Islam)</a></li> <li><a href="#taoist">Thian Hock Keng Temple (Taoist)</a></li> <li><a href="#hindu">Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu)</a></li> <li><a href="#al-abrar">Al-Abrar Mosque (Islam)</a></li> <li><a href="#buddha">Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Buddhist)</a></li> <li><a href="#armenian">Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (Oriental Orthodox)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="st-andrews">St Andrew’s Cathedral (Protestant)</h2> <p>Singapore is home to 5.9 million people, with about 74% of those having Chinese ancestry, followed by Malay (13%) and Indian (9%). Yet this city is renowned for its many stately churches due to the heavy influence of the British, who introduced Christianity when they colonized Singapore from 1826 until 1963 (not including 1942 to 1945 when it was occupied by Japan) when it became part of Malaysia before gaining independence in 1965.</p> <p>As an avid fan of stained-glass design, I was beguiled by the interior of Singapore’s largest cathedral, St Andrew’s. The sun is ferocious in Singapore, and as its rays shone through this Gothic cathedral’s intricately decorated glass windows, I was bathed in a palette of bright colors.</p> <p>This building is just as striking from the outside, thanks to its white-washed façade, complex stonework, and lofty spire. It’s open to visitors from 9am to 4pm each day, and free guided tours can be booked on the <a href="https://cathedral.org.sg/">St Andrew’s website</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/st-andrews-cathedral.jpg" alt="The nave and altar of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Singapore." /> <figcaption>St. Andrew's Cathedral. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="sultan">Sultan Mosque (Islam)</h2> <p>Before Singapore became a British colony, for centuries it was predominantly Islamic, controlled at various times by <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/malaysia/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-malaysia">Malay</a> and Indonesian kings. It’s fitting then, that Singapore’s oldest neighborhood is Kampong Glam, the former headquarters of a Malay Islamic dynasty.</p> <p>This dynasty’s former palace is now home to the Malay Heritage Centre, which is just 200ft (60m) away from Singapore’s most important and spectacular mosque, the Sultan Masjid. I was entranced by the way the sun glinted off this mosque’s two giant gilded domes, rising above rows of ornate arched windows.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/sultan-mosque.jpg" alt="The exerior of Sultan Masjid mosque in Singapore." /> <figcaption>Sultan Mosque. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Both of those features are key elements of the mosque’s Indo-Saracenic architecture, a brilliant blend of European Gothic and Indian Mughal designs pioneered by British architects in the 1800s. The best time to visit this mosque is during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan when it is surrounded by a night market. To help visitors adhere to the mosque’s dress code, long robes can be borrowed at its entrance.</p> <h2 id="taoist">Thian Hock Keng Temple (Taoist)</h2> <p>Britain’s colonization of Singapore prompted an influx of Chinese migrants, who soon became the nation’s dominant ethnic group. They brought with them the ancient Taoist religion, which has been practiced in China for 1,900 years. Having visited dozens of Taoist sites across Asia, I was familiar with the religion’s fearsome “door gods” painted on the wooden entrance to Thian Hock Keng Temple.</p> <p>This was Singapore’s first Chinese temple and is devoted to Mazu, the Taoist Goddess of the Sea. The first waves of Chinese to move to Singapore would come here to honor Mazu for shepherding them safely across the ocean from their motherland. It remains a functioning temple, as about 10% of Singapore’s population is Taoist.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/thian-hock-keng-2.jpg" alt="An altar at the Toist Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore." /> <figcaption>An altar at Thian Hock Keng Temple. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Thian Hock Keng is also a popular tourist attraction due to its majestic, traditional Chinese architecture, embellished by a curved, multi-tiered roof, decorative eaves, and vibrant murals. During the week-long <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/january-chun-jie-spring-festival-chinese-new-year-china">Chinese New Year festival</a> visitors can watch as worshippers offer fortune rice buckets to the spirit of the Jade Emperor.</p> <h2 id="hindu">Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu)</h2> <p>I am being looked down on by a crowd of Hindu gods, kings, and queens sculpted on the stone Gopuram tower that marks the entrance to Sri Mariamman Hindu temple. There are about 300,000 Hindus in Singapore, most of whom are ethnically Indian.</p> <p>While the hub of this community is Little India, a vibrant neighbourhood 1.8mi (3km) north of Sri Mariamman, its heart beats in this temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu place of worship. Built in the 1860s by skilled craftsmen from southern India, this large complex is emblazoned with color.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/sri-mariamman.jpg" alt="Colorful statues of Hindu gods on the roof of Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore. " /> <figcaption>Dozens of Hindu gods, kings, and queens on the roof of Sri Mariamman Temple. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>The temple’s walls and ceilings are splashed by vivid murals which variously depict Hindu deities and religious motifs like the Sri Yantra, a stunning geometric pattern used as an aid in reaching a meditative state. The temple becomes even more visually arresting during the annual Firewalking Festival, held the week before Diwali, when worshippers prove their devotion by crossing barefoot over a bed of burning embers.</p> <h2 id="al-abrar">Al-Abrar Mosque (Islam)</h2> <p>Shaded by gleaming skyscrapers in Singapore’s Chinatown district, I happened on a small cream-coloured building with two thin minarets topped by the Crescent and Star, a recognisable symbol of Islam. This is Al-Abrar mosque, one of the oldest intact structures in Singapore.</p> <p>A protected national monument, it was originally constructed in 1827 as a thatched hut. In the 1850s it was rebuilt in its present form as the hub of Islamic prayer for Singapore’s Indian Muslims. After the British took control of Singapore, many Muslims from southern <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india">India</a> migrated here and worked in Chinatown as traders and money changers. This mosque is open from 10am-6pm and visitors are asked to dress appropriately – long pants for men, and loose clothing that covers the legs and arms for women.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/al-abrar-mosque.jpg" alt="Al-Abrar mosque, one of the oldest intact structures in Singapore." /> <figcaption>Al-Abrar mosque. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="buddha">Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Buddhist)</h2> <p>Singapore’s pleasing religious diversity was never more evident than when I walked down South Bridge Road, in Chinatown, and in quick succession passed Chulia Mosque, Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, and then Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Buddhism is the most common religion in Singapore and this is the faith’s most-visited temple.</p> <p>Unlike every other building on this list, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is not historic – it was only built in 2007. What attracts so many tourists is its ostentatious appearance, and the extraordinary artefact that gives the temple its name.</p> <p>Drenched in red and gold, the two most fortuitous colors in Chinese culture, and embellished by hundreds of statues of Buddha, this temple is incredibly photogenic. It is also home to a tooth of Lord Buddha, who died more than 2,000 years ago. That rare relic is displayed inside a massive stupa decorated by 700lbs (318kg) of gold. On the Singaporean public holiday of Vesak Day, each May, Buddhists flock to this temple to join large and fascinating religious ceremonies.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/buddha-tooth-relic-temple.jpg" alt="The ostentatious Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore. " /> <figcaption>Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="armenian">Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (Oriental Orthodox)</h2> <p>While walking towards Singapore’s picturesque Fort Canning Park, I passed a surprising sign informing me the graceful church behind it is dedicated to the Armenian Apostolic faith, a branch of the Oriental Orthodox church of Christianity.</p> <p>Not only had I never seen an Armenian Apostolic church, but I was unaware of Singapore’s rich Armenian history. As Singapore became a major trading hub in the first half of the 1800s, many Armenians migrated here to open businesses. This later included the Sarkies brothers, who in the late 19th century founded several of the first five-star hotels in Southeast Asia, including Singapore’s world-famous Raffles Hotel.</p> <p>The Armenian community built this church in the 1830s in the name of St Gregory, the patron saint of Armenia’s national religion. Its architecture is traditionally Armenian, with a stark white exterior decorated by a thin, lofty spire, a large portico, and soaring Doric columns.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/singapore/armenian-church-spire.jpg" alt="The lofty spire of the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator in Singapore." /> <figcaption>The spire of the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>The church’s small prayer hall is illuminated by more than 20 arched windows and doorways. To see this building in a completely different light, visit during the annual Singapore Night Festival in August, when it’s draped in LED bulbs and neighboring Armenian Street becomes a hub of live entertainment.</p>Ronan O'Connell 0 Ronan O'Connell A Taoist “door god” painted on the wooden entrance to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/7-overlooked-natural-wondersGo beyond Ireland’s famous sites and discover these equally beautiful but much less crowded places. Nomad Ronan shares the best hikes and the ideal road trip for exploring them all.2021-07-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/7-overlooked-natural-wondershttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>While travelers flock Ireland's famous natural wonders, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry, hidden off the tourist trail are <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/give-overcrowded-national-parks-a-break">equally spectacular yet comparatively empty landscapes</a>. From dense forests to stunning valleys and sacred mountains, here are seven overlooked spots worth discovering.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#slieve-league">Slieve League (County Donegal)</a></li> <li><a href="#dooney">Dooney Rock Forest (County Sligo)</a></li> <li><a href="#doo">Doo Lough (County Mayo)</a></li> <li><a href="#lough-key">Lough Key Forest Park (County Roscommon)</a></li> <li><a href="#keem">Keem Bay (County Mayo)</a></li> <li><a href="#glencar">Glencar (County Leitrim)</a></li> <li><a href="#barra">Gougane Barra (County Cork)</a></li> <li><a href="#road-trip">Road trip itinerary</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="slieve-league">Slieve League (County Donegal)</h2> <p>As I peer down at Atlantic Ocean, waves detonating on a rocky shoreline 1,900ft (580m) below me, a blackface sheep nonchalantly trots along the edge of Europe’s tallest accessible sea cliffs. This is Slieve League. Despite being three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher (Ireland’s #1 tourist site) this spot in a remote pocket of northwest Ireland receives a fraction of the visitors.</p> <p>Recognizing this untapped potential, Irish authorities recently gave it a USD $6 million makeover. Now travelers can enjoy its new visitor center and 1mi (1.6km) of fresh walkways. These smooth paths and staircases take visitors on a fairly easy hike from the car park, which itself offers lofty views over the Atlantic, up to the crest of the cliffs. To be truly overwhelmed by the scale of Slieve League, visitors can join the boat tours that allow them to swim, fish, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba dive</a> in the pristine ocean that kisses these cliffs.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/slieve-league.jpg" alt="Slieve League, the tallest cliffs in Ireland." /> <figcaption>Slieve Lague, Europe’s tallest accessible sea cliffs. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dooney">Dooney Rock Forest (County Sligo)</h2> <p>Whenever I’m in Ireland, I always make a beeline for this serene woodland on the shores of glassy Lake Gill. To me, there’s nowhere more peaceful and majestic on the planet. This tranquility stems not just from its beauty, but because it’s free from crowds, despite being a short drive from the lively, historic university town of Sligo.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/dooney-rock.jpg" alt="Dooney Rock Forest, on the shores of Lake Gill, Ireland." /> <figcaption>Dooney Rock Forest, on the shores of Lake Gill. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>The enormous boulder that gives this location its name acts as a wind block. So, too, does its tall forest. In the autumn, between September and November, the leaves shed by those trees create a bright carpet on the ground that’s a patchwork of colors from gold to orange, pink, and purple.</p> <p>All year round there are beautiful views along the 1mi (1.6km) walk that loops along the lake’s edge and back through the dense forest. After finishing this simple hike, visitors can understand why one of the greatest poets in history, Sligo’s own W.B. Yeats, regularly came here for inspiration.</p> <h2 id="doo">Doo Lough (County Mayo)</h2> <p>Peaks hug Lake Doo (Doo Lough) so tightly, it’s as if they’re trying to prevent its majesty from escaping. This rugged mountain pass in the far west of Ireland has a bracing beauty. It isn’t attractive in a manicured way – rather, its splendor is imbued with hostility, creating a sense that while it’s an extraordinary place to visit, it wouldn’t be easy to survive in this isolated, rough environment.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/lake-doo.jpg" alt="Two men in a small boat on Doo Lough, County Mayo, Ireland. " /> <figcaption>Wild and spectacular Lake Doo. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>It’s a place where Mother Nature occasionally vents her anger, sending frozen winds and sweeping rains. In between those storms, however, Lake Doo feels like Ireland distilled into one location – a flawless, salmon-rich lake hidden between steep, green ridges which ancient workers once farmed, but where now only hardy sheep roam. Whether smothered in snow, whipped by gales, or illuminated by a sunny day, Lake Doo is wild and spectacular. Visitors have ample time to absorb its appearance while doing the 5mi (8km) loop hike around the lake.</p> <h2 id="lough-key">Lough Key Forest Park (County Roscommon)</h2> <p>Marooned in a pristine lake, circled by thick forest, I spy a grand old castle. Its reflection on the still water is perfectly clear until it’s pierced by a bevy of swans cruising along beneath a cloudless sky. This looks like a scene conjured by CGI artists tasked with designing a heavenly setting for a children’s movie.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/lough-key-swans.jpg" alt="Swans swim across Lough Key, Ireland, with McDermott's Castle in the background." /> <figcaption>Lough Key Forest Park, with McDermott's Castle in the background. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Everything appears almost too perfect to be authentic – but this is exactly how Lough Key Forest Park looks every time the sun has a big day out in County Roscommon. That’s also the best time to swim in the lake, picnic on the park’s vast waterside lawns, hike its more than 10mi (16km) of forest trails, or row a hire boat out to explore that 800-year-old fortress, McDermott’s Castle.</p> <h2 id="keem">Keem Bay (County Mayo)</h2> <p>Having grown up in Perth, Australia, which is renowned for its exquisite coastline, it isn’t often I’m dazzled by a beach. Yet, even after nearly a dozen visits, that’s what happens every time I drive round the mountainside bend to catch my first glimpse of Keem Bay.</p> <p>Here on Achill, Ireland’s biggest island, turquoise sea water laps against a 1,600ft-long (488m) stretch of soft white sand. What makes this beach on the western edge of Ireland so memorable are the enormous cliffs that protect the bay and, from above, look like a giant green horseshoe.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/keem-bay.jpg" alt="A cliff-top view of the pale sand and turquoise waters of Keem Bay, Ireland." /> <figcaption>The turquoise waters of Keem Bay. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>This favorable geography ensures Keem Bay is wonderfully calm for much of the year. Many of Ireland’s most attractive beaches are blighted by frequent strong winds and choppy water. Not Keem. It’s a haven, in every sense of the word.</p> <h2 id="glencar">Glencar (County Leitrim)</h2> <p>Tabletop mountains, their slopes heavily forested, loom above dramatic waterfalls, wide green plains, and translucent lakes. Yet the pristine valleys of County Leitrim are scarcely inhabited – by residents or tourists. The least populous county in Ireland, with only 32,000 people, Leitrim also is overlooked by most travelers. Yet, pound-for-pound, it’s the most picturesque county in the nation. I’ve yet to encounter a corner of Leitrim that was uninspiring.</p> <p><em>“I stood enchanted at the scene of grandeur and of light”</em> sang legendary Irish crooner Larry Cunningham in his song <em>Lovely Leitrim</em>, an ode to its underappreciated delights. The county’s glory reaches a crescendo at Glencar, where a waterfall tumbles down the lush hillside into a stream that feeds the adjoining lake. There’s a 4mi (6.4km) hiking trail through the hills above the lake, or a simple 0.7mi (1.1km) walk from the lakeside carpark up to the waterfall and back.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/glencar-falls.jpg" alt="Glencar waterfall cascades down a lush green hillside in Leitrim, Ireland." /> <figcaption>The waterfall at Glencar. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="barra">Gougane Barra (County Cork)</h2> <p>“Go where the monasteries are.” That was the half-joking, yet entirely helpful advice offered to me years ago when I asked an elderly Irish relative where to find the country’s most tranquil locations. In a nation brimming with isolated spots, it makes sense Ireland’s monks would gather in places of exceptional peace and beauty.</p> <p>Kerry and Cork are popularly considered Ireland’s two most scenic counties, so somewhere straddling the border between them must be equally special. That’s what I figured as my Cork-native brother drove me to one of his favorite places, Gougane Barra, a hill-hemmed lake where St Finbar built a monastery 1,500 years ago.</p> <p>It remains a site of Catholic pilgrimage, with some visitors following the historic St Finbar’s Path. This 19mi (31km) hiking trail starts near the Cork town of Drimoleague, and passes mountains, rivers, and lakes before reaching Gougane Barra.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/gougane-barra.jpg" alt="The monastery of St Finbar, at Gougane Barra lake in Ireland. " /> <figcaption>The monastery at Gougane Barra. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="road-trip">Road trip itinerary</h2> <p>Renting a car is easily the <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/driving-cycling-boating-and-swimming-in-ireland">best way to explore Ireland</a>. After flying into Dublin, drive 4hrs northwest to County Donegal. From the awesome cliffs of Slieve League, you can head south on the well-signposted Wild Atlantic Way, a spectacular 1,550mi (2,494km) driving route along the west coast.</p> <p>Take a short detour inland, to County Leitrim, and after 1hr 40 mins of driving you’ll be admiring Glencar. From there it’s just a 20-minute drive into County Sligo to my personal haven at Dooney Rock Forest. Then, drive 1hr south to the leafy environment of Lough Key Forest Park. After that it’s 3hrs west to secluded Keem Bay on Achill Island, which is connected to the mainland by a short road bridge, and then a 90-min trip south through some of Ireland’s purest coastal scenery to the rough Doo Lough.</p> <p>The final leg of the trip is the longest, a 4.5-hour journey down through counties Galway, Clare, and Limerick until you reach majestic Gougane Barra in County Cork. I recommended at least a week to complete this <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">road trip</a>.</p>Ronan O'Connell 0 Ronan O'Connell A mirror-like reflection at Lough Key Forest Park in Ireland.

Torn in Four Pieces by Coronavirus | Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/torn-in-four-pieces-by-coronavirusTorn in Four Pieces by Coronavirus | Travel StoryThu, 19 Mar 2020 00:40:22 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/torn-in-four-pieces-by-coronavirusHow Japan Healed My Heart | Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/how-japan-healed-my-heartHow Japan Healed My Heart | Travel StoryTue, 03 Mar 2020 21:06:44 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/how-japan-healed-my-heartLove Blooms From Near-Death in Tibet | Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/love-blooms-from-near-death-in-tibetLove Blooms From Near-Death in Tibet | Travel StoryTue, 28 Jan 2020 19:25:26 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/love-blooms-from-near-death-in-tibethttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/how-to-stay-safe-while-traveling-irelandHow to stay safe in Ireland, from using common sense while hiking along cliff tops to avoiding dodgy areas at night.2020-08-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/how-to-stay-safe-while-traveling-irelandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>I wasn’t prepared for this. Just 10 minutes into my hike up Croagh Patrick mountain in County Mayo, the rain set in remarkably quickly, my shoes slipped on the wet ground and I fell and hurt my hip.</p> <p>It was dry and sunny when I began my ascent; Ireland’s fickle weather has taken another victim. While it may be one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world, <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/petty-crime-ireland" target="_blank" title="Crime in Ireland: What Travelers Need to Know">traveling in Ireland is not without risk</a>.</p> <p>Here are some safety tips for your Irish holiday.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#cliffs"> Ireland’s sheer cliff drops </a></li> <li><a href="#cycling"> Cycling dangers in Ireland </a></li> <li><a href="#dublin"> Crime hotspots in Dublin </a></li> <li><a href="#surfing"> Surfing safety in Ireland </a></li> <li><a href="#reception"> Limited reception around Ireland </a></li> <li><a href="#hiking"> Poor weather conditions in Ireland </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast episode on Ireland</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cliffs">1. Ireland’s cliffs are deadly</h2> <p>Ireland’s dramatic sea cliffs are among the country’s most visited attractions. Each year, more than one million visitors head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, while Slieve League in County Donegal is equally spectacular, it is not quite as popular. Rather than putting up fences to stop people from going too close to these sheer drops, Irish authorities rely on the common sense of visitors.</p> <p>Unfortunately, many visitors see the absence of fences as an invitation to go right to the cliff edges, particularly to take photos. This results in many deaths.</p> <p>At the Cliffs of Moher alone, 66 people died between 1993 and 2017. In <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/coroner-s-court/student-seen-taking-lots-of-selfies-at-cliff-edge-before-fatal-fall-1.3964046" target="_blank" title="Irish Times: News">July 2019 a student fell while trying to take a selfie</a>, and in October 2019 a young man fell from the cliffs as well.</p> <p>Please stay well back from the cliff edges.</p> <h2 id="cycling">2. Cycling in Ireland is amazing but dangerous</h2> <p>Ireland’s scenery is untamed and very attractive to keen cyclists. However, there are only a few dedicated cycle lanes, and social media is regularly ablaze with complaints about motorists using these same lanes. Country roads are also frequently narrow and dangerous for cyclists. To be safe, cyclists should forget riding on Ireland’s roads and stick only to the specific “greenways”, smooth tracks reserved for cycling and walking which are normally detached from the roads altogether.</p> <p>Some of the most scenic and safe places to cycle in Ireland include The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, The Glenbeigh Greenway in County Kerry, The Galway-Moycullen Greenway in County Galway, and the Waterford Greenway in County Waterford.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/ireland/driving-cycling-boating-and-swimming-in-ireland" target="_blank" title="How to Road Trip Safely in Ireland">Driving hazards are also a risk for road-tripping travelers. Read my tips for safe driving here</a>.</p> <h2 id="dublin">3. Dublin is a friendly city with some crime hotspots</h2> <p>Few capital cities in the world are friendlier than Dublin. The Irish people are famously friendly and many visitors leave Dublin having been charmed by the locals. But there are several spots in the city where travelers must be wary of pickpockets, violence and drug-fueled crime.</p> <p>The two areas where visitors are most likely to encounter trouble are in the Temple Bar nightlife precinct and the shopping district around Dublin’s iconic Spire monument.</p> <p>Temple Bar is popular with visitors more than locals; prices are inflated, and it’s swarmed with drunk people every night.</p> <p>Temple Bar is a common destination for rowdy stag and hen party groups from across Europe. As a result, it has significant issues with alcohol and drug-fueled violence, and also attracts many shady characters dealing drugs or seeking victims to steal from.</p> <p>Similarly, dodgy people hang around near the Spire. Pickpockets frequent this area, and it also has a significant population of drug-affected people.</p> <h2 id="surfing">4. Wear an extra-thick wetsuit for surfing</h2> <p><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/surfing-in-hainan-china" target="_blank" title="Surfing paradise in China">Surfing</a> has become very popular in Ireland, which has some of the best waves in Europe thanks to its long west coastline which is exposed to the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean.</p> <p>But, this water is significantly colder than travelers from Australia or the US may be used to. You’ll need to buy or hire an extra-thick, neoprene wetsuit, because, by the time you realize your regular wetsuit isn’t robust enough, you could already be frozen from the jarring cold.</p> <h2 id="reception">5. Do not rely on your phone</h2> <p>Some of Ireland’s most beautiful areas are isolated, sparsely populated and have limited or sometimes no Wi-Fi signal. So, if you’re relying solely upon your phone for live maps and communication, you could get lost quite easily.</p> <p>Download maps and key information about your destination on your phone as a backup in case you lose signal.</p> <h2 id="hiking">6. When hiking, prepare for bad weather</h2> <p>Irish weather changes very quickly. Blue, sunny skies can give way to dense cloud and heavy rain in minutes. If you hike dressed for good weather, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/essential-hiking-safety-kit" target="_blank" title="Hiking Packing List: What Should Be in Your Safety Kit?">you’re taking a big risk</a>.</p> <p>Always carry a backpack with warmer and preferably waterproof clothes, just in case Mother Nature is in a bad mood.</p> <p>Wear proper hiking boots (well broken in), as the wet climate in Ireland means conditions underfoot <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/essential-hiking-safety-tips" target="_blank" title="Stay Safe While Hiking Solo: 4 Important Safety Tips">can often be damp and slippery</a>.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast episode on Ireland</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/462654?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli 1838754476 Getty Images Dunquin pier (Dún Chaoin), Dingle peninsula, County Kerry, Munster province, Ireland

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/northern-europe/ireland/learning-gaelic-sports-in-irelandRonan O'Connell takes a crash course in Gaelic football and hurling – and learns that they're all about community spirit.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/northern-europe/ireland/learning-gaelic-sports-in-irelandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <ul> <li><a href="#get-to-know">Getting to know Gaelic sports </a></li> <li><a href="#years">Thousands of years of history </a></li> <li><a href="#differences">The differences between Gaelic football and hurling</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> </ul> </ul> <p>There he is, my favorite Gaelic footballer. So many times I’ve watched Keith Higgins on TV, as he represents my beloved County Mayo in front of roaring crowds of up to 80,000 people. On-screen, he appears colossal.</p> <p>Now, standing in front of me in Ballina town in Mayo, he just looks like a bank employee. That’s because he is one.</p> <p>Ireland’s Gaelic sportsmen and women are national celebrities, elite athletes, and the pillars of a hugely lucrative sports-business empire. Yet they’re also amateurs. Despite drawing millions of fans to Irish stadiums and television sets each year, they earn no direct salary from the sports. Some of them get perks, like corporate sponsorships.</p> <p>But most Gaelic athletes have to work day jobs, as they don’t get a cut of the revenue they help bring in. Instead, that money is controlled by the organizing body, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The GAA uses that revenue to run these sports, helping fund everything from under-age community competitions up to the pinnacle that is the inter-county level.</p> <p>Higgins has played for County Mayo’s senior Gaelic football team since 2005. Had he instead chosen rugby or soccer, a top-level career of that same length could have netted him millions of Euros in salary. What he and his fellow Gaelic athletes earn is respect. They may not be showered with cash and feted like royalty wherever they go, like the superstars of basketball, baseball, and soccer, but they’re greatly admired and appreciated across Ireland.</p> <h2 id="get-to-know">Getting to know Gaelic sports</h2> <p>That’s the message Gaelic sports aficionado Cormac O’Donnchú is keen to deliver when I meet him in Dublin. “Gaelic sports are all about the grassroots, about community spirit,” Mr O’Donnchú tells me while we stand in Na Fianna Gaelic Club, of which he is chairman. Mr O’Donnchú is speaking with intense passion as he prepares to take me onto the club’s field for a crash course in the highest-profile Gaelic sports – football and hurling.</p> <p>My wife and I, and an American family are taking part in a three-hour lesson with Experience Gaelic Games. This is the company founded by Mr O’Donnchú and his wife Georgina Caraher to promote Ireland’s indigenous sports to foreign visitors. During these lessons, visitors learn about the history and rules of the sports before instructors teach them the basic skills involved.</p> <p>I am reasonably competent at Gaelic football. Having grown up in Australia, where I was raised by Irish parents, for many years, I played Australian Rules Football, which some historians believe was influenced by Gaelic football and is very similar.</p> <p>The game of hurling, however, is much more of a mystery to me. Although I’ve watched many hurling matches on TV over the past five years, living on and off in Ireland, playing the sport is much harder than it looks. Yet the Irish mastered it a long time ago.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/gaelic-sports-instructor.jpg" /><figcaption>Our instructor, Mr O’Donnchú. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="years">Thousands of years of Gaelic sports</h2> <p>Gaelic sports are astonishingly old, dating back 3,000 years. That is not a misprint. Irish historians believe hurling has been played for at least that long, while Gaelic football originated sometime in the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries AD). If my distant ancestors could play hurling, maybe I can too?</p> <p>“I’ve always done a lot of sport,” I tell Mr O’Donnchú confidently as I bend down to pick up a hurling stick on his club’s playing field. I’ve played <a href="/stories/connection/cricket-in-the-valley">cricket</a>, which, like hurling, involves hitting a small ball with a wooden stick. Those skills should be transferable, I figure.</p> <p>So I toss the baseball-sized <em>sliotar</em> (ball) up in the air just in front of me. I raise my hurling stick, which is similar in length to a baseball bat but has a wide, flat end. As the ball falls back down, I aim at it with force. Swing and miss.</p> <p>My second and third attempts produce the same result. My confidence is shattered.</p> <p>It takes a further beating when the American boys, who have never played hurling before, begin wielding their sticks impressively. “They’re naturals,” Mr O’Donnchú says to me with a smile. I watch as the boys quickly become accustomed to scooping the <em>sliotar</em> off the ground with their stick, lobbing it in the air, and hitting it to a teammate.</p> <p>That’s the aim of hurling – to move the ball down a large, rectangular field either by hitting it to a teammate or running with it balanced on top of the stick, before trying to score.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ireland/hurling-practice.jpg" /><figcaption>Practicing balancing the sliotar. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="differences">The differences between Gaelic football and hurling</h2> <p>In hurling, a goal is scored either by hitting the ball between two upright goalposts (one point) or into the soccer-style goal at the bottom of the posts (three points), which is guarded by a goalkeeper.</p> <p>Gaelic football has identical goals, posts, and scoring systems and is played on the same field, which is about 460ft (140m) long and 280ft (85m) wide. The key difference is that, in football, to move the ball players must either kick it or punch it. During our football session, my Australian Rules skills come to the fore. I manage to save a little bit of face after my shambolic efforts at hurling.</p> <p>As we’re walking off the field, our session over, I ask Mr O’Donnchú if he ever gets bored of Gaelic sports. “Never,” he replies, casually balancing a <em>sliotar</em> on the end of his hurling stick. Having witnessed his boundless enthusiasm during our long session, I wasn’t surprised by his answer.</p> <p>Even as I’m about to leave his club, O’Donnchú is imparting more Gaelic sports knowledge. His passion reminds me of countless men and women I’ve met back in Mayo. They adore their Gaelic sports and are especially proud of its amateur status and the humility that breeds in its participants. As Mr O’Donnchú explained, it’s all about community spirit.</p> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> <p>From Monday to Saturday, all year round, Experience Gaelic Games offers training sessions covering both hurling and football in Ireland’s three biggest tourist cities – Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Book in advance via their <a href="https://experiencegaelicgames.com/">website</a>.</p> <p>County matches of hurling and Gaelic football take place from February to September at venues across Ireland. Consult the <a href="https://www.gaa.ie/">GAA website</a> for fixtures. </p>Getty Images / Stephen Barnes 11161185716 Getty Images A hurling stick and sliotar (ball).

One Last Journey With My Dad, the Explorerhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/one-last-journey-with-my-dad-the-explorerOne Last Journey With My Dad, the ExplorerMon, 23 Sep 2019 21:02:12 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/one-last-journey-with-my-dad-the-explorerhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/china/ancient-villages-with-loads-of-history-in-chinaRonan O’Connell finds traditional life continues in Chengyang, Yangmei, Xitang, Anren and Ciqikou.2019-08-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/china/ancient-villages-with-loads-of-history-in-chinahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#chengyang"> Chengyang </a></li> <li><a href="#yangmei"> Yangmei </a></li> <li><a href="#xitang"> Xitang </a></li> <li><a href="#anren"> Anren </a></li> <li><a href="#ciqikou"> Ciqikou </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="chengyang">Chengyang</h2> <p>There are no cars in Chengyang, a village in a remote valley in the southern Chinese province of Guangxi, which borders <a href="/explore/guides/vietnam-cambodia-and-laos-insiders-guide">Vietnam</a>. That’s because the main entrance to this Dong-minority village is accessed via a narrow, wooden bridge that spans the Linxi River. The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge is a 260-foot-long (79m) structure, built in 1912 with only pedestrians in mind.</p> <p>Walking across this bridge today, I pass several middle-aged women selling scarves and handicrafts. They are members of the Dong tribe, one of the 55 ethnic minority groups of China. Chengyang has been home to the Dong people for more than 1,000 years. Locals live in stilted wooden homes, feed their families by growing rice, sweet potatoes, and wheat, and still practice ancient Dong customs.</p> <p>Traditional dances dedicated to the Goddess Sama are performed in the village square most days at 10am. After being lucky enough to catch one rousing performance, I am invited into a local’s home to enjoy a classic Dong meal – sticky rice with pickled vegetables, followed by a spicy hot pot. <span style="text-decoration: line-through;"></span></p> <p>To get to Chengyang, catch a <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/6-things-to-know-before-going-to-china">35-minute train</a> from Guilin city (the tourist hub of Guangxi Province, 60mi (96km) from Chengyang) to Sanjiang South bullet train station. From Sanjiang, catch a taxi to Chengyang.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/chengyang-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="The Yongji Bridge of Chengyang" /> <figcaption>The Yongji Bridge of Chengyang. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="yangmei">Yangmei</h2> <p>Needing respite from the noise of Nanning, the biggest city in Guangxi Province, I hop on a local bus to Yangmei, 25mi (40km) away. But despite a modest travel time of 90 minutes, on arrival it feels as if I have arrived in a different era. With its cobblestone alleys, historic temples, graceful pavilions, time-worn stone bridges, charming merchant houses, and peaceful riverside setting, Yangmei village is something of a time capsule.</p> <p>More than 1,000 years old, Yangmei was a key commercial port during China’s Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Today, it’s a sleepy town of less than 5,000 people, many of whom are elderly. The 18<sup>th</sup>-century shophouses surrounding the village square sell spices, tea, herbal medicine, and comfort foods like delicious Laoyou rice noodle soup, a bargain at US $2 a bowl. It’s so good I find room for a second.</p> <p>Yangmei bulges with unique history. What fascinates me most are its winding lanes. Along one, I find 200-year-old homes constructed from a quirky mix of powdered limestone and sticky rice soup. Another lane boasts the modest brick and wood building which was once home to two of the leaders in China’s pivotal 1911 Revolution, which ended the Qing Dynasty.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/yangmei-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="Inside a building in Yangmei District" /> <figcaption>Yangmei District. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="xitang">Xitang</h2> <p>They are large and beautiful numbers; 122 stone laneways, 104 ancient bridges, nine canals, and 2,500 years of history. This is Xitang, one of eight renowned water villages, 50mi (80km) southeast of downtown Shanghai. I had previously avoided Xitang assuming its proximity to Shanghai would mean it would be flooded with visitors. But then, I learn the difficulty of reaching it via public transport from Shanghai, and that the 50mi (80km), US $40 one-way taxi fare, is enough to discourage most visitors.</p> <p>Xitang is picture perfect. Rowing boats glide along its canals, passing beneath majestic arched bridges flanked by stately stone buildings up to 1,000 years old with high-pitched roofs and decorative eaves. I can’t take enough photos.</p> <p>It is very hot when I visit in April so I stroll under the town’s <em>langpengs</em>, the long, covered walkways which hug its canals. When the sun’s fury wanes, I fork out US $15 for a 30-minute rowboat ride along Xitang’s waterways. Then it’s time to savor a personal favorite – pork dumpling soup – enjoyed in an old restaurant looking out at one of the most charming places in China.</p> <h2 id="anren">Anren</h2> <p>I couldn’t find any direct buses to Anren from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and my taxi driver hasn’t a clue how to get there. Luckily, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/how-to-stay-connected-and-use-the-internet-in-china">my phone’s GPS</a> knows the way and, a US $30 fare later, we’ve traveled 40mi (64km) to Anren, an hour from downtown Chengdu.</p> <p>More than 1,400 years old, Anren is renowned for its 27 mansions, constructed in the early 1900s, when Anren was controlled by Liu Wenhui, a local warlord. The mansions are a unique blend of intricate European-style stonework and the decorative arches and courtyards associated with traditional Chinese architecture.</p> <p>While perusing a museum, set up inside one of his former homes, I read the story of how Liu Wenhui had dozens of local farmers killed so he could build the mansions on their land. It’s a grim tale, but the mansions are spectacular. So, too, are the three old streets alongside them.</p> <p>About 100 ancient wooden buildings are scattered along Yumin, Shuren, and Hongxing streets. Locals live on the upper floors and, from their ground-floor shops, they sell clothes, handicrafts, and Sichuan souvenirs including brocade silk. Others run family restaurants serving some of the spiciest food in Asia – the Kung Pao chicken left my tongue numb for what felt like hours.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/anren-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="People walking on the streets of Anren" /> <figcaption>People walking on the streets of Anren. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="ciqikou">Ciqikou</h2> <p>Chongqing epitomizes the dizzying rise of modern China. One of the world’s fastest-growing cities, in the past 20 years it has exploded from a modestly-sized urban center to a monstrous metropolis of more than 20 million people. Yet, somehow, amid this frenzied growth, Ciqikou, a 1,700-year-old neighborhood, just 7mi (11km) from downtown Chongqing, has survived.</p> <p>Ciqikou made its name as a porcelain-producing village in the 1400s. While it is undoubtedly visited more than the other villages on this list – most of its historic shophouses now cater to the tourism industry – it is still very interesting.</p> <p>Ciqikou’s architecture is authentic, with many Qing Dynasty era structures remaining, notable for their multi-tiered roofs. Its layout is fascinatingly labyrinthine, with its alleys looping and winding, ascending and then descending. I got lost several times. In contrast to the flat, grid-structured town planning we’re now used to in Western cities, this chaos is delightful.</p> <p>To get here, hail one of Chongqing’s ubiquitous yellow taxis, hand over US $5 and, in 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll be in the one part of the city that doesn’t look like the future.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/ciqikou-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="Colorful markets in Ciqikou" /> <figcaption>Markets in Ciqikou. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure>Ronan O'Connell 1Xitang Village in China Ronan O'Connell

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/china/jiuzhaigou-national-park-a-great-alternative-to-zhangjiajieA guide to exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan: discover spectacular waterfalls, walkways and authentic cultural villages.2019-07-24T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/china/jiuzhaigou-national-park-a-great-alternative-to-zhangjiajiehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>A Tibetan prayer wheel spins slowly in a breeze that’s drifted across a crystalline lake, down from a snowy mountain and through an alpine forest that’s home to giant pandas. Is this the famed <em>Tian</em>? For more than 2,000 years, the Chinese have puzzled over <em>Tian</em> (which translates to Heaven), one of the central concepts of Confucianism, and believed to be the place from where the world is controlled.</p> <p>Examine Chinese art dating back millennia and you’ll see one thread running through it – the glorification of the country’s natural gifts; mountains, lakes, forests and rivers abound. Yet, for most travelers, expectations of China are dominated by thoughts of colossal cities, nests of skyscrapers, vast highways and crowds.</p> <p>Many people are shocked when, after <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-china">asking for advice on visiting China</a>, I tell them to head to its national parks. None of these protected natural areas is more beautiful than Jiuzhaigou. This is my idea of Tian.</p> <p>The 280mi (450km) bus trip here from Chengdu, the nearest major city, takes nearly 10 hours. The seats are cramped and the roads are bumpy. The scenery, however, grows increasingly spectacular the closer we come to Jiuzhaigou. When finally we arrive, the length and arduous nature of the trip heightens the sense that I am somewhere truly remote and untouched.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#protected"> A Fiercely Protected National Park </a></li> <li><a href="#culture"> Jiuzhaigou’s Unique Culture Survives </a></li> <li><a href="#nature"> Lakes, Waterfalls and Wildlife </a></li> <li><a href="#waterfall"> Nuorilang Waterfall </a></li> <li><a href="#remote"> A Truly Remote Destination in China </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="protected">A Fiercely Protected National Park</h2> <p>Spread across 72,000ha, on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou National Park boasts more than 100 lakes and waterfalls across three connected valleys. It is the most beautiful place I’ve seen in more than a dozen trips to China. It is one of the most visited national parks among Chinese visitors but is largely overlooked by foreign travelers who instead visit Zhangjiajie National Park, 750km southeast in Hunan Province.</p> <p>Jiuzhaigou is a paradise which has been lost and found more than once. More than 2,000 years ago, Tibetan and Qiang tribespeople discovered this breathtaking valley with its pristine lakes, dramatic waterfalls, dense coniferous forest, limestone terraces, soaring mountains and a huge diversity of rare flora and fauna. They created an idyllic lifestyle, prospering off this fertile land.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-clear-water-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A fallen tree can be seen beneath clear water in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>A fallen tree can be seen beneath clear water in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Then, in 1975, modernity encroached. This paradise was devastated by seven years of heavy logging. In 1982, Jiuzhaigou was saved from destruction when it became one of China’s first protected national parks. Strict environmental conservation was introduced, roads were built to accommodate a limited number of tour buses, and more than 31mi (50km) of wooden walkways were constructed to let visitors stroll the most scenic routes through the park.</p> <h2 id="culture">Jiuzhaigou’s Unique Culture Survives</h2> <p>Jiuzhaigou’s <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/">cultural heritage has been safeguarded</a>, too. About 1,000 Tibetan and Qiang people still live in nine villages across the park. These settlements are wonderfully authentic, decorated by rainbow-like clusters of Tibetan prayer flags, centered around small groups of wooden buildings, almost every inch of which are covered by complex, hand-painted Tibetan motifs.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-local-man-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="Colorful clothing and religious buildings in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>A local woman in Jiuzhaigou. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-town-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="Brightly colored flags flap in the wind at a temple in Jiuzhaigou" /> <figcaption>Bright colors in Jiuzhaigou. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>I learn just how friendly the locals when I leave the walkway for Shuzheng Village. I’ve hiked about 4mi (6.5km) along the scenic path entering the park’s main gate and am fascinated to explore the closest settlement to this entrance.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-cultural-town-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A colorful building in a small town in Jiuzhaigou National Park, China" /> <figcaption>A colorful building in a small town in Jiuzhaigou National Park, China. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>I encounter a group of children bouncing a ball. Fascinated by my relatively tall height, one girl asks me in <a href="/explore/guides/mandarin-travel-phrasebook">broken English</a> if I play basketball. I say that I do. She follows up with: “You know Yao Ming?”. When I nod, she runs off, yelling excitedly, clearly having misunderstood my reply, perhaps assuming the Chinese basketball star and I are close friends when I simply know of him.</p> <p>Whether this miscommunication has offered me celebrity-by-association status, or the villagers are just really amiable, I’m ushered into a Tibetan home and gifted a VIP feast of barley wine and yak stew. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/food-safety-on-the-road-or-how-to-avoid-gastro">After the meal</a>, my host family ask their two daughters to perform for me. Wearing bright, intricately-embroidered dresses, they do a short dance which, I understand, is customary to welcome guests to a Tibetan home.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-local-people-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A woman wears brightly colored traditional clothing in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>Brightly colored traditional clothing in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="nature">Lakes, Waterfalls and Wildlife</h2> <p>With a full belly, I wave the family goodbye and rejoin the walkway. It is a cold but sunny day in April. Spring is bringing Jiuzhaigou back to life after the harsh winter associated with an altitude that ranges between 6,500ft (2,000m) and 14,700ft (4,500m) across the park. The scenery I pass is majestic. The walkway weaving through lush, green forests and skirting a series of small lakes, with water so translucent it almost seems unreal. Yet, I still haven’t seen the park’s most famed sites.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-reed-lake-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="Deep blue water at Reed Lake, surrounded by pine forests in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>The incredibly blue water of Reed Lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Less than a mile after leaving the village on foot I arrive at Reed Lake. This winding, aqua-blue body of water pierces a field of tall, brown reeds, creating enchanting contrast of color, shape and texture. I hike on and on and on. The walkway takes me along the edge of Sparkling Lake, Lying Dragon Lake and then to one of the largest lakes in the park, Shuzheng. I’m gobsmacked by the magnificence of Tiger, Rhinoceros and Mirror lakes, and Nuorilang waterfall.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-waterfall-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A fast-flowing waterfall cascades over rocks in Jiuzhaigou" /> <figcaption>A fast-flowing waterfall cascades over rocks in Jiuzhaigou. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="waterfall">Nuorilang Waterfall</h2> <p>The latter halts me in my stride. Reputedly the world’s widest limestone waterfall, it is cloaked in vegetation. Water cascades from beneath the plants and over its precipice, creating a uniquely-dramatic spectacle. I sit on a bench next this natural wonder for half an hour and just stare. Meanwhile, birds are swooping over the waterfall – Jiuzhaigou is home to more than 200 bird species – and somewhere in the old-growth forests behind it, hide <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid-on-your-next-adventure">two endangered animals</a>, the giant panda and the Sichuan takin, which looks like a cross between a goat and a moose.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-waterfall-and-lake-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A cascading waterfall into an aqua blue lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>A cascading waterfall into an aqua blue lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="remote">A Truly Remote Destination in China</h2> <p>During my two days following the scenic walkways, I hike more than 40mi (65km), while tour buses frequently whiz past me on the adjacent road. For a small fee, travelers can hop on and off these shuttles. Many Chinese visitors prefer being driven between each beauty spot to the lengthy walks involved. But it took me a long time to get to Jiuzhaigou, so I’m in no rush.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/china/jiuzhaigou-walkway-photo-by-ronan-oconnell.jpg" alt="A narrow walkway winds through tall grasses in Jiuzhaigou National Park" /> <figcaption>A narrow walkway winds through tall grasses in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <p>Three days later, with aching legs, I treat myself by ditching the 10-hour bus trip and instead taking the 45-minute flight back to Chengdu. I check out of my hotel – there are more than a dozen ranging from cheap to fancy in a small town next to the park’s entrance – and catch a 90-minute bus ride to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. As my plane ascends into the sky, I peer out the window to get a final glimpse of Jiuzhaigou. I’m in the heavens looking down at Heaven.</p>Ronan O'Connell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/cyber-safety-tips-for-travelHow can you secure your online data when traveling? Learn how to keep your financial info safe while using overseas SIMs, ATMs and Wi-Fi.2026-04-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/cyber-safety-tips-for-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Just because you're <a href="/explore">traveling</a> doesn't mean you should put yourself at risk of cybercrime. Here are 5 tips for keeping your personal and financial information safe when you're on the road.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#data">Quick tips for personal data safety</a></li> <li><a href="#atm">Choose your ATM wisely</a></li> <li><a href="#evisa">eVisa website scams are rife</a></li> <li><a href="#phone">Your phone is as important as your passport</a></li> <li><a href="#money">Don't give your passport to a money changer</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="data">1. Quick tips for personal data safety</h2> <p>Many travelers buy a local SIM card when they land in a new country to access the internet on their phones. That's fine. But at the end of your trip, make sure you destroy that SIM card. Do not throw it away intact, as your name may be attached to it, and someone could use it to steal your information, impersonate you, or for criminal activities which could be linked to you.</p> <p>When you're traveling, you may need to make an online purchase or do some online banking while connected to a public Wi-Fi network, such as in your hotel. Before you start, make sure your laptop or phone is protected with built-in security features or other cybersecurity software downloaded, such as <a href="https://us.norton.com/">Norton</a> or <a href="https://www.mcafee.com/">McAfee</a>. Then use a secure connection when completing financial transactions.</p> <p>Also, consider downloading a VPN (virtual private network) for both your phone and laptop. This service encrypts your data, giving you far greater protection against hackers. This is especially valuable when using public Wi-Fi connections, like those in hotels, airports, restaurants and cafes.</p> <h2 id="atm">2. Choose your ATM wisely</h2> <p>Card skimming may be the single greatest digital threat to tourists. The FBI reported it <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/skimming">costs banks and customers more than $1 billion</a> a year, in the US alone. Card skimming occurs when criminals attach a small device to an ATM that captures your card’s data, which is used to charge purchases to your account. These criminals most commonly target ATMs that have poor security. <br /><br />For 15 years, I’ve been very careful about which ATMs I use when traveling. This was prompted by having a large amount of money stolen from my bank account after I used an ATM in Thailand which had been tampered with by card-skimming fraudsters.</p> <p>I was lucky my bank investigated and then refunded me the full amount. But there’s no guarantee you’ll be so fortunate, so protect yourself from ATM <a href="/travel-safety/caribbean/the-bahamas/bahamas-local-nuisances">scammers</a>.</p> <p>Avoid using ATMs located inside convenience stores, or randomly attached to the wall on a quiet street. Such machines are easy for scammers to access without being noticed.</p> <p>If possible, only use ATMs inside banks where security is high, there is CCTV and security guards, and card skimmers are far less likely to attach a device to an ATM there.</p> <h2 id="evisa">3. eVisa website scams are rife</h2> <p>The increasing availability of eVisas has been a godsend for travelers. I used to dread having to print out and fill in a <a href="/travel-insurance/why-buy/tourist-visas">visa application</a> before lining up to submit it at an embassy. Now many countries instead offer eVisas, which you secure simply by filling in an application online.</p> <p>However, scammers quickly recognized this as an opportunity. There are now many fraudulent websites that claim to be official government eVisa portals. I encountered this recently when I was applying for a Vietnam tourist eVisa and a Google search linked me to several dodgy websites.</p> <p>Each claimed to be an official Vietnam eVisa page and looked very legitimate. Luckily, I wasn’t sucked in and followed a link on the <a href="https://vietnamembassy.org.au/en-us/">Vietnam Embassy of Australia </a>page to reach the real eVisa portal. Because these fake eVisa sites scam tourists in two ways.</p> <p>Firstly, they get you to make an online payment for an eVisa you’ll never receive. Secondly, they harvest the bank card information you provide, which they can then use to steal money from your account. Before you apply for an eVisa, visit an embassy website to get a link to its official eVISA portal.</p> <h2 id="phone">4. Your phone is as important as your passport</h2> <p>We store a massive amount of personal information in our smartphones, a lot of which a canny thief could hack into if they managed to get hold of this device. This is why, when traveling, I protect my phone as fiercely as my passport.</p> <p>Police around the world report phones are now the chief target of street thieves because of their high value, how easily they can be stolen, and how readily they can be sold.</p> <p>While traveling, don't leave your phone on a table at a café or restaurant, even right in front of you, as many thieves are so slick they can pinch it from under your nose. Often, an accomplice will distract you momentarily, and the thief will pounce.</p> <p>Also, while walking around cities worldwide, avoid carrying your phone in your hand. Unless you’re actively using it, put it in a pocket or bag, because from London to <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">Bangkok</a>, thieves commonly snatch phones from the hands of pedestrians and dash away on foot or motorbike.</p> <h2 id="money">5. Don’t give your passport to a money changer</h2> <p>It is common for <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-money-cards">money</a> changers in airports to ask to make a copy of your passport. Only do this if you are in an environment that has hefty security, such as at an airport or a bank. This document has lots of personal information that an identity fraud scammer could use to impersonate you online or even to create a copy of your passport. Why, then, would you give that information over to a stranger working at a random money-changing kiosk?</p> <p>I’m happy to use these smaller businesses, which often have better rates than the banks. But I refuse to hand over my passport if they ask for it, and normally they don’t care and process my exchange anyway.</p>Getty Images/Cavan Images 1 Getty Images Digital nomad working in campervan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/nepal/temples-and-cultural-must-sees-in-nepalFrom Swayambhunath to Durbar Square, here are the top temples, pilgrimage sites and cultural landmarks you must see in Nepal.2023-07-21T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/nepal/temples-and-cultural-must-sees-in-nepalhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Best known for its extraordinary scenery and epic hiking, Nepal also boasts a trove of photogenic and culturally significant landmarks, including former royal hubs, mountainside monasteries, and temples commandeered by animals. Here’s a guide to eight of Nepal’s most famous temples and finest historic sites.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#monkey">Swayambhunath, aka “Monkey Temple” (Kathmandu) </a></li> <li><a href="#durbar">Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)</a></li> <li><a href="#stupa">Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)</a></li> <li><a href="#shree">Shree Muktinath Temple (Mustang)</a></li> <li><a href="#pashupatinath">Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)</a></li> <li><a href="#kopan">Kopan Monastery (Budhanilkantha)</a></li> <li><a href="#changu">Changu Narayan Temple</a></li> <li><a href="#manakamana">Manakamana Temple (Gandaki)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="monkey">Swayambhunath, aka “Monkey Temple” (Kathmandu)</h2> <p>For several minutes I had a stand-off with a persistent monkey, who, when I turned to photograph the sprawl of Kathmandu, would sneak up behind me as if set to pounce. Eventually, I realized he was just playful, rather than dangerous. The same could be said for the hundreds of other primates that swarm Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple.</p> <p>Looming above the historic heart of Kathmandu, this is perhaps the city’s busiest tourist attraction due to its commanding architecture, mesmerizing views of the city and surrounding peaks, and the exotic allure of those cheeky monkeys. Swayambhunath is also a hugely important religious site. This 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site has long attracted Buddhist pilgrims, who climb its many stairs to pray to Lord Buddha.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/nepal-landmarks/monkey-temple.jpg" alt="Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal." /> <figcaption>Swayambhunath, aka the Monkey Temple. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="durbar">Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)</h2> <p>For more than a millennia, the pretty city of Bhaktapur (about 8mi/13km from Kathmandu) has been centered around Durbar Square. This plaza, in turn, is defined by its most commanding resident, the Palace of 55 Windows. I never stopped to count, and confirm the accuracy of that name, but this well-preserved palace kept me enthralled for hours.</p> <p>Built at the turn of the 18th century, it’s a delightful complex decorated by intricate woodwork and stonemasonry, the creative calling cards of the Newari people. Back then it housed the ruling family of the Malla Dynasty. Nowadays visitors walk between two giant lion statues to enter the site, which has been converted into the National Art Gallery, showcasing Nepalese artforms such as brasswork and Thangka paintings.</p> <h2 id="stupa">Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)</h2> <p>A late afternoon storm was about to besiege Kathmandu when I peered down a narrow alley to spot a lofty, gilded tower glowing in the gloom. The deep-grey skies only made it more dramatic. Two eyes stared straight at me – painted on the base of Boudhanath, which is among the largest stupas in Nepal, and a major attraction for visitors.</p> <p>Built in the 1300s, Boudhanath is one of seven ancient structures spread through the Kathmandu Valley which collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now surrounded by small cafes, restaurants, and shops, this stupa sits atop a whitewashed dome, which also gleams in the daylight, or in the evening when Boudhanath is illuminated by spotlights.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/nepal-landmarks/boudhanath-stupa.jpg" alt="Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal." /> <figcaption>Boudhanath Stupa. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="shree">Shree Muktinath Temple (Mustang)</h2> <p>Few religious sites have a more memorable location than Shree Muktinath Temple. It’s setting will, quite literally, take your breath away, due to the low levels of oxygen at 12,467ft (3,800m) above sea level, deep in the snow-draped Himalayan mountains.</p> <p>It’s a holy site for Buddhists and Hindus, and adherents of both faiths have long been drawn here to see its Shaligram, a sacred form of rock. Fossils, collected from the nearby Kali Gandaki River, are believed to be the stone embodiments of Lord Vishnu.</p> <p>Shree Muktinath is also frequented by <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hikers</a>, due to its location on the Annapura Circuit, one of Nepal’s <a href="/explore/southern-asia/nepal/top-treks-in-nepal">busiest trekking routes</a>. This path begins at Besisahar, about 25mi (40km) east of Pokhara city, and then ascends to the Thorung La Pass, at a startling elevation of 17,650ft (5,380m).</p> <h2 id="pashupatinath">Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)</h2> <p>Pashupatinath is blessed by the sacred waters of the adjacent Bagmati River, which begins in the peaks north of Kathmandu before flowing south to India. Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, and a key site of pilgrimage for centuries, it is so old that its exact origins aren’t clear. Some accounts place it at up to 1,500 years old.</p> <p>Pashupatinath does not allow non-Hindus to enter its inner sanctum. But by hiring a local guide, for about US $10 in addition to the US $10 entry ticket, I was shepherded through the outer buildings, which allow tourists, to the best elevated points from where I could peer down into the main temple. On a platform by the river, I saw a smoldering pile of ash. “Cremation,” my guide said, in reference this site’s long tradition of sending the dead to the afterlife.</p> <h2 id="kopan">Kopan Monastery (Budhanilkantha)</h2> <p>Residing on a forested hilltop just north of Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is wonderfully serene. Visitors are attracted here by the tranquility or, as I was, by its bold, polychromatic design.</p> <p>This is one of the few Buddhist monasteries near the Nepalese capital which allows travelers to stay and study within the complex. I spotted several foreigners praying amid throngs of local monks while I photographed its maroon and cream exterior, and the rainbow-hued murals which cover the prayer hall.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/nepal-landmarks/kopan-monastery-interior.jpg" alt="The vividly decorated interior of Kopan Monastery, Nepal." /> <figcaption>The polychromatic interior of Kopan Monastery. Image credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="changu">Changu Narayan Temple</h2> <p>The vast, verdant Kathmandu Valley stretches out beneath Changu Narayan Temple, as the Himalayan peeks loom large and frosty in the distance. Similar to Shree Muktinath, this temple is worth visiting for its dramatic location alone, perched on a forested peak, about 5,050ft (1,540m) above sea level, roughly 6mi (10km) east of Kathmandu.</p> <p>This UNESCO site, dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, is widely considered the country’s oldest temple, dating back at least 1,600 years. That’s also the age of several of its key artefacts – a winged Garuda statue near the temple’s entrance, an inscribed stone tablet, and several weathered Hindu idols.</p> <p>The main temple building is not nearly as old, having been razed by fire in the early 1700s. But what was then built is a wonder of Nepalese craftsmanship, embellished by complex woodwork and stonemasonry.</p> <p>About an hour’s drive from downtown Kathmandu, Changu Narayan is best reached by hiring a private vehicle. To make best use of your time, do a loop north through Kopan Monastery to Changunarayan, and south back through Bhaktapur to your hotel.</p> <h2 id="manakamana">Manakamana Temple (Gandaki)</h2> <p>Many travelers fly between Kathmandu and the stunning lakeside city of <a href="/explore/southern-asia/nepal/day-trips-from-pokhara">Pokhara</a>. I’m so happy I instead chose the seven-hour bus ride. Although it’s at times bumpy and uncomfortable, the striking views of lakes, valleys, rivers, and peaks are burned into my memory.</p> <p>Traveling by road also allows the option to stop midway at Manakamana Temple. It can be easily accessed in about 10 minutes by catching a cable car from Kurintar, alongside the Kathmandu-to-Pokhara highway. At the end of this scenic ride, travelers encounter a two-tiered pagoda that anchors a courtyard decorated by timeworn Hindu statues.</p>Getty Images / Jui-Chi Chan 11197562894 Getty Images Pashupatinath Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-ways-to-experience-japanese-cultureBeyond kitschy snake cafes and robot restaurants, Japan offers a range of more authentic, yet equally engaging experiences. Here are five that tap into true Japanese culture.2026-02-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-ways-to-experience-japanese-culturehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#ikebana">Ikebana: learning to arrange nature</a></li> <li><a href="#manga">A Manga drawing class</a></li> <li><a href="#bushido">Understanding Bushido, the samurai warrior code that guides Japan </a></li> <li><a href="#street-kart">Costumed street-kart cruising </a></li> <li><a href="#furoshiki">The art of Furoshiki: folding beauty</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ikebana">Ikebana: learning to arrange nature</h2> <p>It sounds unlikely, but the ever-so-gentle art of Japanese flower arranging was popularized by samurai. When they weren’t fighting on behalf of their feudal lord masters, these warriors favored more cerebral pursuits, such as pioneering Japan’s now-iconic tea ceremonies, and Ikebana.</p> <p>This revelation is delivered to me by Ikebana artist Kimiko Yamamoto, during a flower arranging class in her <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Kyoto</a> home. She tells me that, to counterbalance the adrenaline and chaos of war, samurai were attracted to meditative activities. The precise and silent art of Ikebana helped them relax.</p> <p>Like samurai, Ikebana artists seek perfection, she told me. That comment rang true as I watch her painstakingly position a flower in a vase, sizing it up from multiple angles and making minute alterations before finally she is satisfied.</p> <p>She explains that Ikebana aims to mimic nature. Each arrangement is intended not just to be pretty, but to have the same sense of balance we see in the outdoors, where open fields can flank deep forests, and colorful blossoms sprout from dull foliage. Ikebana artists value empty space, Yamamoto tells me.</p> <p>This is in contrast to European-style arranging which favors bold designs, with dense bunches of flowers. “Keep it simple,” she says. Visitors can do the same at Ikebana classes, which can be found in most major Japanese cities.</p> <h2 id="manga">A Manga drawing class</h2> <p>I’m not embarrassed by many things about myself, but I’ve always cringed at my inability to draw. For me, even sketching a basketball is difficult, yet here I am in a Tokyo art studio attempting to recreate a female character from Manga, the famous style of Japanese comic books. Fortunately, I have the expert guidance of seasoned Manga artist Nao Yazawa.</p> <p>She runs Manga School Nakano International in Tokyo, one of many businesses across Japan that offer classes in Manga art to visitors. This style of comic book exploded in popularity in the 1950s and now is one of Japan’s most recognizable cultural products, collected by fans across the world.</p> <p>After showing me some of her work, which feature exquisite detail, Yazawa challenges me to replicate one of her characters. “Impossible,” is my reply. So, she provides me with some artistic training wheels. Yazawa gets me to draw a grid on a piece of paper. This, she explains, will guide me in maintaining a sense of scale, as I begin drawing first the character’s head, then its face, body and limbs.</p> <p>She is correct, to an extent. The body parts are reasonably well proportioned. They are just warped in shape, to the point it looks as if my creation is melting. Nevertheless, I leave this class with at least one trick to slightly improve my drawings.</p> <h2 id="bushido">Understanding Bushido, the samurai warrior code that guides Japan</h2> <p>Some travelers <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/is-cultural-appropriation-ever-appropriate">dress as samurai</a> for photo opportunities while holidaying in Japan. But visitors who want to delve deeper into this unique element of Japanese culture can join a samurai workshop in major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.</p> <p>It was during one such class in the Japanese capital that I encounter Bushido. This 800-year-old code of conduct was a cornerstone of the samurai culture and is still influential in Japanese society, encouraging respect, obedience, modesty, generosity, and self-discipline.</p> <p>If you’ve ever wondered why many Japanese people are unerringly courteous, learning about Bushido will illuminate you. The young man who leads my samurai workshop, Yukihiro Oshida, spent years studying these Japanese warriors, who emerged in the 12th century and became not just respected soldiers but also political power players.</p> <p>He explains that, while samurai were fearsome during combat, they maintained strong ethics in day-to-day life. This insight added greatly to my fun experience of learning how to move fluidly and wield a <em>katana</em> sword like a samurai.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/japanese-culture/katana-lesson.jpg" alt="A martial arts teacher shows a student the proper way to wield a samurai katana sword." /> <figcaption>A lesson in wielding a <em>katana</em> sword. Image credit: Getty Images / GCShutter</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="street-kart">Costumed street-kart cruising</h2> <p>Sometimes, you just have to get silly. Street karting certainly is not a deep cultural experience such as learning Ikebana or Bushido. Instead, it is raw joy, the kind of frivolity that can reconnect you with your childhood in a wonderful way. Dressing up as a Japanese cartoon character and then driving a go-kart through busy city traffic is also something you almost certainly can’t legally do back home. So, enjoy it while you can, during your holiday in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Okinawa.</p> <p>Those are the four locations where Street Kart has become an enormously popular activity in recent years. Wearing a zany costume, I climb into a small, 209lb (95kg) kart which is surprisingly fast, allowing me to keep pace with the cars around me until they pass 40mph (64kph). In a group of six karters, I cruise through downtown Tokyo, and eventually along an elevated road with views across Tokyo Bay. To follow suit, all you need is an international driver’s permit and a sense of fun.</p> <h2 id="furoshiki">The art of Furoshiki: folding beauty</h2> <p>Laying before me is a green, rectangular piece of fabric. I stare at it, waiting for inspiration. Perhaps sensing my creative juices are not yet flowing, my teacher Yuka gives a demonstration. We are sitting inside Sakura Japanese Culture Salon, at Tokyo’s Shiba Park Hotel, where Yuka instructs visitors in the 1,300-year-old Japanese artform of Furoshiki.</p> <p>While the Japanese paper folding style of origami is world famous – and also taught here at Sakura – the somewhat similar Furoshiki is not well known internationally. Initially, it was invented as a means of decorating the valuables of Japan’s emperor with vases and ornaments wrapped in fine fabric, which was folded, woven, and tied in attractive fashion.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/japanese-culture/furoshiki-demo.jpg " alt="A woman demonstrates the Japanese art of Furoshiki (wrapping items in fabric)." /> <figcaption>A Furoshiki demonstration. Image credit: Getty Images / piotrmilewski</figcaption></figure> <p>In the 14th century, Furoshiki expanded beyond Japan’s palaces and became used as an attractive way of carrying everyday items. “It’s much nicer than using a plain bag,” Yuka says. She explains that, in recent years, Furoshiki has enjoyed a resurgence as younger people learned how to fold fabric around bottles of wine, picnic supplies, or even their groceries.</p> <p>After watching Yuka again and again – she is terribly patient – I replicate her moves and curl my fabric around a box of chocolates, creating a swirling pattern and a pretty bow on top. Yuka is right, this was certainly prettier and more interesting than a bag or wrapping paper. It was worth the effort.</p>Getty Images / Promo_Link 11185085423 Getty Images A Japanese woman in a kimono arranges flowers in the Ikebana style.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationDo you need a visa for Japan? We have all the details to save you from being turned around on arrival.2022-11-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>For most nationalities gaining entry to Japan as a tourist is quite straightforward, but the coronavirus pandemic is still causing complications so it’s important to be informed.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </a></li> <li><a href="#visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </h2> <p><span>Japan was closed to tourists for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when it reopened there were strict tourist arrival quotas, and entry requirements. But as of October 2022 it has become much simpler for travelers from many countries to enter Japan, especillay</span> if you’re from a country which has a Japan VISA exemption (most Western countries do, read below for further details), or you have a valid Japan Tourist VISA.</p> <p><span>The Japan Government no longer requires you do a pre-departure Covid-19 test to gain entry if you have a valid, Government-issued vaccination certificate, which shows you’ve had three or more doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. But make sure to check your airline’s rules regardless, as some carriers may require you present a recent, negative Covid-19 test to be allowed to board the plane.</span></p> <p><span>Also, before you fly to Japan, you must first register at <a href="https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/">Visit Japan Web</a> (VJW), create an account, then add your personal information, flight schedule, and customs declarations. </span></p> <p><span>The VJW will then issue you with two different QR codes to show to show on arrival in Japan. The first code is labelled “Immigration” and is to be shown to Immigration officials and the other is labelled “Customs” and must be presented to Customs officers.</span></p> <p><span>To make things easier, on the VJW site you can register for a Fast Track entry pass by uploading a copy of your official Government vaccination certificate. This will then earn you a third QR code, labelled “Quarantine”, which airport staff will scan instead of needing to inspect your vaccination certificate.</span></p> <p><span>Note that if you display symptoms typically associated with COVID-19 infection during your flight, or on arrival in Japan, you may be tested at the arrival airport. And if you test positive to COVID-19, you will be required to complete a mandatory quarantine period at a Government facility.</span></p> <h2 id="visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</h2> <p><span>Citizens of 68 countries qualify for visa exemption, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations. The full list of nations can be found on this <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html.">Japan Government website</a>. </span></p> <p><span>This means visitors from those countries can arrive in Japan, show their passport at Immigration and gain visa-free entry to the country for a certain period of time. Tourists from most of those 68 countries can stay for up to 90 days in Japan thanks to their visa exemption. Visitors from Brunei only get a 14-day entry, travelers from Indonesia and Thailand get a 15-day entry, and visitors from the UAE get 30 days.</span></p> <p><span>You'll need an e-Passport to be granted this visa exemption for Japan. Now standard issue now across most countries, e-Passports contain an electronic chip, which stores the same personal identifying information printed on your passport, as well as some of your biometric data.</span></p> <p><span>Don’t panic – e-Passports have been issued by most Western Governments for more than a decade, so chances are you already have one. If you don’t have an e-Passport, your passport must be very old and in need of renewal anyway. So do that now and your Japan entry will be simple.</span></p> <h2 id="working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</h2> <p><span>If you are not a citizen of one of the above 68 nations, and you want to holiday in Japan, you’ll need to secure a Temporary Visitor visa before you land in the country. Fortunately, in most instances you do not need to visit an embassy or visa office to submit this application, which can instead be done online. First, check the <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html">Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website</a> for details.   </span></p> <p><span>To complete this visa application, either online or in person at an embassy or consulate, you’ll need to submit a range of documents. These include a completed Japan Temporary Visitor visa application form, a passport photo, a copy of your passport photo page, a basic itinerary of your daily travel plans, return flight bookings, hotel bookings, and a three-month bank statement with your full name, home address and current bank balance.</span></p> <p><span>If you intend to stay with friends or family during you holiday in Japan, rather than in a hotel, you must submit an original copy of a letter signed by this person confirming the arrangement. That must be accompanied by a photocopy of their Japan Residence Card, and include their address in Japan and contact phone number. </span></p>iStock/Kavuto 0543065134 iStock Japanese young woman looking at Kyoto Hyakumanben Chionji Temple Garden

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyHere’s how to stay safe and avoid getting injured if you're in Japan during an earthquake.2022-04-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Japan is far more prone to natural disasters than most countries, with a long history of deadly earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Here’s what you need to know about its earthquakes and tsunamis.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake</a></li> <li><a href="#experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">More resources</a></li> <li><a href="#tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</h2> <p>After Indonesia,<a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/what-to-take-to-japan"> Japan</a> has more earthquakes than any country in the world. About 10% of all the planet’s earthquakes occur in or near Japan, according to a 2017 study published by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society. Japan has more than 1,000 per year, on average, although the majority are minor tremors not noticeable to humans.</p> <p>Japan does, however, experience at least one earthquake per year of magnitude 7.0 or higher in severity, on average. A magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 is defined as a major earthquake that can cause widespread damage and many casualties. In 1995, for example, a magnitude 6.9 quake near <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan">Kobe</a> city caused 6,433 deaths and more than USD $100 Billion of damage.</p> <p>In 2011, Japan suffered one of the worst natural disasters in modern history, the Great Sendai Earthquake. This enormous earthquake was the fourth most powerful in recorded history, at magnitude 9.0, and triggered a series of giant tsunamis that engulfed many towns on Japan’s east coast. The quake and tsunamis combined to kill more than 20,000 people, and cause more than USD$200 Billion of damage.</p> <h2 id="why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</h2> <p>About 90% of all earthquakes occur in what is known as the world’s Ring of Fire, according to the National Geographic Society. This is an arc of fault lines, shaped a bit like a crooked horseshoe, which runs for about 25,000mi through the Pacific Ocean, and across Japan.</p> <p>The Ring of Fire is also home to about 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. All of this dramatic natural activity along the ring is due to it following the boundaries between a series of the earth’s tectonic plates, which collide and then overlap or rub against one another. The extreme energy created by these plate interactions causes volcanic activity or earthquakes.</p> <p>After an earthquake, it’s also worth checking the<a href="http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html" target="_blank"> Japan Meteorological Association earthquake webpage</a>, which gives the most recent information, all in a matter of seconds after an earthquake hits. </p> <h2 id="safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake?</h2> <ul> <li>Tourists to Japan can <strong>download</strong> the popular <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rcsc.yurekuru.android&amp;amp;hl=ja">Yurekuru Call </a>app which uses live information from the Japan Meteorological Agency to provide warnings and updates about earthquakes and tsunamis</li> <li>If you’re inside a building during an earthquake, <strong>take cover</strong> beneath a doorway, which is less likely to collapse than a ceiling</li> <li><strong>Shelter</strong> underneath something strong – such as a table or chair – or place a pillow or thick blanket on top of your head</li> <li><strong>Stay clear</strong> of windows or large, heavy items like cabinets, fridges or televisions, which could topple and crush you</li> <li>If you’re in a city, <strong>stay indoors</strong>, as there is an even greater risk of being struck by debris in the street</li> <li><strong>Do not use</strong> an elevator, which could malfunction, leaving you stuck inside</li> <li>If you’re outdoors when a quake occurs then <strong>find an open space</strong>, away from buildings or large trees, lie down and cover your hea.</li> <li>If you are on a train or in the subway during a quake, rest assured that these Japanese transit systems are designed to respond to such tremors. They immediately stop in response to significant seismic activity</li> <li>Finally, when in doubt, <strong>do as the locals do</strong>. Most Japanese people have experienced many tremors, including multiple significant earthquakes, and are well drilled in how to respond.</li> </ul> <h2 id="experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake in Japan?</h2> <p>Japanese people are accustomed to tremors and typically respond in a calm fashion, as I learned while visiting Tokyo on 7 December 2012. While I sat in my hotel room watching TV, the building began to shake due to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Japan.</p> <p>Only the previous year, Japan had been devastated by the Great Sendai quake and tsunamis. With this catastrophe fresh in my mind, I panicked and ran to the hotel lobby for help. There I found the hotel manager coolly telling other terrified foreign guests to stay in their rooms and remain composed. </p> <p>The Japanese guests appeared far less perturbed. “It will be over soon,” the manager told us all. He was right. But, soon after, I read media reports of a predicted tsunami headed for the Japanese coast. I couldn’t sleep that night.</p> <h2 id="resources">More resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.JNTO.go.jp/safety-tips/pc/emergency.html" target="_blank">Japan National Tourist Association Earthquake Safety page</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/showa/tokyorinkai/english/" target="_blank">The Tokyo Rinkai Earthquake Prevention Center </a>is a free center that teaches about natural disasters using all sorts of hands-on exhibits, including walking through a post-earthquake Tokyo.</li> </ul> <h2 id="tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</h2> <p>Japan is one of the world’s tsunami hotspots, as more than 80% of the world’s tsunamis occur along the Ring of Fire, according to UNESCO’s International Tsunami Information Center.  Separate from tidal waves, which are caused by gravitational forces, tsunamis are the result of massive displacement of ocean water. That displacement can be caused by a volcanic eruption or a landslide but is mostly commonly created by an earthquake.</p> <p>More specifically, tsunamis are typically triggered by a thrust earthquake, which is where two tectonic plates collide and one then moves vertically. That vertical plate movement displaces a huge volume of seawater, which flows away from the earthquake epicenter, before slowing down and increasing in height the closer it gets to land. To create a destructive tsunami, an earthquake typically needs to be at least 7.5 in magnitude, according to <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en">UNESCO</a>.</p> <p>Japan has one of the world’s most advanced tsunami warning systems, connected to its earthquake monitoring offices. After any significant earthquake in or near the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency estimates the possibility of a resulting tsunami.</p> <p>If there is a chance Japan’s coast could be affected by a tsunami, the JMA issues warnings to potentially affected regions within three minutes of the quake occurring. These clear warnings come in the form of loud, public sirens and media announcements.</p>iStock/btrenkel 0155154305 iStock A woman puts on a helmet