Why You'll Never See the 13th Floor of a Hotel
10:09 AM
Ever wonder why you’ve never stayed in a hotel room on the 13th floor? The answer is simple: The floor doesn’t exist.
It all comes down to triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13.
You see, as USA Today reported, the fear of the number 13 isn’t just some small-time phobia that leads people to avoid going out on Friday the 13th, but rather, it can cause people to suffer from acute anxiety when they come across the evil-sounding numeral.
By skipping the 13th floor of a building, hotels could help spare customers who suffer from this particular fear a lot of heartache and anxiety.
It may seem frivolous to skip an entire floor for a few fearful patrons, but as a 2007 Gallup poll noted, 13 percent (coincidence?) of respondents said they’d feel uneasy staying on the 13th floor of a hotel.
But, as rational thought will dictate, hotels and buildings higher than 12 floors of course have a 13th floor, however, they do away with it by simply renaming it something else.
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Many buildings in New York City will go the way of calling it “12B” or “14A,” The Atlanticexplained. A survey by CityReality found that out of 629 condo buildings listed with 13 or more floors, only 55 labeled the 13th floor as the 13th floor. That means 91 percent of buildings with a 13th floor renamed it something less sinister in the hopes of attracting would-be buyers and renters.
While this seems like a lot of effort, it’s good for business to not alienate 13 percent of potential clients. As J.W. Bill Marriott Jr., chairman of Marriott International, told USA Today in 2007, “It was one of the first things I learned: Don't go to 13.”
Tuk Tuk Safari Sri Lanka
1:58 AM
Tuk Tuk Safari provides the newest way of discovering Colombo for tourists. They provide tours within Colombo via convertible three wheels with affordable price. Usual safari time is 4 hours and starts in the evening.
Currently they have three safaris ;
City Safari :
The City Safari is suited to those on a budget or whom are visiting Colombo for the first time and want to get an overall city tour experience.
Food Safari:
The Food Safari covers hotspots in Colombo, as well as numerous super-authentic (local favourite) food stops along the way.
Gala Safari:
The Gala Safari – the all-inclusive favorite! This is an amazing combination of Colombo’s best seasonal hotspots, all of our amazing local food stops AND lots of drinks are also included (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Tuk Tuk Safari Contact Information:
Address: 16/3a Woodlands Avenue, Nugegoda Colombo
Contact Number: 077 748 0340
These Are the Cheapest Days to Fly for Christmas 2017
1:53 AM
Fall isn’t even over yet, and you’re probably already itching to start crossing off your gift list and preparing for holiday travels. Though we’re still nose deep in the throes of pumpkin spice, it’s never too early to start thinking about booking flights for Christmas. While we can’t promise a pain-free airport experience and shorter security lines, we can help you to avoid the big price tag that comes with traveling during the Yuletide season. Because there’s no better gift than shaving a few dollars off of your flight tickets, right?
Great news, budget-conscious travelers! Here is a guideline on the cheapest days to navigate the friendly skies, for what is considered to be the most wonderful—and busiest—time of the year.
Be flexible.
According to Cheapair.com, if you’re willing to fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can save an average of $50 per ticket, as opposed to flying on December 22. Sure, flying on Christmas Day doesn’t sound appealing. But if you’re splitting the holidays between family and friends, you can spend Christmas Eve in one destination and fly to another on December 25.
Typically, during a normal work week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are often the least busy and least expensive times to fly. More specifically, you’ll find the best deals for departure flights on Wednesday, December 20, with December 27 being the best day to book your return flight.
Book in October.
Some frequent travelers advocate waiting until the last minute to buy tickets, as some airlines will attempt to fill empty seats by offering more competitive pricing. But finding cheap fares may require a bit more planning, than, say, picking out toys for the little ones on your holiday shopping list.
In 2016, Skyscanner compiled data on the best days to fly. Their findings showed that people departing between December 19 and December 25, with return flights between December 26 and December 27, saved more money when booking at least 11 weeks out. Which means by October 29, you should get your credit card ready.
Switch up airlines.
You can also cut costs by flying to your destination on one airline and returning on another. The same rule can be applied to airports. If you have the luxury of residing in a city with multiple airports, try leaving from a different one.
WATCH: Browser's Incognito Mode Can Help You Book a Cheap Vacation
Adjust your criteria.
If you’re not willing to bend on departure dates, times, airports, and seats, the more it’s going to cost you. Beyond specific days, being flexible during the holidays will save you more time and money.
Celebrity Cruises to offer same-sex marriage ceremonies on-board
1:49 AM
Celebrity Cruises has announced same-sex marriages performed on board are now legally recognised, marking a historic first for the modern luxury brand.
The move follows a transformative vote in Malta, where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered, which passed the country’s parliament 66-1.
The long-awaited referendum opens the door for Celebrity to legally recognise same-sex marriages performed on board, and have the fleet’s captains officiate the ceremonies.
“I am absolutely thrilled to announce that starting today, we welcome same-sex couples to marry on our ships while in international waters,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president, Celebrity Cruises.
“This is one for the history books!”
The Celebrity Weddings programme offers on board ceremonies and destination weddings for lovebirds.
The World’s 20 Best Cities for Shopping
1:35 AMTravel + Leisure readers know to leave room in their suitcases before heading to one of these incredible shopping cities. With world-famous markets, oversized shopping malls, and designers that set the pace for fashion, the cities on this list are favorites for globetrotters who travel to shop.
Every year, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their travel experiences across the globe in the World’s Best Awards survey — and they share their opinions on the top islands, cruise ships, airlines, hotels, and more. When it comes to cities, readers consider everything from the friendliness of the locals to the culture, cuisine, and (of course) the shopping.
New York City continued to impress travelers, who always remark about the city’s outright theatrical department store windows during the holiday season. Across the Atlantic, Italy dominated the European shopping scene, with three cities — Milan, Florence, and Rome — receiving high marks. In Asia, travelers were delighted by Korean beauty goods, traditional Thai silks, and the flourish of independent boutiques in classic shopping destinations like Hong Kongand Singapore.
Shopping for unforgettable souvenirs is a great way to remember a favorite destination. But it’s also a wonderful way to learn about a culture, a city’s distinct style, and to mingle with locals.
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20. Seoul, South Korea
Travelers in search of the world’s best beauty products should plan a trip to Seoul, which is known as the capital of beauty.
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19. Hoi An, Vietnam
This ancient port town is famous for its custom tailors — and outrageously affordable prices. It’s not uncommon to find travelers in town just to purchase custom suits, wedding gowns, and other occasion pieces.
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17. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just for gambling and over-the-top performances. Storefronts here lean decidedly upscale, with more than a handful of Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuittons within walking distance.
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17. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok may be best known for its busy markets, which sell everything from Thai silks to fragrant flowers and exotic pets.
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16. Los Angeles, California
Travelers in Los Angeles can find high-end designers on Rodeo Drive, decidedly hip boutiques in Silverlake, treasure-filled thrift stores in the Valley, and everything in between.
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15. Rome, Italy
For the finest handmade Italian leather goods, shoppers should head to Rome, which is also home to the Fendi flagship store.
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14. Santa Fe, New Mexico
This southwestern U.S. city is famous for its handcrafted Native American jewelry (particularly silver and turquoise creations).
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13. Charleston, South Carolina
Head straight to King Street for the best shopping in Charleston, which has ample antique shops and unique ateliers.
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12. Aspen, Colorado
Not everyone goes to Aspen to ski. According to Travel + Leisure readers, it’s also one of the best places on Earth to shop.
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11. Chicago, Illinois
You can shop for just about anything in Chicago, though the Windy City has a particularly impressive collection of funky record stores.
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10. London, England
London tastemakers know the vintage markets on Portobello Road and the artisanal vendors at Maltby Street Market are some of the best in the city.
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9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Handicrafts and art are at the heart of this colonial city’s shopping scene. Save room in your suitcase for embroidered blouses, woven shawls, and tinwork.
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8. Milan, Italy
Recognized as one of the world’s premier fashion capitals, it should come as no surprise that locals here love to shop — as do the travelers. For a mix of everything, try the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is hailed as one of the first shopping malls.
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7. Florence, Italy
Beating out both Milan and Rome, this Italian city is known for its craftsmanship. Perfumers and jewelers are particularly celebrated here.
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6. Singapore, Singapore
There’s so much more to Singapore than street food. In-the-know travelers have discovered the city’s incredible local designers and funky boutiques.
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5. Hong Kong, China
Skip Queen’s Road Central in favor of the eclectic, hard-to-find accessories. For souvenirs, consider Stanley Market and Ladies Market.
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4. Paris, France
Brush up on your French — c’est fait en quell tissue — before stocking up on timeless Parisian fashions.
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3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This metropolis is home to the biggest mall in the world (1,200 stores spread across four stories). Need we say more?
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2. Tokyo, Japan
From the Tsukiji Fish Market and Yanaka Ginza shopping street to high-end designer labels, shopping in Tokyo is as diverse as the architecture.
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1. New York City, New York
One reader ventured that it would be worthwhile to “sell some stocks and refinance your house” for a “shopping spree on the Upper East Side.” New York City never disappoints travelers who love to shop, thanks to its healthy mix of designer labels, independent boutiques, and world-famous window displays.
Nonpareil
2:58 AM
Colombo->Rathnapura->Balangoda->Belihul
Oya->Imbulpe->Non Pareil
Non Perial Easte road goes through Samanala sanctuary and
from the Sabaragamua side of the Balathuduwa & Gonmolli Kanda.
The same
road leads to Hirikatuoya Information Centre which facilitated by Forest
Department. Camping facilities available there but have to be booked from
Sampathpaya, Forest Dept head office. The road condition was manageable by a
van. When we traveled along the road about 1KM we were fortunate to see the
Balangoda – Non Perial bus service which is the only public transport service
available to the estate.
- If you
are planning to Camp you MUST have special permission from the estate
management. (It’s a private property and entering without permission is
prohibited)
- Camp
at your own Risk
- There
are lots of water sources along the way.
- Starting
early is an advantage
- Road
condition is so bad and 4WD is a MUST (At least have 2 spare wheels.)
- Mobile
signals only available in few places (Near Non Perial Factory & Nagrak
Bungalow)
- Hiking stick will be useful.
Railway tunnels in Sri lanka
2:41 AM
There are 43 tunnels in the Railway line from Colombo to badulla. The longest railway tunnel in sri lanka which is “singimale tunnel” lies between hatton and kotagala railway stations .
Its length Is 559.75m the community nearby the tunnel use it for there transportation. Space is allocated for the protection of the pedestrians in case of a train’s arrival.
Likewise the highest number of tunnels in Colombo badulla railway line which is fourteen is found between ohiya and idalgashinna railway stations. Another distinctive tunnel is found in this railway track.
That is the 18thtunnel situated near the highest railway station in sri lanka “pattipola”. ( 321.95 m length) this tunnel was made in 1919. It is prominent as there’s a gloomy weather at one end but a dry weather at the other end. Moreover at one end the weather is clear but contradictory it is misty at the other end.
