
Checking Into A Hotel? First, Throw A Bottle Under The Bed. Here's Why
1/5
Whether it's for travel or business, staying in a hotel is a common experience, but one that requires caution. Security concerns in unfamiliar places are not uncommon, especially for solo travellers and women. Concerns about hidden cameras and intruders have left many feeling uneasy during their hotel stays.
To address these concerns, Esther Strus, a flight attendant for a Dutch airline, shared a few practical hotel safety tips on social media, based on her own experiences during frequent travel.
3/5
One of her standout suggestions is surprisingly simple: throw an empty water bottle under the bed upon entering the room. According to Esther, this quick trick can help detect if someone might be hiding underneath. 'If the bottle comes out the other side, it's clear. But if it gets stuck, someone could be there, leave immediately,' she advised.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
5 Serene Beaches Near Hyderabad Perfect For A Quiet Retreat
Hyderabad, the global city in the heartland of Telangana, is known for its glorious past, culture and progress in technology. Nevertheless, very few people know that Hyderabad is not too far from the coastline. Even though the city is severed from the coast, a little drive out of the city promises to take you to previously undiscovered beaches, where you can relax in natural splendor. For those seeking a break from the city life, here's a list of seven underappreciated beaches that are within a short drive from Hyderabad which guarantee peace coupled with beauty. 1. Mypadu Beach (Andhra Pradesh) A bit towards the south of India, roughly 500 kilometers from Hyderabad, is an untouched coastline, Mypadu beach. This beach is located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. As the beach is less developed, it is not prone to mass tourism which makes it ideal for relaxation seekers. The unadulterated bay of Bengal is the perfect setting for Srikakulam's golden sands that glimmer at sunrise and set. Most visitors like to spend their time taking long trudges on the warm wave kissed sands, or simply meditating, encouraged by the soothing sights and sounds of nature's bounty. Mypadu beach is off the radar and away from the overly visited tourist sites, which is perfect for those seeking tranquility and chance to reflect. 2. Baruva Beach (Andhra Pradesh) Another peaceful retreat can be found at Baruva Beach, which is located close to the Godavari River delta in Andhra Pradesh. The beach is famous for its wildlife and calm waters. This place offers 6 to 7 hours of driving from Hyderabad through the countryside. Most of the visitors choose to spend a week on this beach so as to enjoy the sunshine and the breeze. The beach is beautified nearer by coconut groves. Adventure enthusiasts can have their choice of the boat ride, while nature fans will relish the songs of many birds as well as the vicinity of the mangrove swamps. 3. Uppada Beach (Andhra Pradesh) Uppada Beach, one of the most popular beaches of Andhra Pradesh is located some kilometers away from Kakinada. This beach attracts a lot of tourists because of its beautiful handloom silk sarees. The beach is quite far from Hyderabad, approximately 600 kilometers, but is ideal for family and solo trips alike. The gentle sea breezes make for great swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, Uppada has many small outlets serving the best of local seafood which is a must while being on the beach. Seafood lovers will definitely get the taste of the famous coffee and crave the ocean scent. This smiler emphasis on leisure provides a unique feel for those that want to get out of the hustle bustle city life. 4. Bheemunipatnam Beach (Andhra Pradesh) Also called Bhimli, Bheemunipatnam Beach is located 650km from Hyderabad and boasts clean waves along with splendid sceneries. Being a Dutch settlement back in the day, the area put forth a number of colonial structures such as ancient forts and chapels. The beach is pristine, not highly populated and features smoother waves rolling onto the shores. Historically inclined travelers along with beach enthusiasts will find Bhimili as a unique place that offers history as well as leisure. 5. Rushikonda Beach (Andhra Pradesh) Located closer to Visakhapatnam, this beach is around 680 km from Hyderabad. Rushikonda is famous amongst tourists for its picturesque views and is one of the cleanest beaches. Although slowly gaining fame, some areas of the shore are still untouched, allowing people to destress out. The shimmering blue waters against the glimmering yellow sand makes this place perfect for photography. For thrill seekers, Rushikonda also provides water activities such as jet skiing and surfing, so there is something for everyone. Why Opt For These Remote Shores? These untouched shores are a welcome break from the decidedly dry environment of Hyderabad, which may feel like it is a long way from the coastlines. There is something truly spectacular about each of these sites, from the ancient historical temples of Bheemunipatnam, the green oriented Baruva, and the adventurous Rushikonda. Aside from this, the quiet nature of these beaches is guaranteed, as there is no hustle and bustle of the highly commercial tourist attractions. Suggestions For These Shores Make Arrangements: Given that it is a distance from Hyderabad, allow for adequate travel time when planning your trip. Bring the Right Materials: Consider bringing eco-friendly sunscreen, hats, and reusable water containers to remain comfortable and protected while looking after the environment. Mind the Influences: Be aware of local influences and practices, particularly in remote regions. Minimize Impact: Aid in keeping the pristine nature of these beaches by practicing responsible waste disposal. Final Thoughts In summation, these remote shores provide a fantastic getaway for anyone looking for tranquility and natural beauty, providing a stark contrast to the metropolitan area of Hyderabad. These hidden treasures are guaranteed to make for an unforgettable holiday, whether you want to relax, delve deep into the history of the area, or experience nature at its finest. So go ahead and grab your things and visit the serene beaches near Hyderabad.


NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
Eurovision 2025: Why Host City Basel, Switzerland Is The Heart Of European Culture
Basel was in the international spotlight for a week of festivities surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest but the Swiss city has been at the heart of European culture for centuries. With a population of 180,000, Switzerland's third-biggest city after Zurich and Geneva straddles the River Rhine and sits right on the northern border with both France and Germany. Basel's location played a major role in its growth and continental importance through the ages. From May 11 to 17, it was centre-stage in Europe again for hosting Eurovision 2025, the pop music extravaganza that has become one of the world's biggest annual live television events and a giant international party. The influence of the Rhine can be felt in Basel's historic centre, dominated by the twin towers of Basel Minster, where the Dutch thinker Erasmus is buried. But Basel's modern emblems are the two Roche Towers, Switzerland's tallest buildings. Completed in the last decade, standing 205 metres and 178 metres (673 and 584 feet) high, they are the headquarters of the eponymous giant pharmaceutical firm. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries now drive the city's economy. Basel is one of Europe's great centres of culture. The first edition of Sebastian Brant's "Ship of Fools", one of the bestsellers of the European Renaissance, was printed in the city. The Rhine spirit is vividly expressed every spring at the three-day Basel Carnival, which transforms the city streets into a river of painted lanterns, colourful masks and creative costumes, flowing to the sound of pipes and drums. The world's biggest Protestant carnival features on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list and attracts thousands of tourists. The city has world-renowned museums -- none more so than the Kunstmuseum, the oldest public art collection in the world dating back to 1661. In a referendum in 1967, citizens decided to buy two paintings by Pablo Picasso, who, moved by the vote, would later donate several more works to the city. Across the Rhine, the Museum Tinguely draws in thousands of visitors with its kinetic art sculptures, while just outside the city, the Beyeler Foundation hosts an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary artworks. And every year, art lovers and gallery owners from around the world flock to Art Basel, one of the world's top contemporary art fairs. In sports, Basel is home to tennis all-time great Roger Federer, while FC Basel are on the verge of winning their 21st Swiss football championship. Besides its culture, Basel is now synonymous with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, home to globally important groups such as Roche, Novartis, Sandoz and Syngenta. The psychedelic drug LSD was created at the Sandoz laboratories there in 1938. Pharma and chemicals make Basel a major player in the Swiss economy, attracting researchers and students as well as cross-border workers. Around 35,000 people cross over from France and Germany, attracted by higher Swiss wages. Basel is the home of the Bank for International Settlements, considered the central bank of central banks. The city is left-leaning, perhaps due to the influence of its university, the oldest in Switzerland, founded in 1460. It has approximately 13,000 students from 100 countries, around a quarter of whom are studying for their doctorates. The city has also lived through major disasters: the great earthquake of 1356 and the Sandoz chemical spill 630 years later. The biggest quake in central Europe in recorded history, and the fires it caused, destroyed a city already ravaged by the Black Death. The 1986 fire at the Sandoz chemical plant on the outskirts of Basel also left its mark due to the ecological disaster caused by toxic chemicals leaking into the Rhine, killing wildlife as far downstream as the Netherlands.


Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
Kolkata taxi driver threatens US tourist with ‘mafia link' over fare dispute
A US tourist's trip to Kolkata, the City of Joy, turned 'ridiculous' after a dispute over fares with a local taxi driver - who threatened him with 'mafia connections'. The man recorded the entire incident and shared it on YouTube, where the video has since gone viral. 'From this point forward, I will never use random taxi drivers from the airport – always Uber. I didn't plan to make any videos from the airport as I was already tired from travelling. However, when the taxi driver brought me to the wrong hotel after I showed him the correct address and location on the map, I started filming,' wrote Dustin. 'At the time, I didn't understand what he was saying and had my friend translate – he said it was pretty messed up. We had agreed to ₹ 700 beforehand, including the parking ticket, and as you can see in the video, the prices kept changing. Regardless, I've had a good time in India so far and this situation doesn't really change anything,' he continued. Read | 'Didn't feel…': Dutch travel influencer shares video after Indian man secretly takes pictures on Delhi-Agra train Viewer Discretion Advised: This video contains explicit language and strong content. 'Someone should report this case to Kolkata Police. It's a shame for us, treating tourists like this,' posted one user. Another added, 'I have reported this to Kolkata Police with the video link and requested prompt action against such hooliganism.' Video | 'Refugees are here from India': Man harasses Indians in Canada, netizens say 'this is unacceptable' A third commented, 'Those who are saying he should have taken the bus, metro, Uber, etc. – tell me, how is a foreigner supposed to know what to take and what not to? Instead of criticising him, could we not just talk about the law and order situation in this state where these things keep happening?' A fourth wrote, 'I'm Bengali, and I can understand what that guy is saying. He's extremely rude and cursing! I'm really sorry you had to experience this. Please know that not all people are like that, and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay in Kolkata. Once again, I'm truly sorry.'