
19 countries are now must-go places
With the zamindar of Mar-a-Lago rolling out new club rules in the form of travel bans into the US for 12 countries and restrictions on 7 others, many have been horrified - as if they'd like anyone and everyone to enter their tony neighbourhoods. But let's flip the long-distance outrage for a minute - this is actually fab news for the 19 countries. Nothing elevates a destination's appeal quite like exclusivity. Adventurous world travellers will now have the Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Libya, Bagh-e Babur in Afghanistan, and Saut-Mathurine in Haiti on their 'must-go' list. A bunch of Insta pics from Unesco World Heritage site Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran, captioned, 'Banned and beautiful', has just entered many a bucket list.Then there's the economic perk. Other countries will activate their 'US Plus One' plan to connect with, say, 'authentic' Burmese Khow Suey that America will now slowly but surely be depleted of. Nothing binds people like a shared grievance. A club of nations blacklisted by the US is essentially the world's newest exclusive fraternity - bonding over the new branding of 'Visa-refused by Trumpland!' So, pack your bags and plan your next holiday to Zakouma National Park in Chad, or Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, in Venezuela. Disneyland, Napa Valley and Empire State Building are so American, so passe.

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


Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Prince Harry recreates a Princess Diana moment with his son Prince Archie at Disneyland
Image credits: X/@lorrainemking It is said that out of all the loves of life, a mother's love remains unforgettable even after she is gone. The nurture and undevoted love that a mother showers her children with beats inside their hearts reminding them of their value and soul. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went on a trip to Disneyland with their kids, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Meghan Markle took to Instagram to share snippets from the fun trip thanking Disneyland for their experience. "Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!" wrote the Duchess in her post where she shared a video of the family enjoying various rides and moments in the magical land. While the trip may have been memorable and special for the young prince and princess, it also marked a special and emotional moment for their father Prince Harry . Harry revisited a chapter from his childhood on the Disneyland trip where he recreated a special memory of his mom with his son. Back in August 1993, eight-year-old Harry accompanied his elder brother Prince William, 11, and mother Princess Diana on a private visit to the Walt Disney World in Florida. The trip marked a rare moment of joy and togetherness for the trio as it was just months after Diana had separated from her husband, Prince Charles. The mother and sons went on an exclusive rise on Splash Mountain where they were escorted through Disney's secret underground tunnels for VIPs, accompanied by close friends and security. The ride was at that moment closed off to other guests. 'They were all very nice, very well-behaved. She was a sweetheart,' said a waiter at Flagler's restaurant (now Citricos) in the Grand Floridian. Image credits: X/@Survivor_MaryNU Now, the family visited Disneyland in Anaheim, California where they went to celebrate Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday. The celebration included a two-tiered birthday cake inspired by The Little Mermaid, possibly the princess' favourite Disney princess. The prince revisited the newly updated Splash Mountain, now known as Tiana's Bayou Adventure since 2024. While he could be seen sitting with Prince Archie, Meghan could be seen with Princess Lilibet. The post featured the family wearing Mickey Mouse ears and also stopping to meet Star Wars stormtroopers and Elsa from Frozen while munching on classic park treats like corn dogs and pickles.


India.com
12 hours ago
- India.com
Experience The Thrill With Scenic Motorcycle Rides Starting From Kolkata
The Indian metropolis Kolkata serves as cultural hub and entry point for viewing stunning eastern Indian natural vistas. Motorcycle enthusiasts who depart from Kolkata can enjoy routes which perfectly unite their love of adventure with natural splendor and cultural attractions. Motorcycle riders who participate as professionals and recreational drivers will discover unforgettable adventures on these panoramic routes. Seven fundamental travel routes exist for tourists to witness the wide array of regional natural beauty. 1. Kolkata to Sundarbans Nature enthusiasts dream of visiting Sundarbans which stands as the world's biggest mangrove ecosystem and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Motorists exiting Kolkata explore beautiful rural places with their motorcycles as they move along green farm fields and curving waterways. After reaching Godkhali or Sonakhali which serve as Sundarbans entry points you can embark on boat tours through the heavy forests while looking for Bengal tigers along with crocodiles and rare bird species. The tranquil backwaters of this area perfectly complement its energetic local population. 2. Kolkata to Shantiniketan Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan as a sanctuary that attracts individuals interested in art, literature and nature through its doors. During the journey from Kolkata to its destination you can admire the local Bengali lifestyle by traveling through small towns and countryside areas. After your arrival you should head straight to Visva-Bharati University and Tagore's house and admire the peaceful atmosphere with its flowering trees and red earth trails. Poush Mela serves as the perfect occasion to visit Shantiniketan because it hosts a festive cultural celebration which occurs during late December. 3. Kolkata to Darjeeling via NH31 A journey from any location to reach Darjeeling delivers an unmatched experience for anyone choosing long-distance driving. From Kolkata the road guide leads riders to Malda then Siliguri and finally ends in the tea-filled Dooars valley. Plenty of mist surrounds the valleys as you go uphill while waterfall streams meet you and the Himalayas present stunning views to your sight. Tourists should experience iconic sites in Darjeeling that include Tiger Hill together with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The demanding yet beautiful nature experience is the climactic event of this journey. 4. A Time Journey from Kolkata Leads to Bishnupur Bishnupur stands out through its terracotta temples and historical ambiance as it lies only a few hours from Kolkata by car. During this route you will observe traditional mud houses and small ponds in addition to the scenic countryside of rural Bengal. Visitors to Bishnupur should see the spectacular Rasmancha temple together with the Jorbangla temple along with the Madan Mohan temple. The Bankura horses together with handcrafted objects made from conch shells serve as distinctive local items for purchase. The outing combines three elements that bring together historic sites with architectural masterpieces in a beautiful natural environment. 5. Kolkata to Digha The beach town of Digha serves as West Bengal's top beach attraction which provides ideal weekend relaxation. NH6 provides the highway for this journey that presents views between urban and country regions. Following your arrival at Digha you can experience the beautiful golden beach while feeling the ocean waves alongside tasting fresh seafood from the area. The destinations near Sanisharapur Beach include the coastal areas of Shankarpur Beach along with Talasari Beach together with the Marine Station at Mandarmani. Adventure seekers should explore the dolphins by visiting the estuarine zones near the destination. Conclusion The eastern part of India becomes accessible to travelers who begin their journeys from the city of Kolkata. Every motorcycle route between the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem and mountains at Darjeeling showcases its own distinctive landscape features. The motorbike journeys deliver more than mere destination achievement because they permit people to cherish road adventures together with natural encounters and discover secret spots in between. Begin your journey by firing up your engine after planning the best route for an adventurous experience that will create everlasting memories.


Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
...You'll have to take the Tequila Express
Tourism used to be a simple equation. You went somewhere, checked out views, temples, eateries, and soaked in whatever else the place had to offer. But, now, sights and shopping aren't enough. You need a side of spectacle. Think vibes, curated playlists, mood lighting, the right Instagram filter. And if you've got extra dosh, throw in a themed train ride - with a tequila bar - that could make a mariachi weep. Hop on to the Tequila Express. This isn't some novelty name - it's a real train chugging across Mexico's agave-covered terrain. First launched in 1997 to kickstart 'tequila tourism', it took a break and is now back - refurbished, refuelled, and ready to serve 1.2 mn tipsy tourists a year. And this isn't just transport. It's a full-blown rolling fiesta connecting Guadalajara with Tequila, Mexico, complete with enlarged windows, soft lighting, piped-in mariachi music, and flat-screens flashing tacos and distilleries - basically, Agave Netflix while you sip your third shot before noon. Meanwhile, rival trains like the Jose Cuervo Express charge even more to wobble through the same cactus-studded scenery. The best bit? Tequila is now a Unesco World Heritage site. So, yes, getting sloshed on a train officially counts as cultural enrichment. Moral of the story: It's not where you go, but how you sell the ride. Just add lime and call it heritage. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Everything 'e' won't make you a millionaire. Just look at e-pharmacies Are Indian banks staring at their worst in 7 years? How Uber came back from the brink to dislodge Ola Will Royal Enfield's back to the future strategy woo GenZ? Stock Radar: Cummins India stock breaks out from Ascending Triangle pattern on daily charts; check target, stop loss Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Multibagger or IBC - Part 9: With exceptional margins, can this small-cap stock make it to the big league? These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 30% return in 1 year, according to analysts