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News18
2 days ago
- News18
Thailand, Maldives A Passé. Check This Less Explored Island That's Now Visa-Free For Indians
Last Updated: Palau, located in the western Pacific, is a paradise of natural beauty, pristine beaches and tranquil vibes. Planning a trip this summer? We have found a hidden gem for you – Palau. This small island country in the western Pacific is full of natural beauty, magical beaches and peaceful vibes. It is located near the Philippines and is the perfect tropical escape. And the best part is that Indian passport holders don't need a visa to travel here. They can visit this nation visa-free for a period of 30 days. If you are wondering how to reach Palau from India, what places to visit, how much the trip might cost and more, we have got you covered. From travel tips to must-see spots, we will help you plan the perfect holiday. So, let's take a closer look at this beautiful island nation. For History Buffs If you enjoy history, Palau has some special spots to explore. Visit Nikko Bay, an important site during World War II, where you can still see old bunkers and abandoned aircraft. For more, head to Peleliu Island to see remains of war, like tank shells. Don't miss the Belau National Museum, which shares Palau's culture, nature and colonial history. For Nature Lovers The Rock Islands in Palau are one of the most beautiful parts of the country. These green, rocky islands are surrounded by clear blue water and are home to coral reefs, tropical fish and even manta rays. You can explore the area by boat or kayak. There's also Jellyfish Lake, where you can safely swim with millions of stingless jellyfish. It is an experience that's truly one of a kind. Other Notable Attractions Palau has many unique attractions worth exploring. At the 680 Night Market near the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, you will find local food stalls serving Palauan, Filipino and BBQ dishes. Try traditional foods like sweet taro leaf stew, fresh reef fish and pichi-pichi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashley Wu (@asdreambig_hairshanghai) For a unique experience, you can visit Tebang Woodcarving Shop, where you can learn traditional carving. There is also Belau Eco Glass Center that turns old bottles into handmade glass crafts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palau Visitors Authority (@680nightmarket) For a different view, there are short scenic flights over places like Jellyfish Lake, Long Beach and Blue Corner. In Babeldaob, the village of Airai gives a glimpse of Palau's cultural roots through local crafts, food, and guided tours. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joana Alina Photography (@joana_alina) One special spot in the Rock Islands is the Milky Way lagoon. The water here is warm with soft white mud at the bottom made from crushed limestone. Locals believe this mud is good for your skin and has healing benefits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danessa Onglatco (@danessao) Is Palau Expensive? The cost of travelling to Palau depends on when you go, how long you stay and your travel style. According to round-trip flights usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000 (approximately Rs 85,000 – Rs 1.7 lakh) depending on your location and season. Hotel prices range from $50 (around Rs 4,200) per night for budget stays to over $300 (over Rs 25,000) for luxury resorts. Meals at local restaurants cost about $15 to $25 (from Rs 1,200 – Rs 2,000) per person. Activities like snorkelling, diving and tours can cost between $30 (Rs 2,500) and $100 (Rs 8,500). Renting a scooter to get around costs about $25–30 per day. On average, you can expect to spend around $150 to $200 (approx. Rs 12,800 to Rs 17,000) per day for a person. This budget covers stay, food, local travel and a few activities for a comfortable trip. Is It Worth Visiting? Palau may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip, but that is exactly what makes it special. It is relaxing, beautiful and full of amazing things to see and do. Whether you are into nature, beaches, history, or just want to relax, Palau has a bit of everything. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway that is different from the usual, Palau is definitely worth it. How Long Should You Spend In Palau? The best amount of time to spend in Palau depends on what you want to do. If you are short on time, 2 to 3 days is enough to see the main sights like Koror, the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake. A 5-to-7-day trip is ideal for most people as it gives you time to enjoy nature, relax and try activities like snorkelling or kayaking. If you love diving or want to explore more islands, staying for a week or longer is a great idea. You can also dedicate time to exploring other islands like Peleliu or Kayangel Atoll. Is Alcohol Allowed? Yes, alcohol is permitted in Palau and is readily available at bars, restaurants, and stores. However, the legal drinking age is 21. Drinking in public areas. It's also important to note that e-cigarettes and vapes are completely banned in Palau. You are not allowed to bring, sell, or use them anywhere on the islands. How To Travel From India? There are no direct flights from India to Palau, but you can reach the islands by taking connecting flights through cities like Manila, Singapore, Seoul or Taipei. The total travel time, including layovers, is usually around 22 hours. top videos View all Palau Currency Palau uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Most hotels, restaurants and tourist spots accept major credit cards, but it is still a good idea to carry some cash for small shops or local markets. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : indian passport visa free Palau Tourist places viral news Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: June 11, 2025, 10:36 IST News viral Thailand, Maldives A Passé. Check This Less Explored Island That's Now Visa-Free For Indians
New York Times
11-02-2025
- General
- New York Times
Covid Learning Losses
Schoolchildren in Massachusetts, Ohio and Pennsylvania are still about half a year behind typical pre-Covid reading levels. In Florida and Michigan, the gap is about three-quarters of a year. In Maine, Oregon and Vermont, it is close to a full year. This morning, a group of academic researchers released their latest report card on pandemic learning loss, and it shows a disappointingly slow recovery in almost every state. School closures during Covid set children back, and most districts have not been able to make up the lost ground. One reason is a rise in school absences that has continued long after Covid stopped dominating daily life. 'The pandemic may have been the earthquake, but heightened absenteeism is the tsunami and it's still rolling through schools,' Thomas Kane, a Harvard economist and a member of the research team, told me. In today's newsletter, I will walk through four points from the report, with charts created by my colleague Ashley Wu. I'll also tell you the researchers' recommendations for what schools should do now. 1. State variation The new report — from scholars at Dartmouth, Harvard and Stanford — compares performance across states, based on math and reading tests that fourth and eighth graders take. (A separate report, on national trends, came out last month.) Today's report shows a wide variety of outcomes. In the states that have made up the most ground, fourth and eighth graders were doing nearly as well last spring as their predecessors were doing five years earlier. Changes in reading achievement, 2019 to 2024 10 states that lost the least Louisiana +0.3 grade levels Hawaii −0.1 Alabama −0.1 Mississippi −0.2 Washington, D.C. −0.2 Indiana −0.3 Georgia −0.3 Texas −0.3 Tennessee −0.3 South Carolina −0.3 10 states that lost the most West Virginia −0.7 grade levels North Carolina −0.8 Michigan −0.8 Florida −0.8 Oklahoma −0.8 Delaware −0.8 Nebraska −0.9 Oregon −0.9 Vermont −0.9 Maine −1 10 states that lost the least Louisiana +0.3 grade levels Hawaii −0.1 Alabama −0.1 Mississippi −0.2 Washington, D.C. −0.2 Indiana −0.3 Georgia −0.3 Texas −0.3 Tennessee −0.3 South Carolina −0.3 10 states that lost the most West Virginia −0.7 grade levels North Carolina −0.8 Michigan −0.8 Florida −0.8 Oklahoma −0.8 Delaware −0.8 Nebraska −0.9 Oregon −0.9 Vermont −0.9 Maine −1 Source: Education Recovery Scorecard By The New York Times Changes in math achievement, 2019 to 2024 10 states that lost the least Alabama +0.1 grade levels Louisiana +0.02 Tennessee −0.1 Hawaii −0.1 Utah −0.2 −0.3 South Carolina −0.3 Mississippi −0.3 South Dakota −0.3 Illinois −0.3 Ohio 10 states that lost the most Oklahoma −0.7 grade levels New Jersey −0.7 Maryland −0.7 Minnesota −0.7 Alaska −0.8 Maine −0.8 Delaware −0.9 Oregon −0.9 New Mexico −0.9 Virginia −0.9 10 states that lost the least Alabama +0.1 grade levels Louisiana +0.02 Tennessee −0.1 Hawaii −0.1 Utah −0.2 −0.3 South Carolina −0.3 Mississippi −0.3 South Dakota −0.3 Illinois −0.3 Ohio 10 states that lost the most Oklahoma −0.7 grade levels New Jersey −0.7 Maryland −0.7 Minnesota −0.7 Alaska −0.8 Maine −0.8 Delaware −0.9 Oregon −0.9 New Mexico −0.9 Virginia −0.9 Source: Education Recovery Scorecard By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
