Festivals celebrated in Pakistan

Known as the Cradle of Civilization, Pakistan is the sixth most populous city in the world. Home to various cultures, religions and backgrounds, it comes as no surprise that all year round, Pakistan is celebrating one festival or another.

Jovago Pakistan  has listed below some of the festivals celebrated in Pakistan that represents the different cultures and heritage of the country.

1.MelaChiraghan
Also known as the Festival of lights,  MelaChiraghan  is celebrated each year in the Urs of MadhuLalHussain- a Panjabi Sufi Poet. Catering to the population devoted to Sufism, it is one of the largest gathering where thousands from all over Pakistan come and pray for their wishes to come true.

2.Chilam Joshi
The famous Kalash festival celebrated in the month of May, is the most famous of the Kalash festival. People from all over the world come to attend the festival where the people of Kalash thank their gods for blessing them and their pasture for the upcoming year.

3.Vesak Festival
Also known as Buddha’s day, is a day observed by the Buddhists all over the world. With the cultural heritage and Buddhists tombs in Taxila, Pakistan held the first ever  Vesak Festival  (when) where Buddhists from Sri Lanka came to visit the Holy sites. During this festival, people observing the religion gather at the temples to sing hymns of praises of the Buddha.

4. Seed Sowing Festival
This two days festival is to open the farming season for the valleys of Hunza, Gilgit and Baltistan. The ceremony is dependent upon the weather and the altitude of the valleys. For instance in Hunza, the ceremony takes place towards the end of February, Gojal valley on the 6th of March, the Upper Gojal and the Chipurson valley celebrated the festival once the condition of the weather is stable and suitable for cultivation. The district of Baltistan celebrated this festival on the 21st of March.

5.Shandur Polo Festival
A bit different from the other festivals, Shandur Polo Festival attracts tourists from all over the world. Shandur, also known as the roof of the World, is the world’s largest polo ground. One of the biggest festivals in Pakistan, Shandur Polo Festival takes place from the 7th of July to the 9th. This two days festival happens each year and history claims that it is a means of strengthening ties between Chitral and Gilgit.

With numerous festivals taking place all year round, listed above are some of the major festivals that Pakistan celebrates.

Book your trip with Jovago.com and get a chance to witness the upcoming ShandurPolo Festival, with the best accommodation and reasonable prices, making your trip a comfortable and a worthwhile one. Happy travelling!

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Step by Step Guide to Budget your Travel

Everyone plans on visiting a place at some point in their life. However, only some travelers manage to accomplish their dreams without getting penniless or without spending all their fortunes on just a single vacation. Most people do not realize that the success of any trip or vacation depends on how well it was initially planned. Planning for travel is a systematic process which if followed correctly, can have endless perks and benefits.

If you are one of those who always fail to  plan your travel , this article is exactly meant for you!  Jovago Pakistan  offers the step by step guide to  budget your travel  for your next vacation:

Step 1 : Reckon your budget
It’s only once you know your budget, can you stay within it. Once you have a budgeted amount in your head, you can then allocate your budget on food, shopping and other adventures. Don’t forget to keep an emergency back-up for the most uncertain situations.

Step 2: Make early reservations Making your reservations and bookings in advance can be very cost effective to you. Once you make advance payments, there is no need to get worried about any increase or mark-ups over fairs.

Step 3: Track the exchange ratesThis applies for all foreign travelers. Download a currency converter app on your smart phones to keep an account about the exchange rates. This will give you an evaluation of how expensive it will be traveling there. In case converting the currency costs you more than you anticipated, you can always find a more budget friendly alternative.

Step 4: Keep an account for all the ongoing promotionsA lot of your money can be saved if bookings are made via travel and hotel deals. Especially if you are travelling in a group, focus on the packages in which you don’t have to go for the individual costs and can avail group discounts.

Step 5: Make shopping your last priorityMost travelers make the mistake of spending on items like souvenirs and other utilities in the very start of their travel. This exhausts your budget in the first few weeks of your vacation and which might create funds shortages for the rest of your travel. Make sure you have spent on basic necessities and have enough buffer cash before you spend on shopping.

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Three Google Maps Tips for Easy Travels

In today’s time, any traveler cannot afford to miss to download Google Maps app on their iPhone or Android smartphone while visiting any new place. In the past few months, Google has added more value added features to make this app more handy and efficient for its users.

Consider the following Google Maps’ tips and tricks compiled by  Jovago Pakistan  that will help you make your next  holiday destination more navigable.

Offline Mode for Google Maps
This feature is available for both iPhone and Android smartphone users. Through this, you may simply save maps of your desired destination while at home when you have access to internet and later access it offline. This would help you to greatly save on the mobile internet packages and help you efficiently allocate your  limited travel budget  on things that you desire to purchase.

Share location with your friends
Most people are still unaware of this functionality of the App. Suppose you want to share your location details with your friend in a foreign land but you are unable to describe your current location. In this kind of a situation, all you need to do is press the geo-locate icon on your app and then press and hold on that location to drop a pin on a map. By swiping on the display to bring secondary menu, you can tap on ‘Share’ option to share your location with anyone you desire.

Voice Search
In order to facilitate the consumers, this app offers the option of searching any surrounding location or destination by simply calling out the name of the place aloud. This saves a traveler from the hassles of excessive texting while travelling. By simply tapping the microphone option on the search bar and voicing your desired destination, Google Maps provides a range of appropriate results for your query.

Did we miss any tips and tricks that can help a traveler? Share with us in the comments below!

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Do’s and Don’ts of Travelling during Ramzan

To travel or not to travel during Ramzan has been an ongoing debate. Some prefer to travel during this month to avail the discounted prices of airfare tickets and hotel bookings. In addition, the ongoing Ramadan deals at various shopping outlets also make it an attractive month to travel. However, some argue that due to shorter working hours during Ramzan, most tourists face the difficulty of exploring new places to the fullest; as most often find the popular sightseeing areas closed during this month. Refer to the following dos and don’ts of travelling during Ramzan compiled by Jovago Pakistan, if you are planning to travel during Ramzan this year:

Do’s:

1.       Respect the sanctity of this Holy Month

Regardless of the fact that you are fasting or not, you need to strictly observe the fasting norms of the place you are visiting. Refrain from activities and behaviors which may be considered derogatory during this Holy Month.

2.       Participate in the Ramzan specific traditions

Joining the natives in their Iftaar and Sehr meals is a sign of showing respect and openness towards their customs and traditions. Even the minute acts like greeting people ‘Ramzan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramzan Kareem’ makes a great impact in showcasing your respect and openness towards this Holy Month.

3.       Consider fasting yourself

It may sound a bit too challenging especially if you are travelling but it is a great way to make you feel like you are also a part of all things happening around you. Experience the feel of getting the first sip of water in this scorching weather after the whole day fast; this would surely make your travel memorable.

Don’ts:

1.       Avoid eating and drinking openly in public

It may be illegal to openly eat and drink at public places during Ramzan in some countries like Jordon, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. If you are a foreigner, you might need to search special restaurants that serve food to the foreigners and non-fasters during day time.

2.       Don’t rely on public transportation during iftaar times

Don’t try to get a taxi or a rickshaw within the hour or two before iftar. You would be very lucky to find an empty one and might have to wait for hours until the iftar time is over.

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How to cope up with Jet lag?

There is no feeling like finally reaching your desired destination. However, it is important to cope up with your jet lag before it starts to ruin your travel. As unusual as it may sound, it is absolutely possible to cope up with your Jet lag if you start mentally preparing for it well in time. Following are tips and tricks introduced by Jovago, Pakistan’s largest online hotel booking website that will help you minimize your jet lag so that you may start to enjoy your stay at a new place as soon as possible.

1.       Adjust your schedule according to new time zone

Start functioning according to your new time zone days in advance of your travel. This way you can easily adapt to the changes in your circadian rhythms once you reach to your desired destination. It is always a good idea to check travel blogs sharing experiences of travelers about how they dealt with their jet lags.

2.       Prepare for new time zone while in flight

Adjust your clock according to new time during the flight. This has a psychological effect of preparing yourself according to the new time zone even before you reach the new destination.

3.       Stay hydrated throughout the flight

This might be a bit challenging especially during Ramzan. However, having a healthy Sehri during your travel usually helps to stay hydrated throughout your journey which in return helps you to easily adjust to new circadian rhythms.

4.       Reach your destination early

If you have to attend any event at your destination, try to arrive a few days early so that your mind and body can adjust to the new time zones.

5.       Minimize sleep distractions

Most often the travelers face insomnia due to time zone differences. It is therefore recommended to minimize any sleep distractions during the initial days of reaching your destination. In addition, the intake of high carb or fatty diet close to bedtime should be avoided as it can exacerbate sleep distractions.

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The Other Side of Travelling that No One Talks About

Enough has been written on the flashy and exciting side of travelling. Sure, there is no feeling like exploring the world, meeting new people, experiencing new customs and learning about different cultures. However, there are also some other realities of travelling that no one talks about. In the excitement of planning for our new life, no one discusses the feeling of returning back to the place from where you once started your journey.

Thanks to the emerging e-commerce services, settling in a new place is no longer as nerve wrecking as it once used to be. From finding accommodations to finding jobs to dealing with cultural shocks, a lot has been written online to smoothen your settling at a new place. However, what to do when you land back to the place where you once planned your entire journey is something that needs to be talked about as well.

It has generally been noticed that the first initial weeks of coming back to your home town is almost as exciting as visiting a new place. When you return home, you have your reunions, you spend your first few weeks meeting and greeting your friends and family trying to catch up on all the thrilling and exciting stories that you missed during your travel. You may find great things happened to your friends and colleagues while you were away. All of a sudden, you realize that re-adjusting to your old life is more challenging than it was to start a new life at a completely new place.

It becomes difficult to act like your old self when in just a span of a journey you have explored your new self. You may hear comments from your loved ones like, you look just the same and you haven’t changed even in a bit; when deep down inside you know that you have transformed into an entirely different person that looks exactly the same from outside but thinks exactly the opposite. How to communicate these changes with your loved ones and most importantly how to develop acceptability of your new self in your old life remains a mystery as yet.

Did you feel the same after your first travel? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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Step By Step Guide To Plan Your Travel This Year

If you are one of those who have been long trying to make your travel happen, this post is exactly meant for you! Most of the times, we fail to make things happen just because we lack the correct guidance to get our plans executed. In this article, Jovago, the leading online hotel booking website in Pakistan provides step by step guide to finally make your long planned trip happen!

Step 1: Arrange your funds
Bitterly nothing comes for free! The best way to save for your travel is to put a set amount aside as soon as you get your monthly paycheck. Treat it as if you have some obligatory monthly fee to pay which cannot be touched no matter what! Period. Preferably open a separate savings account to deposit your money devoted to travel so that the chances of it getting used get minimized.

Step 2: Decide your destination
If you are preparing for a solo travel, start researching for potential travel spots right away. However, if you are planning to have a trip with your friends and family, you might need to share your preferences with your travel partners well in time to agree upon one destination. Since every travel requires a lot of investment, make sure to choose to visit a place which is close to your preference.

Step 3: Budget out everything in advance
This is probably the most boring and most stressful part of your travel planning. However, thanks to the emerging e-commerce websites, the estimated costs of flights, hotels, commutation and food can all be found on the online booking websites. It is always a better idea to put some efforts in budgeting your travel than to spoil your travel due to funds shortages!

Step 4:  Plan your activities during travel
Nothing happens on its own! Just reaching your destination without having a clue about how to spend time there wouldn't make your travel any fun. All the planning should be done ahead of reaching the destination to make your travel as smooth and memorable as possible.

Step 5: Get set, Go!
It is a simple rule. You won't know until you go! Once you think you have planned everything out, rest assured that you are all set to go and experience your long awaited travel!

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Perfect Sehri during Travel

Fasting becomes even more challenging when you are traveling. To ensure good health during your entire journey, it is extremely important to carefully plan all your meals. Needless to say, Sehri marks the start of your day and your fast therefore should be the healthiest one. If you are one of those who struggle with the lack of Sehri options every Ramadan, this article is exactly for you. Jovago Pakistan hereby provides a list of healthy yet fulfilling Sehri options that will keep you charged and on your toes during your entire travel.

Oatmeal dishes
Starting your day with an oatmeal provides an energy booster for the entire day. Rich in vitamins, minerals and lipids, oatmeal is considered fourth healthiest food worldwide which possesses endless benefits for our health. Start your travel with a bowl full of oatmeal to fuel up your entire journey!

Raw fruits and whole grains
One of the basic concerns during travel is to find food options which are handy and can be consumed on-the-go! In this case, it is best to bag some fresh fruits and granola bars in your bag which can be consumed anytime during your travel. Rich in nutrients and minerals and easy to carry, fruits and grains make one of the most gratifying and energy-rich Sehri option during your travel.

Lots of Yogurt and yogurt made products
With Ramadan also comes the scorching heat of early summers which makes fast even more challenging! Having yogurt during the early day cleanses and prepares our digestive system for the strenuous journey ahead. Yogurt made products such as Lassi , Chaas and Smoothies, therefore become excellent options to fuel yourselves for the rest of the day!

Water all the way
There is no other way to keep yourself hydrated to combat this hot and humid weather than to consume the right amount of water. Some people prefer to have caffeine over water during their Sehri which further dehydrates the body during the rest of the day. It is therefore recommended to have a good amount of water during your Sehri. However, be careful to drink water gradually and slowly while eating Sehri; as drinking too much water too quickly sometimes dilutes the stomach acid content and causes bloating and indigestion.

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Jovago partners with SiteMinder to introduce seamless online distribution for hotels

Pakistan’s No.1 hotel booking website, Jovago.com, has announced its partnership with the global hotel industry’s leading cloud platform, SiteMinder, to mark its first time enabling seamless online distribution for hotel clients. The agreement enlists Jovago.com among the more than  300 channels  integrated with SiteMinder’s Channel Manager and means mutual hotel clients can now seamlessly update their inventory and room rates to the booking portal.

“As the leading channel management provider for hotels globally, partnering with SiteMinder was an obvious decision,” says Eduard PosthumusMeyjes, global head of revenue management at Jovago.

“We aim to bring top-notch technology to our hotel partners across all our markets in Asia and AfricaandSiteMinder offers the right technology to grow our supply of real-time bookable inventory for our customers.”

As the No. 1 and fastest-growing OTA in Pakistan, Jovago.com's partnership with SiteMinder creates massive opportunity for its large client base of hotels to reach and attract guests, and increase both occupancy and revenue in return.

Lisa Horne, general manager – South Africa at SiteMinder, says, “We are very happy to partner with Jovago, providing our hotel customers yet another channel to market their inventory and availability through. We are particularly proud to provide the first channel management solution that integrates with this on-demand hotel booking platform in Pakistan. Each of Jovago’s hotel clients benefits from their local presence, and commitment to developing both the continental and global travel market.” 

Hotel managers whose properties are listed on Jovago.com say they are excited about the opportunities the website’s partnership with SiteMinder will bring.

Jovago launched an extranet application for its hotel clients earlier this year, allowing them to reach operational excellence with the online channel by giving hotel managers real-time access to, and control over, their room rates and inventory.

The booking portal says an integration with the market’s leading channel management solution was the logical next step, to offer its hotel clients value-added services.

About SiteMinder
As the leading cloud platform for hotels, SiteMinder allows hotels to attract, reach and convert guests across the globe. We serve hotels of all sizes with award-winning solutions for independents and groups alike, wherever they are in the world.

SiteMinder’s products include  The Channel Manager , the industry’s leading online distribution platform;  TheBookingButton , a wholly-branded booking engine for direct bookings via the web, mobile or social;  Canvas , the intelligent website creator for independent hoteliers; and  GDS by SiteMinder , a single-point of entry to a six-figure network of travel agents and the world’s major GDSs. With more than 20,000 hotel customers and 400 of the industry's top connectivity providers as our partners, today we have presence in more than 160 countries on six continents.

For more information, visit www.siteminder.com  or visit the team at HITEC,  stand #1611 .

About Jovago
Jovago.com  is an online hotel booking service with offices in Pakistan, Nairobi (Kenya) and 10 other offices accross the continent. Jovago is founded by Africa Internet Group and has Rocket Internet, MTN, Millicom, AXA, Orange and Goldman Sachs as its investors. Jovago.com, Pakistan’s No.1 booking portal, facilitates the booking process for its users to provide them with the best hotel booking experience with fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.com has over 2000 local hotel listings in Pakistan and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

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Five Lies That Every Traveler Tells

Travelling is not a piece of cake. Sure it provides one of the most exotic experiences, it is hard to ignore that travel has its own goods and bads. You are not the only one to double think the travel stories shared by your friends and families. Almost every traveler lies about some aspects of their travel. However, here’s the good news!  Jovago Pakistan  has highlighted all those lies that almost every traveler tells. So next time, whenever you hear these lines, make sure that you don’t buy it completely! 

1. It costed me almost nothing!
Sure, the recent  online booking websites  have reduced the costs of travel to a great extent; still, no travel is ever cost free. Travel requires spending, in fact spending quite a lot most of the times! The old saying that nothing in the world comes free of cost applies as much here as in any other context.

2. I can keep travelling alone forever!
Humanbeings are social creatures. The need of belonging and togetherness doesn’t erode away even when you are miles away exploring the world on your own. It’s ok to plan a lonely travel once in awhile to feed yourself with some ‘me time’, but let’s not deny that there comes a time when we start missing our loved ones.

3. I always ate their local food and I absolutely loved it!
One of the biggest adjustments that one needs to make when  travelling to another country  is to accept their local food. The home food is hard to forget no matter where you go and how much you are enjoying your travel.

4.Ican keep travelling forever and ever!
Once in awhile, one feels the urge to travel to refresh themselves from their daily hustles and bustles of life. However, the fact that even travelling can be exhausting is simply undeniable! It feels good to be on the go for a while, but let’s accept that no one wants to keep moving forever!

5. I didn’t even get time to check my Facebook during travel!
No travel is complete without the Facebook check nowadays i! So if any of your friends didn’t reply to your Facebook message during their travel, you now know that you can buy any other excuse except for this one!


Share with us your experiences if you have ever been lied by your travelling friends in the comment segment below!

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How to avoid hassles of a flight delay?

If you are one of those who think, like any other misfortunes there is nothing that can be done to prevent a flight delay, this article is exactly meant for you! With smart and strategic planning, the chances of preventing oneself from the hassles of a flight delay can be greatly reduced. Read below some highly easy and effective ways compiled by  Jovago Pakistan , that can greatly help you to make your travel comfortable and memorable.

1. Always try to book non-stop flights
No doubt, the feeling of being stagnated in flight for hours and hours is no less than a nightmare, but at the end of the day, you know for sure that you will arrive to your destination on time! The connecting flights, although are usually much cheaper and easily available than the non-stop flights, there is always a chance to miss your next flight due to your current flight delay!

2. Don’t forget to have a look at the weather forecasts
For the times when you have the choice to decide your travel dates, make sure that you chose the dates when there are no predictions of rain, snowfall or any other natural calamities. It is always a good idea to book your flights at least 100 days before your departure so that you have plenty of options to choose your travel time.

3. Early to rise, early to fly
Mornings are usually the most efficient time of day for most airlines. The chances of flights running as per schedule are high during the early part of the day as opposed to late departure flights. The good news is that your chances of having vacant seats beside you is higher when you choose to fly early as it is the time of day when airlines have least passenger traffic!

4. Avoid to travel during the peak travelling times
It is always better to arrive a bit earlier or later than the peak travelling times; for example,  traveling during summer  break, Eid Holidays, winter and/or Spring Break. By doing so, not only will you find best booking rates online, but also reduce the probability of being vulnerable to travel uncertainties, flight delays being one of them.

These are few tips which can help you avoid hassles of a flight delay. In addition, you can read more  travel tips  to make your trip enjoyable.

Have more to add to the list? Share with us in the comment section below!

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Anxieties of a first time traveler

Like any first time experience, it is pretty usual to be a bit nervous before your first travel! However, as the common saying goes, there is always a first time for everything! If you are planning for your first real time travel, the chances are that you will think and rethink about it weeks or sometimes months in advance. Being the  largest online hotel booking website  in Pakistan, Jovago has highlighted all the common fears that a  first time traveler  faces:

1.Will my travelling be safe?
The rising security concerns are hard to ignore especially when you are planning to travel alone for the very first time in your life. It is pretty understandable if before your first travel, you are given all sorts of safety travel tips by your friends and family. This may sometimes make you feel a bit more nervous before your travel. However, the best way to cope up with this sort of an anxiety is to read about the experiences of people who have travelled before you to the same place. Many websites offers an exclusive reviews and blogs section on their websites to provide the travelers enough information to prepare for their travel in advance.

2.What if I miss my flight?
To miss a scheduled flight is a nightmare for every traveler not just a first time traveler. After all who wants to spend some extra hours alone at an unknown airport? It is therefore, always advisable to leave for airport well ahead in time and avoid connecting flights whenever possible.

3.How will I be treated in the land of foreigners?
Networking is a must for every traveler especially if you are travelling alone. Rest assured that usually the locals are very considerate and helpful towards the foreigners. It's ok to ask for help around and show your gratitude on getting helped by others.

4.What if I feel home sick?
It is hard to give away the comfort of living near your loved ones. To miss your homemade food, your cozy bed, your friends’ night out is inevitable when you are miles away from your homeland. But to learn how to live outside your comfort zone is the biggest lesson any travel could ever teach.

The best way to overcome all these anxieties is to do your  complete research before travelling . Acquaint yourself with the new place even before you land there by thoroughly reading and reviewing the travel tips and advices provided by the travel related websites like Jovago Pakistan.

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Travel Essential for summers

Summers have already hit us in most part of the world. As summers are approaching, so are summer vacations. This  super long vacation  comes with a lot of planning on how to spend it. There are so many fun ways to spend it like going on a summer camp, learning how to cook, develop a new hobby or the most common, traveling.

While we have visions of our fantasy travel wardrobes, the reality of an overstuffed suitcase can wreak havoc on our adventures. If you are traveling this summer, vow to packing light and head out with only the essentials in tow. Even if yo  u’re not packing light and probably traveling for a longer period, don’t forget to stuff your bag with summer  travel essentials . We have prepared a list for you that will help you while you do the toughest and tiring task of  packing .

Sunglasses and a hat

The sun will follow you no matter where you go. Even if you love the sun and bathing in it, it is always better to protect your eyes and skin from extra sun exposure. Sunglasses and a summery hat are the best and must items to carry with you on your trip.

Sunscreen and skincare products

When we say protect yourself from the scorching heat and the intense sunlight, it is not always about saving yourself from getting tanned. The sun rays can also affect your skin negatively which is why it is crucial to take care of it. Sunscreens and other skincare products are a rescuer. These also include any cosmetics that you might need to use on your face or body.

Flip flops

Whether you are a male or a female traveler, remember to keep yourself away from socks and tight shoes that block air from touching your feet. Even your feet need to breathe and relax in hot weather, and this is only possible if you carry flowery flip flops that give you the sense of vacation and summers.

Lip balm

Speaking about breathing fresh air, your lips are made up of soft tissues and they need to stay hydrated be it any time of the year. Use them at night before bedtime and in the morning when you wake up. It will moisturize your lips in dry and hot environment and consequently make you feel fresh.

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Where to find the best desserts in Karachi

Do you crave for dessert after every meal and think it’s incomplete without the sweet touch? Well, you know you have a sweet tooth.  Pakistanis enjoy, celebrate and live for food . Apart from all the flavorful savory foods we see at several restaurants, we have a list of places that offer some decadent desserts.
 
If you live in Karachi, you can eat out at a restaurant every day and still won’t get over with the long list of dishes that are a must try. Karachi has no shortage of  good desserts , but how many have you really tried? Check out the list below to make it easy to decide for your next dessert voyage. 

Chocolate Malt Cake at Nandos

Although Nando’s is famous for its flame grilled chicken, its desserts deserve a special mention. It could be quite impossible for sugar lovers to have not yet tried the scrumptious Chocolate Milk Cake at none other than Nandos. The gooey goodness of this cake slice seals the appetizing dinner you have there.

Okra’s Crème Brulèe

Okra is one of the most famous dine in places situated in the midst of the busiest Zamzama Market. It is comparatively a small restaurant that cannot accommodate a lot of people at once and you have to wait for hours to get you a table. However, the artistic Crème Brulèe from their menu is worth the wait. If you have a thing for this traditional French pudding, look nowhere else.

Burger O Clock’s Nutella Burger

Nutella in a burger? Sounds eccentric, doesn’t it? But if you question a nutella lover, they would be least bothered eating it with a “naan.” It is not the way it sounds. This burger is actually a donut cut open and stuffed with nutella patty, strawberries as tomatoes, kiwi as cucumbers and pineapple as cheese. This sugary grace is topped with sweet cream acting as mayonnaise.

Freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookie at Bella Vita

Bella Vita, the café that gave meaning to sweets and desserts in Karachi with its decadent extra-large chocolate chip cookie, can’t be left behind. They bake it fresh and top it with your choice of ice cream scoop to indulge in right away. Trust me, you would not be able to share one bit of it with anyone, yes it’s that good!

Not to forget, cupcakes from Pane & Amor, macaroons at Lal’s Chocolate and Ferrero Rocher Cake at Red Riding Hood Bakery are a blissful treat on the go. This is a small glimpse from the wide and  delicious cuisines of Karachi . Keep exploring for more!

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5 ways to improve hotel guests’ satisfaction

As a hotel booking facility, our first priority is our customers and to provide them with the best service and a memorable traveling experience. Our customers  book a hotel room online  based on whatever information is available on our website along with genuine customer reviews about them. Whenever consulted, we always recommend the  best hotels  according to their preference and feasibility. The most difficult task is to justify a hotel’s credibility when people have not reviewed it any good.

As an intermediate portal, it is our duty to bring both the parties, hotels and customers, together and provide what’s best. We will give some really helpful tips and guide hotels and guesthouses to improve their services in order to increase customer’s satisfaction. It will make them happy and they will leave a good review for your hotel.

A hotel should provide what it promises, given the same amount of money they charge. Sometimes, even a  5 star hotel  can lose its guests due to inconvenience experienced by them. On the contrary, a small hotel/guesthouse can be as effective in retaining the current and attracting new customers. Let’s have a look at some of the ways to do so.

“Do Not Disturb”                                          

Understand that when guests mark their doors with “do not disturb” sign, don’t disturb them. It is the hotel staff’s duty to make the rooms or clean the toilets and other mess, however, consider the fact that the guests do not welcome room service at that moment. A good hotel staff is one
that respects their guest’s privacy. When they need you, they will ask for it.

Provide extra toiletries

Be it towels, toilet paper, skincare products or toothpaste, make sure that you stock them up generously in every room. It would really frustrate a guest if they are standing under the shower and are out of shampoo. Don’t worry, no one really takes back the extra toiletries with them, and even if they do, it wouldn’t cost you much, given that they are happy with your service and are likely to come back again.

Adopt fast “check-in” process

After a long ride from their homes to your hotel, do you really think the guests would feel comfortable waiting for hours to check-in to their rooms? Well, definitely not. This is the first impression that you can create for yourself. Fast and easy check-in process will help improve the guests’ satisfaction.

Good Wi-Fi service

You can’t imagine how much your hotel can loose on having bad or slow WiFi. Invest in good Internet and it will pay off. Nowadays, people are highly dependent on Wi-fi, be it to conduct some business or connecting with family and friends back home.  Plus it is equally important for you as a hotel to stay updated with the hi-tech world.

Give more, get more

Guide the guests about restaurants and other facilities in the hotel at the time of check-in, before they ask. Provide fresh water every day, clean the room every day, maintain a pleasant fragrance all around the hotel and rooms, put extra pillows and blanket/sheets, and advance your room service. All or some o  f these combined together will give you remarkable results. It wouldn’t cost you much, but it’s about how well you deliver.

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The Most Eco-Friendly Airports in the World

With rapid modernization and the race to cope up with the super advanced and technological world, we have forgotten the utmost importance of nature. It is that time of reality where machines are taking over the beautiful Earth, and we simply give in. We are failing to work towards sustainability and instead are letting our everyday lives to be mechanized.

No matter what it is about, it should be evoked that the ecosystem and nature is what dictates our existence. The better the environment, the better lives we can have. However, the world today is absolutely the opposite of it. Even if it is about traveling to explore a place, it is more about the amusement parks with machine run rides, tall and modern buildings/hotels to live in, or innovations in food to experience. People are least interested in the natural beauty while adore the manmade advancements instead.

It is our responsibility to give back to the Mother Earth that has and is giving us so much. Apart from the   technological advanced and modern airports around the world, there are a few players that have adopted eco-innovations and are leading the way in sustainability. Find out the details below.

Changi International Airport in Singapore

The Singaporean airport is not only technologically ahead but leads the way in eco-friendliness too. It comprises of indoor gardens, rainwater harvesting, a butterfly garden and a nature’s trail, making it a green and eco-loving airport. You will find more than 900 skylights that are used to cut down on electricity.

Pearson International Airport in Toronto

This airport in Toronto is pioneering a cool new mode of sustainability by introducing a honeybee beehive to help support food security and farming in the area surrounding the airport.

Denver International Airport in USA

Denver International Airport has installed four solar groups, making its total solar capacity up to 10 megawatts, the most of any American airport. These arrays can produce enough electricity to power 2,000 plus homes every year.

East Midlands Airport in U.K

Ever heard of an airport to generate electricity from wind energy? The East Midlands Airport has two commercial-scale wind turbines installed to produce 5% of the airport’s electricity. The airport has been attaining “carbon-neutral” ground procedures since the past four years.

One of the benefits of  staying at airport hotels  in the mentioned airports is that one can enjoy the beauty of nature and modern architecture at the same time. We believe that the government of  Pakistan  must also emphasize on eco-friendliness at the  new Islamabad airport .

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What Defines Pakistan?

Being a Pakistani, there are many things that come in mind when someone asks us to describe our home, Pakistan. We have a diverse cultural band with different norms but similar values. We share distinct ethnicities   but have the same identity. Culture is the foundation of a civilized society, and we believe that Pakistan is the best personification of a socially rich country.

Let’s ascertain some of the characteristics that only belong to our country and depict the real Pakistan.

The green and white flag

Designed by Syed AmiruddinKidwai, Pakistan’s flag was approved on the 11th of August, 1947 by the Constituent Assembly. As Pakistan was coined for the sake of Islam and Muslims, the green section represents the majority of the Muslim population while the thinner white section represents minority religions in Pakistan, clearly displaying our tolerance for all.

Festivities

Apart from the religious festivals like Eid, Christmas, Holy or Navroze, there are several native festivals celebrated in Pakistan as well. These include:

● Basant which is very popular in  Lahore
● The Sibi Festival which has its roots in balochistan
● MelaChiraghan from Punjab

And many others. The celebrations are also very unique, which is one way of defining our culture.

Rickshaws and mini buses

We bet you can’t find mini buses in any other country in the world. There are many kinds of rickshaws that are available all over but Pakistani rickshaws are one of a kind. The colorful patterns and mysterious quotes painted on our vehicles make them stand out.

Local food

Of course, how can we skip the best thing about every country? Each country has its delectable local delicacies and we believe that  Pakistani cuisine  is the best cuisine ever. The mix of spices and a ‘desi’ flavor to our food are hard to find anywhere else.

Passion for anything and everything

Be it the  cricket fever  or the love for a particular political party, we never fail to show up for our favorite players at a match or at a political procession. Even if it is the rivaling with the “other party” over wedding dances, Pakistanis compete passionately.

With several cultures, traditions, opinions and perspectives, every Pakistani is a unique individual. The best part, however, is that we are one under the name Pakistan.

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Being a good passenger on flight

Have you ever  traveled  via an airplane before? If you have, then you must be aware of the process of getting onto the plane to getting out of it at your final destination. From boarding to exiting the flight, there is a list of steps that every passenger has to go through. The imperative part here is the correct mannerism of being on a flight that not only makes you an abiding passenger, but also be helpful towards fellow travelers.

We have come up with a  list of travel tips  that, if adopted, will make your flight’s journey manageable and stress-free. 

Follow the boarding rules    

A passenger cannot board the flight without a boarding pass and while there is a long line of passengers, make sure you have your pass in hand so you don’t have to search for it in your bag when your turn comes. Don't get aggressive with the crewmembers, should you have any problems, ask politely. If you need anything, wait for everyone to get settled as the flight won’t take off before everything is under control and managed.
 
Cruising directions

We often tend to forget the basic directions of flying with an airline. These can be, forgetting to fasten seat belts, using the mobile phones during take-off or landing, trying to get into the already occupied toilet, blocking the aisle for others and taking a walk while the plane lands. Try not to be an annoying co-passenger to others. Put all your carry-on bags into the luggage cabin so you have enough space in your seat.

Avoid jokes and self-opinions

Joking about carrying weapons,  terrorism  or hijacking planes is to be avoided strictly. After all, anyone may take your joke seriously which will definitely put you in trouble. Do not pass derogatory comments about people’s ethnicities or traditions. Also, stay away from getting into conflicting discussions over politics, religion or delicate social matters. If you really want to strike conversations, keep it simple and preferably generic.

There are many other travel etiquettes that a traveler should follow regardless of the type of transportation or expedition. Some extra tips from us include, don’t have loud conversations that disturb others, don’t shove others to get out of the plane faster, take care of your belongings and be a responsible traveler by informing others if they leave behind their stuff, don’t call the crew members for fun (do so only if you need help) and most importantly, stay safe!

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Shaadi Ki Bahar, ARY Digital and ARY Zindagi are celebrating Pakistan’s biggest wedding week

ARY Digital Network has a strong legacy of presenting the biggest and the most happening wedding weeks amongst all and this year it is going to take place from 2nd May 2016 to 13th May 2016 on ARY Digital and ARY Zindagi.

This time it’s going to be something different, amazing and extraordinary because this time there will be two hosts, two morning shows, two channels, two weeks and one grand wedding and it will be The Biggest Wedding of Pakistan!!!
First time it will be LIVE from two Channels with Nida Yasir as Larki Walas on ARY Digital and Faysal Qureshi as Larkay Walas on ARY Zindagi. Both the hosts will be highlighting fun-filled interactions, customs and conflicts during typical eastern weddings. The celebrations for the grand wedding is of a renowned celebrity couple, where the week will start from the rishta settlement and will highlight all the happening events and customs of traditional wedding to the Valima, with renowned celebrities who will join the celebrations and will support their respective camp (Larkay / Larki Walas).

Jerjees Seja CEO ARY Digital Network shares, “We are bringing to you Pakistan’s biggest shahdi with two morning shows with the entire traditional wedding for our viewers, and we are very thankful to our viewers for their constant love and support.”

Be a part of this mega wedding, from 2nd to 13th May at 9:00 am on ARY Digital and ARY Zindagi.

For more information, visit:
Facebook:  https://web.facebook.com/aryzindagi.tv/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/arydigital.tv/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/gmponarydigital/
Facebook:  https://web.facebook.com/SalamZindagiOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aryzindagi/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ary_digital/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/aryzindagipk

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Interesting Facts about First-class Travelers

We usually never hear anyone, even in the farthest of our circle that they traveled in first class of an airline. The most we can expect is a business class seat that someone booked for themselves and that too, for a super long flight. We would all agree that on short flights there is not much difference and it makes more sense to spend on longer flights for comfort.

However, how do you know that the person traveling in a first class has paid for himself? Let’s find out the different categories of people who are traveling in a first class seat.

The unexpected but true answer is that truly no one who is  traveling  in first class is actually paying for that fare. There are two main subgroups sitting in premium cabins on flights, people flying on negotiated fares, via a corporate or group agree  ment, and frequent fliers who are in those seats via mileage awards, or certificates that upgrade your seat to a higher class.

The fun part to know here is the details behind these fares. Corporate customers are usually accounted to a huge discount on the fare, ranging from 40-60%. The big companies do a travel agreement with any of the airlines and negotiate onto a discounted price. These tickets also tend to be fully changeable and refundable if needed.

Secondly, people search for any cheaper  rates or deals for traveling  and book in advance for a first class ticket as well, just like the case of an economy class. In exceptional cases, people would be willing to pay the full price on account to get the desirable flight. Other than that, it is quite common to see people receiving an upgrade on their seat on the spot due to their mileage coverage or other customary benefits.

Now, who are the rest of the people traveling in the highest class? Around half of the people are the ones who do not arrange for the tickets themselves. These include celebrities who were promised first class travel in their contract, senior business people whose travel expense is covered by their company, or people who are in the senior management of the same airline who enjoy employee perks.

So, after subtracting all the categories of ‘non-payers’ in first class of an airline, we are left with only 10% of travelers who actually book and pay for themselves because they can afford to. These are likely ultra-high net worth individuals and a small number of people who are doing some sort of once in a lifetime splurge on a  Honeymoon or dream destination .

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