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Italy is a popular destination year-round with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and renowned cuisine. However, the best time to visit Italy is a common question due to concerns about overcrowding, extreme heat in the summer, and rainy autumn weather. The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October are recommended as the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. During these months, Sicily and Sardinia warm up earlier, making them ideal for beach getaways in the spring. Late April and early May are perfect for travel further north, while autumn is a great time to explore Italy's sagre, local festivals celebrating the harvest season and centred around food. Summer in Italy brings heat and an influx of tourists, resulting in crowded attractions and rural traffic jams. December, on the other hand, offers skiing in the Dolomites and enchanting Christmas markets across the country. Overall, consider visiting Italy in the shoulder seasons for a more enjoyable and less crowded experience.

People who love visiting museums and exploring different things. Well, Delhi is home of beautiful museums that reflect the city's status as India's culutral epicentre. With more than 30 museums dedicated to art, craft, and specialized interests, there is something for everyone. Each museum offers impressive curated collections and interactive exhibits, many sheltered in iconic buildings. Here is a roundup of some of the best museums in Delhi, ensuring you can navigate the capital's cultural offerings with ease: 1. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA): Housed in the beautiful Jaipur House, this museum is the best place to admire works by contemporary and modern Indian artists. It frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, and visitors can now enjoy the added convenience of three new restaurants within the gallery premises. Image source PeakD 2. National Museum: Located in the heart of Delhi, the National Museum boasts a collection of over two lakh objects spanning 5000 years of history. From relics of the Indus Valley Civilisation to works of art from various Indian civilizations, this museum offers a comprehensive insight into the cultural facets of the Indian subcontinent. The museum also conducts workshops and special exhibitions to further enrich the visitor's experience. 3. National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy: This museum showcases India's rich and varied handicraft traditions, housed in a distinctive building designed by architect Charles Correa. Visitors can explore informative permanent exhibits as well as temporary displays, while also enjoying cultural performances and a meal at the delightful Café Lota. 4. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art: This museum is dedicated to Indian contemporary art, showcasing a wide range of artworks from established and emerging artists. It also hosts educational programs to cultivate a love of art at a young age and promote the welfare of underprivileged children through art-based initiatives. These museums provide unique opportunities to delve into India's rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expressions.

IndiGo, India's biggest airline, has some exciting plans ahead. They aim to add 10 new destinations to their list of places they fly to this year. Recently, they already fly to over 120 cities, but they are looking to expand even more. One cool thing they are doing is adding Mauritius to their list of international destinations. Plus, they're planning to fly more to Thailand, which is already a popular spot for them. They're also getting some new fancy planes called Airbus A321XLR in 2025. These planes can fly longer distances, so IndiGo can connect even more cities around the world. Image source Airbus And get this: IndiGo recently ordered 30 big wide-body planes called Airbus A350s. This is a big deal because they usually only fly smaller planes. They're also planning to make their flights more comfortable, especially on busy routes, by introducing a special business class by the end of 2024. They're teaming up with other airlines too. Just recently, they made a deal with Japan Airlines so that people flying with Japan Airlines can easily get to 14 different cities in India using IndiGo flights. It's all about making travel easier and more convenient for everyone involved. Overall, IndiGo is on a mission to make flying better and more accessible for everyone, whether you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned traveler. They're growing fast and making some big moves in the aviation world.

The impact of the Indian diaspora on the global economy is becoming more significant, according to Tim Clark, President of Emirates. For the past 10 years, Emirates has been endeavouring to expand flight operations from India but has been limited to operating 65,000 seats for Dubai under the bilateral agreement between India and the UAE. Image source india outbound The Indian government is urged to open up to international air carriers in light of the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora on the world economy. Sir Tim Clark emphasized the need for air transport and larger aircraft to accommodate the growing influence of the Indian community within India and in the UAE. While Emirates currently flies to nine major Indian cities, there is potential for launching direct flights to Tier-2 and 3 destinations such as Surat, Lucknow, and Amritsar. However, the airline is currently constrained by bilateral agreements and the limited availability of seats on the India-Dubai route. Emirates seeks the Indian government's cooperation in resolving these issues and expanding air transport capacity to meet the growing demand between India and Dubai.

Air India flight AI-179, originally scheduled to fly from Mumbai to San Francisco at 4 p.m. on Friday, encountered a series of delays due to technical issues and a medical emergency. Image source ETV Bharat Technical Glitch and Initial Delay The flight was initially delayed due to a technical problem discovered just before departure. After addressing the issue with engineering checks, the departure was rescheduled to 7:17 p.m. on the same day. Medical Emergency and Further Delay However, shortly after takeoff, the flight had to return to Mumbai because a passenger fell ill. The ailing passenger was deboarded, which further delayed the flight. As the night landing restrictions at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) came into effect and the crew reached their flight duty limitations, the departure was postponed once again. New Departure Time The flight is now set to depart at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. An Air India spokesperson explained the situation, emphasizing the airline's commitment to passenger safety and comfort. Passenger Accommodations During the delays, passengers were provided with hotel accommodations, refreshments, and the option to reschedule their flights at no additional cost. Statement from Air India Image source Airportia AI-179 from Mumbai to San Francisco, scheduled to depart at 1600 hrs on Friday, was delayed due to a technical issue arising just before departure. Safety being our top priority, the aircraft was held back for necessary checks. Later, a few passengers opted to discontinue their journey, which required offloading their baggage, causing further delay. The flight was pushed back at 1917 hours but had to return due to a medical emergency. While the passenger was being deboarded, night landing restrictions at SFO and crew duty limitations came into effect. Compensation and Apologies "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our guests. The flight has now been rescheduled to 1030 hours tomorrow (Saturday). Recent Developments at Air India In other news, Air India, now owned by Tata Group, announced salary hikes for its employees and introduced an annual performance bonus for pilots. This move is part of a five-year transformation plan initiated in late 2022, aimed at revamping the airline and fostering a performance-driven culture. Since Tata Group took over the airline, this is the first significant appraisal process for Air India staff, offering competitive salary increments to attract and retain talent.

IndiGo recently introduced a new feature for female passengers during web check-in, allowing them to view seats pre-booked by other female passengers. This initiative aims to provide a more comfortable and secure travel experience for females. Image source NDTV Profit The feature is designed to allow female travellers, particularly those flying solo, to select a seat next to another female passenger for added safety and comfort. Image source The 1% News - The 1% Club Image source afaqs! According to a statement from the airline, the feature is currently in pilot mode and aligns with IndiGo's 'girl power' ethos. The airline conducted market research before implementing this option to better address the needs of its female passengers. In addition to this new feature, IndiGo has announced an attractive sale on domestic and international flights, with fares starting at INR 1,199/- all-inclusive. The sale period is from May 29 to May 31, 2024, and is applicable for travel between July 01 and September 30, 2024. Customers can also benefit from an exclusive discount of up to 20% on preferred seat selection charges.

Planning to apply for a Schengen visa? During the peak summer season, getting an appointment can be quite challenging. Italy and France have limited slots in major Indian cities, with appointments being months away. However, there are some still European countries offering quick appointments and processing times for Indian travellers. Sweden is one such country, offering walk-in appointments at their visa application centres in major cities without waiting for a slot to open up. The processing time for a visa is typically around two weeks, and the cost is Rs 7,186. Image source Travel and Leisure Asia Norway also provides quick appointments, with the next available slots being as early as the next day. The processing time after submitting the application and biometrics is around 15-20 days, and the cost is the same as for Sweden, at Rs7,186. Image source Britannica Malta is another option, with appointments available as early as the next day in major Indian cities. The processing time for the application is 15 working days, and the cost is also Rs7,186. Image source The Travel Hack

Japan has seen a significant increase in tourism following the pandemic, with over three million visitors in March this year. For example, visitors must now pay a fee and reserve a spot in advance to hike Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail. Additionally, tourists are no longer allowed to enter certain parts of Kyoto’s geisha district to manage the entry of visitors. Image source iStock To protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure the safety of climbers, new regulations on visitor numbers will be implemented starting July 1, 2024, on the Yoshida Trail. The trail will have a daily limit of 4,000 climbers, and a ¥2,000 entry fee will be charged to contribute to trail maintenance and environmental protection. Climbing the Yoshida trail will also be restricted from 4 pm to 3 am to reduce congestion and prevent accidents in low-visibility conditions. Image source Freepik In Fujikawaguchiko, a popular spot for viewing Mt. Fuji, a large mesh net is being constructed to block the view of the mountain at a Lawson store due to tourist misbehaviour. This move comes after Japan experienced a surge in tourism, with visitor numbers crossing three million in March for the first time. The mesh net will be 8ft high and about 65ft in length and is expected to be ready by mid-May. Image source Unsplash On a positive note, a new bullet train now connects Tokyo to the coastal prefecture of Fukui, offering visitors the opportunity to explore less crowded areas such as charming fishing villages, ancient temples, and beautiful hot springs. The travel time between Tokyo and the final stop, the port town of Tsuruga, will take just about three hours, a 50-minute improvement compared to the current options. The newest E7/W7 Shinkansen trains offer panoramic windows and free Wi-Fi during the journey.

If you are planning to visit Thailand without the hassle of getting a visa, think again. Here's some good news for travel enthusiasts. Thailand has extended its visa-free entry for Indians until 10 November 2024. What Changed? Previously, Indians needed a visa-on-arrival to visit Thailand, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days. But since November 2023, Thailand has been offering visa-free entry for Indian tourists. This means you can now stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without needing a visa. Why the Extension? The visa-free entry policy has been a huge success. Thailand welcomed about 12 million tourists in the first four months of 2024—a 39% increase from the same period last year. With India being one of the largest contributors to tourism in Thailand, alongside countries like China, South Korea, and Malaysia, the extension was a logical step. This policy also applies to tourists from Taiwan. When to Visit? If you're planning a trip to Thailand, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons: April to June and September to October. During these times, you can enjoy lower hotel and flight rates, although you might have to deal with a bit more heat. What's Else? With the visa-free entry extended until November 2024, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Thailand. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food without the stress of visa applications.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new circular dated 23 April, calling for airlines to unbundle services and fees. Image source Business Today This could mean lower base airfares for customers, as charges for check-in baggage, preferential seating, and other services may soon become optional add-ons rather than mandatory fees. This significant move comes from feedback that many passengers may not require all the services provided by the airlines. Under the new rule, consumers can have the option to charge for additional services while enjoying more affordable base fares. The services to be charged separately on an opt-in basis include preferential seating, meal, and drink charges, airline lounges, check-in baggage, sports equipment, musical instrumental carriage, and more. Airlines will be free to set charges for these services, but they must be offered on an "Opt-in" basis to avoid any confusion among passengers. Lastly, the DGCA mandates that there be no discrimination against passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility and requires airlines to ensure that all children below the age of 12 are allocated seats with at least one parent or guardian travelling on the same booking.

Are you ready to be blown away by the all-new range of cheesilicious pizzas from Domino? Get ready to be bowled over! Image source Domino's Pizza This delicious pizza comes with four times more cheese than the normal pizza, every single bite is loaded with oodles of cheese that instantly melts in your mouth that you never forget. Domino's had preserved the traditional pizza-making technique while experimenting with the toppings to create exceptional offerings for its customers. The two new pizzas feature a unique blend of different cheeses, creating a riot of flavours every time you sink your teeth into a slice. Image source DGTCom The first is the 4 Cheese Pizza, a mouthwatering combination of 4 different types of cheese along with a hint of Ghost Pepper flavour cheese and Domino's signature sauce, you must try it once. This pizza is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and fulfil your cheesiest cravings. And the best part? You can customize it too. Choose between 3 different crusts and add your favourite veggies and meat toppings to double your happiness. Second, we have the Cheese Dominator the baap of all cheese pizzas. This supreme cheese pizza is extra loaded with 100% Mozzarella and gooey liquid cheese, topped with a generous helping of exotic herbs. It comes in a large-size Cheese Dominator Pizza that contains a whopping 1 pound of total cheese. If you are a cheese lover? This one's for you. Image source Bootcamp Simply, download the updated version of the Domino’s app, click on the Cheeselicious pizzas from the top scrolling bar, customize your pie, and voila! Don't forget to add beverages to have a complete pizza party. You can even opt for a no-contact delivery and have the boxes of pizzas delivered right to your doorstep in just 30 minutes. Go ahead and place your order to satiate your cravings! Cheese lovers have approved them to be the best, we are sure these will become your instant favourite too once you try them!

Cambodia Angkor Air will soon launch direct flights from Delhi to Phnom Penh Travelling to Cambodia from India is about to become more convenient this summer. Cambodia Angkor Air will introduce new flight operations between New Delhi and Phnom Penh starting on June 16. The airline will operate flights four times a week, providing a new option for travellers. Phnom Penh International Airport, located in the capital city, serves as the primary international gateway for the country. Image source Simple Flying The flight schedule for the New Delhi - Phnom Penh route is as follows: Cambodia Angkor Air flight K6-761 will depart from New Delhi to Phnom Penh on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 08:50 pm, arriving in Phnom Penh at 2:50 am. The journey will last approximately four hours and 30 minutes, with one-way ticket prices starting at around Rs12,000. Image source Cambodia Angkor Air For the return journey, Cambodia Angkor Air Flight K6-760 will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It will depart from Phnom Penh at 4:45 pm and arrive in New Delhi at 7:50 pm, lasting approximately four hours and 30 minutes. One-way ticket prices for this route will also start at around Rs12,000. Once in Phnom Penh, travellers can easily head to Siem Reap, which is just a quick 45-minute flight or a five-hour drive away. This new flight route offers exciting opportunities for travellers to explore Cambodia's diverse destinations.