iEagle, Author at iEagle.com Travel Magazine

China’s Brand New ‘Flying Kiss Ride’ is World’s Tallest Attraction with No Seat Belts and Safety Gears

iEagle — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 19:04:04 +0000

The gradual resumption of flights to and from China has not only marked the beginning of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but also put the tourism of China back on its foot. The reopening of China tourism, in a calibrated manner, has recently seen the unveiling of a unique tourist attraction – the ‘Flying Kiss’ ride. Southwestern China’s ‘Flying Kiss Ride’ attraction in Chongqing municipality features two colossal statues with rotating observation desks at the stupendous height of 3000 feet. The most offbeat attraction is making headlines worldwide and urging travelers to book flights to China.

Picture Credit: New York Post

Standing on the Baima Mountain in Chongqing, each of the two massive statues – one male and one female – holds a rotating platform. Swinging from ground level to the sky high reach, the Flying Kiss Ride overwhelms you with a most enticing panorama of lofty mountains and lush green valleys. Reflecting/enlivening the Chinese mythical story of two lovers, the statues appear to blow kisses as they reach the peak.

China elevates cultural love through its Flying Kiss Ride in a contrasting theme park environment, and this cultural emblem is catching the attention of globetrotters.

In a short time, the Internet is overwhelmed with this not-to-miss ride story. The Flying Kiss Ride not just boosts your adventure streak, but takes you on a trip to a mythological love story. Its surrounding waist-high security gates simultaneously protect and allow you to move freely across the platform. Notably, the no-safety-harness feature makes it one of the most terrifying rides that you have ever come across in your lifetime. The climax of your adrenaline rush, as you reach the highest elevation, will efface the COVID backdrop in the blink of an eye.

Travel enthusiasts’ elation can be clearly gauged by the stunning amalgamation of history and amusement in this thrilling ride. Get ready for an upbeat adventure on the Flying Kiss Ride in China.

The Flying Kiss Ride (Baima Mountain) is a 2.5-hr road trip from the Chongqing International Airport and is a 3-hr drive from Beijing. Both Chongqing and Beijing are just a short domestic flight away from Shanghai International Airport. You can also enjoy breathtaking sightseeing across tea plantations and mountain valleys en route before hopping on to the thrilling ride.

Don’t let the pandemic beat your lust for adventure. Book your flights from USA to Beijing or Shanghai for cheap airfares and set the clock back to the pre-pandemic times. Log on to iEagle.com and get set – go!

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Traveling to Manila or Cebu City? Check Philippines’ Vaccination and Quarantine Policy for International Arrivals

iEagle — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 19:59:09 +0000

The Philippines opened to inbound international travelers in February 2022. This is really good news for all those waiting to visit this island country, but the current travel guidelines to the Philippines are a little stringent. Go through the Philippines’ vaccination and quarantine policy for international arrivals below before you book flights from USA to Cebu City or Manila this fall.

Picture credit: Manila International Airport

Philippines’ vaccination policy for inbound travel

If you are fully-vaccinated and can provide a proof of the same; you may be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines. The quarantine policy for international arrivals in the Philippines is similar to other countries. The final vaccine dose or the single-dose vaccine for passengers needs to be at least 14 days old prior to their arrival in the country. You can check the approved list of vaccines with your airline.

Vaccinated travelers also need to produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 48 hours prior to their departure from the United States. They also require to self-monitor their symptoms for the next seven days upon their arrival. Manila International Airport’s arrival procedure may be different from other airports or destinations in the Philippines. So, it is advisable to be in the know of the entry requirements before you book cheap flights to Manila or anywhere in the Philippines.

Philippines’ Quarantine Policy

Non-vaccinated passengers need to undergo a 14-day quarantine period in a government-approved facility. On day 5 of the quarantine period, those testing negative for COVID-19 get some respite. They can complete the rest of the quarantine period at a private accommodation. Though they shall self-monitor their health for symptoms for the rest of the time.

Children below the age of 12 (those who cannot be vaccinated) need to follow the quarantine guidelines as applicable to their parents or accompanying guardians. Minors who are three years or younger and asymptomatic are exempt from testing. Minors with symptoms are required to undergo testing as per the protocol for safe arrival in the Philippines.

Other Requirements

Foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila shall purchase insurance for all COVID-19 treatment expenses. The minimum coverage requirement is USD 35000.

Foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines shall carry a proof of return travel as they need to produce it to the authorities at the airport. The return travel date must be within 30 days from the first day of arrival in the country. International travelers also need to register on the ‘Traze’ app, which is used by the authorities for the purpose of contact tracing.

You must fill in a ‘Case Investigation Form’ without your vaccination and personal details, at least three days before your arrival in the Philippines. You also need to register through ‘e-Health Declaration Card’ within a day of your departure. This form is for the Bureau of Quarantine.

The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) is hopeful to further ease travel restrictions by April this year. This is the latest update on the Philippines’ proposed lifting of the inbound travel ban. The government initially planned to slowly reopen international travel. But since they require to restart consular services internationally, the plan is to also fully open up the country to foreign travelers.

The Philippines’ entry regulations may be revised anytime as the pandemic scenario evolves. Watch out this space for any revision of the guidelines until your departure on cheap international flights to Philippines from USA or any other country.

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“Welcome Back to Thailand Again”: Vaccinated Tourists are Exempted from Mandatory Quarantine

iEagle — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 21:02:01 +0000

2020 had been the most unprecedented year for tourism-based economies. Thailand where tourism is the backbone of economy was not an exception. The Land of Smiles, as Thailand is often referred to, saw a drastic fall in foreign tourist arrivals due to the implementation of strict measures, including airspace closure, border shutdown, and mandatory quarantine, in the wake of the pandemic. The eighth most visited destination with a whopping 39.92 million foreign tourists in 2019, Thailand registered a meager 6.7 million footfalls in 2020 – which took a toll on the tourism industry.

Picture Credit: Traveldailymedia.com

Vaccination drives being in full swing across geographies have set the passage to a V-shape recovery for Thailand’s tourism-backed economy, which is currently in doldrums. The country is mulling over plans to welcome vaccinated tourists and exempt them from 14-day mandatory quarantine. The plan under consideration is titled “Welcome Back to Thailand Again”.

To be effective in the third quarter of 2021, Thailand’s ‘Welcome Back to Thailand Again’ campaign is aimed at attracting tourists who have been or will be inoculated with complete dosage of vaccines against the Novel Coronavirus. The entry requirements, except usual visas, will be far relaxed for them. Vaccinated tourists can head to their favorite beaches and islands without institutional quarantine upon arrival in Thailand.

“The Welcome Back to Thailand Again” plan, once in effect, is expected to save an estimated 400,000 jobs in the hospitality sector and keep a similar number of people employed in other tourism-related sectors. The government of Thailand is keen on executing the campaign; that’s why it is being promoted in the neighboring countries, including China. The Welcome Back to Thailand Again is the answer to ‘When will Thailand reopen for tourists?’

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Dubai Food Festival 2016 Events: Details of Long Table Lunch & Dubai Restaurant Week

iEagle — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:08:15 +0000

Dubai Food Festival is one of the most awaited events in the United Arab Emirates. It brings alive the city as a happening destination for foodies. With gastronomic events held across the cityscape, Dubai thrives as an ultimate dining hub for 15 days from February 25 to March 12 every year. However, the schedule of Dubai Food Festival 2016 includes some first-even events which have already triggered lots of curiosity and excitement. Take a walk through the special events of Dubai Food Festival 2016 so that you can understand why it should not be missed this year.

Long Table Lunch

Dubai Food Festival 2016 is all set to be a departure from the previous years. It will see the first ever long table lunch for 1000 guests at a time, on February 26 this year. 1000 guests will be treated to a specially designed three-course meal at the long table lunch, a culinary revelry among the events in the schedule of Dubai Food Festival 2016.

Popular in Germany, the long table lunch is a communal event with a street party atmosphere for a large gathering in downtown Dubai. It provides room for great conversation, communal harmony and gastronomic revelry. It will celebrate the most popular Dubai food.

The Dubai Long Table Lunch menu is designed by award-winning chefs from the Palace Downtown Dubai, the Address Dubai Marina, the Address Dubai Mall, Manzil Downtown Dubai and Vida Downtown Dubai. It promises to be a family-friendly dining experience at the Dubai Food Festival this year.

Dubai Restaurant Week

Besides the long table lunch, the Dubai Restaurant Week is the first-ever event to be held during the Dubai Food Festival 2016. 30 of the best restaurants in Dubai are participating to offer their unique merchandise during the Dubai Restaurant Week from February 25 till March 5. The Ivy, The Croft, Rang Mahal, Kiku, Junoon, Okku, Sea Fu, and Yuan and Zheng are some of the participating Dubai restaurants.

Celebration of Hidden Gems

What is the most exciting about Dubai Food Festival 2016 is the celebration of “Hidden Gems,” which are lesser-known eating joints serving great food across the culinary landscape of Dubai City. Since Dubai houses over 200 nationalities, there are many restaurants serving good food from different cuisines, but they are not widely known. That’s why residents and foodies are invited to discover these hidden gems which the festival authority will shortlist the best 20 from.

Dine with Celebrity Chefs

It is a cherished dream of foodies among the events of Dubai Food Festival 2016. “Dine with the Stars” is a most-awaited evening of incredible food in company of celebrity chefs. Guest chefs will share their personal stories over food at five-star restaurants in Dubai. Chef Manal Al Alem, a Middle Eastern cooking expert from “Queen of the Arabian Kitchen”, will grace the event. Among other eminent guests in attendance are international celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett from Australia.

Calendar of Texas is Full of Exciting Houston Events in 2016

iEagle — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:07:04 +0000

Houston has been celebrating the New Year in full swing. The celebration will be going on till the end of 2016. The cityscape of Houston is undergoing a big change through addition of new venues for food, music, exhibition and live performance as part of the “Visit Houston Texas” project. Simultaneously, major renovation of a few historic sites will transform the city map. Houston City is awaiting many unveiling and inaugural ceremonies this year. Evidently, the calendar of Texas is full of Houston events in 2016, which will follow Texas Independence Day and Houston Foundation Day.

180^th Anniversary of Texas Independence

The most awaited and important of all Houston events in 2016 is the 180^th anniversary of Texas Independence and the foundation of Houston City. These two occasions will be celebrated through a number of events this year. The state of Texas earned independence from Mexico in an 18-minute battle between General Antonio Lopez and General Sam Houston in the year 1836, which led to the foundation of Houston City on the Buffalo Bayou in the following four months.

Space Center Houston to Get Space Shuttle Replica

One of the most popular Houston tourist attractions, Space Center Houston is all set to unveil its newest 6-story complex, Independence Plaza, outside the main building. The Independence Plaza will feature a giant replica of the space shuttle and the first space shuttle aircraft from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to walk visitors through the stories of space exploration and surprise them with a unique museum experience. Both the space shuttle and the aircraft will exhibit a flight deck, cockpit, astronaut living quarters, and other things depicting the history of the Space Shuttle program. Evidently, inauguration of Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston is one of the most awaited Houston events in January 2016.

Sunset Coffee Building to Get Rooftop Event Space

Among the historic places to visit in Houston Texas, the Sunset Coffee Building is a symbol of the city’s industrial past. Built in 1910, it is one of the few remaining buildings in Houston downtown’s Market Square Historic District. The revival of Houston’s industrial history through the ongoing restoration of the Sunset Coffee Building is one of the Houston events in 2016. On completion of the renovation, it will have a rooftop event space and an outdoor plaza for hanging out. The building will also house a watercraft and bike rental facility.

White Oak Music Hall with Open-air Stage

The opening of a brand new music hall with an indoor concert space, an outdoor space, and a large two-story concert hall sprawling over a 5-acre area is also on the list of Houston events in 2016. Designed to be the best live music venue in Texas, the White Oak Music Hall will host hundreds of live music events a year. The Lawn at the White Oak Music Hall will boast an outdoor space with an open-air stage spreading over 17,000 square feet and treating visitors to the scenic downtown Houston skyline. The Lawn will accommodate a crowd of 3,000 people. Visit to the White Oak Musical Hall among the live music venues in Texas will soon be added to the list of things to do in Houston.

Lone Star Flight Museum to Get 40 Historic Aircraft

Among the Houston tourist attractions in Texas, the Lone Star Flight Museum is getting a huge makeover through relocation from Galveston to Ellington Field this year. Once relocated, the museum will have a 130,000 square feet facility with a permanent exhibition of 40 legendary aircraft, unique to America’s military history. It will house a new aviation learning center too. Among the places to visit in Houston Texas, this museum not only exhibits the technological development of the American aviation but also serves as a tribute to the sacrifices in service to the nation.

River Oaks District with 250,000 Square Ft Retail Space

The River Oaks District, which was inaugurated at 2015 end, will be evolving into a grand hub of retail shopping in Houston Texas this year. Many brand retailers in food, fashion, luxury and hospitality will inaugurate their stores across 250,000 square feet of space at the River Oaks District. It is expected to be Houston’s answer to the Rodeo Drive shopping district in Beverly Hills, California.

Convention District with Gourmet Restaurants & Pedestrian Plaza

Part of the “Visit Houston” tourism project, the city’s Convention District is currently under a major renovation. It is going to house many gourmet restaurants on the ground floor facing Avenida de las Americas. With a new pedestrian plaza with cozy seating in the outdoor space, Houston’s Convention District is all set to be one of the Houston attractions for foodies since outdoor dining is among the best things to do in Houston Texas. A performance space and a public art gallery will also be there. Houston’s Convention District is a 1.5 million dollar project on a public and private investment basis.

Houston has good air connectivity with top cities across the world. International airlines operate cheap flights from Houston Texas to major destinations on the globe. Visit iEagle.com to book cheap airline tickets from USA to other countries.

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Dubai Taxis to Make You Check in for Flights from Dubai Airports

iEagle — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:23:29 +0000

Time is Money! The Gulf Airline Industry seems to understand it better than others for the sake of business travelers. It has led to a collaboration of the Gulf airlines, and the Roads and Transport Authority to make travel to airports easier and more efficient for frequent flyers by letting them check in from taxis on the way. A special equipment to be installed in taxis will facilitate the latest improvement of check-in.

Dubai is the first city to have this new-age facility in the Middle East. Passengers will be able to check in while traveling in taxis to Dubai International Airport. The first of its kind in the world, the new system will not only issue boarding passes but also weigh luggage and print luggage tags on the way to airports. It seems to promise a relief to regular air travelers who are often in a hurry.

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has proposed the traveler-friendly service to Dubai Airports. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is supervising the deal between both the entities. The advanced check-in system will be integrated to the taxi service in Dubai City soon.

According to Ahmad Khalfan Al Suwaidi, CEO of the DTC, this innovation by the RTA to scale up the level of convenience for Dubai’s residents and visitors will gain momentum across the Middle East. Travelers will be able to complete the check-in procedure and measure the weight of their luggage at the time of boarding taxis for the airport in Dubai, using the system available in taxis.

At present, the efficacy of the system is being evaluated at different levels to ensure maximum satisfaction and happiness of travelers. The check-in service in Dubai taxis will benefit not only travelers but also airports and airlines. It will reduce congestion at the check-in points at Dubai airports and help airlines to evade delay in departure of flights.

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