Sakal Newspaper Article - Date: 01 September 2024

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 01 September, 2024

Veena World Travel Mission
100 Country Club 
Where Next?

When people who know me meet or call, the first question they ask is, "Where did you go now?" Everyone knows my obsession with travel. Having taken early retirement, I now have plenty of time to indulge in my passion. I spend this time researching new tourist destinations, and once I discover them, I can't rest until I've visited each one.  

The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to stay at home for a year, but once restrictions lifted, I resumed my travel adventures almost every month. The pandemic taught me a valuable lesson: there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so we must enjoy life today. This realization reignited my love for travel, and Veena World has been a strong partner in making my travel dreams a reality. Since 2014, I have been fulfilling my travel goals—both domestic and international—through Veena World.

Even though I currently reside in Muscat, I book all my tours through Veena World's Pune office. To date, I have visited 26 states in India and explored 60 countries worldwide. In September, I will embark on the 'Tunisia-Malta-Sicily' tour, and in November, I've booked a 21-day tour of South America. By then, the number of countries I’ve visited will rise to 67.

My bucket list still includes destinations like Israel, Alaska, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, Tanzania, and the Baltic states of Europe. Even though I have seen many places in India, I would love to visit them again and again. India is a treasure trove of diversity, with each state offering something unique—from the majestic Himalayas to the enchanting sounds of the ocean. It's difficult to choose just one favorite destination in such a diverse country. 

As for international travel, London is a city that has always captivated me. I've visited it twice, and each time I experience something new. The city's vibrant atmosphere continues to draw me back, and I look forward to exploring it even further. 

• Sangeeta Bhate, Muscat, Oman 

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Northern Lights and More... 

With Veena World Customized Holidays

The part of Northern Europe that includes Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden is known as Scandinavia. This region is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, a rich history, and a vibrant culture. Among its many wonders is the breath-taking phenomenon known as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. This natural spectacle can be seen in this region from late September to early March. During this time, the dark skies are illuminated with the shimmering green, pink, red, and blue hues of the Aurora Borealis.

From 2024 to 2026, the Northern Lights will be at their most visible and widespread, making this the perfect time to plan a holiday to witness this awe-inspiring sight. There is no set schedule for when and where this celestial display will appear, which makes "chasing the Northern Lights" an exhilarating adventure. Aurora safaris are organized in the remote and barren areas of the polar region, allowing you to track the lights with an experienced guide. You can choose your preferred mode of transport—whether it's a snowmobile, husky sled, or reindeer sledge—making your holiday even more exciting.

In Finland's Lapland, you can enjoy the unique experience of "Aurora Floating." Imagine watching the Northern Lights while floating on a frozen lake under a star-lit sky—an unforgettable experience. Afterward, you can rejuvenate with a traditional Finnish sauna. Another unique experience in Finland is watching the Northern Lights from an Aurora Dome or Glass Igloo. From the comfort of your warm bed, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the dark sky, lit up by the vibrant green and blue lights of the Aurora, without being affected by the icy temperatures outside. 

In the snowy world of Finland, you can stay at the Snow Hotel in Rovaniemi, get married in the Snow Chapel, enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar, dine at the Snow Restaurant, and explore the Snow Castle. A major attraction in Lapland is the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa himself and enjoy rides on a sled or snowmobile. 

Another must-visit destination to witness the Northern Lights is Svalbard, located between Norway and the North Pole. From November to February, the sun doesn't rise here, creating the perfect conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. In Svalbard, you can also explore ice caves formed within glaciers. Not only will you witness the magnificent Aurora Borealis, but you may also have the chance to spot polar bears in their natural habitat. 

So why not embark on a journey filled with unique experiences and the magical Northern Lights? Veena World's customized holiday team is ready to guide you on this extraordinary adventure. 

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What to See? How to See?
Your Dream Continent – Europe, with Veena World! 

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Traveling to Europe twenty-five years ago felt like a divine experience. The Indian rupee wasn't as open to foreign exchange, and you could only get five hundred US dollars once every three years. Obtaining a visa was a challenging process, and the number of Indian tourists visiting Europe was quite small. Back then, all travel companies offered similar European tours, covering popular destinations like London, Paris, Switzerland, and Rome. Some itineraries included Amsterdam or Austria, but the repetition of the same type of tours eventually became monotonous for me. 

Gradually, the fascination with Western European history grew, and the tours expanded from just five days to as long as twenty-five days. However, even these extended tours started feeling repetitive. That’s when Scandinavia in Northern Europe was introduced to the mix, adding destinations like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland alongside the usual Western European countries.   

After broadening the scope of Europe to the north, attention turned to the southern Mediterranean countries. Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco were added to the European travel landscape. While this was happening, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales joined in, proclaiming, "We're not to be left out either!"   

Having explored so much of Europe, the Eastern, Central, Baltic, and Balkan countries couldn't be ignored. Countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Croatia were now on the map, making Europe a destination worth visiting not just once, but multiple times. That's why we started advising travelers to "plan systematically to see Europe." 

At Veena World, we've crafted our European tours with this systematic approach in mind. As of now, 70 European tours have already departed in September alone. With the hot summer in Europe finally cooling down, why not plan your trip with Veena World after Ganapati, or even during Diwali or Christmas?   

So, Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado! This year to Europe.