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                  The Tripdizer Survival Guide to the CoronaVirus

Amidst the scare and panic surrounding the CoronaVirus, we here at Tripdizer decided to quell some of the most common rumors circulating online and maybe even some from your own backyard! The virus has managed to sweep across many continents and holiday hotspots around the world, but the good news you can still book that dream holiday/honeymoon, capture some amazing memories and enjoy a stress-free vacation. Have a read of some of the most ridiculous ones we’ve heard so far :D 

Mouthwash to the Rescue: FALSE! As much as the guy next to you on the morning commute might appreciate your minty freshness, it will not however prevent you from eliminating the virus microorganisms inside the mouth. Thumbs up from the dentist though!

Your Mother’s Molokhia: Contrary to what your mother will insist on, unfortunately her long standing family recipe of Molokhia will alas not be powerful enough to cure you in case you come into contact with the deadly virus, sorry mammy’s!

Face masks: while surgical face masks can slow down the spread of infection with larger droplets from coughing and sneezing, there is no evidence to suggest wearing one will protect you from contracting the Corona Virus. Bad news for all the instagrammers with their face masks selfies! 

Letters/packages: received a package from China recently and been giving it the evil eyes ever since? Not to worry, research has found that the Corona virus cannot survive on objects for long periods of time so go ahead and open your knock off converses!

Garlic: An ingredient known for its medicinal benefits through the years however not for this one. The most garlic will do is keep your other half at bay for the rest of the night!

Eminem: FALSE! Eminem is not the first celebrity to contract the deadly virus and merely the victim of online trolls and rumors. 

Chinese People: people need to stop the spread of fear and prejudice xenophobia among the Chinese people and realize that despite the virus originating in the city of Wuhan China, not every single Asian civilian we come into contact with is an immediate threat and despite the numbers affected, it remains a considerably low figure when compared to the country’s population of over one billion!

Infected khalas: Despite the global panic there’s some good news, the fatality rate for those who contract it is in fact quite low with thus far only 2.09% of cases proving fatal and most of which in the vulnerable category, i.e. elderly people and young children.

Zombie Symptoms: for all the zombie fanatics out there calm down, you will not see a zombie apocalypse any time soon! It was reported by a Malaysian media source that this will be one of the symptoms which thankfully is completely untrue!!

In a nutshell, much of the panic surrounding the virus has actually resulted from poor hygiene practices and lack of awareness. Follow simple basic hygiene rules such as washing your hands with warm soapy water and cover your face when you cough/sneeze will reduce dramatically your chances of contracting the virus and putting your mind at ease when you book your next destination!

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The Most Popular Halloween Traditions

Origins

The celebration of Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain which marked the end of summer and the beginning of autumn every year on the 31st of October. People from Ireland, Britain and Northern France took part in this annual celebration and believed the spirits of the dead came back to life for one night only. November 1st was seen as the first day of the New Year and was later called All Saint’s Day by the Catholic Church. Today, this ancient tradition has evolved greatly and spread to many other parts of the world. Some of the most fun and popular traditions include dressing up as a spooky character, going trick-or-treating and decorating the house in all things scary. Read on to discover more spooky Halloween mysteries!

Halloween Trick or Treat

Perhaps the main attraction of the Halloween season where all children look forward to every year is to go trick-or-treating with their parents or older siblings. This tradition involves dressing up in a scary costume with accessories to boot and going from neighbour to neighbour asking for candy and sweet treats. While the exact origins of this tradition are unknown, many speculate that it was an act created as an incentive to keep young people out of trouble and off the streets. Other theories believe it was an homage of respect to the poor people who used to go from house to house begging for food long ago. 

Halloween Traditions

Halloween is often associated with large roaring bonfires and the colours orange and black.Why? The colour orange is reminiscent of the dissolving colours of autumn and decorative pumpkins and the colour black is often associated with the advancing darkness evening this time of the year. During the time when people believed in witchcraft, anyone suspected of such activity usually owned a cat and so the idea of a black cat quickly became a superstition one that is still upheld with many today. People often gather and sit around brightly lit bonfires and exchange spooky horror stories from the past or from personal experiences. 

On Halloween night it was believed that dead spirits and spirits of dead relatives came back to earth for one night only and so many were too scared to venture outside in fear of running into one. To ward off these wandering ghosts people would often leave out food outside their homes in the hope the spirits would not enter and try to possess them! Another popular tradition still seen today is the placing of a ring inside food or more traditionally today a type of  fruitcake called a “brack”. A ring was placed inside the cake as a symbol that promised marriage to the young lady who found the ring. Today, children impatiently await their turn for their slice of brack hoping to be the lucky prize winner. 

Pumpkin Carving

A fun feat for creative mind, pumpkin carving, or “jack-o’-lanterns”, is another popular tradition that has grown significantly in popularity over the last decade or so. Each year children and adults alike test their artistic skills and creative limits with scary face designs carved into pumpkins. Inside a candle is then placed offering a rather menacing and sinister effect that truly brings the chilling atmosphere of Halloween to life. People then place their works of art in the windows of their home, out the front on steps and pretty much anywhere visible to the general public. 

In the past however, pumpkins did not exist in Ireland and so local people used turnips instead and placed a candle inside to ward off any evil spirits. Irish people who immigrated to America after the Great Famine brought this tradition with them which soon evolved to the modern day pumpkin aesthetic we see today.

What are some of your favorite Halloween traditions? Let us know in the comments section below!

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5 Unique Desserts from  Around The World

No matter how sweet or savoury you like your dishes, there is a dessert for everyone. The good news is that today is National Dessert Day which is a day filled with satisfying those sweet cravings without an ounce of guilt. Prepare your taste buds and check out some of the sweetest and most unusual dessert dishes below from the around the globe.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet dish enriched with nuts meshed together with honey. The exact origins of this sickly sweet dessert is unknown but there are some reports sighting it as far back as the 8th century. The dessert has often been claimed however to be native to other regions including Lebanon, Israel and even Bulgaria. The city of Gaziantep in southeast Turkey is famous for its pistachio baklava and regarded there as its native city. 

Picarones

A much loved Peruvian dish originating from Lima, Picarones is made from primarily squash and sweet potato then crafted into a doughnut like shape served in a generous helpful of syrup. It’s creation was purely accidental in fact and stems from the colonial period when core ingredients for another main dessert named  Buñuelos became too expensive to buy. Instead, locals used cheaper ingredients as such to satisfy their sweet tooth while paving the way for a new national dish. 

Sankaya

Sankaya is a Thai-style pumpkin pie in which a lightly sweetened coconut milk and egg custard is steamed inside a hollowed out pumpkin. In Thailand, Sankaya is a popular street vendor sweet and relatively inexpensive to buy so you can eat as much Sankaya as you like and not break the bank.

Cannoli

Cannoli, Cannolo for singular, is a delicious Italian pastry originating from Palermo, Sicily. With fried pastry on the outside and rich ricotta as the filling, these peculiar-looking rolled delicacies are enjoyed almost everywhere in America and Italy. They come in many sizes also ranging from the bite size to the ones the size of a child’s hand. 

Om Ali

Om Ali, or the mother of Ali when translated, is an Egyptian dessert with an ancient heritage. It is named after the wife of the ruler of the Ayyubid Empire in Egypt who used to make it for her husband. A wonderful blend of pastry, pistachios, coconut flakes and raisins and a generous sprinkling of sugar make up the traditional recipe. Milk is then poured over the mixture and added to the oven until golden brown. The dish has often been compared to another famous dish, bread & butter pudding, albeit the latter contains eggs.

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Oktoberfest Festival

Oktoberfest has largely become a household name for festival lovers all around the world. Native to Germany, it is the largest Folk Festival in the world showcasing local vendors and producers of local beers and much more. However, due to the rapid success of the festival in recent years it has also become a great festival to experience all aspects of the local German culture not just beer encompassing traditional dress, an array of food stalls, decorations, group activities and much much more. Read on to discover some of the main things to do while at Oktoberfest.

Where is it Celebrated?

The very first Oktoberfest festival was celebrated in Munich, Germany however due its unprecedented success many countries around the world now also play host to their own Oktoberfest festival.

When is it Celebrated?

Every year Oktoberfest runs for 16 days from the last week in September to the first Sunday of October. An ideal time as weather in Germany during this time is still hanging off the threads of summer and so it’s quite pleasant to be outside.

How is it Celebrated?

Lederhosen for men and Dirndl (a traditional Bavarian dress with full skirt, apron and tight bodice) for women can often be seen by both locals and visitors on site, however it is not mandatory. If you choose to participate there are many local shops nearby selling the full attire. 

The food is almost as important as the beer consuming with traditional foods such as Bratwurst (sausages), knuckles of pork, freshly smoked fish and even ox on a spit to choose from. For the sweets lover, there is Bodo’s cafe which serves every kind of sweet and pastry you can think of paired with freshly roasted coffee to boot.

Oktoberfest is also a great opportunity for families with activities such as theme park attractions, candy floss stalls and souvenir stalls selling all local gifted and gadgets. As mentioned, Bodo’s cafe also offers live music and entertainment so be sure to arrive early to ensure a good spot!

Why is it Celebrated?

Oktoberfest began as a wedding feast over 200 years ago when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The wedding was celebrated with multiple days of drinking, feasting and horse races. The celebration then became an annual event.

How to get there?

Luckily, getting to Oktoberfest is not a difficult task. Due to its location flying is the most ideal option. Contact our travel experts directly here for more information on how to book your travel itinerary. 

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The Most Useful Travel Apps While Abroad

Traveling abroad has never been so easy and accessible nowadays thanks to so many useful and convenient apps in today’s market. No more stressing to find the nearest WiFi hotspot, or scrambling to find your flight information all figments of the past. Today, modern technology has afforded us all this at the touch of a button. Read on to discover our favourite travel apps while abroad. 

Google Maps

Is there anything Google can’t do? This nifty little app allows the user to add useful locations and landmarks to maps and to save even when roaming offline. It also provides different route maps for walking, public transport and vehicles. Gaining access to the layout of a new city can be extremely useful when trying to navigate it for the first time.

Aysa

Aysa is an extremely useful medical app designed to provide personalised medical advice on skin conditions. You simply take a picture of the affected area, upload it to the app and submit your symptoms. While it’s not an accurate diagnostics tool, it can save you the cost of an unnecessary costly hospital visit or conversely direct you to seek medical assistance immediately. 

ICE

ICE or In Case of Emergency is an excellent healthcare tool that enables first responders to contact your next of kin in the case of an emergency. You simply upload your next of kin’s contact details plus your location and the type of activities you plan to do.

Pocket First Aid and CPR 

Backed by the American Heart Association this app is definitely one everyone should install both while travelling and even at home. The app aims to provide accurate first aid procedures to users in the event of emergency situations where medical aid may not be available immediately. The app’s interface is easy to use even in acute conditions and also contains videos and pictures on how to carry out treatment of injuries, burns, fractures, etc. 

Google Translate

While travelling abroad, you're likely to encounter situations so what people and service staff who may not speak your native language. In such cases, the google translate app can be a major time saver in communicating with locals people and vendors and even for simply asking for directions.  

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Top Three Ways to Handle an Emergency Situation

The last thing anyone wants while on vacation is to find themselves in an emergency situation while in a foreign country. However, there are steps one can take to minimise such situations and take appropriate measures to possibly even avoid altogether. Follow our top tips below in the event that you find yourself in a sticky situation.  

Shortage of Cash

While we try to plan and estimate how much spending money we will need for an upcoming trip, sometimes things can go ary and unexpected expenses can occur either from personal injury or credit card theft or more simply being unable to access one’s own bank account. However, there are a few options one can avail to avoid such an ordeal.

Firstly, try to be as prepared as possible before you step out your front door. Try to have more than one card with money on it in the event of one being stolen. Another tip is to keep some cash in your shoe for a taxi in case you are mugged. In addition, while wearing a money belt can be useful spread out your cash to different locations as sometimes thieves will target here first. 

Secondly, if you find yourself completely broke or someone has robbed everything, there are a few options you can try to gain access to money again. The Gofundme page is useful for such circumstances where family and friends can transfer money directly here. Another option is to have money transferred through Western Union. Available in more than 200 countries worldwide, this service transfers money that can be received within minutes. The best part is you do not need to have a bank account and amounts up to 7500USD or Euro can be sent. Click here for more information.  

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency locate your nearest hospital or clinic without delay, you can always transfer later once stable. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in your wallet and another copy on you detailing your embassy contact details, the number of your travel insurer’s emergency line and contact numbers of next of kin. For most countries the number 112 from mobiles also works to contact emergency services. Another helpful idea is to learn how to say “I need help, I need the police” in the local language. 

Embassy

Your embassy is a great aid in the event of an emergency and can provide a lot of services and support while abroad. For example, if you become a victim of crime, the embassy can provide you with a list of lawyers, police and translators. They can also contact family or friends on your behalf in the event of hospitalization.  Most importantly, if you’re passport has been stolen or lost you can contact the embassy and request a new one which often can be done quite quickly. Therefore, it is vital to inform your embassy every time you travel especially when visiting more remote places. 

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Discover why Beirut is considered the Paris of Lebanon

Downtown Beirut Spend some time in Lebanon’s capital Beirut and discover the beautiful downtown area otherwise known as the Beirut Central District (BCD).

The Centre Ville is alive with important geographical and political buildings after it underwent a mass regeneration and reconstruction after the war-devastated most of the buildings.

 As a result, most of the buildings have been beautifully decorated and designed in the style of Arabic and French aesthetics earning it the title of the Paris of the Middle East.

Beirut Terraces This innovative design feature in the heart of the capital represents the importance of design and architecture in Beirut society.

The creators wanted to encompass all aspects of modern living including adequate access to daylight, privacy, space, and Mother Nature. 

This blend of characteristics resulted in a towering structure of wonder and beauty and an important landmark in architecture.

Temple of Balbaak Now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Roman temple was first written about in the 4 th century but it is estimated that it was constructed long before this date.

Check out the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus where you’ll find some of the highest columns in the historical world beautiful detailed carvings, a prized fixture amongst Lebanese people.

You’ll also find local activities like music festivals and family activities often held here. Arrive in time to catch a glimpse of the setting sun in the background of the temple site.

you can always book your trip to Lebanon with Tripdizer.

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Top Reasons Why South Africa Should Be Your Perfect  Christmas Holiday Destination

There are so many reasons to travel to and fall in love with South Africa but one of the main appeals the country offers is the warm and balmy year-long climate. Hot summers and comfortable winters make it an attractive destination for families, couples and solo travelers. Read on to discover more reasons why you must make South Africa your Christmas escape 2019.

 Scenic beauty: The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning "Dragon Mountains," provides some of the best views South Africa has to offer. Both a hiker's haven and travel blogger hotspot, climb one of the many routes and take in the breath-taking sights at the mountain's peak. A perfect photo opportunity to capture the views below and take in the diverse surrounding landscape. Hot air balloon rides are an excellent way to soak up the dramatic topography below.

Child-friendly: Kruger National Park is one of the world's most famous safari parks. One of the oldest game reserves in South Africa, the park lies about a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife. It's also home to bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore Kruger on the large network of sealed roads; organize a walking safari; or soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon. Accommodation ranges from basic campsites to comfortable lodges.

Unique experiences: Come to South Africa, home to many the unique and thrilling experiences. for the adrenaline junkies try cage diving with great white sharks or sky diving across the Atlantic Ocean. We recommend whale spotting for all members of the family for a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience. Every year between June to December, whales from the Antartic travel north in search of warmer waters. Great herds of whales can be spotted roaming together from the shores of Hermanus, which is considered the best location in the area to catch a proper glimpse of these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat.

Wine and food routes: South Africa ranks 9th in the world's most popular wine exporting countries so if you are a wine connoisseur or simply love a drop of red South Africa's vineyards will be sure to please. In recent years there has been an upsurge in the food industry with a demand for organic produce and food markets becoming more popular and widespread across the nation.

Cape Town: Cape Town is a joy and delight for those seeking a place that does it all. Famous for its stretching coastlines, sandy beaches, and the famous Table Mountain as a backdrop there is little the third largest city in South Africa does not offer. A hub of many cultures, Cape Town has 11 recognized languages including English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa. In addition, for history lovers there is the famous Robben Island, now a modern-day tourist attraction and museum but was once a former prison before the fall of the apartheid period. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, served 18 of his 27 years in prison here. Nowadays considered a National Heritage Centre, tours of the island and prison are offered on a daily basis and many of the tour guides are in fact former prisoners offering a deep and authentic insight into what life was like behind bars.

Want to plan your XMAS vacation? go to www.tripdizer.com and plan yours now!