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Premium travel agents Miramar Travel are offering the chance to book an unforgettable eight-day cruise on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship &#8211;Seven Seas Grandeur&#8211; for the 7 Nights Iconic Italy and a Taste of Spain (Cruise Only) voyage.



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The 7-night sailing will depart from Rome on 1 May 2024, with disembarkation in Barcelona 7 nights later. Cruising the Mediterranean, the ship will call in Naples, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; the island of Mallorca; Valencia, Spain, before ending at Barcelona on Day 8.


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The all—inclusive package ranges from $58,799 (Deluxe Veranda Suite, 28.6-33.5 sq. m) to $62,299 (Superior Suite, 38.6-43.1 sq. m)per person.



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These are some of Europe’s finest tourist hotspots from the Roman splendour of the Eternal City with its coliseum and magnificent vistas, to the historic harbour of Malta’s charming capital, Valletta, full of Baroque palaces, to the beautiful island of Mallorca, and lastly the elegance and visual splendour of Valencia and Barcelona. This is a cruise whose destinations and melting pot of captivating cultures will combine to leave a lasting impression.&nbsp;&nbsp;


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Seven Seas Grandeur is the newest luxury liner of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, who have been delivering top-of-the-range cruise experiences for over 30 years. The ship’s maiden voyage is set for November 2023 and promises to feature unrivalled space, unparalleled service, epicurean indulgence, and transformative experiences for guests as soon as they step on board. 



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It will elevate the cruising experience to a new level of luxury and refined indulgence. With a gross tonnage of 55,500 and only 746 guests,&nbsp;Seven Seas Grandeur&nbsp;provides among the highest space and staff to guest ratios in the industry.


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Accommodation categories on offer for the all-inclusive packages include the lovely Deluxe Veranda Suite (28.6-33.5 sq. m) from $58,799 (price per person upon twin sharing), featuring a private balcony, plush sofa, large desk space and a slew of superb amenities, including a Welcome Bottle of Champagne and 24-hour room service.



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The stunning Superior Suite (38.6-43.1 sq. m) from $62,299 (price per person upon twin sharing) is beautifully appointed and spacious, featuring a walk-in closet, sitting area to unwind and dual sinks in the bathroom.&nbsp;


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Guests may savour the best of world cuisine with&nbsp;Serene Spa &amp; Wellness Selections&nbsp;in the many restaurants on board. These culinary dishes offer an extensive array of innovative options that inspire healthy living, featuring exquisite dishes influenced by a myriad of global fares including delectable plant-based cuisine.


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The signature steakhouse aboard&nbsp;Seven Seas Grandeur&nbsp;is Prime 7. Designed by Studio DADO, the fully re-imagined venue takes its cues from the classic New York steakhouse at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. Prime 7&nbsp;may embrace its roots but this is a restaurant designed to cater directly to Regent’s sophisticated, worldly guests who expect only the finest culinary experiences.


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There plenty of other ways guests can be pampered to the hilt. The ship’s&nbsp;Serene Spa &amp; Wellness™ experience will enhance relaxation at sea with an indulgent treatment menu that integrates best-in-class techniques and luxury ingredients from around the world, including new treatments utilizing the restorative power of an amber and quartz crystal bed, and an advanced treatment table for a&nbsp;Zero Gravity Wellness Massage.


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Guests could book a&nbsp;Hot Mineral Body Boost&nbsp;to alleviate muscular pain and remove toxins, while the&nbsp;Poultice-Powered Muscle Release&nbsp;works away sore, aching muscles with an invigorating treatment that targets tension and finishes with a restorative facial massage.


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For a completely unique experience, the&nbsp;Zero Gravity Wellness Massage&nbsp;is an option. Producing a zero-gravity effect, the body is suspended on an advanced treatment table that allows for ergonomic workflows and a seamless series of sophisticated techniques.



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The&nbsp;Serene Spa &amp; Wellness Hydrothermal Suite allows spa-goers to relax before or after spa treatments and enjoy Regent’s multisensory aromatherapy steam room, chill room, infrared sauna and experiential showers.


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On land,&nbsp;Serene Spa &amp; Wellness Tours&nbsp;enhance wellness through immersive and restorative shore excursions where guests can, for example, soak in mineral-rich thermal springs in Rome, Italy, or balance themselves in a yoga class overlooking the picturesque seaside town of Taormina, Sicily.



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Guests could also admire the ship&#8217;s awe-inspiring multi-million-dollar art, including an exquisite Fabergé egg, a meticulously hand-crafted objet d&#8217;art known as&nbsp;Journey in Jewels and spawning from Seven Seas Cruises’ partnership with Fabergé, the world-renowned jewellers.



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For bookings, click <a href="https://www.hkmiramartravel.com/Cruise/listpage_cruise.aspx?cruise_code=SEGR08">here</a>. 



Miramar Travel Website: <a href="http://www.hkmiramartravel.com/">www.hkmiramartravel.com</a>



Cruise Hotline: 3960 0386



Email: <a href="mailto:mecruises@miramarexpress.hk">mecruises@miramarexpress.hk</a>

Cruise the Mediterranean on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship – Seven Seas Grandeur

If you’ve never been to Barcelona, it should definitely be firmly on the agenda for your next European trip. Few other cities on the continent can match it for its sheer verve, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, Catalan cuisine and cosy beach-side restaurants.
Barcelona is a city that has sought to maintain its independence from the rest of Spain, with its own culture, music, cuisine and unique take on the language. While Catalans are warm and welcoming to visitors, they are also a proud people with a fierce sense of their own destiny.
1. Park Güell
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67033" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park Güell" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The best place to start your exploration of the Catalan capital is with a celebration of Barcelona’s favourite son, Antoni Gaudí. The famed architect is hailed as the greatest ever exponent of Catalan modernism – incorporating themes of nature and religion – and developed his own individual style that none have been able to replicate, although many have tried.
A good starting point for an expression of Gaudí’s work is Park Güell – so named for the Spanish entrepreneur, Eusebi Güell, who commissioned the architect and funded this truly unique vision. Park Güell is a naturalistic park made up organic architectural elements, colonnades, enigmatic sculpted structures, striking tiles and gardens.&nbsp;The original vision when Gaudí and Güell began work on the project in 1900 (it was completed in 1914) was for it to be a naturalistic park where people could live as part of an innovative urban space.&nbsp;
2. Sagrada Família
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Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is the&nbsp;Sagrada Família Basilica.&nbsp;No trip to Barcelona is complete without a trip to the breathtaking landmark.&nbsp;Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 for which Gaudí quickly became its chief architect – transforming the project with his own style by combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms.
The architect devoted the rest of his life to the project and at the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete. To this day, finishing touches are still being applied. Nevertheless, the exterior is stunning – with its delicate fairytale spires. Inside, the expansive, coloured windows let in a kaleidoscope of light and the hush created by the soft acoustics make for a preternatural experience, while the intricately composed columns gave the interior the otherworldly sense of being in a magic forest.&nbsp;
3. Besta Restaurant
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67037" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Now that the cultural stuff is out of the way, it’s time to explore some of Barcelona’s earthly delights. Barcelona’s top eatery is generally regarded as Besta Restaurant. But be warned, it’s very popular and you will need to book well in advance to secure a table.&nbsp;
A match made in heaven, Catalonian Carles Ramón and Galician Manu Núñez blend their regional backgrounds together to create unique flavours from seasonal ingredients that make up a varied menu of Catalan cuisine.
4. Mr Porter Restaurant
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67038" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Another notable mention in the eatery stakes is Mr Porter Restaurant, with its speciality of lobster and beef steak. For something with a definitive local flavour, it’s also well worth sampling some Jamon Iberico ham, a famous Catalan delicacy.
Whatever you choose, wash it all down with a big jug (or two) of sangria. It’s refreshing fruitiness is the perfect way to settle in for a long, lazy lunch.
5. La Roca Village
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67039" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
If it’s a little shopping you’re interested in, check out La Roca Village, which boasts more than 130 luxury boutiques. Once your suitably sated and shopped out, it’s time for a little recreation and relaxation. Go for a little amble along the beach. Before long, you’ll most likely encounter an open-air self-styled wellness centre, replete with oversized cushions and mats – harking back to the decadent delights of Morocco.
Here, you can be pampered and get a gentle massage in Arabesque-style luxury – a refreshing drink in hand – with the soothing swish of waves lapping the shore of the Mediterranean.
6. Picasso Museum
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67040" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
It would be remiss not make mention of Barcelona’s other favourite son and one of the world’s foremost painters: Pablo Picasso. Contrary to popular belief, Picasso was not, in fact, born in Barcelona. He was born in the northern Spanish port town of Malaga. But it’s in the Catalan capital where he has been honoured with the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso de Barcelona), housing over 4000 of his works – the largest collection anywhere in the world. It is the ultimate homage to the great artist. Here, you can while away a fascinating afternoon marvelling at the creations of this master painter.
The museum follows Picasso’s progress as an artist in chronological order. Starting out with superb classically painted creations in a naturalistic manner, which gradually evolves into his distinctive avant-garde cubism style that the art world has come to identify him with.
7. Palau de la Música Catalana
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67041" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Spanish guitar is, of course, immensely popular in Barcelona. As you explore the city’s attractions and hotspots, you are likely to encounter a busker displaying his (or her) musical talents as they strum up a storm on their guitar street-side. The Gypsy Kings seem to feature prominently on the playlists but it’s a vibe that blends in well with the city’s soulful ambience.
But there are also opportunities to catch live shows at any number of venues. One of the best – and most picturesque – places to experience a live show is the Palau de la Música Catalana. This stunning locale is worth a tour by day in its own right, but why not trip the light fantastic by taking in a night-time live flamenco dance show. This beautiful Barcelona theatre, and the performances held here, have consistently received rave reviews from audiences. Vibrant, with an explosion of vermillion, dance and music, it’s a life-affirming slice of authentic Spanish culture that will stay with you long after you have farewelled the Catalan capital.

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Catalan Carousing: 7 places to visit in Barcelona, Spain

The world is gradually discovering that tourism can be a double-edged sword. Though it brings in revenue and employment, it also has a devastating impact on the world’s society, culture and environment.
With tourism backlash in full effect, we have put together a list of destinations you may want to avoid in 2018:
1.Barcelona, Spain
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32286 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5.jpg" alt="Destinations to avoid in 2018_Barcelona" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-5-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Statistics show that over 9 million tourists stayed in city hotels in 2016, an increase of over 7 million people since 1990. Angry locals have resorted to anti-tourist graffiti with statements such as “This is not tourism. This is invasion”, sprawled across the city. Several riots and protests were witnessed in the summer of 2017. Residents blamed services such as Airbnb for the increase of rents, forcing them from their homes. The city’s government has passed a law to limit tourist beds but will this be enough to tackle the new wave of anti-tourism?
2.<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/touring-the-balkans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dubrovnik</a>, Croatia
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32287 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1.jpg" alt="Destinations to avoid in 2018_Dubrovnik " width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-3-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Thousands of tourists are drawn in by Dubrovnik’s clear blue waters and historical buildings, not to mention the city’s starring role in “<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/delvaux-game-of-thrones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game of Thrones</a>”, one of the most talked about television shows in the world. UNESCO has listed various conservation issues while the impact of tourism threatens the city’s World Heritage status. In order to cut the number of visitors, Dubrovnik’s mayor has taken drastic measures, capping the number of people who can revel in the ancient city’s treasures at 4,000 a day. &nbsp;
3.Bhutan
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32289 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1.jpg" alt="Destinations to avoid in 2018_Bhutan " width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-1-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The kingdom of Bhutan&nbsp;is at danger with <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/acropolis-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mass tourism</a> threatening nature and local cultures. Charging travellers a daily fee of US$200-$250 (depending on the time of year), the Prime Minister and Chairman of tourism, hoped to minimise the impact of tourism with a “high value, low impact” policy. In addition to this, visitors are recommended to use homestays − a Bhutanese version of bed and breakfast − as an attempt to bring money to rural areas and give value to a traditional way of life. However, with the number of regional tourists increasing from 97,584 in 2015 to 146,797 in 2016, locals have cited concerns about the environmental impact on its delicate cultural ecosystem.
4.Taj Mahal, <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/christmas-getaways/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32290 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1.jpg" alt="Destinations to avoid in 2018_Taj Mahal_India" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-2-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Built around 400 years ago, the iconic <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/farsited/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taj Mahal</a> is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. The country’s monsoon seasons, however, are not enough to prevent the yellowing of the ivory-white marble as pollution levels in Agra reach an all time high. As the Yamuna River − located behind the monument −&nbsp;fills with sewage and other waste, India’s masterpiece of love is damaged further. The Archaeological Survey of India is likely to limit the number of visitors to 30, 000 per day, besides introducing separate tickets for entry into the crypt, to ensure head count and crowd management. As of now, there is no restriction,&nbsp;drawing in 60,000 to 70,000 tourists during peak season. &nbsp;
5.Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32306 size-full aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6.jpg" alt="Destinations to avoid in 2018_Galapagos Islands" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/700x466-6-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Home to wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on earth, it comes as no surprise that the popularity of the Galapagos Islands has grown over the years. While the first visitors to the islands ate and slept on cruise ships, a significant rise in tourists has resulted in competition among hotels, making it much cheaper to stay on the islands. Local farmers and fishermen are unable to keep up with the requirement of visitors, meaning food must be imported from the mainland. Meanwhile, scientists argue that tourism is endangering the unique biodiversity, with the presence of humans effecting animals’ natural behaviours. Aside from this, the residents of these islands (human or not) also need a break, just like us!
&nbsp;Text: Hira Desai

Tag: barcelona

Cruise the Mediterranean on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship – Seven Seas Grandeur

Catalan Carousing: 7 places to visit in Barcelona, Spain

Five travel destinations to avoid in 2018

Tag: barcelona

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Cruise the Mediterranean on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship – Seven Seas Grandeur

Catalan Carousing: 7 places to visit in Barcelona, Spain

Five travel destinations to avoid in 2018