Sakal Article English Translation - 22nd September 2024

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 22 September, 2024

Veena World Travel Mission

100 Country Club 
Quality Time 

I love exploring different countries around the world, learning about their cultures and the way people live. However, more than anything, I believe that traveling is about spending quality time with family. That’s why, when planning a trip, I make sure that my mother, wife, and daughter are available before finalizing the itinerary. I’ve been traveling since 1982, which means I’ve been on this journey for 42 years. During this time, I’ve visited 28 states in India and 31 countries worldwide. 

In 2022, during one of my trips, I found a faithful and affectionate travel partner in Veena World. Since then, it has become my preferred choice for travel. Being based in Kolkata, I find it convenient to book with them as they have an office here. Plus, with the ease of the internet, planning trips has never been simpler. I now rely on the internet and travel magazines to help me choose my next destination. 

London and Paris are two of my favourite cities in Europe. The similarities between London and Kolkata made me fall in love with London, while the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Paris captured my heart. Whenever I visit new places, I always make it a point to try the local dishes, which I thoroughly enjoy. Among all the countries I’ve visited, New Zealand stands out as the most memorable. Its breath-taking natural beauty convinced me that New Zealand is truly a paradise on Earth. 

I have a dream to visit all seven continents. The Arctic Circle and Alaska are at the top of my bucket list. I typically take 3-4 trips a year, which include two domestic and two international journeys. In December 2024, I’m set to travel to Antarctica with Veena World. Additionally, I’m planning trips to Chandigarh, Amritsar, and the North East region of India in the near future.

- Mr. Swapan Kumar Saha Roy and Family, Kolkata 

Private Group Holiday
with Veena World Customized Holidays

The true joy of any destination comes from sharing it with your favourite people. Group matters! Company is key! Imagine a holiday where your loved ones can enjoy your preferred hotel and destination just as you do. Whether it’s a 10-day Swiss holiday or a getaway closer to home, every detail—from hotel selection to activities—can be tailored to your wishes. If your family loves food, you could plan a foodie holiday in Amritsar, or choose theme parks in Singapore or Thailand if you're traveling with children. The options are endless.  

Plus, with Veena World’s professional tour managers, you can enjoy your holiday stress-free. They’ll handle all travel arrangements and sightseeing while you focus on making memories with your loved ones. 

For instance, a group of friends recently arranged a holiday retreat to Bali. With an experienced Veena World tour manager by their side, they had nothing to worry about—just pure enjoyment. Whether it’s a birthday, a special wedding anniversary, or even a simple getaway, you can celebrate it anywhere in the world, from Dubai to Thailand. 

In another example, a senior couple wanted to visit Singapore, but no family members were available to accompany them. They opted for a private Singapore tour with our tour manager, who handled all the logistics, allowing the couple to explore the city with complete peace of mind. Recently, 17 American citizens booked a similar customized holiday with Veena World, embarking on a three-night Egypt Nile Cruise. With our tour manager overseeing the trip, they fully enjoyed their private group holiday. 

On Friendship Day, another group of friends celebrated their reunion in Pondicherry, again with our help. Whether you’re a small group of two or a larger group of 25-30, we’ll handle all the arrangements, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday. 

Be it a birthday, a special wedding anniversary, or a retirement party, some celebrations deserve something extraordinary. Instead of the usual venue, why not opt for a private group holiday? Make your celebration unique and unforgettable with experiences like an open-air bus ride in Dubai or a private yacht trip in Hong Kong or Thailand. 

What to See? How to See?

Autumn Colours in Vibrant Japan! 

Japan is a land of contrasts. On one hand, it embodies calmness and humility, gracefully transcending the tests of time. On the other hand, despite its small size, Japan stood firm against mighty America, becoming a global leader in quality, precision, and innovation. While striving for sophistication, Japan holds deep respect for its culture and traditions—content with what it has yet always aspiring to create more. Here, achievement and duty are never compromised. 

Even at 100 years old, most Japanese people remain active and purposeful. Perhaps it’s this busyness that has led many to reach the milestone of a century, offering the world simple yet powerful principles for a long life. The Japanese philosophy of `Ikigai` teaches us that every day should have a purpose. Live fully, for this moment will never come again. Change should be an inevitable part of life, and improvement must be constant, according to `Kaizen`. No matter how many crises arise, face them with patience and bravery, as advised by `Gaman`. The Japanese embrace imperfections and find beauty in them—symbolized by the practice of `Kintsugi`, where broken objects are made more beautiful with silver or gold, reminding us to value nature and resilience. `Shinrin Yoku`, the practice of forest bathing, is just one of many inspiring ways Japan connects with nature. 

Japan emerged even stronger from the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Its message to the world is clear: "No matter the crisis, we will work harder and overcome." And so, from the bottom of my heart, I say: "Love you, Japan!" 

Have you visited Japan yet? If not, now is the perfect time! Explore Japan, Korea, or Taiwan, where the landscape is painted in breath-taking shades of red, yellow, and orange this autumn. So, pack your bags and get going with Veena World!