Sakal Newspaper Article By Veena Patil - Date: 25th August

Veena World Travel Mission
100 Countries Club 
Fitness First! 

As the saying goes, ‘Mind Over Matter - If You Don’t Mind, It Doesn’t Matter.’ This has been my guiding motto. That’s why, even at seventy years of age, I continue to travel the world, enjoying every trip. I’ve always been passionate about tourism. When I worked as a nurse in a hospital, I would travel with my family whenever I had the chance, though those opportunities were rare. Now, after retirement, I have dedicated my life to exploring the world. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic subsided in 2021, and tourist spots in India reopened, I made up for lost time by booking seven tours with Veena World. So far, I have been on 15 tours with them, and my favourite concept is Veena World's ‘World Special’ tours. These trips have empowered women to travel independently, and for solo travellers like me, the option to share a room helps keep the costs affordable.  

To date, I have explored 90% of India and visited 32 countries around the world. I love meeting different people and chatting with them, which is why I prefer group tours. I also enjoy taking lots of photos during my trips and sharing them on my Facebook wall. Among the countries I have visited, Greece has left a lasting impression. I was especially captivated by the blue-and-white houses. The locals have kept the area so pristine that it felt like I was on a movie set. Although I’m not much of a shopper, I always bring back souvenirs or chocolates for my family from abroad. 

Instead of sitting at home, I believe in exploring new countries and regions, learning about their people, arts, traditions, and nature. It keeps the mind active and fresh. To continue traveling the world, I prioritize my fitness. If I maintain my health, I believe I can still travel the world at eighty. My dream destinations include Antarctica, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Fitness is my key to fulfilling my travel dreams." 

• Mrunal Dalvi, Chembur, Mumbai

Festive Holiday
with Veena World
Customized Holidays 

Going on a holiday is a celebration in itself – with different clothes, food, and a lot more joy than in our everyday routine, a holiday truly becomes a festival. Now, imagine adding a real, vibrant festival to that mix. Wouldn't that be a fantastic combination? Different countries celebrate festivals rooted in their traditions, and if you time your holiday to coincide with those festivals, your travel experience will undoubtedly be twice as joyful. 

Festivals based on the Chinese calendar are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Singapore and Hong Kong, making these destinations ideal for festive holidays. The main festival is the Chinese New Year, celebrated at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. On this day, according to Chinese tradition, deities are worshiped, and ancestors are honoured. The New Year festival lasts for nine days in Singapore’s Chinatown, with highlights including the Dragon and Lion Dance. Singapore’s world-famous Chingay Parade is also a key part of the celebrations. Similarly, Hong Kong hosts a grand parade to welcome the Chinese New Year, featuring lantern displays, fireworks, horse races, flower market fairs, and lion dances. 

Tourists from across the globe flock to Taiwan in Southeast Asia for the stunning Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration with hundreds of glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky. This breath-taking sight is unforgettable. If you can't make it to Taiwan, the Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam is another must-see, celebrated on the full moon of every month.

For shopaholics, the Dubai Shopping Festival, held in January-February, is a golden opportunity. Visitors from around the world come to purchase everything from gold and electronics to clothing and home appliances, all at discounted prices. Thailand, known for its festive spirit, celebrates Songkran every April with great enthusiasm. While the name might remind us of Maharashtra’s Sankranti, Songkran is actually the Thai New Year festival. It’s famous for the water-splashing tradition, making it feel like a Thai version of India’s Holi-Rangpanchami. 

India, of course, has no shortage of festivals. October brings Navratri celebrations everywhere, and what can be said about Durga Puja in West Bengal? Experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata is a must to witness the grand pandals, stunning lighting, and impressive scenes. In Karnataka, Mysore hosts a magnificent Dussehra festival, where tourists from all over the country gather to watch the royal procession and festivities. During Sankranti in January, the skies of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, are filled with colorful kites as part of the International Kite Festival, adding extra excitement to the festival. 

Advance planning and booking are essential to experience such festivals around the world. So, choose your festival, and let’s celebrate! Veena World's Customized Holiday Team is here for you. 

What to See? How to See? 
Africa – The Fifth Continent!
Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado! with Veena World  

There was a time when traveling abroad, especially to England or America, was a matter of immense pride and curiosity. Venturing beyond the country’s borders was a remarkable feat. As the world grew closer and more accessible, humanity’s inherent wanderlust found new vigour. Crossing the seven seas became easier, and many travellers began marking off all seven continents on their travel bucket lists. 

When listing the continents, Africa is often forgotten after Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and Antarctica. We often remind our travellers, ‘You must see Africa, the fifth continent, before moving on to the sixth and seventh – South America and Antarctica’. This advice is frequently followed by the sceptical question: ‘Is there really anything to see in Africa?’ And we can't help but smile and say, ‘Oh, you have no idea!’ 

Those who have travelled to Africa know it’s so much more than just wildlife. Africa offers such unique experiences that even the most modest traveller will be pleasantly surprised. Let’s explore fascinating destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Sun City, Cape Town, the Garden Route, and even encounter gorillas in Rwanda. Cross the fifth continent and discover the wonders Africa has to offer!