Fingerprints for immigration procedures in the U.S.

U.S. immigration authorities use biometric fingerprinting to identify individuals, as well as for subsequent checks of their immigration and criminal histories, if any. Based on these verifications, immigration control officials can make decisions such as, for example: the approval of a permanent residence card or, on the contrary, the denial of the American visa.

There are certainly many situations where fingerprints are used and required in the United States. Pay attention to the following sections to learn everything you need to know about this biometric record.

Why is fingerprint identification used in the U.S.?

The main reason is simple, there are no two individuals with identical fingerprints. That’s why the United States prioritizes this option over any other alternative. It is certainly a more accurate tool than DNA, as two individuals can share the same genetic material but not the same fingerprints.

In addition to the above, the process of collecting fingerprints and checking them is much faster and more accurate (scanners that collect and provide this biometric information in just a few seconds) than in other alternatives. However, there is a percentage of people (between 1 and 2%) who find it difficult or even impossible to read their fingerprints. For these cases, there are alternatives ranging from photographs of the individual to DNA testing.

What immigration procedures are fingerprints required for in the U.S.?

This is a very common process that applies to most immigration procedures in the United States. For example: when applying for a non-immigrant visa such as a tourist visa to the U.S. or to apply for an immigrant visa to obtain a permanent residence card in the U.S.. In turn, the US-Visit program requires that fingerprints be taken at all U.S. ports of entry (ports, airports and land borders).

Fingerprints are also collected for other exceptional migratory processes such as:

1. Asylum in the United States
2. T or U humanitarian visas (human trafficking or violence)
3. Citizenship acquisition for undocumented youth (DACA)

However, there are individuals or groups who are exempt from sharing their footprints. They are as follows:

1. American citizens
2. Foreign diplomats with A or G visas
3. Mexican and Canadian citizens who have a valid crossover visa
4. Permanent residents who left the country and returned to it through the same port

There is another case in which fingerprints are taken for migratory reasons and it is when being detained trying to enter illegally without a visa in the USA. Fingerprints will also be required of those U.S. or migrant individuals who are arrested or detained by federal, state or local authorities anywhere in the country.

Finally, remember that your fingerprints will not be required to process ESTA for the United States, however, they will be taken once you enter the country. There must be a record of all those who enter and leave the country with an entry authorization or H1B visa.

Note: Biometric fingerprint data are almost generally not collected from individuals under 14 years of age or over 79 years of age.

Where are fingerprints taken?

Depending on the situation or motive, biometric fingerprinting may be carried out at one location or another:

1. When required at immigration checkpoints, fingerprints are taken by the Border Patrol (CBP) at the U.S. port, airport, or land border where the individual is located. CBP border agents are also responsible for taking the fingerprints of undocumented migrants who have been detained while attempting to cross the U.S. border illegally.
2. In order to carry out immigration procedures such as applying for a non-immigrant visa or asylum permit, among others, an appointment is made to take fingerprints. In these cases, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) sends a letter to the applicant with confirmation of the appointment and the address of the Applicant Assistance Center (CAS) where the applicant must go to have their biometrics taken. These centers are located in some countries such as: Mexico, Dominican Republic or Argentina. However, there are countries where fingerprints are taken directly at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. The relevant authorities will also take your fingerprints in the event of arrest or detention. Once they collect your biometric data, they will share it with both the FBI and relevant databases. In the worst case, in addition to the fingerprints, the individual may be placed in the custody of immigration authorities until further notice.

Tip: the easiest way to know when and where we need to provide our biometric data is to know the requirements for the American visa. Ultimately, do not hesitate to consult the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

What do U.S. immigration authorities do with fingerprints?

The biometric data collected through fingerprints are stored in different databases for later use. The FBI, the country’s main investigative agency, has access to millions of fingerprints collected in the databases of different organizations in the country. CBP (U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection) manages biometric data through the TECS system. The Department of State has the CCD database.

One of the agencies that most relies on fingerprint verification is USCIS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This U.S. agency has access to information from the databases mentioned above and can easily check important migratory data such as: full names of individuals, dates of birth, criminal records, postal addresses, etc.

Information obtained by fingerprints

When it comes to making use, for migration purposes, of information obtained through fingerprints, it is usually for one of these three reasons:

1. Knowing the identity of an individual and detecting immediately if his personal data or documents are illegal, such as when they belong to another person or are falsified.
2. Determine whether a person has committed some type of crime or misdemeanour that makes him or her liable to deportation, such as being considered inadmissible.
3. Detecting immigration violations by checking an individual’s fingerprints. This includes situations such as:

• That there is no record of the foreign citizen’s fingerprints in any database of the Department of State or the Department of Homeland Security, indicating that the country was entered in an irregular situation.
• Having hidden in any of the immigration forms any crime for which you have been arrested or detained. Consult the following link to learn more about traveling to the U.S. with a criminal record.
• Not to have left the country once the permit to be in it has expired, that is to say, to exceed the limit of stay authorized in the visa to the United States. These cases can mean the immediate deportation of the foreign citizen. See the link about entering the United States after being deported for more information.

9 Great Tips to Make your Agra Trip a Success

If there is any city in India, which exudes an air of ancient royalty at the very mention of its name, it’s one and only Agra. Although the erstwhile Mughal capital has become more of a modern urban center, with abundant millennial quirks, it has not been able to completely override its intrinsic regal trait. But before you even land there or start wandering around, you need to know what to look for. Agra might not be a huge city, but it’s quite layered.

So, here we are, bringing you some of the best tips for a successful Agra exploration, with a dash of offbeat.

Opt for a road trip, instead of bus or trains.

Agra is most accessible and a popular weekend getaway from Delhi and surrounding the capital region. Being centrally located in Delhi has multitudes of options for Agra travel. If you are flying to Delhi from another city, you can easily book a cab at the airport and enjoy the short and sweet road trip. The journey from Delhi to Agra by car is smooth and seamless and lets you experience the rustic locales of U.P.

Plan a day trip.

Sometimes, you might just have a day to spend in Agra, or you could be just stopping over on your way to another destination. For such cases, you can plan a one-day itinerary to zip through the highlights and still manage to capture the best of Agra. To make it convenient, you can plan the same from Delhi itself. The Delhi to Agra cab fare is reasonable and economical and can save you the time, money, and hassle of hunting local cabs in Agra. You can keep the car with you throughout the day and visit places that interest you.

Delhi to Agra by Train

Travel in the right season.

Summers are the harshest in Agra and if you want to enjoy walking around and exploring to your heart’s content, you should avoid the warmer months. Instead, travel in winter or early spring, when the temperatures are perfect and make it conducive to explore the city properly.

Find centrally located accommodation.

The best way to cover major sightseeing in Agra is to stay somewhere close to the city’s center. You will find some of the best hotels and guest houses in Tajganj – the neighborhood surrounding the Taj Mahal and other monuments in the vicinity. For upscale accommodation options, Fatehabad Road is the place to be.

See beyond the Taj.

There’s no contention in how and why Agra is synonymous with this wonder of the world. But, there’s more to the city beyond this UNESCO World Heritage Site. And unless you explore those, you wouldn’t know what this city stands for. Monuments like the Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb or Miniature Taj, Akbar’s Tomb, Dhakri-Ka-Mahal (burial of Akbar’s 300 wives/consorts), or Chini Ka Rauza, are few of the 48-50 lesser-known monuments of Agra, which are steeped in history of the city and are worth a visit.

Explore religious history at Fatehpur Sikri.

We all know that Fatehpur Sikri is famous for the memorial tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, and is considered sacred. But did you know that Fatehpur was once also a Jain pilgrimage site? Excavations have revealed numerous statues of Jain Tirthankaras and other religious relics, dating back to at least a 1000 years. It couldn’t be more fascinating than to find the hidden layers of Agra’s history.

Walk the historic food trail.

Food has a fascinating way of embracing us into its origin. Home to the quintessential Mughlai cuisine, Agra presents you with an endless buffet of generation-worn recipes, simplistic local cuisines, and traditional confections. You can join a food tour (many available online) and explore some of the vintage eateries and old neighborhoods serving Mughlai classics and be delighted at the rich culinary legacy this city has to offer.

Explore the other side of Agra’s heritage.

While the city earned its fame as a seat of the nation’s most historic ruling empire, there is a side of Agra, which is often not talked about. The rural areas surrounding the city, where the ethnic tribes of this region live. Korai, the rustic hamlet, off the Agra-Fatehpur Highway, is home to the Kalandhar tribes, known as bear tamers. The clusters of mud houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by small patches of farms, is a stark contrast to the city’s royal portrayal and is a must-see.

Discover pure nature at the largest bird sanctuary

Besides history and heritage, Agra is also home to the nation’s biggest avian reserve. Whether you are a feather-lover or not, a trip to Agra will be incomplete without visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The national park is nature’s paradise with more than 230 species of resident and migratory birds and is only an hour’s drive from the city. If you enjoy birding, then visit between November and February to spot the most exotic migrators you will ever find.

…

The long-lost legacy of this historic city still stands true in its remarkable ancient architecture, culture, and the traditional pockets of the city. All you need to do is explore it in the right places, at the right time, and read between the cracked walls and hidden niches to have a fulfilling trip!

How Budget Savvy Travellers Can Save Money Traveling To India

Tourism in India is growing rapidly. In 2018, the country has welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists. This country is known for its interesting culture, delicious food, and majestic architecture. With the number of attractions available in India, it’s no wonder why more and more people are choosing to travel here!

If you’re planning to travel to India but fear that you don’t have enough money for it, fret not. Several hacks are available for savvy travelers like you to finally visit this wonderful country. By following these hacks, you can enjoy everything India has to offer without breaking the bank.

Here’s how you can travel to India even with a shoestring budget:

1. Utilize The Internet

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to India and set out a date for it, what usually comes next is to decide what to visit and where to stay. You need to look for local tours, restaurants, and accommodations in India.

For you to accomplish all of these tasks with ease, utilize the internet. The World Wide Web can be a goldmine of resources for you to get the best deals on your next trip and score discounts, too.

Utilize the internet better by following these tips:

• Promo codes: Promo codes are computer-generated codes that you need to input on a website to get discounts. Look for websites that offer this service for you to save money when traveling in India. For example, https://www.gopromocodes.com/stores/travelocity offers discounts for hotel packages, flights, and even car rentals.

• Price-comparison websites: Are you bombarded with options for your tour in India? Are you clueless about what accommodation provides the best deal? Before booking any service for your trip to India, use price-comparison websites.

As the name suggests, these websites compare prices of services posted online, making it easy for you to choose.

• Traveler tips: A lot of people have already visited India and their experience can help you save money. Look for online platforms or social media groups that discuss the users’ travel experiences in India. Take note of how they’re able to save money during their trip.

If you’re lucky enough, you’ll come across locals from India who can provide money-saving tips, as well. They’ll likely give out tips that even tourists don’t know about.

2. Be Mindful About Your Travel Dates

If you have the privilege of traveling any time, avoid visiting the country during the months of October to March. These months are considered as the tourist season in India. Flights, accommodations, and tour packages can double during this time of the year. The same also applies during Indian holidays, namely Christmas, New Year and Diwali (five-day festival of lights celebrated by Buddhists).

Aside from traveling off-season, the following tips can also come in handy:

• Book flights in advance: Booking a flight to India at the last minute is one of the worst and most expensive decisions you can ever make. Domestic airlines operating in India increase their prices if you book close to your travel dates. Avoid paying an arm and a leg for your flight by booking in advance.

• Late or early flights are the cheapest: Flights scheduled early in the morning and late at night are the cheapest. Look for these flights before booking to save money.

3. Pack Your Food

Food is always a necessity when traveling. While India offers several restaurants, eating out all the time isn’t the best option. Eating at fancy restaurants might be convenient, but doing this regularly can surely put a hole in your pocket.

Make sure to carry food when you visit India. Carry light food items that are filling. Doing this will not only help cut your food expenses, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that you can enjoy your favorite food anytime you want to.

Your favorite chocolates or chips might not be available in India, so it’s best if you come prepared.

4. Avoid Luxury Accommodations

If you want to experience India in the best and cheapest way possible, avoid staying in 5-star hotels and choose to stay in local hostels. Staying in a budget-friendly accommodation is appropriate for savvy travelers like you since you’re mostly out exploring the wonder of India.

You’ll only need the accommodation to sleep at night and hostels can surely suffice this need.

Prepare Properly

Preparation is key to making your trip to India become memorable. If you want to experience paragliding in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh or zipline in Jodhpur, you should create an appropriate budget for it. If you don’t, you’ll likely see yourself overspending in India and be in a sour mood during the entire trip.

Make sure that this doesn’t happen to you by using this article as your guide.

Tamil numbers 1 to 100

Are you planning a travel to Tamil Nadu? Do you want to learn some Tamil numbers? Are you learning Tamil? Whatever you want to do, here are Tamil numbers 1 to 100 in English. These Tamil Numbers from 1 to 100 will certainly come in handy while shopping or travelling to places. These numbers can be used for bargaining or simply trying to understand what you are being sold or told.

These numbers are different to Hindi numbers hence if you are considering visiting the state of Tamil Nadu then these numbers will come in handy. Nowadays people from South India do understand Hindi to a great extent but it’s worth learning a few Tamil numbers just in case.

Learn 1 to 100 Tamil Numbers in English. Make sure you watch the video for the pronunciation.

Tamil numbers from 1 to 100:

1 – Onnu
2 – Rendu
3 – Moonu
4 – Naalu
5 – Anju
6 – Aaru
7 – Yelu
8 – Ettu
9 – Onbadhu
10 – Pathu
11 – Pathi nonnu
12 – Pannandu
13 – Pathi monnu
14 – Pathi naalu
15 – Pathi nanju
16 – Pathi naaru
17 – Pathi nelu
18 – Pathi nettu
19 – Pathonbathu
20 – Irubadhu
21 – Iruvathi onnu
22 – Iruvathi rendu
23 – Iruvathi moonu
24 – Iruvathi naalu
25 – Iruvathi anju
26 – Iruvathi aaru
27 – Iruvathi yelu
28 – Iruvathi ettu
29 – Iruvathi ombathu
30 – Mubbathu
31 – Mubbathi onnu
32 – Mubbathi rendu
33 – Mubbathi moonu
34 – Mubbathi naalu
35 – Mubbathi anju
36 – Mubbathi aaru
37 – Mubbathi yelu
38 – Mubbathi ettu
39 – Mubbathi ombathu
40 – Naapathu
41 – Naapathi onnu
42 – Naapathi rendu
43 – Naapathi moonu
44 – Naapathi naalu
45 – Naapathi anju
46 – Naapathi aaru
47 – Naapathi yelu
48 – Naapathi ettu
49 – Naapathi ombathu
50 – Ambathu
51 – Ambath- onnu
52 – Ambathi rendu
53 – Ambathi moonu
54 – Ambathi naalu
55- Ambathi anju
56- Ambathi aaru
57 – Ambathi yelu
58 – Ambathi ettu
59 – Ambathi ombathu
60 – Aruvathu
61 – Arubathi onnu
62 – Arubathi rendu
63 – Arubathi moonu
64 – Arubathi naalu
65 – Arubathi anju
66 – Arubathi aaru
67 – Arubathi yelu
68 – Arubathi ettu
69 – Arubathi ombathu
70 – Elubathu
71 – Elubathi onnu
72 – Elubathi rendu
73 – Elubathi moonu
74 – Elubathi naalu
75 – Elubathi anju
76 – Elubathi aaru
77 – Elubathi yelu
78 – Elubathi ettu
79 – Elubathi ombathu
80 – Enbathu
81 – Enbathi onnu
82 – Enbathi rendu
83 – Enbathi moonu
84 – Enbathi naalu
85 – Enbathi anju
86 – Enbathi aaru
87 – Enbathi yelu
88 – Enbathi ettu
89 – Enbathi ombathu
90 – Thonnooru
91 – Thonnuthi onnu
92 – Thonnuthi rendu
93 – Thonnuthi moonu
94 – Thonnuthi naalu
95 – Thonnuthi anju
96 – Thonnuthi aaru
97 – Thonnuthi yelu
98 – Thonnuthi ettu
99 – Thonnuthi ombathu
100 – Nooru

I hope you have liked leaning the 1 to 100 Tamil numbers. I hope they will come in handy when visiting the state of Tamil Nadu.

Top winter destinations of India

There are many winter destinations even in a tropical place. The scene is so true for a country like India. Come the summer and everybody has plans for one or the other hill station or snow adventure. The cool high altitude places puts the unbearable heat of the plains on somewhere forgotten and absolute bliss of the welcoming winter is on. It feels like somebody is constantly humming lines like these on back of his mind:

“”The rest is where 
“I” is either satiated
Or suffocated
Here, I avow
My “I” is merged
In the Pristine of Nature
I am at rest now
Even if it is
Just for a while!””

Such places, kind of which the poet is talking about, might include the following:

Auli

Lying on the way to Badrinath, Auli is a popular winter destination in Uttarakhand, more popular for its adventure of Ski. Bugyal is the local name for the place by which locals will brag about it. The meadow is also a part of popular trekking trips. Apart from Ski and Trekking, tourists can also enjoy views and boating in the artificial lake. Being surrounded by pilgrimages like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Joshimath, Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag; Auli is a must visit for tourists and pilgrims alike. April is best season to visit but skiing is good in November.

Trekking in Auli. Source: Flikr Shikhar Sethi’s photostream

Gulmarg

Another popular Ski (winter) destination, Gulmarg is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Known for having the highest Ski lift (Gondola) in the world, the place has more than 1300 metres of vertical panoramic views of the Himalayas. To make best use of the snow for skiing, choose the month of January and February to travel up this point and have fun. Do not get startled by occasional sights of soldiers as the place is very near to the India-Pakistan border.

Diu

One of the 8 Union territories of India, Diu is gaining more popularity for its tourism than ever before. Very near to the southern coast of Gujarat, the place had a long association with the Portuguese culture. The town of Diu houses Diu Fort and an Old Portuguese cathedral that are popular attraction for tourists. Enjoy the beach and island fun here.

Mount Abu

More popular as the only hill station of the state of Rajasthan, this place is well known for its scenic appeal and some old temples. A centre for spiritual activities, Mount Abu is a place where people find peace of mind. A part of Aravalli Hills, the place holds natural attraction for tourists coming to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, etc.

Model of the Eiffel tower at a roundabout in Mount Abu. Source: Flikr auldhippo’s photostream

Haflong

North-eastern region of India is very popular for many tourist places and adventure activities loved by thrill seekers. For a winter destination, Haflong in Assam is a nice place to try. Located in the Dima Hasao District, it is known for Haflong Lake and Jatinga Bird Watching. Photography becomes a passion of travellers just by instincts.

Kerala

A part of southern India, Kerala does not need any kind of introduction due to its huge popularity as “God’s Own Country”. Backwaters, popular beaches, spa and spiritual healing and many tourist destinations like Munnar, Kochi, etc are integral tour of any Kerala tour. You can also opt to choose to visit in a particular time during “The Elephant Festival”, Thissur Pooram is on the show. Culture insights of Kerala are a major pull for tourists from abroad along with exciting the domestic tourists.

Kerala backwaters houseboat. Source: Globetrotter girls

Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a well known amongst popular winter places of India. Tourists’ spots that are visited here include The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhu Hill, Shimla State Museum, Summer Hill, Tara Devi Temple, Junga, Mashobra, and many others. Reached by Air, Railways and Roads, Shimla remains crowded for all of the summers and most of the winters.

Manali

In Himachal Pradesh, this place is closely tours along with Kullu for tourism in this area. Among many winter destinations, Manali is visited more for its religious value. Located in the Beas river valley, it is well enjoyed by the people of India as well as abroad for tourist attractions like Hadimba Temple, Vashishta Temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Van Vihar and more.

Skiing in Manali

Corbett national Park

Located near Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park is a popular spot for enjoying wildlife tourism. Tigers are obviously the main attraction and icing on the cake is the elephant safari. Jeep rides are also there but one can imagine what will be more fun to do. The vast diversity of the oldest national park of India allows scope for birding as well if you are also engaged in bird watching. Not good to visit in Monsoon, the summers and winters are quite enjoyable here. You can add this to your list of winter destinations if you planning for winter holidays!

More places to visit in India

By Nell Cook.

In 2013 I visited India and loved the country so much I was inspired to write a novel.

What prompted me to visit this amazing country? Well, it began with my passion for yoga and a desire to visit the country where the practice had been established around five thousand years ago.

I’d been planning my trip for two years when life threw a curveball at me. I was given a bombshell diagnosis of kidney cancer just five days before departure. I emerged from the initial shock determined not to let fear get in the way of my adventure of a lifetime and boarded the plane to New Delhi. My treatment could wait until I got home – I had an incredible country to explore!

I survived my adventure and cancer and emerged from the whole experience with a burning desire to write a fiction story inspired by what I’d experienced. My goal is to entertain and also to get the messages out there that;

• If you’re faced with a frightening diagnosis, don’t give up hope.
• You do have the courage to take that trip you’ve always yearned for.

The places and events featured in A Geordie Up the Ganges

The story follows the route of the Ganges starting at New Delhi and then Haridwar; Rishikesh; Allahabad; Varanasi; Kolkata and Sundarbans.  Some adventures experienced by the characters include; witnessing the Kumbh Mela, the biggest festival on earth; the Holi Celebrations and the spirituality of the Ganga Evening Aarti Ceremony. Travelling on sleeper trains, buses and country sailing boats they explore the real India and meet extraordinary Indian people.

My poignant and humorous novel, A Geordie Up the Ganges, is available as an Ebook or paperback on Amazon at the following link.

A Geordie Up the Ganges: The journey of a lifetime – that might just save her life

 

A sweeping Indian adventure of one woman’s search for self-discovery. Inspired by real events.

Lose yourself in a tale that follows the route of the beating heart of India – The Holy River Ganges.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of New Delhi; the spirituality of Rishikesh and Haridwar; the intoxicating Kumbh Mela; ancient Varanasi; Kolkata, known as the City of Joy; the wildlife of Sundarbans.

A perfect read if you’ve ever been to India, plan to visit India in the future, or are interested in this amazing country.

 

Amazon Reviews 

5***** Skyelady: Nell Cook has captured the pure essence of India – its sights, sound, smells, colour and, of course, the rich, historical culture of its people. Her Geordie wit shines through and, together with a soul searching storyline, makes it a great read. 

5***** Judi: From the moment you start reading you are caught. Moments we have all experienced, felt and either laughed about or cried over. I found it really hard to put down and was constantly telling my friends about it. Highly recommend reading this. While there is depth behind the story it is easy reading and you are constantly wanting to know what happens next. Loved it, Thanks Nell a truly enjoyable book.

5***** Jan G: The book captured beautifully, the intense sights, sounds, smells, madness and occasional moments of calm Jen experiences in this magnificent country whilst travelling with a misfit group.The story unfolds with humour and pathos and was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Excerpt

I gasped, agog at my first sight of Haridwar. The Ganges snaked ahead of us, at the centre of a scene straight out of an epic movie about a faraway land. Vijay had told us the steps on each side of the river were called ghats. Today they were a heaving blanket of living, breathing humanity. Colourful buildings, temples and a clock tower punctured the skyline. For as far as the eye could see, the area was a mass of millions of people. Overlooking the spectacle was a majestic one-hundred-foot statue of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. A cobra encircled his neck representing past, present and future and the trident in his hand depicted will, action and wisdom.

It had been twelve years since the last Kumbh Mela at Haridwar and the vibe and excitement crackled in the air. Somehow our driver snaked through impossible gaps in the jam-packed traffic. As we approached the site of the festival the buzzing, humming mass grew larger. On the long dusty road to the entrance, a red truck pulling an open trailer filled with twelve wraithlike nagas sped past. Their brown bodies covered in white ash gleamed in the sunlight. Some with dreadlocks down to their waists and others with their hair tied up in buns. Dressed in loincloths, they waved in delight at us through the minibus window.

We were to visit Har-Ki-Pauri ghat later in the day to watch the bathing rituals. This most revered ghat was also known as the Steps of Shiva, where Hindus believed Lord Vishnu had left his giant footprint on a rock. According to legend, Vijay told us, Lord Shiva created the river here when he sent the Ganges cascading down from his locks of hair.

We made our way across the bridge and were swallowed up by the hordes. The millions of people stretched further than I could see to the south. I turned to look northward and was greeted by a similar sight. Stretching away into the distance, people flowed forever onward like the Ganges. I looked towards the east where the human sea swirled around obstacles, people streaming forward as if invisible hands pulled them onward towards the water’s edge. To the west the swell of humanity rolled forward like an endless multi-coloured ocean.

The road we were to traverse towards the bathing ghats teemed with people. The sound of chanting swelled the collective reverence as orange and yellow draped holy men, women dressed in vivid coloured saris and beggars in rags intermingled. ‘Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.’

A Geordie Up the Ganges: The journey of a lifetime – that might just save her life

Planning a dream family vacation? Here’s why you cannot do without travel insurance

“One’s destination is never a place but a new of looking at the world.”

Embarking on overseas travel with family requires extensive planning to ensure a pleasant and safe journey. For such instance, travel insurance becomes its integral part. It not only acts as a safety net during emergencies, but travel insurance also helps in keeping peace of mind against all unforeseen incidents occurring due to medical or other travel-related issues that have the potential of spoiling your journey.

You book your flight tickets and cruise in advance to save substantial costs. Then you tend to overpack your bags and wonder about things to avoid while on vacation with family, and mostly wonder about the purpose of travel insurance, whether or not to buy it.

For those people who think insurance is only an extra cost, here are some of the favourable reasons, especially for international travellers:

1. Safeguard your family and yourself against unforeseen medical illnesses

Consider a scenario where you are travelling to the USA with your family, and somehow you fall ill. Medical expenses in a foreign land can dig a hole in your pocket. If you have travel insurance beforehand, you may not have to worry about anything. It will help you get to the nearest hospital location and take care of your immediate medical expense needs. For lone travellers, insurance will cover the cost of travelling back home in cases of serious injuries or illness in a foreign land.

2. A friend in need is a friend indeed

Travel insurance also gives you a 24*7 help facility and guides you throughout your journey. It is like that friend of yours who is not present with you physically but will help in every possible way to get you out of bad situations. You can stay sure if anything goes wrong, a 24*7 helpline will guide you through the cases of lost luggage or medical emergencies, and other similar challenges throughout the trip.s

3. Give a cover of your personal liabilities

During your travel, there are possibilities of getting your property damaged by a third-party person. If you are insured, the insurer will accordingly bear the cost of the damaged assets. Many travel insurers in India give an extra cover to personal liabilities under travel insurance plans.

4. Stay sure of protection against travel-related emergencies

If a scenario occurs where you lose your passport or your laptop or trip delays owing to adverse weather conditions, your insurer will provide you with financial help. It is only best to have an insurance plan beforehand to lessen worries for such and other unforeseen circumstances.

5. A mandatory requirement

Few countries have made it compulsory for international travellers to have insurance. Of course, you wouldn’t want yourself and your family to find in a situation where not carrying travel insurance leads to a barred entry in a foreign land by the immigration department. Also, there are times when the visa gets rejected due to the absence of an insurance policy. So, be sure to buy a plan for yourself and your family in advance and make that trip happen.

Safeguard your travel plans with family

When you travel abroad, especially with your family, there always are possibilities of an unforeseen event happening which can ruin your trip. At times, it may burn a hole in your pocket. It is only wise to purchase travel insurance to cover your family and yourself from every unseen forthcoming.

Stay insured and make your journeys happier and safer and make the best out of your travel plans.