IRINA BUKATIK

  Whether you are a firm believer in the zodiac signs  or look at your horoscope from time to time, there is something uniquely exciting about zodiac-inspired travel. Although astrology-based traveling is not a big thing in the tourism industry yet, it is gaining momentum. Aries (March 21-April 19) Traits : Aries loves a challenge, so a trip that is a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility is best for them. Destination s: Aries should take a trip to Tokyo, Japan. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Traits : Taurus has a great love for the greater things in life. You love to be pampered, so something action-packed is not for you. You would rather spend time in your hotel wrapped in silk sheets. Destinations:  You can visit Milan, Italy, for some shopping and fine wine. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Traits:  You want various experiences in one trip rather than material things. Destinations:  The best place for you is Bavaria, Germany, with breathtaking views of the countryside. Cancer (June 21-July 22)

  The chances of engaging in a battle of self-doubt with yourself in the  day and age of social media  are very common. The hazy voice in your head can eat away your confidence, making you feel self-conscious and vulnerable. And no matter how hard you try to eliminate this voice, it is part and parcel of our existence as humans. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live with this dilemma. There are ways you can counter self-doubt and merge stronger than ever. All you need is a little patience, guidance, and self-love. Here is how you can get past self-doubt in the age of social media. Embrace it as a Slice of Life Being human means being vulnerable. Our feelings, emotions, insecurities, and self-doubt make us human. We make the mistake of always seeing these aspects in a negative light, but what if we embrace them and use them for something good? For instance, self-doubt can be used as a tool to safeguard you from the mortification of being overconfident. Don’t feel bad for beating y

The Maldives is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The exotic vacation destination is a crowd favorite, with millions of tourists  gracing it with their presence every year. Whether it's for the end of the year holidays, honeymoon, or birthday celebration, Maldives is the most popular spot. Moreover, the social media-approved destination is also the top choice of celebrities and influencers. This has contributed immensely to the rapid rise in Maldives' popularity and tourism. The beaches in the Maldives are to die for, with more than 1200 islands. Take a look at some of the most stunning beaches in the Maldives. Fulhadhoo, Baa Atoll      This stunning location is a part of the  UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve . Located in the central-western Maldives, the beach is ideal for travelers looking for affordable deals. The island is mostly uninhabited, except for the few hundred people living in the fishing villages in the east. You can reach the island via s

  Every country has an iconic dish—a crowning glory of culinary proportions, so to speak. At times, these dishes end up going international. Cases in point: the pizza from Italy or the tandoori chicken from India. As a food blogger who’s traveled to every part of the world, Irina Bukatik  has these dishes to recommend for the following countries. When in Japan: Curry Rice The only thing the people of Japan love more than their seafood is their kare raisu . A fairly standard meal in many countries, the Japanese iteration of the curry rice is pretty simple and easy to make. You could play around with meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, and even duck. The main vegetables are onions, sweet potatoes, and carrots. However, you could add chili peppers and incorporate more spices to make it spicier. That’s your side dish right there. When paired with white sticky rice, the final product is to die for. When in Mexico: Chilaquiles Chilaquiles  is a staple breakfast dish from Mexico, featuring fr

Ever walked in The Dubai Mall and come across a celebrity? It's a common thing in Dubai. Home to numerous tall buildings, huge malls, deserts, and so much more – Dubai is the center of all luxuries worldwide. While you might not find breathtaking scenery in this 4,114 km wide city , it's the hub of many activities and tourist attractions. If you're wondering why Dubai is the center of luxury, here are some reasons to convince you. You can also find out more about Dubai  in Irina Bukatik's travel blog. 1.   Amazing Skyscrapers & Towering Skyline If you regularly visit Dubai, you must have seen the amazing skyscrapers. These buildings are known for it and the incredible towering skyline. There are plenty of sightseeing attractions where you can get a view of the city, but beware as the height can make you a bit dizzy. 2.   Home to World's Tallest Building   Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building , is 2,722 ft. and is located in Dubai. It's one of the m

  Known for its famous rice and curry, Sri Lanka is the center of flavorsome dishes  that leave tourists wanting more. The aroma of the food is enough to tingle your nose and make you crawl back to Sri Lanka to try out more dishes. You will find coconut in almost every food in Sri Lanka. The country is also famous for its amazing seafood dishes, such as fish curries, to enrich your tastebuds. Follow Irina Bukatik on Instagram  for more updates on Sri Lankan dishes. 1.   Fish Ambul Thiyal You will find seafood abundantly in Sri Lanka, thanks to its closeness to the Indian Ocean. Fish Ambul Thiyal is one of the favorite dishes of Sri Lankans. The dish has fish cubes sautéed in different spices, while dried goraka as the most important ingredient. The dish comes with a dry curry texture and is mostly eaten with rice. 2.   Rice and Curry   Rice and curry is the staple dish of Sri Lanka. The curry can be made with chicken, beetroot, pumpkin, potato, jackfruit, or Dahl. The curry is smeared

  A place is often associated with its culture and cuisine. The latter half of that statement might be tricky for a traveler who wants to get the best first impression of authentic food. With that in mind, here’s how travel and food blogger  Irina Bukatik  thinks you can find the best local eateries while traveling. Ask Around If your idea of asking around is consulting the hotel concierge, you need to rethink your strategy. Hotel concierges do many things  for their guests, but their recommendations are pretty mainstream. Local food is anything but. You’ll usually find the best restaurant picks from people you meet along the way. You could also ask employees working along your tourism routes for the best places to eat that aren’t too overcrowded with noisy tourists. They’re bound to know a quiet restaurant or two that serves delicious food. View the Queue While crowded places aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, the waiting lines outside these establishments say a thing or two about their fo