About Daytona Beach

It's right there in the name! If you want to spend your holiday waking up to white sands and pristine beaches, Daytona Beach is the place for you to go. Whether you are planning a vacation with your family or if you have to party with your friends in mind, Daytona Beach is a perfect holiday spot. Located in East Florida, it is also a popular place for teenagers to head to on their spring break, along with Miami Beach. It is also an apt place for people who are passionate about motor vehicles. The Daytona Beach Bike Week and Biketoberfest are some of the most popular events in the city. It attracts a lot of tourists from the country. You will certainly have the time of your life at Daytona Beach. It is a blend of your love for bikes and beaches. The city is also known for its eclectic dining scene along with a happening nightlife. You can book a hotel in Daytona Beach at a very affordable rate if done in advance.

Best Time to Visit Daytona Beach

It goes without saying that summer is one of the best times for you to plan a beach vacation. You can beat the heat by diving into the ocean. But the high season in Daytona Beach is during springtime from March to May. The temperature ranges from 12 to 29 degree Celsius. This might not be the best time to plan a vacation to Daytona Beach with your family since it will have a lot of teenagers blowing off some steam and enjoy their spring break. If you want fewer crowds during spring, it would be best to plan your trip in April or May when the teenage partying crowd leaves. You will also find a lot of events happening in the city during the spring that you can attend. Spring Break happens during February and March. You will come across a lot of crazy parties and teenagers in the city. Make sure you book your hotel in Daytona Beach well in advance if you have a spring holiday on your mind. It fills quickly over spring and the hotel prices also spike. Daytona Beach's love for bikes and motor vehicles is also reflected through its events like Bike Week, Daytona Supercross, Jeep Beach and Spring Daytona Beach Turkey Run.

June to August is summertime in Daytona Beach and not the most popular time to plan a trip to the city. The scorching heat and humidity will only make it difficult for you to enjoy your vacation. However, it will be easier for you to get cheap flight tickets to Daytona Beach during this time. The hotel prices also drop considerably. Keep in mind that there is a risk of potential storms in the city during the summer. The temperature ranges from 21 to 33 degree Celsius. Make sure you are well-hydrated and are using a sunblock frequently to avoid getting sunburnt. September to November is fall season, and the climate becomes quite pleasant. The temperature ranges from 13 to 31 degree Celsius. There are also chances of light showers in the city. Make sure you attend the Biketoberfest in October and the Halifax Art Festival in November.

December to February is winter and another popular time for tourists to head to the beach city. You will have to book your hotel accommodations well in advance, so you don't have to settle for what's available. Winter events include Daytona 500 and Speedweeks in February and Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

Places to Visit in Daytona Beach

After Miami Beach, Daytona Beach is one of the world's and America's most famous beaches. It stretches for more than 23 miles and is usually overcrowded with tourists during high season. It is open for pedestrians for 24 hours, depending on the tidal conditions. While you are allowed to take a stroll at the beach, there are certain limitations when it comes to driving hours. Catch the most beautiful sunset from the beach. May to October is also nesting sea turtles season so you will have to be careful of not stepping on any of the eggs, too. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a national landmark. Ponce de Leon Inlet is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country, and the view of the city from the top of the lighthouse is simply breathtaking. Get a glimpse of Daytona's love for motorsports at the Daytona International Speedway. It hosts a lot of speed car racing events throughout the year. You can also visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) is just a short drive from Daytona International Speedway and the airport. You can also visit the Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Museum and the Halifax Historical Museum.

If you want to experience nature in Daytona Beach, head over to Tomoka State Park, this is where Native Americans once lived, and you will also get to see the 40-foot statue of Chief Tomoki. This is the perfect place to head to if you want to take a break from the sun and sands at the beaches. Daytona Lagoon is an amusement park that you can visit for a fun-filled day. From miniature golf courses to go-kart racing, laser tag and adventurous rides, you can visit the amusement park with your family or friends. If you are visiting with your family, make sure you also head to the Marine Science Center. You will find a lot of sea turtles, snakes, gopher tortoises and other species that are nursed here and sent back into the ocean. There is also the Mary Keller Rehabilitation Facility that has helped at least 18,000 injured birds. Visiting these research centres is quite an educational experience not just for your kids but for you, too. Visit the Angell and Phelps chocolate factory to be amazed. The company was founded in Michigan originally but moved to Florida when World War II began. The factory offers a free tour and lets you see how your favourite chocolatey treats are made. You will also leave with a few free samples.

Things to do in Daytona Beach

You will find a lot of beach activities to try at Daytona Beach if you are a water baby. You can sign up for several tours that the city has to offer. Try the Orlando Manatee Encounters tour to experience manatee in their natural habitat. You can also go sailing or go for a two-hour wildlife tour of the Indian River Lagoon. You will find a lot of guided tours of the ocean and of the city that will also offer an experience of a lifetime. You can also attend several moto sports events that happen in the city. Since it is a party destination, too, you will find a lot of places to go gulp down cocktails and dance till you drop. You can go on a food tasting tour of the city or sit back and sunbathe at the beach. You can get crazy or dial down on crazy, and you can have any kind of vacation that you wish for at Daytona Beach.

Foods and Restaurants at Daytona Beach

Owing to its proximity to the ocean, seafood is one of the most popular cuisines in Daytona Beach. You can binge on the different types of cuisines made of crabs here/ Be it chilli crabs or crab cakes, the food here won't disappoint you one bit. The dining scene is quite eclectic and diverse here. Crabby Joe's is a very popular place for crab cake benedicts. You will get the best ice creams at Cow Lick's Homemade Ice Cream and Arcade. Caribbean Jack's offers you not only a gorgeous view of the marina over dinner and cocktails but also live music that adds all the charm to your dining experience. You can also try the Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse for a grilled steakhouse. Ale Trail and Daytona Beach Brewing Company are known for their artisan spirits and craft beer. You can also grab a quick bite at one of the many food trucks in the city if you don't want to have a sit-down dinner.

How to reach Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach International Airport is in the heart of Florida. The flight connectivity to Daytona Beach from India is excellent. Even though it takes more than 24 hours of flight journey to reach the city, it is completely worth it. Most flights to Daytona Beach from India have two layovers, one at London and Charlotte if you are travelling by American Airlines. KLM also takes off to Daytona Beach from India; it has layovers at Atlanta and Amsterdam. If you book in advance, you will come across some excellent flight deals to Daytona Beach online. The Daytona Beach International Airport is well-equipped with WiFi, lounges, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes, airport transfers and currency exchange. You can also check out the airport's website to know more about booking flight tickets to Daytona Beach or you can book one through a travel agent.

  About Dhaka

Nestled close to the lovely Buriganga river is the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The city has an excess population and exquisite architecture, inspired by the Mughal, British and American rule.

Best time to visit Dhaka

The busiest months for Dhaka are June, January and February. The seasons of Dhaka are quite similar to the ones faced in the North Eastern locales of India. However, they are slightly tweaked depending on the impact of the rains and summer. June is the onset of summer and hence, a very comfortable time to visit. The air is continuously humid, which could be another reason to avoid this time of the year. March through May is spring for Dhaka and the weather is slightly tolerable. Expect some rain though even during spring as the city is known to face regular rains throughout the year. Spring becomes a favoured month among travel enthusiasts who wish to visit the city as the hotel rooms are cheap. Even if you don't make prior reservations, you will find cheap hotels in Dhaka during this season. The crowd in the city is also comparatively few, making it easier for you to venture around.

You will find many cheap flight and hotel deals to Dhaka if you opt for spring. Fall is another such season when the flight and hotel prices are low, allowing tourists to get the perks of good deals. September through November is not ideal for tourism though as the showers can get very risky. The torrential rains could even lead to floods and waterlogging in the city of Dhaka. The city witnesses excess rain from the winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal, which gets really murky. Tourism sees a tremendous dip during this season, making hotel prices very cheap and affordable. The best time to visit though, aside from spring is winter. With temperatures that stand at 223 degree Celsius as opposed to the exorbitant ones during summer, Dhaka's winters are very beautiful. However, as this is a busy time for tourism in the country, you might have a tough time finding decent accommodation in the city. Plus, the prices would also be quite high. The best thing to do to get cheap and affordable deals would be to make prior hotel bookings in Dhaka.

Places to visit in Dhaka

The city has a plethora of lovely neighbourhoods that can be explored. There are a few religious sites that you can start with when visiting in Dhaka. These establishments are top tourist attractions in Dhaka and definitely worth your time. You can start with the Armenian Church of Holy Resurrection which was erected back in 1781 by American missionaries. You do not need a specific tour guide to take you through this place. You also have the Holy Rosary Church to visit. Dhaka also houses many mosques as it is predominantly an Islamic country. You will find exquisite mosques in the city. Check out some prominent ones such as the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Chawk Mosque, Hussaini Dalan Mosque, Musa Khan mosque and Sitara mosque. It is imperative that you follow some protocols of the religion before entering the mosque as they are very strict about their customs. The city also has a Hindu temple, Dhakeshwari Temple, which was built in the 12th century.

An important tourist attraction in the city is the Lalbagh Fort. The fort, built during the Mughal era, has witnessed some bloody wars in the old times. In fact, the spot has experienced some of the biggest iconic moments in Bangladesh's history and hence, holds a prominent position in their cultural heritage. You should also check out the Curzon Hall, which has now been transformed into the University of Dhaka. Also, do not miss the Banga Bhaban, the official abode to the president of Bangladesh. The palace has been heavily inspired by the British India era and reflects the same. The 1857 Memorial is a spot worth checking out. It is basically a vast expanse of memorial that has been built to honour the martyrs who perished during the first Liberation War that took place to oppose the British rule. Do not miss the National Poet's graveyard as well, which is the tomb of the revolutionary poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. The National Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location within the city which transports you from the excess noise of Dhaka to tranquillity.

Things to do in Dhaka

There are quite a handful of things that you can do during your stay in Dhaka. As part of your excursion to learn more about the city, you can visit the National Museum. The place will take you through the past and struggles of Bangladesh before being blessed with freedom and a separate nation of its own. You can also visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and known more about Bangladesh's freedom fighter Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also called, 'Father of the Nation'. The Dhaka Zoo is another interesting place you can visit when in the city. The zoo has many species of exotic birds and animals including the profound Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sadarghat River Front is also a beautiful place where you can relax and unwind after a long day of indulging in tourist activities. The riverfront rests on the banks of the lovely Buriganga river. You can further elevate your experience by taking up boat rides.

Food and Restaurants in Dhaka

Dhaka has an abundance of food varieties ranging from traditional Bangladeshi food to Chinese, Indian and even Mexican cuisine. Most of the food is served in buffet style at these restaurants with fixed prices so you should carry enough cash with you. To get the best of Dhaka's fine dining scene, you should visit Gulshan, Baridhara, Lalmatia, Banani and Dhanmondi. These streets have elite food establishments with international cuisine. You would be surprised and amazed by some of the astounding joints that these streets have in Dhaka. La Forchetta is one such restaurant that brings the flavours of Italy on a platter. It is one of the best Italian joints in the city and definitely recommended. The city also has steakhouses with a food establishment called Steakhouse.

A&W is one of the famous burger joints with special American-style burger served with fries and a rootbeer float. They also have a jukebox in the background that would take you back in time. Bamboo Shoot is another fantastic restaurant especially in Chinese and Thai food. Adding to the authenticity of the joint are a number of Chinese expats who seem to relish the food here. Bella Italia is another food restaurant that was founded by an individual who served at an Italian restaurant. For some local food, you should check out Dhanshiri, located in Gulshan street. The food served here celebrates the Bangladeshi food and is served at a reasonable price. You can also check out Gulshan Khabar Ghar for some more local food. The cafe scene in Dhaka is also quite good and something you would enjoy. Mermaid Cafe, Bittersweet Cafe are some places where you will get good coffee and baked goods. The ambience served is just as exquisite.

How to reach Dhaka (Transportation)

By Air

Flight connectivity to Dhaka from India is excellent. As a neighbouring country, a majority of flights to Bangladesh sees a layover in Kolkata. In fact, you will find direct and nonstop flights to Dhaka from Kolkata. The city's proximity to Bangladesh's capital makes it possible. This is the most popular route to Dhaka often chosen by travellers visiting the city from India. There are no direct nonstop flights to Dhaka from any other city in the country. If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi, you will have to change flights at Kolkata. From Delhi though, Biman Bangladesh is the only airline that has reserved a nonstop direct flight to Dhaka. Besides this, much of the airlines opt for a layover in Kolkata. Many Indian airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo and Vistara, have regular flights to Dhaka. However, they all travel till Kolkata, from where Biman Bangladesh takes the passengers to Dhaka. Flights to Dhaka from India also take international routes with layovers in cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Istanbul, depending on the airlines chosen.

The flight tickets to Dhaka are extremely cheap from India. You can get flight tickets to Dhaka for as less as INR8,000. The flight duration is also quite decent with popular airlines reaching in less than five hours. Of course, these flights are expensive as compared to the ones who reach Dhaka in 12 hours.

By Rail

Flights are not the only way to reach Dhaka, though. There is a special dedicated train that connects Dhaka and Kolkata. The Maitree Express is touted to be the first international railway line connecting Dhaka with an international city, i.e., Kolkata. It is a full-AC train which is quite posh and has luxurious services available.

By Road

AC buses to Dhaka are also available, owing to how close the cities of Dhaka and Kolkata are. Much of these buses are government-run as it has to do with international borders. These buses travel to Dhaka on alternate days and are super cheap.

  About Hazrat Shahjalal Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the most prominent international airport that is installed in Dhaka. It is situated about 17 km from Kurmitola. The airport is also part of the BAF Bangabandhu Base which is being utilised by Bangladesh Air Force. The airport was previously known as Dacca International Airport, which later changed to Zia International Airport, to honour Shah Jala, one of the most venerated Sufi saints from Bangladesh. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport caters to Bangladesh's flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as a primary hub. It is also known to be a hub for many private Bangladesh-based airlines such as Regent Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair. It currently accommodates a whopping 18.5 million passengers. The first landing strip was constructed in 1941, at Kurmitola, by the British government and used for World War II's airfare.

About Airport Terminals

There are two functional terminals available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A third one is being constructed to expand the passenger capacity and to add more features to the airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have international flight functions. They are located in the same building. Terminal 1 is on the ground floor, and it is used as an international arrivals hall. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is on the upper floor and serves as the departure hall for international travels. In the domestic terminal, the arrivals and departure halls are present on the same floor. A designated VIP terminal has also been constructed with a view to accommodate Bangladesh's delegates. The terminal is only 200 meters away from the international terminals.

Terminal 3 is currently under works, the foundation of the same was laid in 2019 by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The terminal is slated to complete on 2022. A portion of the financial assistance is being provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The new terminal is said to include passenger terminal with a floor that is sprawled across 64,000 sq ft, a VVIP complex, a multi-level parking bay in the building terminal and the capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers.

About Airport Authority

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport falls under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh. It is currently operated by Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB). The statutory body functions as a regulatory frame to cater to all activities that relate to aviation in Bangladesh. CAAB is recognised nationwide and is the central aviation authority. It operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The authority is headquartered in Dhaka's Kurmitola. Over the years, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has witnessed several upgradations and development schemes to make it better.

The airport is currently working on several extension and up-gradation plans. There is a passenger extension apron that is being constructed from foxtrot taxiway to the export cargo apron recently concluded. Along with this, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also laid new asphalt concrete on the runway. Along with this, consultancy services have also upgraded the airport's premise. Meanwhile, some of the works in action are improving the security system of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Additionally, there are works to develop the entire airport and expand it to accommodate more airlines.

Top airlines flying from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Bangladesh's proximity with India has enabled the functioning of several direct flights to the city of Dhaka. There are three Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. In fact, the Indian airlines that operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Along with some Indian airlines, there are a few international airlines to that function from the airport. Airlines that fly from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Druk Air, Emirates, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Malindo Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines. The international airlines mostly connect with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Medina, Riyadh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Colombo, Istanbul, Doha and more, are well-connected with Dhaka.

Facilities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Baggage - The airport provides several baggage services that one can avail. At the entrance of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you can find trolleys to take your luggage inside the airport with ease. There are baggage wrapping services also available along with porter facilities and storage. For baggage wrapping, you might have to inform the airlines beforehand so they can fix it for you.

Lounge - The terminals also have a lounge. The airport lounge has services such as restaurants, relaxing spaces, complimentary shower booths and more. You can avail all of this along with their good hospitality, provided your ticket or premium membership at any of their airlines allows.

Medical services - With a view to providing services in times of medical emergencies, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has also ensured to keep clinics in their premise. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies as well as an ambulance. This is to make sure that there are enough amenities available in times of emergencies.

ATM and banks - The airport also offers some of their local banks at the premise to help with transfers and withdrawals of money. You can get access to your personal funds from the airport and avail their bank services. Further, there are foreign exchange facilities also available at the banks. They give decent rates too, making the currency exchange easier and affordable. ATMs are also present at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport so you can withdraw money and use it for currency exchange.

Hotel booking - At the airport, there is a dedicated travel agent booth. They basically help travellers with information about the city along with tours and travel packages that one can avail. The booking booth also has hotel recommendations and accommodation facilities. You can book your hotel at the airport itself. It's convenient and easy as you wouldn't have to traverse through the city a lot before finding the ideal place to stay. They have a range of hotels from mid-range to luxury.

WiFi - Free WiFi is a perk the airport gives away. This is mostly at the international terminal for passengers travelling from other countries. You can get details on how to log in to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's network at their information desk or even the official website.

Entertainment deck - With a view to indulging and entertaining the travellers who are waiting for their boarding, the airport has also facilitated entertainment decks. These dedicated spaces have TVs that you can watch. You might have to share the space with other passengers as well since the entertainment deck's area is limited.

Prayer room - Multi-faith rooms are also available at the airport but separated for men and women. These can be found at the arrival as well as departure zones of the terminals.

Restaurants and cafe - At the departure and arrival sections of the terminals, there are many restaurants and cafes also installed. You can find dedicated restaurant spaces as well as a food court for affordable munchies and snacks. The same can be availed at the airport lounge as well. However, the lounge comes with an exorbitant cost and is exclusive to specific ticket holders or premium members.

Visitor's facility - A special deck has been installed which is called as visitor's faculty. Basically, all visitors who are dropping off passengers or expecting them, use this space to relax.

How to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has a perfect connection with downtown Dhaka. The government has constructed an eight-lane Airport Road to directly connect the airport and the main city. You can take this route to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. There are many ways to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from the city centre.

Public transport

There is a dedicated railway station that directly connects with the airport. In fact, the station called Airport Railway Station is located juxtaposed to the airport. The train can be taken from within the city. You can take the train to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Since the airport is currently undergoing tremendous expansion plans, the entire city has been engulfed by the airport. This means you can easily make it to the airport from anywhere in the city.

Taxicabs

Taxicab and rental services are also available at the airport and from anywhere in the city. In fact, if you have checked into one of the big hotels with airport shuttle services, you can make use of the same facility. The prices are reasonable, but you might have to haggle with the driver before getting into the car. There are many hotels located in proximity to the airport so you can easily get a room in one of these accommodation services. Rickshaw services are also available that would reach you to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.