Categories
Travel Guide

Masks mandates no longer in effect on domestic and international travel

Due to the ongoing pandemic, mask mandates during air travel have become the norm, often to the annoyance and discomfort of travellers everywhere. Well, ‘The Great Unmasking’ is now here!
As of September 9th, Australia’s Federal Department of Health has advised that masks are no longer required during air travel.  As a result, all flights travelling to Australia on or after 12.01am on 9th September 2022 (AEST) will no longer require its passengers to wear a face mask during the duration of the flight.

This change will affect all domestic flights within Australia, as well as international flights travelling to Australia. There is an exception to this, however, as different destinations may have their own mandates and requirements, certain flights travelling from Australia will still require the wearing of masks for the duration of the flight. Therefore, the Department of Health advises that travellers should be aware of the local requirements and restrictions of their destination prior to their departure.

On all Qantas flights enroute to London, Rome and the USA, mask mandates during air travel have been lifted. In addition, all flights operating through Singapore Airlines will also no longer require its passengers to wear masks, however this may also depend on the destination of your flight. While flights operating to and from Singapore, the USA, the UK, France, Switzerland, Thailand and New Zealand do not require its passengers to wear masks, travellers are advised to check the requirements of their planned destinations and follow the local health advice accordingly.

Domestic airlines have been encouraging passengers to wear facemasks on local flights since May 2020, and in the year following the federal government ruled it as a mandatory requirement on all domestic flights from and within certain states and territories. However, since mid-June this year, airports across Australia have announced that wearing masks is optional, and now that this choice has spread to within the aeroplane itself, travellers will be overjoyed knowing that they will be able to fly comfortably to the land Down Under.

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find more Festival Season flight deals now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our wishes for a happy Festival Season to all!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.


Sources
Masks are no longer needed on domestic, international flights – Executive Traveller
Singapore Airlines drops mask-wearing rules – Executive Traveller



Categories
Events

10 Must Eat Foods This Festival Season

It’s the most joyous time of the year for Indians of the world! Festival season is here and in full swing, a time where families come together and celebrate their culture, religion and history through performing a variety of rituals and traditions. One of the most important aspects of any Indian festival is of course, the food! From sweet to savoury and everything in between, let’s have a look at the top 10 must eat foods this Festival season!


Barfi
Let’s start the sweets off with Barfi! Made with milk powder, sugar, ghee and garnished with nuts, Barfi are a must have for your Festival feast! Sweet with a slight nuttiness and a melt in your mouth texture, Barfi is a familiar flavor we all know and love and no Mithai platter would be complete without them!

Kaju Katli
Directly translating into cashew slice, Kaju Katli is a traditional sweet cut into diamond shapes and decorated with edible silver colouring. Made with cream, sugar and ground cashews, it’s a sweet treat that is pretty to look at as well as delicious!

Gajar Halwa
A traditional North Indian dessert, Gajar Halwa is made by simmering grated carrots with milk, sugar and ghee. Although it directly translates into “Carrot Pudding” in English, this classic sweet has no eggs but rather is thickened naturally by cooking down the ingredients together for a long period of time until thickened. A favourite for many Indians, Gajar Halwa is a must have during Festival Season!

Gulab Jamun
A classic Indian sweet, often referred to as the Indian donut, Gulab Jamun is made by frying balls of dough made with milk solids and flour, then soaking in a sweet sugary syrup scented with rose and cardamom. Loved by kids and adults alike, this sweet is essential for Indian festivities and is a great recipe to make together with your loved ones!

Soan Papdi
A very popular Indian sweet ideal for any occasion, Soan Papdi is made from chickpea flour, ghee, sugar and milk, amongst other ingredients, and often topped with pistachios and almonds. Known for its flaky and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this treat is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

Kaju Katli, Gajar Halwa, Gulab Jamun, Soan Papdi

Samosa
Starting off strong with the savory foods, we can’t forget Samosas! Samosas are small, triangle shaped, pockets of pastry stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients including minced meat, grains, curry potatoes and vegetables as well as different kinds of spices to add both flavour and colour. An all-time favorite traditional Indian snack, whichever festival you celebrate, it’s not complete without samosas.

Aloo Tikki
Aloo tikki are small, patty-shaped potato cutlets which are well-known as one of the indigenous snacks to the North Indian subcontinent. There are a few ways to call this tasty snack, as it is also known as Aloo Ki tikkia, Aloo ki tikki and Alu tikki. It’s prepared using boiled potatoes, peas, herbs and various authentic curry spices and served with a mint or yogurt dipping sauce. This is one popular street food snack that you’ll never want to miss!

Pakora
Deep fried spiced potato and onion fritters coated in seasoned chickpea batter…aren’t you craving it already? Of course you are! When it comes to Festival season, this street food is a must have. Most Indian restaurants around the world serve pakora as an appetizer, so you can get your fix any time of year.

Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada is a kind of chaat originating from Karnataka, which are soft lentil fritters dunked in creamy yogurt and topped with chutney, then garnished with spices, nuts, and pomegranates. This is one of the most popular street foods eaten around India, which melt in your mouth and will satisfy your sweet, spicy, and salty cravings.

Poha Chivda
One of the most delicious snack mixes around, Chivda is a popular Indian snack made with a mix of flattened rice called poha, spices, curry leaves and nuts. This is eaten as a tea-time snack all year round and is made for festivals including Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi. However you prepare your chivda, whether in a thin, thick or medium texture, it’s a healthy snack that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Samosa, Aloo Tikki, Pakora, Dahi Bhalla


Festival season is the time to enjoy good foods, good friends and good vibes! With our list of favourites, you can make sure you tick off the essential foods on your Festival season bucket list. Reinvigorate your mental taste buds and get your appetite ready for a delicious festival feast!  

Missing home? Let us take you back home to your loved ones in India this Festival season. We know that without having your family and loved ones by your side, Festival season simply doesn’t feel complete. That’s why we offer numerous Flight Deals to reunite you with your loved ones, so you can celebrate the various festivities the best way – together.

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find more Festival Season flight deals now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our wishes for a happy Festival Season to all!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.


Sources
Diwali Food: 23 Things to Eat During This Beautiful Festival
Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar Ka Halwa
How To Make Milk Barfi Recipe | Cook With Nabeela
Soan Papdi Recipe | Awesome Cuisine
Poha Chivda Recipe | Swasthi’s Recipes



Categories
Travel Guide

Changi Airport – A Transit Metropolis

Formerly claiming the top spot on the SKYTRAX World’s Top 10 Airports and even now sitting comfortably in 3rd place, Singapore’s Changi Airport is known as one of the best airports in the world, renowned for its cleanliness, shopping, facilities and seemingly endless supply of entertainment. While an airport in both name and function, Changi also offers numerous attractions and activities for travellers to enjoy, so much so that many travellers often plan mini vacations within the airport itself rather than simply transfer to their next flight straight away. Let’s go on a tour through Changi’s facilities and figure out what exactly makes this airport so special!

Entertainment + Attractions
No airport in the world has Changi beat in terms of entertainment! Movie fanatics can enjoy a flick or two at either of the free 24-hour movie theatres located in Terminal 2 and 3. For the gamers out there, Terminal 4 also boasts an impressive Entertainment Deck where travellers can play their favourites on Xbox and Playstation. Travellers with an interest in art and history also have the opportunity to check out an impressive array of sculptures and exhibits, including the Kinetic Rain and Social Tree interactive exhibit, located in Terminal 1 and the Central Piazza. Little ones will be delighted by the numerous indoor playgrounds found within Terminals 1 and 3, the latter boasting the island’s tallest slide! For those looking to recharge and observe some greenery, travellers can check out the Cactus and Sculptural Tree Garden in Terminal 1, Interactive Enchanted Garden in Terminal 2 and even a two-story open-air Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3! Changi even has something to offer for those with some extra time and itching to do some sightseeing, operating 2-hour city tours at night for travellers at no extra cost. Finally, if you’re simply wanting to have a seat and surf the net, Changi Airport offers free Wi-Fi for all guests, so you can browse, stream and more to your hearts content.


Food + Drink
Travellers will never go hungry in Changi Airport! With over 150 restaurants and eateries spanning multiple different cuisines at different price points, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  The International Food Hall, located in Terminal 4, hosts nine mini-restaurants, offering anything from fast food to fine dining. There’s also the Food Emporium which focuses on Asian and Singaporean dishes, as well as the Heritage Zone where travellers can sample classic Singaporean hawker stall favourites such as chicken rice, curry chicken and more. Most eateries are open 24 hours, so you can get your fix at any time during your travels.

Changi Airport


Hotels + Spa
Exhausted from your flight and looking to rest and recharge? Changi has you covered!
Each terminal sports its own transit hotel, offering overnight and day rooms. Don’t want to book a hotel? No worries! There’s plenty of lounges available throughout the airport, offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, TV and more for a fixed entry price. Some lounges even offer shower facilities and nap rooms at an extra cost, so you can board your next flight feeling refreshed and energized. Fancy a swim or workout? Grab a pass to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and shower facilities at the Aerotel Transit Hotel for a small fee. And finally, for those looking for a relaxing spa treatment and pampering, Changi offers a wide range of health and wellness spas as well as beauty salons throughout Terminals 1 to 3.


Shopping
Reflecting the enthusiasm for shopping held by the locals, Changi Airport is a shopaholic’s paradise! Sporting over 400 shopping and duty-free outlets, Changi is often regarded as one of the country’s hottest shopping destinations. With an array of stores spanning from clothing to souvenirs to electronics, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs. Why not stop by Asia’s largest Nike store and create your own custom-designed shoes? Or perhaps you’re looking to snag some bargains at the DFS Wine and Spirits Duplex? Have an interest in drones? Why not take one for a test flight at E-Gadget? Keen to bring some authentic Singaporean delicacies back home? Asia Favourites, Bee Cheng Hiang and Taste Singapore are waiting for you! Even for those only quickly passing through the airport to transfer to the next flight, worry not, as travellers can visit iShopChangi and buy their preferred items online prior to their flight and pick them up at their chosen departure terminal.


So, now that you know all about what Changi Airport has to offer, why not experience it for yourself?
Book your flight home today to visit your loved ones and experience a wonderful mini vacation in one of the world’s top airports along the way!


Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.


Sources
Singapore Changi Airport – Visit Singapore Official Site
Singapore Changi Airport Guide – Tripsavvy
15 Things To Do On A Layover at Singapore Changi Airport – Sleeping In Airports
Changi Airport – Wikipedia



Categories
Answering your Frequently Asked Questions Featured

Why fly with Gaura Travel?

At Gaura Travel, our priorities start and end with you! We dedicate ourselves to working hard to provide you with the best experience possible on your flight home. But what exactly does this entail? Here you’ll find the top reasons why our valued customers pick us as their number 1 travel choice for finding their flight home, and why we are so dedicated to doing what we do.

How we offer the best service through our values

We pride ourselves on being driven by our values – convenience, trust, customer experience, and the overall value we can provide to our customers. Hailing from India ourselves, our team understands the hardships and difficulties that come with being separated from your family. What’s more, with visa and entry requirements always changing, we know that the process of travelling to and from India can be daunting and confusing, which is why we are committed to helping you experience the smoothest and most stress-free journey possible. Your convenience is our top priority!

On top of utilizing the most sophisticated technology to help you find the best flights at the best prices, we also offer you customization in selecting your direct and return flights, allowing you to put your comfort first and experience your best way home. With our Mix and Match flights, you can customize which airline you travel with, baggage requirements, flight connections and more. After all, we all know about the struggles of returning home with your suitcase heavier than before you left!

Our dedication and hard work has allowed us to be accredited by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is not just an endorsement to our service, but also a reward we gain for your valued trust. If you should ever experience any hiccups or bumps on the road on your journey home, you can always rest assured that we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, only a phone call away. Our highly knowledgeable staff are well versed in all things travel and will be there to support you wherever you go, no matter the time of day. Basically, we never take a break, so you can!

Why we do what we do  

Over our 15 years of operation we have flown 1.5 million passengers and reunited over 20,000 families and counting. Seeing your smiling faces as you happily embrace your family members after months, years or even decades apart fills us with the determination to work even harder to fulfil your travel dreams. We are dedicated to you and your experience while travelling to see your loved ones, and we always look forward to being a part of your stories. Making precious memories with your loved ones is essential to the human experience, so let us help you fulfil that goal and reunite with your family today.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.



Categories
Events

India’s 75th Independence Day 2022

Vande Maataram!

This year marks a massive milestone for our beautiful nation as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our glory of victory and independence from British rule.  Though it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been an incredible journey as we’ve come to grow into one of the strongest nations in the world. Known as a historic and momentous occasion, Independence Day is an event that all Indians throughout the world can celebrate, especially those living in Australia, which houses the second-largest group of overseas-born migrants in the world.

Independence Day events in Australia

You might be worried about missing this big day to celebrate the glory of your nation, but rest assured! There are many events taking place throughout the country, from cultural performances to exhibitions, galas and more. Read more below to find out about local Independence Day events taking place in your city this August.

Independence Day Blog content Image
Independence Day in Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Locals of ACT can witness the raising of the tricolour flag at the High Commission of India in Canberra, with the ceremony starting at 9am on August 15th. Later in the week on the 20th, celebrate with fellow members of the Indian-Australian community at the Weston Community Hub, where you can witness incredible stage show performances as well as art competitions and sample a range of tasty food. Festivities will take place from 4 to 9pm, and leave you brimming with Indian pride.

New South Wales

It’s all happening in NSW! Locals can enjoy an incredible exhibition of India’s finest textiles dating back to the 19th century at the Charkha and Kargha Exhibition at Powerhouse Museum Ultimo, which will start on the 13th. Later that same day kicking off at 7:45 pm, The Council of Indian Australians Inc will be throwing an India Day Dinner consisting of a luxurious three course buffet dinner and numerous stage performances at the Grand Royale Function Centre in Granville. On the 15th Sydney’s Consulate General of India will also be commemorating Independence Day with the annual hoisting of the Indian flag. Finally, share the love at the Australia-India Friendship Fair on the 21st, held at Prince Alfred Square in Paramatta, where fun and festivities await.

Victoria

VIC residents rejoice, for there’s a vast number of events for you to enjoy! This year’s Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will kick off on the 12th and run until the 30th , giving movie lovers a real treat to look forward to, with cricket star Kapil Dev and actor Amitabh Bachchan starting the festivities with a hoisting of the Indian flag. On the 15th Indians and Australians alike can witness the annual raising of the Indian flag at the Consulate General of India at 9am sharp, and celebrate with delicious food, drink and fun later in the week on the 20th at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, where the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria will be throwing a multicultural gala for locals to enjoy.


Queensland

Festivities in Queensland will commence with the India Day Fair, held at the Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane, where locals can enjoy a variety of festivities such as parades, live music, stage performances and of course delicious food. Later in the day the festivities continue at Centenary Heights State High School in Toowomba with a flag hoisting ceremony followed by cultural performances and the opportunity to try lots of delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Finally, on the 15th, the Honorary Consulate General of India will be holding its own official flag hoisting ceremony to officially commemorate and celebrate Independence Day.


Western Australia

Residents of WA will enjoy a fantastic evening at Sangam 2022, held by the Indian Society of WA at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature a celebration of Indian music, with classical, folk and Bollywood dances to enjoy. On the 15th, Perth’s Consulate General of India will be holding the annual flag hoisting ceremony at 9am.

South Australia

Finally, in SA locals can experience a truly fascinating cultural event held at the Scott Theatre in the University of Adelaide. The Cultural Program, provided by the Indian Australian Associations of South Australia, will kick off at 1:30PM on the 14th, where locals can witness the flag hoisting ceremony as well as watch an educational cultural program with patriotic songs and enjoy a plethora of refreshments.

Here at Gaura Travel we hope you have a wonderful Independence Day and celebrate Indian pride with your friends, family and loved ones. Find out more about your local Independence Day events here:
What’s on – Indian Link

If these events aren’t quite what you’re looking for, why not experience the real deal and fly back home to India this August? Let us help you get there and have the best Independence Day experience with your loved ones.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Sources
India at 75: Independence Day events in your city – Indian Link

What’s on – Indian Link

India’s Independence Day 2022 – OnlyMelbourne

Indian Independence Day – Cultural Infusion



Categories
Travel Guide

Importance of being with your family 

India is home to billions of people around the world, enriched by incredible cultural diversity with an array of ethnicities, languages and religions. All Indians have their own values and belief systems, but one that we can all share is the importance of family and the powerful role they play in our lives. 

What is the impact of being with family? 

Generally, Indians place a high value on unity and harmony within their peers, having a strong tie to their families, relatives, friends and community. Having a unified family support system to rely on is a foundation of Indian culture, which is why human touch plays such a powerful role in Indian society, not only for reassurance, but also to emphasize empathy, love and compassion towards each other.  

When you live far away from your family you may experience numerous emotions; sadness, loneliness and dejection to name a few. It has been proven that human touch can effectively make a difference on how we feel both physically and emotionally. As a family-tied society, it’s evident that individuals who are able to be physically present and spend time with their families have noticed significant boosts to their overall health and mental wellbeing.

Importance of staying close to your family 

Creating precious memories with your family and spending quality time with them is vital to the human experience, and provides numerous benefits to your wellbeing and state of mind. As the old saying goes, there is not an investment wiser than spending quality time with family. In other words, there’s no one else who knows you better than your family and they are one of the strongest sources of comfort, safety and love that you can ever find.

A family bond is a magical spell that soothes you at your worst and celebrates you at your best. A family unit provides you with a group of people who will catch you when you fall, guide and motivate you when you are lost, restore hope when it’s waning and most importantly hold you close and comfort you when you want to cry. A warm hug on a cold day, a meaningful pat on the back for a job well done or feeling your Mom’s hand tenderly squeeze your shoulder; these are just some of the ways that human touch can make an impact on your mood and confidence, and help you feel more connected with your loved ones.

The link an Indian person has with their extended family overseas is often much closer and stronger than most people in Western societies. Despite living abroad, they often have closer ties to their family remaining in India, which shows that no matter the distance, the strong bond between Indian family members can never be weakened.

Reuniting your families together 

Our team at Gaura Travel knows how important your family is to you, especially when living abroad in the land Down Under. Over our 15 years of operation, we have been committed to providing you with a smooth and stress-fee journey to reunite with your family back in India. Our top priority is to fulfil our obligation and duty towards you and provide you with the best experience imaginable. Proud to serve as the link between you and your extended family, we work hard to always keep you connected and continue to do our best for you! 

See you on your next journey! 

Sources:

10 Benefits of Spending Time With Familyhttps://www.healthguidance.org/entry/13683/1/Importance-of-Family-in-Our-Life.htmlhttps://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/benefit-human-touchhttps://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-culture-familyhttps://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture 

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

The Power Of Nine Nights – Happy Navratri!

What is Navtatri?

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. This year, starting April 13, the Hindu festival of Navarātri will begin and last till April 22. It is a time of celebration as well as of reflection for Hindus all across the globe. These nine days are truthfully devoted to Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, the epitome of sheer courage and strength. To offer gratitude to the goddess, people indulge all forms of  fasting, spiritual practices, pujas, meditations and abstain from non vegetarian food and alcohol. All over India there is eruption of a nine-night dance festival and each night people assemble in open spaces to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. The Navratri pooja has an elaborate abhishekam of 11 offerings and a cheerful time of music and dance, singing the praises of the glory of Devi. It’s an explosion of energy and positivity.

Navratri celebration in Australia

Over the time, this festival has crossed boundaries of the nation and has become a reason to share smiles and joy all over the world. With millions of Indians living in Australia and many other countries, the festival is celebrated with utmost zest and zeal. A mother of two and a psychologist, Ms Khurana arrived in Australia in 2014 with her family. “We have formed a community group in which members host special prayers during Navratri at home and invite others. It’s a very important festival for us”, says Ms Kakkar. Today, Melbourne is home to the largest Hindu temple of the country and during busy festivals like Navratri, Shri Durga Temple at Deanside, hosts thousands of people (except for 2020 due to COVID-19). Pandit Sushil Shastri, a priest at the temple, says the festivities can even give you the illusion that you are in India.

In 2019,  Indian Society in Australia hosted navtri nights In perth where people were dressed up in vibrant traditional attires of Ghagra-choli and Kurta – Pyjama. The delightful event was packed with the Garba fervour and great food. This is also a great time to travel to India, and be a part of the celebrations. Every part of India has a unique and beautiful way of honouring the occasion.

Here are a few Navratri events happening in Australia that might interest you :

Chaitra Navratri Garba

First time in History of Australia, a garba and dandia night proudly organised by GR Group( GR Events & GR Phones). The event is aupporting local and national artist and talents of Sargam Musical Forum. Join them for a blast of fun, dance and music.

When: 17 April 2021

Where : The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre – YMCA ,46 Cowan St, Angle Park SA

Navratri Celebrations 2021

An event curated by Jai Durga Sankirtan Mandal in Adelaide, this is a celebration of Navratri with special performances by kids and Maata ke Darshan (blessings of goddess).

When: 17 April, 2021

Where : Vietnamese Community Centre, 62, Athol Street, Athol Park, SA.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/