Eurail adds two countries to its unlimited global train pass

For the first time in 61 years, all three of Baltic countries will be accessible for travelers to visit with a single train pass, Lonely Planet reported.

In 2020, Estonia and Latvia have been added to the list of countries non-Europeans can travel to with the Eurail Global Pass.

Now consisting of 33 countries, the list already includes destinations like Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Paris and London.

The all-in-one, unlimited train ticket allows travelers to ride all local trains, high-speed trains and night trains across Europe, run by participating operators.

Eurail Global Pass holders can now ride Latvia’s local operator, Pasažieru vilciens, from its main hub in Riga, and Estonia’s operator Elron from the capital city of Tallinn to other domestic destinations.

They will also receive an up to 50 percent discount on ferry tickets from Riga to Stockholm and Germany, and from Tallinn to Stockholm and Helsinki.

Travelers can choose between two Global Pass options: The Continuous Pass and the Flexi Pass. The former allows for unlimited travel over 15 days, while the latter allows for three, five or seven days of unlimited travel within a month.

While the Eurail Global Pass is only available to non-Europeans, European travelers can get similar benefits with the Interrail Pass.

Source - TheJakataPost

#Indonesia - Baduy Dalam celebrates harvest, closed for three months

Those interested in learning more about the Baduy Dalam tribe, which resides in Leuwidamar district, Lebak regency, Banten, may want to schedule a visit outside of February, March and April.

"There are limitations and rules concerning visitors to Baduy Dalam. During the month of Kawalu between February and April, the three kampungs of Baduy Dalam, namely Cibeo, Cikartawana and Cikeusik, are closed to visitors," one of the tribe's figures, Ayah Mursid, told KompasTravel at the cultural village on Saturday. 

Home to natural attractions and well-preserved local traditions, the Baduy village or also known as Kanekes village, is divided into two parts. One is where the Baduy Luar tribe lives, and the other is home to the Baduy Dalam people.

During the Kawalu month, which is the harvest season, the people of Baduy Dalam will conduct a series of rituals. 

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"The Kawalu rituals begun in February and end in April. It's like Idul Fitri in Islam," said Ayah.

In Baduy Dalam, people are also not allowed to cross the yard, bathe using soap or take pictures.

During Kawalu and other times, foreigners are prohibited from entering the areas of Baduy Dalam. They are only allowed to explore Baduy Luar. 

The Baduy Luar village is always open to both domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year, including between February and April.

The two tribes wear different types of clothing. The people of Baduy Dalam usually don a black and white outfit, a fabric known as samping, and a white headband.

Meanwhile, the Baduy Luar villagers usually wear a black top and blue batik. The latter is usually used as a samping and headband as well.

Source - TheJakartaPost