Can You Use Bluetooth On A Plane? – Know It All Here!

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Barsha Jun 9, 2022

Are you planning a trip to the city located on the southernmost tip of the U.S. in 2022? But if you haven’t been to the United States before, how will you know where to stay in key west? But don’t you worry because I’m here to tell you all that you need to know about staying alternatives in Key West. The city of Key West blends culture, some much-needed positivity, and lots of sun with an off-the-grid vibe - yes, basically everything that you were looking for! So without wasting any more time, let’s find out a little more about the island of Key West and all the popular neighborhoods in the region that you must consider for staying!. Keep reading to find out all that you need to know about the same. Exploring Key West: Your Dream Destination For This Summer Before finding out where to stay in key west, let’s talk about the major attractions of the island and the places you simply can’t miss checking out! Key West is a small island, to be honest, even less than 8 square miles of area. In fact, I found the island pretty easy to navigate since its entirely divided into two areas, Residential, contemporary New Town, and Historic, character-rich Old Town. The historic Old Town area is precisely where a majority of tourists spend most of their time exploring a myriad of neighborhoods blending borders together, making it nearly impossible to identify borders. Keeping such considerations in mind, finding out where is the best place to stay in key west wasn’t an easy task, but once I did, there was no turning back - I had to share will everyone what I found out. But the best part? I am not just here to tell you about the areas you can reside in but also a few hotels where you can stay if you are visiting Key West for a few days! I mean, simply put, I found the Old Town the best place to reside on my visit to Key West - from finding the most charming B&B to coming across a luxurious hotel in the downtown region known as Casa Marina or even the Historic Seaport. It doesn’t matter where you end up staying - from navigating the entire city on foot to exploring the same on the free bus shuttle service by Duval Loop or the Old Town Trolley Tours that provides unlimited reboarding services throughout the day. Since parking services are a little tight in the region, it is best that you either don’t take your car or leave it wherever you are staying. After all, the island is the perfect blend of history, art, as well as a crazy waterside vibe. Locals take pride in several things the island is famous for, including the yummy Key Lime Pie! It’s best to be ready to witness epic debates on what toppings are to be used for the famous Key Lime Pie? Are you supporting whipped cream, or are you on the side of meringue? That my friend is the question! Living In Sun-City: Where To Stay In Key West? If you are still here, so it’s only fair that you want to know all that you can about living in Key West. So without wasting any further time, let's find out where to stay in Key West. But before that, let’s check out the top hotels in Key West that you can consider if you are visiting the island for a short time period!  Thus, the best hotels in Key West are as follows, Luxury Hotels: The best luxury hotels in Key West are as follows, H20 Suites Casa Marina, and Hyatt Residence Club. Boutique Hotels: The best boutique hotels in Key West are as follows, Southernmost House, Orchid Key Inn, Gardens Hotel, Weatherstation Inn, and Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel. Budget-Friendly Hotels: The best budget-friendly hotels in Key West are as follows, Seashell Motel, NYAH, and Fairfield Inn. Family Hotels: The best family hotels in Key West are as follows, Oceans Edge Key West, and Santa Maria Suites Resort. The pull of attractive key west beaches and casual, laid-back lifestyle is not the only thing that matters if you are going to stay at Key West for months or even years in some cases. In that case, if you are wondering where to stay in Key West, check out the most popular residential areas on this small island! The Heart Of Old Town: If you love walking around the neighborhood, then you must check out the residential block in the center of the Old Town. Unfortunately, this is also the area where the guidelines for preservation happen to be really strict since the area is known for its colorful wooden structures, all dating back to the 1800s. If you were wondering where to stay in key west with family, then the heart of the Old Town area is kinda perfect with its quaint B&Bs, vintage homes, and overall charming neighborhood. Ernest Hemingway would agree with me, considering his former home is located in the same area, although it has been converted into a museum. You can easily explore the museum on your own or even take a guide’s help to do the same. Fun fact? The local cemetery happens to be quite cheerful, and even though it is in full operation, tourists are allowed to visit the same! Historic Seaport: One of the most popular neighborhoods for all boating enthusiasts, Historic Seaport is a must-visit! From sailboat schooners to yachts, you can opt for any vehicle for planning exciting day trips and sunset cruises - go for a swim or snorkel with your family or just have fun spotting dolphins. In fact, the strangest thing had happened to me while I was walking along the docks. I had never been to Key West before, and I hadn’t even done proper research (it was an impulse trip, really). So I was completely off guard when I realized I hadn’t booked any activity in advance, but then I was offered discounts, and that too on spot! You could also check out Key West’s all-electric charter at the Honest Eco. You can not just enjoy a quiet ride but also benefit from fruit platters that have been hand-carved. In fact, rides on the Key West Express are also something to consider, especially for navigating along the western coast of the island to as well as from the Marco Island and Ft. Meyers. Casa Marina: Casa Marina is one of my favorite spots in Key West. Naturally, you are wondering why is it so! If the breathtakingly beautiful landscape and Casa Marina, a historic hotel, are not enough to attract you, then the fact that this area happens to be the southernmost point of not just Florida but the entire continental U.S. should just do the trick, instead! Moreover, the area happens to be pretty close to beaches on the southern end like the vast Smathers Beach or smaller beaches like the Higgs Beach or the Dog Beach. So instead of wondering where to stay in Key West on the beach, you can always stay in this region. In fact, Dog Beach is also perfect for people with pets - visit the deck located at Louie’s and sip on cocktails when you visit Dog Beach! Don’t forget to check out the western coast that is dominated by Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, which happens to be relatively more locals-friendly and isolated as compared to Smather’s Beach. Bahama Village: There are high possibilities that you might miss out on this hidden gem of Key West known as the Bahama Village. I was almost missing it out too, but something probed me to keep exploring until I found someplace that’s low-key but vibrant! And Bahama Village was just the answer! Bahama Village is not just a colorful place you must check out, but it also happens to be one of the most popular neighborhoods for having any kind of gastronomical affair! Check out Blue Heaven while you are looking for a place where you can have brunch or breakfast - from the fantastic Key Lime Pie to the equally tasty BLT Benedict, everything tastes so good! If you love Cuban culture, you can also check out El Meson de Pepe’s, located near the seaport along with the Old Town - enjoy Cuban food, celebrate Cuban art, and groove to Cuban music in this popular joint! Finally, if you love small cafés with adjoining gift shops, then you must visit Kermit’s. The theme? “key lime everything!” - from key lime pies to cookies, the options are many! Safety Is Always A Priority: Unsafe Areas In Key West One of the primary concerns that I have while traveling alone is the safety factor - if it’s not safe, then is there any point in risking your life? I don’t think so. Key West happens to be a pretty safe city for tourists or other visitors, but it’s best to stay away from the areas mentioned below, Avoid residential blocs located between Duval Street and the cemetery. Avoid the neighborhoods located between Casa Marina and the cemetery. In fact, if you don’t wanna walk around, then you can always avail the available means of transportation since these happen to be both affordable and easy to find! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Where Should I Stay In Key West For The First Time? If it’s your first time on the Key West island, you have to check out Duval Street as an alternative for taking up residence. Located in the Old Town part of the island, Duval Street is one of the best places to stay in Key West.The area is close to all major landmarks, bars, and even shops. The best hotels in this region are as follows,• Duval Gardens, and• Santa Maria Suites. 2. How Do I Decide Where To Stay In Key West? The best way you can decide where to stay in Key West is by taking into consideration four relevant factors. These factors are as follows,• Location,• Property Type,• Price, and• Design. Although the island can be easily explored either on a cycle or bike or even by walking yet, it is smarter to find out what suits you best. Of course, this involves what you technically prefer - do you want to reside in isolated areas or in the middle of the more happening Duval Street region. 3. Is Key West A Walkable City? Key West is one island city that can be pretty much explored by walking! A pretty walkable city, Key West offers several activities for visitors - check out popular tourist spots like Whitehead Street, Mallory Square, and even Duval Street. You can also hop onto the Key West Trolley to move around the region! 4. Is Staying In Key West Worth It? The very last amongst the Florida Keys region, the island of Key West is a great place to visit! Whether you are planning to stay for an entire year or just a week, the main factor is how the place happens to be a crazy place for not just enjoying yourself but also relaxing.This southernmost city in the United States is popular for its coral reefs, beaches, and cool, laid-back vibes.  Summer Of ‘69 In Key West: Are You In? The moment I landed at Key West, I couldn’t stop humming to the tunes of Bryan Adams’ famous song, Summer Of ‘69. The beautiful beaches, the stunning landscape, and the laid-back atmosphere of the island made me forget all about finding out where to stay in key west, Florida. While Bryan Adams kept singing at the back of my head, I wandered across the island, taking in the view, the people, the society! There was nothing that bothered me, and I realized this was one vacation I was going to enjoy deeply. What about you? Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on the same in the comments section below! Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 Booking.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 Priceline.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022

BY  Sibashree Aug 12, 2024

Gates of the Arctic National Park is where the Brooks Range and the Tundra landscape come to life with wilderness and vivid topography. This national park is a place of topographical diversity with the coexistence of mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and marshy lands.  A home to nomadic people for more than 13,000 years, the Gates of the Arctic is a prominent example of how human lives can be dependent on wilderness or nature. Many visitors love backpacking and trekking in this national park. Further, many stay in camps in the backcountry to experience its rich wildlife despite the challenges. Do you want to know why camping in the backcountry is worth the hardship? Does the national park have camping sites? Find the answers to all your questions in this guide.  Knowing The Gates Of The Arctic National Park (Why Camping Here Is A Great Experience) The Gates Of The Arctic National Park is a paradise for wilderness travelers. The intriguing land of Tundra, embraced by jungles, mountains, and rivers, makes camping in the backcountry worth all the effort.  Gates Of The Arctic Geography You can explore the arctic geography of this national park by trekking or by air. Tundra peaks and the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range ensure a humbling experience. You trek to Mount Igikpak, a glacier-carved peak with an 8,510-foot elevation. Another mountain to have glaciers in this region is Mount Arrigetch. Even backpacking and trekking to Mount Doonerak have a distinct charm, as the mountain is the quintessence of wilderness and unadulterated beauty.  Further, this national park has six designated wild rivers. Those are: Alatna River John River Kobuk River Noatak River North Fork of the Koyukuk River Tinayguk River Alatna and Noatak are great for canoeing. If you want more adventurous pursuits, you can try rafting in Nigu (to the north) and Kobuk (to the west).  Gates Of The Arctic Wildlife  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nImK2qsYoFM The Gates of the Arctic is home to many mammals and birds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says,   “Forested southern foothills rise to limestone and granite peaks more than 7,000 feet high in this remote wilderness park. North of the peaks, clear water rivers run through glacier-carved valleys; and Tundra, covered with wildflowers during the brief northern summer, stretches toward the Arctic Ocean. Many of the nearly 500,000 member Western Arctic caribou herd migrate through the park each fall. Brown and black bear, wolf, Dall sheep, lynx, moose, wolverine, and red fox live here year-round. In the spring, the park hosts migratory birds from Europe, South America, Asia, tropical archipelagos, and the continental U.S.” Other animals found in this national park are grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and musk oxen. Among the birds, Tundra swans, common loons, and golden eagles are the most common.  Further, if you enjoy the playfulness of aquatic animals, watch out for graylings, trouts, sheefish and salmon.  Gates Of The Arctic And Human History  The Gates of the Arctic is a prominent place for archaeological research. The study and interpretations of the museum collections depict how people have been surviving in the Brooks Range for around 13000 years now.  Along with Inupiat, Nunamiut, and Athapaskan descendants, you will also find many non-native Alaskan people in this region. These people have always been dependent on fishing and hunting. The wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic is the foundation of their livelihood.  What Is The Best Camping Near Gates Of The Arctic National Park? With marshy lands and tussocks, Arctic Tundra has a vulnerable landscape and it is difficult to find a steady spot for setting up camps or tents. Also, the existence of wildlife in a remote location and dense vegetation make the space unsuitable for camping.  So, there is NO CAMPING SITE in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are designated areas in the backcountry for camping. However, you will have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park when putting up a tent.  You must also attend the orientation program and be particular about the gear, food, and safety essentials to be carried.  With permission from the park authority and the National Park Service, you can set up tents near the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot or around Wiseman and Bettles communities.  However, while camping in the backcountry, you will have to keep the following factors in mind.  Be respectful to the local communities like the Koyukon Athabascan Indians or Nunamiut. Their livelihood depends on the wilderness.  There are no provisions for running water, a dump station, or restrooms. Your phone network will be unavailable in this location. You have to carry all your trash back as you leave the camping site. You cannot adulterate the pristineness of the location.  If you have plans for camping in the backcountry near the Gates of the Arctic, summer is the best season. The temperature is a little moderate on these days, and sunnier days make all outdoor pursuits in the park easier for you.  Did You Know?  The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the second-largest national park in the USA. It stretches over 13,000 square miles. You can see aurora borealis from this park if you visit between November and March.  July and August are the best months to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park for hiking and backpacking.  Bob Marshall, a wilderness advocate, named this national park “Gates of the Arctic.” Final Words  Unlike popular national parks like the Biscayne National Park or the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Gates of the Arctic National Park does not have many visitors yearly. In 2023, only 11,045 tourists flocked to this place. (Source) With a diversity in topography and wildlife and an association with human history, this park has much to explore. However, the extreme trekking conditions and wilderness make it far from an easy excursion or trekking experience. Despite the absence of campgrounds in this park, you can camp in the backcountry at the designated spots in the fields. However, only an experienced backpacker should try it with proper orientation and extra safety measures. Have you ever been to this wild and intriguing national park? Do you have any camping experience in the backcountry? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Gates Of The Arctic National Park FAQs  Can You Camp In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? Only backcountry camping is possible in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The absence of roads, villages, or facilities makes this area unsuitable for having designated campsites. Backpacking and hiking are the best ways to explore this vast landscape with rich wildlife and geographical interests.  Can You Stay In Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You can stay or try backcountry camping near the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Undefined terrains, wilderness, and a lack of modern amenities make it risky to put up camps in the national park. Even to camp in the backcountry, you will need the highest outdoor survival skills. The arctic ecosystem, topography, and weather conditions are different, and if you are confident enough to stay in the backcountry, plan in advance and get in touch with the Park and Preserve authorities for updates and advisories.  How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You don’t have to pay entry fees to visit the Gates of The Arctic National Park. However, you must attend the backcountry orientation program at any of the visitor centers.  In this way, the Gates of The Arctic National Park is different from other national parks as most of them demand an entrance fee.  How Difficult Is It To Get To The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? The Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park. So, as you enter the park, hiking is the best way to explore. Remember, it is home to the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range and the highest peak here is Mount Igikpak with an 8,510-foot elevation.  So, exploring the national park is not going to be a cakewalk. A lack of established trails further makes hiking difficult.  Further, there are six designated rivers, including Koyukuk and Dietrich, in this national park. So, you will have to pass through multiple meandering river crossings. The water levels of these rivers keep fluctuating throughout the season. They are furious throughout the spring season. Tussocks, marshy lands and dense vegetation are other hurdles to your fast movement while trekking.  Do you want to visit the backcountry? You can take a bush plane operated by permitted pilots with knowledge of the region.  What Is Special About Gates Of The Arctic? The Gates of the Arctic is special because of its geographical uniqueness, rich wildlife, and significance in human history. The glacier-carved valleys, rivers, and ancient trails make the Gates Of The Arctic a favorite destination for backpacking and hiking. Thanks to its geographical typicalness, you will meet many animals and birds. The adorable grizzly bears will be seen feeding, and the musk oxen are another unique animal you must watch out for. If you are a birder, you will love watching the golden eagles, Tundra swans, or common loons.  Near the Nigu River or throughout the park, you will find stone fences and camping rings. These are a testament to how Inland Eskimos or Nunamiut have lived in this region for thousands of years. They survived on fishing and hunting.  In addition, as I pen this guide, I must tell you that the Gates Of The Arctic National Park is going to celebrate its 45th anniversary of designation next year. First, it became a national monument on 1st December 1978. In 1980, it became a national park and preserve. Also read Italy: Is Florence flat or hilly? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. The Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Experience The Magnificence Of Nature.