Here’s Why You Should Holiday In Cumbria, UK!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 8, 2023

Pigeon Forge, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a picturesque retreat and a hub for adventure and excitement. This vibrant town is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering an array of activities that promise to elevate your heart rate and deliver an unforgettable experience. From the rush of ziplining through lush forests to the thrill of navigating white water rapids, Pigeon Forge caters to those who crave excitement and adventure. The unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating activities makes Pigeon Forge a standout destination. Here, the thrill of adventure merges seamlessly with the stunning backdrop of the Smokies, providing an unparalleled experience for visitors. Whether you're looking for high-speed fun or an unforgettable aerial adventure, Pigeon Forge has something to get every adrenaline enthusiast's heart pumping. So gear up for an adventure-packed journey and get ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the heart of Tennessee. Pigeon Forge Snow Escape to America's First Indoor Snow Park in Pigeon Forge. This winter wonderland lets you enjoy frosty fun like snow tubing down slopes, igloo building, and epic snowball fights, regardless of season or weather. Glide down snow-covered slopes in your tube, gaining speed with each descent thanks to various lanes featuring different gradients. There's a tubing thrill for everyone - from beginners seeking a gentle ride to daredevils demanding a steep, turbo-charged drop plunging through the snowy course. With party rooms available, it's also one of the most versatile snow-tubing birthday party venues in Pigeon Forge. The park also features expansive snow play areas, perfect for partaking in frosty activities. Build towering snow forts, practice your swing during a game of ice bowling, or test your aim with intense snowball target practice sessions. With snowmaking capabilities and a constant indoor temperature of 28°F, the magic of winter surrounds you 365 days a year. Ziplining Adventures Soar high above the Smokies by embarking on a scenic zipline tour along lush woodland trails and valleys. Companies like CLIMB Works and Smoky Mountain Ziplines offer incredible routes with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape as you glide hundreds of feet. Most tours feature ziplines ranging from 120 to 1450 feet long, with specialized shorter lines for kids and families just looking for a taste. For daring zipliners seeking an extra thrill, multiple high-speed rides send you hurtling at up to 50 mph across striking viewpoints in the mountains. Smoky Mountain Ziplines brings the thrills with its famous “Screaming Eagle” zipline, spanning nearly 1500 feet - billed as the fastest in the entire region. Test your bravery in conquering the "Flying Squirrel" at CLIMB Works, plunging 1300 feet over precarious terrain. From striking vistas to heart-stopping speeds, ziplining in Pigeon Forge offers adventure for all ages. Mountain Coaster Thrills Journey down 3,500 feet of Smoky Mountain forest on a thrilling mountain coaster ride from Anakeesta in downtown Gatlinburg. This one-of-a-kind ride lets you control the speed as you race through gorgeous wooded landscapes and towering 80-foot trees. With dual tracks for side-by-side riding and 360° spiraling turns, Anakeesta’s Rail Runner mountain coaster delivers adrenaline alongside sublime nature views. Meanwhile at Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge, brave riders hop on “The Alley” coaster, set 25 feet up with sudden dips, 360° loops, and hairpin turns offering incredible aerial excitement. Traverse over waterfalls deep in the lush Smokies as you gain speeds up to 25 mph on this scenic, elevated thrill ride. With striking elevation changes and speeds, Pigeon Forge mountain coasters offer ridge-top thrills unmatched anywhere else. Indoor Skydiving For those daring enough to take the plunge, Pigeon Forge indoor skydiving experiences let you free fall like real skydivers without jumping from extreme heights. Step into the vertical wind tunnel at Sky Diving Tennessee, generating 120 mph currents that give you the feeling of plummeting skyward as high-powered fans lift you into the air. Certified flight instructors will guide you through proper skydiving body positions as you experience true freefalling while safely off the ground. If you seek a more virtual reality simulated jump, head to The Island's 7D Dark Ride Adventure, which uses 4D effects, motion seats, and augmented visuals to replicate a death-defying skydive over the Smokies. Whether actually floating through the air or virtually plunging from a plane, Pigeon Forge skydiving adventures deliver a thrilling taste of that coveted adrenaline rush. White Water Rafting Expeditions Just minutes from downtown Pigeon Forge flows the Pigeon River, renowned for its challenging Class III and IV rapids offering thrilling whitewater rafting excursions. Outfitters like Rafting in the Smokies and Smoky Mountain Outdoors provide guided tours down the winding waterway, with rapids like “Lost Guide” and “Bachelor Party” pushing your rafting skills to the limits. Bounce through rollercoaster-like surging 10-foot waves as you narrowly evade giant boulders blocking the raging river's path. With specialty tours accommodating everyone from small kids to 80+-year-old grandparents, whitewater rafting amps up the adrenaline no matter your age or skill level. Whether a beginner or veteran rafter, Pigeon Forge whets your appetite for adventure. Off-Road Adventures Go where roads don’t take you by embarking on a rugged off-roading tour from companies like Rocky Top Mountain Side-by-Sides. Saddle on specialty vehicles like 4-seat Wildcat trail bikes or heavy-duty Rhino UTVs. Let expert guides lead you on a backwoods expedition up the towering peaks surrounding Pigeon Forge. Charge full speed through thick mud trenches, gear down to climb steep ravines carved along the mountainsides, and swerve around tight bends with cliffside views. With incredible scenery and sights that can only be accessed miles off the beaten path, off-roading tours allow you to blaze your trail through raw Smoky Mountain wilderness for an unforgettable journey. Conclusion From snow-capped indoor slopes to raging whitewater, Pigeon Forge promises endless opportunities to challenge your comfort zone with unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else. This lively mountain town sets the stage for thrill-seekers to push boundaries and seek out that elusive adrenaline rush. With so many heart-thumping, palm-sweating activities, Pigeon Forge is the ultimate destination for adventure enthusiasts to explore new heights of excitement. Take that leap into the attraction capital of the Smokies! Additionals: Why You Need A Military Flashlight? Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Stephen Gleave On The Best Waterfalls And Trails In Ancaster

BY  Ankita Mar 26, 2024

Japan, a country steeped in tradition and culture, offers an array of sensory experiences that attract travelers from around the globe. Among these, the Japanese matsuri (festivals) stand out as a testament to the country's rich heritage, embodying the spirit of joy, community, and the spectacular interplay of light and color. For those embarking on Japan tours, the opportunity to participate in these festivals is not just a travel highlight; it's a deep dive into the heart of Japanese culture. The Essence Of Vibrant Matsuri Matsuri are integral to Japanese culture, with each festival having its unique significance, rooted in history, religion, and local lore. These events range from solemn traditional ceremonies to explosive celebrations of life, each painted with vibrant colors and illuminated by dazzling lights. The experience is a feast for the senses, offering insight into the communal spirit and the enduring traditions that define the Japanese way of life. A Kaleidoscope Of Festivals No Japan tour is complete without witnessing the spectacle of at least one matsuri. The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, renowned for its grand procession of floats, is a spectacle of craftsmanship and community spirit that dates back over a thousand years. The Sapporo Snow Festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland of intricate ice sculptures, blending artistry with the beauty of nature. Meanwhile, the Aomori Nebuta Festival captivates with its parade of enormous lantern floats, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Illuminating Experiences What sets these festivals apart is not just their visual appeal but the immersive experiences they offer. Participating in vibrant matsuri is to step into a living tapestry of history and tradition. Visitors can don traditional attire, partake in ancient rituals, and indulge in local delicacies. The warm welcome extended by the local communities adds to the charm, making every visitor feel part of the celebration. Seasonal Spectacles The beauty of Japan's festivals is their diversity throughout the year. Spring welcomes the cherry blossoms with hanami (flower viewing) parties, where the fleeting beauty of sakura serves as a backdrop for gatherings filled with food, drink, and song. Summer brings the explosive energy of fireworks and bon dances, while autumn and winter festivals, such as the Chichibu Night Festival, showcase breathtaking displays of light against the seasonal landscapes. Planning Your Japan Tour For travelers eager to immerse themselves in the magic of Japanese matsuri, planning is key. Many festivals occur on specific dates or seasons, and some of the most popular can draw large crowds. Engaging with a specialized Japan tours operator can provide invaluable insight, ensuring you not only witness these incredible events but also understand their cultural significance. Accommodations and logistics are also taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience without the hassle. A Journey Through Light and Color Japan's festivals are more than just events; they are a vibrant expression of life itself. They offer a unique window into the soul of Japan, where tradition and modernity dance hand in hand. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture or simply looking to experience the extraordinary, the vibrant matsuri are a highlight of any Japan tour. As you navigate through the festivals of light and color, you're not just a spectator but a participant in a centuries-old tradition that continues to dazzle and inspire. How To Take Part In Matsuri  To take part in Matruri, a grand Japanese festival, you have to learn about Japanese culture. Many Matruri welcome tourists and visitors from around the world. Indeed, it's a great way to learn about Japanese festivities and share the most important inputs on the celebrations. Here, we discuss how you can take part in Matrusir and experience the festivities. It is usually opined that there are many, hundreds, and thousands of Matsur taking place in Japan. The is no requirement to wear traditional clothes. Watching the people in procession and parades in huge numbers is a great approach to feeling the festivity from within. Renting Traditional Japanese Costumes If you join the matsuri celebration in general clothes, there is no issue, but you may be detached from the crowd. Why not make the gathering special? No, you do not need to buy traditional wear. But you can rent it. It's a simplistic wear, yet echoes the Japanese spirit…yes we mean a Kimono called the Yukata. There are Yulta rentals. Moreover, ther are some specific costumes meant for different festivals. You can try it out and have fun. Chanting Together  Another part of the festivities and soaking in the fun is chanting together. It is one of the easiest ways to be one with the people. Chants like Washoi or Oisa, or say Rassera Rassera Rassera (in the Nebuta Festival), can help you get yourself close to the Japanese culture and the sense of unity. It is indeed a great way to join the locals and be one with the Japanese culture. Dance Together  One of the great ways to express fun, merriment, and lightness of mood is by dancing together. Dance has been an integral part of the culture of various civilizations. It is a great way to participate with the people and learn about the intricacies of the culture. The same goes in for Japan. It is a great way to embrace the warmth of the festivities and soak the cultural elements. In Japan, during the vibrantMatrusi, you can take part in a traditional Japanese folk dance called Odori. Repeat the same movements with everyone, and you will be a master of it in no time. If you find it shaky initially, then you could use YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with the steps. Don’t worry, you are new and you need some time. But there is no doubt that you will have great fun. Conclusion In conclusion, Japanese tours that include the vibrant matsuri offer an unparalleled experience of the heart of Japanese culture. Each festival, with its unique blend of history, tradition, and community, presents an unforgettable spectacle of light and color. Whether you're drawn by the history, the beauty, or the sheer joy of these celebrations, participating in a matsuri is an experience that resonates long after the lights have dimmed.

BY  Ankita Apr 25, 2024

Is Barcelona your next dream destination? Plan your trip so that you can gain the most positive experience from it. Here’s a list of the most assorted destinations you need to visit in Barcelona and activities you can enjoy in this 'City of Counts.'  Dive deep into this guide, as we have also provided you with the best time to travel to Barcelona. How To Reach Barcelona? You can get from the airport to the city center by metro. The train stops right at the terminal. The branch line connecting El Prat Airport to the center of Barcelona was opened in 2016. Only automatically operated trains run on it. Driverless trains follow a set route with a programmed speed, which depends on passenger traffic. You can buy a one-time ticket, but it is more profitable to take a card for ten trips. The Main Attraction One of the main attractions of the city is the statue of Jesus Christ, perched on top of the temple on Mount Tibidabo. It is Barcelona's highest point, located 512 meters above sea level. The slope can be approached by cable car, but many tourists prefer hiking routes. As legend says, the heart of a person who overcomes the path to the top of Tibidabo on foot will become open to boundless love. Another way to explore the Statue of Christ, the surroundings of Mount Tibidabo, and other sights of the capital of Catalonia is to take a helicopter trip of Barcelona. You will be able to enjoy stunning views with your loved one, take unique photos and videos, and have an unforgettable experience. When traveling to Barcelona, one of the best times to enjoy the majestic statue of Jesus Christ is during the spring and summer months. From April to June, you can visit the statue around 9 am to avoid crowds.  You can visit the statue any other time, but you might find it crowded. After all, it's a main attraction. Along with the statue view, enjoy the exceptional view of the 'City of Counts.' A City Of Contrast: Best Places to Visit In Barcelona Barcelona is a city of contrasts. Ancient cathedrals and temples here peacefully coexist with noisy bars full of young people. Such diversity attracts a lot of tourists. So, which places can you visit after visiting the main attraction of Jesus Christ in the 'City of Counts?' The Montjuic Mountain Are you a fan of unusual excursions? Then definitely give the Montjuic Mountain a visit. Here, you will find a park and cemetery on Montjuic Mountain. Montjuic Cemetery is called the city of the dead.  Here, you can rent a "dwelling" for a deceased relative for 15, 25, or 50 years. More than 150 thousand people are buried in the "city of the dead." Here, you can find the graves of great musicians and artists.  On Montjuic Mountain, you can also visit the castle built in the 17th century. It has several thematic expositions, cafes, and observation decks.  Admission is paid, but there is a 50% discount for young people. The best time to travel to Barcelona to get the best experience of The Montjuic Mountain is from April to July. You can also visit this place during the autumn months, from September to November. Parc del Laberint d’Horta The Labyrinth of Horta in Barcelona is the oldest park in Catalonia. In the center of the labyrinth, there is a small square where the statue of love is located. There are eight paths leading from it in different directions.  Wandering through the labyrinth, you can meet travelers from different countries. This place is very much loved by tourists. By the way, this is where the 2006 film "The Labyrinth of Faun" was shot.  The best time to travel to Barcelona to visit the Labyrinth of Horta is during the springtime or during the fall. The reason is the climate, which is much milder during these two seasons, so you can enjoy exploring the labyrinth. Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia Are you aware of the fact that the Basilica Of The Sagrada Familia has been listed on UNESCO's list of unconventional churches?It is among those places that will fill your heart with immense pleasure. The church has 18 colossal spindle towers encompassing it, thus crafting a gothic appeal.  You are bound to leave awestruck not only by the exteriors of the church but the interiors as well. The decorative ceiling and the Crucifix all tell you the story of Jesus Christ and his life of birth, death, and resurrection. The best time to travel to Barcelona to visit the Basilica of The Sagrada Familia is in the mornings or during sunsets. It's less crowded during the mornings, usually at 9 am. You will get the best sunset view reflected in the interiors of the church at 5 pm. Click the magical pictures of the church during this time. Palau De La Musica Catalana Palau De La Musica Catalana is a popular opera hall from the 19th century created by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. The latter is an infamous architect and artist.  This beautiful structure will mesmerize you with its intricate, detailed mosaic work. The opera hall boasts decorated columns and exteriors influenced by Catalan Modernism. The best time to travel to Barcelona to see the 19th century opera hall is from 10 am to 3 pm. Your entry fee will be around 16 Euros per head. Best Foods You Can Try In Barcelona Sweet lovers should definitely try the popular Catalan desserts: Crema Catalana, a delicate caramelized cream, and Turrón, a nut and honey nougat. The most popular drink in Barcelona is sangria. This is a low-alcohol fruit wine. It tastes very good, but it's better not to abuse it on a hot day. Jamon is a traditional snack in Barcelona. It consists of thin slices of dry-cured ham. Unexpectedly, Catalans prefer to serve jamon with slices of fresh melon. Conclusion Now that you are aware of all the things you can explore and visit in Barcelona, tell us which place you will start your tour from. Also, the best time to travel to Barcelona necessarily means you have to visit the city at that specific time.  You can also visit the 'City Of Counts' whenever you wish based on your preference. However, the traveler should be very careful. Pickpocketing is not uncommon in the city, especially in crowded areas for holidaymakers. Read Also: First-Time In Spain? Try These 5 Insider Tips To Enjoy The Experience Nature Escapes Near Bilbao: Mountains, Beaches, And Coastal Beauty Day Trips From Cleveland: Discovering Cuyahoga Valley National Park