AirTran: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time And Sky

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 13, 2024

The majority of people from the Pacific Northwest will tell you that the outside world simply does not understand them. Many outsiders have the impression that Washington is a rainy city that lives off lattes, complete with techies and tree huggers. Yes, it has all of that, but the state's vast, unmatched wilderness, difficult to find anywhere else, is what really defines it. To really understand Washington national parks, you need to go beyond the Seattle city limits. Its famous national and state parks will make you speechless. Each presents an entirely distinct interpretation of the 18th largest state in the union. The three national parks in Washington are so large and varied that residents return year after year to explore more areas. Additionally, the more than 100 state parks are comparable, with lesser-known areas offering deserted campsites and uncrowded trails. In addition, there are deep fjords, moss-draped archipelagos for island hopping, snowy volcanic peaks, and canyons carved by Ice Age glaciers. There are also temperate rainforest trails, sea stacks off misty shores, and an abundance of waterfalls. To put it simply, you may want to consider a yearly park pass. National Parks In Washington Washington State National Parks are so much more than what they get credit for. Are you curious about what secrets Washington is hiding? We are listing the national parks in Washington state below. Make sure to put them on your to-do list. You will be surprised by the stuff you had left previously undiscovered in Washington. Moran State Park There are few places in the Pacific Northwest that compare to the delightfully remote Moran State Park. It is a haven for wild island getaways. Being the most populous island in the San Juan archipelago, Orcas Island has dense forests. It is a popular outdoor recreation destination for island hoppers. It offers multiple freshwater lakes for swimming and boating. The Washington State Ferries are the only way to get here; they connect to Seattle, San Juan, and other nearby launch points. If you're up for exercise, then consider hiking or biking up Mount Constitution, the highest point on the islands. Bring boots for the 38 miles of trails within the park. In order to see the interpretive center and enjoy the views, you can also drive up to the summit. Cape Disappointment State Park It's hard to estimate how many dad jokes went like, "Well, it's definitely not a disappointment," as they entered Cape Disappointment State Park. And it's not. The park, located in the southwestern region of Washington, boasts dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the powerful Columbia River. It also has moody beaches and windswept sea cliffs. You can tour decommissioned installations like Gun Battery Harvey Allen and the remnants of Fort Canby. It was once a strategically significant military site. The park's eight miles of trails lead to its two operational lighthouses, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse. They are arguably the most photographed sights in the area. Palouse Falls Palouse Falls was Washington's official state waterfall in 2014 after state legislators approved a bill from local students. The region is well-known for its abundance of waterfalls. The fall's special scenic location demonstrates why it was given that recognition. This 200-foot waterfall in the Palouse River Canyon cascades down basalt cliffs. It is one of the last remnants of the Ice Age floods. It should come as no surprise that this little state park is all about admiring the scenery. The park has three official vantage points. A short 0.1-mile ADA-accessible walk leads to one of the viewpoints. Dry Falls State Park The moss-covered forests west of the Cascade Range appear vastly different from the dry canyon-like settings of Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park. The park's striking cliffs are the result of the melting of the Ice Age. It created the bleak landscape of eastern Washington through ancient floods. It is a single stop on the multi-state National Geologic Trail: Ice Age Floods. The 3.5-mile precipice known as Dry Falls, which was formerly home to a massive waterfall, is the park's most striking feature. As the name suggests, the falls dried up long ago, but water is still a major attraction here. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all popular in shimmering lakes. During the summer, the only thing breaking up the endless blue sky is the cliffs. Larrabee State Park Bellingham's hippies and college students frequently head toward Larrabee State Park when they want to go hiking. This is the first Washington State Park, established in 1915, and it protects a large portion of the Chuckanut Mountains' coastline. Moderate hikes to Clayton Beach's pebbled shores and Fragrance Lake, one of the park's many picturesque lakes, are popular routes. Mountain biking is another popular activity in the area, and Larrabee offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. It includes steeper technical slopes that are best left to the pros. Of the many national parks in Washington, Larrabee will offer the most fun-filled experience. Lime Kiln Point State Park The San Juan archipelago is well-known for the year-round orca whale population that calls these chilly waters home. Visit Lime Kiln Point. The Washington State Parks's team likes to call it one of the world's top locations for whale watching, to witness them in action. And they’re not wrong. For views of the orcas and other whale species, which are most commonly spotted from May through September, climb the elegant 1919 lighthouse. This includes porpoises and pods of gray, humpback, and minke whales. Located on a rocky outcropping on San Juan Island's western shore, this small day-use park has a seasonal interpretive center that is usually open from late spring to summer. Deception Pass State Park This state park in Washington receives the highest number of visitors for two main reasons. The first is the range of outdoor activities it offers close to Seattle. It is a little over an hour’s drive if the traffic is not too heavy. The second is the 360-degree view that can be obtained from the two-span arched Deception Pass Bridge. It towers over the channel, which is a more romantic and compelling reason to visit. Deception Pass State Park encompasses two adjacent islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey. They are popular both for camping and day-use marine adventures. Three freshwater lakes and the surrounding saltwater are accessible from five boat launches. Visit this place to kayak around the coves of the islands, explore their rocky shorelines, and trek through the old-growth forests on a 38-mile network of trails. Beacon Rock State Park On the north bank of the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers a more serene and visually appealing experience than Oregon. It is home to a majority of the Gorge's well-known as well as congested attractions. The overlooked Beacon Rock State Park offers expansive, slightly less crowded views of the national scenic area. Although Oregonians take great pride in their state, even they will admit that Beacon Rock is one of the best day hikes you can do. Within an hour's drive of the City of Roses. Enjoy expansive views of the gorge after ascending the basalt monolith via a mile of winding switchbacks and staircases. Locals cringe at this pun, but the views from the top are, well, gorgeous. If you are looking for national parks in Oregon and Washington, then this is your cue. Olympic Park If you can only spend time in one Washington park. Situated in the northwest, then choose Olympic Park. Corner of the state on the Olympic Peninsula, this vast wilderness has glacier-capped mountains, mossy rain forests, and tide pools. Rarely will any other of the national parks in Washington match up to the beauty of the Olympic. Except for Hawaii, the Olympic Peninsula gets more rainfall than all other location in the United States. It protrudes into the Pacific and is divided from the mainland by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. This is the most glaciated US landscape outside of Alaska, with over 250 glaciers fed by the snowfall that occurs high in the 2,000-meter-plus Olympic mountains. The vast ice fields feed several significant rivers, which then meander towards the Pacific through temperate rainforests. Travelers can follow the Bogachiel River inland to the Hoh rainforest from its Pacific outlet at La Push to see the highlights. The following day, go in a northeastern direction and ascend to Hurricane Ridge, which offers a stunning vista of the Olympic mountain range. Those with extra time will want to soak in the Sol Duc hot springs and take a scenic stroll to Marymere Falls. Lake Crescent and Sol Duc offer lodging and the park is home to many campgrounds. Wrapping Up Yoking in the center of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is famous for its breathtaking scenery and varied ecosystems. Locals and visitors alike have a variety of outdoor activities to choose from, ranging from a relaxing ferry ride to the iconic San Juan Islands to a strenuous hike to the Cascade Range peaks. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about national parks in Washington, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit

BY  Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

The City of Angels has it all, and some! Nothing comes close in terms of unique experiences; a curious blend of old and new, Bangkok has something for everyone. This is a place that has been on everyone’s bucket list, and that is not without reason. The food here is amazing, and the prices here are also reasonable. There are plenty of places that will catch your eye with numerous things to do. Everything together makes it a popular destination. However, for first-time travelers, it may seem intimidating, as the place presents you with numerous must see attractions in Bangkok. Additionally, if you have visited before, you will find something new to explore. Must See Attractions In Bangkok Bangkok has something for every traveler. No matter if you are traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, the place has a lot to offer. The list of must see attractions in Bangkok can be extensive, but here are the top 5 places that you should not miss. 1. Safari World Zoo Situated in Khlong Sam Wa, this place covers an area of 170 acres, and the zoological park is segregated into two parts, the Safari Park and the Marine Park. The Safari Park is home to numerous animals like bears, tigers, lions, zebras, birds, deer, and giraffes. The Marine Park is known for hosting events like dolphin shows.  This is a perfect place if you are traveling with families and kids. You get to numerous rare and endangered species here. 2. Maha Nakhon Skywalk This is something you definitely can’t miss as you get to see Bangkok from a bird’s eye view. This is the highest observation point, and it is an architectural masterpiece.  They have introduced a new digital experience to the building, and the skyrides offer virtual reality experiences as well. The observation deck is on the 74th floor offering a panoramic view of the skyline from the comfort of the glass walls. 3. Erawan Museum This is located in Samut Prakan Province and is known for the huge three-headed elephant statue on the pedestal. The museum is extended over three floors and represents the entire universe as per Hinduism, which is Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. The top floor is inside the elephant’s belly while the other two floors are inside the pedestal. This is your chance if you want to look into the history, religion, craftsmanship, and art of the nation. 4. Ancient City The ancient city is known for the three friendly elephants, and people visiting here can feed them and make them a part of their travels. You can just see the place for peace and tranquility and to spend some time away from the chaos.  This is a good place to visit if you are visiting with your partner. Moreover, you get some amazing Thai costumes here if you want to rent them and take some pictures. 5. The Grand Palace This is one of the must see attractions in Bangkok, one of the most popular landmarks, and zillions of people come to visit the place all through the year.  Constructed back in 1782, this has been the home to the king of Thailand, the Royal Court, and administrative seat of government for almost 150 years now. The architectural design, intricate details, and old marvel are the main attractions of the place. The creativity and craftsmanship will captivate you.  Top 5 Things To Do In Bangkok If you are planning a short stopover from Australia, here are the top 5 attractions you simply must see. 1. Rooftop bar  There are quite a few; Google can help you find the best sky bars in Bangkok. Enjoy the city skyline by night with your favourite cocktail.  Prices reflect the unique vista; you can usually find a happy hour 2 for the price of one from 5-7 pm. Stay in a top hotel in Bangkok and you can see your room from any of the top-rated sky bars. 2. Chao Phraya River Cruise  There are a few big hotels along the river, and each has its own dinner cruise boat that gives you a 90-minute ride up and down the main section of the Chao Phraya River.  A delicious buffet awaits, and a traditional Thai dancing show is included in the ticket. The boats usually depart at around 5 pm, so make sure you are there at 3 pm and you can explore the hotel before the trip of a lifetime. 3. Khao San Road  Socialise with the young backpackers in this lively district of the city, where cars and tour shops, and great street food can be found.  This place comes alive at around 7 pm local time, when the neon lights shine and the beer Leo flows! Walk around the area and visit Sanam Luang (the King’s Park) where traditional Thai festivals are held. 4. Ramayana Water Park  The best water park in Thailand by far, Ramayana has the best water slides, and foam shows are great fun; they even have adult foam evenings!  A grand total of 21 water slides gives something for all ages, two huge kid zones, three pools, and a long river make up the attractions at this top water park. Click here if you plan to rent a motorcycle in Phuket. 5. Chatujak Weekend Market  Only on Saturdays and Sundays, this is the best place to buy all your souvenirs; you can haggle to get local prices. This market is very popular with Thais, because they sell everything and prices are low.  It would take a couple of weekends to see it all; you can get a free map from the main office. Everything from Thai silk to teak furniture; resident shipping agents can deliver teak furniture to your door via container, and they handle everything.  Be careful with your purse/wallet inside the market, which is always heaving, even in the low season. When Are You Visiting? For the best experience, move away from the regular tourist areas and discover the authentic Thailand, of which there is plenty; see how the locals live life! Bangkok waits to be discovered by foreigners, and the canals are the way to get around. However, these are some of the must see attractions in Bangkok that you should never miss when you visit. It might be a bit crowded, but in the end you will know that it was worth it. Read More: 5 Best Temples To Visit In Bangkok The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok Temples, Markets, and More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary 

BY  Sibashree Aug 27, 2025

Have you decided to relocate to Cyprus for career purposes? That would be a wise decision as this island nation follows one of the EU’s most simplified tax regimes for expats. Beyond the economic aspects, you also get to enjoy year-round sunshine and its rich cultural tapestry.  Yet, the core question that you must be clear about before living this coastal life is, at the end of the day, what your real take-home pay will be? Relocation can be costly since it involves several factors, one of which is your net income. This is why it is necessary to validate your take-home pay; rent, healthcare, school fees, and day-to-day expenses can quickly accumulate if your financial estimates are off. Fortunately, Cyprus mandates a transparent and predictable taxation system, which is rather easy to navigate with the help of a Cyprus salary calculator. This guide explains how Cyprus’s 2025 tax rules work, demonstrating salary breakdown interpretation and offering a step-by-step case study example for clarity.  Decoding the Cypriot Tax System: The Core Components As per the Cypriot tax system, your net salary isn’t just your gross salary after deducting “a flat tax.” Instead, it’s the final value of a progressive income tax system, and a few compulsory, specific deductions. When you understand all these core pillars, you can proceed toward accurate financial planning. The Progressive Income Tax Brackets (2025) For the 2025 tax year, typically running on a calendar-year basis, Cyprus applies a progressive structure: Annual income tax (€)Tax rate 0-19,5000%19,501-28,00020%28,001-36,30025%36,301-60,00030%Over 60,00035% Optimizing Around the €19,500 Tax-free Threshold A unique feature of Cyprus’s progressive income tax system is the €19,500 tax-free threshold. This threshold is indeed advantageous for those moderate and higher earners, protecting a significant portion of their income from taxation by lowering their effective tax rate.  That is why it is often suggested to optimize financial planning, such as contributing to approved pensions, life insurance, or charitable donations (within the 1/5 cap), to further reduce taxable income. Structuring income and deductions strategically around this threshold is one of the simplest ways to optimize your relocation budget. Social Insurance Contributions (Sic) Everyone, including you and your employer, is liable to contribute towards the national Social Insurance Fund, which supports pensions, sickness benefits, and unemployment protection.  However, the limit of contribution varies by party: Employee contribution: 8.8% of gross salary Employer contribution: 8.8% of gross salary Annual cap: €66,612 (as per 2025 figure) Now, this annual cap highlights that even if your yearly income crosses €66,612, you aren't liable to pay Social Insurance on the portion above that limit. For high earners, this annual cap significantly lowers the effective contribution rate. The General Healthcare System (Ghs / Gesy) The healthcare sector in Cyprus is funded by the General Healthcare System (GHS), the amount of which is contributed by everyone living and working in the country through the comprehensive GeSY healthcare system. They provide all-inclusive medical coverage to residents, including GP visits, specialists, and hospital services. Employee contribution: 2.65% of gross salary Employer contribution: 2.90% Cap: €180,000 annual earnings Unlike Social Insurance, the GHS cap is high, where most employees have to pay the full 2.65% on their entire income. Employer vs. Employee Contributions If you are an employee negotiating your salary, be clear about your gross salary (the basis for your tax obligations and deductions) and the cost to the company (gross salary plus employer-side contributions). For employees, the compulsory deductions include: 8.8% Social Insurance (capped) 2.65% GHS Income tax per progressive brackets For employers, the mandatory obligations are higher and include: 8.8% Social Insurance 2.90% GHS 2.0% Social Cohesion Fund (no cap) 1.2% Redundancy Fund 0.5% Human Resource Development Fund Up to 8.0% Central Holiday Fund (unless exempt) Now, assuming that you are an employee structuring your budget, prioritize employee deductions. However, do not ignore the employer’s additional costs; understanding them would be beneficial during salary package negotiations, provided that benefits are negotiable. Case Study Example: Net Pay on a €50,000 Gross Salary This hypothetical example of €50,000 annual gross salary would help understand what the final take-home pay looks like in 2025 for an employee with no special expat exemptions or extra allowances. Step 1: Calculate Deductions Social Insurance: 8.8% of €50,000 = €4,400 GHS: 2.65% of €50,000 = €1,325 Step 2: Apply Progressive Income Tax €0-€19,500 @ 0% = €0 €19,501-€28,000 (€8,500 @ 20%) = €1,700 €28,001-€36,300 (€8,300 @ 25%) = €2,075 €36,301-€50,000 (€13,700 @ 30%) = €4,110 Total income tax = €7,885 Step 3: Net Pay €50,000 − €4,400 − €1,325 − €7,885 = €36,390 per year≈ €3,033 per month (assuming 12 equal payments). However, if your employer pays a 13th salary, a common practice in Cyprus companies, your monthly net pay will be even lower but spread across 13 payments. For that, you can use a Cyprus salary calculator to model these variations instantly. How Employer Costs Compare Using the same case study example of €50,000 gross salary, here’s what the employer’s total annual outlay would look like: Social Insurance: €4,400 GHS: €1,450 Social Cohesion Fund: €1,000 Redundancy Fund: €600 HR Development Fund: €250 Holiday Fund (if not exempt): €4,000 Total Cost: With holiday fund exemption → €57,700 Without exemption → €61,700 This difference is the reason to negotiate your salary package as much as possible. Moreover, some employers even offset holiday fund obligations by allowing extra paid leave instead. Final Words Relocating to an entirely new place with a new environment and legal systems is an adventure. But by taking control of your financial details upfront, and using the progressive tax brackets, understanding obligated deductions, and leveraging a precise Cyprus salary calculator, you can overturn uncertainty into confidence.