Asheville For Families: Fun And Adventure

BY  Nabamita Mar 7, 2024

For 38.2% of Americans, dwindling spending power has become a major deterrent that is dampening their travel plans. If economic woes and rising prices are keeping you from vacationing overseas, why not consider exploring the US for a change of pace and scenery? Its sweeping terrain provides plenty of options, whether you’re looking to unwind at a sunny beach or go skiing on a snow-covered mountain. However, traveling in the US could expose you to various risks, just like overseas destinations. So, being mindful of them and taking extra precautions will go a long way in making your vacation enjoyable and worry-free. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Traveling in the US Here are the safety hazards you stand to encounter during your US travels. Accommodation Scams  Fraudsters often impersonate well-known hotel operators to direct travelers to malicious websites. Such sites are usually set up to steal credit card and other personal information of anyone booking a room, which scammers could later use for financial fraud. Sometimes, the deceptive acts are much more subtle yet could leave you in equal despair. Consider for a moment an accommodation ad that provides exaggerated or inaccurate details or omits critical information to mislead you. This is a prevalent trick shady accommodation owners deploy to overcharge guests and secure bookings during off-peak travel seasons. Deceptive Tour Operators Scammers may offer promotional deals via online ads, messages, emails, and telemarketing calls in a bid to attract travelers hunting for bargains. But these promotions could quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare if you don’t watch out. Remember, malicious actors could use fabricated travel packages to steal both your money and personal data. Taxi Meter Fraud Dishonest taxi drivers could overcharge passengers by keeping the meter switched off. Sometimes, they may have the meter on but will reset it as soon as they reach the destination, preventing you from checking the distance and fare. Luggage Theft When dropping you off at the hotel or airport, fraudulent drivers could unload only part of your luggage and drive away with the rest. This type of theft can occur when you’re distracted or not paying close attention to your belongings. Rental Service Fraud Many Americans rent cars during domestic travel. Bad actors can make this an opportunity to charge them for pre-existing damage when they return the vehicle. Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult for clients to prove that the damage was already there, resulting in unfair charges. Shady Locals There are numerous ways fraudsters could make money around popular travel hotspots. One technique is taking the guise of friendly locals offering free personal tours and recommendations. But often, these con artists will take you to expensive shops and cafés that pay them a commission for bringing paying customers. They could also get you entangled in various scams under the pretext of helping you. Wi-Fi Hacking Cybercriminals frequently hack into unsecured networks to steal useful data, such as payment information and account passwords. If you’re in the habit of using public Wi-Fi, this is a critical threat you must guard against. How Can You Ensure Your Travel Safety in the US?  The cost and hassle of experiencing a scam or other travel hazard can make anyone weary of traveling. But you can avoid many of them by following the safety tips listed below. Seek Recommendations Whether you want to reserve a hotel room or rent a car, personal recommendations are essential for selecting legitimate service providers. Today, there are many authentic reviews online that could help you assess travel services and make informed decisions. Use Reputed Online Platforms If you’re using a well-known travel platform, type its website address in the search bar to avoid visiting spoofed websites. When you don’t know much about a vendor, make the reservation through a reputed travel booking site, such as hotel.com or booking.com. These platforms typically screen individuals and businesses before accepting their listings and have safety features to protect customers. Be Cautious About Unsolicited Promotions Emails, messages, phone calls, and social media ads are popular mediums for travel scams that imitate reputed businesses. Therefore, verifying their sources is important for detecting and avoiding fraud. For instance, check whether the email addresses match the ones used earlier by the relevant organizations. Reverse search phone numbers on Nuwber to confirm they’re related to the mentioned companies.  And if there are links or attachments, it’s best not to click on them. These could download malware and compromise your financial data security. Use a Ride-Hailing App This is the easiest solution to avoid taxi scams. Uber, Lyft, and similar apps can help you secure a fair price, find a safe driver, and take the fastest route to your destination. However, if you need to take a regular taxi, check whether the meter is on. If it’s not, find another cab. Watch Your Belongings  Whether you use a taxi or public transportation, keeping an eye on your luggage and other belongings is essential. Don’t forget to pack a light and leave your valuables at home. Check Before Renting When you are renting a vehicle or any other item during your travels, inspect it carefully before signing the rental agreement and providing a deposit. If you notice any dents, scratches, or other obvious damage, point it out to the rental service provider, take photos, and put it down in writing. Use Secure Internet Connections Mobile data is the safest option to avoid cyber threats associated with unsecured networks. When you need to log into public Wi-Fi, always select one protected by passwords. Plan Ahead Doing your homework before traveling is a must to minimize dependency on strangers. Research the destination and the travel spots you want to explore and learn about entrance fees, opening times, location, and special requirements. Also, note down their official contact numbers so you won’t need to rely on others for information. To Recap  Accommodation owners, tour operators, taxi drivers, rental service providers, shady locals, and even cybercriminals can target unsuspecting travelers in the US for various deceptive schemes. Some threats may have more severe consequences than others. However, they could all sap the joy out of your much-awaited vacation. So, be mindful of common hazards and take adequate precautions for your travel safety. Read Also: Traveling To Korea? Here’s Your Must-Try Korean Food Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling

BY  Sibashree Jan 18, 2025

Plainfield, Indiana is a great place to live as a couple and grow as a family. Despite being a village, Plainfield offers decent job opportunities in the fields of healthcare, nursing, and food.  Further, Plainfield offers delightful shopping experiences thanks to the presence of local boutiques, antique shops, and outdoor shopping facilities. You will also love collecting chocolates.  However, if you are living here as a couple and into full-time occupations, you will look for relaxation during the weekend. So, at Tour and Travel, we thought of creating a guide on the things to do in  Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend. Things To Do In Plainfield Indiana For Couples This Weekend | Attractions You Can’t Miss With an area of 25.8 square miles, Plainfield Indiana is a favorite of tourists, and the locals also enjoy the weekend activities here.  Further, during the summer months of June to August, the weather here remains warm and sunny. So, it is the best time to visit the Indiana village.  Nevertheless, as promised, here is the curated list of the things to do in Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend. 1. A Visit To The Sodalis Nature Park https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXUJiZOs_U/ Address: 955 E. Main Street, Danville, Indiana Contact Number: (317) 718-6188 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9:30 PM The Sodalis Nature Park gets its name from Myotis Sodalis, the endangered bat species of Indiana. It is a popular picnic spot for families and couples with a pond. You can go fishing at this pond of 5.5 acres.  Further, the 3.5 miles of nature trails here are great for hiking and exploring the park. These are loop trails and are connected to each other. Each trail will take you to different parts of the park. Some popular trails here are Bat Ridge and Beaver Loop. Also, this park has long stretches of reforestation area and mature woodlands. As a result, the park has become the home to many wildlife species in Indiana. The Sodalis Nature Park is now known as the Echo Hollow Nature Park. Even if you don’t want to participate in the activities here, you can just sit and talk with your partner. It is the ideal place for a low-key romantic date.  2. Exploring The Country Heritage Winery https://www.instagram.com/p/DCrfr3JR9JK/ Address: 185 Co Road 68, Laotto, IN  Contact No: +1 260-637-2980 Hours Open: Sunday to Thursday (11 AM to 8 PM) and Friday to Saturday(11 AM to 9 PM) Generations of family heritage, a vast wine field, and a thorough journey of wine processing! You can experience all these at the Country Heritage Winery.  Jennifer and Jeremy Lutter are now at the helm of this winery and have a deep passion for winemaking. Today, the largest winery in the state has seven varieties of grapes. So, naturally, the wines you will get to taste here are eclectic, from dry red to sparkling rose. Overall, this 101 acres of winery is a complete wonder for connoisseurs. 3. Relax At The Swinford Park Address: 1007 Longfellow Lane, Plainfield, Indiana Phone Number: +1 317-839-7665 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9 PM This 25-acre park in Plainfield, Indiana, is a great outdoor place for relaxation. Further, you will find the following outdoor activities here. 8 Pickleball Courts Horseshoe Pits Baseball Diamonds Shelter House Another great thing about Swinford Park is that it is a dog-friendly park. You can take your furry friend on a leash for a walk here. There is even a subscription-based dog park on the south of Swinford Park.  However, you must ensure your dog does not enter the baseball diamonds.  4. Visiting The W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park Address: 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, Indiana Contact Number: +1 317-718-6188 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9 PM Entry: Free W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park is one of the newest additions if you want to know the best things to do in Plainfield Indiana. This park, currently spanning over an area of 70 acres, has two ponds and a hill.  You can hike to the top of the 30-foot high hill, artificially made with pond soil. Further, once you reach the hilltop, you will find resting benches and young plants welcoming you. You can relax there, enjoy the vista, and take photographs.  Further, the ponds here look beautiful with the docks. These are ADA-accessible, and you will find a couple of picnic tables here.  Moreover, the park has a disc golf course. This 18-hole disc golf course has players and visitors from dawn to dusk. It is also fun to navigate through the native prairie grasses grown here, and the wooded area will take you to the artificial hill in the park. Do you want a more calming experience at the park? The ponds here have redear fingerlings, bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. The fish here have already reached harvestable size.  So, you can relax on the pond docks and try catching some young fish. 5. Spending Quality Time At Friendship Gardens Park Address: 900-932 E County Road 750 East, Plainfield, Indiana Hours Open: 7 AM to 9 PM Contact Number: (888) 795-3475 Home to a Veterans' Memorial, the Friendship Gardens Park is one of the most peaceful places for a weekend hangout in Plainfield Indiana. Further, the landscape of this park and the stone waterfall add to the appeal of Plainfield Park.  However, the Gazebo Pavilion at the park's center is the biggest attraction for regular visitors. Many small gatherings or wedding events are organized here. It can accommodate up to 75 guests.  Moreover, when at the park, don’t forget to visit the iron truss bridge.  6. Enjoying A Food Tour Of Plainfield, Indiana  A lot can happen at Plainfield over good food and coffee. So, trying the specialties like brisket sandwiches can be one of the best things to do in Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend.  Beef briskets, chicken burgers, and pizza are some of the other delicacies you will love to try in Plainfield.  Can’t decide where you will eat out at Plainfield this weekend? Here are some of our favorites. Best Restaurants In Plainfield IndianaAddressContactThe Garage Food Hall906 Carrollton Avenue Indianapolis(317) 556-1252Stone Creek Dining Company2539 Perry Crossing Way Ste 150 Plainfield, Indiana(317) 837-9100LumberjAXE351 Marketplace Mile Ste 140 Plainfield(317) 742-7207 Enjoy your meal at these places and enjoy quality time with your S/O.  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! 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