9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences

BY  Mashum Nov 25, 2021

I am a travel freak, and I have traveled to a lot of places around the world. Since I am an Indian I started my traveling journey from India, every part of India has been covered. Even the remote areas that you won’t find on maps.  I am taking a break now, and right now I am at my aunt’s place, who happens to live in the United States. A week ago we visited the Grand Canyon East National park and now I am convinced that it is a well-known national park in The United States.  The place attracts millions of visitors every year, people from all over the globe come to see the mile-deep canyon that is 227 miles along with Northern Arizona. If you are interested in visiting the Grand Canyon East you should plan what you are going to do there, I mean like hiking, water rafting, or camping.  Apart from sightseeing, these activities are offered. And all of them depend mostly on the weather, so you also have to choose the right best time.  In this article, I will be giving you all the information and experience that I have gathered about Grand Canyon East National Park. Stay tuned.  The another national park is Kentucky National Parks In USA. Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon East The Canyon is divided into the North, South, West, and East rim. Here are some short details about them.  South Rim It is located in the Grand Canyon East National Park and is considered to be the most beautiful side of the park. The south rim attracts 90% of the tourists. The right time to visit South Rim is September, so pack some warm clothes.  North Rim Though not as beautiful as the south rim, people do visit that site too. The north side is known for hiking trails. So hikers, mark it. There is a large terrace overlooking the Canyon. The best time is early summer. The place is less crowded than the south rim, therefore during the peak season, the place can be visited. The North Rim is always going to be the cooler side of the Grand Canyon East .  West Rim  The west side has become famous because of its skywalk. The skywalk and Havasupai waterfalls are located there.  The perfect time to visit the Westside is Spring of course as a whitewater rafting trip, that mostly departs from the west rim East Rim  The east side is not much, though it has Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend that is now slowly becoming infamous.  Summer is going to be the best time to visit the East rim, but the summer is pleasant there.  Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon East National Park Here I am going to tell you the overall time that is suitable to visit the Grand Canyon East , National Park. You can also go here for solo travel.  Spring (March to May)  Spring and Fall are known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ and are the best time to visit the Grand Canyon East . During this season the crowds are less and the temperature as well.  Advantages The moderate temperature is suitable for hiking. The temperature gets high in the daytime on the South rim range about 50 to 60 degrees. The West Rim gets high about 70 to 80 degrees.  The peak season is suitable to visit because the crowd gets thinner. There is almost no rain during the fall. This season is the season when the wildflower blooms in the South and North rims, though it varies on the participation that falls in winter, still the view is something to hold onto.  Disadvantages  At night it gets cold with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s. The weather is always going to surprise you with late rains and snowfall.  The North Rim can be visited even when it’s snowing. Packing For Spring  Springs are unpredictable weather therefore here I made this list of clothes that you should carry  A pair of shorts. T-shirts. Pants. Sweaters that don't make you feel too hot.  Scarf and hat. Comfortable shoes, if you're hiking. Sunglasses and sunscreens must. A water bottle that can be reused. Summer ( May-August) Your children are having their summer vacation, which makes a family trip to the Grand Canyon East. Be careful this season is the hottest and the crowdest. Advantages  Summer is good for making plans with family, without letting the children cut school.  Sunny days are enjoyable while exploring the Grand Canyon East National Park. Tourism companies are everywhere and many activities emerge due to the increasing crowd.  The North Rims stay open! The temperature is cooler than the other parts of the national park.  Disadvantages  The summer season is full of activities, even booking lodging gets tough, but if you are there do not quite like the crowd. Visit the North Rim instead.  Daytime temperature can be very hot in the South Rim and even hotter in the West Rim, and within the Canyon, it's basically boiling. Sun causes sunburns, therefore, applying sunscreen is a must. Even in the breezy days too.  If you are hiking, there are chances of you becoming dehydrated. Heavy rainstorms will appear but won’t stay for long. Packing For Summer  Tank top. Long-sleeved tee. Shorts. Pants. Waterproof jacket. Shoes and socks. Waterproof sandals. Sunscreen and shades. A hat. water bottle. Autumn (September-November) This season is like spring, with less crowd and smooth weather.  Advantages  During the daytime, the temperature starts to cool down and at night gets very cold. Kids get back to school, therefore fewer crowds. The Autumn Foliage beats nothing. The sunset is beautiful and fast as the days are becoming shorter. Disadvantages  The disadvantages are exactly the same with the spring season.  Packing For Autumn T-shirts. Shorts. Pants. Light sweeter. Waterproof jacket. Scarf. Comfortable shoes. Anti sun cosmetics and accessories. water bottle. Winter (December- February)  Winter has the rumor to obstruct views but the fewer crowds and a snow-covered Canyon can be a peaceful time to visit. Advantages  Crowds are almost not here, here you have the chance to take the perfect photo and can book a  hotel if you wish to spend the night there.  Hotel deals are easier to find and cheaper. South Rim stays open because winter is good for hiking. Disadvantages  Snow in winter can delay travel and makes it difficult to hike.  The days during the winter become very cold and even colder at night. If you want to get warm head to the West Rim. The North Rim is closed. Packing For Winter Thermal inner Long-sleeved t-shirt  Sweater Warm pants Parka Gloves Winter caps Waterproof boots  Sunscreen and glasses must. Accommodations  1. Phantom Ranch This place will offer you to stay below the rim, inside the Grand Canyon East . It has dorms for each gender, 5 beds, and a shared bathroom. Dorms are for hikers only.  It also has cabins that hold 10 people, with bedding. 2. Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins This place is in the Grand Canyon East Village.  It has cabins, with necessary things but cannot be booked online. 3. El Tovar Hotel  It is located on the Rim. 78 rooms are available and 12 suits. Each room has its own decor. It is the only hotel in the village that offers room service, room dining.  4. Yavapai Lodge  It is the largest lodge in the park situated half a mile from the Rim. Yavapai Lodge can give you rooms on short notice though. All the rooms on the east side are air-conditioned and the west side has rooms that are pet friendly.   You can also visit: 10 Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach,Florida Conclusion  So, there you go with all the information about the Grand Canyon East National Park. After reading the article I am sure that you are now with plenty of information to visit the place. My sisters and I enjoyed a lot in the National Park, my uncle is a hiker, and so am I. We enjoyed a long hike in the North Rim. The place is pretty beautiful to watch, especially the sunset. I hope you will find it beautiful too, and my article will be of no waste.  Leave a comment below in the comment section and share with me your experience.  Read More: A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin A Guide To National Parks In Arkansas  A Guide To National Parks In Oklahoma 

BY  Sibashree Dec 11, 2024

As someone in her early thirties and a big foodie, Columbus Ohio has always been the biggest draw for me.  Now, you may be curious about the connection between my age and the city. The city is a bustling hub of college-goers. So, whenever I visit here, I relive the days I have just left behind. So, if you ask me “what to do in Columbus Ohio,” it’s like soaking in nostalgia for me.  Again, the foodie in me cannot avoid the allure of the North Market or Budd Dairy Food Hall. These are some of the biggest hotspots for gastronomic delight in the city.  Furthermore, the Worthington Farmers Market, with 100s of food vendors from Columbus, is a gem in the food tourism landscape of the city. It is, in fact, the best of the best on the “10 USA Today Readers’ Choice 2024” list. However, the things to do in Columbus Ohio are beyond exploring the food landscape. So, here, I have curated the activities you can do this weekend.  What To Do In Columbus Ohio This Weekend | You Cannot Miss These Fun Activities  The scopes of what to do in Columbus Ohio are endless. So, no wonder Columbus is a city that a tourist will fall hard for.  Exceptional dining opportunities and the vivid local culture have helped Columbus get the tag of the “Fastest Growing City in America” by the Bank of America Institute.  Moreover, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission or MORPC has predicted that Columbus will continue to grow at 1% annually till 2050.  Now, thanks to the thriving scenario, the city naturally has been a prominent tourist attraction for people from different corners of the USA.  So, in case you, too, are visiting Columbus Ohio this weekend, these are the things you can try.  “The word is getting out that Columbus is an ideal place to visit, whether you’re coming with friends or family, for a special event or for business travel. While you’re here you can immerse yourself in our award-winning, chef-driven food scene, spend time outdoors along our expansive riverwalk and abundant green spaces or explore our unique and walkable neighborhoods.” Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. 1. Exploring The Local Breweries https://www.instagram.com/p/DB9upnpyq-f/?img_index=1 With many local breweries and wineries around, you don’t need to think much about what to do in Columbus Ohio. So, you can explore the following vineyards and breweries here. High Bank DistilleryAddress: 1051 Goodale Blvd ColumbusContact Number: (614) 826-5347Land Grant Brewing CompanyAddress: 424 W Town St ColumbusContact Number: (614) 427-3946Jackie O's On FourthAddress: 171 N Fourth St ColumbusContact Number: (614) 929-5265 2. Strolling Through The North Market To Explore The City’s Food Scenario https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Lscdwqp7F/ Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States Phone Number: +1 614-463-9664 Hours Open: 9 AM to 7 PM North Market is the place where you explore the best of Coumbus’s food scenario. The place bustles with farmers, makers, vendors, and food merchants. Further, you can try here various food items, including Tibetan, Polish and Vietnamese.  Nevertheless, when you are at North Market, you can try the best food items at the following Tour and Travel favorite restaurants. Name of The RestaurantAddressPhone NumberMomo Ghar North Market (Nepalese Cuisine)59 Spruce St, Columbus+1 614-495-6666Hubert's Polish Kitchen59 Spruce St, Columbus                                                    +1  614-220-8787Dos Hermanos Taco Truck59 Spruce St, Columbus  +1 614-670-4239Preston's: A Burger Joint59 Spruce St, Columbus  +1 614-400-1675 So, when in North Market, you can explore whatever you crave!  3. Visiting The Columbus Museum Of Art https://www.instagram.com/p/DDHcQqBNHqD/?img_index=1 Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States Phone Number: +1 614-221-6801 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday), Thursday - 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday - Closed The Columbus Museum Of Art is the go-to place if you want to see the biggest collection of local maestros like Elijah Pierce and George Bellows. Furthermore, you will find many collections here as examples of modernism in America and Europe. Also, a tour of the museum will make you familiar with contemporary technology, art and photographs. Moreover, you can collect small souvenirs from the Museum Gift Store. Moreover, the collections of the museum are updated daily and the museum hosts events on a regular basis. 4. Kayaking Along The Scioto River If you want to know what to do in Columbus Ohio, you can kayak through the Scioto River. Kayaking in the river is also a great way to enjoy the vistas of bustling city life on the river banks. Further, once you are done kayaking in the river, you can visit Scioto Mile. It is a brilliant example of “environmental rehabilitation.” In fact, USA Today has named it one of the top 10 riverwalks in the country.  5. Taking A Tour Of The German Village If any dark academia fan asks me what to do in Columbus Ohio, this weekend? I will suggest them visit the German Village. The village is idyllic and built in 1820, it is a prominent example of Italianate architecture.  However, for me, the Book Loft is the biggest attraction in the German Village. You will get to explore here 32 rooms of books. You can bargain the prices and even get some aesthetic greeting cards from here.  Furthermore, German Village is a foodie’s paradise. You can explore the following restaurants here. Restaurants In German Village, Columbus OhioAddressPhone NumberSchmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, United States+1 614-444-6808Katzinger's Delicatessen475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States+1 614-228-3354The Thurman Cafe183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, United States+1 614-443-1570Stauf's Coffee Roasters627 S 3rd St #1060, Columbus, OH 43206, United States+1 614-221-1563 Moreover, there is a Brewery District in the West German District. It is very crucial to the beer scenario of Columbus. 6. Spend Some Time With Plants At Franklin Park Conservatory https://www.instagram.com/p/C6v24pyNFTx/?img_index=1 Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, United States Phone Number:  +1 614-715-8000 Operating Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM every day, 5-9 PM (Monday-Thursday and Sunday), 5-10 PM (Friday and Saturday) The Franklin Park Conservatory functions with the tagline of “Life Happens Here.” I am a plant mommy, and for me, the Gardens and Collections are the best sections of this conservatory.  You will find here more than 400 species of plants. Further, the glasswork of Dale Chihuly and horticulture places make this conservation center a unique fusion of nature and aesthetics.  Along with the conservatory and the greenhouses, you will also come across the following hotspots at Franklin Park. John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, constituting the oldest part of the conservatory The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus Chihuly Collection Botanical Gardens Bonsai Collection Light Raiment II Cardinal Health Gallery, etc.  Entry to the Franklin Park Conservatory is free on Sundays for the residents of Columbus and Franklin County. However, on other days, the park charges an entry fee of $23.50 (10 AM to 5 PM) for people aged between 13 and 59.Further, seniors aged above 60 need to pay $19.50, and children between 3-12 years need to pay $16 for the entry. Moreover, for museum visits and special occasions, you will have to pay $3.  So, with the best sample plan for what to do in Columbus Ohio this weekend, you can now pack your bags and get going!  Also read Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Into The Land Of Art Deco Architecture. Things to Do in Greenville, SC For Adults: Paranormal Walk And Food Tourism. Free And Cheap Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Travel Guide On A Shoestring.

BY  Sibashree Jan 8, 2025

Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023.  Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more! However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice. So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids. Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans.  Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.  Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025.  So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities.  The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind.  Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them. 1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW-62VRd5M/?hl=en Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium) Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry.  It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.”  Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content.  2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZrMeGpt1L/?img_index=1 Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 596-2610 Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children's Resource Center Library.  The Children's Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club.  I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity.  Embed: https://www.instagram.com/arielandrogyny/p/B5-5IgJlu0d/?img_index=1 Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children.  3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVONpWRDC9/ Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895 If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's Restaurant will be great.  It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza.  So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder.  4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHMeMbO72W/?img_index=1 Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 589-3882 Hours Open: 24 Hours  Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators.  Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands.  Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc.  5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2KljRieGh/?img_index=1 Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 523-1357 Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM) Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature.  Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments.  Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd.  Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids  New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.