Badlands National Park: Into The Land Of Sunrise, Sunset, And Stars | Stargazing At Badlands National Park

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

It’s hard to imagine that a watery wonder and a versatile geological place exist so close to the Californian Mainland. Yes, we are talking about the Channel Islands National Park.  Rich in diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife, this national park, consisting of five islands, is a hiker’s favorite. The hiking trails on each island are different. For example, the trails in Anacapa are flatter, and they get steeper as you visit Santa Rosa or Santa Cruz.  Also, as a critical marine sanctuary, this national park offers an amazing experience for people interested in aquatic pursuits. Boating and scuba diving here are activities that an adventurous soul will surely look upto.  Are you ready to pack your bags and hit the trails? Let us join you. Channel Islands Hikes That You Just Cannot Miss  Hiking trails in the five islands of this national park vary in their difficulty parameters. The trails in Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are easy (Cavern Point Loop), moderate (Potato Harbor), and hard (Montañon Ridge Loop).  As a hiker, you have to be sure of your physical and mental endurance before you start exploring specific trails. Further, you will encounter many challenges as you explore the hiking trails.  Common perils here include poisonous oaks, scorpions, ticks, wildfire risks, reptiles, and Hantavirus spread by deer mice. To deal with these hazards, you must make the most of the buddy system and, most importantly, be respectful to the wildlife.  However, the pain you have to undergo throughout the journey is worth the dramatic experience the trails offer. It’s time to know about them.  Anacapa Island Hiking  Anacapa Island got its current name from its original Chumash Native American Indian name, Anypakh. This island is made of East, Middle, and West Anacapa islets, and surprisingly, none of these are connected to each other.  Before I introduce you to some of the most amazing trekking trails in Anacapa, let me share some highlights about the island. Anacapa Island: Things To KnowAnacapa is known for its diverse vegetation, wildlife, culture, and history.Coreopsis and sunflowers come to life after the winter rain, and you can see them from the California Mainland.Anacapa is the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world.It is also the largest breeding colony of the California brown pelicans, which are endangered species.Chumash Indian people used to camp here thousands of years ago. Inspiration Point Hike (Easy) Just a 1.5-mile hiking trail, Inspiration Point offers the most amazing view of the island. Enjoy the sheer contrast created by vibrant wildflowers and the tranquil blue water.  Pinniped Point Hike (Easy) Pinniped Point hike, which is a 4-mile distance, is known for its sea lion rookery and lighthouse.  Cathedral Cove Hike (Easy) The 6-mile hiking trail is the best place to see the most amazing rock formations. Here, you will also find beautiful kelp forests, sea lions, sea caves, and birds.  San Miguel Hiking  Hiking in San Miguel is a little tricky as you cannot take the off-trail roads. Further, hiking is only limited to certain spots, as its unique geological features, wildlife, and plants need preservation.  Caliche Forest Hike (Hard)  Despite its difficulty level, Caliche Forest is the most exciting trail to hike in San Miguel. This landscape of five miles has naturally calcified prehistoric vegetation. So, the entire area has the most surreal “fossilized” appearance. A visit to this trail is like a time travel, and the feeling is, at times, eerie.  Cuyler Harbor Beach Hike (Easy) Enjoy the pristine beauty of the 2 miles of white sand stretch and observe the adorable seals. Take a walk along the beach to find the sand running into the rocks.  Cabrillo Monument Hike (Hard)  The distance of this trail is 2 miles. However, the steep climb makes the hiking experience very strenuous. You will visit the monument of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore this island.   Santa Cruz Island Hiking  Santa Cruz, or the La Isla de Santa Cruz, is the land of the Sacred Cross. Known as Mini California, this island has endless bounties to offer. From the Transverse Mountain ranges to the deep valleys, canyons, and beaches! You will meet the most diverse geological picture here. Here, I will talk about some of its most prominent hiking trails. However, before that, let’s share some interesting facts about the island. Things To Know About Santa Cruz IslandSize: 96 Square Miles (The Largest Of The 5 Channel Islands)Plant Species: 600Plant Communities: 10Landbird Species: 140Land Mammal Species: 11Cultural History: More than “10,000 years of American Indian habitation, 150 years of European exploration” Cavern Point Loop Hike (Easy) Cavern Point Loop is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and seasonal whale watching. As you trek through the 2 miles route, you will get to see the most magnificent coastal vistas.  Potato Harbor Hike (Moderate)  The harbor gets its name from its unique oval or potato shape. The cliffs here are steep and dangerous. The bright white sedimentary rocks (diatomaceous earth) here are formed by diatoms or single-cell sea plants made of silicon dioxide.  Diatomaceous earth has wide applications in filtering water.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) The Giant Kelp Forest is another attraction in Potato Harbor. Kelp is a nutrient-rich and fast-growing algae that helps build a rich marine ecosystem. The California sea lions here will make your visit to the island most delightful with their playful nature.  Montañon Ridge Loop (Hard) Montañon Ridge, with Montañon Peak and High Mount, is the highest ridge on the eastern side of the island. This trekking trail is only for experienced hikers.  The total distance of the hiking trail is 10 miles.  Santa Barbara Hiking  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) Santa Barbara is an island for endless outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, fishing, and watching wildlife.  Further, Santa Barbara is the island to be if you want to explore the local vegetation. If you visit the island in spring and winter, you will meet the most colorful wildflowers here. Also, delightful flowers like poppies and verbenas are in full bloom in the summer. Do you want to hike on this island? Here are some trails for you.  Lizard’s Mouth Hiking Trail (Moderate) You have to take just a quarter-mile walk off West Camino to find this hiking spot. It’s also a favorite Santa Barbara destination for picnics.  The place gets its name from the rock formation resembling a lizard’s open mouth. This place is picturesque and perfect for photoshoots.  La Cumbre Peak (Diificult)  With the highest elevation of 1215 m, the La Cumbre Peak (the highest in Santa Barbar) hike is full of challenges. However, this trekking trail is full of highlights like the Cathedral and Arlington Peaks, the coastline to the sea, etc.  San Roque Creek (Easy) The San Roque Creek trail is located in the 25-acre recreation area in the park. The area is called Stevens Park. With just an elevation gain of just 93 m, it is an easy trail to explore, and you can have a great time walking with your dogs here.  Santa Rosa Hiking  The hiking trails in Santa Rosa are a combination of flat and steep terrains. The trails to the Water Canyon Beach are flatter. At the same time, roads to the Black Mountain are strenuous.  Water Canyon Campground Hike (Easy) This 3-mile hiking trail is one of the easiest routes in Santa Rosa or all over the Channel Islands. Enjoy a gala picnic with your group here.  Water Canyon Hike (Moderate To Strenuous) The perennial canyon and the local vegetation make the water canyon hike the most amazing experience. If you want, you can also follow the stream bed and get wet.  Black Mountain Hike (Hard) With a distance of 8 miles, this trail offers the most amazing views of the mainland and San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands.  Did You Know? By 1928, many fossils of pygmy mammoths were found in the Channel Islands. Further, almost a complete skeleton of an adult pygmy mammoth was excavated on Santa Rosa Island in 1994. These mammoths were very similar to the Californian mainland mammoths. However, they evolved and got smaller in size to accommodate on the Channel Island. Worldwide, these mammoths are known as Channel Islands Pygmy Mammoths.  Final Words  Channel Islands National Park had 328,746 visitors in 2023 (Source). Despite being close to the California mainland, these islands offer tranquility, and with many places to visit and activities to do on the five islands, you will surely be spoilt by the choices at this national park.  On all the islands, you can trek, fish, camp, and take part in many water sports. However, two of the most coveted activities in these parks are hiking and exploring marine life. The variety you find here in whales and other marine mammals can be a close match to the vibrant marine ecosystem of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  In this guide, I have highlighted trekking through the trails in this national park. Do you want to know more about its wildlife and marine ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comment below.  Channel Islands National Park FAQs  Which Island Is The Best To Hike In Channel Islands National Park? Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are great for hiking in the Channel Islands. However, if I am to share my opinion, Anacapa will be my silent favorite.  The trekking trails here are way easier in Anacaopa than in Santa Cruz. So, irrespective of your expertise level, you will be able to hike the entire island in a day.  Also, as the trekking journey here is less arduous, you will be able to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty even more. You will meet the most adorable sea birds, sea lions, and seals. Also, if you are lucky enough to be in these mountains during spring or late winter, you will find the mountains replete with colorful wildflowers. Inspiration Point, Cathedral Cove, and Pinniped Point are some of the highlights of hiking expeditions in the Anacapa Islands.  What Is Special About Channel Islands National Park?  Channel Islands National Park is special because it is a paradise for trekkers, nautical surfers, and wildlife explorers.  Its San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and the largest, Santa Cruz islands have many hiking trails with Transverse Ranges.  Further, half of the national park is under the ocean, and you will find six nautical miles of water around it. So, it is a critical marine sanctuary and a great place for scuba diving, boating, and other aquatic pursuits.  In addition, its wildlife is mesmerizing, with the presence of animals like island foxes, spotted skunks, salamanders, whales, California sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, giant black seabass, and more.  Which Island Is The Largest In Channel Islands National Park? The largest island in the Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz, which is also known as the epitome of California. Its size is 96 square miles.  Its geology is versatile, with Transverse Ranges, fault systems, springs, streams, and canyons. You will also come across sea caves, beaches, and coastline cliffs. Among the sea caves, the Painted Cave is the most prominent one with lichens, algae, and colorful rocks. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Sibashree Jul 17, 2025

Alright, so—Phuket, the Thai Island. Man, where do I even start? I went in with zero expectations. Like, I thought it’d just be a beach-and-smoothie kind of trip.  You know, chill, maybe burn a little under the sun, hit up a night market or two, then call it a win. But wow, did this place surprise me! Seriously, you could spend a whole week there and still feel like you missed stuff. And I don’t mean just tourist traps—I mean real gems, the kind of places that make you stop and go, “Wait... how is this even real?”  But if I had to pick just three, the ones that still pop into my head while I’m spacing out on the subway or standing in line somewhere? It’s these. Trust me, you don’t wanna skip ‘em. Here’s the shortlist of the best things to see on Phuket Island, broken down with the same chaotic energy I had while stumbling across them. What Are The Best Things To See On Phuket Island?  From the natural beauty of Phang Nga Bay to the Big Buddha statue and the unique charm of the Old Phuket Town, the best things to see on Phuket Island are many.  Here goes my journal of what I saw and what I experienced.  Also, you can plan a stay in the best hotel in Patong Beach to make your holiday more enjoyable.  1. Phang Nga Bay Okay, so this one?  Total accident. I wasn’t even planning on going. I was half-asleep at breakfast, eavesdropping on some German backpackers at the hostel talking about this boat tour, and I kinda just nodded along and joined last-minute. Best decision I didn’t even really make. Next thing I know, I’m on this longtail boat, wind blasting my face, trying not to drop my phone overboard. And then—bam—these giant limestone cliffs just rise up out of the water like something straight out of a dream.  It’s wild. Like, you see photos online and assume they’ve been touched up or filtered or something. But nope. That emerald-green water? Totally real. And almost too perfect. Ended up in a kayak somehow. Not sure how that happened—someone handed me a paddle and I just went with it. And let me tell you, drifting through caves and into these hidden lagoons where it suddenly goes dead silent?  Genuinely eerie. In the best way. It was just me, water, and birds doing their thing. No Wi-Fi, no distractions. I didn’t even take a photo in that moment, which says a lot ‘cause I take photos of everything. I just kind of sat there, floating, trying to process how this was real life. Also, I overheard someone mention that those rock formations are millions of years old. Which, I guess, makes sense... but also doesn’t, because that kind of time is hard to wrap your brain around when you’re wearing flip-flops and sunscreen that’s already stopped working. Moral of the story: if someone mentions Phang Nga Bay, just go. Don’t overthink it. 2. Big Buddha Statue: One Of The Iconic Things To See On Phuket Island Alright, so this one is on every “Top 10 Phuket” list, and at first I kinda rolled my eyes like, “Okay yeah, giant Buddha, got it.”  But listen—it’s worth it. Especially if you like places that mess with your sense of scale and give you a weird kind of peace you weren’t expecting. You can spot the statue from, like, miles away. It’s perched way up on this hill and looks kinda unreal when the sun hits it just right.  Getting there involves a bit of a drive (note to self: don’t trust Google Maps when it says 15 minutes), and the road?  Twisty and wild. At one point, I had to dodge a monkey that was just hanging out in the middle of the road like it paid rent there. Once you're at the top though—wow. The breeze, the views, the statue itself... it all just sort of hits you at once.  There were people praying, people meditating, some guy just playing with his shoelaces like he was in his own little world.  I ended up sitting on this shaded bench, not really thinking, just existing. It’s hard to explain, but everything felt... still like time slowed down a little. Even if you’re not spiritual or religious or whatever, there’s something about that spot that feels special. It’s quiet, but not in a lonely way. Just peaceful. Solid recommendation. 3. Phuket Town So, confession time: I almost skipped this entirely. “The Old Town of Phuket”? Sounded kinda boring, honestly. But someone at dinner said the food there was fire, and I was like, “Alright, I’ll go for the noodles.” Ended up staying all day. This part of the island has its own vibe. Totally different from the beachy postcard stuff. It’s loud, colorful, and full of character.  Buildings in faded yellows, pinks, blues—all with peeling paint and crooked shutters that somehow make it even better. It’s got this lived-in charm. Like nothing’s trying too hard, and that makes it cool. I wandered aimlessly for hours. Got lost, found a little bookstore with more cats than books, and accidentally bought a t-shirt I’ll probably never wear.  I ate noodles that made me do the involuntary “eyes wide, nod slowly” thing because they were just that good. Oh—and there was this old guy selling postcards with weird hand-drawn cartoons. I bought five. It’s not glamorous. It’s not curated. But it’s real. And for me, that’s what made it so good. Things To See In Phuket Island: Where Nature And Grandeur Meet So yeah, those three places? Absolute standouts. Not secret spots by any means—plenty of people go. But they’re memorable in that “I can’t believe this is real” kind of way. Nature that humbles you. A statue that quiets your brain. A town that feels like someone’s messy scrapbook of life. And hey, pack light but bring snacks. I got way too hungry way too fast and regretted not having anything on hand but gum. Anyway, that’s it. If you end up in Phuket, don’t miss these. Or do. But you’d be missing out.

BY  Mashum Mar 24, 2019

Airbnb is an online marketing platform where we can find vacation rentals for ourselves. Most of us do travel on vacations at some point in our lives. Because this is not your home, you will need a comfortable place to lounge.   Why Airbnb?   Airbnb exists to make sure that you are getting the best experience from your travel. It is good to make sure that you are getting the most comfortable rental sites within your budget.   There are different destinations around the world to visit and have the best experiences in our life. When we are traveling to a particular location, we get a hotel room or lodge to stay. A few of these hotels are quite expensive, and we may end up not having any other alternative.  It is a boon to all the travelers that Airbnb has come to rescue them from this kind of turmoil. Now they can go ahead and book a vocational rental through the site at an affordable price. It is one of the best opportunities that travelers have to get a comfortable place to lounge.   Top Benefits of Airbnb   The best part of this deal is that you will get to stay in the best houses or apartments. You will be in a home away from your own houses, and this is the best thing we could ever ask. Everyone wants to make sure that he has a high level of comfort while in transit.   The organization has come a long way, and it has been in this business for approximately ten years. It did face several accusations from all the corners of the world. But still, it did make it through all the speculations and downfalls.   It does tell you that this brand has passed the test of time. Now it is considered one of the biggest online platforms globally. Airbnb helps travelers to find a place to stay with absolute serenity and peace. You have to make sure that you have a comfortable place to stay before moving out on vacation.   Luxury Retreats is a rental service provider, and Airbnb has acquired this organization for around 300 million dollars. Of all the deals which the company has cracked so far, this one has the highest value. It tells you that Airbnb has a bright future.   Luxury Retreats is the only company where Airbnb has invested to this extent. There are around 4000 properties in close to 100 destinations around the world. As the name goes by, indeed they are luxurious, and you will be able to find a lot of peace.  Therefore, don’t hesitate to book one of them when touring the region. At present, there are close to 3 million listings on the home-sharing website. This figure is large enough to serve millions of tourists all over the world.   There is another fact that we need to consider, which is that there are approximately 1400 castles in the listings. The best part of the deal which they have cracked is that now travelers will be able to rent out on the world-famous Richard Branson’s Necker Island.  We can go ahead and crash on the island with our close friends for 80,000 dollars per night. There are nine houses on the island, and it can accommodate 33 guests. The charges to this destination come along with the food.   Property valuation experts state that each property on the Luxury retreats would cost around 50, 000 dollars. Undeniably, this amount is huge enough to pay for Airbnb. It is good to make sure that you are getting the value of your money from any investment.   The Future of Airbnb   Apart from the deal, the Montreal Luxury Retreat will serve the people as a solo performer. The CEO of Luxury Retreats Joe Poulin stated that he would retain 250 employees at Montreal for the business.   Airbnb CEO appreciated this by stating that the company is doing a great job and is glad to partner with them. Each property that comes under this retreat circle goes through thorough checking and testing. It makes sure that the guests are satisfied with the level of service delivery.  The Mayor of Montreal stated that they are glad to give way to the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology. It is good to allow them to bring their innovation and creativity at work. The initiative is the only thing that will make Airbnb start thinking outside the box.   It is for sure that this deal for both companies is going to gain a tremendous amount of revenue. In that case, they must target the clients who come from a high-end profile. You could be asking yourself why these people should be the primary target of the company.   People who come from this background do live stressful lives. Therefore, they must find peace in these beautiful villas with luxury. It is one of the reasons that motivate high-end profile people to travel.   If we don’t want to live in a room where someone else lives, then the luxury retreat will help us. You can accomplish this in Turks and Caicos. These people are mostly looking for a strange place to get relaxation.   For that purpose, these services are useful and comfortable, especially to the users. The online marketing place of Airbnb is accessible through the internet where we can gather every detail about it. Therefore, you will gain a lot of insights that will help you to make informed decisions.   Castles luxury retreats have several benefits while arranging or booking a room or house. In the service of Airbnb, you will get commitments within the place that will be using.  It has so many advantages, like delivering quality and low level traveling expenses. It is good because you will spend less but get the most from your travel.   The headquarters of Airbnb is in the country of San Francisco, California, in the United States of America. Mr. Poulin and another member of their team guide the Montreal employee’s performance efficiently.  Why Airbnb Stands Out in the Market   In the Luxury retreats, 250 employees are working towards the satisfaction of customer’s needs. Even though we have some big companies arising over this brand, Airbnb still stands out in the market. It is tough to dominate it in terms of performance.   Airbnb officials have decided to add some additional works and resources to the team of Canadians. This process will lead to efficient management when looking for a rental house or room through the platform.   Dramatically, the luxury retreat organization offers a luxurious style of our life to all the visitors. It will give you some of the most memorable experiences when touring the world.   Luxurious based projects are at the international level. Therefore, it takes some effort to reduce the high end of rents. The minimum estimation of the service charge is from $200 to $300 in the Airbnb and Luxury retreats.   Therefore, you will not fail to get something that falls within your budget. The most important thing is to do your homework well.   Terms and Conditions for the Market Place   There are some indispensable terms and conditions that are available in this online marketing place room rental service. This network currently covers 4,000 rooms globally and has an efficient room-renting service.   These services are highly suitable for high-profile celebrities who want to get some relaxation in our life. However, you can still use them even if you are not a high profile person as long as you can afford the cost.   It has achieved a tremendous number of users by its performance and by the facilities. Besides, Airbnb has 150 million regular customers with the consideration of several acquisitions.   In the service of Airbnb, for a single deal, it will take $31 million in the country of China. In 2005, the trump paid the service charge rate with Airbnb, which was close to 24 or 25 percent. There is an amount of $1.85 million in the federal income tax of Airbnb, which is an online marketing place.  It has been tied up with an international revenue department for the past five years. In the Airbnb, there are so many facilities that can increase the level of customer satisfaction. Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will give you the best experience.   There are 5.3 million accounts registered with this online marketplace of Airbnb. It has most of the alternative specifications that satisfy customer needs. This technique will continue to be highly useful for the forthcoming generation.   It is ideal for people who want to live richly. In the upcoming generation, there will be a high amount of charges in this online marketing place. We need to prepare for this because things will not be the same, given the upcoming harsh economic conditions.   Conclusion   The process of choosing or booking a rental house or room is arduous in our modern world. But, through this system, we can access it easily by the support of the online platform. It could be an efficient process for getting relaxation and feeling good to stay.   Read Also: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists 5 Immensely Popular Travel Applications That India Loves