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

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 19, 2023

Red eye flights are overnight flights that usually arrive at their destination in the morning. Since passengers on these flights may not get enough sleep, they may experience fatigue, which could result in red eyes. Red eye flights are commonly longer in duration and are more frequently available in regions outside of the Western world. This is partly due to the fact that airport curfews are more stringent in Europe, Australia, and North America compared to other regions. However, this doesn't imply that airlines in the Western world don't offer red eye flights. In reality, when flying westbound transatlantic services, they are nearly always the standard for European and American airlines. In this article, I will be explaining the reasons behind the existence of red eye flights and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of taking them. Once I am done, you will feel like you just had a first-hand experience of taking a red eye flight yourself! What Is A Red Eye Flight? Whether you enjoy these nighttime hauls or not, red eye flights are quite a regular thing for people flying long distances. They depart from their home terminal at night and reach their destination in the morning. They are so named because of the physical toll it takes on the passengers, causing them to get red eyes. Most of these red eye flights take off when flying to the east side. For instance, when you fly from Los Angeles to New York or From New York to London. But there are exceptions to such flights, such as when you are flying north or south between long distances. For example, if you fly between North and South America or Europe and Africa. The whole idea behind red eye flights is to save daylight and maximize your time spent at home and at your destination. Flying through the night helps you avoid losing a day in travel. It also helps save money spent on a night stay at a hotel. They are cheaper than day flights, too, making it a cost-effective option for budget travelers. In some cases, there are actually no other options but to take a red eye flight because your origin and destination do not have day flights to begin with. My Red Eye Flight Experience From Bahrain To London kayak.com Recently, I had the experience of taking three flights for one destination. I flew three different classes of travel on a single ticket. I bought a Premium Economy round-trip ticket from London to Bahrain ten months before my flight. In this firsthand red eye flight experience, I will share my pretty good experience with Lufthansa during my return journey from Bahrain to London Heathrow, which involved a layover in Riyadh. The expenses of Lufthansa flights to the Middle East did not follow a linear increase as the departure day approached. I have included two charts below to show how the price of my flight changed leading up to the day of departure and after the flight's schedule was revised. Lufthansa operates a daily flight from its ground base in Frankfurt to Bahrain International Airport with a layover in Riyadh. This is a usual setup as it's a daily flight to Dammam via Kuwait. Both Bahrain-Riyadh and Kuwait-Dammam cannot be booked as fifth freedom flights. Intriguingly, Lufthansa continuously adjusts its schedule for destinations in the Middle East. According to Routes Online, Lufthansa would originally fly to Bahrain via Doha in 2014, but it stopped in 2015 when services to Doha renewed operations to Muscat instead. Before Lufthansa stopped all flights to Doha in 2017, they operated Frankfurt-Kuwait-Doha flights. In 2017, flights to Bahrain were via Dammam, and in 2018, they were via Kuwait. When I bought my ticket in August 2018, my planned route was Heathrow-Frankfurt-Kuwait-Bahrain, but it changed to Heathrow-Frankfurt-Riyadh-Bahrain in September 2018. Lufthansa used to operate Riyadh as a non-stop flight without onward legs in 2015, but after discontinuing Doha in 2017, they started flying Frankfurt-Riyadh-Dammam while also initiating flights to Bahrain via Kuwait. However, things were changed again in 2018. Flight 1: Premium Economy, Bahrain To Riyadh thriftytraveler.com Upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport via Uber, I made it through passport control and security within 15 minutes. The aircraft assigned for the flight was D-AIKN, which is an A330-343X. Boarding began at 23:20, which was slightly delayed, but it didn't matter since only 20 passengers were boarding the red eye flight A330. In fact, the gate push-off time was 11.42 pm, eight minutes early. The Premium Economy section of the plane had four rows with seven seats each. There were only seven passengers, resulting in a load factor of 25% in this segment. The legroom was spacious enough, allowing the passenger in front to recline without any pressure on the person seated behind. The amenity kit for the Premium Economy included a toothbrush and toothpaste, a refreshment towel, a sleeping mask, earplugs, and a thick pair of socks. Although the earplugs were weak and the face mask didn't isolate light fully, the socks were comfortable. The IFE system was not as good as Emirates, but it had decent options. One of the few features was live GPS tracking of the aircraft. During the Bahrain-Riyadh journey, the movie "100 Things," a 2018 German film, was played. Despite leaving Bahrain eight minutes early, the plane arrived in Riyadh five minutes late, as we had to wait for our gate to be vacated. Flight 2: Business Class, Riyadh To Frankfurt onceinalifetimejourney.com During the second flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt, since it wasn't a fifth freedom flight, passengers traveling to Frankfurt from Bahrain were not required to leave the aircraft in Riyadh. After being told to stay seated for ten minutes while the plane refueled, a representative from Lufthansa's Riyadh airport asked me to follow him into Business. I was given seat 10H since the Premium Economy and Economy classes were set to fill up with passengers for the Riyadh-Frankfurt flight. The flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt was entirely full in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. The headphones provided by Lufthansa in Business were exceptional, as they blocked out all noise. The sound quality from the IFE was also excellent, allowing me to sleep soundly. The headphones were attached to the seat, so they couldn't be removed. My red eye flight departed from Riyadh King Khalid at 2:10 am, 15 minutes late, and arrived in Frankfurt at 7:14 am, one minute early. The average delay for the flight LH637 is ten minutes. Flight 3: Economy, Frankfurt To London Heathrow aircraftinteriorsinternational.com Regrettably, the last flight of my three-flight sequence was delayed despite arriving early from its previous flight. The reason for the delay was that the aircraft, which was Lufthansa's first A320neo with the registration D-AINC, took over an hour to clean. Although I managed to secure an emergency exit row window seat, which I chose for free during check-in, the legroom on short-haul flights with Lufthansa was a bit disappointing for me. Moreover, the sandwich served on the flight contained cream and cheese, which was not suitable for me as I do not eat dairy. Unfortunately, there were no alternative options available for me. Another slight disappointment was that the crew refused to serve water before takeoff, and I had to wait for a long time before we took off due to the delay. The flight was full in Economy and Business class, and despite the plane being on time on average, we arrived 40 minutes late at our destination in London after pushing off from Frankfurt 29 minutes late. Additionally, we spent a considerable amount of time circling around London. It was not a big inconvenience, but the service was not as good as my previous flights with Lufthansa. However, I must acknowledge that Lufthansa quickly and smoothly compensated me with 600 Euros for the missed connecting flight during my outbound journey. Wrapping Up Honestly, I was so impressed with their customer service that I would choose Lufthansa for all my future connecting red eye flights. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!

BY  Barsha Feb 13, 2024

For moms with wanderlust, balancing parenting and travel weaves an extraordinary narrative of shared growth and discovery. Adventure-seeking moms don't just jot down places; they sketch out the deep story of parenting while roaming, sharing wisdom and tricks that hit home with other nomadic families. Carving Your Unique Narrative Your journey is unique, stitched with the threads of wanderlust and the new rhythms of motherhood. Whether it's the serene walks through ancient ruins or the bustling energy of a city market, your narrative is a blend of travel insights and parenting on the go. Tell it like it is, from the careful plans you laid out to those unplanned gems that end up stealing the show on your family trips. As a mom sharing your travel tales, highlight those hidden gems that cater to kids, like the coolest play areas or peaceful spots perfect for breaks and baby care. The Digital Tapestry In this digital age, your blog is your gateway to the world. WordPress lets you craft a blog that mirrors your own adventures, decking it out with all the bells and whistles that scream 'you.' Choosing a name like "WanderlustWithTots.com" immediately tells your story, inviting like-minded parents into your world. Crafting your blog with neatly organized sections for each spot and age-appropriate travel insights can seriously ramp up the ease of reading and practicality. Weaving Stories That Captivate Your blog's heart pulses with the tales you craft, each brimming with the joy and trials of adventuring alongside your young companion. Paint your stories with such vibrant colors and genuine emotions that readers can't help but feel they're right there beside you, sharing in every adventure and misstep. Sharing not just the highlights but also the mishaps and how you navigated them offers a well-rounded view of travel as a new mom. The Art Of Storytelling Your blog thrives on the authenticity and emotion of your storytelling. From the first beach day with your baby to the unexpected joys found in the simplest moments, your narrative resonates with the universal themes of exploration and family. Keeping a small journal or using a note-taking app during your travels to jot down memorable moments and thoughts ensures your blog posts are rich with detail and emotion. Cultivating A Global Community Your blog is more than a collection of travel tales; it's a community hub for parents sharing your wanderlust spirit. Foster a warm community by actively engaging with readers in the comments, collaborating on social media, and co-creating content to keep the conversation alive among traveling parents. Regularly featuring guest posts from other traveling parents can diversify content and foster a sense of community on your blog. Embracing Technology And Innovation Leverage the latest digital tools to enhance your blog's appeal. Imagine turning your blog into a virtual passport where readers can click on an interactive map to explore places you've visited or use augmented reality for a vivid peek into far-flung locales—all thanks to cutting-edge tech. Using social media platforms not just for promotion but for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your travel adventures adds a personal touch to your online presence. Navigating The Logistics Of Travel with A Little One Traveling with a baby presents a unique set of logistics, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth journey. Navigating travel with your little one? Pick baby-friendly spots, pack smart, and keep them cozy to ace the journey. Being open to change as you travel with your baby turns those surprise twists into chances for creating special memories and getting closer. Traveling with a baby not only changes the itinerary but also the very essence of each journey. With their innate sense of wonder and joyful chuckles, babies effortlessly turn the simplest of times into memories that stick with us forever. From their first awe-struck gaze at the ocean's vastness to their delighted squeals in a field of wildflowers, babies remind us to savor the simple joys of discovery. Documenting these precious firsts in your travel blog captures the heartwarming milestones and the unexpected adventures that come with baby-led explorations. Each blog post celebrates the awe and joy that babies bring to our journeys, offering us a chance to see the world anew through their curious eyes. Fostering Personal Growth Through Travel Traveling as a new mom is a journey of personal growth and discovery. Embarking on travels with your infant is transformative; it not only forges resilience but also brings into focus the evolving identity of a new mother. Part of this new identity can involve embracing the evolving identity of a new mother with unique baby names, reflecting the unique journey you and your child are embarking on together. This choice symbolizes the uniqueness of your path and the individuality of your child in a world full of wonder and discovery. When we share these insights, we're not just bonding more deeply; we're telling a story that weaves our outer adventures with the inner growth they spark. Creating Memorable Content Draw in your crowd with tales that stir up feelings and dreams, painting pictures with words and sharing experiences that resonate, all while sprinkling in images that stick. Draw in travel-loving moms by mixing up quizzes and engaging activities with exclusive downloadable content, making your blog the ultimate hub they rely on. Harnessing The Power Of Reflection And Connection Reflect on your travels and the moments of stillness they bring, sharing the inner transformations and the journey through your child's eyes. When you share your travel stories, they offer a window into the profound changes that have helped shape who you are. Embracing The Unpredictable: Learning From Each Journey Traveling with an infant turns every trip into a masterclass in staying cool and rolling with the punches. Telling tales about those unplanned turns and lucky breaks gives your writing a genuine edge, capturing the highs and lows of hitting the road with a tot in tow. Cultivating Mindfulness And Presence In the rush of capturing moments for your blog, remember the importance of being truly present. Talk about how tuning into the little moments with your kid and soaking up your environment deepens both your adventures and the stories you tell. Exploring new places with all your senses, or taking time for some peace and quiet, can really spice up both the trip and the stories you'll tell later. Read Also: How Do I Keep My Child Occupied When Traveling? Nurturing Your Creative Voice Developing your unique voice is key to captivating your audience. Dive into different ways of sharing your stories, mixing it up with both simple and intricate tales that map out the richness of traveling while raising kids, drawing in readers to view the globe as you do. Dabble in video journals or sketched journey sketches to capture your experiences and strike a chord with those following your path. Leveraging Collaborations And Community Engagement Build a richer, more diverse blog by collaborating with other travel enthusiasts and engaging deeply with your community. Teaming up with other travel enthusiasts not only boosts your blog's richness but also strengthens bonds among your readers, fostering a lively space where stories ignite creativity and connection. Setting up events or challenges that get your readers talking and sharing tales with each other can really build a community vibe and turn reading into a collective journey. Charting A Sustainable Path Consider sustainable practices to maintain your travel lifestyle and blog. Your blog can become a powerful tool for promoting eco-friendly travel by sharing your own sustainable journeys and spotlighting collaborations that prioritize environmental care. Spotlighting eco-friendly travel options and earth-kind goods does more than boost your journey—it's a solid move that strengthens the local economies you drop into. Embarking With Heart And Purpose Your travel journal is a testament to the adventures and insights gained on the road, woven with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Each story glows, inspiring moms with wanderlust to embrace both the joys of travel and the deep changes in parenting that come from venturing into new territories. Keeping your blog's purpose at the heart of your writing ensures each post reflects the wonder, learning, and connection that travel brings to you and your family. Mix practical advice with vivid tales in your travel journal, and it transforms into a wellspring of motivation, a toolkit for globe-trotting parents, plus an intimate chronicle of motherhood's epic voyage mingled with global discovery. Read Also: Journey To Joy: Unleash The Potential Of Your Road Trip With These Tips Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 20, 2023

Let's face it. Fine dining amps up the romance game to quite an extent. But the harsher side of the truth is planning a date can be tough, while choosing the right restaurant is going to be trickier. The number of things you have to consider for a date night will overwhelm you. You will be thinking about the noise levels, the ambiance, and also the cuisine. Hell, you might be wondering if the food will be good to begin with! Dating is a task in itself, and now you have a restaurant to choose from, too. Believe us, you are not alone. 86% of the population find it stressful to choose the perfect date restaurant, a study by OpenTable has revealed. OpenTable is a platform that helps restaurants thrive, and diners find the best restaurants to suit their needs. Anna Besse, director of marketing at OpenTable, said in a statement, “Given the added stress daters face when looking for the right restaurant, we wanted to create a go-to list that offers a restaurant for any date - whether it's your first or one-thousandth.” She further added, "And for a more personalized experience, diners can turn to our 'Date Night Matchmaker' feature for a no-fret way to find the perfect restaurant based on their specific dining preferences."  You searched for “romantic restaurants near me,” and now you have the best ones to choose from. Top Romantic Restaurants You Cannot Ignore If you are looking for restaurants to check that you and your date will like, we have made a list. These restaurants offer privacy, good food, ambiance, and just the right amount of everything. Check them out: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Nashville, Tennessee Image Source: thevendry.com/ Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, located in Nashville, is as glamorous as it is jazzy. It frivolously includes a grand stage for live entertainment and glitzy chandeliers that add so much old-world charm to the place. This place is worth the visit for its sheer ambiance. Its Art Deco may steal your heart, but it is more famous for its steakhouse, which makes it the top destination in Music City. It has a busy yet intimate vibe for you to enjoy a cozy meal together with your special one. Tripadvisor Review: “Our reservations at a different restaurant fell through (happy accident) and we last minute had to decide on somewhere new. We are from out of town so we asked a couple of locals to recommend a place. Jeff Ruby's was recommended independently. They were welcoming even without reservations and we were seated in the music city room. Right away Jimmy was attending to us. He was the server assistant but every bit as attentive as our server, Marys. Everyone was full of smiles and super helpful with our orders. When Marys was told it was my birthday celebration she didn't just bring out the sparklers and candles, but gave us a commemorative birthday card with our picture printed :) Chris the manager was always present and greeting the guests to make sure their experience was a good one. I had a great experience there.” – daya1969 GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana gwfins.com With its cozy dining and creative menu that follows the seasons, it's no surprise that this restaurant is one of the top dining destinations. This Fench Quarter fave serves delicious fish and has an exquisite list of wines and a mindblowing dessert menu. It should already sound like the perfect place to go for a romantic date. Try it out at your earliest! Tripadvisor Review: "I have dined at this restaurant twice with others in the last two months. Every dish served--the lobster bisque, several appetizers, a number of different entrees--has been excellent, along with the service both times. This is not an inexpensive restaurant--and where the city really shines is with less expensive, neighborhood-type restaurants that tourists need to try. There are so many outstanding restaurants in the metropolitan area that I hesitate to say which restaurant might be the best. But if you are calling row, the name of this restaurant will be called quickly. My only critique is that I personally wish they served bread other than biscuits. But that is a personal quirk that others do not share, and it is the only thing remotely negative I can say. Highly recommended.” – G4250AIrichardp Parc, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cloudinary.com This restaurant, with its cozy bistro-style seating arrangement and an upscale French brasserie-inspired menu is sure to keep you and your date engrossed in each other. The place feels like a piece of Paris which makes it super couples-friendly. The romance will be fueled by the spot alone, and it's a must-visit for Valentine’s Day. Tripadvisor Review: “We had just arrived in Philadelphia the night before, so wanted to have a lovely breakfast the next morning to ease into our trip. Wow, we were so happy to come across this wonderful restaurant! First off, it is just beautiful, across the street from Rittenhouse Square and a lovely view from the restaurant. The staff was so kind, welcoming, enthusiastic and attentive. You could tell that they all really took pride in their wonderful restaurant! The food was hot, beautiful and simply delicious! The service was excellent. We can't wait to go back! Thanks to the staff for a most enjoyable experience!” – Mamatibs Filomena Ristorante, Washington, D.C. wikimedia.org Rated consistently as one of the best places in D.C., this Georgetown jewel has been offering the most classic dining experience in the cozy setting of its interiors for 40 years. Its homely, old-world charm and an authentic, welcoming feel, you cannot go wrong with this one. This eatery will surely impress you with its Italian-style amore. Tripadvisor Review: “Filomena’s in Georgetown was delicious! We had 3 friends recommend dining here and we’re glad we did! From the outside it looks like a tiny little place with someone making homemade pasta in the window! But you go downstairs to the main dining area and everything changes! You go into a bustling area full of people enjoying themselves and enjoying their delicious meals! Extensive menu, homemade pasta and lots of wine choices! Our meals were delicious and we wish we could have fit one of their desserts from the bakery showcase! Have a nice little glass of amaretto at the end of our meal. Would absolutely go again! We felt like we were dining in Italy!” –GailJ1952 71 Above, Los Angeles, California otstatic.com Being the most elevated restaurant on the west side of Mississippi, this glamorous LA find serves guests the opportunity for cozy romance, given its breathtaking panoramic scapes and high-end dining options. If you are looking for privacy, you can choose a semi-private dining area. If a more livelier experience draws you, the busy bar overseeing the LA skyline is a fine option too. You can do all this while enjoying the most delicious American food. Tripadvisor Review: “Excellent excellent quality. The chefs know what they’re doing. Each dish was complex yet well-balanced in flavor with great presentation. Both service and atmosphere were wonderful as well. Would definitely take friends and family here. The building interior is beautiful. Came here on a Thursday in mid June and was able to find street parking. Heard parking behind the building was $10. And valet is $15. $95 a person for a three-course meal. Window seating is walk-in only. Some people waited at the bar for an hour for a spot to open up.” – rachelwangcal The Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood, California This is another answer to your “romantic restaurants near me” queries. restaurant is all about the old-world charm of the gone-by days of Hollywood. The cozy leather booths and the warm mahogany bar create a classic elegant atmosphere fit for romance. The interiors have been the same for the last 100 years of its rich history. Their staff will make sure you feel like royalty, and the cozy intimate opulence will surely add a uniquely romantic dining experience. Tripadvisor Review: “My family and I went to Musso and Franks Grill on the 17th of June 2023. The restaurant was recommended by heaps of friends and we just had to go and see if it was worth the hype and it was. Before our meals came, they brought out the most delicious bread and the entrees were amazing. I ordered spaghetti, and they asked if I wanted another serve as they believed it was a small serve. Living in Australia, the portions are smaller so I thought it was a perfect amount. They then said they weren’t satisfied with the portion size and gave me a free dessert! We had also been told that Harrison Ford from Indiana Jones had been at the restaurant the night before us and sat in the booth right next to where we were seated! Overall, the food was amazing, the waitresses were so friendly and interactive and the service was so quick even though it was busy. If you are visiting LA or just live there, you must have dinner at Musso and Franks Grill.” –Siena_reviewzz The Olde Pink House Restaurant, Savannah, Georgia markfinlay.com The iconic southern feel and the creative comfort food menu will definitely catch your eye. It is also revolutionarily pink. This Georgia find has signature drinks to complete the high-end menu, which is interestingly down-to-earth. You could consider this spot as your next perfect date restaurant. Tripadvisor Review: “I booked online several weeks in advance of arriving in Savannah and could not get a dinner reservation. I did get a lunch reservation, though and was not disappointed! The food and service were excellent, and the building itself is really lovely and interesting to have a wander around (as I was encouraged to do). I had the country fried chicken followed by the key lime pie washed down with the Old Pink House 'pink lady' cocktail - lovely! I would definitely recommend dining here but do try to book in advance to secure your spot.” – flyingwiki2015 RH Rooftop Restaurant, New York, New York cloudinary.com An American restaurants list can not afford to miss this gem given its prime location in NYC. It makes dining trendy and upscale. This can be an answer to your search for “romantic restaurants near me.” Its elegant and creative vibe adds to the romance you are already looking forward to. The menu is delectably good, with amazing side dishes and a luxe main course. A date night drink to wash all that excitement down on the rooftop overlooking NC will complete your typical NYC dining experience. Tripadvisor Review: “First time in this enchanting space. We shared the Prosciutto and Delice Board (Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie, exquisite strawberry jam, warm baguette, grapes), Caesar salad, and my husband also ordered the lobster roll, which was succulent and completely stuffed with lobster meat. They brought us an extra baguette on request. Everything was delicious, but the brie and jam were especially magnificent. This is a lovely setting for lunch (or dinner)…same menu. Be sure to bring a wrap, as the A/C is very cold inside. Outside it can be hot in the summer months, so be sure to select a table in the shade.” –kateconcord Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas, Nevada googleapis.com If you could not make it to Paris for the date (excuse our bluntness), that might just be the next best thing. The chic and exquisite feel of Sin City all around, the scintillating view of the skyline, and the most elegant French menu cannot possibly be topped by any other. Your romantic dinner dates cannot be complete without a visit here. The Vegas charm cannot be resisted. Tripadvisor Review: “We were two couple scouting restaurants for an upcoming convention. We visited several high end restaurants and have to say this one was the best - a 10/10! The service was impeccable- polite, friendly, efficient but not rushed. We were able to take our time to enjoy drinks first and then each course - unlike our previous night at Gordon Ramsay’s Hells Kitchen. We paid extra to have seats overlooking the Bellagio fountains - and enjoyed the sunset first. The food was outstanding - well prepared, flavourful, and hot when served. The final touch was the dessert soufflés - according to my dining companions the best dessert they have ever had! My creme brûlée was outstanding. A very delightful evening and looking forward to going back!” –tlw1037 Wrapping Up The fact that you are looking for romantic restaurants near me means you want it to be as personal and as close to you for the coziest romantic date you and your partner could dream of. The list above should be your holy grail because these are some of the most appreciated and well-reviewed restaurants that you just cannot miss or go wrong in choosing. Have you already been to these spots? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 10 Best Restaurants In The US Top 10 Restaurants In Sandusky Ohio – Restaurant Guide Top 12 Dominican Restaurants In Los Angeles | The Ultimate Guide Best 10 Mediterranean Restaurants In Las Vegas | Ultimate Guide