Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better? 

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 9, 2023

Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists get ready to head to Thailand, as the Land of Smiles continues to be immensely popular. It truly has something to offer for everyone, whether culture, history, relaxation, or excitement is being sought after. In order to escape from our mundane life, we are always in search of an enthralling destination, and Phuket is surely the one. Many love island holidays, being near the sea, enjoying beaches, or perhaps getting close to nature by indulging in diving and other water sports. A perfect way to enjoy such activities is by choosing a luxury pool villa Phuket can provide for the following 6 reasons. A luxury pool villa in Phuket will offer you better privacy and comfort and allow you to spend more time by the seaside. Top Six Reasons To Opt For A Lavish Pool Villa In Phuket Who doesn’t want to indulge in pristine beachfront lavishness in a picturesque destination like Phuket? With the widest availability of sophisticated luxury villas and sea-facing rooms, you would surely don’t want to miss out on this fun. So, listed below are six reasons that you would make you book your tickets to Phuket right away and also select a sumptuous pool villa. A Wonder Land Between The Oceans Phuket is a dream destination, located in the south of Thailand by the beautiful blue waters of the Andaman Sea and with a wealth of golden sandy beaches to enjoy. It has a rich history intertwined with nightlife that is renowned around the world. Endless restaurants serve amazing food, while there are countless activities to entertain the whole family. It is the total holiday experience with breathtaking scenery easily navigable for all to enjoy. Also, you get a home-like atmosphere that is unmatched by any trip experience. Certain resorts in Phuket offer you the feeling of being at home and in a relaxed state of mind. For families or for couples who wish to maintain their everyday schedule while they are on the trip, this might just be the perfect plan. Privacy The last thing you would ever want on your honeymoon is to be looked at by 6000 strangers on the road while you are drenched in the pool. Privacy is the next big benefit that luxury pool villas offer. With a calm ambiance where there is no disturbing crowd, opting for a private pool villa is worth the hype. To get the most out of a vacation on this piece of paradise, a villa with its own private villa, generally set in the rolling emerald hills overlooking the ocean, is the perfect base. What could be a better start to the day than waking as the sun rises and diving into the pool with sea views? Hopefully, all travelers will have made the right calls as to what to put into their makeup bag for the vacation. An Escape From The Reality Lying back and rewinding might be high on the list of those wanting to forget about their normal life and drift away while enjoying a read by the pool with some cold refreshments before the sun sets on another stunning day. Working 10 hours a day for 365 days is not how you should live your life. Taking a relaxing escape by the beach acts as a refreshment for another year. And especially with locations like Phuket, your travel will be the most memorable one. Unmatched Service The service and attention that guests will receive are second to none. A villa manager who speaks English is always on hand, and they will act as a concierge throughout the stay, ensuring that every assistance possible is provided. They can provide shopping, book restaurants, and arrange excursions to take away any hassle of the stay. Maybe a visit to a water theme park might be on the agenda. Those assisting you in a luxury pool villa are usually professional people who know how to take care of their guests. You can even ask them for security, customized meals, and party arrangements. Quality Time By The Seaside  What nicer way to make the most of the villa than enjoying a barbeque or lunch? Many have their chef included, who will make all the arrangements and go to purchase the ingredients, while a daily breakfast is also often included. This, along with all the modern amenities any guest could wish for, adds up to a perfect vacation. Resorts offer endless facilities that you can enjoy with your family by the ocean side. Try barbequing, taking a walk in lush gardens, or tasting wines and liquours. Great Deals During The Peak Season Booking through professionals who understand what their customers want and can provide the very best amenities, service, and options is a great start. Prices are worked out so that everyone gets the deal even when renting a larger villa than is required, as guests are only charged for what they use. November to February is the peak tourist season in Phuket. And this is also the period where you will get maximum deals on restaurants, air tickets, and our very favorite pool villas. The Vegetarian Festival is an unmissable event in this region. However, make sure to make prior bookings if you want the cheapest prices on your accommodations. You might seek the help of various websites to draw a subtle comparison between your selected pool villas in famous tourist locations. Discover The Best Luxury Villas In Phuket A luxury pool villa in Phuket will allow you to listen to the sound of waves, and the private terrace or pool will allow you to spend some moments of luxury in nature.  Luxury pool villas in Phuket are available at various tariffs. The rate of the luxury pool villas per night will be between $300 to $10000. Here is a listing of some of the best luxury villas in Phuket with the necessary details. Villa Amara, Kamala, PhuketContact Number: (+66)86 520 0855Price: $1400-3600 Per Person, One NightVilla YangContact Number: +66 95 031 1679Price Range:  $595 - $2,495 Per Person, One NightBaan NicolinaContact Number: +44 (0) 208 144 0482Price Range: $850 - $2,500 Per Person, One NightVilla PadmaContact Number: +852 8120 8488Price Range: $1,758 - $6,061 Per Person, One NightVilla Beyond NamasteContact Number: +66 87 888 5801Price Range:  $2,030 - $4,290 Per Person, One NightNautilus VillaContact Number: +66 95 155 2888/+66 65 403 1993Price Range: $2,879 - $3,333 Per Person, One NightVilla SkylineContact Number: +66 96 328 1356Price Range: $842 - $2,700 Per Person, One Night The Demand For A Luxury Pool Villa In Phuket Is On The Rise: Know Why Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) is a leading American real estate company with a presence in many nations. CBRE Thailand has highlighted that investors are now ready to invest in buying the luxury villas of Thailand. This is, of course, the impact of the rising demand for luxury pool villas among tourists in Phuket. People from many countries visit Phuket for its beach fun and luxurious vibe. Also, they keep coming back. So, for them, buying a luxury villa in Phuket is a more profitable option.  Moreover, according to CBRE, the ratio between the foreign and Thai buyers of a luxury villa in Phuket is 50:50.  Wrapping It Up Choosing to book a villa with a luxury pool in Phuket is the recipe to guarantee a happy and luxurious stay without any stress, which will recharge the batteries and provide endless fun. Get yourself a resort that has an in-built spa, entertainment zone, restaurant, and clubs to make a good value for your investment. While visiting Phuket, make sure your travel is worth remembering for the next few days of your life. Read Also: 5 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi The Perfect Destination For Adventure Enthusiasts In Jamaica- Yaaman Adventure

BY  Sibashree Jul 12, 2024

“A river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea.” That’s Everglades National Park, a paradise exuding the most pristine and tranquil vibe.  You know, you always don’t need something out-of-the-box to have an ever-lasting impression. The spiritual ones know that being present in the moment and soaking the energy can be the most fulfilling experience.  Similarly, Everglades National Park does not need snowclad mountains or glaciers to draw millions of visitors annually. A diverse ecosystem and the conservation of natural lives here thrive amidst the National Park’s quiet hub.  President Harry S Truman rightly pointed out, "Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country." (Source) So, if you are heading to Florida and want the most immersive experience, plan a trip to Everglades National Park, a swampland just outside Miami. You will have sea turtles, alligators, manatees, Roseate spoonbills, and fish to welcome you.  Everglades National Park: Know The UNESCO World Heritage Site In the Brief Synthesis of Everglades National Park and its outstanding universal value, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says,  “Everglades National Park is the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent. Its juncture at the interface of temperate and sub-tropical America, fresh and brackish water, shallow bays and deeper coastal waters creates a complex of habitats supporting a high diversity of flora and fauna. It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.” There are many other interesting factors adding to the outstanding value of this place. Let’s have a look at them. The Everglades has limestone substrate, which is one of the most active modern carbonate sedimentation areas. It is home to more than 400 species of birds. It is a major migration corridor for birds. Around 20 threatened, endangered, or rare species live in the Everglades. The Everglades was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today, various federal, global, local, and tribal governments manage the Everglades, and they work in agreement to restore the sanctity of the place.  An Encounter With The Most Fascinating Wildlife At Everglades National Park  Spanning across 1.5 million acres over Florida’s southern part, Everglades National Park attracted 1,155,193 visitors in 2022 and 810,189 in 2023. Diverse wildlife is the major crowd-puller for this park.  About the Everglades, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, “The mixture of subtropical and temperate wildlife species is found nowhere else in the United States.” Animals You Will Encounter At Everglades National Park AmphibiansSouthern leopard frogFlorida cricket frogEastern narrow-mouth toadPig frogBirdsRoseate spoonbillBlack-bellied whistling-duckEurasian WigeonAmerican WigeonInsectsArachnidsMosquitoesBiting fliesCentipedesReptilesLizardsSnakesAmerican alligatorsAmerican crocodilesMammalsShort-finned pilot whale Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin White-tailed deerWest Indian manatees The biodiversity of the Everglades is very crucial for Flordia’s ecological benefits. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has been there since 2000 to restore the ecosystem of the National Park.  ** The table does not furnish exhaustive details of the animals found in the Everglades. Only a few species are mentioned.  What’s More At Everglades National Park?  Along with having an encounter with the most diverse wildlife, you can take part in boating, camping, and guided tours at the Everglades. Let’s make the most of it.  Enjoy Guided Tours & Other Services You cannot help falling in love with the following guided tours at the Everglades. Shark Valley Tram Tour Everglades Institue Tours Permitted Tour Guides You can also take airboat tours to Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.  Are you in for boating tours? Go for Backcountry boat tours, Florida Bay boat tours, and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours.  Glamping Everglades Style You cannot just miss “glamping Everglades style” if you visit the National Park between November and April. Enjoy the best of wildlife with modern comfort during your stay in these tents equipped with fans, electricity, and other amenities.  Did you know that the Flamingo Eco-tents of Everglades National Park, Florida, was featured on the list of Best Glamping Spot of 2022, published by USA Today? Glamping service here begins at $109 per night. Enjoy A Serene Boating Experience  Being in the water at the Everglades will offer you the most versatile experience. As you paddle through the water, you will also meet amazing birds and fish.  Further, when you pass through narrow channels of mud and seagrass cut through the long banks, you will surely catch a whiff of adventure.   In addition, once you reach Ten Thousand Islands, you will be at a loss for words meeting the oyster reefs and sandbars. If you are a fan of boating and aquatic pursuits, you can also visit other National Parks in Florida, including  Dry Tortugas National Park and Biscayne National Park. Stay Safe At Everglades National Park Everglades National Park has well-chalked safety guidelines, including encounters with wildlife, managing your pets and children, and risks related to mosquitoes and poisonous plants. Don’t forget to check the National Park Service website to know and address safety concerns.  Further, the park provides detailed safety guidelines regarding your visit to the park in dry and wet seasons.   Staying Safe In Wet Season Afternoon downpours and heavy thunderstorms are common Mosquito bites and the attacks of flying bees will be more Weather will be hot (>100-degree F) and humid (over 90%) Wear loose-fitting, full-sleeved/full-length clothes and remain hydrated to beat uncomfortable heat and humidity. Also, use mosquito nets or repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites.  Staying Safe In Dry Season  The temperature in the dry season is around 53-77 degrees F. Freezing conditions may occur occasionally. Biting flies and mosquitoes will still be present in some parts of the park. Bring a warm jacket, head nets, bug jackets, or mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Also, wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to explore the place freely during the daytime.  Are You In?  Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over a massive two million acres across central and south Florida.  It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with various species coexisting there and contributing to biodiversity. It is also a “noteworthy example of viable biological processes.” In addition, as one of the oldest national parks in America, it was designated in 1934 by the  U.S. Congress.  So, are you ready to surf through miles of water and witness how a tranquil wetland can emerge as the goldmine of natural vegetation and wildlife ecstasy? Pack your bag and count me in!    Everglades National Park FAQs  Why Is Everglades National Park So Famous? Everglades National Park is known for its extraordinary wildlife. It is the hub of rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals.  It also has Florida Panthers, one of the most endangered mammals. Further, you will meet the endangered West Indian manatee and the most adorable bottlenose dolphin. The place even has a diversity of vegetation. You will get to see sawgrass, cypress, mangrove trees, and orchids.  Why Is It Called Everglades National Park?  The Everglades had vast, grassy fields or glades. If you decipher the name, you will find it to be a combination of two words, “Ever” and “Glades.” Together, these two words mean open grass fields.  What Is The Best Month To Visit Everglades National Park? November to April, or the dry season, is the best or the safest time to visit the Everglades. The temperature at this place remains moderate in this season, and there are fewer attacks by insects and mosquitoes.  Thanks to the lack of rainfall in Florida during this season, you can also explore the wildlife better during this period.  Who Found The Everglades? John Gerard de Brahm, a British surveyor, found the Everglades while mapping the Florida coasts in 1773. He called them River Glades, and it was 1823 when the name “Everglades” first appeared on the map.  From 1851, everyone started calling it “Ever Glades.” Is The Everglades Salt Water? You will have fresh water and saltwater at Everglades National Park. Once you surf through the fresh water for hundreds of miles, you will reach salt water.  Earlier, this meeting of saltwater and freshwater used to form coastal bodies with partial enclosures. These places were dynamic and had the most productive environments.  What To Wear In The Everglades?  You have to pick your outfits and shoes based on the season in which you are visiting the Everglades. If you are at the National Park during summer or the rainy season, you must wear full-length pants and full-sleeve shirts to avoid mosquito bites and contact with poisonous plants. Don’t forget your rain jacket and shoes or boots you wear during rainy seasons.  In winter, you will need warm jackets, closed-toe shoes and full-length trousers.  Also read Pet-Friendly Destinations Worldwide. Beginner Tips For Your First Camino De Santiago. Guide To Visiting Hegra (Madain Saleh) And The Al Ula Valley.

BY  Sibashree Oct 15, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park was in the news recently as the fourth-largest wildfire in California exploded out of proportion. The park's officials evacuated staff from the Mineral community near the park headquarters.  120 people were there in the community, and the evacuation started as the fire started moving east to the park on the evening of 26th July 2024.  However, the park fire reached near containment in August, and on 17th August 2024, the park was partially reopened. You may wonder what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park after the fire breakout and if there is any significant destruction in the places of interest in the park.  Let me assure you. The park officials stated that the fire had never entered the park. However, there are still risks in the southern part of the park and Mill Creek and Mineral communities.  Nevertheless, the reopened parts of the park are out of danger despite some lingering smoke. So, Subway Cave, located around 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the safest sites to explore after the fire incident. Make a rush, as it remains open from late April to November.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park After The Fire Breakout (Exploring The Underground World Of A Lava Tube) Yes, you got me right! I am talking about the Subway Cave. The self-guided trail inside the cave is ⅓ miles long and 30 feet wide, and complete darkness is inside. So, many call it the journey into darkness. The USDA Forest Service maintains the cave, which remains open from dawn to dusk.  Before I get into more stories and facts about the cave, I want to present the basics you need to know briefly.  Important Facts About Subway Cave, Lassen National Volcanic Park Location in the ParkA 2-minute walk from the parking lot near the junction of “Highway 89” and “Highway 44” in Old StationAmenitiesPicnic TablesDrinking WaterParkingToiletsInterpretive SiteFeesFree (You can make donations)Pet-FriendlyNoParking FacilitiesMany Parking Facilities, Buses and RVsOutdoor ActivitiesInterpretative Sessions, Caving, PicnicTemperature Inside the Cave46 Degree Farrenheit Nearby AttractionShasta County (Mountainous landscape and multiple picnic locations)Nearby Trails*Cinder Crone TrailSpattercone Nature TrailButte Lake to Widow Lake, etc.  *Many hiking trails in the park, such as the Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Mill Creek Falls, are closed as the park has partially reopened after the recent wildfire explosion. So, check with the park authorities before you plan a hike on the park trails.  This Is How The Subway Cave Was Formed  If you are a keen learner of geology and want to know what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you cannot avoid the lure of Subway Cave. I have already shared an account on the geothermal wonders of the park. This cave is an example of how lava flowed around 20000 years ago and created some magic.  A major lava explosion happened all across the Hat Creek area around 20000 years ago. The top layer of the lava flow became cold and hard in contact with air. Thus, a hard cap was formed. However, there was a continuous flow of molten lava below this cap.  The molten lava drained out Over time, but a hollow tube structure remained there. As you hike this trail, you will find traces of the more recent lava flows.  Route To The Subway Cave Is Bumpass Hell on your list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Are you planning a trip to the park soon? Then, you will be disappointed as the Bumpass Hell trek route is closed after the park has reopened following the recent fire breakout.  Further, as Bumpass Hell is closed, you must take the Warner Valley Area route to  Devils Kitchen, which is the cave's opening. Devils Kitchen is a 4.4-mile hike from the Warner Valley Area (camping here is closed for 2024).   Accessing The Subway Cave  You have to climb down metal stairs as you access the Subway Cave. You will get down into a wide opening in the ground. The ground surface has a leveled floor. However, you must be careful as you get off the stair flight.  Further, you must wear sturdy footwear to avoid injuries and difficulties where the floor gets rough.  Fortunately, the ceiling and walls are quite smooth, minimizing the hiking difficulty level while hiking. Also, there is complete darkness inside the cave. So, you will need a flashlight to make it to the end.  The weather inside is a little cold, even in summer. So you will need a light jacket. Moreover, don’t forget to read and follow the interpretative signs through the trail to better understand the place.  The best thing about this park is that it’s 30 feet wide. So, even with complete darkness inside, you never feel suffocated.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park Subway Cave It is not a long walk inside the Subway Cave. However, this short walk is enough to make it feature on the list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic Park.  Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac (An Attraction Very Few Knows About) Have you listened to Satan’s Cul-de-sac from Gangland Buries Its Own? The first thing that may amaze you inside the cave is Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac. There is a split as you enter the cave, and you are to turn to the right if you want to continue the trail. However, you will notice a big room if you are adventurous enough to turn left, when I tell you about Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac, The ceiling height starts from 6 feet and gets higher up to 15 feet. The most amazing thing about this room inside the cave is the rock formation on the ceiling and walls. It’s gothic and justified its name.  https://open.spotify.com/track/6cq37W4OXjEdQRLh2IVQOF As The Hike Advances  The ceiling height will vary as you continue the trek, and there are small boulder-like rock formations in many places. So, be careful with your steps and do not stumble upon them. Also, because of these rock formations, you must not wear an open-toe shoe while walking through the cave.  Nevertheless, the ceiling formation is fascinating, and in one section, it looks like stoned rainfall or water ripples. The section is called the Lavacicle Lane. Molten lava dripped off through the cracks in the ceiling cave, and there were formations of “drip pendants” or “lavacicles.”  Further, as you plan to take the exit, you notice all the colors in the lava rock formation, including green, blue, white, and brown lines.  Getting Out Of The Subway Cave As you approach the end of the cave, you will find a metal stair flight similar to the one at the entrance. From the top of the exit staircase, you can hike through an on-ground trail to the west or north to find the parking lot.  However, I prefer to take another walk through the cave and get back to the entrance. It will be so much fun to explore this unique geological formation again.  Things To Remember Before Getting Into The Darkness Of The Subway Cave  Subway Cave is a hidden gem if you consider what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, once you take the hike and read the interpretative signs, you will learn why it is geologically unique.  Nevertheless, you must be careful about certain things to ensure complete safety throughout the hike.  You will find rattlesnakes in the trail, and you have to be respectful to these reptiles. You must not make any move to catch or hurt them. Moreover, you cannot go off trails or litter inside the cave.  No food, water, or firelighting is allowed inside the cave. There are picnic areas nearby for you to catch refreshments. Wish you a safe, easy, and fun-filled experience inside the Subway Cave!  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.