Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better? 

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington State's mountains are renowned for their splendor. Washington has some of the tallest mountains in the lower 48 states and some of the most breathtaking. The Cascade Mountains are the most well-known mountain range in Washington. The Cascade Mountains include Mount Rainier, Washington's tallest and most famous mountain. Because some of the Washington mountains are so high up, hiking and climbing them is not always simple. However, the vistas from the snow-covered peaks are just breathtaking. Tallest Mountains in Washington If you are looking for the tallest climbs around Washington, the state will not disappoint. The vantage points, as well as the natural grandeur of the mountains in Washington, are simply mesmerizing. Here are all the mountains in Washington that you must check out. Mount Rainier Glacier Peak Mount Adams Bonanza Peak Mount Stuart Mount Fernow Goode Mountain Mount Shuksan Buckner Mountain Mount Baker Mountains In Washington Several of the tallest mountains in Washington map are in the Cascade Mountain Range. You may have heard of them before. The others will be instantly recognizable from pictures you may have seen in books or on the internet. Despite your familiarity with their name or their looks, a trip to these inclines will give you something to remember for a lifetime. Here are the top mountains in Washington. Mount Rainier Among the most well-known mountains in the US is Mount Rainier. Standing at one of the most breathtaking locations in the nation, this active volcano dominates the surrounding landscape. Situated at the center of Mount Rainier State Park, the park offers year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, and camping that are truly amazing. There are many hiking trails but few paved roads because the park was not intended to be visited by large numbers of people. Nonetheless, there is something for everyone, as many of the trails are suitable for beginning hikers. Climbing to the peak of Mount Rainier presents a distinct experience. Mount Rainier is the highest peak in Washington and has the steepest incline of all the mountains. Those who wish to try to reach the summit will have to hike more than ten miles, with a significant portion of that distance being nearly vertical ascent. Hikers must be in excellent physical shape. They will also require rock climbing abilities as well as an understanding of glacial rope safety. Before attempting to hike to the summit of Mount Rainier, it is a good idea to get some experience at lower elevations. Mount St. Helens Another active volcano is Mount St. Helens. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with a massive explosion that resulted in the largest landslide in American history, making it the most famous eruption of all time. Although experts warn that such a massive and deadly eruption could occur, it has never happened before. The United States' most active volcano is still Mount St. Helens. At Mount St. Helens, a sizable Visitor's Center serves as the entrance to the mountain itself. There is a ton of information about the volcano at the Visitor's Center. Moreover, children adore viewing the interactive exhibits about the volcano's eruption. Convenience stores, trail maps, as well as camping and hiking supplies are available on the premises. Any licenses or permits required for activities like hiking, fishing, camping, as well as other pursuits are also available. Numerous trails wind around the mountain, beginning at the Visitor's Center. There is something for everyone on these trails, which range in difficulty from beginner to expert. However, hiking to the summit should only be attempted by the most skilled hikers. Mount Adams While part of Mount Adams is on the Yakima Indian Reservation, the majority of the mountain is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Among the Cascade Mountains' older peaks is Mount Adams. On Mount Adams, volcanic activity is thought to have started more than 900,000 years ago. Mount Adams is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in the surrounding protected area. In addition to many other activities, visitors can ride 4-wheelers and ATVs, hike, camp, ride horses, swim, kayak, fish, and much more. The Mount Adams South Climb trail is an option if you have the courage to try hiking to the summit of Mount Adams. You need to be at least an intermediate hiker to tackle this difficult trail. But after you finish this 13-mile hike, the views from the summit will astound you. Mount Baker Mount Baker is a volcano, just like most of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, albeit relatively young in geology. Its glacier cover is also the second-heaviest. Snow is what makes Mount Baker truly famous. It has a massive amount of snow. Moreover, it's among the world's snowiest locations. When the Mount Baker Ski Area received nearly 100 feet of snow in a single season in 1999, it broke the previous record for snowfall. Winter sports, skiing, and skating are the main reasons visitors come to Mount Baker. However, Mount Baker can also be hiked thanks to its hiking trails and brave hikers who are well-versed in snow as well as cold weather conditions. A few hikers use Mount Baker as a practice run for the Alaskan mountains covered in snow. Alternatively, they use Mount Baker's winter hiking to hone their extreme weather hiking and rock climbing techniques. Even if Mount Baker is a steep mountain, it does not snow here all the time. In addition to hiking the challenging paths in the summer, visitors can enjoy other local attractions, like dining at the well-known Heather Meadows Café, which is located at the foot of Mount Baker and offers breathtaking views. Read More: Top 9 Edition: Exploring The Wonders Of Washington’s National Parks Glacier Peak The most remote peak in Washington's Cascade Mountains is Glacier Peak. There aren't any facilities like in other well-known mountains. However, the experience at Glacier Peak is well worth the journey if you decide to go there. Discover intriguing geological artifacts and ancient lava deposits if you can climb to the summit. The views from the summit of Glacier Peak are also quite amazing. However, as with other mountains in this range, climbing to the summit can be difficult. The name "Glacier Peak" comes from the more than thirty glacial peaks that encircle the summit. To complete this trek, you must have prior experience hiking on glaciers and enduring the cold and snow. There are over 19 trails in the lower portions of the mountain that are rated for hikers of all skill levels, so even if climbing to the summit isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. All year long, you can go horseback riding, biking, camping, hiking, and running in the stunning Glacier Peak Wilderness Area. Mount Storm King One of the hardest mountains in Washington state for hiking is Mount Storm King. It's still a difficult climb even though it's not as high as some of the Cascade Mountains. The trail to the summit is almost entirely on a steep incline. Actually, after completing the ascent from the base, you'll need to use a number of ropes to pull yourself up to the summit. Don’t skip leg day if you want to try this hike. To get the last few feet to the summit, you'll need strong legs. A short stroll from the Storm King Ranger Station will get you started on the summit trail. There is a detour leading to Marymere Falls. It's a good warm-up before attempting the summit ascent, and it's a mile loop. The summit trail's final three miles are an almost straight incline, but the first two miles are not too tough. You will be climbing and rock scrambling almost the entire way. You'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Crescent Lake below if you can reach the summit. Wrapping Up This was a list of some of the most incredible hiking trails and mountains in Washington, D.C. for the outdoor enthusiast. Climbing these picturesque mountains offers the opportunity to take in even more picturesque vistas. There is a variety of trails, most of which are easy. Pack our bags, plan your trip to Washington, and set out to explore the natural beauty of the nation's capital. 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 The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya!

BY  Sibashree Sep 20, 2025

Rio de Janeiro sweeps you up the moment you arrive. Golden beaches stretch for miles, samba rhythms spill from bars in Lapa, and cable cars glide up Sugarloaf Mountain for some of the best views on Earth.  Life here is colorful and fast-moving, and part of slipping into that rhythm is knowing how far your Brazilian real will take you - from a chair on Ipanema beach to a plate of feijoada in a neighborhood café. Before we go on, here is a quick Rio de Janeiro travel guide. Just a quick note: exchange rates and prices don’t stay still. At the moment, 1 US dollar equals about 5.4 Brazilian reais, but it’s best to check the latest rates and costs before you travel. Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: What To Expect? Rio de Janeiro is one of the best cities you can explore. It is one of those few places that has a care-free energy and will make you feel alive. The beaches, food, and major attractions will draw you to it without even trying too hard. Here is a simple Rio de Janeiro travel guide. Beaches - Rio’s Living Rooms The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are more than postcards - they’re part of daily life. Locals jog along the promenade in the morning, families gather for a swim, and groups of friends set up for impromptu games of beach volleyball or footvolley. Tourists blend right in, renting chairs and umbrellas from vendors for around R$10-15 per piece. Snacks come to you. Vendors walk the sand offering everything from ice-cold coconuts (R$8-10) to grilled queijo coalho (cheese skewers) for about R$12. You can even try a caipirinha mixed fresh on the spot, usually for R$15-20. These are usually cash-only transactions, and the small notes feel like part of the ritual - bargaining isn’t common, but handing over a few reais feels easy and authentic. Spend an afternoon at Arpoador, the rocky point between Copacabana and Ipanema, and you’ll see why locals gather here at sunset. It doesn’t cost more than a bus ride (R$5) to get there, and yet it’s one of the richest experiences you’ll take home. Food: From Street Bites to Sit-Down Meals Rio has a huge range of food. Starting from some humble bakeries to some fancy rooftop restaurants, Rio has it all. Start with breakfast like a local: pão de queijo (cheese bread) and strong coffee, often no more than R$10-15.  Step into a juice bar and you’ll find tropical flavors like passion fruit, guava, or the ever-popular açaí bowl, usually under R$20 for a generous portion. At lunchtime, the prato feito is king. This “set plate” of rice, beans, salad, and a protein such as beef, chicken, or fish costs R$25-35 and will keep you full all day.  You will get various self-service buffets that charge by weight. You will get roasted meats, vegetables, and farofa, and you will have to pay around R$30-40. For dinner, you can choose what you prefer. You can try something casual or something fancy. If you prefer a mid-range seafood meal along with drinks, it will cost somewhere around R$80-100 per person.  However, a proper night out in Ipanema at a fancy fine-dining spot might cost around R$200-250.  You can even visit Churrascarias, which is a Brazilian steakhouse. It is an event in itself. They have endless skewers of grilled meats, side dishes, and salad bars. You can expect to pay somewhere around R$120-180 per person. However, this does not include drinks. All these places accept cards, but it is better to keep some cash handy for bakeries and street food. Attractions: Big Names And Hidden Gems There are various major icons in Rio, and those are actually worth it. You can take the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car for around R$150, and the ride itself is a major part of the thrill. The glass walls will give you a 360-degree view of the way from above the city. You can visit Christ the Redeemer, resting on Corcovado Mountain, for R$100. The moment you stand at its feet and see the city from there, you get an amazing view. You can carry cards as both attractions accept payment in cards. However, it is better to carry some cash for small vendors, tacos, or snacks. Rio is also filled with a lot of gems that you can see for free or for a low cost.  The Selarón Steps, covered in colorful tiles from around the world, cost nothing to climb. A stroll through Santa Teresa’s narrow streets will take you past murals, studios, and cafés where you can pause for a R$12 espresso. At night, head to Lapa to experience samba at its source. Entry to some clubs is around R$30-50, and drinks inside range from R$15-25. Smaller bars may only accept cash, especially if you’re outside the main tourist drag. Getting Around Rio is quite a big city, but it is not difficult once you understand the system. You can take the metro, it's quite safe and clean, and a single ride costs around R$5.  Moreover, if you have a rechargeable RioCard, it will save you a lot of time and work. You will be able to use it for different types of transport, including trains and buses.  You can take a bus, which goes almost to the city, and the fare is quite similar to the metro. Here, you can get taxis for around R$6, and cross-town trips generally range around R$40-60. Also, Uber and other apps like these are popular, and often offer rides at a cheaper rate than a taxi. If you want, you can pay in-app with the card, and that way, you will not have to use cash for payment.  For day-trips outside the city, you will get intercity buses. This will help you explore the outskirts within a budget. If you are planning to visit the historic mountain town, Petropolis, you can explore it for around R$40-50. Moreover, if you are planning to take a longer ride to Búzios, the beach town, you will be able to visit it for around R$70-80. You can get the bus tickets online or from the bus station as well.  How Much To Budget You need to prepare a budget for a trip. However, the budget depends on the kind of trip you want to have. Budget travel: It will cost you around R$200-250 for a day, including hostels, street food, public transport, and free attractions. Mid-range: It will cost you around R$600. You will get comfortable hotels, visit some of the major landmarks, and have some casual as well as sit-down meals. High comfort: This will cost you around R$1000 and above. You will get four-star hotels, fine dining, and guided tours at this range.  However, the prices in Rio rise during any carnival or New Year’s, and this also varies depending on the neighborhood.  Ipanema and Copacabana are some of the premium places that tourists visit, but there are some block islands that will offer the same charm but at a lower price range. Spend Smart In Rio Start your trip with at least a little Brazilian real in your wallet. It will cover your first taxi or ride-share, snacks, or that first fresh coconut without delay. From there, cards will carry most of your expenses, but having R$100-200 in cash each day is wise for small payments. Stick to ATMs inside banks or malls when you need to withdraw. They’re safer and usually give fair rates. Avoid exchanging money at the airport - the rates are often poor, and the fees stack up quickly. Think about how you balance cash and cards. Use your card for hotels, restaurants, and tours, and keep your reais for buses, bakeries, street snacks, and tips. It’s a system that works well in Rio and lets you move through the city without stress. Enjoy Your Journey Landing in Rio with a Rio de Janeiro travel guide and Brazilian real already in hand saves you time and makes the city easier to navigate. You’ll breeze through those first transactions - a cab, a snack, a metro ride - and step right into the energy of the city. Rio rewards travelers who embrace both the big icons and the small everyday moments. The real you spend on a chair at the beach, a cup of coffee, or a bus ride across town is more than just money - it’s your ticket into the rhythm of the city.  As mentioned before, exchange rates and prices may change, but the value of those moments never does.

BY  Sibashree Dec 13, 2024

Bearing a rich native American history, Oklahoma is one of the tourist hotspots in the USA. It is also a city bearing the memories of frontier life.  Further, with many things to do in Oklahoma, the American Bus Association has identified Oklahoma City as the Rising Star in Tourism. Furthermore, the American Bus Association has appreciated the city for the record economic impact of its tourism.  Moreover, the city authorities are investing heavily in building its infrastructure and amenities. Also, all the efforts have been paid of in the economic boom of the city in 2023.  The 2024 Visit OKC Economic Impact Report has mentioned that tourism in Oklahoma City has contributed $3.7 billion to the local economy. Moreover, tourism yields a major benefit for the local people in terms of tax revenues and employment. “Today’s visitors become tomorrow’s residents. Tourism impacts perceptions of our city which intersects with economic development as new businesses look to relocate here. The more we promote OKC as a tourism destination, the more jobs we can support, the more city revenue is paid by visitors, and additional positive awareness is generated about Oklahoma City.”  Christy Gillenwater, Greater OKC Chamber President and CEO  So, what are things to do in Oklahoma to boost tourism in the city? Here is a brief guide for you.  Unique Things To Do In Oklahoma | Try These Unusual Activities  The tourism sector in Oklahoma is vibrant. No wonder that the Forbes Advisor has ranked Oklahoma City as one of the most budget-friendly cities in the world for family vacations.  Nevertheless, when you are in Oklahoma, you can try the following activities.  1. Visit The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C-IhjmLsKQS/ Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States Contact: +1 405-235-3313 Hours Open: Monday to Saturday (9 AM to 5 PM), Sunday (12-5 PM) Oklahoma witnessed the worst domestic terrorism on 19th April 1995. Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were behind this attack.  The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a tribute to the people who survived and lost their lives in this attack. You will find the biographies of the survivors, photos and stories of the survivors here.  2. Explore The Oklahoma City Museum Of Art https://www.instagram.com/p/DDATrbqNBSF/?img_index=1 Address: 415 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Contact: +1 405-236-3100 Hours Open: Wednesday - Saturday (10 AM to 5 PM), Sunday (12-5 PM), Monday & Tuesday Closed The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is famous for its collection of glasswork and artwork collected from the globe. However, this museum is the go-to place if you want to know about American art. It also introduces you to postwar abstraction. Don’t miss the glasswork of Dale Chihuly at this museum.  3. Visit The Five Civilized Tribes Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfvtLUltKo/ Address: 1101 Honor Heights Dr, Muskogee, OK 74401 Contact: +1 918-683-1701 Hours Open: Monday - Friday (10 AM to 5 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 2 PM), Sunday Closed The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is the best place to visit if you are willing to know about the Chickasaw, Cherokee and Creek nations. The name of the music celebrates how the native Americans of five different nations became a part of the Anglo-American culture.  The artifacts, artwork, and historical detailing are intriguing.  4. Visit The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C8DMPQesysh/?img_index=1 Address: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City Contact: +1 405-478-2250 Hours Open: Monday - Saturday (10 AM to 5 PM), Sunday (12 PM to 5 PM) The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is famous across the globe. The interactive exhibits here are out of the world, and you will find here many artefacts and artwork.  Each element in the museum exudes a unique charm, and it reminds you of life in the Old West. You will also get to know about Victorian-era firearms, American cowboys and rodeos here.  5. Be A Part Of The Entertainment And Dining Scene At Bricktown https://www.instagram.com/p/C8KLlErx5n_/?hl=en In Downtown Oklahoma City, Bricktown will introduce you to the most happening entertainment and dining scene of the city. Bricktown is on a canal that links Bricktown with the Oklahoma River and Downtown. Taking a ride in the water taxi here is one of the most unique things to do in Oklahoma. Further, you can explore the 40+ restaurants, pubs and bars here.  6. Make The Most Of The Unique Experiences At Gathering Place https://www.instagram.com/p/C9LZoqxyd9U/?img_index=1 The Gathering Place in Tulsa is a place for unique things to do in Oklahoma. Currently, it is a space of 65 acres, and soon, it will be a happening activity area of 100 acres. You can explore the following sections of Gathering Place for adventurous activities.  Adventure playground Climbing structures Slides Puzzles Sensory garden Picnic grove Reading tree You can spend an entire day at the park and the eateries at the park have decent refreshment options. So, you can visit here with your kids or family.  7. Enjoy The Art Experience At Factory Obscura Mix-Tape https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrqbZVxggN/ Address: 25 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States Contact Number:  +1 405-367-1578 Hours Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (11 AM to 7 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 8 PM), Sunday (12–6 PM), Tuesday Closed If you want an interactive and immersive art experience, you must visit the Factory Obscura Mix-Tape. This 6,000-square-foot area of art and entertainment was created by musicians, muralists, and local volunteers.  The art objects here are crafted for people with vision or hearing problems. Further, the sensory room is here is a great place for visitors with autism.  8. Encounter Wildlife At Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/C_S_AhztVt7/ Address: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Barnsdall, OK 74002, United States Contact Number: +1 918-336-0307 Hours Open: Wednesday - Sunday (10 AM to 5 PM), Monday and Tuesday (Closed) Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve is located in the North of Tulsa. Visiting this 3,700-acre area is one of the unique things to do in Oklahoma for wildlife lovers.  Frank Phillips, an oil baron, built the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in 1925 as a ranch retreat. However, with time, it became a massive wildlife preserve and museum. Today, you can meet many cattle, including elk and bison, here. In addition, true to the native American spirit of the city, the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve has an elaborate collection of Western Art. In addition, the old photographs and collections, including a Colt firearm, will transport you to the lands of cowboys. So, that’s for now from me about the unique things to do in Oklahoma. If you want to explore more places, you can visit the Beavers Bend State Park, Six Flags Frontier City, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, etc.   Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience. Is Houston A Party City? Know The Fun Things To Do In Houston For A Happening Nightlife.