Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better? 

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

When we hear the term “desert,” we usually imagine a place with sparse traces of life. However, Big Bend National Park is an exception, creating a home for elk, black bears, squirrels, rattlesnakes, and woodpeckers.  Big Bend National Park also has oases created by single strands of cottonwood trees. Further, ephemeral springs, rocky canyons, highland shrubs, junipers, and grasses have contributed to the biodiversity of the park. So, did you see something moving in the bush? Let’s find out what it can be! A Vivid Wildlife Thrives At Big Bend National Park  Along with a never-ending variety of mammals and reptiles, the Big Bend National Park has the most butterflies, birds, scorpions, ants, and bats.  Also, various species of animals here play an important role in the ecosystem of the park. Further, a rich and sustainable food chain here keeps the diversity intact.  Mammals At Big Bend National Park Home to 75 species of mammals, Big Bend National Park shows an extraordinary variety of mammals you can see. Further, it is hard to believe how the tiniest Western pipistrelle bat and the largest black bear can coexist in a space.  Nevertheless, along with bobcats, black bears, and javelinas, you will also get to see mountain lions, coyotes, gray foxes, bighorn sheep, aoudad, nutria, and elk. Further, among the petite ones, the most common species here are lagomorphs, badgers, squirrels, and ringtails. Birds At Big Bend National Park If you are a birder and want to make the most of your bird-watching experience here, you must be at the right spot at the right time. So, the table below shows the bird-watching locations in the park and which bird species you will encounter there. Rio Grande Village Nature TrailGreen KingfisherNorthern cardinalGreen heronGolden-fronted WoodpeckerCommon black hawkChisos MountainsBlack-crested titmouseMexican JayNorthern flickerAcorn woodpeckerCottonwood CampgroundVermillion flycatcherGreat-horned owlBlack vultureLadder-backed WoodpeckerDugout WellsSummer TanagerAsh-throated flycatcherWhite-winged doveInca doveGreat roadrunnerSam Nail RanchScaled quailPainted buntingPyrrhuloxiaYellow-breasted chatGreen-tailed towheeBlue CreekBlack-throated sparrowLucifer hummingbirdMourning doveBlue grosbeakCactus wren Also, spring is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park if you want to encounter the most colorful birds. Further, in this season, some of the rarest migratory birds flock to this desert park. So, late February to May is the best time for bird watching in Big Bend National Park.  Amphibians At Big Bend National Park You will find a wide variety of amphibians along the Rio Grande floodplain and in many other parts of the park. However, the amphibians here mostly are different species of toads and frogs.  So, here is a list of toads and frogs in this national park. Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad Couch's spadefoot toad Red-spotted toad Green toad Spotted chirping frog Rio Grande leopard frog Canyon treefrog Texas toad These toads are frogs found near the lakes and springs in the park. Moreover, if you are camping in the park or exploring the backcountry camping at Big Bend in summer, you will hear these amphibians’s loudest cries at night.  Reptiles At Big Bend National Park https://www.instagram.com/p/C9fH6jROWXa/?img_index=1 The Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard in Big Bend National Park is one of the most colorful reptiles you will come across. Further, the males display a riot of colors, with a touch of orange, green, yellow, and brown all over their bodies.  However, this desert park harbors many other species of lizards and snakes. Check out the table below to learn about these species.  Lizards in Big Bend National ParkTexas Horned LizardRound-tailed Horned LizardEastern Collared LizardGreat Plains SkinkShort-lined SkinkGreen AnoleSouthwestern Fence LizardCrevice Spiny LizardSnakes in Big Bend National ParkTrans-Pecos CopperheadWestern CoachwhipWestern Diamondback RattlesnakeMojave RattlesnakeBlack-tailed RattlesnakeMottled Rock RattlesnakeBaird's Rat SnakeTrans-Pecos Rat SnakeRegal Ring-necked SnakeSonoran Gopher Snake, etc. Turtles in Big Bend National ParkYellow mud turtleBig bend sliderDesert box turtleTexas spiny softshell The warm climate and extreme heat in the summer season have made Big Bend National Park ideal for the habitation and breeding of various reptiles.  Fish At Big Bend National Park Finding schools of fish in a desert park like the Big Bend National Park is a little astonishing. However, the park is blessed with the Rio Grande and its tributaries. So, you can see fish in the Terlingua creeks and Tornillo.  Unfortunately, nine species of fish in the park are now extinct. Still, it has varieties, such as Big Bend Gambusia, catfish, largemouth bass, longnose dace, bluegill, green sunfish, and blue tilapia.  Do you know that the last American Eel was taken from Rio Grande in 1954? Further, Big Bend Gambusia is an endangered species, and it is now only found in a protected pond close to the Rio Grande Village.  Also, the invasive species of blue tilapia has now become a pest. So, many organizations are now against the further spread of this species.  Insects At Big Bend National Park  The two-tailed swallowtail caterpillar is the most adorable insect in the Big Bend National Park. Other insects found in the national park are black beetles, whirligig beetles, and yucca moths.  Yucca moths play a crucial role in the ecology of the Big Bend National Park. It is responsible for pollinating the creamy-white yucca flowers that bloom at night.  Further, in the Chisos Mountains, you will find beebrush plants where bumblebees, honey bees, and other species of bees roam around. Moreover, in the summer, you will find ladybugs on the peaks.  Other insects found at Big Bend National Park are: Tarantula hawks Millipedes (mostly seen after a rainfall) Diplopoda or two-footed insects Diplopoda is very vital for nutrient recycling in the Big Bend National Park. It creates burrows in the ground of around 1 or 1 and a half feet. Further, they feed on plant remains to return essential nutrients to nature.  A varied geology, including a river corridor, mountains, acres of Chihuahuan desert, and oases, has made Big Bend National Park rich in wildlife. This desert park has around 75 species of mammals and 450 species of birds. It is also home to more than 50 species of reptiles and many amphibians.  So, for a wildlife lover, this desert park in Texas is a sheer delight! Also Read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree Jan 23, 2026

It has been two years since the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp. It is an initiative to identify and recognize the hotels that adhere to all 19 sustainability requirements of DET.  This shows how sincere the government is about sustainable tourism in Dubai.  Also, Dubai has just won the laurel of the World’s Leading Sustainable City at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.  Clean Energy Green Infrastructure Energy-efficient Buildings These have been the primary factors in establishing Dubai as a leader in sustainable tourism.  However, we usually associate Dubai with its dazzling skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, and luxury shopping scene. However, today, it is making waves with landmarks such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. It is one of the largest single-site solar parks in the world.  Once again, the Al Sa’fat certification ensures that at least half of the new buildings in Dubai align with the green building guidelines.  Overall, there is a growing focus on developing eco-conscious tourism in the city. Thus, the city wants to reduce environmental impact and boost the experience of green travelers.  So, today, you will find facilities such as Eco-friendly hotels Electric vehicles Nature reserves Sustainable shopping facilities Electric vehicles Dubai offers numerous ways to explore responsibly. By making mindful choices, you can enjoy everything this dynamic city has to offer while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet. Sustainable Tourism In Dubai: The Commitment Of A City  Dubai has launched several sustainability-focused initiatives that are changing the face of tourism in the city.  The Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative, part of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, aims to position Dubai as a leading sustainable destination.  Through this initiative, the city promotes eco-friendly tourism practices across the hospitality, transportation, and leisure sectors.  By encouraging hotels to adopt sustainable practices and helping tourists make green choices, the DST is playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for Dubai. Sustainable Practices In Hospitality Dubai is embracing sustainable hospitality with numerous eco-conscious accommodation options for the discerning traveller.  Staying in hotels that prioritise sustainability is an excellent way to support the city's green efforts while enjoying a comfortable and luxurious experience.  From staying in sustainable apartment hotels like Citadines Metro Central Dubai to exploring green-certified resorts, travellers have a wide range of options that align with eco-friendly values while providing exceptional service and comfort. Dubai’s Green Spaces The skyline of Dubai is synonymous with skyscrapers and architectural marvels. However, you will also find some green spaces which are like an oasis, and they act as the lungs of urban life.  The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is such a landmark, and it shows how the city is committed to preserving the natural ecosystems.  Moreover, the vast area has the Arabian Oryx, and it is home to diverse indigenous wildlife.  Also, you can take part in various eco-friendly activities here, including nature tours.  The Use Of Electric And Hybrid Vehicles Now, tourists in Dubai can make eco-friendly transportation choices. The city has promoted electric and hybrid vehicle initiatives to promote sustainable transport.  For example, Tesla Taxis are very common in the streets of Dubai. These function as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cabs.  Furthermore, the Roads and Transport Authority or RTA, of Dubai has started many green transport initiatives. So, you can also travel by the metros, which are energy-efficient and electric buses.  Moreover, there are many electric car rental services in the city. You can choose them. Also, there are really cool bike-sharing programmes.  All of these help the locals and tourists to explore the major attractions of the city without adding to the carbon footprint. Sustainable Restaurants In Dubai Are you an eco-conscious foodie? Dubai also offers you a lot of sustainable dining options.  As a result, you will find many restaurants in the city today offering farm-to-table concepts by using the following.  Furthermore, many restaurants are following concepts such as using zero-waste initiatives.  Restaurants like Wild & The Moon are leaders in this movement, offering 100% plant-based dishes made from organic, seasonal produce and promoting sustainability through mindful sourcing. For a high-end experience, Dubai also boasts Michelin-starred establishments that incorporate sustainability into their menus. Restaurants such as Ossiano and BOCA are known for using local and responsibly sourced ingredients, contributing to the city’s green dining scene. The Aviation Growth Of Dubai  Dubai has set a benchmark in building a powerful aviation network. Emirates is the main carrier, and thanks to Emirates, Dubai is now connected to more than 150 destinations in the world.  Furthermore, you can get daily flights from the UK, India, and Saudi Arabia.  Now, this connectivity establishes Dubai as a global tourism hub. At the same time, it ensures that Dubai enjoys the status as a leading sustainable tourism destination.  Also, if you find Emirates expensive, you have a budget-friendly alternative in the form of Flydubai. With Flydubai, you can now reach many destinations that are the “emerging” and “secondary” tourism markets of Dubai.  So, there is a balance between premium and budget-friendly tourism experiences in Dubai. Also, in this way, the city ensures a steady flow of visitors and a diversified tourism market. Thus, the tourism numbers and revenue will only grow from this point.  The Dubai Can And Dubai Reef Program  On 15th February 2022, the Dubai Can initiative was launched. The crown prince of Dubai, Fazza, or Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, started this program to curb the use of single-use plastic bottles.  Thus, he wanted the tourists and citizens to actively participate in making the city a sustainable tourism destination. So far, it has been an effective move for the protection of marine life and the wildlife of Dubai.  Moreover, the partners and sponsors of this program have placed over 50 water stations across the city, including tourist spots and parks. On the other hand, Dubai Reef is the “world’s largest marine reef development project.” As the name suggests, it works on maintaining the right fish population and making the ecosystem stronger.

BY  Sibashree Feb 10, 2026

How Many Miles Is 20000 Steps? Key Takeaways: Are you an adult? Taking 20000 steps is equal to walking 8-10 miles. However, this exact calculation depends on many factors, such as the walking pace, stride length, and height of a person. Furthermore, men often cover more distance in miles in 20000 steps as their average stride length (2.5 feet) is longer than that of women (2.2 feet). The “miles-to-step ratio” depends on your walking speed. For example, if your walking speed is 2 mph, you will need to take more steps each mile than anyone walking at a speed of 4 mph. If you are on a fitness journey, as a part of your everyday regimen or for your next trek expedition, you must divide your 20000 steps into various sessions. Thus, your goal becomes achievable, and you can enjoy more health benefits. You can use SOLE Treadmills or similar fitness equipment for perfect distance tracking. Moreover, it comes with joint-protective technology. Thus, it helps maintain safety during high-volume walking to reach 20000 steps in a day. What Is The Significance Of 20000 Steps For Your Fitness Goal? For the longest time, taking 10000 steps has been considered the Gold Standard for regular fitness activities. However, if you want to push your boundaries as a fitness enthusiast, you can double it and make it to 20000 steps. Do you know what this ambitious goal of taking 20000 steps means for the distance covered? The calculation or the process of converting steps to miles is not as easy as it looks. As a fitness enthusiast or mountaineer working on your fitness goals, you have to understand this conversion. It is important to set realistic expectations and avoid injuries. For many people, taking 20000 steps, equivalent to walking 8-10 miles daily, is a major fitness commitment. It’s like exploring Manhattan on foot in a day with plenty of zigzagging walks through the neighborhoods. Overall, walking 20000 steps means dedicating 3-4 hours of your time to walking on a daily basis. Once again, the distance in miles covered in 20000 steps will depend on your gender, walking pace, and height. Moreover, the terrain you are walking on will determine how many miles you will be covering. Your 20k Steps Calculator: A Quick Guide  How many miles is 20000 steps?  Well, you can choose conversion estimates to get some basic ideas. However, individual or specific stride length is a more dependable factor for accurate calculations. Do you want a quick reference? Refer to these general guides and know how much distance you are covering in 20000 steps. Height Stride Length in Average Miles (Approx) You Will Cover in 20000 StepsLess than 5'3" 2.0 feet 7.5-7.6 Miles 5'3" to 5'7" 2.3 feet 8.2-8.3 Miles 5'8" to 6'0" 2.5 feet 9.5 Miles More than 6'0" 2.7 feet 10.2 Miles  The calculation process is simple. First, multiply 20000 by your stride length.  Then, divide the result by 5280. However, remember that this calculation is done considering you have an average walking pace of 3 miles per hour. So, the actual distance will be different if you are walking at a slower pace through any crowded street or market, or if you are walking briskly. You can use a fitness tracker to calculate the miles covered with your 20000 steps in a day by adjusting your walking speed. Naturally, the result will be more accurate. For Men: How Far Is 20,000 Steps?  If a man and woman have the same height, the stride length of the man will be longer. So, a man will walk a longer distance with the same number of steps he is taking. On average, a man has around 2.5 feet of stride length when he is walking at his usual pace. Thus, for a man of average height, 20000 steps means around covering 9.5 miles. Also, for men, height plays an important role in deciding the stride length. If you are a man and have a height of 5'6", you will have a stride length of around 2.2 feet. So, when you take 20000 steps, you will cover around 8.3 miles of distance. At the same time, if your height is 6'2", your stride length will be at least 2.8 feet. So, in 20000 steps, you will cover around 10.6 miles. Moreover, your stride length is impacted by your walking speed. Suppose you are walking briskly at a speed of 4 mph, your stride length will go up by around 10-15%. So, if you usually cover a distance of 9.5 miles with 20000 steps, when you are walking briskly, you will cover around 11 miles in 20000 steps. How Many Miles Is 20000 Steps For Women?  I have already mentioned that women have a shorter stride length than men, even if the height is the same. So, when a woman of average height is walking at a normal speed, the stride length will be 2.2 feet per step. Thus, we get an average calculation of 20000 steps for a woman, and that is 8.3 miles. Now, you have to understand this difference, especially if you have a walking partner of a different gender. The goals will be different for both of you. Understanding Walking Pace: How Long Does It Take To Complete 20K Steps?  Of course, your walking pace will determine how much time you will need to complete 20000 steps. Know the approximate distance covered when you are walking at slow, average, or brisk speed. Time To Complete 20k Steps During Slow Walking If you are walking at a leisurely pace and your speed is around 2 mph, your stride length becomes shorter. So, the number of steps you take to cover a mile will be more. Someone of average height can cover a mile in around 2400 steps. If you follow this pace, you will complete walking close to 8.3 miles in a day. Also, the overall time will be close to four hours and ten minutes. Walking at a slow pace is usual when you are walking with your children or elderly parents. Or, the pace becomes slow when you are shopping or walking through an overcrowded space. Also, injury and mobility issues are major reasons for slow walking. However, slow walking also has health benefits. You may take more time to gather the steps, but it will help you, especially if you are recovering from mobility issues or injury, or you have just begun your fitness journey. How Much Time Is Taken To Complete 20K Steps At An Average Walking Speed(3 MPH)  The average walking speed of an adult during a purposeful walk is around 3 mph. At this pace, you will have to take 2000-2200 steps to complete walking a mile. Thus, you will walk close to 9-10 miles at the end of 20000 steps. Overall, it will take 3 hours to complete the walk. So, on an everyday basis, you will have to devote a significant amount of your time to completing 20000 steps. It may seem difficult. However, you can easily adjust this time in your daily routine. You can even combine your regular walking sessions with other active choices to complete the count in a day. Complete 20k Steps Faster With Brisk Walking  Suppose you are walking at a pace of 4 mph. This is the speed of power walking and brisk walking. Your strides will become naturally longer at this pace. So, you will take fewer steps to complete 20000 steps. The number of steps taken will be close to 1800 or 1900. Furthermore, at this pace, you will complete 10.5-11 miles, and the total time required will be 2 hours and 40 minutes. Brisk walking reduces the daily time commitment to complete 20000 steps. At the same time, it has major health benefits such as better muscle engagement, faster calorie burn, and improved cardiovascular health. Jogging Vs. Walking: How These Impact Your Journey Of Completing 20K Steps? You can combine jogging with your daily walk to change your “Steps-to-Miles Ratio” dramatically. If you are jogging at five to six miles per hour, your stride length will go up massively. So, when you are jogging, you are usually completing 1400 to 1500 steps per mile. Thus, at this pace, you will cover around 14 miles at the end of walking 20000 steps. However, be realistic and consider your fitness level when combining jogging with walking. It’s all right that you will cover more distance in a shorter time in this way. Still, if you get injured or there is any sprain, the recovery time will be longer. Having said that, many experts or fitness enthusiasts follow a mixed approach of walking and jogging for high-volume training. Thus, the entire process becomes more sustainable. How Many Miles Is 20000 Steps: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about how many miles to complete in 20000 steps. 1. Does Walking 20000 Steps Mean Running 10 Miles? Yes, walking 20000 steps can be similar to running 10 miles in terms of the distance covered. However, they are not the same in terms of cardiovascular benefits or calorie burns.Also, running 10 miles may not always mean completing 20000 steps. When we run, our stride length becomes longer, and the pace is higher. So, when running, we can cover the distance of 10 miles (achievable after a walk of 20000 steps) in 15000 steps. Going by this calculation, we will cover around 17-20 miles of distance after 20000 steps of running.  2. How Many Calories Can I Burn Walking 20000 Steps? The amount of calorie burn after completing 20000 steps will depend on many factors. The major determining factors are your walking speed, the terrain, and your body weight. For example, if your weight is 160 pounds and you are walking on a flat terrain at an average speed, you will be able to burn 800-1000 calories after completing 20000 steps. With all the other factors unchanged, a person weighing 200 pounds will lose close to 1400 calories after a walk of 20000 steps.Moreover, calorie burning will be 20-30% more if you are doing brisk walking or climbing uphill. 3. Can I Divide My 20,000 Steps Into Different Sessions In A Day?  Yes, you can divide your 20000 steps into many sessions in a day. Thus, you have a practical and flexible fitness regime, and it is more beneficial for your health.For example, you can take 5k steps in the morning, during your lunch hours, and after dinner. Thus, you are completing 15k steps in three sessions. You can complete the remaining 5k steps through intentional movements or activities. 4. What Will Happen If I Walk 20K Steps Every Day For A Month?  If you walk 20k steps every day for a month, you will notice amazing mental and physical transformations. If you are on a healthy diet, the first thing you will notice is the weight loss. You can lose up to 8 pounds of weight with this habit. Furthermore, your cardiovascular health will improve, and your leg muscles will be more defined. Your endurance level will also go up. Moreover, the mental benefits of completing 20k steps are lower stress levels, better sleep quality, improved mood, and a boost in energy level. Read Also: Minus 40°C Or Minus 40°F: What To Know Before Planning Your Next Mountain Escapade? The Iberian Dilemma: Comparing Spain Vs Portugal For Your Next European Adventure What Are The Unique Things To Do In Thailand, Phuket? The Ultimate Guide