8 Beaches of Melbourne, Australia Where You Can Cool Off!

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 13, 2024

The majority of people from the Pacific Northwest will tell you that the outside world simply does not understand them. Many outsiders have the impression that Washington is a rainy city that lives off lattes, complete with techies and tree huggers. Yes, it has all of that, but the state's vast, unmatched wilderness, difficult to find anywhere else, is what really defines it. To really understand Washington national parks, you need to go beyond the Seattle city limits. Its famous national and state parks will make you speechless. Each presents an entirely distinct interpretation of the 18th largest state in the union. The three national parks in Washington are so large and varied that residents return year after year to explore more areas. Additionally, the more than 100 state parks are comparable, with lesser-known areas offering deserted campsites and uncrowded trails. In addition, there are deep fjords, moss-draped archipelagos for island hopping, snowy volcanic peaks, and canyons carved by Ice Age glaciers. There are also temperate rainforest trails, sea stacks off misty shores, and an abundance of waterfalls. To put it simply, you may want to consider a yearly park pass. National Parks In Washington Washington State National Parks are so much more than what they get credit for. Are you curious about what secrets Washington is hiding? We are listing the national parks in Washington state below. Make sure to put them on your to-do list. You will be surprised by the stuff you had left previously undiscovered in Washington. Moran State Park There are few places in the Pacific Northwest that compare to the delightfully remote Moran State Park. It is a haven for wild island getaways. Being the most populous island in the San Juan archipelago, Orcas Island has dense forests. It is a popular outdoor recreation destination for island hoppers. It offers multiple freshwater lakes for swimming and boating. The Washington State Ferries are the only way to get here; they connect to Seattle, San Juan, and other nearby launch points. If you're up for exercise, then consider hiking or biking up Mount Constitution, the highest point on the islands. Bring boots for the 38 miles of trails within the park. In order to see the interpretive center and enjoy the views, you can also drive up to the summit. Cape Disappointment State Park It's hard to estimate how many dad jokes went like, "Well, it's definitely not a disappointment," as they entered Cape Disappointment State Park. And it's not. The park, located in the southwestern region of Washington, boasts dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the powerful Columbia River. It also has moody beaches and windswept sea cliffs. You can tour decommissioned installations like Gun Battery Harvey Allen and the remnants of Fort Canby. It was once a strategically significant military site. The park's eight miles of trails lead to its two operational lighthouses, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse. They are arguably the most photographed sights in the area. Palouse Falls Palouse Falls was Washington's official state waterfall in 2014 after state legislators approved a bill from local students. The region is well-known for its abundance of waterfalls. The fall's special scenic location demonstrates why it was given that recognition. This 200-foot waterfall in the Palouse River Canyon cascades down basalt cliffs. It is one of the last remnants of the Ice Age floods. It should come as no surprise that this little state park is all about admiring the scenery. The park has three official vantage points. A short 0.1-mile ADA-accessible walk leads to one of the viewpoints. Dry Falls State Park The moss-covered forests west of the Cascade Range appear vastly different from the dry canyon-like settings of Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park. The park's striking cliffs are the result of the melting of the Ice Age. It created the bleak landscape of eastern Washington through ancient floods. It is a single stop on the multi-state National Geologic Trail: Ice Age Floods. The 3.5-mile precipice known as Dry Falls, which was formerly home to a massive waterfall, is the park's most striking feature. As the name suggests, the falls dried up long ago, but water is still a major attraction here. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all popular in shimmering lakes. During the summer, the only thing breaking up the endless blue sky is the cliffs. Larrabee State Park Bellingham's hippies and college students frequently head toward Larrabee State Park when they want to go hiking. This is the first Washington State Park, established in 1915, and it protects a large portion of the Chuckanut Mountains' coastline. Moderate hikes to Clayton Beach's pebbled shores and Fragrance Lake, one of the park's many picturesque lakes, are popular routes. Mountain biking is another popular activity in the area, and Larrabee offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. It includes steeper technical slopes that are best left to the pros. Of the many national parks in Washington, Larrabee will offer the most fun-filled experience. Lime Kiln Point State Park The San Juan archipelago is well-known for the year-round orca whale population that calls these chilly waters home. Visit Lime Kiln Point. The Washington State Parks's team likes to call it one of the world's top locations for whale watching, to witness them in action. And they’re not wrong. For views of the orcas and other whale species, which are most commonly spotted from May through September, climb the elegant 1919 lighthouse. This includes porpoises and pods of gray, humpback, and minke whales. Located on a rocky outcropping on San Juan Island's western shore, this small day-use park has a seasonal interpretive center that is usually open from late spring to summer. Deception Pass State Park This state park in Washington receives the highest number of visitors for two main reasons. The first is the range of outdoor activities it offers close to Seattle. It is a little over an hour’s drive if the traffic is not too heavy. The second is the 360-degree view that can be obtained from the two-span arched Deception Pass Bridge. It towers over the channel, which is a more romantic and compelling reason to visit. Deception Pass State Park encompasses two adjacent islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey. They are popular both for camping and day-use marine adventures. Three freshwater lakes and the surrounding saltwater are accessible from five boat launches. Visit this place to kayak around the coves of the islands, explore their rocky shorelines, and trek through the old-growth forests on a 38-mile network of trails. Beacon Rock State Park On the north bank of the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers a more serene and visually appealing experience than Oregon. It is home to a majority of the Gorge's well-known as well as congested attractions. The overlooked Beacon Rock State Park offers expansive, slightly less crowded views of the national scenic area. Although Oregonians take great pride in their state, even they will admit that Beacon Rock is one of the best day hikes you can do. Within an hour's drive of the City of Roses. Enjoy expansive views of the gorge after ascending the basalt monolith via a mile of winding switchbacks and staircases. Locals cringe at this pun, but the views from the top are, well, gorgeous. If you are looking for national parks in Oregon and Washington, then this is your cue. Olympic Park If you can only spend time in one Washington park. Situated in the northwest, then choose Olympic Park. Corner of the state on the Olympic Peninsula, this vast wilderness has glacier-capped mountains, mossy rain forests, and tide pools. Rarely will any other of the national parks in Washington match up to the beauty of the Olympic. Except for Hawaii, the Olympic Peninsula gets more rainfall than all other location in the United States. It protrudes into the Pacific and is divided from the mainland by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. This is the most glaciated US landscape outside of Alaska, with over 250 glaciers fed by the snowfall that occurs high in the 2,000-meter-plus Olympic mountains. The vast ice fields feed several significant rivers, which then meander towards the Pacific through temperate rainforests. Travelers can follow the Bogachiel River inland to the Hoh rainforest from its Pacific outlet at La Push to see the highlights. The following day, go in a northeastern direction and ascend to Hurricane Ridge, which offers a stunning vista of the Olympic mountain range. Those with extra time will want to soak in the Sol Duc hot springs and take a scenic stroll to Marymere Falls. Lake Crescent and Sol Duc offer lodging and the park is home to many campgrounds. Wrapping Up Yoking in the center of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is famous for its breathtaking scenery and varied ecosystems. Locals and visitors alike have a variety of outdoor activities to choose from, ranging from a relaxing ferry ride to the iconic San Juan Islands to a strenuous hike to the Cascade Range peaks. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about national parks in Washington, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 6, 2023

For regular travelers or digital nomads, a well-designed suitcase is crucial. It is probably the most crucial travel item. It is incumbent that you choose the ideal one to safely manage all of your travel necessities. Given how important it is, it is natural that travelers want to make a solid investment in their travel luggage that will last a long while. Despite this, it can be difficult to select the ideal bag. Today, we'll discuss the Monos luggage line of bags. Although Monos is a relatively new travel accessory company, its wide selection of bags is helping it thrive in the market. Is this emerging luggage brand any good? Can Monos be trusted in place of reliable names like Samsonite or Tumi? Before spending your money on the new Monos luggage, you need to learn everything about Monos and its products. Here is all you need to know and reviews from people who have used it. What Is Monos Luggage? The Vancouver-based company Monos travel luggage offers a range of travel-related products. Today, the primary focus will be on its specialty collection of high-end travel luggage and bags. Every Monos bag has a clean, fashionable design with lots of useful functions. The quality of the Monos luggage is what distinguishes it from its competition. In order to make its products last longer, Monos portrays itself as an ethical company by sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials. And if you care about protecting the environment (we should all strive to do our part!), this is a bonus. It's fantastic to know that Monos is a certified climate-conscious business with zero net carbon emissions. It provides eco-friendly and non-cruelty-based products. These both seem to be excellent selling points and are definitely things you should strive to look for when purchasing a purse. Is the cost of a Monos travel bag really worth it, despite these significant product accomplishments? Is Monos luggage worth it? Here is our take on it. Important Physical Characteristics Of Monos Luggage The minimalist and understated appearance of Monos baggage bags makes them ideal for all sorts of travel. They are available in a variety of neutral yet fashionable colors, as well as occasionally limited edition hues. This luggage’s robust surfaces are made of aerospace-grade polycarbonate, a substance renowned for its extraordinary toughness and stress resistance. They are conveniently portable thanks to their silent-running wheels and telescoping handles. Strong YKK zippers and TSA combination locks from Monos ensure that your possessions are secure. Monos has also done a good job of covering the safety issue. All Monos baggage includes a couple of shoe bags, an anti-microbial laundry bag, and a vegan leather luggage tag. Here is a quick overview of everything Monos has to offer: Different Sizes Minimal and Chic Designs Functional Features TSA-Approved Locks Monos has not left any stone unturned. In any case, Monos has been approved as a climate-neutral brand. You may feel good about purchasing things from this company, as I already indicated. A lifetime guarantee, a 100-day return policy, and free delivery to the United States and Canada are some of the additional benefits. We will now describe what Monos has to offer in terms of its featured luggage. Remember that the prices and availability are preliminary and subject to change. Visit the official website of Mono for the most recent information on prices, offers, features, and availability. Monos Luggage Review: Carry-On Collection The carry-on range features 4 models: a) Monos Carry-On - $272 b) Monos Carry-On Plus - $294 c) Monos Carry-On Pro - $300 d) Monos Carry-On Pro Plus - $321 The Carry-On models' interiors are exceptionally well-designed. The interior of Monos Luggage is lined with an antibacterial substance to keep the bag tidy and clean. You can organize your necessities with the help of the many pockets as well! Monos bags make sure you keep organized when traveling with a zipped panel on one side and a compression pad-held pocket on the other. Here are the details of each model of Monos' Carry-On collection: Carry-On Because it can fit in most overhead compartments, the carry-on is designed to be the most practical size of the bag. No matter your destination or airline, Monos' standard-size carry is the ideal cabin-sized travel companion. Its outside dimensions are 22" by 14" by 9”. User Review: "I wanted a suitcase that didn’t look like everyone’s Away suitcase at baggage claim. I waited for a sale and got the carry on and check-in medium in terracotta. I get compliments on the color, but it does get scuffed up easily, which I don’t think is really avoidable for suitcases that aren’t black/dark grey. I was worried about the quality because it felt a thinner than Away, but I really stuffed both to the brim (like sitting on it to zip it up) on international trips and it surprisingly held up." Carry-On Plus A larger "sibling" of Monos' original Carry-On is the Carry-On Plus. For travelers who want more space, this is the perfect suitcase. According to Monos, the Carry-On Plus will fit most US airline guidelines due to its size and proportions. However, this might not be your luggage if you're traveling on a smaller aircraft or using a carrier with stricter carry-on regulations. The Carry-On Plus is 23" x 15" x 9.5" in size. User Review: “Purchased the monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus for about $300. When I purchased the luggage I thought the suitcase was ALL aluminum and it’s NOT which I was bummed about. The luggage is plastic and the frame and latches are made of aluminum. Would I buy again probably not but for $300 I can’t complain I guess. One of the things I was worried about was the size being too big for carry-on. I flew with United from LAX to Cancun and to my surprise it fit in their overhead compartment. I tried writing a review on their website but I was unable to do so. I contacted Monos and they told me that they would send me an email after 90 days of purchase which I thought was weird. I never received the link to write a review. I contacted them again and they said they didn’t have the ability to send me another link which I thought was suspicious. So it may be some of their reviews may be biased.” Carry-On Pro The Carry-On Pro is the following variant. In addition to having a front pocket, a laptop sleeve, and zipped pouches, it is the same size as the original Carry-On. User Review: “My go-to boring and ugly American Tourister black carry-on gave out on me after 9 years of service (10/10 durability). On the market for a treat-yo self-stylish upgrade for my suitcase, I got the Monos Carry-On pro and I am obsessed. It's functional, has held up great over several international flights over the last few months, and the four-wheel drive is impressively smooth. Above all - its just CUTE.” Carry-On Pro Plus The concept is the same. Use the extra exterior pocket on the Carry-On Plus to fit electronic devices like computers, iPads, or travel headphones inside. Monos' Carry-On Pro Plus is made to cover all that. Advice: The Carry-On Pro Plus is bigger than a typical carry-on luggage and may not fit in the overhead compartments of smaller aircraft or airlines. User Review: “Initially I felt the duffel cost way more than it should. However, when I received the duffel and compared it to another one I recently purchased I realized that the bag is made with a lot of thought involved and the quality of the material is great. I am now considering buying the duffel in another color and giving away the one I originally purchased especially after traveling with it.” Conclusions About The Carry-On Lineup We hope the differences between the various models are clear. How do they perform when traveling with others? These carry-on bags meet all the right standards. They are lightweight, made of materials that are extremely durable, and simple to manage. However, these bags don't always adhere to size requirements. One piece of advice I would provide is to make sure your Monos Carry-On works with your favorite carrier by checking the measurements, especially for the Pro and Pro Plus! Additionally, the front pocket of Mono's Pro luggage is frequently criticized for being challenging to close when fully packed. Pack sensibly and appropriately! Read Also: Traveling During Winter? Here Is A Winter Vacation Planning Checklist Winter Camping Checklist: 10 Must-Have Items For A Cozy Campsite Must Pack Business Travel Packing List Along With Tips 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY  Barsha Dec 10, 2022

There’s something so beautiful about the beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts - so much so that you have to visit all of these beaches. From small, isolated charmers accompanied by soft, silky sand to larger, pebbly beaches boasting kaleidoscopic sunsets and impressive views, Gloucester's most popular beaches have everything you love! Located comfortably on the gorgeous and captivating Cape Ann, the diverse Gloucester beaches are perfect for every season! Most Boston residents love to visit these beaches during weekends, soaking up some Vitamin C and enjoying the fresh air in the charming atmosphere. So, if you are planning to visit during Summer or on weekends, you can expect some crowds.  The rest you can find out by scrolling down - and don’t forget to stick around till the end!  Top 10 Beaches In Gloucester In Massachusetts - Travel Guide! So you are planning to check out the beaches in Gloucester MA! That’s great. In fact, if you are planning to go for a swim, you can visit during the Summer months or even between the Memorial and the Labor Days! This is the time when you will find lifeguards on duty, relatively less frigid water temperatures, and welcoming ice cream trucks.  Pack that picnic, pick your swimsuit, get hold of your umbrella, and find the perfect beach in Gloucester! Don’t forget your sunscreen - for now, keep reading to find out about all the hidden gems on the Gloucester shore.  1. Good Harbor Beach: Image Source: kubrick.htvapps.com Do you love digging your feet into silky soft, and velvety sand? Then this Gloucester beach will definitely impress you with its spectacular sunsets and sugar-white base. One of the prettiest beaches in Gloucester, the Good Harbor Beach will make you feel like you are sitting on some exotic Caribbean island! The Gloucester beach is perfect for playing volleyball, body surfing, and walking especially during low tide. There are always lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day! Try not to trash the place considering it will also pollute the sea. Insider's tip: Flotation devices, inflatables, and surfboards are all banned between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But boogie boards made from Styrofoam are allowed.  2. Wingaersheek Beach: Image Source: lyndsayhannahphotography.com One of the most beautiful beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Wingaersheek Beach doesn’t have a vast expanse of sand. It measures only about half 0f one mile in terms of length. But don’t make up your mind based on the size of this beach - instead, consider the sheer beauty of the beach! The beach is 0.6 mile long where people can stroll around. The name of the beach has been derived from the Dutch name ‘Wyngaerts Hoeck’. The beach parking reservation system creates opportunities for tourists and visitors to enjoy their beach experience especially if they are non-resident. Insider's tip: Visit Wingaersheek Beach during low tide. The low tide not just increases the size of the beach dramatically, but you will also get to spot clams and hermit crabs. 3. Half Moon Beach: Image Source: a.travel-assets.com You don’t have to google ‘half moon beach Gloucester’ - instead, just pack your beach and check out this golden horseshoe surrounded by lush green nature and giant boulders. The crescent shape of the beach is responsible for its name. Perfect for couples, you must visit this beach if you have been seeking an isolated beach experience. In the city of Gloucester, there are many beautiful beaches and if you visit this one, it will be a memorable experience. The beach is hidden and if you come really close, only then will you be able to see the beach. Insider's tip: You must not miss out on the Sunset. The sky will display hues of orange, pink, and yellow - don’t forget to carry your camera! 4. Pavilion Beach: Image Source: cdn-cms.bookingexperts.nl Located close to Gloucester downtown, Pavilion Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Gloucester! After an exhausting day of shopping and stuffing our mouths with local delicacies, Pavilion Beach appears like a respite with its clean water and pretty views. We loved how relaxing the atmosphere was in and around this beach! Insider's tip: In the month of June, residents here celebrate St. Peter's Fiesta, an event that was started in 1927 for honoring the ‘patron saint of fishermen.’ 5. Plum Cove Beach: Image Source: atlanticcoastaldiscoveryhome.files.wordpress.com One of the Gloucester beaches that's a favorite amongst locals, Plum Cove Beach is perfect for families. Ideal for kids and young adults, this mini slice of sandy paradise is all you need this weekend - it’s practically impossible for kids to get lost here! You will find your stress washed out and all your worries lulled by the waves.  Insider's tip: Lifeguards are not on duty starting from the weekend after Father’s Day, and it continues till Labor Day weekend. 6. Cressy's Beach: Image Source: arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-bostonglobe.s3.amazonaws.com The beaches in Gloucester are so different from each other. If you are not a fan of typical beach activities like running around, comfortable lounging, or even sandcastle building, then Cressy's Beach is ideal for you! Don’t forget your water shoes since the waters are peppered with rocks, even the shallow waters!  Insider's tip: Picnic tables and outdoor grills are permitted here - so you can settle down with some food and enjoy the same with the spectacular views! 7. Niles Beach: Image Source: goodmorninggloucester.files.wordpress.com You thought the perfect Gloucester beach MA doesn’t exist. But then you come across Niles Beach, and the silver sand accompanied by high tides will welcome you! Located in eastern Gloucester, this is one of those secluded spots that are the perfect welcome getaway from the common bustling beaches. The beach is limited to vehicles; however, it is well situated across East Main Street in Gloucester. The beach is not allowed to everyone and residents mostly enjoy the place. Insider's tip: Since the beach is so beautiful, naturally, you will face problems with parking. If you manage to get hold of some beach stickers, then you can save yourself from the traffic. 8. Long Beach: Image Source: media.vrbo.com One of the best beaches in Gloucester, Long Beach is literally that - a really long beach stretching from Gloucester to Rockport. The picturesque beach is known for its soft, silky, and white sand - and how can you even ignore the captivating Thacher Island, accompanied by two historic lighthouses? This is one the favourites among the locals! It has a private parking lot along with showers for swimmers or divers. There are also beautiful cottages libing up the beach looking like the perfect picturesque. Insider's tip: Check the parking signs really carefully. You will find that certain areas on the beach have the ‘resident-only’ sign, which means you will need beach stickers for lounging in those areas. 9. Norwood Heights Beach: Image Source: cdn.photos.sparkplatform.com One of the best parts of Gloucester MA beaches are the local gems that are completely hidden from tourists. And Norwood Heights Beach is exactly that - a local gem, albeit hidden. A charming mixture of rocks and sand, Norwood Heights Beach is ideal for everyone who is seeking a little more than ordinary! Don’t forget to visit the Annisquam Lighthouse. The beach is even more beautiful with the lighthouse on it called the Annisquam lighthouse. There are also resorts on the beach so you can book your stay there and enjoy the food. Insider's tip: If you love listening to music, then you must use headphones on this beach since open speakers are banned on the beach. 10. Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea: Image Source: lh5.googleusercontent.com Although Singing Beach is not technically located in Gloucester, there’s no way we can miss out on this one! One of the most beautiful beaches in Gloucester, Singing Beach, is located in the downtown area of Manchester-By-The-Sea. And it’s not just the sheer beauty of the beach that attracts visitors, it’s also the musical experience you will find here. The beach also has a beautiful summertime bathhouse where you can stay and enjoy your vacation. There is also a snack bar behind the house. The sand on the beach makes noise when it dries! Insider's tip: Parking can be quite challenging especially if its a really busy weekend in Summer. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions about the different beaches in Gloucester.  1. Which Beach Is Better, Good Harbor Or Wingaersheek? Ans: Wingaersheek is known for its calm and beautiful water, perfect for all beachgoers who aren’t seeking any waves. In fact, if there’s anyone looking for waves, then Good Harbor is what you need, not Wingaersheek. And if you are a lover of long walks by the beach, then you can’t miss out on Crane Beach, located in Ipswich.  2. What Is The Best Beach To Go To In Massachusetts? Ans: The best beaches to visit in Massachusetts are as follows,➊ Madaket Beach located in Nantucket.➋ Crane Beach located in Ipswich. ➌ Wingaersheek Beach located in Gloucester.➍ Mayflower Beach, located in Dennis.➎ Wellfleet Kettle Ponds located in Wellfleet. 3. What Beaches Are In Gloucester, Massachusetts? Ans: The top three beaches in Gloucester are as follows,➊ Wingaersheek Beach,➋ Good Harbor Beach, and➌ Half Moon Beach. 4. What Is The Clearest Beach In Massachusetts? Ans: The clearest beaches in Massachusetts are as follows,➊ Lake Dennison,➋ Morses Pond,➌ Long Pond, ➍ Upper Goose Pond, and➎ Coast Guard Beach. And It’s A Wrap! So we have arrived at the end of our curated list of the best beaches in Gloucester. If you are planning a trip to Boston, we suggest taking the weekend off from the city and heading over to Gloucester! And if you are already visiting Massachusetts, there’s no way you can miss out on Gloucester or its charming beaches.  So plan your next beach trip - and don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comments below! Read Also: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World Why Myrtle Beach Is The Ideal Summer Destination Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts