Wander to Beautiful Locales on the Best Caribbean Cruises! 

BY  Arnab Feb 20, 2023

Traveling is one of the most exciting and pleasurable activities, especially when you go on long-awaited holidays. But the holiday will not eventuate without a long distance locomoting. If you choose to drive by car, you will probably come across some paid highways or interstates, which means, you will have to pay tolls. What exactly are toll roads? How can you pay a toll? Check it out! What Are Toll Roads?  Toll roads are highways or express lanes that need to be paid a fee in order to drive on them. This fee is named a toll. The users pay tolls for road repairs, improvements, and building new road facilities. That is why toll roads are, in most cases, fast, well-maintained, and high-quality roads. The toll roads are easy to spot. When you enter this road, you must slow down and stop by the toll plaza (toll booth) to pay a fee. Only then, you can be allowed to travel further. The toll system is popular in some European countries, and in most of the US states.  The Long History Of Toll Roads  Toll roads are visible not only in recent history but also in ancient mythologies and treatises. The most well-known reference could be found in Greek mythology. Charon, a boatman who transported the souls of the dead to Hades, was to be paid by putting a coin into the deceased man's mouth. Well then, paying for passage is nothing new. In the Middle Ages, tolls were paid to cross bridges. In the 17th century, turnpikes were introduced, ad since then, they were constantly used. Up to the 1980s, the tool booths were operated by people. But in 1987, the first electronic tool booth was introduced. Since then, electronic toll collection only increases. In the 1990s, the toll highways started to be privately owned, and the state departments lost their monopoly. From 2010, you can pay tolls completely cashless. Distance-based systems boosted significantly in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  The Toll Road - What Kind Of Tolls You Can Come Across? Toll booths can be found on almost any road but there are many types of tolls, which were classified by the payment method. These are: Open system (barrier system): road users need to pay a toll when they pass through the ramp toll plaza or mainline toll booth.  Closed system (ticket system): the vehicle’s license plate is scanned, and the vehicle owner is charged upon the entry toll gantry and exit toll gantry combination. Annual toll: frequent drivers can pay for an annual toll pass, which allows them to travel through all toll routes with a valid toll pass.  How Can You Pay Tolls? When you enter the toll road, you need to be prepared, that you have to pay the fee. Depending on the country and road, you can have different toll facilities to pay a fee. What payment methods you can choose? Cash, credit, or debit card: you can pay using the toll booths. Toll booths accept all the most popular payment types. Pay online: the electronic toll pass plaza allows you to drive through without paying. In order to avoid a toll violation fee, you need to settle the payment online within 14 days. If you don't check the pay-by-plate site, you can also pay a traditional invoice that comes by mail.  How Much Will You Pay? The toll roads are not very expensive and they provide motorists with an optimal traffic flow and great road conditions. The fee depends on the category of vehicle you drive. The average toll for two axes vehicle is approximately $5. Motorcycles will pay an even lower fee. The toll for transfer trucks will be the most expensive. If you want to know more about traveling in the US, check out the Uproad blog at www.uproad.com/blog/what-are-toll-roads Read Also: Sizzling Summer Road Trip Destinations 10 Best Places To Travel In January – Travel Guide 2022 5 Tips To Protect Your Passport While Travelling Abroad

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!   Also read Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio. 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BY  Arnab Apr 26, 2023

In Jackson Hole, escaping takes on a whole new meaning. This valley is known for its cowboy attitude, breathtaking views, and luxurious accommodations. This wildlife sanctuary has much more to offer than just snow-covered mountains, evergreen pine forests, and open-roaming elk. The valley is a gateway to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks in the rough Teton mountain range. Both parks have a lot of things to do outside that will keep you from getting bored. Jackson Hole is a popular place for families and people of all ages who want to try new things. In the winter, the mountain turns into a skier's paradise where people can spend the day testing their skills. In the summer, when the skies are clear and the weather is nice, it's the perfect place to go camping or hiking. The valley is also home to the charming town of Jackson, which gives tourists a taste of the Old West and has places where they can drink Wyoming whiskey and listen to live country music all in one place. The Best Luxury Rentals In Jackson Hole The Clear Creek Group Their high-end homes were built with comfort and privacy in mind, so they feel like a home away from home for their guests. Somewhere they can rest and relax with their family or a close group of friends. The Jackson Hole rentals for vacation from this group have an excellent concierge service that helps plan memorable trips and takes care of the little things so guests can make the most of their time off. You can find some different places to stay, like penthouses with one bedroom, charming cabins, and home bedrooms. Each property has its style, art collection, and comfortable furniture that show the spirit of Jackson Hole and its wild nature. The flats are located in the best parts of town and have year-round views. The houses for rent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, were made with holidays in mind, so no matter what time of year you go, you'll have a great time. Large Jackson Hole luxury lodging homes with six bedrooms are excellent for family parties and other large group stays. In a large villa with lots of room and privacy, people can build pillow forts, watch movies all day, and play board games at the large dining table simultaneously. The Clear Creek Group has two high-end properties that can easily fit up to 14 people. The Above It All luxury villa gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "countryside chic." The Cirque View Homestead is the perfect blend of form and function. Rendezvous Mountain Rental This beautiful Wyoming log house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a great view of the mountains to go with it. This house is excellent for family trips to the Tetons because it has a lot of outdoor space and more than one place to hang out. The Teton View Cabin has two wings connected by an oversized family room with a fireplace leading to a large deck with a hot tub. The home's original wing has a fully functioning kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook that seats four. The breakfast nook opens up to a fabulous large room with a beautiful fireplace that you can see through from the family room. The eating area has enough room for eight people. High ceilings and oversized windows make it easy for everyone to see the Tetons. Snuggle up against the padded bay window with a hot cup of cocoa or hot toddy and take in the view. There are three beds in this wing. One bedroom with a queen bed and a full bathroom is on the main floor. The other two bedrooms are upstairs and share a bathroom. One bedroom has a queen bed and a private balcony looking north toward the Tetons. The additional bedroom has two twin beds that can be made into a king bed for an extra charge. Other Features As part of their rental rate, all guests at Rendezvous Mountain Rentals get free wireless internet and an extended basic cable package. During the winter, furnaces that use wood have firewood fully restocked. The Teton View Cabin is a great place to stay for a holiday in Jackson Hole at any time of year. There is a lot of wildlife in this area. Keep your camera ready if you see moose, elk, deer, or foxes on the land. This house can only be rented for at least seven days. Abode Jackson Hole Choosing a place to stay in Jackson Hole for your next trip should be enjoyable, relaxing, and high-end. They have high-end rental choices for anywhere from two to more than twenty people.  Vacation rentals in Jackson Hole are great for business trips, family reunions, or your next personal trip. Jackson Hole has so many different types and sizes of vacation rentals that it can take a lot of work to choose one. They have eliminated the stress and worry of planning and turned it into a calm and sophisticated process. When you book a luxury rental in the Jackson Hole area, you don't just get a place to stay. They can set up several high-end activities to make your trip more fun as well as memorable. There are many things to do, from skiing to fly fishing and almost everything in between. The Bentwood Inn The Bentwood Inn, which is most definitely one of the best places there are when it comes to staying in Jackson Hole, is part of the "Preferred Hotel Groups Beyond Green Collection" and is very proud. That's because they ensure customers get excellent service, pay attention to details, and care about the environment. They have rooms that have unique designs and high-end features like private and luxurious fireplaces. There are relaxing and comfortable beds that are huge with high-end linens, as well as bay seats for windows. They are great for taking in the fantastic views of the Tetons. The Jackson Hole Inn is known for being built with wood from the infamous 1988 fire incident in Yellowstone National Park. Its goal is to add to our beautiful surroundings, not take them away. Shouldn't you come to check it out for yourself? When you stay in Jackson Hole, all of the most extraordinary things to do in Wyoming are right outside your door. Bentwood Inn is an actual "bucket list" place to stay. It is popular as one of the high-quality Jackson Hole bed and breakfasts. Especially for its features that are not only award-winning but also eco-friendly in nature. Because this inn is in the middle of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes Grand Teton National Park and other protected lands, it is the best place to stay if you want to do outdoor activities in the Jackson Hole area. Final Takeaways For those looking for a high-end retreat in the midst of the American West, Jackson Hole luxury rentals provide an unrivaled experience. Visitors can pick from a wide range of ideal residences. It includes mountain lodges, country cabins, as well as sleek contemporary houses. Each offers a distinct combination of comfort and elegance. Jackson Hole genuinely has something for everyone, from world-class skiing to a variety of adventures in the outdoors as well as breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in the community's culture, take in stunning vistas, and indulge in the ultimate luxury holiday by staying at one of these unique properties. So, why not secure your Jackson Hole vacation rental today as well as learn more about some of the most popular houses in this renowned destination? Read Also: Travelocity Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences Luxury Car Rental For Couples: Unforgettable Day Trips In Kentucky Exploring Cheap Car Rentals Las Vegas Airport: Book Cars To Travel In Vegas!