THESE Romantic Destinations Makes Best Cruises for Couples!

BY  Sibashree Jul 29, 2024

Kenai Fjords National Park is a place rich in biodiversity. Like the Dry Tortugas National Park, it also harbors a diverse marine ecosystem and a wide range of birds.   Further, it is an elusive land of glaciers, icy lands, rocky mountains, and green canopies. It is also the park where you can take part in activities like hunting, fishing, petting at Exit Glacier, boating, and kayaking. However, the most fascinating activity to do here is watching wildlife.   Here, I will be your entourage in finding how the wilderness becomes alive at the Kenai Fjords National Park.   Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife   The Kenai Fjords National Park has one of the highest footfalls among the national parks of America. In 2023, 387,525 people visited this National Park thanks to its wildlife and the most dramatic landscape with glaciers, mountains, ocean, and valleys. (Source)   Further, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game explains why and how the geographical features of the National Park make it rich in wildlife and biodiversity. About the habitat, it says,   “The park contains shallow bays and estuaries, and deeper marine habitats. Regional currents drive nutrients into outer Resurrection Bay, making that area especially rich in fish and an early location for spring bloom of plankton and algae. Cliffs and rocky shores create nesting sites for birds and haul-out areas for marine mammals.”  Do you want a slice of wildlife at this park where whales and mountain goats cohabit in the most amazing way? Let’s explore.   However, if you are more interested in amphibians and reptiles, the Everglades National Park will be your go-to destination.   Whales At Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife  Watching the whales is one of the best activities to do at Kenai Fjords National Park. You can see the whales here throughout the year.   The table below presents a sneak peek into the different species of whales and their best viewing time.  Type of Whale  Best Viewing Time  Humpback Whale Mid-May to August Orca or Killer Whale Mid-May to June Gray Whale Mid-April to May Fin Whale May to September  You can easily spot whales on the surface of the water. As they spout, fluke dive, breach, or spy hop in the water, you will get to know about their playful nature.   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ensures that cruising companies and visitors maintain respectful behavior when they are on whale-watching trips.   Other Sea Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Kenai Fjords is home to many sea mammals along with various species of whales. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Dall’s Porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions.   Dall’s Porpoise  Dall’s Porpoises look like orcas but are faster. They eat lanternfish, octopus, and squid.   Harbor Seals  You will find these cute sea mammals resting around active glaciers. They also stay on ice floes. They love to eat shellfish and fish.   Sea Otters  You will spot the playful sea otters swimming on their back in the water. They love fish, crabs, sea urchins, and squids.  They are furry, and the funniest thing is to see them using their bellies as tables. For sure, you will want to grab a soft toy version of these sea mammals.   Stellar Sea Lions   Stellar sea lions are an endangered species, and they stay on the icy shore of the sea. They have reddish fur, and they are 6-8 in height.  These mammals survive on fish and mollusks.   Birds At Kenai Fjords  From the NPS archive, a historical document on Kenai Fjords National Park says,   “Kenai Fjords provides habitat for at least 191 species of birds. The black oystercatcher spends most of its time feeding in the rich intertidal zone. Tufted and horned puffins nest in rock crevices along the coast. Bald eagles patrol the waters in search of salmon and other fish.”   It’s time we meet the birds and learn briefly about them.   Horned Puffins  These beautiful birds have unique black horn-like markings over their eyes. The touch of red on the tip of their beaks further makes them easily distinguishable.  You must visit the Kenai Fjords from mid-May to August to catch a glimpse of these birds.   Bald Eagles   You may catch bald eagles preying on fish and waterfowl. They get their name from their white-feathered head.   Peregrine Falcons  Known for excellent hunting abilities, peregrine falcons have a vibrant touch of yellow around their eyes and on their beaks.   Along with these birds, you can also see birds like the common murre, black-legged kittiwake, and cormorant at Kenai Fjords National Park.   Land Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Mountain goats and brown and black bears are common at Kenai Fjords. The mountain goats have split hooves for a better grip on the mountains and on the snowy land.   Further, many people visit the Kenai Fjords only to meet black and brown bears. These bears love eating fish, berries, and other vegetation.   Final Words   Global temperature changes and glacier melting have challenged the vast wilderness at Kenai Fjords National Park. Further, the movements of crustal plates beneath the Earth's surface make the landscape and its ecosystem volatile.   So, there is nothing permanent about the animals found in this park, stretching over 1000 square miles of water and land. Also, it is impossible to know about all the species habituating here thanks to the geographical nature and dramatic differences in weather conditions across seasons.  Nevertheless, as you take a tour of this rich national park on a cruise or explore its various parks, make sure to abide by the safety norms. Respect nature and its inhabitants!  This is the best way to experience the natural abundance the park is known for.   Do you have plans to visit the Kenai Fjords anytime soon? What do you find the most amazing thing about it? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!   Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park: FAQs  What Animals Can You See In Kenai Fjords National Park?  Kenai Fjords wilderness is vivid. As you take a cruise trip or explore the National Park, you will notice the seals first, comfortable on the floating ice in the sea. Further, the male and female sea lions make their presence felt on the icy seashore.   Kenai Fjords is home to many notable species of marine and land mammals. Also, you will find various birds here.  Whales, sea otters, Dall's porpoise, gray wolves, minks, and mountain goats are common animals here.   Birds such as puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons will greet you as you visit this beautiful national park.   Can You See Bears In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords has black and brown bears. Black bears are easily spotted, and they are more timid than brown bears.   The National Park Service has a set of safety guidelines, including not attracting bears with food and garbage and avoiding their personal spaces. Follow the norms to make your interaction with the bears delightful.   Can You See Northern Lights In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Kenai Fjords National Park during the autumn and winter seasons. The night sky of Kenai Fjords looks like the most amazing melange of green, purple, blue, and green shades.   If you are a religious soul, you must visit the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It’s the most divine experience.   For a spiritual journey, watch the lights over the Seward boat harbor.   When To See Whales In Kenai Fjords National Park?  You can see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park throughout the year. However, if you want to watch a specific species of whale among the varieties seen here, you must plan a trip according to the right season.   The best time for watching gray whales is March and April. In these months, gray whales migrate to this part of the world through the Gulf of Alaska.  Do you want to watch the humpback whales? You can see them from May to October. They flock in large numbers from Mexico and Hawaii. They live in the water here as they can find nutrient-rich food for them throughout the summer.   In addition, Orcas or the killer whales are seen in mid-May and June. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you will also see minke whales and fin whales in this area.   What Is Special About Kenai Fjords?   Your Alaska trip is incomplete without a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see the best of the marine world. Also, it is the home to Northwestern, Aialik, and Holgate tidewater glaciers. Glaciers move relentlessly into the sea.   Further, it is the most picturesque landscape where mountains, an ancient icefield, valleys, cascading falls, forest canopies, and the great Pacific Ocean coexist. Thanks to this coexistence, Kenai Fjords National Park is rich in biodiversity. You will find humpback whales, sea otters, mountain goats and many species of birds in the National Park.   Designated as a National Park in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park also protects various archeological and historical remains. The park has many prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic sites.   Archeologists still conduct surveys in this park to learn more about the human way of living and why it has changed over the years.   Also read Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park. Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023! What Is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park? Find The Answer Here!

BY  Barsha Feb 14, 2023

Are you currently in Las Vegas craving some delicious Mediterranean food? But of course, you are confused about which restaurant to go - yes, we get it, we have been there. And that is exactly why we are here with the top Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas. Trust us because we were out in the streets of Vegas, trying to find the best - stay tuned! Best 10 Mediterranean Restaurants In Las Vegas: Welcome to the Tour And Travel Blog’s foodventures! And today, we will talk about Mediterranean delicacies and where you will find these in Vegas. No, honey, you need not continue with that exhausting ‘Mediterranean restaurants near me’ search. For now, relax and scroll down to read about the best Mediterranean eateries in Vegas. If you are up for some more foodventures, then definitely check out our take on Filipino restaurants in Vegas! 1. Chili's Grill & Bar: One of our favorite American chain restaurants serving Mediterranean food is Chili’s Grill & Bar. Yes, it’s not one of those traditional Mediterranean restaurants, but we love their classic American and Tex-Mex fare served in southwestern style. Review By Christine Lal: I love the service here! The robot Rita was a nice touch! The drinks were perfectly made, and the food came out Hot, Hot, Hot! We came during lunch on a Saturday, and there was plenty of space, and we were seated immediately. Please do try the Margarita!! 2. Mercato Della Pescheria Las Vegas: While the San Francisco Mediterranean restaurants are mostly well known for their chic dining rooms, Mercato Della Pescheria Las Vegas is no less. A stylish, chic dining room where guests can enjoy Italian plates, seafood, cocktails, select wines, and beer - sounds like a gastronomic dream! Review By Volker Kueffel: Located on the "St. Mark's Square" inside the Venetian, this is a great lunch option. Not too expensive, has tasty food and very friendly service. I went for a light lunch this time and had a Cesar's Salad and Tomato Mozzarella. Both are pretty good, you also get bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar which is always a great start. 3. Hedary's Mediterranean Restaurant Las Vegas: One of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants in Vegas, Hedary's Mediterranean Restaurant Las Vegas, serves several vegetarian dishes, delicious roasted lamb, and mouthwatering kebabs. We loved their simple, functional atmosphere! Review By Abdul M. Massoud: Well, I’m a Chef. I teach Mediterranean cooking classes at The University of Utah. This is the best lamb chop and baba ghanoush I have had since I moved to the states 7 years back! It’s really delicious, authentic, a genuine family restaurant that is hard to find these days. Thank you I’ll be back every time I visit Vegas. you got me! 4. Khoury's Mediterranean Restaurant: You don’t have to waste your time by searching ‘restaurants Mediterranean’ on Google. Instead, you can simply checkout Khoury's Mediterranean Restaurant - what a comfortable place to eat! Plus, they serve great Mediterranean food, and even the Sangria was absolutely fresh. And if you are a hookah lover, then you can enjoy some on the restaurant’s patio. Review By Leah Harrison: We have always loved this restaurant. Our favorite item is the homemade pita bread, but the hummus is delicious too. It has a local neighborhood family atmosphere, and prices are reasonable. Please support our local restaurants. We always go there for dinner. Casual atmosphere and good service. 5. Maza Mediterranean & Turkish Halal Grill: If you are a fan of traditional Turkish food and charcoal-grilled kebabs, then you have to check out Maza Mediterranean & Turkish Halal Grill. Another one of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants, we love that the restaurant is family-owned and has such a fun, casual vibe. Review By Muntazar Alsaegh: The place is very nice, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. The appetizers were fine but not the best. The Quzi was great, the rice was cooked well, and the meat was very tender and full of flavor. I am not from Las Vegas, so I don’t know if these are their normal prices, but I find their prices to be a bit above average. 6. Paymon's Fresh Kitchen And Lounge - Sahara: Do you love restaurants that come with plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices? Then Paymon's Fresh Kitchen and Lounge - Sahara is perfect for you - they have a crazy range of Mediterranean options on the menu, including plenty of vegetarian dishes. Plus, you can enjoy some hookah here as well. Review By Kristin Edwards: The food at Paymon’a was fresh and delicious! The presentation was nice, and the atmosphere of the whole place was very welcoming. The best thing, though, was the service we received. Our server was a very nice young guy whose name sadly escaped me. I will definitely go back for more! 7. Parsley Modern Mediterranean: Parsley Modern Mediterranean is a counter-serve eatery that serves really tasty falafel, kabobs, shawarma, other Mediterranean staples, and some great vegetarian options. We loved their food and had so much fun eating locally. Review By Trigga Dro: Came Here to Grab A Shawarma Wrap, but Ended Up Getting the Basmati Bowl With Steak and Chicken. Got The Works. My Wife Got The Same, but She Got The Chicken Kabob as Her Protein instead. I Would say of Gave given It 5 Stars if it wasn't for a Mandatory 15 Min Wait for 1 Kabob of Chicken. Other than that, It Was The Best Meal That Day. Definitely Coming Back ??? 8. Amena Mediterranean Café And Bakery: Are you a fan of the Mediterranean food Pasadena? Then you must check out Amena Mediterranean café And Bakery. They serve tasty homemade hummus, pitas, and other Middle-Eastern favorites in an easygoing, colorful environment. Review By Agnes Williams: I accidentally ran into this place, and my husband had never had a Mediterranean dish before. We both love the service, and the food is tasty. I would definitely come back to this place. I also bought a bag of dry chickpeas so I can make the falafel at home. Best I've ever done because it tasted soooo good. 9. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: Another one of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas, you have to check out The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. We can vouch for them - and if you don’t believe us then that’s fine because they have got crazy guest reviews on Google! Review By Kimber Ferm: Absolutely delicious. The gyro meat was cooked to perfection, and the salad was fresh. I loved my meal! Also, the staff was really friendly and accommodating when I asked to plug in and charge while eating. Traveling with a weak cell battery is tough! On my list for my next visit! 10. Sultan’s Grill Las Vegas: You don’t have to google ‘Mediterranean restaurants Las Vegas’ when you are craving Mediterranean food in Vegas the next time. Instead, you can just check out Sultan’s Grill Las Vegas - they serve Mediterranean staples such as falafel, hummus, and kebabs from a counter-serve spot. Review By Juana Figueroa: I just started working downtown. There isn't much to choose from that's within walking distance. I am pleasantly surprised at the taste and quality of the food! Everyone is really friendly and upbeat. They have a nice patio area, and the music makes a good ambiance. Really worth the price because of the quantity. The best Greek salad I've ever had! And It’s A Wrap: Bon Appétit! While you might be impressed with the Mediterranean restaurants Chicago or even San Francisco, there’s something so magical about the Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas. What do you guys think? Tell us your thoughts on Mediterranean cuisines in Vegas. And while doing so, don’t forget to share your experiences with the restaurants mentioned above in the comments below. Read Also: 8 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas You Must Try What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? – Geographical Coordinates Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews

BY  Arnab Oct 28, 2022

A lot of developments have again brought Italy tourism into the limelight. One of the best places to visit in Italy, Lake Como, now allows visitors to take home the most unique souvenirs. You can now carry back 100% pure canned air from this beautiful lake.  ItalyComunica, a communication company, has started this initiative. Their Lake Como Air Cans have 400 ml of pure air from Lake Como and are now available at $11.  "A luxurious souvenir, perfect for those who wish to rediscover the peace and elegance of this heavenly corner, sealed in a tin.." - ItalyComunica Further, as you take this can of pure air home, you can open it and experience the tranquility of Lake Como.  Along with Lake Como, there are many other places to visit in Italy. Of course, everyone knows about the capital city of Rome and the beautiful Venice. However, this time, I have curated some other hotspots in the country.  Here Are The Four Best Places To Visit In Italy A lot of people like to take themselves on Italy tours to try and see it all, but with so much to see, it’s not always possible in one trip.  But if you’re planning a trip to Italy, keep reading and discover all the best places that you should visit!  1. Florence Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, and it is often said to be the home of some of the greatest art and architecture in the world. It’s often thought to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you can imagine just how glorious the art is. Florence proves this by having one of the most famous art galleries ever, housing the Uffizi Gallery which contains pieces from classic artists like da Vinci, Raphael, and even Michelangelo! Florence is also a little bit slower-paced than other historical cities like Rome, allowing you to really soak in your surroundings without all the hustle and bustle. If architecture is something you love to gaze at when visiting other countries, then Florence could be the answer to your dreams. With beautiful structures like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you’ll be blown away by just how beautiful this city really is. So, if you want to visit a place with just as much historical significance as Rome but without the tourists, head down to Florence.  2. Verona Fans of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” will have of course heard of the city of Verona, as it’s the setting for one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Verona itself may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it definitely should be. It’s big enough that you can spend a whole day exploring, but it’s also small enough to feel like a walkable city. Verona may be a modern city with lots of stunning restaurants to visit, but it also pays homage to the star-crossed lovers with a museum in a building named “Juliet’s House”. There you’ll find different outfits from movies and plays that have been performed throughout history and all sorts of historical artefacts from the time period of the play. You can even get the perfect photo op on Juliet’s balcony and look longingly out onto the view of Verona and ask the question “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”. A little way down the road, there’s a small tomb that’s said to belong to Juliet as well, so you can pay your respects to the ill-fated lady. Travel-wise, Verona’s train station is right in the centre and has links to all the surrounding cities, allowing you to make it a simple day trip on your itinerary.  3. Praiano If you’re wanting that picturesque Italian experience, then Praiano could be your dream vacation. A small town situated on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you can enjoy gorgeous beach views and breathtaking architecture. There’s the 15th-century church in the middle of the town called the Church of San Gennaro which showcases the best of the baroque architecture. The beach itself is absolutely amazing, with crystal blue waters and surrounded by rocky cliffs, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and relax in the shade at the same time. If you like an active vacation, then you might want to check out the Sentiero Degli Dei, or the Footpath of the Gods. This trail is 7km long and goes all the way from Praiano and up to Nocelle near Positano city. However, you’ll need to be prepared for the staircase that awaits you at the start, as you’ll need to climb 1,900 steps! Praiano is one of the lesser-known areas of the Amalfi Coast, but that doesn’t mean it’s lesser than any of the other areas. So, make sure you add it to your holiday plans!  4. Padua  Finally, if you want to go somewhere that’s steeped in history and gives you a truly authentic Italian experience but without all the tourists of Venice, then Padua is the place for you. Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a small city that’s just outside of Venice. Padua has a train station right in the centre that has a direct line to Venice, and all sorts of other places like Florence and Rome. This makes it a great place to stay without having to fall into the tourist traps of Venice and enjoy some tranquillity at the same time. Padua has the second oldest university in the whole of Italy, which was founded in 1222! There’s also the Basilica of Saint Anthony who was a Portuguese Catholic Priest that passed away in 1231. The Basilica is visually stunning and has a museum that you can visit inside which is dedicated to the saint as well. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor area that’s brimming is history too.  The Prato Della Valle which is the biggest square in the whole of Italy and has statues of Italy’s most renowned intellectuals. If you’re an avid foodie, then you want to head on over to Piazza Dei Signori. There you’ll find all sorts of authentic restaurants and proper Italian gelato too. It’s also home to the Torre dell’Orologio or in English, the astronomical clock. This clock tower was built in 1430 and the clock face shows the different zodiac signs. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and it looks even better when you’re enjoying a plate of good food in the beautiful afternoon sun.   Italy has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only place with beauty. In fact, there are plenty of other cities and towns within Italy that could offer you even more than places like Venice! This list just goes to show that you don’t have to only visit the tourist areas to get a real view of Italy. So, why not add some of these places to your list of places to visit? You’ll be blown away at how wonderful they all are, and you’ll find yourself wishing you were back there time and time again. 5. Lake Como Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It looks heavenly with the Bergamo Alps surrounding it, and you can see the reflections of snow-capped peaks in the water.  Further, Lake Como looks different with changing seasons. In summer, you will find the lake surrounded by greens. In winter, of course, it’s all snowy and white as far as you can see.  6. Pompeii, A UNESCO World Heritage Site The Roman architectural site Pompeii is one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy. Such is its appeal that now managing tourism here is a challenge for the management. The first Sunday of October in 2024 had around 36000 visitors to the park. However, from 15th November, the park authority is planning to limit the number of visitors to the park on a daily basis.  Now, only 20000 people can visit Pompeii in a day. Further, you will need to pay an entry fee of €18 to visit Pompeii.  Read Also: Japan Is Now Accepting Travelers: So Why Aren’t Tourists Going Back This Year? Common Pitfalls Of Destination Wedding In Italy And How To Avoid Them Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh? – Travel Guide