Best Cruises for Families: Vacationing with Kids! 

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  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 Apr 28, 2025

Vienna, the “Most Livable City” in the World, is now taking a step forward in its tourism and hospitality sectors, with hotels like Citadines Danube leading the way.  The recently held Hotel Investment Conference CEE (HOTCO) 2025 in Vienna, Austria, featured the core theme “How to Make Money in the Hotel Industry?”  Furthermore, the conference, held on January 20th and 21st, 2025, discussed emerging trends in tourism and hospitality in Austria and other European countries.  Now, the impeccable hospitality of Vienna is one of the key reasons behind Austria's record-breaking 2023 records. The country had 115.6 million overnight stays in the same year.  But how will the hospitality industry consolidate or boost its success? What are the major trends the best hotels in Vienna are going to adopt soon? Let’s discuss this in this Tour and Travel Blog. The Best Hotels In Vienna: Blending Sustainable Practices With The Best Technology What makes Austrian hospitality so special? The country and its capital, Vienna, have successfully blended tradition with sustainability and cutting-edge technology.  On one hand, the best hotels in Vienna are incorporating big data and AI into their systems. On the other hand, the hotels in the Austrian capital are improving the quality of hospitality and tourism with sustainable practices.  How Are The Best Hotels In Vienna Heading Toward An AI-Driven Future? From tailoring guest preferences to helping guests with queries, AI is set to help the best hotels in Vienna achieve the most streamlined operations.  1. Understanding Guest Preferences For A Tailored Experience  While traveling to a place, we now look for an experience that is meaningful to us. That is why personalization is the key these days.  Additionally, travel preferences and requirements vary for each traveler.  For example, if you are traveling solo to Vienna, your criteria for choosing an accommodation will be different from those for choosing a hotel when traveling to Vienna with family.  Today, hotels in Vienna are utilizing big data and AI to understand the type of experience a guest desires.  Moreover, AI algorithms that predict guest requirements help improve repeat stays. It works like the 20-year staff member in a hotel who knows everything about the regular visitors.    Additionally, sentiment analysis is combined with AI analytics and natural language processing (NLP) to enhance the guest experience.  2. Chatbots And Virtual Assistants Helping Guests With Queries And Tasks Do you have a query? Do you need guidance on certain things? You can ask an AI chatbot or virtual assistant to help you in the following cases.  Asking for Wi-Fi passwords Scheduling calls Interacting with you about the things they want Now, some of the best hotels in Vienna are also utilizing chatbots with distinct personas to establish favorable connections.  To make these virtual assistants feel more natural and engaging, many hotels are now exploring text to speech technology, which allows chatbots to respond with lifelike voices instead of just on‑screen text. 3. Smart Kiosks And Mobile Apps With AI Automating Guest Check-in You need to check into a hotel in Vienna. There is a smart kiosk in the reception, or you can use an AI-enabled app to verify your identity, obtain your room keys, or even unlock an electronic key and head to your room in minutes.  This is amazing, as you don’t need to stand in a queue or waste your time checking in. 4. Better Hygiene With Automated Cleaning Schedule And Robot Cleaners  The best hotels in Vienna can now use AI to automate their cleaning schedules. AI will take care of it when you have checked in or checked out, and at the interval of cleaning your room and other facilities.  AI can also help schedule cleaning in your room based on the preferences you shared at check-in.  Moreover, as part of optimized resource management, AI can reduce or eliminate the need for human intervention in the cleaning task.  Hotels can now utilize scrubbing robots programmed to clean according to schedules set based on traffic or footfall in specific areas. 5. Enhanced Security With AI Incorporation In Surveillance AI-enabled surveillance systems can read and assess camera images, footage, and data provided by the smart access system.  AI can also analyze crowd behavior to identify any security threats in the hotel. Thus, AI can minimize or reduce the risks of unlawful or disruptive activities in hotels.  So, the surveillance system becomes stronger with the integration of AI, and the process also becomes cost-effective. With AI, you don’t need human staffing to monitor cameras or access system feeds. 6. Impeccable Upkeep With Maintenance Prediction AI with “predictive maintenance algorithms” can monitor the health and functions of all the following setups and infrastructure.  HVAC Machines Elevators Lighting Setups Vehicle Fleets The algorithm will also help make the ideal maintenance schedule to keep all the facilities in working condition.  This minimizes the risk of major breakdowns. 7. The Best Hotels In Vienna Are Building A Sustainable Future Vienna is now the newest member of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).  As a member of INSTO, Vienna will now monitor the social, economic, and environmental impact of tourism. "Through the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, Vienna fosters dialogue, innovation and collective stewardship to co-create sustainable destination development, ensuring tourism enhances the quality of life for all, while preserving Vienna’s unique cultural and natural resources.”Norbert Kettner, CEO, Vienna Tourist Board This membership of ISRO also demonstrates the city's commitment to establishing its leadership in sustainability. It is also a great step forward toward executing the ambitious “Smart Climate City Strategy.” The best hotels in Vienna also adhere to the city’s strong commitment to sustainability.  The use of water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient setups, and unconventional energy resources is among the major sustainable practices that hotels in Vienna are adopting today.  Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on waste reduction and management. Composting and recycling are two important elements of sustainable waste management.  Additionally, sourcing food and essentials from local vendors is a great way to support local communities and reduce transportation-related emissions. Best Hotels In Vienna: Bring AI And Sustainability Together  AI can help the best hotels in Vienna implement the best sustainable practices through Smart energy reduction and smart energy management systems.  Thus, hotels can reduce their energy consumption, lower utility bills, decrease water consumption, and decrease their carbon footprint.  So, visit the hotels in Vienna and see how the best accommodations in the Most Livable City of the World offer you the most meaningful experience. 

BY  Sibashree Dec 11, 2024

The art and cultural landscape of Denver is thriving. Also, there are many free and fun activities in Denver for adults willing to know about the culture of this Colorado City.  Further, if you are in Denver in winter, exploring the wildlife will be the best for traveling on a shoestring. Especially during the winter months (November to April) you will get to see many birds. Hundreds of migratory birds visit this part of the world in this season. The most popular species among them are finches, woodpeckers, siskins, and jays.  However, you can begin the cultural activities in Denver for adults with a free walk and gazing at the festive winter lights. Also, in winter, there are some seasonal events that you can attend for free.  So, at Tour and Travel, we have curated some free and fun activities in Denver for adults this winter. Let’s have a look. Cultural Fun Activities In Denver For Adults | Try These Things For Free Art and culture have always been crucial for the tourism landscape of Denver. In 2022, these registered an economic activity of $2.6 billion in the Denver metro area.  Further, with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) like Visit Denver, the landscape is only going to improve. The result is already clear, with the tourism revenue in Denver reaching $10.3 billion in 2023.  Being a budget-friendly destination of course, helps in this tourism boost after the Covid-19 scenario. In fact, Denver is more budget-friendly as a travel destination compared to other metros in the Rocky Mountains. So, no wonder many fun activities in Denver for adults are free and budget-friendly. And these activities even include visits to the popular museums of the city. So, let’s mark the dates now. 1. Visit The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver Phone Number: +1 303-370-6000 Visit for Free: 8th December, 18th November, etc.  Currently, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has programs like “The Power of Poison,” and “Animals of the Rain Forest.” Further, the museum has permanent exhibits like gems and minerals, Egyptian mummies, prehistoric journeys, and the Space Odyssey. Further, the dioramas at the Wildlife Halls are fascinating. Moreover, the museum has the only “Konovalenko gem sculptures on public display outside of Moscow.” So, if you are interested in Russian folklife, a visit to the museum will be great for you.  2. Visit The Museum of Contemporary Art https://www.instagram.com/p/DDINAi_sA0N/?img_index=1 Address: 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202, USA Contact Number: +1 303-298-7554 Visit for Free: Penny Saturdays or the First Saturday of Every Month Though not completely free, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most fun activities in Denver for adults. You just need to pay one penny to enter the museum on those Saturdays. However, entry is free for children and young adults up to 18 years.  The Museum of Contemporary Art is a wonderful place to find a fusion of Denver’s cultural tradition and the works of contemporary artists. Further, VR Art is one of the main attractions of this museum, making the experience more interactive for visitors.  Moreover, the museum keeps hosting world-class exhibitions for people across all age groups. The ongoing and upcoming events to attend at this museum are: Brendan Fernandes: Within Seeing (26th October to 8th December 2024) Ronny Quevedo: at the line (7th-8th December 2024) Black Sheep Fridays: XXX-Themed Holiday Craft Making (13th December, 2024) Siren (20th December 2024) Laura Shill: Working On Myself (6th October 2024 to 19th January 2025) 3. Skating At Downtown Denver Rink https://www.instagram.com/p/CzuXXCZOa39/ Date: 21st November 2024 to 2nd February 2025 Venue: Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver The Downtown Denver Rink once again has become a winter wonderland. Skating, one of the most adventurous fun activities in Denver for adults, is free here. You can even take skating essentials on rent here. Hours of operation are different on each day of the week. For example, from Monday to Saturday, the Downtown Denver Rink will remain open between 10 AM to 10 PM from 24th December 2024 to 5th January 2025.  However, on Sundays, the hours of operation will be 11 AM to 6 PM. Further, the timing will change from 6th January to 2nd February 2025. Then, the timing will be: Monday to Thursday: 1 AM to 5 PM Friday to Saturday: 1 AM to 10 PM Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM Do You Know?Are you a Swiftie? Come visit the Downtown Denver Rink for free on 13th December 2024. You can enjoy skating here while singing “Happy Birthday to You” to the “Mother” along with fellow Swifties.Further, 24th January will be a fun day at Downtown Denver Rink if you are a Disco fan. With a pumping heart, you can enjoy skating here while listening to the hits of the 70s and 80s.  4. Be A Part of The Light the Lights https://www.instagram.com/p/C1SD1j0OB4l/ Date: November 27, 2024 - January 26, 2025 Venue: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Avenue, Denver See Denver shining bright with festive light by being a part of the Light the Lights. Except Monday, this show will take place between 5:45 to 6:45 PM. Further, there will be no show on 7th and 21st December.  Light the Lights is a well-choreographed music and light show spanning around 8 minutes. However, the City and County Building will remain lit with static lights up to 10: 45 PM.  Being one of the most fun activities in Denver for adults, Light the Lights is also popular among kids.  5. Attend The Mile High Holidays Drone Show https://www.instagram.com/p/DDH3LdMxRzQ/ 2024 Date: 22nd November to 31st December Venues: Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Ball Arena, etc. The Mile High Drone Show is one of the major draws for the festive season in Denver. It amazes with animations and festive visuals.  Further, this 15-minute spectacle depicts the Denver Union Station, Mile High Tree, and other iconic landmarks of the city.  The Mile High Holidays Drone Show also has some special displays on days like the 25th and 31st of December. This year, the special performance on the 25th will begin at 7 PM, and on the 31st, the show will start at 5:30 PM.  So, it’s time for you to see the Denver sky come alive with the Mile High Holidays Drone Show for free.  Also read Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Into The Land Of Art Deco Architecture. Things to Do in Greenville, SC For Adults: Paranormal Walk And Food Tourism. Free And Cheap Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Travel Guide On A Shoestring.