Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers

BY  Sibashree Jun 2, 2023

Kenya, located in East Africa, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and incredible safari experiences. With a rich diversity of ecosystems, including vast savannahs, dense forests, and stunning coastal regions, Kenya offers an unparalleled opportunity to see nature's wonders up close. If you are planning a safari in Kenya, the first step is to book your flights and accommodation and get a visa. To make the visa process simpler, you can also apply online and get an e-visa for Kenya. Then look for the best guided tours with reputable safari operators to make the most of your safari adventure. They can customize your itinerary, provide knowledgeable guides, and ensure safety and comfort. It is also crucial to prioritize responsible, sustainable tourism practices that respect wildlife and support local communities. Best Time To Visit Kenya When planning your safari in Kenya, consider the best time to visit. From June to October, the dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is less dense. The dry season in Kenya is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. With less rainfall, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense, providing clearer views. June and July are particularly popular months as they coincide with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. In these months, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores cross the Mara River. However, the wet season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and abundant birdlife. Safari In Kenya: Top 6 Places To Check Out! Here’s a list of the six best destinations in Kenya that you should consider for an adventurous safari experience. 1. Maasai Mara National Reserve: Maasai Mara is perhaps Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve, if not in all of Africa. Known for its annual wildebeest migration, where millions of animals cross the Mara River, the reserve offers an awe-inspiring spectacle. Besides the migration, Maasai Mara boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. The vast open plains and rolling hills provide an ideal backdrop for game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and photography enthusiasts. Derive benefit from the opportunity to communicate with the local Maasai people and learn about their vibrant culture and traditions 2. Amboseli National Park: Amboseli National Park is positioned at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, famous for its stunning views of Africa's highest peak. It is one of the best places for safari in Kenya. The park's vast grasslands are home to large herds of elephants known for their distinctive tusks. Besides elephants, Amboseli offers excellent wildlife sightings, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and various bird species. The park's unique landscape, with swamps, marshes, and acacia woodlands, provides a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts. Remember to visit Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire park and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. 3. Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, is one of the world's largest wildlife sanctuaries. Known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Tsavo offers a truly wild and untamed safari experience. Tsavo East is characterized by vast plains, ancient baobab trees, and the flowing Galana River, which attracts a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Tsavo West is famous for its diverse terrain, including volcanic hills, dense forests, and the stunning Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles underwater. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage sanctuary for rhinos and elephants. 4. Samburu National Reserve: Samburu National Reserve offers a distinct and captivating safari experience in Kenya's northern region. The reserve is acknowledged for its rare wildlife species, including the "Samburu Special Five": the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. Additionally, Samburu is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Ewaso Ng'iro River flows through the reserve, attracting a wide range of wildlife, especially during the dry season, making it one of the best spots for safari in Kenya. Samburu's rugged landscapes, with arid plains and rocky outcrops, create a unique and breathtaking setting for game drives and nature walks. 5. Lake Nakuru National Park: For bird lovers, Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination. Located around the picturesque Lake Nakuru, the park is a haven for bird species, including thousands of flamingos that flock to the alkaline lake. The park's diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and cliffs, support over 450 bird species. Beyond the stunning birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park also supports numerous other wildlife species. The park is recognized for its endangered population of black and white rhinos, making it one of Kenya's premier destinations to see these magnificent creatures. Additionally, you can encounter lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes during your safari adventures. The park's diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and acacia forests, support a wide range of animal and plant species, making each safari excursion thrilling and rewarding. 6. Laikipia Plateau: The Laikipia Plateau offers a unique safari experience, known for its exclusive lodges and conservation-focused tourism. This vast area is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Grevy's zebras, black rhinos, and reticulated giraffes. You can go on game drives, take walking safaris, and even visit local communities to learn about their traditional culture and conservation efforts. The Laikipia Plateau is in central Kenya and offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is a vast, privately owned area known for its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices. The region features a mix of open grasslands, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests, creating diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Enjoy Diverse Safari Experience In Kenya Kenya offers an incredible safari experience with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you witness the grandeur of the Maasai Mara, the unique species of Samburu, or the birdlife of Lake Nakuru, each destination will leave you in awe of nature's wonders. Embark on a journey to Kenya and create lifelong memories of thrilling adventures. You can go on game drives, watch stunning sunsets, and have close encounters with majestic wildlife. The vastness of Tsavo National Parks, along with the avian wonders of Lake Nakuru, makes its beauty extraordinary. A safari in Kenya promises to be a journey of discovery. It will immerse you in nature's untamed wonders, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Suppose we jump high in the air. We can stay in the air for around half a second. Michael Jordan could even stay off the ground for only one second.  Now, at many events at the Winter Olympics, we see athletes showing strength and athleticism in the air.  However, ski jumping beats them all in terms of jumping high in the air and staying afloat for so long.  Here, you need to understand the physics of sports. Also, for many of us, the ski jump is a mesmerizing event in the Winter Games, showcasing sports physics in action.  The athlete who travels the farthest and shows the best style while flying and landing becomes the winner of the event.  Ski jumpers can fight gravity, and they can turn their bodies and skis into a wing to stay in the air for 5 to 7 seconds.  Within that span, they can travel almost the length of a football field while staying in the air.  But how is it possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long, and how do they train for that?  Let’s delve into the details.  How To Fly?  The answer lies in three important concepts of sports physics.  These are drag, lift, and gravity.  Gravity is the force that pulls any object in flight down. Gravity is a force that works on everybody, and ski jumpers cannot avoid it.  However, ski jumpers, as they move, interact with the air. Now, this interaction further produces lift.  Lift refers to an upward force projected by the air for an upward movement of an object.  In this scenario, if the force of gravity and the force of lift balance each other, an object can fly or glide.  However, producing lift is only possible when the object is moving. Moving objects collide with air particles and push them aside.  Pushing air downward creates an equal, upward reaction known as lift. Here it follows Newton’s third law “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” You can increase lift by boosting your speed, expanding your surface area, or optimizing your angle of attack (the object's tilt against the airflow).  If this angle is too flat, you generate no lift. If it is too steep, the object stalls.              The Car Window Example  If the concept feels complicated, you can experience the same by just sticking your hand out of a moving car window.  If you keep your hand perfectly flat, it will yield no movement.  However, if you tilt your palm slightly upward, it will force the incoming wind downward. Thus, your hand will be pushed up immediately.  It is a clear example of lift.  The same particle collisions that generate lift also create drag. Drag is a resistive force that slows objects down.  As an object loses speed, its lift drops, cutting the flight short. Because of this, ski jumpers use highly precise body positions to maximize their lift while minimizing speed-killing drag. A Brief History Of The V-Style  The history of ski jumping goes back to the 1800s. Norwegian skiers first started competing for distance on snowy slopes. However, for most of the sport's history, jumpers kept their skis pressed tightly together, parallel to each other, all the way through the flight. The 1980s brought a major change to these practices.  A Swedish jumper named Jan Boklöv began spreading his skis apart mid-air, forming the V-shape you now see in every competition. He drew criticism from experts and judges who considered it a “bad style” because it looked unconventional.  However, Boklöv's V-style increased his jump distances by as much as 10%, simply by giving his body and skis more surface area to catch the air. Then, ignoring the style was impossible.  Within a few years, every serious competitor had switched to the V-style, and judges stopped penalizing it. Even today, it remains a standard technique, and it is the same aerodynamic principle that more surface area means more lift. How To Fly On Skis?  We need to observe the skiers to understand how it is possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long and how they train for that. You will see a skier starting on a high slope, and then they move downhill. They generate speed by skiing in this way.  They also reduce drag by squatting and steer very carefully to minimize the friction between the ramp and skis.  So, when they reach the end, the speed will be close to 60 miles or 96 kms per hour.  Once airborne, ski jumpers use aerodynamics to fight gravity and extend their flight.  While they cannot generate enough lift to stay in the air indefinitely, maximizing this upward force slows their descent and carries them further down the hill. To achieve the longest flight possible, athletes lean forward until their bodies and skis are nearly parallel to the snow.  By spreading their skis into a V-shape just outside their body's silhouette, they gain two major aerodynamic advantages. The spread position creates a larger surface area to catch the wind and generate lift. So they get an expanded surface area.  They also get an optimal angle of attack. The forward tilt places them at the perfect angle relative to the airflow to maximize upward pressure. As the jumper glides forward, drag continuously pushes back against them, draining their forward momentum.  Because lift relies entirely on speed, this deceleration causes the upward force to fade away. As drag robs the athlete of their speed, gravity takes complete control, pulling them faster and faster toward the landing zone. The Takeoff: The Hardest Half-Second Out of everything a ski jumper does, takeoff is the most difficult skill to master. It happens in under half a second.  Furthermore, when the jumper reaches the end of the ramp, known as the "table," they must explosively extend their legs and spring forward and slightly upward. They will do it all while still moving at nearly 60 miles per hour. However, if they jump too early, they will lose speed and distance. Once again, jumping too late can cause a loss of control of their body position in the air, which can be dangerous. In addition, the takeoff also sets the jumper's angle of attack for the entire flight.  Because there's no way to make major corrections once airborne, a fraction-of-a-second error in the takeoff can throw off the aerodynamic position for the whole jump.  This is why ski jumpers spend years drilling this single movement until it becomes automatic. How Ski Jumpers Actually Train? Physics explains the reason why ski jumpers fly so far. However, the training behind it is equally crucial.  Training AreaWhat It InvolvesWhy It MattersStrength and Explosive PowerSquats, box jumps, and plyometric drillsBuilds the fast-twitch power needed for the powerful, split-second leg extension at takeoffSummer Training on Artificial TracksYear-round practice on in-run tracks covered with porcelain or plastic bristles instead of snowLet athletes drill their approach, takeoff, and body position even outside the winter monthsWind Tunnel SessionsFine-tuning arm position, back angle, and ski spread with coachesFlight position is highly sensitive to drag and lift, so small posture adjustments can shave off dragVideo and Biomechanical AnalysisFrame-by-frame review of the in-run, takeoff, flight, and landing from multiple camera anglesHelps compare an athlete's actual form against ideal aerodynamic positionsMental PreparationVisualization techniques and gradual exposure, starting on smaller hills and building up to normal and large hillsBuilds the psychological conditioning needed to launch off a mountainside ramp at speed How Do Judges Score A Jump? The judges will not just assess the ski jump based on the distance covered. So, the question of who becomes the winner depends on the distance and the style.  Scoring ComponentHow It WorksPurposeDistance Points• Measured against the K-point (a reference point on the hill). • Landing exactly on it earns a fixed score, with points added or subtracted for every meter beyond or short of it.Rewards how far the athlete actually travelsStyle Points•Five judges score the flight and landing, including body position in the air and control of the landing in the "telemark" position (one foot in front of the other, knees bent). •Each judge scores up to 20 points; the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the middle three are added to the distance score.Rewards technique and control, not just distance.Gate and Wind CompensationOfficials apply point adjustments in real time based on wind conditions, since headwinds increase lift and tailwinds reduce it.Prevents a gust of wind from unfairly helping or hurting a competitor's final score. Normal Hill Vs. Large Hill Vs. Ski Flying Not all ski jumps are the same size, and the hill itself determines how far a "long" jump actually is. Hill TypeK-Point (Target Landing Distance)NotesNormal HillUp to 109 metersSmaller competition hillLarge Hill110–184 metersUsed for most Olympic ski jumping eventsSki Flying Hill185 meters or moreIt is a separate discipline where athletes can stay airborne longer, sometimes covering well over 200 meters. The larger the hill, the faster the in-run speed and the longer the flight. That is why ski flying produces the most extreme examples of the physics described earlier. It is maximum lift, sustained over the longest possible time. Record-Breaking Flights The current men's ski flying world record stands at 254.5 meters. Domen Prevc completed it in Planica, Slovenia, on 30 March 2025. (Source: Guinness World Records).  Among women’s ski flying, Nika Prevc holds the record. She completed the jump of 236 meters in Vikersund, Norway, on 14 March 2025. These extreme distances are a direct demonstration of the lift-versus-drag balance. The longer an athlete can hold an efficient aerodynamic position without losing speed to drag, the farther gravity has to work to finally pull them down. How Is It Possible For Ski Jumpers To Stay In The Air Long? The Rules Follow The Physics So, you can see there is pure physics at play behind how it is possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long and how they train for that.  However, the body of an athlete, equipment choices, and the wind can impact the quality of the jump in many ways.  Also, there are a lot of rules and regulations to keep a ski jump fair.  You will see many officials changing the starting and ending points up and down the slope during the events.  This adjustment happens to ensure a safe landing, depending on the speed of the wind.  When the headwinds are faster, there will be more lift and longer jumps. As a result, an athlete can go past the safe zone for landing.  Moreover, the regulations of a ski jump will also depend on the height and weight of a skier.  Usually, skis have to be “145% of the skier's height.” Also, if the skier has a body mass index of less than 21, they will get shorter skis.  Again, long skis are not the best in every case. When the ski is heavy, you will need more lift to fly and stay in the air.  Also, you have to wear a tight-fitting suit. You cannot wear anything that will need additional lift.  So, when you see a skiing event, think of how the skiers have also mastered the concept of physics. Why Is Ski Jumping Riskier Than It Looks? Ski jumping looks graceful. However, we cannot undermine how physically demanding and risky the sport is.  Athletes fly through the air at highway speeds with only their skis and body position keeping them stable.  A poor landing, a sudden gust of crosswind, or a small error in the takeoff can cause a loss of balance that's difficult to correct mid-flight.  This is part of why regulations are so strict. The rules on suit tightness, ski length relative to height and BMI, and the ability of officials to adjust the start gate are all safety and fairness measures. Wind is the biggest variable officials can't fully control. Which is why competitions are sometimes paused or delayed when crosswinds pick up. It is also why the point-compensation system exists to account for conditions that shift mid-competition. How Is It Possible For Ski Jumpers To Stay In The Air Long? Some Quick Questions And Answers Here are some quick questions and answers related to how ski jumpers stay in the air for long. 1. Why Do Ski Jumpers Spread Their Skis Into A V-Shape? It increases their surface area and creates a better angle of attack, both of which generate more lift and let them fly farther. 2. How Fast Do Ski Jumpers Go Before Takeoff? Around 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) by the time they reach the end of the ramp. 3. How Long Do Ski Jumpers Actually Stay In The Air?  Roughly 5 to 7 seconds in standard competition, and even longer during ski flying events on the largest hills. 4. Is Ski Jumping Scored Only On Distance?  No. Final scores combine distance points with style points awarded by judges for body position and landing control. 5. What Is The Difference Between Ski Jumping And Ski Flying?  Ski flying happens on larger hills built for greater distances. It allows longer flights and higher speeds than standard normal or large hill ski jumping. Read Also: Car Travel On PaxTravelTweaks: How Does It Help In Smartly Planning Budget-Friendly Road Trips? IWantThatFlight Offering Cheap Flights: The Best Hack For Traveling On A Budget

BY  Sharmita Nov 20, 2016

Traveling comes with different purposes for every enthusiast. For some, it’s the act of rejuvenation, and for others, it is an exercise to connect to the soul. However, there are some adventurous souls who always seek activities or events that give them an adrenaline rush. If you are one of them, you must be looking for places of adventure in the world.   Witness the most beautiful destinations in this guide and make your choice!  The MOST Beautiful Places of Adventure in the World  You don’t always need to climb Mount Everest or make a trip to something as special as Machu Picchu to appease your adventurous soul.   Some lesser-known places of adventure can offer you the thrill you have been looking for.   1. Stairway to Heaven, Iceland:  About 24 km (about 14.91 mi) west of Erfoud town lies a magical stairway that the locals have termed the “Stairway to Heaven.”   The stairway looks more magnificent, lying in sunbathed glory during sunrise and sunset. The way the stairway lies between the magnanimous and green mountains of Iceland sounds like a passage leading straight to heaven.   Hiking amidst waterfalls and glacier walks are some popular adventurous activities here.   2. River of Flowers, Keukenhof in Holland:  Commonly known as the Garden of Europe, it’s one of the biggest flower gardens on the globe.   The beautiful corner of paradise was named after it provided kitchen herbs to the castle of Jacqueline, a Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century. In Dutch, Keukenhof means a kitchen garden.   About 7 million flower bulbs are planted manually1, and the garden harbors an extensive river of tulips running across like a stream of water all around the area. Approximately forty minutes from Amsterdam, the Tulip Spell in Holland is the best to visit in April.   You can take a ride on the whisper boat cruises in the garden or enjoy a fun-filled picnic.   3. The Silver Forest Aspen in Colorado:  The Rocky Mountain area of Aspen draws people from around the globe to see the beguiling Silver Forest that comprises silver birch trees, termed shade-intolerant species. These trees require brim sunlight without competition for food, space, and sunlight.   The trees are the highlight of the autumn spell, with golden and silvery colors strewn around the forest. It’s just too magnanimous to miss such a place. Taking a walk through the forest itself is an adventure and an experience to remember.   4. The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand:  The Waitomo Caves attraction is best known for its massive population of glowworm species. This species of worm is found particularly in New Zealand. They’re around the size of an average mosquito and glow in the dark. Their Larvae glow to lure prey into their threads, possibly luring them to believe they are outdoors.   Since the roof of the cave is surrounded by larvae, does it look like a glittering sky at night? The hungry larva usually glows brighter than the ones that have just fed. Amazing as it may sound, a visit to Waitomo caves involves organized tours, including a boat ride beneath the glowworm, which is magical!  5. Rottenburg Village, Germany:  Rottenburg is a gleeful and beautiful town located in the Franconia area of Bavaria in Germany. It is a well-kept medieval old town, which is a destination for visitors from all walks of the world.   The city is a common representation of German enchantment. How can you miss seeing this romantic place?   In addition, artists have taken inspiration from this village's exclusive location, whose towers and 42 skyline gates are unmistakable.   Lying amidst magnificent, unspoiled countryside with a walkable town wall with medieval fortifications enclosing the historic center, the village, with its artistic treasures and winding alleyways, is the perfect place to relax. However, if you are willing to spend a significant time in this place, you need to go for immigration assistance. 6. Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan:  A scenic waterfall situated in Pingxi District, Taipei City in Taiwan, is the most majestic waterfall in Taiwan. The waterfall’s height of 20 meters by 40 meters in breadth makes it the widest waterfall in Taiwan.  It’s a cascade-style fall in the same direction and rock tilted in the opposite. A famous tourist destination, Shifen Falls is unique since it comprises other waterfalls coming together to form a fantastic view. Moreover, people are so helpful - you will always find help. I found the right assistance for starting a business here and now I’m a successful travel business owner who works from literally anywhere in the world. 7. Athabasca Falls, Canada:  Athabasca Waterfall is in Jasper Park on the upper Athabasca River, about 35 kilometers (about 21.75 mi) south of Jasper, in Canada. It’s one of the most powerful falls in Canada and the most beautiful places of adventure in the world.   Moreover, it is a major tourist stopover along the Icefields Parkway. It’s always a busy place on mid-summer days. The appropriate time for its full beauty is at dusk, during which the fall looks like a beautiful blue orb dancing alongside the nearby golden cliffs.  8. Red Beach, China:  Sand is the first thing that rings into your mind when you start thinking of beaches. However, this isn’t the case with Panjin Red Beach. The beach is red with no sand covering at all. This phenomenon emanates from Sueda – seaweed.   The beach is in the reed marsh and is the biggest wetland in the world, hosting the complete ecosystem ever found. The beach has become a habitat for over 250 species of birds and 399 species of wild animals.   The area is also known as the home of cranes since you can find Black Beaked Gulls and the Endangered Cranes”. Panjin Red Beach is one of those destinations that are hard to believe exist!  9. Kauai, Hawaii:  Kauai Island is in the mid-Pacific region of the Hawaiian archipelago. It has the nickname of “Garden Isle” due to the tropical rainforest surrounding much of its area.   The dramatic pinnacles, together with the cliffs of its Na Pali, have served as a backdrop for Hollywood films, while the 10-mile Waimea Canyon, together with the Nounou Trails cutting across the Giant Ridge, are wandering destinations. However, the most attractive destination is Kauai Falls, which resembles a silky stream of water gliding down to a fascinating array!  10. The Rolling Hills, Czech Republic:  The Rolling Hills in the Czech Republic are a spectacle to look at. A scenic view of what looks like a carpeted hill is a mesmerizing view you can experience once in a lifetime.  From here, you can visit the St. Barbara's chapel. Start your day early if you want to visit the Rolling Hills, as the area looks the best in Sunlight.   11. National Park, Utah:  You can forge new memories at the fiery red rock while embracing your most adventurous part of Utah’s national park, depending on whether such side likes exploring new terrain on short nature hikes, pedaling canyon rims, or navigating slot canyons.   Utah’s national park features the most amazing landscapes in the globe. Golden arches cover the region with a spectacular view you cannot afford to miss.  Bon Voyage!  While visiting the places of adventure in the world, you must be particular about your travel essentials. Your travel itinerary will include a lot of outdoor activities. So, you must choose your travel gear, boots, and outfits correctly. In addition, you have to carry essential medicines and protein bars.  However, the trick here is to only carry the things you need and keep your bag light. You even need to choose your backpack or duffle bag that can fulfill your traveling needs.