Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Places Across The Globe You Must Take Them To

BY  Barsha Dec 10, 2022

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

BY  Barsha Apr 24, 2023

It’s only normal that you have already heard of big companies like Skyscanner, Expedia, or even Booking.com, for that matter. These are all known as OTAs or Online Travel Agencies. Travelocity sell traveling services, making it relatively more convenient for their customers to plan a vacation with different alternatives from a single platform. With more options, detailed information, and instantaneous booking procedures, OTAs are ideal when you are planning your next trip. While some OTAs provide multiple services, others focus on specific services like vacation rentals and accommodation. Plus, you can also compare rates, especially when you have a strict budget. Travelocity is one such multi-service OTA. Although it’s an established brand, the question is - are they keeping up with its current market competitors? Before you can invest your money in Travelocity, let’s check out all that you need to know about the same. So, What Is Travelocity? The Travelocity website was first launched in 1996 - it is a travel agency online that offers a wide selection of services. The popular Expedia Group, a leading global travel service agency, owns and manages Travelocity. On this platform, you can book car rentals, travel packages, cruises, hotel deals, and flights. Additionally, you can even reserve tickets for various popular attractions, share vacation plans with family and friends, and read engaging travel content. The App: Before you can look for the best Travelocity flights online, let’s find out more about the all-elusive Travelocity mobile app. The app version also helps users to browse as well as manage their reservations easily. Plus, it’s available for iOS and Android services - users automatically get notified about gate numbers and flight status for tracking delays. Additionally, guests can communicate with different hotels by directly messaging via the application. More importantly, guests can also access all their travel data in a single place, even when they are offline. You can easily download the Travelocity app via your Android or iOS devices to ensure that you are able to obtain a convenient experience. What Does Travelocity Offer? Obviously, Travelocity offers so much more than just flights - from exciting Travelocity cruises and accommodations to really great Travelocity car rental services and even entire trip packages, you will get everything on this platform. Stay tuned to find out more! Stays: You can choose your accommodation from a wide selection of resorts, hotels, condominiums, and other types of stays. Flights: You can book airline tickets to your chosen destinations at both standard and bargain rates. Cars: You will find rental cabs and cars offering pickup and drop from/to the airport. Vacation Packages: You can book all-inclusive travel itineraries, including car rentals, accommodation, or/and flights. Travel Deals: You can enjoy discounted offers under travel deals. Activities/Things To Do: You can book tickets and make reservations for popular tourist attractions, exciting experiences, performances, and concerts. Using The Travelocity Platform: The Pros And Cons If you are already looking for ‘flights Travelocity,’ then stop - first, let’s find out the benefits of using this platform. And not just that - we also need to be aware of all the cons that are associated with using Travelocity. So without wasting time, let’s get started! The Advantages Of Travelocity: The advantages or rather the pros of using Travelocity are as follows, It’s a convenient platform - one single platform provides multiple solutions. Users can enjoy a wide range of choices when it comes to planning the perfect vacation. The Travelocity price guarantee is unbeatable, making the app ideal for budget-friendly trips. The Disadvantages Of Travelocity: The disadvantages or rather the cons of using Travelocity are as follows, The customer service provided by Travelocity is definitely not at par with the company’s top competitors online. Plus, customer support is mostly unresponsive. Although the platform promises no cancelation issues, so many customers have complained about the same. Exploring The Travelocity Application: Is Travelocity Legit? Before spending money on the Travelocity platform, it’s best to check out a few Travelocity reviews from Google Play for the most effective results. Stay tuned to find out whether the platform is worth spending your time or money on. Review By Deborah Eddy: “Enjoy using the app. It's easy to use, with lots of choices that are discounted off the airline and hotel websites. Love having one-stop shopping. Had an issue once where I couldn't complete a booking correctly. It took a while to get someone on the phone to help. Don't stop having a live person for 'support' issues.” Review By TMH: “Love this app! It is my go-to travel app. It's easy to use, has great deals, dual-pay options, and easy cancellations. One time I accidentally booked the wrong date for a staycation with my daughters. The Travelocity rep not only canceled my booking without charge but the rep also worked with the hotel to give me an upgraded room that same night at the same price. Amazing!” Review By BM: “Horrible experience all around, with the service. Had to cancel my flight, and I purchased a cancellation policy. Sadly things happen, and plans change. Don't need credit for a future flight, I need my funds back. I had to file a claim, where you have to attach files of everything, then proof of the reason why you cancel. I probably won't get my money back.” Review By Jaleen Martin: “Absolutely love the app! Very self-explanatory and so simple to use. My first go-to app when planning a trip is Travelocity. The only thing I don't care for is when you have to talk to customer service, you can't find a single person who speaks clear English at all. So terribly hard to understand. I hope to see improvement on that part soon.” And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap on Travelocity. Now that you are aware of all the services you can get on this platform, you can go check out individual features, like this rental car services or accommodation options for your next vacation. So, what are your thoughts on using OTAs or Online Travel Agencies for planning a vacation? Have you used this in the past - then feel free to share your experiences mentioned below in the comments. Read Also: Hopper flights review- Login, services and Travel experiences Using flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know! Using Google Flights To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Sibashree Oct 15, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park was in the news recently as the fourth-largest wildfire in California exploded out of proportion. The park's officials evacuated staff from the Mineral community near the park headquarters.  120 people were there in the community, and the evacuation started as the fire started moving east to the park on the evening of 26th July 2024.  However, the park fire reached near containment in August, and on 17th August 2024, the park was partially reopened. You may wonder what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park after the fire breakout and if there is any significant destruction in the places of interest in the park.  Let me assure you. The park officials stated that the fire had never entered the park. However, there are still risks in the southern part of the park and Mill Creek and Mineral communities.  Nevertheless, the reopened parts of the park are out of danger despite some lingering smoke. So, Subway Cave, located around 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the safest sites to explore after the fire incident. Make a rush, as it remains open from late April to November.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park After The Fire Breakout (Exploring The Underground World Of A Lava Tube) Yes, you got me right! I am talking about the Subway Cave. The self-guided trail inside the cave is ⅓ miles long and 30 feet wide, and complete darkness is inside. So, many call it the journey into darkness. The USDA Forest Service maintains the cave, which remains open from dawn to dusk.  Before I get into more stories and facts about the cave, I want to present the basics you need to know briefly.  Important Facts About Subway Cave, Lassen National Volcanic Park Location in the ParkA 2-minute walk from the parking lot near the junction of “Highway 89” and “Highway 44” in Old StationAmenitiesPicnic TablesDrinking WaterParkingToiletsInterpretive SiteFeesFree (You can make donations)Pet-FriendlyNoParking FacilitiesMany Parking Facilities, Buses and RVsOutdoor ActivitiesInterpretative Sessions, Caving, PicnicTemperature Inside the Cave46 Degree Farrenheit Nearby AttractionShasta County (Mountainous landscape and multiple picnic locations)Nearby Trails*Cinder Crone TrailSpattercone Nature TrailButte Lake to Widow Lake, etc.  *Many hiking trails in the park, such as the Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Mill Creek Falls, are closed as the park has partially reopened after the recent wildfire explosion. So, check with the park authorities before you plan a hike on the park trails.  This Is How The Subway Cave Was Formed  If you are a keen learner of geology and want to know what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you cannot avoid the lure of Subway Cave. I have already shared an account on the geothermal wonders of the park. This cave is an example of how lava flowed around 20000 years ago and created some magic.  A major lava explosion happened all across the Hat Creek area around 20000 years ago. The top layer of the lava flow became cold and hard in contact with air. Thus, a hard cap was formed. However, there was a continuous flow of molten lava below this cap.  The molten lava drained out Over time, but a hollow tube structure remained there. As you hike this trail, you will find traces of the more recent lava flows.  Route To The Subway Cave Is Bumpass Hell on your list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Are you planning a trip to the park soon? Then, you will be disappointed as the Bumpass Hell trek route is closed after the park has reopened following the recent fire breakout.  Further, as Bumpass Hell is closed, you must take the Warner Valley Area route to  Devils Kitchen, which is the cave's opening. Devils Kitchen is a 4.4-mile hike from the Warner Valley Area (camping here is closed for 2024).   Accessing The Subway Cave  You have to climb down metal stairs as you access the Subway Cave. You will get down into a wide opening in the ground. The ground surface has a leveled floor. However, you must be careful as you get off the stair flight.  Further, you must wear sturdy footwear to avoid injuries and difficulties where the floor gets rough.  Fortunately, the ceiling and walls are quite smooth, minimizing the hiking difficulty level while hiking. Also, there is complete darkness inside the cave. So, you will need a flashlight to make it to the end.  The weather inside is a little cold, even in summer. So you will need a light jacket. Moreover, don’t forget to read and follow the interpretative signs through the trail to better understand the place.  The best thing about this park is that it’s 30 feet wide. So, even with complete darkness inside, you never feel suffocated.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park Subway Cave It is not a long walk inside the Subway Cave. However, this short walk is enough to make it feature on the list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic Park.  Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac (An Attraction Very Few Knows About) Have you listened to Satan’s Cul-de-sac from Gangland Buries Its Own? The first thing that may amaze you inside the cave is Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac. There is a split as you enter the cave, and you are to turn to the right if you want to continue the trail. However, you will notice a big room if you are adventurous enough to turn left, when I tell you about Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac, The ceiling height starts from 6 feet and gets higher up to 15 feet. The most amazing thing about this room inside the cave is the rock formation on the ceiling and walls. It’s gothic and justified its name.  https://open.spotify.com/track/6cq37W4OXjEdQRLh2IVQOF As The Hike Advances  The ceiling height will vary as you continue the trek, and there are small boulder-like rock formations in many places. So, be careful with your steps and do not stumble upon them. Also, because of these rock formations, you must not wear an open-toe shoe while walking through the cave.  Nevertheless, the ceiling formation is fascinating, and in one section, it looks like stoned rainfall or water ripples. The section is called the Lavacicle Lane. Molten lava dripped off through the cracks in the ceiling cave, and there were formations of “drip pendants” or “lavacicles.”  Further, as you plan to take the exit, you notice all the colors in the lava rock formation, including green, blue, white, and brown lines.  Getting Out Of The Subway Cave As you approach the end of the cave, you will find a metal stair flight similar to the one at the entrance. From the top of the exit staircase, you can hike through an on-ground trail to the west or north to find the parking lot.  However, I prefer to take another walk through the cave and get back to the entrance. It will be so much fun to explore this unique geological formation again.  Things To Remember Before Getting Into The Darkness Of The Subway Cave  Subway Cave is a hidden gem if you consider what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, once you take the hike and read the interpretative signs, you will learn why it is geologically unique.  Nevertheless, you must be careful about certain things to ensure complete safety throughout the hike.  You will find rattlesnakes in the trail, and you have to be respectful to these reptiles. You must not make any move to catch or hurt them. Moreover, you cannot go off trails or litter inside the cave.  No food, water, or firelighting is allowed inside the cave. There are picnic areas nearby for you to catch refreshments. Wish you a safe, easy, and fun-filled experience inside the Subway Cave!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.