What Are The Best Places To Visit In December In The USA? Vote For Your Favorite

BY  Sibashree Apr 23, 2025

Is the Bahamas safe? Trust me! My mailbox is getting flooded with this question from the tourism businesses and professionals I know.  I think that the recent announcement from the Trump administration to avoid visiting the Bahamas has raised this concern.  But why is this sudden announcement? The growing crime rate, unsafe boating practices, and a rise in shark attacks have prompted the US State Department to issue an advisory on 31st March 2025 and an urgent warning against Americans visiting the Bahamas.  Now, the Bahamas, with the largest economy in the Caribbean, has often been under the radar as a nation with a Level 2 travel caution.  Level 2 caution means that a traveler needs to “exercise increased caution” while planning a trip to the Bahamas.  So, can I travel to the Bahamas right now? Yes, you can, but with increased safety precautions.  Do you want to know about travel safety in the Bahamas? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog. Is The Bahamas Safe? Hear It From The Travel Advisories "Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.”The Bahamas Travel Advisory, Bureau of Consular Affairs, The US Department of State Now, this is not great news for the Bahamas, a country heavily reliant on tourism. Further, in February this year, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism confirmed the arrival of 11.22 million international visitors in 2024.  Everyone was pleased to see that the country had recorded such high numbers despite the ravages of hurricanes such as Oscar and Milton.  However, we cannot deny the fact that the Bahamas started the year 2024 with frequent reports of murders. The homicide rate in the Bahamas in 2024 was 29.7. It was a sharp 8% increase from the murder rate of 2023. No wonder that the growing number of crimes has raised concerns across the globe. We can consider the travel advisories issued by the governments of the USA, UK, and Canada as responses to the growing crisis.  1. The Bahamas Travel Advisory, The Bureau Of Consular Affairs, The USA Caution Level: Level 2, Increased Caution Date Issued: 31st March, 2025 Is Nassau Bahamas safe for tourists? No, it is not. In fact, Nassau, Freeport, and various areas in the Grand Bahama Islands and New Providence are not suitable for travelers.  There has been disturbing news of residents getting killed by gang members in these areas. The Bahamas Travel Advisory advises against selecting a vacation rental property without personal security guards.  Along with instructions on how to practice increased caution in these areas, the US Travel Advisory has also shared the following guidelines.  Safety Related To Weapons And Ammunition  Carrying firearms and ammunition is not allowed in the airport. If you are carrying one, even by mistake, you can face detention, jail, and more severe punishments.  The advisory tells a visitor to avoid combating robbery or theft physically. Moreover, a traveler must keep the doors of their room locked and use safety measures to avoid security threats.  Beach Safety: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Many unauthorized or unlicensed companies operate watercraft services in the Bahamas. However, the recent incidents of sexual assaults in downtown Nassau beaches have made it difficult to enjoy beach activities freely in Nassau.  Also, there has been news about the growing number of deaths caused by snorkeling and swimming.  Moreover, there has been an alarming rise in the number of shark attacks in the Bahamas. Unregulated Boating And Jet Ski Rides  Due to the lack of regulation in the Bahamas' boating industry, boating-related accidents are common in the country.  Also, sexual assaults during jet ski rides are common in the Bahamas.  So, you must only choose watercraft services that have the right insurance and licenses. ⁕⁕ “Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.” ⁕⁕ 2. The Bahamas Travel Advice From The Government Of Canada: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Caution Level: “Exercise a high degree of caution” Date Issued: 8th April, 2025 The Bahamas Travel Advice from the Government of Canada is very similar to the Bahamas Travel Advisory issued by the USA government.  However, a few additional points are there in the Government of Canada's Bahamas Travel Advice.  For example, it asks you to be careful about not having spiked food. Criminals in Canada often add drugs to food and drink to commit robbery or sexual assault.  Further, the travel advice highlights road safety precautions, especially while driving through areas like Nassau.  It asks the travelers to keep the doors of the car locked and windows rolled up. Moreover, you must not get out of the car and try to remove anything that’s obstructing your road.  It can be a trick to rob or assault you as soon as you get out of the car.  Moreover, the advisory talks about water and power supply shortages in the Bahamas. Hurricanes are frequent, and Milton and Oscar are two hurricanes that have left major impacts on the Bahamas recently.  Hurricanes create problems in power supply, water supply, and the availability of essential services. So, always keep an adequate supply of water.  3. Are The Bahamas Safe For Families? The “Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas” By The UK Government Violent crimes, sexual assaults, and drink spiking are the most prominent crimes that travelers need to be alert about when traveling to the Bahamas.  Furthermore, despite the potential for the Bahamas to experience substantial growth in adventure tourism, safety concerns related to swimming and water sports are causing major problems.  Also, the Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas issued by the Government of the United Kingdom highlights the possible problems for LGBT+ travelers and how a traveler from the UK will experience major cultural differences there. “In The Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention. Showing affection in public, especially for same-sex couples, is uncommon.”Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas  Are The Bahamas Safe For Families, And Why We Still Love The Bahamas See, the questions like “Is it safe to walk in the Bahamas?” or “Is the Bahamas safe for families?” will not fade anytime soon, as the crime rates are high in the country.  Also, countries such as the USA, the UK, and Canada have issued travel advisories that highlight almost the same major issues.  Having said that, we still love the Bahamas, which has endless stories about the voyages of Vasco da Gama, and it is the home to the Pirates of the Caribbean.  The major tourist attractions in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, Freeport, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Exuma Cays. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 9, 2025

22nd September 2025 is the date you must mark if you want to see the Northern Lights during the Autumnal Equinox.  2025 is a special year for watching the Northern Lights. On 25th June 2025, a G2 geomagnetic storm pushed the aurora south. As a result, people in Maine, New York, and the Northern Plains enjoyed the peak viewing experience.  So, are any of these the best places to see the Northern Lights in the USA? Let’s find out where and when to catch the Aurora Borealis.  However, before that, let’s briefly touch upon how the Northern Lights got its name from Galileo Galilei, the best time to witness this natural phenomenon, and other important details. What Are The Northern Lights? What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights? The Northern Lights are also known as the Aurora Borealis. The sun releases solar flares due to solar activity. The magnetic field of our planet attracts the flares towards itself. The flares interact with the gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and others. This turns gases into plasma as it is heated to a certain extent. Therefore, the Northern Lights are a plasma state of matter, where the gas is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, causing it to transition into a plasma state. These plasmas appear to be curtains of radiant purple, blue, and red, radiant lights over the skies of the Earth. This phenomenon is especially pronounced near the planet's poles. The best time to witness these lights is during the spring and autumn equinoxes. During these times, the tourists will be able to see longer northern light shows due to the Russell-Macpherson effect.  The Northern Lights can be seen clearly in the polar regions and places with clear skies and minimal light pollution. How Did The Northern Lights Become Aurora Borealis? Gallelio Gaili named the Northern Lights Aurora. The astronomer named it after the Roman Goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek God Boreas. Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn. The goddess flies in a chariot, announcing the arrival of the sun god. The deity symbolizes renewal and a fresh start. On the other hand, Boraes is the Greek God of north winds, storms, and winter. Galileo named the phenomenon of the northern lights as Aurora Borealis in the year 1619. He thought that the phenomenon was caused by the reflection of the sunlight in the Earth’s atmosphere. However, in reality, the phenomenon was caused by the solar flares emitted by the sun. What Is The Best Place To See Northern Lights In The USA? With the boom of astro tourism, watching the Northern Lights has become an important part of tourism in the USA and many other parts of the world. As a subset of special interest tourism, Astro tourism is about to reach $400 million in 2030. No wonder that many Airbnbs in countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland have specially located and designed properties to watch this celestial magic.  Furthermore, in the USA, national parks such as Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park, as well as dark sky parks like Headlands International Dark Sky Park, have given a significant boost to tourism centered on Northern Lights viewing or overall astrotourism.  Additionally, observatories like the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) have contributed to the growth of astrotourism in the USA.  So, when it comes to choosing the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, we have a lot of options.  Let’s explore! 1. Boundary Waters, Minnesota https://www.instagram.com/p/C-oVf2vg4KH/ Almost four hours from the region of Minneapolis, there lies Boundary Waters, Minnesota. This place offers the clearest night skies, located far from light pollution.  The water body offers a stunning reflection of the beautiful nighttime light show. 2. Upper Peninsula, Michigan https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4EIvsBK2-/ The Upper Peninsula is near the rugged shores of Lake Superior, as well as the secluded forests of Isle Royale National Park.  The remote location, accompanied by a unique landscape, offers viewers minimal light pollution.  Furthermore, the location offers a clearer view of the Aurora Borealis due to its northern latitude.  Additionally, due to clear skies, the Upper Peninsula is the best place in the USA to see the Northern Lights during winter.  3. Idaho https://www.instagram.com/p/C3g0ADFMhZF/ Idaho, of course, tops the chart as the best place to see the Northern Lights in the USA, as it is the first official Dark Sky Reserve in the country.  Also, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and the city of Ketchum, Idaho, have five designated Dark Skies.  However, most of the Dark Skies are in the southern part of the state. Having said that, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and Priest Lake are northern locations in Idaho for watching the Northern Lights.  4. Wisconsin https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ZIYXar_-M/ Wisconsin is on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. These two lakes make Wisconsin ideal for watching the Northern Lights.  The view is especially more spectacular during the winter as the lakes freeze. Furthermore, two of the most stunning places to visit the Northern Lights in Wisconsin, are Washington Island in Door County or the Apostle Islands. 5. North Dakota https://www.instagram.com/p/C61JconL8kl/?img_index=1 You cannot leave this northern state when it comes to the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA.  The most iconic places to see the Northern Lights in the state are: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Mystical Horizons near Bottineau The Turtle Mountains Moreover, the Martens Observatory at the University of North Dakota streams its celestial observations live on its YouTube channel. So, you can watch the Northern Lights on a real-time basis virtually.  6. Pennsylvania https://www.instagram.com/p/C61Dxs3u28J/?img_index=1 Cherry Springs State Park is a Dark Sky Reserve located in Pennsylvania. The park also has an Astronomy Observation Field, which offers a 360-degree view of the sky.  You can stay in the park the entire night, be a part of the tours, and learn photography to enjoy and preserve the stargazing and Northern Lights watching activities.  7. Alaska Located within the auroral oval, Alaska is the heaven and the best place to see Northern Lights in the USA.  Coldfoot, Utqiagvik, and Fairbanks are the prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. 8. Maine Home to the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Maine is one of the best places in the USA to see the Northern Lights.  However, the abundant rural landscape makes the entire state ideal for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights.  To be more specific, you can explore the east of the Mississippi River to enjoy the best view of the Northern Lights. 

BY  Sibashree Sep 13, 2025

For us, who have been to Margaritaville Orlando, it is an extension of the spirit of Jimmy Buffett. Each corner of this resort echoes, “It takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad.” It is the same love for life, music, and love! The recent Labor Day Weekend festivities at Margaritaville Orlando have once again reestablished the fact.  There have been promenade sunset walks, food, live entertainment, and many other family-friendly activities.  Moreover, like Margaritaville at Sea, Margaritaville Orlando also has something new and great to offer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) Margaritaville Orlando is going through its game-changing expansion of phase 9. Once the expansion is complete, the resort will have more luxury hotels and vacation homes.  Also, the most fascinating thing about it is the addition of the Margaritaville Vacation Club (MVC) timeshare building.  So, people who will visit the resort in 2027 onward will enjoy a bigger and better version of the resort. Nevertheless, in this Tour and Travel Blog, I will share what is so special about this luxury resort in Orlando, the things to do, prices, policies, and more! It will be a good mix of my experience and all the details about the resort. The Key Areas Covered are:Where Is Margaritaville Orlando?Accommodations At Margaritaville Orlando: Rooms, Suites, Villas, And…1. Margaritaville Orlando Rooms2. Margaritaville Orlando Villas3. Margaritaville Orlando Cottages4. Margaritaville Orlando Accessible RoomsWhat Are The Best Experiences At Margaritaville Orlando?1. The Fitness Center2. Spa3. Fins Up Beach Club4. Entertainment And Music Programs5. Margaritaville Orlando Store6. Cabana RentalsWhat Are The Things To Do At Margaritaville Orlando?1. Promenade At Sunset Walk2. Explore The Theme Parks3. Chill At The ResortWhat Is The Cost Of A Stay At Margaritaville Orlando?What Is Everyone Saying About Margaritaville Orlando? Guest ReviewsIs Margaritaville Orlando Worth It?Margaritaville Orlando: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where Is Margaritaville Orlando? Margaritaville Orlando is located at 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida 34747. Their contact number is +1 855-995-9099. The resort is very close to the Orlando International Airport. It is just a 30-minute journey by road. The resort does not offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off facility to and from the airport.  However, we booked the concierge service for airport pickup as I was traveling with my daughter, and we were a team of 8 with a few elderly members.  Accommodations At Margaritaville Orlando: Rooms, Suites, Villas, And… View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) Margaritaville Orlando has rooms, villas, cottages, and accessible rooms. We stayed in a cottage.  1. Margaritaville Orlando Rooms From “One King Pool View Room” to “Queen Resort View,” there are many options for rooms in the resort.  Each room exudes a tropical elegance with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, AM/FM radio, an ironing board, AC, bathroom amenities, and more.  2. Margaritaville Orlando Villas Magaritaville Orlando has two-bedroom villas, three-bedroom villas, and four-bedroom villas. The four-bedroom villa has 1,724 square feet of area, and it can accommodate 10 guests.  The three-bedroom villa, with an area of 1,545 square feet, is ideal for eight guests. Moreover, with an area of 1,394 square feet, the two-bedroom villa can host six guests.  3. Margaritaville Orlando Cottages We chose the Margaritaville Orlando Cottage by Rentyl. You can also select the cottages by Vstays. We chose the villa because we wanted our own kitchen, living, and dining areas.  Cottages here have one to eight rooms, and you can access all the resort amenities as a guest.  To book cottages by Rentyl, you can contact 321-888-3689, and for cottages by Vstays, you can contact 407-479-0996.  4. Margaritaville Orlando Accessible Rooms I found it very thoughtful and inclusive. This is one of the reasons why Margaritaville is what it is today! These accessible rooms have 32" wide door openings and other amenities such as platforms attached to the bed.  You can contact +1 855-995-9099 and talk to the general manager of the resort. What Are The Best Experiences At Margaritaville Orlando? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) Margaritaville Orlando offers diverse experiences to enhance your stay at the resort. There is a fitness center, a spa facility, a beach club, entertainment and live music programs, a store, and Cabana rentals.  Moreover, the resort keeps hosting daily and occasional events. It has a detailed daily activity guide, which you can follow to plan your day.  1. The Fitness Center The fitness center is accessible to guests for 24 hours. You can do a full-body workout here, train your core muscles, or hone up your weight-lifting skills.  The fitness center features a wide range of workout machines, equipment, and bicycles.  2. Spa You can avail yourself of the HydraFacial or the Himalayan Salt Room therapies at this resort. Furthermore, you can enjoy nail and hair enhancement services.  The spa services are available from 9 AM to 5 PM.  3. Fins Up Beach Club View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) The Fins Up Beach Club offers the ultimate tropical experience inside the cottage. It has lagoon pools, lounge chairs, and you can even select a private cabana to relax by the water. We also had some excellent cheeseburgers here.  The beach club remains open from 9 AM to 9 PM.  4. Entertainment And Music Programs The Salty Rim Bar & Grill and the Euphoria Lounge are the best places to enjoy live music and entertainment. Furthermore, there are options such as “Eat-in movie theater,” “Live music venues,” lounges, bars, and more.  5. Margaritaville Orlando Store We loved the Margaritaville Orlando Store, and more so because all of us were Jimmy Buffett fans. We loved the t-shirts here. There are also bags and accessories.  The store remains open from 9 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Thursday. From Friday to Saturday, it is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, and on Sundays, it opens at 9 AM and closes at 7 PM.  6. Cabana Rentals  You can opt for cabana rental packages such as the Lost Shaker Package or the Parrot Paradise Package and reserve a private cabana. These cabanas have lounge chairs and tropical floats. Furthermore, the packages include food and beverage vouchers.  Moreover, the Parrot Paradise Package also has an activity voucher.  Moreover, you can have the best family time exploring the Island H2O Water Park, next to the Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, and the Universal Orlando Resort. What Are The Things To Do At Margaritaville Orlando? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) Margaritaville Orlando is the perfect accommodation if you want to explore the best of Orlando theme parks. Furthermore, the resort has a daily and weekly activity guide. It has all the details of ongoing daily events and weekend events for the month.  The Fins Up Beach Club is the most sought-after venue for these events.  So, the things to do at Margaritaville are practically countless.  1. Promenade At Sunset Walk Promenade at Sunset Walk is the ideal destination for all evening entertainment. From tacos and pizzas to fine dining, you will find great food here.  Also, you can explore the lounges, bars, arcades, and the movie theater.  2. Explore The Theme Parks Walt Disney World® Resort SeaWorld® Orlando Island H2O Water Park Universal Orlando Resort Magic Kingdom® Park EPCOT® View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) These are the names that are located close to Margaritaville Orlando. The Ticket Desk in the resort remains open from 7 AM to 3 PM. You must visit the desk near the main lobby of the resort for booking shuttles, tickets, and restaurants at these theme parks.  For each theme park, there are specific pick-up and drop-off timings and areas. So, be particular about the details.  3. Chill At The Resort The resort has various experiences and activity zones. If you don’t want to explore much, you can enjoy the quiet luxury of the resort and enjoy brilliant concoctions such as Mango Tango Slush, Rum Therapy, Coco Rita, and Island Fever Punch.  What Is The Cost Of A Stay At Margaritaville Orlando?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) The cost of a stay at Margaritaville will depend on the kind of accommodation you choose. Usually, the accommodation charges range from $250 to $600 per person for two nights. We booked a 2-bedroom villa for 2 nights, which cost us $585 per person.  However, at the time of billing, it cost us $631.17, including the resort fee, property service fee, and taxes.  Moreover, we needed one accessible room. We chose the King Pool View Suite Accessible. For two nights, the room charge was $551.42 per person, and after adding the taxes, it was $724.66.  Don’t forget to check out the exclusive offers and discounts on the resort and spa facilities at Margaritaville Orlando to curb the cost of your stay here.  What Is Everyone Saying About Margaritaville Orlando? Guest Reviews  Of course, like us, many guests at Margaritaville Orlando have some great things to say about the resort.  1. Benjamin C. writes,  “We loved the activities! Ping pong, poolside activities, BINGO, movie trivia, renting the two and four seated bikers were all highlights!”  2. Marc H. wrote,  “Everything Perfect.”  3. Ana K Wrote, “Fun and relaxation at water park. A cabana is a must.” Why Is Margaritaville Orlando The Best Choice To Enjoy The Magic Of Walt Disney? Margaritaville Orlando is “an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel.” So, the quality, comfort, and service here match the Disney standards.  Further, you will get the official Walt Disney World® Theme Park tickets at the resort and all the latest news about the events and occurrences at the theme park. Also, the resort is located at a distance of just 8 minutes from the park.  Moreover, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to the theme park.  Is Margaritaville Orlando Worth It? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margaritaville Resort Orlando (@margaritavilleresortorlando) Yes, Margaritaville Orlando is absolutely worth it. The amenities and operations are perfect. But let me go back where I began. The resort truly is an extension of the spirit of Jimmy Buffett. I loved its humane face more than anything else.  I have already mentioned that it’s a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel. Furthermore, for every night we stay there, the resort contributes $5 to Give Kids the World Village.  In addition, it is Autism Double Checked certified. So, the team members have the training and equipment to welcome guests who are on the autism spectrum. This is a remarkable move for inclusivity, along with having accessible room accommodations.  Moreover, it is a winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award. So, it leaves up to the promise of offering personalized and attentive services for every guest.  Margaritaville Orlando: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Margaritaville Orlando. 1. Does Margaritaville Orlando Have Free Breakfast? Yes, complimentary breakfast combos are available at Provisions. They offer one coffee and one sandwich per person. You can contact 855-995-9099 to learn more about the terms and conditions.  2. Does Margaritaville In Orlando Have A Lazy River? Margaritaville in Orlando does not have a lazy river. However, as a guest of the resort, you will get a free entry to the Island H2O Water Park. This waterpark has a lazy river, and it is ideal for many family-friendly water activities.  3. How Much Is An Uber From Orlando Airport To Margaritaville Resort? The standard cost of an Uber ride from the Orlando Airport to the Margaritaville resort is around $52. However, if you are booking a premium luxury car, the cost will be around $122. 4. What Is The Check-In And Check-Out Time At Margaritaville Orlando? The check-in time at Margaritaville Orlando is 4 PM, and the checkout time is 11 AM. However, you can avail yourself of the “Nothin’ but a Breeze” exclusive offer and enjoy a late check-out.  5. Does Margaritaville Orlando Allow Pets? Yes, Margaritaville Orlando is a pet-friendly resort. You will have to pay $75 plus tax for them per night. The charges can go up to $300 per night.  6. What Are The Parking Policies At Margaritaville Orlando? Hotel guests can park their car at the self-parking slot for $15 plus tax every night. Parking with a valet will cost $40 plus tax per night. If you are staying in a cottage, you will have provisions for parking two cars directly at the cottage. If you need more cars, those will be parked at the self-parking slot with stipulated parking fees. 7. Is There A Security Deposit At The Time Of Check-In? Yes, you will have to pay an incidental deposit or a security deposit of $50 per day at the time of your check-in.  8. Do You Require A Deposit To Secure The Reservation? Yes, you will need to pay a deposit of one night’s fee at least three days before your reserved dates for confirmation. If the payment fails somehow due to credit card issues or glitches, you will need to pay the amount before 4 PM on the check-in date.  Read Also: