Here is a List of Best River Cruises in Europe! 

BY  Sibashree Dec 18, 2024

Year-round sunshine and a pleasant weather condition make Austin the hub of outdoor pursuits. So, from hiking and biking to visiting the best parks, you have a lot of unique things to do in Austin Texas.  Also, you must not forget that Austin is home to the Circuit of The Americas. It is the venue of the  Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. So, Austin is the place if you want a good mix of adrenaline rush and quiet retreat in nature.   Moreover, tourism is in the soul of Austin. No wonder that almost every renowned platform like Forbes, Money Magazine, or the US News and World Report considers Austin one of the topmost places to sell for tourism. So, do you also want to explore the things to do in Austin Texas? Here is your Tour and Travel guide.  Unique Things To Do In Austin Texas (Including Free Activities While Traveling On A Shoestring) Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Austin. You can expect a mild temperature in these seasons, with temperatures recorded around 70 degrees F. Avoid visiting Austin in the summer. The temperature shoots up to 90 degrees F, and the high humidity in the air makes it even more uncomfortable.  Nevertheless, when in Texas, you must not miss the following activities. 1. Visiting The Zilker Metropolitan Park The Zilker Metropolitan Park is located on the banks of the Colorado River. This 350-acre space is a great space for strolling. Here, you can also take a dip at the Barton Springs Pool.  Moreover, the Zilker Metropolitan Park is the venue for some of the most happening events in the city. It hosts the ABC Kite Fest and Austin City Limits Musical Festival.  2. Hiking And Biking At Ann And Roy Butler Trail Are you looking for free things to do in Austin Texas, and want to spend some time in nature? You must visit the Ann And Roy Butler Trail for biking and hiking. The trail leads you to Lady Bird Lake.   It is also a popular place for running and walking for the locals.  The trail has a 1.3-mile boardwalk, and from here, you can enjoy the most amazing views of Downtown Texas. Moreover, the highlights here are the zinc belts featuring the lyrics of the most famous songs of Texas.  The fountains and scenic overlooks further make this place perfect for complete relaxation. Also, when you are at the Ann And Roy Butler Trail, you can see the Austin bats. Austin is famous for these nocturnal creatures and it is the biggest habitat of bats in the entire North America.  3. Planning A Visit To Texas Capitol If you are traveling on a shoestring and want to explore the best things to do in Austin Texas, a visit to the Texas Capitol is a great idea. It is free of cost, and you can explore the entire area in one to two hours. In 1986, the Texas Capitol became a National Historic Landmark. Further, it has secured a place in the National Register of Historic Places. The Texas Capitol is engineered with Texas granite and is even taller than the US Capitol in Washington DC by 14 feet.  Today, the Goddess of Liberty statue at the top of this dome is made of aluminum. The earlier statue was made of zinc and it was replaced during the massive restoration work in the 1990s.  4. A Free Visit To The University Of Texas In Austin A visit to the University of Texas in Austin is a must if you are looking for free things to do in Austin Texas. The Moody Center here is a popular venue for concerts and is widely visited by residents and tourists. Do you want to watch a grand Broadway show? You can catch a show at the Bass Concert Hall. The Bass Concert Hall even hosts small traveling acts.  However, to have the most maddening experience here, you have to visit the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. It can accommodate over 100000 visitors and the open-air setup resonated the cheer on the days of UT football games.  5. Watch The Austin City Limits Live At The Moody Theater https://www.instagram.com/p/DAByJSizAU9/ Are you a fan of The Austin City Limits? You must plan a visit to the Moody Theater. In the history of American Television, Austin City Limits is the longest-running musical series.  Before you catch a live screening of the series at Moody Theater, you can also take a tour. The tour starts from 11 AM from Monday to Saturday and continues for 90 minutes.  6. Spending Some Time By Lake Travis There is no dearth of natural wonders in Austin, and Lake Travis is surely one of the most prominent among them. Its shoreline is 271 miles and it has a length of 64 miles.  Lake Travis is created by taming the water of the Colorado River with the Mansfield Dam. You can take a drive along the dam to assess the vastness and beauty of this lake.  Furthermore, you can stop by the Mansfield Dam Park on the way. It is a beautiful place for a lot of outdoor pursuits. You can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and hiking here.  Moreover, the sunset looks most beautiful at Lake Travis. So, it is called the “Sunset Capital of Texas.”  7. Visiting The Circuit Of The Americas https://www.instagram.com/p/DCsQW_juS8a/?hl=en&img_index=1 If you are in Austin in October and are a Formula 1 fan, you must visit the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA). It hosts the United States Grand Prix Race every October. Attend this event to experience the most beautiful fusion of light and speed. With the crowd going crazy in the stadium for their favorite teams and racers, the ambiance becomes electric during the race. The racing track also has the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. It’s the largest venue for outdoor concerts in Austin.  Moreover, you can visit the COTA tower here and reach the observation platform for a Hawkeye view of the racing track below and the entire surroundings. The ticket will cost you around $35. Are you looking for more unique things to do in Austin Texas? You must plan a visit to South Congress Avenue, Blanton Museum of Art, and Sixth Street.  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.

BY  Mashum Mar 27, 2025

When introducing Mawryngkhang trek, I would like to highlight that it is one of the most beautiful trek destinations in Meghalaya. A bit difficult, it is one of the coolest places to be if you love nature. With the pace you set, you can experience some of the most beautiful flora and fauna.   Additionally, you will see how monsoons as a season can make a place look so much more beautiful. Meghalaya with its lush green forests, waterfalls, steep slopes, and bamboo bridges welcomes you with all its glory in this trek.   I would even go on to say that it is one of the best places to visit in February for a trek. The weather is dry along with a bit of a mix with various wildlife and trees.   Things You Need to Know to Do the Mawryngkhang Trek!   Known as the Bamboo Trek, when you are preparing for the Mawryngkhang Trek, you must be prepared. Moderately difficult, this trek will need you to be at your best, both physically and mentally. There are some essential gears which you must carry so that you can have a good trek.  Simultaneously, you also need to be aware of the inclination of the slopes, the sheer drops, the height and also the number of bamboo bridges on the trail. Overall, read the blog to follow the significant tips which will make your travel to Mawryngkhang trek location much easier.   I wouldn’t say it is one of the best places to travel with kids, especially if you are trekking. What is more important is you have to do good research before you plan on traveling there.   Best Time to Visit   If you ask me, the best season to visit Meghalaya if your purpose is to trek is during the dry season. From October to April, you can go on a trek and enjoy yourself while taking a walk across the trails.   The Mawryngkhang trek is a bit difficult hence, it is important for you to be careful and do not risk as the trail can be slippery. The round trip is about 3.54 kilometers hence, for an experienced trekker, it might take 3 to 5 hours.   It also depends on your fitness level and your pace. With the difficulty level as moderately difficult, you should do proper research, fitness evaluation and then go ahead with the trek.   Essential Gear to Take   There are important things to carry with you, especially when you are going on a trek. The trail of the Mawryngkhang Trek can be a bit tricky and slippery hence, you need these essential gears to carry so that you do not face any issues while enjoying the trek.   Going to one of the exotic places to travel, you should know the significant things you must carry on this trip.   Comfortable clothing   It is important to wear comfortable clothing especially when you are trekking. Comfortable clothing also means breathable clothing which lets you move well, with flexibility and easy movement.   Furthermore, comfortable clothing also ensures that you're clothing easily dries if you get drenched or if you sweat profusely.   Water bottle   Constantly drinking water is advisable in our daily routine. So, imagine when you are going on a trek, your body is going through severe physical movement! Drink water regularly while on the trek, hence you need to stay hydrated.   You should use reusable water bottles especially when you are on a trek. You need to be sustainable along with environmentally friendly because it reflects your nature lover streak.   Sun protection   While going on a trek, you need to carry things that will protect you from the direct rays of the sun including sunglasses, a hat, and scarves. Additionally, apply sunscreen constantly and before you start your trek which will protect you from getting sunburned.   Sturdy shoes   It is quite important to wear sturdy shoes especially when it comes to having a good grip. When trekking, you also need good ankle support, henceforth, you do not get sprains. It is therefore significant for you to wear sturdy shoes that will support your feet while crossing bamboo bridges and walking on uneven terrains.   Rain gear   Meghalaya is well known for its changing weather, especially the way rain comes. It is therefore imminent a step for you to carry your rain gear, be it a poncho or a raincoat. Overall, unpredictable weather can be a concern for your trek so focus on your overall plans so that you do not face any concern.   Snacks   Carry some granola bars, nuts or fruits that will give you energy and are easy to carry. When you are on a trek, you should have bites of energy boosting food items or drinks that will establish your energy throughout the duration of your trek.   Safety Precautions You Need to Trek   There are some precautions which you need to take when traveling to Meghalaya, especially when you go to Mawryngkhang Trek. Follow the precautions that I am mentioning below and do implement them so that you resolve any issues.   Respecting Nature   Meghalaya is known for its nature and respecting nature is one of the most important rules here. When you have decided to go on a vacation, trekking to different places, visiting waterfalls and other elements, do respect nature.   You must respect the environment there and follow the available trail. Try not to walk all over the flowers, plants, roots and trees while going off road. It damages the plants along with increasing the risks of hampering many unique plants.    Also, please do not litter on the forest floor! Trails are often filled with plastic packets and wrappers of food, drinks, and other used things. Please avoid doing that because it disrespects nature.   Follow Bridging Rules   One of the most important elements that you will find mostly everywhere in Meghalaya when outdoors is the bamboo bridges. These bridges are mostly manually designed hence, the capacity of the bridge is limited.   It is therefore advised that only one person crosses a bridge at a time. Please remember this and accordingly cross one at a time so that the next person can cross it relaxedly.   Hire Local Guides   You can hire a local guide because it is not just about you experiencing something adventurous but also about enhancing the overall experience. The terrain might not be completely understandable to you because you are visiting it for the first time.   This is where a local guide will help you because they know the landscape better than you. Additionally, the local guide also helps you if there is an emergency such as a fall, cut and gashes to the skin, sprained ankle and others.   Tips to Trek the Mawryngkhang Trek   These are significant tips that will help you plan your trek to Mawryngkhang. I am sharing with you these tips because I felt, if I knew these before, it would have been for me. Let's make you more prepared to deal with certain issues that might make it a little difficult for you.   No Accommodation   This is one of the most important things to know especially because it will dictate your overall plan to visit Meghalaya. There are no accommodation or lodge facilities available in Wahkhen, which is the nearest location to Mawryngkhang Trek.    It is better if you book your stay somewhere else. Accordingly arrange your own transport and visit the place. Then you can go ahead and do the trek which once completed, arrange your own transport to pick you up to return.   Be Prepared for Heights   The trek is a bit difficult due to its height as you will have to cross steep climbs while on the trek. There are several narrow bridges which you need to cross while on this trek hence, if you are fearful of heights, you need to reconsider the trek. It is better to avoid the trek if you have serious issues of height.   Start Early   If you are someone who loves tranquility, this is the place for you. However, you need to start early when going on Mawryngkhang Trek so that you are not forced to speed up if there is a line behind you. Considering the place is quite popular for trekking, there is a bit of a rush.   It is better if you go early and enjoy your trek, taking time and relaxing while trekking. Instead, if you constantly fret about how there are people behind you and the narrow climbs and bridges ensure that you must make a single file while trekking.   Enjoy the Views   A stunning view awaits you on your trek to Mawryngkhang Trek because the trails are filled with unique flora and fauna. You experience beauty in all its glory where there is no human influence. Instead, it is all just the lush green beauty of nature.   Check out the stunning valleys, lakes and waterfalls which you see while on the Mawryngkhang Trek. Keep in mind that there will be issues with the trail paths as there are some difficulties hence, it is better if you are regularly moving, flexible and fit.   Let’s get that Backpack!   Now that I have shared with you all about Mawryngkhang trek, you should start planning your next visit. It will be a more fun trip if you make a group of all your trekking friends who will enjoy the place just like you.   Comment below on what you think of the information I have shared. You can further add some of the safety tips that you swear by when traveling for a trek.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

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]