Best Time To Visit Mussoorie: Ideal Months & Seasons

BY  Mashum Jan 30, 2020

With a change in tourist behaviors, New York is all set to exceed the tourism records of pre-pandemic days. This upward graph in tourism numbers has been visible since 2023. In the same year, footfalls in New York crossed the 62 million mark.  Now, regarding the must see places in New York, the iconic ones like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the High Line continue to cast their charm.  However, breaking the tourism lulls of the pandemic days, tourists are now eager to explore beyond Manhattan. Further, they want to experience the “Real New York City,” away from maddening crowds.  So, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have highlighted the most popular destinations in New York, along with some unique hotspots. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song, “I want to be a part of it, New York, New York Your vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray And step around the heart of it, New York, New York…” Must See Places In New York | Iconic Landmarks In New York  New York remains a dynamic hub for tourism, with a significant increase in visitors and visitor spending. In 2024, the number of tourists to New York City was close to 65 million, which was the second-highest number in the city’s history. “With nearly 65 million visitors this year — the second highest figure in our city’s history — New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world.”Eric Adams, Mayor, New York City So, the city is ready to make a massive economic recovery, with the tourism sector making a strong and steady comeback.  Further, the following must see places in New York remain the heartbeats of the city’s tourism.  1. Central Park | A Quiet Retreat Amidst The Bustling New York City Embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WYDY2IRu0/ Entry: Free Hours Open: 6 AM to 1 PM Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” is making a comeback to Central Park. I was just checking out the Central Park Conservancy website and was elated to find that this transcendental art installation in saffron hue is once again ready to tell the tales of a park reborn. The Shed, a non-profit cultural organization, will be hosting an exhibition called “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City.”This exhibition will open on 12th February 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of “The Gates.”  Once home to the Indigenous Lenape people, Central Park became what it is today with the craftsmanship of Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. Walking, e-scooter tours or biking through the trails are the best ways to explore the manicured, yet natural-looking vistas of the park.  Moreover, Central Park is full of attractions, including the Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lenon, the Conservancy Garden, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, etc.  2. The Statue Of Liberty | The Symbol Of Freedom  Entry Fee: Free Ferry Charges: Free for Children below 4 Years, $16.50 for Children Aged 4-12, $25.50 for the Age of 13+, $22.50 for Seniors (62+) Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM The Statue of Liberty was a gift by France, built-in 1886. It is among the most popular symbol of freedom and one of the greatest icons in America. Standing at 152 feet tall, it is one of the tallest statues in the world and weighs around 450,000 pounds. Battery Park offers a great view of the statue from the land. However, the best way to see this statue is by taking a short ferry trip to Liberty Island. You can get up close, take a stroll around the ground and pedestal. And, if you make advanced reservations, you can even go up to the crown. When you take the ferry, you will also stop at Ellis Island and can explore the Immigration Museum. 3. Metropolitan Museum Of Art | Housing 5000 Year Old Artwork Entry Fee: $30 for Adults, $22 for Seniors and Visitors with a Disability, $17 for Students, Free for Children below 12 Years Hours Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday - 10 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday - Closed Metropolitan Museum of Art, also famously known as MET, was established in 1870. It is one of the most popular museums in the United States of America. The center has an extensive collection of over 2 million artworks, some of which date back to 5000 years. It has three sites. However, Met Fifth Avenue is the centerpiece of the museum. If you are a fan of art and history, this is a place that you should not miss out on. American arms and armors, decorative arts, Egyptians arts, photographs, musical instruments, etc. are some of the many items that you get to explore here. 4. The High Line | The Changed West Side Elevated Line After An Ideas Competition High Line was once a rail line, which has now become a popular tourist attraction of the city. The rail line has now been transformed into a walking trail over the city streets. The linear public park has a wide range of trees and plants. Further, The High Line, or the linear public park, has a wide range of trees and plants. The High Line you visit today survived a demolition order from Mayor Giuliani in 1999. However, four years later, the “ideas competition” hosted by Friends of the High Line highlighted the potential of this “ugly eyeshore” to get transformed into one of the must see places in New York. So, today, the 1.45-mile-long greenway with over 500 species of plants reminds me of the headline on the front page of the New York Times. It read, “Frog of a Railroad to Become Prince of a Park.” Moreover, glass railings line the park, which gives it a more natural feel. From here, you get an amazing view of the bustling city of New York. You can access the high Line on different points from Gansevoort to 34th Street. Some of the access points only provide stairs, whereas others have elevators as well. 5. Times Square | At The Crossroads Of The World Exhibiting tall, bright billboards and displays, Times Square is one of the must-visit places in New York. While it is exciting at any time of the day, it truly livens up in the evening. This is the site where New York celebrates its New Year's Eve and where the Ball Drop happens at midnight. It is a busy street, which is always crowded with people, but still has a unique character to it. Bleachers are installed on the other end of where you can sit and admire the hustling scene. Time Square got its name in the year 1904, and before that, it was known as Longacre Square. Also, if you are looking to find the best food trucks in NY, then I would recommend visiting vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. New York is considered the city that never sleeps, and it is true. No matter what time of the day it is, there is something you can do or explore here. Above are some of the places that you must visit in New York. And while you explore these destinations, you will come across a bunch of others on your way because they all are closely connected. Also, when in Times Square, you must not forget to explore the best food trucks in NY, especially vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. The Must See Places In New York | Hidden Gems You Will Fall In Love With  As promised, here, I will discuss some hidden gems in New York. These must see places in New York are eclectic and they represent the true spirit of the city beyond the glitz and glamor of Manhattan.  Here we go! Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site https://www.instagram.com/p/DBo43aGy2u9/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Wednesday – Sunday:10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is the boyhood home of the first US president born in the USA.  Today, this historic site offers a 45-minute tour guided by a ranger or volunteer. Stone Street Historic District  In the Financial District of Manhattan, Stone Street has created a world of its own. This cobblestone street or the Stone Street is one of the oldest in New York and a simple stroll through it is an experience for the dark academia fans.  Further, Stone Street will take you back to 1658, when the residents of the area petitioned this street.  Museum At Eldridge Street https://www.instagram.com/p/DEN06khzba7/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Sunday - Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: Closed Entry Fee: Adults: $15, Students & Seniors: $10, Children 5 - 17: $8, ‘Pay What You Wish’ (Mondays and Fridays) Located in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum At Eldridge Street symbolizes the realization of immigrant dreams. The Eastern European Jewish immigrants built this synagogue in 1887, and it was the first grand synagogue (purpose-built) in the USA.  Today, the museum stands out with its architectural excellence and unique exhibits.  Morgan Library https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSHkw8o6um/?img_index=4 Hours Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 Am to 5 PM, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 12, $13 for Students, $17 for Seniors, $25 for Adults The Morgan Library and Museum is a treasure trove of rare books, prints, manuscripts, and prints.  Located in Madison Avenue, the library and museum has an opulent setup with the collections of financier Pierpont Morgan. Ground Zero Museum Workshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwub4yLFU1/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:30-2:30 PM, Sunday: 1-2:30 PM, Wednesday: 1:30-3:15 PM, Monday and Tuesday: Closed Entry Fee: Children (Ages 4-12) - $25.00, Adults (Ages 12+) - $32.00, Seniors (Ages 65+) - $25.00 Ground Zero Museum Workshop is the best place to find the most realistic account of the Ground Zero “Recovery Period.” You will find images, artifacts, and 100s of exhibits to take you through what happened at Ground Zero and how everyone recovered from that. Further, today, the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is one of the best places for dark tourism in the USA. Read Also: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Once known as the Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa today is known for its concentration of Art Deco architecture and a cosmopolitan vibe.   On the Arkansas River, the city of Oklahoma is also the quintessence of the famous “Southern Hospitality” of the nation.   Further, Tulsa offers the best fine dining experience, making it an ideal destination for culinary tourism in Oklahoma or the entire USA.   In fact, forums like Secret Food Tours are now conducting food tours in the city.   This is the ultimate food adventure where you peek into famous restaurants’ kitchens.  Nevertheless, beyond food tourism, the entire travel landscape in Tulsa looks promising.   In fact, the Tulsa Regional Chamber has decided that Tulsa Regional Tourism will market the city as a center for tourism, sports, and culture.   Do you also want to explore this beautiful city in Oklahoma? Here is a brief guide for you. Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Explore Food And More  The Tulsa Regional Chamber portrayed a happy picture of Tourism in Tulsa in 2022-2023.   In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the hotels in Tulsa created a market impact of $317.2 million.   The numbers being so promising have encouraged the Tulsa Regional Chamber to start the Improve Our Tulsa program.   This is an improvement package with a capital of $ 814 million to improve the Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, etc.   All these market figures and initiatives show Tulsa’s rise as a tourism destination in the USA.   However, to explore the unique things to do in Tulsa, you will have to get your itinerary right first. 1. Visiting the Cave House https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq0vYy7purr/?img_index=1 Built in Tulsa in 1924, the Cave House is now one of the city’s most important landmarks.   It was a chicken restaurant earlier, and today, it is a great place for family adventure with amusing stories.   The entry fee to the Cave House is $15, and kids under 13 can get entry to the Cave House for $7.50.  2. Exploring the Gilcrease Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMchHKj1KV Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM  Entry Fee: $5-8  Do you want to visit the best artwork of the American West? Gilcrease Museum should be your go-to destination.   Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Frank Tenney Johnson are some noted artists featured in this museum.   The Pioneer Garden, Rock Garden, and Pre-Columbian Garden are part of its 23-acre outdoor theme garden.  3. Visiting the Philbrook Museum of Art  Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (Except Friday) - 9 AM to 5 PM Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday And Tuesday - Closed  Entry Fee: Free for Children below 2, $18 for Adults and $8 for Youth Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM  Entry Fee: $5-8  Do you want to visit the best artwork of the American West? Gilcrease Museum should be your go-to destination.   Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Frank Tenney Johnson are some noted artists featured in this museum.   The Pioneer Garden, Rock Garden, and Pre-Columbian Garden are part of its 23-acre outdoor theme garden. 4. Visiting Tulsa Zoo Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Free for children below 3 Years, $10 for children from 3-11, $12 for 18-64 years old, and $12 for 65 years and above Located in Mohawk Park in Tulsa, the Tulsa Zoo has state-of-the-art exhibits. It is also a place to encounter animals from all over the world.  In this zoo, you will meet animals like the Malayan Tiger, Komodo dragon, snow leopard, Chinese alligators, etc.  Further, the zoo is a great place for birders with species like the “fawn-breasted bowerbird,” blue-crowned hanging parrot, and more. Did You Know?Tulsa Zoo was recently in the news for welcoming five Malayan tiger cubs.   These tigers belong to a critically endangered species, and the birth of the five cubs has increased the number of Malayan tigers in North America by 10%. “The survival of these five cubs is a major milestone for the critically endangered Malayan tiger population.   Each day, we weighed the cubs and completed health checks and supplemental feedings.   The opportunity to visually inspect the cubs, monitor their progress, and intervene if necessary is paramount.”Jordan Piha, Curator of Mammals, Tulsa Zoo Fine Dining: Experience One Of The Best Things To Do In Tulsa  Trying the local delicacies at fine dining restaurants is one of the best things to do in Tulsa.   These restaurants have their staples and daily specials for the gastronomic delight of the visitors.   Here is a list of some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Tulsa. 1. Kilkenny's Irish Pub https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YdPUPOl-n Phone Number: +1 918-582-8282 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.5 With a quaint charm, Kilkenny's Irish Pub serves the best corned beef in Tulsa.   Also, you can never have enough of the Irish stew at Kilkenny's Irish Pub.  Further, Kilkenny's Irish Pub is an excellent eatery to try seafood like oysters and lobsters.   Moreover, the bartender service here is friendly. So, you will feel like coming back. 2. SMOKE On Cherry Street https://www.instagram.com/p/C-li45JoaAM Phone Number: +1 918-949-4440 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4 It’s a bliss to try smoked trout salad and grilled oysters at SMOKE.   The restaurant does every bit of justice to its name. Further, the chicken pasta here is delicious.  The menu of SMOKE is “Inspired American.”   So, the food served here is the quintessence of American delicacies served in the southern part of the country.   Moreover, celebrated chef Erik Reynolds and other chefs here use locally produced veggies and steaks.   In addition, you will find vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian options in the restaurant.  3. Sisserou’s https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb0Q1EROJBm/?img_index=1 Phone Number: +1 918-576-6800 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4 Do you want to try the Caribbean or Jamaican food in Tulsa? Sisserou’s is the go-to destination.   It’s a sin not to try the rum cakes or the crab appetizers here.   Further, the waffles here are quite good, and the presentation is even better with syrup and bananas.  You can even try the fried jerk chicken at Sisserou’s. Moreover, the service here is good and quick.  4. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBvV5QM8tk Phone Number: +1 918-494-4043 Tour and Travel Rating: 4.3 We had the best steak in Tulsa at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. You will also find the sautéed mushrooms and  New York Strips here yummy.   One more thing I am in absolute love with at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse is the crab cake.   Of course, you will love the American staple, mac and cheese, here. Exploring The Art Deco Architecture Of Tulsa   You will find the Deco District in Downtown Tulsa. Here, the most prominent buildings of the city have formed a compact group.   Further, the Tulsa Preservation Commission has preserved and maintained the following Art Deco buildings in the city.  Boulder on the Park  Christ the King Church  City Veterinary Hospital  Davis Residence  Webster High School, etc.  The people of Tulsa have been in love with the Art Deco style since the oil money boosted the economy of Tulsa Downtown.   Making its debut in a Paris exposition in 1925, the Art Deco style came to Tulsa a few years later. Getting To Tulsa And Best Time To Visit Between the museums, the Zoo, the Deco District walking tour, and a proper fine-dining crawl, a Tulsa trip fills up fast.  Here is what to know about getting into the city and when to plan around.  Getting There: Flights And Driving Distances  Tulsa International Airport (TUL) handles domestic flights from most major U.S. hubs, including direct routes to cities like Dallas, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta.  It sits only about 15-20 minutes from the Deco District and downtown restaurants.  So, a rental car isn't strictly necessary if you are sticking to the attractions in this guide.   If you are road-tripping instead, Tulsa sits roughly an hour and 45 minutes from Oklahoma City via the Turner Turnpike.  It is about four hours from Dallas, and around six hours from Kansas City.  So, it is a reasonably easy weekend add-on for travelers already in the region.   Within the city, downtown Tulsa and the Deco District are walkable.  However, Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum, and Tulsa Zoo are spread further out in their own garden and park settings.  So, a car or rideshare is the practical way to string all four museum-and-zoo stops together in one day.  Best Time Of Year To Visit Tulsa  Spring (April-May) and fall (late September-October) are generally the most comfortable months.  Mild temperatures make walking the Deco District and the Philbrook's outdoor gardens genuinely pleasant.  Also, fall foliage adds a nice backdrop to the historic architecture.   Summer brings Oklahoma's full heat and humidity, which can make an all-day museum-and-zoo itinerary more tiring.  However, it is also peak season for outdoor food-tour events and patio dining at spots like SMOKE on Cherry Street.   Winter is Tulsa's quietest tourist season.  You will find shorter lines at the Gilcrease and Philbrook museums and easier restaurant reservations.  However, it is worth checking hours in advance since some attractions and outdoor garden sections scale back over the colder months.   Whichever season you choose, it is worth booking Philbrook's current special exhibits and Gilcrease Museum tickets a few days ahead.  Both are popular enough to see periodic sell-outs around exhibit openings. Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Nov 20, 2023

Have you ever thought about how much global eco-tourism can help counter the ways traditional travel harms the environment? The carbon footprint, inefficient resource use, and pollution from non-recyclable waste heavily affect the natural world around us. Fortunately, the travel industry has recognized this and is taking decisive steps to protect our planet. For example, when you travel to the UK and want to pick up a car hire at Birmingham Airport, companies now offer electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions. The same shift is happening with accommodations. Green or environmentally friendly hotels are those whose activities have virtually no negative impact on nature. Plus, they actively promote sustainable education and responsible tourism. So, if you are planning to visit or move to an island for a while and want to take part in environmental initiatives, choosing the right hotel is a great place to start. Here are the Top 10 sustainable stays in the United Kingdom. Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire  Daylesford Organic Farm began as a simple passion for organic produce, helping in Eco-Tourism. Over time, it has grown to become one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. Spanning 2,500 acres, it sits in Gloucestershire.  Daylesford is the perfect place for a nature-friendly getaway with the whole family. Here you can find charming stone cottages, stylish modern country houses, and cozy luxury rooms for two. The hotel also often hosts interesting events. Events include tasting evenings with sommeliers, master classes on cooking organic dishes, book clubs for intellectuals, and wellness yoga retreats.  Atlantic View Lodges, Widemouth Bay, Bude  Offering a calm, secluded holiday by the water, Atlantic View is also among the UK's eco-friendly hotels. The picturesque coastline begins just a few steps from the cottages. At the same time, the green cottages are surrounded by high cliffs, adding character to the Cornish coastline. Perhaps their main feature is the comfortable terraces overlooking Widemouth Bay and the endless Atlantic Ocean.  All Atlantic View cottages are designed with the environment in mind. It uses solar thermal panels as well as energy-efficient air pump systems. Another sustainable feature is the green roofs, which fit perfectly into the area's hilly landscape. They create a strong sense of unity between guests and nature. One Aldwych, London  This eco-friendly option has all the qualities for environmentally responsible travel in the UK. As a five-star hotel, One Aldwych has adopted green living in almost every area. It includes a vacuum drainage system, energy-saving LED solutions, and a chlorine-free swimming pool. It also uses eco-friendly materials inside and out.  Staying at this hotel takes you on an amazing journey into environmental reality. It gets you thinking about the many ways you can reduce your emissions, just like One Aldwych does. It is in the prestigious area of Westminster. This hotel also shows that luxury and tradition can be completely nature-friendly. The Grove, Hertfordshire  Located near London, this five-star hotel has earned its place on the list of green accommodations in the UK. It occupies 300 acres of woodlands in Hertfordshire and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.  The Grove recently received the Green Apple Environment Award for its contributions to sustainability and environmental protection. Its signature highlight is its 18-hole top-class golf course. You can also enjoy on-site outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the Sequoia Spa with excellent service, and rooms with stunning countryside views. The Ritz London  The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain adopted a responsible attitude towards nature in 1983. The legendary Ritz in Piccadilly breeds bees of the old English breed Buckfast. They collect nectar in Hyde Park and the gardens of Buckingham Palace. They also replaced almost all the lamps with LEDs and reduced their consumption of electricity, gas, and water. Another important step they take to preserve the planet is recycling waste as a part of their Eco-Tourism practices. They do it so that nothing ends up in a landfill.  It makes a hotel feel even more like a crown jewel of exquisite rooms. Especially when you know that the hotel is scrupulously and conscientiously adhering to its green policy. The Ritz also helps reduce its carbon footprint, earning it a Green Tourism Gold certification. The Scarlet Hotel, Magwan Porth  On the Cornish coastline, between ribbed cliffs, lies The Scarlet Hotel. It is one of the UK's eco-tourism destinations. With many coves and bays around, it offers a sophisticated setting for a luxurious stay. Not to mention the nearby Scilly archipelago, consisting of many small, cozy islands.  The Scarlet strives to offer guests maximum relaxation and tranquility while staying in the heart of this English wilderness. The Ayurvedic spa attracts visitors from all over the country. It features an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, a log hot tub, and a natural pool carved into the rocks.  In addition, the hotel is completely environmentally friendly. All interior elements are made only from natural or recycled materials. Plus, the owners try to use rainwater, and electricity comes exclusively from renewable energy sources. The Cavendish London Hotel  As a rule, premium hotels have little to do with the environment. However, Cavendish and its staff stand out for their commitment to resource- and energy-saving technologies. They have also shown consistency in green actions throughout the hotel.  Some of their environment-friendly features are: Low-flow showers and taps Energy-saving light bulbs Sensor-activated hallway lighting And hydrocarbon-filled refrigerators. In addition, the local restaurant recycles 100% of its waste and practices sustainable food consumption. They also support local farmers and producers with orders. Heckfield Place, Hampshire  An ancient 18th-century English estate and biodynamic organic food and flower farm sits in Hampshire. It is just an hour's drive from London. The farm's experts grow grains, harvest organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, and produce dairy products. They then serve these items in the local restaurant.  It took the Chen family almost ten years to turn the estate into a luxury hotel. While working on the interior, they tried to restore the building's former Georgian appearance and adapt it to modern needs. Now, Heckfield Place has won several awards for its commitment to sustainability and supporting eco-tourism in the UK. Its owners try to make maximum use of alternative energy production methods, including rainwater and natural materials. They also try to reduce daily waste. The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire  Opened in 1924, The Gleneagles is a grand private country estate set in 850 acres of beautiful valley land. Here, nature has been preserved untouched, in its original form. Everything around breathes true history. The mighty mountains, the vast expanses, the golf courses, and the main hotel building itself! At Gleneagles, luxury and impeccable service coexist with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere created by friendly and courteous staff. They are also attentive to nature. The hotel uses pellets for heating, organic cleaning and washing products, and LED lamps for lighting. Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire  In Hampshire, you can stay in a hotel located right in a tree! It is in the New Forest National Park. This luxury country accommodation, with spa facilities and large grounds, is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.  Each house hovers high above the ground. Panoramic windows and spacious terraces also let guests enjoy amazing views from each luxury room. The suites have a compact kitchenette. Moreover, every morning you will enjoy breakfast delivered from the main hotel. So, are you ready for sustainable travel in the United Kingdom? Choose one of the above hotels for a nature-friendly stay. Also, follow the basic rules of eco-responsible travel to help protect our planet! Read Also: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel 9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences 20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024