How to Plan Your Trip to New Orleans: The Best Time to Go for Your Budget and Interests

BY  Mashum Mar 3, 2019

We all love traveling and exploring places that are known and unknown all over the world. Besides, all of us are aware of the hassles of carrying heavy bags throughout the trip. It is one of the things that will make your trip look complex.  Therefore, you have to put a few things into consideration while planning for your trip. This article will make sure that you have a good time when carrying your luggage. It is one of the essential things when planning for a tour.    Every tourist tries to deal with the luggage issue in one way or the other. Some carry only small bags so that they can end up with a small and light package. Some don’t carry travel bags at all and buy what they require while on the trip!   A few others even go as far as to plan trips only to tropical places. Such a choice allows them to take only small and light stuff like swimwear, shirts and cargo pants. The decision that you make depends on your interests.   However, letting your bag issues dictate where you should be going and for how long, is unacceptable for travel addicts. You need the freedom to go wherever you wish without the limitation of packaging.   So how do we pack expertly, without running the risk of carrying a heavy bag everywhere? Some tricks can help you through this journey.   A lot of travel experts share their stories and the techniques they use to travel light. The secret is to prevent over-packing and yet be able to carry all essential items.  You need to carry all that you will need during your trips. So here are some of the tips from former tourists that we can all benefit from:  1. Choose Your Clothes Wisely  Materials like cotton and wool are quite heavy, and they take a long time to dry. If you are traveling to places where you can expect the climate to be cold, you can always wear something like a Polartec quarter-zip instead of cotton sweaters.   The secret is trying to look for a light thing that will serve you well. Synthetic clothes will also dry up faster after a quick wash. The fact that you can carry synthetic garments with a lot of ease, and they dry fast will motivate you to take them along with you.  Select your clothes wisely, and you will not have a hard time during your trip. The most important thing is to make sure that whatever you choose will give you maximum comfort during travel.   2. Choose a suitable luggage It is extremely important to select the right luggage type for your trip. If you plan on going for a travel vacation with family for a long stay, you would better opt for spacious luggage. In case you plan to go for a short trip, then small carry-ons, backpacks, and light bags can be a suitable option. If you don’t want to carry your luggage, consider suitcases that you can easily move with you wherever you go. For example, opt for options like a softshell suitcase with wheels to be able to effortlessly move your suitcase. In any case, don’t forget to pick a durable option, with secure locks and a telescopic handle. 3. Choose wearable items that are versatile If you are carrying shoes, you might want to pack something that you can wear anywhere. Shoes take up quite a lot of space in your travel bag. Therefore, you have to be as you make the choices of the wearable items to carry.   You can buy functional boots that are not only perfect for hiking but can also be worn to dinner somewhere. It means that you will be using one stone to kill two birds.   If you still insist on carrying more than one pair of shoes, make sure you stick them in the side pouches of your backpack. The worst thing would be to dump them inside with all your clothes. You need some form of organization when packing shoes for your next trip.   4. Pack clothes for seven days, even if your trip lasts longer  We all try to minimize the hassle of washing and drying our clothes while we are traveling. Who wants to waste time doing such abysmal chores while they could be touring a new city?   While it is an excellent idea to want to have as much fun as possible during the trip, packing for seven days will mean that you won’t end up carrying too many clothes. You will not fail to get someone to wash your clothes even if you dint have enough time for such a task.   And if you pack clothes that are easy to wash, you won’t have to spend a lot of time to clean them up. You can also wear merino wool shirts, which can be worn for a couple of days before they require washing. The only thing that you need to do is learn how you can make smart decisions when it comes to laundry work.   5. Packing cubes  One of the reasons why we end up with heavy bags is because we often throw our things into them pell-mell. You should not try to stuff everything inside without organizing or folding them well.   Packing cubes are the perfect solution in such a case. The reason is that you can make your compartments in your bag. This option allows you to sort out your things by categories hence bringing a lot of order.  Packing cubes can keep your clothes separated from toiletries. These bags also protect your possessions if your shampoo or soap bottle spills. It is the best way to make sure that all your luggage is safe and secure.   Amazon has some of the best packing cubes you can find in the market. The most expensive ones are quite durable and will last for several years. It is advisable to invest in a durable bag that will serve you on several trips and for an extended period.   Also, once you sort everything into packing cubes, you can easily find them when you need them. There is no need to take everything out of your bag in a hurry looking for things. It will help you when you want to use something while in transit.   6. Place your clothes vertically  One of the mistakes we make while packing is that we place clothes on top of each other. This way, it can become a bit time-consuming to take out all the clothes lying on top only to get to the bottom of the pile.  It is advisable to pack your clothes vertically if you want to have an easy time while on travel. It is a tip that most people who are going for a vacation don’t know.   Think of your packing bag as a filing cabinet. You need to place all your folded clothes vertically so you can see them easily. It will help you to pull out what you need with a lot of ease.   7. Don’t pack things you can easily buy  If you are not very picky about the toiletry products you use, you can always buy shampoo, soap, and other necessary items in the place you are going to. Depending on the area you are visiting, you can decide to leave some things out of your carry bag.   If you are going on an adventure trip, you won’t find a lot of toiletry products, so it is better to pack them separately. However, you should not burden yourself with the things that you can purchase from the destination.   These tips are quite handy to use when the time comes to pack up your bags and go traveling. You can always find some smart way to reduce bag weight so that your vacation becomes more comfortable and more fun!  Read More: 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi. 5 Immensely Popular Travel Applications that India Loves. Expert Tips for Earning Frequent Flyer Points for Travelling in Business Class Flights.

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC 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  Ankita Feb 1, 2024

Amidst the vast expanse of our skies, aviation accidents cast a chilling shadow. Thus, leaving a trail of human tragedy and societal impact. In the wake of these disasters, a crucial aspect comes to light – holding aircraft manufacturers accountable. This responsibility is paramount, not only for compensating victims but also for upholding safety standards and preventing future calamities. From flawed wing designs that compromise stability to faulty wiring sparking infernos. A manufacturer's misstep can trigger a domino effect of disaster. Weaving through meticulous investigations, forensic teams sift through the wreckage, scrutinizing maintenance records and dissecting blueprints with laser focus. Each bolt, each wire, each line of code becomes a potential clue in the hunt for the smoking gun. The evidence that definitively ties the accident to a manufacturer's error. Expert witnesses take the stand, demystifying technical jargon and translating the whispers of metal into a language. The jury can grasp, piecing together the tragic puzzle that led to the final, irreversible plunge. But the legal currents run deep and complex. Different jurisdictions, intricate treaties, and the shadow of the General Aviation Revitalization Act, shields manufacturers from certain responsibilities. It is more about for older aircraft, add layers of nuance to the pursuit of justice. It's a legal labyrinth where seasoned navigators, armed with meticulous evidence and unwavering resolve. This guide victims' families through the maze, seeking not just financial recompense. However, a deeper accountability that echoes beyond the courtroom walls. This is where the quest transcends mere compensation. Every life lost, every plane grounded, serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility aviation giants bear. Regulatory sanctions, mandatory design modifications, and the sting of public scrutiny push them to constantly innovate. They also prioritize safety, and strive for skies free from the specter of preventable tragedy. In holding them accountable, we send a resounding message! The safety of those who entrust their lives to these intricate machines cannot be compromised. Every flight, every passenger, every journey toward the boundless horizon deserves the unwavering commitment. The promise is to safety that only true accountability can foster. Building A Case For Accountability In the aftermath of an aviation disaster, grief hangs heavy, obscuring the path to justice. But beneath the shattered fuselage and the deafening silence, a meticulous dance begins. Forensic teams, like forensic archaeologists of the sky, descend upon the wreckage. Their mission etched in their gaze: to unearth the truth buried beneath the tangled steel and shattered dreams. Their tools are not trowels and brushes, but advanced scanners, meticulous record-keeping, and the keen eyes of trained investigators. Every scorched fragment, every twisted wire, every warped piece of metal becomes a cryptic message. Whispering clues about the final moments of the doomed flight. Maintenance records are devoured, and scrutinized for missed repairs or overlooked defects. Design blueprints are pored over, searching for potential flaws that may have escaped the initial scrutiny. But the truth rarely lies alone. Weather patterns, pilot actions, and unforeseen external factors can weave a tangled web of contributing factors. Expert witnesses, the alchemists of technical jargon, step into the fray. Through simulations and intricate analyses, they translate the whispers of engines. Additionally the groans of metal into a language the legal system can comprehend. It meticulously dissecting the symphony of events that led to the final, heartbreaking crescendo. Challenges Proving negligence, the legal cornerstone of manufacturer liability requires meticulous precision. According to the commercial airline accident lawyers at PSR, each piece of evidence. It must be a carefully placed tile in a mosaic of blame, demonstrating a direct link. It is between the manufacturer's misstep and the catastrophic outcome. Yet, the challenges loom large. Complex aircraft systems, the unpredictable nature of flight, and the potential for human error can cast long shadows of doubt, obscuring the manufacturer's role. In this intricate pursuit of accountability, no detail is insignificant. From a seemingly unremarkable bolt lodged in the wrong place to a misplaced decimal point in a software code, every anomaly holds the potential to be the missing piece, the key that unlocks the door to justice. It's a painstaking process, demanding tenacity, meticulous attention, and a relentless pursuit of the truth, no matter how obscured it may be by the fog of tragedy. Navigating The Legal Landscape The quest for manufacturer accountability in aviation accidents soars beyond the wreckage, traversing a complex legal landscape where international treaties, domestic statutes, and intricate regulatory frameworks intertwine. This labyrinthine domain is not for the faint of heart, demanding the skills of seasoned navigators equipped with unwavering resolve and a deep understanding of the legal currents that flow between airspaces. One cannot overstate the influence of international treaties, such asthe Montreal Convention, in shaping the legal terrain. These agreements establish the boundaries of manufacturer liability across borders, ensuring victims receive fair compensation regardless of where the tragedy unfolds. Yet, within these overarching frameworks lie domestic laws like the General Aviation Revitalization Act, which casts a protective shadow over older aircraft models, limiting the scope of potential liability. In the United States, navigating the intricacies of product liability law becomes paramount. Plaintiffs must meticulously weave a web of evidence demonstrating the manufacturer's negligence, proving that a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings directly contributed to the accident. Expert testimony becomes the compass, guiding juries through the technical complexities and translating the whispers of engineering into a language they can comprehend. But the legal compass rarely spins unchallenged. Manufacturers, armed with teams of lawyers and technical experts, often invoke alternative explanations, casting blame on pilot error, unforeseen weather events, or even maintenance lapses. This legal tug-of-war demands meticulous attention to detail, a relentless pursuit of every shred of evidence, and the unwavering tenacity to stand firm against a formidable opponent. Read Also: The Promise Of Tomorrow As the echoes of accountability fade into the boundless expanse above, we stand at a crossroads. Behind us lies the wreckage of past tragedies, each a stark reminder of the responsibility we bear towards those who entrust their lives to the wings of aviation. But before us stretches a vast horizon, painted with the promise of a safer future, born from the tireless pursuit of justice and the unwavering commitment to prioritize humanity above all else. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the courage of victims' families who dared to stand against seemingly insurmountable odds, their voices rising above the din of grief to demand change. And lastly, it wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering resolve of the aviation industry itself, recognizing the transformative power of responsibility and embracing the need for continuous improvement. This collective effort, this symphony of change, serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit, its ability to rise from the ashes of tragedy and soar toward a brighter future. Read Also: 5 Reasons To Consider Solo Travel A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen The Best Tips To Travel Around The World