Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2022

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 17, 2023

Straddling the French and Swiss border in the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is certainly one of the best ski resorts during the winter months. It is that during this time of the year, Morzine transforms itself into a destination for skiers, snowboarders and extreme winter sports activities. However, that doesn’t mean that Morzine isn’t interesting in the warm summer months. If you are planning to visit Morzine in the summer you can still find plenty of reasons that would keep you busy with plenty of activities that you can do here. While Morzine has excellent connectivity you can always look for the best tour operators and holiday planners that can help you tailor Morzine summer holidays the way you prefer them. This would allow you to spend memorable time with your loved ones and ensure that you can optimize the time you have with the best activities. Morzine is also a popular tourist destination and therefore finding good accommodation isn’t going to be a challenge. Mountain Biking If you are looking for some adventure Morzine is one of the best places in the Portes du Soleil region that offers the right terrain for mountain biking. Many people visit Morzine in summer because they want to explore the wild countryside and enjoy some of the best terrains to train themselves in mountain biking. The strategic position of Morzine makes it a great place for many MTB bikers to explore and freewheel down to the villages and explore the Portes du Soleil region the way they prefer. With an endless variety of trails and terrain, Morzine is a delight for mountain bikers that come from different corners of the globe. Walking And Hiking France is one of the best hiking destinations during the summer months. While the French Alps are a major attraction during the winter months they also provide ample adventure activities during the summer months. Morzine, in particular, allows you to explore the vastness and magnitude of the French Alps as you go walking and hiking up and down the terrain. Many of the walks start from the valley floor and take you up the mountains. Also, you can find different hiking trails that cater to different hikers and the level of difficulty they prefer. If you are new to hiking you can always read about hiking tips for beginners to help you get the right experience. White Water Rafting If you are interested in water sports activities you can still make the most of your summer holidays in Morzine. The French Alps can provide you with the best white water activities and Morzine is no less. Those looking to navigate the white waters can enjoy white water rafting in Morzine with their friends and family. This activity can be enjoyed in groups of 6 to 8 people as you channel your way through the Dranse River. You don’t need to have prior rafting skills and equipment as you can get them at the location. Canyoning Unlike other ski resorts, Morzine is a hub for adventurers who want to push their limits and explore French Alps in their unique way. Canyoning can be addictive and many adventure-seekers come here to descend the beautiful Nyon waterfall. With the waters flowing freely through the rivers in the summer months, canyoning can be so much fun in Morzine. Even if you don’t have climbing skills, you can still try your hands at canyoning with all the necessary precautions and safety to overcome your fear of heights. With excellent guides and experts you are in safe hands However, you will need to have canyoneering shoes that tick all the boxes to offer you the right experience. Road Cycling If you are not into mountain biking you can still go ahead and try some road cycling activity while you are in Morzine. This place has hosted the Tour de France more than 20 times since 1975 and you can be sure that you can find plenty of opportunities to cycle through the region. You can find plenty of cycling routes here like Avoriaz Mountain Road, Joux Verte Col and Joux-Plane Col – North Side. Cycling provides you with the flexibility and convenience to explore the French Alps at your pace and soak in the beauty of Morzine in the summer months. You can also find plenty of cycle-friendly hotels and shops that can help you find the best cycling experience. High Rope Adventure Looking for some unique adventure activities that you haven’t tried before? Morzine in the summer months provides you with a unique opportunity to try high rope adventure. With plenty of tall trees in the region, this summer-holiday activity has gained a lot of popularity with those who love to be above the ground. With 40 meters above the ground, this adventure activity is all about going from tree to tree with ropes and monkey ladders. For those who have never tried this before this can give you a great adrenaline rush. Climbing Mountains and climbing go hand in hand. Hence, when you are in Morzine you would want to ensure that you have the best climbing experience that can provide you with the adrenaline rush you need. There are plenty of locations in and around Morzine where you can try your hands on rock climbing. Even if you are a beginner you can try your hands and look for climbing guides that can help you climb with safely and precautions. If you are already an expert climber you can find plenty of rocky terrain in the Alps to test your climbing skills. Golfing While Morzine in the summer months is a great place for adventure activities you can also be here and just unwind and relax. If you are here to take a break from your hectic schedule you can go golfing which doesn’t take that much effort. However, you will need to have some great golfing skills. With panoramic views of the Alps, golfing in Morzine is an unforgettable experience as you try to beat the competition. What’s more, you can also find a gold academy at Avoriaz that offers excellent golf training and teaching aids for budding golfers. You can find some great golfing courses at Les Gets as well which you can access through ski lifts. Summer Sledging If you are heading to Morzine in the summer months with your family summer sledging is one unique activity that you can find here. This allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones as you dash down the hill and feel the pleasant summer breeze on your face. However, with the downhill route you can experience the adrenaline rush. This activity is a family activity and therefore kids can hop on to the sledge with their parents. Hence, you can experience the best summer holiday activities in Morzine and spend quality time with your loved ones. Read Also: Canadians Can Forget Their Winter Vacations Despite COVID-19 Travel Insurance 10 Best Getaways With Your Furry Buddy

BY  Sibashree Aug 12, 2024

Gates of the Arctic National Park is where the Brooks Range and the Tundra landscape come to life with wilderness and vivid topography. This national park is a place of topographical diversity with the coexistence of mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and marshy lands.  A home to nomadic people for more than 13,000 years, the Gates of the Arctic is a prominent example of how human lives can be dependent on wilderness or nature. Many visitors love backpacking and trekking in this national park. Further, many stay in camps in the backcountry to experience its rich wildlife despite the challenges. Do you want to know why camping in the backcountry is worth the hardship? Does the national park have camping sites? Find the answers to all your questions in this guide.  Knowing The Gates Of The Arctic National Park (Why Camping Here Is A Great Experience) The Gates Of The Arctic National Park is a paradise for wilderness travelers. The intriguing land of Tundra, embraced by jungles, mountains, and rivers, makes camping in the backcountry worth all the effort.  Gates Of The Arctic Geography You can explore the arctic geography of this national park by trekking or by air. Tundra peaks and the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range ensure a humbling experience. You trek to Mount Igikpak, a glacier-carved peak with an 8,510-foot elevation. Another mountain to have glaciers in this region is Mount Arrigetch. Even backpacking and trekking to Mount Doonerak have a distinct charm, as the mountain is the quintessence of wilderness and unadulterated beauty.  Further, this national park has six designated wild rivers. Those are: Alatna River John River Kobuk River Noatak River North Fork of the Koyukuk River Tinayguk River Alatna and Noatak are great for canoeing. If you want more adventurous pursuits, you can try rafting in Nigu (to the north) and Kobuk (to the west).  Gates Of The Arctic Wildlife  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nImK2qsYoFM The Gates of the Arctic is home to many mammals and birds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says,   “Forested southern foothills rise to limestone and granite peaks more than 7,000 feet high in this remote wilderness park. North of the peaks, clear water rivers run through glacier-carved valleys; and Tundra, covered with wildflowers during the brief northern summer, stretches toward the Arctic Ocean. Many of the nearly 500,000 member Western Arctic caribou herd migrate through the park each fall. Brown and black bear, wolf, Dall sheep, lynx, moose, wolverine, and red fox live here year-round. In the spring, the park hosts migratory birds from Europe, South America, Asia, tropical archipelagos, and the continental U.S.” Other animals found in this national park are grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and musk oxen. Among the birds, Tundra swans, common loons, and golden eagles are the most common.  Further, if you enjoy the playfulness of aquatic animals, watch out for graylings, trouts, sheefish and salmon.  Gates Of The Arctic And Human History  The Gates of the Arctic is a prominent place for archaeological research. The study and interpretations of the museum collections depict how people have been surviving in the Brooks Range for around 13000 years now.  Along with Inupiat, Nunamiut, and Athapaskan descendants, you will also find many non-native Alaskan people in this region. These people have always been dependent on fishing and hunting. The wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic is the foundation of their livelihood.  What Is The Best Camping Near Gates Of The Arctic National Park? With marshy lands and tussocks, Arctic Tundra has a vulnerable landscape and it is difficult to find a steady spot for setting up camps or tents. Also, the existence of wildlife in a remote location and dense vegetation make the space unsuitable for camping.  So, there is NO CAMPING SITE in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are designated areas in the backcountry for camping. However, you will have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park when putting up a tent.  You must also attend the orientation program and be particular about the gear, food, and safety essentials to be carried.  With permission from the park authority and the National Park Service, you can set up tents near the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot or around Wiseman and Bettles communities.  However, while camping in the backcountry, you will have to keep the following factors in mind.  Be respectful to the local communities like the Koyukon Athabascan Indians or Nunamiut. Their livelihood depends on the wilderness.  There are no provisions for running water, a dump station, or restrooms. Your phone network will be unavailable in this location. You have to carry all your trash back as you leave the camping site. You cannot adulterate the pristineness of the location.  If you have plans for camping in the backcountry near the Gates of the Arctic, summer is the best season. The temperature is a little moderate on these days, and sunnier days make all outdoor pursuits in the park easier for you.  Did You Know?  The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the second-largest national park in the USA. It stretches over 13,000 square miles. You can see aurora borealis from this park if you visit between November and March.  July and August are the best months to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park for hiking and backpacking.  Bob Marshall, a wilderness advocate, named this national park “Gates of the Arctic.” Final Words  Unlike popular national parks like the Biscayne National Park or the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Gates of the Arctic National Park does not have many visitors yearly. In 2023, only 11,045 tourists flocked to this place. (Source) With a diversity in topography and wildlife and an association with human history, this park has much to explore. However, the extreme trekking conditions and wilderness make it far from an easy excursion or trekking experience. Despite the absence of campgrounds in this park, you can camp in the backcountry at the designated spots in the fields. However, only an experienced backpacker should try it with proper orientation and extra safety measures. Have you ever been to this wild and intriguing national park? Do you have any camping experience in the backcountry? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Gates Of The Arctic National Park FAQs  Can You Camp In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? Only backcountry camping is possible in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The absence of roads, villages, or facilities makes this area unsuitable for having designated campsites. Backpacking and hiking are the best ways to explore this vast landscape with rich wildlife and geographical interests.  Can You Stay In Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You can stay or try backcountry camping near the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Undefined terrains, wilderness, and a lack of modern amenities make it risky to put up camps in the national park. Even to camp in the backcountry, you will need the highest outdoor survival skills. The arctic ecosystem, topography, and weather conditions are different, and if you are confident enough to stay in the backcountry, plan in advance and get in touch with the Park and Preserve authorities for updates and advisories.  How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You don’t have to pay entry fees to visit the Gates of The Arctic National Park. However, you must attend the backcountry orientation program at any of the visitor centers.  In this way, the Gates of The Arctic National Park is different from other national parks as most of them demand an entrance fee.  How Difficult Is It To Get To The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? The Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park. So, as you enter the park, hiking is the best way to explore. Remember, it is home to the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range and the highest peak here is Mount Igikpak with an 8,510-foot elevation.  So, exploring the national park is not going to be a cakewalk. A lack of established trails further makes hiking difficult.  Further, there are six designated rivers, including Koyukuk and Dietrich, in this national park. So, you will have to pass through multiple meandering river crossings. The water levels of these rivers keep fluctuating throughout the season. They are furious throughout the spring season. Tussocks, marshy lands and dense vegetation are other hurdles to your fast movement while trekking.  Do you want to visit the backcountry? You can take a bush plane operated by permitted pilots with knowledge of the region.  What Is Special About Gates Of The Arctic? The Gates of the Arctic is special because of its geographical uniqueness, rich wildlife, and significance in human history. The glacier-carved valleys, rivers, and ancient trails make the Gates Of The Arctic a favorite destination for backpacking and hiking. Thanks to its geographical typicalness, you will meet many animals and birds. The adorable grizzly bears will be seen feeding, and the musk oxen are another unique animal you must watch out for. If you are a birder, you will love watching the golden eagles, Tundra swans, or common loons.  Near the Nigu River or throughout the park, you will find stone fences and camping rings. These are a testament to how Inland Eskimos or Nunamiut have lived in this region for thousands of years. They survived on fishing and hunting.  In addition, as I pen this guide, I must tell you that the Gates Of The Arctic National Park is going to celebrate its 45th anniversary of designation next year. First, it became a national monument on 1st December 1978. In 1980, it became a national park and preserve. Also read Italy: Is Florence flat or hilly? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. The Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Experience The Magnificence Of Nature.

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 7, 2020

A vacation is supposed to be a gateway to a stress-free world. It is expected to rejuvenate your senses and remove all the tiredness, boredom, and monotony of daily life.  However, in order to ensure that your vacation is as memorable as you are imagining it to be, you need to prepare for the same well in advance. A good vacation is all about planning, locating the problem areas, and ensuring that you are prepared for the same.  This planning includes everything from ensuring your home is fitted with a security alarm to keep it safe and secure whilst you are away (see the Verisure website for details), to planning your travel itinerary, and having an emergency credit card for any unforeseen disasters. Vacations are not without their fair share of problems. Even the most experienced travelers cannot plan for unforeseen developments. That being said, there are many careless travelers who forego planning and strategic execution for a month-long problem fest.  We certainly do not want to belong to that bunch of people. Whether it is a Euro Trip with friends or a journey of rediscovery to India, this article is going to help you prepare for it all. In this article, we will look at ten tips that will help you prepare for your vacation in the best possible manner.  7 Tips to Prepare for your Dream Vacation: The List 1. Manage, Collect and Arrange all your documents Call me old-fashioned, but I like to go old-school when it comes to all documents relating to my travel. This includes all my flight tickets, VISA papers, passports, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and cash.  You might say that an e-version of most of the things would suffice. However, try using your internet connectivity in some remote village in India to show your hotel booking. You will understand the need to take physical printouts and maintain a proper file of the same.  2. Get your Financials in order It is always a good idea to arrange your finances as much as possible. A cool tip is to pay as much of the bookings, travel costs, and others before leaving for your vacation. This way, you will not have to carry around too much cash or cards on your trip.  Always remember to carry just one or two debit/credit cards. Enquire ahead, as to which banks are accepted and which are not. Exchange currency right at the airport itself. All this will help you when it comes to managing your finances during your vacation.  3. Check your Connectivity Issues during a Vacation You get off the plane, switch on your phone, and surprise, there is no signal! Trust me, in an unknown land you do not want to be without your phone at any cost. Do your research and get an International Calling Card if possible.  You can also see what the local telecom operators in the country are and whether or not you can get a local SIM card in the country. You will need your cell phone for all kinds of things- from emergencies to calling for booking confirmations, to communicating with your family back home.  4. Carry your Entertainment with you If you are expecting that your Netflix will work seamlessly in some remote country, you might be in for a surprise. Even if the internet connectivity is not an issue, then there might be some other problems. This is why it is a good idea that you carry your entertainment with you.  You can use a credible video downloader like youtube to mp3 and download all videos from YouTube. Almost all series and movies are now available on YouTube. You can download all of them and save them on your laptop or on your phone. This will help you enjoy entertainment when you are just casually relaxing.  5. Pay attention to the Weather and News Visiting America during the Hurricane season might not be a good idea. Traveling to Jerusalem during a conflict situation in the neighborhood should be avoided. Most travelers are so looking forward to their vacation that they become highly optimistic.  This is not a good approach. You should always be aware of the news and happenings in the region of your travel. You do not want to be caught in some natural emergency or be a victim of some political drama happening in the country of your travel. Listen to the Foreign Ministry Advisory of your home country before embarking on the journey.  6. A Limited Travel Itinerary for your Vacation It is always a good idea to travel light and have a limited itinerary for your vacation. If you are trying to pack in too many things, you can expect your plans to go haywire. Having a limited itinerary also means that you will be exhaustively exploring each location.  Going for multiple destinations is often the hallmark of a superficial traveler. By keeping a limited itinerary, you will never feel pressured and feel that you are always falling behind. This will create pressure and take the fun out of your vacation plans. Select places, which interest you, not which your friend had gone to and recommended.  7. Plan the Come Back period before you leave for your vacation Most people might be well prepared when it comes to the above-mentioned six points. However, this is where even the best amongst us falter. You should always have a sufficient buffer time after coming back from your vacation. This is critical to prepare yourself when it comes to overcoming the vacation hangover.  Many experts say that doing things like your laundry before leaving for your vacation is a good way to prepare back for your vacation. The last thing you would want to see is a pile of dirty laundry that you would have to do post a great vacation.  Conclusion Going on a vacation can be a highly rewarding experience. On the other hand, it can also be a very stressful affair, leading to fights between couples or fallout among friends. However, if you are prepared with the above-mentioned seven tips, you can rest assured that you are mitigating most of the problems.  Can you think of some other tips that can help you while preparing for your vacation? Do let us know in the comments section below.   Read also:  5 Tips to Improve Holiday Experience for Next Vacation