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BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 19, 2021

These national parks Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Chicago, the windy city! That is the first thought that comes to our mind when we think about the state Illinois located in the central estern region of the United States Of America. Although Chicago is the perfect destination when it comes to relieving the American nostalgia with vintage buildings and dinners, all our nature’s enthusiasts will be leaning more towards the Mississippi river bay of Illinois. One more thing that attracts travellers towards this town are the breathtaking national parks illinois. It is no short of windy roads and state parks giving you the serene experience that the city of Chicago can’t. These national parks near Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Following the general US restrictions, travel to Illinois from other states and countries have been open. National Parks In Illinois Taking the famous route 66 which trails to the pacific west coast, then you will tumble across two of the most well known Illinois national parks which can be a jackpot for people who take a special interest in the history of the state. It is known as the ‘Land of Lincoln’ afterall! These national parks in Illinois also have excellent hiking trails. Are There Any National Parks In Illinois? Yes, Illinois has two major national parks. These are Pullman National Monument Lincoln Home National Historic Site. However, they are mostly national park services. Nevertheless, they don’t fall short of showing the mesmerizing beauty of nature. However, if hiking is more in your forte then here are the three more National historic trails of the national park Illinois which you can add to your itinerary. Here Are The List Of National Park Illinois Trails Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Are Illinois National Parks Open? Following every Covid Guideline, National parks Illinois have been opened for travel. Pullman National Monument This Illinois national park is located in the northern side of the state. It will take you less than thirty minutes to reach the location from Chicago. It is a small national park which is evidently surrounded by districts which have found their place in American history. This district is known to be the first planned one in the whole country. Other than the short walks you can take throughout the community and fill your day with other attractive sightseeing then go for the Pullman park which is a must. If you are nature’s prodigy and love camping then you might find a place right in this national park Illinois. However, on travelling a little west you will find the beautiful MacMahon Woods to have a night or two in the wilderness. Lincoln Home National Historic Site This Illinois national park is located in the breathtaking state capital Springfield. It gets its name because of the fact that the former president resided here with his family before becoming the president of the United States. The national park itself is not that big, but nevertheless sublime. Therefore, it won't take you more than an hour or two to cover the entire ground. However, the main attraction here is not there woods, it is Lincoln house itself which has a visiting entry. There is also a show that airs regarding this subject. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail National park Illinois trails are the perfect blend which will give you a look at the locals and the mesmerizing nature that surrounds it. Although, make sure you know your route and sites since there are certain private properties that do not allow the entrance of outside public. Since it is in the south of the Mississippi River, you can find hiking trails, scenic beauties, and camping ground. If you have plans to travel a little towards the west, Shimek state forest among the national parks in Illinois. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail The next on the list of the best national parks in Illinois is the Trail of Tears, also known as the “Journey of Injustice.” Most urban places may be reached by car in just one hour from one of these routes, which are dispersed all throughout the nation. We can better appreciate Native Americans' history and struggles by studying the Trail of Tears, a national historic trail. The Indian Removal Act was established by Congress in 1830, which is when the trail's history began. The law signed by President Andrew Jackson permitted "for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and for their removal west of the river Mississippi". What Is The Most Beautiful National Park In Illinois? Shawnee National Forest which is located in Harrisburg is known to be the most beautiful national park trail in Illinois. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail This historic trail doesn’t restrict national park Illinois. The headquarters of this park is situated in the state of Omaha however, it stretches up to Hartford Illinois. It is situated in the west of the Mississippi River from St.Louis. Other than the breathtaking landscape which you can explore, you can also squeeze some time for the historical attractions with old buildings and exhibits that are flourishing around this area. The closest camping site for this trail is Granite City, or if the riverside camping is what you desire then you can drive to Sioux Passage Park. What Is The Biggest National Park In Illinois? Although, the measurement of national park Illinois cannot be given, in terms of state parks the biggest one which covers almost 8000 acres in Pere Marquette State Park. These are some of the best national parks in Illinois. However, if Illinois is not your last stop and national parks aren’t the only trails you are looking for, then here is a list of other state parks or national parks in the driveaway neighbourhood that you can explore. In just a three hour drive, you can reach Mark Twain National park in the neighbouring state of Missouri. You can Visit Chicago and dive into the city life for a little while.  Again in just a three hour ride, you can visit Indiana Dunes National Parks which has some of the most desirable camping grounds. A night of wild adventures and sweet smokey smores!  Some Of The State Parks You Can Visit If you have crossed all the national parks Illinois in the list then step towards some of the state parks. With gorgeous sites and fun activities like fishing, camping, and boating filled in these trips, you won’t be disappointed.  Clinton Lake State Recreation Area  Rock Cut State Park  Fort Massac State Park  Illinois Beach State Park  Hennepin Canal State Trail  The best part is, the government charges no extra penny for you to enter these paradises.  Are Covid 19 Tests Required To Travel To National Park Illinois? If you are an unvaccinated traveler then you have to get a Covid Test for travelling to Illinois. You don’t have to get quarantined though.  Final Thoughts  With big cities of the country getting all the limelight, we are forgetting the other smaller states where lies the sublime beauties of mother nature as well as the nostalgia of American history.  So, this season let us rekindle the hidden beauties of national parks illinois that will tweek all your travel love metre again. Read Also: A Guide To National Parks In Alabama – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Arkansas – Latest Guide Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

Scottsdale has always been popular as an upscale tourist destination. However, if you have an explorer in you and you have a stringent budget to follow, there is no dearth of free things to do in Scottsdale. Almost 300 days of sunshine every year and a vast desert landscape have made Scottsdale ideal for all types of outdoor pursuits. You can swim in the clear lake waters, hike or bike along the trails to explore the city, and visit the museums without spending a fortune.  So, no wonder the “Scottsdale Tourism Study - Visitor Statistics” published by the Tourism and Events Department of the City of Scottsdale has promising figures to flaunt.  “Scottsdale hosted an estimated 4.8 million domestic overnight visitors, 1.5 million international overnight visitors, and 4.9 million domestic day trip visitors in 2023. The annual number of international visitors increased by 380,000, and the number of domestic day trip visitors increased by 100,000 over 2022.“ Nevertheless, we all love platforms like Free Fun Guides, and those really give us kick-ass ideas while planning travels on a shoestring. Here, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have tried to curate similar ideas backed by approvals from local experts.  Free Things To Do In Scottsdale | Traveling Scottsdale On A Budget  On average, a trip to Scottsdale will cost you around $250-300. A large portion of this expenditure will go into your passage money and hotel or resort charges.  So, the free things to do in Scottsdale will really help you control your budget without compromising on your travel experience. Let’s check out the options. 1. Visit The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xDND7spVj/ Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-874-4666 Free Entry: 12-9 PM on Every Thursday As the name suggests, this museum is a hub of contemporary sculpture and art. As you explore the museum, you will get to see the best public art, like: Hopi Deity by C. Doug Weigel Mustang Wall by Ken Williams One with the Eagle by Pat Mathiesen Ambient Landscape by Janet Taylor Tree of Life, Papago Park City Boundary Project by Jodi Pinto, etc. Furthermore, the museum has the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts. It celebrates the best of musical events, discussions, and other performances. Keep checking with the museum authority to know about the events during your visit to Scottsdale.  2. Explore The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSI7dLPa_d/?hl=en&img_index=1 Address: 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale Phone Number:  +1 623-848-1234 The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a seasonal marketplace in Arizona. In 2024-20525, the market will remain open between October 5th and April 26th. The market timing is 8 AM to 1 PM.  In its 14th year, the marketplace is the biggest hub of local farmers, growers and farming products. From more than 100 growers in the market, you can collect pesticide-free products.  Apples and ciders are the most in-demand specialties in the market. Further, you can collect essentials like pork, beef and fish from this market.  3. Be Familiar With Desert Life At McDowell Sonoran Preserve The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to desert vegetation and many multi-use trails. These trails are not motorized, and you can explore them on foot or horseback. The trails present in this preserve are: Gateway Loop Trail Bajada Nature Trail Tom’s Thumb Trail Furthermore, this desert preserve is the largest in the area, and it offers free entry every day. You will find at least 1000 types of plants and animals here. Various types of animals here include amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Rattlesnakes are found in abundance across all trails. So, wear appropriate footwear and carry a hiking stick.  4. Make The Most Of The Scottsdale Fashion Square https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtLTq7spKi/ Do you want to explore the best shopping area of Scottsdale and the entire Southwest? Scottsdale Fashion Square will be the most premium destination to explore your shopping spree.  In every corner of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, you will find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Boss Hugo Boss, etc., offering their best collections. Furthermore, it is a prominent zone to relish the best dining and entertainment scenario in the city.  Taking a stroll through the Scottsdale Fashion Square is an experience in itself, and it’s absolutely free of cost.  5. Hike Through The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Difficulty Level: Challenging Tom’s Thumb Elevation:  3,670 Feet Trail Distance: 4.6 Miles The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is at 128 St near the Ranch Gate end. The final destination of this trail is the Tom’s Thumb, a dramatic rock formation with a terrain of loose gravel. The climbs here are very steep, making the hike more difficult.  Furthermore, throughout the hike, you will come across the following iconic vistas and landmarks. Windgate Overlook Gardener’s Wall Sven Slab Mesquite Canyon Windmill Trail However, the biggest highlight of this hike is the Marcus Landslide Trail. By exploring this trail, you will get to know about the “2nd largest landslide in Arizona.”  Throughout the trail, you will find amenities like restrooms and horse-trailer parking. However, there is no drinking water facility throughout the route. So, carry water and hydrating agents to sail through this hot desert weather.  6. Hike Through The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Difficulty Level: Moderate Elevation Gain: Around 100 Feet Trail Loop Distance: 3.1 Miles The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead initiates a beautiful hiking trail in Scottsdale. It is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. This trail remains open for hiking from sunrise to sunset. Further, you can park your car here for free.  As the trail winds through the Ranch area, you will get to explore the most beautiful desert landscape. The hiking path looks all the more beautiful during the springtime. Desert wildflowers are in their full glory in this season.  7. Visit The Eldorado Park  Address: 2311 N Miller Road, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-312-2483 The Eldorado Park offers many outdoor pursuits if you are looking for the best things to do in Scottsdale. You can go fishing and swimming here. Further, this 60-acre park has outdoor and indoor basketball grounds. You can also pump it up at the soccer field, basketball court, or the sand volleyball court here.  In addition, the ongoing Indian Bend Wash Master Plan will make the experiences at the park even better by meeting user needs and catering to the residents.  This master plan will improve the amenities. Also, it will upgrade the aging infrastructure of the park for enhanced safety and experience. That’s it! Now, you know the things to do in Scottsdale for free. Pack your bags for a trip to this desert getaway in Arizona.  Scottsdale, being a warmer state in the USA, is a popular winter holiday destination. The city enjoys a warmer climate during the months of December, January, and February.  With an average temperature of 3-21 degrees Celsius here, these months are the best time to explore the things to do in Scottsdale.  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  Sharmita Feb 6, 2019

When Pausanias, an ancient Greek traveler, penned his experiences, he became the first travel writer. Names like Paulo Coelho, Elizabeth Gilbert, and many others continued his legacy. Thanks to these writers, today, there are many options when it comes to travel books you should read in 2024.   The best way of learning about food and the people and all aspects of contemporary cultures is by reading about them. Further, reading travel books on specific destinations helps you to prepare right for the upcoming trip. Trust me! It is as important as tracking down any place on the map.   In addition, the pages of travel books will change the way you see the world. You will fall in love with the places and people you have not seen yet.   10 Travel Books You Should Be Read in 2024: Are you ready to experience a serious dose of wanderlust? Grab these travel books and travel to different parts of the world.   1. On The Road by Jack Kerouac: This book remains the best in the niche of travel books. It is classic; you may choose to read it in an English class. Even if you have read it, it is recommended that you read it once again. This book is timeless as the story follows Sal, the main character while leaving New York heading west. He rides the rail along the way, meets acquaintances and friends, and parties through the nights. The theme of the novel is the frustrations of Sal and his desires to see all things around the world. These themes resonate with many people around the world and readers of the book. 2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This book is a timeless classic and an international bestseller. It was written in 1988 by Paulo Coelho and follows Santiago's life, who was an Andalusian shepherd boy. He longs to travel around the world for treasures. He moves from Spain to Egypt following his dream. He learns a lot of lessons along the way. He discovers love and understands the meaning of being alive. He finds some bits about himself along the way, which is something avid travelers relate to. If you read "The Alchemist", you will have to peruse its best quotes for purposes of inspiration. 3. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: This book is much of the stories of a man than a novel. Rolf Potts spent ten years on the road. He walked to Israel. In his write-up, he provides tricks, insights, lessons, and tips he learned over the decade. If you are after becoming a long-term traveler, it is easily among the best travel books you can read. He shares all things from valuable lessons learned to funny stories. He also includes inspiration quotes plus practical info that can help all travelers. If you want to live on the road, you must read Vagabonding. 4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The truth of the matter is that you have read this book even if you have never read it. Or you have watched a movie adaptation with Julia Roberts. This story os great to begin with if you are looking at reading many travel books. One woman is seeking everything across Indonesia, Italy, and India. It follows the trip of the author Elizabeth Gilberts around the world after her divorce. She delves in the learned lessons along the way. She dares to step outside her comfort zone, and this story will make you desire to do the same. This book is among the best travel books if you are feeling stuck. 5. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer: It is likely that you have heard about this travel book. This non-fiction book follows adventures of Christopher McCandless. Born in a wealthy family, he decides to leave all things behind and goes to Alaska. He gave out everything in his possession. He burnt all the money in the wallet before fleeing. After arriving in Alaska, He starts searching for a new life in the wilderness. This book touches on ways of being accepted in the society and methods of breaking from the norms the community places on you. This book challenges you to break from existing stereotypes and try something new. 6. Marching Powder by Rusty Young: In case you want great travel books, then this one is the best option for you. It was written by Rusty Young, an Australian journalist on a trip to South America. He learned of Thomas McFadden, the convicted drug trafficker running tours in San Pedro Prison. He became interested and wanted to learn a lot. He went ahead to join Thomas's illegal tours. He manages to stay inside the prison for the next three months after becoming a friend to Thomas. The resulting story shows that anything can happen while traveling. You also learn about the importance of safety while on your adventures. 7. Less by Andrew Sean Greer: Less is a novel written in 2017 by Andrew Sean Greer following his humorous journey of the Arthur Less, the gay novelist. Arthur travels the world on tour to welcome his fiftieth birthday. The career of Arthur as a novelist does not go well; neither is his life in love. The main traveling reason is to avoid his ex-lover wedding. His adventure leads him close to falling in love while in Paris. He almost falls to death in Berlin. This comedy is satirical that you can wish to read over and over again. This book is among the best travel books when you want something light-hearted. You can learn a lot from this book concerning confronting turning points, love, travel, and much more. 8. How to Travel the World On $50 A Day by Matt Kepnes? There is a possibility of traveling the world with fifty dollars a day. Matt Kepnes shows you the way to do so. It is the best book to read about adventures on a budget. For those that prefer minimalist traveling, this book goes into the details of traveling for long on a small budget. You will learn about traveling the world without spending what you do not have. He shares related stories about what he learned along the way. 9. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner: This book is a humorous memoir. It came into being in the year 2008 by Eric Weiner while recounting his years of traveling around the world searching for a happy place on earth. The destinations he explores include Qatar, Moldova, Iceland, and Bhutan. He investigates how various countries pursue and define happiness. It is among the best travel books when seeking to learn the outs and ins of other cultures. 10. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts: Shantaram by George David Roberts is a novel showing where Lin, the Australian bank robber is hiding. He passes the time running a clinic in the poorest regions in the city and working for Bombay mafia. If you fantasize India, this is your boo. This novel portrays the reality of life for the people of Bombay. Conclusion Now that you know the best travel books you should read, get ready for the most rewarding traveling experience sitting in the comfort of your home. Do you remember the Pandemic days? These travel books and some good movies were our only means of traveling.   Further, any great travel book, like actual traveling, will present the best and worst sides of civilization and life in front of you. So, pick any of these and see how the world gets unveiled in front of you.  Do you have a secret favorite among the books I have mentioned? Or do you have any other travel books on your Wishlist? Don’t forget to share!   Read Also: Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip