The Blue Train: A Luxurious Expedition Across South Africa

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 22, 2021

It's a blessing to find someone in life who would love you unconditionally. Promise to stay in better or worse, in sickness or in health, and never leave your side till death do you apart.  Being in a relationship can be a bumpy ride sometimes, but instead of leaving it alone, you should come forward to make it right. From both ends, it is your love that will keep you together.  Doing everything together is a way of making the bond between you and your partner stronger. If you are going through some changes I suggest you take a step forward and go outdoors to do something adventurous together.  While doing things that you haven't for a long time will make you realize the things you love most about each other.  So without any further ado, let's find adventurous date ideas, and places that can give you love birds a fresh start. 1. Starry Night Pack your bags and get ready to leave the city behind for an adventurous date. The city sky is too dull and the car honking will not let you feel calm. Drive a few miles out of town, pick a place that has nobody in it. Spread a blanket on the ground and lie down together, light some candles beside you. Now enjoy the beautiful clear sky with stars sparkling everywhere. Find out the constellations. Talk about each other. Have an adventurous date. Don’t forget to say ‘I love you. 2. You Found Me Get your head out of your busy schedule, plan a vacation with your lovey-dovey partner. Once you reach your destination, split up and try to find each other. This is going to be best for an adventurous date. Does the question arise who will find each other? Well, you know-how, look for the shops your partner may be in or any activities that your mate could probably be doing.  Think, common on. When you will finally find your partner, hug tight and utter the three magical words ‘I love you 3. Sippin Wine  If you guys are in any mountain region, then don’t just let the opportunity slip through your hand.  Find a spot in the mountains and hike up there. Open a bottle of wine and get ready to be up all night.  Talk about your future with each other, tell the funniest things about each other. Laugh carelessly and loudly.  Come back home in the morning, get fresh, and be in bed saying ‘I love you to each other.  4. Thrill Junkies  If you are one of those couples who love taking risks in life then don’t think about the consequences just go and do something thrilling.  Do bungee jumping or skydiving or scuba diving or anything that will bring excitement into your eyes. Let the adventurous date begin. Let your other half surprise you with the same energy you once saw and immediately fall in love.  So, ask the bungee jumping guide to tie you both together, and while you take the leap of love whisper ‘I love you. 5. Try The Non-Traditional Way To make a normal traditional holiday a better one in a non-traditional way, do something unique on that day, so it becomes unforgettable. Ideas vary from person to person, this idea should be absolutely the person who is reading this. Make sure you spend your holiday with fun and laughter. At the end of the day leave a note or a text saying ‘ I love you. 6. Sunrise and Pancakes  Drive somewhere away from home at night, with a plan of seeing the sunrise from your favourite spot.  Both night and the morning will be in your favour as you will have a late-night long drive as well as look at the sunrise from above the horizon. Close your eyes for a bit and hear the birds chirping, letting you know that the sun is about to rise. This is going to be the satisfying adventurous date ever.  Start having a quick morning breakfast cum picnic with your pumpkin. Take out the finger-licking good pancakes with maple syrup that is about to be poured on top. Start your day with ‘I love you. 7. Take Time  Get out of town, be at your destination as fast as you can.  Take the fastest transport if possible.  Once you get there, enjoy being with each other all the time.  Lay down in bed as much as you can, go out if that's what you want.  But the way back home has to be slow, really slow. Choose the slowest transportation available.  Turn the several-hour flight into a several-day road trip. Stop at random spots and cherish their beauty.  Have the most of the time for each other. While driving the car, take a moment to look at your loved one and express your love with ‘I love you. 8. Surprise Surprise If it's your partner's birthday coming up next week, then go hurry up, you have lots to do.  Surprise your soulmate with a surprise trip. Hide everything, before the birthday arrives.  Plan the place and travel route, the activities, and the art museums that you both want to perform and visit.  Make the birthday special for your loved one. Make your partner feel that this is the best birthday ever!. Bake a cake with an ‘I love you’ tag on it.  9. Pick A Place Obviously, wherever you go, you will have to pick a place for it. But this time you have to pick it randomly, to make your adventurous date successful.  Paste the country map on the wall, use a dart to throw at it.  The dart will choose the place for you. A place never heard of can turn out to be very interesting. Visit the place and enjoy the food.  If there is anything that is famous, surely try it. Don’t sit idle and behave like you are new to this place. Pretend like you know way too much. Take long walks nearby and often utter ‘I love you to each other. 10. Adopt A Four-Legged Furry Friend Everybody needs someone in their life especially helping in calling a truce after a fight between lovers. Visit a shelter near your location or maybe a bit far, doesn't matter. Get a mutual friend who will never be mad at you. Rather will help out when one of you will be not here to support the other mentally. You will officially become MOM and DAD.  What could be more beautiful than that?.  You guys even decide on a perfect name for your angel. Together, say ‘I love you to him.  11. Hike Your Problems Away Whenever in doubt or too much stress to handle, go out on a hike, trust me it helps miraculously. Break free from your ego and after a fight offer your partner a hike. The time you will spend walking and talking will be the most productive of all.  Sort out your problems, family problems, financial problems.  Just talk because communication is the key. All problems vanish away once you share views.  Hiking is the best thing to do.  As no one will disturb your conversations and once all done end your conversation with an ‘I love you in the end. 12. Say Yes To Matching Tattoos If it's the first time both of you are about to have a tattoo, make sure they complement each other. It is not necessary that you get the same tattoo but very much important to understand that the other part of the tattoo is with your loved one.  Experience the pain together, then laugh about it later while sipping coffee at a cafe. Whenever you are alone and miss your other half, you know what to do.  Yes, look at the tattoo and show your love by saying ‘I love you. 13. Karaoke Night Your partner knows how bad you are at singing, but still laughing at your own flaws is always appreciated.  The person who loves you the most will never make you feel alone. So drive to a bar and sing karaoke with each other. Swap the lyrics among each other.  Sing your heart out, make the most of the night. Have dinner nearby and appreciate for being so open to each other by using the words you have trying to say ‘I love you 14. Ride Or Die Learn from your partner to ride a motorcycle. Whoever in the relationship knows about bikes will teach the other.  Just imagine both of you can ride bikes, then you can also imagine that you don’t anymore have any transport issue.  Whenever you feel like going out together, just get the engine running. Say yes to the adventurous date. Don't forget to say ‘I love you’ before and after the ride. It shows you were connected even though riding individually.  15. Mystery Dining Pick a detective movie of both of your choice. Bad if none of you likes mystery movies. Don’t watch the whole movie. Leave it from the interval. Now, book a  reservation. While you eat your favourite cuisine, bring up the movie plot, try to crack who could be the murderer.  Challenge each other's detective skills.  Come back home, sit with some beer and finish the movie. I know one of you has to win, whoever it is, say ‘this is why I love you.  Conclusion  Spending time with your loved ones is just way beyond describing, as there are no words. To maintain the bond as well as grow it stronger you will have to be always close to each other. Surprising each other keeps the spark alive in a relationship. People tend to be more attracted to things they have never seen before. A relationship is as pure as an innocent’s mind. Pouring love and protecting it is our duty. Therefore these 15 adventurous places that can be visited with your loved ones are absolutely expert suggestions.  Leave a comment below and share your experience with us. Love deep, love often. Read More: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks What Is The Best Time To Visit Morocco? Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Af Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently fair: Here's How

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Do you know where the name of the Zion National Park came from? The name has come from the Bible, as the Old Testament calls the City of Jerusalem Zion.  This national park has the most diverse landscape, with plateaus, forests, and deserts. Further, it is home to over 800 plant species and 290 bird varieties.  “A visit to a river, a canyon rim, and a pine forest will give you a chance to see plenty of different birds. Birds are very active at dawn and dusk. They sing more at these times, making them easier to locate than midday. Nocturnal birds like owls are also active at dawn and dusk, making them easier to locate than at night.” Ally O’Rullian, Ranger, Zion National Park. Hiking is the best activity in the park to enjoy a close encounter with the wildlife and geology of the park. Also, camping here and living under the stars will be an amazing experience. So, let’s be familiar with the hiking trails and campgrounds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Zion National Park, and kids also love the flat riverside walks. Moreover, trails like the one to the Emerald Pool are family-friendly.  Further, the park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, and the number of trails is more than 100., I have curated some popular day hiking and backpacking trails for you here.  Day Hikes In Zion National Park The short day hikes in Zion National Park will take you to the wonderful views southwest of the park. Some hiking trails can be completed within one hour, and some will take an entire day. Further, these trails will take you through lush valleys and meadows and make you visit rugged mountains and deserts.  So, let’s explore the trails. 1. Watchman Trail Difficulty Level: Moderate Distance: 2.7 Miles Trekking Time: 2 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman Trail is one of my favorites in Zion National Park because it is peaceful. Also, it is a kid and family-friendly hiking trail with a beautiful view of the lower Zion Canyon.  You will further enjoy the view of the Towers of the Virgin and the town of Springdale from this trail.  Moreover, this trail is a great path to learn about the desert plantation in the park.  2. Lower Emerald Pool Trail  Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 1.2 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Lodge The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the easiest trails in the park, and you can explore the route with your family thanks to the gentle terrain.  Further, walking through the woods of pinyon and juniper is comfortable for children. Moreover, the hike ends with a refreshing view of the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. These waterfalls are ephemeral.  However, if you want to explore more challenging trails, you can try the connecting Upper Emerald Pool and Kayenta trails.  3. Observation Point Difficulty Level: Difficult Distance: 8 Mile Trekking Time: 7 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Weeping Rock The Observation Point trek through the East Rim Trail stands out because it offers the best view of the nearby attractions. Further, you will especially love the view of Zion Canyon’s lower end.  However, this trekking route comes with 2200 feet of steep elevation. So, ensure that you have the right physical endurance and proper hydration.  4. Pa’Rus Trail Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 3.5 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: Yes Trailhead: Visitor Center If you want to watch the best sunset in Zion National Park and capture beautiful landscape views, Pa’Rus Trail is the best hiking route for you. Further, it is the only national park trail allowing dogs and pets.  It is an easy trek. You can explore it with your kids and family. You will begin the trek listening to the serene sounds of the Virgin River. Then, as you advance, you will get the best view of the Watchman.  Backpacking Hikes In Zion National Park Overnight hiking or backpacking trips are very popular in Zion National Park. Despite being strenuous hikes, these trails offer the most scenic views.  If you are willing to explore any of the following backpacking trails, you must have proper food, water, and supplement arrangements.  La Verkin Creek Trail Trail Distance: 14.4 Miles Trail Head: Lee Pass Difficulty Level: Challenging The La Verking Creek Trail takes you to the Kalob Arch. It is one of the biggest free-standing arches in the world.  As you start the trek from Lee Pass, you will walk through open canyons, and the route along Timber Creek will offer you the best cliff views.  If you want to extend your hiking trip further, you can continue your walk to the Bear Trap Canyon or the Willis Canyon. Summer and fall are the best seasons for backpacking trips to the La Verkin Creek Trail.  The Narrows View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Trail Distance: 16 Miles Hike Start: The Temple of Sinawava Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Based on the River Volume) Despite having an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, The Narrows is one of the most challenging hikes in this national park.  The meandering trekking route will take you through various canyons. However, you must first walk through the Virgin River as there is no alternative loop.  Here, you must note that the water level in the Virgin River keeps fluctuating. Based on the amount of rainfall and snowfall, the varying water levels of the Virgin River will pose challenges. The table below gives you a clear picture of the probable difficulties.  Water Level of Virgin RiverChallenges/Consequences Below 70 cubic feet per second (CFS)Moderately difficult walkingKnee-deep waterSlippery terrain Above 70 CFSChallenging walkingMid-thigh deep waterWater in some pools can be chest-deepAbove 150 CFSThe Virgin River and The Narrows are close for hiking.  The Narrows remain closed even when there is an announcement for Flash Floods. So, check with the park authority about the “present water current level” and announcements.  West Rim Trail Trail Distance: 14.2 Miles  Trail Head: Lava Point  Difficulty Level: Strenuous  The West Rim Trail is one of the most challenging treks in Zion National Park. The elevation change here is close to 3500 feet, and you must make a steep ascent toward the Wildcat Canyon rims. Then, you will make a descent.  In addition, the West Rim Trail offers the best views of the Phantom Valley. If you are in for a backpacking trip to the West Rim Trail, late spring, summer, and fall will be the best seasons.  Camping In Zion National Park, Utah Though 2023 saw a dip in visitors to Zion National Park, it is still one of the most visited parks in the USA. In 2023, the park had less than 4.65 million visitors compared to 4.69 million visitors in 2022.  The red rock formations and canyons carved by water are some of the biggest attractions in this US national park, and camping is surely the best way to get to know the park better.  Zion National Park has three campgrounds, but the South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. So, here I will discuss the Watchman Campground and Lava Point Campground.  Watchman Campground https://www.instagram.com/p/C84eLoOtJP8/ This campground is very close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and if you are entering the park from the  South Entrance in Springdale, you will have to go only ¼ miles to find this campground.  Each campsite in the campground has a picnic table, a place for a tent or RV, and fire ring access. Further, here is a detailed picture of the amenities and fees at the camping ground.  Amenities and FeesAvailable/Details Cell Phone NetworkYesInternet ConnectivityNoCamp StoreNoIce for SaleNoLaundryNoAmphitheater SeasonalFirewood for Sale NoTrash CollectionYesDump StationYesPotable WaterAvailableFood Storage LockerYesStaff on SiteYesShower TypeNot AvailableFlush ToiletYesFeesElectric Campsites: $45Non-Electric Tent Only Campsites: $35Group Campsites - $90-130 per personAccessible Sites: According to the Price of a Particular Site with Special Discounts for Access Pass Holders Watchman Campground sites are available on a reservation basis. You can book six months before your trip to secure a preferred spot.  Lava Point Campground It is a seasonal campground, operating only from May to September. Further, located at a 7890-foot height, this campground is closest to Kolob Terrace Road.  Also, if you enter the park from its southern entrance, you must drive for one hour and 20 minutes to reach this campground.  However, with 6 primitive camping sites, Lava Point Campground does not have most of the amenities of the Watchman Campground. Therefore, you will only get the following facilities here. Pit toilets Trash cans Seasonal trash collection Staff on site on a seasonal basis Moreover, you will have to pay a fee of $25 to reserve a spot in this campground. Further, it cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 19 feet.  Zion National Park At A Glance  Zion National Park Location: Utah, The USA Area: 232 Square Miles Visitor Centers: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Entry Fee: Standard Entrance Passes Highest Point: Horse Ranch Mountain Established: 19th November 1919 So, it’s fall here, and Zion National Park is gearing up for winter. When are you planning a visit?  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  Barsha Dec 21, 2022

The popularity of the ‘all you can eat sushi’ has been ruling the eating charts of most people for some time now, especially in the United States. Is it just tasty? Or is it the sheer newness associated with the same like it was with trying out octopus meat a few years ago - suddenly, everyone was talking about octopus meat and squids? These days, all people can talk about trying out is Sushi. So we feel it’s a little bit of both - the sheer newness and the mouthwatering taste. So we decided to check out some of the best sushi places in the United States. Keep reading to find out all that you need to know!  Trying ‘All You Can Eat Sushi In The United States? All The Top Places To Visit! Image Source: www.mashed.com So we have finally arrived here and if you are reading this, you have to stick around till the end because we have some exciting all you can eat Sushi places from all over the United States.  So instead of wasting time on googling stuff like ‘all you can eat sushi Chicago’ or even ‘all you can eat sushi Orlando,’ scroll down and find out the best places serving Sushi in the United States. Don’t forget to check out the visitor reviews we have added as well! 1. Sushi 88 (Nashville): Image Source: restaurantclicks.com You don’t need to google ‘all you can eat sushi near me’ instead; just check out Sushi 88! This Nashville sushi restaurant is perfect for sushi lovers, especially if you want to try authentic sushi platters. Plus, it’s not even a very expensive restaurant - so if you are on a budget, then you must try this place!  Review By Marika Vissak: “AYCE is $28 for lunch and $36 for dinner. It compares SUPER favorably to similar-priced sushi restaurants on the east coast -- an excellent variety of rolls, attentive staff that tells you which roll is which, very good salmon, and good sushi chefs.” 2. Junn All You Can Eat Sushi (Tempe): Image Source: lh3.googleusercontent.com The name says it all - it’s the sushi all you can eat buffet you have been looking for! Located in Tempe, this sushi restaurant offers different types of sushi platters and happens to be the sushi paradise you have been looking for - so why beat around the bush? If you are in Tempe right now, you must check out this place!  Review By Emanuel: “Great tasting sushi with all you can eat option for a reasonable price. Cooked to order, all taste delicious.  Ramen-cooked noodles aren’t always cooked the best, but still the overall great dining experience. The staff is nice and informative about the menu.” 3. Bodeli Sushi (Franklin): Image Source: lh3.googleusercontent.com Located in Franklin, Bodeli Sushi is fantastic, and there are so many great reviews online talking at length about the great good and even better service. You don’t need to search for the best sushi restaurants with locations like ‘all you can eat sushi las vegas’ or some other place  - instead, just save this article for the future!  Review By Adrian Lupton: “This is the best Sushi with unique and new rolls over ever experienced. The staff works very hard and deserve to be tipped well for the price and hard work. Absolutely amazing. The best we've had since moving from Chicago. Will come back!” 4. Rakuzen AYCE Sushi (Brooklyn): Image Source: bklyner.com If you type ‘all you can eat sushi NYC’ on Google, chances are you will definitely not find Rakuzen AYCE Sushi on most lists. But that’s the fun of dining at undiscovered gems, even if it’s New York, and at this time, there’s nothing unknown about the same. So the next time you are in NYC, ditch your usual fancy places and check out this sushi joint in Brooklyn! Review By Akina Miracle: “Great services!! The waitress was nice and efficient; they took away the empty dishes really fast, remaining the table clean. Highly recommend their salmon teriyaki; it has the perfect cooked!! :D” 5. Kikoo Sushi (New York): Image Source: 10619-2.s.cdn12.com Another New York gem; you have to check out Kikoo Sushi. The restaurant is classy and never fails to make customers happy. The place has a great online reputation, with customers taking the pain actually to review minute details about the place. NYC has a pretty competitive food scene, but in spite of then, Kikoo Sushi managed to shine.  Review By Adrian Torres: “I LOVE THIS SPOT. Favorite place to go with a big group of friends before a night out. So many options, there’s no way you won’t be satisfied. Surprisingly good quality food for being “all you can eat.” The best part is the endless sake bombs, and Sapporo refills. Honestly one of the best bang-for-your-buck dinner places in Manhattan. Be warned, it is cash only!” 6. Sushi Train (Nashville): Image Source: i.ytimg.com Another Nashville sushi joint, Sushi Train, is perhaps one of the best sushi restaurants in the entire state of Tennessee. If you are a resident of the state of Tennessee, there’s no point missing out on Sushi Train. They serve excellent sushi, and anyway, it’s better to stumble upon places like this than just google stuff like ‘all you can eat sushi san antonio or Nashville!’ Read More: Top 12 Perdido Key Restaurants – Reviews & Budget Review By D.M. Kurtz: “An endless train of sushi, fruit, and desserts, plus access to an all you can eat Hibachi and appetizers? Worth every penny! 😋 Spent about $75 before the tip for four of us, and MAN, it was GOOD.” 7. POC All You Can Eat Sushi (Hackensack): Image Source: pocrestaurants.com Located in Hackensack, POC All You Can Eat Sushi is one of the best places to eat sushi in the state of New Jersey. There are so many options, but only this one stands out in terms of food and services. If you are close to the location, then why not check out this restaurant tonight? A perfect place to visit with friends, family, or even alone.  Review By M A: “The most recent time I went was at 9 pm. Now just be mindful that it says it closes at 10 pm, but they start putting away the food by 9:30 pm, which they mentioned, but I was still hungry, so I didn’t mind. They were kind enough to ask if I wanted to go for more food before they started putting it away. The price per person is slightly higher than the usual buffets, but it is definitely worth it. The food and selection are WAY better! Two thumbs up !” 8. Saki Endless Sushi And Hibachi Grill Eatery (Clearwater): Image Source: media1.cltampa.com Although there’s another Saki Endless Sushi and Hibachi Grill Eatery in Tampa, trust us, it’s better not to go to that, and instead visit the one in Clearwater - come on, both these locations are in Florida. So why not try a place that’s so much better? Also, reviews from visitors only prove what we are trying to point out! Read More: Best Asian Restaurants In Florida – A Must Visit For Food Lovers Review By Edward Phung: “Great eating little Gem. 2nd time eating at this place. Food & service consistently good both times. Small dining room & they get very busy. All dishes cooked to order. I had the saki & Tampa rolls, very tasty.  Hibachi Squid well marinated with delicious dipping ginger sauce. Friendly waitress, checked on us often. Definitely will come back again.” 9. Osake (Covington): Image Source: lh3.googleusercontent.com Similar to the restaurant we just spoke about, even Osake has two locations - one in Nashville and one in Covington. While both locations serve some crazy all you can eat Sushi, it’s better to visit the one in Covington. Our deciding factor? Oh, that was easy! Better service and even better visitor reviews!  Review By Greyson Adams: “As usual,  I was very pleased. Faylene was great and patient. Chef Ari made me a special order and it was excellent. I never have a second thought introducing friends to your restaurant. I only wish that you had space for outdoor seating,  as well. As it was,  when I was leaving,  there was another car just waiting in the lot til someone left.” 10. Ginza AYCE Sushi (Torrance): Image Source: lh3.googleusercontent.com Last but not least, there was no way we were missing out on Ginza AYCE Sushi, located in Torrance. This restaurant has great sushi and happens to be a sushi paradise for all, irrespective of whether it’s your first time trying out Sushi or whether you are a seasoned Sushi eater. If you are close to this location, check it out tonight!  Review By Linh Phạm Ngọc Ái: “Taste very fresh and nice. The appertizers are very delicious. Recommend the tofu, it melts right into your mouth. Also the tempura Shrimp and the fries squid. The rolls for who like creammy one are cream cheese rolls and baked salmon ones.” And It’s A Wrap! Andddd it’s a big wrap on the all you can eat Sushi restaurants…at least for now! Because it’s important that you check out the places mentioned above instead of asking for more options. Trust us, the moment you will ask for more options, you will get confused and end up making the wrong decision!  So, tell us what you think about these restaurants and the popularity of Sushi in the United States. Don’t forget to share your past experiences with us in the comments below. Read Also: Best Restaurants In Honduras To Visit While Traveling Indian Buffet Near Me In Florida – Best Buffets For You Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling