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BY  Sibashree Aug 9, 2024

Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”  It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.  Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.   What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.   Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.   Malaspina Glacier  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgdJrElhQ8 Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.   Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.   In an article published by NASA Earth Observatory on 27th October 2023, we can find,  “The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”  Hubbard Glacier  Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.   Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.   Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.   Nabesna Glacier  With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,  “Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”  Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias  You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.   Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.   Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.    Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts  Mount  St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.  Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.  It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.   It is a part of the “world's largest international protected wilderness.”  Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.   Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.   Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall's sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.   Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.   Rich In Biodiversity  The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.   The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.   Land Mammals Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine Sea Mammals and Other Marine Creatures Whales Sea Lions Porpoises Harbor Seals Sea Otters Plants (936 Vascular Plant Species) Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species Birds Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson's Warblers American Robins  Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.   Comes With Topographical Diversity   This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!   Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.   A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes   Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.   So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.   Final Words   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.   Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.   So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.   Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs   How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”  So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.  In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.   Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and  Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.   How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?  The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.  2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting  Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.  In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)  What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.   The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.  Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.   Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson's warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.   What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.   Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.   Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?  Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”  So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants. Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues. Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park.

BY  Arnab May 3, 2023

Planning a big trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. From deciding on a destination to booking your flights and the necessary accommodations, there are a lot of factors to consider while you are planning a successful trip. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help make the planning process more manageable. In this article, we will explore some of the best resources to use when planning a big trip. Travel guidebooks Travel guidebooks are an excellent resource when planning a big trip. They offer valuable information about a destination, including its history, culture, and popular attractions. Guidebooks also provide practical information like maps, transportation options, and accommodation recommendations. Guidebooks can be purchased at bookstores, online retailers, or borrowed from a library. Some popular travel guidebook series include Lonely Planet, Fodor's, and Rick Steves. Online travel forums Online travel forums are a great resource for getting insider tips and recommendations from other travelers. Forums like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum allow you to ask questions, read reviews, and get advice from experienced travelers. You can also search for threads on specific topics like budget travel, solo travel, or adventure travel. When using travel forums, be sure to read reviews and advice from multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective. You can also contribute to the community by sharing your own travel experiences and tips. Travel blogs Travel blogs offer a more personal perspective on a destination and will usually list some of the best things to do in Lenexa, KS, as an example. These will often be written by experienced travellers or locals, or someone who is at least strongly familiar with the area. They can provide detailed information about a destination, including off-the-beaten-path attractions, restaurant recommendations, and unique experiences. Many travel bloggers also offer practical tips like how to save money or travel sustainably. You can find travel blogs by searching online or on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. The best travel sites will have all the honest opinions you need to plan. Additionally, some travel blogs may incorporate a QR code to provide even more comprehensive information. Travel booking websites Travel booking websites like Expedia, Kayak, and Booking.com offer a one-stop shop for booking flights, accommodations, and activities. These websites allow you to compare the best prices from the best vendors for the things you want. When using travel booking websites, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand any restrictions or limitations. You may also want to consider booking directly with airlines and hotels, as they may offer better deals or loyalty programs. Travel insurance providers Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Many travel insurance providers offer customizable plans that can be tailored to your specific trip needs and budget. When choosing a travel insurance provider, be sure to read the policy carefully and understand what is covered and what is not. You may also want to consider purchasing insurance from a provider that specializes in travel insurance, as they often offer more comprehensive coverage. Planning a big trip can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, it can also be an enjoyable and exciting experience. Travel guidebooks, online travel forums, travel blogs, travel booking websites, and travel insurance providers are just a few of the many resources available to help you plan a successful trip. By using these resources, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your trip is both memorable and stress-free. Read Also: 7 Key Points To Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip 5 Things You Can Carry For An Amazing Trip On A Budget Booking.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022

BY  Ankita Dec 8, 2023

Are you planning a vacation to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the tranquility nature has to offer? Do you love hiking amongst nature, savoring every moment? Well, it is time to plan the most amazing vacation of your life. Nature is like a giant spa for your soul. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds serve as nature's own ASMR, washing away the stress of city life. Plus, no spa music playlist in the world can compete with the Symphony of Nature. The peaceful and calming environment can definitely also help reduce stress and anxiety. From Iceland to the Amazon Forest in Brazil, the options are endless. However, if you prefer the perfect blend of nature and city life, Tennessee is your go-to spot. From hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains and camping under the stars to enjoying the adrenaline rush that the rollercoasters at Dollywood have to offer, it is the best of both worlds. So, if you're tired of the concrete jungle and yearn for a taste of the great outdoors, you're in the right place. Strap on your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and let's embark on a tour of must-visit vacation spots for nature lovers! The Great Smoky Mountains  Leave your rolling office chair behind and embark on a hike through the diverse and dramatic terrain of the Smokies. Choose from the plethora of trails that cater to all skill levels, from easygoing walks to advanced climbs. You can also escape the city lights and experience the awe-inspiring night sky in all its glory. Grab a telescope and seek out constellations, planets, and shooting stars. The fun doesn’t end here. You can make a list of fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains and plan a vacation with Mother Nature. Not only will you find nature, but you will also find the most amazing shopping experience and southern BBQ that will have you come back for more. Iceland - Where Nature Makes You Question Reality! Iceland is a surreal destination that boasts geysers and the Northern Lights. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast, and when the conditions are right, venture away from city lights for a celestial magic that will leave you spellbound. Iceland is also a waterfall wonderland, and you can't visit without seeing some of its breathtaking cascades. Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Goðafoss are just a few of the Instagram-worthy waterfalls waiting for your lens. Banff National Park, Canada  Picture this: Towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and wildlife that roams as freely as your spirit in this untamed paradise. That’s the national park of Canada! You can start your Banff adventure with a road trip along the Icefields Parkway, often dubbed one of the world's most scenic drives. Also, the only traffic jam you'll encounter here is caused by curious elk. You can also paddle your way along the Bow River for a peaceful escape and a different perspective on the park. With the mountains as your backdrop, you'll feel like you're in a Group of Seven painting – just don't drop your paddle trying to capture that perfect Instagram shot! Amazon Rainforest, Brazil - The Real Jumanji Adventure! Ever dreamed of swinging through the trees like Tarzan? Head to the Amazon Rainforest for a chance to encounter exotic creatures and vibrant plants. Hop aboard a canoe and cruise down the mighty Amazon River, the lifeblood of the rainforest. You will witness river dolphins frolicking in the water, making your heart jump with joy. Remember to also keep your eyes peeled for caimans sunbathing on the riverbanks. It's a boat trip like no other! Feel free to channel your inner Indiana Jones as you embark on treks through the lush rainforest. Hike along ancient trails, learn about the secrets of medicinal plants, and savor the peace Mother Nature has to offer. The Amazon comes alive after dark! Join a night safari to witness the jungle's nocturnal creatures. You can spot tarantulas, tree frogs, and maybe even the elusive jaguar. Well, after going through real adventures in Brazil, you might want to settle your business there! Would you like to? Well, being a part of the Rainforest adventure is not that difficult if you are starting a business there! From getting the visa to establishing your presence, everything will be super easy with this trick. Peru: A Journey Through Time And Terrain Peru is one of the world's mega-diverse countries, home to an amazing variety of ecosystems, from the Amazon Rainforest to the high Andes Mountains and the coastal deserts. If you love architecture and ancient civilizations, head towards Machu Picchu and Inca Heritage. While known for its archaeological significance, Machu Picchu is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The ancient ruins are perched atop lush green mountains, making it a dream destination for hikers and lovers of scenic landscapes. Costa Rica If you think Costa Rica isn’t a nature’s paradise, you couldn’t be more wrong. Despite its small size, Costa Rica is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Costa Rica's rainforests are teeming with life. You can explore the lush canopy and discover diverse flora and fauna, from howler monkeys swinging in the treetops to vibrant orchids and bromeliads. From cloud forests to mangroves, Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems offer a wide range of experiences. Alaska  Alaska boasts some of the most untouched and pristine wilderness on the planet. Vast stretches of land are devoid of human development, offering an unspoiled natural experience. If the intent of your vacation is to avoid unnecessary human interaction, Alaska is your go-to spot. From towering snow-capped mountains to dramatic fjords, Alaska's landscapes are breathtaking. Explore the rugged terrain of Denali National Park or cruise along the Inside Passage to witness jaw-dropping vistas. Cappadocia, Turkey Cappadocia is famous for its heavenly landscape, featuring fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave dwellings. This city is renowned as one of the world's best hot-air ballooning destinations. Soar above the surreal landscapes at sunrise to witness the area's beauty from an unparalleled vantage point. The region also offers multiple options of hiking trails, from gentle walks through valleys to more challenging treks. Explore the Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Love Valley for a close-up experience of Cappadocia's geological wonders. Conclusion  Ready to pack your bags and explore these incredible destinations? Whether you're into majestic landscapes, exotic wildlife, or just want to escape the daily grind, these spots are a must for any nature lover. So, grab your hiking boots and a camera to capture the jaw-dropping marvels of nature. Read Also: Must Pack Business Travel Packing List Along With Tips Traveling During Winter? 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