How To Choose A Travel Pillow For Kids

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

High in the mountains, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming harbors a great ecosystem for wildlife viewing. It is just south of Yellowstone, another great destination for exploring diverse wildlife.  Further, as you indulge in the exotic beauty of the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River, you will meet bison, bears, mountain lions, red squirrels, and even wolves. It is also home to the most colorful western tanager, bald eagles, and many other adorable birds. Are you charmed by the stealthy nature of reptiles and vipers? You can find garter snakes and rubber boa snakes here.  Fascinating! Isn’t it? Let me share a complete overview of wildlife at Grand Teton National Park. Don’t Miss Your “Spot” To Watch The Grand Teton National Park Animals You may not be a fan of Sheldon Cooper (from Big Bang Theory) and his obsession with his favorite spot. At Grand Teton National Park, you must know about the right spots for wildlife viewing.  Here, I have curated the best spots within the park where you can meet wildlife without causing any disturbance in the space wild creatures demand.  Oxbow Bend Oxbow Bend is one of the most beautiful vistas of the Grand Teton National Park. You often see a grizzly mother bear (grizzly No. 399) taking a stroll with her cubs. Further, the wetlands are mooses.  Oxbow Bend also attracts thousands of colorful birds and reptiles who graze around or visit to drink water here.  Moose Wilson Road The Moose Wilson Road stretches between the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the entrance of Granite Canyon Park.  It is hard to resist taking adorable snaps of bears indulging in berries here. You will also find moose in the wetlands.  National Elk Refuge Spanning 25,000 acres, the National Elk Refuge has 7,000 elk. The best time to visit the National Elk Refuge is between mid-December and early April. Take a horse-driven sleigh ride to meet Elks from a close distance.  The National Elk Refuge also has bison, mountain lions, bald eagles, and bears. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can meet wolves here.  Kelly Loop and Antelope Flats Kelly Loop and Antelope Flats are like a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park. Look at the sagebrush to find a pronghorn or bison passing by.  Grand Teton National Park Animals (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Unusual Ones And More) Grand Teton National Park is a perfect coexistence of various species and a wonderful depiction of dependence in the food chain. Let’s find out who has made a home in this beautiful wilderness. Mammals At Grand Teton National Park As you explore the Grand Teton National Park, a small or big mammal will always be around you. Grizzly and black bears are the most prominent animals in the park, and you will also meet bison, moose, bighorn sheep, or elks.  Also, this park has wolves, wolverines, and mountain lions.  Small mammals in the park include red squirrels, chipmunks, Uinta ground squirrels, and long-tailed weasels.  Further, yellow-bellied marmots and squirrels will be your companion as you hike through the trails in the park.  Are you looking for mammals in the water? You will find the adorable muskrats, river otters, and beavers swimming around.  Do you know that moose is the largest antlered animal in the world? A moose can store 100 pounds of food in their stomach.A male moose can weigh as much as 1400 pounds.  Birds At Grand Teton National Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CgNiUMRMfpW/ The vibrant feathers of the western tanagers here are a treat to the eyes. Further, you will meet the calliope hummingbird, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, ospreys, and sage grouse in the park.  Do you know that Grand Teton National Park is the home to The calliope hummingbird? It is the smallest bird in North America and weighs even less than 1/10th ounce. Also, the largest waterfowl in North America, The trumpeter swan, lives here near spots like Swan Lake, Oxbow Bend, National Elk Refuge, and Flat Creek.  Do you want to watch birds romancing with their mates? Find out trumpeter swans moving in pair with their mate for life and sage grouses displaying their courtship in the sagebrush.  Reptiles At Grand Teton National Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CDlzaa-oYU5/ This nation is home to snakes such as rubber boa, valley garter snake, and wandering garter snake. These reptiles are found near the waterbodies in the park. You will also find the northern sagebrush lizard here. It is the only lizard species living in the park.  Amphibians At Grand Teton National Park  Despite a high elevation, cold temperature, and a dry climate, this national park has five species of amphibians. These are: Columbia spotted frogs Western tiger salamanders Western toads Bullfrogs Boreal chorus frogs Northern leopard frogs were found earlier in this area but have become extinct. If you want to spot these amphibians, you must visit Taggart Lake or String Lake.  Native Fish At Grand Teton National Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CgnT_ImrdGZ/?img_index=1 The native and non-native fish at Grand Teton National Park are vivid. Some (for example, mountain suckers) survive on mountain algae, while others (for example, cutthroat trouts) eat small fish and insects. For many animals and birds, like bald eagles, fish is the primary food source in the park. Further, fish is a secondary food source for the local inhabitants. In addition, by eating insects and algae, a fish keeps the spread of these elements in check.  Native Fish At Grand Teton National ParkUtah suckerFine spotted cutthroat trout of Snake RiverMountain suckerSpeckled daceUtah chubBluehead suckerNon-Native Fish At Grand Teton National ParkRainbow troutBrown troutLake troutGuppiesGoldfishGreen swordtail You will also find many aquarium species at Grand Teton National Park.  Species At Risk At Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park is home to many species at risk and species of concern. Further, it has whitebark pine trees, which are up for listing.  Whitebark Pine Trees: Up For Listing  The invasive disease of blister rust and mountain pine beetles greatly harms these trees.  Alarmingly, an NPS Survey (2018) says that 57% of the trees were affected by blister rust, while the beetles harmed 30%. In addition, 40% of the total vegetation died.  Only 15% of the trees were able to produce cones. The pine nuts and seeds are an important food source for grizzly bears, squirrels, nutcrackers, black bears, and other animals in the area. Further, these trees play a crucial role in trapping and retaining snow, as well as in preventing the melting of snow. Thus, they prevent the erosion of steep slopes in the park. Do you know that grizzly bears eat whitebark pine nuts during hyperphagia? Hyperphagia refers to overeating before going into hibernation. These nuts are rich in protein and fat.  Species Of Concern After a magical recovery, Grand Teton National Park’s bald eagles are no longer endangered. However, these birds still fall into the category of the species of concern. Other species of concern in the national park are greater sage grouse and grey wolves. You will find the bald eagles near the Gros Ventre and Snake Rivers. They love eating fish and sometimes prey on carrion, waterfowl, and other small mammals. Greater sage grouse here are known for the most poetic display of their mating in the spring season every year. You will find them in spaces in the sagebrush.  Species At Risk  As a part of the Greater Yellow Ecosystem, Grand Teton National Park is home to around 800 grizzly bears. It has made a recovery from the list of endangered species after a long conservation endeavor and is now a species at threat or risk. Other species at risk at this national park are: Canada lynx Yellow-billed Cuckoo Western glacier stonefly The park gets filled with the knocking call of the yellow-billed cuckoo in the spring.  Small Creatures At Grand Teton National Park Insects play a very crucial role in the food chain system. They help pollinate flowers, function as nutrient recyclers, and feed many animals. So, when you see a violet lupine in Grand Teton National Park, you must know bees are around.  Along with bees,  Grand Teton National Park also has small and mighty ones, such as the Army Cutworm Moth (the food of grizzly bears during the fall season), Bark Beetles, carrion beetles, etc. Beetles are very important for the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park. They break down woody plants and help return the nutrients to the soil. Further, carrion beetles recycle the minerals found in the corpse of an animal. Thus, these insects help with the decomposition and recycling of essential nutrients.  Over three million people visit Grand Teton National Park every year. Along with wildlife viewing, you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, climbing and mountaineering, and backcountry camping here. So, gear up for the best experience in the wilderness.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! 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BY  Arnab Sep 7, 2022

Colombia is well known for its big cities. However, it also has beaches that are comparable to paradise.  Whether on the Caribbean Sea or the Pacific Ocean,  the best beaches in Colombia offer you the most beautiful sights and many activities to do. Further, beautiful coral reefs, sunrises, sunsets in the middle of the ocean, global accolades, and unparalleled beauty await a visit to Colombia’s heavenly beaches. Also, the best beaches in Colombia are crucial for the booming tourism scenario of Colombia.  Moreover, Colombia is a key player in Latin America in the global landscape of beach tourism that is expected to reach 341.10 billion by 2031.  Hi, in Today’s Tour and Travel blog, we will focus on the best beaches in Colombia and what you can expect at those locations.  Best Beaches In Colombia: Plan The Best Vacation Due to its strategic position between the Pacific and the Caribbean, Colombia has around 2900 km of coastline.  Further, it has close to 300 beaches. So, it’s impossible to visit them all, and for now, you can focus on the best beaches in Colombia, I have enlisted here.  Moreover, Colombia has its dry season between July and August and December and February.  So, if you have plans to explore the beaches, choose any of these months to make your plans. 1. Historic Beach In Santa Marta Santa Marta is recognized as the oldest city in Colombia. It has almost five hundred years of history, founded in the early sixteenth century. The streets reflect its history, even after many years of looting by pirates. It’s surrounded by natural ecosystems, being the entrance to large parks such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Tayrona National Natural Park. There is also a great selection of hotels in Santa Marta, Colombia that will suit the needs of every type of traveler. The most recommended are the downtown area or El Rodadero, which is a coastal area five kilometers south of downtown. The latter is an area cut from the city by the Ziruma hill and is a highly touristic area. To be close to the beach, this is one of the best areas to stay. Thanks to Santa Marta’s history, there are many museums to visit, such as the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the place where Simon Bolivar spent his last days, and the Tairona Gold Museum, ideal for those who would like to know more about the local cultural history, and the Gabriel Garcia Marquez House Museum. The latter is not located in Santa Marta but is almost two hours from downtown, however, it is worth the visit if you want to know the place where the writer Gabriel García Márquez was born. 2. Nature For Everyone In Tayrona Up the coast of Santa Marta is the Tayrona National Natural Park. This park is composed of 15 thousand hectares, 3 thousand of them being maritime areas. It’s one of the most important natural parks in Colombia and South America, located 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Santa Marta. It’s possible to stay in a hotel, although there is lodging inside the park or even the possibility of camping. Being on the coast, it has more than fifteen beaches to visit. Depending on your travel plans, you can camp at Castillete beach, or stay in one of the luxurious Tayrona Ecohabs at Cañaveral beach. Swimming is prohibited at Cañaveral due to the water’s fierceness. There’s only a small protected area set up for swimming known as La Piscinita. If you are looking for diving or snorkeling, the best beach is La Piscina. It has calmer water and many coral reefs. The most photographed beach in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan del Guía. It’s considered the most beautiful, but for the same reason is where you can expect more people. If you are looking for the opposite, it is better to go to Nudist Beach, where there are usually very few people, or take a walk at Playa Brava. 3. The Walled City Of Cartagena Officially named Cartagena de Indias, this city has been one of the most important ports in Colombia since its foundation. Like many Caribbean ports, it has been present in many pirate conflicts. The remnants of the protection against these plunders are present in the many colonial walls still standing. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is one of these remnants. It’s located on a hill on the outskirts of the walled city and constitutes the largest construction erected by the Spaniards during the centuries of their occupation of the colonies. You shouldn’t leave Cartagena without visiting the city, however, if you’re traveling to visit the beaches, Bocagrande is the best known and most touristic, since the best hotels are in this neighborhood. On the other hand, it’s also recommended to visit the beaches near Cartagena, since they will be less crowded and you won’t feel the hustle and bustle of the city. The best one is Playa Blanca on Baru Island. The landscape of fine white sand and clear turquoise sea is unparalleled. 4. San Andrés And The San Bernardo Archipelago: Colombian Paradise Islands Some of the best beaches in Colombia are located on its islands. The island of San Andres is located in the Caribbean, east of Nicaragua, belonging to the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. Aquatic ecotourism is one of the main activities, especially snorkeling, but also scuba diving in places where there are underwater statues. On the other hand, the San Bernardo Archipelago is made up of ten islands, each with its own activities and wonders to enjoy. The artificial island of Santa Cruz del Islote holds the world record for being the most densely populated island on the planet, with 1,500 people living on about one hectare. You also can snorkel in the open sea and stay in a house in the middle of the ocean. 5. Isla de Baru, The Picture-Perfect Beach Vacation On Colombia’s Caribbean Coast  With white sand and turquoise waters, Isla de Baru is one of the best beaches in Colombia. Further, it is the ideal Colombian getaway if you want to relax.  Further, the bars on the beach serve the best cocktails. You can have them with local seafood dishes made using fresh ingredients from the sea.  You can plan a day trip to Isla de Baru or even stay for a few days. Read Also: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 10 Best Beaches In Italy That Will Surprise You The Most The Many Reasons Hotel Stays Become Extended In New York City

BY  Arnab Mar 17, 2023

Holidays are all about spending quality time together. Many families today prefer to take a break where they can escape from their work routine and unwind and relax. One of the best ways to break your routine is to get rid of the technology and escape into the real world where nature surrounds you. Hence, heading for a safari or wildlife trip sounds like the best plan you can come up with. However, if you are planning to head out into the wild you need to focus on how you can optimize your wildlife travel the right way. This is essential because when you are heading for a safari trip you want to be prepared and ready. Today, you can find many places and destinations that can provide you with the right safaris and wildlife trips. If you are unsure about how to plan a wildlife trip Naturetrek can help you design and personalize holidays as per your requirements and preferences. Here Are Nine Ideas On How To Make The Most Of Your Wildlife Travel While wildlife travel and tours can provide you with a much-needed break you need to know certain things that can help you optimize your trip. 1. Know What You Want The term wildlife trip today can mean a lot of things. Hence, you will have to be more specific about what you want and expect when you reach the destination. Different people have different ways to explore nature and animals. If you are interested in wildlife animals you would want to look for national parks and locations where you can find more animals. Similarly, if you are an avid bird watcher you want to look for places that attract different species of birds. Also, those interested in marine life can look for spots that attract more marine wildlife. Knowing what you want makes your job of finding the best locations easier. 2. Choose the Right Location Once you have clarity on what you want you need to make a list of destinations and places that can offer you the best wildlife travel experiences. For instance, if you are interested in bird species in Asia you can look for nature holidays in Nepal for birdwatching. This would ensure that you can cover the region and the type of wildlife experiences you want. 3. Pack the Right Clothing When you are headed for a wildlife or safari trip you need to be clear about the clothes you pack. The most important thing is that you pack according to the weather because you want to be comfortable in whatever you wear. Bright colour clothes are not advisable for wildlife tours and therefore you need to pack clothes that have an earthy colour tone. Also, you need to know that certain countries do not allow camouflage print so make sure you know what to pack for your safari trip. 4. Travel Light Even when you are done packing your clothing you need to focus on how you can travel light. Try not to carry perfumes along with you on a wildlife tour because animals are sensitive to smell and strong deodorants and perfumes can put them off. Also, when you are packing you would want to pack in the right shoes and other electronic equipment like your camera and chargers to help you make the most of your travel. Additionally, you need to know that some of the national parks and game reserves are accessible only by small aircraft which might not accommodate large travel bags. Hence, smaller bags would be a convenient way to board such flights. 5. Take Expert Advice If you have never been on a wildlife tour before you need to gather more information from experts and professionals. This is essential because you want to optimize the time you have. You can talk to friends who have already been on a wildlife trip before and they can share their insights and recommendations. Similarly, you can talk to local tour operators who would share their experience and expertise with you to help you be prepared for the tour. Also, you would want to know more about the seasons before you make an itinerary for your trip. 6. Plan Your Trip When you have limited time to cover more places and local attractions you must plan your wildlife trip. This would allow you to have a clear idea of how you want to optimize the time you have. If you are hiring experts who can tailor the trip you don’t have to worry much because they have the experience and expertise to create an itinerary for you. Also, you can choose from the list of itineraries they already have. This would allow you to make the most of the time you have. If you have plenty of time at hand, you can look for a few days where you can relax and unwind. 7. Skip the Technology While some safari accommodations provide internet connectivity, and power to charge your devices, you should skip the technology altogether. This is critical because you want to experience and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Appreciate the untouched natural beauty before you and immerse yourself in the surroundings and local flora and fauna to help you discover the local geography and history as well. 8. Respect Nature While you are heading for your wildlife trip you also have to respect Mother Nature. Hence, you need to focus on certain parameters that are important as you head out in the wild with your local guide. Being silent is important when you are going for a jeep safari or nightlife safari because you would drive away animals if you make noise. Hence, talk quietly in lower tones to prevent any distress to animals and wildlife. Also, don’t litter when you are travelling in natural spaces. Hence, avoid carrying plastic bags or disposing of them in wildlife spaces. Also, try and avoid using camera flashes and rely on other photography techniques to capture good wildlife shots. Keep a minimum distance from wild animals and do not feed them. If you are in a vehicle, do not step out of the vehicle unless instructed by your local guide. 9. Be Open Wildlife travel tours would also include you exploring the local villages and interacting with the local villagers and tribal people. This is a great way to learn more about how they survive and go about their daily lives in the jungle. However, they might have a different culture and traditions which would be alien to you. Hence, you must be open to what they have to say and show and share. Try and learn about them and you can also buy their local products which would help the local tourism industry. Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Popular Travel Destinations For Students How To Be A Sensible Smoker When Traveling