A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is as fascinating as its geology. So, along with the geysers, many tourists also visit this park to explore its wildlife. The grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and more make the park the biggest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. However, the park is also a popular birder hub with ospreys, eagles, and falcons. You just need to know the spots well to encounter these wild creatures, with respect, of course.  Here, I will give you a brief idea about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish found in this park. I will also share where to spot them.  Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park May to June or spring is the ideal season for watching mammals at Yellowstone National Park. You will especially get to see many bears and wolves in this season. Further, at the advent of the fall season, this park has elk bulls in great numbers.  Moreover, mammals like elk, bulls, and bison are also visible in the park in winter. Winter is also a great time to glimpse the Lamar Valley wolves. So, watching wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is a year-round activity.  Tour and Travel Tips For Wildlife Watching At Yellowstone National ParkTrek the park in the early morning or evening to have better visibility of the wildlife. The temperature remains moderate during these hours of the day.Further, you will need spotting scopes or binoculars to see the wild animals.Maintain at least 25 yards of distance from elk, bison, and other wild animals. However, for bears and wolves, you must maintain at least 100 yards of distance.  Let’s learn about the most prominent mammals in the park in detail.  American Bison Where to Find: Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grasslands Best Time to Find: July to August Did you know that bison in Yellowstone make up the largest (remaining) bison population on American public land?  The biggest mammals of the park, bison, have been there since pre-historic times. A male bison weighs 1,800 pounds on average, while the weight of a female bison is close to 1300 pounds.  Black And Grizzly Bears Where to Find: Mammoth and Tower Areas (Black Bear) and Lamar and Hayden Valleys (Grizzly Bears) Best Time to Find: May to June Black and grizzly bears co-exist in many parts of the national park. Grizzlies are bigger than black bears, with a hump on their shoulders and a rounder face. Bear safari is a popular activity in the park. However, you need to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards and follow all safety regulations, as bears can get violent, especially when they are with their cubs.  Elk Where to Find: Lamar Valley, Madison Canyon, Mammoth Valley Best Time to Find: September to November Due to the impressive antlers, elks are probably the most photographed animals in this national park. Do you know that the antler of an elk can grow up to 6 feet? Moose and deer, closely related to elks, are other prominent park mammals. Moose is the largest of the Cervidae family, and elks are the second largest.  Further, moose are seen in the park’s marshy areas and near water bodies. Bighorn Sheep Where to Find: Gardner Canyon and Near the Yellowstone River Best Time to Visit Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone National Park - November and December The large and curved horns of bighorn sheep make them stand out. You will find these horns on the males. Bighorn sheep live in a herd, and in the fall season, the males get involved in loggerheads to win over their female companion.  There is one fascinating fact about bighorn sheep. When a baby bighorn sheep (lamb) is born, it can climb and walk within one day. Wolves Where to Find: Throughout the Park Best Time to See Wolves: May to June Around 100 wolves live in the Yellowstone National Park. Leopold packs, Yellowstone Delta, and Slough Creek are the biggest wolf packs in the park.  Wolves are native to the park. However, in 1995, they were re-introduced here.  Along with the types discussed, you will also find mammals like coyotes, martens, red foxes, wolverines, mule deer, marmots, and more in the park. Overall, around 67 species of mammals live here.  Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park Thanks to a unique geology, there are various ponds and wetlands across the Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find the following varieties. Boreal Chorus Frog Western Tiger Salamander Western Toad Columbia Spotted Frog Plains Spadefoot Toad Further, these amphibians play a crucial role in the maintenance of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the park. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish prey on them. Also, they eat many vertebrate and invertebrate creatures to balance the food chain. Moreover, the amphibians in the park are indicators of high pollution rates or changes in the weather. They even indicate the advent of diseases and the arrival of any nonnative species.  So, research on amphibian populations in the park is crucial to know about any impending danger that may affect the ecosystem.  Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone has six species of reptiles. However, there is a greater scope for studying and identifying these reptiles. As of today, the reptile species found in the park are: Terrestrial garter snake Common garter snake Rubber boa Prairie rattlesnake Bullsnake Sagebrush lizard Prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park, while bullsnake is the largest variety found here. Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise A 2018 survey in Yellowstone National Park announced the presence of 82 species of birds in the park.  Further, the species of birds here are varied, and the table below mentions the variety you will come across in the park. OwlsNorthern saw-whet owl Northern pygmy-owlBoreal owl Great-horned owl EaglesBald eagleGolden eagleColony Nesting BirdsPelicanHeronsIbisesSong Birds Ruby-crowned kinglet American RobinDark-eyed junco You will also find birds like woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swans, falcons, and ospreys in this national park.  Fish In Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is home to many native and non-native fish species. Eastern Brook Trout, brown trout, lake chub, rainbow trout, and lake trout are some non-native fish species in the park. Further, this park has native fish species, such as mountain sucker, speckled dace, Utah chub, Redside Shiner, etc.  Human Imprint On Yellowstone National Park  The home to Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park displays a human tapestry of almost 11000 years. The natives of the place have survived on hunting and fishing. Further, they have known the medicinal properties of the herbs available in the park. In addition, the healing properties and religious importance of the thermal water here had a major impact on the local human lives.  Yellowstone National Park: At A Glance  How to Reach Yellowstone National Park: Reach the Yellowstone Airport and take a cab or bus to Yellowstone National Park. Highest Point: Eagle Peak Established: 1st March 1872 Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site for “globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity.” Entry Fee: $25-80 based on the entrance pass  Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Grant Visitor Center, etc.  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  Sibashree Aug 4, 2025

Short-term apartment rentals in Paris will give you a cozy, budget-friendly way to enjoy the city like a local.  You get more than just a bed—you get a homey vibe. So, why choose a rental over a hotel? In this article, you will learn why many tourists are choosing short-term rentals in Paris and not the luxury hotels. Reasons Why Short-Term Rentals In Paris Are the Best Choice For You As the historic Parisian city of Montmartre battles with over-tourism, the feasibility of short-term rentals in Paris is questioned.  Also, we are aware of the new rules and regulations in Paris to combat housing problems and the negative impacts of overtourism in Paris and various other parts of France.  Furthermore, it’s true when the “luxury factor” comes in and you are visiting Provence or the whole of Southern France, it’s natural to plan an opulent stay at luxury villas Provence Le Collectionist.  Still, with the adherence and implementation of fair policies and rules, short-term rentals in Paris allow you to live comfortably and travel the city and the entire France like a local.  Here are some more reasons why you may need to consider a short-term rental in Paris.  1. Short-Term Rentals In Paris Offer You More Space To Relax Hotels in Paris can feel tiny, with small rooms that leave you tripping over your suitcase every day. If you want room to spread out after exploring the city, short-term rentals will offer you that.  Apartments come with living rooms, kitchens, and sometimes balconies, so you feel at home. You won’t be able to lounge in a spacious flat if you’re in a cramped hotel room. In other words, a short let allows you to relax comfortably, whether traveling solo or with family.  2. Choose Short-Term Rentals In Paris To Save Money Paris hotels can be pricey for your wallet, especially in touristy spots like the Latin Quarter or near the Eiffel Tower.  You’ll be paying for fancy lobbies you barely use, which can be pretty expensive. Short-term rentals, on the other hand, are often cheaper, so you will be able to keep more cash for different things.  You can cook your meals too in your apartment’s kitchen, cutting dining costs too. It will save you hundreds over a week compared to eating out every meal.  3. Live Like A Parisian At Short-Term Rentals In Paris Do you want to feel the real Paris, not just the tourist version? Well, rentals will allow you to blend into the city’s vibe.  Staying in a local neighborhood, like Le Marais, means you can shop at the nearby bakeries or stroll through their markets like a resident. Hotels often feel detached, with generic décor and tourist-heavy areas.  A rental, however, will give you a unique apartment with character, where you can soak up the culture. This way, you create memories that feel personal and authentic.  4. Flexible For Your Needs One thing with hotels is that they lock you into rigid schedules like set check-in times or pricey room service for late-night snacks.  If you need freedom to make your trip your own, rentals deliver that flexibility. Apartments offer check-in options too, but they will fit your flight, plus you get other amenities like Wi-Fi or laundry you can control.  This way, you can wash clothes or cook a midnight snack without extra fees. It makes your stay stress-free and tailored to your plans. 5. Short-Term Rentals In Paris Are More Suitable For Business Travelers And Remote Workers Today, France offers dedicated visas and provisions for remote workers. There is the Talent Passport visa (Passeport Talent) and the Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour).  Furthermore, Paris has always been an epicenter of global business, especially in niches such as fashion and accessories.  Now, these digital nomads and business travelers often have to stay in Paris for a longer duration. Choosing a hotel can be pricey.  Also, these business travelers and digital nomads need a fixed workspace, including a steady internet connection. In addition, you may need a private space where you can invite and interact comfortably with your clients and colleagues.  In this scenario, short-term rentals function as homes away from your home, allowing you a flexible and comfortable stay and meeting your professional commitments.  6. Short-Term Rentals In Paris Offer More Privacy This is like given! Most of the amenities and facilities in a hotel are shared. Now, suppose you are traveling solo or with your partner.  Also, you can be on a business trip to Paris, and the nature of your job demands privacy.  Of course, a hotel will not be your ideal choice. You will choose a short-term rental apartment with fewer shared facilities and a private entrance.  Overall, the experience will be more private and personalized.  7. Amenities That Offer You A Sense Of Independence Do you always love to plan and cook your meals? Do you want to explore Paris on a specific budget? Short-term rentals in Paris are ideal for you because they come with a fully-equipped kitchen. You can cook your food there and thus ensure that your dietary preferences and restrictions are followed.  However, these amenities are not just available in the kitchen. You also get fully-equipped workspaces and laundry amenities, making your Parisian living more comfortable and independent.  So, overall, at these short-term rental apartments, you enjoy the comfort of your home, better amenities, and privacy. Also, especially for a long-term stay, these rental properties are ideal.  Short-Term Rentals In Paris Beat Hotels To Make Your Stay More Enjoyable Short-term apartment rentals in Paris really beat hotels in many ways. It is good for those who want to experience a trip that's comfy, affordable, and, more importantly, to live like a local.  So, skip the hotel, book a rental, and enjoy the city your way. You'll save money and be able to make memories that last.

BY  sagnika Aug 19, 2023

Have you ever traveled to Aruba? What do you think about Aruba Airlines, the sole Airline working in the country? I was hoping you could read the article to learn about my experience with the Airline and highlight the benefits and the shortcomings. Mr. Onno J. Swart founded the Flag Carrier. In 2010, charter operations were launched by the Airline by using the seven-seat Piper PA-31 Navajo. Further, in 2012, the Airline acquired exposure leading to an upgrade of its jet aircraft operations. They operated with two Airbus A320 twin-engined with a capacity of 150 seats. They started covering places such as Venezuela, Panama, Santo Domingo, and Curacao; however, the last two destinations were later suspended. Along the journey of Aruba Airlines, you can observe that the carrier started pretty well; however, later, the company faced issues with operations and maintenance. This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Image Source: aeropuertobaq.com Aruba Airlines is a flag carrier founded in 2006 and acts as the sole Airline in Aruba. When it was first launched, it provided services such as charter and scheduled air transport to almost 13 destinations worldwide. When I boarded one such flight, Bombardier CRJ200, which was leased from Voyageur Airways, I realized that it was spacious and comfortable; hence, there were fewer issues with the seating arrangement. Yet, I have needed help with operations and services. I will be sharing my experience regarding the benefits and the shortcomings of the Airline. I will explain why I feel about Aruba Airlines the way I do and how the future will pan out! Benefits Of Flying In Aruba Airlines Image Source: luchtvaartnieuws.nl According to the official website of the Airline, www.arubaairlines.com, the flights will be suspended from 6 August due to the sanitary measures taken by the Curacao government. There are diverse features that are efficient for their customers. Great Deals There are significant deals and offers when customers book their flights. You can exceed different services such as charter, seasonal, and hub, based on which you can access the flights run by Aruba Airlines. Expert Guidance You get information regarding the flights' countries, cities, and airports from which the flights operate. The fleet size of the Airline includes 2 aircraft, where currently only 1 is functioning for Sunair. Price Match The prices of the tickets are all mentioned on the official websites, and so are the additional fees. On the website, it is very clear that many of the flights are not functioning, including Bombardier CRJ200. Easy Cancellation Due to the self-service options, you can easily cancel the flights based on your convenience and requirements. The services that are informed online are mostly easy to deal with. For one, I didn't face any issues while booking the tickets. Disadvantages Of Flying In Aruba Airlines Image Source: www.planepictures.net Significant complaints against Aruba Airlines regarding their services and customer support have occurred. They do not have well-maintained schedules for the flights leading to serious flight delays. Half of the time, the staff must learn what is happening, which has been quite frustrating for passengers.   No Coordination Between Staff The staff needs to be more coordinated, and they need to inform the passengers regarding delayed flights or canceled flights. Food And Beverages The quality of drinks and food could be better, and apart from that, the prices are not at all affordable. Customer Service Customer service or support could be more efficient. The issues with asking for customer service lead to further problems and confusion for passengers. Reviews About Aruba Airlines Image Source: media.versionfinal.com.ve According to Tripadvisor, Aruba Airlines has been rated as 2.5 out of 5 based on 129 reviews. The Airline has been complimented about cleanliness and boarding, as some reviews are quite positive about how efficient the staff was regarding the boarding experience. People are neutral regarding the value of money when booking Aruba Airlines! I am also on the line regarding the prices of the tickets; sometimes, they were expensive, while at times, they were affordable. The Airline has also not been dedicated enough to its services. My flight was late, and I have found similarities in the experience of many other travelers who should have been notified before the change of time of the flight or their delays. However, based on most of the reviews, the experience of many fliers has been negative, which justifies their dissatisfaction with the Airline. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the services have further deteriorated. One such review by Angela Nijhuizen highlights the terrible customer service and support by Aruba Airlines in her comments. "My flight to Las piedras has been cancelled due to closing of Venezuela airspace. After 4 years of contact, begging, sending mail from 2019 march till march 2023 I decided to give up on them. If this airline is going to fly again. Please NEVER EVER fly with this crap. Bad…" Another negative review that further confirms the dissatisfaction of the travelers is made by Angel Garcia, who traveled in January 2022. "This airline who has sold tickets in cuba for thousands of dollars to either Managua, Nicaragua or Georgetown, Guyana , has suspended all flights from cuba and also has shut down their customer service number to any of those who wants to claim their money back , leaving…" A review that acts as a nail in the coffin for Aruba Airlines is done by STZ01, where the traveler was completely frustrated with the cancellation of their flight. I could relate to this frustration, especially because the same thing happened to both of us. We were informed of the cancellation after we reached the airport. It confirms the need for more professionalism and the communication gap. "My flight was cancelled and I wa snotified when I reached the airport - no previous call/communication. I was promised a refund and six months later am still waiting for this to happen! My advise is to stay away from this airline by all means..." Another review compared the Airline to the plague as the traveler had one of the worst experiences. They also wanted more customer service from the airlines. "Aruba Airlines changed my Curacao to Aruba flight time substantially so I reached out to their Refund Department on February 8th to cancel the flight completely and obtain a full refund. I never heard back from them. I called their Customer Service line twice but was hung up on…" Conclusion After reading this article, you will understand that there have been considerable service and customer support issues. In my flight experience, this was one of the most haphazard experiences that was completely coordinated, and most of it will be blamed on the company. Apart from what I felt, I have also highlighted significant reviews by people who have booked tickets with Aruba Airlines. After you read them, you clearly understand why people are unsatisfied with the airline's services. Comment below about some of the features that must be present in the airline according to you! Read Also: Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines! Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? This Is My Experience With Play Airlines!