A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks

BY  Sibashree Apr 29, 2025

John has plans to visit Italy this year. He has been saving the fun for many months now.  However, a medical emergency in the family has resulted in some unexpected expenses. So, he was clueless about how he would arrange the funds, as he did not want to cancel the plans.  I suggested that he go for vacation payment plans.  The global market for “Travel Now and Play Later” services is about to reach $98.6 billion by 2033. Also known as the “Buy Now Pay Later” or BNPL Option, it is an important type of vacation payment plan.  Many travel companies offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) or other all-inclusive vacation payment plans. Here, you don’t need to pay all the charges for your vacation upfront.  On the contrary, with these vacation payment plans, you can now book your travel requirements and pay the money over time. Typically, these payment plans feature fixed monthly installment payments. Also, based on the company, these plans are available without interest or with interest.  In addition, many companies offering vacation payment plans will allow you to make a small down payment and pay the remaining amount in installments before you set out for the trip or even after completing the trip.  Here, the repayment policies will differ from one company to another.  Now, on the Tour and Travel Blog Board, we understand that traveling isn't just about choosing a travel destination, knowing the attractions, and making the itinerary.  We often overlook the funding part, only to end up in a soup, thinking about the expenses. So, here, we will discuss how these companies offering vacation payment plans are making traveling easier for you.  Also, in this, we have Escapes.ca as our expert partner, decoding the benefits of vacation payment plans and how they work for us. How Do The Best Vacation Payment Plans Work? Usually, the application for vacation payment plans works through the following step-by-step process. How it works: 1. Select "Flex Pay" or "Pay Monthly" at checkout:Many companies offer payment plans that are easily selected during the booking process.  2. Quick application:You'll need to provide some personal information for a quick decision.  3. Enjoy your trip:You can travel and start enjoying your vacation even if you haven't fully paid for it yet.  4. Choose Easy Monthly Payments To Repay The AmountThe remaining balance is paid in fixed monthly installments, often with no late fees or prepayment penalties.  What Are The Best Companies Offering Vacation Payment Plans? Here are some top names in offering vacation payment plans.  CompaniesBenefitsAmerican Airlines VacationsOffers Flex Pay with interest-free options.Beaches ResortsProvides Flex Pay for easy monthly installments.Air Canada VacationsAllows you to pay monthly and travel even if your balance hasn't been fully paid.United VacationsAllows you to book a vacation and pay monthly with a small down payment and pay the rest later.SellOffVacations.comOffers Flex Pay with fixed monthly installments.CheapCaribbeanPartners with Flex Pay to offer payment plans.ExpediaProvides flexible payment plans and can filter for free cancellation options.Apple Vacations/Travel ImpressionsMay offer payment plans through companies like Uplift. Southwest VacationsOffers Flex Pay for convenient monthly payments. Escapes.caProvides "Pay Monthly Vacation" options with a deposit and regular monthly payments. All Inclusive OutletOffers flexible payment plans for land-only bookings. Why Are Vacation Payment Plans So Popular Among Tourists? The market for vacation payment plans is growing because of rising demand for these plans among millennials and Gen Z travelers.  Especially, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) facilities are becoming more popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers, as in many cases, there are no late fees involved in the repayment structure.  Also, a recent survey has found that 18% of the travelers prefer to use the vacation payment plans.  However, do you know why these plans have become so popular? Let’s find out! 1. Vacation Payment Plans Are Flexible Vacation plans offer flexible payment options with easy installments and partial downpayments.  Also, many vacation payment services do not charge any interest on the funding provided.  2. Fintech And Digitalization Have Made Vacation Payment Plans Flexible The global online booking market is about to reach 1589.6 billion by 2032. On the other hand, the Fintech Market is about to grow to 686.85 billion by 2030.  This simultaneous rise in these two industries has made it easier to incorporate vacation payment plans into online travel booking platforms.  It works in a way similar to how you want to purchase a luxury item or service from a company, and the company arranges funding for you.  3. Vacation Payment Plans Offer More Comprehensive Travel Solutions Many services offering vacation payment plans are now collaborating with tourism companies. In this way, the companies providing vacation payment plans are now reaching out to a wider customer base.  Also, as the travel companies set the itinerary and travel packages for a particular destination, the vacation payment partner, in collaboration with the travel companies, will have a clear idea about how much fun you need.  This clarity will help the travel payment plan services customize your vacation plan for comprehensive coverage.  4. Vacation Payment Plans Help Tourists Have More Meaningful Travel Experiences The demands of the travelers are changing. Today, traveling is not just about touching the highlights.  The young travelers are looking for more “meaningful” experiences. They want to explore the local culture, visit the hidden gems, and be more sustainable in their travel practices.  However, ticking all these checklists may cause the budget to shoot up. These vacation payment plans help the tourists with adequate funding, and the flexible repayment schedule adds to their mental peace.  How To Find The Best Vacation Payment Plans? Keep all these things in mind while choosing the best vacation payment plan for your next trip.  Research and Compare: Don't settle for the first payment plan you see. Compare different vacation packages and payment options to find the best deal for your needs and budget.  Consider Booking During the Off-season: You may find better prices and deals by booking during off-season periods like mid-October through mid-December.  Check for Flexible Cancellation Policies: Look for packages with flexible cancellation policies. This way, you won't be stuck with penalties if you need to change your plans. 

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

With mountains, faults, monoliths, deserts, and unique geological formations, Joshua Tree National Park has emerged as an important ecological hub of California. Further, as the name goes, the park has the most amazing Joshua Tree, a Yucca palm species that became famous with the Joshua Tree album by U2.  Spanning 800,000 acres and situated at 5000 feet above sea level, this national park is like a natural tapestry. Further, 85% of this national park is still pristine wilderness. So, there is no wonder that a place like this harbors the best secrets and fun facts that are yet to be explored.  Here, I will share some amazing info about the park’s history, fossils, cryptobiotic crusts, and more. Joshua Tree National Park is about to complete 30 years of its designation as a national park on 31st October 2024. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1936. Things No One Talks About Joshua Tree National Park  The basics are boring! There is no fun in visiting a place that does not have stories to tell. However, this national park, designated in 1994, has mountains and ecological units that echo the tales of history, changes, and humanity.  Let’s get into the stories, but before that, let me give you a brief account about when and how to visit the park. September to November is the best time to explore the park due to pleasant weather conditions.  Further, the Annual Night Sky Festival occurs in the park in October. It’s a delightful experience for people of all age groups. Thomas Crochetiere writes many fascinating stories about Joshua Tree National Park in his “The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park.” If you are interested in the park’s history, you can grab a Kindle edition of the book.  1. Fascinating Historical Tales About Joshua Tree National Park  Human history in Joshua Tree National Park is as old as 15000 years. Two archaeologists, William Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell, further discovered the existence of Pinto culture in this park. Pinto Culture In The Park  People belonging to this Pinto Culture used to stay in cool grassland environments here, and they were primarily hunters. Pinto culture in the national park was discovered by archaeologists thanks to the triangular-shaped spears, scraping and cutting tools, and seed-processing tools.  All the implements that established a Pinto connection to the place indicate that the Pinto people led a bohemian lifestyle. Along with hunting, they also practiced seasonal harvesting.  Native Americans Occupying Joshua Tree National Park  Europeans came to Joshua Tree National Park in the late 18th century. However, the park had three groups of Native Americans. They followed the Pinto culture, thriving locally in the park. These three tribes were: Cahuilla Serrano Chemehuevi The Chemehuevi tribe was the latest to occupy the national park, and they came to this park from the Great Basin of Nevada in 1500.  All these tribes adopted the tools of the Pinto people, and they improved and diversified them.  Cattlemen First Occupied The Joshua Tree National Park  Joshua Tree National Park has every element of a Western movie. The western side of the park had higher elevations during the 1870s. These areas also received a higher rainfall and had different species of native grasses.  As a result, many cattle owners used to flock to these parts of the park for cattle grazing.  William “Bill” McHaney was the earliest cattleman in this park. He was a legendary figure, and he took his Texas Longhorns to these higher valleys. He will be known for living in the national park and exploring the area for around 60 years. Further, his brother, Jim, built a gang to steal cattle from Mexico and Arizona.  Discovery Of Gold In Joshua Tree National Park  The 19th century was the biggest highlight in the Joshua Tree National Park. Miners flocked to this park in great numbers for the discovery of gold. Twentynine Palms was the first area to have mining expeditions in the park in the late 1860s.  The presence of water in the Oasis of Mara was the main reason behind extensive mining expeditions at Twentynine Palms. Gold was collected from dirt using dry washing. The process was fun, and it involved throwing dirt mixed with dust into the air. The dirt was caught as it came down in the air, and this process continued until the mix only had gold dust.  Desert Queen Mine was a more successful gold mining venture in the park. It was Frank L. James, an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, who discovered the vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley. Unfortunately, he had to lose his life at the hands of  Charles Martin. Martin was a part of the notorious cattle-rustler gang of Jim McHaney. Jim McHaney was the brother of William “Bill” McHaney, a legendary figure in the park.  Joshua Tree National Park Had An Important Role To Play During World War I  The dry, desert climate of Joshua Tree National Park was beneficial for the war veterans suffering from the effects of the mustard gas. This gas was so lethal that it had to be banned after World War I. Did You Know?The Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty, signed in 1925 by most countries, banned the use of biological and chemical weapons in war.  Germans introduced mustard gas in 1917, and any contact with the gas used to cause skin burns, blisters, and respiratory problems. Patients hit by this gas needed to get hospitalized for the treatment of chemical burns and respiratory issues.  Moreover, the survivors of the mustard gas attacks had greater risks of developing cancer.  2. Fossils Of Joshua Tree National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHXsRDS2Xq/?img_index=1 The fossils in the Joshua Tree National Park tell us about the geological evolutions, extreme natural events, and biodiversity. So, what were the animals that roamed here when the earth was a cooler and greener space? Let’s have a look at the list below.  Columbian mammoths Dire wolves Camels Horses Llamas Giant ground sloths Saber-toothed cats  Bison American Pronghorn Did Dinosaurs Live At Joshua Tree National Park? Scientists believe that Joshua Tree National Park had dinosaurs. Some of the oldest rocks in the park are from the dinosaur era. However, being metamorphic and igneous, these rocks could not preserve the skeleton of the dinosaurs. So, there is no “black and white” evidence regarding the existence of dinosaurs in the park yet.  The oldest fossil found in the park is the tooth of a pocket gopher. It was found in a 7.8 million years old sediment. The park has many other microfossils that are even older.  Moreover, the midden of the pack rats has been a gold mine for finding plant and insect species. At least 12 species of plants were found in the midden, and the oldest was around 30,000 years old. In addition, the darkling beetle fossils in the midden come from various ages. The oldest dates back to  34,000 years ago, and the latest is as old as 1000 years old.  Above all, the human artifacts and bones collected in this midden speak of human history and the evolution of their lifestyle.  3. Cryptobiotic Crusts Of Joshua Tree National Park  What are cryptobiotic crusts? They are hidden biotic organisms present on the surface of the park soil. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are the leading cryptobiotic crusts at Joshua Tree National Park. The other forms of cryptobiotic crusts present in the park soil are: Mosses Lichens Microfungi Bacteria Green algae Now, these cryptobiotic crusts are important to bind the sand and soil particles of the park together. In other words, they prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water.    4. Spiritual Stories And Symbolism Around Joshua Tree National Park “The Joshua Tree” album by Irish band U2 brought the spiritual connection or symbolism around the Joshua trees in the park under the spotlight. The album explores the gap between the promised land and the real land of America. The desert also stood for the desolation of the soul, while the Joshua trees, surviving in extreme weather conditions, became the symbol of hope and prayer. However, you must go back around 180 years to trace how Joshua trees have always been associated with symbolism and Biblical stories. In the 1850s, the Mormon pioneers crossed the Mojave Desert and saw these trees.  The upraised branches of the trees reminded them of Joshua, who stretched his arms to the sky for prayer and led the “Israelites into the Promised Land.” So, this is how these Yucca Palm trees got their new name.  5. Joshua Tree National Park Is The Best For Stargazing  As International Dark Night Sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The following parking lot areas are best for Joshua Tree National Park stargazing. Hidden Valley Ryan Mountain Quail Springs Cap Rock Along with these places, you can also choose Pinto Basin for an amazing stargazing experience.  How To Reach Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. The table below details these entrances and will help you pick the right one based on the location you are traveling from. Park Entrance GateLocation Ideal For Tourists FromWest EntranceAt Park Blvd Off Highway 62Los AngelesPalm SpringsSan DiegoNorth Entrance29 Palms, Off Highway 62Las VegasSouth EntranceCottonwood Spring, Off Highway 10Salton Sea area The West Entrance is the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You must drive through California Highway 62 or Interstate 10 road to reach here.  Further, if you are traveling by air, you must reach Palm Springs Airport, and from there, you can rent a car. The Los Angeles International Airport is also 150 miles away from this park.   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  Abdul Aziz Oct 7, 2021

Before you plan an uplifting vacation in Atlanta, let's get a grasp of what the city is all about. There are a number of attractions that are great if you are visiting with your partner or even with your kids. Atlanta family vacations are really very charming for you, your family, and your kids. Many Georgians are asking about family day trips near me.  But do you know Atlanta is the best place for family vacations? Because this place has many day trips for the Atlanta family. Many kid events in Atlanta are organized in the holidays. The city of the forest is full of natural parks and hiking spots for young children. Here are the top motivations, from its brilliant wall paintings around the city to its extraordinary food choice. It also is the capital of the radiant state of Georgia, United States. The Best Season To Visit Atlanta As a family day out, Atlanta is the best place. Hence the fun day trips in Georgia are also very popular places among travelers. Check out the best season for Atlanta family vacations. Highlighting some of the facts: Atlanta no doubt offers a monstrous scope of traveler areas and joint spots to nearby individuals. It guarantees you a decent place for getting away for sightseeing from all around the world. You will find the best show lobbies and galleries here in Atlanta. The art portrayal of this city. It portrays the greatness of South American traditions to the divine sorts of the south. The Essence Of The City Art and culture are the essences of Atlanta. The city has a general fast ambiance; ongoing quality but the preservation and portrayal of history are divine. The nature parks are the best place for day trips for kids.  Apart from the natural parks, the stone mountain is another good traveling place for young children. Olympic park and high museum art are the best choices for young children and toddlers. Even Atlanta has a children’s museum for toddlers and younger than 8 years children. Especially great traveler areas, fantastic cafe destinations, and safeguarded history reviews, particularly from the 1960s. The city was an immense arrangement in the progressing common battle around then. There are endless Social attractions or places of interest as we state that contribute fundamentally to the characteristic and hugeness of this excellent city. Planning A Getaway In Atlanta? Depending on what sort of excursion you're going for, you can without a doubt place in several days in the city. Looking for connecting with exercises in Atlanta isn't hard anyway getting aware of how the city limits and how you can exploit your trip matters a ton. On the off chance that you are new to researching the wonders of "New York of the South", make yourself comfortable and read this article quite far to get a decent sight on what to do while you're in the courageous city of Atlanta, so you never abandon Fun activities in Atlanta. In this article, we are going to look into some information on the things to do with the family in Atlanta that you wouldn't want to leave behind. The main center of attractions at Atlanta family vacations. Atlanta is famous for some of the Best campgrounds in Georgia The food cuisine is southern and amazingly captures the whole southern American vibe for you Historic places Natural heritage preserved. Music festivals Arts and culture beautifully portrayed Atlanta's hallmark is shopping variety. Nature-connected spots. Atlanta is a city known for constant fun and relentless experience. While discussing fun activities in Atlanta outdoors has been known to feel comfortable around the vacationer's heart. Atlanta family vacations are full of enticements, and from the age of 4 to 100, everyone can enjoy the vacations. At the point where, you get away from the metropolitan zone in Atlanta. There are trails, forests, lakes, and streams or lakes to research out in the commonplace zones, so whichever campground zone you pick, you're sure to find experience and fun. Depending on what is your place of interest you choose, you would surely find marvelous spots to stay and have fun in. The top three places that you can visit easily on a one-day trip: 1. Georgia Aquarium: One of Atlanta Georgia’s biggest attractions is the Aquarium. The aquarium is a must-visit if you are traveling with kids. Adults, too, are likely to find some of the experiences to be particularly breathtaking in nature. Without seeing the beautiful sea animals, your Atlanta family vacations are remaining incomplete. The Aquarium also plays a major role in the conservation efforts of marine life. If you are traveling to the Aquarium, you will be able to see exotic aquatic animals like- Sharks Beluga Whales Alligators Dolphins Penguins Sea Lions Manta Ray In addition, the aquarium also houses some of the world’s best viewing galleries. The galleries have been designed in a manner that allows you to view the animals in all their natural glory. This is a far cry from some of the aquariums that keep animals in enclosed facilities. The Aquarium also has a number of Programs going on every day. If you are serious about volunteering, you can choose to become a part of the many volunteer programs the aquarium has to offer. When you are vacationing in Atlanta as a family do not skip the gorgeous Aquarium. There are also Gift Shops and Souvenir Shops inside the aquarium where you can pick up gifts for your near and dear ones back home. 2. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Start at the guest place and afterward work your way around the three primary destinations in this noteworthy park: Seeing the glorious history of America is turning your Atlanta family vacations a more joyful holiday family vacations. The home wherein the head of the Civil Rights development in America was conceived. The congregation where he lectured The dedication site where he is covered. A significant Atlanta fascination, the recreation center draws around millions of guests every year and still hasn't gotten old for a tourist spot. 3. The World Of Coca-Cola Coca-Cola is one of the biggest companies in the world. However, very few people know that the global giant started its humble origins in Atlanta, Georgia. If you are visiting Georgia, you need to definitely visit the World of Coca-Cola. Here you can get to know some amazing facts on how Coca-Cola is made and how the first ingredients were chosen, and what did they lead to. If you are someone who loves Coca-Cola as much as I do, trust me, you would not want to miss this for anything in the world. There is a defined lounge where you can taste all the early and present flavors; check out some of the most memorable artifacts, including early Coke bottles, photos, and videos, as well as illustrations from the ages. You can also carry back some souvenirs from the trip with you to gift to your friends and family members. And yes, the vault where the original Coca-Cola recipe is kept is also open to the public. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is Atlanta good for the family?  Atlanta has been ranked 77th for being the best place to start a family. In short, the place is sputtered. Its family-friendliness is burgered between Carrollton and Fairburn. How many days are perfect for visiting Atlanta? Roundabout 3 days. In three days it will cover all the tourists attraction in Atlanta. You can start from the Atlanta Center.  How long does it take to explore the Georgia Aquarium? It takes 3-4 hours to complete the view of the entire aquarium. The weekends get very busy, so make sure you arrive there early.   How much does it cost to get into the Georgia Aquarium? General admission tickets cost 35.94 dollars, barring age and arrival time Children aged 2 or below do not need tickets. The parking spot costs, 17 dollars but the members of the aquarium pay 11 dollars. There is a 12 dollar discount for aquarium guests.  Conclusion If you are looking to visit the heart and soul of America, you cannot afford to miss Atlanta. While cities and places like New York and Las Vegas have their own set of contemporary appeal, Atlanta is where America was truly made. There are plenty of things to do with the family in Atlanta that you will certainly enjoy. Atlanta family vacation planning is the best way to enjoy your holiday with your family and friends. Especially when you are in Georgia, do not waste a single moment and make a travel plan for Atlanta.