A Complete Guide to Grand Cayman’s Underwater Wonders

BY  sagnika Sep 20, 2023

Did you know that the United States took Alaska away from Russia? Do you know how far is Russia from Alaska? The two Diomedes Islands, belonging to the USA and Russia, have a mysterious relationship due to their standard time and geographical features. Read the article to uncover the truth behind the mysterious relationship! The two largest countries worldwide, the United States and Russia are 21 hours apart. Alaska is situated nearest to Russia, being a state of the U.S. The Bering Strait is the geographic point between the borders of Russia and the United States! Want to learn more about this point? Keep reading. Isn't it weird that Little Diomede residents depended on helicopters for food? Marine beings play an important role; hence, I will highlight the significance of aquatic animals in the mystery. Bridging Continents: Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska's Proximity! How far is Alaska from Russia? You have to read the article to learn about how the two nations, the United States and Russia, are claiming their rights on the two Diomedes Islands. Guess the interesting aspects of the Island and why it is all mysterious. The time and the geographical differences between the two points of the Islands make you question the International Date Line and the American-Russian maritime border. Being a day ahead by a day of the Big Diomedes as compared to Little Diomedes makes you question the time zone concerns! It is quite curious to know how the islands have been named and their significance concerning the history of Alaska and Russia. There are Alaskan natives to be considered among all these political, geographical, and time zone aspects. Want to know the distance between Alaska and Russia? Separated By Geography And United By Mystery! Want to know how far is Russia from Alaska? The closest geographical connection between Russia and Alaska is the Diomede Islands, which are 2.4 miles apart. Water is separating the two Islands, in another way, separating the two countries. The two islands are the extremes of the two countries, thus claiming the big and the little Diomedes Islands as the symbolic sentinels. The two countries have a history of heroic explorers who have sledded, kayaked, and swum across the distance. A 2.4-mile distance between the two Islands is connected with the water body, the Pacific Ocean. With a very rocky history, the Islands share an indigenous group of people; however, it needs to be considered more important by the nations. The Bering Strait The narrowest point between the Seward Peninsula (U.S.) and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) is 55 miles, separating Alaska from Russia. This waterway was discovered by a second European, a Danish explorer, Vitrus Bering, who inspired the Berling Strait. The first explorer of this frigid waterway was the Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev! Vitrus Bering named the place Greek Christian Saint Diomede because he discovered the Islands on 16 August 1728. This day coincides with the feast day. Hence, the Island was named the Big Diomede Island and the Little Diomede Island. The Bering Strait is significant because it is the only marine gateway that allows mass migration of gray whales, bowhead, and beluga. It is known as an important ecological zone for marine animals. Seals, walruses, fish, and other marine animals can access nutrient-rich Arctic Ocean environments through this zone. The Big Diomede Island The Ratmonov island is towards Russia and is also claimed as Russian Island, which is the nation's easternmost point. It was in 1867 that the Alaskan Territory was sold on a $7 million sale. During the Cold War and World War II, the Island was a perfect location for the outposts of the Soviet military. The rocky Island is flat and houses up to 11 species of birds with rough weather with clouds and storms. The Little Diomede Island Little Diomede Island is the smallest of the two Islands, with a population of 80 to 100 citizens! You can only access the Island by waterways or through one heliport in town. They receive their supplies from mainland Alaska as these are the only two ways! During the harsh winters, the Island is covered with thick ice sheets, so the locals must carve the ice sheets to create landing zones. It is situated in the eastern area. The Time Difference Between The Two Islands! So, if you are wondering, how far away is Alaska from Russia? The International Date Line (IDL) separates the two Islands, Big Diomedes Island and Little Diomedes Island, which makes the time difference so apparent! The Big Diomedes Island is known as Tomorrow Isle as it is 21 hours ahead of time. So, wanna know how far from Russia to Alaska? The Little Diomedes Island is known as the Yesterday Isle because it was further back then. Overall, the two islands are separated by 23 hours. The 9 hours have been adjusted concerning daylight saving time! Apart from that, 12 hours have been established for managing the timezone of the Island along with the nations! So now you have got the answer to your question, how far is Russia from Alaska! Alaska Was Taken Away From Russia! It was in 1867 that Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States, thus becoming a political separation. During this time, a new border was drawn across the two islands. During the Cold War, the section of the Bering Strait was nicknamed the "Ice Curtain" between the two Islands. The islands are situated south of the Arctic Circle, about 52 miles apart. Read More: Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip The Politics Of Diomede Islands! The Indigenous Inupiat people claim the two Diomedes Islands as theirs; however, both the nations, the USA and Russia, have disrespected these claims. The two countries have made national declarations regarding the Diomedes Islands as their extreme points. The Bering Strait can become a bottleneck for ship traffic that will pollute the ecosystem. The narrow area acts as a pathway with a fragile ecosystem with oil spills and engine noise. Finishing Off… So, to answer, how far is Russia from Alaska? For the answer, read the article! When learning about the political history of Alaska related to Russia and the USA, there is the question: How far is Russia from Alaska? It was important to understand how close the countries are, and yet there is a time gap between them. The interesting thing was naming the Islands and how it impacted people's perceptions. Apart from the mystery, the concern is how nobody is giving importance to the indigenous people of Alaska! The governments of both Russia and the United States are not concerned about the people. Comment to let us know your perspective on the time difference between the Big and Little Diomedes islands! Read Also: These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! Paradise Found: Exploring Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s Tropical Gem! Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville!

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The USA is a safe country for female solo travelers. It has secured the 37th position in the “Women Peace and Security Index” among 177 nations in 2023.  Further, the 2023 report of the TrustedHousesitters says that there is a massive increase in the number of female travelers booking solo trips. Specifically, the report registers a 193% growth in the number of solo female travelers in 2022. Now, women often find themselves solo.  It can be a breakup, a change of job, a need for some space and me-time amidst so many responsibilities…or just the much-awaited introspection time! It’s great that the best places to travel solo female in the US await you with eclectic experiences.  While Savannah in Georgia spills history and wins hearts with its architecture, Miami emerges as a stunner for its coastal fun and vibrant nightlife.  So, let’s discover the best places to travel solo female in US.  Best Places To Travel Solo Female In US: 8+ Destinations You Will Fall In Love With  “Take a break, girl!” Has this been on your mind for the longest time? It’s time to enjoy your own company and explore new places at your own pace. Solo traveling is cool in many places in the USA. However, to begin with, you can check out the following places.  I have enlisted the places based on our in-house “Solo Travel Safety Meter” scores out of 5. Further, our “Solo Travel Safety Meter” has assessed the availability of basic amenities, safety provisions, and things to do at those places.  Moreover, we have done research on online reviews to pick the best places to travel solo female in US. 1. Miami, Florida Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.4 Best Time to Visit Miami: December to February and March to May  Miami is for the social butterflies and mermaids! You can spend the day by the famous beaches of Miami and enjoy the best nightlife at the nightclubs. Further, you will love the Latin cuisine in Miami.  Have a look at the best beaches in Miami. South Beach Haulover Naturist Beach, North Beach Haulover Dog Beach Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Moreover, if you want to chill at nightclubs, consider exploring places like El Patio Wynwood, Tipsy Flamingo, Club Space, etc.  2. Savannah, Georgia Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.3 Best Time to Visit: March to July If you visit Savannah between March and July, you will cherish the warm weather and flowers in full bloom. Further, Savannah is home to the Wormsloe Historic Site, William Scarbrough House, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and many other ancient and prominent architecture. So, you can call Savannah the historical hub of the country. Savannah is also known for its warm hospitality.  3. Seattle, Washington Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.1 Best Time to Visit: July to September Seattle or the Emerald City will offer you the best of urban and rural lives. Space Needle and Pike Place Market are some prominent places to explore when you are in Seattle.  From the Space Needle, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of Mount Rainier, the Olympic mountain ranges, Cascades, and downtown.  Moreover, in Seattle, you will enjoy a ferry ride to islands nearby and the coffee plantations of the city will mesmerize you.  4. Charleston, South Carolina Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November If you are looking for a relaxing solo traveling experience, Charleston will be your go-to destination. Further, if you are a dark academia fan, you will love taking a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic district. You will also come across scenic plantations in Charleston. Moreover, for the most peaceful experience, you can enjoy a short walk in Battery. You will enjoy the most beautiful view of the harbor from here.  5. Asheville, North Carolina Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.9 Best Time to Visit: September to November The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains graces Asheville in North Carolina. Along with being a place of great scenic beauty, it is also known as a hub of art and culture.  Further, when in Asheville, you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah National Forest.  Moreover, Asheville offers you the best farm-to-table dining experiences. HomeGrown, Chestnut, Vivian, and Corner Kitchen are some of the best locations for farm-to-table dining indulgence in Asheville.  6. Austin, Texas Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.8 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November Austin will win you over with its vibrant culture. It is the biggest draw for the music and gastronomic enthusiasts. Austin houses some of the best BBQ joints in the country. You can visit any of the following places to cherish the taste of Texas-style BBQ. Smokin' Brew-B-Q Terry Black's Barbecue The Salt Lick BBQ Did You Know?You will get the South Texas barbecue style in the eateries of Austin. Here, the smoked meat is served with molasses-based barbecue sauce. This sauce preserves the moisture of the meat. So, you enjoy a moist and flavorful delicacy. Moreover, Austin has the Colorado River. If you are an adventurous soul, you can take part in multiple outdoor activities along that river.  7. Hot Springs, Arkansas Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.6 Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October Are you looking for a relaxing getaway? Hot Springs, Arkansas, will be the ideal destination for you. Named “the Valley of the Vapors” by native Americans, Hot Springs has natural hot springs producing water with a temperature of “143 degrees Fahrenheit.”  Bathhouse Row and Quapaw Baths & Spa are some of the best places to indulge in the natural spa experience.  8. Alamogordo, New Mexico Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.5 Best Time to Visit: May to October Alamogordo is home to the White Sands National Park. You will love the long stretches of gypsum sand dunes here. In fact, it is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.  However, the fossilized footprints of humans and animals are the most fascinating things in the park. These footprints are from the Ice Age.  Despite being one of the best places to travel solo female in US, Alamogordo is underrated. You will love its wine and have it with some pistachios for the best experience.  9. Anchorage, Alaska Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.3 Best Time to Visit: March to November One of the best places to travel solo female in US, Anchorage is great for cruise trips. The cruise trips in Anchorage are great as you enjoy the bliss of solo travel and enjoy the company of a group with similar interests. The exchange of knowledge and experience always works when you are traveling to a new place.  The cruise trip in Alaska will make you meet the big five of the state: caribou, bear, Dall sheep, moose, and wolf. Further, as a solo female traveler, you will enjoy the following activities here. Dog sledding Watching the Northern Lights Visiting the Glaciers Moreover, you can stargaze and enjoy a midnight stroll in Anchorage without safety concerns. 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 Sep 5, 2025

If you’ve ever tried planning a trip with friends or family, you’ve probably asked the same thing: Do we even have enough people for this to count as a group? Or maybe the opposite: can we just make our own plan instead of sticking to theirs? Most companies draw the line somewhere around 8–10 people. That’s the usual cutoff for a group booking. Still, if you’ve got fewer folks, don’t stress.  Many operators will let you set up a custom plan—though, yep, it usually costs extra. That’s just the baseline, though. Everything shifts depending on what kind of trip you’re eyeing, where you’re headed, and even when you go. Those details can totally change the rules. So, if you are also wondering how custom itineraries help groups to plan for the perfect getaway, you are at the right place. In this blog, I am going to delve into the various aspects of custom itineraries for different group sizes. Looking into how they help and how to negotiate them. So, keep reading to know more! What Are Custom Itineraries? Unlike normal or fixed itineraries, custom itineraries refer to personalized travel plans that include a meticulously designed guide for trips. By covering how to travel, where to stay, and what to do, they provide the perfect tour guide. In addition to this, they consider the budget for the trip. So, the guide covers all the tour spots that can be managed within the budget range, which prevents overspending or going beyond the budget. Moreover, they are not generic and do not fit all. That is, based on your specific needs and demands, the itinerary is created with recommended activities, tickets, accommodation options, and more. So, it provides a completely tailored trip guide with detailed planning that meets your requirements. How Do Custom Itineraries Help Group Trip Planning? Generally, travel agents use custom itineraries while planning group trips for parties that do not fall within the size limits. So, they collect the necessary details from the group. Focusing on their budget, trip demands, accommodation needs, and activity plans. Moreover, they use the details to create a perfect group trip plan. Also, they recommend certain activities, trip destinations, and a comprehensive guide for the trip. In addition to this, solo travellers also use custom itineraries for travelling to their favorite places with their preferences. So, based on their destination plans and staycation ideas, they create the custom itineraries. Also, this helps in making the trip memorable and enjoyable without indulging in unnecessary activities, just because it is mentioned in the itinerary. How Do Group Size Requirements Vary By Trip Type? Not every trip plays by the same numbers. Adventure stuff—like safaris or hikes—tends to keep it small.  Sometimes just 4–6 people, which makes sense when you think about logistics (and honestly, it feels better that way). But if you’re talking about big bus tours or a cruise excursion, that number jumps. Think 15–20 people minimum just to make the math work out. Cultural things, like a city walking tour or even a cooking class, usually land in the middle. Around 6–8 people keep it personal but still cover costs. What Seasons Affect Group Size Requirements? Season matters—a lot. In busy tourist months, operators are usually chill because they can mash smaller groups together and still hit their targets.  Off-season? Totally different. They might stick to the rules harder or even raise the minimum just to cover expenses. There’s a silver lining, though. During shoulder seasons, many companies bend the rules a bit to pull in more bookings.  If you can travel, then you’ll probably find more flexibility (and better prices, too). What Hidden Costs Should You Consider With Custom Groups? Custom sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: it’s rarely just the base price. Extra fees sneak in. Private guide? Extra.  Special access after hours? Extra. Even behind-the-scenes admin costs for coordinating all the moving parts—yep, also extra. So, with the custom planning for the trips, there are always hidden costs associated with every activity and tour plan. Transport can be tricky too. Smaller groups split costs across fewer people, so per-person prices climb fast. And mid-sized groups?  They’re stuck in that awkward middle—too many for a small van but not enough to fill a full coach. In those cases, a van rental for 15 passengers is often the sweet spot. Oh, and some places add “exclusivity” charges if you want the space or service all to yourself. Always, always ask for a breakdown before you lock anything in. What Options Exist For Groups That Don't Meet Minimums? Didn’t hit the magic number? No big deal. A few workarounds exist. You could pay a small-group supplement (basically a surcharge for being fewer people).  Or, an easier option, join another group that’s already booked and running. Another route: check if the company offers “guaranteed departures.” That means the trip happens no matter what.  Downside is, you won’t usually get custom tweaks—it’s more of a fixed plan. But hey, at least you know the trip won’t get canceled. How Can You Negotiate Custom Itineraries? If you’re leaning toward a custom trip, here’s the trick: go in with a clear list of what really matters and what you can bend on. Operators are way more open to changes when you’re flexible. List out your must-haves (non-negotiable stuff) and your nice-to-haves (things you’d love but could swap).  Be ready to compromise on timing, hotels, or smaller activities. That balance—firm on priorities but loose on details—usually gets you the best outcome. Custom Itineraries For Group Trips So, where does that leave you? Well, step one is simple: jot down a wish list. Split it into “musts” and “maybes.”  When you bring that to an operator, you’ll not only save time but also make it easier for them to build something that actually works.  They see what’s important, and you still give them room to figure out the logistics. That’s how you get a trip that feels like yours without breaking all their rules. Read Also: Planning To Travel The World? How To Pack Up Your Life So It’s Ready For You When You Get Back Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide A Step By Step Guide On Planning A Luxury Travel Vacation