The Comeback Of Death Valley National Park Lake? Will It Stay?

BY  Subham Saha Jan 12, 2021

Whenever we are taking the name of Bogota in Colombia, what comes first into your mind? A beautiful dreamlike country with full of colors and the magnificent tropical landscape or beautiful Spanish-speaking people, I think almost everything. You will amaze to see all these things just within a single City. If we are telling you that more astonishing things to do in Bogota are the most desired outcome of visiting the place. The city is full of vibrant colors and small scattered towns. If you want to taste the real flavor of Colombia, then there are no other options than Bogota. Bogota is a well-balanced city in Colombia, where you can see 400 hundred years old historical churches, along with modern high rise buildings. Bogota is the combination of these best two. For these reasons, the capital of Colombia just scores 10 out of 10, and it has become every traveler's most desired destination.  You will see the old and new two different flavors but mixed up and serve you the best traveling experiences. The stunning colorful pebbled path and the colorful houses with the painted walls always give you the thrill of the old and historical flavor. The century-old plazas and the new boutiques are the great combinations of old and the new. 10 Most Popular Destination In Bogota  As Bogota is famous among history-loving travelers and excavators, Colombia provides us with the clearest, natural, and a beautiful tropical environment full of modern pubs and cafeterias.  So here is the list of the most popular destinations among all age travelers to get the perfect flavor of Colombia and Bogota. And you will get the full idea about things to do in Bogota Colombia. 1. Bolivar Square Bolivar Square has a rich pre-Columbian history. This is the Oldest and the ancient square of Bogota. Bolivar Square is the all-time attention point of Bogota. As the oldest cathedral is in here and the Christmas and the other celebrations and the festivals are always taking place here. Previously it was used as the bull market and for the public circus, but now almost every program occurs here. This is the main downtown in the whole city. If you are traveling at Christmas, you will see how the full square is just flowing with thousand lights. This feeling will be heavenly when you can see the beautiful candlelights under the approx 400 years old building structures.  Bolivar Square is surrounded by some very important buildings like the Sacred Museum, Archbishop's Palace, Caracas Cathedral, City Hall, Chapel of Santa Rosa de Lima, the Yellow House and the Main Theater, and the building of the Government of the Capital District. The most important structure in the Bolivar square is Simón Bolívar,  which is in the center of the square. This statue was first inaugurated in 1874. Apart from Square, more things to do in Bogota are just mentioned below. 2. Museo Botero The Borato Musume or Museo Botero is one of the popular destinations among tourists. This museum is one of the oldest and the most important art that affects the Museum of Latin American history. This museum is the best collection of art effects as almost 1,000 people are visiting here. One month 2000 art students are visiting here to gain knowledge about the place and the art effects. This museum is very near to the popular Gold Museum of Bogotá and the Luis Ángel Arango Library. This museum is the full treasure island for any art enthusiast and the art students. They provide almost 208 types of artworks, a safe house of collections. Among them, 123 artworks are of Fernando Botero. You can see other famous artist artworks like  Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, Balthus, Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso. 3. Gold Museum Are you not fond of the yellow Noble metal, the shiny, glittery gold? Bogota’s Gold Museum is one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Colombian gold pieces. This museum has almost 55,000 pieces of archeologically excavated gold. Among them, 6,000 are on public display. Without visiting the gold Museum things to do in Bogota is quite an incomplete list. The first floor of the museum consists of one entrance and restaurants. The real gold collections are starting on the second floor. You can see the different cultural gold, which is dated almost pre Spanish colonies arrival. If you want to feel the real Old Colombia, this museum is the best option for you. The Gold Museum is the most visited museum in Bogota; almost every 500,000 tourists are visiting here. 4. Monserrate Monserrate is the 10,000 feet high mountain that dominates the whole of Bogota city. Beside the hill, there is one oldest 17th Century church named El Señor Caído, which is almost 10,341 ft above sea level. This mountain was always counted as the secret place for the people from the pre-Colombian time, but after the Spanish colonial arrival, these are just becoming the home of all God’s heaven on earth. Hiking, cycling, and climbing are the two main things to do in Bogota. There are two ways to climb the peaks of these hills one is by hiking routes another one consists of cable car roots. The hiking path is not very long, only 2.5 Km. The travelers and the pilgrims are always taking the walking trails. This mountain is just behind Bolivar Square. You can see the sunrise and the setting from Bolivar Square. 5. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá The salt cathedral of Zipaquirá is built under the Roman Catholic Church. It was a 200miter salt mine and almost 600 miter underground from the halite mountain. Now it has become a very well-known tourist destination. The cathedral is the most notable Colombian structure of history.  The halite rocks are fully curved with Jesus’s birth, life, and death. This cathedral is also weighted for its archaeological value. If we are telling you the salt mine age, you may be amused by the date. This halite mine was exploited at the time before Colombian history, and the Zipaquirá has one of the oldest human civilizations. This Cathedral is just 49 km far from Bogota’s main city. 6. Laguna de Guatavita The lake Guatavita is just a perfect spot for chilling down beside the natural tropical lake. This lake is surrounded by small green hills and beautiful trees. The circular lake is almost 19.8 hectares and only 57 km from the Bogota main city. There is a hot water spring near the lake. These lakes also have a very old archeological value as the lake is the secreted ground among the local Muisca people. The gold is everywhere in Bogota; few gold items are found from the bottom of the lake. The gold museum to Lake Guatavita, everywhere you will get to see the beauty of the old and the new. The pre-Columbian cultural people are involved in the sacred cultural duties, which are gold disposal rituals. Maybe you can find gold from the bottom of the lake, but the bright golden color sun rays reflect on the lakes’ clearwater, just giving you the gold achieving feelings. 7. Tejo If you are in Colombia but do not have the time to play Tejo. Then your Colombia tour is just incomplete without playing these traditional throwing games. Without Tejo, things to do in Bogota are quite colorless. Many scientists and the archaeologist say these new forms of playing Tejos are the ancestors of the century-old pre-Colombian throwing games.  At the present time, the target is designed with gunpowder; whenever any participant shoots the target at that time, the gunpowder explosion just alarms the crowd who are watching the game.  8. Zona G Are you a Gourmet food lover? So there is the best choice of things to do in Bogota but with the delicious food, the list is incomplete. Zona G is the best destination for you to take the authentic Colombian Gourmet food taste. This is the best dining destination for all travelers and the locals. The whole area is crowded with multiple types of food serving restaurants. The Chinese, French, Italian are the main cushion restaurants which are just offering their service here. The whole area is the biggest food plaza, which consists of multiple dining options.  9. Museo Nacional de Colombia If you are asking about the most archeologically valued Museum, then Colombia's National Museum is the best things to do in Bogota. It has 20,000 pieces of art effects. This is the oldest Museum in Colombia, built-in 1823. The 10,000 art effects are from the Afro Colombian period. The museum fortress itself has very high archaeological value. The structure is just built with stone walls, and this was the old fortress. This huge building serves as the prison till 1946. After 1975 this building was adopted as the national Musume. Not only art effects but also you will enjoy the historical paintings.  Also Read: Top 11 Unique Things To Do In Flagstaff 10. Bicycle Tour Bogota is a perfect place for bicycle tours. The small walking trails and the bicycle path are just covering the whole of Bogota city. If you want to feel the thrill, then just book for the bicycle riding tours. So this is one of the best things to do in Bogota. The local plazas and the local areas are just best for taking the ride. Bogota has a wide range of bicycle trails, and they offer such a good traveling plan for bicycle renters. While riding the bicycle, you can enjoy the beautiful small villages and each house’s painted walls, and the colorful cobbled path is the best view you will get to enjoy. Conclusion If you want to explore the whole city entirely, then you must travel to the city by bicycle or on foot. The hill's narrow roads are just perfect for bicycle riding or walking tours. The flavor of the small city is just so attractive. If you once go to Bogota, you will feel the warmth and the hospitality of the locals. If you can not find the proper walking way, then communicate with local people and they will guide you towards your destinations. Visit Bogota and feel the real heritage of Colombia. You can also visit Medellin which is just 260 miles away from Bogota. And enjoy the best amazing things to do in Medellin Colombia in the same way.  You May Also Like:  Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 6 Amazing Facts About Gobi Desert – You Should Know Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California

BY  Sibashree Sep 26, 2025

San Diego’s funny, and it feels like two vacations in one. You can be lazy by the beach and still find yourself hiking or grabbing tacos in some little neighborhood later.  The city’s chill, but not boring, which is kind of rare. If you’ve got a week, you can hit a mix of spots without running yourself ragged. And yeah, there’s always that random “Oh wow, I didn’t plan this, but it’s awesome” moment. So here’s a one week San Diego. It’s beaches, food, history, and a bit of hiking! All of these await you.  You don’t need to follow a very strict plan. However, having a basic plan always helps. What Is The Best One Week San Diego Itinerary?  Terminal 1 of the San Diego International Airport has just undergone a rejuvenation. The transformation has cost a whopping 3 billion US dollars, and the improvements show how the city is committed to serving its guests better. It perfectly blends smart designs, comfort, and technology.  Naturally, the current rejuvenation of Terminal 1 will be a milestone in boosting tourism to the city, which is otherwise fighting a downturn in the tourism sector in 2025. We can see the echo of the same in the words of Kerri Kapich, the COO of the San Diego Tourism Authority.  Kerri’s statement issued in May 2025 stated, “We are starting to see a slowdown. That is obviously a concern to all of us working in travel and tourism since we are the second-largest traded economy here in San Diego." Nevertheless, despite the not-so-great numbers, San Diego will never disappoint you with its beautiful beaches and marine life.  So, here is the one week San Diego itinerary for you.  Day 1: Beaches And The Waterfront The beaches and oceanfront are, of course, at the epicenter of the tourism scene of San Diego. Furthermore, these beaches are crucial for the city to adhere to sustainable and green tourism practices.  La Jolla Cove – Sea lions everywhere (they’re loud and hilarious). The water’s clear, cliffs are super photogenic, and if you’ve got snorkel gear, bring it. Sometimes they rope off parts during sea lion season, but you can still get close enough for a look.  The mornings here are calm, and it usually gets busy in the afternoon.  Mission Beach + Boardwalk – Classic scene. Long stretch of sand, bikes, rollerbladers, dudes juggling, all of it. It’s noisy in a good way. Sunset Cliffs – Come here at the end of the day. The cliffs are dramatic, like movie-scene dramatic. If the tide’s low, you can mess around in tide pools. Local tip: Parking near La Jolla can be a headache. So, reach early.  Day 2: Balboa Park And Downtown Energy Balboa Park is like San Diego showing off with its gardens, museums, and old Spanish-style buildings. Gardens – Some are free (always nice). The Botanical Building has plants everywhere, and the Alcazar Garden feels like a tiled postcard. Museums – Pick your flavor. Art, science, natural history! There are literally 17 of them. You won’t see it all, and that’s fine. Gaslamp Quarter – At night, the downtown buzz kicks in. Rooftop bars, restaurants, live music.  Local tip: Many museums offer free entry on Tuesdays. So, explore the official museum websites.  Day 3: Old Town And Classic Mexican Flavors If you want history with tacos (and who doesn’t), Old Town’s the move. Historic Park – Adobe houses, blacksmith demos, street performers! It’s half museum, half fair. Café Coyote – Fresh tortillas, large plates, and a fun vibe make Café Coyote a must-visit. Shops – Skip fridge magnets and choose handmade pottery, woven stuff, and jewelry, instead. Local tip: Late afternoon is the mariachi time, and it is super festive.  Day 4: Hiking And Outdoor Escapes Beaches are cool, but don’t skip the trails. San Diego has legit nature spots. Torrey Pines – Wild trees, epic ocean views, trails that make you stop mid-step just to gawk. Check closures before you go. Cowles Mountain – Moderate climb, great views from the top. You’ll feel like you earned your tacos. Mission Trails Park – Huge, less touristy. Lots of trails, chill atmosphere. Old Mission Dam is a simple stroll. Local tip: Sunrise hikes. Cooler, quieter, better. Day 5: San Diego Bay And A Boat Tour Different vibe today—see the city from the water. USS Midway – Enormous. Even just standing outside, you’ll be like, wow. Seaport Village – Cute, a little touristy, but good for wandering and snacks. San Diego Boat Tour – A harbor cruise is an affordable way to see the city from the water. You will pass under the Coronado Bridge, glide by the naval base, and take in the skyline from a fresh angle.  Some tours even spot dolphins along the way. If you want a more relaxing San Diego Bay tour with a fun island vibe, Tiki Time Bay Tours is one of the best choices. Their tiki-style boats create a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding on the water. Local tip: Evening cruises can be cheaper. Plus, lights on the water are underrated. Day 6: Neighborhoods And Local Life This day’s all about vibes. Little Italy – You will find food everywhere, including good coffee, murals, and a farmers' market if you’re lucky. North Park – The North Park is artsy with craft beer and the vintage shops being the main attractions. Explore North Park in the afternoon. Ocean Beach – It is very chill and exudes a hippie-surfer energy. End with tacos by the pier. Day 7: Scenic Drives And A Relaxed Farewell Enjoy the last day of your trip in San Diego. You don’t need to do too much planning.  Pacific Coast Highway – Drive north, stop whenever the view makes you. (It’ll be often.) Coronado Island – Wide beach, fancy hotel, little cafes! It’s postcard-perfect but relaxed. Sunset Picnic – Grab snacks and sit on a blanket at Sunset Cliffs or Coronado. End the trip slowly and soak in the moments. Local tip: Locals picnic at the beach all the time. Join in. Wrapping Up Your San Diego Week Seven days later, you get why people rave about this place. You’ve seen beaches, trails, food spots, historic stuff, and neighborhoods, all with that laid-back SoCal vibe.  And the thing is that you didn’t even cover it all. Which just means that there’s more waiting when you come back. Read Also: What Is South Of France? What Will Be The Perfect South Of France Itinerary? What Are The Unique Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? Unique Things To Do In Tuscany: What Is A Must-See In Tuscany?

BY  Sibashree Jul 17, 2025

Alright, so—Phuket, the Thai Island. Man, where do I even start? I went in with zero expectations. Like, I thought it’d just be a beach-and-smoothie kind of trip.  You know, chill, maybe burn a little under the sun, hit up a night market or two, then call it a win. But wow, did this place surprise me! Seriously, you could spend a whole week there and still feel like you missed stuff. And I don’t mean just tourist traps—I mean real gems, the kind of places that make you stop and go, “Wait... how is this even real?”  But if I had to pick just three, the ones that still pop into my head while I’m spacing out on the subway or standing in line somewhere? It’s these. Trust me, you don’t wanna skip ‘em. Here’s the shortlist of the best things to see on Phuket Island, broken down with the same chaotic energy I had while stumbling across them. What Are The Best Things To See On Phuket Island?  From the natural beauty of Phang Nga Bay to the Big Buddha statue and the unique charm of the Old Phuket Town, the best things to see on Phuket Island are many.  Here goes my journal of what I saw and what I experienced.  Also, you can plan a stay in the best hotel in Patong Beach to make your holiday more enjoyable.  1. Phang Nga Bay Okay, so this one?  Total accident. I wasn’t even planning on going. I was half-asleep at breakfast, eavesdropping on some German backpackers at the hostel talking about this boat tour, and I kinda just nodded along and joined last-minute. Best decision I didn’t even really make. Next thing I know, I’m on this longtail boat, wind blasting my face, trying not to drop my phone overboard. And then—bam—these giant limestone cliffs just rise up out of the water like something straight out of a dream.  It’s wild. Like, you see photos online and assume they’ve been touched up or filtered or something. But nope. That emerald-green water? Totally real. And almost too perfect. Ended up in a kayak somehow. Not sure how that happened—someone handed me a paddle and I just went with it. And let me tell you, drifting through caves and into these hidden lagoons where it suddenly goes dead silent?  Genuinely eerie. In the best way. It was just me, water, and birds doing their thing. No Wi-Fi, no distractions. I didn’t even take a photo in that moment, which says a lot ‘cause I take photos of everything. I just kind of sat there, floating, trying to process how this was real life. Also, I overheard someone mention that those rock formations are millions of years old. Which, I guess, makes sense... but also doesn’t, because that kind of time is hard to wrap your brain around when you’re wearing flip-flops and sunscreen that’s already stopped working. Moral of the story: if someone mentions Phang Nga Bay, just go. Don’t overthink it. 2. Big Buddha Statue: One Of The Iconic Things To See On Phuket Island Alright, so this one is on every “Top 10 Phuket” list, and at first I kinda rolled my eyes like, “Okay yeah, giant Buddha, got it.”  But listen—it’s worth it. Especially if you like places that mess with your sense of scale and give you a weird kind of peace you weren’t expecting. You can spot the statue from, like, miles away. It’s perched way up on this hill and looks kinda unreal when the sun hits it just right.  Getting there involves a bit of a drive (note to self: don’t trust Google Maps when it says 15 minutes), and the road?  Twisty and wild. At one point, I had to dodge a monkey that was just hanging out in the middle of the road like it paid rent there. Once you're at the top though—wow. The breeze, the views, the statue itself... it all just sort of hits you at once.  There were people praying, people meditating, some guy just playing with his shoelaces like he was in his own little world.  I ended up sitting on this shaded bench, not really thinking, just existing. It’s hard to explain, but everything felt... still like time slowed down a little. Even if you’re not spiritual or religious or whatever, there’s something about that spot that feels special. It’s quiet, but not in a lonely way. Just peaceful. Solid recommendation. 3. Phuket Town So, confession time: I almost skipped this entirely. “The Old Town of Phuket”? Sounded kinda boring, honestly. But someone at dinner said the food there was fire, and I was like, “Alright, I’ll go for the noodles.” Ended up staying all day. This part of the island has its own vibe. Totally different from the beachy postcard stuff. It’s loud, colorful, and full of character.  Buildings in faded yellows, pinks, blues—all with peeling paint and crooked shutters that somehow make it even better. It’s got this lived-in charm. Like nothing’s trying too hard, and that makes it cool. I wandered aimlessly for hours. Got lost, found a little bookstore with more cats than books, and accidentally bought a t-shirt I’ll probably never wear.  I ate noodles that made me do the involuntary “eyes wide, nod slowly” thing because they were just that good. Oh—and there was this old guy selling postcards with weird hand-drawn cartoons. I bought five. It’s not glamorous. It’s not curated. But it’s real. And for me, that’s what made it so good. Things To See In Phuket Island: Where Nature And Grandeur Meet So yeah, those three places? Absolute standouts. Not secret spots by any means—plenty of people go. But they’re memorable in that “I can’t believe this is real” kind of way. Nature that humbles you. A statue that quiets your brain. A town that feels like someone’s messy scrapbook of life. And hey, pack light but bring snacks. I got way too hungry way too fast and regretted not having anything on hand but gum. Anyway, that’s it. If you end up in Phuket, don’t miss these. Or do. But you’d be missing out.