Top 7 Ethiopian Restaurants In Los Angeles – Complete Guide

BY  Sibashree Nov 21, 2024

“People love Arizona, and our economy is growing because of it. Tourism supports critical services for Arizonans, and our work to build an Arizona for everyone translates to more visitors and more jobs for our great state.” Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona. You will find an echo of the governor’s words in the statement shared by Lisa Urias. She is the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. She has mentioned that Arizona’s diversity, amazing beauty, and hospitality are behind the growth of the tourism industry in the state.  Now, there is enough market data to corroborate the claims of the governor and the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. In 2023, 86% of the tourists in Arizona were repeat visitors, and the $1.15 billion tourism tax collected in 2023 was 10% of the state’s operating budget.  Phoenix, of course, plays a crucial role in the state’s tourism development. Along with unique desert beauty, Arizona has the best urban landscapes and the warmth of southwest culture.  In addition, the cheap and free things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, make the city a popular tourist destination.  So, do you want an overview of Phoenix, Arizona’s free and cheap tourist attractions? Let’s explore.  You Can’t Miss These Free And Cheap Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona, has a pricey vibe. However, don’t be fooled by that vibe as a tourist. Participating in cultural activities is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for free. Also, people in Arizona are perennially in love with outdoor activities.  You just need to set your itinerary right to enjoy a mix of outdoor pursuits, cultural tours, and more.  Did You Know?Phillip Duppa, an Englishman, was a friend of Jack Swilling. Now, Jack Swilling was one of the city’s founding fathers, and Phillip Duppa named the city Phoenix.The city was named to symbolize rebirth. The idea was that  Phoenix would rise from the ashes of the natives and it would become prosperous in the land of irrigation.  1. Explore The Heritage Square https://www.instagram.com/heritagesquarephx/p/DCkFissSSXY/ Downtown Phoenix bustles with modern vibes. However, Heritage Square is a place that complements its modern vibes with its old-world charm from the Victorian era. Also, the Heritage Square is known as the “National Register of Historic Places.” Many of the buildings here are restored, and exploring the interiors of these buildings is one of the cheapest but meaningful things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.  For example, the Rosson House Museum stands here, and you just need to pay a fee of $15 for admission.  Heritage Square, Phoenix, BuildingsThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Thomas HouseThe Stevens HouseThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Rosson House Musuem, etc.  2. Visit Arizona Capitol Museum Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM With an “Entry is Always Free” promise, the Arizona Capitol Museum is a big draw in the state. Let me put it directly. If you want to know about the history and culture of the state, you have to visit the Arizona Capitol Museum. The museum also offers in-depth insight into the state’s political scenario.  Further, if you plan to visit Arizona in a few days and have included a visit to the Arizona Capitol Museum as one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you must not miss the new Merci Train Exhibition. The museum now celebrates the 75th anniversary of the train’s arrival. Some of the most prominent exhibits at the museum are: USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet Arizona Takes Shape The Struggle for Universal Sufferage – Voting Rights Timeline The U.S.S Arizona Artifact Collection, etc.  You can even be a part of the “Arizona Capitol Museum Guided Tour Survey” for educational purposes.  3. Hike At Camelback Mountain Before I get into the details of hiking at Camelback Mountain, I must tell you that it’s difficult and very strenuous. So, if you are not a seasoned hiker at the peak of your fitness, this is not one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for you. Still, Camelback Mountain and its Cholla and Echo Canyon trailheads have millions of visitors every year. The current trailhead hours are from sunset to sunrise.  Further, this 2704 feet mountain gets its name from its double humps. Its terrains are uneven with boulders, and the elevation gains are difficult to cope with. However, once you reach the summit, you will get the best views of the Valley of the Sun.  Tour And Travel HighlightCamelback Culture Community, led by Jes Dobbs, is a local group of hikers. Under the leadership of Jes Dobbs, a graphic designer, the group is making an effort to make Camelback Mountain safer.They have launched a timely petition to improve the safety of the mountains in time, considering the death and rescue of three hikers from the Echo Canyon Trail. All of them died due to heat exhaustion.Phoenix experienced record heat waves this season, and the rising temperatures were additional perils for the hikers.Nevertheless, the Camelback Culture Community has made two demands in their petitions.Extension of Trail Hours ( With An Extended Timing Of 4 AM to 8 PM)Installation of Automated Gates At The Trailheads of Camelback and Other MountainsThe petition already has 1,900 signatures and in the words of Jes Dobbs,“I believe having trailheads with year-round, consistent opening and closing times will enable locals and visitors to hike in the cooler hours of the day legally and when their lives allow. Many hard-working people don’t have the option to take a midday hike. They deserve access to exercise and nature during their limited free time – before and after work.” 4. Visit Phoenix Art Museum Thanks to the "Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday," visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the cheapest things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Your entry fee is voluntary after 3 PM.  Further, the evening sessions or AfterHours are free, and you can enjoy entertainment events and live music. You can attend these events four times a year.  Family FunDays is another great event to visit the museum for, and it happens four times a year. These events take place on Sundays, and on these days, you can enter the museum for free and attend events for all ages.  Tour And Travel Tip The Western Gallery is the highlight of this museum. Here, you will find artwork from the pioneers and some exemplary works by the modernists.  One thing is common in all these artworks. They show the prominent influence of the beautiful landscape of Arizona.  5. Visit The Historic Heard Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ceBsOsGff/ Does the life of American Indian tribes in the Southwest part of the country intrigue you? The Historic Heard Museum is your go-to destination. Along with the life of the tribes, you will also get to know about their culture and art. When you are at the Historic Heard Museum, the following are going to be your highlights.  Films Ethnographic Displays Kids’ Exhibit However, for me, the main attraction at this museum is Hopi Kachinas. It is an unbelievable collection of spirit dolls. Most of the dolls are gifts from Barry Goldwater, the  Presidential nominee.  Visiting the Historic Heard Museum is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. For free entry, you can plan a visit to the museum on the first Friday of every month (except March). The museum operates between 4 PM to 8 PM. Furthermore, Indian fairs, hoop dancing, and competitions are some popular events taking place in the museum.  6. Visit The Desert Botanical Garden Entry to Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona is free on the Community Day or every second Tuesday of the month. Spanning over 55 acres, this botanical garden has flowers, cactus, and trees from across the globe. The best time to visit the botanical garden is between March to May. During these months, you will find Mexican gold poppies and bluebells in full glory throughout the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.  The garden is well-maintained. Also, as you visit the desert denizens arranged according to theme, you learn a lot about the desert plantation.  Tour And Travel Tip  You have to book the tickets for Desert Botanical Garden in advance if you want to pay a visit on Community Day. 7. Take A Walk In Art Walk Phoenix has the “First Friday Art Walk” on the first Friday of the month between 6 to 10 PM. It is one of the biggest self-guided art walks in the city. Further, you can take the light rail plying through downtown Phoenix and connecting to various art districts of Phoenix.  Also, as you explore the art spaces, galleries, and event venues of the city, you become familiar with the local vibe.  Artlink, a nonprofit organization, started this art walk, and it is still the organizer of the event. Today, this free art event has become the uniting space for people of all age groups.Artists, vendors, and musicians take part in this event to soak in the cultural vibe of Downtown Phoenix.  To explore the best free and cheap things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you need to find comfortable accommodation first. The table below has the names and details of the best hotels in Phoenix, Arizona.  Hotels In Phoenix, ArizonaPhone NumberDoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North+1 602-997-5900Great Wolf Lodge, Scottsdale+1 480-948-9653Best Western North Phoenix Hotel+1 602-395-0900Hotel Valley Ho+1 480-376-2600The Clarendon Hotel and Spa+1 602-252-7363The Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton+1 (480) 991-9000Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts+1 602-955-6600Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale+1 602-765-5800Fairmont Scottsdale Princess+1 480-585-4848 Also read Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC 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 Aug 11, 2023

All aboard, travelers! If you're looking forward to a scenic and relaxed journey on the rails, it's essential to know some key train travel packing tips. They’ll make your trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're taking off on an exciting transcontinental adventure or just a weekend getaway, preparation is key. The right packing and planning can set the tone for a smooth ride. So, review these essential packing tips and must-haves for your next train travel adventure. Train Travel Packing Tips 1. Bring A Spacious Single Carry-On When selecting luggage, your best bet is a spacious carry-on bag. They're ideal for day trips and even those train travel packages that span a week or two. Choose a bag specifically designed for travel. It often has waterproof material and anti-theft features to protect your things inside as you focus on your trip. If you need more room for your belongings, a lightweight wheeled bag is an excellent alternative. Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it’ll also fit into the usually constrained compartments of many trains. Packing light becomes crucial here since space on trains isn't as generous as in planes. 2. Use Organisational Packing Cubes As a traveler's best friend, packing cubes help you organize your belongings. Organizing your belongings into various compartments allows you to easily locate what you need without turning your bag upside down.  Get cubes in varying sizes to fit everything from large pieces of clothing to socks and undies. Not only will these organizers save you time, but they’ll also keep your packing tidy throughout your journey. 3. Pack Clothing You Can Layer Understanding the weather and climate of your train route is vital, even if you'll be inside the train for the most part. Packing layered clothing allows for easy adjustments to fluctuating temperatures. Start with light layers and add warmth as needed. That way, unexpected weather changes won't catch you off guard. 4. Consider Bringing Multi-Purpose Items The more versatile the items in your luggage, the lighter you can pack. Think of multi-purpose garments or accessories that can serve more than one function. Bringing along a scarf that can double as a blanket, for example, saves you the need to pack too much. Now that you know how to pack effectively for your trips, check out what you need to bring for your worry-free journey via train. Train Travel Must-Haves A. Travel Documents Remember to have your necessary travel documents like tickets, identification, and any required visas at hand. A small document holder can make managing these essentials a breeze.  Failing to bring your documents could delay your trip or deny you entry on the train. Before you leave for the train, double-check these items first and last to ensure you won't forget anything. B. Personal Toiletries Some trains may provide complementary toiletry kits, but it's always a good idea to bring your own, just in case. A small toiletry bag with travel-size items like toothpaste and face wash can keep you fresh and clean during the journey. Why not pack multi-purpose toiletries like petroleum jelly or moisturizer with SPF to save more space in your kit? These items can help you pack more efficiently. Consider transferring the contents into tiny travel bottles to avoid bringing the larger original containers with you. C. Sleeping Kit For overnight journeys, a sleeping kit including a blanket, sleeping mask, ear plugs, and neck pillow will make your trip more restful. Investing in a compact set ensures comfort without taking up too much room. Pack these items together in one compartment to grab them easily before sleeping. D. Insulated Water Bottle And Snacks Even if the train offers fresh food and beverages to first-class and economy passengers, it won't hurt to bring your own for the trip. An insulated water bottle will keep your drinks at the right temperature, and snacks will fill your stomach between meals. Store your food in resealable pouches to keep the contents from spilling out and making a mess. E. Electronics And Entertainment Don't forget your charger, headphones, and favourite book or e-reader. A relaxing train journey is perfect for unwinding with a good read or movie. If possible, store your electronics, phone, and wallet in the same small bag, as these items are often considered valuables. F. Portable Clothesline A portable clothesline can be handy if you plan to freshen up some clothes during extended travel. It's light, practical, and easy to use. This train travel must-have is ideal for drying wet towels or using it as a makeshift bunk divider. Though, remember to ask for permission first before using it. G. Rubbish Bag The train may have several rubbish bins you can walk over to, but there'll be times when you just want to remain seated. A small rubbish bag comes in handy for these occasions since all you need to do is take it out and toss your waste inside. It helps keep your space clean and organized during long-haul journeys, whether luxury travels or trips planned at the last minute. Conclusion Embarking on a train journey doesn't need to be a puzzle. By following these train travel packing tips, you can have a stress-free ride anytime. From versatile carry-on choices to must-have comfort items, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. So, grab your ticket, pack wisely, and enjoy the scenic vistas through the window. The train route is waiting, and your seat is reserved!