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BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution.  Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico.  So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park.  Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park's wildlife.  Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions  The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era.  Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people.  Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of  Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680.  However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it!  Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the  Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain.  The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions.  Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation.  The Pecos Pueblo Site Today  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cto5MWnS5Oa/ The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms. Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route.  Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez.  Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians.  The Santa Fe Trail  Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski's Trading Post says? It says,  Santa Fe Trail 1822-1879 Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico.  With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion. Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today!  “Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch.  Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xRKctnb3M/ Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 3. Battle Begins: March 26, 18624. Reinforcements: 27th March, 18625. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 18626. Battle Ends: 29th March, 18627. Casualty: Death of 375 People 8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America.  The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters.  You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail.  As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail.  More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  Time: Around 1 hour Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course! The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site's history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico.  Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park  “Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free! Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It's amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” - Isabelle M. “I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn't care for it but I think it's really amazing what is still here. He thinks it's all recreation and I can't say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don't see it that way. It's pretty awesome that it's free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that's also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” - Lydia G. Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-hAl8nrUW/ This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home.  MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock SquirrelBirds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald EagleFish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard FrogReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way.  A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in. Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico Established: 28th June, 1965 Area: 27 km² Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center How to Reach: Via State Road 63  Entry Fee: Free Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October) Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)

BY  Rishab Dey Dec 30, 2023

Are the gloomy skies driving you to desperate measures? Can a massive blowout break be called desperate? You do have a choice. A secluded road trip across the globe, an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a truly tropical beach break. If you want all three, you will need to look for warm places to visit in February. It becomes more difficult to find intense, short-haul sunshine as winter drags on. A carefully planned trip separates a reasonably priced island stay and a mild-weather city break from the US. Both of these can provide much-needed rest as well as relaxation. However, there are plenty of far-flung options that best suit this month. And don't forget to check government travel advice for every destination.  Warm Places To Visit In February  Yes, Februaries are cold. But the warmth it brings with Valentine's is hard to contend against. If you are planning to visit warm places with your special someone to get away from the biting cold of your home country, here are some of your best options. Take a peek into some of the warm places to visit in February.  Morocco  The Miami of Morocco, Casablanca is the modern center of Morocco. The nation's largest city highlights modern Morocco, a humming mix of big finance as well as creative chops. It has been overlooked for lacking Tangier's rich history of bohemian revelry or the romantic chaos of Marrakech. Even better, it's a nearby, mild winter city break. Explore the district's Art Deco area, which is home to iconic buildings like the Cinema Rialto. Indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the Central Market. Get a taste of the past in the untouristy, donkey-filled medinas. You can end the day at a chic restaurant or rooftop café. Sea views, as well as a delicious seared duck breast with honey, are served at Le Relais de Paris. Morocco is probably one of the best warm places to visit in February. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this North African country.  Koh Yao Noi  Koh Yao Noi is the Thailand island of your dreams, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and a world apart from its boisterous tourist attractions. There are more water buffaloes, traditional rubber farms, serene beaches, as well as fewer inebriated backpackers. Phang Nga Bay's surroundings are dotted with striking limestone karsts. Boho-chic Cape Kudu, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, features white, bright rooms and a dreamy sea view from the pool. It also has a spa designed with hanging rattan chairs. Kayaking through the mangroves and island hopping are options, too.  Kenya  Kenya has seen a decline in tourism following a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this decade. However, most beach retreats and safari destinations in the nation are generally safe. Government travel advisories, too, are not too stringent. In February, you can combine two of the best trips into one. The southern coast's whale shark swimming season is in full swing. The Masai Mara's low rainfall causes big game to congregate in large groups at rivers and waterholes.  New Zealand  Want some delicious privacy? February, the last month of summer, is the best time to see the vistas along New Zealand's eastern seaboard by car. Few landscapes are as untamed and wild as those found there. Here, a volcanic headland meets the shimmering ocean, and multiple opulent lodges bask in seclusion. The North Island's Helena Bay Lodge is spread out over a tidy lawn near the South Pacific's edge. Its exclusive beaches, coves, as well as woodland hikes only see your own footprints. Next, travel to the South Island's Banks Peninsula, a picturesque volcano skeleton ringed with glistening bays and secluded little settlements. Annandale Farm is a mystical haven offering endless views of the ocean as well as locally sourced food. It is nestled in 4,000 acres of serene coastal pasture.  Carnival  It's crazy when you stand amidst a carnival. Still, isn't that the reason you're here? The streets stay marinating in wild revelry, and the beaches teem with a hot, toned young crowd. There is also the sound of samba pulsing everywhere you go. The Rio Music Carnival, an accompanying electro-music festival, takes place alongside the Sambadrome's parades to create the biggest party on Earth. Past performers such as Afrojack, Diplo, and Tiesto have left the crowds completely insane.  Honolulu  Here is another one of the warm places to visit in February. Between its capital, Honolulu, and its more sedate northern and eastern beaches, Oahu presents a compelling blend of big-city conveniences and quintessential tropical beauty. Additionally, locals get together for banter and bragging rights during the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic in February. This isn't your typical Kelly Slaters competition. Instead, teams of up to seven individuals compete in historical and unique events like SUPsquatch, where they ride enormous inflatable stand-up paddle boards.  Miami  Miami isn't for the timid, but it has a vibrant art scene in addition to its nightclubs, music, and traffic. You can check out the Yinka Ilori-designed café at Superblue or the Yayoi Kusama exhibits at the Rubell Museum. There is also a fun dining scene, and we recommend Itamae, a Nikkei restaurant.  Singapore  Singapore is one of the greenest cities in Asia. Trails, lush parks, and gardens dominate the area. According to The Singapore Green Plan 2030, it even aims to become the world's green champion. Nearly half of the city is covered in greenery. Visit during a hot, dry February to take in all of this. You can also visit Chinatown's markets, immerse yourself in the culinary scene, and learn about the local way of life.  Wrapping Up  Unless you really want to, there's no reason why you should stay inside this February. There are carnivals and even New Year's celebrations that combine Chinese and Mayan customs. In the end, this list of warm destinations in February should satisfy your need for warmth. This place has beaches, hikes, mountains, caverns, and volcanoes. If these don't motivate you, you can visit animals, museums, and a lot more places without having to worry about the dress code. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about warm places to visit in February, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Florida Dreams: RV Camping Along the Sunshine State’s Shore Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

Planning to visit a new country from the USA and don’t have a passport? Don’t worry, as the places to travel without a passport from the USA await you with natural wonders, hiking expeditions, and more! You can have Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and many other destinations in American Overseas Territories on your wishlist. You just need to check on the documents and ID proof you need to fly to these wonderful travel sites. Here is a list I have curated, and you can always add your favorite countries or places to travel to without a passport from the USA. These Are The Best Places To Travel Without A Passport From The USA Last-minute trips are great, especially when you don’t need to worry about getting or renewing a passport.  Further, with passport worries gone, you can focus more on getting your itinerary right and budgeting.  So, pack your bags and fly to any of the following destinations. 1. Puerto Rico Best Time to Visit: December to April  This Caribbean island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA. It exudes the quintessential vibe of the Latin American culture, and it is the largest US territory. Traveling to Puerto Rico is easy as you will get a daily flight to  San Juan from almost all major airports in the USA.  With easy access from the USA, Puerto Rico also offers many natural wonders and activities to do. Culebra and Vieques are the best islands to explore. Further, for some adrenaline rush, you can participate in surfing in Rincon.  However, the most fascinating water activity here is paddling atop bioluminescent bays.  Laguna Grande,  Mosquito Bay, and La Parguera are the spots where you can try this activity. The other attractions in Puerto Rico are the El Yunque tropical rainforest and the Spanish fortification of  El Morro. You must not also miss the scenic waterfalls in Puerto Rico.  2. Northern Mariana Islands Best Time to Visit: January to December One of the most exotic places to travel around the world, the Northern Mariana Islands is a tropical paradise where the sea and the mountains meet. The Northern Mariana Islands look like a small string in the Pacific Ocean, and it is the best for watersports activities like kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.  Furthermore, the Northern Mariana Islands are a hub of the Polynesian culture. This location once witnessed the brutal activities of World War II. So, you will come across many war memorials here.  The Saipan Memorial in the American Memorial Park is the most prominent war memorial in the Northern Mariana Islands. Further, the American Memorial Park commemorates “the American and Marianas dead in the Marianas Campaign of World War II.” 3. St. Croix Island Best Time to Visit: December to May St. Croix Island, a US territory, exudes the true Caribbean spirit. A part of the British Virgin Islands, St. Croix has a dash of history due to the presence of the sundial monument. However, tourists find its beaches and lush forests more intriguing. It also has some cool golf courses and resorts. Moreover, St. Croix Island offers the best food tourism experience with fine dining restaurants like Ama Cane Bay, Hamilton’s, Duggan’s Reef, etc.  4. St. Thomas Island Best Time to Visit: December to February St. Thomas Island has some of the coolest beaches in the British Virgin Islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular water activities here. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife here. ARC Boutique Restaurant & Gallery, Taphus Beer House, Starz Nightclub, and Dog House Pub are some of the coolest destinations on St. Thomas Island, where you can enjoy the most happening nightlife.  5. The Bahamas Best Time to Visit: November to April  Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this large archipelago nation bustles with its ship cruise ports. However, its beaches are pristine, allowing you to spend the most tranquil holiday here.  You reach the Bahamas, one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA, through a cruise from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The long coastline of the Bahamas will allow you to have the best interactions with coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy beaches. 6. The Dominican Republic Best Time to Visit: December to April The Dominican Republic is an amazing place to explore the best Spanish architecture, and its white sandy beaches make it one of the most exotic destinations in the world.  If you take cruises from the USA, they will stop at Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has Alcazar de Colon and other impressive sites that speak of Spanish colonial history.  Punta Cana, on the other hand, will charm you with turquoise water and its serene beaches.  7. The Cayman Islands Best Time to Visit: March to June Cayman Island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA when one is on a closed-loop cruise. The cruise stops at George Town, the cruise port of this island nation.  With pristine waters, George Town is the hub of many water activities, and you will also find many endangered animals, including the Georgetown Salamander.  The ocean activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.  8. Honduras Best Time to Visit: December to April Diving in Roatan will be the biggest highlight of your trip to Honduras from the USA. You can take a closed-loop cruise from South Florida to reach Honduras. Honduras is also home to the Mesoamerican Reef. It is the second-longest reef barrier system in the world.  9. Turks and Caicos Best Time to Visit: February to April On the south of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos will win your heart with its wonderful beaches. The clear water of this British Territory is one of the best in the world, and you can participate in the most thrilling snorkeling and diving activities here.  Furthermore, exploring the secluded shores of the Grand Turk is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.  10. Hawaii Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October You just need a government-issued ID for the beautiful island of Hawaii, the 50th state in the USA. You will get a vibe of the Polynesian culture in Hawaii, and the volcanoes on the Big Island are great sites for geological wonders. Moreover, you can surf in Maui to make your vacation in Hawaii more exciting. 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.