These Exotic Places To Travel Are Unusual: Explore The Must-Visits Around The World

BY  Sibashree Aug 12, 2024

Gates of the Arctic National Park is where the Brooks Range and the Tundra landscape come to life with wilderness and vivid topography. This national park is a place of topographical diversity with the coexistence of mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and marshy lands.  A home to nomadic people for more than 13,000 years, the Gates of the Arctic is a prominent example of how human lives can be dependent on wilderness or nature. Many visitors love backpacking and trekking in this national park. Further, many stay in camps in the backcountry to experience its rich wildlife despite the challenges. Do you want to know why camping in the backcountry is worth the hardship? Does the national park have camping sites? Find the answers to all your questions in this guide.  Knowing The Gates Of The Arctic National Park (Why Camping Here Is A Great Experience) The Gates Of The Arctic National Park is a paradise for wilderness travelers. The intriguing land of Tundra, embraced by jungles, mountains, and rivers, makes camping in the backcountry worth all the effort.  Gates Of The Arctic Geography You can explore the arctic geography of this national park by trekking or by air. Tundra peaks and the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range ensure a humbling experience. You trek to Mount Igikpak, a glacier-carved peak with an 8,510-foot elevation. Another mountain to have glaciers in this region is Mount Arrigetch. Even backpacking and trekking to Mount Doonerak have a distinct charm, as the mountain is the quintessence of wilderness and unadulterated beauty.  Further, this national park has six designated wild rivers. Those are: Alatna River John River Kobuk River Noatak River North Fork of the Koyukuk River Tinayguk River Alatna and Noatak are great for canoeing. If you want more adventurous pursuits, you can try rafting in Nigu (to the north) and Kobuk (to the west).  Gates Of The Arctic Wildlife  The Gates of the Arctic is home to many mammals and birds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says,   “Forested southern foothills rise to limestone and granite peaks more than 7,000 feet high in this remote wilderness park. North of the peaks, clear water rivers run through glacier-carved valleys; and Tundra, covered with wildflowers during the brief northern summer, stretches toward the Arctic Ocean. Many of the nearly 500,000 member Western Arctic caribou herd migrate through the park each fall. Brown and black bear, wolf, Dall sheep, lynx, moose, wolverine, and red fox live here year-round. In the spring, the park hosts migratory birds from Europe, South America, Asia, tropical archipelagos, and the continental U.S.” Other animals found in this national park are grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and musk oxen. Among the birds, Tundra swans, common loons, and golden eagles are the most common.  Further, if you enjoy the playfulness of aquatic animals, watch out for graylings, trouts, sheefish and salmon.  Gates Of The Arctic And Human History  The Gates of the Arctic is a prominent place for archaeological research. The study and interpretations of the museum collections depict how people have been surviving in the Brooks Range for around 13000 years now.  Along with Inupiat, Nunamiut, and Athapaskan descendants, you will also find many non-native Alaskan people in this region. These people have always been dependent on fishing and hunting. The wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic is the foundation of their livelihood.  What Is The Best Camping Near Gates Of The Arctic National Park? With marshy lands and tussocks, Arctic Tundra has a vulnerable landscape and it is difficult to find a steady spot for setting up camps or tents. Also, the existence of wildlife in a remote location and dense vegetation make the space unsuitable for camping.  So, there is NO CAMPING SITE in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are designated areas in the backcountry for camping. However, you will have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park when putting up a tent.  You must also attend the orientation program and be particular about the gear, food, and safety essentials to be carried.  With permission from the park authority and the National Park Service, you can set up tents near the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot or around Wiseman and Bettles communities.  However, while camping in the backcountry, you will have to keep the following factors in mind.  Be respectful to the local communities like the Koyukon Athabascan Indians or Nunamiut. Their livelihood depends on the wilderness.  There are no provisions for running water, a dump station, or restrooms. Your phone network will be unavailable in this location. You have to carry all your trash back as you leave the camping site. You cannot adulterate the pristineness of the location.  If you have plans for camping in the backcountry near the Gates of the Arctic, summer is the best season. The temperature is a little moderate on these days, and sunnier days make all outdoor pursuits in the park easier for you.  Did You Know?  The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the second-largest national park in the USA. It stretches over 13,000 square miles. You can see aurora borealis from this park if you visit between November and March.  July and August are the best months to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park for hiking and backpacking.  Bob Marshall, a wilderness advocate, named this national park “Gates of the Arctic.” Final Words  Unlike popular national parks like the Biscayne National Park or the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Gates of the Arctic National Park does not have many visitors yearly. In 2023, only 11,045 tourists flocked to this place. (Source) With a diversity in topography and wildlife and an association with human history, this park has much to explore. However, the extreme trekking conditions and wilderness make it far from an easy excursion or trekking experience. Despite the absence of campgrounds in this park, you can camp in the backcountry at the designated spots in the fields. However, only an experienced backpacker should try it with proper orientation and extra safety measures. Have you ever been to this wild and intriguing national park? Do you have any camping experience in the backcountry? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Gates Of The Arctic National Park FAQs  Can You Camp In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? Only backcountry camping is possible in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The absence of roads, villages, or facilities makes this area unsuitable for having designated campsites. Backpacking and hiking are the best ways to explore this vast landscape with rich wildlife and geographical interests.  Can You Stay In Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You can stay or try backcountry camping near the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Undefined terrains, wilderness, and a lack of modern amenities make it risky to put up camps in the national park. Even to camp in the backcountry, you will need the highest outdoor survival skills. The arctic ecosystem, topography, and weather conditions are different, and if you are confident enough to stay in the backcountry, plan in advance and get in touch with the Park and Preserve authorities for updates and advisories.  How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You don’t have to pay entry fees to visit the Gates of The Arctic National Park. However, you must attend the backcountry orientation program at any of the visitor centers.  In this way, the Gates of The Arctic National Park is different from other national parks as most of them demand an entrance fee.  How Difficult Is It To Get To The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? The Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park. So, as you enter the park, hiking is the best way to explore. Remember, it is home to the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range and the highest peak here is Mount Igikpak with an 8,510-foot elevation.  So, exploring the national park is not going to be a cakewalk. A lack of established trails further makes hiking difficult.  Further, there are six designated rivers, including Koyukuk and Dietrich, in this national park. So, you will have to pass through multiple meandering river crossings. The water levels of these rivers keep fluctuating throughout the season. They are furious throughout the spring season. Tussocks, marshy lands and dense vegetation are other hurdles to your fast movement while trekking.  Do you want to visit the backcountry? You can take a bush plane operated by permitted pilots with knowledge of the region.  What Is Special About Gates Of The Arctic? The Gates of the Arctic is special because of its geographical uniqueness, rich wildlife, and significance in human history. The glacier-carved valleys, rivers, and ancient trails make the Gates Of The Arctic a favorite destination for backpacking and hiking. Thanks to its geographical typicalness, you will meet many animals and birds. The adorable grizzly bears will be seen feeding, and the musk oxen are another unique animal you must watch out for. If you are a birder, you will love watching the golden eagles, Tundra swans, or common loons.  Near the Nigu River or throughout the park, you will find stone fences and camping rings. These are a testament to how Inland Eskimos or Nunamiut have lived in this region for thousands of years. They survived on fishing and hunting.  In addition, as I pen this guide, I must tell you that the Gates Of The Arctic National Park is going to celebrate its 45th anniversary of designation next year. First, it became a national monument on 1st December 1978. In 1980, it became a national park and preserve. Also read Italy: Is Florence flat or hilly? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. The Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Experience The Magnificence Of Nature.

BY  sagnika Oct 9, 2023

Have you heard about the Sea of Stars Maldives? Are you planning your honeymoon and looking for a starry night sky vibe? Please read the article to learn about the magical occurrence and its reason! What can be better than the glowing Island in the Maldives? One of the most beautiful natural wonders, the glowy beach is perfect for visitors and tourists to create a lifetime of memories. Maldives' Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! There are reefs at the beach which show nature at its best! When the beach glows at night, it is a sight to see. It feels magical, especially because you will get privacy at the beach. In the article, I will be talking about why the Maldives Sea of Stars glows! People have still not crowded the place, so book the tickets to Maldives if you plan to travel somewhere this year. Read the article to learn about nearby places you can visit on the glowing Island! About Vaadhoo Island! Located in Maldives, Vaadhoo Island is a part of another island of Raa Atoll. The Island is quite small, with a population of 500 people! Due to the phenomena of glowing beaches or the Sea of Stars, the Island has become quite highlighted on the global tourism map. It was one of the best-kept secrets of the Maldives, but recently, it has become one of the most sought-after places for tourists worldwide! In 2022, the festive season of the Maldives was welcomed by plankton swarming everywhere! The phenomenon, "Redhan lun," is a powerful force of nature displayed across the Ocean, making the water glow! According to the ancient Maldivians, many stories and folktales respect and revere this phenomenon. The natives consider it an omen of power and majesty of the Sea. Even though the interpretation of the dazzling display, according to the Maldivians, is not as clear, it is quite visibly magical for both the natives and the visitors. The planktons run across the northernmost to the southernmost place of the beach! How Do You Visit The Glowing Beach? The Sea of Stars vaadhoo Island Maldives is well connected with different parts of Maldives; hence, reaching there is no issue! Male is the capital city of Maldives, and the distance between Vaadhoo Island and Male is 8 km! So, if you are questioning, where is the Sea of Stars located? You are booking a flight, check if it is landing at Velana International Airport, the main airport in Maldives! Vaddhoo Island is quite accessible from the airport as you can hire a speedboat, which will take approximately 15 minutes to reach! When you reach the Island, you will feel as if you have got paradise with its translucent water! The sun setting is another beautiful view you would forever like to keep as memories! It is one experience you must have on your bucket list if you are an offbeat traveler! What Is The Secret Of The Glow? The shining beach of Vaadhoo has a microorganism called plankton or phytoplankton! These microorganisms radiate under the Sea to glow a vibrant blue light; thus, at night, their glow makes the whole beach shiny and magical! The microorganisms are bioluminescent, and through a chemical process, they create light, making the whole Sea glowy and dreamy! These mysterious and unknown creatures create the natural phenomena of 'Bioluminescence.' It is one visual memory you want to save for the rest of your lives! Looking at the Ocean at night, it seems like all the stars are coming down from the sky, gracing the Sea and the beach! You can easily walk across the beach or swim in the water during this time. Worth it! You can try your luck in the Greater Male area, which is quite underrated. If you want, check out the Planktons; it is a beautiful place to visit at night! What Is The Best Time To Visit Maldives? The best time to visit Vaadhoo Island is during the summer months, between May to November. We are saying this because, during this time, the bioluminescent display is at its peak! People often think the time of the year matters when planning to visit the glowy beach! But it is the environmental conditions, along with the seasonal variations, that matter! To ensure that you check out the beautiful place, you have to calculate the optimal time to visit the beach. The environment influences the Sea of Stars during specific months! During the summer months, the population of the phytoplankton increases and thrives. Your chances of coming across these aquatic microbes increase during this time as a magical symphony of lights is created across the shoreline. Sea Of Stars: Instagramable Place To Visit! The intensity of the Sea of Stars during summer months increases as the bioluminescent dinoflagellates increase significantly. It is visual to watch at night, especially when the stars above and below create a celestial paradise for you! Imagine you visit the Sea of Stars in Maldives with your partner hand in hand, walking down the shore, or organizing a dinner for your little sister along with your parents on her birthday on the Vaadhoo beach. It is a perfect natural setting for the best people in your life and memories of a lifetime. Check out the instagram account @Vaadhootours, which has beautiful photos of the Sea of Stars! You can have a beautiful picture taken at the beach with stars above your head and below your feet. Rightly named the Sea of Stars, the aquatic microbes ensure their presence is felt! Pictures taken of glowing footprints or scrawls across the glowing sand are perfect pass time for children and even adults! The Sea then washes them away later, and with morning light, the blue fluorescent light fades away. Where To Stay When You Visit Vaadhoo Island? With the dark sky comes the light and the motion in the turquoise water of Maldives! The Ocean comes alive, which is otherworldly, so to check out the Sea of Stars, you need to book your accommodations close enough to experience the celestial glow of the water. I will tell you five places to stay for your vacation at Vaadhoo Island, and enjoy the heck out of your trip! Velassaru Maldives Want to experience the local culture? You have to book at the Velassaru Maldives, where luxury is at its best, along with the Gentle sand guiding you to the water's edge. Further, the spectacular view that you will be getting of the water from the property is incomparable. A tropical indulgence, Velassuru is the ultimate property, creating a perfect blend of nature and luxury! Services such as free internet, free breakfast, beach access, airport transportation, and canoeing make the whole deal worthwhile, with charges for rooms below $467.57! Embudu Village If you want something affordable, opt for Embudu Village at the South Male Atoll. The resort is situated on a private island which is 3 km long, so it is perfect for a stroll across the beach! It is the perfect idyllic natural hideaway if you want some alone time! The lush tropical vegetation, along with white beaches, offer you the ideal backdrop for a vacation. Services available in this 122-room property are airport transportation, baggage storage, spa, canoeing, internet, beach access, and bar! The charges of booking this property vary from $198.12 to $316.06 as it is one of the most affordable resorts available to enjoy the natural beauty of Maldives. There are rooms with private balconies on the pricier side! Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives If you want to stay in one of the largest lagoons, this is it! The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives is an award-winning resort as they have created an alternative that combines nature and luxury. Water and beach villas are built amidst the largest lagoon in the Maldives! There are a variety of water treatment rooms along with world-class holistic treatment by Jiva Grande Spa! Charges for the rooms, suites, and villas vary between $683.25 to $893.95 with free high-speed internet, pool, and gym services. Further, you can go boating and have access to the beach and free breakfast! You can also access services such as books, music for the children, movie DVDs, and babysitting! Baros Maldives Based on 3971 reviews on Tripadvisor, Baros Maldives has been the best as they are rated 5 out of 5! With a shallow lagoon and marine life spread across the reef, this resort is located and the guests get the perfect tropical island experience. The villas are elegant, created with sandstone and timber, peacefully nestled among exotic blooms across the beach. Per night, they charge around $791.32 for rooms as there is a variety, such as suites, non-smoking rooms, bridal suites, and ocean views. Services include free high-speed internet, airport transportation, canoeing, a business center, free breakfast, a gym, and a pool for all guests! Club Med Kani - Maldives The resort is perfect for unwinding in the Maldives, within 2 km of swaying palms and powdery beach! They have all-inclusive services at the resort, so you can enjoy your stay along with experiencing some of the best underwater adventures, quite exhilarating. Per-night charges for the hotel rooms are $1282.34! Free services provided to the guests are free internet, outdoor play equipment for kids, canoeing, free breakfast, private beach access, a pool, and a fitness center. There are schools of tropical fish, snorkeling, and paddling across the shores that Club Med Kani Maldives Resort offers. There is a wide variety of cuisine, which will make your stay unforgettable! What Other Places You Can Visit From Vaadhoo Island? Apart from dipping your feet in the glowing Sea of Vaadhoo Island, there are other beautiful experiences that you can attain by visiting different places! On the Island, you cannot miss these natural events or experiences! Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve It is the seventh-largest coral reef, with biodiversity shooting through the roof! You will see the plankton flowing through the coral reef, which maintains the food chain in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, thus sustaining 1200 species of fish. The total area of the coral reef is 139,700 hectares, including 75 Islands in Baa Atoll! Out of the 75, there are only 13 islands inhabited mostly by Maldivians, while there is only one Island with one tourist resort! A variety of aquatic and marine lives. If you look in the water, you will find some endangered species, such as Napolean wrasses, green turtles, tawny nurse sharks, and hawksbill turtles. There are mangroves across all the islands! Thilafushi: The "Rubbish Island" Maldives attracts 750,000 visitors annually, and this Island is paying the price of that as the rubbish produced by the tourists is all dumped, ditched, and piled like heaps of trash on the smooth white sand and tranquil blue water. The rubbing produced on a per-day basis is almost 3.5 kg! It was initially a collection of shallow coral reefs, but in 1992, the Male government decided to dump all the garbage here; thus, it has been since called the "Rubbish Island"! The land suffered severely from the 330 tons of trash. Then, the garbage excavators, migrant workers, and refuse freighters were used to handle the Island! Over the years, the Island has become hazardous while rubbish dumping has been stopped in 2011! It is a place you can check out if you are an environmentalist and want to make a study out of it. Keahole Point Blowhole During the winter months, you can check out Keyhole Point, located in Kailua-Kona town, in the western part of the Big Island. Spectators will be fortunate to see the mammalian blowholes, especially because not all are so organically and perfectly made! When the water rushes through the lava tube opening, which the low viscosity pahoehoe lava has created, the spouts of ocean water swell consistently, battering the rocks! Feeling Otherworldly Yet… Now that you know about the Sea of Stars Maldives, you must learn about some safety details! Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, so there is hardly any chance of getting hurt! Yet, considering the glowy water is an attraction for people, it can be an attraction for other animals and marine life predators. It is important to understand that even if you live in a resort, you must be careful when visiting the beach! Comment below about your plans to visit the glowing beach and why! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Arnab Feb 8, 2023

Traveling to a new place can be a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Did you know for example, that the cute little cherubs we associate with romance actually originated from Cherubim, who originated during ancient Mesopotamian times? It can be fascinating learning these little nuggets of information! Moreover, one of the best ways to do this is to fully immerse yourself in the ancient culture of a location on a holiday. This can be a transformative experience, allowing you to connect with the history and traditions of a place in a way that simply visiting tourist attractions cannot. Here Are Three Best Places You Can Immerse Yourself In Ancient Culture: There happen to be a handful of locations that are perfect for immersing oneself in ancient culture, and we are going to take you through a couple of our favorites in this article. Let’s dive right into it. 1. Egypt Is As Ancient As it Gets A 10-day trip to Egypt offers travelers an unparalleled journey into the heart of ancient history and culture. When experiencing the remnants of bygone eras, there is no better destination than this timeless land. Egypt, with its vast desert landscapes and the winding Nile River, boasts some of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, including the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. Here, visitors can step into the shadows of great pharaohs, marvel at age-old engineering feats, and be captivated by tales that have shaped civilizations for millennia. These sites are not only impressive in their own right, but they also offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt. You can even wander around a plethora of ruins of temples and tombs and imagine what life was like for the people who built and used them. If you want to go to one of the most historic locations on this earth, then you should plan a trip to Egypt right away. There is just no other place like it. 2. China Has A Rich Culture Of Ancient History Next up, we have China. China has a long and rich history and houses a multitude of historical locations and landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, and the Terracotta Army. These sites can offer you an insight into the history and culture of ancient China, and you can learn about the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the people who built these impressive structures. Visiting China can be a little expensive, so it is important that you learn how to fund travelling adventures before committing to a holiday in such a magical country. 3. Mexico Is An Underrated Gem Another destination that is ideal for experiencing ancient culture is Mexico, specifically the ancient Mayan civilization. The Mayan civilization is one of the most fascinating and mysterious ancient cultures in the world. Visitors to Mexico can explore the ruins of ancient Mayan cities, such as Chichen Itza and Tikal, and gain an understanding of the architecture, astronomy, and religious practices of this advanced civilization. Additionally, you can also explore the Mayan culture by visiting the many cenotes or sinkholes, which the Mayans believed to be sacred places. Mexico is an underrated gem when it comes to ancient culture, and you will be able to scratch your itch for ancient civilizations ten times over if you decide to give it a visit. To sum up, immersing yourself in the ancient culture of a destination can be a truly enriching experience. Whether you are exploring the ruins of Egypt, Mexico, or China, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of these ancient civilizations and come away with a greater appreciation for the world around us. So, consider visiting one of these locations on your next holiday and try to fully immerse yourself in ancient culture for a truly memorable vacation. Have fun! Read Also: The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Edinburgh: From Castles To Culture, This City Has It All! Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie? 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico The Best 5 Places To Visit In Sicily This Year