Essential Travel Tips for Foodies Exploring the World Through Taste

BY  Aritra Bose Mar 27, 2025

Are you planning to visit Bowral Southern Highlands NSW next month? Have you identified the places that you want to visit? Read the article to get an idea about the town, its high altitude and how the flora and fauna are beautiful on display.   Let's not forget the art and creative culture of the area which you can further check out from the exhibitions and museums. With vibrant colors all around, be it for flowers or leaves, you should visit Bowral to make memories of a lifetime.   One of the exotic places to travel, Bowral will make you an outdoor person if you are not one already. There are also several places where you can visit that will encourage your passion for photography.   Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral   There are plenty of things to do whether with family or with friends or solo. You have to spend some time in Bowral because it will make sure you experience the diverse outdoors. Your mental health will also improve a lot better with this visit.   The town has a charming ambiance as there are various outdoor attractions that you can check out while visiting there. The destination is quite broad and offers beautiful nature, especially in autumn and summer. Known for its museums, be it for crickets or Mary Poppins, you get to see it all.   I feel it is one of the best places to travel with kids because children love Mary Poppins. I am sure there are other museums which they would love apart from the huge outdoors where they can play and run to their heart’s content.   Corbett Gardens   The council that is responsible for the maintenance of the gardens has levied an entrance fee for adults of $12, for senior card holders and children between the age of 13 to 17 years old of $7. Children under age 12 and local citizens will have free entry.   The oldest park of the town, you can take a stroll and experience the nature’s beauty. The park is also known for its magnolia and cherry trees, creating beautiful canopies in the park. Did you know that there is an annual Tulip Time festival that is organized in this park?   There are about 75000 massed tulips on display during this time creating a masterpiece of the garden! You will have a stress free holiday travel once you decide to check out this beautiful garden.   Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGei683N_7z/?img_index=3 The botanical gardens are a collection of seasonal species of plants and trees. The garden is operated and funded by the community. You can visit the botanical gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee for a person is $6 for an individual in a single garden while $40 for all gardens during the weekend.   The gardens are dedicated to displaying a wide collection of plants, preserving flora and fauna, and cultivating and collecting unique plants. What's more, you get to learn the scientific name of the plants as they are labeled on the display.   Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame   https://www.instagram.com/p/CcCtcYeNeFE/?locale=en_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB%2Cen_US%2Cen_GB&hl=am-et If you are a cricket fan, you must visit this museum as it honors the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. He was a Bowral local, as his family moved to Bowral two years after his birth. He has made huge in the cricket world inspiring many others after learning locally.   The entrance fee to visit the museum is $30 for adults, $16.50 for children between 5 to 15 years old! The museum displays state of the art high tech encapsulating the history of cricket. Cricket is then promoted to be a sporting and cultural force across the Bowral community.   Bowral Lookout   There are several surrounding gardens of the town so, if you go for a panoramic view, this is it for you. You will be able to check out the beautiful skyline which is reflected in the Southern Highlands’ scenery.   You can set picnic tables at the Bowral lookout, where you have to take a short drive uphill. It is a scenic spot with beautiful views around you. There are a lot of parking spaces so you will not have a problem, or you must walk above.   Another lookout that you must visit if you are at this lookout is Jelore lookout. It is a must visit especially with its beauty and the panoramic view of the town it offers.   Retford Park Bowral   https://www.instagram.com/p/DElKLr_Ty3L/?img_index=4 The Hordern family build the Retford Park in 1887 at the heart of Bowral, Gurdungurra country. It was then lavishly re-designed by James Fairfax in the 1960s. The place is of great heritage importance as it reflects a beautiful collection of art.   It is a manor, with history attached to it. There is artistic expression along with sculpted grounds creating a perfect place for you to visit the historical place and appreciate it. With an elegant Victorian Italianate homestead, Redford Park Bowral is perfect for your visit.   Mary Poppins Statue   I am sure you know who Mary Poppins is and would love to visit the unique landmark which is in Bowral. But why is there a statue of her in Bowral? The author Pamela L. Travers, whose real name is Helen Lyndon Goff spent some time in Bowral during her childhood.   It was to commemorate the author who is the creator of Mary Poppins, the statue has been created. Additionally, it was during the sesquicentenary of Bowral that the statue was unveiled in 2013. It was all about commemorating a century of the author’s spending time in town.   Dirty Janes Bowral   If you want to go shopping in the Southern Highlands, this is the perfect place for you. The vintage shoppers will have a playdate here, in the heart of the town as there are 85 unique vintage sellers offering their art.   In the form of unique antique homewares, furniture, architectural elements such as quality and vintage objects both inside and for the garden, you can shop your heart out. The decor will rise a level higher with the inspiration from Jane Austen’s era and art.   Visit the emporium which displays antiques along with various collectibles. There are always fresh stocks as the seller updates them personally every day. You will experience these exhibits and make memories effectively.   Bowral Art Gallery   https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvDWqbzlA7/?img_index=5 If you are an art lover, the Bowral Art Gallery offers beautiful exhibits, and it has been going on since 1950. The exhibitions from the gallery reflect the history of the Southern Highlands presenting the beauty of the people and the culture.   A hub for art and creativity, the Bowral & District Art Society (BDAS) runs the gallery. They offer workshops, membership, and exhibitions to all. You can visit the place from 10 am to 4 pm. The admission fees inside the gallery are completely free.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, Bowral is worth visiting hence, the things to do in Bowral will make your life a good place for vacation. There are a lot of activities which you can do during your visit to the Southern Highlands. The place is not just a vacation spot but also the manor houses and estates, quite beautiful to check out.   Comment below on what you think are some of the things to do that I have missed in the above list. You can also mention if you feel some of the activities are not as fun or cool to do.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

No park in the Rockies in Canada is as beautiful as the Banff National Park. This park has a year-round allure. So, no wonder the park had 4.288 million visitors in the 2023-24 fiscal year.  However, Banff National Park is breathtaking in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 181 inches, the park also offers thrilling winter activities.  Banff National Park Visitor HighlightsBanff National Park had 4.13 million visitors in the 2022-23 fiscal year. So, 2023-24 has seen a massive increase (31%) in the footfall.The traffic congestion in the area has increased with the most traffic in the Lake Louise area. In 2023, there were 2,547 reports of human-wildlife encounters in this national park. So, you must be respectful to the wildlife in the park.  Further, Banff National Park and its surrounding areas expect 10-15 cm of snow in October 2024. The higher terrains can even receive a snowfall of up to 25 cm. So, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other ski resorts in the area have started preparing for the winter ski season.  These resorts consider this snowy condition ideal for better winter tourism and activities. So, let’s find out the outdoor pursuits you can participate in at Banff National Park this winter. You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park  Winter calls for an immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park is not an exception. You can enjoy a casual stroll along the snow-covered streets. Further, you can just cherish the snowy beauty while sipping on your favorite hot chocolate drink. Of course, there are delightful activities like ice skating in the frozen lake, skiing, and snowboarding. However, before putting on your skiing shoes and gear, you must check the snow conditions in the park and at a particular resort.  Nevertheless, let’s talk about the activities without further ado!  1. Skiing And Snowboarding Banff National Park offers some world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. In fact, the skiing season here is one of the longest in North America. The skiing season starts here from the end of November until May. It is phenomenal, indeed! Further, it does not matter whether you have not done skiing and snowboarding before. You can give it a go, thanks to the guidance and rentals available here. However, if you are not confident enough, you can just get a sightseeing tour ticket and explore the park. The three skiing resorts in Banff National Park are: Mt Norquay (10 Minutes Away from Town) Banff Sunshine (20 Minutes Away from Town) The Lake Louise Ski Resort  (40 Minutes Away from Town) You can try skiing at all the resorts or at least visit one during the cold season. You have to pay a nominal fee to ski at these resorts. However, if you need guidance or rentals, you must pay extra charges. Nevertheless, here is a snapshot of the admission fee to the park for your reference. Moreover, if you want to visit a particular ski resort, you can buy lift tickets. However, if you have plans to visit all the resorts, go for the SkiBig3 tickets for a better deal.  2. Ice Skating Ice skating rinks in Banff National Park are free, and Lake Louise is the best spot in the park. It is a Canadian dream to ice skate on the frozen lake. Also, you can take part in Pond Hockey here.  Further, you can enjoy the snow-capped beauties while enjoying your time at the Lake Louise Ice Skating Rink. The mountains around this lake are: Mount Whyte Mount Niblock Hungabee Mountain Mount Godor Fairview Mountain Mount Goodsir Moreover, you will love the ice castle at the Lake Louise ice skating rink. Don’t forget to take lovely snaps against the backdrop of this ice castle.  3. Snowshoeing/Winter Hikes Snowshoeing and winter hikes are two different activities. However, both make winter in Banff National Park very special.  So, check out the following snowshoeing hotspots in the national park. Lake Louise Marble Canyon Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls Sunshine Meadows Sulphur Mountain Trail Bow Glacier Falls Sulphur Mountain Trail is also a popular hiking route in the park in winter. Here are some hiking trails in the park in winter. Tunnel Mountain Summit - Moderate, 2.4 Km one-way Stewart Canyon - Easy, 1.5 Km, one way Sundance Canyon - Moderate, 3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop Spray Connector - Easy, one way 2 Km Marsh Loop, Easy, 2.8 Km loop However, winter is within the avalanche season in the park. The Avalanche Season in the park continues from November to June.  You can even reach the Avalanche Terrain after a short walk. So, follow the Avalanche Danger Signs and Avalanche Symbol while trekking in the park in winter.  4. Dog Sledding Dog Sledding is a great way to explore the park in winter. The mighty and energetic huskies will make your day. While exploring the park, you will also learn about its history and why it is so crucial for the community and locality. In addition, your musher or guide will explain the dog sledding technique to you. Moreover, dog sledding is a popular activity in Banff National Park during the SnowDays  Event in January and February. It is a celebration of Everything Winter in Banff.  5. Relax In Upper Hot Springs Hours of Operation: 10 am to 10 pm (Last entry: 9:30 pm) It will be the most relaxing experience for you to soak in the warm water of the Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain in the chilling winter. You can kinda call it a Canadian tradition. So, no wonder that it has been one of the best things to do in Banff National Park in winter since 1886.  Banff Upper Hot Springs has 100% natural mineral water. Take a dip in the outdoor pool as you behold the Cascade and Rundle Mountain peaks.  Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Bath House, which is a federal heritage building that houses some interpretive exhibits. These exhibits tell you about the history and nature of the hot springs.  Did you know that Upper Hot Springs is the highest operational hot spring in Canada? 6. Ice Climbing Banff National Park is one of the most popular destinations for ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, along with Jasper and Kootenay National Park. November to April is the best season for ice climbing in these parks.  Easy access and reliable conditions are two factors promoting ice climbing in these parks. In Banff, the canyons and waterfalls are especially brilliant spots for ice climbing. The most visited spots for ice climbing in this park are: Johnston Canyon Professor Falls Louise Falls Weeping Wall Polar Circus Cascade Falls However, ice climbing requires avalanche training, and you must abide by safety guidelines.  7. Wildlife Spotting In May 2024, the Rocky Mountain Outlook came with disturbing news of Wildlife Paparazzi putting pressure on the Grizzlies of Banff National Park to take snaps. This is a sheer disrespect of wildlife and a form of hunting trophies in the form of photos of those animals. “With cell phone cameras, the digital photos of wildlife have become the 21st Century equivalent of hunters going out and bagging an animal that they can hang on their wall.”Brian Spreadbury, Former Human-Wildlife Conflict Supervisor, Lake Louise Nevertheless, exploring the wildlife of Banff National Park in winter is a delightful experience. It is most famous for the black and grizzly bears. Further, you will find bighorn sheep, cougars, moose, elk, and wolves here.  However, you have to be at the following sports to explore wildlife here. Icefields Parkway Bow Valley Parkway Lake Louise Moraine Lake Vermilion Lakes You will also find many small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in Banff National Park. Moreover, with bald eagles and hundreds of bird species, this park is a birder’s paradise.  8. Snow Tubing Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that takes place at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Further snow tubing activities happen in two different time slots. The first slot is from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and the next slot is from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.  The snow tubing park in Mt. Norquay is the largest in Alberta. Moreover, the eight sliding lanes in the park let you enjoy the activity with your friends and family.  9. Northern Lights Viewing Late September to April is the best time for northern light viewing in Banff National Park. Longer nights and clear skies during these months are the best times for stargazing and northern light watching.  Vermillion Lakes in the national park is easily accessible by car and on foot. It is the best location for watching the Northern Lights.  10. Attending Festivals and Events Along with the SnowDays Festival, many events transform Banff National Park into a festive hub. You can attend the following upcoming events in the park. Event Upcoming Date Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival26th October - 3rd November, 2024Power of Presence - Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024Embrace Joy - Your New Freedom - Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025SnowDays Festival17th January-2nd February So, get geared up for winter fun at Banff National Park. You can reach the park from Calgary through a shuttle service.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Jan 27, 2026

Getting lost in the forest or mountains is an unpleasant prospect that can ruin even the most exciting hike.  However, modern technology allows travelers to feel more confident far from civilization.  A smartphone, properly prepared and equipped with the right apps, can replace bulky navigators and become your reliable companion even where there is no cell signal at all.  Use the capabilities of digital maps and GPS to stay on track and enjoy your route without unnecessary stress. So, if you are wondering how the GPS navigator system works, I have got the perfect guide. Here, I will delve into the diverse aspects of the GPS on smartphones. So, keep reading to know more! How To Assess The GPS Navigator System’s Capabilities On Smartphones? A smartphone with a GPS module can perform most tasks that were previously available only on specialized devices.  Its advantages are obvious: always at hand, easy to use, supports many navigation apps, and weighs less than a classic GPS navigator.  However, the phone has its limitations. That is, it is more vulnerable to— impacts,  moisture, low temperatures, and  draining battery. A specialized GPS navigator has better battery life and durability, but is less convenient in terms of interface and is more expensive.  GPS watches can be useful for tracking activity and basic navigation, but their screen and functionality are limited.  If your route runs along popular trails and you are ready to thoroughly prepare your smartphone, a separate navigator is not necessary.  In challenging conditions, on long autonomous hikes, or in extreme climates, it is better to take both devices. How Does The GPS Navigator System Work On Smartphones? Many people think that GPS on a phone works only when there is a mobile signal. In reality, the smartphone receives coordinates directly from satellites, not from cell towers.  This means that even in the remote taiga or high mountains, you can determine your location. Topographic maps are used for navigation—  special diagrams showing terrain,  trails,  bodies of water, and  other important features. A GPX track is a digital route that can be loaded into an app and followed. To avoid being left with a useless dot on a blank screen, download the necessary offline maps in advance.  Without them, the phone will show only your position but won't provide information about trails and landmarks. Choose The Best GPS Navigator System For Your Hike The market for navigation apps for smartphones is rich and diverse. Here is a brief overview of the most popular solutions: • Gaia GPS — user-friendly interface, many maps, supports creating routes and waypoints. Downside: some features are paid, and sometimes there are privacy concerns. • Topo Maps+ — aimed at iPhone users, easy map downloading and printing, and detailed elevation profiles. Downside: iOS only, takes time to learn. • CalTopo — a powerful tool for advanced users, supports complex layers and terrain analysis. Downside: complex interface, some features require a subscription. • OnX — informative maps with a focus on land ownership and access, convenient for multisport. Downside: fewer specialized tools for hiking. • Goat Maps — new app for iPhone developed by enthusiasts, focuses on simplicity and essential features. Downside: currently limited in functionality. • FarOut — leader among apps for long-distance routes and trekking, contains data on key points and verified tracks. Downside: most routes are paid. • OutMap — 3D maps, slope and avalanche risk analysis, fast synchronization between devices. Downside: relatively new product, not all regions covered. • Maps.me — convenient for car routes and short hikes, works completely offline. Downside: limited terrain detail. Things To Keep In Mind With The GPS Navigator System Prepare your smartphone for the hike and download everything you need in advance. So, here are a few things to keep in mind while using the GPS in your phone— • Download detailed topographic and satellite maps of the area you need for offline use. • Find and download GPX files of the route and points of interest (campsites, water sources, junctions). • Check GPS functionality in your chosen app without internet access. • Get familiar with the interface, try building a route, and viewing the elevation profile. • Make sure all necessary maps and tracks are available offline. How To Keep Devices Charged And Protect Them During Hiking? In the wilderness, it is important to use your phone's battery wisely. Use airplane mode and power-saving mode to turn off unnecessary functions.  Do not record tracks constantly so as not to drain the battery. Close all unused apps and turn off your phone when you are not using it. People often get distracted by short gaming sessions and forget to close games.  This is according to data from experts we consulted while preparing this article.  According to data we find on the playplinkogames.com, gaming sessions in Plinko can last for hours.  Often, nothing happens in the game itself, which indicates open but unused apps. Such apps consume battery power, including due to their constant internet connection. Keep your device in your sleeping bag at night — cold quickly drains the battery. Take a power bank with you to recharge your phone on the go.  Protect your smartphone from moisture and impacts with a waterproof and shockproof case. Use straps on backpack shoulder straps for quick access to your gadget. What Are The Safety Measures To Take While Hiking? To ensure you are embarking on a safe journey while planning the hike, you need to consider a few things. So, some of these key considerations include— 1. Check All Settings And Test Your Apps Before The Hike Technology is not something you can trust blindly. So, better to take it on a test hike before considering it for the final plan. That is, you can test out the GPS navigator system with a simple walk around the block or a known hiking ground. This way, you can test its capabilities before fixating your trek plan on it. So, you need to check how the tool works without any internet connection, location determination, and rerouting as needed. This way, the actual features and capabilities of the tool can be tested and verified. Making it easier to use the navigation without facing any sudden issues. 2. Keeping Manual Maps And Compass Handy Moreover, do not completely trust the technology. It can be quite foolish to trust only the GPS and go ahead with a trek plan. Rather, keep paper maps, a compass, and manually manageable topographic maps handy. So, when technology fails, you can still have something to find your way back. In addition to this, learn to read a topographic map. So, you can instantly find your location on the paper. Also, you need to keep it waterproof. So, put on a plastic cover over the paper map. This will protect the paper map from dust, dirt, and rain during the trail. 3. Ensure Safety And Emergency Communication In The Mountains Again, safety measures should not completely rely on technology. What if your battery drains? Or worse, the device stops working due to a malfunction. So, make sure you carry separate devices to send SOS signals over the satellites. This way, you can manage emergencies with a proper device that comes with two-way communication. SPOT Gen4 only sends messages, but it is simple and reliable. Garmin inReach Messenger offers advanced features, including color maps and a digital compass.  These devices often save lives in difficult situations when regular communication is unavailable. Before heading out, thoroughly prepare your smartphone and check all settings. Always take a paper map and compass with you.  Don't forget a power bank and a waterproof case. Combine modern technology with traditional navigation skills — and any adventure will bring joy, not stress.