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BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

Indiana, the home of pop-king Micheal Jackson, is also a popular tourist attraction. Exuding a midwestern charm, Indiana stands out with its diverse landscape and rich cultural history. In addition, Indiana has many manmade and natural marvels, making it ideal for tourists of all types.  The best time to visit Indiana is between May to August. However, depending on your choices and preferences, Indiana offers year-round attractions. For example, during September and October, you will notice the fall colors filling the environment. Again, winter in Indiana is the most happening, with the festive spirit of Christmas and New Year in the air.  Nevertheless, irrespective of the season you visit Indiana, the following hidden gems will never disappoint you.  Unique Things To Do In Indiana | Hidden Gems You Must Visit In The City Of Michael Jackson Indiana is well-connected to the rest of the world and other states, thanks to the Lafayette and  Indianapolis airports. Further,  because of IndyGo, the largest public transport provider in Indiana, you can easily explore the city even without a car. Moreover, you can control the budget of a trip to Indiana by changing your travel style. The most budget-friendly tour packages in Indiana start from around $212 for each person, inclusive of flight charges and hotel tariffs. Nevertheless, if you are looking for the best things to do in Indiana, you can visit the following hidden gems in the city. 1. Visit The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site https://www.instagram.com/p/DC7erbBTGdp/ Address: 1230 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Contact No: +1 317-631-1888 Hours Open: Monday - Friday (10 AM to 3:30 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 3 PM), Sunday (12 PM to 3 PM) “Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and a higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and justice.”  Benjamin Harrison The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was once home to this great soul and the 23rd president of America. Every day, the site conducts guided tours throwing on the life of Benjamin Harrison and the entire Harrison family. Furthermore, it has the best collection of art, sculptures, photographs, and ornaments. It’s time for you to explore all of these.  2. Explore The Michael Jackson Family Home Address: 2300 Jackson St, Gary, IN 46407 Though you cannot enter the Michael Jackson Family Home, a drive by this house is nothing short of a thrill for the Michael Jackson fans. When you are in Indiana, you must stop here for a moment and feel like “he has been here.”  3. Visit The Studebaker National Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/CuKFa4qgdzI/ Address: 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601 Contact Number: +1 574-235-9714 Monday - Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM The  Studebaker National Museum is a great place if you want to know about the local history, especially the automotive progress. You will find around 120 vehicles here, demonstrating the evolution of the transportation process. You will especially love the U.S. presidential carriages collection here. The collection here is the largest, including the car of Abraham Lincoln in which he was assassinated on his route to the Ford Theatre.  4. Spend Some Time In Nature At The Turkey Run State Park Address: 8121 Park Road, Marshall, IN 47859 Contact Number: +1 765-597-2635 Hours Open: 7 AM to 11 PM The Turkey Run State Park is famous for its geological wonders, and hiking is the best way to explore the place. You will find here sandstone ravines, views of Sugar Creek, and old forests.  Furthermore, it has Colonel Richard Lieber's Cabin as a tribute to his contribution to the state park system of the city.  Moreover, when at the Turkey Run State Park, you cannot miss a visit to the Nature Center. It has the most informative displays. Further, the exhibits here are interactive, and you will love the interpretive naturalist programs.  Also, if you are a wildlife lover, you can enjoy the best views from the wildlife-watching room.  5. Visit The Marengo Cave Location: 400 East State Road 64, Marengo, IN 47140 Contact Number: +1 812-365-2705 Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM The Marengo Cave in Indiana is a national US heritage site. It is also the most-visited natural attraction in Indiana. Exploring the Marengo Cave is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana. You have to pass through the cave to learn about its natural environment. Further, you can consider spending a night in the cave. The best part about this activity is that you have to camp underground.  The “Night In Cave” packages at the Marengo Cave range between $60-95. Camping and glamping are two other fun activities at Marengo Cave. The time for camping here is between 3 PM to 10 AM.  Camping is allowed here throughout the year, and you will only need to pay $30 (excluding taxes) for the same.  6. Experience Nature At Spring Mill State Park Address: 3333 IN-60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446 Contact Number:  +1 812-849-3534 The Spring Mill State Park offers you endless opportunities for recreation. You can take part in the following activities here. Mountain biking Boating Swimming Cave tours Hiking However, to explore Spring Mill State Park, you need to spend a day or two here. Go camping in a tent or RV. The park also has many lodging options.  7. Enjoy The Tranquility Of Beautiful Upper Cataract Falls | Unique Things To Do In Indiana  Location: Lieber State Recreation Area Height: Around 45 Feet The Upper Cataract Fall and the Lower Cataract Fall make the Cataract Falls the most voluminous one in Indiana. These waterfalls on Mill Creek are located at a distance of 1 mile from each other.  Further, these mighty waterfalls come from the pre-glacial bedrock ridges. These ridges are now beneath the lake sediments from the Illinoisan glacial period.  Moreover, visiting the Upper Cataract Falls is like being transported to the 1700s. Tribes like Potawatomi, Miami or Native Americans used to reside here.  Other places of attraction near the Upper Cataract Falls are Cagles Mill Lake and Aquatic Center. You can even have some outdoor fun at the hiking trails and volleyball courts.  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  Mashum Aug 19, 2023

Have you ever traveled to Aruba? What do you think about Aruba Airlines, the sole Airline working in the country? I was hoping you could read the article to learn about my experience with the Airline and highlight the benefits and the shortcomings. Mr. Onno J. Swart founded the Flag Carrier. In 2010, charter operations were launched by the Airline by using the seven-seat Piper PA-31 Navajo. Further, in 2012, the Airline acquired exposure leading to an upgrade of its jet aircraft operations. They operated with two Airbus A320 twin-engined with a capacity of 150 seats. They started covering places such as Venezuela, Panama, Santo Domingo, and Curacao; however, the last two destinations were later suspended. Along the journey of Aruba Airlines, you can observe that the carrier started pretty well; however, later, the company faced issues with operations and maintenance. This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Aruba Airlines is a flag carrier founded in 2006 and acts as the sole Airline in Aruba. When it was first launched, it provided services such as charter and scheduled air transport to almost 13 destinations worldwide. When I boarded one such flight, Bombardier CRJ200, which was leased from Voyageur Airways, I realized that it was spacious and comfortable; hence, there were fewer issues with the seating arrangement. Yet, I have needed help with operations and services. I will be sharing my experience regarding the benefits and the shortcomings of the Airline. I will explain why I feel about Aruba Airlines the way I do and how the future will pan out! Benefits Of Flying In Aruba Airlines According to the official website of the Airline, www.arubaairlines.com, the flights will be suspended from 6 August due to the sanitary measures taken by the Curacao government. There are diverse features that are efficient for their customers. Great Deals There are significant deals and offers when customers book their flights. You can exceed different services such as charter, seasonal, and hub, based on which you can access the flights run by Aruba Airlines. Expert Guidance You get information regarding the flights' countries, cities, and airports from which the flights operate. The fleet size of the Airline includes 2 aircraft, where currently only 1 is functioning for Sunair. Price Match The prices of the tickets are all mentioned on the official websites, and so are the additional fees. On the website, it is very clear that many of the flights are not functioning, including Bombardier CRJ200. Easy Cancellation Due to the self-service options, you can easily cancel the flights based on your convenience and requirements. The services that are informed online are mostly easy to deal with. For one, I didn't face any issues while booking the tickets. Disadvantages Of Flying In Aruba Airlines Significant complaints against Aruba Airlines regarding their services and customer support have occurred. They do not have well-maintained schedules for the flights leading to serious flight delays. Half of the time, the staff must learn what is happening, which has been quite frustrating for passengers.   No Coordination Between Staff The staff needs to be more coordinated, and they need to inform the passengers regarding delayed flights or canceled flights. Food And Beverages The quality of drinks and food could be better, and apart from that, the prices are not at all affordable. Customer Service Customer service or support could be more efficient. The issues with asking for customer service lead to further problems and confusion for passengers. Reviews About Aruba Airlines According to Tripadvisor, Aruba Airlines has been rated as2.5 out of 5 based on 129 reviews. The Airline has been complimented about cleanliness and boarding, as some reviews are quite positive about how efficient the staff was regarding the boarding experience. People are neutral regarding the value of money when booking Aruba Airlines! I am also on the line regarding the prices of the tickets; sometimes, they were expensive, while at times, they were affordable. The Airline has also not been dedicated enough to its services. My flight was late, and I have found similarities in the experience of many other travelers who should have been notified before the change of time of the flight or their delays. However, based on most of the reviews, the experience of many fliers has been negative, which justifies their dissatisfaction with the Airline. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the services have further deteriorated. One such review by Angela Nijhuizen highlights the terrible customer service and support by Aruba Airlines in her comments. "My flight to Las piedras has been cancelled due to closing of Venezuela airspace. After 4 years of contact, begging, sending mail from 2019 march till march 2023 I decided to give up on them. If this airline is going to fly again. Please NEVER EVER fly with this crap. Bad…" Another negative review that further confirms the dissatisfaction of the travelers is made by Angel Garcia, who traveled in January 2022. "This airline who has sold tickets in cuba for thousands of dollars to either Managua, Nicaragua or Georgetown, Guyana , has suspended all flights from cuba and also has shut down their customer service number to any of those who wants to claim their money back , leaving…" A review that acts as a nail in the coffin for Aruba Airlines is done by STZ01, where the traveler was completely frustrated with the cancellation of their flight. I could relate to this frustration, especially because the same thing happened to both of us. We were informed of the cancellation after we reached the airport. It confirms the need for more professionalism and the communication gap. "My flight was cancelled and I wa snotified when I reached the airport - no previous call/communication. I was promised a refund and six months later am still waiting for this to happen! My advise is to stay away from this airline by all means..." Another review compared the Airline to the plague as the traveler had one of the worst experiences. They also wanted more customer service from the airlines. "Aruba Airlines changed my Curacao to Aruba flight time substantially so I reached out to their Refund Department on February 8th to cancel the flight completely and obtain a full refund. I never heard back from them. I called their Customer Service line twice but was hung up on…" Conclusion After reading this article, you will understand that there have been considerable service and customer support issues. In my flight experience, this was one of the most haphazard experiences that was completely coordinated, and most of it will be blamed on the company. Apart from what I felt, I have also highlighted significant reviews by people who have booked tickets with Aruba Airlines. After you read them, you clearly understand why people are unsatisfied with the airline's services. Comment below about some of the features that must be present in the airline according to you! Read Also: Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines! Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? This Is My Experience With Play Airlines!

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

The Death Valley National Park has geological bounties that will make you feel more than alive. The “hottest, driest, and lowest” national park enjoys the juxtaposition of Badwater, the lowest elevation in North America, Eureka Dunes, the highest sand dunes in North America, and snow-capped Telescope Peak.  You can easily call the landscape of the national park dramatic, or an explorer can find it to be the most amazing outdoor playground with volcanic rocks, mountains, deep canyons, the highest sand dunes, and old rivers.  From the humming songs of the sand dunes to the soothing sound of the flowing stream, this place is music to the ears of the visitors.  No wonder that despite its extreme weather conditions, the park had an impressive 1,099,632 visitors in 2023. (Source) Death Valley Hiking Trails (Easy, Moderate, And Difficult) That Should Be On Your Bucket List  The hiking trails here come with varying difficulty levels. Here, I have discussed some of the most popular and interesting hiking trails with easy, moderate, and strenuous difficulty levels in three different sections.  Best Hiking Trails In Death Valley National Park For Beginners (Easy) Death Valley is not probably the first place you will think of as someone new to trekking or hiking. However, this national park has some trails suitable for beginners. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes The Mesquite flat sand dunes, with a 2.3-mile distance, are the best creations of sand and wind. The enclosure of mountains works as a barrier to protect the sand from getting blown away.  The sand here creates ripples and dunes, and the area gets its name from mesquite trees found in abundance here. The Timbisha Shoshone tribe here makes flour from the mesquite tree bean pods. This variety of flour is sold in many specialty stores these days.  Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is also home to nocturnal kangaroo rats and rattlesnakes. Badwater Salt Flat A vast salt flat covering around 200 square miles, it is the most surreal place in Death Valley. The lowest elevation point in North America, Badwater Salt Flat, was a large inland Lake Manly in ancient times.  The landscape looks interesting with geometric salt polygons. You can take an easy walk through the stretch and have a look at the imposing Black Mountains and Telescope Peak.  Moderate Death Valley Hiking Trails  Most hiking trails in Death Valley are moderate in their difficulty level. Here, I will give a brief overview of the most talked-about ones in the park.  Darwin Falls Hike Darwin Falls got its name from Erasmus Darwin French, an army physician. It is one of the very few perennial waterfalls in this national park.  The waterfall runs into a shallow pool with green vegetation around it. So, as you hike through this 2-mile trail, you will find many ferns, trees, aquatic plants, and amphibians.  Ubehebe Crater Rim Hike  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grant Brittain (@jgrantbrittain) This hiking trail is around 1 and a half miles long. The trail looks easy. However, you experience difficulty when you try to get back to the Caldera Rim. Further, from the very beginning of this hike, you will experience unevenness in the elevation.  As you take the black trail surrounded by dark hills, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the green vegetation, which is very rare in the national park. Here, you will also love the view of streaks of dark orange in the formations, along with loose white sand.  You can even hike deep down the crater filled with pyroclastic deposits.  Fall Canyon Death Valley This 3.5-hour hiking route comes with moderate to strenuous difficulty levels. Occasional flash floods form the narrow gorge and steep sides here.  The cave-like twisted passageways here look most amazing, and a touch of blue on the smooth granite walls adds a mystic charm to the place. The Badlands/Zabriskie Point Loop View this post on Instagram A post shared by Death Valley National Park (@deathvalleynps) The Badlands, the lowest elevation point in North America, is nature’s display at its best. Hiking to the Badlands includes hiking to Zabriskie Point, the most picturesque location in the park. It is also a favorite sunset and sunrise point, and you will love clicking photographs here.  After watching the Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, you can continue hiking through the Badlands loop, which is made of sediments. Walk for 2.7 miles to reach one of the most important geological terrains of North America. The terrain, with a rugged beauty, used to be part of an ancient lakebed.  Difficult Death Valley Hiking Trails  This national park has many challenging hiking trails, and exploring some of them demands technical skills. Here are the top three most difficult hiking trails to conquer in this park.  Telescope Peak Telescope Peak, with an elevation gain of 3,000 ft, is a round trip of around 7-8 hours. You can start trekking this route from the “Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose.”  This snow-capped mountain is a hikers’ paradise in summer. As you hike through the slopes and the forested areas and reach the peak, you will have the laurel of climbing the highest peak in the national park.  Further, the “ancient bristlecone pines,” wildflowers, and the panoramic vista of the valley from the top will take all your fatigue away.  Panamint Dunes Hiking to Panamint Dunes will be a delightful experience if you want to explore the remote parts of the park. The most immersive experience you can have here is camping in the soft sand, watching the night sky in its full glory. The hike (round-trip) will take around 5 hours, and the elevation will go up gradually. The sandy, uneven, and sometimes rocky landscape makes hiking to the top of four different dunes quite difficult.  Little Bridge Canyon With an elevation gain of 590 m, Little Bridge Canyon is a round-trip hiking route of around 5 hours. The Little Bridge Canyon has a red mouth, and as you reach there, crossing many minor washes, you will be surprised to find a rainbow of colors. Along with white stretches of Eureka Quartzite, you will also find red and bright yellow veins on the rocks. These colorful veins are formed by deposited iron oxide. Also, you will cherish the view of the sand dunes from Little Bridge Canyon.  Visit Eureka Dunes In Death Valley Eureka Dunes, the largest dune field in North America, is a must-visit place in Death Valley National Park. It rises more than 680 feet above the neighboring dry lakebed at the western base.  Things To Explore  You can camp at the Eureka Dunes Dry Camp, which is at the base of the sand dunes. This place is great for seeing the sunrise and sunset and experiencing the changing colors of the sand dunes with the rays of the sun.  A hike to Eureka Dunes is arduous due to loose sands frequently stalling your movements. However, once you reach the top, you will see the magnificent Last Chance Mountains with their limestone walls. Also, don’t forget to listen to the songs of the sand dunes. The experience is other-worldly, for sure. Further, it is hard to believe that a place like Eureka Dunes can have so much life and colors. You will love the Evening Primrose in a pristine white shade. You will also meet shining milkvetch (awaiting designation as an endangered species) and dune grass here.  Stay Safe Extreme heat is a major concern in Eureka Dunes or throughout the national park. So, choose your gear, sunscreen, hydrating solutions, and other essentials while exploring the Eureka Dunes. Further, October to April is the best time to be at Eureka Dunes as the temperature then remains bearable.  Stargazing At Eureka Dunes  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Death Valley National Park (@deathvalleynps) Moreover, Eureka Dunes is considered one of the favorite places for astrophotographers and skywatching enthusiasts. When you are at the Eureka Dunes at night, and you stare at the sky, you will feel like you are sinking in the world of stars and meteor showers.  Final Words  October to April is the best hiking season in the Death Valley National Park. Hiking during summer and spring, especially in the lower elevations of the park, can be very difficult.  Even during the months of winter, the weather conditions here remain dry. So, always carry treated drinking water and hydrating solutions with you while hiking in this national park, the quintessence of desert beauty.  Hiking in the park will allow you to visit the lowest elevation points of North America and the highest dunes. You can also conquer the snow-capped mountain peaks and the most vibrant trails made of colorful volcanic deposits. So, are you planning to visit this dramatic land anytime soon? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!  Death Valley National Park FAQs  Which Trail Is The Most Scenic Drive In Death Valley National Park?  Artists Palette is the most scenic drive in Death Valley National Park. As the name suggests, through the 0.5 km trail, you can see rocks showcasing various colors. The splashes of green, pink, yellow, orange, red, and blue colors in these rocks come from iron oxides, chlorite, and other compounds present in the local volcanic deposits. So, this scenic drive truly tales the “volcanic past” of the park. While exploring this driving route, you can also catch a glimpse of the Black Mountains and serpentine white salt flats.  For the best experience, you can visit the Artists Palette during the Sunset or Sunrise.  What Is Special In Death Valley? Despite its extreme desert conditions (Death Valley recorded the highest temperature in the world in July 1936, and the temperature was 134 degrees.), Death Valley is a wonderful place to explore from autumn to spring.  Hiking through the vibrant canyons can be the most amazing outdoor pursuit in Death Valley. Hike to Dante’s View in the Black Mountains and enjoy the diverse landscape of Death Valley. Go for a trek along the 1.5-mile trail that follows the Ubehebe Crater rim. Have a look into the abyss, which is 600 feet deep.  Further, you can enjoy the best Sunrise and Sunset moments and a panoramic view of the adjacent area from Zabriskie Point.  You can even take a ride through the lowest elevation in North America, Badwater, with its salt flats and pools.  Moreover, when you are in this national park, you must have an encounter with the Mesquite Flat Dunes wildlife and wildflowers, which are in full bloom in the spring.  Where Is The Most Photographed Place In Death Valley?  Diverse weather conditions and intriguing geology make Death Valley a favorite of photography enthusiasts. You must have seen Zabriskie Point as the background for many posts on socials. This place is named after Christian Zabriskie, a noted figure of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. Zabriskie Point, close to Furnace Creek, has a vantage point that offers an amazing view of the park and the surrounding area. You will enjoy the view of the badlands with brown and yellow hills. Further, don’t forget to behold the salt flats covering the Death Valley floors. Zabriskie Point is also a great place to cherish the golden and red hues of the Sunrise and Sunset. When you especially look at the Manly Beacon from Zabriskie Point during the Sunrise or Sunset, you get an unforgettable view. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is another great place to click photographs if you are looking for a classic desert landscape. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.