Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

The holiday season is around the corner, and we’re already planning holidays. If you are heading to your family, going on a holiday, or elsewhere, pre-booking will help you make the journey easier and more enjoyable.  This is the full guide on assisting you with holiday travel, including expert tips and practical advice for preparing for holidays easily.  1. Prepare in Advance for an Easy Journey  The sooner you book, the more likely you will get what you want. When traveling, it is best to go during holidays and reserve rooms and seats in advance.  Don’t leave it late; arrange transportation and accommodation ahead of time. Put together tickets, accommodation, and transport on a list.  Be sure to look at the weather forecast in your destination to be able to pack suitably. You do not want to be caught in a snowstorm or heatwave with the wrong equipment!  2. Intelligent Holiday Travel Budgeting  Holiday travel costs can easily exceed budget, especially during peak holiday seasons. Setting a realistic budget when making holiday plans will prevent overspending.  Budget your expenses under allocations to pay for your airfare, accommodations, travel, restaurants, tour fare, and shopping.  Utilize discounts online, compare prices, and hostels, Airbnb, or travel off-season. No need; forward reservation can also assist. It’s also smart to have some ready money for emergencies such as tips or impulsive shopping.  3. Pack Smart and Light  Intelligent packing will save the day and avoid inconvenience. Pack only the necessities and try to keep it light.  Use multi-functional clothing that you can interchange to reduce the amount of clothing to carry.  Don’t spare any space in your luggage to purchase souvenirs or new clothes during travel. Don’t exceed your baggage allowance limits so that you can have additional charges to pay at the airport.  If your journey is short, a carry-on flight would do. A physician’s kit containing medicine, a first aid kit, and photocopies of the documents that will be needed should be kept handy in case of an accident.  4. Travel with Pets  If a pet is being taken along on a holiday vacation, find out if your hotel is pet-friendly and look up the travel rules in advance.  Some airlines and other carriers also require health certificates for pets, so have your vet issue one.  Be prepared by bringing along the basics, such as pet food, water, a leash, toys, and medication if prescribed.  When traveling, consider your pets' safety and comfort as well. Plan in advance for pet care requirements.  5. Insure Yourself with Travel Insurance  Unexpected events like flight delays, lost luggage, or illness can spoil your tour and leave you stranded. Travel insurance helps by giving you confidence through reimbursement of unexpected costs.  Depending on your holiday, you can decide to buy an upgraded policy that includes trip cancellation, illness, or even flight delay. Make sure to read the cover details before buying so that it will be worth it.  6. Create a Flexible Schedule  Planning never hurts, but flexibility is the key to enhancing your holiday experience. See where you are required to go, check their opening time, and write down their holiday hours.  Adopt a flexible approach in the event your arrangements are foiled or in case you wish to insert unplanned encounters on your path.  The holiday season means large numbers of people, and flexibility will avoid getting agitated if matters fail as expected.  7. Travel Checklist  Ensure you have all the documents and essentials with you before you go out to your destination. A list of essentials is as follows:  • Genuine travel documents (passport, visas, etc.)  • Cash and debit/credit cards (both are recommended)  • Travel insurance information  • Medication prescribed and first aid kits  • Phone chargers for electronic devices and adapters  • Rain or weather-specific footwear and clothing  • Toilet and personal items  8. Protect Your Belongings  It’s always exciting to travel to a new place, but protecting your belongings is equally important.  Stealing and pickpocketing can occur anywhere, particularly in crowded places such as airports or sightseeing sites.  Store your valuables in a money pouch or safe belt, and don’t carry all your money or cards at the same time.  It is also wise to have photocopies or digital copies of important documents (such as your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts) just in case they are stolen or lost.  9. Be Frugal with Your Holiday Money  Over-spending on your holiday can cause anxiety once the holiday season is over.  To prevent this, keep track of your spending once in a while on holiday. Have a budget for everyday activities and meals and prioritize substances over goods when spending.  If you tend to mindless shopping, place restrictions before eating out or shopping beforehand. The most memorable aspects of your vacation are likely the experiences, not the trinkets!   10. Foreign Currency Exchange & Financial Planning  If you are traveling abroad, it’s convenient to get used to the foreign currency and exchange rate.  Don’t exchange a large amount of money at the airport, where they offer less favorable exchange rates. Rather, use local ATMs and withdraw your money when you arrive.  It is also advisable to notify your bank of your travel so you won’t have any issues transacting on foreign grounds. Finally, for added convenience, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.   11. Stay Connected for Safety & Convenience  You will require a functional phone or device to communicate with others and utilize in emergencies on the road.  If you are traveling abroad, buy an international SIM card or international data plan so that you can call.  Also, let a trustworthy friend or relative know your travel plans so that they can trace you. This is an extra precaution and convenient in the event that you need help on the road.  Final Words!  Vacation travel, if well planned, can be smooth sailing and hassle-free. Whether you are a frugal traveler, security-aware adventurer, culture-aware traveler, or packing expert and one.  Like any of them, the following is the best advice for hassle-free and successful travel.  Considering all this, you should remember that quality planning will ensure that you’re carefree during travel. Safe and happy holidays! 

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2021

Are you a nature lover? Then, Ohio is the best place for the travel enthusiast. Ohio has hundreds of natural cliffs, hiking trails, and camping parks. Further, all the federal parks in Ohio are irresistibly beautiful and are full of natural beauty.  When you look at the map of Ohio, you will acquire knowledge about how many national parks are there in Ohio. The number of national parks in Ohio is eight. Further, the national parks in Ohio are the best tourist spots for national and international travelers. They are also the most popular camping spots. So, at Tour and Travel, we have decided to give you a brief idea about all the Ohio national parks. These places are great as budget-friendly tourist destinations and explore the nature and culture of Ohio at its best. List Of All 8 National Parks In Ohio If you are living nearby Ohio and still do not have ideas of camping in federal parks in Ohio. You have missed the beautiful view of nature. All the national parks in Ohio are becoming the best hanging-out spot for every adventure sports-loving person. Here are the names of the seven most popular Ohio national and state parks. 1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Address: Ohio, USA Hours Open: 24 Hours Contact Number:  +1 440-717-3890 Fees: Free Cuyahoga Valley National park is one of the best national parks in Ohio. This national park lies between Cleveland and Akron. And it is situated along the Cuyahoga River. With the natural preserving beauty of the national park, the rich history of the place makes the park a unique tourist place. This national park is carrying the history of 19th-century waterway Canal exploration. On the north side of the park, a canal exploration center is present to deliver historical impressions to the visitors.  The Cuyahoga Valley railroad runs through the park, making the place more unique. This wildlife park is the home of amazing native wildlife and plants. Where to get a national parks access pass in Ohio? You only have to Buy the American annual pass and enjoy the park. The annual pass system has a special discount for military professionals and children. 2. John Bryan State Park Address: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Hours Open: One and a half hours before Sunrise to half an hour after Sunset Contact Number:  +1 937-767-1274 Fees: Free John Bryan state park is an extensive 752-acre state national park in Ohio. You hear about the Miami River, and This large green park is just right below the yellow spring and the Clifton. This park is a prevalent clamp ground among the local people. Apart from the beautiful scenic beauty, the long industrial history of the United States is adding more points. In the 19th century, industrial activity increased; therefore, water is no longer the economic source of water. For this reason, many of the factories are getting abandoned. And no longer in use. But the Clifton mill, which was built in 1802. This mill is now becoming a popular visiting place among tourists. 3. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park Address: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231 Hours Open: 7 AM to 7 PM Contact Number:  +1 330-235-0030 Fees: Free This park is a 167-acre public recreation park. When you are near Nelson township, this place is the best hiking spot for you. The Ledge park is full of hiking trails and camping spots. Beautiful waterfalls and native green plants are making this park look like heaven. This park is one of the best hiking spots for travelers as well as the national parks in Ohio. Nelson Kennedy ledges state park has a 3 miles long hiking trail.  As the park is situated on the natural landscape. Many dangerous paths are present in the park, but the marked hiking trails are guiding the right path of hiking. 4. Mohican-Memorial State Forest Address: 975 O D N R Mohican Road 51, Perrysville, OH 44864 Hours Open: 24 Hours Contact Number: +1 419-938-6222 Fees:  Free Have you seen the movie "The Last of The Mohican"? The natural beauty of the shooting spot is still getting most of the viewer’s attention. This state forest is situated in Ashland country, Ohio. This forest is quite popular among forest researchers. This large 4525 area of forest area is carefully looked over by the Ohio Division Of Natural Resources. This is the third most popular tourist destination in the United States. The Clear Fork River and Pine’s major streams are the two major rivers of the park.  The park’s best feature is 32 miles hiking, 22 miles bridle, 8 miles snowmobile, and 24-mile mountain biking trails. 5. Hueston Woods State Park Address: 6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003 Hours Open: 24 Hours Contact Number: +1 513-523-6347  Fees: Free This park lies in oxford city Ohio. The park belongs in the Butler and Pable country of Ohio city. It covers nearly 3000 acres of area and has 625 acres of a human-made lake. The state was bought in 1941. Initially, it was a prison camp, and after 1957 the park was open to regular visitors. And now, this is one of the best national parks in Ohio. This park has 12-mile long hiking trail and 19 miles of bridle trails along with 20 miles of mountain biking trails. The place’s camping facility is very organized, along with the hiking trails, golf course, and lodging facility. Also Read: Best National Parks In Hawaii 6. Hocking Hills State Park Address: Logan, OH 43138 Contact Number: +1 740-385-6842 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Free Are you searching for any national parks near Columbus, Ohio? Hocking Hills State Park is a good choice for you. This park belongs in the hocking hills region. A big part of Hocking state forest belongs in the hocking hills state park. This park has seven separate types of hiking areas, including different hiking trails. Cantwell Cliffs, Ash Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Cedar Falls, and a popular hiking route Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave Also Read: Best National Parks In Missouri 7. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers Address: 120 US-42, Wilberforce, OH 45384 Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday Closed) Contact Number:  +1 937-352-6757 Fees: Entry Free Do you want to see a national monument in Ohio? Visit this park, and you can see monuments along with enjoying the beautiful natural view. Charles Young Buffalo is one of the historical figures in his first days of life. He was an escaped slave. He was the first afro American soldier in the United States army. The house of the Buffalo soldier is one of the famous historical destinations among travelers. This is one of the most popular iconic monuments in Wilberforce, Ohio. When you plan to visit the Ohio parks, do not forget to visit this monument because the American civil war history was attached to this monument. 8. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CjxhlbMMIAw/?img_index=1 Address: 16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402 Contact Number: +1 937-225-7705 Hours Open: 9 AM to 4 PM (Monday Closed) Entry Fee: Free For all the literary enthusiasts and dark academia fans, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio is one of the best places to visit. It remembers Paul Laurence Dunbar, an eminent poet and author.  The park also honors the aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. A tour of this park will be a fulfilling and educational experience. Throughout the park, you will come across the following important spots: Carillion Historical Park Wright Cycle Shop Huffman Prairie Flying Field Paul Laurence Dunbar House Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center You can even opt for a ranger-guided tour of this best national park in Ohio. The only disadvantage of the park is that it does not have a camping ground. So, you cannot stay here.  However, you can always put up your tent in the private and public campgrounds near the park. So, check out the website of the Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau to locate and reserve the campgrounds.  Frequently Asked Questions On National Parks In Ohio (FAQs) Q1: What is the newest state park in Ohio? A: Jesse Owens state park is the newest state park in Ohio. it is named after a world-famous athlete. It was created in the year 2018 out of a coal mining land that was owned by American Electric Power.  Q2: Which is the smallest state park in Ohio? A: Oak Point state park is known to be the smallest one in Ohio. Measures at 1.5 acres, despite being the smallest state park, it still offers a wide range of facilities for boaters, sightseers, and picnickers.  Q3: Are state parks free in Ohio? A: Ohio is one of the few states in the country that do not charge general admission and parking fee at its 74 state parks.  Wrapping It Up: All the Ohio state parks camping is the most favorite for the fitness enthusiast. The collection of these places are the most popular tourist destination among local and international travelers. National parks in Ohio list quite a long list. But these seven parks and sites are the best places where you can enjoy the hiking trails and camping.  If you are planning to visit Ohio parks for adventurous hiking, do not skip these popular parks. So what is your plan to visit? Do not forget to comment back to us. 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