Using Flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Joshua Tree National Park, named after the crooked Joshua trees, is known for its endless hiking trails and desert ecosystems of the lower Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.  Further, the Joshua Tree is one of the few national parks in the USA to offer equally amazing daytime and nighttime experiences.  The geology of Joshua Tree is “interesting.” You will find Arch Rock and many other fascinating rock formations in the park. Wind power, erosion, and different weather forces have created many other spectacularly-formed rocks and other sculptures.  Hiking is the best way to cherish the beauty and splendor of this national park to the fullest. So, let’s know the tales from the trails!  Best Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree had an impressive 3,270,404 visitors in 2023, and hiking is one of the most popular activities in this park. Home to some of the best hikes in the USA, Joshua Tree also has many trails for kids and beginners.  Further, you can explore various short walking routes and nature trails like Bajada, Oasis of Mara, and Barker Dam in this park.  Here, I have curated some amazing hiking trails in the park across various difficulty levels.  Joshua Tree Hikes (Easy) The easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree are accessible in all seasons. To make the most of your hiking expeditions, you must start by 9 am in the morning.  Cholla Cactus Garden The Cholla Cactus Garden trek is easy, and even kids can explore it. It will take just 15 minutes to get completed. You will find the trailhead 20 miles north of Cottonwood Visitor Center. As you can guess from its name, the trail is named after the growing cholla cacti found in abundance here. Wear full-length clothes and closed-toe shoes and follow the trail to avoid getting hurt by the cactus thorns.  Discovery Trail You can start hiking this trail from the Skull Rock parking area. This easy hike will take you around 30 to 40 minutes. Catch a glimpse of the desert washes and boulders throughout the route.  Skull Rock  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) Start hiking this trail early in the morning from the Jumbo Rocks Campground. You can even take the trailhead from the Skull Rock parking area, which is east of the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Skull Rock is one of the many unique rock formations you will see in the park, and it’s the highlight of this trekking route.  You can cover the trekking route within just one or two hours. A night-time view of the Skull Rock can offer you the perfect Halloween experience!  Moderate Hiking Trails Like the Channel Islands National Park and the Death Valley National Park, the Joshua Tree also has many moderate hiking trails. Here is a brief overview of some of the most amazing moderate Joshua Tree hiking trails.  Hi-View  The Hi-View trail, starting from the Northwest of Black Rock Campground, will require you to hike for at least an hour. However, based on the weather conditions, you may also need to walk for more than 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Once you reach the top of the steep ridges, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park. Further, the iconic Joshua trees are found in the steeper sections of this trail.  If you feel tired in the course of your trekking, you can catch some rest on the benches across the park.  Mastodon Peak The Mastodon Peak trail starts from the Cottonwood Spring parking area, and here, you will experience an elevation change of 175 feet. To reach the granite mountain peak, you will have to pass through a rugged terrain.  You can complete the entire trek within 1.5 to 3 hours.  Split Rock Loop The Split Rock picnic area is the starting point for hiking this trail of 2.5 miles. You can complete the trek within two and a half hours. However, if you are a seasoned hiker, you can complete the safe route within 1 and a half hours.  On a spur trail of the Split Rock Loop, you will find a rock formation that looks like the profile of a human face. It is called the Face Rock.  Pine City  Go to the end of the Desert Queen Mine Road to find the trailhead of Pine City. The dense vegetation of junipers and pinyon makes this 4 miles long trail picturesque. It will take around 3 hours to complete the hike.  Strenuous Hiking Trails  These strenuous trails are not suitable for summer hiking. You can try conquering them in autumn and spring.  California Riding and Hiking Trail Stretching over 36.6 miles, the California Riding and Hiking Trail is a two-day long hike. If the weather conditions are unpleasant, the total duration of the hike can stretch up to three days.  As you hike the route from Black Rock Canyon to the park’s North Entrance, the amazing landscape of the Mojave Desert will charm you.  Ryan Mountain Hiking to the summit of Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular activities to do in Joshua Tree National Park. The trekking route has an elevation of 1,050 feet, and it stretches over 3 miles.  Despite being strenuous, this trail can be hiked in 2.5 hours. So, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park.  Willow Hole At the end of the Willow Hole trail, you will find the amazing willow trees. You can start hiking from the Boy Scout Trailhead located inside the park at the South end.  The sandy washes, Joshua tree vegetation, and famous boulder landscape make the trail amazing.  Short Walks And Nature Trails In Joshua Tree National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Tree National Park (@joshuatreenps) The short walks and nature trails of Joshua Tree are available for year-long hiking. These trails also have wheelchair facilities, offering the most inclusive experience to visitors.  It’s time to be familiar with some of these amazing nature walk trails.  Oasis of Mara (Oasis of Mara is the only trail in Joshua Tree that allows dogs. So, hiking this trail is surely one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree as a pet lover.)  Arch Rock Barker Dam Ryan Ranch  Bajada  Among these short walks and nature hiking trails, Cottonwood Spring is the shortest. You can finish the trail within just 10 minutes. Enjoy the view of cottonwood trees as you take a walk to the fan palm oasis.  Integratron: The Wonder Of The Joshua Tree National Park  Facts to Know Integratron is four stories high.Its diameter is 55 feet.It’s a 16-sided metal-free building.The construction technique used in it is called joinery.No nails or screws are used in the construction.It is made of non-ferromagnetic materials. George Van Tassel said that Nikola Tesla’s writings influenced the structure of Integratron.  The western half of the Joshua Tree National Park is on the Mojave Desert’s southern tip. UFOlogist George Van Tassel built “a time machine for basic research on rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time travel” in the Mojave Desert in the 1950s.  This is a place where visitors are offered sound therapy that is believed to have the power to rejuvenate living tissues in human beings.  From the time it was built, this place has attracted reporters, visitors, artists, and spiritual minds.  George Van Tasse chose the Mojave Desert for building Integratron as, according to him, this place had a connection to the Great Pyramids in Giza. The proximity to magnetic vortices was another reason for choosing the site.  Final Words: Schedule Your Hike Right   March to May and October to November are the two best seasons for hiking in Joshua Tree. The park remains open throughout the year. However, the scorching and dry summer makes hiking impossible on many moderate and strenuous trails.  During summer, the daytime temperature of the park reaches around 100 degrees F, and the temperature falls to 75 degrees F at night.  Further, if you visit the park between March and May, you will see the wildflowers blooming. Also, in April, you can celebrate the National Park Week here.  In October, there are important events in the park, such as the Joshua Tree Music Festival and Pioneer Days. The temperature is also pleasant in the fall season, recording an average temperature of 80 degrees F and 50 degrees F at day and night. So, plan your visit to Joshua Tree right and share your travel stories with us as you return with the most amazing hiking experience.  Joshua Tree National Park FAQs  Is It Safe To Visit Joshua Tree At Night? Yes, it is safe to visit Joshua Tree at night. In fact, stargazing is one of the most popular activities in this national park. The roads in the park are marked, and there is strict patrolling on all roads.  However, this desert park is an important preservation hub for vulnerable ecosystems. Also, there are snakes and scorpions in the park.  So, camp in the park or explore it at night as a responsible visitor. It is safer to restrict your movements near the campsites at night.  Is Joshua Tree Worth Seeing? Yes, Joshua Tree is worth seeing, as you can hike through the California Riding and Hiking Trail, Pine City, Bajada, and many other amazing trails. As you explore these routes, you will come across a wide variety of flora and fauna.  Further, the Joshua Tree is an important preservation and conservation center for fragile ecosystems. In addition, this is a place where stargazing is an ultimate immersive experience. Other highlights of your trip to this national park will be exploring the Penguin Rock, Arch Rock, and other iconic rock formations. Moreover, indulge in a sound bath at the Integratron. Built by UFOlogist George Van Tassel, this dome-shaped place offers sound therapy that promises to rejuvenate living human cell tissues.  Can You Sleep Inside Joshua Tree?  Yes, you can sleep inside Joshua Tree, as there are nine campgrounds inside the park. The Hidden Valley, Belle, and White Tank campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, White Tank and Belle campsites can remain temporarily closed during summer.  For the India Cove, Ryan, Cottonwood, Jumbo Rocks, and Black Rock campsites, you will need to make a prior booking.  In addition, you can try backcountry camping and consider putting up a tent in the campsites outside the park.  Remember, there are no restaurants and modern lodging facilities inside the park.  Can You See Milky Way From Joshua Tree? The International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA, has identified Joshua Tree as an International Dark Sky Park. You can get the best view of the Milky Way here.  Joshua Tree also has the darkest nights in Southern California. So, you will get to see the passing meteors, stars, and planets from this national park.  Stargazing from any part of the park is an amazing experience. However, there are also four designated stargazing spots in the park. These are: Quail Springs parking lot Hidden Valley parking lot Cap Rock parking lot Ryan Mountain parking lot Further, you can put up tents at one of the nine camping grounds, and among them, the Cottonwood Campground demands a special mention. 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.

BY  Anindita Dey Mar 29, 2025

When planning to go on a trip next, I would say Fiji should be on the top of your list. With unexplored islands, the unique features of these places highlight the natural beauty of the place. Offering one of the most beautiful and secluded locations in the world for vacation.   Did you know that it is in the Fiji Islands, that the movie Cast Away was shot on the mountainsides of Mamanucas? Imagine the place and visit to make memories. Let me share with you the best time to visit Fiji and enjoy the most.   You should carry the best travel credit card so that you can use it if needed. At the end of the day, you must have backup for money if the cash you are carrying finishes.   What is the Best Time to Visit Fiji for your Next Vacation?   If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Fiji, plan your vacation between October to February. Apart from experiencing some of the coolest festivals, you also get to experience adventurous water sports.   Some of the most revered tourist' places in Fiji Island will pull you towards its beautiful natural and spiritual elements. For example, if you want to own natural pearls, you should visit Savusavu with crystal clear water.   Further, you can visit Levu, Mamanucas, Viti Levu and other places to experience natural botanical gardens, untouched island areas, secluded thriving with greenery and lush water. Let me share with you in more details when you should visit Fiji and what you need to do!   Best Time to Visit   If you are wondering about when to visit Fiji, let me share with you the best time to visit. From May to October, you can visit Fiji as it is considered the peak time with warm and dry weather. Just like death valley, visiting Fiji is important when it comes to the right time!   Additionally, the temperature is also moderate ranging from 20 to 30-degree Celsius. Yes, the tourist crowd will be quite heavy with a vibrant atmosphere all around! If you want to avoid the crowd, the time for you to visit Fiji is between the month of November to March.   It is off-season, and you will find it ideal to explore the islands with much fewer people around. However, you might not get to attend cultural events or festivals that are the life of the party during the peak season. You might experience severe temperatures during this time which might make the whole process difficult.   The moderate season to visit Fiji is from the month of April to May. It is ideal for beach activities along with some leisure time that you can spend.   Things to Do   There are several things to do when you visit Fiji especially during the peak time. From exploring untouched islands like Mamanuca to doing several water-based sports activities like diving, snorkeling and exploring other attractions like the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.   Island Hopping   One of the most important things to do in Fiji is island hopping. You can explore different types of experiences such as walking along the pristine beaches and seeing the vibrant coral reefs. Yasava Island is known for its beautiful resorts on its stunning beaches.   You can also experience Fijian culture while hopping Island because everyone is very communal, helping each other in village and family. Eat their food like Lovo while dance and music are an integral part of their tradition.   You can experience “meke”, Fijian dance, and music which ranges from performance, athletic dance, and war dance. Let's not forget to visit Mamamuca Island where you can kayak around thus, exploring lagoons and hidden coves.   Water Activities   You can take boat tours exploring different islands and thus, doing different water sports. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do as water sports when you visit Fiji on vacation. Use a mask when snorkeling and then enjoy underwater scenery and life!   You also wear a wetsuit, fins, and a tube, snorkel allows your face to be covered while you can breathe. Another water sport, surfing, is an activity where you ride a board on the waves breaking it. The sport has its roots in pre-modern Polynesia and Hawaii.   Paddleboarding is another similar water sport like surfing where you stand on a board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water. It looks very much like an offshoot of surfing enjoying riding the waves. Another water-related activity is recreational diving where you go underwater and then come up for water!   If you are planning to experience a relaxing activity where you have the time to check out the beautiful scenery around you, you should Kayak. On the kayak, you can explore different caves, lush forests on the edge of the waterbody and others.   Hiking with Adventure   If you are an adventurous person but are more into natural beauty compared to sports, you hike! The adventure waits for you as you explore the waterfalls, mountains and forests of Fiji, appreciating the beauty of the exotic places.   Waterfalls   If you love waterfalls, go to Vanibauloa waterfall for a hike and experience the adventurous landscape. You must discover the beauty of the place along with making memories on your Fiji vacation. I feel Fiji is one of the best places to visit in February!   Another significant waterfall that you must visit if you are planning to go on a trek is Tavoro falls, also known as Bouma falls, which is stunning. During peak time, you will find a lot of crowds here as it is a tourist favorite.   Mountains   The highest peak in Fiji, the mount Tomanivi can be hiked as it is moderate level difficult however, you will need a guide. The trek will require about 4 to 5 hours and will need you at the top of your physical and mental fitness. Enjoy the spectacular view when you are on top!   A challenging trek across mount Batilamu offers you a rewarding view however difficult it is. There are diverse landscapes across the trails that you hike upwards so, keep medication with you, drink water, stay hydrated and stay cautious.   Rainforests   Love lush forests? Visit Colo-i-Suva Forest Park which offers opportunities to see giant trees and various kinds of birds. The lush forests offer you breathtaking views across the trails. You also should not miss the Bouma National Heritage Park located in Taveuni, which features beautiful rain forests.   The opportunities are endless, and you can easily camp here. However, you need to be a bit aware during the rain. There will be insects and poisonous animals, so please be cautious before you visit and carry ointments for allergies.   Leisure in Nature   You can soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches in the Fiji Islands with a drink and a book in your hand. Don't forget to apply sunscreen properly every two hours and have your sunglasses and hat to protect you from the sun. one of the most exotic places to travel when you are in love with nature!   Soak up the sun but carefully thus, unwinding properly on your vacation. You can also go for a swim in the ocean or at the resort pool, thus relaxing properly. You will be facilitated with several other activities like having dinner alongside the beach, going for a stroll, spending quality time with your friends or partners with whom you are on vacation!   Wrapping Up!   Now that you know the best time to visit Fiji after you have read the article, what do you think is the necessary things to do. I have shared several fun activities which you can explore and make your trip more memorable.   Comment on what you think is the best time to visit in consecutive with the peak time. Read the blog and understand the things you need to consider before you plan your trip to Fiji.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years. Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran? AirTran: A Brief Look Back Conquest Airlines' co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation's new holding company, Airways Corporation. The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet's holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines' AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became "AirTran Airlines" before merging with AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran's last revenue flight on December 28, 2014. It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran's fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft. AirTran History Image Source: community.southwest.com This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando. AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines. In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando. In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012. Latest Developments On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Aruba. Southwest integrated AirTran's Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015. On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international). Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline's last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign "Critter" as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet's first flight. Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel Reviews From AirTran Flyers Image Source: chestertravels.com AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans. 1st Review "I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane - I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first." - SharonSaver 2nd Review "I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you." - mrsyoung1983 3rd Review "I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I'll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I've never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!" - jenniandtonyx1 Wrapping Up AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline's history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!