The Ultimate Guide To Experiencing Banff On a Budget

BY  Ankita Jun 26, 2023

Are you searching for the best national parks in New Mexico? If your answer is yes, then you have reached the right place. There are many breathtaking vistas in New Mexico. It is in the Southwest region of the United States, yet tourists generally ignore them. The state is also home to the Rocky Mountains, and the Rio Grande. It is a variety of vivid canyons, cliffs, and caves in addition to its stunning but harsh desert landscape. If you are planning to visit the state, you need to check out some of the best national parks that are located in New Mexico. If you don't know which one to begin with, you might just find his blog to be of help. Keep reading this article till the end to learn more… Top 10 Must-Visit National Parks In New Mexico In 2024! You can tour the magnificent archaeological sites that the Ancestral Puebloans left behind at several locations. It provides a fascinating look into the cultures and individuals who have influenced the state. They are protected as a component of the nation's parks and monuments. With so many facets and breathtaking beauty on display, New Mexico more than lives up to its moniker as the "Land of Enchantment." And what better way to explore them than the national parks in New Mexico! Here are the best national parks in New Mexico that you need to visit at least once in your life. If not in the year 2023! 1. Aztec Ruins National Monument The captivating Aztec Ruins National Monument, which is next to the little city of the same name, is tucked away in the state's northwest. It has been guarding the ruins and remains of a fascinating prehistoric pueblo, thought to have been constructed about a thousand years ago, since 1923. This magnificent archaeological monument has over 400 rooms to explore, with its Great Kiva unquestionably the standout. American settlers mistakenly credited it to the Aztecs. Visitors can enter a duplicate that has been meticulously recreated in order to see the real ruin's glorious stonework. You can also view it as it was in its prime. The museum at the National Monument is definitely worth visiting. Especially if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. There are lots of eye-catching exhibits and artifacts there. 2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park Carlsbad Caverns National Park comes in second on the list of the top national parks in New Mexico. The fascinating Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the southeast of the state, not far from Texas. It is a remarkable location with more than 119 caves, the greatest and most impressive of which is Carlsbad Cavern, its show cave. Although the state of New Mexico is breathtaking from the outside, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to at least one subsurface natural wonder. Carlsbad is far from anything else in New Mexico. It is situated on the border with Texas, is well worth the trip. The Big Room is a natural chamber that is 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high. It is the third-largest cave chamber in North America and the seventh-largest in the world. Carlsbad is covered in limestone that an old coral reef deposited. Intricate and enormous, Carlsbad is home to tens of thousands of rare cave formations. It includes stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, flowstones, cave crystals, and underground lakes. Visitors have the option of taking a ranger-led expedition into one of the less popular caverns. They can also explore the well-lit tunnels on their own. The half-day Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave trips are not for the claustrophobic. But the King's Palace and Left Hand Cave tours are appropriate for kids and beginners. The closest established campsite is in Guadalupe National Park, which lies across the Texas state line. Camping is permitted in the park's wilderness. 3. El Malpais National Monument The state's westernmost national monument, El Malpais, is where a sizable volcanic field may be found. It is situated in a remote but breathtaking area just off Interstate 40 and is full of cinder cones, lava flows, and rock formations. Its barren, devastated, and lava-scarred areas, which are a part of the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field, seem to continue on forever; the most recent flow occurred there about 3000 years ago. There are several amazing lava tubes for visitors to explore, some of which are home to shimmering ice caverns, tucked away among the isolated and rocky remnants. El Malpais' immensely varied volcanic scenery provides solitary pursuits, leisure, and adventure. Unbelievable geological phenomena like lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube tunnels, and sandstone bluffs are just a few to explore. People have been adjusting to and living in this unique terrain for decades, despite what some may perceive as a barren setting. 4. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail In all of the United States of America and Mexico, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is revered as a historic path for trade and cultural exchange. Trade and travel along this path influenced the settlement and growth of the larger Southwest and changed the lives of individuals and communities. In addition to helping to break down barriers between cultures and improve the lives of those who live along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the designation of this route as an international historic trail honors the connections and interactions that have existed between American Indian, Mexican, Black, Spanish, and other European cultures both historically and currently. The aims of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro were varied. Many of its users participated in the lengthy mission of the Spanish empire to convert American Indians to Christianity. However, the road was home to a wide variety of personalities; those traveling north included settlers, priests, and newly appointed officials; those traveling south included retiring officials, friars, traders, enslaved Indians, prisoners of war, and convicts. The path was also a key route for trade, serving as a conduit for the exchange of products and knowledge. Each of the thirty-two waggons in a typical caravan along the road was pulled by eight mules and could hold around 4,000 pounds of freight. Most caravans also carried other livestock like cattle, lambs, goats, burros, and poultry. The freight included private goods, correspondence, mission supplies, and royal decrees. Between El Paso, Texas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail stretches for 404 miles; the historic trail continues all the way to Mexico City. Along the entire length of the trail into Mexico, there are museums, historic sites, churches, and remnants of the old trail. 5. Fort Union National Monument The territorial-style adobe remains of the greatest 19th-century military fort in the area are exposed to the wind. There is a broad valley of short grass prairie among the swales of the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Union served as a catalyst for political and cultural change in New Mexico and the Southwest for forty years. It happened from 1851 to 1891, whether those changes were wanted or not. North of Watrous in Mora County, New Mexico, is where you'll find Fort Union National Monument, a part of the US National Park Service. On June 28, 1954, the national monument was established. The site includes the remains of the third fort as well as the second of three forts that were built there starting in 1851. A network of ruts from the Mountain and Cimarron Branches of the previous Santa Fe Trail is also discernible. From a self-guided tour and a much interpretive trail where the guides take the visitors through the fort, to a short 0.5-mile walk with a special focus on some parts of the fort, the tourists can have it all here! The Fort Union National Monument opens at 08:00 a.m. in morning and stays open till eight in the night. You can visit this place on Saturdays and Sundays. 6. Bandelier National Monument Another of the region's top archaeological sites, the magnificent Bandelier National Monument, is located not far from Santa Fe. It is located on the Jerez Mountain slopes and has a tonne of amazing wilderness, as well as various Ancestral Puebloan sites scattered throughout its picturesque surroundings. It was established in 1916 and now preserves some of the state's most stunning, reachable, and substantial cliff homes. Visitors can explore caves, kivas, and ceremonial structures utilized by the Ancestral Puebloans for generations in Frijoles Canyon's magnificent peach-colored surroundings. There are Petroglyphs and rock art too. Even though it is the most well-known and picturesque location in the park, there are many more amazing things to see across the national monument, with delightful wildlife, landscape, and views everywhere you look. It also boasts a fantastic museum that displays ancient artifacts and finds from archaeology. 7. Chaco Culture National Historical Park Northwest New Mexico is home to the fascinating Chaco Culture National Historical Park, one of the most significant and magnificent pre-Columbian cultural sites in the whole United States. It is one of the best national parks in New Mexico. Its expansive site, located within the Navajo Nation, safeguards a large number of historically significant pueblos. Pueblo Bonita, built between AD 900 and 1100 from pieces of sandstone that have skillful placement. It was once the hub of Puebloan culture and trade. The ruins of several "great houses," and other smaller structures are there all across the starkly gorgeous Chaco Canyon. Many of these are aligned with the sun's and moon's light and shadow patterns. In the wake of a protracted drought in 1130, everyone left their homes. A network of old roads known as the Chacoan Roads connects the Chaco Culture National Historical Park to a number of formerly prosperous desert settlements. After visiting Chaco, go 75 miles north to the Aztec Ruins National Monument. It is a first-come, first-served campground at the end of a 21-mile dead-end dirt road. Here you will see another magnificent grand house and a recreated underground ritual space called a kiva. The backdrop is equally stunning as the extensive archaeological sites, which are fascinating to investigate. The barren desert steppe has enormous mesas and stunning buttes. Visit the museum at the site before leaving. Learn all there is to know about the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the dry area. 8. El Morro National Monument Imagine how refreshing it would be to reach water after days of sand-filled journey. El Morro (the headland) was a well-liked camping area for hundreds of years. This is because of a dependable waterhole concealed in the base of a sandstone bluff. Over 2,000 signatures, dates, notes, and petroglyphs are here from prehistoric Puebloans, Spanish, and American travelers. Make a pit stop at the El Morro National Monument while traveling. Two paths are there at El Morro National Monument. To select the path that's best for you, stop by the visitor center and speak with a ranger. The tourist center is where all routes start and end. Only when the visitor center is open can visitors access the trails of El Morro National Monument?. It is necessary to start hiking the Headland Trail by 3:00 PM. Before 4:00 pm, hikers who want to complete the Inscription Loop must start. Let me give you some advice if you intend to visit the El Morro national park and want to know what to do there. On the Headland Trail, you can go hiking. The Inscription Loop is part of this 2-mile track, which also leads to the top of the El Morro bluff. With a 224-foot elevation climb, the course is somewhat challenging. You can trek the Inscription Loop by taking a shorter trail. You can walk the half-mile trek to the pool You will pass through hundreds of Spanish and American inscriptions and ancient petroglyphs. The looping, half-mile asphalt trail is wheelchair accessible with some help. If you only have an hour or so to spend at the park, this is a fantastic option. It must begin at 4:00 p.m. at the latest. 9. Manhattan Project National Monument The Manhattan Project was a groundbreaking, top-secret government initiative during World War II that saw the United States race to create and use the first atomic weapons before Nazi Germany. One of the most significant historical moments of the 20th century was the American employment of these weapons against Japan in August 1945. The project gave birth to the nuclear era and left behind profound impacts, still felt today. Three key places across the nation served as the birthplace of the Manhattan Project: Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The villages created to house the Manhattan Project personnel were private businesses and enterprises under contract with the project. Every community transformed into a hub of activity with theaters, shops, schools, hospitals, parks, and community gathering spaces. The population of Oak Ridge had increased to roughly 75,000 by 1945. Richland, a Hanford Site bedroom suburb, witnessed an increase in population to 15,000, while Los Alamos had an increase to 6,000. 10. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Less than an hour south of Santa Fe, Tent Rocks offers slot canyons, strangely beautiful rock formations, and breathtaking views—everything you could desire in a desert hike. Before opening up beneath the 100-foot conical hoodoos that give this national monument its name, the three-mile trail's first half winds through a slot canyon so narrow you can touch the walls on both sides. From there, the trail switches back up to the top of the mesa for a commanding view of the Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande River Valley. In the Keresan language, Kasha-Katuwe translates to "white cliffs." The people of Cochiti Pueblo speak it, which also co-manages the monument. An eruption gave birth to the volcanic tuff that formed the white cliffs, hoodoos, and Slot Canyon. Tent Rocks does not allow camping and the route is only open during the day, although the Cochiti Lake recreation area is close by and has built campsites. It makes for a wonderful day excursion because it is a short drive from old Santa Fe. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching for the best national parks in New Mexico, I hope that this log has been of much help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page, then leave your comments and queries in the box below, And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Top 12 Montana National Parks You Must Visit In 2023! A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

So, as a parent, you have taken up a challenging task. It’s about finding the best places to travel with kids! Every child is different. So, while a slice of wildlife or outdoor activities is enough to win their tasks, some of them may look for a destination like Disney Land, presenting the world of fantasy before them.   Further, some may be fascinated by more luxurious experiences, and one of the best examples of this will be the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland are some such destinations, taking your kids on a tour of the fantasy world.  So, understanding how demanding kids can be, it is difficult to select a particular location out of many options available. Here, I have made a list of countries with the coolest attractions for children. These Are The Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Must Visits For You  Traveling plays an important role in the growth of your child. When children travel, they gather memories and learn things they will never forget.  Further, traveling improves their socializing and problem-solving skills. Moreover, they learn about different human cultures, which is crucial for developing a more inclusive mindset.  Do you want to take your little one on a trip this vacation? Here are the countries you can fly to.  1. Dubai, UAE Best Time to Visit: October to March With the highest safety standards and numerous child-friendly hotels, Dubai is one of the best places to travel with kids. It offers many outdoor and indoor pursuits for the little ones, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is, of course, the biggest attraction for them. Located at Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has as many as 33000 marine animals. Your little one will be enthralled watching the sand tiger sharks, Otters, Piranha, and many other fascinating creatures.  KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Aquaventure World, and Jungle Bay Waterpark are some added attractions for kids in this beautiful city of the UAE.  2. Malaysia Best Time to Visit: April to October (East Coast) and December to March (West Coast) Malaysia can be a really cool destination if you are searching for the best places to travel with kids. This country offers unique natural experiences and cultural interactions for children.  Here is a brief overview of the activities your little one will love in Malaysia. If your little one is more into wildlife and nature, Borneo and Cameron Highlands will be the best destinations for them. Borneo has pygmy elephants and orangutans. They will also get to learn about the indigenous people here.  Further, Cameron Islands has the Mossy Forest, tea plantations, and strawberry orchards.  The other kids’ favorite destinations in the country are Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur has the Petrosains Discovery Centre, Lake Gardens, and KLCC Park to entertain kids of all ages. Further, Penang is a place to learn about the rich culture of the country, and it has the best street food. Moreover, Langkawi is a relaxing hub in Malaysia, allowing you to explore the beaches and cable car rides.  3. Mauritius Best Time to Visit: May to December Mauritius is nothing short of a natural wonder, being a volcanic island with the best beaches in the world. However, Mauritius is often underrated as one of the best places to travel with kids.  The  La Vanille Crocodile Park is the best place in Mauritius if your little one loves animals and is interested in wildlife. The Nile crocodiles are the biggest attractions here. However, you will also find the following animals here. Giant tortoises Phelsumas  Mini tortoises Pigs Deer Bat Fat-tailed sheep Goat Donkeys Among them, goats, donkeys, and fat-tailed sheep are important contributors to the country's livestock.  The Mauritius Aquarium is one of the best places to travel with kids and introduce them to the intrigue of marine life. Along with sponges, fish, and corals, this museum has more than 200 species of invertebrates.  Some other places your kids will love in Mauritius are Casela Nature Park (Watch out for the white tigers.),  Curious Corner of Chamarel and the Blue Bay Marine Park.  4. Australia Best Time to Visit: September to November The diversity of Australia makes it a favorite of children and youngsters. From spending time with the most adorable kangaroos to watching the penguin parade, your little one will surely have a fun time here.  Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney A night safari in Taronga Zoo Sydney is something that you will cherish for your entire life. A kingdom of 4000 animals will unfold wonders before your eyes as you go on a night safari and take part in the Roar and Snore Program. Koalas and red kangaroos are the biggest attractions of this zoo. Visit Phillip Island To See The Most Amazing Penguin Parade  You will see tiny penguins on a parade and a mission for hunting fish at Phillip Island. You can book an underground viewing experience so that your little ones can see the penguins from an eye level. The other place to visit with your kids in Australia is Monkey Mia Reserve (They can feed dolphins here.). Moreover, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Tasmania are destinations to get up close and personal with these adorable animals.  Also, Luna Park Sydney offers an amazing spin in a hand-painted carousel, and the Great Barrier Reef is the best place to see colorful corals. 5. Japan Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May Are you traveling to Japan with your kid? You can take them to Rabbit Island or Ōkunoshima. This scenic inland sea area in Japan is home to thousands of rabbits who roam around freely.  Your little one will love feeding them with their hands. Further, they can visit Silver Pavilion and Gold Pavilion to find lively turtles and fish and feed them.  Further, in March, Japan becomes the land of cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle and Ueno Park are some of the best places to spot the beautiful flowers in full bloom.  6. USA Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to May Housing endless best places to travel with kids, the USA will spoil your little one with choices. The country has amazing national parks, including the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. These national parks have many kid-friendly hiking trails that will allow you to explore the wildlife, geological wonders, and scenic beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Along with being the house of Rockies, it also stands out due to its different ecosystems, hiking trails, and mineral richness.  Yellowstone National Park With more than 10,000 geothermal sites, Yellowstone National Park is the hub of the natural geysers of the world.  Grand Teton National Park  Grand Teton National Park is the best place for camping and hiking. Your kids will also love the best views of the Rockies at this national park.  7. South Africa Best Time to Visit: May to September With amazing wilderness, South Africa is one of the best places to travel with kids and see wild animals. For me, the most amazing spots to visit in South Africa with children are: Cape Point Nature Reserve Knysna Elephant Park  Kruger National Park The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site, while the Knysna Elephant Park has amazing African elephants. Further, the Kruger National Park is home to zebras and other amazing wild animals.  8. Finland Best Time to Visit: June to August For children in love with the fantasy world, Santa Claus Village in Finland is the best destination. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus.  Some other attractions for your kids in Finland are Esplanadi Park, Ranua Zoo, and Helsinki Cathedral.  9. Canada Best Time to Visit: September to November Canada is one of the best places to travel with kids, and it offers an eclectic experience with its natural wonders and historic monuments.  For your kids, the best spot in Canada is Marine Land, Niagra Falls. This amusement park in Ontario is the best place to encounter playful dolphins, Beluga Whales, walruses, and sea lions. The La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, the Children’s Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Toronto Zoo are other kids’ favorite destinations here.  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 Dec 4, 2025

Cuba is one of those places you think you understand from photos until you actually get there and realize you didn’t even come close. The island has this weirdly charming mix of worn-out glory and everyday warmth.  Old American cars still rumble past buildings that look like they’ve soaked up decades of stories. And 2026, honestly, feels like a sweet moment to go, open enough for travelers but not yet “over fixed” by crowds or shiny tourist shops. You still get the raw edges that make a place memorable. Also, Juan Carlos García Granda, the honorable Minister of Tourism, Cuba, spoke to the Canadian travel trade recently, and he mentioned how the country has been recovering swiftly from Hurricane Melissa.  Furthermore, with the mention of “Canadians are our most important visitors,” he said that Cuba aims to welcome one million Canadian visitors in 2026. So, the tourism scene in Cuba looks promising, speaking to the resilience and strength of the country.  It also means that despite a drop in the tourist numbers in the first nine months of 2025, Cuba expects a strong comeback in 2026. This is more crucial, considering the tourism industry is a major economic driver and employment generator in the country.  But how is traveling to Cuba in 2026 going to be special? I will talk about Cuba’s cultural richness, history, biodiversity, and more in this article.  Traveling To Cuba In 2026? Know Why It Is Worth It With the exotic rhythms of Salsa and Rumba coming from every corner, and history speaking through the roads and alleys of Old Havana, Cuba continues to impress. With 1.1 million annual visitors, it has secured the 93rd position among 202 countries ranked by the World Travel and Tourism Council.  Here are the reasons why you will plan to travel to Cuba in 2026.  1. A Living Time Capsule Walking through Havana sometimes feels like you accidentally wandered into a film set nobody bothered to shut down.  The Malecón stretches along the sea like a giant sidewalk where half the city hangs out as the sun goes down. Kids chasing each other, someone playing music too loudly, random folks fishing even when it looks like nothing’s biting! Old Havana adds another layer with its crumbling balconies, repaired facades, and the kind of street corners that seem to whisper old stories. And yes, the famous 1950s cars are absolutely real. You’ll probably end up in one before you can even think about it. Around 60,000 classic American cars still run because, years back, people had no choice but to keep fixing what they had.  Riding in one feels slightly shaky, slightly magical, like history decided to give you a lift. 2. Cultural Richness Beyond Compare Cuban culture doesn’t really let you take a break. Music is everywhere, pouring from open doors, bouncing off walls, floating down streets without any concern for volume levels.  One minute it’s rumba, then suddenly salsa, then something you can’t even name but you feel it anyway.  This isn’t a show put on for tourists; it’s just life. Buena Vista Social Club got the world’s attention years ago, but hearing a live band in a small room with wooden chairs and sweaty walls? That’s the real thing. Art pops out of unexpected places, too. You’ll see murals so bold you’ll stop walking without realizing it.  Local galleries showcase painters who already have collectors overseas. And when the Havana Biennial hits, the entire city feels like someone lifted the lid off a creative pressure cooker. 3. Natural Beauty And Biodiversity Leave the city for a bit, and Cuba changes faces fast. Varadero Beach is so long and blue that it feels almost surreal. Then you have the Valle de Viñales with its strange mogotes rising from tobacco farms where people still work the way their great-grandparents did. Cuba also protects one of the Caribbean’s largest reef systems. Jardines de la Reina is only reachable by boat and basically untouched.  Divers see sharks drifting by like they own the place (they kind of do), coral in impossible shapes, sea turtles gliding slowly like they’re late for nothing.  With around twenty percent of its waters protected, the island feels alive in a way many places don’t anymore. And for bird lovers? Heaven. There are over 350 species, including the tiny bee hummingbird, so small it looks like someone accidentally made it miniature. 4. Authentic Culinary Experiences Cuban cuisine isn’t fussy. It’s comforting in that “someone’s abuela cooked this” kind of way. Ropa vieja, congri, roasted pork—simple dishes that feel honest. Seafood shows up almost everywhere, which isn’t surprising. Paladares (those home-run restaurants) give the dining scene a more personal feel. Some places keep things old-school; others experiment. Either way, the vibe is relaxed and a little unpredictable. Coffee is strong enough to wake the dead—and sweet enough to take the edge off. And rum? People take it seriously. Distillery tours walk you through the aging process, and before you know it, you’re thinking about which bottle you can actually fit in your bag. Practical Considerations For Traveling To Cuba In 2026 Traveling to Cuba means sorting out a few basics. Most visitors need a tourist card. Americans still have those official categories to fit into, such as cultural, educational, and humanitarian. You can find Cuba visa information here to understand specific requirements by nationality. The old dual-currency system is finally gone, which makes life easier. But cash is still king since many foreign cards simply don’t function. ATMs outside the bigger cities aren’t always reliable, so planning saves you headaches. WiFi has improved a bit, but it’s still slow enough that you’ll probably give up on scrolling and look around more. Parks and hotels offer hotspots, though you might catch yourself enjoying the digital break after a day or two. Put all of this together, and 2026 becomes one of those rare windows where you can see Cuba before big tourism polishes it too much. The music, the laughter, the slightly chaotic streets, the views that sneak up on you! Cuba doesn’t fade from memory quickly. It lingers in the nicest way.