Saddle Up For The Adventure Of A Lifetime: Horseback Riding Vacations For Every Rider

BY  Sibashree Aug 9, 2024

Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”  It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.  Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.   What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.   Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.   Malaspina Glacier  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgdJrElhQ8 Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.   Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.   In an article published by NASA Earth Observatory on 27th October 2023, we can find,  “The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”  Hubbard Glacier  Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.   Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.   Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.   Nabesna Glacier  With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,  “Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”  Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias  You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.   Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.   Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.    Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts  Mount  St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.  Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.  It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.   It is a part of the “world's largest international protected wilderness.”  Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.   Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.   Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall's sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.   Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.   Rich In Biodiversity  The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.   The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.   Land Mammals Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine Sea Mammals and Other Marine Creatures Whales Sea Lions Porpoises Harbor Seals Sea Otters Plants (936 Vascular Plant Species) Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species Birds Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson's Warblers American Robins  Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.   Comes With Topographical Diversity   This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!   Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.   A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes   Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.   So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.   Final Words   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.   Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.   So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.   Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs   How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”  So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.  In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.   Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and  Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.   How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?  The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.  2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting  Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.  In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)  What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.   The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.  Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.   Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson's warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.   What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.   Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.   Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?  Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”  So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants. Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues. Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park.

BY  Mashum Apr 19, 2022

Well, you got to believe this as a traveler. There are many places in the world where the touring season starts in October itself. You can expect mother nature to put all colors as you enjoy, rejuvenate and get back to your place with a bag full of memories.   Well, I know you might face a lot of problems choosing the perfect destination for an October trip. So, I have made a list of the best places (rather countries) to travel to in October. Top Ten Places To Travel In October 2022 You Should Know Check out the destinations and choose one fast. Remember, you need to do a lot of planning after finalizing a place. Have a look! 1. Bhutan   Overview A lot of travelers in the world are mountain lovers. Well, if you are one of them, plan up for a  trip to Bhutan this October. It is a landlocked country in the Himalayas sharing its borders with India and China. However, you can get easy access to the country from India. In October, the climate of Bhutan starts getting cold, however, you can enjoy the vibrance of the fall season. From sunshine to greenery, this country has got a lot of surprises for you. You can also get a chance to explore your spiritual side by coming in contact with the Buddhist way of living. Do not forget to visit the monasteries while on the trip. You can even live for a couple of nights in one if things are pre-planned. Top Tourist Locations Punakha, Paro, Thimphu. How To Reach Reach New Delhi, India, and take a flight to the Paro International Airport. Durk Air has regular flights. Dishes To Try Ema Datshi, Jasha Maru, Dumplings. Read More: 10 Best Places To Travel In April – Travel Guide 2022 2. Iceland Overview If witnessing the Northern Lights has been there for a long on your bucket list, it is time to fulfill it. You can consider Iceland as one of the best places to travel to in October. The best you can do is take all winter gears and head to the country. Again, choose this place if you are up for a solo trip or a honeymoon. Among the activities, you can indulge in witnessing the Northern Lights, whale watching, and hiking. Top Tourist Locations Gullfoss Waterfall, Reykjavik, Fjallavack Nature Reserve. How To Reach There are direct flights from fourteen cities in the US that lead to the Reykjavik Airport. So, you can easily get to the country. Dishes To Try Puffin, Hakarl, Sheep’s Head Jelly. 3. Turkey Overview As we are here with the list of the best places to travel in October, omitting Turkey would be something impossible. It is one of the most colorful countries in the world and gets more vibrant in October. If you are not much into nightlife, you can always plan for an October trip to Turkey. Do not forget to make memories of exploring the cities and visiting the tranquil beaches of the Mediterranean coast. Remember, a trip to Turkey in October can be a lavish one. So, you need to set your itinerary wisely. Try spending more on activities like riding a hot air balloon sightseeing rather than staying in expensive hotels. A family or a honeymoon trip can be the best in Turkey. Top Tourist Locations Cappadocia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Antalya. How To Reach Both non-stop flights and connecting Istanbul flights are available from multiple cities in the US. You can choose one according to the airline and price. Dishes To Try Baklava, Sis Kebap, Kofte, Pide, Meze. 4. Portugal Overview Apart from the best places to travel in October in the USA, you can head out to one of the prettiest countries in Europe, Portugal. In October, Portugal experiences the autumn season and you can expect to enjoy the European sunshine and lush greenery. Another good fact about the country is that you can find not much crowd in this country during the autumn. Well, there would be chances to meet some intelligent travelers who visit this country. You can set friends or family trips to Portugal. The best you can do is enjoy the outstanding nightlife in Lisbon city. Top Tourist Locations Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro district. How To Reach Regular flights from multiple airlines are available from all major US cities to Lisbon. Dishes To Try Pastel De Nata, Arroz De Pato, Francesinha. Click Here To Read Out: 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 5. Indonesia Overview If you are one of those travelers always looking for lusty beaches and islands, no other country would be better for you than Indonesia. Consider it one of the best places to travel in October tropical. When in Indonesia, you can spend a lot of time in Bali. You can also make a list of the best places to travel in September and include Indonesia in it. However, expect to see a lot of crowds as it is the peak season. Well, you can indulge in a lot of water activities like snorkeling, speed boat riding, etc. Other activities that you can do are hiking and biking. When in Indonesia, do not miss the beaches of Bali. Moreover, you can explore other tourist destinations like the Tana Toraja, Komodo National Park, and Gili Islands. Top Tourist Locations Bali, Gili Islands, Komodo National Park. How To Reach No direct flights to Bali are available from the US. However, you can get connecting flights from Doha, Hong Kong, New Delhi, etc. Dishes To Try Sambal, Bakso, Soto. 6. Italy Overview You can always check out the best places to travel in October 2021 and find Italy on the list. Well, nothing has really changed this year. Like most other European countries, there is autumn in Italy. The best you can do is get a good hotel to stay in and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of the Italians. Moreover, you can find a lot of empty Mediterranean beaches at this time. So, a solo or a honeymoon trip can best be set in Italy in October. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you can witness the Alps get their first snowfall. Sounds dreamy right?? Well, it is! Now, all you can do is pack your bags and head towards Italy in the forthcoming October. Remember to take a few heavy woolen clothes to the country. Top Tourist Locations Colosseum, Leaning Tower At Pisa, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain. How To Reach All major airports in the US have direct or indirect flights to Rome. So, you can expect to reach Italy in only a few hours. Dishes To Try Pasta, Risotto, Cured Meat, Seafood, Pizza. 7. France Overview Are you newly married or just got engaged with your partner? Are you both travelers and looking for a city to enjoy next October? Well, Paris can be your savior. Well, I would still suggest you take a week’s holiday and visit France. Yes, if you are planning, it is better to cover the entire country rather than just a city. A honeymoon trip to France in October can be action-packed. Apart from visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy the Oktoberfest in the country. You can even take the famous cruise ride while exploring the country. Another place that you should not miss visiting is the Mont-Saint-Michel. You can get all blessings from God and wish to have a happy life ahead. In case you are with friends, you can check out the museums too. Top Tourist Locations The Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Cote d’Azur, Louvre Museum. How To Reach There are several non-stop flights to Paris from multiple city airports in the US. You can purchase your tickets early to save some bucks on the journey. Dishes To Try Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse, Chicken Confits. 8. Spain Overview An October trip to Spain can be heavenly for a foodie. So, if you are one, there is probably no better place you can be in. Remember, it is the chestnut picking season in Spain. Moreover, you can taste some excellent wine while paying a visit to the country of Andre Inesta. Apart from putting things to your system, you would also have something to put to your soul. The warm Mediterranean waters can welcome you to swim. So, do not skip visiting a Spanish beach on a bright sunny day. Again, avoid it in the afternoon as chilly winds can blow you anytime. While in the country, you can check out the churches, museums, and shops. Top Tourist Locations La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Seville Cathedral. How To Reach Catch any flight from the US that leads to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, etc. Dishes To Try Gazpacho, Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas. You May Like To Read This: 10 Best Places To Travel In December – Travel Guide 2022 9. Greece Overview A country with a lot of history and enriched culture, Greece is now struggling with an economic breakdown. However, she is all up for welcoming tourists from all corners of the world. So, if you are looking for an offbeat country to visit, Greece can be your October destination. You can do a lot of adventurous activities in the country while in Greece. There are lots of hiking and cycling routes that you can enjoy along with sweet sunshine and breeze. So, waste no more time and purchase your tickets to visit the country. It can be the best for you if you are planning to go solo or with your partner. Top Tourist Locations Delphi, Acropolis, Rhodes Town, Nafplio. How To Reach Several non-stop flights are available from the leading US cities to Greece. So, all you have to do is purchase a ticket at the earliest. Dishes To Try Taramasalata, Dolmades, Grilled Meat. 10. Switzerland Overview It can be one of the best places to visit in October as you can enjoy the chilly weather and witness the snowcapped mountains. If you are lucky, you can even find the grasslands covered with snow in the month of October. Well, for a pro-trip, you can take a lot of winter gear while visiting Switzerland during the month of October. The Interlaken, Lake Geneva, The Rhine Falls, The Matterhorn. You can find non-stop flights to Zurich from many major airports in the US. There are some luxury airlines that have flights to the national capital of Switzerland. Zopf Bread, Cheese Fondue, Berner Platte, Grape Wine delicacies. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What Is The Best Beach To Visit In October? Q2. Is It Safe To Travel To The Caribbean In October? Q3. Where Is A Warm Place In October? Q4. Which Caribbean Island Has The Best Weather In October? Final Take Away So, I am sure that you have already picked a country that you would visit as October arrives. As of now, you can plan for bringing out the visas and updating your passport. Finally, connect to a travel agency in your area beforehand. Read More: A Cruising Tour Of Komodo Island Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler 10 Best Places To Travel In May – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Ankita Feb 2, 2024

Traveling is one of the most thrilling and exciting things. Many people wait for a long time to plan and go on a trip. But as much as it is exciting to explore another location, taking your comfort along with it is a real challenge. We all imagine ourselves in the best outfits when on a trip. But when it comes to planning –the job seems daunting to many people. If you are one of them, worry not. In this blog, you will explore smart and effective tips for packing right in 2024. Let’s dig into the blog Packing Tips If You Want To Travel Smartly In 2024 As much as traveling is loved by all, packing is not liked by many. 2024 is the year of smart packing. This doesn’t mean removing your desired items from the suitcase. In fact, it is about packing everything in an organized, functional, and tidy way. In the next section of the article, I have listed down a few tips to smartly pack for a seamless journey: 1. Start With Light Items.  To start packing, the first and foremost thing you need to get is lighter items. You can start packing by folding your shirts, shorts, and undergarments. It is true that traveling is an exciting event, and you want to carry your wardrobe around. But that’s technically not possible, right?  So, carry only a handful of clothes and essentials to keep the bag as light as possible. Once you decide the shirts you want to take, you can pair your pants with them and make an outfit for occasions. This way, you will understand how to organize and save more space in your luggage for other things. 2. Plan Your Outfits  To save space in the bag and prevent carrying an extra burden on the trip, it is advised to plan your outfit. This is one of the time-consuming factors. You might want to shop to achieve your imaginative look. So, start planning early and lay down all your shirts and pants to pair and create an outfit on the trip.  Don’t pack a thing that needs an additional shirt and pair of shoes to achieve a look. Instead, travel smartly! A true stylist knows how to mix and match outfits and create style statements every single day. Be confident with your outfits and pack them in the most functional way. 3. Choose Right Luggage When you are traveling, you are carrying your comfort along with you. If the main support to the comfort is weak, it can create a mess with your belongings.  That is why traveling experts recommend packing things in the right size and quality luggage. So, choosing the right luggage is our very next tip.  If you don’t have a luggage bag or backpack that can carry airline personal item, you can check online and explore the store to get a quality and affordable price. This way, you will have peace of mind that your bags are in good condition to support the weight of things. 4. Wear Heavy Items  There are many travel experts who are following this hack. When you carry heavy things in the luggage, it will simply add more weight. But what if you carry them on yourself? You can wear your bulky jacket or boots that you want to wear on the trip. This way, you will not have to leave our most liked and precious outfits at home. Additionally, you are saving all that shipping money that you might have to pay for extra luggage. Exclude all the other heavy items that are not much of a necessity. But hey, don’t forget to pack your camera! 5. Don’t Forget Medical Kit  Next, don’t forget to carry a medical kit on the trip for your safety and health. When there is a change in the climate, food, and water, you cannot predict your health for it. So, consider creating a small pouch and include Band-Aids, painkillers, stomach relief, and other medicines that you take on a regular basis to travel with. This way, you will not have to run to the healthcare center in case of any health emergency. 6. Carry A Route Map Wherever You Go Visit a city 10 times, and you are still likely to forget its shortcut routes. This is why carrying a map is important, no matter where you go. This is a must-have in your bag because it removes all the unnecessary stress of traveling alone. Although technology is doing much of the job itself.  Nowadays, carrying your mobile devices certainly helps a lot. From discovering the best brewery around you to looking for a healthcare facility, there’s nothing that you cannot do with the help of your phone, tablet, or laptop. In whichever form, make sure to have proper access to navigation.  7. Don’t Forget To Capture Your Memories Last but not least, don’t forget to capture your special memories. Pack your handy cams, DSLRs, and other essential things. A true fact is you never know when you will be able to visit this mesmerizing destination again. Traveling, in itself, is a unique experience, and don’t forget to cherish it. Live every moment and enjoy them to the fullest. This counts as the true essence of a trip. Check out some amazing hand gadgets and cameras on the Internet that do not weigh too much. Make sure not to overload your luggage, even though all you want is to take some astounding pictures.  Parting Thoughts These were some of the smart packing tips that end up helping you travel smartly. A seamless journey experience is priceless, so make the most of it with these tips. Your traveling days are near!  Save this article and implement the aforementioned practices on your next trip in 2024. Also, comment below on your packing strategies. Thank you for reading! Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade