Seaside Splendor: Unveiling The Hidden Charms of Hotels in Brighton

BY  Barsha Nov 23, 2022

There are so many things that most definitely be on your NYC bucket list! And one of those things happens to be visiting the Statue of Liberty viewpoint. Yes, there is more than one. Today, we will be discussing all the best spots to see this historical symbol of emancipation. And not just see - we have also determined where you can take the best pictures.  Come on! Lady Liberty is iconic in NYC! So you can’t just ignore her. It only makes sense to take a few photos of the original First Lady of America. What we liked to call ‘one for the gram!’  Keep reading to find out all the best spots to check out the Statue of Liberty. Snap a few shots for the gram - you just have to stick to the very end!  Visiting The Statue Of Liberty View Point - 10+ Spots To See The Statue Of Liberty (Free Spots Too) There’s no accurate answer to the very popular ‘how to see the statue of liberty?’ question! Located literally in the south of Manhattan, this Lady of Liberty prefers to chill in the middle of the water. It makes the nearby areas perfect for taking aesthetic photos! But isn’t that the best part of visiting New York? So many people visit the city that never sleeps in the hope of living a free life. Isn’t that what the Statue of Liberty stands for? When people cross the Atlantic Ocean towards the United States Of America, they see the Statue of Liberty. It gives them hope of the promised land where class doesn’t matter.  So without wasting any more time, scroll down to find out which is the best Statue of Liberty viewpoint!  Brooklyn Bridge: You don’t need to look for Statue of Liberty views. You can enjoy one of the best views of the Statue on your visit to the Brooklyn Bridge. The Bridge is iconic pop culture and the best part? You can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. The Bridge serves as a beautiful Statue of Liberty view point. You don’t have to spend a single penny on the same! Battery Park City Esplanade: The view of Statue of Liberty from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan is truly one of the best views of the Statue you will get to witness. When you are walking the long stretch of the beautiful seaside sidewalk, it will feel like you have simply stepped inside a black-and-white movie. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for one of those caught-in-the-camera-very-candid pictures! One World Observatory: The historic World Trade Center happens to be another beautiful Statue of Liberty view point. It is also located in the Lower Manhattan region. You just have to reach the One World Observatory. Unfortunately, you have to pay around 43 dollars for a basic ticket to the Observatory. But that’s fine because it’s NYC, baby! Green-Wood Cemetery: The Green Wood Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful in its own way, but you also get some crazy views of the Statue of Liberty from here. The twisted cobblestone pathways, the graves of famous figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat or Horace Greeley, and even the breathtaking views of the Statue - all come together to make this place a must-visit on your trip to the city that never sleeps.  Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier: Another Statue of Liberty view point based in Brooklyn, the Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier, is located in the Red Hook waterfront, the industrious neighborhood of Brooklyn. This one’s also free, so there’s no reason why you won’t check out the best symbol of American liberty from this spot. You can also enjoy stunning views of Staten Island, Governor’s Island, and the city skyline. Museum Of Jewish Heritage: The Museum Of Jewish Heritage is one of the lesser-known spots that offer crazy views of the Statue of Liberty. Another one of the Battery Park Statue of Liberty views, the Museum is entirely devoted to honoring Jews and as a Holocaust remembrance. If you love history, then you can’t miss out on this spot.  Staten Island Ferry: One of the fun yet lesser-known things to do in New York is to take the ferry from Manhatten to Staten Island. You do not just get to enjoy breathtaking views of the City skyline and Staten Island, you will also have the best view of the Statue of Liberty while you are commuting between Staten Island and Manhattan.  Governor’s Island: If you are ready to invest around 3 dollars, you can visit Governor’s Island - And you will find yourself at the perfect Statue Of Liberty view point. You just need to reach the hills here and explore the trails. You might just find yourself enjoying not just stunning views of the Statue but also that of the entire Lower Manhattan! Liberty State Park:  There’s no mystery behind this one. Everyone knows that the Status of Liberty is located in the waters of New Jersey. So New York is not the only place with stunning views of this iconic statue, even the state of New Jersey has some crazy unexplored views. You can also try out some canoeing in the timeless Hudson river.  Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Another beautiful Statue Of Liberty view point in Brooklyn, the beatific Brooklyn Heights Promenade, sits proudly over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway or BQE. The beautiful esplanade definitely needs a visit as it offers stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  And It’s A Wrap!  You might have been looking for the one perfect Statue Of Liberty view point, but we have managed to provide you with so many options! One Statue, multiple viewpoints, and that, my friend, is the best part of New York! You don’t have to be happy with one when you can have several - be it your Cosmopolitan or the perfect viewpoint.  So tell us, what do you think about visiting the Statue of Liberty? And if you already have, what was your experience like? Tell us in the comments below!

BY  Mashum Feb 27, 2025

Be it an adventurous or a laid-back experience, we have all that and much more in the best Alaska cruises available. If you are planning a vacation in the summer of 2025, you should make bookings on one of these cruise lines.   Additionally, the way these excursions are planned, you will find many affordable packages. It is one of the coolest February vacation ideas if you have plans to go to Alaska. This summer, you will get to see beautiful snowcapped mountains.   Let me talk more about the cruise lines in detail. The several packages and the ships of these cruises create the perfect environment for you, especially when you are on vacation, be it with your family or your partner.   Check out the Best Alaska Cruises to Go This Summer!   If you are planning to travel to Alaska this summer, let me share with you some of the best Alaska cruises. These cruises are perfect for your family vacation or maybe a honeymoon cruise as a couple.   These cruises are a perfect place for you to check out the beautiful panoramic view while enjoying all kinds of luxury. There are several packages which are quite affordable, hence, you can go on some of the best cruises for families.   Furthermore, you will have the most enriching experience when it comes to having private rooms and balconies on a cruise. Going on some of the best cruises for couples, the organizers make sure you have privacy and all other amenities to make it perfect.   1. Norwegian Cruise Line   One of the most popular and safe cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise is known as one of the best Caribbean cruises. They are also one of the best Alaska Cruises to go on this summer! Departing from Seattle or Whittier in Alaska or Vancouver in British Columbia, the cruise ships offer $622 per person for a cruise trip.   It is the starting rate for seven-night sailing on cruise ships in April 2025. There are several Alaska cruise ships namely Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Jade.    You can check out several highlights while on this cruise, such as Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) Skagway and Juneau. You will find bliss when on this cruise checking out these beautiful scenarios.   Additionally, there is indoor entertainment such as laser tag, mini-golf, teen clubs, themed parties, video arcades, racetracks, and aqua parks. These cruises are perfectly suited for big families along with kids. You can also go on a canoe ride surrounded by spectacular views, a waterfall, a forest, and Arctic tern nesting ground.   2. Celebrity Cruises   If you are planning an adventure cruise trip with your partner, this is the one for you. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward from Alaska, the Celebrity Cruises company has three Alaska cruise ships.   Celebrity Summit   Celebrity Edge   Celebrity Solstice   For the 2025 Alaska season, Celebrity Cruises has organized itineraries of seven nights. It is inclusive of Hubbard Glasier, the world’s longest tidewater glacier 76 miles long, and Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord.   Furthermore, there are other trips such as a 13-night itinerary where you can explore small-town destinations namely Talkeetna, Alaska. There are themed tours which you can take to explore national parks and wildlife viewing.   Furthermore, these cruises also have adult-based entertainment and activities on board so couples will enjoy it. Starting from bars, lounges, and complimentary and specialty restaurants along a spa, couples can enjoy themselves together.   If you want more privacy, you can totally book a villa or suite, so that you can enjoy yourself in the private lounge, private restaurant, and Luminae at The Retreat along with a sundeck! The packages start from $858 per person from Vancouver to Seward in August 2025.   3. Holland America Line   Another premium service cruise, Holland America Line offers a wide variety of cruises over 75 years. With a variety of fleets, Noordam, Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Koningsdam, the cruise takes you on a beautiful journey.   There is also an added highlight, living in an exclusive lodge in Denali National Park and Preserve. There are several opportunities for you to check out some of the coolest animals, be it wolves, moose, caribou, and others.   Additionally, Holland America has also achieved certification of the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). They are the only cruise line that has hence, you can enjoy certified and sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board.    You will experience culinary excursions while on this cruise line. Additionally, you will experience the local culture quite closely through traditional activities and food.   4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises   The cruise ship, Seven Seas Explorer is ready to take you on a cruise trip in May 2025! The ship will be departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Anchorage, Alaska. So, you can accordingly board the ship based on your preference and reservations.   With a wide variety of voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers you packages ranging from seven-night voyages to fourteen-night sailings. These trips will be organized between May to September 2025. The ship has 746 passenger capacity with all the amenities available.   You will get all-balcony suites creating the perfect living quarters for you on your vacation. Additionally, every package has an additional charge, so the starting package is $5850 per person, and it goes up accordingly based on your itinerary and accommodations.   With each package, there are complimentary spirits, fine wines, dining at restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi access, free valet laundry service, prepaid gratuities, and other services. It is completely based on the type of package and the suite you have chosen; accordingly, the services are catered.   5. Royal Caribbean International   Departing from Seattle or Seward from Alaska or Vancouver from British Columbia, the Royal Caribbean International offers some of the best Alaska cruise itineraries starting from five to seven-night cruises. You can also choose to extend it to eleven to thirteen days based on your plans!   Starting from $697 per person, the package cruise on Quantum of the Seas is hand-made for you if you want to experience some of the best highlights of Alaska. The trip is organized between May 2025 to September 2025.   You can visit Denali National Park, one of the highlights of the Cruise tours. Additionally, there are beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. There will be indoor pools so, you can enjoy a cool summer while going on a cruise in Alaska.   If you are looking for a kids’ friendly trip, there is musical entertainment, laser tag games, an escape room, bumper cars, movie nights, and live performances!   6. Silversea Cruises   https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7zDPUvdVQ/?img_index=1 The cruise line has currently 40 voyages lined up for the 2025 season in Alaska. One of the newest ships in the market, Silver Nova has advanced technologies along with asymmetrical design conforms that Silversea Cruises as an organization has contributed to being environmentally friendly.   Additionally, there is another cruise ship called Silver Moon. Do note that the departure cities of the cruises are Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. You can book your cruise with them for May 2025 on either Silver Moon or Nova for a seven-day cruise trip from Vancouver to Seward.   It will cost you around $3900 per person with facilities and services! It is an all-inclusive fare including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as champagne, minibars in rooms, a gourmet dining option, one excursion on every port, butler services, and other amenities.   Furthermore, the cruise has a capacity of 728 guests who will have spacious suites along with outdoor space, luxurious lounge areas, and activity spaces. Of course, there are additional outdoor activities, however, you have to pay more if you want to attend them.   7. Princess Cruises   The cruise line has been organizing trips for 50 years, establishing a long history in Alaska. Starting from San Francisco, Los Angeles Vancouver, British Columbia, or Whittier, Alaska, these ships will take you on a trip to explore Alaska.   Starting from $408 per person package, the days can be set anywhere between four to seven days. Of course, with the increased number of days, the package will also be $908 in June 2025. Princess Cruises has a wide selection of tours, along with a tour director.   In the package, you will find some sightseeing trips and meals included. Of course, many of them are selected based on their preferences, availability, and inclusion in the package. You can visit the local places, meet the local people of Alaska, have photography sessions along with going fishing.   8. Seabourn Cruise Line   It is an Award-winning cruise line, Seabourn Cruise brings out the best when it comes to expedition and luxury cruising together. If you are an adventure-seeking traveler, this is your pick of the lot.   With Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller planning your food itinerary, can you imagine the delicious cuisine you will get? Guess what, you will feel like you are having food in a swanky country club-esque atmosphere.   The seven-day Alaska trip will ensure that your excursions from the ports include biking, hiking, bear viewing, and kayaking. You can go on this cruise if you want a nature-focused experience. Furthermore, there are other luxurious experiences such as having caviar and champagne.   Ready to Cruise on an Adventure?   When you are planning to go on a cruise, let me share with you some of the best Alaska Cruises that will give you the time of your life. Additionally, the vessels that take you on these cruises are perfect, be it with their rooms, lounges, and other facilities.   I have always wanted to watch the sunset on the ocean! Imagine being surrounded by mountains with the sun glowing overhead while you cruise along beautiful panoramic views. Comment below on which of the cruises is perfect for your vacation plans.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!