How Far is Austin from Houston? And Why You Should Visit Both

BY  Sibashree Dec 24, 2024

Located in Maine and along the Atlantic Coastline, Acadia National Park is special because of the tallest mountains. Its rocky Alpine terrains further add to its appeal.  In addition, this national park is on the east of the Mississippi River. The national park will also take you on a tour of the past. For years, New Englanders have escaped here, and today, it is the best place to learn about the wilderness of the Down East. Moreover, the Acadia National Park is the easternmost national park in The USA. It is one of the places where everyone in the country sees the sunrise first.  Do you want to know more about Acadia National Park and the things to do here? Here is a Tour and Travel Guide for you. But before that, here is a sneak peek into the important details about the park.  Acadia National Park Area: 49,052 acresVisitor Centers: Hulls Cove, Thompson IslandEntry Fee: $12 Per Person and $25 Per VehicleAnnual Visitors: 3.5 Million Things To Do In The Acadia National Park | You Cannot Miss These Things At The Easternmost National Park In The USA Acadia National Park is brilliant as an outdoor place across all seasons. However, June to September are the months when the national park becomes more welcoming with a moderate temperature.  However, if you are adventurous enough can deal with sub-zero temperatures, December to February or the winter months are the best times to be at the park. Naturally, fewer visitors come to the park in the freezing cold. So, you will have the quietest time here.  Having said that, when you visit the park under clear weather conditions, you can take part in the following activities.  1. Hiking If you have to know Acadia Park, hiking is the best outdoor pursuit for you. The hiking trails will take you along the rocky coastline, through the forests and sometimes will allow you to stand on flat mountain tops.  Overall, the park has hiking trails of 150 miles. Also, the hiking trails come with various difficulty levels. So, even if you are a beginner or have a child with you, you will love the trails along the coastline.  Summit HikesCoastal HikesNature HikesPrecipice LoopGreat Head Trail Jesup Path and Hemlock Path LoopGorham Mountain LoopShip Harbor Trail Schhodic Peninsula TrailsBeehive LoopBar Island Trail Jordan Cliffs Loop These are some of the prominent hiking trails found in the national park. 2. Bicycling Acadia National Park is also a paradise for cyclists. There are around 45 miles of trail to explore on a cycle. As a cyclist, you will have to share the same route with the carriages and horses. Further, only Class 1 E-bikes are allowed on the carriage roads.  The Park Loop Road is the most preferred route for bicycling at the Acadia National Park. As you ride through the park, you will find beautiful scenery. However, if you are not confident enough or have the expertise, you must avoid the ride during the busiest hours of the day.  The ideal time for bicycling in the park is before 10 AM and after 4 PM.  Are you looking for more adventures on the bike? You can take a ride through the Western Mountain Roads. These Gravel Roads have the deepest ruts. So, you must exercise caution while biking through this route.  3. Bird Watching Acadia National Park is on Mount Desert Island, which is the “warbler capital of the world.”  You will find 20 species of warblers here, and as you hike through the park or take a nature walk, you will see hundreds of warblers. Birdwatching as an outdoor activity is also important in the history of the national park. In fact, much of the park’s natural exploration has been possible thanks to birdwatching.  Here, you will also find the fastest animal in the world, Peregrine Falcons. Moreover, the loons here come in different shades, and watching them in the water is the most relaxing thing to do here.  4. Stargazing Once you are done with day activities at the Acadia National Park and have the best nighttime experience here, you can try stargazing. Looking at the night sky and celestial bodies is a transformative act.  Further, stargazing as an activity calms your mind and promotes spiritual elevation. The Cadillac Summit is the best place for stargazing in this national park. However, vehicles are only allowed to this stargazing space only for certain seasons.  Especially, the route remains closed from 1st December to 14th April. Moreover, even during the months of October to May, the roads do not remain open after 9 PM.  Other prominent places for stargazing at Acadia National Park are the sand beach, ocean path, Jordan Pond, and the seawall.  You must bring a flashlight or headlight with a red light function to watch the stars in the night sky.  5. Boating With a boating permit, you can explore many lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island. You can get motorboats, kayaks, sailboats and canoes on rent here. Further, you will find many commercial ferry services here taking you on nature cruises or whale watching trips.  Along with the state regulations, you will also have to abide by the specific restrictions for each waterbody. One of the most important rules here is wearing a life vest.  Nevertheless, some best places for boating in Acadia National Park are Eagle Lake, Log Pond, Echo Lake, and Jordan Pond.  6. Exploring The Historic Places  Acadia National Park is the place with which people have interacted for years. So, today, Acadia National Park is like a living heritage. So, if you are interested in the history of places or human beings, the park awaits you with many prominent hotspots.  The carriage roads and gatehouses here take you on a tour of the early 20th century. However, the trails here are even older, and they have been evolving since the 1800s.  Moreover, memorials like the Robert Abbe Memorial Plaque, Atwater Kent Memorial Plaque, and George B. Dorr Plaque are some memorials that will take you through the pages of history.  Do you want to try some more activities at Acadia National Park? You can try tide pooling and swimming.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 23, 2024

Welcome to the country of red rock canyons, expansive views framed by arches and sandstone spires. Spreading national forests, vast wilderness areas, quaint state parks, and five national parks in Utah make up more than seventy-five percent of its land area that is open to the public. The southern portion of Utah is home to all the state's national parks. The "Mighty Five" are worth the hype, from the breathtakingly steep yet sublime Zion Canyon to the mind-blowing hoodoos of Bryce and the famous Delicate Arch. Additionally, these parks offer at least a dozen hidden gems, peaceful trails, and less-traveled roads for every must-see highlight. How, then, can one outwit the masses? The easiest solution is to leave when other people aren't. This may mean a trip in the winter, when the temperatures are much more bearable than in the sweltering summer, and the snow adds an extra magical quality to the hoodoos. Since all national parks in Utah are accessible year-round, you can schedule a stargazing expedition or a sunrise tour. However, bear in mind that the hours of local eateries and visitor centers change if you visit during the off-season, which runs roughly from November to February. Despite this, you can find cheaper lodging during this time. Here, being proactive pays off very well. Popular hikes have permits that sell out months in advance. The most sought-after lodges and campgrounds (particularly those inside the park) frequently have a year-long waiting list. You can make a lot of these reservations at www.recreation.gov. The top attractions of the national parks in Utah, listed from east to west, include must-see locations, undiscovered treasures, and insider advice for maximizing each trip. National Parks in Utah How many national parks in Utah, you ask? The answer is easy because they call it the “Mighty 5” for a reason. Here, we are listing all the state parks in Utah that you could plan a visit to. We are also going to help you with all the stuff you must pack when planning a trip. Zion National Park With its soaring canyon walls and hanging gardens, Zion National Park, the first of the national parks in Utah and the 13th in the United States, is a popular destination on many people's bucket lists. The park's main road now closes to private vehicles during peak season (March to October) due to its increasing popularity, requiring visitors to take a shuttle. One advantage is that you can bike this almost flat, picturesque drive. You can rent bikes and e-bikes in nearby Springdale (check out Zion Cycles). Two to six months in advance of your trip, you must apply for a permit if you plan to hike the popular Angels Landing trail. If possible, stay at Zion Lodge or in neighboring Springdale. Make reservations up to 13 months in advance for any lodging in or around Zion. Explore the park's Kolob Canyons area or the more sedate paths off Kolob Terrace Road when you're ready to forgo the tourist traps. Bryce Canyon National Park At Bryce, the main draw is the bizarre spires that have been formed over millions of years. Ultimately, this location has the highest concentration of these hoodoos worldwide. The best (and quickest) way to satisfy your thirst for hoodoo views is to take the main park drive and take the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point or the Queen's Garden Loop from Sunrise Point. Try a portion of the 23-mile Under-the-Rim Trail or one of those trails down to Fairyland Loop for a more immersive hike. Take the back entrance into Bryce Amphitheater via Tropic Trail from the small town of Tropic to have some hoodoos all to yourself. While there, you can also have lunch at i.d.k. Barbecue a state favorite. Bike the dirt Thunder Mountain Trail or the paved Red Canyon Path to discover a more sedate hoodoo landscape. The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the perfect base camp for exploring the park; however, if reservations are unavailable, consider lodging at one of the nearby hotels in Bryce Canyon City. We also think Under Canvas Bryce's campsites are great. Capitol Reef National Park The quietest of the national parks in Utah boasts a magnificent environment that is attributed to the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geologic wrinkle in the earth. Petroglyphs and the historic Fruita Orchards, which the park still cares for, are two of the area's unique attractions. Try the fresh pies at Gifford Homestead, which is close to the park entrance and made with local fruit, such as apples or peaches.  Take a leisurely stroll along the former main highway through Capitol Gorge. Or brave the steep trail to Cassidy Arch, where there are rumors, that Butch Cassidy escaped the law. If you have a decent 4WD car, you, too, can escape (from other travelers). Notom-Bullfrog Road intersects with Burr Trail Road, another backcountry route, and leads to Lake Powell. Burr Trail leads to Boulder, the starting point for Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument and the location of Hell's Backbone Grill, possibly the best restaurant in Utah. It stays open in spring through fall. You should make reservations in advance. If you stay in one of the lodges in this small town that is only five minutes from the park, Boulder is close, but Torrey is closer. Canyonlands is divided into five distinct districts, each providing a unique experience. Island in the Sky is a place of expansive vistas. Don't miss Mesa Arch or Shafer Trail Viewpoint. The Needles District is a great place to go hiking. It's only about 20 miles south of the Island in the Sky as the crow flies (two hours drive). One of the best hiking routes is the action-packed Cave Spring Trail. It features a replica of an 1880s cowboy camp and mushroom-like rock formations. Canyonlands National Park Get lost in the Maze. Other worthwhile stops in this backcountry district are Chocolate Drops and the Land of Standing Rocks. See amazing petroglyphs, including floating "holy ghosts," by traveling to the non-contiguous Horseshoe Canyon unit. For a rafting adventure, head to the River District, which is at the base of the canyons formed by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The best place to stay for most of the park's district is Moab, which provides quick access to the park's rivers, the Needles, and Island in the Sky. Arches National Park Arches, the inspiration behind Ed Abbey's famous Desert Solitaire, has evolved significantly since 1968. Because of its increased activity, the park service is currently testing a timed entry system that will require reservations in advance from April to October 2023. However, it is possible to avoid a Disneyland experience. If you arrive before sunrise or remain past sunset, you will be rewarded with quieter trails and golden light that casts a glow over the arches. Be an early bird or a night owl. This is feasible because Moab's closest lodging options are situated sufficiently near the park's entrance. If you would prefer not to get up early, reserve a campsite at Devils Garden up to six months in advance or take a ranger-led tour to see the Fiery Furnace area, which is accessible only with a permit. Travel Checklist When Visiting the National Parks in Utah Planning a trip to the national parks in Utah is as fun as it is a massive plan to come up with. You must be well prepared for the weather you will be subject to both in the day as well as night. The few days that you will spend here will be nothing short of an adventure. Here is a list of things that you must have with you if your destination includes the national parks in Utah. Hardy Water Shoes The red desert dirt in Utah can be extremely sticky. You should invest in good water shoes if you intend to go river rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. When participating in water activities, flip-flops are not advised. They will become stuck in the mud and either break or get sucked down the river.  Your feet will be safe if you hike the rocky Virgin River through the Narrows in Zion National Park wearing rubber-toed shoes covered with firm soles. (Near Zion's Springdale entrance, you can rent an entire dry gear outfit, including shoes.) Blacklight Flashlight Scorpios are nocturnal creatures that hide during the day. Use your black light to identify them; the light from it causes these odd creatures to glow. Don't worry too much about scorpions because there is only one species in the Southwest that is thought to be deadly. Sun Protection The strength of the Utah sun only needs to be experienced once, especially in the desert, where there isn't much shade to be found. There will be certain hikes you take or picnic tables you sit at where there isn't a single spot to hide from the sun and heat of the desert. If possible, bring a wide-brimmed hat to cover your entire face. That would be better than a baseball cap. Next, cover all exposed skin, including the back of your neck, with sunscreen. Don't forget to wear sunglasses for eye protection. Polarized lenses will improve your vision and shield your eyes from burns. Recall that at 8,000 feet, you are closer to the sun than you are at sea level. If you're going to be on the water, get some sunglasses straps. It's annoying to watch your new shades drift away with you. Rain Jacket You might wonder, who takes rain jackets into the desert? Yes, we do. Each time we come to town. Even the desert experiences occasional, albeit brief, bursts of rainfall. You want a jacket that will keep you dry and warm when it pours, and the temperature drops. Hiking Boots Bring a pair of supportive, water-resistant, and breathable hiking boots to maximize your experience. These will make it easy for you to travel both dry and wet trails, allowing you to go farther than you otherwise could have. They also shield your feet from trail stones, cactus needles, and maybe even snakebites. Here's a staff member who can't stop gushing about his Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX to get you started on your research. Vasque Skywalks GTS was highly appreciated by our friends at Backpacker.   Water Bottle Carry a sizable water bottle that you can fill with your garden hose prior to packing if you intend to go camping. With the jug, you can travel with water wherever you go. This means you can cook, stay hydrated, and make coffee in the morning even if you find yourself at a campsite without water. A water pump is typically available at campsites so you can replenish as needed. Hydration The air in the desert is so dry that perspiration quickly evaporates. Often, sweating is invisible to you. By staying hydrated, you can prevent dehydration, which can cause headaches as well as more severe ailments like heat stroke and cramps. Make a drinking plan of 5 to 1 liter for each hiking hour. Make sure to continue drinking even when you are not recreating. You are hydrated if your urine is clear. We adore carrying our CamelBak with us so we can continue to sip while we’re out and about. If you find yourself severely dehydrated or in need of quick hydration recovery, mobile IV therapy in Houston or at any needed location can be a lifesaver. These services offer on-site hydration solutions that can help replenish your body's fluids and electrolytes efficiently while you're still enjoying your outdoor activities Warm/Cool Clothes Temperatures in the national parks in Utah desert can vary by up to 30 degrees in a single day. So, pack light clothing for the day and warm clothing for the evenings. Include a winter hat for when the sun sets, and the cooler air moves in. As for national parks in Utah, this is particularly crucial in the fall, winter, and spring. Temperatures here can drop sharply after precipitation and sunset. Maps There are an amazing variety of trails and overlooks in each of Utah's five national parks. Having a map is beneficial. You can either get your maps in advance and get them now, or you can wait until a park ranger hands you one at the entrance station. Get the NatGeo Utah National Parks Map Pack, which includes detailed topographic maps, at REI.com or download free PDF maps. Star Chart/App The national parks in Utah have some of the darkest skies. You can recognize some of the formations you might not have noticed otherwise with the help of a star chart. Particularly so if you are traveling from an urban area. Alternatively, you can make use of technology and download the SkyView app for Android or iPhone. This app allows you to point your phone at objects to identify stars and other objects. In contrast to the 500 stars in an urban sky, you might be able to see up to 15,000 stars in a desert. It's a long way off! Tablecloth The little things add up to a significant impact. Pull out your tablecloth when you stop for lunch at the weathered picnic table by the side of the road, and you'll go from rustic to elegant in an instant. Additionally, by avoiding leaning against the table, you'll prevent difficult-to-remove splinters. Bug Spray Rather than swatting insects, spend more time taking in the beauty. These days, there are many bug sprays made from natural ingredients that are safer for kids to use if you don't want to use harsh chemicals. Our choice is the Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, which is great for families. According to Consumer Reports, this formula offers the best defense against mosquitoes. In addition to being highly effective against ticks and biting flies, Sawyer's insect repellent won't harm tools or equipment. Wrapping Up The national parks in Utah serve as a living example of the amazing natural beauty and geological marvels that abound in the American Southwest. These protected landscapes preserve the natural heritage of the area. They also provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the profound forces that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. The terrain ranges from the majestic red rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands to the captivating canyons of Zion and Bryce Canyon. The national parks in Utah invite us to discover, value, and safeguard the delicate wonders that make our planet truly remarkable. They serve as entry points to adventure, education, and environmental stewardship. In addition to creating lifelong memories, experiencing Utah's breathtaking scenery also helps to continue the legacy of conservation, guaranteeing that these natural treasures will be appreciated for many years to come. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about national parks in Utah, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: From Festivals To Spas: The Top Things To Do In Park City Utah From Museums To Parks: The Top Attractions In St George Utah A Guide To Adventure And Nature: The Best Things To Do In Moab Utah For Outdoor Enthusiasts

BY  sagnika May 16, 2023

Skiplagged is a legitimate way to reduce the costs of flight bookings. By booking a hidden city ticket, a person can save hundreds of dollars off the price of a single ticket for a flight. Even though useful, it has its fair share of controversies as well. Read this article to find out more information on skiplagged! Get Familiarized With Skiplagging Skiplagging refers to the general practice of booking a trip where the stopover is set as the destination where the traveler originally plans to travel. They use a "point A to point B" form of phrasing where a passenger would book a ticket that would take them from "point A to point C" instead, with a stopover at point B. Whereas the actual destination of the passenger is point “B”, and they leave the airport as the plane land in point “B”, leaving their seat empty from point “B” to point “C" portion of the journey. Tip: Is skiplagged legit? Well, it certainly is legit, but many airlines have opposed the services they provide and even tried to incorporate strict measures to counter them. It is just as good as Kiwi Flights. One-Way Endeavour skiplagged.com It is very important to keep in mind that skiplagging won't work if the traveler wants to travel with checked luggages. After all the checked luggage is tagged to go through to the final destination (point C). If someone still tries it, then there would be severe consequences as the airline would then have to offload the checked baggage after coming to the realization that the boarding pass wasn't scanned for the second half of the journey. Additionally, this practice would actually work on a one-way flight. That is only because an airline would definitely cancel the return tickets for the traveler after it realizes that they never did complete the first portion of their journey. Controversies Airlines absolutely hate this practice of booking skiplagged flights and have also tried to shut it down. This is why the United Airlines and Orbitz teamed up to sue skiplagged back in 2014. After which, they lost their legal battle against Skiplagged. Then the airlines turned their attention to punishing the passengers for even engaging in this practice by certain rules and regulations. Skiplagged Interface To use their services, one can head over to their site skiplagged or even download the skiplagged app. The tagline of their website states “ Ridiculous Travel Deals That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else”. The interface of their website is very easy to navigate. One needs to create an account to get started with using their services. There are four options available to select from (situated at the top of their site) - skiplagged flight, Hotels, Rewards, and Cars. They have also been featured in BBC, CNN, Buzzfeed, The New Yorker and many other famous publications. Benefits Of Using Skiplagging Here are a few loopholes that Skiplagged has uncovered and that can save travelers a significant amount of money. 1. Virtual Interlining Fares The search engine of Skiplagged also shows the VI or Virtual Interline fares. These are the fares that are known to combine all the flights between the airlines that are known to not have a direct relationship. For such instances, the traveler needs to check back in between the various carriers. While in some cases, especially for international flights, the savings could be of thousands of dollars. 2. Unique One-Way Flight Combos Skiplagged has a very sophisticated and powerful flight search engine that is always searching for unique one-way combinations that travelers could use to book and get a great final price for a round-trip flight. The other travel sites, either are not able to package these one-way flights together due to the limitations that are imposed on them from the airlines. Or it could be that these flights are using very old technology which are full of limitations. 3. Hidden-City Flights Under this particular loophole, a user books a flight to the destination city that is actually the airline's layover city. For instance, a user might try flying from Austin to Boston, and all of the flight prices would show as $500. However, there could be an Austin to New York flight with a layover in Boston for $200. In this case, the traveler can get out in Boston, saving themselves $300. It is to be noted, though, that one can't check a bag. Skiplagged Reviews Here are a few skiplagged reviews left by people who have used their services: Your site is easy for me to navigate and my history with "Skiplagged" has always been pleasant with the least bit of problems. – Pierpont Geer Skipped lagged just saved me 300$ on a trip that was originally 480… goddamn i didn’t believe it would be this crazy – Jay Leyva Just because you have money to spend doesn't mean you have to. Skip lag is always help me find the best flights at the best prices! They are always my first go to. – Shantael C. Rates are way better than booking directly, even with added protection... easy booking process... just so simple!! Well Done Team Skiplagged!! – Nik Bali You guys are a reminder to me that it pays to check the availability and price of a flight several times. Also, your website and prompts couldn't be clear, convenient or easy. Now, I'm going to book 2 more additional flights, and I hope it's just as easy and reasonable. Thanks! – Mike To Wrap It Up! If you are thinking of using their services, then by all means, go ahead, as they are 100% legit. But you do need to keep in mind that the services they offer are opposed by most airlines. Hence, you would need to counter-check the guidelines of the airline that you are going to book at. That was all for information regarding skiplagging and its benefits. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: Everything About Breeze Airways: Breeze Airways Reviews, Features, And More! Using Flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know! The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Aainflight Review- Login, Services And Travel Experiences