How To Save Money By Using Cheap Parking Near O’Hare Airport?

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2024

Famous for its titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is the vibrant, bustling heart of the Basque region. It has grown into a major cultural hub and stands out as one of Spain's most rewarding, underrated destinations. You will get to experience the fascinating Basque culture, including its completely unique language, alongside an incredible food scene and excellent art galleries. The city also boasts Europe’s largest covered market and a revitalized urban core that earned the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has achieved. All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it offers. Even from Bilbao's redeveloped heart, you can see the fertile green mountains characteristic of the Basque Country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of northern Spain's countryside. Far from the arid landscapes of the south, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck. Leave your heavy bags at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the Basque Country's natural beauty. Elorritxueta / Vivero   If your time in Bilbao is limited or you don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains. With convenient picnic tables and barbecue facilities, it's the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. Just a short walk from the park, you can explore an old bunker and tunnel system dating back to the Spanish Civil War. For a different perspective, head to Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra, which offers one of the best views of Bilbao from above. Easy to reach from the city with a drive of less than half an hour, this popular spot among locals is not well known to travelers, but it offers a great natural escape close to the city. Atxabiribil Beach While Bilbao itself isn't technically coastal, it sits right next to the wild Atlantic. During the summer, its beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay are the perfect spots to hang out and enjoy nature. This beach, nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored to be the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque Country. That tradition lives on today, with surfers traveling from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves in the country. Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny summer day. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Just east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere. The park is best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucial habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails in the area that lead to spectacular sea views. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque Country, you can’t do much better. Faro Del Caballo For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip. The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. A long coastal trail takes you up over the cliffs and rewards you with exceptional views. You can even jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gorbeia Natural Park About an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the area's highest peak and a mountain of deep significance to the Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and climbing, with trails ranging from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure. Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina, try the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish. Enjoy Basque Country Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao also offers truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain. Read Also: Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe

BY  Mashum Oct 12, 2021

The Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit 2024, which took place from November 6th to 8th, saw the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), like in the last 50 years, unite all segments of the state’s tourism and 300 delegates to develop Maryland tourism.  This event is likely to impact tourism and the state's economy. We can expect many developments in amenities and infrastructure, with names like American Airlines, United Airlines, Quality Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Easton, an IHG Hotel, participating in the event.  Further, thanks to proximity to airports like the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Maryland remains accessible to tourists across the globe. Moreover, the free things to do in Maryland, like  Exploring the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp or visiting the Salisbury Zoo, make Maryland a tourist’s delight. So, despite being considered one of the more expensive states of the USA, you can plan a budget-friendly itinerary here.  If you are ready to travel like a local and pick budget-friendly activities, the pocket pinch (flight and hotel) will be around $270-350 per person. However, if you are not already aware of the free and cheap things to do in Maryland, this Tour and Travel guide will be of great help.  Free And Cheap Things To Do In Maryland | Traveling On A Shoestring In this blog, I will tell you about what I have explored in Maryland and what all things can be done in Maryland. We will also discuss the food of Maryland attractions that you must try when you are visiting Maryland. We will cater to you about all the possible information about Mary’s land and tourist attractions in Maryland which you can follow up.  So let’s start to take a glimpse of the famous places in Maryland.  There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.  I think the best way to convey this to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.  I would like to start by saying that New York is a secret city in the United States. New York has surprised me quite a little there are so many things to do in new york. All you have to know is when to visit New York to enjoy the most.  There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.  I think the best way to convey to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.  April to June and late August to October are two ideal seasons to try the free things to do in Maryland. However, during these two seasons, the cost of accommodation shoots up due to a tourist influx. So, you really need to pick the activities or visit the places that will cost you less when traveling on a shoestring.  Here, we will provide you with all the possible information about Maryland so you can visit these places without hassle.  1. Visiting The Calvert Cliffs State Park Location: 0540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD Contact Number: +1 443-975-4360 Vehicle Fee: $5 for State Residents, $7 for Residents of Other States, $10 for Small Bus, $20 for Large Bus Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Exploring the fossil-bearing Calvert Cliffs is one of the best things to do in Maryland. I loved the atmosphere and the place.  Here, the large collection of fossiliferous is known as the Chesapeake Group. Further, the cliff contains Miocene fauna.  Fossil Hunting | Know The Things To Do In Maryland Park At Calvert Cliffs State Park, you can go to the end of the red trail. There, you will find the open beach area for fossil hunting. Here, you will find fossils from the Miocene era, covering more than 600 species. Some common variations here are Miocene-era oyster shells, shark teeth, and Chesapectens, which you can hunt using shovels and sieves.  The Calvert Cliff in Maryland is mostly forested, with some ponds and wetlands. Moreover, the things to do here are hunting turkey, deer, and bird watching. You can also stroll along the beautiful flora-fauna-rich beach in Calvert.    2. Exploring The Washington County Museum Of Fine Arts  Location: 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD Contact Number: (301) 739-5727  Hours Open: 10 AM  - 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday - Free Admission and Parking: Free The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the hub of many exhibitions and events, houses more than 6,500 permanent collectibles. Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Singer, Jr founded the museum, and they donated the initial exhibits.  Currently, the museum has sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, and prints. Further, the collectibles here are cosmopolitan, with a focus on 19th-century European art and American art.  Some of the most prominent collections in the museum are the European Old Masters, The Singer Memorial Gallery, American Narratives: 1700-1920, and The Eight to Abstraction: Modernism & Innovation.  3. Spending A Day At Assateague Island National Seashore Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $0.00–$25.00, Annual Pass - $45.00, America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) - Free–$80.00 Hours Open: 24*7 The United States Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service manage Assateague Island National Seashore. You will find feral ponies walking and galloping across the island and the surrounding waters. Further, the Assateague Island National Seashore is for everyone. You can go fishing, catch crabs, take a bike ride, or hike through the barrier island.  Moreover, you can collect a permit and enjoy the most adventurous ride in Over Sand Vehicles or OSVs. Also, for a wonderful outdoor experience, you can camp at the Assateague Island National Seashore.  4. Sightseeing At Ego Alley Location: 1 Dock St, Annapolis, MD  Hours Open: 24 Hours Entry: Fee  Ego Alley is a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. This narrow waterway got its name from the expensive boats parading in the evenings and during the weekend.  A visit to Ego Alley is one of the free things to do in Maryland. Here, you can soak in the Sun while gorging on local delicacies.  Further, people gather in large numbers at Ego Alley for St. Patrick's Day in March, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show in April, or the Independence Day Celebration in July.  5. Visiting The Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, Baltimore Museum Of Art Location: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD Hours Open: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday: Closed Entry: Free As you take a walk along the Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, you will discover close to 33 sculptures.  The sculptures here are a good mix of old and new sculptures of the last 100 years.  6. William British Planetarium  Location: 820 Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown, MD Hours Open: Monday-Friday (8 AM to 3:30 PM), Special Shows: Second And Fourth Saturdays (5:30-7 PM) Entry Fee: $3.75 for Adults, $2.75 for Children and Students If you love to see the stars, moon, Milky Way, and galaxy, then William British Planetarium is the place you must visit.  Enjoy an immersive planetarium show that looks back at rare classes of eruptions that have marshaled the energy that lurks. You will also be able to witness the details of the space. I enjoyed this place thoroughly because it took me back to my childhood. 7. National Aquarium Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD Hours Open: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday - 9 AM-6 PM, Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 4 Years, $24.95 or Half Price on Fridays from 5-9 PM When you visit Maryland, you cannot miss the National Aquarium, especially its wide variety of sea creatures, such as sharks, dolphins, living reefs, and jellyfish.  It is a non-profit public aquarium known as the Baltimore Aquarium, by the locals. The aquarium's water capacity is more than 2.2 million gallons, and it ranks as one of the top three aquariums in the country. It features amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds. 8. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (10 AM to 4 PM), Monday Closed Entry Fee: Free Another activity that must be included in your list of things to do in Maryland is visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park! The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park commemorates the life of the activist Harriet Tubman, who was formerly enslaved during the American Civil War.  The national park encompasses 480 acres and is managed by the US National Park Service Unit. The state of Maryland is responsible for the park's upkeep. Throughout the park, exhibits are dedicated to Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad after she was free from slavery. 9.  Exploring The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Location: 2880 Grays Road, Port Republic, MD Hours Open: Monday-Friday (9 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday: 1-4:30 PM Entry Fee: Free Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is home to bald cypress trees and is the first preserve of The Nature Conservancy in Maryland.  You will also find pink lady’s slipper and May apple plants here.  Moreover, the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp has Warblers and Kentucky.  10. Visiting The Salisbury Zoo Location: 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM Entry Fee: Free Salisbury Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including guinea pigs, great horned owls, gopher tortoises, painted turtles, box turtles, and burrowing owls.  Salisbury Zoo is accessible, and it has wheelchair facilities to offer more inclusivity to visitors. Don’t Miss The Local Food | Best Things To Do In Maryland My best experience in Maryland was trying local food like Steamed Crabs. The place is popular in the United States for fishing and its blue crabs. The dish of steamed crabs combines spices, herbs, beer, and blue crabs. Remember to add butter along with different blends of seasoning so you will get both a spicy and savory taste. Another great thing I had was the Crab Cake. Also, don’t forget to try the Roasted Pit Beef. Raising A Toast At Flying Dog Brewery | Best Things To Do In Maryland  The next on my ‘things to do in Maryland’ list is a visit to the Flying Dog Brewery. What can be a better place for a connoisseur than the Flying Dog Brewery as they believe “Beer is Art.”  Flying Dog Brewery has a good mix of year-round gems and some seasonal attractions. The Double Dog Juicy Double IPA is my favorite among the year-round attractions.  Again, the Deep Fake Non-Alcoholic is the best seasonal offering here.  The Flying Dog Brewery's tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday. I had a great time tasting different seasonal beers there.  However, don’t forget to carry your ID, as they only serve beer to 21+ visitors. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 20, 2025

The best way to start your day is staring at the rising sun. If some exotic locations for the best sunrises are passing through your mind, let me also remind you of Vietnam. Do you know which are the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam?  Before I proceed, let me tell you why sunrises in Vietnam are so beautiful. The cosmic elegance of the Vietnamese sunrise stems from the country's long coastal stretches and naturally scenic settings.  The massive horizons along the coasts create unique sun flares every day when the sun rises here. Similarly, the green landscapes reflecting the nascent sunrays every morning are no less than a visual treat. Why Are There So Many Exotic Places To Watch Sunrise In Vietnam? The mountain peaks here are also mesmerizing. Meanwhile, Vietnam offers many locations where early mornings leave a lasting impression. It includes misty hills and quiet beaches.  This guide highlights the top sunrise spots across the country. Firstly, these places offer some of the most rewarding sights. However, a well-planned vacation package to Vietnam can make these experiences enjoyable. Why Is Vietnam Ideal For Sunrise Views? Vietnam’s geography extends from north to south. It includes the eastern coastline of Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts.  The sun rises over the East Sea. It offers clear and wide views. Mountain valleys and beaches provide breathtaking views. Don't miss out on the rice fields. Witnessing sunrise can become one of your most treasured memories of Vietnam. Where Can You See The Best Sunrise In Vietnam? Vietnam has various sunrise spots. Some of them are less explored. Here are some you can include in your next travel itinerary:  1. Mui Ne: Sand Dunes And Sea Views Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam. It is known for its red and white dunes. Tourists often visit this area early in the morning. The sand and sky combine to provide a calm and lovely scene. Many Vietnam Travel Agency tours start the day at the Mui Ne dunes. The light breeze and open horizon make this a favorite spot for photographers and early risers. 2. Sapa: Sunrise Over Rice Terraces Sapa's rice terraces and stunning mountain views are popular attractions. It is located in the northern highlands. The fields glow with golden hues. The villages surrounding Fansipan Mountain offer incredible views that are perfect for a sunrise walk. A Vietnam country tour to Sapa usually includes homestays and local treks. It also includes early morning hikes. These make it easier to access the best viewpoints before sunrise. 3. Hoi An: Riverside Reflections At Dawn Hoi An, a typical town with historic streets and attractive riverbanks, is a serene spot for sunrise viewing. The quiet mornings on the Thu Bon River, with boats floating peacefully and old town buildings reflecting in the still water, create a tranquil atmosphere.  You can choose a vacation package to Vietnam that includes the central regions. In this way, you can spend a night in Hoi An just to catch the early morning light. 4. Da Nang: Son Tra Peninsula The Son Tra Peninsula, near Da Nang, offers stunning views. Meanwhile, the best sunrise views can be found from Ban Co Peak and the Linh Ung Pagoda. You can also see the city, sea, and forest all together from this point.  Several Vietnam Travel Agency packages include this spot as part of a day tour from Da Nang. It is often filled with the sounds of birds and cool air. 5. Phu Quoc: Sunrise At The Beach Phu Quoc is an island located in the far south. Its eastern beaches are ideal for watching the sunrise. However, Long Beach, Bai Sao, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are top places to see the morning sun over the sea. You can book a vacation package to Vietnam that includes beach resorts.  6. Ninh Binh: Mountains And Rivers In The Morning Mist Ninh Binh, also known as Halong Bay, is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam. At first, you will encounter the thick morning mist. As the sun rises and the fog begins to clear slowly, you can see the entire frame of the sunrise.  At Ninh Binh, you can also take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, located in Tam Coc. The rides are seamless, allowing you to relax. However, the sunrise is the best part of early morning Ngo Dong rides.  The sunlight radiating from surrounding cliffs and fields transforms the river into a new canvas every day. If you don’t want to miss such a place to watch the sunrise in Vietnam, consider contacting a travel agency.  They may help you book the 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM boat ride on Ngo Dong. Stay for a while and experience the full arc of the sunrise.  What Time Does The Sun Rise In Vietnam? The winter sunrises in Vietnam are most exotic. Moreover, you need to know about the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. That’s why your tour operator’s help is crucial.  The best time to witness the sun in its raw orange form is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM. However, please note that you should check the local time there.  Before visiting, you need to note a few things as well: Usually, there is a thick crowd at the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. So arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a front view. The shades and aura of the sunrise from various places will surprise you.  How To Make The Most Of Sunrise Views? Plan most of your sunrise viewing experience. Knowing where to go and how to get there will ensure you don't miss the breathtaking views. Take your hoodies or sweatshirts, as the morning mists are chilly. Interiors may not have food options. So, carry your breakfast essentials or light snacks. Respect the local environment. Avoid littering. Consider booking your trip with a Vietnam Travel Agency. It is to ensure transportation and access to ideal viewpoints.