BY Ariana SmithMar 12, 2021

Temperatures are heating up across the Valley of the Sun and soon it will be summertime! If you are looking to explore the Phoenix area this summer, make sure you know exactly what to expect. Triple-Digit Heat: Expect triple-digit temperatures just about every single day through the summer season. Some days you may get lucky and enjoy a breeze to cool you off a bit, but be prepared for extreme heat. Don’t let the heat stop you from doing things you enjoy outdoors, just make sure to be smart about it. The best time to go hiking is during the early morning hours before it really starts to heat up. It can be dangerous to hike in extreme temperatures, so avoid hiking when it is in the triple digits. Also, drink plenty of water and wear your sunscreen. When it is the hottest time of day, between 3om and 5pm, use a swimming pool to cool off. Again, just make sure you are staying hydrated and wearing your sunscreen. In the evening is the best time to take a stroll through your neighborhood. The sun will be going down and the temperature will be a little cooler. As long as you are smart and safe, you can still do the things you love outdoors in the summer months. Wind and Rain: On top of extreme heat be prepared for monsoons, which will bring dust storms, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. Each year is different when it comes to these storms, so make sure to check the local weather to know what is heading your way. You never want to be caught out in a dust storm or heavy rain, which usually hits in the late afternoon and into the evening. The best idea is to stay safely indoors and enjoy the storms from your home at Sky Crossing. Special Events: Another great thing about Phoenix is there are many awesome special events to enjoy during the summer months. Baseball is in full swing in the summer, so be sure to check out an Arizona Diamondback ballgame. The stadium comes with a retractable roof, so you won’t be sweating in your seats! For an educational experience, check out the Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tour. The Desert Botanical Garden is a gorgeous place to visit in the heart of Phoenix. During the warm summer months, they offer nightly flashlight tours so your whole family can safely explore the desert after dark. It might get hot in Phoenix, but if you are prepared and do things safely, you can still enjoy all Phoenix has to offer during the summer months. Read Also: How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See 10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day : T AND TB

BY Abdul Aziz MondalJun 8, 2023

No one likes staying home for the summer. Your summer holidays are the best time to get out there and explore what is happening worldwide. If you’re eager to play tourist, you should check out Gatlinburg this summer. This popular tourist destination, located in Tennessee, is well-loved by millions of tourists all over the world. Gatlinburg is a quaint little town located near the Smoky Mountains National Park. So when tourists feel like visiting this impressive Tennessee monument, they often stop by Gatlinburg. Once you arrive here, there is much to do, from attractive sites to see to delicious food that will leave your taste buds singing. Choosing the right season to visit Gatlinburg makes all the difference to your holiday, and here are some reasons why you should go in the summer: Gatlinburg Is Brimming With Activities Gatlinburg knows how to keep tourists entertained throughout the year. If you stop by in the summer, you will witness many events that will make your trip memorable. Whether you want to visit the Ober Gatlinburg, zip line at the Anakeesta, or walk across the Sky lift Park bridge, these top attractions in Gatlinburg are waiting for your arrival with comfortable accommodations. But, if you want to wind down and enjoy the open air, Gatlinburg also has a selection of live events to experience. One of these noteworthy events is the Barbecue and Bluegrass event which is held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg is roughly fifteen minutes away from Pigeon Forge, so you don’t need to book plane tickets to get there. The Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival runs from May 25th to June 10th and is a delicious combination of two Southern traditions, BBQ and live bluegrass music. While attending this event, you will feast on mouthwatering barbecue dishes such as smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. After you’ve stuffed yourself to your heart’s content, you can enjoy live Bluegrass music. This genre of American roots music features close harmony and heartfelt notes, so don’t be surprised if you start swaying to the rhythm. The Best Time To Hike Take advantage of the summer and go for a hike in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountains National Park is a sight to be held during the warm weather. You will have a chance to smell the blooming flowers, gaze at the wildlife roaming away from the tourists, and observe the impressive trees that populate this park. Hiking is also much more manageable in the summer. If you try accessing these trails during the winter, the snow will make it hard to thread on them. The Smokies has over 800 tracks for you to try, some of which include the Abrams Falls, Porters Creek, and Big Creek trails. Abrams' Fall is one of the most notable waterfall hikes. The whole trip is about 5 miles long and is the ideal route if you’re new to hiking. Along your journey, you will encounter a 20 feet high waterfall which is soothing to look at, refreshing to feel on your skin. On the other hand, if you opt for the Porters Creek Trail, the entire route is about 4 miles long. During the first mile, you will have to use the gravel road that lines the banks of the creek as water flows in thick streams around you. As you progress, you will catch views of the old remains of the communities that settled in Porters Creek in the 1900s. These include their farmstead and their graveyard. Another mile, and you will run into the spectacular 40-foot waterfall known as the Fern Branch Falls. Before you start hiking, ensure you have all the essential items you need to make this endeavor possible. This includes the proper boots, a map, water bottles, spare clothes, and a first aid kit. The Cabins Are Affordable Cabins are by far the coziest and best option when it comes to vacation rentals. These lodgings offer far more privacy than the average hotel for half the price. Most cabins also have amenities like a jacuzzi, a home theater, and a fully stocked kitchen. So what better time to enjoy these perks than during peak summer? Additionally, if you get a cabin near the lake, you’ll hear the gentle flow of water, soft chirps of insects and smell all the flowers blooming near your accommodations. At night, you can come out for a session of stargazing and enjoy the warmth of the night air. Cabins are also far more affordable in the summer than in any other season. This is because they’re more accessible when the weather is warm, and you don’t have to pay extra to clear off the snow to make a path to walk on. Great Time For Fishing Gatlinburg is home to numerous lakes and fishing streams where you can try your luck and gauge if you’re an expert angler. In the summer, fish come to the surface early morning. While in the afternoon, they swim about in large schools, increasing the probability of you reeling one in. Fishing is therapeutic. It can help you shut off your mind and allows you to relish the cool water body beneath your boat. If you happen to visit Gatlinburg with your family, fishing proves to be the ultimate bonding experience. You will never forget the precious moment of teaching your child to hold a fishing rod, guiding them on baiting a fish, and watching the smile on their face when they emerge successful. Try visiting the Horseshoe fishing spot at Cades Cove near Upper Abrams Creek. This region is known for its rainbow trout, about an eight to twelve-inch-long fish. Although you may have slight difficulty in accessing this zone since there aren’t nearby trails that can safely take you to the Horseshoe, with a little perseverance, you can still access the water. Moreover, if you want a picturesque lake, visit the Little River at Elkmont. This is a large stream that you can access from the roadside. But, if you’re willing to work, a further two-mile hike up the creek through the Little River Trail can give you a front-seat view of both rainbow and brown trout, which are a joy to catch. Final Thoughts Spend your holidays this summer by visiting Gatlinburg. The warm Tennessee weather and hospitality of the locals will beckon you to visit. Gatlinburg is popular among tourists for the right reasons. It has exciting restaurants, breathtaking views, and hiking trails that you should explore. Furthermore, you can’t deny this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing the Smokies up close. This park is Tennessee’s most significant treasure and is responsible for keeping the tourist industry alive. You can also try your hand at activities that are not usually available all year round, like fishing. Nothing beats a successful fishing expedition when you bring home a prized trout. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Gatlinburg now! 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BY Ankita TripathyDec 8, 2023

Embarking on a solo holiday adventure can be an exhilarating and transformative experience. It offers an unparalleled sense of freedom, allowing you to explore new destinations at your own pace and according to your own interests. Solo travel encourages self-discovery, as you step out of your comfort zone and embrace new cultures and experiences. It's an opportunity to meet new people, learn about different ways of life, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, the key to a successful solo adventure lies in meticulous planning and preparation. B. Planning Essentials Before setting out on your solo journey, there are several essential aspects to consider. Planning is crucial to ensure that your trip is not only enjoyable but also safe. This involves selecting the right destination, managing your finances wisely, arranging suitable accommodation and transportation, understanding the local culture, and preparing for emergencies. In this guide, we'll walk you through each of these crucial steps, providing you with the knowledge and confidence needed to embark on your first solo holiday adventure. II. Choosing Your Destination A. Destination Factors Selecting the right destination is the first step in planning your solo adventure. Consider what you want from your holiday – relaxation, adventure, culture, or a mix of these. Think about the climate, language, cultural norms, and safety of potential destinations. For those new to solo travel, considering solo holiday packages can be a great option. These packages are tailored to meet the needs of solo travelers, offering a blend of structure and freedom, often with opportunities to join group activities or tours. They can provide a sense of security, especially in navigating unfamiliar territories. Some travelers prefer destinations with a well-trodden tourist path for their first solo trip, while others may seek more off-the-beaten-path experiences. It's also important to be mindful of any travel advisories or visa requirements for your chosen destination. Remember, the ideal destination should align with your interests and comfort level, ensuring a rewarding solo travel experience. B. Research Tips Thorough research is key to a successful solo trip. Utilize travel blogs, forums, and guides to gain insights from other solo travelers. Look into the local customs, language basics, must-see attractions, and hidden gems of your chosen destination. Check out reviews and ratings of places you plan to visit. Social media platforms can also be a great resource for up-to-date information and connecting with fellow travelers who have been to the destination. Iii. Budgeting And Finance Management A. Travel Budgeting Effective budgeting is crucial for a stress-free solo holiday. Start by determining your overall budget, considering all possible expenses: flights, accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and emergencies. Look for ways to save money, like traveling during off-peak seasons, choosing budget airlines, or staying in hostels. It’s also wise to budget for some splurges – after all, this is your holiday! B. Finance Handling Managing your finances while on the road is an important aspect of solo travel. Diversify your money sources - carry some cash, but also have a credit or debit card handy. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card blocks due to foreign transactions. Consider using travel-friendly bank accounts or cards that offer low transaction fees abroad. Always have a small emergency fund accessible in case of unexpected situations. Iv. Accommodation And Transportation A. Accommodation Choices Accommodation is more than just a place to sleep; it can be a big part of your solo travel experience. Consider different types of accommodation – hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb – depending on your budget and comfort level. Hostels are great for meeting fellow travelers, while Airbnb can offer a more local experience. Always check reviews and ensure your accommodation is in a safe and convenient location. B. Transportation Know-How Understanding the local transportation system is essential. Research the most efficient and cost-effective ways to get around. This could include public transport, rental cars, bikes, or walking. Familiarize yourself with the schedules and routes of buses or trains, and always have a backup plan in case of disruptions. If you plan to drive, make sure you’re aware of the local driving laws and customs. V. Staying Safe And Connected A. Safety Strategies Safety should always be a priority, especially when traveling solo. Share your itinerary with friends or family and regularly check-in. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid risky areas, and trust your instincts. Keep your valuables secure and have copies of important documents like your passport and insurance. Learning a few phrases in the local language can also be incredibly helpful in emergencies. B. Staying Connected Staying connected is important for both safety and enjoyment. Invest in a local SIM card or a global data plan to ensure you have internet access. This will help you navigate, book accommodations, and stay in touch with loved ones. Social media and travel apps can enhance your travel experience, providing tips, directions, and opportunities to connect with other travelers and locals. VI. Conclusion Embarking on your first solo holiday adventure can be a daunting yet exhilarating experience. It's an opportunity to grow, learn, and enjoy the world on your own terms. By following the steps outlined in this guide – from choosing your destination to staying safe and connected – you can ensure a memorable and fulfilling solo journey. Embrace the adventure, the freedom, and the endless possibilities that solo travel brings. Safe travels!  Read Also: A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen The Best Tips To Travel Around The World