Trust Or Bust: Here’s My Agoda Experience!

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Savannah has recently been in the limelight for great reasons. At the just-concluded 2024 Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Tourism Industry Excellence Awards, Savannah in the Round has been conferred the Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award. Savannah in the Round is a popular music and arts festival and with it winning the laurel, Savannah will get a great kick in the city’s art tourism.  However, the unique things to do in Savannah are much beyond only nurturing the musical and arty aspects. For the longest time, it has been a hub of history enthusiasts, especially the ones eager to know about American history. There is no wonder that Savannah and Chatham County have created an economic impact of $4.7 billion, thanks to tourism in 2023.  "What we are most pleased about is our visitors are staying longer and spending more money when they are here. That tells us that the overall Savannah visitor experience, when it comes to lodging, dining, and other activities, is meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. A goal the hospitality community strives for every day."Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO, Visit Savannah So, do you want to explore the promising tourism landscape of Savannah? Try the following activities on your first visit. Most Unique Things To Do In Savannah (Don’t Miss Out On The Tour And Travel Tips) Tourism in Savannah is crucial for the community as it has sustained 30,000 jobs annually in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Further, the insights from locals and industry insiders have confirmed that the tourists now choose local businesses and hotels in the city. To be more specific, tourists here prefer to eat at locally-owned restaurants and buy stuff from local retail businesses. “With two-thirds of respondents intentionally favoring locally-owned restaurants and retail offerings, we as industry leaders must acknowledge and harness this trend.”Todd Costin, General Manager Hyatt Regency Savannah and Visit Savannah Chair So, are you ready to explore the true flavors of Savannah while visiting the iconic landmarks? Here are the best things to do in Savannah, curated and approved by the Tour and Travel expert team.  1. A Day Trip To Tybee Island A day trip to Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah if you want a relaxing holiday. The Little Tybee Island is the hidden gem of this trip, with only boats taking you to this pristine destination.  Along with being a picturesque beach destination, Tybee Island also has places of attractions like the Tybee Island Light Station, Marine Science Center, etc. When on Tybee Island, don’t miss a visit to Fort Pulaski, a place of great historic significance between Tybee Island and Savannah.  2. Visiting The Bonaventure Cemetery Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM The 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is among the best attractions for literary and music enthusiasts. Names like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken rest here. Further, the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery has the grave of Danny Hansford. For the uninitiated, the murder of Danny Hansford was the main inspiration behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the bestseller by John Berendt. Tour And Travel Tips Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle and bug spray while visiting this cemetery.  3. Visiting The River Street River Street in the Waterfront District of Savannah is one of the most prominent travel destinations in the city. It runs along the Savannah River and many people also take a cruise ride from Hilton Head to River Street to take a stroll and explore the city’s history. However, the main attractions here are the souvenir shops. Further, you can enjoy serious gastronomic delights at the local restaurants.  Moreover, sipping your favorite drink at the old cotton warehouses while enjoying the river view is the most relaxing experience one can expect.  4. Visiting The Old Sorrel Weed House https://www.instagram.com/p/C0igAyIMSLe/?img_index=1 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 3 PM (Sunday) This villa, built in 1840, stands proudly on Harris Street with its unique Greek revival style. Francis Sorrel built the villa, and with time, it became home to Moxley Sorrel, the brigadier general and an important figure in the Civil War. Did You Know?The second wife of Francis Sorrel committed suicide at the Old Sorrel Weed House along with one of the slave workers.Old-Sorrel Weed House was also featured in one of the episodes of HGTV’s Ghost Adventures. However, today, along with being a place of architectural and historic importance, it is also a popular destination for ghost tours in Savannah. So, if you are interested in ghosts and spirits, a Ghost Tour on Paranormal Investigations here will be one of the best things to do in Savannah. Tour And Travel Notes Don’t miss a visit to Chippewa Square, near the Old Sorrel Weed House. It was the location of the famous Tom Hanks movie, Forest Gump. In the movie, the actor sits on a bench at Chippewa Square and narrates his life stories.  5. A Tour Of Fort Pulaski National Monument Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM The 19th-century Pulaski National Monument gets its name from Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War Hero. Originally built as a watchpoint to save Savannah from coastal attacks, the fort slowly became a part of the history of slaves in Savannah. Slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad used to take refuge in Fort Pulaski. So, visiting this historic fort is one of the most important things to do in Savannah and learn about the city’s relation with the history of slavery.  6. Exploring The Savannah African Art Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C23I31agi7y/ Operating Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM The Savannah African Art Museum is home to over thousand artworks from central and west Africa. You can visit the spiritual and ceremonial collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. These objects are crafted from ceramics, metals, wood, etc. The museum’s mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art.” Tour And Travel Note Savannah African Art Museum is a hidden gem and a great conversation starter for people interested in African culture. Further, you will see many sculptures, textiles, masks, and other objects on display with the guide explaining their significance to you. You can attend the 1-hour tours of the collectibles from Wednesday to Saturday. These tours start every 30 minutes.  7. Visiting The Wormsloe State Historic Site Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4:45 PM Are you up for a stroll with towering oak trees gracing the pathways? The dressing of Spanish moss makes these oak trees appear as a witness to the changes in nature and human histories related to this place. This is a great place for photography enthusiasts. However, as you pass the entryway, you will encounter the oldest standing structure of Savannah, the Wormsloe Ruins. Noble Jones, a carpenter and one of the first-generation settlers from England built an estate here in the 1750s. He recruited slaves to plant cotton and vegetables and run the estate as a profitable business. Today, you can visit the ruins and a small museum tour will help you find the artifacts unearthed here. Tour And Travel Tips   Don’t miss a walk on the interpretative trail at the Wormsloe State Historic Site. This trail along the Skidaway River marsh has interpreters in costumes. They interpret the colonial history of this estate and Georgia.  8. Introspection At The First African Baptist Church The first African Baptist Church of 1773 is the longest-running Black church in North America. Rev. George Liele organized the church. He was a slave, but the British released him and he became the pastor of this church. Andrew Bryan became the church’s second pastor as George Liele left for Jamaica. You can attend a service at the church or visit the following things, bearing the church’s architectural features and histories. Original light fixtures Balcony pews Baptismal pool Stained-glass windows Underground Railroad You can complete a tour of this church within 1 hour. So, visiting this church will easily fit into your list of things to do in Savannah.  Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Mar 6, 2026

Traveling solo on a motorcycle! A long-cherished dream! You know, I had a senior in my school. I was not in touch with her after we both left school.  Now, thanks to Instagram, I found her again, and guess what she was doing those days? Conquering the lakes and mountains on her motorcycle.  I again started nurturing my dream of solo motorcycle trips. The open road and independence became the ultimate goal to achieve when the bottlenecks at work and family responsibilities became claustrophobic.  Since then, I have completed many solo trips on motorcycles, and each ride has gifted me a different empowering experience.  However, to be a strong and independent solo woman traveler, you have to get your motorcycle touring packing list correct.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to pack for a solo motorcycle ride for a woman traveler. So, keep reading.  The Ultimate Motorcycle Touring Packing List For Women Solo Travelers  As I was saying, a lot of preparation becomes essential when you are a woman solo traveler on a motorcycle.  Having the right essentials in your bag is not just about comfort. It is also about your safety and how you prepare for every trip.  Furthermore, when you know that you have the right gear and you have made your preparations well, you feel more confident about the ride, irrespective of the distance to be covered.  In addition, there can be sudden medical emergencies. You may fall sick, get minor cuts, or your menstrual cycle can arrive earlier than expected.  So, you have to be really prepared as a woman solo rider.  If you are planning a motorcycle ride for the first time, it can be difficult for you to think about everything you need.  However, after completing many miles as a solo motorcycle traveler, having met a major motorcycle crash, and learning a few lessons the hard way, I now have a fair idea about what to pack.  The focus is always on safety, self-reliance, and peace of mind.  1. Protective Gear You’ll Wear All Day Safety is the most important thing in your motorcycle touring packing list. However, you have to consider the comfort factor, too.  Think that you will have to wear your gear for many hours when you are on a long-distance ride.  So, you will find a gear that fits your body well.  If your gear is ill-fitted, you will find it uncomfortable. The discomfort can further cause distraction when you are on the road, and ensure reduced protection if you meet with a motorcycle accident, unfortunately.  So, make sure that you have these essentials in your bag.  DOT-approved helmet that fits properly (no pressure points) Also, an armored riding jacket and pants, preferably with ventilation for changing weather Furthermore, riding gloves (bring a lighter backup pair, too) And, over-the-ankle boots with slip-resistant soles. 2. Visibility And Weather Protection Essentials Compromised visibility and sudden changes in the weather conditions can cause major road accidents.  So, include these in your packing list.  High-visibility vest or reflective strips Also, rain gear (even if the forecast looks clear) Then, a neck gaiter or balaclava for wind, sun, or cold Moreover, a clear visor or anti-fog insert. 3. Motorcycle Safety And Emergency Gear This is where smart packing really pays off.  Even if you don’t plan to do major repairs, having basic tools on your bike gives you options and confidence if you’re far from help.  These items can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. Basic motorcycle tool kit Also, a tire repair kit and a portable air compressor. Moreover, a chain lube or maintenance spray Also, a flashlight or headlamp And, an emergency roadside kit (flares or LED beacons). 4. Personal Safety Items For Solo Women Riders Solo travel as a woman doesn’t mean being fearful, but being prepared is empowering. Every woman knows that feeling in their gut when something feels off.  Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  While we wish for the best, we prepare for the worst by packing these items just in case. Personal safety alarm (small, loud, effective) Phone charger and portable power bank Emergency contact list (written, not just in your phone) GPS or offline maps. 5. Health, Comfort, And Self-Care Must-Haves Long days on the bike can take a toll. Staying hydrated, fueled, and comfortable helps prevent fatigue, which is one of the biggest safety risks on long rides. A few comfort items go a long way. First aid kit (include blister care, pain reliever, allergy meds) Sunscreen and lip balm Reusable water bottle or hydration pack Healthy snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit) Earplugs for long highway stretches. 6. Clothing That Works On And Off The Bike If you are going on a motorcycle trip, you have to think about what to pack and how it’s going to fit on the bike with you.  Packing light doesn’t mean packing poorly, but it is the name of the game on a bike trip.  Compression packing cubes are a game-changer for motorcycle travel.  Choose neutral pieces you can mix and match; think capsule wardrobe, and don’t forget to include these: Quick-dry base layers One warm layer (if going somewhere cold) Casual clothes that layer well Sleepwear and lightweight shoes. 7. Documents And Travel Organization Being organized saves time, stress, and frustration. Keep important documents waterproof and easily accessible. Driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement. Moreover, insurance and registration. Also, a health insurance card. Then, the emergency roadside assistance info. And a small notebook and pen. 8. Smart Tech For Long-Distance Motorcycle Touring Technology can be a powerful safety tool when used intentionally.  So, let someone know your route and check in regularly. Also, it’s a simple habit that adds an extra layer of security. Helmet Bluetooth system (for navigation or emergency calls). Also, a dash cam or helmet cam, Moreover, weather apps with alerts. In addition, a location-sharing app (shared with a trusted person). What To Do If You’re In An Accident While Traveling No one plans for a motorcycle accident, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. When you’re traveling solo, it’s especially important to take care of yourself first and not feel rushed or pressured. Get to a safe location if possible. Furthermore, call emergency services. Then, take photos and notes. Also, have an exchange of information with the involved parties. Moreover, take medical help.  As a woman motorcycle traveler, you don’t have to be fearless. You have to just be prepared, pack smart, be confident, and manage the challenges with a calm and capable mindset. 

BY  Barsha Jan 17, 2023

Planning to check out the Traverse City beach sometime soon? But what beach will you go to - there are so many beautiful beaches in this area of the United States that you will be left spoilt for choice - we know we were! So, the next time you are planning a trip to the beach, don’t forget about Traverse City. Keep reading to find out! A Guide To Traverse City Beach - 10 Best Beaches To Explore! There are so many beautiful hotels that you will b spoilt for choice - so choosing the location based on the popular hotels of the area would be a wrong choice. Instead, how about finding out which is the prettiest beach first before you can book your hotels? But here’s a list of hotels to help you out anyway! Bayshore Resort, The Baywatch Resort, Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Delamar Traverse City, Parkshore Resort, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, Sugar Beach Resort Hotel, Pinestead Reef Resort, The Beach Haus Resort, and Pointes North Beachfront Resort Hotel. Once you are done going through the hotels, scroll down to read about the prettiest beaches in Traverse City. 1. West End Beach: West End Beach is perhaps our favorite Traverse City beach - it was so pretty and, more importantly, not crowded. Perfect for your next weekend getaway, you can’t miss out on this pretty little beach. Review By Kasey Chappel: “Beautiful serene views, relaxing by the bay is bar none! Watching the sailboats listening to the birds, and staring at the water is very relaxing! I recommend anybody stop by, hang up a hammock and chill out for a while ?” 2. Clinch Park: There are several beaches in Traverse City but none like the beautiful beaches in Clinch Park. Not just the internet but our personal experience tells us that these beaches are hand down the prettiest! Review By Desi Carpenter: Chilled little water pad & "obstacle" course for the kids. The beach area is usually (always) clean, with friendly people and amazing views right on the pier. Great area to park and be able to access downtown or walk behind the buildings on the boardwalk. 3. Haserot Beach: Honestly, Haserot Beach is a gem - one of the prettiest hidden gems that we came across on our trip to the different beaches in and around Traverse City. Plus, this beach is free from rocks and comes with a nice picnic area, vault toilet, and playground. Review By Sebastian Cowgill: Great swimming spot with a nice scenic drive on the way in. On the day we went there were only two other groups so it was nice and private. It was the only beach we went to in the area that wasn’t crowded. There’s also a great boat launch right there so you can drop in easily. 4. Traverse City State Park Beach: Another Traverse City beach we really loved was the Traverse City State Park Beach. It’s so family-friendly and perfect for anyone planning to travel to the beach with children. Review By Doug Smith: This is a fairly long beach that runs West of the entrance and all the way to the Pinestead Reef timeshare resort. It used to be a deep beach but the water levels are up (can't fault the park). Picnic tables and benches are well maintained (many beaches lack these). Long grassy area (another plus that many lack). Pedestrian bridge from the state campground on another side of the highway. 5. East Bay Park: It’s highly possible that you might not be a fan of those big city beaches that are always crowded and even the water’s so deep. In that case, the beaches in East Bay Park are perfect for you - it’s relatively less crowded and the water’s pretty shallow. Review By Citallwic: I’ve visited a number of the parks and trails in the East Bay Regional Park District over the years, most recently enjoying May afternoon walks on the Contra Costa Canal Trail and the new George Miller Trail. Briones Regional Park remains my favorite component of the district system, and I especially like to be there when the raptor migration is in full swing. I am SO grateful for all the hard work and cooperative efforts that have made the East Bay Regional Park District one of the finest park/trail systems in America. 6. Bryant Park: Amongst the different Traverse City beaches, the ones in Bryant Park are perhaps the most popular amongst the local residents. So, if you want a local beach flavor then heading over to Bryant Park is a great idea. Review By Lucky M: This beach is lovely. The parking lot is really small, which can be a problem, but it also limits the crowds. There is lots of room on the expanse of nice, clean sand to spread out. The water is mostly pretty shallow, so it's great for the kids to play safely, and there's also a great playground. There is a nice bathhouse with flush toilets and sinks. For visitors with disabilities, there is a special path all the way down the beach that a wheelchair can easily navigate, and a special bench to accommodate them. In fact, the path is so nice that everyone was using it to walk on! The city has really done a beautiful job with this beach. 7. M.C. Beach: Another one of our favorite Traverse City beach is located at M.C. Beach! It’s beautiful, and the beach has cute tables - up for a gateway with your girl gang? Then this one’s surely your best shot! Review By B9008UBmichaelm: We have known the Marbella Club for many years, but due to circumstances this is the first time we have been back for a few weeks in 3 years. The significant and noticeable development always invites us to spend the days and evenings there. Especially for lunch the last few days at MC Beach - to enjoy the warm welcome by Federica, the cool service and the delicious recommendations by Benjamin, Borja or Tani (in no particular order) cannot be surpassed in terms of professional nonchalance. The entire team does a terrific job and it is a great pleasure to be there. Bravo and chapeau! We are already looking forward to lunch today. 8. Taylor Park Long Lake Township: You don’t need to search with terms like ‘beach traverse city Michigan’ - if you are looking for a beach that’s local and small, then definitely head over to the beaches at Taylor Park Long Lake Township! Review By Mitchman1964: I am a local Realtor residing in Long Lake Township who spends a great deal of time recreating on Long Lake with friends and family. I've sold many lakefront homes on this gorgeous inland lake located just 10-15 min. West of Traverse City. The roughly 3,000 acre all-sports lake is popular for swimming and boating with its 5 islands, nesting bald eagles and loons, deer and other wildlife. It's crystal clear waters, sandy bottom and relatively shallow depth make for a user friendly experience for families and fishing. There are two public boat launch access points, one at he North end of the lake just West of the Village and the other on the West side of Long Lake off of Crescent Shores. This is one of the most desirable inland lakes and bodies of water in all of the Grand Traverse Region. For more info, I can be reached at (231) 645-2323 and I'm happy to assist you in your vacation plans or finding the lakefront property of your dreams! Read More: Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World 9. Sunset Park: While people will recommend the sugar beach traverse city area, it will be so much better to just head over to Sunset Park - it’s pretty and perfect, plus you get to see one of the most beautiful sunsets. Review By Susan Page: Very nice, quiet park. It's very clean. There are swings and another piece of playground equipment. Close to the water and far enough from the road. It's fairly quiet and has benches and picnic tables. Can enjoy a terrific sunset. Parking is plentiful. Enjoy this park. 10. Suttons Bay Beach: If you find Suttons Bay gorgeous, then there’s no point in not visiting Suttons Bay Beach! It’s beautiful - again, people might recommend the grand beach resort traverse city, but it’s better to just hit the area around Suttons Bay for the perfect beach weekend getaway. Review By Mike Gardner: Nice little beach right behind the downtown area. Not far from restaurants and shops. For your convenience, you will find two private unisex restrooms to use to change and clean up in private. This is a family-friendly beach with a nice playground for the kid as well. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the Traverse City beach mentioned below in detail! 1. What Town Has The Best Beach In Traverse City? Ans: Perhaps, the most popular beach in Traverse City is located in Clinch Park, just minutes away from downtown. The stretch is beautiful and runs along the entire West Grand Traverse Bay - it’s only a very short walk from different shops, restaurants, and coffee bars. 2. What Is The Prettiest Beach In Michigan? Ans: The prettiest beaches in Michigan are as follows,a. South Haven,b. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park,c. Grand Haven,d. Warren Dunes State Park, ande. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 3. What Are The Best Swimming Lakes Near Traverse City? Ans: One of the best swimming lakes near Traverse City is Perch Lake. While there are several lakes located in Michigan that go by the same name, the one we are talking about spreads over 40 acres in the East Bay Township, just outside of Traverse City. 4. Which Great Lake Has The Prettiest Beaches? Ans: The prettiest beaches in Great Lake are as follows,a. The Grotto - Lake Huron,b. Bluffer's Park Beach - Lake Ontario,c. Pancake Bay Beach - Lake Superior,d. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Lake Michigan, ande. Long Point - Lake Erie. And It’s A Wrap! So which is your favorite Traverse City beach - which one do you plan to check out any of these days? We can’t wait to find out! If you do plan a trip to Traverse City, don’t forget to let us know about your experience in the comments below! Read Also: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts