Is Machu Picchu Closing? Is Overtourism Ruining Its Credibility As The Wonder Of The World? 

BY  Sibashree Mar 13, 2026

Amsterdam is one of the best family vacation spots in the world.  Well, the canals and bikes are legendary. However, you also get something that you probably did not expect.  Amsterdam teaches you the art of slow traveling and the thrill of “doing nothing” as a tourist looking for meaningful and authentic experiences.  So, as a believer of TheLowDownUnder Travel, the capital of the Netherlands became my instant favorite.  Furthermore, once you reach Amsterdam, you find out that nothing is superficial about it, and the layered history of the city keeps the intrigue alive.  Hence, you always want to come back to Amsterdam.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Amsterdam. Also, if you are in the Dutch capital for the first time, read my guide on Amsterdam travel tips before booking your tickets.  What Are The Things To Do In Amsterdam? (Beyond Ticking The Bucket List) The Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam have all the credit for being one of the best places in the world to see flowers.  Furthermore, it is home to historical and cultural landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.  However, the things to do in Amsterdam are not limited to exploring these places. The real thing to do here is to soak in the history, culture, and livelihood of the city.  So, this is how I experienced Amsterdam.  1. Know A City Built On Water And Ambition A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring was engineered in the 17th century.  The 17th century was the Dutch Golden Age, and it is no wonder that Amsterdam was one of the most powerful trade hubs in the world then.  Till today, these waterways lined with tilting canal houses continue to be the backbone of daily life.  You can cycle along the banks like a local or enjoy your time in the houseboats, which bob quietly in the morning mist. These also connect the neighborhoods.  Moreover, the city is very walkable.  The city centre has a series of concentric canals radiating outward from Central Station. Also, most of the major attractions are within cycling or walking distance.  2. Explore Culture At Every Corner The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel in the cultural landscape of the Dutch capital.  Here, you can see all the great work from the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Furthermore, it has works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.  A short walk away, the Van Gogh Museum draws visitors from across the globe, while the Stedelijk offers a strong programme of modern and contemporary art.  For something more intimate, the smaller canal house museums like Museum Van Loon or the Willet-Holthuysen give you a glimpse into how Amsterdam's merchant elite actually lived. Then there's the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht, a sobering and essential visit that tells one of history's most important stories within the very walls where it unfolded. Book tickets well in advance. Beyond the museums, Amsterdam rewards wandering.  The Nine Streets district is a tangle of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee bars tucked between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht.  The Jordaan neighbourhood, once a working-class area, is now one of the most charming parts of the city, full of small galleries, brown cafés, and local markets. 3. Enjoy The Food, Drink, And The Art Of Doing Nothing Dutch food has come a long way from its reputation for simplicity.  Amsterdam's restaurant scene now spans everything from Indonesian rijsttafel, a legacy of the country's colonial history, to outstanding French bistros, modern European tasting menus, and some of the best street-level snacking in Northern Europe.  Grab a fresh herring from a harbour stall, settle into a traditional brown café for a local beer, or book ahead at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants. The café culture here is worth embracing fully.  Amsterdam's brown cafés, or bruine kroegen, are warm, unhurried spaces designed for long conversations and slow afternoons. They are as much a part of the city's identity as the canals. Where To Stay In Amsterdam? Choose Ambassade Hotel Are you looking for accommodation that feels like an extension of the city itself? Then, the Ambassade Hotel on the Herengracht is a natural choice.  1. Live The History And Enjoy The Art It is spread across 16 historic canal houses that date back to the 17th century. So, a stay here gives you the chance to be a part of the city’s history.  Also, most rooms here look over the Herengracht canal. So, you can enjoy the streetscape of the city.  Furthermore, this hotel has a rich legacy in the field of Dutch hospitality. It has been welcoming guests since 1953, and the moment you step into this hotel in Amsterdam, you get that whiff of history and feel the warmth.  Moreover, this hotel was an informal art gallery for me as it has decorations with works from the CoBrA art movement.  Artists from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam founded this bold post-war avant-garde school. 2. Check Its Vast Collection Of Literature  This Amsterdam hotel is also famous for its connection to literature. So, it can be a favorite stay for the dark academia fans.  Furthermore, writers and intellectuals have loved gathering here since the 1980s, and it has a Library Bar housing more than 5000 books.  Moreover, each book is signed by an author who stayed here.  So, this Dutch hotel is not just a place to stay. It is a destination in itself.  3. Indulge In The Cuisine  The Brasserie Ambassade serves French-inspired cuisine seven days a week. Moreover, if you want to explore the city more deeply, you can also join the private tours offered.  These tours cover Amsterdam's art, architecture, and canal history. Choose A Stay That Gives You The Ease To Explore  Staying at The Ambassade Hotel gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. It is located at Herengracht 341.  So, this hotel is located within walking distance of the major attractions in the city.  Moreover, booking directly via ambassade-hotel.nl gives you the best available rate, up to 15% lower than third-party platforms, along with seasonal offers and the possibility of a complimentary room upgrade. Overall, Amsterdam is a city that rewards travelers who take it slow and yearn for authentic experiences.  Hence, staying at a place that is imbued with the city’s character is very important for a perfect vacation.

BY  Barsha Mar 23, 2023

Do you love exploring global cuisines? And do you reside in a global food hub like Los Angeles? If you are nodding your head to the above questions, then you have definitely arrived at the right destination. Because today, we will talk about the top Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. But in case you are a little confused about Dominican cuisine, the popular cuisine is made up of largely Spanish food items, accompanied by Middle Eastern, indigenous Taino, and African influences. So if this sounds interesting to you, then you better stick around – because we have something tasty in store for you. Stay tuned to find out more. Top 12 Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide Image Source: cdn.newsday.com There’s something so exotic about trying out new cuisine - if your tastebuds have an adventurous streak, then you should definitely be ready for some Dominican delicacies. And fortunately, today, we have several options when it comes to trying Dominican eateries located in Los Angeles. Are you already doing an extensive ‘Dominican restaurants near me’ search on Google? Then stop because we have already completed doing research for you. So, without wasting any more time, scroll down and find out the best Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles. 1. Mofongos: Image Source: alexsseafood.com Mofongos is perhaps one Dominican restaurant in Los Angeles that we love visiting very frequently. Located on Lankershim Blvd, this is a casual eatery serving authentic Dominican dishes, including popular items such as Mofongo De Camarones, Flan De Queso, and Arroz Con Pastel Y Tostones. 2. El Colmao: Image Source: www.mammaproof.org The strangest thing about El Colmao is exactly how we found the place. Did you know that while looking for Dominican restaurants in NYC, we first came across this hidden gem in LA? Located on Pico Blvd, El Colmao is a Cuban restaurant known for its delicious sandwiches, rice and beans, Ropa Vieja, plantains, and other authentic dishes. 3. Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant:  Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net Another result of looking for ‘Dominican restaurants New York’ on Google was Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant also in Los Angeles. If you love those cute bakeries specializing in different pastries and cakes, then this place is a must-visit. And that’s not all – you will also get Peruvian and Cuban food like the delicious Rotisserie chicken. 4. Mario’s Peruvian Seafood: Image Source: media-cdn.tripadvisor.com We are checking out Melrose Avenue when we found Mario’s Peruvian Seafood in Los Angeles. If you are exhausted of typing ‘Dominican Republic restaurants near me’ on Google, then stop – instead, just visit this restaurant and try out popular items such as Chicken Lomo Saltado, Chicharron De Pollo, Ceviche Mixto, and Inca Kola. 5. El Florida Restaurant: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net El Florida is a festive restaurant that specializes in two things – mouth-watering Cuban dishes and lively Latin melodies. Located right on Vine Street, the El Florida restaurant is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in LA. If you do visit this restaurant, then do try out dishes like Ropa Vieja, Tostones, Bistec De Palomilla, Cuban sandwiches, and more. 6. Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant: Image Source: media-cdn.grubhub.com While doing extensive research on the best Dominican food that LA has to offer, we stumbled upon Little Kingston Jamaican restaurant. Of course, it all started with the famous ‘Dominican food near me’ search, and soon we were hurrying all over Slauson Avenue looking for Little Kingston. 7. Otoño: Image Source: cdn.vox-cdn.com While we love the Dominican restaurants in New York, there is no point denying that LA has really upped its games when it comes to global cuisines, and Otoño is one such place that has made quite a name for its delectable Dominican dishes. But there’s only one problem - although the food is great, the service is a little slow, and that’s all right since the food quality is great. 8. Versailles Cuban Restaurant: Image Source: infatuation.imgix.net If you are looking for a kid-friendly, humble Dominican restaurant, then you must head over to the Versailles Cuban Restaurant located on Venice Blvd. Moreover, the place comes with plenty of positive reviews online - this is precisely what most people, including us, check out online before visiting any restaurant. 9. El Rincon Criollo: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net Located on Sepulveda Blvd, El Rincon Criollo is a relaxed and casual Cuban eatery that specializes in shredded beef and roasted pork. The vibrant island decor only adds up to the charm of this cozy restaurant. Plus, the menu is all about authentic Cuban dishes - if you love adventures, then this one will definitely become your favorite. 10. Colombia Exotic: Image Source: digital.ihg.com Located on Union Ave, Colombia Exotic is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles. We love their food - our favorites? Arepa de Pollo, Salchipapa regular, Monster burgers, Salchipollo, and Arepa Cuatro Sabores. If your tastebuds are looking for something exotic, then this is the restaurant you have to check out as soon as possible. 11. La Guanakita Mexicana: Image Source: duyt4h9nfnj50.cloudfront.net We found so many positive reviews on La Guanakita Mexicana online that we knew missing out on such an authentic, local eatery would be honesty our loss. If you have been to Pico Blvd before, chances are you missed this local eatery on the side of the road - but this time, be attentive and visit this crazy local restaurant. 12. Mixto Comida Latina: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net The Mixto Comida Latina is one of those Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles that has both delivery and dining options. And not just that, but you will also get to choose between dine-in and delivery alternatives. Located on Hyperion Ave, Mixto Comida Latina is another one of our favorite Dominican restaurants to visit every time we are craving Dominican cuisine. Bon Appetit: Have A Good Meal! And that’s a wrap on the best Dominican restaurants located in Los Angeles. If you love exploring global food options, then you can definitely try out a few Dominican dishes. But while doing so, it’s always best to keep an open mind and let your tastebuds decide what works for you and what obviously doesn’t work for you. So, tell us what your thoughts are on trying out Dominican cuisine – and while sharing your thoughts, if you do have prior experience with this cuisine, then share your experiences in the comments below.

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

No park in the Rockies in Canada is as beautiful as the Banff National Park. This park has a year-round allure. So, no wonder the park had 4.288 million visitors in the 2023-24 fiscal year.  However, Banff National Park is breathtaking in the winter. With an average annual snowfall of 181 inches, the park also offers thrilling winter activities.  Banff National Park Visitor HighlightsBanff National Park had 4.13 million visitors in the 2022-23 fiscal year. So, 2023-24 has seen a massive increase (31%) in the footfall.The traffic congestion in the area has increased with the most traffic in the Lake Louise area. In 2023, there were 2,547 reports of human-wildlife encounters in this national park. So, you must be respectful to the wildlife in the park.  Further, Banff National Park and its surrounding areas expect 10-15 cm of snow in October 2024. The higher terrains can even receive a snowfall of up to 25 cm. So, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and other ski resorts in the area have started preparing for the winter ski season.  These resorts consider this snowy condition ideal for better winter tourism and activities. So, let’s find out the outdoor pursuits you can participate in at Banff National Park this winter. You Surely Don’t Want To Miss These Winter Activities At Banff National Park  Winter calls for an immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park is not an exception. You can enjoy a casual stroll along the snow-covered streets. Further, you can just cherish the snowy beauty while sipping on your favorite hot chocolate drink. Of course, there are delightful activities like ice skating in the frozen lake, skiing, and snowboarding. However, before putting on your skiing shoes and gear, you must check the snow conditions in the park and at a particular resort.  Nevertheless, let’s talk about the activities without further ado!  1. Skiing And Snowboarding Banff National Park offers some world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. In fact, the skiing season here is one of the longest in North America. The skiing season starts here from the end of November until May. It is phenomenal, indeed! Further, it does not matter whether you have not done skiing and snowboarding before. You can give it a go, thanks to the guidance and rentals available here. However, if you are not confident enough, you can just get a sightseeing tour ticket and explore the park. The three skiing resorts in Banff National Park are: Mt Norquay (10 Minutes Away from Town) Banff Sunshine (20 Minutes Away from Town) The Lake Louise Ski Resort  (40 Minutes Away from Town) You can try skiing at all the resorts or at least visit one during the cold season. You have to pay a nominal fee to ski at these resorts. However, if you need guidance or rentals, you must pay extra charges. Nevertheless, here is a snapshot of the admission fee to the park for your reference. Moreover, if you want to visit a particular ski resort, you can buy lift tickets. However, if you have plans to visit all the resorts, go for the SkiBig3 tickets for a better deal.  2. Ice Skating Ice skating rinks in Banff National Park are free, and Lake Louise is the best spot in the park. It is a Canadian dream to ice skate on the frozen lake. Also, you can take part in Pond Hockey here.  Further, you can enjoy the snow-capped beauties while enjoying your time at the Lake Louise Ice Skating Rink. The mountains around this lake are: Mount Whyte Mount Niblock Hungabee Mountain Mount Godor Fairview Mountain Mount Goodsir Moreover, you will love the ice castle at the Lake Louise ice skating rink. Don’t forget to take lovely snaps against the backdrop of this ice castle.  3. Snowshoeing/Winter Hikes Snowshoeing and winter hikes are two different activities. However, both make winter in Banff National Park very special.  So, check out the following snowshoeing hotspots in the national park. Lake Louise Marble Canyon Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls Sunshine Meadows Sulphur Mountain Trail Bow Glacier Falls Sulphur Mountain Trail is also a popular hiking route in the park in winter. Here are some hiking trails in the park in winter. Tunnel Mountain Summit - Moderate, 2.4 Km one-way Stewart Canyon - Easy, 1.5 Km, one way Sundance Canyon - Moderate, 3,7 km one way plus 2.1 km loop Spray Connector - Easy, one way 2 Km Marsh Loop, Easy, 2.8 Km loop However, winter is within the avalanche season in the park. The Avalanche Season in the park continues from November to June.  You can even reach the Avalanche Terrain after a short walk. So, follow the Avalanche Danger Signs and Avalanche Symbol while trekking in the park in winter.  4. Dog Sledding Dog Sledding is a great way to explore the park in winter. The mighty and energetic huskies will make your day. While exploring the park, you will also learn about its history and why it is so crucial for the community and locality. In addition, your musher or guide will explain the dog sledding technique to you. Moreover, dog sledding is a popular activity in Banff National Park during the SnowDays  Event in January and February. It is a celebration of Everything Winter in Banff.  5. Relax In Upper Hot Springs Hours of Operation: 10 am to 10 pm (Last entry: 9:30 pm) It will be the most relaxing experience for you to soak in the warm water of the Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain in the chilling winter. You can kinda call it a Canadian tradition. So, no wonder that it has been one of the best things to do in Banff National Park in winter since 1886.  Banff Upper Hot Springs has 100% natural mineral water. Take a dip in the outdoor pool as you behold the Cascade and Rundle Mountain peaks.  Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Bath House, which is a federal heritage building that houses some interpretive exhibits. These exhibits tell you about the history and nature of the hot springs.  Did you know that Upper Hot Springs is the highest operational hot spring in Canada? 6. Ice Climbing Banff National Park is one of the most popular destinations for ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, along with Jasper and Kootenay National Park. November to April is the best season for ice climbing in these parks.  Easy access and reliable conditions are two factors promoting ice climbing in these parks. In Banff, the canyons and waterfalls are especially brilliant spots for ice climbing. The most visited spots for ice climbing in this park are: Johnston Canyon Professor Falls Louise Falls Weeping Wall Polar Circus Cascade Falls However, ice climbing requires avalanche training, and you must abide by safety guidelines.  7. Wildlife Spotting In May 2024, the Rocky Mountain Outlook came with disturbing news of Wildlife Paparazzi putting pressure on the Grizzlies of Banff National Park to take snaps. This is a sheer disrespect of wildlife and a form of hunting trophies in the form of photos of those animals. “With cell phone cameras, the digital photos of wildlife have become the 21st Century equivalent of hunters going out and bagging an animal that they can hang on their wall.”Brian Spreadbury, Former Human-Wildlife Conflict Supervisor, Lake Louise Nevertheless, exploring the wildlife of Banff National Park in winter is a delightful experience. It is most famous for the black and grizzly bears. Further, you will find bighorn sheep, cougars, moose, elk, and wolves here.  However, you have to be at the following sports to explore wildlife here. Icefields Parkway Bow Valley Parkway Lake Louise Moraine Lake Vermilion Lakes You will also find many small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels in Banff National Park. Moreover, with bald eagles and hundreds of bird species, this park is a birder’s paradise.  8. Snow Tubing Snow tubing is an exciting winter activity that takes place at the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Further snow tubing activities happen in two different time slots. The first slot is from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and the next slot is from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.  The snow tubing park in Mt. Norquay is the largest in Alberta. Moreover, the eight sliding lanes in the park let you enjoy the activity with your friends and family.  9. Northern Lights Viewing Late September to April is the best time for northern light viewing in Banff National Park. Longer nights and clear skies during these months are the best times for stargazing and northern light watching.  Vermillion Lakes in the national park is easily accessible by car and on foot. It is the best location for watching the Northern Lights.  10. Attending Festivals and Events Along with the SnowDays Festival, many events transform Banff National Park into a festive hub. You can attend the following upcoming events in the park. Event Upcoming Date Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival26th October - 3rd November, 2024Power of Presence - Wellness Retreat1st-3rd November, 2024Embrace Joy - Your New Freedom - Wellness Retreat7th-10th November, 2024Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 8th-11th November, 2024Banff Sunshine Community Ski Day6th December, 2024Mt Norquay Community Ski Day7th December, 2024Lake Louise Community Ski Day8th December, 2024SnowDays Play ZoneJanuary 2025Aerial Yoga Teacher Training16th-19th January 2025SnowDays Festival17th January-2nd February So, get geared up for winter fun at Banff National Park. You can reach the park from Calgary through a shuttle service.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.