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

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

The year 2023 fall saw the return of Lake Manly or the Death Valley National Park lake. The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Death Valley, as well as the entire North America. It is located 282 feet below sea level, and today, the world knows it as a dry and salted flat.   However, a massive downpour caused by Hurricane Hilary in fall 2023 and the “Atmospheric River Effect” this year made the dried lake appear magically. Lastly, the lake had a resurrection in 2005, and suddenly, this trace of life in the barren land looks and feels surreal.   But why did this lake appear all of a sudden? Will it stay? What can you see while exploring the area near Lake Manly? This article tries to find answers to all your questions. Further, there is a sneak peek into what NASA shows about the ghostly and ancient lake at Death Valley National Park.   Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned?  Yes, the ancient Death Valley National Park lake made a comeback. Hurricane Hilary hit Death Valley on 19th-21st August 2023, and its remnants caused more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall (2 inches) at the national park.   Further, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect on 4th-7th February 2024 caused 1.5 inches of rainfall. Altogether, the amount of rainfall in this park from the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024 was 4.9 inches.1   This sudden and unprecedented rainfall caused the rise of Death Valley National Park Lake. In mid-February 2024, the lake had one-foot deep water. Further, it was 6 miles long and 3 miles wide.   NASA has published a series of three images of Lake Manly. The pictures showed the difference between the barren, salted land in July and the waterlogged area in August after the rampage of Hurricane Hilary and Atmospheric River. Further, the pictures also depicted that the lake was almost the same size in August 2023 and February 2024.   Moreover, according to the latest update in April 2024, the lake is getting a steady number of visitors. The reflection of the surrounding peaks looks out of the world in the tranquil water of the lake. In addition, thanks to the rainfall and the resurgence of the lake, the national park had an abundance of wildflowers this season.   Elyscia Letterman2, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), has mentioned,   “It's quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset when you have these beautiful reflections from the mountains around the lake. There's some snow on the mountaintops. So, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the water is very beautiful. It doesn't feel like you're in Death Valley.”   Again, the Amargosa River keeps feeding the Badwater Basin area from the south. With its increased water level, it can help the Death Valley National Park lake to stay. Having said that, let’s discuss a few details about how Hurricane Hillary and the atmospheric river effect impacted the lake formation and overall national park.   Hurricane Hillary Hits Death Valley National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AgKKwLHMn/ The Death Valley National Park experienced flooding after a massive downpour started at Gower Gulch near Zabriskie Point. The rainfall took place on 20th August 2023, and the crew started assessing the havoc in the park on 21st August 2023.   Thanks to the flooding, Lake Manly made a comeback. However, some of the backcountry roads were completely washed. In addition, there was a major loss of pavements and undercutting.   “The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then. Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit!”   - Ranger Abby Wines on the return of the Death Valley National Park Lake after Hurricane Hillary  Atmospheric River Effect In Death Valley National Park  The Death Valley National Park was already recovering from the impact of Hurricane Hilary. Suddenly, in February 2024, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect hit the national park. The storm fed the Badwater Basin with water, which enhanced the temporary lake.  This storm also pulled down snow from the mountain peaks, and it came down to around 4000 feet in the park.   Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay?   Despite the endorheic nature of the Badwater Basin, the Death Valley National Park Lake is transitional or ephemeral in nature. The evaporation rate here is higher than the water feed it gets. However, the downpours caused by the August 2023 and February 2024 natural calamities have brought all the changes. We now have a lake that shows some potential to stay.   Again, the Amargosa River has flowing water at a high level. So, the basin is getting constantly fed by water from the south. As a result, the lake still stands in the driest place for a span of more than 6 months. In 2005, when the lake reappeared for the last time, it only lasted a week. This time, there is a new scenario around the lake and how long the water will last.  Having said that, nothing specific can be mentioned about how long the lake will stay as the rate of evaporation is still high. Even as I write this article, I realize that the lake may not remain fit for kayaking for long. Still, the lake is likely to exist for some time, offering visitors a renewed site of attraction in the national park.   Overall, the resurgence of the lake and its stay is an “extremely rare event,” as mentioned by the National Park Service authority.   Exploring The Death Valley National Park Lake Area   There is no denying that all roads in the Death Valley National Park lead to the ancient lake, which has come to life. Once you are done taking photographs or seeing the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water, you can take a walk around the area.   The shores of the lake have a white boundary wall, which is formed because of a high concentration of salt. Further, the Panamint Range, Black Mountains, and barren land surrounding the lake offer you an other-worldly experience.   Moreover, you can explore the nearby looking points in the park to have diverse views of the place. Enjoy your time at the oasis of Death Valley!   What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024)  NASA showed the change in the Death Valley National Park Lake from February to March using SWOT, a U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. In just six weeks, the water level came down to 1.5 feet from 3 feet.   The NASA report has further highlighted the temporary nature of the lake and the fact that a gust of a strong wind can move this lake by a couple of miles.  Final Words   With “billions of gallons of water,” the Death Valley National Park lake is alive again. The sapphire blue water in the midst of a barren land shows the magic of nature. In February 2024, the lake became a go-to destination for kayaking, thanks to its 1-foot-deep water. However, by March, the lake was closed to opening, and in April, the lake was transformed into a waterbody of a few inches’ depth.   This has also become a tourist attraction thanks to the most amazing sunrise and sunset views.  Further, there is no assurance or specific information available about how long the lake will last. So, make it to the Death Valley National Park till the lake lasts. Also, don’t forget to share your experience as you explore the Badwater Basin area around the ghostly (now alive) lake. Also read Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio. You Can’t MISS These Best Songs for Instagram Travel Reels (Real People, Real Choice 2024) Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  Sibashree Apr 13, 2026

It is very difficult to find a travel blog that offers practical information when every other blog looks very generic or polished.  This is where the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog makes its way.  Established by Kellie Kearney, this Irish-based platform mixes parenting stories, family travel ideas, and daily living tips in a way that feels honest and helpful. So why does the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog connect strongly with modern parents and families? What Is My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog?  My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog by Kellie Kearney is an Irish online space that focuses on home life.  It offers a mix of vacation ideas for families, honest parenting stories, lifestyle tips, and real family adventures.  The site is known for combining tips with personal storytelling, giving followers material they can really relate to.  Unlike sites that focus on a perfect look, My Little Babog shows the real side of raising a family, including the messy parts. Kellie Kearney: The Creator Behind My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is a strong connection point for readers because of its creator, Kellie Kearney.  Kellie’s experiences as a mother provide unique insight into the content of the blog, giving readers a personal connection with her writing. It is honest.  Also, followers relate to Kellie’s stories because they’re based on reality rather than some contrived “how to”. Moreover, Kellie has a down-to-earth style that allows her to provide practical help and advice.  Because of this, the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is considered a reliable resource for caregivers seeking relevant material. What Will You Find on the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? One of the great features of the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is the wide range of topics it covers.  Because the blog doesn’t have a narrow focus, it’s an excellent source for parents looking for inspiration for a variety of topics.  If you’re planning a family vacation, trying to create a simpler home life, or seeking parenting tips, you’ll find it on the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog. Here is a summary of the area of coverage from this blog: 1. Family Travel Guides My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog offers travel guides, tips, and ideas for families.  These are not your fancy holiday ads.  Instead, Kellie shares tips for parents traveling with kids, including suggestions for kid-friendly spots and travel shortcuts that make the journey easier. 2. Parenting Stories My Little Babog is full of parenting stories, where Kellie talks about the successes and struggles of family life.  You can even read about parenting fails and experiences. So, you don’t feel alone when something, as a parent, does not go the way you have wanted.  Moreover, the parenting content here is down-to-earth. So, you find the content here more accessible than on other parenting websites.  3. Lifestyle Tips My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is versatile. So, along with travel and childcare, you will also find different lifestyle topics.  These include home management, daily habits, food recipes, and family-focused ideas.  So, you will get ideas about simple meals and your family’s schedule. Overall, it is a wealth of helpful data for busy families.  4. Family Activities Looking for ways to spend time together? My Little Babog features a set of activity ideas that families can participate in.  From trips to weekend outings, these ideas help readers make lasting memories with their kids.  This section is particularly helpful for parents wanting to keep kids busy without overcomplicating their time. 5. Destination Inspiration Are you looking for new ways to share your life with your children? My Little Babog has a list of fun things to do with families. These ideas can be used for trips or weekend activities that create experiences for families to build lasting memories together. This is great for parents because it keeps their kids busy while not complicating the activity with what's on everyone's calendar. 6. Product And Routine Recommendations Another area where the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog excels is its practical advice on daily living.  Kellie shares parenting "hacks," gear reviews, and everyday habit tips that help families run smoothly.  These recommendations are based on Kellie’s experience, ensuring they are realistic and applicable. Who Needs To Read My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? This site is for parents, caregivers, and everyone who needs a more intimate and down-to-earth view of family dynamics.  You can be a parent planning a holiday and seeking parenting advice, or someone trying to  handle your daily tasks. The My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog provides inspiration and useful tips tailored to your situation. Key Audience Parents organizing family trips: Provides travel advice and holiday ideas. Mothers seeking child-rearing content: Features candid stories and parenting guidance. Families looking for lifestyle concepts: Delivers content on habits, cooking, and group activities. Readers who value sincerity over curated influencer posts: The site’s style and real-world stories make it easy to connect with. Parents needing activity ideas: Lists suggestions for family outings and special events. Why, As A Parent, I Love My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog? Sincerity is the main reason behind My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog becoming so popular.  The way Kellie discusses the topics, it feels like you are having a chat with your friend. It never feels like a lecture.  So, you find it as a support system in your parenting journey.  Her travel guidance isn't about high-end trips. Rather, it’s about realistic, kid-friendly excursions that are actually achievable. Also, the site’s focus on lifestyle topics provides more utility to a reader's daily existence.  Whether it is advice on coordinating home schedules or fun activities for groups, My Little Babog is the go-to tool throughout the year. Why Is My Babog Different From Other Blogs? The uniqueness of the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog comes from its balance.  While many family sites focus on a niche, like travel or parenting, My Little Babog expertly combines all these facets.  This transforms the blog into a hub for families wanting inspiration for all parts of life without being overwhelmed by excessive information. Additionally, the My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is notable for its personal narrative style.  Many family sites show a sanitized influencer-style version of family life and travel.  By contrast, Kellie’s site feels like a friend sharing wisdom based on her actual experiences. How The Blog Started  My Little Babog did not start as a business.  Kellie Kearney has said she set it up during her maternity leave in 2014, originally as an outlet separate from her personal Facebook page.  It was a platform to post photos of her kids and write things down without cluttering up her friends' feeds.   She has been open that she never expected it to grow into what it has become.   That origin shows in the tone.  The blog reads like someone journaling through the chaos of early parenthood rather than someone building a content calendar from day one.  That  unpolished starting point is a big part of why the site still feels personal more than a decade later, even as the family and the audience have both grown considerably since.  Awards And Where To Find It Today  The blog's reputation is not just anecdotal.   My Little Babog has won Best Parenting Blog at Ireland's Maternity & Infant Awards, and Kellie has been included in round-ups of Ireland's top parenting and family blogs over the years.  It is a recognition that reflects a genuinely long track record rather than a recent viral moment.   The site is based at mylittlebabog.com, and Kellie posts under the handle @mylittlebabog on both Instagram and Facebook, where day-to-day family updates tend to appear before they are written up as full blog posts.   For readers who want a lower-commitment way to sample her voice before diving into the full archive, following the Instagram account first is probably the easiest entry point.  It carries the same honesty in a shorter, more frequent format than the blog's longer posts.  Final Thoughts The My Little Babog Family Lifestyle Travel Blog is helpful for parents seeking content that reflects their daily realities.  You can find parenting stories, travel ideas, and lifestyle guidance on Kellie’s platform. It has something for everyone.  Moreover, the genuineness, practical tips, and approachable style make it a prominent voice in the market of parenting and travel blogs. Read Also: Creating Travel Memory Collages: How To Transform Your Adventures Into Lasting Visual Stories How to Plan the Perfect Balance of Adventure and Relaxation Why Solo Adventures Can Be Life-Changing

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of social media. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮  So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.   At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.   We wanted to keep it all hearts, as the Hollywood movies have taught us! Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.   In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for visitors to this city.   So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  By completing a hike to the Hollywood Sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potterheads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies. If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the top once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids.  3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of the day of your visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) It is an excellent place for researchers, as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span from the 11th to the 21st centuries.   Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American, and Asian works.   Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from December 7th after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain up until New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive down Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.  Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road. Best Time To Visit LA And Getting Around Without A Car Before you build your once-in-a-lifetime LA itinerary around the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, it helps to know when to go and how you will actually move between them.   This city is notorious for its traffic and its sprawl.  When To Visit For Fewer Crowds And Better Views  Winter, especially the stretch covered by Universal's Holidays event and the Christmas Tree Lane lights, is one of the more comfortable times to visit LA.   Daytime temperatures usually stay mild enough for outdoor hikes like the Hollywood Sign trail.  Also, the winter haze that can blur the view from Griffith Observatory tends to clear after a rain.  So, you get sharper coastline views.   Spring and fall bring similarly mild weather with fewer holiday crowds at attractions like Universal Studios.   Summer is the busiest and hottest stretch.  So, if you are set on the Charlie Turner Trailhead hike, an early morning start becomes less optional and more essential.  Getting Between Hollywood, Venice, And Griffith Park  Los Angeles Metro's B Line (Red) connects Union Station to Hollywood/Highland.  It puts you within walking distance of the Walk of Fame, and a day pass costs only a few dollars.   However, Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach are not directly served by rail.  So, plan on a rideshare, the DASH shuttle to Griffith Park on weekends, or a rental car for those two stops.   If you are combining the Hollywood Sign hike with the Observatory in one day, doing the hike is the first thing in the morning.  Also, you can drive to the Observatory afterward avoids the worst of the afternoon parking crunch at Griffith Park.  Parking Tips For Griffith Observatory  Since the free lots near the Observatory fill quickly on weekends, arrive before 10 AM.  It is your best shot at a spot without a long downhill walk.   If you are traveling with family or arrive later in the day, paid parking near the Observatory or a shared ride drop-off saves you the search entirely. 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.