Is Savannah Safe? What You Need to Know Before Visiting!

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Sibashree Jan 8, 2025

Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023.  Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more! However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice. So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids. Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans.  Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.  Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025.  So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities.  The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind.  Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them. 1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW-62VRd5M/?hl=en Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium) Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry.  It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.”  Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content.  2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZrMeGpt1L/?img_index=1 Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 596-2610 Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children's Resource Center Library.  The Children's Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club.  I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity.  Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children.  3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVONpWRDC9/ Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895 If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's Restaurant will be great.  It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza.  So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder.  4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHMeMbO72W/?img_index=1 Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 589-3882 Hours Open: 24 Hours  Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators.  Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands.  Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc.  5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2KljRieGh/?img_index=1 Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 523-1357 Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM) Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature.  Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments.  Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd.  Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids  New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 26, 2023

One of life's greatest pleasures is always traveling. In addition to looking for and visiting the safest places, it's critical to understand the risks and dangers that exist in different parts of the world. This article will talk about the most dangerous country in the world, emphasizing elements like political unrest, crime, and conflict. Travelers can use this information to make well-informed decisions about their foreign experiences. Most Dangerous Country In The World Some countries are known for their beauty. Some are known for their infrastructure and standards of living. And then there are some countries that are notorious for something that scares people away. Curious? If you want to know about the most dangerous country in the world, here they are: Syria Syria is one of the most violent countries in the world because of the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict. With multiple armed groups fighting for control of territory and resources, the nation has become a hotspot for violence and instability since the civil war broke out in 2011. The most recent devastating incident was the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023. Sadly, the earthquake killed over 50,000 people, leaving a terrible death toll. Significant damage affected 116 medical facilities because of the disaster, depriving a large number of people of access to essential medical care. Consequently, estimates suggest that 18 million people require immediate humanitarian aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) revealed that a startling 90% of Syrians were living below the poverty line and that at least 12 million of the country's remaining 16 million people were facing food insecurity. Yemen Yemen, which is one of the world's most dangerous travel destinations, stands on the southernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula. The nation is in a state of civil war since 2015, with different groups fighting for control of the government. As a result, it led to extensive violence, mass migration, and a humanitarian crisis that has left millions of people in need of immediate assistance. The danger facing tourists is increased by the rise in criminal activity in Yemen, which includes armed robberies and kidnappings. At 68.93%, its crime rate is also the highest in the world when compared to other nations. Major Yemeni tribes are involved in criminal activities like kidnapping and looting. They are highly armed and enjoy independence within their sphere of influence. Unfortunately, visitors run the risk of being abducted and abused by these tribes, and they might have to pay a large ransom to get them back. Traveling here is now risky and challenging due to the heavy rains and flooding that impacted most of the cities. Floods have damaged roads and bridges, making land travel hazardous and difficult. It is now impossible to drive in some areas due to completely washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. Over 11 million children in this country need humanitarian aid, with millions experiencing food insecurity and a lack of basic services, according to UNICEF. There are currently more than 540,000 under-five children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Remarkably, one child dies from avoidable causes every ten minutes. Travelers to Yemen run a significant risk of becoming targets of extremist organizations. People frequently get caught in the crossfire of the protracted conflict. Afghanistan Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in the world, as per the Global Peace Index. This dubious distinction is a result of the nation's turbulent past, ongoing conflict, and high levels of violence. The country's high concentration of extremist groups is the most concerning factor. For more than twenty years, the Taliban, for instance, have been waging a bloody insurgency against the Afghan government. Many deaths of soldiers and civilians are attributed to them. The presence of other organizations like Al Qaeda and ISIS in the nation has exacerbated instability. Airports and places of worship are frequently the target of terrorist attacks, especially during holy seasons like Ramadan. Somalia Somalia has established a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous nations due to decades of anarchy and lawlessness. Devastated by hunger, piracy, and civil war, it is a place where anarchy is the norm. An offshoot of the infamous Al-Qaeda, the militant organization Al-Shabaab continues to terrorize the country by carrying out deadly attacks on both government forces and civilians. The situation has become worse, with rival clans and factions fighting for control in the absence of a stable government. The standard of living for the typical Somalian citizen is sub-par.  There is widespread corruption and a dearth of essential infrastructure. Enter this dangerous area with extreme caution. Iraq Iraq is a very dangerous country to visit and has experienced many difficulties over the years as a result of war and conflict. Despite their fall, the remnants of ISIS still represent a serious threat to Iraqi forces and civilians. In many regions of the nation, sectarian violence, assassinations, and suicide bombings continue to be commonplace. Both locals and visitors always feel like they're in danger. Complexity is increased due to the conflict between the autonomous Kurdish region and the central government. It has escalated hostilities and led to violence, further destabilizing the situation. Iraq's infrastructure has suffered greatly as a result of years of hostilities. With many businesses finding it difficult to survive, the economy is hit brutally. Read More: Is Costa Rica Safe For Visit For Travelling? Libya Numerous factors have contributed to the conflict, including the competition for control of the nation's enormous oil reserves. Since Gaddafi's downfall, a number of armed organizations and militias have seized control of various parts of the nation. The unpredictability and danger in Libya have increased due to the presence of extremist groups like ISIS. These organizations committed targeted murders and acts of terrorism. They are further destabilizing the nation and posing a challenge to the authority of any government. Naturally, the population of Libya has suffered greatly as a result of the ongoing violence. Many Libyans are struggling to make ends meet as a result of displacement, violence, and limited access to basic services. Numerous schools, hospitals, and other vital services are in poor condition. While progress was necessary, the United Nations and other international organizations have attempted to mediate a peace agreement between the opposing factions. Read More: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? – Let’s Find Out! Sudan Following a January referendum, South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011. Even with the initial exuberance and expectations of a prosperous future, the nation has had difficulty preserving stability. Political power struggles and ethnic tensions have made matters worse since then. Since South Sudan's independence, President Salva Kiir and his former vice president, Riek Machar, have not gotten along. Their conflict over dominance turned into a civil war in December 2013, which displaced millions of people and killed thousands. Rape, murder, and the enlistment of children as soldiers are just a few of the horrific crimes that have occurred during the conflict on both sides. As a result, it ranks first on a list of the world's most dangerous nations. Famine and disease are widespread throughout South Sudan, making the country's humanitarian situation terrible. Over 7 million people in the nation require humanitarian aid as the UN has declared a famine in some areas. Journalists and relief workers have also been the targets of armed groups. Despite having an abundance of natural resources, such as gold, oil, and fertile land, South Sudan has not yet experienced prosperity from these resources. Instead, as various groups compete to control these resources, they have fueled even more conflict and corruption. There have been allegations against the government for mishandling these resources, with minimal advantages for the populace. Wrapping Up You can be sure that there are lots of welcoming and safe places to call home. Even though there is a chance of crime, terrorism, and natural disasters, a lot of daring travelers visit some of the world's most dangerous nations for the temptation of it. Intrepid people are always ready to take the risk, whether it's for employment, adventure, or giving back to their communities. Don't be afraid to see the world, but remember to stay prepared and cautious. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the most dangerous country in the world, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Heatwaves And Adventure: Traveling To The World’s Hottest Destination Crime And Caution: Navigating The Dark Side Of California’s Cities Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham