Is Seattle Safe for a Tourist: My Experience! 

BY  Barsha May 27, 2025

Few Roman emblems are more recognizable and evocative than that of the gladiator.  These violent men—half athlete, half captive, half myth—held Roman crowds for centuries in bloody battles that were spectacle as much as they were a matter of conquest.  But who were the gladiators in Rome, in reality? What motivated thousands of onlookers to celebrate their fate in the arena? And where can you still sense the beat of their legacy today?  Further, Rome, the capital of Italy, is about to host the 2025 World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) summit. Also, the historical places to visit in Rome play a vital role in maintaining Italy’s position as the number one travel destination in the world.  If you are not in the know, Italy has just won the laurel of the top luxury tourism destination for 2025 at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Latin America.  So, in this Tour and Travel Guide, we will find out the gladiators of Rome and how they can be the highlight for your next vacation to Rome.  At the same time, we will talk about the historical places of Rome and why they make the city the most preferred destination in the world.  From Funerary Rites To Public Spectacle: The Gladiators Of Rome And Their Timeless Appeal The origin of the gladiators in Rome is very much intertwined with sacrifice and ritual in the natural world.  Ancient accounts indicate that gladiatorial fighting was once performed in remembrance of the dead, particularly renowned figures from society.  These events later became popular for entertaining or intimidating the masses.  By the Roman Republic, games of gladiators already were a political weapon: a show of grandeur and munificence employed to win the favor of the masses.  The Colosseum: Heart Of The Arena The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater, was the spectacular arena for the events. Finished in 80 AD by Emperor Titus, it could accommodate as many as 50,000 spectators and saw colossal games which lasted for 100 successive days at times.  Gladiators drew swords here, man-eating animals from Africa and Asia were brought out, and emperors gained or lost the people's favor in the arena of blood.  So, the Colosseum, an icon of ancient Roman civilization, is more than just an architectural marvel. The use of concrete and innovative techniques in the Colosseum was unique.  However, the more unique aspect of the place is how it witnessed and has carried the history of the gladiators of Rome and a particular way of Roman living over the years.  In other words, the next time you visit the Colosseum, one of the best things to do in Rome, you will have a new perspective as a traveler.  And yet, glorious as the Colosseum stands, its actual history truly comes alive only when viewed in context—through the unseen narratives of the Ludus Magnus (the main gladiator school), the pre-fight rituals, and the political maneuvering behind each bout.  Want to Experience The Legacy Of Gladiators In Rome Like Never Before?  If you're planning a visit to Rome, seeing the Colosseum is a must, but walking around its outer walls is just scratching the surface.  For a deeper, more immersive journey into the world of ancient warriors, book a Colosseum-focused city tour with Golf Cart Tours.  Their small-group, open-air tours are led by expert guides who blend storytelling, history, and modern comfort.  No exhausting uphill hikes or crowded buses. Just an engaging, up-close experience that brings Rome’s gladiatorial past to life.  Your guide will take you beyond the arena to the key sites tied to the games, including Janiculum Hill, Capitoline Hill, and the Forum, sharing insights you won’t find in guidebooks. The best part? The Golf Cart Tours team knows how to make history unforgettable—even for kids and families. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with stories. Life, Death, And The Role Of The Gladiators In Rome  Most of the gladiators, though, were captive males, captives of war, or convicted criminals to be killed in the arena. Yet, not all. Free men also came into the profession of their own free will, attracted by the prospect of fame, wealth, or even salvation.  These volunteers, known as Auctorati, were typically contracted for several years, with service agreements that would make them both legendary and infamous.  In the schools of training (Ludi), gladiators became the machines to kill. They were divided into specialized classes according to combat style and weaponry: Retiarii (net and trident) Murmillones (sword and buckler) Secutores Thraeces, and others.  Despite their cruelty, gladiators were popular. They had girlfriends, they had fans, and they even had political power.  Gladiators' faces were found in mosaics, in graffiti, and even on coins. Some, such as Spartacus or Flamma, even became legends.  The Historical Places In Rome Are Much Beyond The Arena The gladiators themselves are no more, but their legend still towers over the Eternal City.  Each cobblestone street and crumbling ruin holds a tale, and some of the biggest are the ones where the gladiators fought, breathed, and died under the bellow of 50,000 Roman throats.  However, the historical attractions in Rome are beyond the arena. Here are the other crown jewels.  1. Sistine Chapel: The House Of The Last Judgment  The Sistine Chapel in Rome features "The Last Judgment," a famous artwork by Michelangelo. Furthermore, it has breathtaking frescoes.  2. St. Peter's Basilica: The Most Revered Catholic Church In The World Though located in the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the iconic religious and historical landmarks in Rome.  Furthermore, it is the most important Catholic church, and it is the burial site of Saint Peter. He was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and he was the first pope.  Moreover, the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the church makes it a place of awe and wonder.  3. Piazza Navona You cannot miss a visit to Piazza Navona, which is a public square in Rome. It has palatial buildings and baroque fountains.  So, there is always a lively atmosphere around the square. 

BY  Sibashree Dec 13, 2024

Yes, Houston is the party city. In fact, it has the backing of the party expert, Evites. So, from the number of events organized each year to the vibrant nightlife, you will surely find a lot of fun things to do in Houston. Houston is also happening in the socials, with #houstonnightlife having a whopping 786k posts on the socials. Further, the #houstonnightclubs has 65.8k posts.  However, nightclubs are not the only go-to places if you want to party in Houston. You can visit the wineries, restaurants, and sports bars to make the most of your time. You cannot overlook the fact that #houstonfood has 1M posts on Instagram.  So, here is a fun guide for you!  Fun Things To Do In Houston Nightlife | Making The Most Of The Party City Partying at night is surely one of the fun things to do in Houston. Moreover, this is the city that gives you the kick to get ready for the parties as well. As Megan Thee Stallion has said, “Houston is a place where you have to be the best. Everybody gotta be flashy, flashy. It's not like a gaudy thing, but people definitely put on their best dressed even if they go into Wal-Mart.” So, are you ready to get all flashy and get ready for the fun parties at night? Check out the fun things to do in Houston curated by us. 1. Soak In High Energy At The Vibrant Houston Nightclubs  https://www.instagram.com/p/C_36U4aMssp/?img_index=1 The nightclubs in Houston are high energy, and they are spread across various districts of Houston. Moreover, you will find the most happening nightclubs in Houston in the following areas. Washington Avenue Montrose Downtown Midtown Rice Village Also, check out the table below to know the nightclubs you can visit to dance it out with your partner or make new acquaintances. Nightclub in Houston, TexasAddress Phone Number The Fox Trap Restaurant & Lounge11470 Westheimer Houston, TX+1 281-272-8703Vida Garden Htx2300 Louisiana St Houston, TX(346) 537-0885Numbers Night Club300 Westheimer Road Houston(713) 521-1121Club Tropicana3222 Fondren Rd Houston, TX(713) 977-4188South Beach Houston810 Pacific St Houston, TX (713) 529-7623 Some of these places, like the Fox Trap Restaurant & Lounge, also serve the best delicacies. When in Houston nightclubs, you must try the delicacies like lamb sliders, beignets, egg rolls, etc.  2. Visit The Most Happening Sports Bars In Houston https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq0egwsgV68/ The sports bars in Houston offer you every bit of fun you are looking for. You can play billiards, darts, bowling, or other board games to make the nights filled with a sporty vibe. Moreover, the Houstonians are madly in love with their food and sports. They are crazy about the Texans and Astros. Also, they love to come together as they cheer for their favorite teams.  So, you will find many local sports bars filled with high-energy snacks, cold drinks, booze, and more!  Also, do you want to be a part of one of the fun things to do in Houston? You can visit the following sports bars. Name of The Sports BarAddressContact NumberHome Run Dugout1220 Grand W Blvd, Katy, TX 77449(833) 384-6881Nick's Place2713 Rockyridge Dr (Westheimer), Houston, TX 77063(713) 780-8338Flying Saucer Draught Emporium15929 City Walk (at Texas Ave), Sugar Land, TX 77479(281) 242-7468Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Spring Restaurant21930 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, TX 77379(281) 801-7171T-Bones Sports Pub1971 W T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008(713) 864-3944 Now, you can grab your friends, make a group, and visit any of these sports bars for a high-energy experience. However, don’t worry, even if you are traveling solo, as you can always make new friends at these bars.  Also, as I have mentioned, some of these sports bars serve the best food and drinks. For example, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Spring Restaurant at 21930 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, has the best Gochubang, burgers, and mojitos.  Moreover, it’s a sin to miss the frozen margarita with the moonshine swirl here and you can reach out to this sports club at (281) 801-7171.  3. These Are The Houston Restaurants You Cannot Miss For Dinner https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZk09nvPWE/ Every time anyone asks me about the fun things to do in Houston, I end up mentioning the best food in the city. If you are traveling to Houston with your partner, fine dining is the most romantic thing you can do here.  Further, when it comes to choosing the best dining restaurant in Houston, you are bound to get spoilt with choices. Also, the city offers a good mix of age-old classics and the ones which have just opened their doors to the world.  Moreover, you will find dominance of the Tex-Mex culture in the Houston delicacies. For a foodie, it is great to savor a wonderful fusion of Mexican and Texas cuisines. Nevertheless, at Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the celebrated fine dining restaurants in Houston. So, let’s check out the details.  Fine Dining Restaurant HoustonAddressContact Number B&B ButchersIt redefines the idea of fine dining with its vast steak menu. Furthermore, its outdoor seating arrangement is pretty cool. 1814 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007(713) 862-1814Armando’sThis is one of the best places to relish the Tex-Mex influence in Houston food. Moreover, the dishes you need to try here are quesadillas, enchiladas, and ceviche. 2630 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098(229)454-0198Brenner’s on the BayouAt Buffalo Bayou, Brenner’s on the Bayou will give you the feel of a ski lodge.Furthermore, you can have the best wine here. Birdsall Street, Houston, Texas 77007+1 713-868-4444Coltivare Pizza & GardenAs you can see from the name, it is an Italian restaurant close to a beautiful vegetable garden. The entrees and appetizers here are out of the world. Moreover, you will get wood-fired pizzas here. You may have to wait for a table. However, the wait is surely worth it. 3320 White Oak Drive, Houston, Texas 77007713-637-4095/832-203-7890 So, these are the fun things to do in Houston if you want to make the most of its nightlife or party scene. Now, enjoy your days in this Texas city and we wish you the most happening vacation.  Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 13, 2024

The majority of people from the Pacific Northwest will tell you that the outside world simply does not understand them. Many outsiders have the impression that Washington is a rainy city that lives off lattes, complete with techies and tree huggers. Yes, it has all of that, but the state's vast, unmatched wilderness, difficult to find anywhere else, is what really defines it. To really understand Washington national parks, you need to go beyond the Seattle city limits. Its famous national and state parks will make you speechless. Each presents an entirely distinct interpretation of the 18th largest state in the union. The three national parks in Washington are so large and varied that residents return year after year to explore more areas. Additionally, the more than 100 state parks are comparable, with lesser-known areas offering deserted campsites and uncrowded trails. In addition, there are deep fjords, moss-draped archipelagos for island hopping, snowy volcanic peaks, and canyons carved by Ice Age glaciers. There are also temperate rainforest trails, sea stacks off misty shores, and an abundance of waterfalls. To put it simply, you may want to consider a yearly park pass. National Parks In Washington Washington State National Parks are so much more than what they get credit for. Are you curious about what secrets Washington is hiding? We are listing the national parks in Washington state below. Make sure to put them on your to-do list. You will be surprised by the stuff you had left previously undiscovered in Washington. Moran State Park There are few places in the Pacific Northwest that compare to the delightfully remote Moran State Park. It is a haven for wild island getaways. Being the most populous island in the San Juan archipelago, Orcas Island has dense forests. It is a popular outdoor recreation destination for island hoppers. It offers multiple freshwater lakes for swimming and boating. The Washington State Ferries are the only way to get here; they connect to Seattle, San Juan, and other nearby launch points. If you're up for exercise, then consider hiking or biking up Mount Constitution, the highest point on the islands. Bring boots for the 38 miles of trails within the park. In order to see the interpretive center and enjoy the views, you can also drive up to the summit. Cape Disappointment State Park It's hard to estimate how many dad jokes went like, "Well, it's definitely not a disappointment," as they entered Cape Disappointment State Park. And it's not. The park, located in the southwestern region of Washington, boasts dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the powerful Columbia River. It also has moody beaches and windswept sea cliffs. You can tour decommissioned installations like Gun Battery Harvey Allen and the remnants of Fort Canby. It was once a strategically significant military site. The park's eight miles of trails lead to its two operational lighthouses, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse. They are arguably the most photographed sights in the area. Palouse Falls Palouse Falls was Washington's official state waterfall in 2014 after state legislators approved a bill from local students. The region is well-known for its abundance of waterfalls. The fall's special scenic location demonstrates why it was given that recognition. This 200-foot waterfall in the Palouse River Canyon cascades down basalt cliffs. It is one of the last remnants of the Ice Age floods. It should come as no surprise that this little state park is all about admiring the scenery. The park has three official vantage points. A short 0.1-mile ADA-accessible walk leads to one of the viewpoints. Dry Falls State Park The moss-covered forests west of the Cascade Range appear vastly different from the dry canyon-like settings of Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park. The park's striking cliffs are the result of the melting of the Ice Age. It created the bleak landscape of eastern Washington through ancient floods. It is a single stop on the multi-state National Geologic Trail: Ice Age Floods. The 3.5-mile precipice known as Dry Falls, which was formerly home to a massive waterfall, is the park's most striking feature. As the name suggests, the falls dried up long ago, but water is still a major attraction here. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all popular in shimmering lakes. During the summer, the only thing breaking up the endless blue sky is the cliffs. Larrabee State Park Bellingham's hippies and college students frequently head toward Larrabee State Park when they want to go hiking. This is the first Washington State Park, established in 1915, and it protects a large portion of the Chuckanut Mountains' coastline. Moderate hikes to Clayton Beach's pebbled shores and Fragrance Lake, one of the park's many picturesque lakes, are popular routes. Mountain biking is another popular activity in the area, and Larrabee offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. It includes steeper technical slopes that are best left to the pros. Of the many national parks in Washington, Larrabee will offer the most fun-filled experience. Lime Kiln Point State Park The San Juan archipelago is well-known for the year-round orca whale population that calls these chilly waters home. Visit Lime Kiln Point. The Washington State Parks's team likes to call it one of the world's top locations for whale watching, to witness them in action. And they’re not wrong. For views of the orcas and other whale species, which are most commonly spotted from May through September, climb the elegant 1919 lighthouse. This includes porpoises and pods of gray, humpback, and minke whales. Located on a rocky outcropping on San Juan Island's western shore, this small day-use park has a seasonal interpretive center that is usually open from late spring to summer. Deception Pass State Park This state park in Washington receives the highest number of visitors for two main reasons. The first is the range of outdoor activities it offers close to Seattle. It is a little over an hour’s drive if the traffic is not too heavy. The second is the 360-degree view that can be obtained from the two-span arched Deception Pass Bridge. It towers over the channel, which is a more romantic and compelling reason to visit. Deception Pass State Park encompasses two adjacent islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey. They are popular both for camping and day-use marine adventures. Three freshwater lakes and the surrounding saltwater are accessible from five boat launches. Visit this place to kayak around the coves of the islands, explore their rocky shorelines, and trek through the old-growth forests on a 38-mile network of trails. Beacon Rock State Park On the north bank of the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers a more serene and visually appealing experience than Oregon. It is home to a majority of the Gorge's well-known as well as congested attractions. The overlooked Beacon Rock State Park offers expansive, slightly less crowded views of the national scenic area. Although Oregonians take great pride in their state, even they will admit that Beacon Rock is one of the best day hikes you can do. Within an hour's drive of the City of Roses. Enjoy expansive views of the gorge after ascending the basalt monolith via a mile of winding switchbacks and staircases. Locals cringe at this pun, but the views from the top are, well, gorgeous. If you are looking for national parks in Oregon and Washington, then this is your cue. Olympic Park If you can only spend time in one Washington park. Situated in the northwest, then choose Olympic Park. Corner of the state on the Olympic Peninsula, this vast wilderness has glacier-capped mountains, mossy rain forests, and tide pools. Rarely will any other of the national parks in Washington match up to the beauty of the Olympic. Except for Hawaii, the Olympic Peninsula gets more rainfall than all other location in the United States. It protrudes into the Pacific and is divided from the mainland by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. This is the most glaciated US landscape outside of Alaska, with over 250 glaciers fed by the snowfall that occurs high in the 2,000-meter-plus Olympic mountains. The vast ice fields feed several significant rivers, which then meander towards the Pacific through temperate rainforests. Travelers can follow the Bogachiel River inland to the Hoh rainforest from its Pacific outlet at La Push to see the highlights. The following day, go in a northeastern direction and ascend to Hurricane Ridge, which offers a stunning vista of the Olympic mountain range. Those with extra time will want to soak in the Sol Duc hot springs and take a scenic stroll to Marymere Falls. Lake Crescent and Sol Duc offer lodging and the park is home to many campgrounds. Wrapping Up Yoking in the center of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is famous for its breathtaking scenery and varied ecosystems. Locals and visitors alike have a variety of outdoor activities to choose from, ranging from a relaxing ferry ride to the iconic San Juan Islands to a strenuous hike to the Cascade Range peaks. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about national parks in Washington, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit