The Volcanic Landscape of Katmai National Park: Come Visit The “Ring of Fire” 

BY sagnika sinhaSep 8, 2023

The weather is cooling down, and snow is falling, and that means it’s time to start taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some winter sports! Skiing is definitely at the top of our list, as well as hitting the ski resorts for a day of adventure. But did you know that there are actually a few ski only resorts left in the USA? Why do they still exist and what are some of the pros of visiting a ski-only resort? How Did It Start? Ski only resorts first started in the 1980s when snowboarding became popular. There was a stereotype surrounding snowboarders that insinuated that allowing skiers and snowboarders to use the same mountains was unsafe. This is because snowboarding was still such a new sport. This means there weren’t as many snowboarding instructors available, and most snowboarders were self-taught. Resorts wanted everyone to be as safe as possible, creating a ban on snowboarding based on overall safety. Over time, snowboarding became more popular and bans were dropped as it became evident that there was no safety issue. What Are The Only-Ski Resorts? If you are looking for places to ski, then you have to read the article to find out! If you are questioning how many Ski resorts in USA, I would say there are many! However, what are the only-ski resorts? Today, only three ski-only resorts are left in the USA, namely: Alta Alta is situated in Utah with 2614 acres of terrain that is more appropriate for Sking. It is a ski-only area popularfor the excellent quality of powder snow, allowing advanced skiers to have a wonderful experience. It is considered one of the best places to ski in North America. This area restricts snowboarding. However, it was in 2014 that Wasatch Equality filed a lawsuit against the ban on snowboarding, stating that it violated the 14th Amendment. However, the lawsuit was overruled, stating no lawsuits were being violated. There is a partner resort, Snowbird, which allows snowboarding and has almost 2500 acres of terrain apt for skiers and snowboarders for beginners, intermediate and advanced people. Mad River Glen Mad River Glen is another North American resort in Fayston, Vermont. The resort did allow snowboarding till the 1991-1992 Ski session. However, it was due to issues on the main lift in 1986, leading to a confrontation that snowboarding had to face restrictions. There have been further issues with snowboarders, which led to full restrictions. And 75% of the stakeholders on the mountain are restricting it based on the last voting that took place in 1995.  The closest snowboarding experience you will get in Vermont is Sugarbush, which has 484 acres of ski terrain.  Deer Valley The ski area of Deer Valley is located in Utah, and it does not allow snowboarding. The terrain has 2026 acres, which is perfect for intermediate runs for Skiers, and the resort is quite strict with their rules of only-ski. In the whole of North America, it is one of the most expensive resorts.  It is one of the best ski resorts in the USA. It is an upscale resort. Hence, you must pay a premium for the services.  If you want snowboarding options nearest to the resort, you should book Park City, which has access to 7 terrain parks with 7300 acres of terrain, making it a perfect place for snowboarders. What Are The Pros Of Ski Only Resorts? When it comes to the pros of visiting a ski-only resort, it really comes down to what kind of experience you want. Whether the resort serves a certain clientele or has tougher slopes, it all ties together to give you a one-of-a-kind experience that would be hard to find elsewhere. For all of the locations that are ski-only, there is a specific kind of ambiance and experience that one can take in when visiting. Only Ski resorts are safer because there can be a collision, especially when people are skiing and snowboarding together.  The snow quality of the terrain improves if there is only one type of sport for a specific area or location. For example, only skiing helps in maintaining the quality of the powder of the snow. There is also a specific culture and tradition of a place that comes with only ski resorts. Snowboarding makes the terrain unstable, leading to unsuitable terrain for skiing. Reasons Why Snowboarding Is Banned In Some Sking Resorts? One of the main reasons why these three Sking Resorts have banned Snowboarding is safety concerns. A lot of people believe that due to the sideway stance of snowboarding, they have a blind spot that might lead them to harm another skier or a snowboarder. The snowboarders also have a reputation for being more inconsiderate of their surroundings and reckless on the slopes. This worries a lot of skiers, making it compulsory for resorts to adjust their services based on their premium clientele. The quality of the snow has an impact, especially when snowboarding takes place. Because the force of their landing is much more forceful as compared to skiers. The force cuts the snow, impacting the powder form. However, if the resort is good with large terrain, the cutting of the snow powder will not matter. Also, the safety of the skiers does not depend on snowboarders as it is often the lack of experience or dangerous trails that can pose harm to skiers more. What Should I Bring To A Ski-Only Resort? So what kinds of supplies and gear do you need to bring with you to a ski-only resort? We recommend owning a few items and bringing those along. This includes ski clothing, ski goggles, and boots. This ensures that you have items that fit you well and that you’re comfortable in. In terms of skis and poles, we highly recommend renting those. This reduces the need to transport them long distances and greatly reduces the stress of preparing to go skiing. Ski-only resorts have an interesting history. While they’ve mostly disappeared, there are still a few places for a unique trip out on the slopes. If you’re looking for a new way to experience skiing, we highly recommend one of these ski-only resorts! Wrapping Up! So, are you excited to try out skiing? Or Are you already an experienced skier? This is the perfect opportunity to visit one of these resorts and experience a tumultuous but passionate run. Enjoy the beautiful locale and the resorts' premium services, creating a perfect vacation experience. Comment below to let us know your favorite adventure sport and if you have tried skiing! Read Also: Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen

BY Abdul Aziz MondalOct 6, 2023

Are you thinking of getting a Priority Pass? Does lounging at the airport, with good food, good drinks, some rest, and luxurious amenities tickle your fancy?  Well, I have been a Priority Pass member for more than two years. And before you test the waters of a Priority Pass, hear me out on some of the best and worst airport lounges that I have been to around the world. You are bound to benefit greatly from my experience with the airport lounge membership network. How To Avail A Priority Pass? Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net With the Priority Pass, my experience, on average, has been good. I am a sucker for access to the airport lounges while I travel around the world, although some are comparatively better than others. Some of the airport lounges I have had the pleasure of visiting are in Atlanta, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Istanbul, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Paris. The priority pass gives you access to electricity, free food, beverages, and drinks. Priority Pass does charge for drinks in certain lounges. What gives these lounges their allure is their additional benefits that go beyond lounging. For instance, in Atlanta, you can book one of their “Minute Suites”-- a private room where you can take a nap or work in privacy. There are some restaurants where you receive a credit of about $30 towards food and drinks, like the Corona Beach House in Miami International Airport. This lounging network is constantly adding new lounges to its membership fleet. I keep getting emails every other week with a list of their new additions. If you don't find your local airport, keep checking in because it could get added anytime. Priority Pass Restaurant, Spa, And Suite Deals There are some airports that do not have a Priority Pass lounge, but it offers vouchers and discounts for certain restaurants. Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Corona Beach House at The Miami International Airport are examples of such. If you want to redeem a voucher or credit, talk to the server before placing an order. Some restaurants will ask upfront, whereas others will ask for the Priority Pass membership card once it's time to pay the bill. These passes also have partnerships with airport spas, which could be free or discounted. Their apps will give you all the information you require to know about their services, treatments, and hours of availability. How To Avoid Lounge Crowds? Image Source: upgradedpoints.com Are priority pass lounges usually crowded? This is one of the most asked questions by travelers looking to get one of these memberships. Priority Pass lounges tend to limit entry during specific crowded hours. Sometimes, the lounge might be very full when you do get an entrance. One of the downsides of this membership is you do not have much control over when you get to visit the lounge because the visit depends on the time of your flight. All you can do is predict the crowd based on the departure schedules around the time of your visit. For instance, many hub airports in the US have international red-eye flights. Usually, the lounges get a thick crowd in the evenings in those parts of the airport. Sometimes, due to the crowd, you may have to put your name on a waiting list or simply get turned away. Priority Pass Airport Lounges Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net Here are some of the Priority Pass Lounges I have visited that you would want to know before you invest in a membership or visit the particular airports. SkyTeam Lounge International Departures At Vancouver International Image Source: www.lingonomad.com Location: International Terminal, near gate 53 Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily This one is an intimate, 5,600-square-foot lounge that is open to Priority Pass members who are flying internationally. They serve business and first-class passengers of SkyTeam airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. The international rule, however, exempts travelers flying to the United States. The venue is sleek, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and minimalist interiors. The food and drinks here are locally inspired, including freshly caught Pacific salmon, dumplings, and noodle soup. The best part is the free-flowing Pacific Northwest wines that are available at the self-service bar. They also serve beers from Vancouver’s various microbreweries. Las Vegas This one is probably the last one that you should visit. It is as small as its food supply. I found them offering apples, bananas, chips, and ramen. Ramen noodles, though, were what surprised me the most. It's a lucky coincidence that I do not take flights through Vegas too often. IGA Lounge At Istanbul International Image Source: cdn.onemileatatime.com Location: International Terminal, on the mezzanine floor on the right-hand side Opening Hours: 24 hours daily Istanbul is not a pinchpenny when it comes to its lounge size. When you are flying business via Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, the vast 60,000-square-foot business-class lounge will treat you like royalty. This lounge takes up the entire upper level of the main foyer. If you are flying economy or non-Star Alliance international flights, you will be more than happy to relax in the 48,000-square-foot IGA Lounge located in the International Terminal. You will find on this floor amenities like a pool table, a cinema room, a kid's playroom, and a quiet room with sleeping pods. It obviously houses a cocktail bar, supersized food spreads, and lots of seating options. Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Boston Logan International Image Source: thriftytraveler.com Location: Terminal B to C Connector, between gates B40 and B39 Opening Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily This lounge is open to the public since May 2023. This is the first Chase Sapphire lounge to be opened in the United States. It is packed with amenities, spacious with an area comprising 11,640 square feet. It is teeming with design-driven nooks for preflight relaxation and layover rejuvenation. Located in Boston, Logan’s newly opened Terminal B and C Connector. The central bar anchors its midcentury modernist-inspired area with many dining areas. They feature self-service, as well as service via the Club’s app. Its cuisine is supervised by Chef Douglass Williams, who owns the forever favorite restaurant of Boston’s South End, Mida. There are two wellness rooms with antigravity massage chairs, a private nursing room, and two dual-head shower rooms when you move deeper into the lounge. Dulles Airport, Washington DC: Air France Lounge This lounge is great overall. It does get busy, but it makes up for it with its French food and drinks that make it all too worth visiting. I visited this lounge before one of my Paris flights, and the lounge was positioned just across my departure gate. The convenience of it won me over. It was probably one of my best flying experiences. They also offered me one of those French Michel et Augustin chocolates. Turkish Airlines Lounge At Washington Dulles International Image Source: cdn.onemileatatime.com Location: International Terminal, Concourse B, near gate B43 Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily This lounge kind of eases the otherwise rough experience of flying out of Washington Dulles in comparison to the centrally located DCA. The layover, too, is long and exhausting. But it is one of those experiences you still look forward to because of its delicious food options. If you visit them, you must try their mezze with pita. They also have a speedy bar service and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the tarmac. With Dulle’s airside connectivity, it is also accessible to travelers moving from other concourses by train or walkway. Turkish Airlines Lounge At Miami International Image Source: thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net Location: South Terminal Concourse H; take the elevator located midway between Concourses H and J to the third floor. The lounge is on the left. Opening hours: 4 a.m. to midnight daily It is one of the two Turkish Airlines Lounges that is accessible to Priority Pass members at the Miami airport, but the other one, located in the Central Terminal, is pretty basic and disappointing. The amenities available in the 10,000-square-foot lounge comprise a full-service bar, a buffet with hot and cold items, two shower suites, a kid's area, and seating spaces to accommodate both single and group travelers. The lounge is also used by business and first-class passengers of all the Star Alliance flights that depart from the terminal. Priority Pass users are asked to arrive earlier, packing some patience in order to enjoy the services this lounge has to offer. It gets periodically restricted in case of overcrowding. Barajas Airport, Madrid: Cibeles Lounge Image Source: dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com I have come to love this lounge. It is highly spacious, with three of its walls made of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A long bar in the middle of the lounge offers all kinds of snacks for you to enjoy. I had to visit the lounge for a morning flight, and it got me a nice little breakfast to go. There are lots of seating arrangements and electrical outlets to work if you have spare time. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Atlanta – Club At ATL This could easily be your favorite lounge, given its high comfortability. It does get busy, but the lounge is expansive and has a delicious selection of food and snackables to enjoy. I have been here for various layovers as well as visits to Atlanta. They have a solid coffee machine paired with the fanciest newspapers and magazines you could think of. There are quite a few bars where the bartender will likely make you a curated mix or just simply pour you a glass of wine. Despite the crowd, you can manage to squeeze in some work while you are here. Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Hong Kong International Image Source: dannydealguru.com Location: Terminal 1 West Hall, near gate 40 Opening hours: 6 a.m. to midnight daily Chase opened its first branded lounge in October 2022 at the Hong Kong International Airport. This Airport boasts the world’s best lounges, including many top-tier Cathay Pacific lounges and the notable American Express Centurion Lounge. Although Chase does not offer what Cathay Pacific and AmEx offer, it is the best option accessible through Priority Pass, and it does not fall short of its reputation. The 12,000-square-foot Chase Sapphire Lounge is a mix of a huge dining area and small nooks, including a beautiful triangular bar, booths, and a relaxation zone. There are dim sums available all day, complemented by a range of Chinese dishes (it includes congee) and international cuisine. You can self-serve or order via the Club’s app. This lounge is available to both Priority Pass holders and non-Reserve Priority Pass members through the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The regular membership rules apply. Star Alliance Lounge At Paris Charles de Gaulle Image Source: morepremium.com Location: Terminal 1, after passport control but before security on level 11 Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (though hours vary according to flight schedules) Assuming you spent your life’s worth of money in Paris, this lounge is where you can have some premium drinks, light snacks, and pre-flight relaxation without any charges. If the low ceilings make you feel out of breath, head to the outdoor terrace for some fresh air. This is also where others go for a smoke break. The lounge is placed after passport control and before security check-in. This is where most Star Alliance flights depart. If you are flying some of the flights that depart from terminal 2, like Air France or American Airlines, you won’t be able to visit this lounge because the terminals are not connected airside. Can You Use Priority Pass On Arrival? Image Source: travel-dealz.com In most cases, the answer is no. A boarding pass is required when you enter the lounge, which is only possible for outbound travelers. You can not expect to head into a lounge after a long flight. The whole idea is to get travelers some rest before the long haul of a flight. So, the benefit is given to those who have a pending flight rather than those who got off one. Forget about a priority pass on arrival. They expect you to go home after a flight! Wrapping Up A Priority Pass makes your travel a little less exhausting with all the lounges you can avail of at your terminal. All you have to do is show them your digital card on the app and the boarding pass. They allow you in within minutes. In case they want to check you in with the physical membership card, keep the card on you. They usually do not make such a fuss, but if they do, having the card comes in handy. Is it worth it? Well, the $500 price tag is definitely too high, and I could honestly live with saving some bills on that. But I do enjoy being treated to good food and exclusive service at airports amid the uncomfortable hassle of long flights. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask “on are priority pass lounges usually crowded” please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Airwander: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Your Travel? Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? Is Skyscanner Legit? Know Your Answer Here! This Is My Experience With Play Airlines!

BY Sibashree BhattacharyaJul 18, 2024

Zipline Tour: Ziplining has been steadily gaining more popularity in recent years. Venturing into the mountains of Costa Rica or attempting a local zip line course can trigger a dopamine boost by conquering fears, attracting many enthusiasts. Many people who choose to try zip lining are scared of heights, yet they demonstrate courage by facing their fears and participating in the activity. Gaining knowledge from new experiences and challenges allows you to move beyond your comfort zone and into the stretch zone, where substantial personal development takes place. Utilizing these teachings in various areas of your life is what will guide you to achieve maximum success. Are you looking forward to experiencing a zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya? Allow me to explain to you the reasons why you should. Or you can visit the official Selvatica website to know more about it. 1: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush As you ascend the zip tower for the first time, anxiety grows with each step you take. Ultimately, you will reach the top and face the decision to either proceed bravely or turn back and descend the steps. Even though zip lining doesn't cause the same stomach-churning feeling as a roller coaster, the excitement stems from trusting yourself, your guides, and your equipment when you leap off the platform. Gaining trust in the idea that circumstances outside of your influence will result in a positive outcome can be applied in different areas of life, allowing you to welcome challenges and move forward. 2: Amazing Views Changing your point of view allows you to discover a whole new world of beauty that was previously unseen. The zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya provides a high-flying perspective of the world below by taking you up and over or through the trees. The chance to observe the trees from a higher vantage point is rare, so we should always seize it. If the world seems dull, change the way you see things, you can - Experiment with new activities, and View the beauty of the world from a different perspective 3: A Fun-with-Family Experience The zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya is an ideal adventure suitable for individuals of every age. This, in turn, makes it a great choice for families looking for a fun activity. It also offers a special chance for multiple generations to share in a new experience. And you will also get to form a connection through memories that will endure forever. Bring the entire family on a zip line expedition and enjoy the sights, sounds, and views inquisitively! However, make sure to verify the age and weight restrictions of your zip line destination before making reservations for kids 4: A Great Go-Pro Venture In addition to taking selfies, zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya also provides amusing video footage through a go pro camera on your helmet while you ride their zipline, which is necessary for everyone's safety. Zip-lining provides a unique nature experience that will bring you joy every time you recall it, whether you're back at work, reflecting on a team-building outing, or studying at home for upcoming exams. 5: Overcoming the Fear of Height The zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya doesn’t really look exciting to people who have a fear of heights. However, if you are doing it nonetheless, it should make you a little bit braver when it comes to dealing with heights. Also, in a way, it will look cool to see yourself soaring through the sky, right? Also, another exciting thing zip-line could offer a fantastic and thrilling experience that you'll want to have over and over. TL;DR, there are a few certainties when it comes to Zip-Line. For example, you’ll soar over some of the tallest peaks you’ve ever experienced before. Secondly, the enjoyment of doing something new will be over the top. Thirdly, as you will move rapidly through the sky, a sensation of flight will ensnare your senses. Fourthly, as it’s an adventurous exercise, you are bound to experience a surge of adrenaline. And finally, the view from above is unparalleled. 6: Safety Standards over Everything Else Safety is always the top priority on the zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Every course must adhere to numerous safety requirements, including regular checks by third-party vendors and daily inspections by the team. You can be confident that all aspects of your tour, such as the trees, platforms, harnesses, and helmets, are well-maintained, which allows you to trust both your equipment and the knowledgeable guides leading you. 7: The Connection to Nature The zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya provides a chance to reconnect with the natural world and admire the beauty of the environment. Flying alongside birds, seeing an alligator 60ft below, and viewing the ocean from the trees is an amazing experience that allows you to imagine swinging from tree to tree. In order to link yourself with nature, you need to fully involve yourself in nature, there's no telling what you might discover. Bonus: Fun Exercise You do not have to be in great physical shape to have fun on the zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya, but it is an excellent way to incorporate some physical activity into your routine. From navigating stairs carrying extra gear, to engaging your core while descending, to using your arms to guide your way, to practicing balance on aerial obstacles or suspension bridges, it's not a typical workout, but it's an enjoyable way to exercise and tone your muscles Ziplining: Doing Something Memorable! Zip lining is a memorable adventure that will stay with you for a long time. It's a chance to try something different and enjoy a new experience with loved ones. It is these shared experiences that unite us and allow us to achieve incredible feats while forming meaningful relationships. Zip lining results in creating memories that endure throughout one's life. The zipline tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya is a thrilling experience that allows you to overcome fears, enjoy stunning views, and bond with loved ones in a safe and controlled setting, boosting confidence and creating lasting memories. However, don't just believe us, try the excitement firsthand! Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino De Santiago. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips For A Great Experience. Guide To Visiting Hegra (Madain Saleh) And The Al Ula Valley.