A Guide To The Scenic Drives In Kings Canyon National Park

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 1, 2021

So, this is about what traveling taught me! When I initially started traveling, it was merely to explore new places.   Stagnation could never provide what my soul was seeking. With travel experiences, I had a chance to explore an intimate relationship with myself.   Even before I realized what effect traveling has on my life, I knew that traveling was helping me be a better person.   This Is What Traveling Taught Me!   Getting back to where I began. My journeys over the years have helped me to look at myself a tad bit differently. I realized that when we fall in love with ourselves, we tend to accept ourselves unconditionally.  Here’s how I developed self-love and inclusivity out of my comfort zone. I am penning here the most personal experiences, and it’s okay if you see things in a different light.   Traveling helped me realize that my ‘weaknesses’ were only a part of my imagination  We all have certain assumptions about ourselves. We tend to think that we are ‘bad’ at certain things without even putting much effort into trying/doing/improving.   It was the same for me as well. I often thought that I had acute OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). I also thought that I couldn’t share my stuff with strangers or live in a messy environment!  Gladly, it all turned out to be a myth. At times, I didn’t have to think twice before lending my bottle of water to a fellow trekker during a high-altitude Himalayan Trek. Or when I spent nights at an underprivileged Children’s Home on the outskirts of Nairobi, I felt the most comfortable.   I realized that the constraints were all in my mind. I didn’t need a second to break free from them when the situation arose. Everything instilled more confidence in me. I knew I could adjust with anyone!  Traveling helped me to realize that I can be my best company  We are obsessed with the internet and love to connect with others in the virtual world. This is something that takes up a considerable amount of your time. Have you ever thought how beautiful it would be to take a break and connect to yourself?   We often seek love and appreciation from others. Appreciation seems like a source of happiness. But do we appreciate ourselves for trying something new or something we thought we never could?   I’ve been no different. I also gave a lot of importance to what others would say about my deeds. Then I realized that it doesn’t really matter if I’m happy with myself.   As I started to explore the world by myself, there were often times when I would find myself away from the network amidst solitude – and that’s when I realized that I love being by myself! This is what traveling taught me!   I could read for hours, listen to music, or just sit by the window watching the clouds float.  What Traveling taught me: To declutter my mind and trust others  While growing up, we are often taught not to trust strangers. Such things often clutter our minds with suspicion, and we would look at anyone with a tinge of mistrust, thinking that the person might harm us in some way or the other.   It was only when I started traveling that I came to realize how stupid these things were! During most of my journeys, I’ve blindly trusted the local transport drivers to take me to places and suggest areas worth exploring.  While I was in Bhutan for a month, where I was mostly hitchhiking, I got into random people’s cars, who, at times, took a detour to drop me off! There were times when I would be hungry, and a fellow traveler on a bus or a train would offer me something that I would gladly eat.   It helped me to learn that the world isn’t as bad as we think it to be while sitting at home! Eventually, it was the kindness I received on the roads that decluttered my mind and taught me to trust strangers.  Minimalist living, compassion, and gratitude are what traveling taught me  In our otherwise regular life, we tend to think that we need a lot of things (which we term ‘necessities’). Thus, we often end up buying stuff that we probably would never use!   Our love for material possessions takes control over the mind. So, we keep spending to accumulate things. Even I used to be a shopaholic at some point in time and would pick up anything that caught my attention.   But when I started to travel, I realized that my rucksack could accommodate only a limited amount. Further, when I was on the roads, I barely needed those things that I’d shopped for! The endless journeys taught me the charm of minimalistic living, and now, I pack as little as I think I would need.  Also, we often forget to be grateful for all that we have and take things for granted.   I traveled to different places, met several people, and got to know about their lives. Then, I figured out that not all are lucky by birth, and I was in a much better place than many out there. This realization was humbling, and I learned to value things.  Summing Up: I realized That I Feel Alive When I Wander  I realized that I felt most alive when I was traveling. It is hard to enlist everything if you ask me what traveling taught me.  Along with the changes that I could understand, there have been many subtle yet significant changes. I now don’t react to things easily, and my aim is always to understand the other person’s perspective.   Moreover, I have started believing in the words of Erwin Schrodinger. He said that the universe is a singular reality. I feel more conscious, creative, and positive when I travel.    What has traveling taught you? How has it created a positive impact on your life? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!   Read Also: 5 Reasons To Consider Solo Travel 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Travel Advice For Different Countries Around The World 10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day

BY  sagnika Sep 20, 2023

Did you know that the United States took Alaska away from Russia? Do you know how far is Russia from Alaska? The two Diomedes Islands, belonging to the USA and Russia, have a mysterious relationship due to their standard time and geographical features. Read the article to uncover the truth behind the mysterious relationship! The two largest countries worldwide, the United States and Russia are 21 hours apart. Alaska is situated nearest to Russia, being a state of the U.S. The Bering Strait is the geographic point between the borders of Russia and the United States! Want to learn more about this point? Keep reading. Isn't it weird that Little Diomede residents depended on helicopters for food? Marine beings play an important role; hence, I will highlight the significance of aquatic animals in the mystery. Bridging Continents: Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska's Proximity! How far is Alaska from Russia? You have to read the article to learn about how the two nations, the United States and Russia, are claiming their rights on the two Diomedes Islands. Guess the interesting aspects of the Island and why it is all mysterious. The time and the geographical differences between the two points of the Islands make you question the International Date Line and the American-Russian maritime border. Being a day ahead by a day of the Big Diomedes as compared to Little Diomedes makes you question the time zone concerns! It is quite curious to know how the islands have been named and their significance concerning the history of Alaska and Russia. There are Alaskan natives to be considered among all these political, geographical, and time zone aspects. Want to know the distance between Alaska and Russia? Separated By Geography And United By Mystery! Want to know how far is Russia from Alaska? The closest geographical connection between Russia and Alaska is the Diomede Islands, which are 2.4 miles apart. Water is separating the two Islands, in another way, separating the two countries. The two islands are the extremes of the two countries, thus claiming the big and the little Diomedes Islands as the symbolic sentinels. The two countries have a history of heroic explorers who have sledded, kayaked, and swum across the distance. A 2.4-mile distance between the two Islands is connected with the water body, the Pacific Ocean. With a very rocky history, the Islands share an indigenous group of people; however, it needs to be considered more important by the nations. The Bering Strait The narrowest point between the Seward Peninsula (U.S.) and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) is 55 miles, separating Alaska from Russia. This waterway was discovered by a second European, a Danish explorer, Vitrus Bering, who inspired the Berling Strait. The first explorer of this frigid waterway was the Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev! Vitrus Bering named the place Greek Christian Saint Diomede because he discovered the Islands on 16 August 1728. This day coincides with the feast day. Hence, the Island was named the Big Diomede Island and the Little Diomede Island. The Bering Strait is significant because it is the only marine gateway that allows mass migration of gray whales, bowhead, and beluga. It is known as an important ecological zone for marine animals. Seals, walruses, fish, and other marine animals can access nutrient-rich Arctic Ocean environments through this zone. The Big Diomede Island The Ratmonov island is towards Russia and is also claimed as Russian Island, which is the nation's easternmost point. It was in 1867 that the Alaskan Territory was sold on a $7 million sale. During the Cold War and World War II, the Island was a perfect location for the outposts of the Soviet military. The rocky Island is flat and houses up to 11 species of birds with rough weather with clouds and storms. The Little Diomede Island Little Diomede Island is the smallest of the two Islands, with a population of 80 to 100 citizens! You can only access the Island by waterways or through one heliport in town. They receive their supplies from mainland Alaska as these are the only two ways! During the harsh winters, the Island is covered with thick ice sheets, so the locals must carve the ice sheets to create landing zones. It is situated in the eastern area. The Time Difference Between The Two Islands! So, if you are wondering, how far away is Alaska from Russia? The International Date Line (IDL) separates the two Islands, Big Diomedes Island and Little Diomedes Island, which makes the time difference so apparent! The Big Diomedes Island is known as Tomorrow Isle as it is 21 hours ahead of time. So, wanna know how far from Russia to Alaska? The Little Diomedes Island is known as the Yesterday Isle because it was further back then. Overall, the two islands are separated by 23 hours. The 9 hours have been adjusted concerning daylight saving time! Apart from that, 12 hours have been established for managing the timezone of the Island along with the nations! So now you have got the answer to your question, how far is Russia from Alaska! Alaska Was Taken Away From Russia! It was in 1867 that Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States, thus becoming a political separation. During this time, a new border was drawn across the two islands. During the Cold War, the section of the Bering Strait was nicknamed the "Ice Curtain" between the two Islands. The islands are situated south of the Arctic Circle, about 52 miles apart. Read More: Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip The Politics Of Diomede Islands! The Indigenous Inupiat people claim the two Diomedes Islands as theirs; however, both the nations, the USA and Russia, have disrespected these claims. The two countries have made national declarations regarding the Diomedes Islands as their extreme points. The Bering Strait can become a bottleneck for ship traffic that will pollute the ecosystem. The narrow area acts as a pathway with a fragile ecosystem with oil spills and engine noise. Finishing Off… So, to answer, how far is Russia from Alaska? For the answer, read the article! When learning about the political history of Alaska related to Russia and the USA, there is the question: How far is Russia from Alaska? It was important to understand how close the countries are, and yet there is a time gap between them. The interesting thing was naming the Islands and how it impacted people's perceptions. Apart from the mystery, the concern is how nobody is giving importance to the indigenous people of Alaska! The governments of both Russia and the United States are not concerned about the people. Comment to let us know your perspective on the time difference between the Big and Little Diomedes islands! Read Also: These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! Paradise Found: Exploring Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s Tropical Gem! Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville!

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

So, as a parent, you have taken up a challenging task. It’s about finding the best places to travel with kids! Every child is different. So, while a slice of wildlife or outdoor activities is enough to win their tasks, some of them may look for a destination like Disney Land, presenting the world of fantasy before them.   Further, some may be fascinated by more luxurious experiences, and one of the best examples of this will be the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland are some such destinations, taking your kids on a tour of the fantasy world.  So, understanding how demanding kids can be, it is difficult to select a particular location out of many options available. Here, I have made a list of countries with the coolest attractions for children. These Are The Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Must Visits For You  Traveling plays an important role in the growth of your child. When children travel, they gather memories and learn things they will never forget.  Further, traveling improves their socializing and problem-solving skills. Moreover, they learn about different human cultures, which is crucial for developing a more inclusive mindset.  Do you want to take your little one on a trip this vacation? Here are the countries you can fly to.  1. Dubai, UAE Best Time to Visit: October to March With the highest safety standards and numerous child-friendly hotels, Dubai is one of the best places to travel with kids. It offers many outdoor and indoor pursuits for the little ones, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is, of course, the biggest attraction for them. Located at Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has as many as 33000 marine animals. Your little one will be enthralled watching the sand tiger sharks, Otters, Piranha, and many other fascinating creatures.  KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Aquaventure World, and Jungle Bay Waterpark are some added attractions for kids in this beautiful city of the UAE.  2. Malaysia Best Time to Visit: April to October (East Coast) and December to March (West Coast) Malaysia can be a really cool destination if you are searching for the best places to travel with kids. This country offers unique natural experiences and cultural interactions for children.  Here is a brief overview of the activities your little one will love in Malaysia. If your little one is more into wildlife and nature, Borneo and Cameron Highlands will be the best destinations for them. Borneo has pygmy elephants and orangutans. They will also get to learn about the indigenous people here.  Further, Cameron Islands has the Mossy Forest, tea plantations, and strawberry orchards.  The other kids’ favorite destinations in the country are Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur has the Petrosains Discovery Centre, Lake Gardens, and KLCC Park to entertain kids of all ages. Further, Penang is a place to learn about the rich culture of the country, and it has the best street food. Moreover, Langkawi is a relaxing hub in Malaysia, allowing you to explore the beaches and cable car rides.  3. Mauritius Best Time to Visit: May to December Mauritius is nothing short of a natural wonder, being a volcanic island with the best beaches in the world. However, Mauritius is often underrated as one of the best places to travel with kids.  The  La Vanille Crocodile Park is the best place in Mauritius if your little one loves animals and is interested in wildlife. The Nile crocodiles are the biggest attractions here. However, you will also find the following animals here. Giant tortoises Phelsumas  Mini tortoises Pigs Deer Bat Fat-tailed sheep Goat Donkeys Among them, goats, donkeys, and fat-tailed sheep are important contributors to the country's livestock.  The Mauritius Aquarium is one of the best places to travel with kids and introduce them to the intrigue of marine life. Along with sponges, fish, and corals, this museum has more than 200 species of invertebrates.  Some other places your kids will love in Mauritius are Casela Nature Park (Watch out for the white tigers.),  Curious Corner of Chamarel and the Blue Bay Marine Park.  4. Australia Best Time to Visit: September to November The diversity of Australia makes it a favorite of children and youngsters. From spending time with the most adorable kangaroos to watching the penguin parade, your little one will surely have a fun time here.  Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney A night safari in Taronga Zoo Sydney is something that you will cherish for your entire life. A kingdom of 4000 animals will unfold wonders before your eyes as you go on a night safari and take part in the Roar and Snore Program. Koalas and red kangaroos are the biggest attractions of this zoo. Visit Phillip Island To See The Most Amazing Penguin Parade  You will see tiny penguins on a parade and a mission for hunting fish at Phillip Island. You can book an underground viewing experience so that your little ones can see the penguins from an eye level. The other place to visit with your kids in Australia is Monkey Mia Reserve (They can feed dolphins here.). Moreover, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Tasmania are destinations to get up close and personal with these adorable animals.  Also, Luna Park Sydney offers an amazing spin in a hand-painted carousel, and the Great Barrier Reef is the best place to see colorful corals. 5. Japan Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May Are you traveling to Japan with your kid? You can take them to Rabbit Island or Ōkunoshima. This scenic inland sea area in Japan is home to thousands of rabbits who roam around freely.  Your little one will love feeding them with their hands. Further, they can visit Silver Pavilion and Gold Pavilion to find lively turtles and fish and feed them.  Further, in March, Japan becomes the land of cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle and Ueno Park are some of the best places to spot the beautiful flowers in full bloom.  6. USA Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to May Housing endless best places to travel with kids, the USA will spoil your little one with choices. The country has amazing national parks, including the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. These national parks have many kid-friendly hiking trails that will allow you to explore the wildlife, geological wonders, and scenic beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Along with being the house of Rockies, it also stands out due to its different ecosystems, hiking trails, and mineral richness.  Yellowstone National Park With more than 10,000 geothermal sites, Yellowstone National Park is the hub of the natural geysers of the world.  Grand Teton National Park  Grand Teton National Park is the best place for camping and hiking. Your kids will also love the best views of the Rockies at this national park.  7. South Africa Best Time to Visit: May to September With amazing wilderness, South Africa is one of the best places to travel with kids and see wild animals. For me, the most amazing spots to visit in South Africa with children are: Cape Point Nature Reserve Knysna Elephant Park  Kruger National Park The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site, while the Knysna Elephant Park has amazing African elephants. Further, the Kruger National Park is home to zebras and other amazing wild animals.  8. Finland Best Time to Visit: June to August For children in love with the fantasy world, Santa Claus Village in Finland is the best destination. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus.  Some other attractions for your kids in Finland are Esplanadi Park, Ranua Zoo, and Helsinki Cathedral.  9. Canada Best Time to Visit: September to November Canada is one of the best places to travel with kids, and it offers an eclectic experience with its natural wonders and historic monuments.  For your kids, the best spot in Canada is Marine Land, Niagra Falls. This amusement park in Ontario is the best place to encounter playful dolphins, Beluga Whales, walruses, and sea lions. The La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, the Children’s Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Toronto Zoo are other kids’ favorite destinations here.  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.