Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)

BY  Ankita Mar 19, 2024

The current globalized business landscape is different from the previous one. Corporate travel is prioritized in organizations more than anything else. Whether it is for meetings, conferences, or business development opportunities, companies are constantly sending their employees across the world to build connections and expand their businesses. However, managing corporate travel can be a challenging and complex task. Thankfully, there are several tools available that can streamline the process and make business travel more efficient and hassle-free.In addition to streamlining the corporate travel process, these tools also play a crucial role in cost management and policy compliance. By providing real-time data and analytics, businesses can track their travel expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with travel policies. These tools allow companies to set budgets, monitor spending, and enforce travel policy guidelines, ultimately resulting in better control over travel expenditures. In this blog, you will explore the essential corporate travel tool that every business needs. 1. Travel Management Platforms A travel management platform is an all-in-one corporate travel tool that allows businesses to manage their corporate travel program. Such a corporate travel agency provides a centralized platform to book flights, hotels, ground transportation, and other travel-related services. With real-time travel data and analytics, businesses can make informed decisions and optimize travel costs. Further, they can also ensure the safety and well-being of their employees on the road. 2. Booking Platforms Booking platforms are an essential corporate travel tool for securing flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements. Such a corporate travel agency allows businesses to compare prices, book tickets, and manage itineraries all in one place. They often offer exclusive rates and discounts for corporate travelers, saving companies both time and money. A corporate booking platform offers a wide array of travel booking options along with collaborative spaces and top-rated housing. 3. Mobile Apps Mobile apps are a game-changing corporate travel tool. With the rise of smartphones, it has become increasingly important to have access to travel information on the go. Mobile apps allow travelers to check flight status, manage bookings, receive real-time notifications, and access important travel documents easily. They provide a seamless travel experience and help employees stay connected and productive while on the road. User-friendly mobile apps make it easier for people coming from all walks of life to travel a seamless journey. 4. Travel Risk Management Tools Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is a top priority for any business during corporate travel. Travel risk management tools provide crucial information and assistance in case of emergencies or unforeseen events. These tools help businesses track the location of their employees, provide real-time travel advisories, and offer assistance for medical emergencies or security threats. 5. Expense Management Tools Expense management is a crucial aspect of corporate travel, and managing receipts and expense reports can be a tedious task. Corporate travel tools simplify this process by allowing employees to capture and submit expenses easily and automate the reimbursement process. These tools ensure compliance with travel policies and allow for better control over travel expenses. Other popular features included in expense management tools are invoice scanning, accounting software integration, and automated expense reports. 6. Collaboration And Communication Tools Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful corporate travel. Collaboration tools help teams stay connected, share files, and collaborate on projects even when they are on the road. Communication tools enable employees to stay connected with their teams and keep in touch with clients and partners, irrespective of location or time zone. Corporate communication tools offer industries a comprehensive platform that helps in planning travel efficiently. 7. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is often an overlooked aspect of corporate travel, but it is crucial for providing financial protection and peace of mind. Travel insurance policies cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. Having comprehensive travel insurance ensures that employees are well taken care of in case of any unexpected incidents during their travels. 8. Travel Itinerary Management Tools Managing travel itineraries can be challenging, especially when employees have multiple trips and complex schedules. Travel itinerary management tools help businesses organize and manage travel itineraries for their employees. These tools allow companies to create, share, and update itineraries, including flights, hotels, meetings, and other activities, in one centralized platform. This ensures that employees have all the necessary information at their fingertips, making their travel experience smoother and more organized. 9. Travel Expense Tracking Tools Tracking and managing travel expenses is a crucial corporate travel tool for businesses to control costs and ensure compliance with travel policies. Travel expense tracking tools help companies monitor and analyze travel expenses in real-time. These tools automate the expense tracking process, enabling employees to capture expenses on the go and categorize them according to travel policies. This not only saves time but also helps businesses identify cost-saving opportunities and improve expense control. 10. Travel Loyalty Programs Travel loyalty programs can benefit both businesses and employees. By enrolling in airline and hotel loyalty programs, businesses can earn points, receive exclusive discounts, and access premium services. Employees can also enjoy personal benefits like room upgrades and priority boarding. Travel loyalty programs help businesses save money on travel expenses and enhance employee satisfaction. Popular travel loyalty programs include airline programs like United MileagePlus and hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy. Businesses need to encourage employees to enroll in these programs and utilize the benefits offered. Final Thoughts Corporate travel can be made more efficient and organized with the help of these essential travel tools and services. From travel management platforms to collaboration tools, expense management solutions, and travel insurance, these tools cater to various aspects of corporate travel. By leveraging such a corporate travel agency, businesses can optimize their corporate travel program, provide a seamless travel experience to employees, and ensure the success of their business ventures around the world. So, that’s all about it! Keep following us for more such content and do share your comments below. Read Also: How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

BY  Barsha Feb 11, 2023

Are you craving some good old Salvadoran food? Are you wondering how to find the best Salvadoran restaurants near you? No, typing ‘Salvadoran food near me’ on Google won’t help you. But we sure can - you just have to keep faith in us because we have managed to track down the best Salvadoran restaurants in Los Angeles! Stay tuned to find out! Top 7 Salvadoran Food Near Me In Los Angeles As we just mentioned asking Google about ‘Salvadoran food near me’ won’t help, but scrolling down will definitely help. So without wasting any time, keep reading to find out about the best Salvadoran restaurants close to you in Los Angeles! 1. Pupuseria Los Angeles: cloudfront.net One of our favorite Salvadoran restaurants has to be this food truck! Yes, Pupuseria Los Angeles is just a food truck, but you get really tasty food here. Also, they have great reviews from both regulars and newcomers. Review By Annalise Panthofer: One of my favorite food trucks ever! Lots of vegetarian options, always made fresh and served HOT. I am so going to miss this when I leave Milwaukee. Pro tip: because they are made fresh, order ahead to save some time waiting. If you don't call ahead, I can guarantee that the pupusas are WELL worth the wait. 2. Pupuseria Y Restaurante Salvadoreno: Image Source Pupuseria Y Restaurante Salvadoreno is one Salvadoran restaurant in LA that never disappoints. It’s a laid-back restaurant serving some great traditional Salvadoran dishes - from Carne Guisada to Pupusas, you will find everything here. Review By Ang G: We often ordered takeout from this place at my job, and then they closed for remodeling. They reopened recently, and we went to see them in person. They did not disappoint. The carrot and cheese are a favorite, but everything is good. Plantains, frijoles, and fried chicken looked amazing, everything was fresh and served hot. The wait was a little long, but the service was excellent. Worth the drive! 3. El Salvador Restaurant: Image Source Are you still trying to do the ‘Salvadoran food near me’ search? Then stop and just head over to El Salvador - what a perfect place to try out Salvadoran cuisine for the first time! A low-key restaurant, El Salvador serves both Mexican and Salvadoran dishes. Review By Cherry Baby: Delicious pupusa place. I was hungry and in the area and decided to stop by. I walked in, not placing an order on the phone since I was so close. They had my pupusas out, hot and fresh, in about 10mins. They were very tasty and seasoned well. The horchata was delicious. The price was reasonable, and thru had a large menu. I would recommend and would return it. 4. La Esquina Salvadoreña Restaurant Bar: Image Source If you are tired of searching ‘Salvadoran restaurant near me’ on Google, then don’t waste your time on such searches anymore. Instead, just check out La Esquina Salvadoreña Restaurant Bar, instead. You will not just love the place, but you will also come back for the food. Review By John Connelly: I decided to be adventurous and try something new. The food was absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. We had the chicharron to start and had just the right amount of crunch. My lady had the pupusas with cheese and chorizo, she was very pleased. I had the grilled steak, which was so tender that I didn’t even need a knife to cut it. Even the drinks (horchata & jamaica) and dessert (tres leches cake) were perfect. I will no doubt be coming back soon. 5. Pupuseria El Salvador, CA.LLC: cdn4dd.com Pupuseria El Salvador, CA.LLC is one of our favorite Latin food joints that serves traditional and classic Salvadoran dishes - from seafood to stuffed tortillas, you will find it all here! It’s one of those small places you definitely won’t find from ‘Salvadoran restaurants near me’ types of searches! Review By Honeydoll Jess: Service is always great. The food is just tasty, flavorful, fresh, and addicting. They always give you more than enough condiments and utensils with napkins. This is one of my favorite places to eat. The price is right, and so are the portions. Who doesn't love a good authentic taco? 6. La Cuscatleca South: Image Source We literally stumbled upon La Cuscatleca South while following the whole ‘Salvadoran food near me’ search results. And truly, what a great find! Moreover, the place has got crazy reviews - you just have to visit this restaurant to understand what we are trying to say. Review By Brian T: While there is no sign on Fleur to highlight the location, the food speaks for itself. We had the papussa's which were excellent. Melissa, our server, was beyond words. Thoughtful and fun while providing insight into the menu. I would highly recommend La Cuscatleca. We'll be back. Omg, this place is an amazing hidden gem! 7. Pupusita Express: cloudfront.net From empanadas and pupusas to tacos, Pupusita Express has it all! Nope, you don’t have to type ‘restaurant Salvadoran on google - just save time and hit this crazy restaurant. You will also find some delicious Mexican food here - this restaurant is a must-visit for all foodies! Review By Missy W: Been going here for years back when they were in Lake Zurich, and I always will! I feel like I’m eating at my friend's house, where they serve up casual but fresh comfort food. The chicken Picante tamales are what I normally order; they are delicious! I love the curtido and casamiento and always take home the platanos fritos. It’s great to have the Salvadoran flavors because Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen. 8) Mama’s International Tamales: Mama’s International Tamales is a Latinx-owned restaurant that offers a range of traditional flavors along with a plant-based menu. Their vegan tamales, including cheesy jalapeño and jackfruit verde, have earned them a spot on PETA's top Latinx-owned vegan restaurants list. The restaurant's plant-based cheeses and proteins are developed by the owner Claudia Lopez and her mother. In addition to the vegan options, the non-plant-based menu features chicken and chicken verde tamales and pupusas. They even offer a vegan pan con “pollo” made with jackfruit stewed in a recaudo sauce that's infused with spices, herbs, and chiles. Review by Marilyn E: I'd be lying if I said we didn't already love their food from trying them at vegan events but we have wanted to come to their brick and mortar to try some new things they don't offer at the pop ups. We were not disappointed! Papusa as always was great and can't beat Curtido on the side. Tamales were delicious. Asada torta was excellent and got nice and crispy in the air fryer for leftovers. Pan sin pollo was ok but I wouldn't get it again because I just prefer their asada a lot more but I love that it comes with curtido. Their platanos were also very good. Pastelitos are probably my new favorite thing from their menu. I would go to the brick and mortar just to get those! So do yourself a favor and go try everything! 9) Los Molcajetes (Temple): For more than four decades, this traditional Salvi restaurant has been famous for its scrumptious and beautifully presented molcajetes, which are filled with meat and vegetables. The branch in Historic Filipinotown gives a unique twist to the classic pan con pollo, a chicken sandwich. A generous French bread roll is filled with succulent and tender chicken that has been stewed in recaudo, a highly flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, spices, herbs, and roasted chilies. The recaudo's boldness is balanced by a mix of curtido (relish), tomato, cucumber, and berro (watercress), and the sandwich is topped with a dollop of crema Salvadoreña, making it a delicious treat. Review by JPL0626: Love it. Love it. We were on vacation and randomly chose this restaurant. We ordered nine different foods for three of us. We wanted to try some of everything. We were pleasantly satisfied with everything we tried. Everything from empanadas to pupusas to atole was prepared fresh and brought to the table spread out over the hour meal. Prices are very good. Service was excellent. If you like traditional Latin American food, this is the place to go. And It’s A Wrap! So, now you know which are the best Salvadoran restaurant close to you in Los Angeles - so much better than typing ‘Salvadoran food near me’ on Google and waiting for results. There are just way too many results - instead, save this article and checkout some of the best restaurants serving classic Salvadoran food in Los Angeles. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences about trying out this popular cuisine in the comments below. Read Also: Top 12 Perdido Key Restaurants – Reviews & Budget 12+ Best Restaurants In Belfast Maine – Reviews & Budget 10 Best Restaurants On Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!