Exploring the Geothermal Wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

The holiday season is around the corner, and we’re already planning holidays. If you are heading to your family, going on a holiday, or elsewhere, pre-booking will help you make the journey easier and more enjoyable.  This is the full guide on assisting you with holiday travel, including expert tips and practical advice for preparing for holidays easily.  1. Prepare in Advance for an Easy Journey  The sooner you book, the more likely you will get what you want. When traveling, it is best to go during holidays and reserve rooms and seats in advance.  Don’t leave it late; arrange transportation and accommodation ahead of time. Put together tickets, accommodation, and transport on a list.  Be sure to look at the weather forecast in your destination to be able to pack suitably. You do not want to be caught in a snowstorm or heatwave with the wrong equipment!  2. Intelligent Holiday Travel Budgeting  Holiday travel costs can easily exceed budget, especially during peak holiday seasons. Setting a realistic budget when making holiday plans will prevent overspending.  Budget your expenses under allocations to pay for your airfare, accommodations, travel, restaurants, tour fare, and shopping.  Utilize discounts online, compare prices, and hostels, Airbnb, or travel off-season. No need; forward reservation can also assist. It’s also smart to have some ready money for emergencies such as tips or impulsive shopping.  3. Pack Smart and Light  Intelligent packing will save the day and avoid inconvenience. Pack only the necessities and try to keep it light.  Use multi-functional clothing that you can interchange to reduce the amount of clothing to carry.  Don’t spare any space in your luggage to purchase souvenirs or new clothes during travel. Don’t exceed your baggage allowance limits so that you can have additional charges to pay at the airport.  If your journey is short, a carry-on flight would do. A physician’s kit containing medicine, a first aid kit, and photocopies of the documents that will be needed should be kept handy in case of an accident.  4. Travel with Pets  If a pet is being taken along on a holiday vacation, find out if your hotel is pet-friendly and look up the travel rules in advance.  Some airlines and other carriers also require health certificates for pets, so have your vet issue one.  Be prepared by bringing along the basics, such as pet food, water, a leash, toys, and medication if prescribed.  When traveling, consider your pets' safety and comfort as well. Plan in advance for pet care requirements.  5. Insure Yourself with Travel Insurance  Unexpected events like flight delays, lost luggage, or illness can spoil your tour and leave you stranded. Travel insurance helps by giving you confidence through reimbursement of unexpected costs.  Depending on your holiday, you can decide to buy an upgraded policy that includes trip cancellation, illness, or even flight delay. Make sure to read the cover details before buying so that it will be worth it.  6. Create a Flexible Schedule  Planning never hurts, but flexibility is the key to enhancing your holiday experience. See where you are required to go, check their opening time, and write down their holiday hours.  Adopt a flexible approach in the event your arrangements are foiled or in case you wish to insert unplanned encounters on your path.  The holiday season means large numbers of people, and flexibility will avoid getting agitated if matters fail as expected.  7. Travel Checklist  Ensure you have all the documents and essentials with you before you go out to your destination. A list of essentials is as follows:  • Genuine travel documents (passport, visas, etc.)  • Cash and debit/credit cards (both are recommended)  • Travel insurance information  • Medication prescribed and first aid kits  • Phone chargers for electronic devices and adapters  • Rain or weather-specific footwear and clothing  • Toilet and personal items  8. Protect Your Belongings  It’s always exciting to travel to a new place, but protecting your belongings is equally important.  Stealing and pickpocketing can occur anywhere, particularly in crowded places such as airports or sightseeing sites.  Store your valuables in a money pouch or safe belt, and don’t carry all your money or cards at the same time.  It is also wise to have photocopies or digital copies of important documents (such as your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts) just in case they are stolen or lost.  9. Be Frugal with Your Holiday Money  Over-spending on your holiday can cause anxiety once the holiday season is over.  To prevent this, keep track of your spending once in a while on holiday. Have a budget for everyday activities and meals and prioritize substances over goods when spending.  If you tend to mindless shopping, place restrictions before eating out or shopping beforehand. The most memorable aspects of your vacation are likely the experiences, not the trinkets!   10. Foreign Currency Exchange & Financial Planning  If you are traveling abroad, it’s convenient to get used to the foreign currency and exchange rate.  Don’t exchange a large amount of money at the airport, where they offer less favorable exchange rates. Rather, use local ATMs and withdraw your money when you arrive.  It is also advisable to notify your bank of your travel so you won’t have any issues transacting on foreign grounds. Finally, for added convenience, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.   11. Stay Connected for Safety & Convenience  You will require a functional phone or device to communicate with others and utilize in emergencies on the road.  If you are traveling abroad, buy an international SIM card or international data plan so that you can call.  Also, let a trustworthy friend or relative know your travel plans so that they can trace you. This is an extra precaution and convenient in the event that you need help on the road.  Final Words!  Vacation travel, if well planned, can be smooth sailing and hassle-free. Whether you are a frugal traveler, security-aware adventurer, culture-aware traveler, or packing expert and one.  Like any of them, the following is the best advice for hassle-free and successful travel.  Considering all this, you should remember that quality planning will ensure that you’re carefree during travel. Safe and happy holidays! 

BY  Barsha Apr 25, 2023

Want to know more about budget car rental Las Vegas? When thinking about visiting Las Vegas, you must know where can book cars to travel! So you have landed in Las Vegas - is this your first time? Or are you planning your first Vegas trip anytime soon? First-timers can also be a little more challenging than you are perhaps expecting at the moment. When we travel to someplace for the first time, the pick-up and drop to/from the airport and visiting the top tourist spots are always a priority. Your Vegas trip is no different - this is precisely why you need to do some research on cheap car rentals Las Vegas airport. But don’t worry, we have done our research and have come up with some of the best car rentals in Vegas that are not just cheap but also provide quality service to their customer. Stay tuned to find out more about car rentals in Vegas. Exploring Cheap Car Rentals Las Vegas Airport: Book Cars To Travel In Vegas! Welcome to the Tour & Travel Blog’s cheap car rentals Las Vegas airport edition! We have managed to find the best car rentals in Vegas, prioritizing both the quality of service and prices. When looking for budget car rental Las Vegas, you have to read the article in detail! So without wasting any more time, scroll down and check out the cheapest and the best car rentals in Las Vegas. 1. SIXT Rent A Car: Image Source: www.sixt.com Address: 325 Hughes Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89169 Phone: (888) 749-8227 Hours: Monday - Sunday (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Are you in Las Vegas looking up ‘budget car rental las vegas’ on Google, wondering how you will commute to all the places on your Vegas bucket list? You just have to check out SIXT Rent A Car, and your commute plans in Vegas will be sorted. The best part about going to them to rent cars? Their quality of customer service, and obviously their cars. Review By Jens L: “Excellent customer service, super nice cars for a really fair price. I was not happy with my first rental car, and the team exchanged it without hesitation. Got an Audi Q8, and it could not be better for our vacation. Thank You so much, Sixt team in downtown Las Vegas!” 2. Speed Vegas: Image Source: s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com Address: 14200 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054 Phone: (702) 789-0568 Hours: Monday - Sunday (9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.) You cannot just write about cheap car rentals Las Vegas airport and not mention a brand like Speed Rentals. And you get to do so much more than renting a car - you can have exciting driving experiences on their race tracks. And that’s not all - you will also find monster trucks, rally cars, and off-road expeditions at Speed Vegas. Review By Ryan Given: “5 stars worth every penny. My instructor Michael was amazing and super patient with me. Do yourself a favor and book as many laps as you can afford. It took me 5 laps just to get to know the course. George was amazing in the Porsche Macon S as well. A ++++++++” 3. Auto Rental, Inc - Las Vegas Airport Rent a Car: Image Source: www.rd.com Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Phone: (844) 520-0100 Hours: Monday - Sunday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) On our first visit to Las Vegas, we looked up so many car rental companies - we searched with different terms like ‘budget car rental Las Vegas airport,’ but it didn’t really help us. And then, suddenly, we stumbled upon Auto Rental, Inc - Las Vegas Airport Rent a Car as a recommendation from a friend. And since then, it has been our number-one choice. Review By Alvin E Cordero: “Great experience. When I got to the car rental center, I was taken aback by the line to get a rental. Awesome experience and people. The car was clean, and the price was not bad at all. Would recommend it!” 4. Dollar Car Rental: Image Source: idme-marketplace.s3.amazonaws.com Address: 3300 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Phone: (702) 734-0613 Hours: Monday - Sunday (7 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.) While exploring the best cheap car rentals Las Vegas airport, it was a miracle that we found Dollar Car Rental. Yes, they have several negative customer reviews online, but does it matter if they manage to provide you with great service at relatively affordable rates? Not really. And that’s exactly what happened with us on one of our early visits to Vegas. Review By Jens L: “They had a car ???? when everyone else was sold out! The rodeo was in town… who knew cowboys needed so many cars. Anyway, the team ride line to get to the counter was a long wait from the airport. But no line at the dollar when we got there. They upgraded us free because they only had SUVS left. We got a great nice black SUV for the cheapest price. We were pumped.” 5. Budget Rent A Car Of Las Vegas: Address: 7135 Gilespie St Suite B, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Phone: (702) 736-1212 Hours: Monday - Sunday (7 a.m. - 1 a.m.) Another car rental company that has loads of negative reviews online is Budget Rent A Car Of Las Vegas. But while looking up ‘budget rental car las vegas’ online, we first heard about this place. In spite of all the negative reviews, we ended up checking this place out. We loved the relatively affordable rates, good cars, and smooth pickup drop. Review By Rich Mooney: “Our rental agent was great! (Even informed me that we are FastBreak customers, albeit after I stood in a very long line!! My fault!) We rented a Toyota Sienna at a great daily rate. The car was clean and perfect for our person party, with incredible gas mileage!! Return was smooth and streamlined. We will definitely use the Budget whenever possible in the future!” 6. Fox Address: 8801 South Las Vegas Boulevard Phone: +1 702 964 1320 Hours: Monday - Sunday (00.00 - 23.59) This car rental company has some good reviews on the Kayak website. Along with good reviews, some of the customers informed that the cars they rent are in good shape and at affordable rates. The staff of the place is also friendly, so overall it is not a bad place for you to check out! When renting a car, the process might take some time. However, the turn in of the car is quite smooth. There have been some complaints where the customers informed that while renting a car, the waiting line has been too long! In a way, I would see this as a good thing! The long line means there is actually good services hence, you can definitely check this company out when in Las Vegas for cheap car rentals. Review By Rich Mooney: “My husband and I had a good experience with Fox rental. We waited 30 minutes for car, but to ge fair there were lots of people getting cars at the same time. Staff friendly and professional. Our car was ready. We had no problems or extra charges. We picked up at Denver Airport. Airport shuttle picked us up promptly and brought was back in a quick time frame.” 7. Hertz Address: 7135 Gilespie Street Phone: +1 702 262 7700 Hours: Monday - Sunday (00.00 - 23.59) The Reviews of the car rental company have been disastrous on the Kayak website! Numerous reviews inform that the company is a fraud as they give the wrong model of the car that they advertises! There have been further issues with additional charges claimed later. However, when we visited some other reviews, they were quite positive regarding the quality of the car and how clean their car is. The pick-up and drop process is very smooth hence, there is no issue faced by the customers. Reviews By Peter Graysinp: “The guy at the counter got me for a daily rate even after i instructed him that I needed a weekly one. He should be fired. Whoever details the cars though needs a raise. Whoever checks the tire pressure also needs to be fired. Car was in good condition other than that though. HR should review this branch.” 8. Avis Address: 7135 Gilespie Street Phone: +1 702 531 1500 Hours: Monday - Sunday (00.00 - 23:59) It is one of the budget car rental Las Vegas which you can try if you are traveling to Vegas on a budget. Most of the reviews inform that the car rental is quite affordable especially when they provide you the right car model and they are clean. There are other fraud services out there however, Avis tries to be appropriate whenever they are providing services. There have been some concerns such as the availability of the cars and high waiting time. Review By Anonymous: “Better rental and organization. Also, provide the car that was reserved. Renting a car took 2 1/2 hours even though I pre-checked in. Never rent from Avis again.” And That’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap on finding the best car rentals in Las Vegas. You don’t need to waste time on Google looking up ‘cheap car rentals Las Vegas airport’ - instead, check out the ones we have mentioned above. So tell us, what your thoughts on these car rentals are? And if you have already availed car rental services in Vegas, then feel free to share your experiences with the same in the comments below. Read Also: Car Collisions And Traveling Safely: A Guide 5 Things You Can Carry For An Amazing Trip On A Budget Using Google Flights To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Do you know where the name of the Zion National Park came from? The name has come from the Bible, as the Old Testament calls the City of Jerusalem Zion.  This national park has the most diverse landscape, with plateaus, forests, and deserts. Further, it is home to over 800 plant species and 290 bird varieties.  “A visit to a river, a canyon rim, and a pine forest will give you a chance to see plenty of different birds. Birds are very active at dawn and dusk. They sing more at these times, making them easier to locate than midday. Nocturnal birds like owls are also active at dawn and dusk, making them easier to locate than at night.” Ally O’Rullian, Ranger, Zion National Park. Hiking is the best activity in the park to enjoy a close encounter with the wildlife and geology of the park. Also, camping here and living under the stars will be an amazing experience. So, let’s be familiar with the hiking trails and campgrounds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Zion National Park, and kids also love the flat riverside walks. Moreover, trails like the one to the Emerald Pool are family-friendly.  Further, the park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, and the number of trails is more than 100., I have curated some popular day hiking and backpacking trails for you here.  Day Hikes In Zion National Park The short day hikes in Zion National Park will take you to the wonderful views southwest of the park. Some hiking trails can be completed within one hour, and some will take an entire day. Further, these trails will take you through lush valleys and meadows and make you visit rugged mountains and deserts.  So, let’s explore the trails. 1. Watchman Trail Difficulty Level: Moderate Distance: 2.7 Miles Trekking Time: 2 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman Trail is one of my favorites in Zion National Park because it is peaceful. Also, it is a kid and family-friendly hiking trail with a beautiful view of the lower Zion Canyon.  You will further enjoy the view of the Towers of the Virgin and the town of Springdale from this trail.  Moreover, this trail is a great path to learn about the desert plantation in the park.  2. Lower Emerald Pool Trail  Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 1.2 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Lodge The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the easiest trails in the park, and you can explore the route with your family thanks to the gentle terrain.  Further, walking through the woods of pinyon and juniper is comfortable for children. Moreover, the hike ends with a refreshing view of the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. These waterfalls are ephemeral.  However, if you want to explore more challenging trails, you can try the connecting Upper Emerald Pool and Kayenta trails.  3. Observation Point Difficulty Level: Difficult Distance: 8 Mile Trekking Time: 7 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Weeping Rock The Observation Point trek through the East Rim Trail stands out because it offers the best view of the nearby attractions. Further, you will especially love the view of Zion Canyon’s lower end.  However, this trekking route comes with 2200 feet of steep elevation. So, ensure that you have the right physical endurance and proper hydration.  4. Pa’Rus Trail Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 3.5 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: Yes Trailhead: Visitor Center If you want to watch the best sunset in Zion National Park and capture beautiful landscape views, Pa’Rus Trail is the best hiking route for you. Further, it is the only national park trail allowing dogs and pets.  It is an easy trek. You can explore it with your kids and family. You will begin the trek listening to the serene sounds of the Virgin River. Then, as you advance, you will get the best view of the Watchman.  Backpacking Hikes In Zion National Park Overnight hiking or backpacking trips are very popular in Zion National Park. Despite being strenuous hikes, these trails offer the most scenic views.  If you are willing to explore any of the following backpacking trails, you must have proper food, water, and supplement arrangements.  La Verkin Creek Trail Trail Distance: 14.4 Miles Trail Head: Lee Pass Difficulty Level: Challenging The La Verking Creek Trail takes you to the Kalob Arch. It is one of the biggest free-standing arches in the world.  As you start the trek from Lee Pass, you will walk through open canyons, and the route along Timber Creek will offer you the best cliff views.  If you want to extend your hiking trip further, you can continue your walk to the Bear Trap Canyon or the Willis Canyon. Summer and fall are the best seasons for backpacking trips to the La Verkin Creek Trail.  The Narrows View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Trail Distance: 16 Miles Hike Start: The Temple of Sinawava Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Based on the River Volume) Despite having an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, The Narrows is one of the most challenging hikes in this national park.  The meandering trekking route will take you through various canyons. However, you must first walk through the Virgin River as there is no alternative loop.  Here, you must note that the water level in the Virgin River keeps fluctuating. Based on the amount of rainfall and snowfall, the varying water levels of the Virgin River will pose challenges. The table below gives you a clear picture of the probable difficulties.  Water Level of Virgin RiverChallenges/Consequences Below 70 cubic feet per second (CFS)Moderately difficult walkingKnee-deep waterSlippery terrain Above 70 CFSChallenging walkingMid-thigh deep waterWater in some pools can be chest-deepAbove 150 CFSThe Virgin River and The Narrows are close for hiking.  The Narrows remain closed even when there is an announcement for Flash Floods. So, check with the park authority about the “present water current level” and announcements.  West Rim Trail Trail Distance: 14.2 Miles  Trail Head: Lava Point  Difficulty Level: Strenuous  The West Rim Trail is one of the most challenging treks in Zion National Park. The elevation change here is close to 3500 feet, and you must make a steep ascent toward the Wildcat Canyon rims. Then, you will make a descent.  In addition, the West Rim Trail offers the best views of the Phantom Valley. If you are in for a backpacking trip to the West Rim Trail, late spring, summer, and fall will be the best seasons.  Camping In Zion National Park, Utah Though 2023 saw a dip in visitors to Zion National Park, it is still one of the most visited parks in the USA. In 2023, the park had less than 4.65 million visitors compared to 4.69 million visitors in 2022.  The red rock formations and canyons carved by water are some of the biggest attractions in this US national park, and camping is surely the best way to get to know the park better.  Zion National Park has three campgrounds, but the South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. So, here I will discuss the Watchman Campground and Lava Point Campground.  Watchman Campground https://www.instagram.com/p/C84eLoOtJP8/ This campground is very close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and if you are entering the park from the  South Entrance in Springdale, you will have to go only ¼ miles to find this campground.  Each campsite in the campground has a picnic table, a place for a tent or RV, and fire ring access. Further, here is a detailed picture of the amenities and fees at the camping ground.  Amenities and FeesAvailable/Details Cell Phone NetworkYesInternet ConnectivityNoCamp StoreNoIce for SaleNoLaundryNoAmphitheater SeasonalFirewood for Sale NoTrash CollectionYesDump StationYesPotable WaterAvailableFood Storage LockerYesStaff on SiteYesShower TypeNot AvailableFlush ToiletYesFeesElectric Campsites: $45Non-Electric Tent Only Campsites: $35Group Campsites - $90-130 per personAccessible Sites: According to the Price of a Particular Site with Special Discounts for Access Pass Holders Watchman Campground sites are available on a reservation basis. You can book six months before your trip to secure a preferred spot.  Lava Point Campground It is a seasonal campground, operating only from May to September. Further, located at a 7890-foot height, this campground is closest to Kolob Terrace Road.  Also, if you enter the park from its southern entrance, you must drive for one hour and 20 minutes to reach this campground.  However, with 6 primitive camping sites, Lava Point Campground does not have most of the amenities of the Watchman Campground. Therefore, you will only get the following facilities here. Pit toilets Trash cans Seasonal trash collection Staff on site on a seasonal basis Moreover, you will have to pay a fee of $25 to reserve a spot in this campground. Further, it cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 19 feet.  Zion National Park At A Glance  Zion National Park Location: Utah, The USA Area: 232 Square Miles Visitor Centers: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Entry Fee: Standard Entrance Passes Highest Point: Horse Ranch Mountain Established: 19th November 1919 So, it’s fall here, and Zion National Park is gearing up for winter. When are you planning a visit?  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.