LoraNocarter+Absecon: 10 Best Things To Do There

BY  Subham Saha Oct 11, 2021

The lush wilderness, untouched by the hyper modernization, has a bewitching charm to it. The breathtaking scenery, the heavenly water bodies, and the canopy of rainforest all paint a mesmerizing picture, and they all speak about the splendors of Costa Rica. However, despite the serenity and soulful vibe in the country, the question of “Is Costa Rica safe for traveling?” refuses to go away.   There is no denying that amidst the simplicity of life lies the risks of petty and sometimes severe crimes. In fact, the government of the USA and the Canadian Government have created detailed safety guidelines for traveling to Costa Rica.  Here, I will talk about the major safety concerns in the country and the tips to avoid them.   Is Costa Rica Safe for Traveling?  Is Costa Rica Safe for traveling? As mentioned, keep in mind the intimidating crime rate that is looming in the country. Despite the best efforts of the government and additional safety measures in tourist spots, the homicide rate in Costa Rica has seen around 40% rise in 2023.  As a Latin American country, Costa Rica is also taking proactive measures to fight drug consumption and related activities.   However, it’s great that Rodrigo Chaves, the Costa Rica President, has taken El Salvador as a reference and has introduced strict legislation to fight crime in the country.    Having said that, the tourism industry is getting a major lash due to the rise of crimes in the country. Even the smallest incidents affecting the local communities are making the travelers concerned. They are now skeptical about what to end and where to roam around. So, there are a lot of self-imposed restrictions on the things to do in Costa Rica due to rising criminal activities in the country.   So, the bottom line is that despite being a favorite destination for tourists across the globe, Costa Rica today is struggling to maintain a delightful picture in tourism.   Is Costa Rica Safe for Women?   Yes, Costa Rica is safe for women. Even during rising crimes, the country remains a safe place for women as the crimes occurring there are not gender specific.   In fact, the well-known Solo Female Travelers Club has termed Costa Rica one of the safest countries for women who want to go on a solo trip.   Further, the Costa Rican Tourism Board, along with the National Institute of Women and the National Tourism Security Commission, has started a program to establish “gender equality in the tourism industry.” This program called “RED SOFIA” wants to establish a safe space for women solo travelers in Costa Rica and end violence against women travelers.   Is It Safe to Drink Water in Costa Rica?  Now, it depends. If you are in the city, tap water is safe to drink. However, the more you move towards the Caribbean and are closer to the ocean, the better it is to stick to bottled water.   Tourism is crucial for Costa Rica's economy. So, the government is very particular about ensuring the safety of the tourists. In San Jose and other urban areas, you will get clear water from the taps, and the water is filtered multiple times before it reaches you.   However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may have problems drinking tap water in some parts of Costa Rica. Water in some areas may be rich in chlorine and minerals. The water here does not have fluoride, and it’s hard.   If you are concerned about the quality of water, it is better to drink bottled water. You will usually get a 300 ml (about 10.14 oz) bottled water for $1 here. Further, if you need to spend a longer span in the country and drink water from the same source every day, you must check the source and buy a water filter when needed.   Some Basic Tips to Remain Safe While Traveling   Some of the major dangers you will face as a tourist in Costa Rica are common muggers, petty thefts, and car breakers. Now, a car is not something you will be traveling with. So, there is no chance of a break.   To avoid theft and muggers, carry simple weapons like pepper spray, and it is best not to travel with any valuables like jewelry or gold. Keep a vigilant look at all your electronics, as you won’t be able to travel without them. Stay safe!  Costa Rica’s dangers regarding nature are earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. But there are very few chances of you experiencing such disasters.   What Should I Avoid in Costa Rica?  Rather than asking, ‘is Costa Rica safe for traveling?’ You should better be prepared with the question asked above.   Again, no valuables.   Don’t visit the braces at night. Crime rates are high with the area and the time.   Do not buy drugs in Costa Rica. Even avoid marijuana.   Swim near the shore to avoid ripping tides.   Avoid a dip in the river to avoid deadly creatures like crocodiles and bull sharks. They are also not the cleanest place.   Don’t stay out in the sun for too long. Your tan will look more like a burn.   What Part of Costa Rica Is Safest?   If you constantly ask, ‘Is Costa Rica safe for traveling,’ you must know about the safer places in the country.   Puerto Viejo, Drake Bay, and Tamarindo are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for safety. They have the lowest crime rate.   Bon Voyage!  Is Costa Rica safe for traveling? This question will keep going until the alarming concerns about crime are resolved. However, the initiative of the Costa Rican government to take additional safety measures in the tourist spots and initiatives about introducing stricter legislation look like the silver linings.  Having said that, even if you are smitten by the beauty of Costa Rica and want to explore it, you must follow the safety tips and guidelines mentioned here. I hope you have a safe and satisfying experience there. Happy and safe traveling!

BY  Sibashree Jul 3, 2026

Packing light is one of the most useful travel skills.  Yes, of course there is an obvious reason behind it. It saves you baggage fees. However, that’s not just it. Additionally, it makes airport transfers easier. Moreover, it lets you arrive at your destination faster.  But packing light does not mean packing less. It means packing smarter.  The travelers who consistently arrive with only a carry-on are not carrying half of their belongings.  In fact, they are carrying the right things in the right proportions. So, if you are losing your sleep, wondering how to pack light for your next trip, I got you. This guide covers the ten essentials every traveler needs and the principles behind packing them without waste. How To Pack Light For Your Trip? Just These Essentials Will Do! When you are aiming to pack light for your upcoming trip, these are the essentials that you will only need. Let’s take a look: 1. A Well-Fitted Main Bag Under 40 Liters Most travelers overpack because they start with a bag that is too big. A 35- to 40-liter backpack or roller bag forces smarter choices.  Additionally, it fits standard carry-on size limits for most airlines.  Also, it holds enough for trips of one to three weeks if you pack thoughtfully.  Therefore, anything larger tempts you to fill the extra space with items you will not actually use. 2. A Foldable Secondary Bag For Overflow Every traveler comes home with more than they left with.  Souvenirs, gifts, that jacket you bought because the mountain evenings were colder than expected.  Foldable bags that fold into a pocket-sized pouch solve this in a way most travelers do not think about until the return trip.  Tuck one or two into your main bag before you leave.  On the way home, they handle the overflow without forcing you to pay for a second checked bag at the airport counter. 3. Clothing That Follows The Rule Of Thirds When packing for a trip, aim for a balanced approach by dividing your items into three categories.  First, one-third of your selections should be neutral basics that mix and match easily with different outfits.  Next, choose another third made up of versatile pieces that serve dual purposes, like a shirt appropriate for both hiking and dinner, or a jacket that can be layered over various outfits.  Finally, reserve the last third for trip-specific items essential to your activities.  This thoughtful ratio ensures your wardrobe remains functional and versatile without becoming too heavy or cumbersome. 4. Two Pairs Of Shoes, Maximum One pair for walking and one pair for everything else. Wear the heavier pair on travel days to save space in your suitcase.  If you are heading somewhere for a specific activity, like hiking or going to the beach, that becomes the second pair.  Three pairs of shoes is where most travelers cross into overpacking territory. 5. A Compact Toiletry Kit With Multi-Use Items Travel-size everything. A bar of soap that doubles as shampoo. A moisturizer that works as a face and body.  A single lip balm with SPF.  Therefore, I am sure you have understood that if you are wondering how to pack light for your upcoming trips, this one tip is non-negotiable.  The goal is a toiletry bag that fits in one hand. If your kit is bigger than that, cut something before you leave. 6. A Reliable Day Bag For The Destination At your destination, you do not want to carry your main travel bag everywhere.  You need a lightweight day bag for daily activities. Packable bags for travel that fold small when not in use are the best option here.  The Nanobag Daypack, for example, is a 16L zippered backpack that weighs 1.15 oz and folds into a pocket-sized pouch.  It packs inside your main bag on travel days and deploys as your everyday explorer's bag once you arrive. 7. A Portable Battery And A Universal Adapter A 10,000 mAh power bank charges most phones two to three times.  When you use a universal adapter that works in every country, you avoid the two most common travel problems: dead phones and outlets that don't match your charger.  These two items alone save more travel stress than any other piece of gear. 8. A Refillable Water Bottle Airport water costs three to five times what a coffee shop charges. A refillable bottle pays for itself on the first trip.  Empty bottles clear security. Refill after the checkpoint and at every water fountain during your trip.  In many countries this also saves you from buying single-use plastic bottles, which pile up quickly on longer journeys. 9. A Compact First Aid And Medication Pouch By this, I mean you need to carry a small zippered pouch with basic first-aid supplies. These will always include stuff like: Band-Aids Pain Relievers  Antihistamines Additionally, you must carry motion sickness tablets. Moreover, if you have any prescription medications, make sure to carry those in their original bottles. Finally, you also have to carry a small tube of antibiotic ointment.  Keep this in your main bag or personal item.  Getting sick or injured mid-trip is the fastest way to derail a trip, and having the right supplies on hand saves the search for a foreign pharmacy at the worst possible time. 10. Digital Backups Of Every Important Document Before you leave, photograph your passport, driver's license, travel insurance card, credit cards, and every key reservation confirmation.  Store them in your phone's photo album and in a cloud service you can access from any device.  This single habit has saved more trips than almost any other piece of advice.  Lost passports and forgotten confirmations are common. Digital backups reduce both from catastrophes to inconveniences. How To Pack Light For All Your Trips: The Underlying Principle Every item on this list earns its place because it either serves multiple purposes or solves a specific problem you are likely to face.  The travelers who pack light are not making sacrifices.  They are eliminating the items that are never actually used and keeping the ones that are consistently used.  Try this list on your next trip. Note which items you use daily, which ones you use occasionally, and which ones stayed in the bag.  Trim the list for your next trip based on what you learned.  Over three or four trips, you will build a personal packing standard that fits your specific travel style.

BY  Pijus Maity Mar 28, 2026

East Africa comprises 8 countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia.  Each country has its unique safari activities. However, we are going to take a look at the amazing things in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.  Here are the things to do during the East African safari tour.  What Are The Things To Do In The East African Safari Tour?  The East African safari tour is not just about spotting wildlife.  While spotting the gorillas, lions, and elephants remains the main attraction, this safari tour is also about a rich cultural experience.  For example, when you visit the Maasai villages, you learn about their livelihood and how they share a close bond with nature and wildlife.  Moreover, if you thought the safaris were the only adventure, you probably have not tried a hot air balloon ride here.  The sunrise view at Mara or Serengeti during a hot air balloon ride is something that gives you an adrenaline rush, and the feelings are transcendental.  Nevertheless, here are the best things to do on an East African safari.  1. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda A trip to East Africa is incomplete without experiencing gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers the best Gorilla trekking Uganda safari packagesof a lifetime.  This is the only national park that has the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world.  Bwindi also offers Uganda birding experiences in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors. 2. Wildebeest Migration Safari In The Masai Mara Game Reserve In Kenya This is one of the most booked African safari tours in the world. The Masai Mara game reserve is a breathtaking destination.  This place has a massive number of wildebeest migrating, the migration that starts in early July and ends in October.  Another adventure that adds personal value to your safari to the Masai Mara game reserve is a cultural tour of a Masai Village. 3. Game Drive And Boat Safari In Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. It is the largest national park in Uganda, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Murchison has animals such as lions, Giraffes, buffalo, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, warthogs, and hyenas, to name a few.  Not only are game drives done here, but Murchison Falls National Park also offers an amazing boat safari to the bottom of the waterfalls and scenic views of the top of the waterfalls. 4. Game Drives And Boat Safaris In Queen Elizabeth National Park This is the second-largest national park in Uganda, after Murchison Falls National Park, and the second most visited.  This park is located near the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and sits in the Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Kukungiri districts, covering an area of 1,978 km2.  Almost all popular Uganda safari packages feature Queen Elizabeth National Park, as it offers a range of activities.  This includes game drives to spot the Big Five, boat safaris, lion tracking, and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. 5. Wildebeest Migration In Serengeti National Park In Tanzania Tanzania is an East African country within the Great Lakes region. The Republic of Tanzania is known for its abundance of wildlife.  The country borders Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.  Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site in northern Tanzania, is known for its annual wildebeest migration and zebras.  These animals move north from the South Plains in search of pastures. Serengeti has over 2 million ungulates, 1000 leopards, 4000 lions, and 500 species of birds.  This park is the best wildlife reserve in Tanzania, covering 15,000 km2. Migration season starts from 01st July to 31st October every year. What Is The Best Time For An East African Safari Tour?  There are two spans in the year when you can plan an East African safari. June to October is an ideal span for the safari.  On the other hand, January and February are the most delightful months because, along with the highest congregation of wildlife near the water bodies, you also enjoy pleasant weather conditions.  The table below summarizes the best season for an East African safari and the season-wise top activities.  Best Seasons And Top Activities  Best Season for An East African Safari Reasons to Visit June to October (Dry Season)Sunny WeatherMaximum Outdoor ActivitiesEasy TravelHigh Congregation of Wildlife July to October Great for Safaris in the Masai Mara.Ideal for Watching the herds. Animals Cross the Rivers in Large Numbers. January to February (Calving Season)Ideal for Viewing Wildlife in the Southern Serengeti.Fewer Tourists Make it Ideal for Wildlife Spotting. April to May (Green Season)Lush GreeneryLow PriceFewer Crowds The Best Time For An East African Safari Tour Can Change Based On The Region Furthermore, remember that the best time for an East African Safari also depends on the region you want to focus on.  Temperature and weather shifts happen with the change of the region.  For example, Tanzania and Kenya are the best for exploring in January and February, as it is the calving season or June to October as it is the dry season.  On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a safari in Uganda or Rwanda and try gorilla trekking, June to September and December to February are the best times.  Dry weather conditions make these months ideal for trekking and trying other outdoor activities.  Also, if you want to experience the lush greenery of Eastern Africa, November to early December is the best time.  It is a shoulder season, and nature looks fresh after the spells of short rains.  And The East African Safari Tour Does Not End Here… Several other African countries offer amazing safari experiences, such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.  However, you can see all of that in Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia by combining Uganda safari tours with South Africa and Tanzania safaris.  Depending on your availability and budget, one month is enough to cover the 3 mentioned African countries mentioned.  Most national parks favor family travelers with kids, except Bwindi and Kibale, which have an age limit of 15 years and above.