Managing Utility Bills And Services During Moves And Extended Travel

BY  Sibashree Dec 11, 2024

Austin is a rage on socials. On Instagram, #austin has 15M posts, and the number is 4.8M for #austintexas. Further, Austin is a place for romance for young couples and the ones young at heart.  Also, a popular website for young couples,  FetishFinder, has termed Austin one of the topmost cities in the USA for dating. To be specific, it holds the 5th spot out of the ones mentioned in the list. So, if you are on a trip to woo your special one or want the most memorable honeymoon, you can visit Austin this season. There are many top-rated fun things to do in Austin for adults. And yes, I am not talking about the kinky stuff only.  Now, in Austin, you can visit a spa, enjoy a romantic date at the best restaurants, or just hike the urban trails. So, a romantic trip to Austin will be a wonderful fusion of passionate romance, cuddling, and relaxation. Here’s more to it. Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults On A Romantic Trip: Don’t Miss These  Austin now stands in all glory, with top-rated romantic resorts being added to the city’s landscape. Further, with easy accessibility and places like the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin is on the bucket list of many honeymooners in the USA.  The allure of the Big Bend National Park and wine tasting further add to the appeal of Austin as a honeymoon destination. Nevertheless, here are the top fun things to do in Austin as a couple. Further, keep listening to the Tour and Travel favorite playlist for romance in Austin as you read about the activities. Traveling To And Across Austin, Texas, Know The Transportation Options Take a flight to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).Further, you can take an Amtrak train ride from Dallas to Texas. It is one of the top-rated un things to do in Austin for adults due to the scenic beauty of the place. Also, to enjoy the landscape of Austin, you can take a drive in the car or pedicab. Local cyclists run these pedicabs, and the City of Austin Ground Transportation Department licenses them.Moreover, thanks to CapMetro, you can now easily get paratransit services, hybrid railway rides, or buses in Austin, Texas. You can reach out to CapMetro at (512) 474-1200.  1. Visit The Top Spas In Austin Getting rejuvenated is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. So, you can opt for massages and body treatments at these spas. Some of these also offer Yoga treatments. So, when in Austin, you can visit the following spas and Yoga retreats. Name of The SpaAddressPhone Number Seda Laser & Aesthetics1611 W 5th St Ste 180 Austin, TX 78703(737) 333-4425Face to Face Spa at Davenport Village3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy Ste F-110 Austin, TX 78746(844) 259-2498Zen Blend Mind + Body Spa1309 West Slaughter Ln Austin, TX 78748(512) 554-3626 Moreover, many of these spas offer day packages, including outdoor dining and hiking activities.  2. Explore The Austin-Drive-In For Some Cuddle And Cozy Moments https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qt8XNsbFo/ Are you a lover of Indie films? Then, the Austin-area-drive-in will be the perfect spot for a movie date and cuddling. Further, you can especially enjoy your time at the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In. Moreover, it is the only drive-in movie theater in Austin.  Also, it shows two films per night, and you can call at (512) 766-9399 for booking.  Did You Know?Blue Starlite Urban Drive-in is the first and only drive-in mini theater to showcase cult classics and childhood favorite movies. 3. Hike The Urban Trails Barton Creek Greenbelt in South Austin is the most delightful place for outdoor pursuits. So, you can try here many fun things to do in Austin for adults, including hiking and cycling. Further, the most popular hiking trails here are: Violet Crown Trail Twin Falls and Downhill along Barton Creek Gus Fruh From The Main Access Point Gus Fruh to Campbell’s Hole Moreover, in many cases, the hiking trails pass through dense forests with snakes. So, choose your footwear and gear right. Furthermore, if hiking is on your list of fun things to do in Austin for adults, you must visit the city in autumn or spring. So, for autumn hiking, come to Austin between September to November, and for the spring hike, March to May will be the best months.  4. Take A Tour Of The Wineries And Breweries https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zOutzO5c0/?img_index=1 With the natural and ancient method of winemaking very much alive today, Austin is the hub of wine and beer tasting. So, you cannot miss a tour of the wineries and breweries in Austin while exploring the fun things to do in Austin for adults. Further, the history of winemaking here goes back to the 1650s as Spanish missionaries started growing grapes and brewing wine here. In addition, Texas stands out with its wonderful craft beer.  Moreover, you can visit the following breweries and wineries to taste the best local wine, beer, and spirit. Now, you can even be a part of the different wine tours, costing you around $60 per person. Name of The Austin Winery/BreweryAddressContact NumberThe Austin Winery440 E St Elmo Rd Ste A1 Austin, TX 78745(512) 326-1445Sloan + Parker2900 N Quinlan Park Rd Ste 150 Austin, TX 78732(512) 294-2416Wanderlust Wine Company, Downtown610 N Interstate Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78701(512) 522-2551Swallow Wines407 Round Rock Ave Round Rock, TX 78664(512) 630-2103 Did you know that the Austin Steam Train Association has Wine Trains covering the longest route to the Hill Country Flyer? Further, the trains start from the Cedar Park Depot, and they run on a Sunday in the months of January- June and September- November. The trains are available between 11 AM to 5 PM. To learn more about this fun ride and make your reservation, you can contact  512-915-2340.  5. Enjoy A Date At A Romantic Restaurant  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs7XCRCt2cQ/ From the fried chicken steak of BBQ brisket, Austin is a bustling food zone, and a famous destination for culinary tourism. It is also the land of breakfast tacos and migas.  Further, a food tour of the city is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. “Secret Food Tours” features on the list of the best in the city as it has the recommendation of biggies like USA Today, The New York Times, etc. Furthermore, a food tour with Secret Tours will cost you $89 and to learn more about them, you can mail at austin@secrettours.com. Nevertheless, if dining at the most romantic restaurants is what you are looking for, here are our favorites. Name of The RestaurantAddressPhone NumberAmici9521 US Highway 290 Austin, TX 78736(512) 215-8569Rose Gose5201 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751(737) 329-2304Justine's Brasserie4710 E 5th St Austin, TX 78702(512) 385-2900Honey Moon Spirit Lounge624 W 34th St Austin, TX 78705(737) 209-0319 Try delicacies like classic beef tartare, ratatouille, and steak frites at these restaurants.  6. Relax At The Romantic Resorts And Hotels: Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults   https://www.instagram.com/p/C8XS0BKuheE/ Once you are done exploring the best of Texas, you can plan a retreat in the top romantic resorts and hotels of Austin. Moreover, these resorts and pools have swimming pools and other amenities to help you indulge in sheer luxury. These facilities also offer complete privacy for the couples. So, you can enjoy your romantic moments there. Further, at Tour and Travel, we have curated the best resorts and hotels for couples in Austin, Texas. Let’s have a look. Name Of The Resort And RestaurantAddressContact NumberCommodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, United States+1 866-976-4312The Loren Hotel Austin1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States+1 512-580-1182Austin Proper Hotel600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, United States+1 512-628-1500 So, with a decent knowledge of the fun things to do in Austin for adults and the places to stay, it’s time to plan a visit to the land of Willie Nelson. Bon voyage!  Also read Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now! Are You A Foodie? Try These Things To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah | Culinary Tourism In The City Of Saints. Fun Activities In Nashville For Adults Throughout The Day: Kicking Off Your Nashville Experience With Focus On Christmas Celebrations.

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution.  Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico.  So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park.  Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park's wildlife.  Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions  The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era.  Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people.  Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of  Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680.  However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it!  Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the  Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain.  The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions.  Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation.  The Pecos Pueblo Site Today  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cto5MWnS5Oa/ The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms. Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route.  Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez.  Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians.  The Santa Fe Trail  Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski's Trading Post says? It says,  Santa Fe Trail 1822-1879 Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico.  With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion. Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today!  “Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch.  Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xRKctnb3M/ Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 3. Battle Begins: March 26, 18624. Reinforcements: 27th March, 18625. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 18626. Battle Ends: 29th March, 18627. Casualty: Death of 375 People 8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America.  The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters.  You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail.  As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail.  More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  Time: Around 1 hour Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course! The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site's history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico.  Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park  “Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free! Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It's amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” - Isabelle M. “I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn't care for it but I think it's really amazing what is still here. He thinks it's all recreation and I can't say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don't see it that way. It's pretty awesome that it's free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that's also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” - Lydia G. Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-hAl8nrUW/ This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home.  MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock SquirrelBirds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald EagleFish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard FrogReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way.  A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in. Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico Established: 28th June, 1965 Area: 27 km² Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center How to Reach: Via State Road 63  Entry Fee: Free Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October) Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)

BY  Arnab Feb 16, 2023

Hiking has been a phenomenon for hundreds of adventure lovers. Well, it was invented during the eighteenth century for spiritual purposes. At that time, people used to walk long distances to mitigate their spiritual thirst.  But the concept changed a lot over time, and the word became more popular with adventure lovers. Now it's only to experience the beauty of our world. No matter where you plan to go, make sure you are firm with the plans. Planning a multi-day hike will be hard.  Well, these days, travel agents are fixing all the itineraries for adventure lovers. But if you have decided to explore some routes where people still don't go now and then, you must follow some DIY instances.  If you are taking responsibility, you have to take it properly. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy the whole trail, but hiking is mostly on foot, so you need to take care of your health as well.  From choosing the locations wisely to keeping all the gears, you need a wholesome plan to manage the whole adventure without difficulty. Be Prepared For Your Multi-Day Hiking Trip. If you are preparing for a multi-day hiking trip, ensure that you have managed to take care of all these below-mentioned hiking essentials.  These will help you to get rid of falling into difficult situations. Going on an adventure is simple but planning before it is difficult. If you miss the planning part, it's sure that you are going to be in trouble every now and then.  Remember, it's not a one-day trek, but it's a multi-day hike. Time is important, and when you have more than one day to follow your trail, you also have better planning chances. 1. Decide The Location Wisely It's not a one-day trail that you can easily go by listening to your friends. If you are going to multi-day hiking, make sure that you like the location. It's not about one location, but hiking is more about the adventure than the destination.  So, after taking suggestions, it's your time to sit and search through the internet to decide the whole path of hiking. Do not just stick to a particular place or area; you can decide to go through water and mud on the same trail. Don't let your soul put its finger on your face after you come back from the trail, not being satisfied fully. 2. Test Your Gears Multi-day hiking is not the purpose of using new gear. In fact, it's time to use gears that are tried and tested properly. For instance, if you are carrying a new stove and on the first day, you see that the stove is not lit, it's simply the end of your adventure.  It's not the time to use a new smartwatch that you have not unpacked yet. In the morning, when the trial is going to start, if you see that the watch is not working properly, there will be no chance to replace it immediately, and that might make you more upset than using an old smartwatch. The only solution is to keep all the gears that you have used properly in practical situations. Well, you might not have some gear that you might need to buy for this trail but make sure that you buy it in advance and use it before bringing it to the hiking. 3. Keep Lightweight Gears This is an essential part of your hiking. When you are going on a multi-day trip, it's clear that you have to carry more things than a usual small adventure.  On the other hand, you don't want to miss the adventure part due to the lack of itineraries. In a multi-day trip, people usually consider a location with lakes beside the mountains.  Coming back without sailing to the lake can be dissatisfying. On the other hand, sometimes, you may need to cross small rivers to continue to a beautiful hiking trail.  So what’s the solution? Well, you can simply go with inflatable sailboats, which are lightweight, and you can keep them by breaking them into small parts when not in need.  If you are confused about where you will find such inflatable boats, you can have a look at some inflatable sailboats for sale.  They bring the best quality with the particular product you want. So, it will not be a problem for you to find the particular inflatable boat to bring life to your multi-day hiking adventure. 4. Make Plans For Staying Hydrated This is a crucial step to take. Taking care of your health is a prominent step, and you need to take care with proper planning. Make sure that you are planning for a healthy diet, including minerals.  Keep fruits, water, and electrolyte with you all through the trail. When you are walking, you lose more energy, and you need constant delivery of water and things that can help you be hydrated. It's time to take care of your health if you want to complete the multi-day hiking with ease.  5. Keep Reliable Navigation  Keeping reliable navigation materials with you is necessary.  So, don't forget to keep such gears that will help you to navigate through the areas. You are going to a lone trail, and you were not on that road before. So, the only help you get is from the internet.  But when the internet will not work, what will you do?  Well, the navigators might help you to be on track when you are out of the internet. This is a particular step that will save you from getting lost. Being on dangerous roads or situations is not uncommon for hikers, and thus, they always keep navigators with them.  6. Pack All Weather Last but not least, you need to keep all-weather dresses. For instance, track pants, waterproof dresses, hiking boots, waterproof shoes, puffer jackets, and so on.  It's time to keep everything you can with you. Do not try to be a hero without any cause, and be responsible and safe.  All the best for your multi-day hiking trip. Stay healthy, stay fit. Read Also: Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Five Best Things To Do In Nepal