Navigating The Unseen: Exploring The Most Dangerous Country in The World

BY  Shahnawaz Nov 1, 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan emerges as a land bathed in the amber glow of its desert sands, steeped in history and alive with cultural vibrancy. It's a nation where narratives from the past intersect with the bustling energy of the present, inviting travelers worldwide to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the hauntingly beautiful façades of Petra to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea, every corner of Jordan whispers tales of civilizations, heroes, and legends, offering a journey that tantalizes the senses and nourishes the soul. Beyond the historical allure and natural beauty, what strikes most is the warmth of its people. Jordanians embody a tradition of hospitality. It harks back to age-old Bedouin codes of honor, encapsulated in the Arabic term "diyafa." It is the cultural cornerstone representing generosity and courtesy extended to guests. This deep-rooted value transforms a tourist's sojourn into something profoundly more meaningful. It intertwines experiences with genuine human connection and turns brief encounters into lasting friendships. Embarking on an exploration of Jordan is more than a simple escape. It's a pilgrimage to the cradle of cultural fusion. Thousands of years of history blend seamlessly with modern progressiveness. It is a place where awe-inspiring architecture, sacred sites, and transformative landscapes are the backdrops against which daily life unfolds. All of it is bound together by an intangible yet palpable spirit of resilience and unity. In this land, every path, every ruin, and every sunset is a testament to the enduring legacy. It is the continued renaissance of a nation that stands as a beacon of tranquility, acceptance, as well as adventure. The Historical Tapestry Jordan is a dream come true for history enthusiasts. The ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, invites you to walk through a narrow gorge called the Siq, revealing the famous, rose-red Treasury as you emerge. Exploring further, the Monastery and the Roman-style theatre embody the artistic brilliance of the Nabateans, who carved an entire city out of the rocks. Not far from Petra, the Roman ruins of Jerash, sometimes called the "Pompeii of the East," offer a peek into the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. Columns, temples, and amphitheaters come alive, transporting visitors back in time amidst festivals that reenact historic gladiator fights and chariot races. Spiritual and Cultural Immersion Jordan's spiritual allure is undeniable, with Mount Nebo offering panoramic views that Moses once witnessed of the Promised Land. The waters of the River Jordan, a site of countless baptisms, hold religious significance, while the mosaic map of Madaba artfully depicts ancient holy lands. Moreover, the compelling allure of Bedouin culture can be experienced in the enchanting Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon, where travelers can spend starlit nights in traditional camps, enjoying stories, music, and traditional cuisine. The Dead Sea and Beyond No visit to Jordan is complete without floating in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Rich in minerals and set against a stunning backdrop, it provides a unique experience along with luxurious spa treatments available in nearby resorts. For adventure lovers, the Red Sea city of Aqaba offers pristine coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, the Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Mujib Reserve of Wadi Mujib serve as thrilling destinations for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Culinary Delights and Heartfelt Hospitality Jordanian cuisine is a flavorful roller coaster. There are dishes like mansaf, a conventional Bedouin meal of lamb slowly sauteed in a fermented sauce, including dried yogurt. It is delectable when served with rice and maqluba, a hearty upside-down rice and eggplant dish. Sweet treats such as knafeh will satisfy dessert lovers with its perfect balance of cheese and syrupy goodness. However, what amplifies the experience is the Jordanian people's hospitality. Visitors often find themselves invited for tea or a meal, engaged in heartfelt conversations, and treated like family. This warm cultural practice, known as "diyafa," leaves travelers with a sense of home and belonging. It also has a deep connection that transcends the duration of their visit. Modern Amman Amidst its historical grandeur, Jordan’s capital, Amman, buzzes with contemporary life. The city is a juxtaposition where the old meets the new, from the ancient Citadel that tells stories of bygone civilizations to modern art galleries, cafes, and boutiques that paint a picture of Jordan's emerging creative scene. Cultural festivals, concerts, as well as culinary events are common, celebrating the country's progressive heartbeat. In Summary Jordan's timeless landscapes offer much more than just the visual allure of historical sites or the thrill of adventure. They discover the heart of hospitality and the soul of a culture unyielding in its warmth. This nation, with its harmonious blend of the past and present, offers a unique resonance of peace, stability, and authenticity. Despite being a fast-paced world often overwhelmed with commercial tourism. The true beauty of Jordan lies in its ability to offer an immersive experience. From wandering through ancient ruins and savoring traditional cuisine to forming unexpected friendships as well as finding moments of spiritual solace. Each aspect of the journey is a thread in a larger narrative that speaks of human connection. There is a historical wonder as well as the promise of unforgettable memories. As visitors depart from Jordan, they carry with them more than just souvenirs and photographs. They take a piece of Jordan's spirit, etched into their stories and reflections. The land and its people leave an indelible mark. There is a yearning paired with the knowledge that you want to visit Jordan again. Yes, it isn’t just a destination to tick off a travel list but a place to return to. It is a haven that continuously reveals deeper layers with each visit. It’s in this ongoing discovery that Jordan’s magic truly lies. It beckons travelers from across the globe to return to its welcoming arms, to explore further, dive deeper, and connect more closely with the land and its endless tales. Read Also: A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Top 5 Tourist Destinations In Middle-East That Should Be On Your Bucket List

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

It’s already fall, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Trails are adorned with the Aspen leaves’ glistening gold. Also, the dark green of the pine trees in the backdrop complements the dark red and orange of Alpine shrubs. Hiking through the park trails is the best way to explore the beauty of the USA National Park to the fullest. Further, the hiking trails come with varying difficulty levels. Some are also great for enjoying a walk with your furry friends.  Moreover, the trails are varied in their destinations. Some trails in the park will take you to beautiful waterfalls, and some will end at breathtaking summits and immersive lakes. Do you also want to hike and experience the park at its best? Here is a brief overview.  Hiking Through The Rocky Mountain National Park Trails: A Rocky Mountain National Park Guide  Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails. Further, you will find a delightful activity in the park irrespective of your abilities.  However, you will need proper traction devices and a Rocky Mountain National Park map to remain safe during hiking. Moreover, you will need proper footwear with a treaded sole as the routes can be snowy and slippery.  With proper safety measures, it’s time for you to hit the waterfalls, summit, and lake trails.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Waterfalls Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 31 waterfalls. Do you want to witness water cascading through rocky terrains? Hit any of the following trails in the park.  1. Granite Falls Trail  Trail Head: Green Mountain Trailhead parking area Trail Distance: 5.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate You will pass through lush green meadows while hiking to Granite Falls Trail. However, the terrain is marshy here, and you must be careful as you explore the path.  Further, lodgepole pine, aspen, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir greet you throughout the trail. The elevation gain is 1,046 feet in the trail, and you must proceed carefully.  2. Chasm Falls Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 2 Miles (Round Trip) Difficulty Level: Moderate The Chasm Falls Trail will take you to a cascading beauty. With an elevation of just 640 feet, this trail is moderate to hike. Further, if the hiking trail from Old Fall River Road is closed, you can take the trail from Winter Closure Gate. Then, you will have to walk or bike for 2.2 Miles.  3. Adam Falls Trail  Trail Head: East Inlet Trail Distance: 0.6 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy With an elevation of just 79 feet, the Adam Falls Trail is one of the easiest ones in the park. Adam Falls is small but excels in its quaint beauty.  If you want to be more adventurous, you can walk past the waterfall. A beautiful glacier valley will emerge before your eyes, and you will love the exuberance of wildflowers.  4. Cascade Falls Trail Trail Head: North Inlet Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous (Expect changes in the difficulty level throughout the route) You will love the gurgling sound of the North Inlet stream water, and as it thrashes the pure granite stone, it’s a beauty to behold. This waterfall is 100 feet tall and forms a cascade, as the name rightly suggests.  You will meet the most adorable marmots As you continue your hike and pass through the open meadow. They are frequent to the winding river through the lodgepole pine forest. Further, you can stop here to fish river trout and brown trout.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Lakes Great National Park has 156 lakes. Some of these lakes have dense trout populations. Further, areas near these lakes are great for spotting wildlife. So, let’s know about the lake hiking trails that lead us to these beautiful lakes.  1. Bear Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 0.7 Mile Difficulty Level: Easy With mountains of the Continental Divide in the backdrop, Bear Lake Trail is one of the best locations in the park for watching the sunset. You will love the beauty of Hallett Peak, Continental Divide, and an Alpine lake here. Bear Lake is the epicenter of many hiking trails. You can start your hike to Alberta Falls, Flattop Mountain, Emerald Lake, and more from here.  2. Sprague Lake Loop Trail Trail Head:  Estes Park Trail Distance: 0.7 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy Sprague Lake Loop Trail is the most accessible trail in the park. Wheelchairs are allowed here. So, patients with disabilities can also explore this trail.  You can stop at the benches and many lookouts throughout the trail to reflect on the beauty of nature. Further, you can see the mountain peaks along the Continental Divide.  Moreover, Sprague Lake is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife.  3. Mills Lake Trail Trail Head: Glacier Gorge Trail Distance - 5 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  With a 700-foot elevation, the Mills Lake trail will take you through a gorge carved by glaciers, streambeds, and waterfalls.  The beautiful Mills Lake gets its name from Enos Mills, the founder of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Further, if you want to continue your hiking pursuit, you can walk to Black Lake, and that will be an additional 1.7-mile hike.  4. Gem Lake Trail Trail Head: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The expansive field of granite domes houses the Gem Lake. It is indeed a hidden gem and one of the biggest attractions in the area, along with Lumpy Ridge.  Gem Lake is shallow, and it has water of melted snow and rainfall.  5. Dream Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  You must go for a steady ascent from Bear Lake to reach Dream Lake. The trail comes with an elevation change of 830 feet. Don’t miss the following highlights of this hiking route.  Nymph Lake Aspen Groves Ponderosa Pine The Nymph Lake looks most beautiful in summer, with pond lilies in full bloom. Further, you can use Dream Lake as the base and trek to the amazing Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Summits Despite the elevation gain of around 1000-3000 feet, the hiking trails to summits are very popular among visitors. The wonderful vistas from the mountain tops make the effort worth it.  1. Deer Mountain Trail Trail Head: Deer Ridge Jct Trail Distance: 3.1 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The Deer Mountain comes with an elevation of 10,006 feet. Further, as you hike and reach the summit, you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak, Estes Park, and Moraine Park. Be careful about the weather forecast before you start your journey on the trail.  2. Flattop Mountain Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trailhead Trail Distance: 8.8 miles round trip  Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The trail from Bear Lake is the best way to reach Flattop Mountain, and this route is one of the trickiest ones in the park. However, if you cannot access the trail from Bear Lake, you can try the route to Flattop via Tonahutu Trail. Further, as you reach the Flattop Mountain summit, you will enjoy the beauty of Hallet Peak, Dream Lake, and Tyndall Glacier.  3. Chasm Lake And Longs Peak Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 4.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Strenuous  Chasm Lake, just beneath the Longs Peak, offers a spectacular view. You will come across Tundra meadows and Alpine tundra through the trail. Further, animals like pikas and marmots are common here.  As you reach the Chasm Junction and find an outhouse, you can hike along a wall to see Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool Gorge. After this point, the terrain becomes rocky, and you will need cairns to reach Cirque, the lake's location.  Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiking Through Trails Of Rocky Mountain National Park Making a rushed trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest mistake you can make. You can face severe issues like dehydration and acute mountain sickness here if you don’t allow your body to acclimatize or work on your physical and mental endurance. So, carry enough water or hydrating solutions and start your training under proper guidance at least one month before your Rocky Mountain hike.  Further, don’t think that you will always make it to the trails in your usual track pants or leggings. You have to wear hiking clothes as on many days, you will have no escape from the afternoon rain.  Rocky Mountains National Park At A Glance  Location: Colorado, USA Established: 26 January 1915 Highest Point: Longs Peak Area: 415 Square Miles How to Reach: Take a drive or shuttle from the Denver International Airport.  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.

BY  Barsha Sep 15, 2023

If a loved one is living with dementia, it doesn't mean family holidays must be skipped. Whether you're visiting a cottage for a long weekend or you're heading farther afield for a wedding or family reunion. While travelling during the early stages of dementia is absolutely possible, in the middle stages, it might become more challenging to determine whether a family vacation is both safe and viable; you might find that seeking out reliable dementia care options is a sounder and more comfortable option for your loved one. It’s vital to plan ahead, and factor in a few variables before you consider travelling with a loved one who’s experiencing the middle stages of dementia and whether or not doing so is a sensible decision. Dementia Symptoms That May Make Travel Difficult Or Unsafe Dementia is a multi-faceted disease, with different symptoms presenting throughout the different stages of the illness. Some of these make travelling — even with company — unsafe, overwhelming, and unpleasant for your loved one. Some such symptoms include. Wandering syndrome. Being in a new location may cause more extreme wandering. A change in time zones and different daylight hours can exacerbate sundowning. If your loved one is prone to frustration, unfamiliar surroundings could irritate and confuse them. If they are unstable on their feet and with their balance, this could be worsened by exhaustion from travelling and heightened social activity. Side Effects. New medications may have unexpected behavioural side effects that manifest during the stress of travel. If your loved one becomes anxious or overwhelmed by crowds or noise, travelling in crowded places (like airports) might be disastrous. Travelling can exacerbate symptoms of paranoia and generalized stress. If your loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, travel might be a step too far for them. Connect with their doctor for their professional opinion and insight. It very well may be that staying in the comfort of their own home with help from a specialized caregiver is the safer and more comfortable option. If there is an insistence to go travelling, you and your doctor can look at ways that your loved one can be helped. For instance, there are senior monitoring devices in Canada (and elsewhere) that can help them not wander too far and will alert you if they fall. This gives an added layer of protection for when travel is needed. Pre-Trip Planning If you’ve established that a family vacation is viable, some pre-trip measures can help to lay the foundations of a successful voyage. Here are some tips: Streamline the amount of vehicle travel. Travelling by car is ideal. If a plane, train, or bus is necessary, minimize transfers and layovers, which can be tiring. Try not to express any stress you might have when it comes to your travel plans. If it’s possible, go to a familiar accommodation, whether it's a hotel you've visited before or a cottage you've rented in the past. Remember to bring pertinent medical information, like prescriptions, medical history, your doctor’s information, and insurance details. It’s also a good idea to research and take note of the closest health services. Try to keep your everyday activities and routines, like breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime, as close to normal as possible. Don’t overdo it. Try not to go overboard with a jam-packed itinerary. Take plenty of time for rest and relaxation. The Takeaway When someone is living with a disease like dementia, it doesn't mean that they have to skip important family events, like vacations. By planning ahead and being honest with your evaluation of your loved one’s comfort and abilities, it’s more than possible to create a wonderful family memory and a very special, joyful experience for your loved one. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year