The Best Mountain Getaways in Washington: Where to Stay, What to Do, and How to Relax

BY  sagnika Mar 21, 2025

A perfect place for high-energy travelers, San Juan is quite a bustling place for a trip! If you are wondering is San Juan safe? Let me share with you a piece of detailed information about things to do in San Juan so that you can enjoy the vibrant place.   You know you can book one of the best Caribbean cruises to reach San Juan in Puerto Rico. I can bet you can enjoy one of the most vibrant vacation experiences of your life.   Additionally, the art museums, tropical beaches, historical places and sites, and salsa music make sure you have the time of your life when visiting San Juan. Let us go through the different elements that are necessary to establish the basic safety tips when traveling to San Juan.   Is San Juan Safe for Solo Women Travelers?   San Juan is quite safe for solo women travelers if some basic precautions are taken. I would suggest avoiding walking alone in unknown neighborhoods especially if they are poorly lit. Additionally, it is also important for you to learn the navigation of the city so, go through the maps to know better.   If you are walking at night, coming back to your accommodation, try to do that in a trusted group or with a friend. However, if you are solo traveling, you must know your route well. Yes, at times, the wrong place wrong time thing is true.   However, it is also necessary for you to be aware of the surroundings, limit your alcohol intake along with being careful when visiting pubs and bars. Let me share with you some of the safest places to stay, safest places to eat, and things to do safely.   Safest Place to Stay in San Juan   Let me share with you some of the safest places to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a tourist. As a place, yes there are petty crimes and theft, but no place is completely clean. There might be some issues however, most places are safe for travelers, especially with some precautions taken!  Condado – a tourist-based area where the people are quite friendly and helpful to the tourists. Furthermore, with a thriving nightlife scene, this place is perfect if you can stay here.   Henceforth, visiting museums and other important places becomes easier. Let's not forget that you can hop to clubs and restaurants regularly if you stay close!   Santurce – One of the most populated areas of San Juan, this location is quite safe for you to book your accommodation here. Starting from museums, and art and music, you will get everything here. Admittedly, you will also enjoy the different types of cuisines available in this locality.   Things to Do in San Juan   If you want to enjoy visiting San Juan safely, let me share with you some of the coolest places that are worth visiting. History speaks here along with offering you some of the most picturesque places across the city.   Starting from the beaches to the streets, San Juan offers you beautiful places to explore. Let me share some of the things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico for free! These activities will make sure you have the time of your life!   El Yunque National Forest   This place is beautiful, especially if you are a natural person, this is it for you. Go visit nature and check out those beautiful waterfalls. You can also hike through the rainforest experiencing some of the best places in San Juan.   You can take a guided tour, or you can venture alone based on your experience of hiking. I would suggest you take an extra set of clothes along with extra hiking boots because chances are you will catch rain when you go across the trail.     Ocean Park Beach   This is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan, as people visit this beach for swimming and surfing. A large beach that is accessed by the public is in the neighborhood of the barrio of Santurce in Puerto Rico.    There is a little restaurant at this beach, but you probably won’t get a lot of options. It is better if you carry your drinks and order something minimalistic from the restaurant and accordingly enjoy the beach vibe.   Cobblestone Streets   Beautiful museums, colonial churches, and architecture across the cobblestone streets will take your breath away. I am sure you will start admiring the place when you take a stroll across these streets.   The streets are paved with blue cobblestone pavers, the beauty of it will just make you stare. You can get amazing pictures along with learning about the colonial past of the Island from these cobblestone streets. La Fortaleza   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Fortaleza is a historic fortress. You can take a guided tour of this place. You can see the current residence of the Governor-General of Puerto Rico, there is also an arsenal here.   Furthermore, you cannot roam around the fortress at your own will, instead try to book the 30-minute guided walking tours across the place from Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour is inclusive of the interiors of the fortress when the government is not in session and the luscious gardens.   Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery   The cemetery is historically profound especially because it is filled with graves of significant Puerto Rican figures. Salvador Brau, Jose Ferrer, Rafael Hernandez, Jose de Diego, and others are all buried here.   You will find them one of the most beautiful places as the cemetery faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is all about the symbolization of the journey of the souls in their afterlife!   Food to Have in San Juan   Are you a foodie like me? Whenever I travel somewhere, what I find very necessary is to try the food that the locals enjoy. This shows how the way a place develops a relationship with the local food, the people, and the culture there.   La Placita de Santurce – With several bars and food stalls, this place is as lively as a festival, the market square attracts you like no other. One of the hotspots of Puerto Rico, both travelers and locals are attracted to this place.   La Factoria – This bar is popular and known for its creative cocktails such as espresso martini, lavender mule and lager beer, hijos de Borinquen, and others! A low-lit salsa-filled ambiance is quite homely with their delicious fish tacos, stuffed mushrooms, fried goat cheese balls, and others.    Chicharron - One of the most delicious tapas menus, this restaurant is one of the best places to taste the Puerto Rican malanga soup. Let's not forget to try the Mofongo from here.   Deaverdura - A small restaurant, giving a farm eatery vibe offers you some of the best pernil in San Juan. You also need to try the pollo al ajillo with rice, which is to die for. It is located right in the heart of the city; the lively Latin American restaurant gives you the perfect taste of local cuisine.   Molini’s - A hidden gem of a restaurant, the menu keeps changing every day offering you some of the best local cuisines. If you are looking for an authentic Puerto Rican dish, try their Arroz con gandules. You are in for a treat!   Safety Tips for Solo Women Traveler   The safety tips that I am sharing with you are from my experience as a solo female traveler! My experiences have helped me create a checklist for myself especially when I am traveling alone, both domestically and internationally.   Select your accommodation area in a well-lit neighborhood. This will ensure your safety even when you are returning late to your hotel or leaving early to visit a tourist place. Another thing to keep in mind, if you are walking alone, try to be on proper-lit roads, especially at night.   It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, even when in a crowd. I recently traveled to a crowded city in India, and I realized, that pickpockets and petty theft are most rampant in crowds. Even at night, you must be aware of your surroundings.   When using transportation, use reputable and trusted individual drivers and organizations for ride-sharing services, organized tours, and taxis.   Try not to flaunt too much in terms of clothing or accessories. For example, it is better if you do not wear expensive watches, expensive bags, jewelry, and large amounts of cash.   You must keep track of the weather in San Juan and check the forecast before you make the plans. It is better to be prepared especially because you are a visitor to the city hence, you might not get help whenever you need it. Better take precautions instead of worrying about what will happen later.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, when you visit San Juan, you must enjoy the beautiful places, enjoy the local Puerto Rican dishes, and experience their culture. And when you ask, is San Juan safe? You will know yourself if you keep all the safety tips discussed above in this blog.   Comment below on what you think is the must-visit place in San Juan and why. Furthermore, it is also significant for you to plan your trip, especially if you are traveling solo. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Barsha Dec 21, 2022

Are you sitting in Sydney desperately looking for some halal food? Are you sick of all the confusing answers Google is giving to your basic ‘halal food near me’ search? Guess what? We have been there, doing exactly that! But we were determined to find all the many halal restaurants in and around Sydney.  It was a great experience, and later, we realized there were many people like us looking for the best halal food in Sydney. So without wasting any more time, check out the best Halal restaurants in Sydney.  15+ Best Places For Halal Food Near Me In Sydney: While searching ‘halal food near me’ or even ‘halal restaurant near me’ is a pretty good idea, the problem starts when Google comes up with way too many options leaving you spoilt for choice and subsequently extremely confused. This is why the best thing that you can do is save this article, keeping it for future use.  We have done some extensive research for you - so scroll down to check out all the places you can visit the next time you are looking for halal restaurants in Sydney!  1. Cafe Birkenhead: Stop your ‘halal food near me’ search because we are here to help you with the same, and the first place on our list is Cafe Birkenhead! It’s a pretty cool place with good food, great service, and even better reviews.  Review By MV: “Lovely cafe with large windows overlooking the boats and water! Natural light makes you feel instantly relaxed as soon as you step into the space. The staff is all so friendly and all smiley! :) Yummiest bacon and egg sandwich I’ve ever eaten, and good coffee! Highly recommend!” 2. Zinger Taj Indian Restaurant: Are you typing ‘Indian halal restaurant near me’ on Google because you are craving some spicy Indian food? In that case, Zinger Taj Indian Restaurant is the place to be - go, check it out today!  Review By Elena Gelbling: “Excellent! From the service, food and ambience - we truely enjoyed our dining experience and would highly recommend the Zinger Taj Indian Restaurent :)” 3. Shaahi Tandoori: Another Indian halal restaurant in Sydney; if you are a sucker for Indian spices, then visiting Shaahi Tandoori is a must. But if you aren’t used to Indian spices, then be a little cautious with your choices. Review By M0: “Shaahi Tandoori is great value authentic Indian/Pakistani food in Enmore. The portions are quite small but it’s a good chance to try extra dishes. The butter chicken and goat biryani were standouts but every dish we tried was nice.” 4. No1 Halal Beef Noodles And Kebab: Are you still doing the ‘halal food near me’ search? Stop, really! Instead of wasting your time on your smartphone, if you are up for some tasty beef noodles, then you have to visit NO1 Halal beef noodles and kebab today!  Review By Lutfur Rahman: “Nice halal place in the city. Staff's friendliness can improve. Foods not as tasty as expected. Wanted to order lamb fried rice with vegetables but they didn't have it. Requested to do it with beef but they didn't give much importance. Poor customer service.” 5. It's Time For Thai: Are you in the middle of ‘halal Thai food near me’ search? Then stop doing so right now and instead check out It’s Time For Thai! A great Thai restaurant, you will simply love the delectable Thai dishes here.  Review By Erick T: “I only visit this place for their crispy chicken and having it in the restaurant. Occasionally i would have an entree too. The chicke is a standard battered chicken, but just cooked perfectly every time. Crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Nothing special, but just great chicken.” 6. Lal Qila Darling Harbour: Sydney is home to more than one or two Indian halal restaurants - Lal Qila Darling Harbor is yet another Indian halal restaurant. This place was perhaps one of the best results that came out of doing the ‘halal foods near me’ search. Read More: Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling Review By Babar Khan: “Delicious food, professional staff, overall ambiance was great, food arrived quickly and all together which was great. I wish they had a branch in Melbourne. Highly recommended. Slightly pricey but totally worth it.” 7. Mamak Haymarket: What’s the point of doing any type of ‘halal restaurants near me’ search on the internet when you can simply visit places like Mamak Haymarket? The restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes and never disappoints!  Review By Abbie Love: “Haven’t been in years, so went back again last this weekend. The roti is as delicious as I remember, and the noodles were full of flavour. Everything is cooked fresh and comes out quick. Was less impressed by the curry and satay, but it was still good. Be prepared for a queue, but it moves relatively quickly. It’s also BYO.” 8. Taste Of Turkey: We were so done with the whole ‘near me’ search that e just stepped out and did some research on foot. And trust us, you will never find places like the Taste of Turkey by typing something like ‘halal restaurants gold coast’ on Google - go, check out today! Review By Jane D: “Lovely authentic Turkish flavours and lovely customer service. Would look forward to visiting again to try out the lunch / dinner menu as I only got to experience the breakfast menu. P.S. The Turkish Tea was amazing.” 9. Neptune Palace Restaurant: The Neptune Palace Restaurant was so good that we kept visiting this restaurant multiple times during our trip to Sydney. If the food is good, then we don’t have any complaints. Both their food and service were excellent, making us really happy!  Read More: Top 12+ Block Island Restaurants For You – Travel & Food Guide Review By Zain Abbas: “Loved the experience, from booking table online to being served. Waiter was nice and helped with all our needs(being with kids). Food was amazing. Ordered chicken corn soup, Sze Chuan Chicken, sweet n sour chicken, Chicken Hokkin Mee noodles and steam rice. Loved every dish, especially Sweet and Sour chicken was amazing, loved by all.” 10. Jounieh Walsh Bay: After spending quite some time doing the ‘halal food near me’ search and following it up with practical research, we stumbled upon Jounieh Walsh Bay. And we didn’t have to regret our decision even for a moment - the place wa perfect, and the food was even better.  Review By Fiza Mughal: “A great place for a celebratory meal or just for some really good food regardless of the occasion. The fish croquettes stole the show. I also particularly really loved the extra touch on the hummus with crispy chickpeas.” 11. Cairo Takeaway Newtown Cairo Takeaway Newtown might just be a takeaway joint but understand it’s the only takeaway joint featured on this list. This is because the place might not have had dining options, but the food was so good that we couldn’t have left the place off our lists.  Review By Alfred Tao: “Food was delicious and tasted very authentic. Tastes like you are in the streets of Egypt. The food is cheap/reasonable, and there are vegetarian options. The staff is great, and the service is pretty quick. The place is fairly small, but they do have some seating out the back” 12. Ipoh Town On York: One of our favorite results that came out of the ‘halal food near me’ search is Ipoh town On York - it’s that one perfect place you have been looking for! The food is pretty great, and the place definitely deserves more than one visit.  Review By Yee Sin: “So good to have a bowl of hot chicken and prawn hor fun. The soup tastes good, and it is a good portion. Although it is a long cue, ordering is fast and organized. But seats are limited; try to come earlier during lunch time.” 13. Zahli Located at 529 Elizabeth St. Surry Hills, Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, this restaurant is open from 12 pm to 10 pm. It is a well-known restaurant from which the customers always leave satisfied. The Restaurant caters food like Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Arabic, and Mediterranean along with healthy yumminess! On Tripadvisor, the restaurant has been rated as 4.5 out of 5 based on 752 reviews. Customers are quite satisfied with the option of Halal food as it is respectable to a lot of culture and religion! The restaurant is rated as one of the top ten restaurants in Sydney. Review by Nathalie F: “A grand feast of fine Lebanese foodEating here was just grand! The owner helped us pick a beautiful mix of Lebanese bites. We had a great mix of fish, meat and veggies, and good wine. The only point of criticism would be that everything came at once.” 14. Anason - Turkish Restaurant If you are craving Turkish or Mediterranean food while in Sydney, go for Anason especially when the option of Halal food is still there. The restaurant is located at Barangaroo Anandara Shop at 5/32 Barangaroo Ave Barangaroo in New South Wales, Australia. The restaurant was open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Based on 576 reviews, people have rated the restaurant as 4.5 out of 5. The customers in the review appreciated the service, food and value of the restaurant. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty good! Review by 872remat: “We went on a Sunday evening and hadn’t booked a table. This wasn’t a problem. Two of our guests were an hour late and the staff were very understanding about us waiting for them before ordering food. The food and drinks were excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful about the food. All traditional Turkish meals and very delicious. Highly recommend if you want to experience food that is not mainstream. The Lamb shank was a favourite.” 15. Kadmus In this restaurant, the food is pretty affordable along with delicious halal food available. The reviews rate the restaurant 4 out of 5 based on 212 customers stating what they feel of the restaurant and its quality of food. This is one of the restaurants for Halal Food near me! It is located at 105 Thompson St, Drummoyne at Sidney, Australia. Customers go ga ga over the food of the restaurant, the service is quiet while the atmosphere is quite enigmatic. Apart from halal food, you will also get Vegan and vegetarian options at the restaurant. Review by jamh99:“ WOW how good is this placeBy far the best Lebanese food in Sydney I have been to so many times over the years and I have never been disappointed by the food or the hospitality.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the ‘halal food near me’ search trend mentioned below.  1. What Fast Foods Are Halal In Australia? Ans: The fast food chains that are halal in Australia are as follows,➊ KFC,➋ McDonald's,➌ Subway,➍ Domino’s, and➎ Hungry Jacks. 2. What Popular Foods Are Halal? Ans: The popular food items that are considered to be halal are as follows, ➊ Chicken,➋ Lamb,➌ Vegetables,➍ Fruits and➎ Fish. 3. What Cannot Be Eaten Halal? Ans: Food items that cannot be eaten halal are as follows,➊ Amphibians,➋ Reptiles,➌ Insects,➍ Pork, and➎ Shellfish. 4. What Are The Three Rules Of Halal? Ans: The three rules of Halal are as follows,➊ You cannot consume pork or even any of its by-products. ➋ Any animal that has not been slaughtered properly.➌ Any animal that died before it could be slaughtered.  And It’s A Wrap! So that’s a wrap on the ‘halal food near me’ search based in Sydney - because we have come up with the ultimate list of halal restaurants in Sydney. All 15 restaurants on this list are known for the high-quality food they serve - so what are you waiting for? Stop searching for places, and instead, check out the places listed above.  Meanwhile, tell us what you think about these restaurants. Also, don’t forget to share your past experiences with halal food in the comments below. Read Also: How To Enjoy Your Night In Sydney Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Factors To Consider When Hiring A Boat In Sydney

BY  Ankita Jan 10, 2024

Pigeon Forge, a mountain town near the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is a treasure trove of entertainment, adventure, and family fun. With a plethora of activities ranging from thrilling theme parks to serene nature trails, this vibrant destination promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply seeking a fun-filled getaway, Pigeon Forge has something special for everyone. Let's dive into the top nine must-do activities that should be on your Pigeon Forge bucket list! 1. Dollywood: A World of Fun and Excitement Dollywood is a very popular theme park that is co-owned by Dolly Parton, the country music legend. She is an absolute must-visit in Pigeon Forge. Furthermore, the park combines the charm of the Smoky Mountains with exhilarating rides, exceptional entertainment, and mouth-watering Southern cuisine. Experience the rush of the Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster, or take a more relaxed approach with a scenic ride on the Dollywood Express, a full-size steam train. Don’t forget to catch a live show, featuring some of the best talents in the country. With something for every age and thrill level, Dollywood guarantees a day filled with joy and excitement. 2. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud: An Astounding Dinner Show in and around Pigeon Forge Offering a unique blend of entertainment and Southern-style dining, Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud is arguably the best dinner show in Pigeon Forge. This dinner show combines delicious Southern food with an exciting outdoor entertainment experience. Guests can enjoy a hearty meal while watching the thrilling competition between the Dawsons and McGraws, two families of skilled lumberjacks and lumberjills. The interactive nature of the show invites the audience to cheer for their favorite family, making it an engaging experience for all ages. With affordable prices and discounts for military, veterans, and first responders, this dinner show is a must-visit for families and groups looking for a memorable night in Pigeon Forge. 3. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without immersing yourself in the natural charm of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This sprawling reserve offers an array of outdoor campaigns like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Wander along the trails to discover stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. The park's diverse flora and fauna make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a serene and breathtaking backdrop for your outdoor adventures. 4. The Island in Pigeon Forge: A Hub of Entertainment The Island in Pigeon Forge has to be a vibrant entertainment complex that offers fun for the whole family. This lively spot features a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the mountains. Enjoy the dancing waters of the show fountains, especially stunning at night. For the adventurous, try the ropes course or the escape rooms. The Island also hosts regular live music and events, making it a perfect spot to relax, dine, and soak up the lively atmosphere of Pigeon Forge. 5. Titanic Museum Attraction: A Historical Journey Step back in time and experience the glorious past of the RMS Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. This unique museum, shaped like the iconic ship, offers an interactive as well as educational experience. Visitors can walk through full-scale recreations of the ship's cabins and hallways, touch an iceberg, and learn about the passengers and crew who were on the ill-fated voyage. The museum holds over 400 artifacts from the Titanic, providing an intimate glimpse into the lives of those on board. It's not just a museum; it's a powerful tribute to the Titanic's legacy and a moving experience for all ages. 6. Alcatraz East Crime Museum: A Walk Through Criminal History Delve into America's criminal past at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. This unique museum offers an intriguing look at the history of American crime, law enforcement, and the penal system. With interactive exhibits and artifacts, you can explore everything from the Wild West outlaws to modern-day forensic science. Don’t miss the chance to see infamous artifacts like John Dillinger’s death mask and Al Capone’s rosary. It’s not just educational; it's an immersive journey through the darker side of American history. 7. Go-Kart Racing: Fuel Your Need for Speed Pigeon Forge refers to a haven for go-kart enthusiasts. With numerous tracks throughout the town, each offering a unique racing experience, you can fulfill your need for speed in a fun and safe environment. From elevated multi-level tracks to traditional speedways, there’s a course for every skill level. Whether racing with family or competing against friends, go-karting in Pigeon Forge is an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon. 8. The Old Mill: A Step Back in Time Visit The Old Mill, one of Pigeon Forge’s most iconic landmarks. This historic gristmill, built in 1830, still operates today, grinding grains for the Old Mill Restaurant and the Pottery House Café. Explore the surrounding Old Mill Square, where you can shop for unique crafts, sample local fudge, and watch artisans at work. Dining at the Old Mill Restaurant offers a taste of authentic Southern cuisine, with dishes made from ingredients ground at the mill. It’s a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary pleasure. 9. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: An Underwater Adventure Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is an aquatic wonderland that's a must-visit on your Pigeon Forge adventure. This world-class aquarium offers an up-close look at a dazzling array of sea creatures. Wander through the impressive underwater tunnel, where you can watch sharks, rays, and colorful fish glide overhead. Interactive experiences like touching a stingray or encountering penguins add to the excitement. The aquarium is not just about observing; it's about engaging and learning. With its diverse marine life and educational exhibits, Ripley's Aquarium is a captivating experience. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the mysteries and wonders of the ocean. Conclusion Pigeon Forge is a destination brimming with excitement, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking thrilling rides, educational journeys, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, this charming town offers it all. Each of these nine activities provides a unique way to create lasting memories with friends and family. So, pack your bags, set your sights on Pigeon Forge, and get ready to tick off these fantastic experiences from your bucket list. With so much to explore and enjoy, your adventure in the Smoky Mountains is guaranteed to be nothing short of extraordinary! Read Also: Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation 6 Tips For Experiencing The Best Of Pigeon Forge 4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay In Pigeon Forge