A Guide To National Parks In Alabama – Latest Guide

BY  Sibashree Sep 2, 2025

Discounts! Deals! Special Rewards! Membership Rewards! All these are music to our ears when we plan a trip. However, as not all that glitters is gold, these offers on random platforms can make you a victim of the biggest scam.  You click on a discount link, and your system or online data is hacked. You lose your banking credentials, credit card data, and whatnot! This is where platforms such as Travelzoo step in with: Outstanding Club Offers Weekly Vacation Giveaways Early Access to Our Famous Top 20 Lounge Access for Delayed Flights And all this for just $40/year. But is Travelzoo legit? Does it really offer what it promises? We will figure out in this Tour and Travel Blog.  The key areas covered in this blog are:What Is Travelzoo?How To Join Travelzoo? 1. Assistance From A Global Expert Team2. It Caters To A Select Group3. Exclusive Club offersWhat Kind Of Trips Can I Plan With Travelzoo?1. Discounted Vacations 2. Bucket-List Destinations What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Travelzoo?Who Should Use Travelzoo?Is Travelzoo Legit?Hear It From The Real PeopleWhat Are The Alternatives To Travelzoo?Is Travelzoo Legit? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is Travelzoo? When you visit a Kayak or Expedia, you see deals and discounts like the messiest grocery bills. Travelzoo, on the other hand, is a platform that only enlists deals and discounts that are carefully curated, tested, and hand-picked.  It works closely with the leading hotel chains, cruise lines, airlines, and more to enlist the best deals. Furthermore, it offers deals and discounts for shows, restaurants, spa dates, etc.  The deals here are available for a limited span. Furthermore, they have a dedicated “Early Access to Our Famous Top 20” section.  This section has everything from concert tickets at over 80 places to the most adventurous Jamaica trips. Also, as the “This Week’s Top 20® Deals” section mentions,  “Since 1999, our weekly Top 20 list presents the very best deals and ideas, rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts.”  How To Join Travelzoo?  Here is the step-by-step guide for signing in to Travelzoo.  1. Click on the “Join Today” Link on the Right Side of the Home Page.  2. Then, enter your email ID.  3. Click on the Get Started button, and you will be redirected to the page featuring a 30-day Trial Offer. The currency will be automatically selected based on your country. Then, you will have to make the payment through the “Pay with link” option or through your card.  What Types Of Deals Will I Get On Travelzoo? Travelzoo offers diverse deals and discounts for you. Have a look at the table below. Types of Vacation Packages on TravelzooWhat is Included?Hotel Deals• Free Breakfast• Free Parking• Welcome DrinksVacation Packages• Excursions• Meals• Hotels• FlightsLocal Deals• Show Tickets• Spa Discounts• Restaurant Offers• All Under $50 OffersCruises• On-Board Credits• Discounts• Free UpdatesFlight Tickets• Flight Deals• Clubbed Offers with Restaurants and Hotels• Specially Designed Vacation Deals  1. Assistance From A Global Expert Team The expert team of Travelzoo has the best travel enthusiasts. So, here, you will find tailored experiences at the best price.  2. It Caters To A Select Group It functions as a select group with passionate travelers as members. So, every deal here is kept secret from any external entity.  3. Exclusive Club offers Travelzoo is a closed platform for members. So, the deals and discounts offered by Travelzoo are exclusive and only for members.  You will not find these deals and discounts anywhere on the internet.  What Kind Of Trips Can I Plan With Travelzoo? From all-inclusive vacation packages to finding an accommodation in a faraway country, Travel Zoo offers the best assistance to travelers.  1. Discounted Vacations  Suppose you are visiting Cancun. Now, you want a plan for your entire vacation, including airfare, other transportation, food, accommodation, etc.  Travel Zoo will tailor a package for you so that you don’t need to pay for hotels, food, or cars separately.  2. Bucket-List Destinations  Suppose you are traveling to the Maldives. Now. Travelzoo will customize your vacation, including your stay at a luxury villa and its combo meal offer.  It will even provide the special offers so that you can adjust your meal expenses and bar expenditures even when the hotel is not directly offering these benefits.  What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Travelzoo? Here are the pros and cons of using Travelzoo. Pros of Using TravelzooCons of Using Travelzoo• Special Perks for Upgrades and Meals• Hand-Picked Deals• Some Deals are Refundable• Deals Sell Out First• Not a Free Platform• You cannot Earn Rewards or Points Here.  Who Should Use Travelzoo? If you have flexible travel dates and you want to save money, Travelzoo is the ideal platform for you. Furthermore, it is ideal for all-inclusive bundle deals and budget-friendly local experiences.  However, if you have a fixed schedule for traveling or you want to earn reward or loyalty points, Travelzoo is not an ideal platform. It is also not meant for those who have very specific demands about each booking.  Is Travelzoo Legit? Yes, Travelzoo is a legit company with more than 25 years of operation. It was founded in 1998 and helps subscribers achieve significant savings on travel expenses by providing exclusive deals and discounts.  The Consumer Affairs has many positive reviews about the platform. Rhyder, a subscriber, wrote on 21st July, 2025, “Have been a member of Travelzoo for years. Always get spectacular deals no one else offer. The money you save on one trip pays for years of subscription rates. This is a no Brainer. Other travel websites give discounted rates. Travelzoo gives discounted trips.” However, all the reviews about Travelzoo on the Consumer Affairs platform are not that great. It is more like a mixed bag.  Still, it is great that Travelzoo responds to all the reviews and tries to fix the issues when needed.  Moreover, Travelzoo follows a well-defined privacy policy with a detailed declaration about the use of cookies, Travelzoo Affiliates, and Ad Networks.  Hear It From The Real People When you check out the Home Page of Travelzoo, you will find reviews from many happy customers. Here, I am quoting some of them.  “I got access to their Cyber Monday deals – and got a screaming deal! I have already covered the cost of membership easily, ten-fold!” - Gary.  “I have had at least 10 trips through Travelzoo and have no problem paying the fee. Especially now that they are trying to add more exclusive deals.” - Kay. “They sent me a notice that my flight was delayed today, and I got the lounge pass. Well worth the fee I paid today to renew my membership.” - Jenna. What Are The Alternatives To Travelzoo? Luxury Escapes, Expedia, and Groupon are some popular alternatives to Travelzoo.  Comparing Travelzoo with Its CompetitorsWhat’s the Difference? Travelzoo vs. ExpediaThough Expendia allows you to book a specific hotel or flight, it requires you to do more planning. With all-inclusive deals, Travelzoo hand-picks the offers and curates your entire experience. Travelzoo vs. GrouponGroupon has diverse local offers. Still, the local deals offered by Travelzoo are more premium and exclusive. Travelzoo vs Luxury Escapes Luxury Escapes and Travelzoo are quite similar in the way they offer the best discounts and deals. However, as the name suggests, Luxury Escapes focuses more on high-end properties, and that might not be exactly what you were looking for.  Is Travelzoo Legit? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Travelzoo.  1. Is Travelzoo Free To Use? No, Travelzoo is not free to use. You will have to pay a subscription fee of $40 every year. Furthermore, right now, it has a limited-time offer. Now, you can get a 30-day trial by paying $1. After that, the subscription will get renewed automatically with a subscription charge of $40 every year. 2. How Can I Cancel My Travelzoo Membership? You can visit the My Account section and cancel the auto-renewal option of your membership. You can also contact the customer service team by calling 1-877-665-0000. Member services are available from 9 AM to 6 PM ET from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, these same services are available from 12-5 PM.  3. How Can I Renew My Subscription? Your subscription will get automatically renewed at the end of every year. If you want to stop it, you will have to go to the My Account settings or contact customer service.  4. Does Travelzoo Offer Family Or Household Membership? No, Travelzoo does not offer a family or household membership. The membership benefits here are for individuals. To purchase club offers, you will need an individual membership account and an individual email ID.  5. What Will Happen If I Am Not Happy With Travelzoo Subscription?  Travelzoo has a transparent 14-day refund policy. So, if you are not satisfied with its service, you can reach out to the customer service team to address your concern within 14 days of purchasing the subscription. They will help you through the subscription cancellation and refund process.  Read Also: HopTraveler.com Review: About HopTraveler.Com, The Best Features, How To Use, And More Traveltweaks Com: Why Is It A Trustworthy Resource For Travel Planning? Hopper Flights Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences

BY  Sibashree Jan 8, 2025

Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023.  Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more! However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice. So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids. Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans.  Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.  Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025.  So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities.  The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind.  Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them. 1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW-62VRd5M/?hl=en Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium) Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry.  It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.”  Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content.  2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZrMeGpt1L/?img_index=1 Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 596-2610 Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children's Resource Center Library.  The Children's Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club.  I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity.  Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children.  3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVONpWRDC9/ Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895 If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's Restaurant will be great.  It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza.  So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder.  4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHMeMbO72W/?img_index=1 Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 589-3882 Hours Open: 24 Hours  Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators.  Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands.  Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc.  5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2KljRieGh/?img_index=1 Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 523-1357 Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM) Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature.  Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments.  Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd.  Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids  New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500.  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  Ankita Oct 16, 2023

Pigeon Forge may be a modest town with a population of 6,500, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in any way. When it comes to shopping in particular, there are more than 300 stores spread across the town that offer gifts, handmade items, souvenirs, and a wide variety of other items. You come to Pigeon Forge, and there is no chance that you will go back empty-handed. Here are some of the best shopping tips when you are out on a spree in Pigeon Forge: Here Are Some Famous Gift Shops In Pigeon Forge While out on vacation, most people either buy gifts to take back for their loved ones or get souvenirs that can serve as a reminder of their trip. If you are looking for either of these purchases, Pigeon Forge has a plethora of gift shops that you can hit up and find the ideal items to give to almost any person, regardless of their age or gender. Here are some of the most famous local gift shops for you to explore: a. Three Bears General Store Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge is the ideal place to go if you want to buy something that keeps reminding you of your travels. This enormous store, which is just off the Parkway, contains whatever you can think of. Numerous products with a Smoky Mountain motif are available, including clothes, blankets, and figurines. Additionally, this business offers jewelry, snacks, accessories, and a lot more. It is by far one of the most famous Pigeon Forge gift shops to explore. b. Mountain Mile General Store Another prominent and often-visited local gift shop is the Mountain Mile General Store. Located on Teaster Lane, this shop is one that offers almost everything that you could possibly imagine as a gift. There are home décor items, magnets, buttons, Smokies-themed apparel, and a lot more besides. Whether you are looking for a birthday gift or just something to carry as memorabilia, this store has it all, making it a must-visit spot in Pigeon Forge. The Best Local Stores It’s not just Pigeon Forge, but anywhere you visit, it is important that you take a trip to some of the famous local stores. It gives you an idea of what the area is known for, what residents make and sell that is not available anywhere else in the country, as well as to get a glimpse of cultures and traditions that are upheld in the city. When talking about Pigeon Forge, some of the renowned local stores include: a. Goats On The Roof Yes, that is the actual name of a general store in Pigeon Forge, and it is exactly what the name indicates. In fact, the store is part of a larger attraction with the same name where real goats are kept on the top of the building. The location also has a mountain coaster for families to enjoy. The store has a lot of items that are related to goats, but there are local clothing, home décor, and edible items available, too. b. The Old Mill General Store The Old Mill is one of the most iconic locations in Pigeon Forge, and this store is a famous attraction within it. The 200-year-old Mill is still operational as it grinds fresh wheat and corn. You can buy a wide variety of freshly ground flours at the store. And that’s not all. You can pick up homemade pickles, jellies, and jams, all freshly produced. Then there is also the available range of toys, souvenirs, candies, and a lot more besides. Some General Shopping Tips While Traveling Shopping is naturally an essential part of every vacation. However, all that stuff you buy definitely increases your luggage, which may not be a problem if you travel to Pigeon Forge in an RV or your own car, but if you took a flight and intend to take one back, weight is something you will need to take into account. And that’s just one thing to take care of. Here are a few tips that make travel shopping significantly easier: a. Pack light There is a good probability that you will go shopping everywhere you go, whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Since you are aware of this, it is best to bring minimal luggage. This is an important consideration if you are flying, but if you drive across the country and have room in your vehicle, you might not need to consider it. b. Browse Before You Pick There are a lot of different shops selling a wide variety of items across Pigeon Forge. At times, you may feel like buying almost everything in a store, but that’s not always practical. A great thing is that despite there being more than 300 stores, they are all located in relatively close vicinity. So, it is better to browse different places before buying anything. You can always come back to a store if you find something you like and can’t find it anywhere else. c. Be Careful With Edible Items In Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill store is not the only place where you’ll find edible items to buy. Almost every famous general store in the town offers some local delicacy that you would want to take back home. However, carrying edible items is tricky, irrespective of whether you are traveling by road or by car. Freshly ground flour, in particular, can be difficult to transport. Make sure that you get a plastic container for it, or else you run the risk of getting that white powder in various places that you’d have to clean up later on. Conclusion Pigeon Forge is a comprehensive travel destination that offers a lot in terms of entertainment and considerable shopping choices. From memorabilia to apparel, from edibles to décor products, you can find almost everything down here, but it is important not to go crazy and shop wisely. Read Also: Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers 8 Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge Top Tips For A Terrific Vacation