Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2024!

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is as fascinating as its geology. So, along with the geysers, many tourists also visit this park to explore its wildlife. The grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and more make the park the biggest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. However, the park is also a popular birder hub with ospreys, eagles, and falcons. You just need to know the spots well to encounter these wild creatures, with respect, of course.  Here, I will give you a brief idea about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish found in this park. I will also share where to spot them.  Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park May to June or spring is the ideal season for watching mammals at Yellowstone National Park. You will especially get to see many bears and wolves in this season. Further, at the advent of the fall season, this park has elk bulls in great numbers.  Moreover, mammals like elk, bulls, and bison are also visible in the park in winter. Winter is also a great time to glimpse the Lamar Valley wolves. So, watching wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is a year-round activity.  Tour and Travel Tips For Wildlife Watching At Yellowstone National ParkTrek the park in the early morning or evening to have better visibility of the wildlife. The temperature remains moderate during these hours of the day.Further, you will need spotting scopes or binoculars to see the wild animals.Maintain at least 25 yards of distance from elk, bison, and other wild animals. However, for bears and wolves, you must maintain at least 100 yards of distance.  Let’s learn about the most prominent mammals in the park in detail.  American Bison Where to Find: Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grasslands Best Time to Find: July to August Did you know that bison in Yellowstone make up the largest (remaining) bison population on American public land?  The biggest mammals of the park, bison, have been there since pre-historic times. A male bison weighs 1,800 pounds on average, while the weight of a female bison is close to 1300 pounds.  Black And Grizzly Bears Where to Find: Mammoth and Tower Areas (Black Bear) and Lamar and Hayden Valleys (Grizzly Bears) Best Time to Find: May to June Black and grizzly bears co-exist in many parts of the national park. Grizzlies are bigger than black bears, with a hump on their shoulders and a rounder face. Bear safari is a popular activity in the park. However, you need to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards and follow all safety regulations, as bears can get violent, especially when they are with their cubs.  Elk Where to Find: Lamar Valley, Madison Canyon, Mammoth Valley Best Time to Find: September to November Due to the impressive antlers, elks are probably the most photographed animals in this national park. Do you know that the antler of an elk can grow up to 6 feet? Moose and deer, closely related to elks, are other prominent park mammals. Moose is the largest of the Cervidae family, and elks are the second largest.  Further, moose are seen in the park’s marshy areas and near water bodies. Bighorn Sheep Where to Find: Gardner Canyon and Near the Yellowstone River Best Time to Visit Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone National Park - November and December The large and curved horns of bighorn sheep make them stand out. You will find these horns on the males. Bighorn sheep live in a herd, and in the fall season, the males get involved in loggerheads to win over their female companion.  There is one fascinating fact about bighorn sheep. When a baby bighorn sheep (lamb) is born, it can climb and walk within one day. Wolves Where to Find: Throughout the Park Best Time to See Wolves: May to June Around 100 wolves live in the Yellowstone National Park. Leopold packs, Yellowstone Delta, and Slough Creek are the biggest wolf packs in the park.  Wolves are native to the park. However, in 1995, they were re-introduced here.  Along with the types discussed, you will also find mammals like coyotes, martens, red foxes, wolverines, mule deer, marmots, and more in the park. Overall, around 67 species of mammals live here.  Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park Thanks to a unique geology, there are various ponds and wetlands across the Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find the following varieties. Boreal Chorus Frog Western Tiger Salamander Western Toad Columbia Spotted Frog Plains Spadefoot Toad Further, these amphibians play a crucial role in the maintenance of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the park. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish prey on them. Also, they eat many vertebrate and invertebrate creatures to balance the food chain. Moreover, the amphibians in the park are indicators of high pollution rates or changes in the weather. They even indicate the advent of diseases and the arrival of any nonnative species.  So, research on amphibian populations in the park is crucial to know about any impending danger that may affect the ecosystem.  Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone has six species of reptiles. However, there is a greater scope for studying and identifying these reptiles. As of today, the reptile species found in the park are: Terrestrial garter snake Common garter snake Rubber boa Prairie rattlesnake Bullsnake Sagebrush lizard Prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park, while bullsnake is the largest variety found here. Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise A 2018 survey in Yellowstone National Park announced the presence of 82 species of birds in the park.  Further, the species of birds here are varied, and the table below mentions the variety you will come across in the park. OwlsNorthern saw-whet owl Northern pygmy-owlBoreal owl Great-horned owl EaglesBald eagleGolden eagleColony Nesting BirdsPelicanHeronsIbisesSong Birds Ruby-crowned kinglet American RobinDark-eyed junco You will also find birds like woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swans, falcons, and ospreys in this national park.  Fish In Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is home to many native and non-native fish species. Eastern Brook Trout, brown trout, lake chub, rainbow trout, and lake trout are some non-native fish species in the park. Further, this park has native fish species, such as mountain sucker, speckled dace, Utah chub, Redside Shiner, etc.  Human Imprint On Yellowstone National Park  The home to Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park displays a human tapestry of almost 11000 years. The natives of the place have survived on hunting and fishing. Further, they have known the medicinal properties of the herbs available in the park. In addition, the healing properties and religious importance of the thermal water here had a major impact on the local human lives.  Yellowstone National Park: At A Glance  How to Reach Yellowstone National Park: Reach the Yellowstone Airport and take a cab or bus to Yellowstone National Park. Highest Point: Eagle Peak Established: 1st March 1872 Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site for “globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity.” Entry Fee: $25-80 based on the entrance pass  Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Grant Visitor Center, etc.  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  Sibashree May 23, 2023

No, Machu Picchu is not closing in 2026. However, the Inca Trail leading to the Machu Picchu citadel was closed from the 31st January to 1st March 2026.  The Machu Picchu Archaeological Park Management confirmed that the scheduled maintenance is due to conservation and maintenance work.  It’s great to know that the Park Management is doing the maintenance and conservation work in compliance with regulations of the “Sustainable Tourism Use of the Inca Trail Network.”  However, overtourism remains a concern, and that has impacted Machu Picchu’s credibility as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, big time!  Social conflicts and limited conservation initiatives have been the other two reasons that have affected Machu Picchu’s position as a Wonder of the World.  The New7Wonders project organized the event of announcing the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2027.  The same organization shared a Facebook post on 15th September 2025, and the post said,  “The designation implies a shared commitment to the conservation and responsible management of the site, as well as the implementation of international preservation and management standards.”  So, the onus is on the important decision makers of the country to maintain or ruin its reputation as the wonder of the world.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about why there is so much buzz about “Is Machu Pichu is closing?” I will also give you an idea about why Machu Picchu is struggling to maintain its status.  Why Is Machu Picchu Closing? The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu On The Temporary Closure  The official statement from the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park mentioned that the temporary closure of Machu Picchu from the 31st January to 1st March happened because of the maintenance of the walls.  Furthermore, other activities included in the conservation work were: Vegetation Clearance Repairing the Stone Paving Maintenance of the Retaining Walls Maintenance of Ramps, Bridges, and Railings.  Also, maintenance and repair work will go on in the drainage system, floor treatments, and campsite areas.  Cesar Medina, the Chief of Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, also said in an interview with Andina, “In some sections, we will also carry out rock scaling to prevent possible rockfalls.” The National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (SERNANP) will use geomesh or stabilize the slopes to prevent rockfall and landslides, especially in the monsoon season.  Why Is The World Wonder Status At Stake For Machu Picchu?  While New7Wonders shared its concern and demanded an active endeavor and strategic transformation from the decision makers, the ministers, and authorities said that there has been no change in the status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  However, as of 2026, Machu Picchu is facing massive challenges with tourism bottlenecks. The locals have blocked the railway lines, and they demand changes in the monopoly of function by the bus operator, Consettur.  Furthermore, the protests in late 2025 showed how the evacuation of 1,400 tourists happened.  Despite the attempts of Peru’s Ministry of Commerce and Tourism and tourism associations, and occasional withdrawal of protests, disruptions still continue.  In fact, as recently as 28th January 2026, Lima, Peru, saw Gen Z protestors demanding the closure of many tourist attractions, including the Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, and the historic center.  All the unrest now reminds us of the political upheaval where more than 60 protestors died.  Now, these protests look like recent developments. However, it is a cumulative outburst of years of overtourism, irregular practices of ticket selling, and complacency about the preservation of the heritage site.  Things To Remember Before Visiting Machu Picchu  So, is Machu Picchu closing? No. Do we need to be more careful when going to Machu Picchu now? Yes.  So, here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains – Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features large windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version, and it has large panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside.  This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu.  After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route.  Which means that you can only walk in a single direction.  It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots.  This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack. It should be of regular size.  You have to adhere to certain parameters of a backpack to get entrance to the premises of Machu Picchu. Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: 1. It Is One Of The Best Conserved Inca Cities  Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the Spanish conquest.  Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location.  The Spanish explorers did not find it at that time. This makes it one of the best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. 2. It Was Originally An Astronomical Observatory Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory.  It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately.  Twice a year, the Sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. 3. Hiram Bingham Discovered The Site In 1911 Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner until the professor of Yale, Hiram Bingham, again discovered the site in the year 1911.  His book “The Lost City Of Incas” was actually based on his findings. 4. A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes.  It also symbolizes the Incan Empire, which goes back to 1450 AD.  The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.  It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Read Also: Annapurna Base Camp Vs. Ghorepani Poon Hill: Should You Go All The Way? What Are The Things To Do In Hakone? Know The Top Activities In 2026 5 Luxury Destinations In Europe That Blend Comfort And Culture

BY  Sibashree Jul 27, 2026

Car Rental vs Public Transport in Crete presents a significant choice for visitors planning their 2026 itineraries.  Speed, convenience, and flexibility serve as the primary metrics for evaluating these transportation modes. Travelers prioritize time savings to maximize their limited holiday duration on the island.  Comparing the direct routes of motor vehicles against the fixed schedules of the KTEL bus network reveals distinct advantages for each.  Comparison Between Car Rental Crete And Public Transport Efficient planning requires a detailed understanding of the practical travel considerations across diverse Cretan landscapes. A comparison of Car rental vs. public transport in Crete is shown in the table below. Visiting multiple towns in one dayCar rentalTime-efficient and flexibleStaying in one cityPublic transportCost-effectiveTraveling in peak summerCar rental with early pickupAvoid crowded busesBudget-conscious travelersPublic transportLower costExploring rural villagesCar rentalBuses limited City-To-City Speed: Car Vs. Bus Driving between major cities such as Heraklion and Chania takes at least two hours through the National Road.   Moreover, a car rental Crete option cuts out all unnecessary delays. This lets you head straight to your destination.  Public KTEL buses require at least three hours for the exact same cross-island route.   Additionally, the extra hour disappears into passenger boarding and scheduled highway stops.   It also includes terminal transitions in busy city centers.   Choosing a car rental Crete vehicle frees you from rigid timetables completely.   You can also pack up and depart at any hour of the day without waiting around at crowded stations.     Efficient navigation relies on securing a reliable car hire Crete for the duration of the stay. Island Transit: Driving Vs. Fixed Routes Yes, renting a car is faster than taking buses in Crete.  Motor vehicles provide direct access to destinations without the intermittent stops required for passenger pick-ups.  Public buses follow strict routes that include deviations into smaller towns along the main highway.  Private transport eliminates the waiting periods associated with fixed bus schedules and terminal queues.  Travelers reach remote beaches or mountain villages in half the time compared to when public services are limited.  Private cars bypass the need to transfer between lines at major hubs.  The average time savings for cross-island journeys exceed sixty minutes per trip. Every journey benefits from the lack of passenger boarding delays. How To Book The Right Car Rental In Crete: Practical Tips Booking early makes the single biggest difference to price.   Reserving a car rental in Crete three to four months ahead of a summer trip typically locks in rates well below what is available two or three weeks out, since the island's rental fleet is limited and July-August demand from European travelers fills up availability fast.  Know What The Fare Includes  Always check what the quoted price actually includes.   Many budget listings show a low headline rate but then add mandatory extras at the counter, such as a second-driver fee, a young-driver surcharge for renters under 25, or a fee for crossing between regions if you plan to pick up in Heraklion and drop off in Chania.   Reading the fine print on excess/deductible amounts for damage waivers matters too.  The standard excess on budget bookings in Crete can run into several hundred euros.  Many travelers opt for a separate excess-reimbursement policy bought in advance, which is usually cheaper than the rental company's own upgrade.  Carry A Valid Driving License  A valid driving license held for at least one year is required, and non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home license.  Some rental desks ask for it even though Greek law does not always strictly require one for short stays.  Fuel policy is worth confirming before you drive off. "Full-to-full" is the fairest option.  Avoid pre-paid fuel plans that charge for a full tank regardless of how much you actually use.  For navigating rural roads, a compact or small SUV is more practical than a full-size sedan.  Many south-coast and mountain-village roads narrow considerably, and parking in old-town centers like Chania and Rethymno is tight.   Automatic transmissions cost more to rent than manual and should be requested well ahead of time, as the automatic fleet is smaller.  Lastly, photograph the car from all angles at pickup, including existing scratches, and keep the rental agreement and roadside assistance number accessible on your phone throughout the trip. Saving Time On Day Trips: Car Vs. Bus Hiring a car rental Crete vehicle can easily save you at least three to five hours on a single day trip.  Iconic spots such as Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi Beach require complex travel routes that public buses simply cannot handle efficiently. Public transport schedules usually offer just one morning departure and one afternoon return for these remote landmarks.  Additionally, missing that single return bus completely ruins your plans while forcing you into paying for an incredibly expensive taxi.  A car rental Crete option lets you arrive early in the morning before the massive tour buses show up.  Moreover, you can take scenic backroads, stop at quiet villages, and enjoy a completely predictable travel schedule.   Route Comparison: Navigating Crete’s Wild Terrain Getting around this massive Greek Island requires a detailed understanding of its unique geography. Furthermore, the north and south coasts offer completely different driving and transit experiences.  Choosing a car rental Crete offers you the freedom to navigate both regions without stress. Furthermore, your choice of transport dictates exactly how much of the island you can actually see.  The North Coast Highway Advantage The northern national highway connects major hubs such as Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion.  Public buses run frequently along this well-paved, smooth coastal road. In case you are sticking strictly with the northern cities, public transit is relatively straightforward. On the other hand, a car rental Crete option cuts down travel times even on these direct routes.  Reaching The South Coast And Mountain Villages The south coast is a completely different story, which is defined by rugged mountains and steep gorges. Moreover, public buses to remote southern beaches such as Preveli or Frangokastello are incredibly rare.  Missing the single daily bus can leave you completely stranded in a quiet village. Additionally, with a reliable car rental Crete option, you are ensured to conquer winding mountain passes safely on your own schedule.     Bus Delays Vs Car Rental Crete: The Risk Of Getting Stranded Relying on public transport means having your holiday timeline be fully at the mercy of summer traffic.  Furthermore, heavy peak-season congestion along the narrow National Road usually throws off bus schedules completely. Missing a connecting bus at a major station results in hours of waiting around in the heat.  Even worse, you risk getting completely stranded in rural areas. That is if the final bus of the day fills up or fails to arrive.  These unexpected transit delays create a frustrating domino effect that can ruin your dinner reservations or pre-booked tour slots.  By securing a reliable car rental Crete vehicle, you get to protect your holiday from these stressful bottlenecks.  Convenience: Total Freedom Vs Rigid Routes Exploring the island with a car rental Crete option gives you absolute control over your daily holiday schedule. Buses strictly connect the major northern cities. This leaves the rest of the wild island out of reach.  On the contrary, with a private vehicle, you get to drive straight to different locations. The list includes hidden monasteries, deep mountain gorges, and traditional family tavernas. You can pull over for a sudden photo opportunity without having worries about a ticking clock.  Instead of hunting for luggage lockers at chaotic transit hubs, you can easily leave your beach gear in the boot.  This feels much more relaxing when you are able to control your own air conditioning than navigating crowded public places.  Managing Heavy Luggage: Car Vs Public Bus Hauling bags on a public bus is physically exhausting compared to tossing them into a private vehicle.  Handling multiple bags across cracked and uneven pavements and packed terminals can wear you out pretty quickly.  In addition, bus passengers must constantly lift heavy suitcases into lower cargo compartments before boarding.  Families that are traveling with young children find a private car essential for stowing bulky strollers and beach toys.  With a car rental Crete vehicle, they get to secure a locker for belongings while sightseeing without any additional stress.   Comfort From Buses On Long Island Transits Public buses do not offer a consistently comfortable ride for long cross-island journeys. The local KTEL coaches have basic air conditioning, but they quickly become overcrowded during the peak summer rush. Passengers face limited legroom and a lack of privacy during three-hour transits across the island.  High demand leads to standing-room-only conditions on certain local routes between popular beaches. Noise from other travelers and frequent stops disrupt the relaxation of the journey.  A car rental Crete option offers a controlled climate and the ability to choose personal music or silence. Long bus trips feel restrictive for those accustomed to the space of a personal vehicle. Saving Money From Car Rental Crete Yes, car rental Crete saves groups money when the total cost is divided among passengers.  In addition, four people paying for individual bus tickets for multiple daily trips frequently exceed the daily hire rate of a vehicle. Costs for a mid-sized car range from [£30 to £70 ($40 to $90, €35 to €85)] per day.  Groups eliminate the need for extra taxi fares to reach bus stations from their accommodation. Shared expenses for fuel and insurance make private transport a cost-effective alternative for families.  The flexibility to carry groceries and supplies further reduces the holiday expenditure. Large groups benefit from the economies of scale provided by a single rental agreement. Budget management is simpler with a flat daily fee. Spontaneous Sightseeing and Hidden Gems A private vehicle opens up endless opportunities for unexpected discoveries that buses completely skip.  Additionally, you can follow local road signs to a hidden cove or a quiet village on a whim. Catching a beautiful sunset at a remote lighthouse is practically impossible. But not when you have a car rental Crete option.  Fixed public bus routes force you to stare at beautiful scenery through a window without ever stopping. Your holiday turns into a genuine adventure shaped entirely by your curiosity instead of a rigid transit book.  Having the freedom to stay an extra hour at a beautiful beach makes your vacation feel truly personal.  The Hidden Costs Of Cretan Travel On paper, a bus ticket looks much cheaper than hiring a private vehicle. However, budget travelers usually overlook the hidden fees that quickly pile up on public transit. A realistic cost assessment requires looking closely at the extra expenses of both options. Here is how the logical math actually breaks down for a Cretan holiday.  Bus Tickets Add-Ons Bus terminals are rarely located right outside your specific hotel or vacation rental.  Furthermore, you will often need to pay for local taxis just to haul your heavy luggage to the station.  These short taxi rides can quickly drain your wallet. This is further applicable when you move between towns frequently. Furthemore, peak-season luggage fees can add unexpected costs to your cheap public bus ticket. Rental Car Extras Opting for a car rental Crete means you must budget for current fuel prices and parking.  Popular beaches and city centers often charge small daily fees for secure parking spots. Even with fuel expenses, the total cost is usually lower than paying for multiple individual bus tickets.  Moreover, the upfront price of a car rental Crete package gives you predictable costs without hidden surprises.  Road Safety: Evaluating Your Options In Crete Both highway commuting and private driving maintain excellent safety records across the island. The local government continues to improve highway infrastructure. This makes the primary routes much smootheer for tourists. Public bus operators are highly experienced professionals who handle the narrow streets as well as sharp turns on a daily basis.  However, when you choose a car rental Crete vehicle, you get modern built-in safety features such as advanced braking or comprehensive insurance.  Traffic remains quite predictable and calm once you drive away from the crowded city centers of Heraklion and Chania. Following the basic local traffic regulations ensures a completely secure journey through any region. Is Driving Riskier Than Taking A Bus In Crete? Navigating the local roads is not inherently riskier than taking a public bus, provided you stay alert.  Road safety always comes down to your personal driving behavior and following posted speed limits. While buses offer a professional driver, they are still subject to the exact same unexpected traffic delays and highway risks. A private vehicle lets you control your immediate environment and react safely to changing road conditions. Driving through steep mountain passes requires focused concentration, but a modern vehicle handles these roads beautifully.  The anxiety of driving usually disappears completely after your first afternoon behind the wheel.   GPS Navigation And Roadside Support Modern fleets on the island come fully equipped with updated satellite navigation and mobile connectivity features.  Moreover, a car rental Crete package allows you to navigate confusing village roads and city intersections with absolute confidence.  Reputable local rental agencies always offer full 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with their agreements.  In case you experience a mechanical breakdown or a flat tire, a support team will heat oyut immediately. This round-the-clock emergency care will ensure that an unexpected vehicle issue will not ruin your vacation plans.  Additionally, when you have a reliable support network, you get total peace of mind throughout the trip.   The Ultimate Verdict For 2026 Choosing between a public bus and a private vehicle ultimately depends on your personal holiday goals.  If you plan to stick strictly to the northern resort towns, the local bus network offers a decent and low-cost transit option. However, a car rental Crete is the undisputed winner when you crave authentic adventure with total time efficiency.  Also, private vehicles protect your limited holiday hours from rigid bus schedules, hot transit terminals, and unexpected highway delays.   Investing in a private vehicle opens up the freedom to discover the hidden south coast beaches and quiet mountain villages on your own terms.  Furthermore, you can customize your daily route, skip the crowded tourist groups, and experience the island at a relaxing pace.