Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 24, 2024

If you are planning to fly out of an airport this travel season, you need to spend a little time thinking about how you will get there. Transportation to an airport can quickly get expensive, and perhaps you do not have a whole lot of extra cash at the moment, especially if you’ve spent a lot on tickets, hotel accommodations, etc. Finding a more reasonably priced option means you can save money that will likely come in handy at another point during your trip. Maybe you need to save cash for a Los Angeles van rental or for getting into museums and other attractions once you arrive at your destination. In these circumstances, keeping as much money in your pocket as possible when heading to the airport is often crucial. We will discuss seven modes of transportation that are worth your consideration in the following article. Most Cost-Effective Way to Reach the Airport Read this article till the end to know which is the most cost-effective ride to the airport. You Can Walk Is it possible to walk to an airport? Sometimes it is, but that would have to mean you would already have to be pretty close to it. The most practical time to walk to an airport is if you stayed at a hotel adjacent to it the previous night. Most other times, it is not possible or practical. Whenever you can manage it, though, you will presumably pay nothing. It really does not get much better than that if you are attempting to conserve your money. You will even get some exercise by walking, which is nice. If you can walk to the airport, make sure to watch out for traffic and only use roads with sidewalks. Using airport access roads or ones only intended for cars is dangerous. Saving money is great, but not if it comes at the possible price of being hit by a taxi or airport shuttle. You Can Consider Hiring an Uber or Lyft In the past decade, hiring an Uber or Lyft has become a piece of common knowledge in the urban scene. You can book a ride on these rental cars within seconds with the help of apps on your phone. If you are not a very tech-savvy person, you can still get the Lyft or Uber app, order a vehicle for yourself, and ride to the airport with someone else handling the driving duties. The real drawback with either Uber or Lyft is the expense. During surge hours pricing can become quite expensive in the case of these rental cars. At certain hours when the demand for these rental cars increases, Uber or Lyft increases their pricing as well. Hiring a rideshare vehicle off hours is almost always cheaper. You Can Hire a Taxi The option of hiring a taxi can be efficient and expensive. For example, if you book a cab from Midtown Manhattan to JFK it will easily cost you $50 or more. This cost varies based on the demand of the cab, city or state, and other circumstances affecting the booking prices. If you are in a smaller city with a less busy airport, getting a taxi may not break the bank. If you are considering this option but have a tight budget, it never hurts to go online and do a little research before you flag down the nearest taxi on the street. Take a Hotel Shuttle Hotel shuttles are usually free if you are staying at that hotel, so getting to the airport that way is certainly an attractive prospect. Hotel shuttles are usually clean and well-maintained. They are also generally air-conditioned, which is nice. You should have at least a couple of dollars to tip the driver if you go this route. $5 for a tip is usually the expected amount, but the driver will likely be happy if you give them anything, since not all travelers do. Get a Public Bus or Train Cities that have public buses and trains you can take to the airport are another one of the cheaper options in most instances. These choices can save money, but they often take much longer to get to the airport because they make many stops. If you decide to grab a train or bus, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time for this reason. Rent a Town Car You might also rent a town car if you have enough money. A town car offers a VIP feeling, meaning you get a ride to the airport in style. Then this experience comes at a high cost so you will try this only when you feel like treating yourself.  Again, if you can afford the cost of renting a town car then that is a great advantage. Your advantage is that you get to enjoy the ride alone without sharing it with anyone. It will also most likely be air-conditioned and comfortable. The only danger if you decide on this option is a chatty driver. If you do not mind making small talk, though, that might not be a significant source of concern for you.   Take an Airport Shuttle Many airports operate shuttles that will pick you up throughout the city. Generally, you can find the operating routes of these airport shuttles through the airport’s website and choose the shuttle accordingly.  On the other hand, a hotel shuttle is free, unlike an airport shuttle which can be expensive. Conclusion To recap, walking is usually your only free option. Taking public transportation can keep the price down while getting a hotel shuttle is generally free.  Other options can be expensive for you such as Lyft, Uber, or hiring a taxi or town car. Then again this expense comes with an advantage of not sharing the ride with anyone. If these options don’t work for you, then just ask a family member or a friend to drive to the airport if they are available. This is only an option in cities where you know someone, though. If someone you know is willing to give you a lift, you might be obliged to buy them breakfast or something along those lines as a way of saying thank you.   Know More: How To Stay Safe In New Orleans: A Traveler’s Guide Is San Francisco Safe? THIS Is What You Should Know! Is Savannah Safe? What You Need To Know Before Visiting!

BY  Nabamita Oct 19, 2022

Every Indian has at least once visited the beautiful snowy hills of Shimla, located in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. If you are thinking of traveling to Shimla for your vacation, you can do that anytime you want. Ideally, there is no best time to visit Shimla, you can visit there anytime you want. Welcome To Shimla! Shimla, also known as Simla until the year 1972, is a city in Himachal Pradesh, in North India. Due to its scenic beauty, mountain landscape, and old English architecture, no doubt it is known as the Summer capital of British India. The beautiful oak trees, colonial old English-style architecture, and an ancient feel are what attract visitors to Shimla. But if you are still wondering when to visit Shimla, then you need to keep on scrolling down the article. Best Time To Visit Shimla Even though you are traveling solo to Shimla or looking for the best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon, then keep on scrolling to know the best time to visit Shimla.  Oct - Feb ❄️Jul - Sept 🌧️Mar - Jun ☀️-7 to 10c10 - 20cc15 - 30c 1. March To June The summer and spring months start from the month of March and continue till the month of June. After long and extreme winter months, the summer months are quite pleasant for tourists looking for the best time to visit Shimla. The temperature around this time rotates around 16c to 30c. The days are quite warmer and rather enjoyable, with a wide range of greenery, colors of blooming flowers, and melting snow. The roads here are clear and without any blockage and interruptions along the way. This way, you can enjoy every nook and cranny of the beautiful city of Shimla. Even though you should carry warm clothes with you, it would be wiser to carry light clothes as well if your tolerance for colder weather is high. 2. July To September Just like any other hill station here in India, the monsoon months are regarded as the offseason for tourists and visitors. With heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks, the monsoon months may not be the best time to visit Shimla. The average amount of rainfall that Shimla receives is more than 1400mm, and the temperature is around 14c to 20c. But the best deal for adventurers during the monsoon months is that since it is the offseason for tourism, huge discounts are given by hotels and lodgings. But if you are willing to take the risk of visiting there during the monsoon months, then you should consider all the dangers ahead of time. 3. October To February One of the best time to visit Shimla for snowfall is during the winter months. The winter months are what attract most of the tourism here in Shimla. The temperature during the winter months ranges from -6c to the highest at 8c. The snow-covered mountain tops are a sight to see for the sore eyes, and if you are lucky enough,, you can also witness snowfall here. Winter months are just magical for the countryside as it is in the citylights here in Shimla. You are definitely going to enjoy every cozy night with your friends, family, or partner, or adventure sports out in the snow. Different Climates In Shimla When you want to visit any hill station, it is very important that you have thorough knowledge about all the potential risks and dangers of the place. 1. Summer In Shimla Summer months is the most enjoyable for tourists who are not too comfortable with the snow and cold climate. Other than going for adventure sports in the snow, there are many adventure sports available during the summer months as well. Adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, rafting, and camping. Even if you are not into all these activities, then during summer, the summer festival is the best entertainment experience that you want to experience. Activities like folk dancing, musical performances, and flower shops go on for about five days. This festival first started in the early 60s, with thousands of visitors visiting each year. 2. Monsoon In Shimla Since the monsoon is usually considered an offseason, there are not a lot of activities to do around this time of the year. But the Rhyali festival, or the monsoon festival, is one of the most attractive attractions during this time of the year. The festival is celebrated in honor of the rain god to appease him in order to have a prosperous agricultural year.  But during the monsoon, the water-washed hill station gives a fresh perspective to the landscape. 3. Winter In Shimla The white fluffy snow-covered mountaintop of Shimla looks like a magical place indeed. With lots of adventure sports such as ice skating and skiing. One of the best places to travel to in Shimla is Mashobra, Kufri, and Narkanda. If you are traveling to Shimla during the month of December, then you should definitely stay till Christmas and New Year in here. The hill station is beautifully decked up during this time, and it is possible that you will celebrate a white Christmas here in Shimla. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you have any more queries about the best time to visit Shimla, then here are a few questions you might find helpful. 1. In Which Month Snow Falls In Shimla? The months from October to February, this is the time of the year in Shimla when you are able to witness actual snowfall and a snow-covered hill station. 2. Is 2 Days Enough For Shimla? Traveling to Shimla during an optimal season would take about 3 days and 2 nights to witness the majesty of the whole hill station. Hiring a car or a bike to travel would help you a lot to travel the whole hilly region. 3. Is It A Good Time To Visit Shimla Now? If you want to experience summertime in Shimla, then the best time to visit Shimla is for the months of March to June. But if you want to witness the winter months, then you would want to visit here during the months of November to February. Visit Now! Shimla is one of the most naturally aesthetically pleasing hill stations in India. It is a must-visit place in India, but you need to know the best time to visit Shimla. So when you are backpacking to Shimla on your next vacation, then don’t forget to pack all the warm clothes. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Glacier National Park, or the “Crown of the Continent,” boasts unique geology, fossils, ecosystems, and thriving wildlife.  “Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped corner—the Crown of the Continent.” - George Bird Grinnell, Editor, Forest and Stream It is also a hiker’s paradise with trails of varying difficulty levels. In addition, a drive through the park will allow you to visit more than 700 lakes and learn about the history of American-Indian tribes like the Blackfeet, Kootenai, Salish, and more! Let’s explore the miles of wonders and help you make an itinerary with a guide on things to do and places to stay in the park. Having said that, the park offers boating, bus rides, and horse riding tours. However, hiking is the best way to get to know the park well.  Where Is Glacier National Park? How To Reach It? The 1,583 square miles of wilderness of Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana, United States. It is close to Waterton Lakes and the Canada-United States border.  Furthermore, Columbia Falls is the nearest city to this national park. If you want to visit the park, you can reach its southern boundary through Highway 2. However, if you want to enter the park from its east side, you must take Highway 89.  Moreover, the nearest airports to this national park are Kalispell and Great Falls. From there, you will have to reach the park by road.  Visitor Centers of the Park Apgar Visitor Center St. Mary Visitor Center Logan Pass Visitor Center Operating Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. You can visit the park on 365 days of the year.  You will have to pay some fees at the entrance. The entrance stations will not always be human-crewed. However, you must make a self-payment following the instructions at the entrance.  Where To Stay In Glacier National Park? Once you have reached the park safely, you will, of course, look for safe accommodation. Camping and wilderness camping are surely the best options if you want to make the most of the park experience.  However, you can always explore the lodging options for more comfort. The park also has restaurants and stores, providing you with basic amenities.  Lodges In Glacier National Park  Look at the table below for details about the lodging options at Glacier National Park. Lodging Facility OperatesContact Information Glacier National Park Lodges/Xanterra Parks & ResortsVillage Inn MotelLake McDonald LodgeRising Sun Motor InnSwiftcurrent Motor Inn(855) 733-4522 (USA)(303) 265-7010 (Outside the USA)Glacier Park Collection Apgar Village LodgeMotel Lake McDonald(844) 868-7474Sperry Chalet & Granite Park Chalet (These are two backcountry chalets in Glacier National Park.)Sperry ChaletGranite Park Chalet(888) 345-2649 It is always better to check the availability at the lodges in advance. Further, some of these lodges have historic associations. For example, the Lake McDonald Lodge became a “National Historic Landmark” in 1987.  Did you know that Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the best examples of Swiss chalet architecture, and it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America? Talk to the staff in the lodges to unearth more stories and anecdotes about these places.  Camping In Glacier National Park Glacier National Park has 13 front country campgrounds. Along with putting up a tent, these campsites are also suitable for RVs and other vehicles.  These campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served, or reservation basis. So, let’s explore the options.  Type of BookingName of the CampgroundHighlights First-Come, First-Served Bowman Lake CampgroundIt offers the best view of Bowman Lake.Further, it is known for its serene ambiance. Cut Bank CampgroundThe Cut Bank Campground is the best for backcountry trips.It is also close to many day-hiking trails. Kintla Lake CampgroundI found this campground the most picturesque camping destination in the park.Sitting on the Kintla Lake, it is a quiet place for camping. Logging Creek CampgroundThis campground is close to Logging Lake.Also, you will love it if you prefer some solitude. Quartz Creek CampgroundIt is the smallest campground in the park, and you will love it for its pristine charm. Rising Sun CampgroundYou can enjoy the best view of Red Eagle Mountain from this camping ground.Further, as the name suggests, it offers beautiful sunrise views. ReservedApgar CampgroundThe evening programs at the Apgar Amphitheater are the most entertaining thing to do in the park.You can take a short walk from this camping ground to enjoy the sunset views of Lake McDonald. Avalanche CampgroundAvalanche Campground is great for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching.In addition, it is connected to many day-hiking trails. Fish Creek CampgroundIt offers decent views of Lake McDonald.Also, you can enjoy some privacy here. Many Glacier CampgroundIt is the best camping ground to experience wilderness in the park. Further, you can see bears and bighorn sheep here. St. Mary CampgroundIt is the hub of interpretive programs and many other events in the park.Also, it is the largest campground on the park’s eastern side. Sprague Creek CampgroundCamping is comfortable here with shades of trees.Further, it offers the best view of Lake McDonald. Two Medicine CampgroundIf you want red bus and boat tours, Two Medicine Campground is the best for you. Further, it offers better privacy than other campgrounds.Also, it leads to the Running Eagle Falls and many other popular hiking trails.  So, choose a campground based on your desired experience and other preferences. For reservation, contacting the park authority at least six months before your visit is better.   Wilderness Camping In Glacier National Park You will need a wilderness permit if you’re going to do wilderness camping in the park. If you ask me, camping by the riverside is the best option. Further, if you want to be more adventurous, you can try wilderness camping in winter with special permits.  Here, I will only discuss the best riverside camping options in the wilderness. You will need river camping permits and must abide by the camping regulations on the riverside.  North Fork Flathead River The undesignated wilderness camping along the North Fork Flathead River is a great place if you want to try paddling or angling. Boating in the river is also a popular activity here.  Middle Fork Flathead River  The Middle Fork Flathead River camping is the best choice to explore the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Further, the primitive setup here offers you the most adventurous camping experience.  What To Do In Glacier National Park? Try Hiking To Know The Park's Best  It does not matter whether you want a short hiking expedition or a long backpacking experience. The Glacier National Park has you covered. So, let’s know about some of the trails.  Avalanche Lake  Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate Trek Distance - 5.9 Miles  This trek route is close to the Lake McDonald Lodge, and before you start the trek, you can enjoy a boat ride in Lake McDonald before starting your day.  You will see many waterfalls and mountains while hiking through this beautiful and easy trail.  Highline Trail Difficulty Level - Moderate Trek Distance - 7.2 Miles  If you want to experience the core essence of the Glacier National Park in one day, you must trek through the Highline Trail. You will visit Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the best wildflowers throughout your hiking expedition. Further, the Continental Divide makes the pain-stricken hike worth it. However, be careful during the last 4 miles of the trek, as trekking downward through the trail is Scary!  Siyeh Pass Difficulty Level - Strenuous Trek Distance - Over 10 Miles  Siyeh Pass is the trekking trail you must explore to see the 1.5 billion-year-old fossils in the park. You will also get to see many glaciers throughout the trek. The glaciers visible in this trekking route are: Blackfoot Sexton Piegan Jackson In addition, you will love trekking through the spruce and fir forests, and the wildflowers in the meadows are a treat for the eyes.  Hidden Meadow  Difficulty Level - Easy Trek Distance - 3 Miles  Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park is a kid-friendly trail. Further, it is a short trek taking you through forests until you reach a meadow for an expansive view of the surroundings.  Also, you will love the largest Douglas firs here.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. 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