Ohio Attractions: What There Is To Attract Us To Ohio

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Savannah has recently been in the limelight for great reasons. At the just-concluded 2024 Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Tourism Industry Excellence Awards, Savannah in the Round has been conferred the Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award. Savannah in the Round is a popular music and arts festival and with it winning the laurel, Savannah will get a great kick in the city’s art tourism.  However, the unique things to do in Savannah are much beyond only nurturing the musical and arty aspects. For the longest time, it has been a hub of history enthusiasts, especially the ones eager to know about American history. There is no wonder that Savannah and Chatham County have created an economic impact of $4.7 billion, thanks to tourism in 2023.  "What we are most pleased about is our visitors are staying longer and spending more money when they are here. That tells us that the overall Savannah visitor experience, when it comes to lodging, dining, and other activities, is meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. A goal the hospitality community strives for every day."Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO, Visit Savannah So, do you want to explore the promising tourism landscape of Savannah? Try the following activities on your first visit. Most Unique Things To Do In Savannah (Don’t Miss Out On The Tour And Travel Tips) Tourism in Savannah is crucial for the community as it has sustained 30,000 jobs annually in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Further, the insights from locals and industry insiders have confirmed that the tourists now choose local businesses and hotels in the city. To be more specific, tourists here prefer to eat at locally-owned restaurants and buy stuff from local retail businesses. “With two-thirds of respondents intentionally favoring locally-owned restaurants and retail offerings, we as industry leaders must acknowledge and harness this trend.”Todd Costin, General Manager Hyatt Regency Savannah and Visit Savannah Chair So, are you ready to explore the true flavors of Savannah while visiting the iconic landmarks? Here are the best things to do in Savannah, curated and approved by the Tour and Travel expert team.  1. A Day Trip To Tybee Island A day trip to Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah if you want a relaxing holiday. The Little Tybee Island is the hidden gem of this trip, with only boats taking you to this pristine destination.  Along with being a picturesque beach destination, Tybee Island also has places of attractions like the Tybee Island Light Station, Marine Science Center, etc. When on Tybee Island, don’t miss a visit to Fort Pulaski, a place of great historic significance between Tybee Island and Savannah.  2. Visiting The Bonaventure Cemetery Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM The 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is among the best attractions for literary and music enthusiasts. Names like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken rest here. Further, the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery has the grave of Danny Hansford. For the uninitiated, the murder of Danny Hansford was the main inspiration behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the bestseller by John Berendt. Tour And Travel Tips Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle and bug spray while visiting this cemetery.  3. Visiting The River Street River Street in the Waterfront District of Savannah is one of the most prominent travel destinations in the city. It runs along the Savannah River and many people also take a cruise ride from Hilton Head to River Street to take a stroll and explore the city’s history. However, the main attractions here are the souvenir shops. Further, you can enjoy serious gastronomic delights at the local restaurants.  Moreover, sipping your favorite drink at the old cotton warehouses while enjoying the river view is the most relaxing experience one can expect.  4. Visiting The Old Sorrel Weed House https://www.instagram.com/p/C0igAyIMSLe/?img_index=1 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 3 PM (Sunday) This villa, built in 1840, stands proudly on Harris Street with its unique Greek revival style. Francis Sorrel built the villa, and with time, it became home to Moxley Sorrel, the brigadier general and an important figure in the Civil War. Did You Know?The second wife of Francis Sorrel committed suicide at the Old Sorrel Weed House along with one of the slave workers.Old-Sorrel Weed House was also featured in one of the episodes of HGTV’s Ghost Adventures. However, today, along with being a place of architectural and historic importance, it is also a popular destination for ghost tours in Savannah. So, if you are interested in ghosts and spirits, a Ghost Tour on Paranormal Investigations here will be one of the best things to do in Savannah. Tour And Travel Notes Don’t miss a visit to Chippewa Square, near the Old Sorrel Weed House. It was the location of the famous Tom Hanks movie, Forest Gump. In the movie, the actor sits on a bench at Chippewa Square and narrates his life stories.  5. A Tour Of Fort Pulaski National Monument Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM The 19th-century Pulaski National Monument gets its name from Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War Hero. Originally built as a watchpoint to save Savannah from coastal attacks, the fort slowly became a part of the history of slaves in Savannah. Slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad used to take refuge in Fort Pulaski. So, visiting this historic fort is one of the most important things to do in Savannah and learn about the city’s relation with the history of slavery.  6. Exploring The Savannah African Art Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C23I31agi7y/ Operating Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM The Savannah African Art Museum is home to over thousand artworks from central and west Africa. You can visit the spiritual and ceremonial collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. These objects are crafted from ceramics, metals, wood, etc. The museum’s mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art.” Tour And Travel Note Savannah African Art Museum is a hidden gem and a great conversation starter for people interested in African culture. Further, you will see many sculptures, textiles, masks, and other objects on display with the guide explaining their significance to you. You can attend the 1-hour tours of the collectibles from Wednesday to Saturday. These tours start every 30 minutes.  7. Visiting The Wormsloe State Historic Site Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4:45 PM Are you up for a stroll with towering oak trees gracing the pathways? The dressing of Spanish moss makes these oak trees appear as a witness to the changes in nature and human histories related to this place. This is a great place for photography enthusiasts. However, as you pass the entryway, you will encounter the oldest standing structure of Savannah, the Wormsloe Ruins. Noble Jones, a carpenter and one of the first-generation settlers from England built an estate here in the 1750s. He recruited slaves to plant cotton and vegetables and run the estate as a profitable business. Today, you can visit the ruins and a small museum tour will help you find the artifacts unearthed here. Tour And Travel Tips   Don’t miss a walk on the interpretative trail at the Wormsloe State Historic Site. This trail along the Skidaway River marsh has interpreters in costumes. They interpret the colonial history of this estate and Georgia.  8. Introspection At The First African Baptist Church The first African Baptist Church of 1773 is the longest-running Black church in North America. Rev. George Liele organized the church. He was a slave, but the British released him and he became the pastor of this church. Andrew Bryan became the church’s second pastor as George Liele left for Jamaica. You can attend a service at the church or visit the following things, bearing the church’s architectural features and histories. Original light fixtures Balcony pews Baptismal pool Stained-glass windows Underground Railroad You can complete a tour of this church within 1 hour. So, visiting this church will easily fit into your list of things to do in Savannah.  Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

The holiday season is around the corner, and we’re already planning holidays. If you are heading to your family, going on a holiday, or elsewhere, pre-booking will help you make the journey easier and more enjoyable.  This is the full guide on assisting you with holiday travel, including expert tips and practical advice for preparing for holidays easily.  1. Prepare in Advance for an Easy Journey  The sooner you book, the more likely you will get what you want. When traveling, it is best to go during holidays and reserve rooms and seats in advance.  Don’t leave it late; arrange transportation and accommodation ahead of time. Put together tickets, accommodation, and transport on a list.  Be sure to look at the weather forecast in your destination to be able to pack suitably. You do not want to be caught in a snowstorm or heatwave with the wrong equipment!  2. Intelligent Holiday Travel Budgeting  Holiday travel costs can easily exceed budget, especially during peak holiday seasons. Setting a realistic budget when making holiday plans will prevent overspending.  Budget your expenses under allocations to pay for your airfare, accommodations, travel, restaurants, tour fare, and shopping.  Utilize discounts online, compare prices, and hostels, Airbnb, or travel off-season. No need; forward reservation can also assist. It’s also smart to have some ready money for emergencies such as tips or impulsive shopping.  3. Pack Smart and Light  Intelligent packing will save the day and avoid inconvenience. Pack only the necessities and try to keep it light.  Use multi-functional clothing that you can interchange to reduce the amount of clothing to carry.  Don’t spare any space in your luggage to purchase souvenirs or new clothes during travel. Don’t exceed your baggage allowance limits so that you can have additional charges to pay at the airport.  If your journey is short, a carry-on flight would do. A physician’s kit containing medicine, a first aid kit, and photocopies of the documents that will be needed should be kept handy in case of an accident.  4. Travel with Pets  If a pet is being taken along on a holiday vacation, find out if your hotel is pet-friendly and look up the travel rules in advance.  Some airlines and other carriers also require health certificates for pets, so have your vet issue one.  Be prepared by bringing along the basics, such as pet food, water, a leash, toys, and medication if prescribed.  When traveling, consider your pets' safety and comfort as well. Plan in advance for pet care requirements.  5. Insure Yourself with Travel Insurance  Unexpected events like flight delays, lost luggage, or illness can spoil your tour and leave you stranded. Travel insurance helps by giving you confidence through reimbursement of unexpected costs.  Depending on your holiday, you can decide to buy an upgraded policy that includes trip cancellation, illness, or even flight delay. Make sure to read the cover details before buying so that it will be worth it.  6. Create a Flexible Schedule  Planning never hurts, but flexibility is the key to enhancing your holiday experience. See where you are required to go, check their opening time, and write down their holiday hours.  Adopt a flexible approach in the event your arrangements are foiled or in case you wish to insert unplanned encounters on your path.  The holiday season means large numbers of people, and flexibility will avoid getting agitated if matters fail as expected.  7. Travel Checklist  Ensure you have all the documents and essentials with you before you go out to your destination. A list of essentials is as follows:  • Genuine travel documents (passport, visas, etc.)  • Cash and debit/credit cards (both are recommended)  • Travel insurance information  • Medication prescribed and first aid kits  • Phone chargers for electronic devices and adapters  • Rain or weather-specific footwear and clothing  • Toilet and personal items  8. Protect Your Belongings  It’s always exciting to travel to a new place, but protecting your belongings is equally important.  Stealing and pickpocketing can occur anywhere, particularly in crowded places such as airports or sightseeing sites.  Store your valuables in a money pouch or safe belt, and don’t carry all your money or cards at the same time.  It is also wise to have photocopies or digital copies of important documents (such as your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts) just in case they are stolen or lost.  9. Be Frugal with Your Holiday Money  Over-spending on your holiday can cause anxiety once the holiday season is over.  To prevent this, keep track of your spending once in a while on holiday. Have a budget for everyday activities and meals and prioritize substances over goods when spending.  If you tend to mindless shopping, place restrictions before eating out or shopping beforehand. The most memorable aspects of your vacation are likely the experiences, not the trinkets!   10. Foreign Currency Exchange & Financial Planning  If you are traveling abroad, it’s convenient to get used to the foreign currency and exchange rate.  Don’t exchange a large amount of money at the airport, where they offer less favorable exchange rates. Rather, use local ATMs and withdraw your money when you arrive.  It is also advisable to notify your bank of your travel so you won’t have any issues transacting on foreign grounds. Finally, for added convenience, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.   11. Stay Connected for Safety & Convenience  You will require a functional phone or device to communicate with others and utilize in emergencies on the road.  If you are traveling abroad, buy an international SIM card or international data plan so that you can call.  Also, let a trustworthy friend or relative know your travel plans so that they can trace you. This is an extra precaution and convenient in the event that you need help on the road.  Final Words!  Vacation travel, if well planned, can be smooth sailing and hassle-free. Whether you are a frugal traveler, security-aware adventurer, culture-aware traveler, or packing expert and one.  Like any of them, the following is the best advice for hassle-free and successful travel.  Considering all this, you should remember that quality planning will ensure that you’re carefree during travel. Safe and happy holidays! 

BY  sagnika Mar 20, 2025

Travelers play an important role in the overall growth and economic development of San Francisco! According to a report by the San Francisco Travel Association in 2023, travelers contributed about $522 million in tax revenues and tourism-generated fees to San Francisco.    About 21.9 million visitors visited San Francisco in 2022, which is 29% higher than 2021 reports. Now, you know why it is important to know whether San Francisco is safe for tourists. What about the people who live in the city?   Read the blog in detail to learn more about the safety tips necessary for you if you are planning to explore the city. Additionally, you will see all types of culture across the city hence, to make your memories forever flourishing try to be cautious. You also get to learn all about things to do in San Francisco in this blog!   Learn More About San Francisco: Is San Francisco Safe?   One of the most beautiful cities, San Francisco is America’s jewel! Starting from Golden Gate Park to the vibrant Chinatown, Alamo Square Park to Golden Gate Bridge, cafes of North Beach and others hold all that is beautiful in the city.   A hub for rock and roll music, San Francisco brings technology, financial, and shipping services together. If you are planning to travel to San Francisco, know that the highest number of travelers are business travelers. It is one of the exotic places to travel though if you love national parks and museums.   In the past few decades, the city has struggled with drug addiction and crime, which has led to travelers asking, “is San Francisco Safe?” However, is it only about the city being unsafe? Or is it about enjoying the place, San Francisco being a perfect mix of nature and technology!   Safety Tips when Visiting San Francisco   When you are planning to visit San Francisco, you must be cautious. Even though it is not a place that is unsafe consistently, however, as an individual you need to be aware of your surroundings wherever you travel. The city is also one of the cheapest places to travel right now in the USA!   Traveling is fun but it is also important for you to be responsible. It is quite a common experience to face petty theft or property crime, be it in a major or a small city. So, when you visit San Francisco, you need to carry your bags cautiously.   Keep your documents safe, especially the ones that are needed for traveling. Make sure that you keep all your electronics carefully, arranging them in your package, thus ensuring that you will have the safest trip possible.   Safe Accommodation Options in San Francisco   Several San Francisco neighborhoods are quite safe especially if you are trying to explore the city, stay out late, or enjoy yourself alone. Let me share with you some of the significant accommodation options in San Francisco:   Outer Sunset – a residential area, this place is quite close to Golden Gate Park where the rate of crime is quite low. Several budget-friendly options start from $150 per person, quite cozy. The SeaScape Inn is close to the beach, creating a perfect place for you to stay.   Nob Hill – starting from $400 per night, this area is known for its historical relevance. You can book your room at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel which brings panoramic views along with offering plush rooms.   Pacific Heights – The place is perfect as a safe place, especially with clean streets, and no property crimes along mansions. You can book rooms at Hotel Drisco which costs about $500 per night. There is room service, delicious breakfast along with elegant and luxurious rooms.   Cultural Callouts in San Francisco   Considering there are several cultures in San Francisco, there are some tips to be aware of them. This will ensure that you do not end up hurting anyone’s sentiments along with being comfortable.    If you keep an eye out for these variations, it will help you be ready for anything that comes. Let me share with you some of the tips to prepare you for the cultural variations:   “Karl the Fog” this phrase is not about any celebrity instead; it is the local people talking about how it might be time to wear a jacket. Furthermore, it will get chilly, the natives know when the weather is changing accordingly, and they talk about it. It is just their way of staying safe.   This is an important callout, especially for smokers! Did you know that smoking is banned in restaurants, bars and parks, basically all public spots? Try to leave a tip when you eat at a restaurant, it is common practice. 15 to 20% of the meal is expected as a tip and the servers look forward to receiving it.   Most people of San Francisco are nice and friendly; however, they lead a busy life. What is more important is they might not have the energy or the time to talk to you for long, especially if you are a stranger. However, over time, they warm up to you.   Safely Navigate the City   Fraudsters and scammers often hang around various gas stations! They try to act fancy, but they claim to not have any cash to fill their gas and request you to pay them cash.   This is where they offer you a watch or an accessory, which they claim is expensive. You think you are getting the better side of the deal as you take the watch and pay money to them.   You later realize the watch or an accessory cost just a couple of bucks thus scamming you for money. Petty theft is also a part of the city; hence you need to navigate the city by keeping your minds about you! If you have travel cards, especially if you have one of the best travel credit cards with you, you need to keep it safe.   There is also an application, Bounce, where you can keep your luggage while you explore the city! Several local businesses also use their services. This is a pro tip especially if you are a lone traveler. Keeping your luggage with them will help you travel without any tension!   Is San Francisco Safe?   At times, San Francisco is overall a safe place to be, however, with a few things to keep in mind. If you are still questioning, whether is San Francisco safe, you need to always be aware of your surroundings. You must keep your purses, cell phone, and other important belongings.   You also need to know more about the places, the streets, the hotels and restaurants. When visiting San Francisco, you need to know the navigation of the city in detail so that you can stay safe.   Comment below if you think I have missed anything when it comes to safety tips necessary to visit San Francisco. Enjoy yourself along with being happy and safe!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.