From Munich With Beer: Oktoberfest Revelry

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2024

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is an underrated hub of geothermal wonders and intriguing landscapes. Endless trails in the park and the rugged beauty make it a favorite of hikers and campers. Do you also want to know where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park?   This national park has limited lodging options. However, if you are into outdoor pursuits and want to make the most of this national park, the home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world, camping and glamping are the best options for you.   This park has a combination of basic and developed campgrounds. Further, you can try backcountry camping to encounter the wilderness. Are you in for the fun?  Pack your bags, and find the most adventurous accommodation near Lassen Volcanic Park.   Where To Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park?   Drakesbad Guest Ranch and Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins are two of the most comfortable options for anyone looking for where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park. Further, Drakesbad Guest Ranch is the only “hotel-like” lodging facility.  However, Drakesbad Guest Ranch will remain closed throughout 2024. It is still under recovery after the rampage of the 2021 Dixie Fire breakout.   At the same time, the Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins only remain open from late May to mid-October. So, camping and glamping are the best options if you want to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park.   Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park  Among the seven campgrounds in the Lassen Volcanic National Park, only four will remain open in 2024. Also, the remaining four are undergoing recovery work, and hence, they are not suitable for lodging or camping.   The table below shows a list of camping sites in the Lassen Volcanic National Park and their availability for the season. It’s time to know where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park.   Name of the Camping Site  Availability  Butte Lake Single Sites Group Sites Stock Corral Juniper Lake Closed for 2024 Lost Creek Group Open Manzanita Lake Single Sites Camping Cabins Summit Lake North Sites South Sites Southwest Campground Southwest Parking Warner Valley Closed for 2024.   Before you choose a campground for you, you must focus on the kind of activity you want to explore. For example, if you want to enjoy the best amenities, kayaking, and take a rejuvenating shower, the Manzanita Lake campground will be the best for you.   Further, if you want to enjoy the best hydrothermal activities and are a recluse by nature, the Warner Valley Campground will be an excellent pick for you. Also, the Southwest Campground is the only campground that remains open throughout the year.   Amenities Available At Lassen Volcanic Park Camping Sites   You can divide the amenities available for Lassen Volcanic Park camping into four categories. So, let’s have a look at the chart below to learn about the amenities in detail.  Amenities & Services  Availability  Campsite Picnic Table Fire Ring Bear-Resistant Storage Locker Hard-Sided Vehicle Campground Spigots (Except Juniper Lake) Drinking Water Sinks (Except Juniper Lake) Flush Toilets Utility Sinks for Dish Washing Trash Receptacles/Recyclables  Camper (Manzanita Lake Area) Laundromat Showers Food Supplies Souvenirs from Mid-May through Mid-October Dump Station Accessibility (Manzanita Lake A32 and B9, Butte Lake A6, and North Summit Lake A-1) Wheelchair Restrooms   You can get additional camping services at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center near the Southwest Campground. Here, you will find camping services, food, and souvenirs.   Further, you can get laundromat and shower facilities in the Warner Valley Areas and Juniper Lake from the town of Chester.   Backcountry Camping Near Lassen Volcanic Park   The major part of the Lassen Volcanic Park  is a “designated wilderness.” You will need a wilderness permit to camp in these locations. Further, you will have to follow the “Leave no Trace Principles” to minimize human impact on these camping grounds and keep their natural conditions unadulterated.   Under these “Leave No Trace” principles, you must ensure that:  You need to do advanced and detailed planning for the backcountry camping.  Also, traveling and camping are only allowed on surfaces that are durable.  You must dispose of your waste properly.  You cannot litter.  Avoid touching historical statues and artifacts.  Ensure that the campfires you lit have minimized impacts.  Be respectful to wildlife.  Respect other visitors.  Along with adhering to these Leave No Trace Principles, you will also have to abide by the backcountry camping rules and regulations.   If you are carrying firearms or weapons, you will have to carry the California Concealed Weapons Permit. You cannot hunt or use Bear Spray in this park.  You can use a bear-resistant storage container to keep these wild animals at bay. Moreover, you cannot use a woodfire, bicycles, or pets for backcountry camping. Also, keep your group smaller (less than 10 people) to get permission for backcountry camping.   Glamping Near Lassen National Park    With changing amenities, camping near Lassen National Park has become more glamorous. There has been a new concept of glamping. It allows you to encounter wilderness with all the amenities indoors.   Let’s have a look at the glamping accommodations available.   Little House In The Big Woods   This is a humble 5-acre glamping accommodation for people who want to know where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park. This glamping station has potable water, toilets, and camping facilities.   The tariff here starts from $99 per night.   Camp Almanor At Big Springs   https://www.instagram.com/p/CrCmRT-r2Y0/ Camp Almanor at Big Springs is one of the most luxurious accommodations where your pets can accompany you. As the name suggests, you can cherish the pristine beauty of Lake Almanor from this camp. Further, it has toilets and potable water facilities.  However, the rent for this glamping accommodation is quite high, and the tariff starts from $175 per night.   Camp Becausewecan  In Quincy, California, it is one of the pet-friendly glamping accommodations near Lassen Volcanic Park. Further, this 17-acre private property also has amenities like campfires and potable water.   The rent for this accommodation starts from $40 per night.   Story Creekside Retreat   It is one of the most reasonable glamping accommodations near Lassen Volcanic Park. The best thing about this accommodation is that it has Warner Creek running through it.   It is a pet-friendly glamping site, with a tariff starting from $25 per night.   Final Words   Is there anything else you want to know about where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park? Put up a camp or try glamping to make the most of this national park, boasting unique hydrothermal features.   You will find all four types of volcanoes here. Also, meadows, forests, and mountain lakes will present the most versatile landscape in front of you.   So, get ready to admire the rugged beauty of the park during the daytime and its tranquil beauty at night. Once you come back, don’t forget to share your camping experience with us!   Where To Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park (FAQs)  Can You Camp Free In Lassen Volcanic National Park?   No, you cannot camp free in Lassen Volcanic National Park. You will have to pay around $1 to $21 to put up camps at any of the chosen campgrounds. Dry campgrounds without basic amenities like water or flushing toilets come at a cheaper rate.  However, if you are looking for free campsites, you must explore the dispersed camping options at the Lassen National Forest.   These camping sites do not offer standard amenities. Further, you must adhere to the “No Trace Policy” while leaving the campsites.   How Long Should You Stay At Lassen Volcanic Park?   You can stay from one to three days in Lassen Volcanic Park based on what kind of trekker or explorer you are. However, if you want to minutely observe the diverse landscape of the park, the entire expedition may take you around a week.   On the first day, you can try hiking on the Bumpass Hell Trail. You will encounter various hydrothermal activities on this trail, which is the largest geothermal area in the park. The geothermal water here is green or emerald blue in color. Further, the rocks and soil here have orange or yellow colors because of the minerals present in the hydrothermal water.  On the second day, you can visit Kings Creek Falls and enjoy an immersive experience at Lake Manzanita. In addition, you can reserve the night for some essential spiritual and psychological activities such as stargazing.  Are you a seasoned hiker? You can keep your third day in the park hiking the Lassen Peak Trail. Also, you can dedicate the 3rd day to know the exotic wildlife at this national park. Remember that it’s home to around 300 species of vertebrates.   Do You Need A Permit For Lassen Volcanic Park?   You will not need a permit to stay in the Lassen Volcanic Park, provided you are camping on the established campgrounds. Also, a permit is not required when you are hiking in the park.   However, if you have plans for backcountry camping, you will need a permit. To collect the wilderness permit, you will have to visit the recreation.gov website. It is the only channel for obtaining the wilderness permit.   Further, for the wilderness permit, you will have to pay a non-refundable amount of $6 as an administration fee to recreation.gov. Also, if you are over 16 years old, you will need to pay $5 for each trip.   Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. 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BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  sagnika Mar 18, 2025

Are you making plans to visit Chicago? Are you wondering if is Chicago safe? Wondering how being a solo traveler, it is important to be aware and integrate your safety precautions before you visit the bustling streets and neighborhood solo!   Let me share with you some of my experiences which I really enjoyed. You have to prioritize your safety before you do anything! Acquiring experience is important however, it is significant that you should learn about some of the safest places to stay and visit safe places to eat and visit.  If you are looking for one of the warm places to travel in February, skip Chicago. Instead, focus on how you can travel safely.   Is Chicago Safe? Question as a Solo Female Traveler!   A fantastic destination, Chicago has repeatedly been identified as a safe location for travelers. When you question about exploring places in Chicago solo, you need some safety tips that will help you make a successful vacation plan. Afterall, you are going to one of the exotic places to travel!   The vibrant city of Chicago is quite accessible with excellent public transportation. If I share my personal experience, I love traveling alone and when I went on a vacation to Chicago, I realized that the public transportation system is so easy to navigate, that it was a breeze for me to get around.   There are many tourist attractions, quite close to each other. Planning and creating cluster location trips is both affordable and safe for a solo female traveler. Let me share with you some of the things to do, top restaurants, top places for accommodations and others while being safe.   Safety Tips for Solo Female Traveler!   When you are traveling, the first thing you need to keep in mind as a solo female traveler is your safety. It is crucial when you are traveling solo especially when you need to enjoy as well as stay safe. Please keep the following tips in mind:   Learn more about the city – You should go through maps of Chicago and familiarize yourself with the city, its streets and places. Go through the layout of Chicago, and either use mobile apps or physical maps to navigate across the city. Trust me, you will feel more confident when you know all about the city’s places, streets, routes, and places to visit.   Follow the safety guidelines – There are general safety guidelines, especially if you are traveling alone. You must stick to safety practices. A vibrant city, Chicago is safe, but you still need to be aware of the place properly to travel alone. Chicago can easily be one of the best places to travel solo female in the US.   Awareness of surroundings – You need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to keeping your things to yourself. Try to avoid deserted streets or buildings along with strangers trying to be over-friendly.   Visit the tourist-friendly areas – The city is overall a cool place to be, but there are some places where you need to be a little aware. It is better to avoid them if you are a solo female traveler. Yes, you will find security measures being taken to keep people visiting these places safe.   Things to Do in Chicago   Let me share with you some of the things to do when you visit Chicago while staying safe. If you love visiting museums, this is your chance to utilize most of your vacation time. You can visit the following places if visiting museums, and cafes and going on walks is your vibe.   Field Museum – Open from 9 am to 5 pm, this state-of-the-art museum displaces beautiful scientific artifacts, displays, and exhibits. You will also find several inventions that are displayed in this museum. Furthermore, you get to see the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the largest display in the world!   Millennium Park – Open from 6 am to 11 pm, sprawled across 24.5 acres of green, there is an outdoor theater. Furthermore, you can take memorable pictures in front of the reflective “Bean” structure. This is one of the best places to travel with kids if you are traveling with your family!   The Art Institute of Chicago – Open from 11 am to 8 pm, this museum is known worldwide. It has exhibits that are collected from all over the world across many centuries.   Lincoln Park Zoo – Open from 10 am to 5 pm, this zoo is small. However, their exhibit is quite good as you get to see primates, reptiles, lions, and other animals free of cost. There is also a children’s area along with a very interactive farm exhibit.   Griffin Museum of Science and Industry   – Open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, this sprawling space is filled with industrial exhibits and child-friendly scientific exhibits that are quite informative.   Riverwalk – You can visit this place between 6 am to 11 pm. A pedestrian path along the riverside offers you beautiful city views. If you are solo traveling, it is a perfect place for dining with a lucrative view. You can also check out the bridges, boat docks, and fishing piers!   Top Restaurants and Bars to Visit   I am a foodie, so I love checking out places that offer delicious food along with a variety of options. Chicago offers you delicious food especially for people who are solo traveling. The experience is both enigmatic and beautiful.   The Longroom – If you are a beer enthusiast, this is the perfect place to try delicious craft beers. The vibe is great while the pub fare is not that expensive so, as a solo experience, it is perfect.   Girl & The Goat   https://www.instagram.com/p/DF3jhNDzQdn/?img_index=1 – The innovative cuisine is the selling point of the restaurant so, every time you visit the place, you get to eat something exciting and new. Visiting this place is the perfect way to experience the developing culinary scene of Chicago.   Olio e Piu   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGGQN_xTnXn/ – The Italian restaurant is quite charming serving a cozy environment with delicious dishes. If you are looking for an authentic trattoria, this is it for you. Try their fritto misto, Nutella calzone, carbonara and Margherita Pizza and others.   The Signature Room at the 95th   https://www.instagram.com/p/CtMYSa8qwU0/?hl=en – Giving you the perfect rooftop vibe, the pub is located high above the city offering stunning skylines. You will get the perfect feel for solo dining with delicious and mesmerizing food dishes.    Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria   https://www.instagram.com/p/DE24sxrTRb8/?img_index=2 – The deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati is a popular Chicago classic! You must try this if you want to experience Chicago-style pizza thus, feel the authenticity.   The Purple Pig   https://www.instagram.com/p/DHHa8AGgm8P/?img_index=3 – If you are craving some Mediterranean–inspired dishes, this is the place to be! The Charcuterie is to die for. Starting for delicious cocktails, you must try their roasted bone marrow with herbs, crispy pig’s ear, grilled broccoli, Spanish octopus, and others.   Best Neighborhood for Booking Your Accommodations   If you are planning to visit Chicago, let me suggest some of the coolest and safest neighborhoods creating the perfect environment for your solo travel. When booking your accommodations, let me share with you some of the places known for various things!   If you want to shop in Chicago, the best neighborhood to stay is around the North Side. You must visit the Magnificent Mile which is vibrant and filled with charming elements all around. There are several stores, both high-end brands, unique flagship outlets, and street styles!   You also need to consider visiting near historic water tower and the John Hancock Center. Overall, it brings to the forefront the rich history of Chicago. A perfect mix of cultural exploration and retail therapy thus, providing a perfect place for your solo self to shop.   If you are planning to party, another place in Chicago to offer you vibrant nightlight is River North. Popular for eclectic bars, vibrant live music venues, and a high-energy club scene, the neighborhood exudes nocturnal life. You can visit the roof-top lounges like LondonHouse and The Godfrey Hotel!   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, if you are wondering if is Chicago safe especially if you are a solo female traveler, plan your vacation based on the tips. Remember the safety tips I have shared along with keeping your eyes and ears open.   Comment below if you need any more information regarding creating a travel plan when visiting Chicago! Furthermore, you can also let us know if any safety tips that we have missed in this article.