Read What is it Like to have One Day in Tokyo! 

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of socials. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮 So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.  At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.  We wanted to keep it all hearts as the Hollywood movies have taught us!  Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.  In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for the visitors to this city. So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  Completing a hike to the Hollywood sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potter Heads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies.  If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  Moreover, Universal Studios Hollywood has year-round attractions like “Jurassic World - The Ride,” “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, etc. So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the topmost once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids. 3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of your day of visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj/ Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is the best amalgamation of all three elements mentioned in the name.  It is an excellent place for researchers as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span between the 11th to 21st centuries.  Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American and Asian work.  Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from 7th December after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain put till New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road lines.  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 Apr 29, 2025

John has plans to visit Italy this year. He has been saving the fun for many months now.  However, a medical emergency in the family has resulted in some unexpected expenses. So, he was clueless about how he would arrange the funds, as he did not want to cancel the plans.  I suggested that he go for vacation payment plans.  The global market for “Travel Now and Play Later” services is about to reach $98.6 billion by 2033. Also known as the “Buy Now Pay Later” or BNPL Option, it is an important type of vacation payment plan.  Many travel companies offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) or other all-inclusive vacation payment plans. Here, you don’t need to pay all the charges for your vacation upfront.  On the contrary, with these vacation payment plans, you can now book your travel requirements and pay the money over time. Typically, these payment plans feature fixed monthly installment payments. Also, based on the company, these plans are available without interest or with interest.  In addition, many companies offering vacation payment plans will allow you to make a small down payment and pay the remaining amount in installments before you set out for the trip or even after completing the trip.  Here, the repayment policies will differ from one company to another.  Now, on the Tour and Travel Blog Board, we understand that traveling isn't just about choosing a travel destination, knowing the attractions, and making the itinerary.  We often overlook the funding part, only to end up in a soup, thinking about the expenses. So, here, we will discuss how these companies offering vacation payment plans are making traveling easier for you.  Also, in this, we have Escapes.ca as our expert partner, decoding the benefits of vacation payment plans and how they work for us. How Do The Best Vacation Payment Plans Work? Usually, the application for vacation payment plans works through the following step-by-step process. How it works: 1. Select "Flex Pay" or "Pay Monthly" at checkout:Many companies offer payment plans that are easily selected during the booking process.  2. Quick application:You'll need to provide some personal information for a quick decision.  3. Enjoy your trip:You can travel and start enjoying your vacation even if you haven't fully paid for it yet.  4. Choose Easy Monthly Payments To Repay The AmountThe remaining balance is paid in fixed monthly installments, often with no late fees or prepayment penalties.  What Are The Best Companies Offering Vacation Payment Plans? Here are some top names in offering vacation payment plans.  CompaniesBenefitsAmerican Airlines VacationsOffers Flex Pay with interest-free options.Beaches ResortsProvides Flex Pay for easy monthly installments.Air Canada VacationsAllows you to pay monthly and travel even if your balance hasn't been fully paid.United VacationsAllows you to book a vacation and pay monthly with a small down payment and pay the rest later.SellOffVacations.comOffers Flex Pay with fixed monthly installments.CheapCaribbeanPartners with Flex Pay to offer payment plans.ExpediaProvides flexible payment plans and can filter for free cancellation options.Apple Vacations/Travel ImpressionsMay offer payment plans through companies like Uplift. Southwest VacationsOffers Flex Pay for convenient monthly payments. Escapes.caProvides "Pay Monthly Vacation" options with a deposit and regular monthly payments. All Inclusive OutletOffers flexible payment plans for land-only bookings. Why Are Vacation Payment Plans So Popular Among Tourists? The market for vacation payment plans is growing because of rising demand for these plans among millennials and Gen Z travelers.  Especially, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) facilities are becoming more popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers, as in many cases, there are no late fees involved in the repayment structure.  Also, a recent survey has found that 18% of the travelers prefer to use the vacation payment plans.  However, do you know why these plans have become so popular? Let’s find out! 1. Vacation Payment Plans Are Flexible Vacation plans offer flexible payment options with easy installments and partial downpayments.  Also, many vacation payment services do not charge any interest on the funding provided.  2. Fintech And Digitalization Have Made Vacation Payment Plans Flexible The global online booking market is about to reach 1589.6 billion by 2032. On the other hand, the Fintech Market is about to grow to 686.85 billion by 2030.  This simultaneous rise in these two industries has made it easier to incorporate vacation payment plans into online travel booking platforms.  It works in a way similar to how you want to purchase a luxury item or service from a company, and the company arranges funding for you.  3. Vacation Payment Plans Offer More Comprehensive Travel Solutions Many services offering vacation payment plans are now collaborating with tourism companies. In this way, the companies providing vacation payment plans are now reaching out to a wider customer base.  Also, as the travel companies set the itinerary and travel packages for a particular destination, the vacation payment partner, in collaboration with the travel companies, will have a clear idea about how much fun you need.  This clarity will help the travel payment plan services customize your vacation plan for comprehensive coverage.  4. Vacation Payment Plans Help Tourists Have More Meaningful Travel Experiences The demands of the travelers are changing. Today, traveling is not just about touching the highlights.  The young travelers are looking for more “meaningful” experiences. They want to explore the local culture, visit the hidden gems, and be more sustainable in their travel practices.  However, ticking all these checklists may cause the budget to shoot up. These vacation payment plans help the tourists with adequate funding, and the flexible repayment schedule adds to their mental peace.  How To Find The Best Vacation Payment Plans? Keep all these things in mind while choosing the best vacation payment plan for your next trip.  Research and Compare: Don't settle for the first payment plan you see. Compare different vacation packages and payment options to find the best deal for your needs and budget.  Consider Booking During the Off-season: You may find better prices and deals by booking during off-season periods like mid-October through mid-December.  Check for Flexible Cancellation Policies: Look for packages with flexible cancellation policies. This way, you won't be stuck with penalties if you need to change your plans. 

BY  Sibashree Nov 19, 2025

Canada is bursting at the seams with festivals, wild celebrations, and lively events. You blink, and there’s probably something going on in every corner of the country. Whether you’re catching the Montreal Jazz Festival’s energy or braving Quebec’s famous icy parties, these gatherings are honestly the stuff of bucket lists. But, you know, any trip, especially the fun, hectic kind, can bring chaos you just didn’t see coming. And that’s exactly when having decent Canada trip insurance jumps from “optional” to “pretty necessary.”  It’s your safeguard for all those “Hope that doesn’t happen, but if it does…” moments. Let’s break down why travel insurance Canada should be high on your checklist, what it actually covers, and—since it’s 2025—how to buy it without ever leaving your couch. What Is The Significance Of A Canada Trip Insurance? Honestly, the festivals and weirdly joyful events are half the reason people come here. However, let’s get real! They’re not stress-free. Big crowds and moody weather aren’t just “quirky” perks. They can flip your trip from amazing to “why did I even get on the plane?” really fast. A few solid reasons make having travel insurance for attending the festivals and events in Canada a must. 1. Medical Emergencies You never plan for a medical emergency, but all that running around, dancing, and squeezing through crowds. Yeah, accidents happen. The right policy grabs your back with coverage for surprise hospital visits, unexpected illness, and even wild scenarios (think: evacuations). That means if things go sideways, you’re not left frantically Googling “nearest clinic open now.” You get the treatment you need, fast. 2. Unpredictable Weather It can rain when it’s supposed to be sunny, or it can snow in June. The weather in Canada loves to throw curveballs at festival plans. Storms mess up flights, force cancellations, and generally make you question your packing skills. Travel insurance gives you a fallback, so changes in the forecast don’t wreck your whole trip. 3. Delayed Flights Missed connections, endless airport coffee, or racing to an event that started without you! Delays are a special kind of festival pain. Canada trip Insurance can at least help soften the sting with reimbursement for lost time (and sometimes lost money). 4. Lost Or Stolen Luggage Are there jam-packed crowds at the airport, bus stations, or the festival venue? It is Awesome for energy, but not great for keeping track of your backpack. If your stuff disappears or gets snatched, insurance can cover what you lost, saving you from the “how do I survive without my essentials?” panic. While choosing Canada trip insurance, make sure that you compare various policies. You have to be specific about your budget, needs, and coverage limits. Furthermore, you have to read the “exclusion” section carefully. Suppose you want to do rafting in Canada, and the policy you have chosen does not cover any injury that happens during that particular activity. You cannot claim compensation if such happens. In addition, pick a policy that covers the pre-existing conditions. How To Purchase Travel Insurance For Canada Online? The days of slouching through long lines at insurance offices? Gone, luckily. Getting a travel insurance plan in Canada is basically a breeze—here’s the “pain-free” approach: Step 1: Jump onto your insurance company’s website and poke around for the travel insurance section. Step 2: Toss in some basic details (they’ll ask… it’s always something), and pick the type of coverage you want. Step 3: Find Canada in the list—there’s always a dropdown. Add your departure and return dates, plus your phone number (they need it for confirmation, not for spam… supposedly). Step 4: Click whatever version of “view plans” pops up. Now, you’ll be asked for traveler info. Step 5: Hit “Next.” Browse through a few plan options, tweak the coverage amount for your stuff, and throw in any extras that seem smart. Step 6: Another round of “Next” and fill out health details, whatever else they want, and you’re basically done. Step 7: Pay up, sit back, and wait for your new insurance details—both an email and a shiny online document should show. Tips For A Smooth Festival Experience With Canada Trip Insurance If you want your Canadian festival trip to be something you’ll brag about (and not just complain about), make sure your travel insurance really covers the possible drama. There are a handful of other little tricks for making the whole journey actually enjoyable. 1. Plan Ahead Don’t just show up and read up on the festival, double-check where it’s happening, and figure out your route. Sorting tickets and booking places to stay, way before the rush, saves future headaches when everyone else is panicking. 2. Stay Informed Keep checking the weather (surprises are the default here), and watch for updates about the event. A last-minute change can throw off everything, unless you’re already in the loop. 3. Keep Records Make copies of the stuff you don’t want to lose: your insurance info, tickets, ID, passport—that sort of thing. Having backups makes it way easier if you need to file a claim (or just find your way home). 4. Carry A First-Aid Box Pack meds you actually use and a tiny first-aid kit, just in case. Minor emergency? You’ll thank yourself for thinking ahead. Travel Insurance Canada Gives You The Coverage To Enjoy Your Trip In the end, travel insurance isn’t just paperwork. It’s peace of mind. You get to throw yourself into the fun, knowing you can handle whatever hiccups the universe throws your way. Go for coverage that fits your trip: delays, lost documents, and last-minute changes. That way, you’re not stuck worrying; you’re actually enjoying the festival (and maybe even finding a new favorite one). Thinking about travel insurance for Canada right now? Give Niva Bupa Travel Insurance a look. They’ve got a huge network (10,000+ hospitals) and claim to process things in under 30 minutes. One crore customers vouch for them, which honestly calms a lot of nerves. If you want to skip stress and just focus on the adventure, it’s worth checking their plans. Read Also: Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Travel Top 8 Travel Medical Insurance Trends to Consider The Overlooked Connection Between Safe Travel And Strong Networks