5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 17, 2024

Visiting El Paso? Curious about the things to do in El Paso? El Paso, located in the foothills of the stunning Franklin Mountains, is a vibrant and diverse community with a wide range of attractions and year-round fun. El Paso's attractions include a historic theater, concert venues, Spanish Colonial missions, museums, and beautiful state parks. Things To Do In El Paso If you enjoy being outside and want to visit one of Texas' most interesting cities, you should visit El Paso. Continue reading to get a sense of what Sun City has to offer. Also, click here to order a free travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in El Paso: El Paso Mission Trail Explore El Paso’s early history by visiting the El Paso Mission Trail, which includes two 17th-century missions and a chapel built in the late 1800s. The oldest, which is the Ysleta Mission, was built in 1682. It is Texas’ oldest functioning parish. El Paso’s magic charm will sway you into the blue sky of romanticism and inspire you to move to Texas. Admire the white adobe-walled structures along the trail, then visit museums such as the Tigua Indian Cultural Center and the Los Portales Museum and Information Center. The El Paso Mission Trail, in addition to its attractions, hosts cultural festivals throughout the year. Ascarate Park Escape to nature at the 400-acre Ascarate Park, El Paso County's largest recreational area. Play a round of golf on the 18-hole, par-71 Ascarate Golf Course, explore the 48-acre lake by canoe or pedal boat, or enjoy some of the best fishing in the Southwest. In addition to baseball and soccer fields, the park has basketball, handball, sand volleyball, and tennis courts. Franklin Mountains Are you looking for adventurous things to do in El Paso? Here is one exciting option. The stunning Franklin Mountains frame El Paso, and the state park that encompasses the range is a breathtaking outdoor playground for adventure seekers. Hike and bike more than 100 miles of trails that wind through 27,000 acres of scenic desert terrain. Or you can go rock climbing at McKelligon Canyon's designated area. If you want to stay overnight, tent and RV campsites can be reserved. There are plenty of outdoor activities for people of all ages at the nation's largest urban state park. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site Admire the ancient rock paintings left by Native Americans who traversed the West Texas desert in search of rainwater collected in natural rock basins. Hike rugged trails while keeping an eye out for any of the 200 bird species that call the area home. Explore world-class rock climbing and search for more than 1,000-year-old pictographs. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is open all year, with extended hours on weekends during the summer. This is one of the best things to do in El Paso for history buffs. Hueco Tanks is a collection of thousands of year-old rock outcrops. Previous residents had access to food, shelter, and farmland in the area. Today, visitors come to see the images left by previous inhabitants on the rock faces. Among the drawings are animals, masks, handprints, horses, as well as humans. Aside from viewing the pictographs and petroglyphs, visitors can go hiking, camping, bird watching, as well as rock climbing. However, certain areas of the park are only accessible via guided tour, and self-guided activities (such as hiking) may require reservations. Also, only 70 people can enter the self-guided portion of the park at one time. To make the most of your time at the site, make your reservations well in advance. Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center When you visit this museum, you will learn about more than 14,000 years of regional prehistory. The museum's permanent collection includes ancient and modern artifacts as well as art from Native American cultures in the Southwest and Mexico, such as wood carvings, textiles, as well as pottery. After touring the museum, hike the nature trails that wind through 15 acres of gardens with 250 different types of native plants, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Franklin Mountains. El Paso Zoo Explore the world's wildlife at the El Paso Zoo, a sprawling 35-acre green space near Downtown El Paso. The zoo is home to tigers, leopards, lions, giraffes, and other exotic animals from Africa, Asia, as well as the Americas. See these incredible animals, then visit family-friendly attractions like the African Star Train and the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature before enjoying a delicious burger at one of the onsite eateries. Plaza Theatre At the historic Plaza Theatre, you can see famous musicians, classic films, magic shows, Broadway musicals, and much more. The theatre has been a hub of entertainment in El Paso since it first opened its doors in 1930. This is probably one of the best things to do in El Paso. It is now one of the city's top venues as well as the home of the Plaza Classic Film Festival, the world's largest classic film festival. More information about upcoming shows can be found on the theatre's website. United States Border Patrol This one-of-a-kind museum traces the history of the United States Border Patrol from the Old West to the present. The National Border Patrol Museum displays weapons, paintings, equipment, artifacts, photos, and even vehicles. Admission is free, and guided tours can be scheduled ahead of time. El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens The El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens are part of Keystone Heritage Park, which includes an archaeological site with a 4,500-year-old village, one of the oldest in the United States. The park includes wetlands that provide habitat for up to 200 different bird species, as well as a botanical garden that showcases the fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. Stop by the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, an All-American Rose Selection-certified garden, and smell over 1,900 rosebushes. Stroll along the wide, wheelchair-accessible walkways to see more than 500 varieties of roses waterfalls, as well as a plaza area with a Koi pond. This is one of the best things to do in El Paso for people with a deep love of nature. Wrapping Up El Paso offers something for everyone, whether your preference is to explore the trails or immerse yourself in history. The El Paso Mission Trail as well as Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, are two locations where you can learn more about the region's 5,000-year history. Visit the Centennial Museum or the Magoffin Home State Historic Site to gain a deeper understanding of the area's past. Franklin Mountains State Park has some of the best trails for when the weather is right for outdoor activities. Enjoy the local arts scene at the Plaza Theatre or the El Paso Museum of Art to cap off your trip. If you want to know all the cool things to do in El Paso, we hope this article helps. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Don’t Believe Them!! This Is Actually The Best Time To Visit Barbados! Things To Do In Maryland – Free Places To Visit In Maryland Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

BY  Sibashree Sep 20, 2023

Does Tennessee have a beach? No, it does not.  For the longest time, I have been planning a long beach holiday. And something or else will always turn up ruining the plan.  The kids have their exams and there are family commitments. So, our beach vacation was always limited to Douglas Lake or Cherokee Lake.  However, I had done my research on the closest beach to me and this time, we had a long weekend.  So our road led to Sullivan’s Island, the closest beach to Knoxville, TN. Having said that, there are many beaches near Knoxville TN.  For example, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the most popular ocean beaches near Tennessee. We also have Folly Beach in South Carolina and Oak Island in North Carolina.  In today’s Tour and Travel blog, we will talk about the beaches close to Knoxville TN, and tell you why they are most suitable for the ultimate Tennessee beach vacation. What Is The Closest Beach To Knoxville Tennessee?  Our journey to the closest beaches to Knoxville TN will start from Sullivan’s Island, as promised.  However, before taking you on a tour of these beaches, I wanted to share the best time to visit the closest beach from Knoxville TN.  Knoxville primarily has two tourist seasons. You can visit the closest beach to Knoxville, TN between March and June and September to November.  So, let’s begin the ultimate Knoxville beach journey. Here we go!  1. Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 380.4 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours I was looking for ocean beaches within 6 hours of me, and I found out Sullivan’s Island. It is a barrier island with an area of around 8.91 km².  Further, Sullivan’s Island, the closest beach to TN, stands out with its local history. It has Fort Moultrie, built in 1776 and it still tells the story of how it protected the city from the cannonball attacks of the warships.  Moreover, Sullivan’s Island is important in the history of literature. Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie between November 1827 to December 1828. 2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 412 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 46 Minutes Sitting in Knoxville, I was looking for beaches within 7 hours of me. I found the name of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.  Myrtle Beach is nothing short of a fantasy island and it was once the hub of pirates. Further, Myrtle Beach is associated with the Indigenous people and roaming ghosts.  A visit to Myrtle Beach is incomplete without exploring the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Further, you must spend some time at the Myrtle Beach State Park, and Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum.  3. Folly Beach, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 383 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 35 Minutes  Folly Beach, one of the closest beaches to Knoxville, is the ultimate destination to stay, eat, play. and explore!  Further, life on Folly Beach revolves around outdoor activities. From a casual stroll on the beach to more adventurous activities like surfing, boating, kayaking, and biking, Folly Beach offers you the opportunity to enjoy the best beach vacation.  Moreover, Folly Beach is a wonderful melting pot of modern entertainment and exploring wildlife. You can attend the Annual Folly Festivals and take part in birdwatching and exploring wildlife.  Blu Restaurant And Bar, Bert's Market, and Bounty Bar are some popular places to eat on Folly Beach.  4. Kiawah Island, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 396.5 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes Kiawah Island with a majority of marshland, is located at a distance of 6 hours and 16 minutes by car from Knoxville.  To emphasize the adventure, let me tell you that the beach is often used for native wildlife watching! Several locations across the beach are perfect if you are looking for wildlife spotting! The two locations popular for this purpose on the beach are Canvasback Duck Pond and Marsh Island Park. What’s more, there are two scenic observation towers in Kiawah where you will get a 360-degree view of the sea and land!  If you are a hiker or like to bike, this beach is perfect! They have natural paths for these types of adventures. For accommodation, there is a private 2nd story deck that you can rent to enjoy some stunning ocean views.  There is one popular restaurant called Jasmine Porch where you can splurge on good food, especially the Low-country favorites such as shrimp and grits, she-crab bisque, fresh seafood, po’boys, and burgers! 5. Isle Of Palms, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 383 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes There is a playground for children, so this is the perfect destination if you have kids.  There is also a picnic area, so if you plan to spend the whole day out, you can go to this beach. For accommodation, there is a single-family cottage which is well decorated! Food is another important part of the vacation, so I suggest the Sea Biscuit Cafe! Try out the seafood omelets, shrimp, and gravy because these are the low-country options. 6. Hilton Head, South Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 411 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 32 Minutes You have to visit this beach for the best sunsets across the water! In a distance of 6 hours, 26 minutes from Knoxville, the coastal paradise is someplace to be visited.  If you are planning on staying the night, there is a resort rental that you can book. You can enjoy the outdoor and indoor pool, a tiki bar, etc. You must catch the coastal area food, especially crab cakes, sandwiches, shrimp, grits, and salads.  7. Oak Island, North Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 441.5 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 14 Minutes If you are looking for a scenic beach, Oak Island is the place to visit for all adventurous activities.  Water sports are quite famous here, along with that, you can see Fort Caswell, used in the 1800s and 1900s. This is one of the beaches near Knoxville TN! You will take 7 hours and 8 minutes to reach the beach and can visit the island lighthouse, which is situated just beside the fort.  There is a perfect walk to enjoy Oak Island Nature Center at the beach, so if you are a nature lover, you know where to go! Further, adventures such as kayaking are the thing to do as an outdoor adventure sport. Many family homes and rentals are at a distance of the March beach, providing incredible views across the beach. If you visit the beach, you must try out scrumptious food items such as steak, chicken, and pasta, apart from the delicious seafood. 8. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Distance from Knoxville: 442 Miles The beach is a little farther from Knoxville, TN, as it takes about 7 hours and 23 minutes.  There are three beaches in Wilmington: Kure, Carolina, and Wrightsville. All the beaches qualify as some of the best beaches near Knoxville. Apart from common activities such as shopping and dining, there are interesting activities to perform, such as going on catamaran cruises, visiting the History Museum, and attending fairs and seasonal festivals. The Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center organizes educational programs and treasure hunts for children.  IIn terms of food, you will find some of the best cheeseburgers at this closest beach to Knoxville, TN! If you are a picky eater, you will find various options, from steaks to seafood platters. 9. Kure Beach, North Carolina, Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 449.5 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 30 Minutes The beach at Kure is beautiful, apart from the North Carolina Aquarium, which is situated at Fort Fisher.  Significant features are located at the beach, such as a nature play area, an adventure reef, and touch tanks. This beach is located at a distance of 7 hours and 31 minutes.  Apart from the beach, you can also visit places such as the historical site of the Civil War Museum, the Fort Fisher State Site, beach cruises, a dog park, and a playground in front of the beach. You cannot miss the food such as burgers, sandwiches, seafood and pasta! I am already drooling! 10. Tybee Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 434 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours The beach is located at a distance of 6 hours and 55 minutes by road from Knoxville. Some of the place’s main attractions are the restaurants and the quaint little shops.  The beach is popular for people finding their relaxing haunt near Tennessee. Considering, it is the closest beach to Tennessee! It is a low-key beach situated just outside of Savanah! Apart from relaxing on the beach, you can also access different amenities in Savanah, such as museums, historic architecture, upscale shops, ghost tours, and other attractions perfect for family outings. Beautiful rentals are close to the beach and a 1-minute distance from where you can enjoy some stunning visuals.  The food available in and around the place is quite popular! One such restaurant is located near the waterfront called Bubba Gumbo. The seafood Gumbo is their signature dish! You can also order fried fish, jambalaya, burgers, and crab cakes. They also popularly serve shrimp. 11. Simon’s Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Knoxville, TN Distance from Knoxville: 491.2 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours 32 Minutes The beach is situated at a distance of 7 hours and 42 minutes from Knoxville, TN! The beach Oasis is a perfect place to relax, especially with all the amenities present to make your life easier.  The Neptune Park Fun Zone here is for family attractions. You can also find a store to rent accessories for water sports restaurants, and several shops provide you with good food and the necessary equipment for the beach vacation, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and others. There is one family beach rental along with its private swimming pool. The rental can host a family, which is pretty close to the lighthouse.  You cannot miss the delicious food available on this closest beach to Knoxville, TN! Once such a restaurant opens, Porch offers fried catfish, shrimp, and fried chicken. Read Also: Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit Top 10 Beaches In Gloucester In Massachusetts – Travel Guide The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World!

BY  Rishab Dey Dec 30, 2023

Are the gloomy skies driving you to desperate measures? Can a massive blowout break be called desperate? You do have a choice. A secluded road trip across the globe, an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a truly tropical beach break. If you want all three, you will need to look for warm places to visit in February. It becomes more difficult to find intense, short-haul sunshine as winter drags on. A carefully planned trip separates a reasonably priced island stay and a mild-weather city break from the US. Both of these can provide much-needed rest as well as relaxation. However, there are plenty of far-flung options that best suit this month. And don't forget to check government travel advice for every destination.  Warm Places To Visit In February  Yes, Februaries are cold. But the warmth it brings with Valentine's is hard to contend against. If you are planning to visit warm places with your special someone to get away from the biting cold of your home country, here are some of your best options. Take a peek into some of the warm places to visit in February.  Morocco  The Miami of Morocco, Casablanca is the modern center of Morocco. The nation's largest city highlights modern Morocco, a humming mix of big finance as well as creative chops. It has been overlooked for lacking Tangier's rich history of bohemian revelry or the romantic chaos of Marrakech. Even better, it's a nearby, mild winter city break. Explore the district's Art Deco area, which is home to iconic buildings like the Cinema Rialto. Indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the Central Market. Get a taste of the past in the untouristy, donkey-filled medinas. You can end the day at a chic restaurant or rooftop café. Sea views, as well as a delicious seared duck breast with honey, are served at Le Relais de Paris. Morocco is probably one of the best warm places to visit in February. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this North African country.  Koh Yao Noi  Koh Yao Noi is the Thailand island of your dreams, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and a world apart from its boisterous tourist attractions. There are more water buffaloes, traditional rubber farms, serene beaches, as well as fewer inebriated backpackers. Phang Nga Bay's surroundings are dotted with striking limestone karsts. Boho-chic Cape Kudu, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, features white, bright rooms and a dreamy sea view from the pool. It also has a spa designed with hanging rattan chairs. Kayaking through the mangroves and island hopping are options, too.  Kenya  Kenya has seen a decline in tourism following a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this decade. However, most beach retreats and safari destinations in the nation are generally safe. Government travel advisories, too, are not too stringent. In February, you can combine two of the best trips into one. The southern coast's whale shark swimming season is in full swing. The Masai Mara's low rainfall causes big game to congregate in large groups at rivers and waterholes.  New Zealand  Want some delicious privacy? February, the last month of summer, is the best time to see the vistas along New Zealand's eastern seaboard by car. Few landscapes are as untamed and wild as those found there. Here, a volcanic headland meets the shimmering ocean, and multiple opulent lodges bask in seclusion. The North Island's Helena Bay Lodge is spread out over a tidy lawn near the South Pacific's edge. Its exclusive beaches, coves, as well as woodland hikes only see your own footprints. Next, travel to the South Island's Banks Peninsula, a picturesque volcano skeleton ringed with glistening bays and secluded little settlements. Annandale Farm is a mystical haven offering endless views of the ocean as well as locally sourced food. It is nestled in 4,000 acres of serene coastal pasture.  Carnival  It's crazy when you stand amidst a carnival. Still, isn't that the reason you're here? The streets stay marinating in wild revelry, and the beaches teem with a hot, toned young crowd. There is also the sound of samba pulsing everywhere you go. The Rio Music Carnival, an accompanying electro-music festival, takes place alongside the Sambadrome's parades to create the biggest party on Earth. Past performers such as Afrojack, Diplo, and Tiesto have left the crowds completely insane.  Honolulu  Here is another one of the warm places to visit in February. Between its capital, Honolulu, and its more sedate northern and eastern beaches, Oahu presents a compelling blend of big-city conveniences and quintessential tropical beauty. Additionally, locals get together for banter and bragging rights during the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic in February. This isn't your typical Kelly Slaters competition. Instead, teams of up to seven individuals compete in historical and unique events like SUPsquatch, where they ride enormous inflatable stand-up paddle boards.  Miami  Miami isn't for the timid, but it has a vibrant art scene in addition to its nightclubs, music, and traffic. You can check out the Yinka Ilori-designed café at Superblue or the Yayoi Kusama exhibits at the Rubell Museum. There is also a fun dining scene, and we recommend Itamae, a Nikkei restaurant.  Singapore  Singapore is one of the greenest cities in Asia. Trails, lush parks, and gardens dominate the area. According to The Singapore Green Plan 2030, it even aims to become the world's green champion. Nearly half of the city is covered in greenery. Visit during a hot, dry February to take in all of this. You can also visit Chinatown's markets, immerse yourself in the culinary scene, and learn about the local way of life.  Wrapping Up  Unless you really want to, there's no reason why you should stay inside this February. There are carnivals and even New Year's celebrations that combine Chinese and Mayan customs. In the end, this list of warm destinations in February should satisfy your need for warmth. This place has beaches, hikes, mountains, caverns, and volcanoes. If these don't motivate you, you can visit animals, museums, and a lot more places without having to worry about the dress code. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about warm places to visit in February, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Florida Dreams: RV Camping Along the Sunshine State’s Shore Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty