Top 3 Party Destinations for Safety-Conscious Tourists

BY  sagnika Oct 12, 2021

The Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit 2024, which took place from November 6th to 8th, saw the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), like in the last 50 years, unite all segments of the state’s tourism and 300 delegates to develop Maryland tourism.  This event is likely to impact tourism and the state's economy. We can expect many developments in amenities and infrastructure, with names like American Airlines, United Airlines, Quality Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Easton, an IHG Hotel, participating in the event.  Further, thanks to proximity to airports like the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Maryland remains accessible to tourists across the globe. Moreover, the free things to do in Maryland, like  Exploring the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp or visiting the Salisbury Zoo, make Maryland a tourist’s delight. So, despite being considered one of the more expensive states of the USA, you can plan a budget-friendly itinerary here.  If you are ready to travel like a local and pick budget-friendly activities, the pocket pinch (flight and hotel) will be around $270-350 per person. However, if you are not already aware of the free and cheap things to do in Maryland, this Tour and Travel guide will be of great help.  Free And Cheap Things To Do In Maryland | Traveling On A Shoestring In this blog, I will tell you about what I have explored in Maryland and what all things can be done in Maryland. We will also discuss the food of Maryland attractions that you must try when you are visiting Maryland. We will cater to you about all the possible information about Mary’s land and tourist attractions in Maryland which you can follow up.  So let’s start to take a glimpse of the famous places in Maryland.  There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.  I think the best way to convey this to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.  I would like to start by saying that New York is a secret city in the United States. New York has surprised me quite a little there are so many things to do in new york. All you have to know is when to visit New York to enjoy the most.  There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan.  I think the best way to convey to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York.  April to June and late August to October are two ideal seasons to try the free things to do in Maryland. However, during these two seasons, the cost of accommodation shoots up due to a tourist influx. So, you really need to pick the activities or visit the places that will cost you less when traveling on a shoestring.  Here, we will provide you with all the possible information about Maryland so you can visit these places without hassle.  1. Visiting The Calvert Cliffs State Park Location: 0540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD Contact Number: +1 443-975-4360 Vehicle Fee: $5 for State Residents, $7 for Residents of Other States, $10 for Small Bus, $20 for Large Bus Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Exploring the fossil-bearing Calvert Cliffs is one of the best things to do in Maryland. I loved the atmosphere and the place.  Here, the large collection of fossiliferous is known as the Chesapeake Group. Further, the cliff contains Miocene fauna.  Fossil Hunting | Know The Things To Do In Maryland Park At Calvert Cliffs State Park, you can go to the end of the red trail. There, you will find the open beach area for fossil hunting. Here, you will find fossils from the Miocene era, covering more than 600 species. Some common variations here are Miocene-era oyster shells, shark teeth, and Chesapectens, which you can hunt using shovels and sieves.  The Calvert Cliff in Maryland is mostly forested, with some ponds and wetlands. Moreover, the things to do here are hunting turkey, deer, and bird watching. You can also stroll along the beautiful flora-fauna-rich beach in Calvert.    2. Exploring The Washington County Museum Of Fine Arts  Location: 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD Contact Number: (301) 739-5727  Hours Open: 10 AM  - 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday - Free Admission and Parking: Free The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the hub of many exhibitions and events, houses more than 6,500 permanent collectibles. Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Singer, Jr founded the museum, and they donated the initial exhibits.  Currently, the museum has sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, and prints. Further, the collectibles here are cosmopolitan, with a focus on 19th-century European art and American art.  Some of the most prominent collections in the museum are the European Old Masters, The Singer Memorial Gallery, American Narratives: 1700-1920, and The Eight to Abstraction: Modernism & Innovation.  3. Spending A Day At Assateague Island National Seashore Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $0.00–$25.00, Annual Pass - $45.00, America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) - Free–$80.00 Hours Open: 24*7 The United States Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service manage Assateague Island National Seashore. You will find feral ponies walking and galloping across the island and the surrounding waters. Further, the Assateague Island National Seashore is for everyone. You can go fishing, catch crabs, take a bike ride, or hike through the barrier island.  Moreover, you can collect a permit and enjoy the most adventurous ride in Over Sand Vehicles or OSVs. Also, for a wonderful outdoor experience, you can camp at the Assateague Island National Seashore.  4. Sightseeing At Ego Alley Location: 1 Dock St, Annapolis, MD  Hours Open: 24 Hours Entry: Fee  Ego Alley is a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. This narrow waterway got its name from the expensive boats parading in the evenings and during the weekend.  A visit to Ego Alley is one of the free things to do in Maryland. Here, you can soak in the Sun while gorging on local delicacies.  Further, people gather in large numbers at Ego Alley for St. Patrick's Day in March, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show in April, or the Independence Day Celebration in July.  5. Visiting The Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, Baltimore Museum Of Art Location: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD Hours Open: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday: Closed Entry: Free As you take a walk along the Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, you will discover close to 33 sculptures.  The sculptures here are a good mix of old and new sculptures of the last 100 years.  6. William British Planetarium  Location: 820 Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown, MD Hours Open: Monday-Friday (8 AM to 3:30 PM), Special Shows: Second And Fourth Saturdays (5:30-7 PM) Entry Fee: $3.75 for Adults, $2.75 for Children and Students If you love to see the stars, moon, Milky Way, and galaxy, then William British Planetarium is the place you must visit.  Enjoy an immersive planetarium show that looks back at rare classes of eruptions that have marshaled the energy that lurks. You will also be able to witness the details of the space. I enjoyed this place thoroughly because it took me back to my childhood. 7. National Aquarium Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD Hours Open: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday - 9 AM-6 PM, Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 4 Years, $24.95 or Half Price on Fridays from 5-9 PM When you visit Maryland, you cannot miss the National Aquarium, especially its wide variety of sea creatures, such as sharks, dolphins, living reefs, and jellyfish.  It is a non-profit public aquarium known as the Baltimore Aquarium, by the locals. The aquarium's water capacity is more than 2.2 million gallons, and it ranks as one of the top three aquariums in the country. It features amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds. 8. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (10 AM to 4 PM), Monday Closed Entry Fee: Free Another activity that must be included in your list of things to do in Maryland is visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park! The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park commemorates the life of the activist Harriet Tubman, who was formerly enslaved during the American Civil War.  The national park encompasses 480 acres and is managed by the US National Park Service Unit. The state of Maryland is responsible for the park's upkeep. Throughout the park, exhibits are dedicated to Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad after she was free from slavery. 9.  Exploring The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Location: 2880 Grays Road, Port Republic, MD Hours Open: Monday-Friday (9 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday: 1-4:30 PM Entry Fee: Free Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is home to bald cypress trees and is the first preserve of The Nature Conservancy in Maryland.  You will also find pink lady’s slipper and May apple plants here.  Moreover, the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp has Warblers and Kentucky.  10. Visiting The Salisbury Zoo Location: 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM Entry Fee: Free Salisbury Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including guinea pigs, great horned owls, gopher tortoises, painted turtles, box turtles, and burrowing owls.  Salisbury Zoo is accessible, and it has wheelchair facilities to offer more inclusivity to visitors. Don’t Miss The Local Food | Best Things To Do In Maryland My best experience in Maryland was trying local food like Steamed Crabs. The place is popular in the United States for fishing and its blue crabs. The dish of steamed crabs combines spices, herbs, beer, and blue crabs. Remember to add butter along with different blends of seasoning so you will get both a spicy and savory taste. Another great thing I had was the Crab Cake. Also, don’t forget to try the Roasted Pit Beef. Raising A Toast At Flying Dog Brewery | Best Things To Do In Maryland  The next on my ‘things to do in Maryland’ list is a visit to the Flying Dog Brewery. What can be a better place for a connoisseur than the Flying Dog Brewery as they believe “Beer is Art.”  Flying Dog Brewery has a good mix of year-round gems and some seasonal attractions. The Double Dog Juicy Double IPA is my favorite among the year-round attractions.  Again, the Deep Fake Non-Alcoholic is the best seasonal offering here.  The Flying Dog Brewery's tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday. I had a great time tasting different seasonal beers there.  However, don’t forget to carry your ID, as they only serve beer to 21+ visitors.  You May Also Like:  Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts Make Your Honeymoon A Truly Memorable Affair: Here’s How Luxurious Wedding Venues – Make Your Destination Wedding Glamorous

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 6, 2022

Today, organizing dog-friendly vacations is easier than ever. There’s no denying how important dogs are to their owners. With that in mind, more places all over the world are becoming open to accommodate dogs. Some places are taking it a notch further and offering activities exclusively for dogs. All you need to do is to pack a bag - ensure you have some of your dog's favorite food with you too (check out these Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete reviews), pick your ideal location, and you are good to go! Vacations with dogs are meant to be super fun. So say goodbye to tiresome and frustrating holidays with a look at some amazing travel destinations. 1. Bar Harbor, Maine If you love hiking, this 5,500-person town on Mount Desert Island is one of the best places to travel with dogs. Together, you can conquer the Acadia National Park and enjoy being close to nature. The island offers you a scenic view, replete with sandy beaches within the park and mountains all around. You are sure to enjoy the trails of this small town with your dog. If you're heading back to town, Bar Harbor has pet-friendly patios so your dog can enjoy meals with you. The locals love pampering their four-legged visitors. ALSO READ: A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks 2. San Diego, California Thanks to its many open spots, sunny San Diego is one pet-friendly vacation getaway destination you can consider. There are plenty of beaches and off-leash doggie parks around SoCal city that you and your dog can explore. Plan a visit to Morley Field Dog Park in Balboa Park or the Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. But if both of you enjoy the beach more, head to San Diego’s coastal places and spend the day on a rented boat (or yacht). Both of you will love feeling the wind in your hair. If you and your pet still have some energy left, go to Petco Park and watch a Padres baseball game. Chill during the rest of the day at “The Backyard,” the park's special viewing for pets and their humans. 3. Bend, Oregon You won’t find another town that loves dogs more than Bend. Dogs are almost permitted anywhere in this 100,000-people town. You and your canine bud can discover plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails at Cascade Mountain Range. Within the city, outdoor food carts, breweries, and food trucks are your best options when your dog is in tow. Don't worry. Your dog will be warmly welcomed in these outdoor dining areas and is sure to get spoiled with pets and treats from the locals. 4. Plant City, Florida Don’t miss visiting Dinosaur World in Plant City, one of the dog-friendly vacations Florida offers. This is an appealing and popular choice for families with kids and dogs. And the theme park has no dog weight restrictions, and all dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. Dinosaur World is full of prehistoric dinosaurs and also where you can meet some of the friendliest dog breeds. You will be occupied and amazed by the display of animatronic dinosaurs like the Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, and T-Rex. While in Plant City, schedule a day trip to Alderman’s Ford Preserve. If your dog is a high-energy retriever, flusher, or setter, it will surely enjoy the challenging inclines among the marshes and trees of this 1,000 acres of natural space. 5. Grand Haven, Michigan A picturesque travel destination, Grand Haven offers many beaches and green spaces, making it one of the best dog-friendly vacations. During the summers, you and your dog can spend the day at Haven City Beach. Or you can opt to let your dog free at Kirk Park's off-leash dog beach and enjoy an afternoon hiking on the area's on-leash hiking trails. If the weather gets too much, treat your dog to this vacation town’s Must Love Dogs Boutique and Spa. This is a famous shopping center where Fido can come with you to sniff and shop. 6. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston should be part of your dog-friendly vacations list. Pegged as one of the most dog-friendly states, it has plenty of local establishments that will pamper your dog. Restaurants like the Poogan’s Porch and Brown Dog Deli allow dogs inside so you can eat your meals with gusto, knowing that your pooch is just beside you, enjoying its meal. If you want to indulge your dog while learning about the town's past, book a historical tour with Charleston Carriage Works. You can get your dog to sit on your lap or buy a child's ticket if he is too big! Sit back and relax as you go around exploring the community. Thanks to Charleston's Morris Island and Sullivan's Island, you also have plenty of fun water options. If the weather doesn't permit some natural fun, let your dog take a dip at Wag-n-Splash’s indoor dog pools. 7. Lake Placid, New York Lake Placid is totally safe for you and your dog, and it's social media-worthy appeal makes this your ultimate winter destination. It has lots of dog-friendly places. You can rest at the Saranac Waterfront Lodge after a whole day's adventure. This hotel accommodates dogs weighing up to 75-pounds and comes with a complimentary dog treat, a plush dog bed, and a small toy that your dog can take home. When you stay here, you also do an act of kindness because, for each dog that stays, the lodge shares $40 to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, a no-kill shelter registered in New York.  8. Wimberley, Texas Looking for dog-friendly vacations in Texas? Wimberley offers a relaxing and close-to-nature adventure for you and your dog. This town is one of Texas's idyllic and dog-friendly vacations, especially if you stay in Getaway. And your dog will have a grand time running free on a long leash. With a minimal fee, Getaway can provide your dog with food and water bowls, a long outdoor lead to leash your dog, and some puppy s'mores kits. During the day, get busy and conquer the Hike Old Baldy, a hill that can reward you with a beautiful view of the city. You can also spend the day getting wet at Cypress Falls and go kayaking, swimming, and tubing. ALSO READ: 6 Outdoor Activities You Can Have In Arizona 9. South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada With its pristine waters and magnificent mountain peaks, this destination gives you the best of Mother Nature's offerings. This tourist destination that straddles the borders of California and Nevada is also known to have a plethora of activities for its canine visitors. If your dog is a rockstar, then there's no better place to stay than in Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe. Everything about this hotel is dog-friendly—their amenities, rooms, and restaurants. While in Tahoe, have fun on your vacation by visiting the FiRE + iCE Interactive Grill & Bar. This bar welcomes all dogs of all sizes and has complimentary water bowls for their canine patrons.  10. Indianapolis, Indiana Another vacation destination where you can conveniently bring your dog is in Indianapolis. It has plenty of excellent places that welcome dogs, including breweries and outdoor restaurants. You can also plan a day at White River State Park and enjoy the park's open spaces. Vacations are meant to energize you and your dog, so make the most of what Indianapolis has to offer. Create a schedule that includes the Fountain Square and Fletcher Place, Monon Trail, Downtown Canal, Mass Avenue, and Garfield Park. Conclusion Leading a busy lifestyle requires you to take a break occasionally. However, your dog misses you when you're away and, no doubt, you're thinking about them. Now you can get the best of both worlds with these dog-friendly vacations and recharge with your best bud right beside you! Read Also: Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Affair: Here’s How Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events What Can You Expect from the New Year’s in Mexico

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 2, 2021

Are you an avid traveler looking to undertake a tour of one of the most mystical travel destinations in the world? Do you know how the Middle-East is slowly becoming one of the most sought-after travel destinations on any traveler’s bucket list? Have you heard about the beauty of destinations like Petra at Jordan, Isfahan, Ajman, and the very popular Dubai? In the past few years, millions of travelers from all over the world are heading to exotic Middle-Eastern destinations. With histories and cultures spreading hundreds of centuries, these travel locations are now being preferred by individuals and families alike. Plus, with a wealth of accommodation options available, from this hostel Tel Aviv to the luxury hotels of Dubai, budgets of all sorts can be catered to in this particular part of the world. Historically, the Middle-East has been a misunderstood destination thought to be closed and cut-off from the world. However, the advent of the internet and social media has shed light on the unexplored beauty of the region. In this article, we are going to look at the top 5 tourist destinations in Middle-East. Before we head to the list, let us briefly discuss the region itself. Middle-East: The Undiscovered Jewel When it comes to the world’s top historical destinations, the Middle-East ranks as high as Greece and Rome. It is one of the earliest cradles of civilization and the region’s countless monoliths, monuments, and cultures are a testament to that fact. According to Almosafer, a leading Middle-East travel portal, individuals who love historical places should visit the region. If you love visiting century-old bazaars, enjoy different cuisines, and want to immerse yourself in the finest hospitality, then this place should be on your bucket list. Some of the major countries that are part of the Middle-East region are- Syria Lebanon Turkey Iraq Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Kuwait Qatar Iran Israel Bahrain Oman Egypt The land of mighty cities and birthplaces of religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and more, and the land of unending rivers (Nile and Euphrates), Middle-East represents history and culture on a never-before-seen level. Traveling to these destinations is very easy given the easy flight routes and transportation avenues open. Flight booking can be done in almost all major cities in the world. Major airline carriers offer direct and connecting flights to the above destinations. List of Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Middle-East 1. Petra, Jordan If you have seen the Michael Bay, modern legend, Transformers, you will note that the same has been shot in Jordan’s Petra. Petra is a World Heritage Site that does not need a lot of introduction. The ancient archaeological wonder was created in 300 BC and has been referred to as the world’s most ancient city. When planning your trip to Petra, Jordan make sure to check out the guided Petra tours, which can provide you with insights into the historical wonders of this ancient city. Petra was part of the Nabatean territory and benefitted from being one of the world’s first trade routes, linking the Middle East to the coast of Damascus. Al-Khazneh, the Siq, The Theatre, and the Tombs are some of the must-visit destinations in Petra, Jordan. According to experts, you should at least look to spend five days to see the length and breadth of Petra. 2. Giza. Egypt The Pyramids of Giza are probably one of the single greatest manmade marvels on the planet. In fact, conspiracy theorists suggest a number of extra-terrestrial stories about the Pyramids. One thing is for sure, you are definitely going to be awestruck the first time you get to see the Pyramids at Giza, Egypt. The Tombs of the Pharaohs, who at one point in time were the masters of the universe can tell us a lot about how our world came into being. The sheer scale and size of the Pyramids in an age when modern engineering was conspicuous by its absence goes on to show the marvel builders of the time. 3. Esfahan, Iran Esfahan is undoubtedly Iran’s most famous tourist and travel destination. The site of the world’s most beautiful gardens, expansive blue-tiled mosques, palaces, tea houses, and more shed light on the glories of the heydays of the Persian empire. The creativity and finesse of the artisans go to present a city, that many believe has been created in the likeness of God. Over the past few years, Esfahan has developed into a bustling trade and commercial region of Iran. You have a number of steel industries in the outer regions of the city. However, travelers should instead focus on the inner-city realms to be truly mesmerized by beautiful Persian monuments, food culture, and hospitality. 4. Cappadocia, Turkey If you look at some images of Cappadocia online, you would be forgiven for thinking that it looks straight out of some Disney fairy tale. Yes, Cappadocia is that handsome of a destination. The hills, mountain places, and boulders have made the region, one of the most traveled tourist destinations in the world. While people visit Turkey’s Istanbul for different reasons, it is Cappadocia, which gives a sense of escape from the humdrum reality of our world. Hot air balloon rides, excellent middle-eastern cafes, and one of the world’s best food cultures make Cappadocia a marvel. If you are looking for an otherworldly experience, check into one of the many cave hotels here. 5. Beirut, Lebanon Once you have seen all the historical sites in the Middle-East, you should end your travel by visiting Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. This city never sleeps and has one of the world’s highest-rated nightlife party places. Beirut is when Middle-East meets the West. It is very busy, crowded, and has an amazing buzz to it. Beirut is also home to great hospitality, and exciting food culture and is very diverse in terms of its local population. Dubbed as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’ the city boasts of an amazing waterfront called the Corniche. The amazing cafes that line the waterfront are sure to blow you away with their food, drinks, and hospitality. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Which is the best Middle-East country to visit?      Jordan In Jordan, you will get to Petra and the Dead Sea.      Dubai  In Dubai, you will see the Burj Khalifa, which is taller than the Effiel Tower in Paris.       Omar  In Omar, you will get to see huge Mosques.      Qatar  Qatar is scheduled for the next FIFA 2022. It is a place for shopaholics.      Cyprus  Cyprus is a place where you will have beaches to enjoy sunbathing, and activities like trekking, cycling, and bird watching can be done.  Q2: What is the number one destination spot in the Middle East? A: Jordan is considered to be the best destination as well as the number one spot in the Middle East. it is a safe place. But still, you should avoid the area within two miles of the Iraq and Syria borders. You can visit Petra one of the seven wonders of the world.  Q3: What is the safest place in the Middle East?     Bahrain      Egypt     Jordan      Kuwait      Oman      The United Arab Emirates The Final Word In addition to the above-mentioned five destinations, there are countless other gems in the Middle-East you can visit. We are not mentioning the obvious ones like Dubai as it is already relatively well-known. Certain parts of Israel, Iran, and Palestinian territories are also areas that you can definitely visit. We have already noted how almost all major airlines connect with these destinations. Travelers have the option of booking Saudi airlines flight tickets to reach them. Many people think of Middle-East as an off-beat travel destination. However, in recent years, the perception of the region has changed. It has become more of a mainstream travel destination that is attracting a lot of travelers from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and other countries of the world. Read Also: 5 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi The Perfect Destination For Adventure Enthusiasts In Jamaica- Yaaman Adventure