Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Do you know where the name of the Zion National Park came from? The name has come from the Bible, as the Old Testament calls the City of Jerusalem Zion.  This national park has the most diverse landscape, with plateaus, forests, and deserts. Further, it is home to over 800 plant species and 290 bird varieties.  “A visit to a river, a canyon rim, and a pine forest will give you a chance to see plenty of different birds. Birds are very active at dawn and dusk. They sing more at these times, making them easier to locate than midday. Nocturnal birds like owls are also active at dawn and dusk, making them easier to locate than at night.” Ally O’Rullian, Ranger, Zion National Park. Hiking is the best activity in the park to enjoy a close encounter with the wildlife and geology of the park. Also, camping here and living under the stars will be an amazing experience. So, let’s be familiar with the hiking trails and campgrounds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking In Zion National Park, Utah View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Zion National Park, and kids also love the flat riverside walks. Moreover, trails like the one to the Emerald Pool are family-friendly.  Further, the park has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, and the number of trails is more than 100., I have curated some popular day hiking and backpacking trails for you here.  Day Hikes In Zion National Park The short day hikes in Zion National Park will take you to the wonderful views southwest of the park. Some hiking trails can be completed within one hour, and some will take an entire day. Further, these trails will take you through lush valleys and meadows and make you visit rugged mountains and deserts.  So, let’s explore the trails. 1. Watchman Trail Difficulty Level: Moderate Distance: 2.7 Miles Trekking Time: 2 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman Trail is one of my favorites in Zion National Park because it is peaceful. Also, it is a kid and family-friendly hiking trail with a beautiful view of the lower Zion Canyon.  You will further enjoy the view of the Towers of the Virgin and the town of Springdale from this trail.  Moreover, this trail is a great path to learn about the desert plantation in the park.  2. Lower Emerald Pool Trail  Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 1.2 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Zion Lodge The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the easiest trails in the park, and you can explore the route with your family thanks to the gentle terrain.  Further, walking through the woods of pinyon and juniper is comfortable for children. Moreover, the hike ends with a refreshing view of the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. These waterfalls are ephemeral.  However, if you want to explore more challenging trails, you can try the connecting Upper Emerald Pool and Kayenta trails.  3. Observation Point Difficulty Level: Difficult Distance: 8 Mile Trekking Time: 7 Hours Pet-Friendly: No Trailhead: Weeping Rock The Observation Point trek through the East Rim Trail stands out because it offers the best view of the nearby attractions. Further, you will especially love the view of Zion Canyon’s lower end.  However, this trekking route comes with 2200 feet of steep elevation. So, ensure that you have the right physical endurance and proper hydration.  4. Pa’Rus Trail Difficulty Level: Easy Distance: 3.5 Miles Trekking Time: 1 Hour Pet-Friendly: Yes Trailhead: Visitor Center If you want to watch the best sunset in Zion National Park and capture beautiful landscape views, Pa’Rus Trail is the best hiking route for you. Further, it is the only national park trail allowing dogs and pets.  It is an easy trek. You can explore it with your kids and family. You will begin the trek listening to the serene sounds of the Virgin River. Then, as you advance, you will get the best view of the Watchman.  Backpacking Hikes In Zion National Park Overnight hiking or backpacking trips are very popular in Zion National Park. Despite being strenuous hikes, these trails offer the most scenic views.  If you are willing to explore any of the following backpacking trails, you must have proper food, water, and supplement arrangements.  La Verkin Creek Trail Trail Distance: 14.4 Miles Trail Head: Lee Pass Difficulty Level: Challenging The La Verking Creek Trail takes you to the Kalob Arch. It is one of the biggest free-standing arches in the world.  As you start the trek from Lee Pass, you will walk through open canyons, and the route along Timber Creek will offer you the best cliff views.  If you want to extend your hiking trip further, you can continue your walk to the Bear Trap Canyon or the Willis Canyon. Summer and fall are the best seasons for backpacking trips to the La Verkin Creek Trail.  The Narrows View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) Trail Distance: 16 Miles Hike Start: The Temple of Sinawava Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Based on the River Volume) Despite having an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, The Narrows is one of the most challenging hikes in this national park.  The meandering trekking route will take you through various canyons. However, you must first walk through the Virgin River as there is no alternative loop.  Here, you must note that the water level in the Virgin River keeps fluctuating. Based on the amount of rainfall and snowfall, the varying water levels of the Virgin River will pose challenges. The table below gives you a clear picture of the probable difficulties.  Water Level of Virgin RiverChallenges/Consequences Below 70 cubic feet per second (CFS)Moderately difficult walkingKnee-deep waterSlippery terrain Above 70 CFSChallenging walkingMid-thigh deep waterWater in some pools can be chest-deepAbove 150 CFSThe Virgin River and The Narrows are close for hiking.  The Narrows remain closed even when there is an announcement for Flash Floods. So, check with the park authority about the “present water current level” and announcements.  West Rim Trail Trail Distance: 14.2 Miles  Trail Head: Lava Point  Difficulty Level: Strenuous  The West Rim Trail is one of the most challenging treks in Zion National Park. The elevation change here is close to 3500 feet, and you must make a steep ascent toward the Wildcat Canyon rims. Then, you will make a descent.  In addition, the West Rim Trail offers the best views of the Phantom Valley. If you are in for a backpacking trip to the West Rim Trail, late spring, summer, and fall will be the best seasons.  Camping In Zion National Park, Utah Though 2023 saw a dip in visitors to Zion National Park, it is still one of the most visited parks in the USA. In 2023, the park had less than 4.65 million visitors compared to 4.69 million visitors in 2022.  The red rock formations and canyons carved by water are some of the biggest attractions in this US national park, and camping is surely the best way to get to know the park better.  Zion National Park has three campgrounds, but the South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. So, here I will discuss the Watchman Campground and Lava Point Campground.  Watchman Campground https://www.instagram.com/p/C84eLoOtJP8/ This campground is very close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and if you are entering the park from the  South Entrance in Springdale, you will have to go only ¼ miles to find this campground.  Each campsite in the campground has a picnic table, a place for a tent or RV, and fire ring access. Further, here is a detailed picture of the amenities and fees at the camping ground.  Amenities and FeesAvailable/Details Cell Phone NetworkYesInternet ConnectivityNoCamp StoreNoIce for SaleNoLaundryNoAmphitheater SeasonalFirewood for Sale NoTrash CollectionYesDump StationYesPotable WaterAvailableFood Storage LockerYesStaff on SiteYesShower TypeNot AvailableFlush ToiletYesFeesElectric Campsites: $45Non-Electric Tent Only Campsites: $35Group Campsites - $90-130 per personAccessible Sites: According to the Price of a Particular Site with Special Discounts for Access Pass Holders Watchman Campground sites are available on a reservation basis. You can book six months before your trip to secure a preferred spot.  Lava Point Campground It is a seasonal campground, operating only from May to September. Further, located at a 7890-foot height, this campground is closest to Kolob Terrace Road.  Also, if you enter the park from its southern entrance, you must drive for one hour and 20 minutes to reach this campground.  However, with 6 primitive camping sites, Lava Point Campground does not have most of the amenities of the Watchman Campground. Therefore, you will only get the following facilities here. Pit toilets Trash cans Seasonal trash collection Staff on site on a seasonal basis Moreover, you will have to pay a fee of $25 to reserve a spot in this campground. Further, it cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 19 feet.  Zion National Park At A Glance  Zion National Park Location: Utah, The USA Area: 232 Square Miles Visitor Centers: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Entry Fee: Standard Entrance Passes Highest Point: Horse Ranch Mountain Established: 19th November 1919 So, it’s fall here, and Zion National Park is gearing up for winter. When are you planning a visit?  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  Barsha May 2, 2023

Based on Kiwi Flights reviews, I will be writing my experience of the Kiwi Flights and how travel experiences can be severely impacted. Further, I will address the advantages and shortcomings of the airlines! While we have heard about the exciting features of Kiwi flights that apparently helps users to plan their travel itineraries for savings and convenience, several regular users feel it might not always be a smooth ride. Although Kiwi is not really the ideal travel agency for all your trips yet it can prove to be a good tool for specific or even unique situations. For instance, you came across the perfect flight deal for Europe, but you are located far away from the departing location. Naturally, you will look for flights from your home city, but the prices turn out to be double the rates you were getting from the initial deal. In that case, most of us would bid adieu to another dream vacation. But, instead, have you thought of taking a different approach? With the help of Kiwi, you can combine another bus, train, or flight with the initial cheap deal to reach your dream destination without spending a lot of money. So, we decided to check out Kiwi and decide whether it’s legit or just another scam platform. Stay tuned to find out more. Exploring The Kiwi App: All That You Need To Know! Today, we are here to find out - is Kiwi flights legit? The official website of the platform looks pretty cool. Plus, the app has a good 4.3 rating, accompanied by mostly positive reviews from guests. But then we can’t just start depending on every platform based on positive online reviews though it is certainly a convincing factor. When booking a flight on Kiwi, it will take only 20 minutes but there are other concerns. With technical difficulties regularly occurring, booking flights in Kiwi can be a huge risk! There are instances when booking flights can more time. according to Kiwi Flights reviews, there is another issue because while booking, if there are technical problems, it might lead to an incomplete booking. So without wasting any time, scroll down to find out all that you need to know about the Kiwi platform - because we did check it out, and here’s what we found out! What Is Kiwi? So, what is Kiwi? Welcome to the Tour And Travel Blog’s Kiwi flights review. Today, we will discuss Kiwi, a travel agency that operates online. Based in the beautiful Czech Republic, the Kiwi platform specializes in combining different flights with various transportation types into one booking to make your dream vacation possible at affordable rates. The platform uses a wide database filled with different bus, train, and flight schedules - these are combined together to provide users with travel options that are fast and cheap. While the platform can give you a great deal - a cheap flight combined with the right bus, train, or another flight can sometimes reduce your travel expenditure drastically. However, there’s only one problem - at times, Kiwi can end up creating itineraries that are either complicated or overly competitive just to save some money. Using Kiwi Flights: When Should You Use Kiwi? For most of us, using Kiwi flights makes sense when the expenditure for any planned trip turns out to be really costly. For instance, you are in the middle of some last-minute emergency, or you need to book an international flight (one-way), or your itinerary is too complicated, and you are looking for an easy way to make things cheaper on the itinerary. Yet, it has been observed that Kiwi Flights have had a 95% accuracy rate in predicting flight prices several months in advance. When combining the features of low-cost carriers along with analyzing airfare, it is one of the best on the market. In all these cases, using Kiwi flights seems like an obvious solution. Here we can check out the benefits of using the Kiwi platform - stay tuned to find out more. Save on expensive airfares. Book one-way international flights. Book multi-city trips with the help of Kiwi Nomad. Manage last-minute emergencies. There are some advantages that Kiwi flights have such as saving on expensive airfares along with booking one-way international flights. There are different options to make the booking via Kiwi Nomad for multi-city trips. This site is one of the best for last-minute bookings according to the Kiwi Flights reviews! When there is an emergency, you can make the booking on Kiwi Flights as there is always some seats available last moment. Are There Downsides To Kiwi Flights? While Kiwi is a good tool for booking cheap flights and making your itinerary simple, what most Kiwi flights reviews won’t tell you are the downsides of the platform that you have to note before you can start using the same. So, what are the downsides of Kiwi flights? Let’s find out - without wasting time, scroll down to find out more. There’s no guarantee that the flight options you will find on Kiwi will be the cheapest. If you do not pay extra, then there’s no reliable protection for your connecting flights. One of the biggest drawbacks is that the flights are not cheap so, people planning on traveling on a budget will find it difficult to book! At times, the authorities at Kiwi Flights take guarantees when booking flights. They inform customers that they will be provided connecting flights if there is an issue however, there is no guarantee of that! I personally would suggest to not rely on this guarantee considering there have been too many complaints and concerns regarding luggage lost, flight connections and other issues. Is Kiwi Legit? The User Reviews You Needed: So, the question that always pops up in reviews has made an appearance here as well - is kiwi.com legit? There are so many different kinds of customer reviews on Kiwi Flights that it’s honestly difficult to deduce. While the platform has a 4.3 rating on Google Play, it has only 1.5 stars on TrustPilot, and that too from more than 60K reviews. One of the best features is that the Airlines provide services to a wide variety of places. apart from that, they also take bookings last moment however there are concerns with improper bookings. At times, customers have experienced issues with flight bookings regarding availability and change. There are, however, some hacks that people who are traveling can use so that they can travel on a budget! A majority of concerns that customers have with Kiwi have a lot to do with different issues, such as long delays on different refund requests, improper bookings, and not always the cheapest rates. Naturally, you need to proceed with some caution while using the Kiwi platform. Review By Damien Powell: “I've used this service and app for several trips, one being a transatlantic flight. These are very good deals, but what really helps is the travel insurance that they provide. I had a delayed flight in Berlin that caused me to miss my connection in the US. They found me a flight home at no cost, it was really great during a very stressful journey. Review By Maxim Diatchenko: “An extremely irresponsible company. Bad communication: no phone contacts, email once a week. Very unreliable service. But they have a great website and mobile app. My story: I bought tickets months in advance. My criteria were: to fly in the evening. A couple of weeks before departure, the departure time was changed to nine and a half hours, moving it to the morning. I asked them to find me a similar flight or refund money to buy new tickets. They refused.” Review By John Villielm: “Absolutely ridiculous service. We booked two separate trips for the family to visit us overseas. Both trips were booked for 4 total flights, all of which were purchased as a set. Due to Covid, only 1 flight was canceled, but that started the problems. They give you two options, 1) 200euro credit (the tickets as a set were $3K and $4k), so 200euro is nowhere close to matching that. 2) a 3-month wait on a "potential" refund.” Our Verdict: Use Kiwi Flights With Caution! Most of the kiwi.com reviews are not great, which makes it absolutely important that you use Kiwi flights with caution. If the platform provides good service to you, then that’s great, but if they don’t, then you will be the only one losing out. So we recommend proceeding with caution while planning your trip via Kiwi. In recent times, there have been several complaints where the flight tickets have been known to be lowest however, they have been cancelled without prior information. The refund process has also been subject to availability and change so, you need to be careful before booking flight tickets. Feel free to share your thoughts on the same with us - and while sharing your thoughts, let us know about your experience, if you have used the platform before, in the comments below. Read Also: Hopper flights review- Login, services and Travel experiences Using flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know! Using Google Flights To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Sibashree Sep 17, 2025

Flight disruptions can be stressful, especially when your travel plans involve multiple connections. If you’re traveling within, to, or from Europe, you may be entitled to Cancelled Flight Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.  This regulation ensures that passengers receive financial protection when flights are cancelled, delayed, or overbooked, including scenarios involving connecting flights. Understanding your rights can help you claim compensation effectively and reduce travel-related stress. Understanding EU Regulation 261/2004 For Flight Cancellation Compensation Issued on 11th February 2004 and implemented on 17th February 2025, EU Regulation 261/2004 has clear directives about the flight cancellation compensation rights.  Furthermore, this regulation is applicable to the following airline services.  Flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline. Flights arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU-based airline. This regulation ensures passengers are entitled to compensation if flights are cancelled without adequate notice or rerouting options. The amount of compensation generally depends on the flight distance and the delay caused by the cancellation. Eligibility For Cancelled Flight Compensation On Connecting Flights Have a look at the table below to understand the complex compensation norms for connecting flights. Eligibility CriteriaDetails Single Booking Requirement• Applicable when all flights are booked on a single ticket.• Separate bookings may reduce your rights. Arrival Delays• You can get the compensation if the cancellation leads to a delay of 3 hours or more to reach your final destination. Airline ResponsibilityIf the cancellation happens due to• Technical Problems• Staffing Issues Key Passenger Rights To Know Passengers affected by a cancelled connecting flight are entitled to: Reimbursement of the ticket cost or rerouting to the final destination. Meals, refreshments, and accommodation if delays require overnight stays. Compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and delay duration. Moreover, you seek help from platforms such as Skycop to simplify your flight cancellation compensation claims.  Am I Eligible For Flight Cancellation Compensation Under Extraordinary Circumstances? No, you are not eligible to get flight cancellation compensation from your airline under extraordinary situations. Here, the extraordinary circumstances refer to situations that are beyond the grasp of the airline authorities.  1. Extreme Weather Conditions And Natural Disasters  For example, if the weather conditions worsen or there is a sudden natural disaster like a typhoon, a tsunami, or tornadoes, any airline will not be able to offer service. In some cases, these natural disasters can completely ruin the infrastructure of the airports.  2. Global Pandemic And Safety Issues Similarly, we have also passed through the COVID-19 stage. If there is any pandemic of this scale, the airline services will be automatically shut down.  This is another thing that is beyond the control of an airline service.  3. Political Unrest And Air Traffic Control  Every other day, there is some news of a country fighting with another. From the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Pakistani terrorist attacks on India, the world has become a war-ridden place in the last few years.  Air traffic control is common in these scenarios and these political situations, making air traffic control stronger can cause delays and cancellations of connecting flights.  4. Hijacking And Terrorism  Terrorism and hijacking are extreme conditions under which a flight can be cancelled. This is a humanitarian crisis and of course, you cannot hold your airline responsible for these heinous acts.  Having said that, extraordinary situations do not mean that you will not get any help from the airline. The airline will assist you by rerouting your journey by arranging another flight or any other suitable mode of transportation.  Moreover, if you decide not to travel due to the delay or cancellation of a flight, the airline must provide you with a refund.  Will I Get Compensation From My Airline If I Get Late At Work? Your flight is delayed and cancelled, and you are supposed to join a new company or resume office after a break. You can hold the airline responsible for the same, but the compensation scenario is not so easy.  Let me explain! The airline will, of course, offer you a refund or compensation for the flight delay or cancellation according to the EU Regulation 261/2004. However, you will not get any compensation for the loss of pay.  Practically, there is no legal protection or measure to demand compensation for the loss of pay. It is your duty to negotiate with the employer and check whether you can manage a paid leave or a leave without pay.  For the new joinees, you can always convince the HR by explaining your situation and requesting to defer your joining date.  Are Technical Problems Of A Flight An Extraordinary Situation? No, according to the Court of Justice of the European Union, a flight delay or cancellation caused by technical problems does not fall under extraordinary circumstances. So, you are eligible for compensation for a cancelled flight under these scenarios.  However, if there is a manufacturing defect and your airline identifies and cancels your flight, you cannot hold them responsible for a delay or cancellation. However, even in these scenarios, your airline will have to pay a refund for your ticket or arrange an alternative flight or any other mode of transportation.  Know Your Flight Cancellation Compensation Rights And Make Claims  So, before boarding a flight or even before booking one, you must be aware of your rights. This is crucial, as often, despite valid claims, the airline companies procrastinate and they assure you to revert within a specific time, but they never do.  Furthermore, many airlines look for unofficial settlements, convincing you to receive compensation that is less than the provisions in the 261/2004 regulations.  So, if there is a flight delay or cancellation, follow this step-by-step guide to make your claim.  Contact the Airline• Inform them about the delay or cancellation.• Discuss options such as rerouting, refunds, and compensationDetermining the Final Arrival Time• Assess the hours of delay you are facing due to the flight cancellation. • Your compensation will depend on the hours of delay you are facing in reaching your destination. Making a Claim• Finally, it’s time to submit your claim.  Read Also: How To Enjoy Your Journey After You Book Flight Tickets From Canada To India? How Can You Avoid Travel Stress? Is Travel Anxiety Normal? A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight!