Pet-Friendly Destinations Worldwide

BY  Ankita Mar 27, 2024

Los Angeles is a bustling, multifaceted city that provides visitors with a wide range of activities to discover and relish. Everything from iconic parks to hidden gems, LA has something for everyone.  We'll look more closely at some of the must-do things in this article that should be on every traveler's itinerary when visiting the City of Angels. Best Activities For Travelers In LA 1. Visit The Hollywood Walk Of Fame No trip to LA is complete without a visit to the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, this iconic attraction features more than 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. Take a leisurely stroll along the Walk of Fame and see if you can spot the stars of your favorite actors, musicians, and entertainers. 2. Exploring LA Skatepark Adventures For skateboarding lovers and novices alike, exploring iconic LA skateparks is a quintessential experience. One such iconic destination is the Venice Beach Skatepark, nestled along the picturesque shores of Venice Beach. This sprawling concrete jungle features a diverse array of ramps, bowls, and rails, attracting skaters from around the globe. Whether you're perfecting your ollies or simply soaking in the vibrant skate culture, Venice Beach Skatepark promises an exhilarating experience against the backdrop of palm trees and ocean breezes. 3. Explore Griffith Observatory Griffith Observatory, located atop Mount Hollywood, provides stunning views of the Los Angeles cityscape and the renowned Hollywood sign. Visitors may explore interactive astronomy displays, view celestial objects through telescopes, and watch captivating planetarium programs. The observatory also acts as an entrance to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, which has miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views. 4. Tennis Enthusiastic Tennis in Los Angeles offers the ideal combination of skill development and pleasure for those looking for a more sophisticated sporting experience. With an abundance of world-class facilities and professional coaches, LA provides an unmatched tennis experience in stunning surroundings. You can also take private tennis lessons to improve your abilities and techniques. 5. Exploring LA And Indulge In Culinary Delights At Grand Central Market Located in the heart of downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a culinary mecca that showcases the city's diverse food scene. From artisanal tacos to gourmet burgers and handcrafted ice cream, the market offers a tantalizing array of dining options to satisfy every palate. Grab a bite to eat, soak in the bustling atmosphere, and sample flavors from around the world. 6. Exploring LA Arts District Explore LA's lively Arts District, which is home to galleries, street art, and creative spaces. Stroll around the bright streets and enjoy the beautiful murals created by local and international artists. Don't miss the opportunity to see Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery built in a former flour mill that exhibits cutting-edge works by established and upcoming artists. 7. Hike To The Hollywood Sign For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to the Hollywood Sign is a must-do activity in LA. Several trails lead to prime viewpoints where you can capture Instagram-worthy photos of the iconic landmark against the backdrop of the city skyline. Choose from routes ranging in difficulty, including the popular Hollyridge Trail or the more challenging Brush Canyon Trail, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Los Angeles along the way. 8. Experience The Magic Of Disneyland No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.  Located in nearby Anaheim, this iconic theme park provides a fantastic experience for guests of all ages, with thrilling rides, fascinating attractions, and beloved Disney characters around every corner. Spend a day exploring the various themed lands, from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. 9. Exploring LA: Take A Studio Tour Get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Hollywood by taking a studio tour at one of LA's famed film studios. From Warner Bros. to Paramount Pictures, several studios offer guided tours that take visitors through iconic sets, soundstages, and backlots where some of the world's most beloved movies and TV shows were filmed. Learn about the history of filmmaking in Los Angeles and gain insight into the inner workings of the entertainment industry. 10. Catch A Sunset At Santa Monica Pier End your day in Los Angeles by visiting Santa Monica Pier, where you can watch the sun fall below the horizon in a blaze of color. Take a leisurely stroll down the landmark pier, enjoy a ride on the ancient carousel, and marvel at the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica Pier, with its vibrant ambiance and breathtaking views, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of a Southern California sunset. 11. Los Angeles Has Multiple City Inside  Los Angeles is a confluence of diverse cultures, and people from different places come and join there. There are different neighborhoods in these regions. Let us give a few examples. You have  Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.  Even the same idea persists for some of the valley cities. There, you have the bustling Manhattan Beach and the different communities within the San Gabriel Valley, like Alhambra, Monterey Park, and others. There are areas where you can find far-flung spots like Malibu and Pasadena, which are part of Los Angeles. If you speak culturally, Los Angeles is a bustling city within the city.  12. Los Angeles Have Public Transit Option  The life of a thriving city is determined by its hustle, bustle, and movement of people from one corner of the city to the other. The same goes in for Los Angeles.  Though it does not have an extensive subway system like that of London, Paris, and New York, the city has six metro lines and many efficient bus routes, which builds a solid communication network in the city. Therefore, if you are visiting Los Angeles, do not think you can easily hover from one part of the city to another, meaning you will not find metro systems on the west side, except for St. Monica.  Read Also… Save Money On Your Next Trip How To Make The Most Of Your Trip To Rome How Do I Keep My Child Occupied When Traveling? Tips To Pack Your Dog’s CBD When Going On A Trip

BY  Ankita May 18, 2024

There's a magical charm in circular hiking trails that arrests the attention of tourists and seasonal hikers alike. One of the most popular is Hiking the Kerry Way in Ireland. It provides waves of adventure that guide you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Ialand has to offer you. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just a beginner in this adventure sport, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your journey. The Kerry Way is an 11-day hike providing an experience you can not forget. , Right from mist-covered mountains to the simplest charm of villages, get ready to soak in the rugged beauty. Be an adorer of the magic of Ireland's southwest coast. What Is The Kerry Way? The Kerry Way is a hiking trail that circulates the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland.  The trail is approximately 215 kilometers long and takes 11 days to complete. Moreover, along the way, you can spot some of the most breathtaking views of the coastline, along with gigantic mountains and blue lakes. The Kerry Way offers a unique admixture of rich history, friendly local culture,, and nature's bounty. It's a chance to dip yourself in Ireland's rugged charm. Trail Length And Difficulty Level Like most of the long-distance trails, for example, West Highland Way in Scotland, or Camino de Santiago in Spain,  this one is disintegrated into several stages. Moreover, there are around nine stages in total, and all of them last  15 to 30 kilometers. While some sections are a bit difficult, the overall difficulty level is moderate. This is why the trails become accessible to hikers of diverse capabilities. Planning Your Trip Like with most walking holidays that cover long-distance trails, planning is indeed one of the major factors. You need to ensure that everything is okay before you start your journey. Remember that it's a physical challenge. You will find yourself walking for several hours a day, and soon, it turns out to steal the heart of the traveler as one accustomed to its stiffness. However, here are some key factors to keep in mind: Best Time To Hike The Kerry Way You must opt for the  Kerry Way during the spring and summer months(April to September). This is the best time to tackle the difficulty. However, the weather is friendlier for the trackers during this time of the year. But as you get closer to summer, the entire and crowded places since it's also the peak season. Accommodation Options Along The Trail There's no dearth of places to stay while hiking this trail. You can choose from the several towns along the trail based on your priorities, budget, and other requirements.  Besides, you'll find small hostels on the roads. You'll find a mix of guesthouses and hostels in abundance. Keep in mind, you must look to book in advance. It is highly recommended, especially when the season is at its peak. Packing Essentials Packing light is key, but you need to make sure to dress in layers and pack a raincoat even if it's summer and the weather is mild rain can happen from time to time. Make sure you don't forget your sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, water bottle, and a good map if you are old school. I recommend a hiking app that lets you use its features offline. Also, a first aid kit is a must! Scenic Highlights There are many highlights along the way; you'll be able to experience the stunning Killarney National Park and explore the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, and the Lakes of Killarney within this magical park. Not only that but also the coastal cliffs and dramatic seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula section offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. History is present on these iconic trails, and you can spot several ancient ruins and historical sites and discover stone circles, ring forts, and medieval castles along the way. What Safety Measures You Should Take While You Go Out For Hiking Hiking a trail lets an individual be immersed in the sea of enthusiasm and joy.  It is one way to set free from the bondage of daily duties and surrender entirely to nature.   Hiking the Kerry Way in Ireland instills visitors with a dosage of love for nature, which remains in the soul forever. So, if you like to give it a try…cut the handcuff of 9 to 5… this is the time to listen to the call of nature.  Let your heart respond to her call with openness.  However, in this section, we discuss some of the safety measures that you must take when you set out for your adventurous journey. So, let's get started without wasting any more time. 1. Bring At Least one Friend  One of the safety measures that you ought to take is making a group while you attempt such travel. Solo trips are not good, at least when you are traveling or hiking.   According to the opinion of the National Outdoor Leadership School, there must be at least one companion who must be there in these adventurous journeys.   This can help the traveler recover from any issue that erupts during the hiking. Hence, you must have an individual who can help you out in the hour of need.  2. Agree On A Emergency Plan While you plan your hiking, you must have a clear idea of devising an emergency plan. Moreover, there is a key question that you need to answer.  Will there be a reliable call service at the place? Then, in such a case, a personal locator beacon or a satellite messaging device can help the individual.  3. Prepare For The Weather  You must have adequate preparedness when you set out for hiking. Moreover, you must talk to the ranger or thereafter consult with them on the inclement weather events at this time of the year.  Even with the best weather forecast, inclement weather conditions like thunder and lightning take over quickly and most unexpectedly.   However, in these situations, you must use the NPS counseling in a shelter while stuck amidst the wild areas. But as a basic refrain from the high and open areas. They are prone to risk and uncertainties.  Pack The Ten Essentials  The 10 Essentials is a list of emergency provisions created organically by the mountaineers.  As per their opinion, when you are looking for mountaineering, trekking, or even hiking, you must ensure that you respond to the emergency and thereafter spend at least one night outdoors.  However, here we mention the list of essential objects that you must carry with you on your journey.   They include sun protection, a first aid kit, an insulation jacket, fire starters, a lighter, repair kits, nutrition (that is an extra day's supply of nutritious food), Hydration, and the emergency shelter, that is, tents, blankets, bivy, tarp or sleeping bag.   These are the essentials that you must keep with you when you trek or hike.  Conclusion Hiking the Kerry Way has its own set of thrills, adventure,  and love. It is one of the most fascinating places for hiking in Ireland.  Have your entire planning in place and at the same time ensure that you consider the points discussed on safety. Have a great hike and hike safely. Read Also: Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Five Best Things To Do In Nepal

BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2026

Is Koh Tao safe? Now, this is the question everyone is asking about Koh Tao these days. The reason? This island of stunning beauty has suddenly become the “Death Island.” Since 2014, the news of foreign tourists dying or going missing on the island has been common. But this is not the season that makes Koh Tao famous. Let me share with you a fascinating story about how I felt when I visited Koh Tao for the first time. We really had our toes in the sand, and you have to be here to understand how this island is the crown jewel of the sustainable tourism and green economy initiatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “What adds to Koh Tao’s success is the whole-of-society mindset shift that we have seen over the past few years. We’ve seen an evolution from just trying to raise profits and attract more tourists to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism experience that truly makes Koh Tao unique. I am thrilled to see the results of UNDP BIOFIN’s work that has contributed to this change and will continue to support local communities in working towards Thailand’s ambitious climate priorities.” - Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand. BIOFIN stands for Biodiversity Finance Initiative. It has played an active role in convincing the diving and fishing communities here about the importance of protecting the biodiversity and marine life. Nevertheless, this Turtle Island is gorgeous, and it is also pristine. So, along with celebrated locations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Koh Tao is also emerging as a place to encounter stunning marine life and beautiful reefs. The First Impression At Koh Tao I don’t know whether it is the “Fortune favors the brave” trick or something else. But I visited Koh Tao in July with my girl gang and found a clear sky to our greatest surprise. However, the experience at Mae Haad Pier was not that pleasant. The crowd was endless when we were trying to get off the ferry. The men were bare-skinned, and they were hauling their backpacks. Furthermore, a few Thai men kept asking, “Where are you going?” It was very confusing whether to answer them first or jump off the ferry first! I am an introvert, and suddenly there was too much energy around me. So, it took me a while to get accustomed to the crowd. But after that, it was absolutely okay. Koh Tao Is Growing: And We Saw How The Infrastructure Is Changing Do you know that the first adventure travelers arrived at Koh Tao in 1977? They took the coconut and fish transport boats to reach this island for diving. Since then, infrastructure development on Koh Tao has been significant. The concrete streets are clean. Also, many shops, restaurants, and hotels looked new. Also, the shops' advertising was quite cool, and along with the pharmacies and cafes serving espresso, there were motorbike rental shops. Now, motorbikes are the best way if you want to explore this small town at your own pace. The rental price starts at around 150-200 THB per day. Another great thing was the availability of ATMs. It was such a relief! Moreover, the crowd buzz was just right as it was the rainy season. It was enough to soak in the local culture. However, we always got our spots at the cafes and restaurants. In addition, we were using the TrueMove connection, and the coverage was quite decent throughout the island. Getting Around Koh Tao The island is walkable. Furthermore, moving around was pretty easy with the motorbikes, taxis, and ferris being frequent. Also, Koh Tao is close to the Koh Samui Airport and the Chumphon Airport on the Thai mainland. So, since it does not have its own airport, the initial transit can be challenging.  What Are The Things To Do On Koh Tao?  Scuba diving, hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beaches are the best things to do on Koh Tao. Here are more details. 1. Scuba Diving You can get your PADI certification, and there are as many as 84 dive schools on the island. “We produce around 100000 PADI certfied divers every year. This is an affordable place and the price you get here is matchless.”  • Kim, Big Blue Diving,  Other diving companies we got to know about there were Roctopus Dive, Goodtime Adventure, and Ban’s Diving Resort. However, diving here has seasonal specialties. For example, January to May is the best time for diving. Having said that, February is the month if you want to enjoy a swim with the whale sharks. 2. Hiking Koh Tao has many beautiful viewpoints, and you can easily hike along any of them. These viewpoints are:  Two View  John Suwan Viewpoint  Chalok Viewpoint  Mango Bay Viewpoint  Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint  Love @ Khao Tao Viewpoint  We started our day early so we could enjoy the fresh air and complete the walk before it got crowded.  3. Exploring The Koh Tao Beaches We were impressed to witness the initiatives to protect the beaches of the island. Stunning is an understatement for them. Also, for lazy travelers like us, these beaches are the best things about Koh Tao. Now, you will get many beaches with palm trees, white sands, and aqua blue water. However, I have seldom seen beaches being so sincere about the recycling programs and cleanups. We relaxed in our hammocks and allowed the sea breeze to caress our cheeks and hair. Furthermore, among the beaches we visited, Ao Chalok Ban Kao and Sai Daeng were my silent favorites. Those beaches were quiet. Also, as we visited Koh Tao in the monsoon, the more touristy ones, such as Tanote Beach, Sairee Beach, and Ao Luek, were not that crowded. These are usually full during the peak months. Pro Tip The sand is beautiful on Koh Tao beaches. But it is not smooth. So, you will need your flip flops. Chaloke Harbor was an exception. But most beaches have the remains of the bleached coral. So, make sure that you don’t cut your feet.  Moreover, these beaches offer amazing sunrise and sunset views. 4. Nightlife On Koh Tao We were on Koh Tao till around 9 PM, and by then the bars had come to life, and we could hear the rock and pop music they were playing. The quiet vibe of the island is gone after sundown. The groups of divers and young tourists here get busy with tropical cocktails and local beers. Also, the fire dancers were putting up their shows. One more thing I learned from a local pub owner. You can be a part of the Pub Crawl here three times a week. Friday, Wednesday, and Monday are the days. Along with all these activities, you can also try ocean kayaking and rock climbing. Furthermore, snorkeling at Hin Wong Reef is a lot of fun.  How Is Koh Tao Making A Successful Ecotourism Movement  It was fascinating to see how all the people and local businesses of Koh Tao came together to reduce the impact on the environment. With around 500000 visitors here every year, the small island gets a lot of waste. Most wastage comes from the packaging and construction work. Food waste and bathroom waste amounts are also quite high. Now, non-profit organizations such as Trash Hero Koh Tao are working to make the island clean. They encourage the locals and the visitors to get involved in the reef and beach clean-up drives. When you clean the waste with your own hands and see what the plastic bags, bottles, and straws do to the sea and the marine animals, you will never throw them carelessly. Furthermore, the hotels here play a proactive role. We chose Ban’s Diving Resort for our stay, and they have a separate section to make detergents and soaps from organic waste. Also, they compost the fruit scraps and vegetable waste and use the gray water, along with sorting the recyclables. Moreover, the food they serve at their restaurants has vegetables from their organic gardens. Is Koh Tao Safe To Visit?  Back to where I started this article. The recent cases of tourist deaths have been a bad patch for the reputation of Koh Tao. Though it has been years now, it felt weird seeing such a scarce presence of police here. I think I last saw some officers at Mae Haad Pier. Also, it was even more alarming here to know that most officers don’t understand or speak English. However, the local people here and business owners here are so committed to maintaining the sanctity of the place that we did not have any problem during our stay. We were a bunch of women, and we never even felt unsafe. Tips To Follow If You Want To Visit Koh Tao Safely  Are you renting a motorbike? You must click all the scratches on the vehicle, and your rental agency will need a photocopy of your passport.  Furthermore, keep the international driver's permit for motorcycle driving handy and wear your helmet. Moreover, don’t forget to get travel insurance. You cannot stroll at night alone. Be with a group, and even if you are going to the bay alone in the daytime, keep your hotel staff member informed. Be mindful of how much you are drinking. The buckets can seem fun, but they are traps, and sometimes they are drugged. When you are on the speedboats, you have to wear life jackets. It does not matter if you can swim or not. Koh Tao Is Beautiful But A Bit Overhyped  Koh Tao deserves all the accolades for its sustainable tourism initiatives. However, I think it is a bit overhyped if you are not diving. For a diver, it is an excellent place to get the PADI certification and explore the coral reefs. The beaches are good, but not something that you won’t find anywhere in Bangkok or anywhere else. So, it’s a 5/10 kind of experience for me. What’s your take on this? Read Also: What Is The Ultimate Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner For Solo Travelers? What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? What Are The Best São Tomé Eco-Lodges?