Use These Resources When Planning A Big Trip

BY  Mashum Feb 26, 2019

The cost-of-living caps the fantastic landscape and culture that Australia has to offer and explore.  For many tourists and Australians, it is much cheaper to travel abroad and explore other countries. However, traveling around Australia is incredible and can cost you minimal amounts if you are aware of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia.  So, before you plan a trip to Australia, learn the art of sticking to a budget. Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia The cost of traveling should never be a constraint if you want to explore the beautiful land of Australia. Let’s head straight to the most practical and budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. 1. Stay In Hostels This tip is more relevant to Australia even though it applies to all parts of the world. Most hotels in Australia are costly, mainly if you are operating on a budget. If you wish to have a less luxurious sleep, you will save a lot of money.  2. Camp You can even try camping if you want to be more adventurous. It will help you save a lot of money. The cheapest way to explore Australia is by getting around and camping at different campsites.  There are several free camping spots around Australia, although there will be areas where you will need to pay for your campsite. Even then, the fees may be as little as $5 per person. You will get access to showers and toilets, which aren’t always available on the open road. 3. Prepare Your Meals Even if you decide to eat in a fast-food joint in Australia, it will not give you much change from $10. Besides, you can bring havoc to your body by substituting main meals with fries and burgers.  Make sure that you are getting food that will support healthy living. You can achieve this objective by preparing your food. It is much cheaper than relying on ready-made food.  Most parks in Australia provide public BBQ facilities free of charge. All you need to do is buy some veggies or meat from the local supermarket and get some grilling.  If grilling every day is not your thing, make good use of the available kitchens in the hostels. Use them to prepare your meals. You will realize a significant difference in your bank account.  4. Purchase Your Booze Bottle-O Bottle-O refers to the liquor shop or bottle shop. This store sells alcohol at a lower price than the ordinary bars. You will get affordable liquor deals in this place. Most budget drinkers like to go for the Goon, which is a cheap boxed wine.  5. Use A Private Vehicle to Commute  In Australia, you must get around by car if you want to explore the country. You can do it either by purchasing a vehicle temporarily or hiring a car for your travels. However, these two options can be slightly expensive.  You can use comparison sites such as Car Rental Buddy or Car Hire Choice to find and compare vehicles. Alternatively, you can opt for campervan hire from Camper Champ. You will not fail to get a cheap deal when it comes to commuting in Australia. 6. Travel On Greyhound Bus Most backpackers like to use this option as their preferred means of transport. It is among the cheapest modes of transportation in Australia.  You can get a travel pass for approximately $500. It will allow you to hop off and on as many times as you would like. It is an excellent way to view the fantastic scenery of Australia. The good news is that you will not spend so much on these journeys.  7. Participate In Homestays or Couch Surfing Accommodation in Australia is expensive, even for backpackers. So, if you want to explore Australia cheaply, take advantage of staying at homestays or even Couch-surfing in people’s homes. It will help you get free accommodation in exchange for cultural learning and community interaction. 8. Purchase A Campervan This option is best if you are traveling as a group. It will help you to spit the gas among yourselves. Driving via Australia is exciting, but you can still make your trip more enjoyable.  One way is to purchase a campervan in Cairns and then drive down to Melbourne or the other way around. Even though driving is more expensive than flying, you will stop anywhere you wish. Besides, if you have a big campervan, you can still use it for accommodation.  9. Have Fun by Participating in Active Hobbies Australians (particularly in the north) are known for their outdoor lifestyle. Therefore, you can join them and have a lot of fun outdoors. You will not spend lots of money when you pursue your hobby.  You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, skiing, bungy jumping, and a lot more, thanks to its vivid landscape and coexistence of various geologies. 10. Spend Most of Your Time with Nature Australia has so much when it comes to natural beauty, and this offers a free experience. You can get into the botanical gardens in Melbourne for free. Also, you will not pay anything to visit the beach.  You can also hike via the Royal National Park or Sydney’s Blue Mountains. You will not spend even a single cent when interacting with nature.  11. Hiking  There are several scenic walking trails in Australia that you can explore. Do you want to hike along the Australian coastline and admire the beaches? Or do you want to hike up mountains to get a view of the Australian landscape? You will be able to find an abundance of exciting hiking trails for your adventure. You will get excellent hiking opportunities at no cost in Australia.  12. Check out the Galleries and Museums Unlike the rest of the world, the galleries and museums of Australia are free to get in. Therefore, if you are tired of the outdoor experience and want to get a feel for the culture, museums are your best bet.  The best place to start is the National Gallery of Victoria. You can also try out the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Both locations will give you fantastic opportunities to tour Australia at budget-friendly rates.  13. Cycling In some cities, there are cycling initiatives that you can take advantage of while visiting Australia. In Brisbane, it is possible to cycle for up to half an hour for free using their city hire bike scheme. There are several cycling trails that you can also explore around the city. 14. Swimming At the Beach  Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline where you can go swimming and enjoy yourself at the beach. Whether you decide to stop in a major city like the Gold Coast or head to a quieter town such as Airlie Beach, there will be an option for you. 15. Fishing  If you can get yourself some fishing rods, you can go fishing at a local creek, dam, river, or beach. 16. Barbecues One thing that is unanimous with all Australians is their love for an excellent outdoor grill. Having a barbecue meal with your travel group is also one of the most budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You can head to the supermarket and buy a loaf of bread and sausages for a tonner. You will enjoy a barbecue in the company of friends. Conclusion  These are just a few of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. There are plenty of things to see and do in Australia. You must be open to the different experiences the region has to offer. From Kangaroo Island to the Barossa Valley, Australia has scenic beauty that you can soak in without burning a hole in your pocket. So, make a budget and stick to it to have a happy and hearty journey! Read Also : Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali

BY  sagnika Mar 11, 2025

A great city to visit, New Orleans is vibrant, sweeping you off your feet with its diverse beauty! The Mardi Gras events, colorful jewelry, delicious cuisine, world-class musicians, amazing architecture, and rich history of the place bring together an amazing experience.   But with that beautiful culture, there is also a hint of fear, especially with the crimes and history of violence the place carries. You need to pay attention to the people around you, and the surroundings, manage your expenses, check your alcohol consumption, and walk across high-trafficked areas.   Additionally, you will be charmed by the place but do not forget to be aware of your environment. You can also book accommodation at New Orleans family hotels! Additionally, you can also go on free walking tours, and food tours, and adhere to the safety tips shared with you.   Is New Orleans Safe as a Solo Traveller: Shared Experience!   The city is a mix of art, tradition, culture, and a lot of Gangsta! Yes, New Orleans experiences a lot of negative press especially when violence in the city is over-advertised. While the strong sense of community is not highlighted as much.   People look after each other in New Orleans, especially with the cultural exchange and festivities. If you live in the city, of course, you will love it, after all, it is your place. However, if you are a tourist, you will fall in love. One of the best exotic places to travel, you must visit New Orleans once in your lifetime!   Yes, the place has its issues, every place in the world does. There might be a little concern when it comes to violence along with the drug crisis. It is, therefore, important to understand why you need to be cautious when roaming alone in the city.    Let's explore the places you must visit, eat food at, or stay at which are safe for a solo traveler. Additionally, I will also offer you tips on how you can stay safe in New Orleans. Even though most of the areas where tourists stay, or visit is quite safe.   Tips to Stay Safe in New Orleans   The areas such as the Garden District, the French Quarter, the Warehouse District, and the Central Business District where the tourists frequent a lot are quite safe. Yet, it is important to have basic common-sense practices that you must engage in to be safe.   If you see any family in New Orleans with kids, know that there are enough fun things to do with them too. It is not just perfect for young or solo travelers. Furthermore, there are several family activities in New Orleans such as visiting the museums, national parks, and others.   Book Accommodations at a Busy Place   Try to book your well-lit accommodation, especially if you like wandering around at night. If you are someone who likes to experience the nightlife of a place, it is better if you book your rooms in an area with heavy traffic.   Try to book rideshare with Lyft or Uber when you are returning late at night. An extra layer of security is when you have the option to request a female, or a male driver based on your preference. It is not always safe to get on public transport, especially late at night when you might not get any help if a crisis arose.   Be Careful of What You Drink and Where   New Orleans is a party, creating a vibrant and fun vacation for you. Alcohol is an important part of this vacation and of course, you can drink when you are out enjoying yourself. Yes, you can visit the closest beach to New Orleans to experience the relaxed but vibrant vibe of the place.   However, I would suggest trying to control the amount. Please do not leave your drink unattended so, even when going to the bathroom, take it with you. Cover your drink when you are in a crowded bar, and this advice is for both men and women.   Petty Crime   When you go out in New Orleans, try to keep your expensive watches, jewelry bags, or cameras in the safety of your hotel room. This way, you will not attract any unwanted attention from people by ill means.   In a crowded street, you need to keep your wallet, money, and other essentials in your front pockets. Be aware and careful of your surroundings, also try to wear your bags across your shoulder so it is not that easy to snatch them while passing.    Beware of the Scammers   If you look like a tourist, you are done! There are scammers everywhere and if you look like a tourist, you are an easy target. If you are visiting the city during carnival time or festivities, a lot of scammers can try to sell things as souvenirs at a high price.   Additionally, try not to be too polite because scammers take advantage of your nature. They identify you based on your behavior and stalk you to learn your ways so that they can take advantage of your weaknesses.   Try not to engage with anyone, whether it is about money, time, conversation, or smile especially if they are strangers. Keep walking if anyone is repeatedly trying to engage you and also say no to drinks or food coming from strangers.    Things You Can Do in New Orleans Alone   I travel alone frequently, and if you are planning to travel to New Orleans alone, let me share with you some of the top places to visit. A colorful city, New Orleans has a rich history where you can view beautiful architecture along with delicious cuisine.   How can you forget the lively music scene that is available on most streets of New Orleans? Try to follow the common practices when out in the street so that you don’t seem out of place for fraudsters. Let's explore the top things you have to do to be safe and still enjoy your vacation alone!   Top Places to Visit   These are some of the places you must visit if you are traveling to New Orleans. Especially as a solo traveler, if you are wondering if is New Orleans safe, you should visit these places to experience the beauty of it all.   Take a walk across the French Quarter: One of the most popular places in New Orleans, the vibrant history of the place along with the buildings and their architecture will take your breath away. If you are traveling alone, it is better if you take a guided walking tour or else you might miss things!   Visit the Whitney Plantation Tour: If you want to learn more about the history of Louisiana’s slavery, you should visit the Whitney Plantation. You will gain a profound understanding when you see all the preserved buildings along with powerful exhibits. These exhibits tell the stories of enslaved people who used to live there.  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0kJjreMV8y/?ref=badge Go to a Jazz National Historical Park: If you are a music lover, you will fall in love with this park because it offers you live music. Additionally, some exhibitions and performances will educate you about the rich jazz heritage of New Orleans.   Book a Swamp Tour: Are you a wildlife enthusiast? If so, you gotta go experience the swamp tour where you can sport wild boars and alligators in their natural habitat. Furthermore, you also get to learn more about how these places are maintained.   Top Restaurants and Bars   Several restaurants, pubs, and bars offer you delicious southern cuisine along with trademark drinks. One of the coolest places you can visit if you are traveling solo, Cochon is your go-to. Offering comfortable Southern food, you can enjoy diverse flavors.   Sazerac Bar is another place that you cannot miss, especially when it is known for its historical watering hole. It is known for its chilled atmosphere along with art deco interiors.   Travel Insurance   It is quite important to keep in mind that travel insurance is an important part of staying safe and secure, whether you are traveling solo or with family. The destination does not matter as long as travel insurance is a non-negotiable aspect when you are traveling.   If you face any unforeseen incidents, it is the travel insurance that helps you in weird situations. In the US, healthcare is expensive, so if you have travel insurance, you can manage any Healthcare insurance thus, footing the bill easily.   Yes, initially, Healthcare might be expensive but once you get it, your medical emergencies, lost baggage, and travel delays can be easily dealt with.   Places to Avoid in New Orleans   If you are traveling to New Orleans alone and wondering is New Orleans safe, I have the perfect answer for you. The place is perfect for solo travelers as long as you are a little aware and careful of your surroundings.   Additionally, there is also a possibility that you might be in a crisis, so for that, we have shared tips that will ensure that you enjoy yourself to the fullest. Read the blog and let us know how these tips have helped you.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!