Pokagon State Park Camping | The Best Year-Round Camping Experience At Pokagon State Park

BY  Sibashree Dec 18, 2024

Located in California,  Sequoia National Park is famous as the home to giant sequoia trees. It is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest one in the world by volume. Further, it has famous landmarks like Kings Canyon.  No wonder that the California National Park is flocked by millions of visitors every year. You can enjoy a drive in the park and enjoy its scenic beauty. However, the best thing to do here is explore the park on foot. Only then will you be able to discover the waterfalls, the true hidden gems.  In this context, I must speak of the Tokopah Falls, the tallest in the park. Moreover, the park houses many prominent hiking destinations, like the route to Mount Whitney.  So, do you want to know more about the things you can do at the Sequoia National Park? Here is a Tour and Travel guide. Fun Things To Do At Sequoia National Park: Exploring Nature And Its Wonders At Your Own Pace Spread across an area of 1,635 km2, Sequoia National Park in California is a melting pot for many things. You will find the largest mountains, canyons, and falls in one place.  The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is between June to September. Exploring the sequoia groves is comfortable during these months.  Nevertheless, irrespective of the season you visit Sequoia National Park, you must not miss the following fun things. 1. Hike To The General Sherman Tree There is always a huge queue near the General Sherman Tree. The tallest in the world, this tree comes with a height of 275 feet. Further, it has a width of 36 feet.  Tourists gather around this gigantic tree to take photographs, and from there, they take an uphill road.  Nevertheless, to reach the General Sherman Tree, you will need to start your journey from the trailhead on Wolverton Road. The route is known as the Main Trail. As you advance in the trail, you will have to walk through the Giant Forest Area, where you will see the tallest sequoia trees and get to learn about their history.  2. Drive Along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway This spring or summer, you can enjoy a scenic drive by the Kings Canyon Byway. Here, the drive amidst the giant sequoia trees is a surreal experience. Further, on your way, you will find the Boyden Cavern.  Boyden Cavern is a hidden gem in Sequoia National Park and as you enter the cave, you will find the presence of stalagmites and stalactites. A drive through the Kings Canyon Byway is full of twists and turns. So, it is a great pursuit for adventurous souls. It starts outside Fresno and takes you to the Sequoia National Park after a drive through the Grant Grove Area.  On your way, you can stop at spots like the Grizzly Falls and Boyden Cavern.  Tour And Travel Note:The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway was closed due to a devastating fire condition earlier in 2024. Please check with the park authority before you plan this drive at Sequoia National Park.  3. Visiting The Grant Grove Village Within walking distance from the Great Grant Tree, you will reach Grant Grove Village. It has a visitor center. The Great Grant Tree is the second-largest sequoia tree in the world. It is more popular as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, the name given by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926.  Further, the village stands out because of the Grant Grove Restaurant. The Grant Grove Restaurant here serves the best lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. Food here is yum and they are all prepared using locally-grown ingredients.  Moreover, you can buy beer, wine, and grocery essentials from here. Also, if you are interested in local arts and crafts, you can collect the best souvenirs from here.  4. Camping At Sequoia National Park Camping is the best thing to do at Sequoia National Park if you want to enjoy the best of Sequoia National Park. At Sequoia National Park, camping will cost you between $32 to $80 based on the number of people in a camping group. Further, you will find 14 campsites in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park combined area. In addition, two of the campsites here are open across all seasons.  Some campgrounds at Sequoia National Park are: Lodgepole and Giant Forest Campgrounds Foothills Campgrounds Lodgepole and Giant Forest Campgrounds, etc.  Camping at Sequoia National Park comes with strict fire restrictions and other regulations. You must adhere to them.  5. Hiking To The Tokopah Falls Tokopah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park. However, this waterfall, with a height of 1200 feet offers amazing views from different viewpoints because of how it proceeds through cragged routes. It does not fall straight like a curtain like many other waterfalls.  However, to reach the Tokopah Falls, you will have to complete a hike of around 3.5 miles. It is an easy route and even suitable for children and beginners. To see the waterfall in its full glory, you will have to visit the waterfall in spring or early summer. In this season, the waterfall is fed by snow-melted water from the mountains. As we approach the fall season, the flow of water in the fall becomes weaker or thinner.  Nevertheless, the fall looks beautiful in every season, with gigantic trees and gray rocks surrounding it.  6. Enjoying The Peaceful View Of The Crescent Meadow Taking a walk along the Crescent Meadow is one of the most peaceful things to do at Sequoia National Park in California. Once you reach Moro Rock or the Crescent Meadow Road, you will find the Crescent Meadow in the end. However, you will have to walk for 1.5 miles to reach the grassy meadow, and the lush greenery here will make you forget about the fatigue of hiking. In addition, the wildflowers in the meadow will offer you the warmest welcome.  This hiking trail is easy to conquer and ideal for travelers who want to explore the park at their own pace. Are you looking for more exciting things to do at Sequoia National Park? You can hike to Moro Rock or visit the Giant Forest.  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  Ankita Apr 12, 2024

As travellers increasingly seek unique and memorable experiences, vacation rentals have emerged as the go-to accommodation for those looking to immerse themselves in local cultures far removed from the well-trodden paths of mainstream tourism.  Staying in a vacation rental, whether it's a cozy rental apartment in the heart of the city, a quaint cottage in the countryside, or a beach house with sweeping ocean views, offers a unique opportunity to live like a local and uncover hidden gems that can make your trip truly unforgettable. This article discusses the main reasons why a vacation rental is a great choice for you. We tell you how vacation rentals are better than hotels when renting out as a local or as a traveller, both for you and as a traveller. Here, you will also find some top tips for finding a good vacation rental to enhance your stay and experience. A Gateway To Authenticity For an authentic vacation experience, hotels do not do justice to vacation rentals. Vacation rentals often have local decor, and the architecture of the property feels more personalized and local. On the other hand, a hotel experience is more sterile and lacks personality. This way, a vacation rental environment differs from any hotel and enhances the overall experience of the stay. You get to immerse yourself in a new experience by cooking with local ingredients found in neighbourhood markets. You can try new ways to cook food in the new place, just like the locals.  Again, you can dine at local-favourite eateries that you might not find in guidebooks, but only locals can tell you about. Try new dishes and immerse your taste buds in a variety of flavours. Enjoying leisurely strolls in lesser-known areas can offer new experiences in a new place. Furthermore, the personal spaces in vacation rentals allow travellers to experience daily life as locals do. They can wake up to the sounds of the neighbourhood, maybe a local street market or the morning chatter of residents, offering a daily rhythm and pace that hotels shield their guests from. This is especially a priority for the younger generations of travelers, including Gen Zs, who are looking for authenticity in their adventures. Tailored Local Insights One significant advantage of vocational rentals is the personalized insights provided by hosts. Many hosts are keen to share their love for their city or town, offering recommendations not typically featured in tourist guides.  From the best local coffee shop where residents grab their morning brew to hidden alleys with the best street art, these recommendations allow travellers to explore areas off the beaten path and experience the locality as natives do, not as tourists.  The freedom to explore new places and areas when interacting with locals while staying in local rentals during vacation is beyond immersive. You experience not only the new food and language but also the local community. Often, while travelling, when you interact with local people, they tend to suggest the best local places and events. Don't miss these local events as you get to taste a new culture and where you can also make deeper connections. If a local family invites you to visit their home, be gracious enough to attend it if you can. You will get a lot of cultural insights from them, and cultural exchanges happen, too. You can also get new opportunities to participate in local traditions. Economic Benefits To Local Communities Opting for a vacation rental over a hotel also increases the local economy. Hotels are expensive, as you already know; on the other hand, vacation rentals are relatively cheaper. Hotels come with restaurants and room service, while vacation rentals do not, so you have to do all your cooking and shopping.  That might seem hectic while traveling, but when you are on a budget, it's the best option. You get to shop in the local farmer's market and enjoy new produce local to the area. You interact more with the locals and increase your exposure to new cultures.  The bright side of vacation rentals is that you get to enjoy local homesteads and architecture. If you don't wish to cook them, go exploring local restaurants and take suggestions from locals. This also helps uplift the local economy as most of the local restaurants are run by local families. Engaging with local services helps you distribute your money more evenly and sustain small businesses. You also get to interact with more locals, providing you with deeper cultural insights. You would be wrong if you think opting for a residential neighbourhood rental will help the locals.  Instead, stay in vacation rentals outside tourist-heavy areas where more than the high price of the rental fee is put on. Staying in less touristy locations will benefit the local communities, especially financially. Sustainable Travel Vacation rentals can also contribute to sustainable travel practices. Many rentals are established in residential areas, which spreads out the impact of tourism and reduces overcrowding in popular tourist centers. Additionally, the ability to cook and manage waste more efficiently in a rental can decrease the ecological footprint of your stay.  Renters can also engage more directly with local recycling and sustainability initiatives, becoming part of the community's environmental solutions. This can be especially impactful in regions where sustainability is a community priority, allowing travellers to contribute positively to the local environment. Uncovering Hidden Gems Other than the sustainable and economic advantages of opting for vacation rentals is discovering hidden gems. It can be a new dirt road to a river bank or a secluded beach only the locals know about. You can also find hidden gems like a family-run vineyard that offers you private tastings. Or a historic site that hasn't made it to any tourist guide yet. These new hidden gems heighten your memory of the place and make your vacation special. If you love adventure, you can ask locals for hiking trails that lead to amazing views that only locals know about. You can also visit artisans' workshops where traditional crafts are made. These unique spots often provide the most cherished memories of travel, as they offer a sense of discovery and personal connection to the place. Tips For Finding The Best Local Vacation Rentals Finding the perfect vacation rental can be the key to unlocking a local experience. These are some of our practical tips to help you discover the best spots that connect you with the heart of your destination. Research Thoroughly Research is essential to find the best local vacation rentals. You must do a thorough research on the area you are planning to visit. Look beyond the typical vacation rental platforms, like searching for local forums that offer information on rental properties to tourists.  You can always search social media groups and blog posts that offer insights into the best local vacation rentals. You can also search platforms where the particular local residents are active and what they have to say about the place. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are great, but you should also check out local rental websites and agencies that might offer unique listings not found on the larger platforms. Read Reviews Carefully Reviews are crucial information that previous guests of vacation rentals leave for future guests. So, if you have to check the vacation rental reviews before you select one for your trip, see what your predecessors have to say about the host of the rental and the local community.  You get a clear picture of the locals from previous renters who stayed at the place. Reviews can reveal a lot about the authenticity and convenience of the location and the quality of the living experience. Communicate With Hosts Once you narrow down your choices, reach out to potential hosts with any questions you have about the property and the area. A good host will be eager to provide information and may share insights into local gems. Their responsiveness and willingness to offer advice can be a good indicator of the kind of experience you'll have. Consider Location And Accessibility Choose a location that balances tranquillity with accessibility. Want to experience the lifestyle of a local when visiting a place? Then, try to find vacation rentals in locations that are easily accessible to local communities. If you find a rental in a tourist-centric area you might not get much interaction with locals. However, considering how you will access the attractions and amenities of the place, you can always use public transport to visit the key attractions. You can rent a local car to reach distant places. Still, the local markets, cafes, and sites of interest locally can greatly enhance your stay. Check For Amenities Check for vacation rentals that offer amenities for your comfortable stay. Even if there is no food available in a vacation rental, see to it that they offer a proper kitchen. You must check all the amenities like gas, stove, and utensils, which should be included in the rental. You might also check for proper bathrooms, water, and internet to connect with the outside world when needed. Some people also work while vacationing, so the internet becomes essential for them in this situation. Ensure that the rental has all the amenities you'll need to enjoy your time there without hassle. Verify Safety And Legal Considerations Lastly, ensure that the rental is in a safe area and that all local laws regarding vacation rentals are observed. Some areas have regulations on short-term rentals that might affect your stay. It's also wise to verify this information to avoid any legal inconveniences. Wrapping It Up In conclusion, vacation rentals are more than just a place to stay; they are a gateway to deeper cultural immersion. You get a chance to live like a local while enhancing sustainable tourism. By choosing local vacation rentals you discover the heart and soul of that particular destination. After all, people make a place special, not monuments. So next time you travel to a new place, opt for a vacation rental in the local area instead of a hotel in a touristy area. This choice could transform a standard trip into a unique exploration of the local way of life, leaving you with rich and rare memories. Learn More About: Travelocity Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy Jackson Hole Luxury Rentals: The Inside Scoop On The Most Desirable Properties

BY  Mashum Oct 4, 2021

You sure have heard about the latest hotspot that got inaugurated on the western part of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai? Palm west beach is the newest destination for sunset paramours. It offers a 1.6 km walkable parade which is lined up with many casual restaurants. It is also filled with expensive hotels on the torso of the Palm Jumeirah.  Decorated with more than 300 palm trees to elucidate the walking path and running tracks. The tranquility of the stretched sand is off to turn into Dubai’s ultimate swaggie spot. Let’s dive into the restaurants Dubai's Palm Beach offers. Restaurant- Koko Bay The idea of Koko Bay was inspired by the dingy-chic restaurants lined up on Bali’s shores. Koko Bay happens to be the first restaurant to open on Palm West Beach. In the afternoon it's time for fresco-feasting, by the evening the DJ sets the mood with creative mixology of songs and music. At night it's all about dining under the stars. The menu is a mix of Asian and European cuisines. You have a furry friend who loves to travel with you everywhere, well Koko Bay welcomes them with open arms. If you are looking for a sun-soaked beach day, then sea-facing wicker loungers come with a deal of AED 100 for weekdays and AED 150 on weekends. Restaurant- Senor Pico A vibrant treat to the eyes. Senor Pico is all about colors. It is a colorful Mexican flavor that is merged with California cool, effortlessly. Senor Pico is a commemoration of Victor Berger’s travel to Mexico, with which he bought the rich flavors, graphic dishes, and vibrant culture he came in contact with there.  The menu does not have the whole tinge of Mexican cuisine but is a bit influenced by Californian cuisine. The interior of the restaurant with rainbow-hued walls, hanging fish from the ceiling, and neon hints, makes it absolutely photogenic. A kitchen in the heart of the restaurant is busy serving fresh tortillas, tacos, and burritos, while the diners enjoy the scene. Restaurant- Aprons And Hammers Beach House The main attraction in Aprons and Hammers Beach House is the fresh seafood they serve. It is located in La Mer, JBR and now in Palm West Beach. It has the first licensed outlet. Aprons and Hammers Beach House has mimicked the laid-back beach house. The interior of this restaurant has a marine theme going on all over the place, from the terrace down to the parasol-lined beach. Seafood like lobster, crabs, shrimps, and mussels are all available here for the guests.  These restaurants also possess a raw bar, where they serve freshly shucked oysters and tiered seafood towers. Like Koko Bay, it also offers the same price and their lounges for being sun-bathed. Restaurants- Jones The Grocer This restaurant is mainly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it serves hearty and homely dishes. The place has its own signature dishes to offer, pastry and sandwich counter. It has an artisan eatery with an authentic wood-fired oven and not to forget a cool beach bar.  The laid back relaxed beachside bar cum cafe cum restaurant opens up to the Palm West Beach coastline. It allows the diners to taste the ocean breeze while tasting the amazing food.  In beverages, they offer bespoke cocktails and their favorite curated grapes which celebrate the roots.  Restaurants- Lucky Fish  Lucky Fish is a barefoot, expensive Mediterranean restaurant and beach as because it has no additional floor, the whole set up is on the sand. With a calm coastal style and homely design, guests are welcomed to dine in between the indoors and outdoors.  Guests can also spend their day at the beach on cloud-like-loungers, as well as day beds that are shaded with linen curtains over the sand. Talking about the menu, which is a s well inspired by the Mediterranean region and the ocean.  It highlights the Italian, Spanish, French tastes through the fresh seafood and meat dishes. It is quite obvious that you are in Palm West Beach for the entire day, cherishing all the delicious foods around you, enjoying to the fullest, and falling tired at night. Don’t worry here are two luxury hotels and apartments that West Beach provides for a weekend, or midweek. Hotels- Five Palm Jumeirah  Great infrastructure and firmly established Five Palm Jumeirah is one of the liveliest hotels in the city. The FIVE is decorated with full and generously sized white loungers, jacuzzis, and glass built swimming pool.  The swimming pool is made out of glass because it compliments the swimming pool itself for being lengthy and as well as running down to the center of the hotel. A Chinese restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired grill, Italian. It is one of the most photographed hotels in the city. Hotels- Fairmont The Palm  On the chest of the Palm Jumeirah that is facing over the Palm West Beach.  The interior of the hotel is inspired by Arabian accents that have design aesthetics like dark woods, orange shaded sand, and webbing throughout the guest room and suites, as well as the public places. The beachfront is highly expensive, it offers 800 meters of golden sand for the guests. They have four swimming pools in the hotel with volleyball and water sports. It also has table tennis facilities.  Water sports are not much in demand but Palm West Beach still offers  Kayaking VR diving Stand up paddle boarding Electric hydrofoil boarding Sea bikes Catamarans  Since Palm West Beach is the newest destination in Dubai there are not many hotels but there will be soon. Rumour has it. 1. Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah IHG hotels and resorts are coming up with its premium brand called VOCO, to the desired Palm West Beach, Jumeirah later this year. It will have 141 guest rooms, a pool, a gym, and a spa. Voco will also showcase its bold cuisine credentials. With four food and beverages outlets.  2. Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hilton Palm Jumeirah will be debuted in September 2022, the location will be in the middle of Palm West Beach. It will also have ocean-facing rooms, and suits that will have private balconies.  The resort will have a new claw BBQ and a concept by McGettigans. The Jones The Grocer which is already there will be part of the hotel's dining options. 3. Marriott Palm Jumeirah The Marriott Palm Jumeirah will be inaugurated in July 2022. The first Marriott resort in Dubai of the Palm has 608 guest rooms, each of them having its personal balconies, has 13 floors. The hotel is going to be home to more than 5 restaurants and bars, including Las Vegas Sake Rok. Closing Thoughts This article is the complete guide of Palm West Beach, the article enlightens the readers about the restaurants, hotels in west beach.  The water sports are not that in need, therefore, they haven't come up with many watersports but there are plans. There are some hotels that are going to open soon and this article has the list of names. Hotels and restaurants this expensive give the best feeling in the world. Leave a comment section below in the comment box, if this article has helped you in any way.  Read More: 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali How Safe Is Morocco For Travel In 2021? Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently