Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation for Your Travel Needs

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Alaska is definitely “THE DESTINATION” if you want to see the Northern Lights. I visited my friend in Alaska when her daughter was born.  And we went to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights.  Fairbanks has the best places to see Aurora in Alaska because of its proximity to the Aurora Oval and distance from the light pollution of the city.  Moreover, it has expansive open skies.  So, here, I will talk about the best places to see Aurora in Alaska, centered around Fairbanks.  However, before that, I want to share the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.  What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska?  Away from light pollution, you need to place that has dark and clear sky.  Furthermore, the electromagnetic particles of the Sun get charged and make the display of the gorgeous colors possible in the sky.  Also, if you are in Alaska, late August to mid-April is the best time to see the Northern Lights. To be more specific, keep the following details in mind.  1. Choose Drier Months For Clear Skies  February to early April has the least snowfall in Alaska. So, these months are ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.  On the other hand, massive snowfall happens in November and December in Alaska.  2. Don’t Choose A Full Moon Light  On a full moon night, the moon will shine the brightest, and it can make the northern lights in the sky dim.  Also, the dance of the colors will not be visible clearly when the sky is filled with moonlight.  3. Choose A Date Close To The Equinox  20th March and 23rd September are the dates of equinoxes in the world.  These days offer better visibility of the Northern Lights because the magnetic axis of the Earth remains perpendicular to the Sun’s direction.  What Are The Best Places To See Aurora In Alaska?  Explore Fairbanks says that when a tourist visits Fairbanks and stays there for three days, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights for them are around 90%.  Furthermore, during the best days or months to see the Aurora in Alaska, 10 PM to 3 AM is the best time. 1. Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch Around 33 miles northeast of the Fairbanks International Airport, Pleasant Acres in Pleasant Valley is one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  Furthermore, it is located on the route to the Chena Hot Springs. So, you can plan a day trip to Chena Hot Springs.  Also, Pleasant Acres offers a direct pick-up facility from Fairbanks, and it is a fiberglass igloo with a fully furnished bathroom, queen bed, French Press, and Wi-Fi amenities.  Moreover, thanks to the remote location, these igloos overlook the herds of reindeer. In addition, Pleasant Acres conducts reindeer tours, dog sledge tours, and aurora tours.  2. Chena Hot Springs Picture this. It’s dark, and you are relaxing in natural hot springs. Then, suddenly, you find the Aurora in the night sky.  If you find this experience amazing, Chena Hot Springs will be one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  Now, being a resort, Chena Hot Springs offers a host of activities. It is at a distance of around 90 minutes from Fairbanks.  Moreover, it has a dedicated shuttle service for pick up and drop off.  Also, you can relax in the Resort’s Aurora Viewing Room. From the windows of the viewing room, you can enjoy the views of the Northern lights without compromising comfort or warmth.  I loved the rustic charm of the resort, and you must plan a two-night stay here. 3. Northern Sky Lodge   If you travel around 30 miles south of Fairbanks, you will find the Northern Sky Lodge.  It is far away from the city, and the rural setting of this family-owned facility makes it ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.  Moreover, it has a common area where you can have breakfast from 7 to 10 AM and enjoy lounging and dining.  Overall, it is a quiet and cozy ambiance for seeing the aurora in Alaska.  4. Frontier Village  Frotier Village is again run by a family, and it is very close to the North Pole, Alaska. It is in a remote location, and it has four new cabins that are dedicated to seeing the aurora.  Furthermore, the authorities will give you a wake-up call for Aurora viewing so that you do not miss an opportunity to see the Aurora.  Moreover, the cabins are cozy and have a bathroom below, a living area, and a well-stocked kitchen. Overall, the ambiance is cozy, and I especially loved the fire pit around which you can relax with the other guests.  I stayed at the Fancy Fox cabin, and the other cabins are The Lazy Lynx, The Cozy Caribou, and The Wandering Wolf.  5. Aurora Yurt And Borealis Yurt A heated yurt can be your abode when you are planning to see the Aurora in Alaska. The bedrooms open to the upper loft area.  Furthermore, inside the main house, you will find a hot tub where you can relax. In addition, the sky lights of the yurt make watching the aurora very satisfying.  Also, for some more adrenaline rush, you can visit the nearby ski resort, Moose Mountain.  6. Borealis Basecamp Borealis Basecamp, at a distance of around 25 miles from Fairbanks, is one of the best places to see Aurora in Alaska.  The distance from the city lights makes it ideal for aurora viewing, and whenever you book a package for 2-4 days, you will enjoy sturdy UTV rides and dog sledge rides.  Moreover, you can plan a stay in cubes and igloos.  7. Alaska Grizzly Lodge Alaska Grizzly Lodge is a rustic and quintessential Alaskan-style bed and breakfast facility.  Surrounded by the woods, it offers a cozy setup for watching the Aurora. Also, you can enjoy amazing views of the aurora from the balconies.  8. Aurora Ridge Cabin  Very close to the Alaska Pipeline overlook point, the Aurora Ridge Cabin has three bedrooms and one bathroom.  Furthermore, you can use the kitchen, fire pit, and grill. Furthermore, its location makes it ideal for wildlife viewing. You can especially see moose from the porch.  9. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge  Pike’s Waterfront Lodge borders the Chena River. It has a massive deck with a fire pit for watching the Aurora.  At the same time, it now has a new Aurora conservatory with a glass enclosure.  With a massive setup, the lodge now has 28 cabins and 180 rooms. Choose a room with a private balcony that stretches up to the Chena River.  10. Lakefront Luxury Log Home It is a customized log home with an area of 4800 square feet.  Furthermore, located in the North Pole town, it sits on a private pond.  You can relax in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the pond and even enjoy watching the Aurora through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis The Best Tucumán Wine Tour Guide: How To Explore The Higlands Of Northern Argentina? What Is The Portland Maine To Bar Harbor Distance? Exploring Coastal Maine By Car

BY  Subham Saha Sep 22, 2021

Missouri, a state located in the central-western part of the United States, is one of the most visited places in the country. People often make a stop while passing through this region to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this place. People on vacation can have an exuberant experience visiting the national parks in Missouri.  If you are an adventurer or an admirer of nature, then visiting Missouri is worth every of your penny. Parks have always been a source of fascination for many travelers. The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these parks behold.  The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these Missouri national parks behold. Most Beautiful National Parks In Missouri The beautiful land of Missouri is gifted with some of the most mesmerizing national parks. The best parks in Missouri are among the top tourist attractions of the state.  If you are planning on a short vacation with your family, do not forget to explore the National Parks in Missouri along with the historic trails that pass through the county.  Are you ready to know about what national parks are in Missouri and their important details? Here is a Tour and Travel guide. 1. Gateway Arch National Park Location: St. Louis Among the National Parks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch National Park is the most popular and iconic landmark in the state. The arch was established in 1960 in the memorial of Thomas Jefferson, Dred Scott, and others representing the spirit of western expansion in the US.  The construction of this 630 feet tall arch called for two separate structures to be raised from the ground and then welded together. A museum, a tram ride, and beautiful landscapes are what tourists can have an experience of here.   2. George Washington Carver Location: Diamond  Located just 12 miles southeast of Joplin, the George Washington Carver is a national park in Missouri that is open throughout the year. The park consists of a monumental structure, a memorial in remembrance of George Washington Carver. He was regarded as a great man because of his expertise as an educator, agronomist, and humanitarian.  Tourists planning to visit this site can have a great hiking experience in the dense forests present all around. There is no entry fee here, and several cultural activities are held occasionally.  3. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Location: Various This National Historic Trail extends for about 4900 miles and passes over through sixteen states. The expedition conducted by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804-1806 led to the exploration of this trail. The trail is considered among the best national parks that pass through Missouri.  This site can be viewed from several places in Missouri. The main motive behind the Lewis and Clark expedition was, however, to explore north-western America and a convenient water route to the Pacific Ocean. Vacationers can plan to cover the entire trail and gather historical information and learn about the impacts of the trail.  4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Location: Van Buren One of the most mesmerizing places that you can visit in Missouri is the Ozark. This site comprises the Current and Jack Forks Rivers which are the two of America’s clearest spring-fed rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverway was among the first national parks in  Missouri to preserve a wild river system.  This park offers tourists a number of adventurous outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Adventurers are surely going to love it here. The summers are the best time to take a trip out over here. The presence of various shopping centers, indoor places, and natural caves makes it more enjoyable for you and your family.  5. Oregon National Historic Trail Location: Various Considered one of the best national parks in Missouri, this National Historic Trail connects the Missouri rivers to the valleys in Oregon. It is a route of historical significance that involved military action, exploration, and even migration.  This trail offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and forests that visitors can get to see. The route covers about 2,170 miles, and if travelers want to cover the entir e path, they need to save some time for it. However, the route is accessible by car, and one can experience an exquisite journey while traveling.  6. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Location: Republic A national battlefield or a national park in Missouri, Wilson’s Creek is situated in the southwest region of Springfield. This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861.  This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861.  However, the Confederate Army won the battle. So, Missouri remained in the Union. The legendary battle was, however, won by the Confederate Army, which resulted in keeping Missouri in the Union. A museum, an automobile tour, the preserved Ray House are some of the top attractions of this site. History connoisseurs must not forget to pay a visit to this place.  7. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site Location: Independence Missouri This national park in Missouri is one of the most visited and popular historic sites in the country. It had been established in the memory of Harry S. Truman, who was the 33rd President of the US. This national site preserves the house of President Truman that is laid over 7 acres of area.  The house has been converted into a museum-like place. Inside, you can observe various displays of historical items and get information about the entire history of that place. It is located east of Kansas City, and travelers can take out some time and go around the places in the vicinity.  Do You Also Want To Know About The National Parks Near Missouri? You already know how many national parks are there in Missouri. If you are willing to travel some extra miles, you will also find many national parks near this US state.  Missouri shares its borders with many states. It has Iowa on its north and Arkansas on its south. Furthermore, states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee are on its East, and the state has Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska on the west.  Here, we will introduce you to the national park near Missouri you can visit in the neighboring states.  US State Near Missouri National Park ArkansasHot Springs National ParkKentuckyMammoth Cave National ParkCumberland Gap National Historical ParkTennesseeCherokee National Forest So, states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa do not have any national parks. However, you will come across many national monuments and historic sites in these states.  1. Hot Springs National Park Hot Springs National Park is the melting pot of history and nature. It has the most amazing geological features with natural hot springs, mountains, and other views.  It is literally the national park that bathes the entire world. So, soak in the thermal spring fountains and cold spring fountains here.  2. Mammoth Cave National Park As you can see in the name, the Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest cave systems in the world. It is also a hub of outdoor pursuits like biking, hiking, and horseback riding.  Stargazing is also one of the most relaxing activities at Mammoth Cave National Park.  3. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park tells the tales of Native Americans. Further, it is the most amazing spot for nature lovers, with 14,000 acres of wilderness and 85 miles of trails.  Moreover, if you are ready to indulge in the most relaxing activity, like stargazing, you can visit Hensley Settlement in this national park.  4. Cherokee National Forest The Cherokee National Forest houses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which divides the park into two halves.  Further, it has many campgrounds, picnic areas, rivers, and scenic byways. Also, do you know that you can explore 700 miles of trails here?  You can even take a relaxed walk along the backcountry trail and explore wildlife. Moreover, at night, you can enjoy some immersive stargazing experience.  Frequently Asked Questions. Which National Park is a must see? The top must-see national parks in the US are 1.Grand Canyon National Park, 2.Arizona.  3.Glacier National Park, 4.Montana.  5.Yosemite National Park What 5 states have no national parks? States that are without National Parks are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho ,Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Name the only two U.S national parks loacted within three states? Most of the parks of appointed wilderness is in Montana. Yellowstone is not the only national park that is in three different states. Final Thoughts There you go with all the information you needed to know about the national parks in Missouri. Apart from these most well-known parks, there are several other Missouri State Parks that have been quite an attraction for tourists.  From my personal experience, I can tell you that not only these sights, but the entire city is mesmerizing and soulful. I am sure that you can already fantasize about the beauty of these places. You must keep your patience till you land your foot there!

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.   On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.  Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.   Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.   Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.   So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.   I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.   So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.   How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?   I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.   The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.   However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.   Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?   First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.   The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.”   From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.   The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.   This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.   Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.  1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market  I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.   I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.   My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.   A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.   However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.   From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.   2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo  The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.   The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.   And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.   This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.   It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.   However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.   3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple  After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.   The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.   The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.   So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.   However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).   4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals  I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.   I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.   It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.   I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.   However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.   People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.   Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.    5. Exploring The City On Foot  Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.   You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.   Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.   They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.   Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.   This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.   Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet.