Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation for Your Travel Needs

BY  Sibashree Sep 22, 2021

Missouri, a state in the central-western United States, is one of the most visited places in the country. national parks in Missouri make it even more interesting. People often stop here while passing through to enjoy and appreciate its beauty. If you are an adventurer or an admirer of nature, then visiting Missouri is worth every of your penny. Parks have long fascinated many travellers. Missouri features some of the world's most popular national parks. Let's take a look at the beauty these Missouri national parks offer. Most Beautiful National Parks In Missouri Missouri's beautiful land is home to some of the most mesmerizing national parks. Missouri's best parks are among the state's top tourist attractions.  If you are planning a short vacation with your family, don't forget to explore Missouri's national parks and the historic trails that pass through the state.  Ready to learn about Missouri's national parks and their key details? Here is a Tour and Travel guide. 1. Gateway Arch National Park Location: St. Louis Among Missouri's national parks, Gateway Arch National Park is the most popular and iconic landmark in the state. The arch was established in 1960 as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson, Dred Scott, and others representing the spirit of western expansion in the US.  The construction of this 630-foot-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 features a monumental structure and a memorial honoring George Washington Carver. He was regarded as a great man because of his expertise as an educator, agronomist, and humanitarian.  Tourists visiting this site can enjoy a great hiking experience in the dense forests surrounding it. 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 through sixteen states. The expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804-1806 explored this trail. The trail is considered one of the best national parks in Missouri.  Visitors can view this site 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, gather historical information, and learn about the trail's impacts.  4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Location: Van Buren One of the most mesmerizing places that you can visit in Missouri is the Ozarks. This site comprises the Current and Jackfork Rivers, which are 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 range of adventurous outdoor activities, including canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Adventurers are surely going to love it here. The summers are the best time to take a trip out here. Various shopping centers, indoor attractions, and natural caves make 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. This historically significant route 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 travelers who want to cover the entire path need to set aside plenty of time. However, the route is accessible by car, and you can enjoy an exquisite journey along the way.  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 was built to remember the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi in 1861.  However, the Confederate Army won the battle. So, Missouri remained in the Union. The legendary battle was won by the Confederate Army, which kept Missouri in the Union. A museum, an automobile tour, and the preserved Ray House are some of the top attractions of this site. History connoisseurs should not forget to visit 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 was established in memory of Harry S. Truman, who was the 33rd President of the US. This national site preserves President Truman's house, which covers over 7 acres.  The house has been converted into a museum-like place. Inside, you can see displays of historical items and learn about the site's history. It is located east of Kansas City, and travelers can take time to explore nearby places.  Do You Also Want To Know About The National Parks Near Missouri? You may already know how many national parks Missouri has. If you are willing to travel a few extra miles, you will also find many national parks near this U.S. state.  Missouri shares its borders with many states. Iowa borders it to the north, and Arkansas to the south. Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee border it to the east, while Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska border it to the west.  Here, we introduce you to national parks near Missouri that you can visit in 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 amazing geological features, including natural hot springs, mountains, and other views.  It's 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. It's also an 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 includes Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is divided into two halves.  Further, it has many campgrounds, picnic areas, rivers, and scenic byways. Also, did 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 are 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. Beyond these well-known parks, several other Missouri State Parks have also attracted 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 you can already imagine the beauty of these places. You must be patient until you set foot there!

BY  Ankita Feb 20, 2024

Please get your tickets ready because it's time for an exciting trip to Las Vegas! In Sin City, there is something for everyone. There are beautiful casinos, top-notch shows, delicious food, and unique experiences. This article will show you the best way to plan your trip to Las Vegas to enjoy your time in this exciting desert oasis to the fullest. Day 1: Arrival And Strip Exploration When you get to Las Vegas, check into your hotel and get ready to see the famous Las Vegas Strip. Take your time walking down the Strip and enjoy the bright lights, fancy hotels, and busy people. Do not miss the chance to take pictures at the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, and the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. Day 2: Casino Hopping And Entertainment Extravaganza There is no way to fully enjoy a trip to Las Vegas without giving one of the city's famous casinos a try. You can spend the day going from casino to casino and playing slots, poker, or roulette. Check out some of the best casinos in the city, like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian. Each one offers a different way to play. In the evening, enjoy some of the best shows in the world. Las Vegas has everything you could want: shows that will blow your mind, events with a lot of energy, and more. Take in a comedy show, see Cirque du Soleil, or dance the night away at one of the city's hottest bars. Day 3: Outdoor Adventures And Exciting Day Trips Get away from the noise and crowds of the Strip and explore the beautiful nature surrounding Las Vegas. You can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and enjoy the stunning views, walk along the beautiful trails, or even take a helicopter tour to see this natural wonder from above. If you want to live it up, you might want to book private flights to Vegas. This way, you can get there in style and comfort while taking in stunning views of the desert. Day 4: Culinary Delights And Shopping Spree There are so many great places to eat in Las Vegas that there is something for everyone. Have a fancy brunch at one of the city's superb places to start the day. Afterward, spend the afternoon eating gourmet food from all over the world. There is a restaurant in Las Vegas for every taste and budget, from those run by famous chefs to those that look like holes in the wall. Once you're full, it's time to go shopping! Some of the world's most posh shopping malls are in Las Vegas. These include the Fashion Show Mall, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Buy brand clothes, one-of-a-kind gifts, and other things that will help you remember your trip. Day 5: Relaxation And Spa Day Take some time to relax and treat yourself to a spa day after a day of fun and adventure. Some of the world's most luxurious spas are in Las Vegas. They offer an extensive selection of treatments and services to help you relax and feel better. Pamper yourself with a hot tub soak, a massage, or a haircut that makes you feel better. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your trip after your spa day. Day 6: Cultural Exploration And Museum Tour Please get to know Las Vegas on a different level by learning about its rich cultural history. Spend the day going to all of the city's museums and other cultural sites. You can learn about the history of Las Vegas' famous light signs at the Light Museum or the city's wild past at the Mob Museum. For people who love art, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has changing shows of exceptional works by famous artists. Enjoy your time as you stroll through these cultural gems and learn more about Las Vegas's past and culture. Day 7: Thrills And Adrenaline Rushes End your trip to Las Vegas on a high note by doing something exciting and thrilling all day. You can find thrilling rides and exciting activities at one of the city's many entertainment or adventure parks. You can jump off a bungee cord, zip line through the desert, or use a flying simulator to see how brave you are. If you want to feel the thrill, you could ride one of the city's high-speed roller coasters or other thrilling rides. You should end your trip with many fun memories you will always have. Day 8: Farewell Brunch And Souvenir Shopping Before leaving Las Vegas for good, treat yourself to one last tasty meal at a cool lunch spot. People love brunch in Las Vegas because of all the fancy things they serve, like bottomless mimosas and classic brunch dishes with a twist. Enjoy every bite as you think back on the amazing things that happened on your trip. When you're done with breakfast, take some time to buy something to remember your time in Las Vegas. There are a lot of gift shops and tourist shops on the Strip. You can find everything from cheap things to expensive souvenirs. Pick something unique to remind you of your amazing trip to Las Vegas, like a t-shirt, a keychain, or a piece of art. This is your last chance to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World. Take your memories with you and have a great time. Day 9: Farewell To Fabulous Las Vegas As your time in Las Vegas ends, take one last walk down the Strip to take in the city's sights and sounds. Think about the fun times you've had, like when you won big at the casino or enjoyed a memorable show or meal. Don't forget to enjoy one last Vegas classic before you leave: the all-you-can-eat buffet! Take your time and enjoy every bite of the delicious food from around the world before you leave fabulous Las Vegas. Conclusion Las Vegas does have something for everyone, with its vast variety of entertainment choices, lively nightlife, and beautiful natural scenery. There's something for everyone in Las Vegas, whether you like to gamble at the casinos, eat delicious food, or go on exciting outdoor adventures. Get ready for a fantastic trip to Viva Las Vegas, the World Entertainment Capital! Pack your bags and follow this recommended travel plan. Read Also: 8 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas You Must Try What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? – Geographical Coordinates Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews

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?