Camping under the Canopies: RV Adventures in Northern California 

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 8, 2019

Planning a trip is not only overwhelming but sometimes it might be time-consuming as well. It is always much harder to plan a trip, especially when traveling overseas and with some family members or even your kids gave all the things that you may have to put into consideration. Nonetheless, planning a trip is therefore very essential if you wish to travel. The plan you make for your trip will guide you appropriately on what to do where and how. You will be able to put almost everything that you will do while on the trip into consideration.  Therefore, planning a trip will help you to estimate the total cost of your vacation. One thing you need to understand is that different trips come with different plans. If you are planning to go on vacation with your family, you will require a different strategy compared to the person who is traveling to attend to his or her business duties. One thing that is clear is that whatever the purpose of the trip, you will need to plan to help you sort out everything properly. If you are planning to go on a trip but are stuck at the crossroads with regards to what to do, then a plan will be essential. The tips below should be able to guide you effectively when planning a trip to whatever destination and for whatever purpose. It is good to follow them if you are looking for a memorable trip experience. 10 Useful Tips for Planning a Trip: Do You Know These? The tips for planning a trip are exhaustive. So, let’s get into the thick of it directly. 1. Select the Right Destination for Your Trip: The first thing you may need to do when planning a trip will be to select a destination for your trip. You will have to ensure that the destination you choose will not only meet your preferences but also be friendly to your budget. Another important thing you have to consider will be the duration of your trip. The length of your journey will help you to choose where to visit. If you have about four weeks or more, then you will be able to travel overseas for your trip. If you have little time, a domestic trip will be reasonable. However, you will have to ensure that the destination that you choose for your trip will offer you an opportunity to enjoy and have fun to the fullest. It will not be a good idea for you to plan a trip to a place where you will not be able to enjoy and have fun. That will be a total wastage of your time and other valuable resources. If you are convinced that your travel destination is right for you, you will now have to consider your travel companions. Will you be traveling alone, with your family (including your children) or with your colleagues? You need to put into consideration the aspect of diverse interest. Consequently, if you are bringing some people along with you on your trip, you should also consider their tests and preferences. It is a crucial element to consider when planning a trip. It might be essential for you to sit down with them and discuss their travel preferences and later on agree on a common destination. Lastly, you may have to choose a destination that will allow you to fully enjoy and even remember your trip for days to come. 2. Plan for Your Flight: Immediately after choosing the destination, the next thing you have to do is a plan for your flight. It is essential for you to try and explore the number of options with regards to the available flights and select the cheaper one. Choosing a cheaper flight when planning a trip will help you to reduce your budget when significantly. If you choose to travel with your family, it is advisable to pick a flight that will get you to your destination within the shortest time possible. You also have to ensure the flight offers you and your family maximum comfort. If you are traveling for the first time, then it will be essential for you to go for premium direct flights. This decision will help you to avoid long hours that come with connecting flights. If you are unable to find a cheaper flight, then you can try out some online sites that offer useful information regarding flights. The information will help you to get a cheaper flight that will save you costs in the long run. 3. Book Your Accommodation: It is advisable to choose a suitable accommodation for yourself when planning a trip. However, you need to be so keen not to overspend on accommodation while on your trip. Go for the most affordable accommodation options. Choosing affordable accommodation options will help you to save some money for other activities while on your trip. The length of your trip will also be a significant aspect when planning for your accommodation. If you intend to stay for a shorter period, then you can reward yourself a fantastic moment in prestigious accommodation centers. If you want to stay for a more extended period, then it will only be right that you settle for cheaper accommodation options. If you wish to travel to a country that you are not familiar with, you need to go online and explore some of the cheaper accommodation options available. However, don’t compromise your comfort by choosing the cheapest hotels. Usually, online sites will provide you with a broad range of accommodation options from the most expensive to cheaper options. You can also get privately owned accommodation centers being the best options. 4. Planning for Transportation: After choosing your destination, you need to plan on how you will have fun in different areas. This factor implies that you may have to move around. Therefore, it is vital to start making arrangements on how you will be able to move around your travel destination when planning a trip to ensure that you don’t get stranded at some points. Try and research on the existing travel options in your travel destination and see which one fits you best. You can either choose to use taxis or opt for commuter buses. You will have to be a bit vigilant in some destinations when planning a trip due to insecurity or even avoiding getting conned. Try to avoid rental car companies from the airport since some of them might charge you highly hence reducing your budget. However, there could be some other car rental companies that charge reasonably well. The only problem will be that you may not be able to get them due to the higher demand they face. If you intend to make use of such transportation options, then you need to make an earlier booking. If you manage to catch a vehicle from the company, it will help you to save money and other resources. This is because the vehicles will transport you to and from your destination without making stopovers that tend to waste time. 5. Things to See and Do on the Vacation: It is very much essential for you to determine the place you will have to visit without failure when planning a trip, and possibly the kind of things to do in those places. Also, look around and see if there are other fun things you can do free of charge. If you choose to travel at a peak season, you will be able to catch up with more fun, and more people who are having fun as well. Through having fun, you may find yourself creating new friends in the process. However, traveling during the peak season may force you to make prior bookings to accommodation centers and tourist’s sites. This earlier booking is advisable since there may be many people visiting the sites as well hence making the accommodation options scarce. The research will be fundamental when planning a trip, and more particularly on the kind of things, you will intend to do while on your journey. Some countries offer online booking options to zoos and theme parks. You should make use of these options to avoid last-minute rushes while planning a trip. If you are not so sure of the kind of activities to engage in when planning a trip, you may have to enquire for a guide. The guide will take you through all the events in your selected tour destination, though at a smaller fee. You can also go online and try to research your selected tourist destination. The research will help you to see if there are some things you will need to give priority to while on your trip. The only thing you need to look for will be an exceptional experience in whatever activity you will choose to engage. Ensure the activities present you with an opportunity of enjoying optimally. 6. Places To Drink and Eat While on the Trip: Some travel destinations are famous because of the drinks and foods they offer. If you are a big fan of beverages and foods, then you need to consider such destinations. If you are a fan of testing new things, probably new cafes and drinks, these destinations should have your priority any time you will be planning a trip. If you are traveling with family, it will be vital for you to consider destinations that provide excellent eating places. If you visit these excellent places then you will have an opportunity to sit with your family and enjoy excellent delicious meals. The good thing about such travel destinations is that they come with multiple locations where you will be able to enjoy meals. If you are concerned about budgets, you should find a place where you will be able to enjoy a meal and a drink at relatively lower prices. You need to do a lot of research when planning a trip while on a budget. 7. Check Your Passport: It will just be unreasonable for you to carry on with your trip plans overseas without a visa. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to give yourself enough time to apply for one before eventually carrying on with your trip plans. You have to acquire a passport first before eventually carrying on with the booking of your accommodation and even getting your flight tickets. You also need to check the expiry date of your passport. If the expiry date of your passport is after six months, then you have to fit your travel and vacation plans within the same period.  Some countries or travel destinations will even require you to have a passport with the validity of six months beyond your vocational stay. 8. Understand the Visa Requirements for Your Preferred Destination: You will need to know and understand the visa requirements of your travel destination before eventually setting sail. You also need to know how exactly you will be able to get a specific visa when you need it. Usually, when it comes to visas, different countries provide different rules for nationalities. Therefore, it is essential you to carefully study the kind of rules and regulations that pertains to the Visa of the country you intend to travel to before eventually acquiring one. If you manage to access the rules and regulations regarding the visa, you will have to move with speed and acquire a permit. This speed will help you to avoid the last-minute rushes which might in some cases, end up delaying you. If you are not so sure about overseas travel and what such visas entail, you can gather some information on the same from online sites. 9. Plan To Get Immunized if You Will be Going Oversees: Some travel destinations may cause a risk to your health. Therefore, it is vital for you to ensure you get the necessary immunization before proceeding to visit your preferred travel destination. Most countries give priority to health, and you may even find yourself unable to travel due to the lack of vaccination documents. To stay on the right side of things, ensure you talk to a doctor about the right travel vaccines for you and have yourself vaccinated before eventually traveling. 10. Prepare Copies of Essential Travel Documents: It is a normal thing for people to misplace copies of essential papers when planning a trip. Some companies may even lose your booking reservation. If not so, you could also find yourself encountering a communication breakdown with your company. This breakdown could be due to the amount of money paid and the expected service or possibly many other things. With all these possibilities in mind, it is vital for you to ensure you keep copies of all the essential documents. These documents include passports, visas, flight tickets, and other necessary and relevant records. The copies will help you to confirm your details in case of any misunderstanding. Practical Tips For Writing A Trip Itinerary  Now, let’s focus on the more crucial part of planning a trip. Once you have ticked all the ten points on your checklist, you must draft an itinerary. If you have a travel management company onboard, it will set everything for you. However, if it’s a self-guided tour, you have to create a draft of the stops, time, attractions, and many other things. A good itinerary plan is detailed, with proper time and budget allocations.  Let me share a travel itinerary template with you. Travel ItineraryPurpose: Friends’ ReunionDestination:Travel Start Date:Travel End Date: Departure Flight Details DateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport NameCar Rental from the AirportDateTime of Pickup from the AirportCar NumberContact Number of the DriverArrival Destination (Hotel) and TimeAccommodation Name and AddressContact PersonRoom NumberBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Options and TimingCheck-in and Check-out DateDay 1 to 5Destinations to VisitTime of Trip StartActivities throughout the DayLunch and Refreshment DetailsThings to CarrySafety Instructions (if any)Departure Flight DetailsDateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport Name If you are uncomfortable making an Itinerary, you can check out the templates available online. However, when organizing solo, family, and friends trips, you will be more aware of your preferences. So, there will be a lot of customization.  In fact, you can use travel guide apps to plan trips to a different country and have a workable itinerary.  These tips for planning a trip should be a perfect guide for you. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Bon voyage!  Conclusion: If you are planning a trip, then the tips mentioned above should act as a perfect guide for you to ensure that you end up with a journey that you will love. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip

BY  Sibashree Aug 14, 2025

We all talk about hidden gems! But how about finding a place that truly very few people know about? That’s Yukevalo Island for you. Raw and untouched!  Located in a remote Pacific region, the Yukevalo Island offers the right blend of nature, adventure, and cultural extravaganza.  Furthermore, it can be a case study in promoting sustainable tourism with eco-friendly stays. Moreover, Yukevalo Island is a place that I would love to visit as it allows you to build a connection and have the best time in nature.  Let’s unfurl the various aspects of Yukevalo Island.  What Is The Origin Of Yukevalo Island?  Mythical may it sound, but Yukevalo Island has a history and soulful story to share. Furthermore, being a volcanic island suggests an ancient origin.  The age-old craters have become beautiful lagoons, and they look beautiful with the lush greenery in the backdrop. Furthermore, the wind passing through the rocky cliffs tells the stories of a time immemorial.  Furthermore, the name Yukevalo, with a Polynesian root, indicates the volcanic origin of the island. Just as myths like this can be brought to life through creative visuals made with an AI video generator, Yukevalo’s story continues to inspire imagination. Yukevalo is a fusion of two words, Yuke meaning heat or fire. Valo, on the other hand, refers to a guardian. So, an easy interpretation of the Yukevalo Island name will be “Guardian of Fire.” Moreover, many historians believe that the island got its name from a mythical figure who saved the people of the island from volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.  Yukevalo Island: An Island With A Volcanic Origin  The volcanic origin of the island is as old as the Pleistocene epoch. So, the origin of the island is estimated to be between 1.8 million and 11,700 years ago.  Underwater eruptions propelled the magma and helped it come out through the Earth’s crust. Then, with this repeated process, a small piece of land broke into the ocean, and the island we see today is a result of plant inhabitation, erosion, and ecological succession for millions of years.  Layers of ash deposits and basaltic rocks on the island show that the island is formed of multiple eruptions. Moreover, the island is still active geologically as tectonic plate movements have been noticed in the surrounding areas. Yukevalo Island And The First Trace Of Life  People of Melanesian or Polynesian origin came to the island from the neighboring islands. The tools, potteries, fragments, and ceremonial altars of 1200 years are telltale of human lives on the island.  Further, people here practiced terrace farming and gug fish ponds. To them, the Yukevalo Island was not just a place to live. It was a place of sacred and spiritual connection.  So, in the ancient culture of Yukevalo Island, you will find a mention of Yukevalo, sea spirits, and sky gods. People even worshipped the movements of the stars. Yukevalo Island Caught The Attention After A European Contact  A Spanish navigator recorded the first European encounter with the Yukevalo Island in the late 1600s. Over the next 200 years, many missionaries, traders, and explorers traveled to this place. As a result, the island changed culturally, economically, and socially. However, there is still something very pristine about life on the Yukevalo Island.  Having said that, Yukevalo Island now exports handicraft products to global markets, and community-led tourism is the biggest draw to this place. Moreover, from eco-lodges to cruise trips, the diversity of offerings makes it a tourist hotspot.  How To Visit Yukevalo Island? Rivertown International or the Pacific City International Airport is the closest to Yukevalo Island.  Rivertown International Airport has daily flights from many major cities around the world, such as: Dubai Tokyo Sydney London New York Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines are the major airline operators on this route.  From the airport, you can take a seaplane ride or a ferry ride to reach Yukevalo Island. What Is Yukevalo Island Famous For?  Yukevalo Island is famous because it has managed to retain its local identity. Moreover, today, it is famous for its unique cultural identity and geographical features.  1. Cultural Heritage Of Yukevalo Island Local traditions and social practices are the telltale of a rich cultural heritage. Even today, all the local festivals here center around marine life, historical events, and agriculture.  Furthermore, culinary delights, dance, and music are the main attractions at these events. As a tourist, you can participate in these events. Moreover, you will find amazing textiles, handicrafts, pottery, and handmade jewelry here.  2. The Rich Flora And Fauna  Thanks to its volcanic origin, Yukevalo Island has many plant species. Ferns and wildflowers here are amazing, and you will spot majestic raptors or songbirds flying over the trees and wildflowers.  Further, the coral reef here with various schools of fish and a rich marine life makes it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. What Are The Places To Visit In Yukevalo Island? Yukevalo Island has many beaches, wildlife hotspots, and hiking trails. Furthermore, for a cultural exploration, you can visit the local villages.  These villages are ideal for finding local handicrafts and the best cuisine. Moreover, the ancient ruins, temples, and monuments here speak of their glorious past.  What Are The Things To Do In Yukevalo Island? You can participate in various outdoor activities and cultural explorations based on the kind of experience you want. Outdoor Activities In Yukevalo IslandMain AttractionsWildlife Spotting • Migrating Birds• Whales• DolphinsWater Activities• Paddleboarding• Snorkeling• KayakingHiking and Nature Walks• Lush Forests• Coastal Paths• Hidden Waterfalls Furthermore, the best cultural activities on this island are: Cultural Activities on Yukevalo IslandMain Attractions Culinary Tours• Attending Cooking Classes and Food Tours• Tasting Fresh SeafoodCultural Museums• Know about the Island’s History and Rich Art HeritageConventional Craft Workshops• Participate in weaving, pottery, and painting.  Where To Stay In Yukevalo Island? You can choose luxury resorts, eco-friendly accommodations, hostels, and guesthouses to plan a stay in the Yukevalo Island.  Types of AccomodationExamplesLuxury Resorts• The Coral Pearl Retreat• Azure Bay Resort & Spa• Yukevalo Grand ResortHostels and Guesthouses• Sunset Guesthouse:• Yukebalo Beach HostelEco-friendly Accommodations• Ocean Breeze Eco-Stay• The Jungle Retreat• Green Haven Lodge What To Eat In Yukevalo Island? Seafood and seafood! This is what you must eat in Yukevalo Island. Seafish with grilled vegetables is pure love.  Furthermore, you can try meat stews with seasonal herbs. The street food stalls and cozy cafes of Yukevalo Island are the best places to try local delicacies.  Yukevalo Island: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Yukevalo Island.  1. Which Is The Secret Island In The World? North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal is the secret island in the world. The local people, or the Sentinelese here, do not encourage interactions with the outside world, and they want to preserve their way of living at any cost.  2. Which Island In India Kills Visitors? There are rumors about the North Sentinel Island in India killing visitors. However, the truth is that they are resistant to the outside world. Also, they are scared that mixing with people from outside the world, as they do not want to come in contact with modern-day diseases. 3. Does Ghost Island Exist? A temporary mud formation by volcanoes is referred to as the Ghost Island. It first appeared in the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, there is an island called Pulau Hantu in Singapore. In the Malay language, it means Ghost Island.  4. Which Island Is Haunted? Poveglia Island in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy, is a haunted island. The island is associated with paranormal activities, and its dark history centers around a mental asylum and a quarantine station for plague victims.  5. How To Get To Yukevalo Island? Pacific City International Airport is the closest airport to Yukevalo Island. You can visit the nearest port from there and take a ferry to Yukevalo Island.

BY  Sibashree Oct 7, 2025

I remember my first quiet Sunday in Paris—it caught me off guard. The whole city just… slowed down. No horns, no rush, just this calm hum underneath everything. You could actually hear the church bells bouncing off the empty streets.  It will feel a bit strange at first. You will feel like you woke up before the world did. Some of the shops will be shut, some light spilling over the rooftops, and the air will smell like freshly baked bread.  By mid-morning, the city will wake up again, but this time it will be slow. The shops will open, and you will notice people moving around, communicating with others. Things will seem slow and cozy, and you will see how these people enjoy life.  Same with Rue Mouffetard—music from nowhere, old ladies arguing over fruit, a kid tugging at his mom’s sleeve. Even Batignolles, tucked away from the usual crowd, hums with its own little rhythm.  There are various things to do on Sunday in Paris, as the major attractions might be closed. Some of the major markets and shops will not open. So, it is important that you plan something nice and simple and just enjoy life in Paris for a day. Take things slow.  Increasingly, travelers are planning their itineraries around this day of calm discovery, aided by thoughtfully designed all inclusive holidays to Paris that include cultural experiences off the beaten path, offering a deeper glimpse into authentic Parisian life. Things To Do On Sunday In Paris Lately, people have caught on to this slower Paris. Paris vacation packages even have it built in now—whole days with no schedule, just “see what happens.” I used one once, through Travelodeal maybe, and their whole pitch was to live like a local.  That sounded like marketing fluff, but honestly, they weren’t wrong. They sent me to buy bread from a tiny boulangerie, told me to sit under the sycamores at Place des Vosges, and just watch people. Simple. Beautiful. You end up seeing a side of Paris that doesn’t try to impress you—it just is. 1. Market Mornings And Fresh Finds If you can get yourself out early (I barely managed), the markets are wild in the best way. Marché Bastille is my favorite. It’s messy, loud, alive.  You will hear people arguing about prices, vendors shouting, and someone playing accordion like he is auditioning for a movie. Piles of tomatoes, a bunch of scarves, the smell of bread, everything will make you feel alive. 2. Stillness In The Streets Then everything quiets down again. Around late morning, it’s like the city decides to take a nap. Montmartre, Le Marais—they turn soft and slow. Shutters half-closed, sunlight sliding across cobblestones, the occasional bike bell echoing through an alley.  You pass an artist sketching, someone leaning on a balcony, a couple holding hands, as if time had stopped for them. It’s cinematic, honestly. On a Sunday, walking across the Seine feels like walking through someone’s dream. 3. Long Lunches, Parisian-Style Now, if there’s one thing Parisians take seriously, it’s Sunday lunch. You can’t rush it. Even if you tried, they’d probably ignore you until you relaxed.  Tables fill with families, old friends, strangers turned companions. You order steak-frites or roast chicken, maybe onion soup if you’re lucky. Bread everywhere, wine always flowing.  No one looks at their watch. Meals last hours—literally. You talk, eat, sip, pause, talk again. And dessert? You don’t skip it. Tarte Tatin, if you can find it. Or cheese. Always cheese. 4. Enjoy High Tea Enjoying a high tea in Paris is one of the best things to do on a Sunday in Paris. Most of the big hotels also offer afternoon tea even on public holidays. The Ritz Paris offers afternoon tea, which creates a sense of occasion.  Afternoon tea at Le Meurice is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime. However, you will have to book this in advance as this is quite popular. Moreover, you can try afternoon tea at Le Bristol.  This is kind of a hidden gem, and not as popular as its competitors. It is less crowded and you will be able to visit it on public holidays as well. There is no reason to be crowded, but you have to book it in advance.  5. Parks And Picnics In Full Bloom If the weather is sunny and pleasant, you need to get out. There is no point staying indoors. Visit one of the parks like Parc Monceau, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Buttes-Chaumont.  Kids enjoy the park; they chase pigeons. You will notice musicians singing by the fountains, and older couples sitting peacefully, enjoying the surroundings. All you will need is a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some cheese. Just sit around and watch life unfold around you. 6. Go Shopping Among so many things to do on Sunday in Paris, there is no way to miss out on shopping. However, make sure there are no big holidays, or the stores will be closed. The designer shops and the big brands generally keep their store open on Sundays. However, do not estimate the flea shops. The St. Ouen flea market is less crowded, and you will be able to shop easily there, and getting there is also not very difficult. It is a small site, and you will be able to browse through stuff easily, and the variety you get here is unmatched. Where Everyday Life Becomes The Highlight By evening, you realize how little you’ve done. There are so many things to do on Sunday in Paris. And somehow, that’s the magic.  Paris doesn’t need your checklist—it just wants you to slow down long enough to notice it. The soft chatter, the smell of bread, the light hitting the Seine—it all feels like a secret only you found. Walking home that night, I remember thinking: nothing spectacular happened. No grand event, no story to brag about. Yet it felt like one of those rare days you actually lived instead of rushed through. That’s a Parisian Sunday for you. Quiet. Ordinary. And absolutely unforgettable.