The Hiking Trails In Saguaro National Park Are Calling! Pack Your Bags

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  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  Abdul Aziz Mar 14, 2023

So, what is a Type IV? What is the main advantage of a type IV PFD? A PFD or Personal Flotation Device is an essential kit that all personal watercraft and boats should have on board. The main purpose is to stay afloat, and people can be saved in an emergency to save people who are about to drown or can’t swim. When the thought of a personal flotation device comes to our mind, we think about life jackets at first. And yes, a life jacket is also a type of PFD. But, there are different types of PFDs, and every type of PFD is different from the others. And here comes the new kind, which is called Type IV PFD. In this article, you are going to learn about Type IV PFD and its advantages. If you want to experience the boating world or you are new to the bloating world, then Type IV PFD is the first thing that you must keep in your mind. So, let’s know about it. What Is Type IV PFD? watersportswhiz.com Let’s start from the beginning. There is a total of five different types of PFDs. And each and every type serves a different purpose. And the US Coast Guards use these floatation devices to save people, and they need to understand the functions. The most common type of PFD is a life jacket. And I guess everybody in this world knows what a life jacket is. But, Life jackets are Type III PFD. And these Type III PFDs are for calm waters where there should be a quick rescue. And Type III PFDs can be worn, they are not there to be thrown. On the other hand, Type IVs are throwable flotation devices. The main purpose is not to wear the PFDs. Rather, your rescuers can use these Type IV PFDs. The device can be thrown at a person who is drawing or unable to swim. Normally, the devices are made from materials like polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene that don’t absorb water. Type IV PFDs Approval There are specific Type IV PFDs that come in particular sizes. However, there are a couple of variations that you will find in this category. Here are three PFDs that can be used on docks, swimming pools, and large boats. 1. Buoyant Cushion crs4rec.com In this device, there is a strap on both sides of a cushion. And the wearer can hold the sides. You can also place your arms around the straps. If you want to place the large surface under your chest, then you can float on top of them. 2. Ring Buoys isfell.is This is the most common type of PFD that most people know about. There are people who call a ring buoy a life buoy, a life ring, or a flotation ring. If you are in a swimming pool, then you must be familiar with this. 3. Horseshoe Buoys shopify.com This is the third type of PFD in the Type IV variation, and its shape is like a horseshow. These devices are made from closed-cell plastic. And then, there is a coating of vinyl. What Is The Main Advantage Of A Type IV PFD? Though there were Type III PFDs, there is a need for Type IV PFD. Here are the advantages. 4. Lightweight shopify.com These devices are extremely lightweight, so taking these devices from one place to another or throwing them is easy. 5. Easy To Use cruisingsea.com There are no rules or restrictions, a drowning man can not think about those. And this is why these devices are handy and easy to use. 6. Towable stpost.com If you are using other PFD devices, then you must have to take good care. But, a Type IV PFD is towable, and that makes it unique. 7. No Size Restrictions watersportswhiz.com When it comes to a life jacket, there are size restrictions. But in this case, anyone can use it regardless of their size. 8. Versatile watersportswhiz.com You can use a Type IV PFD anywhere. Whether you are in a swimming pool or a coast guard needs to save someone. Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Purchase A Boat 9. Location Marker watersportswhiz.com There is a location marker that tells you where the PFD is. And this is one of the best features. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some interesting questions and answers regarding type IV PFD. a. What Is A Type Iv PFD Example? Ans: Type IV PFDs are designed to throw in the water while there is a conscious person. The PFDs are not for wearing. There are a couple of examples of Type IV PFD, such as a life ring, a buoyant cushion, or even a horseshow buoy. b. What Is Type Iv PFD? Ans: A Type IV PFD is useful when it comes to throwing it in the water while there is a conscious person in it. But you can’t wear it. There are 16.5 pounds of weighted buoyancy, and this is the most common type of PFD. It is a buoyant cushion. There is also another Type IV PFD, which is a ring buoy. c. What Is The Main Advantage Of Type IV PFD Boated? Ans: When it is about a Type III PFD, this is basically a life jacket. A life jacket is the best option for calm waters and when there is a chance for a quick rescue. On the other hand, a Type IV PFD is a throwable flotation device.And there are different types of these devices. Type III is basically what you can wear. But you can not throw a Type III PFD, and this is the main advantage of Type IV PFD. d. What Vessels Must Have A Type IV PFD? Ans: There are non-motorized watercraft, including vessels like inflatable rafts, canoes, sailboats, and kayaks. So, a minimum of 16 feet long vessels require at least one USCG. And these are approved throwables of different Type IV. So, these devices should be accessible immediately. Kayaks and Canoes are exempt from this requirement. e. What Does PFD Stand For? Ans: PFD means Personal Flotation Device. There are different types of PFDs for rescuing conscious people who can not swim or are prone to die by falling into the water. Final Words I hope now you have the answer to what is the main advantage of a type iv PFD. There is a fact that you must know about Type IV PFD. The vessels must have to be at least 16 feet long. Also, if you are using canoes or kayaks, then there is no need to use a Type IV PFD. And if you want to place it near your swimming pool, you can do that also. Thank You. Read Also: When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? Want To Buy A 3 Point Slinger For Camera For Traveling? What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard?

BY  Arnab Jun 9, 2023

Avid travel enthusiasts know the importance of finding the best flight and hotel deals. Spending profusely on accommodation and flights means you will be left with less money for recreation, fun activities, delicious meals, and shopping. Have you considered using VPN for booking flights and hotels? No? This guide tells you how VPN is ideal for helping you find out the best flight and accommodation deals. You can use this travel hack on your next trip. Doesn’t Incognito Mode Work to Lower the Prices? You may see using incognito mode as the number one travel hack. But, in reality, it is only great for hiding your browsing history from other people on the device. You cannot change the IP address in this mode, which is what most hotel, flight, and travel booking sites track. Therefore, to be completely anonymous, you must use a VPN. How VPN Helps in Lowering Flights & Hotel Prices? Airline ticket and hotel booking prices greatly vary depending on where you are booking from. Travel and airlines booking websites use a dynamic pricing model, which means the prices change according to factors such as your purchase history, IP address, ZIP code, browsing habits, demand as well as supply, the Wi-Fi network you are connected to, etc. You can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip by using VPN. You can switch your IP address using a VPN to an altogether different location, which means the websites may appear at different prices according to that location. By changing the IP address, you can receive a cheaper price on hotels and flights if the new destination consists of lower demands and is a low-income country. Furthermore, you can even avail of special discounts for the country from which you are connecting. Discounts might be offered because of country-specific holidays or for seasonal reasons. The plus point is that you can also optimize VPN to search for lower prices on car rentals. Also, using a VPN is a straightforward process. Simply choose a provider and click VPN software download. Then, follow the instructions. More information on how you can use VPN to lower flights and hotel prices is given below. A Comprehensive Guide to Using a VPN Here’s a bit-by-bit guide to learning how to optimize VPN to get cheaper flights and hotel deals on your upcoming trip. Select a premium VPN provider Choosing a reliable and safe VPN provider is the most significant step in successfully executing this travel hack. However, since they are not built in the same manner, you must be careful during a VPN selection. An ideal VPN offers server locations in several other countries, ensuring fast and stable connections. Also, it offers 256-AES encryption and other security protocols like OpenVPN and Wizard Guard. Other standout features include a no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch. A kill switch is essential as it safeguards users’ information if the VPN connection accidentally drops. A no-logs policy is a clear indication that the VPN operator does not keep records of your activities online. So, there’s no record of the IP addresses used by you or the websites you browse to plan your trip. Another essential feature is knowledgeable and responsive customer support, ready to address all your needs 24/7. Position the VPN program After selecting a premium VPN provider, the initial step is downloading and installing the software on your gadget. After that, you can visit the website of your VPN provider and select the best strategy that meets your needs. Then, follow the download and installation instructions. Most VPN providers offer a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee. So, you can try the top VPNs before settling for one. Connect to a server of your chosen country Connecting to a server located in a country of your choice is the next step. This step intimidates a lot of people, but it is incredibly simple. Use your VPN to connect to the server country where you wish to visit just like you are browsing the web. For instance, if you wish to book a flight or hotel while appearing as if you are in the Philippines, you need a VPN to a server located in the Philippines. This will make it seem like you are in the Philippines while you are in another country. With most premium VPN services, all it takes is a single click to connect to a server. Then, you can start browsing and find those amazingly affordable deals for your trip. If you are wondering which is the most affordable country to change your VPN server location to, there’s no firm answer. It will depend on your destination and departure date. But some destinations that have proved to be lucky are India, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, etc. So, you may have to play a little by changing locations and then see what lands you the cheapest hotel and flights. Search for flights and hotels Start searching for your flights or hotels after you have connected to your desired country’s server. First, you can try searching on a travel booking site, as this will provide you with multiple flight and hotel options to choose from. Then, try the airline or hotel website directly, as sometimes the prices may differ when you’re booking through a travel site and directly from an airline or hotel website. If you do not find a reasonable price, change the VPN’s country again. Compare prices before booking After you have searched for hotels or flights, you must compare the prices before booking. It would be best if you compared the prices with other travel booking websites to guarantee you get the best detail. If you find the most affordable deal, book it immediately, as the prices may quickly change. Change the location of the VPN to your home country If you have finished booking your flights and accommodation, change the VPN location back to your country. Or, you can continue browsing, choosing any server you want. The Bottom Line If you are up for saving money, try this travel hack for your next trip.  Read Also: Use These Resources When Planning A Big Trip Kiwi Flights Review – Login, Services, And Travel Experiences The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights