Sandals Curacao – Resort Reviews, Location, Price And Ambience

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

The year 2023 fall saw the return of Lake Manly or the Death Valley National Park lake. The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Death Valley, as well as the entire North America. It is located 282 feet below sea level, and today, the world knows it as a dry and salted flat.   However, a massive downpour caused by Hurricane Hilary in fall 2023 and the “Atmospheric River Effect” this year made the dried lake appear magically. Lastly, the lake had a resurrection in 2005, and suddenly, this trace of life in the barren land looks and feels surreal.   But why did this lake appear all of a sudden? Will it stay? What can you see while exploring the area near Lake Manly? This article tries to find answers to all your questions. Further, there is a sneak peek into what NASA shows about the ghostly and ancient lake at Death Valley National Park.   Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned?  Yes, the ancient Death Valley National Park lake made a comeback. Hurricane Hilary hit Death Valley on 19th-21st August 2023, and its remnants caused more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall (2 inches) at the national park.   Further, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect on 4th-7th February 2024 caused 1.5 inches of rainfall. Altogether, the amount of rainfall in this park from the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024 was 4.9 inches.1   This sudden and unprecedented rainfall caused the rise of Death Valley National Park Lake. In mid-February 2024, the lake had one-foot deep water. Further, it was 6 miles long and 3 miles wide.   NASA has published a series of three images of Lake Manly. The pictures showed the difference between the barren, salted land in July and the waterlogged area in August after the rampage of Hurricane Hilary and Atmospheric River. Further, the pictures also depicted that the lake was almost the same size in August 2023 and February 2024.   Moreover, according to the latest update in April 2024, the lake is getting a steady number of visitors. The reflection of the surrounding peaks looks out of the world in the tranquil water of the lake. In addition, thanks to the rainfall and the resurgence of the lake, the national park had an abundance of wildflowers this season.   Elyscia Letterman2, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), has mentioned,   “It's quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset when you have these beautiful reflections from the mountains around the lake. There's some snow on the mountaintops. So, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the water is very beautiful. It doesn't feel like you're in Death Valley.”   Again, the Amargosa River keeps feeding the Badwater Basin area from the south. With its increased water level, it can help the Death Valley National Park lake to stay. Having said that, let’s discuss a few details about how Hurricane Hillary and the atmospheric river effect impacted the lake formation and overall national park.   Hurricane Hillary Hits Death Valley National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AgKKwLHMn/ The Death Valley National Park experienced flooding after a massive downpour started at Gower Gulch near Zabriskie Point. The rainfall took place on 20th August 2023, and the crew started assessing the havoc in the park on 21st August 2023.   Thanks to the flooding, Lake Manly made a comeback. However, some of the backcountry roads were completely washed. In addition, there was a major loss of pavements and undercutting.   “The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then. Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit!”   - Ranger Abby Wines on the return of the Death Valley National Park Lake after Hurricane Hillary  Atmospheric River Effect In Death Valley National Park  The Death Valley National Park was already recovering from the impact of Hurricane Hilary. Suddenly, in February 2024, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect hit the national park. The storm fed the Badwater Basin with water, which enhanced the temporary lake.  This storm also pulled down snow from the mountain peaks, and it came down to around 4000 feet in the park.   Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay?   Despite the endorheic nature of the Badwater Basin, the Death Valley National Park Lake is transitional or ephemeral in nature. The evaporation rate here is higher than the water feed it gets. However, the downpours caused by the August 2023 and February 2024 natural calamities have brought all the changes. We now have a lake that shows some potential to stay.   Again, the Amargosa River has flowing water at a high level. So, the basin is getting constantly fed by water from the south. As a result, the lake still stands in the driest place for a span of more than 6 months. In 2005, when the lake reappeared for the last time, it only lasted a week. This time, there is a new scenario around the lake and how long the water will last.  Having said that, nothing specific can be mentioned about how long the lake will stay as the rate of evaporation is still high. Even as I write this article, I realize that the lake may not remain fit for kayaking for long. Still, the lake is likely to exist for some time, offering visitors a renewed site of attraction in the national park.   Overall, the resurgence of the lake and its stay is an “extremely rare event,” as mentioned by the National Park Service authority.   Exploring The Death Valley National Park Lake Area   There is no denying that all roads in the Death Valley National Park lead to the ancient lake, which has come to life. Once you are done taking photographs or seeing the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water, you can take a walk around the area.   The shores of the lake have a white boundary wall, which is formed because of a high concentration of salt. Further, the Panamint Range, Black Mountains, and barren land surrounding the lake offer you an other-worldly experience.   Moreover, you can explore the nearby looking points in the park to have diverse views of the place. Enjoy your time at the oasis of Death Valley!   What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024)  NASA showed the change in the Death Valley National Park Lake from February to March using SWOT, a U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. In just six weeks, the water level came down to 1.5 feet from 3 feet.   The NASA report has further highlighted the temporary nature of the lake and the fact that a gust of a strong wind can move this lake by a couple of miles.  Final Words   With “billions of gallons of water,” the Death Valley National Park lake is alive again. The sapphire blue water in the midst of a barren land shows the magic of nature. In February 2024, the lake became a go-to destination for kayaking, thanks to its 1-foot-deep water. However, by March, the lake was closed to opening, and in April, the lake was transformed into a waterbody of a few inches’ depth.   This has also become a tourist attraction thanks to the most amazing sunrise and sunset views.  Further, there is no assurance or specific information available about how long the lake will last. So, make it to the Death Valley National Park till the lake lasts. Also, don’t forget to share your experience as you explore the Badwater Basin area around the ghostly (now alive) lake. Also read Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio. You Can’t MISS These Best Songs for Instagram Travel Reels (Real People, Real Choice 2024) Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

New Orleans may not be the first destination on your mind when you are on a family vacation. The bustling nightlife and food scenario seem to steal all the limelight. However, trust me! A trip to this Louisiana City has revealed a world of family-friendly activities before my eyes. From the ghost tour and a boat ride to the zoo experience or just relaxing by the Mississippi River! The family activities in New Orleans are diverse, and they cater to people of all age groups.  So, coming back from the tour, I decided to write about activities that can be great for your family. This Tour and Travel Guide has everything you need to know! Ultimate Family Activities In New Orleans: Give These A Try On Your Next Visit New Orleans is a melting pot of old and new. So, you have places in the city that take you back to the World War II days. On the other hand, you have modern and adventurous activities like zipline swamp tours.  Let’s know in detail about them. 1. Take A Zipline Swamp Tour https://www.instagram.com/p/CghHc-0um-H/ Are you ready to take a tour of the first full aquatic zipline of the world? Yes, and your road leads to the Zipline Swamp Tour. It allows children aged 9 and above. So, if you have toddlers, you can try this activity but in turns.  This zipline tour with Zip Nola starts at $91 per person. However, if you are traveling in a group, you can call them at 504-350-0947 to inquire about the charges.  They even offer a shuttle service to and from New Orleans at $25. You can book the shuttle service during online booking.  It’s brilliant to explore a swampland area and its ecosystem and have a Hawkeye view of the same. Moreover, there is a fun gift shop from where you can collect souvenirs for your little ones. 2. Take An Escape Room Adventure https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIYEFMySP9/?img_index=6 If you have children aged 13 and above with you, you can take them for an Escape Room Adventure. It is one of the most engaging family activities in New Orleans with everyone trying to solve puzzles.  The Escape Game in the French Quarter adventure has a duration of one hour. Further, eight people take part in a game. So, even if you are a family of 4 or 6, everyone can participate at the same time.  This is really fun, and among all the games, Prison Break is the most difficult escape game.  3. Don’t Forget To Try The Best Street Food Here is my favorite part among the topmost family activities in New Orleans. New Orleans offers the best street food for people of all age groups throughout the year.  You can join a walking food tour of the French Quarter or try the local delicacies at Lower Garden. There are even some tasting tours of Cajun and Creole delicacies.  Moreover, you can try the best beignets at the cafes by the Mississippi River. These fried pastries taste heavenly with black coffee. The vast span of the river in front of you further makes the pastries taste even more delicious.  Nevertheless, here are some best places to try street food with your family when you are in New Orleans.  Bon's New Orleans Street Food, Location: Shops At Jax Brewery, 620 Decatur Street, +1 504-949-0222 St. Roch Market, Location: 2381 St Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Contact Number: +1 504-267-0388 https://www.instagram.com/p/C58_AugRmMD/ Verti Marte, Location: 1201 Royal St, New Orleans, Contact Number: +1 504-525-4767 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6Af4VJcmT/ 4. Explore The Local Cajun Culture On Bayou Manchac Taking a cruise along the 18-mile stretch of Bayou Manchac is one of the best family activities in New Orleans if you want to know about your family.  Many guided tours are available, taking you to the important waterbody connecting the Mississippi River to the Amite River.  The best thing about these cruise tours is that children of all age groups are allowed here. Also, you can take this tour irrespective of the season of your visit.  The Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports the designation of Bayou Manchac, earlier known as the Iberville River, as a Louisiana Historic and Scenic River. Today, a tranquil waterway, Bayou Manchac, is home to Cajun Culture and many Native American tribes.  Moreover, you must not miss a visit to the Bayou Manchac National Park at 19010 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. You can also contact them at 225-272-9200. The park remains open from sunrise to sunset every day. For me and my family, the conservation areas of the park like the Blackwater Conservation Area and Kendalwood Conservation Area, were the best attractions.  However, there are dedicated sections for art and culture, science and culture, and different kid-friendly activities. In addition, the park has alligators and an endless variety of birds, including Mississippi Kites, bald eagles, woodpeckers, ospreys, etc.  5. Go For A City Tour In A Mule Carriage This is not a favorite of mine, though! But I leave it to choices here! You can take a ride in a mule carriage and explore the French Quarter area.  For children below the age of three, it’s a free ride. Small pets below 20 lbs are also allowed for a tide in these carriages.  6. Visit The New Orleans: National WWII Museum  Address:  945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States Contact Number:  +1 504-528-1944 Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: $18-28 The New Orleans: National WWII Museum is basking in the glory of winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024. Nonetheless, it has always been a top attraction among family activities in New Orleans.  Irrespective of the age, every visitor will be moved here with the stories of World War II. The young minds, especially, will understand the importance of independence and how much struggle goes into it.  The museum\ offers half-day and full-day itineraries. Also, you will love the immersive galleries like the Liberation Pavilion, Road to Berlin, Road to Tokyo, etc.  However, currently, a major attraction here is the 4D multimedia representation, Beyond the Boundaries. It shows how World War II changed the entire world. Moreover, you can go for a guided tour of the museum. The curator will show you many World War II artifacts that are not on display in the museum.  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  Sibashree Jun 1, 2026

Sri Lanka, with its lush green highlands, deeply ingrained history, and turquoise coastlines, has earned the place of a premier travel destination in the world. You can add to that the welcoming locals and cultural richness in the country. The cultural inclusiveness here shows in the Jaffna Tamil culture and ancient Buddhist sites such as the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  The Year in Review (2025) data of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) further vouches for the growth of the country in the tourism sector.  The report says that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from January to December 2025 was 2,362,521. Also, the tourism revenue for the same period was 3.2 billion USD.  Moreover, even though the country is similar to Ireland in size, its geographical diversity is astonishing.  Golden Beaches such as Hiriketiya Beach, misty mountain tea plantations such as Nuwara Eliya, UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Galle Fort, and national parks such as the Kaudulla National Park, attract every type of traveler.   However, thanks to this diversity, traveling through the tropical paradise requires a complete understanding of the following areas.  Local Logistics Cultural Expectations Seasonal Weather Patterns So, in this article, I will synthesize my firsthand travel experience into actionable Sri Lanka travel tips.  Pre-Arrival Logistics And Practical Information Understanding the climate and visa system is important if you are traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time.  Furthermore, your packing strategy has to be on point to beat the tropical heat of the island country.  Understanding Sri Lanka's Unique Dual Monsoon System Sri Lanka has a dual monsoon system. It means that two opposite sides of the island country experience rainfall at different times.  The southern and western coasts of the country, including the beautiful Ella and the cultural hub of Kandy, experience monsoon from April to August.  On the other hand, the northern and eastern coasts experience the monsoon season from October to February.  So, December to March is the ideal window to visit Sri Lanka if you want to explore different parts of the country.  Navigating Visa Requirements And Extensions You have to secure an e-Visa online before you reach Sri Lanka.  A standard tourist visa will allow 30 days with a double entry, and the application should happen at least two weeks in advance.  Furthermore, if you want to spend longer in the country, you can extend your visa up to 30 days each time.  You have to visit the Department of Immigration in Colombo for the extension of the visa.  Packing Strategies For Intense Tropical Heat Sri Lanka experiences a temperature between 26°C and 30°C throughout the year.  So, you must pack breathable and lightweight clothing made from linen or cotton.  Furthermore, you must include high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle. Having said that, the central hill country is significantly cooler, so a light jacket or fleece is necessary for evenings. Sri Lanka Travel Tips For Money Matters, Budgeting And Technology  While we have become comfortable with digital payments, most parts of Sri Lanka may depict a different picture.  And it was one of the main challenges I faced on my first visit to Sri Lanka. Here are more such Sri Lanka travel tips you need to know.  The Realities Of Local Infrastructure And Connectivity  Sri Lanka offers fast, affordable 4G and 5G networks. Once you land at the Colombo Airport, you can buy an easy tourist SIM package from Dialog at the airport.  It offers cheap data packages, and you can easily do a top-up recharge of the SIM at local shops.  Cash Vs. Card And The Art Of Tipping The high-end venues of Sri Lanka will accept cards. However, Sri Lanka is still a cash-driven economy.  So, you can withdraw local rupees (LKR) from local ATMs and avoid high fees.  Also, tipping in Sri Lanka is not mandatory, though it is appreciated. So, whenever you are visiting a restaurant or taking a service, you can pay 500 LKR as a tipping charge for a reasonable gesture.  However, remember that service charges are often included in the restaurant bills.  Cultural Norms, Etiquette, And Historical Context You have to respect the history of Sri Lanka and especially have an idea about how the country suffered during the 1983–2009 civil war. This era left deep scars on the country, especially on the northern region and, more specifically, the Tamil Hub of Jaffna.  So, when you explore this part of Sri Lanka, you can expect a distinct cultural experience. The Hindu temples in Jaffna and the Tamil influence here make it a place to tread respectfully.  Being Respectful To Buddhism  Buddhism is central to Sri Lankan life. So, you must always keep your behavior toward Buddha images respectful.  Any display of disrespectful behavior toward Buddha can also cause legal problems.  Never wear clothing featuring the Buddha, and ensure any tattoos of him are covered.  Do not take selfies with your back to a Buddha statue, and never climb or touch them. Dress Codes And Daily Conservatism When you are outside beach areas, you must dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.  Also, cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.  Moreover, remove your shoes at sacred sites and carry a sarong for covering up when needed.  Food, Drink, And Culinary Customs In Sri Lanka, you will love the “Rice and Curry” lifestyle. Furthermore, the use of fresh seafood, spices, and coconut in the curries offers you a distinct gastronomic delight.  The local hotels or small eateries are the best places if you want to try the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the spice levels and the use of coconuts differ from one region to another. For example, food in Jaffna is the spiciest, and as you come to the central or the southern regions, the food becomes mellower.  Iconic Street Foods To Discover In Sri Lanka  You cannot miss Kottu Roti, wade, and egg hoppers when you are in Sri Lanka. Also, the food etiquette is very important if you want to know about the Sri Lanka travel tips.  It is customary to eat with your right hand, even if in many places, they will offer you cutlery. Furthermore, you will get many vegetarian and vegan options in curries.  The vegetable curries here have coconut milk instead of any dairy products.  Sri Lanka Travel Tips For Transportation And Getting Around What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about the transportation in Sri Lanka?  It is the Kandy to Ella train journey, of course.  It offers the most amazing views of plantations and waterfalls.  However, being an iconic train route, the Kandy to Ella route needs advanced booking.  Also, buy a third-class ticket to experience the train journey with open doors and a lively atmosphere.  Surviving The Wild Public Bus Network Of Sri Lanka  Public buses in Sri Lanka offer frequent, fast, and cheap services.  However, sometimes you can experience aggressive driving, and there will be limited space for luggage.  Navigating Local Tuk-Tuks And Ride-Hailing Apps For short trips, use the PickMe or Uber apps for transparent pricing,  Furthermore, tuk-tuks are frequently available. However, negotiating the price with them, especially in tourist-heavy spots, can be a challenge.  Health, Safety, And Responsible Travel It is safe to carry a reusable water bottle with a filter to reduce plastic waste and still drink safe water.  Furthermore, you must carry your own medication and a first-aid kit. Also, if you have to take anti-inflammatories, you must visit a local doctor and get a prescription.  Animal Welfare And Ethical Wildlife Excursions Visit places such as the Hurulu Eco Park and the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe for responsible, respectful animal encounters. Furthermore, avoid elephant rides to support ethical wildlife viewing.