Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities in the U.S. to Travel to This Winter

BY Abdul Aziz MondalMay 2, 2023

If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, chances are you came across Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the foothill of the Great Smokies, Gatlinburg is a bustling town, continuously gaining a reputation as an ideal vacation destination. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains along with tons of outdoor activities and a rich culture full of history. However, before packing your bags, you must book accommodations first. Gatlinburg welcomes millions of visitors each year from all around the world, sometimes making it challenging for families to find suitable accommodations that cater to their needs. If you want to avoid this mistake or are looking to save some extra bucks, it is wise to book lodgings beforehand. This guide will share some tips on how to find the perfect place for your stay. 1- Be Clear About What You Want: Whether planning a solo trip or visiting Gatlinburg with family, the first step is to decide what you are looking for from your accommodation. Even though Gatlinburg is a small town, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and cabins to camping underneath the clear night sky. Note down what you will need from your accommodation and research different options. For example, a one-bedroom cabin is an ideal option if you are visiting Gatlinburg solo. On the other hand, if it is a family trip, consider booking a cabin with multiple bedrooms and basic amenities like a kitchen. It will come in handy, especially if you decide to stay on the outskirts. Many cabins also come with additional perks, like an indoor pool. It is an excellent, fun activity if you have kids. They can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear water while you plan for the day. By choosing Gatlinburg cabins with an indoor pool, you can also swim whenever you want without worrying about privacy or sunburn. 2- Location Is The Key: Location is the deciding factor that can make or break your vacation experience. The primary purpose of the vacation is to unwind while exploring a new city and culture. You cannot do that if your location does not give you access to popular tourist spots. Choose a place that will put you in proximity to significant attraction spots and also allow you to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that Gatlinburg has to offer. Similarly, if the purpose of your location is pure relaxation, staying at a place located in a crowded area will ruin the vacation for you. In that case, you need to book a place that gives you access to mountains or hiking trails. Gatlinburg offers numerous challenging hiking trails, thanks to The Great Smoky National Park. If you are traveling by plane, you should also factor it in. Do not choose a place far from the airport or inconvenient to commute. Most cab services charge extra if your accommodation is located at a distance from the airport. You will also have to pay for public transport. You can avoid paying those additional chargers. 3- Research Different Options: Once you have decided on the type and location of the accommodation, it's time to go into research mode. Many credible websites, such as Airbnb and Booking, provide several options based on availability or your needs. Research the options by answering the following questions: How long are you going to stay? How many rooms will you require? Will you need cooking facilities? Do you have any special conditions? Do you need wifi, a pool, or any other additional perk? Can the place give access to public transport? Researching beforehand can save you from many mistakes. It can also help you plan your budget accordingly. For instance, booking a three-bedroom condo is a waste of money if traveling solo. Similarly, a one-bedroom cabin may not be sufficient for a family of 4. Take into consideration every option and choose the one that suits your needs. 4- Reviews Can Be Helpful: See what other people are saying about the place by reading online reviews. These reviews give insight into what other tourist experience about the accommodation. The reviews can be invaluable because they present the facts about the accommodation in question. When deciding between two or more accommodations, this information can be helpful because you can usually tell immediately how much the reviewer enjoyed the accommodations. You can also explore travel blogs for detailed reviews and ratings. The place with higher ratings usually indicates credibility. 5- Consider The Timing Of Your Visit: Since Gatlinburg attracts millions of tourists, the timing of your visit can matter the most. Gatlinburg is nestled between the mountains, and its pleasant weather during summer attracts millions of visitors. Most lodges are fully booked during summer, making it difficult to book accommodation. Many people also experience long queues for a table at the restaurant. And in a jam-packed season, it can be difficult for families to enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city to a full extent. 6- Book Early: If you do choose to visit Gatlinburg during summer, it is wise to book early. Imagine a family vacation is due, and you have taken some days off from work. Everything is in order except booking a place to stay. You go to the website only to realize that your ideal hotel or cabin is sold out for the days you want to visit. Therefore, always book early. Do not wait till the last minute. Booking early gives you peace of mind that your ideal place is waiting for you, and you can also save money because the price usually goes up during the busy season.   Final Thoughts: Taking a vacation is an excellent way to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine and recharge your battery. But most people find it overwhelming when it comes to booking. When planning for a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is booking a place to stay during your vacation. Many people are stressed out when they plan for accommodation, but you don't need to worry about that. Follow the strategies discussed to avoid mistakes. The key is to identify your priorities and act accordingly. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year

BY Mashum MollahJan 20, 2022

Sailing is the best way to travel because you have a lot of freedom. You can actually get much closer to nature and see how it can help you relax, rejuvenate, and calm your inner self and go back with more experience and more love towards the location. If you want to enjoy adventure and wildlife, you should choose far-flung locations for your sailing trips. You will be able to confront magnificent wildlife, explore remotely placed islands, and try out exciting adventure water sports. You can encounter the most incredible sights of nature by just sitting on the deck of your sailing yacht. When you decide to enjoy adventure and wildlife on your sailing holiday, you need to choose your sailing destinations accordingly. Let us see the best adventure and wildlife sailing destinations. If you want to enjoy adventure and wildlife, you should choose far-flung locations for your sailing trips. You will be able to confront magnificent wildlife, explore remotely placed islands, and try out exciting adventure water sports. You can encounter the most incredible sights of nature by just sitting on the deck of your sailing yacht. Boats don't have to burn a hole in your wallet either. You can pick up plenty of bargains from used boat auctions online to fuel your next seaworthy adventure! 1. Vancouver Island in Canada One of the best places to enjoy adventure sports and wildlife is Vancouver Island in Canada. The stunning scenic beauty will make you go crazy once you reach the place by sailing. It is a great combination of witnessing amazing wildlife and enjoying various kinds of adventure sports. This place is ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. So if you are a fan of either of the two, opt for Vancouver for your memorable sailing trip. 2. The Whitsundays in Australia In the Whitsundays, you are likely to witness incredible and stunning locales with diverse wildlife. This is the location where you can enjoy a spectacular scene of nature without any obstructions from the deck of your sailing yacht. The Whitsundays in Australia is the best place to enjoy diving, scuba diving, and surfing. You will surely have some unforgettable moments here at the white sand beaches. 3. Phuket in Thailand There are a lot of places in Thailand that you can choose for your sailing holiday. But Phuket is one of the picturesque and exotic locations where you have the chance to enjoy adventure water sports and wildlife together. It consists of some ancient villages where the only occupation for residents is fishing. The idyllic islands in Phuket will make a dreamy background to your sailing yacht deck. You can enjoy snorkeling, deep-sea diving, scuba diving, and swimming in Thailand’s Phuket. 4. Abacos in the Bahamas The beautiful beaches are the most attractive things about this location. You can choose this location for its famous diving spots. You can sail in the Bahamas all year-round and it has that perfect weather to enjoy the place and to relax and rejuvenate yourself for which you have arranged your sailing holiday. 5. Belize in Central America Another place that you choose for enjoying wildlife and water adventure in abundance is Belize situated in Central America. It has a barrier reef that has a shelter for all those coming by sailing. Belize consists of rainforests that are incredible to watch. You can also witness the ruins of the Mayans here. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and deep-sea diving are some of the adventure water sports to enjoy on your sailing trip to Belize. All You Need to Pack for Your Caribbean Sailing Holiday If you have mastered the art of travel packing efficiently and effectively, then you surely deserve kudos! Most of you may look confused about what to pack when you decide on a sailing holiday either as a couple or as a family. Amidst all the excitement of sailing to a new destination can make you forget everything for a moment. But you need to be very careful and cautious about the things that you pack because remember you are going on a sailing voyage and you will be in the middle of the ocean. You have chosen the sun-soaked Caribbean as your sailing location and spend your vacation wisely. Packing for a laid-back island getaway can be difficult. Here is a guide that you can follow to pack items for your Caribbean sailing trip like a professional. Essential Travelling Documents First things first, you cannot even imagine traveling to a destination without your travel documents. Before you forget and just after you have booked your catamaran or sailboat for the trip, be ready with all the necessary documents. The documents you need for the Caribbean sailing trip are, The passports of you and your family members. Proper identification forms. Booking papers. Paper mentioning your itinerary. Additional documents are required for the trip. Essential Clothes  The Caribbean region is warm and it gets hotter. So you must carry summer clothing particularly. You cannot imagine your Caribbean vacation without swimsuits, bathing suits, bikinis, and summer short beach dresses. Choose outfits that are breezy, loose-fitted, and lightweight. The material must be dry-fit so that you don’t feel uncomfortable when you perspire. You can pack party dresses if you plan to visit any nightclub. Essential Accessories As a thumb rule, hats and shades are musts for your Caribbean sailing holiday. You can pack stylish designer hats inside your lightweight duffel bag that will protect you from sun exposure when you sit on your yacht deck or sunbathing. The pair of sunglasses should be polarized and you should be able to take pleasure from the magnificent views of the surroundings. Toiletries Bring only your necessities. Pack only those that are an absolute must for your Caribbean sailing holiday. Try to pack a travel-size toiletry set and liquids that take up less space inside your bag. Try to avoid carrying unnecessary makeup items. Some toiletries that you can pack are, Sunscreen Insect repellent Hair care products Basic makeup products like mascara, lip gloss, and powder Moisturizer Perfume or deodorants Personal Hygiene essentials Personal grooming items Electronic Items You can carry electronic items like your camera, mobile phone, iPad, and eBook. Try to avoid carrying your laptop. Leaving behind your work essentials will help you enjoy your trip more and rather not think about what is happening in your workplace. You can also make some cloth pouches for carrying your electronic items to make them splash-proof and keep them safe in your beach tote bag or your backpack. Read Also: Ski Resorts of Idaho A Cruising Tour of Komodo Island Want an adrenaline-filled activity? Try Zipline Smoky Mountains! 9 Things Every Traveler Should Know When Visiting Shanghai

BY Abdul Aziz MondalJun 7, 2023

If you're reading this, you probably love the great outdoors as much as you enjoy good food. There's something undeniably special about preparing a meal surrounded by nature, with the warmth and crackle of a campfire as your backdrop. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor cooking game, this comprehensive guide on campfire cooking techniques is here to help you elevate your skills and impress your fellow campers with mouthwatering meals under the stars. For centuries, humans have huddled around campfires for warmth and to cook food that sustains us on our journeys. Campfire cooking is an art, and like any art, it requires a bit of know-how and practice. In this post, we'll delve into essential equipment, building the perfect cooking fire, various cooking techniques, temperature control, and even some tempting recipes to try out on your next adventure. Essential Campfire Cooking Equipment   Before diving into the various campfire cooking techniques, let's ensure you're well-equipped for the journey. Having the right tools on hand can make a difference when you're out in the wilderness, transforming your campfire meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Here's a handy list of essential campfire cooking equipment that will serve you well during outdoor culinary escapades. Cast Iron Cookware Cast iron is a camper's best friend when it comes to cookware. It's durable, versatile, and retains heat like a champ. Here are the key players you'll want to have in your campfire cooking arsenal: Skillets: A good cast iron skillet is indispensable. From frying eggs to searing steaks, it can handle almost anything you throw at it. Dutch ovens: These heavy-duty pots are perfect for slow cooking, stews, and even baking. With a snug-fitting lid and sturdy construction, a Dutch oven is an investment that will last for countless camping trips. Cast iron pot: A versatile cast iron pot can be used for boiling, simmering, and even deep frying. Whether making a big pot of chili, whipping up a batch of pasta, or frying some delicious campfire donuts, a cast iron pot is a must-have addition to your outdoor cooking equipment. Cooking Grates And Tripods A sturdy cooking grate or tripod can be a game-changer for campfire cooking. They provide a stable platform for your cookware and make it easy to control the heat by adjusting the distance from the flames. Long-Handled Utensils Cooking over an open fire can get hot—literally. Long-handled utensils like tongs, spatulas, and spoons will give you the extra reach you need to keep your hands safe from the heat while flipping, stirring, and serving. Fire-Resistant Gloves Safety first! A good pair of fire-resistant gloves can protect your hands from accidental burns, making it easier to handle hot cookware, adjust logs, or even move cooking grates. Chimney Starters And Fire Starters Getting your fire going quickly and efficiently is key. A chimney starter can help you easily light charcoal, while fire starters (like tinder, firelighters, or even some trusty old newspaper) can make starting a wood fire a breeze. Of course, these are just the basics. Depending on your preferred cooking techniques and personal preferences, you might want to add a few other items to your campfire cooking kit. Wire Grill Brush Keeping your cooking grates clean is vital for both hygiene and flavor. A wire grill brush is essential for scrubbing away stuck-on food and residue from your grill grate. This will ensure a clean surface for your next campfire meal, preventing unwanted flavors and potential flare-ups. Building The Perfect Campfire For Cooking Now that we've got the equipment sorted, it's time to talk about the star of the show: the campfire itself. Building the perfect campfire for cooking might seem intimidating at first, but with a little know-how and practice, you'll be a fire-taming pro in no time. Let's walk through the steps to create a safe and efficient cooking fire that'll have you whipping up scrumptious meals in the great outdoors. Selecting The Right Location Location is everything when it comes to setting up a campfire. First and foremost, make sure fires are permitted in the area you're camping in. Once you've got the green light, choose a spot that's flat, clear of any overhanging branches or vegetation, and protected from strong winds. If there's an existing fire pit or ring, use that to minimize your impact on the environment. Gathering And Preparing Firewood Fuel your fire with the right kind of wood. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are ideal for cooking because they burn longer and hotter than softwoods. Gather a mix of tinder (small, dry twigs or leaves), kindling (slightly larger sticks), and firewood (larger logs) to ensure a well-balanced fire. Remember to collect only downed and dead wood, and never cut live trees for firewood. Building A Fire Pit If there isn't an existing fire pit, create one by digging a shallow hole and surrounding it with a ring of rocks. This will help contain the fire, making it safer and easier to manage. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire when you're done cooking. Different Types Of Campfire Structures The structure of your campfire plays a significant role in how it burns and how suitable it is for cooking. Here are three popular campfire structures you can try: Teepee: This classic structure involves stacking tinder and kindling in a cone shape, with larger logs leaning against them. It's easy to light and perfect for a quick, high-heat fire when you need a hot fire for faster cooking. Log cabin: Build a square structure by stacking logs in alternating layers, with tinder and kindling in the center. This creates a stable, long-burning fire that's great for extended cooking sessions. Lean-to: Place a large log as a windbreak and lean smaller logs, kindling, and tinder against it. The lean-to structure works well when shielding your fire from the wind. Fire Safety Tips The biggest priority when dealing with fire is campfire safety. Keep your fire at a manageable size, never leave it unattended, and fully extinguish it before you leave or go to sleep. Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and ensure they're cold to the touch before you call it a night. Campfire Cooking Techniques Armed with your essential equipment and a perfect campfire, you're ready to dive into the world of campfire cooking techniques. There's more to outdoor cooking than just throwing some hot dogs on a stick (although that's always a fun option). Explore these different methods to expand your campfire cuisine repertoire and impress your fellow campers with your culinary prowess. Direct Heat Grilling Direct heat grilling is the most straightforward and intuitive campfire cooking method, especially when cooking meat. Place your food directly over the heat source and let the flames work their magic. This technique is perfect for: Skewers and kebabs: Thread your favorite meats, veggies, and even fruits onto skewers for a quick and easy meal that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Burgers and hot dogs: No campfire cooking experience is complete without the classics. Throw some burgers or hot dogs on a grill grate and enjoy the smoky, charred goodness. Plank Cooking Plank cooking involves placing your food on a water-soaked wooden plank, which is then set over the fire. This cooking method infuses your food with a subtle, smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. It's particularly popular for cooking fish, but don't be afraid to try it with other proteins or even veggies. Foil Packet Cooking Foil packet cooking is a fuss-free, versatile method perfect for campfire cooking. Foil packet cooking allows your ingredients to cook evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Simply wrap your ingredients in a double layer of aluminum foil and place the packet directly on the coals or a grill grate. This technique is great for steaming vegetables, cooking delicate proteins, or even baking potatoes. Dutch Oven Cooking Dutch ovens are the workhorses of campfire cooking, capable of tackling a wide range of dishes. With a little creativity and practice, you can master these two popular techniques: Slow cooking: Hearty stews, soups, and chili are just some comfort food classics you can cook low and slow in a Dutch oven. Baking: Yes, you read that right—you can bake over a campfire! From bread and biscuits to cobblers and cakes, the sky's the limit when it comes to Dutch oven baking. Skillet And Griddle Cooking A cast iron skillet or griddle is perfect for cooking up a hearty breakfast, sizzling fajitas, or even frying up some fresh-caught fish. Use a grill grate or tripod to position your skillet over the fire, and you'll be cooking up a feast in no time. Ash Cooking For a more primitive approach, try ash cooking. This technique involves burying your food (wrapped in foil or encased in a protective layer of dough) directly in the hot ashes of your campfire. It's an excellent method for cooking root vegetables, corn on the cob, or even whole fish. Cooking Over The Coals Instead of cooking directly over the flames, try cooking over the hot coals for better heat control and even cooking. This method is ideal for foods that require a longer cooking time or more gentle heat. To cook over the coals, let your fire burn down until you have a bed of glowing embers, then place a grill grate over the coals or use long-handled tongs to position your food directly on them. This technique works wonders for roasting vegetables, slow-cooking meats, or even cooking up some mouthwatering BBQ. Roasting Sticks Sometimes, simplicity is key. Roasting sticks (or skewers) allow you to cook your food right over the open flame, giving you direct control over the heat and cooking process. This method is perfect for toasting marshmallows, roasting hot dogs, or even grilling up some tasty veggie skewers. Just remember to use a sturdy, heat-resistant stick or skewer, and always be mindful of safety when cooking over an open flame. Mastering Campfire Cooking Temperature Control Temperature control is the key to culinary success, even when cooking food over a campfire. While it might seem tricky to manage the heat without the convenience of a kitchen stove, with a little practice and a few handy tips, you'll be a campfire temperature control pro in no time. Let's explore the art of mastering campfire cooking temperature control, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time. Importance Of Temperature Control Just like in your home kitchen, controlling the temperature while cooking over a campfire is crucial for achieving the right balance of flavor, texture, and doneness. Different foods and cooking techniques require different heat levels, so learning how to regulate the temperature is essential for outdoor culinary success. How To Gauge The Heat Without a built-in thermometer, gauging the heat of your campfire can be a bit of a challenge. A simple method to estimate the temperature is to use the hand test. Hold your hand, palm-side down, about 6 inches above the heat source. Count how many seconds you can comfortably keep your hand in that position: High heat: 2-3 seconds Medium heat: 4-5 seconds Low heat: 6-8 seconds Keep in mind that this test is subjective and depends on your heat tolerance, so use it as a rough guideline rather than an exact measurement. Adjusting Cooking Distance And Fire Intensity There are a few ways to control the heat while campfire cooking: Move your food closer to or farther from the heat source. Using a grill grate with adjustable height, a tripod, or simply placing your food on a cooler area of the coals can help you find the sweet spot for the perfect cooking temperature. Control the fire intensity by adding or removing fuel. If you need a hotter fire, add more logs or kindling. Let the flames die down or spread out the coals for a cooler fire. Create different heat zones within your fire pit by shifting coals to one side for direct heat and leaving the other with fewer coals for indirect heat. This way, you can easily move your food between high and low heat as needed. Using A Thermometer While the hand test and adjusting your fire can give you a good sense of temperature control, using a thermometer—particularly for meats—can be a game changer. A probe thermometer can help ensure your meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring perfectly cooked results. A digital meat thermometer is an excellent choice for precise temperature readings, ensuring that your meats are always cooked to perfection. Delicious Campfire Recipes To Try Now that we've explored various campfire cooking techniques, it's time to put your newfound skills to the test with these delicious recipes. There's one for each cooking method we've discussed, so you can try them all and find your favorite way to enjoy a scrumptious meal on your next camping trip. Direct Heat Grilling: Sizzling Steak Skewers Skewer chunks of your favorite steak, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes on metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Grill directly over the flames, occasionally turning, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness and the veggies are tender. Plank Cooking: Cedar-Planked Salmon Soak a cedar plank in water for at least an hour. Season a salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Place the salmon skin-side down on the soaked plank, and set it over the fire. Cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Foil Packet Cooking: Campfire Veggie Medley Chop your favorite veggies (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions) into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Wrap the veggie mixture in a double layer of aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly. Cook the foil packet on a grill grate or directly on the coals for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until the vegetables are tender. Dutch Oven Cooking: Hearty Campfire Chili Heat a bit of olive oil and brown ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven. Add canned crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning packet. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer over a bed of coals for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread for a comforting camping meal. Skillet Cooking: Campfire Breakfast Hash In a cast iron skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy. Add diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, and cook until the potatoes are tender and the veggies are softened. Make a few wells in the hash and crack an egg into each one. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with hot sauce. Ash Cooking: Ember-Roasted Sweet Potatoes Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Bury the wrapped sweet potatoes in the hot ashes of your campfire. Cook for about 45-60 minutes, occasionally turning until the sweet potatoes are tender. Carefully remove the foil and serve with a dollop of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Cooking Over The Coals: Slow-Roasted BBQ Chicken Season chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts) with your favorite BBQ rub. Place the chicken on a grill grate set over a bed of glowing coals. Cook, turning occasionally and basting with BBQ sauce, for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital meat thermometer. Roasting Sticks: Classic S'mores No campfire recipe list would be complete without the ultimate camping dessert: s'mores! Skewer marshmallows on roasting sticks and toast them over the open flame until golden brown and melty. Sandwich the roasted marshmallow between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate and gently press them together. Allow the warm marshmallow to melt the chocolate slightly for a gooey, delicious treat that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. You May Also Like:  Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going