A to Z Of Shenandoah National Park Camping: Do You Know These? 

BY  Mashum Feb 26, 2019

The cost-of-living caps the fantastic landscape and culture that Australia has to offer and explore.  For many tourists and Australians, it is much cheaper to travel abroad and explore other countries. However, traveling around Australia is incredible and can cost you minimal amounts if you are aware of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia.  So, before you plan a trip to Australia, learn the art of sticking to a budget. Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia The cost of traveling should never be a constraint if you want to explore the beautiful land of Australia. Let’s head straight to the most practical and budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. 1. Stay In Hostels This tip is more relevant to Australia even though it applies to all parts of the world. Most hotels in Australia are costly, mainly if you are operating on a budget. If you wish to have a less luxurious sleep, you will save a lot of money.  2. Camp You can even try camping if you want to be more adventurous. It will help you save a lot of money. The cheapest way to explore Australia is by getting around and camping at different campsites.  There are several free camping spots around Australia, although there will be areas where you will need to pay for your campsite. Even then, the fees may be as little as $5 per person. You will get access to showers and toilets, which aren’t always available on the open road. 3. Prepare Your Meals Even if you decide to eat in a fast-food joint in Australia, it will not give you much change from $10. Besides, you can bring havoc to your body by substituting main meals with fries and burgers.  Make sure that you are getting food that will support healthy living. You can achieve this objective by preparing your food. It is much cheaper than relying on ready-made food.  Most parks in Australia provide public BBQ facilities free of charge. All you need to do is buy some veggies or meat from the local supermarket and get some grilling.  If grilling every day is not your thing, make good use of the available kitchens in the hostels. Use them to prepare your meals. You will realize a significant difference in your bank account.  4. Purchase Your Booze Bottle-O Bottle-O refers to the liquor shop or bottle shop. This store sells alcohol at a lower price than the ordinary bars. You will get affordable liquor deals in this place. Most budget drinkers like to go for the Goon, which is a cheap boxed wine.  5. Use A Private Vehicle to Commute  In Australia, you must get around by car if you want to explore the country. You can do it either by purchasing a vehicle temporarily or hiring a car for your travels. However, these two options can be slightly expensive.  You can use comparison sites such as Car Rental Buddy or Car Hire Choice to find and compare vehicles. Alternatively, you can opt for campervan hire from Camper Champ. You will not fail to get a cheap deal when it comes to commuting in Australia. 6. Travel On Greyhound Bus Most backpackers like to use this option as their preferred means of transport. It is among the cheapest modes of transportation in Australia.  You can get a travel pass for approximately $500. It will allow you to hop off and on as many times as you would like. It is an excellent way to view the fantastic scenery of Australia. The good news is that you will not spend so much on these journeys.  7. Participate In Homestays or Couch Surfing Accommodation in Australia is expensive, even for backpackers. So, if you want to explore Australia cheaply, take advantage of staying at homestays or even Couch-surfing in people’s homes. It will help you get free accommodation in exchange for cultural learning and community interaction. 8. Purchase A Campervan This option is best if you are traveling as a group. It will help you to spit the gas among yourselves. Driving via Australia is exciting, but you can still make your trip more enjoyable.  One way is to purchase a campervan in Cairns and then drive down to Melbourne or the other way around. Even though driving is more expensive than flying, you will stop anywhere you wish. Besides, if you have a big campervan, you can still use it for accommodation.  9. Have Fun by Participating in Active Hobbies Australians (particularly in the north) are known for their outdoor lifestyle. Therefore, you can join them and have a lot of fun outdoors. You will not spend lots of money when you pursue your hobby.  You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, skiing, bungy jumping, and a lot more, thanks to its vivid landscape and coexistence of various geologies. 10. Spend Most of Your Time with Nature Australia has so much when it comes to natural beauty, and this offers a free experience. You can get into the botanical gardens in Melbourne for free. Also, you will not pay anything to visit the beach.  You can also hike via the Royal National Park or Sydney’s Blue Mountains. You will not spend even a single cent when interacting with nature.  11. Hiking  There are several scenic walking trails in Australia that you can explore. Do you want to hike along the Australian coastline and admire the beaches? Or do you want to hike up mountains to get a view of the Australian landscape? You will be able to find an abundance of exciting hiking trails for your adventure. You will get excellent hiking opportunities at no cost in Australia.  12. Check out the Galleries and Museums Unlike the rest of the world, the galleries and museums of Australia are free to get in. Therefore, if you are tired of the outdoor experience and want to get a feel for the culture, museums are your best bet.  The best place to start is the National Gallery of Victoria. You can also try out the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Both locations will give you fantastic opportunities to tour Australia at budget-friendly rates.  13. Cycling In some cities, there are cycling initiatives that you can take advantage of while visiting Australia. In Brisbane, it is possible to cycle for up to half an hour for free using their city hire bike scheme. There are several cycling trails that you can also explore around the city. 14. Swimming At the Beach  Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline where you can go swimming and enjoy yourself at the beach. Whether you decide to stop in a major city like the Gold Coast or head to a quieter town such as Airlie Beach, there will be an option for you. 15. Fishing  If you can get yourself some fishing rods, you can go fishing at a local creek, dam, river, or beach. 16. Barbecues One thing that is unanimous with all Australians is their love for an excellent outdoor grill. Having a barbecue meal with your travel group is also one of the most budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You can head to the supermarket and buy a loaf of bread and sausages for a tonner. You will enjoy a barbecue in the company of friends. Conclusion  These are just a few of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. There are plenty of things to see and do in Australia. You must be open to the different experiences the region has to offer. From Kangaroo Island to the Barossa Valley, Australia has scenic beauty that you can soak in without burning a hole in your pocket. So, make a budget and stick to it to have a happy and hearty journey! Read Also : Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 16, 2023

If you are an adventurer and avid traveler, then your next holiday destination should definitely be Uttarakhand. It is definitely a beautiful romantic destination along with a spiritual journey for visitors and tourists. So if you are planning on taking a trip to the land of God, then you should know when is the best time to visit Uttarakhand. In different seasons the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand is different, so depending on what you like, you can select the best time to visit Uttarakhand. When To Visit Uttarakhand: History & Tourism? Uttarakhand is a state in India with the most beautiful hill stations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Mussoorie, also has one of the most famous National Parks, Jim Corbett National Park. The mountains are not only a great honeymoon destination, but Uttarakhand is a religious destination as well. Known as “Devbhumi,” Uttarakhand is a “Land of Gods,” with multiple Hindu temples and pilgrimage destinations. Well-Known Hindu temples like Badrinath temple, Kedarnath temple, and even the world-renowned national park, the Jim Corbett National Park. So if you are planning a trip to the mountains, then you should know the best time to visit Uttarakhand. Read More: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Climate In Uttarakhand Whenever you are visiting a place you haven’t visited before, it is also important to know which is the best time to visit Uttarakhand. So if you are not aware of the best time to visit Uttarakhand, then I am here to help you know the right time and particular temperature of Uttarakhand, when you should visit. Then if you wanna know everything about Uttarakhand, then keep on scrolling down and keep on reading. Summer Season If you are going to Uttarakhand then the best time to visit Uttarakhand is during the summer. The summer in Uttarakhand is very beautiful, with flowers in full bloom. The famous religious journey known as the Char Dham Yatra starts in May and lasts till September. Here in Uttarakhand, the festivities were celebrating different festivals. During the early spring, you are going to get the best deals in hotels and the cost of most places is lower. So if you are planning a trek here in Uttarakhand, the springtime is great to visit of flowers Uttarakhand best time to visit. Monsoon Season In the mountains, the monsoon in Uttarakhand lasts from the middle of June to about September. Uttarakhand receives heavy rainfall and flood every year, which causes massive destruction throughout the valley. This makes the monsoon season, not at all the best time to visit Uttarakhand. Winter Season During the winter months, it is the best time to visit Uttarakhand, either for a family vacation, a trip with friends, or even for your honeymoon. The valleys of Nainital are beautiful when it is fully snow-covered. Sitting in front of the fireplace, with your partner, is indeed quite romantic. You can also take part in activities like camping, white water rafting, or even bonfire nights. How To Reach Uttarakhand? If you are looking for routes to reach Uttarakhand, then you should know that there is more than one route to reach Uttarakhand. Even if you are traveling solo or with your family and your friends, then you should know all the ways you can reach there. There are many places you can visit here in Uttarakhand such as Nainital, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the Jim Corbett National Park. So if you have decided on the places you wanna visit, then I can show you the best route and best time to visit Uttarakhand. By Train One of the cheapest ways to reach Uttarakhand was by train. You can reach Dehradun or Nainital. The Kathgodam railway station is about 35km away from Nainital, the Kathgodam railway station is easily reached by train from cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Dehradun. Whereas the Dehradun railway station can be reached by cities like Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. With popular Indian trains like Dehradun Express, Shatabdi Express, Nanda Express, and Doon Express, you can reach Uttarakhand. By Air Uttarakhand has two domestic airports, which are The Jolly Grant Airport (DED) and the Pantnagar Airport (PGH). The DED is about 22 kilometers away from Dehradun’s city center. This airport has regular services of nonstop planes and flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. The flights regular at the airport were Jet Airways, Alliance Air, and IndiGo.  The other airport is PGH, serving the hill station at Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet, which is about 120km away from Jim Corbett National Park. By Road Uttarakhand can also be easily reached by road, and if you are someone who loves long rides, then you are in luck, as the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand is beautiful. The state of Uttarakhand has about 1543 km of state highways, but 1328 km of national highways. There are about 1000 buses from the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, that go out of the state. Through NH 34, Rishikesh and Haridwar are all connected to the capital Delhi. And through Badrinath and Dehradun, the NH 7 passed through. Highways 309 and 109 were interlinked with Almora, Jim Corbett National Park, and Almora. By AirBy RoadBy TrainBy SeaNew Delhi to Uttarakhand1.5 hours8 hours6 hours-Pune to Uttarakhand4.3 hours34 hours31 hours-Mumbai to Uttarakhand2.2 hours9.38 hours32.2 hours-Kolkata to Uttarakhand5.15 hours10.56 hours29 hours-Bangalore to Uttarakhand7.2 hours53.3 hours52.18 hours-Tamil Nadu to Uttarakhand-40 hours42 hours-Hyderabad to Uttarakhand-31 hours- Wrapping Up! Now that I have shown you all the possible ways you can travel to Uttarakhand, when is the best time to visit Uttarakhand as well? So now you can properly plan the best time to visit Uttarakhand. If you liked this article then give it a like and comment down below and tell us when would you like to visit Uttarakhand. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Which Is The Best Time To Visit Shimla? – Travel Guide Best Places For Highest Bungee Jumping In India – Adventure Guide

BY  Sibashree Nov 21, 2024

“People love Arizona, and our economy is growing because of it. Tourism supports critical services for Arizonans, and our work to build an Arizona for everyone translates to more visitors and more jobs for our great state.” Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona. You will find an echo of the governor’s words in the statement shared by Lisa Urias. She is the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. She has mentioned that Arizona’s diversity, amazing beauty, and hospitality are behind the growth of the tourism industry in the state.  Now, there is enough market data to corroborate the claims of the governor and the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. In 2023, 86% of the tourists in Arizona were repeat visitors, and the $1.15 billion tourism tax collected in 2023 was 10% of the state’s operating budget.  Phoenix, of course, plays a crucial role in the state’s tourism development. Along with unique desert beauty, Arizona has the best urban landscapes and the warmth of southwest culture.  In addition, the cheap and free things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, make the city a popular tourist destination.  So, do you want an overview of Phoenix, Arizona’s free and cheap tourist attractions? Let’s explore.  You Can’t Miss These Free And Cheap Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona, has a pricey vibe. However, don’t be fooled by that vibe as a tourist. Participating in cultural activities is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for free. Also, people in Arizona are perennially in love with outdoor activities.  You just need to set your itinerary right to enjoy a mix of outdoor pursuits, cultural tours, and more.  Did You Know?Phillip Duppa, an Englishman, was a friend of Jack Swilling. Now, Jack Swilling was one of the city’s founding fathers, and Phillip Duppa named the city Phoenix.The city was named to symbolize rebirth. The idea was that  Phoenix would rise from the ashes of the natives and it would become prosperous in the land of irrigation.  1. Explore The Heritage Square https://www.instagram.com/heritagesquarephx/p/DCkFissSSXY/ Downtown Phoenix bustles with modern vibes. However, Heritage Square is a place that complements its modern vibes with its old-world charm from the Victorian era. Also, the Heritage Square is known as the “National Register of Historic Places.” Many of the buildings here are restored, and exploring the interiors of these buildings is one of the cheapest but meaningful things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.  For example, the Rosson House Museum stands here, and you just need to pay a fee of $15 for admission.  Heritage Square, Phoenix, BuildingsThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Thomas HouseThe Stevens HouseThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Rosson House Musuem, etc.  2. Visit Arizona Capitol Museum Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM With an “Entry is Always Free” promise, the Arizona Capitol Museum is a big draw in the state. Let me put it directly. If you want to know about the history and culture of the state, you have to visit the Arizona Capitol Museum. The museum also offers in-depth insight into the state’s political scenario.  Further, if you plan to visit Arizona in a few days and have included a visit to the Arizona Capitol Museum as one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you must not miss the new Merci Train Exhibition. The museum now celebrates the 75th anniversary of the train’s arrival. Some of the most prominent exhibits at the museum are: USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet Arizona Takes Shape The Struggle for Universal Sufferage – Voting Rights Timeline The U.S.S Arizona Artifact Collection, etc.  You can even be a part of the “Arizona Capitol Museum Guided Tour Survey” for educational purposes.  3. Hike At Camelback Mountain Before I get into the details of hiking at Camelback Mountain, I must tell you that it’s difficult and very strenuous. So, if you are not a seasoned hiker at the peak of your fitness, this is not one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for you. Still, Camelback Mountain and its Cholla and Echo Canyon trailheads have millions of visitors every year. The current trailhead hours are from sunset to sunrise.  Further, this 2704 feet mountain gets its name from its double humps. Its terrains are uneven with boulders, and the elevation gains are difficult to cope with. However, once you reach the summit, you will get the best views of the Valley of the Sun.  Tour And Travel HighlightCamelback Culture Community, led by Jes Dobbs, is a local group of hikers. Under the leadership of Jes Dobbs, a graphic designer, the group is making an effort to make Camelback Mountain safer.They have launched a timely petition to improve the safety of the mountains in time, considering the death and rescue of three hikers from the Echo Canyon Trail. All of them died due to heat exhaustion.Phoenix experienced record heat waves this season, and the rising temperatures were additional perils for the hikers.Nevertheless, the Camelback Culture Community has made two demands in their petitions.Extension of Trail Hours ( With An Extended Timing Of 4 AM to 8 PM)Installation of Automated Gates At The Trailheads of Camelback and Other MountainsThe petition already has 1,900 signatures and in the words of Jes Dobbs,“I believe having trailheads with year-round, consistent opening and closing times will enable locals and visitors to hike in the cooler hours of the day legally and when their lives allow. Many hard-working people don’t have the option to take a midday hike. They deserve access to exercise and nature during their limited free time – before and after work.” 4. Visit Phoenix Art Museum Thanks to the "Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday," visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the cheapest things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Your entry fee is voluntary after 3 PM.  Further, the evening sessions or AfterHours are free, and you can enjoy entertainment events and live music. You can attend these events four times a year.  Family FunDays is another great event to visit the museum for, and it happens four times a year. These events take place on Sundays, and on these days, you can enter the museum for free and attend events for all ages.  Tour And Travel Tip The Western Gallery is the highlight of this museum. Here, you will find artwork from the pioneers and some exemplary works by the modernists.  One thing is common in all these artworks. They show the prominent influence of the beautiful landscape of Arizona.  5. Visit The Historic Heard Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ceBsOsGff/ Does the life of American Indian tribes in the Southwest part of the country intrigue you? The Historic Heard Museum is your go-to destination. Along with the life of the tribes, you will also get to know about their culture and art. When you are at the Historic Heard Museum, the following are going to be your highlights.  Films Ethnographic Displays Kids’ Exhibit However, for me, the main attraction at this museum is Hopi Kachinas. It is an unbelievable collection of spirit dolls. Most of the dolls are gifts from Barry Goldwater, the  Presidential nominee.  Visiting the Historic Heard Museum is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. For free entry, you can plan a visit to the museum on the first Friday of every month (except March). The museum operates between 4 PM to 8 PM. Furthermore, Indian fairs, hoop dancing, and competitions are some popular events taking place in the museum.  6. Visit The Desert Botanical Garden Entry to Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona is free on the Community Day or every second Tuesday of the month. Spanning over 55 acres, this botanical garden has flowers, cactus, and trees from across the globe. The best time to visit the botanical garden is between March to May. During these months, you will find Mexican gold poppies and bluebells in full glory throughout the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.  The garden is well-maintained. Also, as you visit the desert denizens arranged according to theme, you learn a lot about the desert plantation.  Tour And Travel Tip  You have to book the tickets for Desert Botanical Garden in advance if you want to pay a visit on Community Day. 7. Take A Walk In Art Walk Phoenix has the “First Friday Art Walk” on the first Friday of the month between 6 to 10 PM. It is one of the biggest self-guided art walks in the city. Further, you can take the light rail plying through downtown Phoenix and connecting to various art districts of Phoenix.  Also, as you explore the art spaces, galleries, and event venues of the city, you become familiar with the local vibe.  Artlink, a nonprofit organization, started this art walk, and it is still the organizer of the event. Today, this free art event has become the uniting space for people of all age groups.Artists, vendors, and musicians take part in this event to soak in the cultural vibe of Downtown Phoenix.  To explore the best free and cheap things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you need to find comfortable accommodation first. The table below has the names and details of the best hotels in Phoenix, Arizona.  Hotels In Phoenix, ArizonaPhone NumberDoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North+1 602-997-5900Great Wolf Lodge, Scottsdale+1 480-948-9653Best Western North Phoenix Hotel+1 602-395-0900Hotel Valley Ho+1 480-376-2600The Clarendon Hotel and Spa+1 602-252-7363The Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton+1 (480) 991-9000Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts+1 602-955-6600Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale+1 602-765-5800Fairmont Scottsdale Princess+1 480-585-4848 Also read Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.