Statue Of Liberty View Point – Top Spots To See The Statue Of Liberty (Free Spots Too)

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 11, 2023

All aboard, travelers! If you're looking forward to a scenic and relaxed journey on the rails, it's essential to know some key train travel packing tips. They’ll make your trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're taking off on an exciting transcontinental adventure or just a weekend getaway, preparation is key. The right packing and planning can set the tone for a smooth ride. So, review these essential packing tips and must-haves for your next train travel adventure. Train Travel Packing Tips 1. Bring A Spacious Single Carry-On When selecting luggage, your best bet is a spacious carry-on bag. They're ideal for day trips and even those train travel packages that span a week or two. Choose a bag specifically designed for travel. It often has waterproof material and anti-theft features to protect your things inside as you focus on your trip. If you need more room for your belongings, a lightweight wheeled bag is an excellent alternative. Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it’ll also fit into the usually constrained compartments of many trains. Packing light becomes crucial here since space on trains isn't as generous as in planes. 2. Use Organisational Packing Cubes As a traveler's best friend, packing cubes help you organize your belongings. Organizing your belongings into various compartments allows you to easily locate what you need without turning your bag upside down.  Get cubes in varying sizes to fit everything from large pieces of clothing to socks and undies. Not only will these organizers save you time, but they’ll also keep your packing tidy throughout your journey. 3. Pack Clothing You Can Layer Understanding the weather and climate of your train route is vital, even if you'll be inside the train for the most part. Packing layered clothing allows for easy adjustments to fluctuating temperatures. Start with light layers and add warmth as needed. That way, unexpected weather changes won't catch you off guard. 4. Consider Bringing Multi-Purpose Items The more versatile the items in your luggage, the lighter you can pack. Think of multi-purpose garments or accessories that can serve more than one function. Bringing along a scarf that can double as a blanket, for example, saves you the need to pack too much. Now that you know how to pack effectively for your trips, check out what you need to bring for your worry-free journey via train. Train Travel Must-Haves A. Travel Documents Remember to have your necessary travel documents like tickets, identification, and any required visas at hand. A small document holder can make managing these essentials a breeze.  Failing to bring your documents could delay your trip or deny you entry on the train. Before you leave for the train, double-check these items first and last to ensure you won't forget anything. B. Personal Toiletries Some trains may provide complementary toiletry kits, but it's always a good idea to bring your own, just in case. A small toiletry bag with travel-size items like toothpaste and face wash can keep you fresh and clean during the journey. Why not pack multi-purpose toiletries like petroleum jelly or moisturizer with SPF to save more space in your kit? These items can help you pack more efficiently. Consider transferring the contents into tiny travel bottles to avoid bringing the larger original containers with you. C. Sleeping Kit For overnight journeys, a sleeping kit including a blanket, sleeping mask, ear plugs, and neck pillow will make your trip more restful. Investing in a compact set ensures comfort without taking up too much room. Pack these items together in one compartment to grab them easily before sleeping. D. Insulated Water Bottle And Snacks Even if the train offers fresh food and beverages to first-class and economy passengers, it won't hurt to bring your own for the trip. An insulated water bottle will keep your drinks at the right temperature, and snacks will fill your stomach between meals. Store your food in resealable pouches to keep the contents from spilling out and making a mess. E. Electronics And Entertainment Don't forget your charger, headphones, and favourite book or e-reader. A relaxing train journey is perfect for unwinding with a good read or movie. If possible, store your electronics, phone, and wallet in the same small bag, as these items are often considered valuables. F. Portable Clothesline A portable clothesline can be handy if you plan to freshen up some clothes during extended travel. It's light, practical, and easy to use. This train travel must-have is ideal for drying wet towels or using it as a makeshift bunk divider. Though, remember to ask for permission first before using it. G. Rubbish Bag The train may have several rubbish bins you can walk over to, but there'll be times when you just want to remain seated. A small rubbish bag comes in handy for these occasions since all you need to do is take it out and toss your waste inside. It helps keep your space clean and organized during long-haul journeys, whether luxury travels or trips planned at the last minute. Conclusion Embarking on a train journey doesn't need to be a puzzle. By following these train travel packing tips, you can have a stress-free ride anytime. From versatile carry-on choices to must-have comfort items, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. So, grab your ticket, pack wisely, and enjoy the scenic vistas through the window. The train route is waiting, and your seat is reserved!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 23, 2023

A tour of Los Angeles will include a walk through a large, palm tree-lined cemetery. Tributes to Hollywood's dark past can be found lurking among the city's soiled streets, well-kept lawns, and dusty canyons. These include long-abandoned mansions and the famous Hollywood sign. The City by the Bay, San Francisco, is a tourist haven. San Francisco attracts nearly 15 million tourists a year with attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz tours, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Haight Ashbury. But this new American city is not without its dark side. It has a history of kidnapping, fraud, terrorism, assassinations, and serial killings. Here is a short dissection of the most dangerous cities in California. We are also including a few of the most well-known crimes committed in various parts of the state. Most Dangerous Cities In California The list below comprises the incorporated municipalities of California with some of the highest crime rates. These cities have a population of 50,000 at best. Here are the most dangerous cities in California: Stockton San Bernardino Oakland Compton Richmond Lancaster Vallejo Modesto Victorville Huntington Park Criminal History Of California America is a land of dreams for the biggest chunk of the global population. California is a hub of technological and social zenith. No one expects it to hold out on dark secrets and scandals. According to the FBI, the most dangerous cities in California have a lot of twisted history. Here are some of them. The Assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Muscone, San Francisco City Hall The newly appointed class of city supervisors in 1978 was the most diverse in the history of San Francisco. Dan White, a staunch conservative and former police officer and firefighter, and Harvey Milk, the freshmen supervisor and gay activist, were the two men in this class. Even though Milk and White had different political and lifestyle philosophies, they developed a cordial working relationship. But this relationship quickly turned deadly and hostile. With ten extra bullets and a.38 caliber handgun, Dan White entered City Hall on November 27, 1978, intending to confront Mayor Muscone face-to-face. Muscone shot him after he once more rejected to be reinstated. When White realized how much Harvey Milk had contributed to the incident, he went to his office and brutally murdered Milk. On that day, Dan White admitted to the crimes. The strategy employed by White's defense team during the trial was nearly as well-known as the crimes done. The "Twinkie defense" contended that White's extreme sugar and carbohydrate intake before the crime caused his mental instability. The narrative concludes where it started: after receiving his sentence, White went back to San Francisco and committed suicide. The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst, Hibernia Bank The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) kidnapped 19-year-old Patty Hearst from her family's condo on February 4, 1974. Patty is the great-granddaughter of business tycoon George Hearst and the granddaughter of publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst. She and multiple other SLA members later pilfered a Hibernia Bank branch. Patty, brandishing an M-1 carbine, declared her membership in the SLA. A single innocent person lost their life, and the SLA fled with more than $10,000. Although Patty and her friends managed to get away, the FBI quickly found them. In 1976, Hearst went on trial. Attorneys for Patty contended that she developed Stockholm syndrome—a psychological reaction in which she started to feel sorry for her captors—out of fear for her life. Despite being found guilty, President Carter commuted her sentence in 1979. President Clinton fully pardoned Patty Hearst in 2001. Hearst continues to insist that she was brainwashed and that her crimes were those of a victim of the SLA's mental manipulation. Golden Dragon Massacre, Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace restaurant, formerly known as the Golden Dragon, is located in the center of San Francisco's Chinatown. One of the worst nights in San Francisco's history took place in this restaurant under this name. The organized crime networks that dominated Chinatown's underground market gave rise to two competing teenage gangs: the Wah Ching and the Joe Boys. The Golden Dragon presented the Joe Boys with a chance to assassinate the Wah Ching leaders. Eleven innocent people were hurt, and five innocent people died; neither gang member was hurt. The Washington Street restaurant is still marred by the aftermath of this tragic night. Three of the five Joe Boys members who were detained, found guilty, and sentenced to prison are still incarcerated. The Asian gang task force of the San Francisco police department was established because of the massacre. The Imperial Palace is still operational and offers delicious dim sum. USS Hornet A moored aircraft carrier at the Alameda Naval Base is among the world's most haunted ships—not a pirate ship sailing the high seas. Commencing in 1943, the eighth USS Hornet engaged in numerous combat missions throughout the Pacific. Over 300 people died on board during her 27 years of active duty, many of them from suicide. Although the ship is not in operation at the moment, both the crew and guests have paranormal stories about things moving, doors opening on their own, toilets flushing, and even spectral sailors prowling the decks. The Zodiac Killer The San Francisco area was the scene of one of the most well-known unsolved crimes in history. This crime scene single-handedly made every corner of the state dangerous. About 40 miles northeast of the city, on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California, the infamous killing spree started. David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen, two high school students, were discovered dead next to their parked car on December 20, 1968. No witnesses were present. Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau were shot dead by an unidentified assailant in Vallejo, California, on July 4, 1969. Mageau lived, but Ferrin perished from her wounds. From a pay phone, the gunman called the police, boasting about his crime with pride. Three local newspapers received letters in their offices on August 1, 1969. The Zodiac Killer would become well-known for his trademark symbol, which was signed by all of the letters, which came from the same source, and all claimed to be the murderer. The murderer insisted on having his letters made public. That year on September 27, two more people came under attack. Zodiac moved his murderous rampage from Napa into the City of San Francisco on October 11, 1969. And Zodiac pulled over his taxi driver at the Presidio Heights intersection of Cherry and Washington Streets. Zodiac eluded capture by the police even inside the city. Zodiac persisted in his letter-writing campaign to the San Francisco media for almost ten years. There were many boasts and threats in each letter, but not all of them came to pass. He said he had killed seventeen people in one of his final letters. This killer's identity is still a mystery, and the crime is still unsolved. Wrapping Up The Hollywood sign, which once read Hollywoodland, is where aspiring starlet Peg Entwistle leaped to her death in 1932. (It's said that her ghost roams the trails in nearby Griffith Park.) Los Angeles feels somber, maybe because so many people come here with high hopes, and the city is hesitant to welcome every new face. The brief career of Ms. Entwistle as a siren and her premature passing at the age of 24 serve as a symbol of the peculiar contrast of the city: it is dazzling yet sinister, alluring yet menacing. There's dirt and secrets in the graveyard just beneath the shiny surface. If you know where to look, you can see the duality of glitter in the dark everywhere in the city, from Compton to Hollywood. Thankfully, a whole industry of tourism deals in the gritty side of the city for those who are interested in noir. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the most dangerous cities in California, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!. Read Also: Heatwaves And Adventure: Traveling To The World’s Hottest Destination From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham

BY  Sibashree Dec 11, 2024

Austin is a rage on socials. On Instagram, #austin has 15M posts, and the number is 4.8M for #austintexas. Further, Austin is a place for romance for young couples and the ones young at heart.  Also, a popular website for young couples,  FetishFinder, has termed Austin one of the topmost cities in the USA for dating. To be specific, it holds the 5th spot out of the ones mentioned in the list. So, if you are on a trip to woo your special one or want the most memorable honeymoon, you can visit Austin this season. There are many top-rated fun things to do in Austin for adults. And yes, I am not talking about the kinky stuff only.  Now, in Austin, you can visit a spa, enjoy a romantic date at the best restaurants, or just hike the urban trails. So, a romantic trip to Austin will be a wonderful fusion of passionate romance, cuddling, and relaxation. Here’s more to it. Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults On A Romantic Trip: Don’t Miss These  Austin now stands in all glory, with top-rated romantic resorts being added to the city’s landscape. Further, with easy accessibility and places like the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin is on the bucket list of many honeymooners in the USA.  The allure of the Big Bend National Park and wine tasting further add to the appeal of Austin as a honeymoon destination. Nevertheless, here are the top fun things to do in Austin as a couple. Further, keep listening to the Tour and Travel favorite playlist for romance in Austin as you read about the activities. Traveling To And Across Austin, Texas, Know The Transportation Options Take a flight to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).Further, you can take an Amtrak train ride from Dallas to Texas. It is one of the top-rated un things to do in Austin for adults due to the scenic beauty of the place. Also, to enjoy the landscape of Austin, you can take a drive in the car or pedicab. Local cyclists run these pedicabs, and the City of Austin Ground Transportation Department licenses them.Moreover, thanks to CapMetro, you can now easily get paratransit services, hybrid railway rides, or buses in Austin, Texas. You can reach out to CapMetro at (512) 474-1200.  1. Visit The Top Spas In Austin Getting rejuvenated is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. So, you can opt for massages and body treatments at these spas. Some of these also offer Yoga treatments. So, when in Austin, you can visit the following spas and Yoga retreats. Name of The SpaAddressPhone Number Seda Laser & Aesthetics1611 W 5th St Ste 180 Austin, TX 78703(737) 333-4425Face to Face Spa at Davenport Village3801 N Capital Of Texas Hwy Ste F-110 Austin, TX 78746(844) 259-2498Zen Blend Mind + Body Spa1309 West Slaughter Ln Austin, TX 78748(512) 554-3626 Moreover, many of these spas offer day packages, including outdoor dining and hiking activities.  2. Explore The Austin-Drive-In For Some Cuddle And Cozy Moments https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qt8XNsbFo/ Are you a lover of Indie films? Then, the Austin-area-drive-in will be the perfect spot for a movie date and cuddling. Further, you can especially enjoy your time at the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In. Moreover, it is the only drive-in movie theater in Austin.  Also, it shows two films per night, and you can call at (512) 766-9399 for booking.  Did You Know?Blue Starlite Urban Drive-in is the first and only drive-in mini theater to showcase cult classics and childhood favorite movies. 3. Hike The Urban Trails Barton Creek Greenbelt in South Austin is the most delightful place for outdoor pursuits. So, you can try here many fun things to do in Austin for adults, including hiking and cycling. Further, the most popular hiking trails here are: Violet Crown Trail Twin Falls and Downhill along Barton Creek Gus Fruh From The Main Access Point Gus Fruh to Campbell’s Hole Moreover, in many cases, the hiking trails pass through dense forests with snakes. So, choose your footwear and gear right. Furthermore, if hiking is on your list of fun things to do in Austin for adults, you must visit the city in autumn or spring. So, for autumn hiking, come to Austin between September to November, and for the spring hike, March to May will be the best months.  4. Take A Tour Of The Wineries And Breweries https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zOutzO5c0/?img_index=1 With the natural and ancient method of winemaking very much alive today, Austin is the hub of wine and beer tasting. So, you cannot miss a tour of the wineries and breweries in Austin while exploring the fun things to do in Austin for adults. Further, the history of winemaking here goes back to the 1650s as Spanish missionaries started growing grapes and brewing wine here. In addition, Texas stands out with its wonderful craft beer.  Moreover, you can visit the following breweries and wineries to taste the best local wine, beer, and spirit. Now, you can even be a part of the different wine tours, costing you around $60 per person. Name of The Austin Winery/BreweryAddressContact NumberThe Austin Winery440 E St Elmo Rd Ste A1 Austin, TX 78745(512) 326-1445Sloan + Parker2900 N Quinlan Park Rd Ste 150 Austin, TX 78732(512) 294-2416Wanderlust Wine Company, Downtown610 N Interstate Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78701(512) 522-2551Swallow Wines407 Round Rock Ave Round Rock, TX 78664(512) 630-2103 Did you know that the Austin Steam Train Association has Wine Trains covering the longest route to the Hill Country Flyer? Further, the trains start from the Cedar Park Depot, and they run on a Sunday in the months of January- June and September- November. The trains are available between 11 AM to 5 PM. To learn more about this fun ride and make your reservation, you can contact  512-915-2340.  5. Enjoy A Date At A Romantic Restaurant  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs7XCRCt2cQ/ From the fried chicken steak of BBQ brisket, Austin is a bustling food zone, and a famous destination for culinary tourism. It is also the land of breakfast tacos and migas.  Further, a food tour of the city is one of the fun things to do in Austin for adults. “Secret Food Tours” features on the list of the best in the city as it has the recommendation of biggies like USA Today, The New York Times, etc. Furthermore, a food tour with Secret Tours will cost you $89 and to learn more about them, you can mail at austin@secrettours.com. Nevertheless, if dining at the most romantic restaurants is what you are looking for, here are our favorites. Name of The RestaurantAddressPhone NumberAmici9521 US Highway 290 Austin, TX 78736(512) 215-8569Rose Gose5201 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751(737) 329-2304Justine's Brasserie4710 E 5th St Austin, TX 78702(512) 385-2900Honey Moon Spirit Lounge624 W 34th St Austin, TX 78705(737) 209-0319 Try delicacies like classic beef tartare, ratatouille, and steak frites at these restaurants.  6. Relax At The Romantic Resorts And Hotels: Fun Things To Do In Austin For Adults   https://www.instagram.com/p/C8XS0BKuheE/ Once you are done exploring the best of Texas, you can plan a retreat in the top romantic resorts and hotels of Austin. Moreover, these resorts and pools have swimming pools and other amenities to help you indulge in sheer luxury. These facilities also offer complete privacy for the couples. So, you can enjoy your romantic moments there. Further, at Tour and Travel, we have curated the best resorts and hotels for couples in Austin, Texas. Let’s have a look. Name Of The Resort And RestaurantAddressContact NumberCommodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, United States+1 866-976-4312The Loren Hotel Austin1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States+1 512-580-1182Austin Proper Hotel600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, United States+1 512-628-1500 So, with a decent knowledge of the fun things to do in Austin for adults and the places to stay, it’s time to plan a visit to the land of Willie Nelson. Bon voyage!  Also read Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now! Are You A Foodie? Try These Things To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah | Culinary Tourism In The City Of Saints. Fun Activities In Nashville For Adults Throughout The Day: Kicking Off Your Nashville Experience With Focus On Christmas Celebrations.