Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Travel

BY  Mashum Oct 4, 2021

You sure have heard about the latest hotspot that got inaugurated on the western part of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai? Palm west beach is the newest destination for sunset paramours. It offers a 1.6 km walkable parade which is lined up with many casual restaurants. It is also filled with expensive hotels on the torso of the Palm Jumeirah.  Decorated with more than 300 palm trees to elucidate the walking path and running tracks. The tranquility of the stretched sand is off to turn into Dubai’s ultimate swaggie spot. Let’s dive into the restaurants Dubai's Palm Beach offers. Restaurant- Koko Bay The idea of Koko Bay was inspired by the dingy-chic restaurants lined up on Bali’s shores. Koko Bay happens to be the first restaurant to open on Palm West Beach. In the afternoon it's time for fresco-feasting, by the evening the DJ sets the mood with creative mixology of songs and music. At night it's all about dining under the stars. The menu is a mix of Asian and European cuisines. You have a furry friend who loves to travel with you everywhere, well Koko Bay welcomes them with open arms. If you are looking for a sun-soaked beach day, then sea-facing wicker loungers come with a deal of AED 100 for weekdays and AED 150 on weekends. Restaurant- Senor Pico A vibrant treat to the eyes. Senor Pico is all about colors. It is a colorful Mexican flavor that is merged with California cool, effortlessly. Senor Pico is a commemoration of Victor Berger’s travel to Mexico, with which he bought the rich flavors, graphic dishes, and vibrant culture he came in contact with there.  The menu does not have the whole tinge of Mexican cuisine but is a bit influenced by Californian cuisine. The interior of the restaurant with rainbow-hued walls, hanging fish from the ceiling, and neon hints, makes it absolutely photogenic. A kitchen in the heart of the restaurant is busy serving fresh tortillas, tacos, and burritos, while the diners enjoy the scene. Restaurant- Aprons And Hammers Beach House The main attraction in Aprons and Hammers Beach House is the fresh seafood they serve. It is located in La Mer, JBR and now in Palm West Beach. It has the first licensed outlet. Aprons and Hammers Beach House has mimicked the laid-back beach house. The interior of this restaurant has a marine theme going on all over the place, from the terrace down to the parasol-lined beach. Seafood like lobster, crabs, shrimps, and mussels are all available here for the guests.  These restaurants also possess a raw bar, where they serve freshly shucked oysters and tiered seafood towers. Like Koko Bay, it also offers the same price and their lounges for being sun-bathed. Restaurants- Jones The Grocer This restaurant is mainly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it serves hearty and homely dishes. The place has its own signature dishes to offer, pastry and sandwich counter. It has an artisan eatery with an authentic wood-fired oven and not to forget a cool beach bar.  The laid back relaxed beachside bar cum cafe cum restaurant opens up to the Palm West Beach coastline. It allows the diners to taste the ocean breeze while tasting the amazing food.  In beverages, they offer bespoke cocktails and their favorite curated grapes which celebrate the roots.  Restaurants- Lucky Fish  Lucky Fish is a barefoot, expensive Mediterranean restaurant and beach as because it has no additional floor, the whole set up is on the sand. With a calm coastal style and homely design, guests are welcomed to dine in between the indoors and outdoors.  Guests can also spend their day at the beach on cloud-like-loungers, as well as day beds that are shaded with linen curtains over the sand. Talking about the menu, which is a s well inspired by the Mediterranean region and the ocean.  It highlights the Italian, Spanish, French tastes through the fresh seafood and meat dishes. It is quite obvious that you are in Palm West Beach for the entire day, cherishing all the delicious foods around you, enjoying to the fullest, and falling tired at night. Don’t worry here are two luxury hotels and apartments that West Beach provides for a weekend, or midweek. Hotels- Five Palm Jumeirah  Great infrastructure and firmly established Five Palm Jumeirah is one of the liveliest hotels in the city. The FIVE is decorated with full and generously sized white loungers, jacuzzis, and glass built swimming pool.  The swimming pool is made out of glass because it compliments the swimming pool itself for being lengthy and as well as running down to the center of the hotel. A Chinese restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired grill, Italian. It is one of the most photographed hotels in the city. Hotels- Fairmont The Palm  On the chest of the Palm Jumeirah that is facing over the Palm West Beach.  The interior of the hotel is inspired by Arabian accents that have design aesthetics like dark woods, orange shaded sand, and webbing throughout the guest room and suites, as well as the public places. The beachfront is highly expensive, it offers 800 meters of golden sand for the guests. They have four swimming pools in the hotel with volleyball and water sports. It also has table tennis facilities.  Water sports are not much in demand but Palm West Beach still offers  Kayaking VR diving Stand up paddle boarding Electric hydrofoil boarding Sea bikes Catamarans  Since Palm West Beach is the newest destination in Dubai there are not many hotels but there will be soon. Rumour has it. 1. Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah IHG hotels and resorts are coming up with its premium brand called VOCO, to the desired Palm West Beach, Jumeirah later this year. It will have 141 guest rooms, a pool, a gym, and a spa. Voco will also showcase its bold cuisine credentials. With four food and beverages outlets.  2. Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hilton Palm Jumeirah will be debuted in September 2022, the location will be in the middle of Palm West Beach. It will also have ocean-facing rooms, and suits that will have private balconies.  The resort will have a new claw BBQ and a concept by McGettigans. The Jones The Grocer which is already there will be part of the hotel's dining options. 3. Marriott Palm Jumeirah The Marriott Palm Jumeirah will be inaugurated in July 2022. The first Marriott resort in Dubai of the Palm has 608 guest rooms, each of them having its personal balconies, has 13 floors. The hotel is going to be home to more than 5 restaurants and bars, including Las Vegas Sake Rok. Closing Thoughts This article is the complete guide of Palm West Beach, the article enlightens the readers about the restaurants, hotels in west beach.  The water sports are not that in need, therefore, they haven't come up with many watersports but there are plans. There are some hotels that are going to open soon and this article has the list of names. Hotels and restaurants this expensive give the best feeling in the world. Leave a comment section below in the comment box, if this article has helped you in any way.  Read More: 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali How Safe Is Morocco For Travel In 2021? Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently

BY  Nabamita Sep 29, 2023

Australians and New Zealanders have learned to appreciate the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical adventures that the South Pacific has to offer. If you’re going on vacation, then look no further than the magical islands of Fiji because this destination has all the things that you need. See more about Australian-Fiji relations on this site here. Exotic birds, lush greenery, and refreshing beaches are just right on your doorstep, and it’s just a few days away from Brisbane or Sydney by ship. Explore these idyllic destinations at your own pace while enjoying the luxuries of a floating resort. However, before you set sail on this unforgettable journey, there are a few things to consider, and below are some valuable tips and insights to help you plan the perfect Fiji cruise experience. Whether it's choosing between small or large ships, or finding ways to save more on your voyage, below is some helpful information for you. Considerations for Your Fiji Cruise Year-round cruises are available, but the summer in Vanuatu, where it’s the most humid and hottest time is between November to March. Fiji temperatures can average between 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. Families with young children can be expected to be on board from December to January when the annual holidays are, so you might want to schedule your vacation when it’s not too busy. Itinerary Variety Islands in Fiji are more than 300, and only a hundred of them are inhabited. While it’s true that you can enjoy the resorts on each of them, you can only explore the rest by ship. Buying an exclusive yacht isn’t an option, but there are cruises in Fiji that can help you explore untouched destinations and off the beaten tracks. All of these can be done while you’re sleeping in comfortable cabins at night and waking up to a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Duration Choose among 12 or 17-night journeys and embark on either Auckland, New Zealand, or Sydney, Australia. This is going to give you enough time to visit popular ports like Mystery Island, Honolulu, Noumea, Suva, and Lautoka. Unwind in inhabited islands with underwater shipwrecks and beaches lined with coconut trees, or trek through the forest to feel the thunder of the Mele Cascades waterfall. Longer cruises often allow for more extensive exploration and give you ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Fiji, so don’t miss this opportunity. Activities and Excursions Snorkel at the beach and encounter sharks, and you can sail with the friendliest crew in Fiji. Small groups are guided by the crew and you’ll have the chance to feed the fish, get musical entertainment, view the turtles when in season, and get a delicious buffet lunch. Tribal face painting and fruit platters may also be onboard, depending on your chosen activities. Get a slice of paradise when you go into this ancient coral cay with its beautiful lagoon and surrounding fishes and experience the true meaning of tropical wonder. Onboard Amenities Are you looking for luxurious accommodations, fine dining options, or exciting entertainment choices? Sea-gazing is often the most popular, where the passengers have an obstructed view of the ocean in a glass-enclosed walkway. Others have slides that are not for the faint of heart, and other rides may also be available with splash areas that children can enjoy. Unique restaurants with affordable buffets or gourmets can also cater to your taste, so choose your ship well. Setting a Budget Basic room categories include the standard suites, balcony, and an outside view of the ocean. As you add more comfort, it becomes more expensive on the higher decks, where you can expect VIP access and exclusive amenities. Save money by going too early or late in the season and take a gamble with the weather. Look out for special deals or promotions that may help make your dream vacation more affordable. Small Ships vs Large Ships Cruisers may wonder about the difference in the size of the vessels when it comes to entertainment and dining choices. For those who don’t really mind the crowd, the best way to enjoy your luxury vacation in Fiji is through the big ships. It’s a big city where you can eat at different restaurants at night. There are endless possibilities where you can enjoy rope courses and see a lot of game shows and Broadway musicals. Rooms can be buzzing with extensive onboard activities such as pools, spas, casinos, and theatres, and there is never a dull moment in these floating resorts. They often feature spacious cabins with balconies for enjoying stunning ocean views, and you can read more about what to do at the ship at this link: https://www.escape.com.au/top-lists/top-tips-for-first-time-cruisers-11-things-ive-learnt-on-ships/image-gallery/c7a11bca07ecf3a65b7babf2d1d9da9a?page=1. Those who are on a honeymoon may prefer an intimate and personalized experience. With fewer passengers on board, you can expect more attentive service and the opportunity to form closer connections with both fellow travelers and crew members. The small groups also allow people to access remote locations that larger vessels cannot reach, giving you the chance to explore hidden gems and tropical havens. How to Save More on Your Cruise? As new ships are being built, the cruises are becoming more affordable as the years go by. With proper research, savvy spending, and adequate planning, you’ll have a trip that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you out. High-demand cruise lines may publish a cheaper deal when they first sell their tickets, but there can be an increase as more people are buying them. When you have more flexibility, get an excellent deal around 90 days before the actual departure in Fiji and track the fares on various websites. Call an expert to see selections of staterooms and cabins. Booking through them can be helpful because they do most of the research for you, and they rarely charge extra for the knowledge. They also get specialized access to the sale price, which can save you money. Package deals that include flights, accommodations, and cruises all in one price are ideal, especially if you plan a lot of excursions while you’re in Fiji. These inclusions can sometimes provide better value than booking each component separately. Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Is Machu Picchu Closing In 2023? Know It All Here!

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.