Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey

BY  Sibashree Feb 4, 2026

The charm of Edinburgh grows on you. I know that I am not the only one who felt like moving to the Scottish Capital after the first visit.   So, even though Edinburgh happened to me many moons ago, I can vividly remember its moody weather and the beautiful architecture. More than anything, the cityscape stays with me.   Also, if you are a “bucket-list” kind of traveler, the city harbors endless attractions. And this guide here is about the things to do in Edinburgh.   What Are The Things To Do In Edinburgh?   From visiting the beautiful Dean Village to exploring the majestic Edinburgh Castle, you cannot match the experience of the Scottish capital with anywhere else.   These are my favorite things to do in Edinburgh.  1. Visiting The Dean Village   Dean Village reminded me of the village of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I took a short walk from Stockbridge to reach Dean Village.   Furthermore, I just grabbed my coffee and roamed aimlessly. This is how you discover the best wonders and keep your plan spontaneous.   2. Strolling Down The Circus Lane   I discovered the Circus Lane while strolling along the Dean Village and beyond. The Circus Lane is just five minutes away from Dean Village.   Every minute in the street is Instagrammable.  3. Living The Dark Academia Moment At New College  The dark academia fan in me was very happy visiting the New College. I stepped into the courtyard and saw a ballroom scene becoming alive before my eyes.   4. Exploring The Edinburgh Castle  On top of Castle Rock, the castle is the crown jewel in the history of Edinburgh. Also, from the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.  5. Wandering Along The Royal Mile   The Royal Mile is also one of the historical palaces to see in Edinburgh. It is a thoroughfare, and it is a link between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.   You will find many eateries, shops, and landmarks here.   6. Hiking To The Top Of Arthur’s Seat  This is a hike to reach the top of an ancient volcano. The hike is rewarding, and after reaching the top, I loved the vistas of the entire city.   It’s a must if you are in Edinburgh.  7. Enjoying The View Of The Edinburgh Castle From Vennel Viewpoint  You can enjoy a different perspective of the Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Viewpoint. The surroundings are beautiful in all seasons.   However, it is something different in autumn.   8. Exploring The Harry Potter Shops On Victoria Street   Now, everyone knows that Victoria Street is the inspiration behind the famous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.   No wonder that the street today has many Harry Potter-themed shops. So, it was a mix of walking down the historical moments and a Potterhead moment.   9. Living The Willy Wonka Moment At The Chocolatarium  The Chocolatarium, close to the Royal Mile, offers a 90-minute guided tour called The Tour of Chocolate.   You will get to taste more than 40 flavors of chocolates here, and you can make your own chocolate bar and take it home.   Furthermore, during the weekends, The Chocolatarium also offers Chocolate and Wine and Chocolate and Whiskey pairings.   10. Enjoying Views From The Top Of Camera Obscura  Camera Obscura has various exhibits and displays. However, to find Camera Obscura, you will have to reach the top of the building.   This old telescope from 1835 is the oldest CCTV in the city. Through this, you can enjoy a view of the city down to the waterfront as it was back then.  11. Visiting The Grave Of Tom Riddle At Greyfriars Kirkyard  Near the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard is an iconic place to visit in Edinburgh. Here, you will find the graveyard of McGonagall and Tom Riddle.   12. Taking A Stroll Up To Calton Hill  Calton Hill is home to various iconic moments of Edinburgh. Furthermore, I loved it more for its sunrise and sunset views.   13. Visiting The Museums Of Edinburgh   Edinburgh has some of the most prominent and comprehensive museums in the United Kingdom.   These are the museums you can explore in Edinburgh.   National Museum Of Scotland   You will get to know about Scottish history, technology, science, world cultures, and the natural world at the National Museum of Scotland.   The important exhibits here are Dolly the Sheep, which was the first cloned mammal, the Lewis Chessmen, and the dramatic architecture of the Grand Gallery.   You need at least 3 hours to explore this museum.   The Museum Of Edinburgh  It is home to the National Covenant, one of the most important documents in the history of Scotland.   Furthermore, you will find many historic artifacts related to the city in the museum.   Writers’ Museum  This is again a dream spot for dark academia fans. The unique setup and museum celebrate the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns.   Along with rare books, you will also find personal objects used by the prominent literary figures and paintings.   Moreover, the museum offers free entry.   Scottish National Portrait Gallery  Visiting the iconic Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh.   Here, you will enjoy a journey through the history of Edinburgh with the photographs, sculptures, paintings, and movies.  Surgeons’ Hall Museums  It is one of the most prominent and fast surgical museums in the world. Here, you will get to know about the evolution of surgery and medicine.   You will also come across the surgical instruments from the 19th century and many preserved specimens. 14. Buying Secondhand Books At Armchair Books  It is a paradise for book lovers. You will get books from the 1800s and different centuries at this shop.   So, you don’t just buy books from here; you carry a little moment of history home.   15. A Fun Johnnie Walker Whiskey Tour  1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker is a great place to enjoy your drink and have the views of Edinburgh Castle.   Furthermore, I loved the Johnnie Walker tour, learning about the history of this iconic drink.   Along with the 1820 Rooftop Bar, these are the bars you can explore in Edinburgh.  Other Bars In Edinburgh Why Famous Bramble Bar & Lounge One of the best bars in the UK Serves amazing, crafted drinks Hey Palu Serves the best classic Negronis Chaophraya Edinburgh Great Food Amazing views of Edinburgh Castle from the rooftop The Alchemist Theatrical Cocktails Wee Vault Amazing craft beers and meads The Royal Oak A Folk Music Pub Nauticus Bar Serves local spirits   Where To Eat In Edinburgh?   The Witchery,  The Pantry, and Taco Libre are my favorite spots to eat in Edinburgh.   The Witchery has two dining halls, the Witchery itself and the Secret Garden, which is the main one. Despite being a celebrated place, the food here is quite reasonable. It’s around £30 for two people.   We chose The Pantry as your brunch stop. It is close to the Circus Lane and Dean Village. I loved the coffee there.   Moreover, at the end of Princes Street, Taco Libre is a casual place to appease your sudden hunger pangs. The tacos are great, but try the Margaritas once!   Where To Stay In Edinburgh?   The House of Gods and the Royal Mile at The Witchery are some of the most interesting places to stay in Edinburgh.   The House of Gods offers a wild experience. On the other hand, the Royal Mile at The Witchery has the quintessential Gothic romance vibe. In the heart of the historic town of Edinburgh, the experience here feels out of this world.   What Is The Best Time To Visit Edinburgh?   Autumn is the best time to visit Edinburgh. You can feel the dark academia vibe of the city the best during the fall months.   Furthermore, the summertime also offers a fairy tale experience with the Sun going down after 10 PM.  Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Santa Barbara? Know the Things You Cannot Miss What Are The Unique Things To Do In Thailand, Phuket? The Ultimate Guide What Are The Things To Do In Oahu For Free? A Guide For Budget Travelers

BY  Sibashree Oct 19, 2022

Known as a “Barren Beauty,” Ladakh has one of the, if not the most beautiful landscapes in India. Here in Ladakh, you will find one of a kind landscapes that are breathtaking and definitely one of a kind. With beautiful Buddhist cultural festivals, activities, and monasteries, Ladakh has the highest mountain passes in the country. But being situated at such great heights, Ladakh has some travel restrictions in certain months, so which is the best time to visit Ladakh? Keep on scrolling through all the details about the best time to visit Ladakh. Welcome To Ladakh! Before beginning with the best time to visit Ladakh, let’s get to know this place a little, shall we? Ladakh is a union territory of India located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, in the extreme northern parts of India. Ladakh is known as a cold desert, the only one in India. Additionally, it is known as a cold desert, the only one in India. There also located the highest saltwater lake in the World, the Pangong Lake.  Situated in the Trans-Himalayas and surrounded by the Karakoram and the Great Himalayan mountain ranges, the region's altitude ranges from as low as 2,750 m in Kargil to as high as 7,600 m at Saser Kangri. Moreover, the region is geographically split between the districts of Leh and Kargil, with the Indus River running centrally through it. Coordinates Of Ladakh:Latitude: 32°N to 36°NLongitude: 75°E to 80°E Ladakh is popular among tourists as it provides the best road trip opportunities in India. Experiencing a cross-country road trip to Ladakh is something of a dream for most travel enthusiasts.  Best Time To Visit Ladakh Ladakh is a bucket-list-worthy place for most adventurers, but being such a dreamy place, you should know which is the best time to visit Ladakh. Being located at such great heights, it is not possible to travel there whenever you want to. April - JuneJuly - SeptemberOctober - March21c to -1c25c to 5c14c to -11c 1. April - June For most adventurers who want to explore the place, and see the raw landscape of the place, the best time to visit Ladakh would be during the summer. Although it’s the summer months, don’t expect the weather to be warm and sunny. It is rather cold, even during the winter months, as well. You will be able to see the snow melting under the bright sun. But you will be getting a crystal clear blue sky, amazing views, wild blooming flora, and clear fauna. These are the things why Ladakh from the months of April and June is the ideal time to travel. 2. July - September From July, the monsoon season begins in Ladakh. With irregular heavy rainfall, you can really enjoy the rain in Ladakh if you are into it. Although there are a lot of ways you can enjoy Ladakh during the monsoon season, a few of the most exciting activities there are bike tours and trekking routes. It is mostly closed or blocked due to the occasional snow slides, landslides, and even cloud bursts. There are few areas that fall under the rain shadow area and hence receive more rain, and it is very difficult to reach there. These particular areas are Leh on the Manali side, Baralacha La Pass, Leh from Srinagar, and also Zoji La Pass. 3. October - March From October to March is considered yet another best time to visit Leh Ladakh. It is the perfect weather for road trips without the fear of any rain or landslides. But make sure that the atmosphere is quite chilly, so be ready to feel the cold and chill in your bones. So be sure to pack enough warm clothes to help you actually enjoy the adventure. The beauty of Ladakh during these months is something different. The snow-covered landscape with frozen lakes and a beautiful clear sky. You will have to witness it to actually experience it. Different Climates In Ladakh If you are planning to visit Ladakh, you can choose the season you want to experience. The summer, monsoon, and winter moths are quite distinct here in Ladakh. So depending on your preference, you can easily choose the best time to visit Ladakh for you.  1. Summer In Ladakh The summertime in Ladakh is when it generates the most number of tourists. There is hardly any snow now, or it is melting away for the season. And during the summertime, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as biking, trekking, camping, mountain climbing, and many more. During summer, there are quite a lot of activities you can do in Ladakh, and they are, going for a camel safari on the double humped camels called Bactrian camels. You can even witness the summer festivals that take place here in the monasteries. There are a number of festivals that take place during the summer, and they are Saka Dawa Sindhu Darshan, Yuru Kabygyat, Phyang Tsedup, Hemis Festival, and also Matho Nagrang. There are many adventure sports that you can enjoy during the summertime, which are mountain biking on the Zanskar &Karakoram ranges, Jeep safari on the Zanskar valley, and even River rafting in the Zanskar stream. 2. Monsoon In Ladakh Even though it rains irregularly during the monsoon season in Ladakh, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that experience. Although the monsoon season may not be the best time to visit Ladakh by bike or in general, it still can be very picturesque. Some of the exciting activities that you can take part in Ladakh during the monsoon season are adventure sports like white water rafting. You should also you should experience the monsoon festivals here like Phyang, Dakthok, Karsh Gustot, Karzok, and Sani Nasjal. Other than these festivals and sports, you can really enjoy a hot bowl of Thukpa, steamed momos, and a delicious cup of butter tea when you are sitting in a warm room, and it is raining outside. It doesn’t get better than that. 3. Winter In Ladakh The winter months in Leh Ladakh best time to visit for its picturesque scenic beauty and the pleasant chill and snow-covered valleys. Even though the cold weather may not be for everyone, there are a lot of activities that you can do here during the winter months. Some of these activities are like taking part in winter treks for experienced trekkers, even campings are available during the winter months. Similarly to the summer and monsoon festivals, there are many winter festivals too that is a unique experience to witness. A few of these festivals are such as Spituk Gustor, Dosmoche, Stok MOnastery festivals, Ladakhi Losar, and even Thiksay Gustor. And as a matter of fact, the winter months are the best to witness the wildlife here in Ladakh. Animals like snow leopards, mountain wolves, magpies, blue sheep, and even wild hares are a few of the animals you can witness. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): If you have any more doubts about the best time to visit Ladakh, then here are a few queries that others have had. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh For Sightseeing?  The best time to visit Ladakh for sightseeing is from May to September. During these months, the weather is relatively mild, roads from Manali and Srinagar are open, and popular attractions like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and monasteries are easily accessible.  2. Is Ladakh Open To Tourists Throughout The Year?  Yes, Ladakh is technically open all year, but winter travel (October to April) is challenging due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and road closures. Flights to Leh operate year-round, but outdoor sightseeing options are limited in winter.  3. Which Month Is Best To Visit Ladakh For Snow Lovers?  If you want to experience snowfall and frozen landscapes, January and February are ideal. These months are also perfect for adventure enthusiasts interested in the Chadar Trek and experiencing Ladakh’s winter culture.  4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh For Adventure Activities?  The best time for adventure activities like biking, trekking, river rafting, and camping is June to August.The weather is stable, mountain passes remain open, and most trekking routes are safe and operational.  5. Is Monsoon A Good Time To Visit Ladakh?  Yes, July and August fall in the monsoon season, but Ladakh lies in a rain-shadow region, so rainfall is minimal.However, occasional landslides on access roads may occur, so travelers should stay updated on weather and road conditions.  6. Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh On A Budget?  For budget travelers, April–May and September–October are good options. During these shoulder seasons, flight prices and accommodation costs are lower, and tourist crowds are thinner.  7. When Should First-Time Visitors Plan Their Ladakh Trip?  First-time visitors should plan their trip between June and September. This period offers comfortable temperatures, better oxygen levels for acclimatization, and full access to major tourist spots.  Visit Now! Ladakh is a destination you should travel to at once in your lifetime, it is an experience that you will always remember. The landscape, the mountains, the valley, the beautiful traditions of the Buddhist culture, and everything in totality makes Ladakh a worthwhile place to visit. If you find this article helpful, then let us know in the comment section when you are planning to book a trip to Ladakh. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim?

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.