The Reasons To Choose A Tropical Island Vacation Every Year

BY  Ankita Mar 26, 2024

Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore. Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve. All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain. Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck. Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country. Elorritxueta / Vivero   If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city. Atxabiribil Beach Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature. This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country. Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere. The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this. Faro Del Caballo For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip. The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gorbeia Natural Park Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure. Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish. Enjoy Basque Country Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain. Read Also: Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe

BY  Ankita Feb 20, 2024

Please get your tickets ready because it's time for an exciting trip to Las Vegas! In Sin City, there is something for everyone. There are beautiful casinos, top-notch shows, delicious food, and unique experiences. This article will show you the best way to plan your trip to Las Vegas to enjoy your time in this exciting desert oasis to the fullest. Day 1: Arrival And Strip Exploration When you get to Las Vegas, check into your hotel and get ready to see the famous Las Vegas Strip. Take your time walking down the Strip and enjoy the bright lights, fancy hotels, and busy people. Do not miss the chance to take pictures at the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, and the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. Day 2: Casino Hopping And Entertainment Extravaganza There is no way to fully enjoy a trip to Las Vegas without giving one of the city's famous casinos a try. You can spend the day going from casino to casino and playing slots, poker, or roulette. Check out some of the best casinos in the city, like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian. Each one offers a different way to play. In the evening, enjoy some of the best shows in the world. Las Vegas has everything you could want: shows that will blow your mind, events with a lot of energy, and more. Take in a comedy show, see Cirque du Soleil, or dance the night away at one of the city's hottest bars. Day 3: Outdoor Adventures And Exciting Day Trips Get away from the noise and crowds of the Strip and explore the beautiful nature surrounding Las Vegas. You can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and enjoy the stunning views, walk along the beautiful trails, or even take a helicopter tour to see this natural wonder from above. If you want to live it up, you might want to book private flights to Vegas. This way, you can get there in style and comfort while taking in stunning views of the desert. Day 4: Culinary Delights And Shopping Spree There are so many great places to eat in Las Vegas that there is something for everyone. Have a fancy brunch at one of the city's superb places to start the day. Afterward, spend the afternoon eating gourmet food from all over the world. There is a restaurant in Las Vegas for every taste and budget, from those run by famous chefs to those that look like holes in the wall. Once you're full, it's time to go shopping! Some of the world's most posh shopping malls are in Las Vegas. These include the Fashion Show Mall, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Buy brand clothes, one-of-a-kind gifts, and other things that will help you remember your trip. Day 5: Relaxation And Spa Day Take some time to relax and treat yourself to a spa day after a day of fun and adventure. Some of the world's most luxurious spas are in Las Vegas. They offer an extensive selection of treatments and services to help you relax and feel better. Pamper yourself with a hot tub soak, a massage, or a haircut that makes you feel better. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your trip after your spa day. Day 6: Cultural Exploration And Museum Tour Please get to know Las Vegas on a different level by learning about its rich cultural history. Spend the day going to all of the city's museums and other cultural sites. You can learn about the history of Las Vegas' famous light signs at the Light Museum or the city's wild past at the Mob Museum. For people who love art, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has changing shows of exceptional works by famous artists. Enjoy your time as you stroll through these cultural gems and learn more about Las Vegas's past and culture. Day 7: Thrills And Adrenaline Rushes End your trip to Las Vegas on a high note by doing something exciting and thrilling all day. You can find thrilling rides and exciting activities at one of the city's many entertainment or adventure parks. You can jump off a bungee cord, zip line through the desert, or use a flying simulator to see how brave you are. If you want to feel the thrill, you could ride one of the city's high-speed roller coasters or other thrilling rides. You should end your trip with many fun memories you will always have. Day 8: Farewell Brunch And Souvenir Shopping Before leaving Las Vegas for good, treat yourself to one last tasty meal at a cool lunch spot. People love brunch in Las Vegas because of all the fancy things they serve, like bottomless mimosas and classic brunch dishes with a twist. Enjoy every bite as you think back on the amazing things that happened on your trip. When you're done with breakfast, take some time to buy something to remember your time in Las Vegas. There are a lot of gift shops and tourist shops on the Strip. You can find everything from cheap things to expensive souvenirs. Pick something unique to remind you of your amazing trip to Las Vegas, like a t-shirt, a keychain, or a piece of art. This is your last chance to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World. Take your memories with you and have a great time. Day 9: Farewell To Fabulous Las Vegas As your time in Las Vegas ends, take one last walk down the Strip to take in the city's sights and sounds. Think about the fun times you've had, like when you won big at the casino or enjoyed a memorable show or meal. Don't forget to enjoy one last Vegas classic before you leave: the all-you-can-eat buffet! Take your time and enjoy every bite of the delicious food from around the world before you leave fabulous Las Vegas. Conclusion Las Vegas does have something for everyone, with its vast variety of entertainment choices, lively nightlife, and beautiful natural scenery. There's something for everyone in Las Vegas, whether you like to gamble at the casinos, eat delicious food, or go on exciting outdoor adventures. Get ready for a fantastic trip to Viva Las Vegas, the World Entertainment Capital! Pack your bags and follow this recommended travel plan. Read Also: 8 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas You Must Try What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? – Geographical Coordinates Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.   On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.  Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.   Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.   Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.   So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.   I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.   So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.   How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?   I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.   The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.   However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.   Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?   First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.   The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.”   From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.   The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.   This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.   Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.  1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market  I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.   I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.   My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.   A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.   However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.   From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.   2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo  The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.   The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.   And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.   This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.   It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.   However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.   3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple  After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.   The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.   The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.   So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.   However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).   4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals  I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.   I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.   It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.   I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.   However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.   People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.   Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.    5. Exploring The City On Foot  Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.   You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.   Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.   They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.   Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.   This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.   Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet.