Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit El Salvador

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them, will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath were ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields” on Earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must visit the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex Holocene activities and geomorphic processes keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park. Also, the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of the Brooks Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea of the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds •Sharp-shinned Hawk •Golden Eagle •Bald Eagle •American Wigeon •Northern Pintail •Rough-legged Hawk •Marsh Hawk Mammals •Caribou •Wolverine •Muskox •Snowshoe Hare •Moose •Gray Wolf •Grizzly Bear •Beaver •Arctic Fox •American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish •Longnose Sucker •Salmon* •Northern Pike •Alaska Blackfish •Alaska Whitefish •Humpback Whitefish •Alaskan Stickleback •Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing, and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  Sibashree May 15, 2024

Did you know that the world's first "selfie" was invented in Australia? Did you know that Australia has the world's longest fence? There are so many interesting and surprising things about Australia that will shock and surprise you. In this blog, I will share some interesting facts about Australia. You will be inspired to visit the country, especially because you can create symbiotic relationships. You can enjoy several adventurous activities alongside beautiful landscapes. Here are some interesting facts about several Australia states! This blog will teach you a lot about planning your itinerary for these interesting places. I will share several things to do in Australia related to these facts! I am sure you will be inspired to visit these places and enjoy yourself. You will also learn about various unique places in Australia! Interesting Facts About Australia that will surprise you! If you have heard a lot about Australia, what will you do when you go there? This huge country offers so much, from beautiful views to unique animals. It is a secure place to travel, and the beautiful locales around it are a delight. It is an interesting place because it combines several elements to create a beautiful lifestyle. Multicultural communities and the natural environment add a beautiful flavor to the country, along with diverse people, excellent food, and delicious wine. Did you know that Australia has about 60 regions that produce wine? Imagine the diverse flavors and the production process. Therefore, you cannot miss the restaurants in Australia! Let me share some interesting facts about Australia that capture the country's beauty and vibrancy. World's Most Unique Wildlife What do I even say about the diverse wildlife in Australia? It has some of the most unique animals globally, with 80% of its wildlife endemic to Australia. Can you imagine how significant these animals are, and why we need to protect them? A report claims that about 87% of mammals, 94% of frogs, 45% of birds, and 93% of reptiles in Australia only exist there. From Koalas to iconic Kangaroos, wombats, and elusive echidnas, you can see a wide range of wildlife. Echidnas and platypuses are the only mammals that lay eggs, but did you know they're found only in Australia? The country is so full of wildlife that, apart from zoos and national parks, you might encounter them in the wild. The country has one of the oldest Island cultures: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. They experienced oppression and displacement at the hands of European colonization! A Country and A Continent   Did you know that Australia is both a continent and a country? Australia is the 6th largest country worldwide. Geographically, Australia is part of Oceania, which includes Melanesia, Polynesia, Australasia, and Micronesia. Oceania's subregions include New Zealand, New Guinea, and Australia. It is one of the smallest continents in the world, lying between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Hemisphere. If you are traveling to Australia, you also need to check out the beaches in Australia! The Majority of Uluru Is Underground Uluru in Australia is known for its beautiful sunsets, framed by a huge rock! It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is recognized as both a natural and cultural element of Australia. The place is sacred to Aboriginal tribes, as it is surrounded by scrubland. The rock is 2.5km underground and is believed to be related to Olgas. You will then see it emerge 16 miles away. You can also reach Uluru by train from Adelaide or Darwin, or by plane! The rock's stark beauty against the sky, with one of the best sunsets, offers an amazing view. You can also enjoy the pitch-black skies along with several sparkling stars. If you are coming from Alice Springs, you'll really enjoy it, especially if you're planning to visit Uluru. The Longest Straight Section of Train Track Did you know that Australia has the longest straight section of train tracks? Let me tell you, the rail journey between Perth and Sydney, known as the Indian Pacific, is the longest straight section! The tracks snake around the country, where you can check out the beautiful Blue Mountains! The train heads toward the mountainous Flinders Ranges, offering spectacular views! I would also suggest you stop in Adelaide. Of course, you cannot miss the gourmet food, the city's wide-open spaces, and the art museums. The train also takes you across the fertile Avon Valley and into Sydney. You will receive luxury services on the train! The Largest Sand Island in the World Australia has the largest sand Island, which you can explore by hopping on a boat! Why don't you plan a trip to Queensland? The highlight of this trip will be the sandy shores of Fraser Island. There are some jumping-off points, and Hervey Bay is one of them. You must take a boat to discover this delightful place, an island paradise with white sands. Lake McKenzie, surrounded by a white sand shore where you can swim, awaits you! You can also take a dip into the Champagne Pools, which have shallow water, and swim across the edge of the ocean. About 150 dingos live on this island, so you can check out these wild dogs. However, keep your distance because they are wild and aggressive. Dingos, the wild dogs, aren't like local or domestic dogs, and they live in the national park of K'gari Island, or Fraser Island! Dingos, the wild dogs, are not like local or domestic dogs and live in the national park on K'gari Island, or Fraser Island! If you love the beach, check out beaches in Perth! No Active Volcano in Australia Can you imagine that with so many volcanoes worldwide, Australia is the only continent without any active volcanoes? If you are planning to travel to Australia, it is one of the safest countries in the world. The wildlife is quite notorious, even though it isn't deadly all the time! Of course, there is a location in Southeastern Australia, also called the Newer Volcanic Province. Here, about 400 volcanoes are spread across 15,000 square kilometers (about the area of Connecticut). The Largest Ecosystem in the World Can you imagine that Australia has the largest ecosystem in the world? The Great Barrier Reef is the joy and pride of Australia, with about 2500 individual reefs. Did you know that these reefs are visible from space? Apparently, halfway down the eastern coast of the country, it is covered in it! Several jumping-off points let you get into the water and check out the kaleidoscopic coral. Cities closer to these reefs include Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, and Port Douglas. You can try several activities, including deep-sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Marine life, like sea turtles and colorful fish, lives in these reefs. The Australian Alps Receive More Snow Compared To The Swiss Alps Did you know that the Australian Alps have heavy snowfall between June and September? It is shocking that it is heavier than the Swiss Alps. The Alps are across Victoria and New South Wales and are a perfect place for skiing! During the Northern Hemisphere summer, you can enjoy the environment and still go skiing. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery. Two major resorts, Perisher and Thredbo, are near Canberra. Finishing Off In short, the interesting facts about Australia will not only surprise you but also shock you! After reading the blog, you will learn how the continent has worked hard to create a sustainable and diverse ecosystem. There are many other interesting facts, but the ones mentioned are quite significant. Australia's diversity will not only interest you but also teach you a lot. Comment on which part of Australia you want to visit and why. Learn More About: How To Enjoy Your Night In Sydney? 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia 8 Best Places To Live In Australia For You If You Have A Family Do You Know The Best Time To Visit Australia? Read All About It! 

BY  Sibashree Dec 27, 2023

For many Londoners, Brighton is a regular weekend getaway destination.   But the city also has some of the greatest hotels in the country when a quick Airbnb isn’t enough.   There are smart addresses opening to serve weekend crowds and a growing number of digital nomads.   The seaside city is currently experiencing a thriving restaurant and hotel scene.  In addition to the typical hostels and business hotels, co-living spaces, eateries with rooms, and boutique accommodations are now available.   They have well-planned interiors and lively common areas that create a party atmosphere.   So now is the perfect time for a seaside getaway if you have not had one in a while.  Are you looking for hotels in Brighton?   Here are some of the best hotels that will ensure you get a good rest. You will also have a sneak peek of the quintessential Brighton life and culture.  What Are The Best Boutique Hotels In Brighton? Come rain or shine, Brighton is a great place for a seaside getaway where anything goes. A visit here is now even more enticing because of the city's growing restaurant scene. It is even attracting Londoners to relocate south. Here are the best hotels in Brighton to help you unwind: Best Hotels In Brighton: A Quick Summary   Hotel Name Ideal For / Vibe Accommodation Types Standout and Unique Features Selina • Digital nomads • Solo travelers • Millennial & communal vibe • Two Suites • Private Rooms • Shared Dorms • Co-working desks & artisan coffee • Activities: Yoga at Old Pier, beach clean-ups, craft workshops • Staffed by students and international frequent flyers The Ginger Pig • Astute locals & foodies • Travelers seeking an exclusive, sedate neighborhood feel • Boutique hotel rooms • Small double rooms (featuring separate tubs) • Acclaimed restaurant with Sussex-sourced produce and great vegetarian choices • Dog-friendly bar area with velvet chairs and brass hardware • Separate visitor entrance and pre-made cocktails in the room fridge Artist Residence • Art lovers & couples • Creative, stylish, and relaxed boutique stay • Converted townhouse rooms • Room 21: King-size bed, sea views, and a massive copper tub with a TV over it • Decor featuring curated antiques, neon art, and collage murals • Wallpapers and prints co-created with artist/activist Fox Fisher since 2008 • Permissive atmosphere (wear pajamas to breakfast or take martinis to bed) Harbour Hotel • Multigenerational family vacations • School break trips • Roomy bedrooms • Room 102: Best ocean views, bathtub, and ideal privacy for solo/couple travelers • Unrivaled seafront location steps away from the Brighton Lanes • Secret underground spa and a swimming pool • Highly walkable layout eliminating the need for a rental car  Selina A generation of wannabe backpacking travelers has become digital nomads thanks to co-living ideas like Selina.   It offers reasonably priced lodging that crosses the boundaries between hostel and hotel.   It also has co-working desks that are utilized for purposes other than beer pong competitions.   There are three options for accommodations at the Brighton outpost.   Two Suites  Private Rooms  And Shared Dorms  Many of the staff members are also students or frequent visitors from abroad.  It is as millennial as it gets, in the best way possible.   A typical day might include yoga at the Old Pier in the morning and coffee from Brighton’s artisan roastery Pelicano.   It could also have a power hour surrounded by pink-haired entrepreneurs and potted plants, a beach clean-up in the afternoon, and a cocktail-paired craft workshop.   Whether you refer to it as hot-desking or co-working, this space has a lovely communal vibe that makes it ideal for socializing with others or traveling alone.  The Ginger Pig Just 15 minutes by bus from Brighton’s downtown, in a more sedate and affluent neighborhood, the Ginger Pig’s restaurant is a favorite among astute locals.   They are spotting Sussex-sourced produce, spirits, and sex appeal away from the crowds.   With its glossy velvet chairs, brass hardware, and dark teal and sage color scheme, the bar exudes an air of exclusivity without being unachievable.   Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you at the bar.   Vegetarians, too, have a lot of choices despite the name and the Gingerman group’s reputation for obtaining the best cuts.  For example, baked celeriac paired with some glazed chicory and crispy wild mushroom arancini replaces the tired risotto.   The Ginger Pig is a restaurant, but it is more than that.  Thoughtful touches like a separate entrance for visitors and pre-made cocktails in the refrigerator lend credibility to its status as a boutique hotel.   Size does not matter when it comes to bedrooms.  We would rather do away with the trend of bathrooms in bedrooms in favor of small double rooms with separate tubs. Artist Residence The boutique brand Artist Residence started in Regency Square and later expanded to Oxfordshire, Penzance, Pimlico, and Bristol.   Thoughtfully chosen antiques, clever prints, and vibrant canvases created by local artists adorn each property, but Brighton’s has an extra special touch.  Owner Justin invited the city’s creatives to contribute to the hotel’s artistic scene in exchange for lodging.  They transformed it into a true, contemporary artist’s residence that is as stylish as Brighton itself.   You could take your martini to bed and wear your pajamas to breakfast in this converted townhouse.   The bar is home to couples who spend whole weekends holed up in their rooms and remote workers.  I adore the collage murals throughout the restaurant by Maria Rivans.   I also love the neon washing line by Andy Doig, whose studio is located along the waterfront.   The main attraction is Room 21, which features a copper bathtub that is nearly as large as the king-size bed.  It offers views of the sea, champagne glasses for guests, and a widescreen TV suspended over the bathtub.  Overall, it is an unusual but delightful luxury.   There are numerous artworks of artist and activist Fox Fisher all over the city.   The two have collaborated with the hotel on screen-printed wallpaper and unique prints since 2008.  Harbour Hotel Many of the hotels on Brighton’s seafront have remained intact since the British seaside holiday boom of the post-war era.  These hotels lean more corporate than hip.   Therefore, after the success of its first hotel of the same name in Salcombe, Harbour Hotel faced great anticipation from both locals and tourists when it announced a major refurbishment of the property back in 2015.   Its unrivaled location, right on the seafront, just steps from the renowned Brighton Lanes.  combined with its It also has a secret underground spa and roomy bedrooms that have made it a popular destination for multigenerational vacations, especially during school breaks.  Kids play in the open-plan restaurant while parents chat in the social spa.   Are you going alone or with a companion?   If you want to get your lengths in without kids jumping into the pool, book room 102 for more privacy.  It offers the best view of the ocean and a bathtub (the other rooms are more family-oriented).   You can also get to the pool early.   Don’t bother renting a car, as even small legs will have no trouble getting to all the key locations on foot. Getting To Brighton And Timing Your Stay Booking one of these hotels is the easy part.  You have to get down to the coast, and pick the right weekend is what actually shapes how the trip feels.   Brighton's proximity to London is exactly what makes it such a popular short break, but that same proximity means timing matters more than you'd think.  How To Get There From London  Brighton's biggest advantage over most seaside towns is how effortless it is to reach.   Direct trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge roughly every few minutes at peak times, with the fastest services covering the 47-mile route in under an hour.   Advance tickets can be found for as little as £8, though anytime fares run closer to £35.  So, booking ahead pays off if your dates are fixed. Driving down the A23/M23 corridor takes about the same time door-to-door once you account for parking.  Also, several of the hotels above, Selina and Artist Residence especially, sit in the pedestrian-friendly Lanes and North Laine areas.  So, a car can end up being more hassle than help once you have arrived.   Option   Journey Time  Typical Cost  Best For  Southern/Thameslink (Standard)   1 Hour from London Bridge or Victoria  Advance from £8 Off-Peak  Around £20–28 Return   The default choice as it is frequent, direct, and there is no booking hassle.  Gatwick Express-Linked service   Fastest Option and Takes Less than an Hour.  From £15+ Advance  Travellers connecting via Gatwick Airport  Driving (A23/M23)  Around 1 Hour and 15 Minutes to 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from Central London   £15–20 Fuel £15–25  for City Parking  Groups, or if you want a car once you're there  National Express Coach   About 2 Hours and 30 Minutes  From £6  The budget option if time is not tight  When To Book Your Room  Brighton runs on a weekend rhythm more than a seasonal one.   Friday and Saturday nights command a premium at all four hotels year-round, since the city pulls in day-trippers and weekenders from London in roughly equal measure.   Summer (June through August) is the busiest and priciest stretch, driven by the beach, the Pier, and Brighton's packed festival calendar.  Especially the Brighton Festival in May and Pride in early August boost the crowd.  So, the room rates go up well in advance.  For a quieter, cheaper version of the same hotels, a midweek stay in late spring or early autumn gets you the seafront views and boutique interiors without the weekend rate hike.  Also, restaurants like the Ginger Pig are far easier to book on short notice outside peak season.  Enjoy A Trip To Brighton With The Best Hotels  Of course, a trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the pier and getting lost in the famed Lanes.   Independent stores, eateries, pubs, and art galleries, or climbing the 450-foot-tall i360 observation tower dot the area for incredible panoramic views.   When you combine this with the exciting nightlife, it’s obvious that a trip to this beach location offers far more than just a simple vacation.  Once you’ve seen everything Brighton has to offer, where should you stay?   See the sparkling sea? Check. A trendy bar with rooms above it? Not an issue.  If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about hotels in Brighton, please leave a comment below.   We would love to hear from you!  Read Also: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!