Things To Do In Hilton Head With Kids: 11+ Fun Activities At One Of Topmost Family-Friendly Beaches In South Carolina

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Yosemite National Park comes with great news for the explorers. The park has ended its reservation season early in 2024. So, for the rest of the year, you can enjoy a drive through the park without reservation.  In a social media post, Yosemite National Park authority has mentioned “ending the 2024 reservation season after this weekend (October 13)."  With no stress about getting a reservation, Yosemite National Park will surely be the destination for trekkers and wildlife lovers. However, before you plan a trip to the park, you must have a detailed idea of what to do there.  Best Things To Do At Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park allows you to explore many activities, from camping to hiking. Therefore, setting the itinerary right can be a little taxing, with many options available.  So, here, I will discuss the outdoor pursuits in the park, with special emphasis on hiking, wildlife exploration, and stargazing.  Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1984.  Hiking In Yosemite National Park This park has more than 750 miles of hiking trails. Further, if you want to explore the park’s ecology, wildlife, and geological formations closely, hiking is the best way out.  So, you can try these most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park.  Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Trekking Length: More than 10 Kms Difficulty Level: Hard Pet Friendly: No Time Of Trekking: Around 6 Hours  How about exploring a hiking trail that takes you to the top of the tallest waterfall in America?  You will also love the best views from Columbia Rock as you advance in your expedition.   Mirror Lake Loop Trekking Length: 8 Km Difficulty Level: Easy Pet Friendly: Yes  Time Of Trekking: 2 Hours The beautiful trekking route takes you to Mirror Lake and Tenaya Creek. Further, the calm water of the lake shows the most beautiful reflections of the surrounding cliffs.  However, often, the lake does not have adequate water, and then it looks like a meadow with sandy areas and grasses. So, it is also known as Mirror Meadow.  Nevada Fall Via The Mist Trail Trekking Length: Around 10 Km Difficulty Level: Hard Pet Friendly: No Time Of Trekking: 4 Hours   Nevada Fall Via The Mist Trail is a signature hike, allowing you to explore many spectacular views scattered around it.  Located on the Merced River, the water in the fall has a misty appearance. Further, falling from a height, the water of the cascade looks like an avalanche.  Lower Yosemite Falls Trail  Trekking Length: 2 Km Difficulty Level: Easy Pet Friendly: Yes Time Of Trekking: 30 Minutes   A deafening sound of water will fill your ears as you complete the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail trek and stand on the footbridge. This hiking trail is the best for enjoying beautiful views of Yosemite Falls and creeks. Further, throughout the trek, you will learn about the park’s culture and history.  Exploring Wildlife At Yosemite National Park “Approximately 95% of the park is designated wilderness. The entire park is surrounded by four national forests, several adjacent portions of which are designated wilderness areas, thereby providing connectivity with the larger landscape.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Surrounded by forests and extensive wilderness, Yosemite National Park is home to around 90 mammal species. Further, this park has many amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and fish. I will talk about the birds and fish in detail shortly. So, here is a brief overview of the mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects found here.  Mammals Black BearsBighorn SheepPacific FisherRed FoxBatsMountain LionsDeerGrizzly BearAmphibians Sierra NewtPacific TreefrogCalifornia Red-Legged FrogYosemite ToadsReptilesSierra Fence LizardSierra Alligator LizardsWestern Pond TurtleSierra GartersnakeSierra Mountain KingsnakeNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (It is the only venomous snake out of the 13 species of snakes found here.)InsectsElderberry Longhorn BeetleCaddisfliesGrasshoppersBristletails Among the species found here, grizzly bears, foothill yellow-legged frogs, and California red-legged frogs are the ones on the verge of extinction. Fragmentation of habitat, air pollution, and the invasion of non-native species are the primary reasons behind this process of eradication.  Stargazing In Yosemite National Park  The minimal light pollution and extensive wilderness make Yosemite National Park a great space for stargazing. Further, from July to October, this park is a great space to observe the Milky Way.  In addition, there are multiple hotspots in the park for stargazing. So, check out the table below to know where to enjoy the starry affair the most. Stargazing Location In The ParkBest Spots Yosemite ValleyEl Capitan MeadowCook's MeadowSwinging BridgeTunnel ViewGlacier PointGlacier Point OverlookWashburn PointTioga RoadTenaya LakeOlmsted Point Wawona is another popular stargazing location in the park, and it offers a peaceful experience.  Stargazing Experiences You Cannot Miss As you set out to stargaze in Yosemite National Park, you will encounter many unique sights. However, watching the moonbows or climber’s headlamps are the two most common stargazing experiences in the park.  Climber’s Headlamps During spring and fall, many climbers spend their nights on the cliffs of Yosemite Park. As they notice the first star coming out, they turn on their headlamps.  Moonbows April to June is the waterfall season in the park. On full moon nights in that season, the moonlight creates a rainbow in the mist of Yosemite Falls.  Even if your eyes cannot catch the colors, your camera surely will.  Birdwatching In Yosemite National Park  This national park is a favorite of birders, considering the presence of 262 species. Among them, 165 are habitat and migratory species, while the remaining one are transient species.  Further, the elevation of the park ranges between 2000 to 13000 feet. So, you will notice massive changes in the behaviors and features of the birds found here.  Yosemite Conservancy birdwatching outing and Christmas Bird Count are some of the programs that you can join if you want to locate the local, migratory, and transient ones.  Some common species of birds found here are the Great gray owl, American dipper, spotted owl, and Western tanagers.  A park-wide census of willow flycatchers has been conducted in the park. The report shows that these species do not breed in the park anymore.  Rock Climbing In Yosemite National Park  Yosemite National Park is a hub of rock climbers. Rock climbing here is beyond big wall climbs or conquering the cliffs. Further, almost every big wall in the park has a distinct ecosystem for you to explore.  Some popular rock climbing spots in the park are Merced River Canyon and Tuolumne Meadows. However, climbing the El Capitan is the most adventurous outdoor pursuit you can try in the park. The Oscar-winning movie Free Solo has further put this rock-climbing destination under the spotlight.  Water Activities At Yosemite National Park  Swimming, boating, rafting, and fishing are the best water activities in Yosemite National Park.  Swimming You can swim in almost any water body in the park. However, swimming is prohibited in the following water bodies. Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River Lake Eleanor Reservoir Wawona Domestic Water Intake Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Emerald Pool  Silver Apron Further, for the best cooling-off experience, you can try swimming in the Merced River.  Boating And Rafting  The best locations for boating and rafting in Yosemite National Park are Merced River, South Fork Merced River, and Tenaya Lake.  Rafting in the Merced River is a popular summer activity in the park. So, you can rent a raft or try kayaking here.  Further, you must wear a personal floatation device for kayaking and rafting in the South Fork Merced River or Tenaya Lake.  Fishing In Yosemite National Park  Are you over 16? Then, you will need a California fishing license to fish in the park. Further, you must abide by the California and Yosemite Park regulations about fishing.  Nevertheless, the best places for fishing in the park are: Merced River South Fork Merced River  Frog Creek Adair Lake Hanging Basket Lake Sacramento pikeminnow, California roach, and riffle sculpin are some native fish species in the national park. Furthermore, trout is the most common non-native species in the region.  Yosemite National Park At A Glance Location: California, United States Highest Point: Mount Lyell (3,997 Meters) Area: Around 1,200 Square Miles Operating Hours: 24*7 Origin of Name: Uzumate, meaning Grizzly Bear Visitor Centers: Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, Yosemite Exploration Center, Valley Wilderness Center, etc. How To Reach: Visit the park from the west through Highways 41, 140, and 120. However, to reach the park easily, you will have to take Highway 120. Further, please note that the Tioga Pass Entrance remains closed from November to May or June.  Best Time to Visit: May to June Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Travelling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

The year 2023 fall saw the return of Lake Manly or the Death Valley National Park lake. The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Death Valley, as well as the entire North America. It is located 282 feet below sea level, and today, the world knows it as a dry and salted flat.   However, a massive downpour caused by Hurricane Hilary in fall 2023 and the “Atmospheric River Effect” this year made the dried lake appear magically. Lastly, the lake had a resurrection in 2005, and suddenly, this trace of life in the barren land looks and feels surreal.   But why did this lake appear all of a sudden? Will it stay? What can you see while exploring the area near Lake Manly? This article tries to find answers to all your questions. Further, there is a sneak peek into what NASA shows about the ghostly and ancient lake at Death Valley National Park.   Has The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Returned?  Yes, the ancient Death Valley National Park lake made a comeback. Hurricane Hilary hit Death Valley on 19th-21st August 2023, and its remnants caused more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall (2 inches) at the national park.   Further, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect on 4th-7th February 2024 caused 1.5 inches of rainfall. Altogether, the amount of rainfall in this park from the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024 was 4.9 inches.1   This sudden and unprecedented rainfall caused the rise of Death Valley National Park Lake. In mid-February 2024, the lake had one-foot deep water. Further, it was 6 miles long and 3 miles wide.   NASA has published a series of three images of Lake Manly. The pictures showed the difference between the barren, salted land in July and the waterlogged area in August after the rampage of Hurricane Hilary and Atmospheric River. Further, the pictures also depicted that the lake was almost the same size in August 2023 and February 2024.   Moreover, according to the latest update in April 2024, the lake is getting a steady number of visitors. The reflection of the surrounding peaks looks out of the world in the tranquil water of the lake. In addition, thanks to the rainfall and the resurgence of the lake, the national park had an abundance of wildflowers this season.   Elyscia Letterman2, an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), has mentioned,   “It's quite beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset when you have these beautiful reflections from the mountains around the lake. There's some snow on the mountaintops. So, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the water is very beautiful. It doesn't feel like you're in Death Valley.”   Again, the Amargosa River keeps feeding the Badwater Basin area from the south. With its increased water level, it can help the Death Valley National Park lake to stay. Having said that, let’s discuss a few details about how Hurricane Hillary and the atmospheric river effect impacted the lake formation and overall national park.   Hurricane Hillary Hits Death Valley National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AgKKwLHMn/ The Death Valley National Park experienced flooding after a massive downpour started at Gower Gulch near Zabriskie Point. The rainfall took place on 20th August 2023, and the crew started assessing the havoc in the park on 21st August 2023.   Thanks to the flooding, Lake Manly made a comeback. However, some of the backcountry roads were completely washed. In addition, there was a major loss of pavements and undercutting.   “The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then. Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit!”   - Ranger Abby Wines on the return of the Death Valley National Park Lake after Hurricane Hillary  Atmospheric River Effect In Death Valley National Park  The Death Valley National Park was already recovering from the impact of Hurricane Hilary. Suddenly, in February 2024, a Californian storm or the atmospheric river effect hit the national park. The storm fed the Badwater Basin with water, which enhanced the temporary lake.  This storm also pulled down snow from the mountain peaks, and it came down to around 4000 feet in the park.   Will The Ancient Death Valley National Park Lake Stay?   Despite the endorheic nature of the Badwater Basin, the Death Valley National Park Lake is transitional or ephemeral in nature. The evaporation rate here is higher than the water feed it gets. However, the downpours caused by the August 2023 and February 2024 natural calamities have brought all the changes. We now have a lake that shows some potential to stay.   Again, the Amargosa River has flowing water at a high level. So, the basin is getting constantly fed by water from the south. As a result, the lake still stands in the driest place for a span of more than 6 months. In 2005, when the lake reappeared for the last time, it only lasted a week. This time, there is a new scenario around the lake and how long the water will last.  Having said that, nothing specific can be mentioned about how long the lake will stay as the rate of evaporation is still high. Even as I write this article, I realize that the lake may not remain fit for kayaking for long. Still, the lake is likely to exist for some time, offering visitors a renewed site of attraction in the national park.   Overall, the resurgence of the lake and its stay is an “extremely rare event,” as mentioned by the National Park Service authority.   Exploring The Death Valley National Park Lake Area   There is no denying that all roads in the Death Valley National Park lead to the ancient lake, which has come to life. Once you are done taking photographs or seeing the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water, you can take a walk around the area.   The shores of the lake have a white boundary wall, which is formed because of a high concentration of salt. Further, the Panamint Range, Black Mountains, and barren land surrounding the lake offer you an other-worldly experience.   Moreover, you can explore the nearby looking points in the park to have diverse views of the place. Enjoy your time at the oasis of Death Valley!   What NASA Found About The Death Valley National Park Lake? (April 2024)  NASA showed the change in the Death Valley National Park Lake from February to March using SWOT, a U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. In just six weeks, the water level came down to 1.5 feet from 3 feet.   The NASA report has further highlighted the temporary nature of the lake and the fact that a gust of a strong wind can move this lake by a couple of miles.  Final Words   With “billions of gallons of water,” the Death Valley National Park lake is alive again. The sapphire blue water in the midst of a barren land shows the magic of nature. In February 2024, the lake became a go-to destination for kayaking, thanks to its 1-foot-deep water. However, by March, the lake was closed to opening, and in April, the lake was transformed into a waterbody of a few inches’ depth.   This has also become a tourist attraction thanks to the most amazing sunrise and sunset views.  Further, there is no assurance or specific information available about how long the lake will last. So, make it to the Death Valley National Park till the lake lasts. Also, don’t forget to share your experience as you explore the Badwater Basin area around the ghostly (now alive) lake. Also read Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio. You Can’t MISS These Best Songs for Instagram Travel Reels (Real People, Real Choice 2024) Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  sagnika Mar 13, 2025

Are you confused between Bali vs Thailand? Are you unable to choose between the two popular locations in Southeast Asia? For your next holiday, let me share with you a detailed comparison between Bali and Thailand so, that you can plan accordingly. If you are looking for warm places to travel in February, these can be good options.   Making your job easier is my responsibility, especially when I keep boasting that I love traveling. There are several categories based on which you will understand which location will satisfy your plans of traveling.   I will share with you information that will give you confidence for your next trip. Furthermore, you will gain the right experience when you plan your travel to a specific location based on your needs and requirements.   Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?   If you are wondering about the perfect beach location, you will see Google will suggest places that are either in Bali or in Thailand. Well, I have been to both places and I have to say the best of both places.   Yes, there are so many similar elements in the location but there are also diversities. I will share with you several categories and explain how they are in Bali and Thailand. You will get an idea of where you want to go when you go through these factors.   Basics of Bali   Apart from the beautiful beaches, the basics of Bali also include hidden waterfalls, picturesque rice paddies, and iconic temples. The tourism industry is thriving not just because of the natural landscapes. It is one of the most exotic places to travel, especially with its beautiful landscapes and culture!   However, also because of its water sports like surfing, hikes to volcanoes like Mount Batur, and delicious food. Yes, you also need to be a little cautious when visiting Bali because there is unpredictable weather, drinking tap water is not safe and beware of scammers.   Theories of Thailand   Thailand is famous for its temples and monasteries, especially when Buddhism is an integral part of their culture. Additionally, how can we forget the beautiful sandy beaches of Thailand creating the perfect picturesque view for you?   Furthermore, the locals there are popular for their hospitality and friendliness. Let's discuss how the shopping scene is there plus, the way the food and culture of the two places differ. Then you can decide where you plan to go, Bali vs Thailand!   A Detailed Comparison between Bali and Thailand   Bali is a part of Indonesia while Thailand is a whole country, so statistically, it is much bigger. Islands that you must visit if you plan to travel to Thailand are Koh Phangon and Koh Samui for natural beauty. While, if it is all about shopping and a big city feel, go to Bangkok.   Let’s not forget Phuket and Pattaya if you are a beach lover. After all, the rice terraces in the north of the country are a perfect place if you are into photoshoots and perfect DPs for your social media profiles. Coming to Bali, it is a smaller place and easier to travel.   Be it Ubud or Kuta, the beaches are beautiful and relaxing. Let us not forget the beautiful crochet dresses you get in the local market which you can then don and visit the rice paddy fields. Beautiful volcanoes on the island have created beautiful forests and waterfalls around them.   Visa   Visiting Bali will need you to purchase your visa online or after you arrive at their airport for 500,000 IDR/AUD 50/USD 35. Additionally, if you are visiting Bali, you will need to pay a tourist tax of USD 10/AUD 15/ 150,000 IDR per person.   Paying online will help you book your visa beforehand, however; you have to use a different portal to book it. Furthermore, you can also book your visa at the airport, however, I would suggest otherwise. Going to Thailand, and getting a visa is much easier as compared to Bali.   It is also one of the places to travel without a passport! You have to pay 10,000 Thai baht for a single entry which can be extended later because they provide a Visa waiver that lasts for 30 days. However, the visa-on-arrival scheme is not quite well established.   I did it and there is a huge line with so much chaos in the airport. If you have a connecting flight from there, you are doomed especially because there is a lot of partiality going on. If you are applying for a group visa, the process is much faster as compared to an individual visa so, I will suggest applying for an online visa before traveling!   Accommodation   If you want luxury, when you are booking accommodation, Bali is a better fit than Thailand, in my opinion. There are a variety of guest houses, Airbnb, hotel resorts, hostels, and homestays available in Bali with all the comforts and warm hospitality of the local people.   You will get accommodations under a diverse range, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Thailand also has a diverse range of accommodations, especially in the big cities. The concerns arises if you like spacious living quarters because Bali will give you that while Thailand, mostly is a little cramped.   Transportation   When you plan for Bali, try to select locations that are closer to each other! For a single day, create an itinerary where you visit two to three places that fall in the same direction or district. The best option is renting a scooter because it is one of the best options to explore both popular and off-track locales.   You can also book your rides on transportation apps such as Grab and Gojek. Several places are quite traffic-prone in areas such as Canggu and Seminyak. Thailand is huge, so you select any two or three cities like Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, and others.   Apart from renting scooters, you can get public transport such as trains, planes, and buses in Thailand which is quite easy for you! You can select Thailand as one of the best places to travel with kids.   Beaches   Beautiful beaches in Bali offer you soft powdery sand with endless blue and green water, and waves crashing! You must visit the resort town of Nusa Dua, after all, it is one of the coolest places to check out the picturesque views.   Another beautiful view that you must not miss is the black sand beaches in Bali with its aesthetics. The Indian Ocean in all its beauty is brought to the forefront because some people are crazy about the water. Even though Thailand has more beaches than Bali, you won’t be able to cover all of them because it is a whole country! Try and visit the famous beach, Railay Beach. So, I feel Bali has more natural beach beauty as compared to Thailand.   Things to Do   If you compare geographically, Bali is a smaller island compared to Thailand, a big country. Of course, we go by numbers, Thailand might give you a larger number of things to do, however, it might become more hectic as compared to Bali. However, the locations and activities are quite far apart from each other.   Surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and parasailing are some of the water sports that you can do when visiting Bali. So, when it comes to experiencing things to the maximum, Bali is a better choice as compared to Thailand.   Starting from Uluwatu Temple, Bali Zoo, Mount Batur, Tanah Lot Temple, Goa Gajah and so much more, you will see the beauty of nature, culture, history, people, and others. Thailand offers you a beautiful view of the White House of Chiang Rai and the Grand Palace.     Safety   When it comes to safety, there are some issues in Thailand and Bali. Bali is normally quite safe and the crimes that are reported are mostly petty such as snatch and grab or pickpocketing. While Thailand’s road accidents are quite high.   From a crime perspective, Thailand is safe overall however, the nightlife districts in Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok attract a lot of scammers. Furthermore, there have been people who have fallen victim to occasional acts of crime and violence.   Nightlife   Thailand has better nightlife than Bali so if you are a party lover, you must either be in Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya in Thailand. Bali on the other hand has limited places to offer you party vibes such as Kuta Beach or Seminyak Beach!   The parties in Bali are more inclusive because of the close circle, locals mostly invite you if they connect well with you. While Thailand has a seedy side of the nightlife!   Culture   Bali is a Hindu-majority Island with a natural landscape but what is more attractive is their traditional culture. With a Hindu enclave in a Muslim country, the city has a well-defined culture with temples, rituals, festivals, offerings, arts and crafts.   Thailand on the other hand has a lot of Thai and Buddhist culture persisting creating a fascinating culture. There are several monasteries and places to worship which are quite welcoming for tourists.   Overall, both places have beautiful, warm, and welcoming cultures and you can easily vibe anywhere!   Food   With a prominent culture for food, both Balinese and Thai food are delicious. However, compared to Bali, the street food culture is quite rich with delicious and high-quality food served at a very cheap price. You will also get a range of local and international fare-based Thai restaurants.   Pad Thai, Som tam, Moo ping, Khao Soi, Khao man gai, and other items are deliciously available almost everywhere. If you are a fruit lover, you have to try their mango, papaya, and other fruits, desserts, and drinks on the street.   At Bali, there is a lot of cafe culture, and it is a bit expensive especially when it comes to offering a normal menu. Some common items that you should try in Bali are Nasi Goreng, Bali Guling, Sate, and Mie Goreng.   Shopping   Everyone loves shopping, so if this is a factor based on which you choose a location for your next vacation, then let me tell you it is quite different in Bali vs Thailand. You will find high-end products at the malls of Bangkok, and night markets at different beach towns in Thailand.   You should keep the money for shopping when visiting Thailand while in Bali, things are quite cheap. Several entrepreneurial shops and small stores are giving you a variety of local options, arts, crafts, clothing, and others.   So, Is Bali Better or Thailand?   Of course, in my opinion, I enjoyed more in Bali but that could have been because I was more experienced in traveling than when I visited Thailand. Simultaneously, the diversity I have seen in Bali is a bit more as compared to Thailand!   When you are doing Bali vs Thailand when planning your next vacation, jot down the points mentioned above. Discuss it with your travel buddies or if you are solo traveling, start your research accordingly.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.