You Cannot Miss These Unique Things To Do In Indiana | Explore The Hidden Gems To Visit

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

Golf, desert weather, long sunshine hours, and the most luxurious resorts! Every travel enthusiast appreciates these things about Phoenix, Arizona.  Founded by Jack Swilling, the city of Phoenician is called the Valley of Sun. Further, people exploring the unique things to do in Phoenix also love to visit Glendale and Scottsdale. These two neighboring cities have their unique historical and cultural significance. For example, Glendale was the home to the famous Baskin Robbins. In addition, it always has been at the epicenter of Arizona’s entertainment landscape. Today, it has the headquarters of  The Walt Disney Company and DreamWorks Animation. Scottsdale, on the other hand, is famous for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It is the largest natural preserve in the country. You will also love the museums here. Liam, the local travel expert I consulted, suggested a combined tour of Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale for a unique experience. He said that the package tour would cost around $100 per person each day. Further, he mentioned how Phoenix is different from Scottsdale and how the places complement each other.   “Scottsdale is more upscale. You will love its swanky resorts. Scottsdale also has 200+ golf areas. Still, with outdoor trails and a peaceful environment, it is a more tranquil retreat for people.Phoenix is about everything urban, and it’s high energy.”Liam, Local Travel Expert, Phoenix Liam was so passionate about Scottsdale that I had to stop him. Because my sole focus this time was on the unique things to do in Phoenix, and I wanted to get my insights and research approved by him. Now, this is what I found out about the best activities in Phoenix. Unique Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona | Enjoy The Warmth And Sunshine  Thanks to the long hours of sunshine and its geographical location, Phoenix has an average highest temperature of 20-42 degrees Celsius. For the lowest temperature, the reading ranges between 7-22 degrees Celsius. Further, with golf courses, golf clubs, Mountain Park, and natural abundance, Phoenix has been enjoying a rise in its tourism landscape.  Data from Tourism Economics says that 46.7 million people visited Phoenix in 2023, and among them, 1.6 million were international tourists.  Moreover, the total economic impact caused by the people of Phoenix in 2023 was $23 billion. This economic impact consisted the following factors. Direct Impact Indirect Impact Induced Spending Naturally, the unique things to do in Phoenix Arizona have fueled this growth and economic impact of tourism in the city. So, let’s explore them. But before that, let’s quickly learn the operational hours, entry fee and contact details of these places. Phoenix HotspotAddressContact NumberHours OpenEntry FeeDesert Botanical Garden1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix+1 480-941-1225Monday-Wednesday: 8 AM to 8 PMThursday: 8 AM to 9 PMSunday: 5:30 AM to 9:30 AMFriday-Saturday: 8AM-4 PM, 5:30-9:30 PM$12–25The Phoenix Art Museum1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix+1 602-257-1880Monday-Tuesday: ClosedWednesday-Friday: 10AM to 8 PMSaturday & Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM$0-23Free admission on Wednesday between 3-8 PMWildlife World Zoo16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park+1 623-935-94539 AM to 6 PM (Zoo Hours)Below 2 Years: Free3-12 Years: $2813+ Years: $49**Phoenix Zoo455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix+1 602-286-38009 AM to 4 PMAdult (14+): $39.95Child (3-13): $29.95Heard Museum 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix+1 602-252-884010 AM to 4 PM$7–18Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix+1 602-514-84001.5 Hours before the Game from Sunday to Thursday2 Hours before the Game from Saturday to Sunday$26 Onwards You must carry cash while visiting the Wildlife World Zoo. You will have to pay extra if you use debit or credit cards.  1. Visiting The Desert Botanical Garden The Desert Botanical Garden will be the first activity on the list of unique things to do in Phoenix. It will take you on a trip to the Sonoran Desert and the vegetation there.  The garden has beautiful landscapes with red rocks of the Sonoran Desert. Further, various cacti and plants add to the allure of the place. You will find as many as 50000 species of plants and cacti here. Moreover, you can collect the best living souvenirs from the plant shop and Garden’s Gift.  2. Exploring The Phoenix Art Museum The Phoenix Art Museum has 20000 brilliant pieces of art by local and internationally acclaimed artists. Further, along with the walled or static artworks, you will find many interactive artworks here.  Moreover, the museum hosts special exhibitions and events regularly and you must check the museum website before your visit.  Above all, the Phoenix Art Museum is home to the Firefly Infinity Room. Here, you can enjoy the best visually psychedelic fun.  3. Meeting Animals At The Wildlife World Zoo https://www.instagram.com/p/C_A-tzxPQSZ/?hl=en&img_index=1 The Wildlife World Zoo is a wonderful hotspot of 215 acres. Meeting the baby animals is the most fulfilling experience at the zoo. During a safari at the zoo, you will also meet rare sea animals and reptiles.  This zoo is home to 600 species of animals and along with meeting the animals, you can even attend the shows and events. Moreover, there are scopes for adorable animal encounters. So, you can get up close and personal with capybara, sea lion, and sloth.  4. Spending Time With Animals At Phoenix Zoo Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately-owned zoo in the USA. From the biggest land mammals to the marine creatures; you will find every variety in the zoo.  Further, if you are traveling with little ones and want some hands-on fun, you can visit the petting zoo. You will also love the place as an avid birder.  More than 3000 animals from over 400 species coexist here. Many of these species are also endangered or rare. You will meet African painted dogs, zebras, porcupines, Sumatran Tigers, Asian elephants, komodo dragons, etc.  5. Explore Native American Art At The Heard Museum  https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Of8WOtRbR/ Heard Museum has the biggest collection of Native American work. So, if you are lover of history and art, you know your go-to destination in the state.  The displays and presentations at the museum are stunning. Further, the museum curates the indigenous artistic excellence of American Indians and presents them at a global level. 6. Watching A Game At Chase Field  https://www.instagram.com/p/C7aotGxtuvA/?hl=en Home to the Diamondbacks, Chase Field is a beautiful ground. Being air-conditioned, this ground is ideal for watching matches in any season.  Further, the reasonable ticket prices make it an ideal destination for an outing with family or friends. Are you looking for more unique things to do in Phoenix? You can try tubing in the Salt River, visit the Arizona Science Center, watch NBA matches at the Footprint Center, or kayak in the Tempe Town Lake.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Dec 10, 2025

Seeing elephants in the wild? Wow. Just wow. They’re huge, slow, and somehow look like they know everything. I mean, you watch them, and it’s like, “Yep, this is Africa walking by.” That is, these giant elephants literally showcase the continent’s untamed spirit. If you’re thinking about a safari, you’re probably asking, “Right, but where do I actually go?” There are loads of places.  Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is one of them. Big herds, easy to spot, and honestly… it feels kind of magical. Watching a whole family cross a dusty plain, or spotting a tiny calf sticking close to its mom… that kind of thing stays with you.  But yeah, luck helps, and knowing a bit about when and where elephants move helps a lot. So, if you are also curious about where to see African elephants in the wild, I have got the perfect guide.  In this blog, I will be highlighting all the famous places where you can find them and experience a journey amidst the wildest nature. So, keep reading to know more! Where To See African Elephants In The Wild? Even though there are countless zoos and sanctuaries to explore, not everywhere can you find an African elephant. That’s why you need to visit the specific regions where these majestic tuskers truly show themselves. So, here’s where to see African elephants in the wild.  1. Botswana: The Mega-Herd Sanctuary If you want numbers that will make your jaw drop, Botswana’s got it. They have the biggest elephant population in the world, and it’s over 130,000. I know, crazy. So, no matter which sanctuary you visit, you will definitely find some friendly elephants walking by. 2. Chobe National Park Chobe is kind of legendary. Especially the riverfront. In the dry season from May to October, elephants just pile in by the thousands. They drink, splash, hang out, just being elephants. Take a boat, get close, watch them play. Honestly, your brain will keep going, “Wait! Is this even real?” Now, the best viewing time is during the summer months of April to October. That’s when you get to see them flooding the riverside in herds.  But during the rainy weather, they migrate and come back again during the dry season of winter.  3. Okavango Delta The Delta is different. Slower, more spread out. Elephants wander through reeds, walk in shallow water.  Sometimes they even swim across little channels. It’s so calm, almost hypnotic. You can just watch for hours, and yeah, it’s peaceful. Unlike the other places, this area is the transition route for the migratory elephants. That is, during the monsoons, they pass through this region for food and water. But the area often faces conflicts between the herds and the local communities. For instance, the herds at times raid the crop fields. Causing havoc and outrage among the local communities. 4. South Africa: Accessible And Diverse Viewing South Africa is great if you want elephants without trekking into the middle of nowhere. The parks are easy to get to, and you can usually spot them without much stress. 5. Addo Elephant National Park Addo, in the Eastern Cape, is perfect. Big herds chill around cars, and their darker color makes them stand out. Plus, you can mix safari with a beach day. It’s like, “Why not, right?” Two awesome things at once. Additionally, it features one of the densest populations of African elephants. So, when you visit the park, you can enjoy the unique elephant viewing along with the biodiversity of the area. But these elephants are characterized by shorter stature and thicker tusks. Making them stand on their hind legs to grab food from taller branches. Another interesting fact about this park is that the herds are led by a matriarch in the group. That is, the female members of the herd lead others to food and shelter. 6. Tanzania: An Elephant Hub Sure, everyone talks about the Great Migration, but Tanzania’s elephants are incredible too. Mainly after the massive poaching crisis, it is finally reviving its herds of elephants to balance the biodiversity. 7. Tarangire National Park Tarangire doesn’t get enough attention. In the dry season, elephants gather around the Tarangire River. And the baobab trees? Massive. Like, movie-set huge. Watching elephants wander under them… wow. Just wow. Moreover, the African elephants choose diverse locations for their habitats such as swamps, savannahs, baobab forests, and even the rocky hills. Since they play a massive role in shaping the park’s ecosystem, they are protected under strict poaching laws. So, the population of the elephants can recover from its below-average levels. 8. Zambia: Walking Among Giants If you want up-close-and-personal, emotional stuff, South Luangwa in Zambia is it. Walking safaris started here. They’re still amazing. Moreover, the concentration is finally starting to grow after the major poaching crisis. Also, the laws are aiming to curb poaching and restore the elephant population in the area. This way, they can maintain the natural connection of the local communities with the elephants. So, the initiatives have started to conserve the giant beings from being eliminated. 9. South Luangwa National Park Guides take you out on foot. Yeah, walking. You’re safe, don’t worry. But when an elephant passes nearby, you feel the ground move. It’s humbling. Slow, personal, and totally sticks with you. Moreover, nearly three-fourths of the entire population of elephants in Zambia resides in South Luangwa. So, when you visit this national park, you will get to see some of the most iconic and brilliant ones. Especially near the riverside, you can spot the elephants crossing in herds. So, this is the only time to view them so closely and vividly without needing your travel binoculars. Visiting African Elephants To Enjoy The Journey Botswana’s endless plains, Addo’s herds, Zambia’s walking safaris… it all matters. Visiting these places helps keep elephants safe.  But honestly, these are the places where you can see the African elephants in the wild. And that’s a memory you keep forever. Future generations deserve that too! Don’t you think?

BY  Sibashree Jul 24, 2025

Ever come back from a trip, check your bank balance, and think, “Wait… where did all my money go?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. Traveling’s thrilling, sure, but it’s also sneaky—little costs pile up faster than you’d think. That overpriced airport snack?  The “cute” souvenir you didn’t need? It adds up. But here’s the thing: good budgeting isn’t about saying no to everything—it’s about being smart with your choices so you can actually enjoy yourself without the post-trip regret. So let’s talk about a few easy, real-life ways to track every dollar and build better spending habits while you’re off exploring. You can even use a spending tracker to keep the budget in check.  Start With A Clear Budget So That You Can Track Every Dollar While Traveling Honestly, the easiest way to keep travel spending under control? Plan before you even leave. Otherwise, it can quickly become expensive.  Set a total budget for the whole trip and then split it up—transportation, hotels, food, activities, and that “miscellaneous stuff” (because there’s always something). It’s also smart to include sneaky extras like tips, parking, or baggage fees. I like using a simple spreadsheet or an app for this. Doesn’t have to be fancy—just something you can check daily so you know where you stand.  When you see exactly how much you’ve got for each category, you make way fewer impulsive choices. Plus, you can spend guilt-free when you know it’s part of the plan. That little bit of prep before you leave? It’ll save you from a ton of “uh-oh” moments later. Track Every Dollar During The Trip Here’s the not-so-fun part: write down everything you spend. Yes, even the coffee. It feels like a pain at first, but it gives you a clear picture of what’s really happening with your money.  You don’t have to go old-school with pen and paper—budgeting apps are a lifesaver. They’ll let you log purchases, set limits, and even break down your spending by category so you can see exactly where it’s going. This habit makes you think twice before handing over cash (or swiping). You’ll start noticing patterns—like how quick snacks add up or how that “just one drink” at dinner somehow becomes three. And once you see it in real time, it’s way easier to adjust before things spiral. 1. Choose Affordable Accommodations Wisely Let’s be real: lodging eats up a huge chunk of any travel budget. But you don’t have to blow your cash to sleep somewhere decent.  Try looking at options beyond hotels—hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals… even budget inns can surprise you. Just compare prices and always read recent reviews (you do not want bedbug drama on vacation). Also, book early when you can. Not only do you usually get better rates, but you also get more options. And don’t ignore the perks—free breakfast, a kitchen, maybe laundry or airport pickup—those little extras save money in the long run.  Sometimes staying slightly outside the city center can cut costs, but make sure you’re not spending that “saved” money on transportation. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between cost, convenience, and comfort. 2. Control Food Expenses Without Missing Out Food is one of the best parts of traveling… but it’s also where budgets go to die. My hack? Mix it up. Eat at restaurants for those “must-try” experiences, but grab at least one meal a day from a market, food stall, or grocery store. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll get a more local vibe. Oh, and if your place offers free breakfast? Don’t skip it. If there’s a kitchen, maybe cook a meal or two—it’s kind of fun (and saves a chunk of cash). The point isn’t to skip good meals; it’s to save the sit-down restaurant splurges for when they really count. 3. Avoid Currency Conversion Surprises Traveling abroad? Exchange rates can sneak up on you. Don’t change all your cash at the airport—it’s usually the worst rate. Check if your card charges foreign transaction fees, too, because those tiny percentages add up faster than you think. Apps like XE or Revolut can help you track rates and even decide the best time to exchange. And while cards are convenient, always keep some local cash for markets or smaller places. Knowing exactly how much you’re spending in your own currency keeps you from going overboard without realizing it. 4. Stay Away From Impulse Purchases Souvenirs are tempting. Those random little trinkets? Cute… but do you really need them? Probably not. Before you buy something, pause and ask yourself: “Do I actually want this, or am I just in the moment?” Nine times out of ten, waiting a day makes you realize you didn’t really want it. These are impulsive buys we need to avoid! Setting a daily spending cap for fun stuff (shopping, treats, entertainment) works wonders. When you hit your limit, that’s it for the day. It’s not about never treating yourself—it’s about doing it with intention. And honestly, those thoughtful purchases end up being way more meaningful than the random impulse buys. Track Every Dollar While Traveling: It’s Not About Restriction But Avoiding Waste Travel should be about making memories, not stressing over your bank balance. When you track what you spend, you’re not restricting yourself—you’re giving yourself freedom. You know where your money’s going, you cut out the waste, and you get more out of your trip. Whether it’s a quick road trip or the big “dream vacation,” strong money habits make the whole experience smoother and way less stressful. Over time, this stuff becomes second nature… and trust me, your future self will thank you for it.