Exploring The Heart Of England: Things To Do In Leicester

BY  Sibashree May 31, 2025

People are calling Dubrovnik a travel secret, a hidden gem in the Mediterranean region, and whatnot! I don’t agree with these, as for the longest time, Dubrovnik has been famous as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Also, the Old Town of Dubrovnik was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Moreover, this city in Croatia has been facing overtourism since the HBO series Game of Thrones became so huge.  It is the filming location of the series.  Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, you will love the blue water of the Adriatic Sea, the walls around the Old City, the cobblestone streets, and, overall, the quaint charm.  While it takes almost a week to explore the best of Dubrovnik and indulge in its happening culinary scene, here I have curated a quick itinerary of what to do in Dubrovnik.  This time, the best activities in Dubrovnik span over 3 days, and here you go! However, before that, I want to share how I fell in love with this Mediterranean gem and what the best time to visit this beautiful city is. What Is The Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik? May to September is the best time to visit Dubrovnik.  Pleasant weather conditions Affordable hotel rates Less crowd An ideal situation for exploring beaches and water activities These are the benefits of scheduling your trip to Dubrovnik during these months.  Further, have a look at the table below to understand the weather conditions of Dubrovnik by month.  MonthsHighest Temperature (°C)Lowest Temperature (°C)Days of RainfallJanuary13710February1499March15109April17128May22156June27205July30223August31233September27204October23177November191110December 15810 Moreover, if you want to explore the festive scenario of Dubrovnik, you can plan your visit during the following months. Festivals in DubrovnikTimeSignificance of the FestivalFestival of St. Blaise3rd FebruaryThe two-day festivities include a grand procession, and the city celebrates St. Blaise, its patron saint, on this day. It is also an intangible cultural heritage identified by UNESCO. Dubrovnik Summer FestivalJuly-AugustUnique cultural programs and artistic performances are the festival's highlights. Festivities take place across various areas of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik Winter FestivalNovember to JanuaryThe historic Old Town comes to life with music, lights, family fun, and more. Dubrovnik Good Food FestivalOctoberIt is a two-week-long food festival, including vibrant events. Stradun ClassicSeptember to OctoberMusicians around the globe perform at Stradun Classic. Midsummer SceneJune-JulyThis festival takes place at the Lovrjenac Fortress.Croatian and British theatre artists collaborate to perform the celebrated Shakespearean plays.  How I Fell In Love With Dubrovnik? Being the biggest fan of Game of Thrones, I, of course, got to know about this beautiful Croatian City.  Dubrovnik was the King’s Landing or the capital of Westeros in the series. The Red Keep and the unforgettable scene of Cersei’s “Walk of Shame.”  Then, I researched Dubrovnik and its magnificent walls surrounding the Old Town, and the seafood delicacies here made me fall in love with the city.  So, if you thought that Dubrovnik was all about pasta and pizza and exploring the Old Town on the hottest days, it’s time to guide you on how to do it right.  What To Do In Dubrovnik: A Complete 3-Day Itinerary For You Here is what to do in Dubrovnik during a 3-day trip.  Day 1: What To Do In Dubrovnik Your day 1 in Dubrovnik will be focused on exploring the walled Old City. You can also take your time to relax by the pool or the sea, visit the local restaurants, enjoy a cable car ride, indulge in fine dining and the best wines, and end your day with a night stroll.  1. Exploring The Walled Old City Of Dubrovnik The Dubrovnik Old City celebrates Croatia's rich medieval history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taking a stroll across the cobblestone street and visiting places like the Cultural History Museum are the ultimate experiences here.  “The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention 2. Relaxing By The Pool Or The Sea If you want a delightful beach experience, you can visit Mlini Bay or Lapad Peninsula in Dubrovnik.  However, if you are feeling too lazy to explore the beach, you can explore hotels with pools for the perfect lounging time.  3. Visiting Local Restaurants Dubrovnik has places such as Proto, where you can have the best shrimp, scallops, and octopus delicacies.  Further, fish cooked in sea salt is something you cannot miss in Dubrovnik.  4. Enjoying A Cable Car Ride A ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car before Sunset is truly magical. During this ride, you can enjoy the changing colors of the Sun in the sky.  Further, as you approach the top of Mount Srd, you will see wonderful views of the Elafiti Islands to the north.  5. Fine Dining And Wine Tasting Local restaurants, such as Panorama Restaurant in Dubrovnik, offer wonderful views alongside the best local cuisine.  They serve amazing steak sandwiches and Chicken “Rustico.”  Furthermore, you can taste red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines here. D’Vino Wine Bar is another hotspot in Dubrovnik to relish the best of Croatian wines.  6. Taking A Walk In The City At Night Are you a Dark Academia fan? Do you want to enjoy your “Everything is Grey” moment in the city?  Take a walk around the city at night when there are no cruise passengers, and the lights and darkness create a mysterious ambiance. Day 2: What To Do In Dubrovnik Kayaking, chilling by the beach, and exploring the City Walls are some of the best activities you can do on day 2.  1. Adventurous Kayaking In Dubrovnik Kayaking at the City Beach will be the best way to start your second day. Kayaking tours start here at $43.  2. Relaxing At The Beach If kayaking is not your forte, you can plan a visit to the City Beach and enjoy the crystal clear water and Sunshine while exploring the views of the Old City.  3. Exploring The Walls of Dubrovnik During The Sunset You can take a 2-hour walk along the city walls to relish the beauty of the Sunset. Once you reach the top, you can also grab some local snacks and the best coffee at the cafes.  You need to buy tickets to explore the City Walls, and the ticket prices are: During the high season, tickets for adults to explore the City Walls cost 40 EUR, while children's tickets are 15 EUR.  However, in the low season, ticket prices are 15 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children. 4. Relishing Croatian Peka Meal If you're looking for a fun-filled community-building experience, consider the Peka Meal in the signature Dubrovnik style. Here, you will have the option of lamb, veal, or octopus in a communal pot. Further, potatoes will be cooked over the coal and served to everyone. Day 3: What To Do In Dubrovnik Your day three will begin a journey to Lokrum Island. This Island houses the Benedictine Monastery and the Dubrovnik Visitor Center.  The Visitor Center has the Iron Throne, where you can sit and live your Game of Thrones moments.  Furthemore, the Dalmatian Coast has rock slab beaches. You can jump into the water there and enjoy the most unique views of the Old City. Additionally, you can visit Mljet Island, home to the Mljet National Park and stunning saltwater lakes.  Then, the Red History Museum, located across from the Gruž Ferry Port, will be your next destination. The ticket to the museum is 9 EUR for adults, 7.20 EUR for seniors and university students, and 3.60 EUR for primary and secondary students.  Furthermore, for students under the age of 10, admission to the museum is free. Where To Stay In Dubrovnik?  Hotel Dubrovnik Palace and Hotel Excelsior are two of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik. Hotel Excelsior is located close to the walls of the Old Town and the City Beach.  On the other hand, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers a luxury resort experience, and it offers the best views of the Adriatic Coast.

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

Glacier National Park, or the “Crown of the Continent,” boasts unique geology, fossils, ecosystems, and thriving wildlife.  “Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped corner—the Crown of the Continent.” - George Bird Grinnell, Editor, Forest and Stream It is also a hiker’s paradise with trails of varying difficulty levels. In addition, a drive through the park will allow you to visit more than 700 lakes and learn about the history of American-Indian tribes like the Blackfeet, Kootenai, Salish, and more! Let’s explore the miles of wonders and help you make an itinerary with a guide on things to do and places to stay in the park. Having said that, the park offers boating, bus rides, and horse riding tours. However, hiking is the best way to get to know the park well.  Where Is Glacier National Park? How To Reach It? The 1,583 square miles of wilderness of Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana, United States. It is close to Waterton Lakes and the Canada-United States border.  Furthermore, Columbia Falls is the nearest city to this national park. If you want to visit the park, you can reach its southern boundary through Highway 2. However, if you want to enter the park from its east side, you must take Highway 89.  Moreover, the nearest airports to this national park are Kalispell and Great Falls. From there, you will have to reach the park by road.  Visitor Centers of the Park Apgar Visitor Center St. Mary Visitor Center Logan Pass Visitor Center Operating Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. You can visit the park on 365 days of the year.  You will have to pay some fees at the entrance. The entrance stations will not always be human-crewed. However, you must make a self-payment following the instructions at the entrance.  Where To Stay In Glacier National Park? Once you have reached the park safely, you will, of course, look for safe accommodation. Camping and wilderness camping are surely the best options if you want to make the most of the park experience.  However, you can always explore the lodging options for more comfort. The park also has restaurants and stores, providing you with basic amenities.  Lodges In Glacier National Park  Look at the table below for details about the lodging options at Glacier National Park. Lodging Facility OperatesContact Information Glacier National Park Lodges/Xanterra Parks & ResortsVillage Inn MotelLake McDonald LodgeRising Sun Motor InnSwiftcurrent Motor Inn(855) 733-4522 (USA)(303) 265-7010 (Outside the USA)Glacier Park Collection Apgar Village LodgeMotel Lake McDonald(844) 868-7474Sperry Chalet & Granite Park Chalet (These are two backcountry chalets in Glacier National Park.)Sperry ChaletGranite Park Chalet(888) 345-2649 It is always better to check the availability at the lodges in advance. Further, some of these lodges have historic associations. For example, the Lake McDonald Lodge became a “National Historic Landmark” in 1987.  Did you know that Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the best examples of Swiss chalet architecture, and it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America? Talk to the staff in the lodges to unearth more stories and anecdotes about these places.  Camping In Glacier National Park Glacier National Park has 13 front country campgrounds. Along with putting up a tent, these campsites are also suitable for RVs and other vehicles.  These campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served, or reservation basis. So, let’s explore the options.  Type of BookingName of the CampgroundHighlights First-Come, First-Served Bowman Lake CampgroundIt offers the best view of Bowman Lake.Further, it is known for its serene ambiance. Cut Bank CampgroundThe Cut Bank Campground is the best for backcountry trips.It is also close to many day-hiking trails. Kintla Lake CampgroundI found this campground the most picturesque camping destination in the park.Sitting on the Kintla Lake, it is a quiet place for camping. Logging Creek CampgroundThis campground is close to Logging Lake.Also, you will love it if you prefer some solitude. Quartz Creek CampgroundIt is the smallest campground in the park, and you will love it for its pristine charm. Rising Sun CampgroundYou can enjoy the best view of Red Eagle Mountain from this camping ground.Further, as the name suggests, it offers beautiful sunrise views. ReservedApgar CampgroundThe evening programs at the Apgar Amphitheater are the most entertaining thing to do in the park.You can take a short walk from this camping ground to enjoy the sunset views of Lake McDonald. Avalanche CampgroundAvalanche Campground is great for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching.In addition, it is connected to many day-hiking trails. Fish Creek CampgroundIt offers decent views of Lake McDonald.Also, you can enjoy some privacy here. Many Glacier CampgroundIt is the best camping ground to experience wilderness in the park. Further, you can see bears and bighorn sheep here. St. Mary CampgroundIt is the hub of interpretive programs and many other events in the park.Also, it is the largest campground on the park’s eastern side. Sprague Creek CampgroundCamping is comfortable here with shades of trees.Further, it offers the best view of Lake McDonald. Two Medicine CampgroundIf you want red bus and boat tours, Two Medicine Campground is the best for you. Further, it offers better privacy than other campgrounds.Also, it leads to the Running Eagle Falls and many other popular hiking trails.  So, choose a campground based on your desired experience and other preferences. For reservation, contacting the park authority at least six months before your visit is better.   Wilderness Camping In Glacier National Park You will need a wilderness permit if you’re going to do wilderness camping in the park. If you ask me, camping by the riverside is the best option. Further, if you want to be more adventurous, you can try wilderness camping in winter with special permits.  Here, I will only discuss the best riverside camping options in the wilderness. You will need river camping permits and must abide by the camping regulations on the riverside.  North Fork Flathead River The undesignated wilderness camping along the North Fork Flathead River is a great place if you want to try paddling or angling. Boating in the river is also a popular activity here.  Middle Fork Flathead River  The Middle Fork Flathead River camping is the best choice to explore the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Further, the primitive setup here offers you the most adventurous camping experience.  What To Do In Glacier National Park? Try Hiking To Know The Park's Best  It does not matter whether you want a short hiking expedition or a long backpacking experience. The Glacier National Park has you covered. So, let’s know about some of the trails.  Avalanche Lake  Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate Trek Distance - 5.9 Miles  This trek route is close to the Lake McDonald Lodge, and before you start the trek, you can enjoy a boat ride in Lake McDonald before starting your day.  You will see many waterfalls and mountains while hiking through this beautiful and easy trail.  Highline Trail Difficulty Level - Moderate Trek Distance - 7.2 Miles  If you want to experience the core essence of the Glacier National Park in one day, you must trek through the Highline Trail. You will visit Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the best wildflowers throughout your hiking expedition. Further, the Continental Divide makes the pain-stricken hike worth it. However, be careful during the last 4 miles of the trek, as trekking downward through the trail is Scary!  Siyeh Pass Difficulty Level - Strenuous Trek Distance - Over 10 Miles  Siyeh Pass is the trekking trail you must explore to see the 1.5 billion-year-old fossils in the park. You will also get to see many glaciers throughout the trek. The glaciers visible in this trekking route are: Blackfoot Sexton Piegan Jackson In addition, you will love trekking through the spruce and fir forests, and the wildflowers in the meadows are a treat for the eyes.  Hidden Meadow  Difficulty Level - Easy Trek Distance - 3 Miles  Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park is a kid-friendly trail. Further, it is a short trek taking you through forests until you reach a meadow for an expansive view of the surroundings.  Also, you will love the largest Douglas firs here.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. 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BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

It’s already fall, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Trails are adorned with the Aspen leaves’ glistening gold. Also, the dark green of the pine trees in the backdrop complements the dark red and orange of Alpine shrubs. Hiking through the park trails is the best way to explore the beauty of the USA National Park to the fullest. Further, the hiking trails come with varying difficulty levels. Some are also great for enjoying a walk with your furry friends.  Moreover, the trails are varied in their destinations. Some trails in the park will take you to beautiful waterfalls, and some will end at breathtaking summits and immersive lakes. Do you also want to hike and experience the park at its best? Here is a brief overview.  Hiking Through The Rocky Mountain National Park Trails: A Rocky Mountain National Park Guide  Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails. Further, you will find a delightful activity in the park irrespective of your abilities.  However, you will need proper traction devices and a Rocky Mountain National Park map to remain safe during hiking. Moreover, you will need proper footwear with a treaded sole as the routes can be snowy and slippery.  With proper safety measures, it’s time for you to hit the waterfalls, summit, and lake trails.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Waterfalls Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 31 waterfalls. Do you want to witness water cascading through rocky terrains? Hit any of the following trails in the park.  1. Granite Falls Trail  Trail Head: Green Mountain Trailhead parking area Trail Distance: 5.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate You will pass through lush green meadows while hiking to Granite Falls Trail. However, the terrain is marshy here, and you must be careful as you explore the path.  Further, lodgepole pine, aspen, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir greet you throughout the trail. The elevation gain is 1,046 feet in the trail, and you must proceed carefully.  2. Chasm Falls Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 2 Miles (Round Trip) Difficulty Level: Moderate The Chasm Falls Trail will take you to a cascading beauty. With an elevation of just 640 feet, this trail is moderate to hike. Further, if the hiking trail from Old Fall River Road is closed, you can take the trail from Winter Closure Gate. Then, you will have to walk or bike for 2.2 Miles.  3. Adam Falls Trail  Trail Head: East Inlet Trail Distance: 0.6 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy With an elevation of just 79 feet, the Adam Falls Trail is one of the easiest ones in the park. Adam Falls is small but excels in its quaint beauty.  If you want to be more adventurous, you can walk past the waterfall. A beautiful glacier valley will emerge before your eyes, and you will love the exuberance of wildflowers.  4. Cascade Falls Trail Trail Head: North Inlet Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous (Expect changes in the difficulty level throughout the route) You will love the gurgling sound of the North Inlet stream water, and as it thrashes the pure granite stone, it’s a beauty to behold. This waterfall is 100 feet tall and forms a cascade, as the name rightly suggests.  You will meet the most adorable marmots As you continue your hike and pass through the open meadow. They are frequent to the winding river through the lodgepole pine forest. Further, you can stop here to fish river trout and brown trout.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Lakes Great National Park has 156 lakes. Some of these lakes have dense trout populations. Further, areas near these lakes are great for spotting wildlife. So, let’s know about the lake hiking trails that lead us to these beautiful lakes.  1. Bear Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 0.7 Mile Difficulty Level: Easy With mountains of the Continental Divide in the backdrop, Bear Lake Trail is one of the best locations in the park for watching the sunset. You will love the beauty of Hallett Peak, Continental Divide, and an Alpine lake here. Bear Lake is the epicenter of many hiking trails. You can start your hike to Alberta Falls, Flattop Mountain, Emerald Lake, and more from here.  2. Sprague Lake Loop Trail Trail Head:  Estes Park Trail Distance: 0.7 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy Sprague Lake Loop Trail is the most accessible trail in the park. Wheelchairs are allowed here. So, patients with disabilities can also explore this trail.  You can stop at the benches and many lookouts throughout the trail to reflect on the beauty of nature. Further, you can see the mountain peaks along the Continental Divide.  Moreover, Sprague Lake is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife.  3. Mills Lake Trail Trail Head: Glacier Gorge Trail Distance - 5 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  With a 700-foot elevation, the Mills Lake trail will take you through a gorge carved by glaciers, streambeds, and waterfalls.  The beautiful Mills Lake gets its name from Enos Mills, the founder of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Further, if you want to continue your hiking pursuit, you can walk to Black Lake, and that will be an additional 1.7-mile hike.  4. Gem Lake Trail Trail Head: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The expansive field of granite domes houses the Gem Lake. It is indeed a hidden gem and one of the biggest attractions in the area, along with Lumpy Ridge.  Gem Lake is shallow, and it has water of melted snow and rainfall.  5. Dream Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  You must go for a steady ascent from Bear Lake to reach Dream Lake. The trail comes with an elevation change of 830 feet. Don’t miss the following highlights of this hiking route.  Nymph Lake Aspen Groves Ponderosa Pine The Nymph Lake looks most beautiful in summer, with pond lilies in full bloom. Further, you can use Dream Lake as the base and trek to the amazing Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Summits Despite the elevation gain of around 1000-3000 feet, the hiking trails to summits are very popular among visitors. The wonderful vistas from the mountain tops make the effort worth it.  1. Deer Mountain Trail Trail Head: Deer Ridge Jct Trail Distance: 3.1 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The Deer Mountain comes with an elevation of 10,006 feet. Further, as you hike and reach the summit, you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak, Estes Park, and Moraine Park. Be careful about the weather forecast before you start your journey on the trail.  2. Flattop Mountain Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trailhead Trail Distance: 8.8 miles round trip  Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The trail from Bear Lake is the best way to reach Flattop Mountain, and this route is one of the trickiest ones in the park. However, if you cannot access the trail from Bear Lake, you can try the route to Flattop via Tonahutu Trail. Further, as you reach the Flattop Mountain summit, you will enjoy the beauty of Hallet Peak, Dream Lake, and Tyndall Glacier.  3. Chasm Lake And Longs Peak Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 4.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Strenuous  Chasm Lake, just beneath the Longs Peak, offers a spectacular view. You will come across Tundra meadows and Alpine tundra through the trail. Further, animals like pikas and marmots are common here.  As you reach the Chasm Junction and find an outhouse, you can hike along a wall to see Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool Gorge. After this point, the terrain becomes rocky, and you will need cairns to reach Cirque, the lake's location.  Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiking Through Trails Of Rocky Mountain National Park Making a rushed trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest mistake you can make. You can face severe issues like dehydration and acute mountain sickness here if you don’t allow your body to acclimatize or work on your physical and mental endurance. So, carry enough water or hydrating solutions and start your training under proper guidance at least one month before your Rocky Mountain hike.  Further, don’t think that you will always make it to the trails in your usual track pants or leggings. You have to wear hiking clothes as on many days, you will have no escape from the afternoon rain.  Rocky Mountains National Park At A Glance  Location: Colorado, USA Established: 26 January 1915 Highest Point: Longs Peak Area: 415 Square Miles How to Reach: Take a drive or shuttle from the Denver International Airport.  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.