10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix(Arizona)

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state's interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities. Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals. Best Places To Live In Washington State It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek. Cheney It's worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney's population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants. For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults. Spokane Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle. For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men's basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.   Portland In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city. Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money. Ocean Shores The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people. If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic. Olympia Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia's turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour's drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle. Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in. Tacoma Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle's downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water. Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there's more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state. Seattle Seattle is not only Washington's most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area. Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, NHL's Kraken, and NBA's Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. What Is The Pacific Northwest? The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska. Does Washington Have A State Income Tax? Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don't have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon. What Is Seattle Famous For? In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result. Wrapping Up States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit. We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you're searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you're willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle. No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

BY  Mashum Jan 26, 2021

A cruise in Alaska is one of the most immersive ways of taking in all the beauty that the state has to offer.  It is one of the best multigenerational vacation ideas you can think of.   Further, cruising in Alaska is crucial for the economy. For example, Juneau has been one of the most popular cruising ports in Alaska.   The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), in association with the McKinley Research Group, has conducted research on the “ECONOMIC IMPACT OF JUNEAU’S CRUISE INDUSTRY.” The 2023 report says,   “The cruise industry accounted for $375 million in direct spending in Juneau in 2023, $320 million of which is attributable to passenger spending; $39 million to cruise line spending; and $16 million to crew member spending. Spending was largely concentrated in the tour/activity ($152 million) and retail ($144 million) sectors.”  Cruising in Alaska is like surfing through paradise. And you know that Alaska will not look the same in the coming years. Global warming is real, and we are losing the ice splendors along with the birds, animals, and marine creatures of Alaska.   So, let’s start cruising!   Cruise In Alaska: Setting New Records With All Its Spectacle  Alaska just celebrated its 65th statehood anniversary on 3rd January 2024, and it’s great that the year looks promising for the cruising industry. You cannot agree more when destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau, Kristi Switzer, says,   “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city.”  The number of visitors and the days they spent in Alaska also state that Alaska is “the destination” for people looking for exotic experiences. 2,724,180 people visited Alaska in 2022-23, and there were 22,465,847 visitor days.   This season, it’s expecting another major spike in visitors, setting new records. It’s time for you to know why this season and every season in Alaska is special.  1. A Cruise in Alaska Is Affordable Cruising will be the cheapest and easiest way to explore Alaska if you are on vacation for two weeks or even a shorter period.  To cruise in Alaska, your pocket pinch will be around $400 to $2200 per person (cruise-only fare). In addition, there will be port expenses, taxes, and fees.   2. See the Glaciers  Even when there are no port calls, your Alaskan cruise will take you so through some spectacular scenery. When you visit the inside passage there are thousands of islands and hundreds of miles of beautiful rainforests along the shoreline. You will see mountains that rise to at least 3000 feet out of the sea. You get to experience wildlife, such as humpback whales, dolphins, and orcas. However, while these are spectacular, one of the most beautiful things to see is the glaciers. Alaska has thousands of glaciers. Most Alaskan cruises make glacier stops so that you can get an up-close view of these beautiful gifts of nature. 3. Activities for Everyone When in Alaska, go gold panning, kayaking, bear touring, whale watching, dog sledding, fishing, and hiking.  There will never be a dull moment, so book a trip now so you can find the best time to cruise.  Alaska Tourism Impacts   As you cruise in Alaska, you contribute to the state’s economy. In 2022-2023, the direct spending on tourism in Alaska was $3.9 billion.   The overall economic impact, however, was much higher, recording $5.6 billion.   Further, the average trip spending went up to $1,485 in summer 2022 compared to $934 in 2006. (Source)  Cruise in Alaska and tourism based on that are renewable sources, creating and supporting employment to an extent. In 2023, Alaskan tourism supported 48,000 jobs.   Book Your Trip Now  Now that you know what’s special about taking a cruise in Alaska, you shouldn’t procrastinate. Go ahead and book your trip early.  Alaska, being a multigenerational destination, is ideal for cruising with your family. The little one especially loves watching the birds, whales, and other sea animals.   Further, looking at the glowing glaciers and just relaxing on the cruise deck can be the perfect “Aha” moment for you! Let’s go cruising!   Cruise In Alaska FAQs   Are Cruises To Alaska Worth It?  Yes, cruising in Alaska is definitely worth it. Sitting on the decks of the ships, you will get to enjoy the panoramic view of Alaska. You will come across small islands, majestic cliffs, and icebergs.   The trip also includes disembarking at designated locations and exploring the local areas on foot.   What Is Unique About Alaska?  Alaska is unique, with its icebergs and monumental cliffs rising over three thousand feet. It is also a wonderland with fjords, never-ending stretches of forests, and icy splendors.   Get ready to enjoy most of the spectacle at Glacier Bay, Mendenhall Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier.   How Rough Is An Alaskan Cruise?  Cruising in Alaska can be a little rough as your cruise sails through the Gulf of Alaska. However, it is quite seamless when you are in the protected waters of the Inside Passage.   The ride becomes bumpy as the cruise moves toward Anchorage, Whittier, or Seward through the Gulf of Alaska.   What Is Alaska’s Cruise Season?  Alaska’s cruising season starts in May and continues to September. However, if you want to experience sunnier weather and warmer temperatures, July and August are the best months to embark on Alaska cruises.   Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Why You Should Move To San Diego

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 29, 2021

Are you traveling solo? You must know that solo traveling is the biggest trend this spring as Airbnb experiences a 90% surge in year-on-year searches.  This reminded me of my last solo trip to Zion National Park in spring. But why is a Zion National Park Tour so exciting in spring? In this Tour and Travel guide, I will share a detailed overview of spring at Zion National Park, the weather conditions, and the things to do.  Zion National Park Basic Information: Location: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767Hours Open: 24*7Entry Fee: $20-190 Spring At Zion National Park: What’s So Special About It?  March and April are the spring months in Zion National Park. The days in the park are warmer, helping the wildflowers like Claret cup cactus grow.  However, the nights can be cold as at Zion National Park, there is a change of temperature of around 30 degrees F between day and night.  Further, the accessibility of the higher areas in the park depends on the amount of snowfall in a particular winter season.  Again, when the snow melts, the water level in the river rises. So, the Narrows in the park may remain inaccessible during spring and early summer.  Despite these challenges, spring at Zion National Park is busy with the park shuttle services and The Human History Museum resuming their operations. With the return of the park shuttles, spring is the best time for a scenic drive across the park.  Month Number of Visitors (Average Number from 2019-23)% of Visitors March343,1418%April364,9938% Furthermore, you can even plan camping at the Zion National Park in spring as the Watchman Campground opens this season.  Spring At Zion National Park: Know The Weather Conditions  Zion National Park enjoys pleasant weather conditions during March and April. With decreasing cloud in March, you also enjoy better clarity or visibility.  Further, the chances of precipitation are quite low in these two months. The table below gives you a better idea of the weather conditions at Zion National Park in March and April. MonthsHighest Temperature (Degree F)Lowest Temperature(Degree F)Precipitation ChancesMarch48-69 27-4111-17%April55-7633-489-11% So, a day-long hike or camping in Zion National Park is most suitable during these months. But, what are the other things to do at Zion National Park in spring?  I will discuss them in the next section. Things To Do During Spring At Zion National Park  Spring at Zion National Park is the best for hiking, camping, scenic drives, learning, and guided tours.  1. Hiking With a seemingly endless amount of hiking trails, spring at Zion National Park is the season of exploring. Visit Weeping Rock or check out the sights as you hike Angels Landing, just to name a few. Further, the hiking trails with stunning views are ideal for hikers of all skill levels.  For example, if you are looking for a peaceful and easier hike, The Narrows offering the chance to slip through scaling walls of color, will be the best choice.  Check if the Narrows are closed before you head to the park.   The Zion Canyon Overlook trail and The Watchmen trail offer moderate-level hikes, while trails like Angels Landing and The Subway Trail are challenging. Tour And Travel Note Angels Landing is considered to be the most dangerous hike in the country. People fall off the tall chunk of rock, because of no guardrails. 2. Camping Unfortunately, the South Campground of the park remains closed this season for a long-term rehabilitation project.  So, if you want to camp at the Zion National Park in spring, you only have the Watchman Campground. The Lava Point Campground does not open before May.  Nevertheless, the Watchman Campground, accessible from March to September, is close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the south entrance in Springdale.  You will get potable water and firewood for sale at the Watchman Campground sites. However, all sites are available on a reservation basis.  Do you want to know about the reservation, amenities, and fees of the Watchman Campground? You can call (435) 772-3256.  3. Scenic Drives The scenic drive route through Zion National Park runs for around 54 miles. The route starts at Highway 9 and stretches to Mt. Carmel Junction.  Usually, it takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete the scenic drive.  During the drive, you will cross the visitor area in the park and visit the Zion Canyon and Checkerboard Mesa area along with all the iconic landmarks.  4. Learning https://www.instagram.com/p/CeTjKIXueGW/ Your visit to the Zion National Park in spring is incomplete without the learning experience at the Human History Museum.  The museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, it has extended hours of operation in summer.  The Human History Museum is the perfect combination of stunning visuals and educational information regarding the park and surrounding areas and cultures.  Here, you’ll find a 3D model of the park and learn more about the American Indian culture and early inhabitants of the area, as well as the creation of the park itself. Moreover, you can buy books and souvenirs from the Museum shop.  5. Guided Tours Exploring the vast landscape of Zion National Park with an expertly trained and fully knowledgeable tour guide is a lifetime experience.  The crafted guided tours through the first national park in Utah give you various perspectives about nature, geology, wildlife, and iconic landmarks of the park. Further, some of these guided tours are available seven days a week.  Moreover, you can take part in various adventure activities through these guided tours. So, try horseback tours, rock climbing, jeep tours, and hiking. Let’s Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park  Yes, spring at Zion National Park is lovely with clear skies. However, the threat of cold, rain, and sleet still exists and you must keep yourself updated with the latest weather developments.  Mornings and evenings bring chilly temperatures. So, be prepared with beanies, gloves, long underwear, light jackets, and long-sleeved shirts.  Further, wear sunscreen as the Sun shines brighter and the day becomes warmer.  Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World