10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix(Arizona)

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

BY  Sibashree Apr 23, 2025

Is the Bahamas safe? Trust me! My mailbox is getting flooded with this question from the tourism businesses and professionals I know.  I think that the recent announcement from the Trump administration to avoid visiting the Bahamas has raised this concern.  But why is this sudden announcement? The growing crime rate, unsafe boating practices, and a rise in shark attacks have prompted the US State Department to issue an advisory on 31st March 2025 and an urgent warning against Americans visiting the Bahamas.  Now, the Bahamas, with the largest economy in the Caribbean, has often been under the radar as a nation with a Level 2 travel caution.  Level 2 caution means that a traveler needs to “exercise increased caution” while planning a trip to the Bahamas.  So, can I travel to the Bahamas right now? Yes, you can, but with increased safety precautions.  Do you want to know about travel safety in the Bahamas? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog. Is The Bahamas Safe? Hear It From The Travel Advisories "Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.”The Bahamas Travel Advisory, Bureau of Consular Affairs, The US Department of State Now, this is not great news for the Bahamas, a country heavily reliant on tourism. Further, in February this year, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism confirmed the arrival of 11.22 million international visitors in 2024.  Everyone was pleased to see that the country had recorded such high numbers despite the ravages of hurricanes such as Oscar and Milton.  However, we cannot deny the fact that the Bahamas started the year 2024 with frequent reports of murders. The homicide rate in the Bahamas in 2024 was 29.7. It was a sharp 8% increase from the murder rate of 2023. No wonder that the growing number of crimes has raised concerns across the globe. We can consider the travel advisories issued by the governments of the USA, UK, and Canada as responses to the growing crisis.  1. The Bahamas Travel Advisory, The Bureau Of Consular Affairs, The USA Caution Level: Level 2, Increased Caution Date Issued: 31st March, 2025 Is Nassau Bahamas safe for tourists? No, it is not. In fact, Nassau, Freeport, and various areas in the Grand Bahama Islands and New Providence are not suitable for travelers.  There has been disturbing news of residents getting killed by gang members in these areas. The Bahamas Travel Advisory advises against selecting a vacation rental property without personal security guards.  Along with instructions on how to practice increased caution in these areas, the US Travel Advisory has also shared the following guidelines.  Safety Related To Weapons And Ammunition  Carrying firearms and ammunition is not allowed in the airport. If you are carrying one, even by mistake, you can face detention, jail, and more severe punishments.  The advisory tells a visitor to avoid combating robbery or theft physically. Moreover, a traveler must keep the doors of their room locked and use safety measures to avoid security threats.  Beach Safety: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Many unauthorized or unlicensed companies operate watercraft services in the Bahamas. However, the recent incidents of sexual assaults in downtown Nassau beaches have made it difficult to enjoy beach activities freely in Nassau.  Also, there has been news about the growing number of deaths caused by snorkeling and swimming.  Moreover, there has been an alarming rise in the number of shark attacks in the Bahamas. Unregulated Boating And Jet Ski Rides  Due to the lack of regulation in the Bahamas' boating industry, boating-related accidents are common in the country.  Also, sexual assaults during jet ski rides are common in the Bahamas.  So, you must only choose watercraft services that have the right insurance and licenses. ⁕⁕ “Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.” ⁕⁕ 2. The Bahamas Travel Advice From The Government Of Canada: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Caution Level: “Exercise a high degree of caution” Date Issued: 8th April, 2025 The Bahamas Travel Advice from the Government of Canada is very similar to the Bahamas Travel Advisory issued by the USA government.  However, a few additional points are there in the Government of Canada's Bahamas Travel Advice.  For example, it asks you to be careful about not having spiked food. Criminals in Canada often add drugs to food and drink to commit robbery or sexual assault.  Further, the travel advice highlights road safety precautions, especially while driving through areas like Nassau.  It asks the travelers to keep the doors of the car locked and windows rolled up. Moreover, you must not get out of the car and try to remove anything that’s obstructing your road.  It can be a trick to rob or assault you as soon as you get out of the car.  Moreover, the advisory talks about water and power supply shortages in the Bahamas. Hurricanes are frequent, and Milton and Oscar are two hurricanes that have left major impacts on the Bahamas recently.  Hurricanes create problems in power supply, water supply, and the availability of essential services. So, always keep an adequate supply of water.  3. Are The Bahamas Safe For Families? The “Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas” By The UK Government Violent crimes, sexual assaults, and drink spiking are the most prominent crimes that travelers need to be alert about when traveling to the Bahamas.  Furthermore, despite the potential for the Bahamas to experience substantial growth in adventure tourism, safety concerns related to swimming and water sports are causing major problems.  Also, the Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas issued by the Government of the United Kingdom highlights the possible problems for LGBT+ travelers and how a traveler from the UK will experience major cultural differences there. “In The Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention. Showing affection in public, especially for same-sex couples, is uncommon.”Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas  Are The Bahamas Safe For Families, And Why We Still Love The Bahamas See, the questions like “Is it safe to walk in the Bahamas?” or “Is the Bahamas safe for families?” will not fade anytime soon, as the crime rates are high in the country.  Also, countries such as the USA, the UK, and Canada have issued travel advisories that highlight almost the same major issues.  Having said that, we still love the Bahamas, which has endless stories about the voyages of Vasco da Gama, and it is the home to the Pirates of the Caribbean.  The major tourist attractions in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, Freeport, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Exuma Cays.