Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy!

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  sagnika Oct 9, 2023

Have you heard about the Sea of Stars Maldives? Are you planning your honeymoon and looking for a starry night sky vibe? Please read the article to learn about the magical occurrence and its reason! What can be better than the glowing Island in the Maldives? One of the most beautiful natural wonders, the glowy beach is perfect for visitors and tourists to create a lifetime of memories. Maldives' Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! There are reefs at the beach which show nature at its best! When the beach glows at night, it is a sight to see. It feels magical, especially because you will get privacy at the beach. In the article, I will be talking about why the Maldives Sea of Stars glows! People have still not crowded the place, so book the tickets to Maldives if you plan to travel somewhere this year. Read the article to learn about nearby places you can visit on the glowing Island! About Vaadhoo Island! Located in Maldives, Vaadhoo Island is a part of another island of Raa Atoll. The Island is quite small, with a population of 500 people! Due to the phenomena of glowing beaches or the Sea of Stars, the Island has become quite highlighted on the global tourism map. It was one of the best-kept secrets of the Maldives, but recently, it has become one of the most sought-after places for tourists worldwide! In 2022, the festive season of the Maldives was welcomed by plankton swarming everywhere! The phenomenon, "Redhan lun," is a powerful force of nature displayed across the Ocean, making the water glow! According to the ancient Maldivians, many stories and folktales respect and revere this phenomenon. The natives consider it an omen of power and majesty of the Sea. Even though the interpretation of the dazzling display, according to the Maldivians, is not as clear, it is quite visibly magical for both the natives and the visitors. The planktons run across the northernmost to the southernmost place of the beach! How Do You Visit The Glowing Beach? The Sea of Stars vaadhoo Island Maldives is well connected with different parts of Maldives; hence, reaching there is no issue! Male is the capital city of Maldives, and the distance between Vaadhoo Island and Male is 8 km! So, if you are questioning, where is the Sea of Stars located? You are booking a flight, check if it is landing at Velana International Airport, the main airport in Maldives! Vaddhoo Island is quite accessible from the airport as you can hire a speedboat, which will take approximately 15 minutes to reach! When you reach the Island, you will feel as if you have got paradise with its translucent water! The sun setting is another beautiful view you would forever like to keep as memories! It is one experience you must have on your bucket list if you are an offbeat traveler! What Is The Secret Of The Glow? The shining beach of Vaadhoo has a microorganism called plankton or phytoplankton! These microorganisms radiate under the Sea to glow a vibrant blue light; thus, at night, their glow makes the whole beach shiny and magical! The microorganisms are bioluminescent, and through a chemical process, they create light, making the whole Sea glowy and dreamy! These mysterious and unknown creatures create the natural phenomena of 'Bioluminescence.' It is one visual memory you want to save for the rest of your lives! Looking at the Ocean at night, it seems like all the stars are coming down from the sky, gracing the Sea and the beach! You can easily walk across the beach or swim in the water during this time. Worth it! You can try your luck in the Greater Male area, which is quite underrated. If you want, check out the Planktons; it is a beautiful place to visit at night! What Is The Best Time To Visit Maldives? The best time to visit Vaadhoo Island is during the summer months, between May to November. We are saying this because, during this time, the bioluminescent display is at its peak! People often think the time of the year matters when planning to visit the glowy beach! But it is the environmental conditions, along with the seasonal variations, that matter! To ensure that you check out the beautiful place, you have to calculate the optimal time to visit the beach. The environment influences the Sea of Stars during specific months! During the summer months, the population of the phytoplankton increases and thrives. Your chances of coming across these aquatic microbes increase during this time as a magical symphony of lights is created across the shoreline. Sea Of Stars: Instagramable Place To Visit! The intensity of the Sea of Stars during summer months increases as the bioluminescent dinoflagellates increase significantly. It is visual to watch at night, especially when the stars above and below create a celestial paradise for you! Imagine you visit the Sea of Stars in Maldives with your partner hand in hand, walking down the shore, or organizing a dinner for your little sister along with your parents on her birthday on the Vaadhoo beach. It is a perfect natural setting for the best people in your life and memories of a lifetime. Check out the instagram account @Vaadhootours, which has beautiful photos of the Sea of Stars! You can have a beautiful picture taken at the beach with stars above your head and below your feet. Rightly named the Sea of Stars, the aquatic microbes ensure their presence is felt! Pictures taken of glowing footprints or scrawls across the glowing sand are perfect pass time for children and even adults! The Sea then washes them away later, and with morning light, the blue fluorescent light fades away. Where To Stay When You Visit Vaadhoo Island? With the dark sky comes the light and the motion in the turquoise water of Maldives! The Ocean comes alive, which is otherworldly, so to check out the Sea of Stars, you need to book your accommodations close enough to experience the celestial glow of the water. I will tell you five places to stay for your vacation at Vaadhoo Island, and enjoy the heck out of your trip! Velassaru Maldives Want to experience the local culture? You have to book at the Velassaru Maldives, where luxury is at its best, along with the Gentle sand guiding you to the water's edge. Further, the spectacular view that you will be getting of the water from the property is incomparable. A tropical indulgence, Velassuru is the ultimate property, creating a perfect blend of nature and luxury! Services such as free internet, free breakfast, beach access, airport transportation, and canoeing make the whole deal worthwhile, with charges for rooms below $467.57! Embudu Village If you want something affordable, opt for Embudu Village at the South Male Atoll. The resort is situated on a private island which is 3 km long, so it is perfect for a stroll across the beach! It is the perfect idyllic natural hideaway if you want some alone time! The lush tropical vegetation, along with white beaches, offer you the ideal backdrop for a vacation. Services available in this 122-room property are airport transportation, baggage storage, spa, canoeing, internet, beach access, and bar! The charges of booking this property vary from $198.12 to $316.06 as it is one of the most affordable resorts available to enjoy the natural beauty of Maldives. There are rooms with private balconies on the pricier side! Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives If you want to stay in one of the largest lagoons, this is it! The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives is an award-winning resort as they have created an alternative that combines nature and luxury. Water and beach villas are built amidst the largest lagoon in the Maldives! There are a variety of water treatment rooms along with world-class holistic treatment by Jiva Grande Spa! Charges for the rooms, suites, and villas vary between $683.25 to $893.95 with free high-speed internet, pool, and gym services. Further, you can go boating and have access to the beach and free breakfast! You can also access services such as books, music for the children, movie DVDs, and babysitting! Baros Maldives Based on 3971 reviews on Tripadvisor, Baros Maldives has been the best as they are rated 5 out of 5! With a shallow lagoon and marine life spread across the reef, this resort is located and the guests get the perfect tropical island experience. The villas are elegant, created with sandstone and timber, peacefully nestled among exotic blooms across the beach. Per night, they charge around $791.32 for rooms as there is a variety, such as suites, non-smoking rooms, bridal suites, and ocean views. Services include free high-speed internet, airport transportation, canoeing, a business center, free breakfast, a gym, and a pool for all guests! Club Med Kani - Maldives The resort is perfect for unwinding in the Maldives, within 2 km of swaying palms and powdery beach! They have all-inclusive services at the resort, so you can enjoy your stay along with experiencing some of the best underwater adventures, quite exhilarating. Per-night charges for the hotel rooms are $1282.34! Free services provided to the guests are free internet, outdoor play equipment for kids, canoeing, free breakfast, private beach access, a pool, and a fitness center. There are schools of tropical fish, snorkeling, and paddling across the shores that Club Med Kani Maldives Resort offers. There is a wide variety of cuisine, which will make your stay unforgettable! What Other Places You Can Visit From Vaadhoo Island? Apart from dipping your feet in the glowing Sea of Vaadhoo Island, there are other beautiful experiences that you can attain by visiting different places! On the Island, you cannot miss these natural events or experiences! Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve It is the seventh-largest coral reef, with biodiversity shooting through the roof! You will see the plankton flowing through the coral reef, which maintains the food chain in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, thus sustaining 1200 species of fish. The total area of the coral reef is 139,700 hectares, including 75 Islands in Baa Atoll! Out of the 75, there are only 13 islands inhabited mostly by Maldivians, while there is only one Island with one tourist resort! A variety of aquatic and marine lives. If you look in the water, you will find some endangered species, such as Napolean wrasses, green turtles, tawny nurse sharks, and hawksbill turtles. There are mangroves across all the islands! Thilafushi: The "Rubbish Island" Maldives attracts 750,000 visitors annually, and this Island is paying the price of that as the rubbish produced by the tourists is all dumped, ditched, and piled like heaps of trash on the smooth white sand and tranquil blue water. The rubbing produced on a per-day basis is almost 3.5 kg! It was initially a collection of shallow coral reefs, but in 1992, the Male government decided to dump all the garbage here; thus, it has been since called the "Rubbish Island"! The land suffered severely from the 330 tons of trash. Then, the garbage excavators, migrant workers, and refuse freighters were used to handle the Island! Over the years, the Island has become hazardous while rubbish dumping has been stopped in 2011! It is a place you can check out if you are an environmentalist and want to make a study out of it. Keahole Point Blowhole During the winter months, you can check out Keyhole Point, located in Kailua-Kona town, in the western part of the Big Island. Spectators will be fortunate to see the mammalian blowholes, especially because not all are so organically and perfectly made! When the water rushes through the lava tube opening, which the low viscosity pahoehoe lava has created, the spouts of ocean water swell consistently, battering the rocks! Feeling Otherworldly Yet… Now that you know about the Sea of Stars Maldives, you must learn about some safety details! Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, so there is hardly any chance of getting hurt! Yet, considering the glowy water is an attraction for people, it can be an attraction for other animals and marine life predators. It is important to understand that even if you live in a resort, you must be careful when visiting the beach! Comment below about your plans to visit the glowing beach and why! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 2, 2024

Ah, summer vibes mean vacays, road trips, and the classic "Are we there yet?" soundtrack. But let's face it, keeping kiddos entertained during long car rides is no easy feat. The struggle is real! And we all know too well that screen time takeover – not the best road trip memo. Why miss out on the fun? Road adventures are a golden chance for your little explorers to dive into new activities, discover cool stuff, and dive into some classic road trip games. Because let's be real, they won't remember the drive if their eyes are glued to a screen. Time to make those miles memorable. I mean, if you're living in a place for a few days, I think you might be Looking for soccer camps all around. However, if you can’t find something as such, we would suggest you go through the following tips instead. Tip – 1: Make The Entire Thing A Game  Picture this: you're on a classic car ride, cruising down the road. Now, you've got your go-to games like I Spy, Car Bingo, and The License Plate Game. But when those start feeling a bit too familiar, it's time to turn up the fun with some karaoke action! Now, I get it, not everyone's a singing superstar, so let's mix it up. Try this game called Karaoke Masters: create a playlist of tunes everyone knows before you hit the road. Play just a few seconds of a song, and let the kids guess what it is. Throw in some rather goofy ones like "Old McDonald Had a Farm" or "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" for extra laughs. Trust me, it's a road trip game-changer! Note: Ever tried those travel trays for road trips with the kids? I swear by them! They’ll give the little ones a handy flat space for coloring, drawing, or whatever keeps them busy. Plus, no more stuff rolling off with that raised edge. And get this – there's even a cup holder and pockets for snacks. Safety-wise, the edges are soft and padded, just in case. Perfect for meals on the move too! We've been using them for years, and they've been a game-changer. 2: Give Them A Surprise Box  So, on every road trip, my kids get super pumped about this amazing thing we call the "surprise box." It's basically just old lunchboxes I snagged at a garage sale. Now, the magic happens when I fill them up with all sorts of fun stuff I’ve found on the – garage sales, Dollar Tree, clearance aisles, you name it. And let me tell you, it's a big hit! The best part? Everything inside is brand new to them, making each little toy or activity way more exciting. I toss in some snacks and sweet treats for good measure, too. Now, if you really want to milk the suspense or use it as a reward for some stellar behavior, you can get creative. Maybe make a bunch of small surprise bags to open at specific times or pit stops. Think Legos, Hotwheels cars, fidget toys, smaller-sized dolls - you name it. Dollar Tree is like a goldmine for budget-friendly goodies. Happy travels! 3: Let Them Listen To An Amazing Story  Switch up your pre-trip routine this summer! Instead of downloading movies, go for podcasts – like movies for your ears! Check out NPR's Wow in the World, their first podcast for kids. It's not just for your little ones; the whole family can enjoy it. Discover the mysteries of why shoelaces never stay tied, the secrets of astronauts' bathroom breaks in space, and how saying "thank you’ can boost your health. It's a fun way to learn together! 4: Play Mobile Games Or With Toys  When you've got a whole bunch of time ahead of the children, make the most of their iPad love! There are cool games that are not just fun but also educational. If your little one enjoys coloring, grab 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book – it's like coloring without the mess of crayons. Plus, there are world maps for some on-the-go geography lessons. And for the older ones, Minecraft Pocket Edition is a big hit! When the road trip gets bumpy, go back to the good old days! Try card games, Mad Libs, and even the classic Etch A Sketch. Travel-sized board games like Clue, Trouble, and Scrabble are perfect for the ride. Don't forget Bingo! And hey, let your little one bring along their favorite toys – it's not just fun, it's like a piece of home on the road! 5: Make Memories As You Go  Ever wish you could relive those awesome family trips without spending hours on photo albums? Well, here's a cool idea: get the kids involved! Let one kid be the photo guru, another the daily journal keeper, and a third the memento collector – think souvenirs, coasters, and random cool stuff. Pack some instant cameras, paper, markers, crayons, glue, and tape. Every night, before crashing, let the kids create a page of memories from the day. When you're back home, make it a massive deal with a family night dedicated to flipping through their masterpiece. Trust me, it's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss! 6: Reward Their Good Behavior  You know, sometimes a little bribery can work wonders. Are kids not cooperating? Try throwing in a sweet deal. If they can keep the complaints to a minimum for the next hour, promise them a pitstop at the ice cream stand. Want some quality time with mom or Dad by the pool? Well, leaving the siblings alone might just do the trick. And if you can manage a whine-free morning, congrats – you get to decide where to eat for lunch or which attraction to hit up first. But, let's not forget the other side of the coin. If kicking the back of Dad's seat is your thing despite being told to stop, sorry buddy, but the hotel game room is off-limits that night. Tough love, you know? 7: Let The Children Have A Say Have you ever noticed how kids can turn a simple car ride into a full-blown protest when they're not into it? Well, here's a trick to avoid whining and complaining to get them involved in the trip plans! Imagine this: instead of dragging them along, let them take the wheel (figuratively, of course). For the little ones, just give them a few hours of power. They get to decide when and where to stop and for how long. Yeah, it might mean hitting up every random spot on the way, but hey, it's a small price for some peace and quiet, right? And it's not just about pit stops. Let them call the shots on what to do during their reign on the road. Maybe a quick detour to a quirky roadside attraction or a pit stop at a diner for a milkshake. Let their imagination run wild. Now, if you've got some older kids, turn the planning up a notch. Give them the keys to the whole day. Let them map out the route, plan all the stops, and come up with a theme for the day. It's like a little road trip takeover by the mini road trip experts. Plus, they can create the ultimate playlist for the journey. So next time you're hitting the road, remember, hand over the reins to the little road trip planners, and you might just avoid the dreaded backseat rebellion. Happy travels! Read Also: Journey To Joy: Unleash The Potential Of Your Road Trip With These Tips Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites