Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Into The Land Of Art Deco Architecture

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

BY  Sibashree Mar 10, 2026

Fort Lauderdale, or the Venice of America, charms visitors with its canals and beautiful beaches. It also has the most happening art scene.  On the other hand,  Miami is a cultural gateway to America, and it is a year-round beach destination. Miami nightlife is also quite iconic.  So, if you love beaches and waters, and exploring the authentic culture of America, a Fort Lauderdale to Miami trip will be an amazing experience.  Furthermore, these two beach destinations are well-connected by road and train. So, you can take a car, taxi, bus, or train to cover the distance of less than 30 miles.  Now, here is more on the Fort Lauderdale to Miami distance, how to travel, and some essential travel tips.  What Is The Distance From Fort Lauderdale To Miami? The distance between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is around 29 miles or close to 45 km. Furthermore, traveling the distance by road takes around 30 minutes.  Along with a private car or taxi, you can also take a bus to travel this route. There is also a train route between Fort Lauderdale to Miami.  Now, Miami is on our list of the best family vacation spots in 2026. So, if you are traveling with family, taking a private car will be the best option.  However, if you want TheLowDownUnder travel experience, you can choose a train ride like me.  Nevertheless, here is a quick summary of the Fort Lauderdale to Miami distance and the travel time via various modes of transportation.  Fort Lauderdale to Miami DistanceAround 29 MilesTravel Time by Train Around 40-50 MinutesTravel Time by Bus 40 Minutes to 1 HourBy CarAround 30 Minutes How To Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami?  The Super-Fast trains on Brightline or a drive on the I-95 Expressway make traveling from Lauderdale to Miami enjoyable.  However, there are many alternative routes and travel options. And, here are the details.  1. Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Car The Fort Lauderdale to Miami route is well-maintained, and the fastest route is via I-95. Also, it starts from Fort Lauderdale and ends in Downtown Miami. However, you can also take the Florida Turnpike route, which runs parallel to I-95.  Furthermore, on this route, you will first drive to Miami Gardens, which is a little west of Fort Lauderdale. Then, you will connect back to I-95. Moreover, if you are traveling from further north, such as Dania Beach or FLL, you can take A1A for a beautiful road trip.  Despite being a longer route, it is the most scenic, and it connects beautiful beaches such as Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Miami Beach.  Thus, you will get complete access to the oceanfront activities and the best resorts. The cab rental price will be around $60 to $110.  2. Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Bus Greyhound USA and FlixBus USA are the main bus operators on the Fort Lauderdale to Miami route.  FlixBus Services From Fort Lauderdale To Miami Downtown  FlixBus runs five buses daily from all the stops of Fort Lauderdale to Miami Downtown. So, here are the details (Source: FlixBus Official Website).  Departure PointDeparture TimeArrivalTicket Price (USD)Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station8:35 AM9:50 AM9.48Fort Lauderdale Airport 1:20 PM2:30 PM10.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station3:45 PM5:05 PM10.48Fort Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride4:40 PM6:00 PM10.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station9:15 PM10:20 PM9.48 You will also get FlixBus services from Fort Lauderdale to other bus stops in Miami.  Furthermore, among them, the bus from Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station to Miami Golden Glades is the fastest.  Also, it departs at 5:25 AM and reaches at 5:40 AM. Furthermore, the ticket price is USD 9.98.  Moreover, many buses departing from the Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station also travel to the Miami Intermodal Center and Miami Beach.  Greyhound USA Bus Services From Fort Lauderdale To Miami So, here are the details of the Greyhound USA bus services from Fort Lauderdale to various stops in Miami (Source: Greyhound USA Official Site).  Departure PointDeparture TimeArrival PointArrival TimeTicket Price (USD)Fort Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride3:20 AMMiami Intermodal Center4 AM10.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station9:35 AMMiami Intermodal Center10:05 AM8.98Fort Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride6:25 PMMiami Intermodal Center7:20 PM9.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station6:50 PMMiami Intermodal Center7:20 PM9.48Fort Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride9 PMMiami Intermodal Center9:45 PM9.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station9:15 PMMiami Intermodal Center9:45 PM9.48Fort Lauderdale Broward Park and Ride11 PMMiami Intermodal Center11:50 PM9.48Hollywood Sheridan Trirail Station11:20 PMMiami Intermodal Center11:50 PM9.48 3. Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Train  Tri-Rail and Brightline are the two train services between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.  Furthermore, Tri-Rail is run by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, and Brightline is a private railway service.  Nevertheless, here are the details.  Traveling From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Tri-Rail  You can take a Tri-Rail train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport or MiamiCentral.  Furthermore, the train services are available from Fort Lauderdale from 4:55 AM to 10 PM.  Also, the travel time to Miami Airport is around 35 to 50 minutes.  Moreover, the one-way price ticket is $5 (full fare) and $2.50 (discounted price). You can even buy a 12-ride pass for $60 or a monthly pass for $110.  On the other hand, the travel time to Miami Central is around 35 minutes, and the ticket fare is the same.  Traveling From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Brightline The Brightline trains are the fastest connecting Fort Lauderdale to Miami.  Furthermore, the Brightline Station in Fort Lauderdale is at 101 NW Second Ave, and the Brightline Station in Miami is at 600 NW First Avenue. Moreover, you can choose the SMART and Premium services of the Brightline trains. In addition, based on the facility, the ticket price will be between $19 and $34.  Also, the Brightline stations have on-site parking facilities. Moreover, from these stations, you can access the other areas of Fort Lauderdale and Miami by public transportation, taxi, Lyft, and Uber.     4. Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami By Taxi And Rideshare Taxis, rideshares, and limo services are frequently available on the Fort Lauderdale to Miami route.  Along with Uber and Lyft, you will also get shuttle services such as GO Airport Shuttle, SuperShuttle, Transfeero, Blacklane, and South Florida Shuttles.  Moreover, when you book these shuttle services, traveling on this route becomes easier and safer, especially if you are a first-timer.  What Is The Best Time To Travel From Fort Lauderdale To Miami?  December to February is the best season for the Fort Lauderdale to Miami journey. The temperature range between 60-degree to 70-degree F makes the road trip comfortable.  Furthermore, 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM are the peak traffic hours on this route. So, if you want to avoid the traffic, you must travel outside these hours.  Moreover, you must use Google Maps and navigation tools such as Waze for real-time traffic updates.  Fort Lauderdale To Miami: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) So, here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Miami.  1. How Much Is An Uber Ride From Fort Lauderdale To Miami? The average cost of an Uber ride from Fort Lauderdale to Miami is around $50 to $55. However, based on the timing of the day and the traffic conditions, it can also shoot up to $85. Also, if you need an UberXL while traveling with a large group and Uber Black for a luxurious journey, expect higher price points.  2. What Is The Cheapest Way To Get From Fort Lauderdale To Miami? Tri-Rail is the cheapest mode of transportation from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. Also, the ticket price is $5, and with a discount, the ticket price is $2.5.Furthermore, you can book a 12-trip pass, a monthly pass, or a regional monthly pass for a more budget-friendly journey.  3. Is It Better To Fly Into Miami Or Fort Lauderdale? The better option between Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airport depends on many factors. For example, the Fort Lauderdale Airport, or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), is ideal for budget travelers as the flight tickets are cheaper. Furthermore, it is ideal for the cruise passengers to Port Everglades and those who want to explore Broward County or other places in Northern Miami. On the other hand, the Miami Airport is a prominent international airport. Moreover, it is especially suitable for travelers to Coral Gables and Miami Beach. You can also use it as a connecting airport to other international or major hubs.  4. Is There A Fast Train From Fort Lauderdale To Miami? Yes, there is a fast train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. You can take the private Brightline service to reach the Miami Downtown Station at 600 NW First Avenue. Furthermore, the Fort Lauderdale station is at 101 NW Second Avenue. Moreover, the ticket price for this train ride is between $19 and $34 and the travel time is just 38 minutes. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 29, 2024

Kenai Fjords National Park is a place rich in biodiversity. Like the Dry Tortugas National Park, it also harbors a diverse marine ecosystem and a wide range of birds.   Further, it is an elusive land of glaciers, icy lands, rocky mountains, and green canopies. It is also the park where you can take part in activities like hunting, fishing, petting at Exit Glacier, boating, and kayaking. However, the most fascinating activity to do here is watching wildlife.   Here, I will be your entourage in finding how the wilderness becomes alive at the Kenai Fjords National Park.   Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife   The Kenai Fjords National Park has one of the highest footfalls among the national parks of America. In 2023, 387,525 people visited this National Park thanks to its wildlife and the most dramatic landscape with glaciers, mountains, ocean, and valleys. (Source)   Further, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game explains why and how the geographical features of the National Park make it rich in wildlife and biodiversity. About the habitat, it says,   “The park contains shallow bays and estuaries, and deeper marine habitats. Regional currents drive nutrients into outer Resurrection Bay, making that area especially rich in fish and an early location for spring bloom of plankton and algae. Cliffs and rocky shores create nesting sites for birds and haul-out areas for marine mammals.”  Do you want a slice of wildlife at this park where whales and mountain goats cohabit in the most amazing way? Let’s explore.   However, if you are more interested in amphibians and reptiles, the Everglades National Park will be your go-to destination.   Whales At Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife  Watching the whales is one of the best activities to do at Kenai Fjords National Park. You can see the whales here throughout the year.   The table below presents a sneak peek into the different species of whales and their best viewing time.  Type of Whale  Best Viewing Time  Humpback Whale Mid-May to August Orca or Killer Whale Mid-May to June Gray Whale Mid-April to May Fin Whale May to September  You can easily spot whales on the surface of the water. As they spout, fluke dive, breach, or spy hop in the water, you will get to know about their playful nature.   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ensures that cruising companies and visitors maintain respectful behavior when they are on whale-watching trips.   Other Sea Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Kenai Fjords is home to many sea mammals along with various species of whales. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Dall’s Porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions.   Dall’s Porpoise  Dall’s Porpoises look like orcas but are faster. They eat lanternfish, octopus, and squid.   Harbor Seals  You will find these cute sea mammals resting around active glaciers. They also stay on ice floes. They love to eat shellfish and fish.   Sea Otters  You will spot the playful sea otters swimming on their back in the water. They love fish, crabs, sea urchins, and squids.  They are furry, and the funniest thing is to see them using their bellies as tables. For sure, you will want to grab a soft toy version of these sea mammals.   Stellar Sea Lions   Stellar sea lions are an endangered species, and they stay on the icy shore of the sea. They have reddish fur, and they are 6-8 in height.  These mammals survive on fish and mollusks.   Birds At Kenai Fjords  From the NPS archive, a historical document on Kenai Fjords National Park says,   “Kenai Fjords provides habitat for at least 191 species of birds. The black oystercatcher spends most of its time feeding in the rich intertidal zone. Tufted and horned puffins nest in rock crevices along the coast. Bald eagles patrol the waters in search of salmon and other fish.”   It’s time we meet the birds and learn briefly about them.   Horned Puffins  These beautiful birds have unique black horn-like markings over their eyes. The touch of red on the tip of their beaks further makes them easily distinguishable.  You must visit the Kenai Fjords from mid-May to August to catch a glimpse of these birds.   Bald Eagles   You may catch bald eagles preying on fish and waterfowl. They get their name from their white-feathered head.   Peregrine Falcons  Known for excellent hunting abilities, peregrine falcons have a vibrant touch of yellow around their eyes and on their beaks.   Along with these birds, you can also see birds like the common murre, black-legged kittiwake, and cormorant at Kenai Fjords National Park.   Land Mammals At Kenai Fjords  Mountain goats and brown and black bears are common at Kenai Fjords. The mountain goats have split hooves for a better grip on the mountains and on the snowy land.   Further, many people visit the Kenai Fjords only to meet black and brown bears. These bears love eating fish, berries, and other vegetation.   Final Words   Global temperature changes and glacier melting have challenged the vast wilderness at Kenai Fjords National Park. Further, the movements of crustal plates beneath the Earth's surface make the landscape and its ecosystem volatile.   So, there is nothing permanent about the animals found in this park, stretching over 1000 square miles of water and land. Also, it is impossible to know about all the species habituating here thanks to the geographical nature and dramatic differences in weather conditions across seasons.  Nevertheless, as you take a tour of this rich national park on a cruise or explore its various parks, make sure to abide by the safety norms. Respect nature and its inhabitants!  This is the best way to experience the natural abundance the park is known for.   Do you have plans to visit the Kenai Fjords anytime soon? What do you find the most amazing thing about it? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!   Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park: FAQs  What Animals Can You See In Kenai Fjords National Park?  Kenai Fjords wilderness is vivid. As you take a cruise trip or explore the National Park, you will notice the seals first, comfortable on the floating ice in the sea. Further, the male and female sea lions make their presence felt on the icy seashore.   Kenai Fjords is home to many notable species of marine and land mammals. Also, you will find various birds here.  Whales, sea otters, Dall's porpoise, gray wolves, minks, and mountain goats are common animals here.   Birds such as puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons will greet you as you visit this beautiful national park.   Can You See Bears In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords has black and brown bears. Black bears are easily spotted, and they are more timid than brown bears.   The National Park Service has a set of safety guidelines, including not attracting bears with food and garbage and avoiding their personal spaces. Follow the norms to make your interaction with the bears delightful.   Can You See Northern Lights In Kenai Fjords National Park?   Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Kenai Fjords National Park during the autumn and winter seasons. The night sky of Kenai Fjords looks like the most amazing melange of green, purple, blue, and green shades.   If you are a religious soul, you must visit the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It’s the most divine experience.   For a spiritual journey, watch the lights over the Seward boat harbor.   When To See Whales In Kenai Fjords National Park?  You can see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park throughout the year. However, if you want to watch a specific species of whale among the varieties seen here, you must plan a trip according to the right season.   The best time for watching gray whales is March and April. In these months, gray whales migrate to this part of the world through the Gulf of Alaska.  Do you want to watch the humpback whales? You can see them from May to October. They flock in large numbers from Mexico and Hawaii. They live in the water here as they can find nutrient-rich food for them throughout the summer.   In addition, Orcas or the killer whales are seen in mid-May and June. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you will also see minke whales and fin whales in this area.   What Is Special About Kenai Fjords?   Your Alaska trip is incomplete without a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see the best of the marine world. Also, it is the home to Northwestern, Aialik, and Holgate tidewater glaciers. Glaciers move relentlessly into the sea.   Further, it is the most picturesque landscape where mountains, an ancient icefield, valleys, cascading falls, forest canopies, and the great Pacific Ocean coexist. Thanks to this coexistence, Kenai Fjords National Park is rich in biodiversity. You will find humpback whales, sea otters, mountain goats and many species of birds in the National Park.   Designated as a National Park in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park also protects various archeological and historical remains. The park has many prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic sites.   Archeologists still conduct surveys in this park to learn more about the human way of living and why it has changed over the years.   Also read Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park. Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023! What Is The Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park? Find The Answer Here!