Unique Things To Do In Venice Beach: Is Venice Beach LA Worth It? 

BY  Sibashree Aug 12, 2024

Gates of the Arctic National Park is where the Brooks Range and the Tundra landscape come to life with wilderness and vivid topography. This national park is a place of topographical diversity with the coexistence of mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and marshy lands.  A home to nomadic people for more than 13,000 years, the Gates of the Arctic is a prominent example of how human lives can be dependent on wilderness or nature. Many visitors love backpacking and trekking in this national park. Further, many stay in camps in the backcountry to experience its rich wildlife despite the challenges. Do you want to know why camping in the backcountry is worth the hardship? Does the national park have camping sites? Find the answers to all your questions in this guide.  Knowing The Gates Of The Arctic National Park (Why Camping Here Is A Great Experience) The Gates Of The Arctic National Park is a paradise for wilderness travelers. The intriguing land of Tundra, embraced by jungles, mountains, and rivers, makes camping in the backcountry worth all the effort.  Gates Of The Arctic Geography You can explore the arctic geography of this national park by trekking or by air. Tundra peaks and the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range ensure a humbling experience. You trek to Mount Igikpak, a glacier-carved peak with an 8,510-foot elevation. Another mountain to have glaciers in this region is Mount Arrigetch. Even backpacking and trekking to Mount Doonerak have a distinct charm, as the mountain is the quintessence of wilderness and unadulterated beauty.  Further, this national park has six designated wild rivers. Those are: Alatna River John River Kobuk River Noatak River North Fork of the Koyukuk River Tinayguk River Alatna and Noatak are great for canoeing. If you want more adventurous pursuits, you can try rafting in Nigu (to the north) and Kobuk (to the west).  Gates Of The Arctic Wildlife  The Gates of the Arctic is home to many mammals and birds. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says,   “Forested southern foothills rise to limestone and granite peaks more than 7,000 feet high in this remote wilderness park. North of the peaks, clear water rivers run through glacier-carved valleys; and Tundra, covered with wildflowers during the brief northern summer, stretches toward the Arctic Ocean. Many of the nearly 500,000 member Western Arctic caribou herd migrate through the park each fall. Brown and black bear, wolf, Dall sheep, lynx, moose, wolverine, and red fox live here year-round. In the spring, the park hosts migratory birds from Europe, South America, Asia, tropical archipelagos, and the continental U.S.” Other animals found in this national park are grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and musk oxen. Among the birds, Tundra swans, common loons, and golden eagles are the most common.  Further, if you enjoy the playfulness of aquatic animals, watch out for graylings, trouts, sheefish and salmon.  Gates Of The Arctic And Human History  The Gates of the Arctic is a prominent place for archaeological research. The study and interpretations of the museum collections depict how people have been surviving in the Brooks Range for around 13000 years now.  Along with Inupiat, Nunamiut, and Athapaskan descendants, you will also find many non-native Alaskan people in this region. These people have always been dependent on fishing and hunting. The wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic is the foundation of their livelihood.  What Is The Best Camping Near Gates Of The Arctic National Park? With marshy lands and tussocks, Arctic Tundra has a vulnerable landscape and it is difficult to find a steady spot for setting up camps or tents. Also, the existence of wildlife in a remote location and dense vegetation make the space unsuitable for camping.  So, there is NO CAMPING SITE in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are designated areas in the backcountry for camping. However, you will have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the national park when putting up a tent.  You must also attend the orientation program and be particular about the gear, food, and safety essentials to be carried.  With permission from the park authority and the National Park Service, you can set up tents near the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot or around Wiseman and Bettles communities.  However, while camping in the backcountry, you will have to keep the following factors in mind.  Be respectful to the local communities like the Koyukon Athabascan Indians or Nunamiut. Their livelihood depends on the wilderness.  There are no provisions for running water, a dump station, or restrooms. Your phone network will be unavailable in this location. You have to carry all your trash back as you leave the camping site. You cannot adulterate the pristineness of the location.  If you have plans for camping in the backcountry near the Gates of the Arctic, summer is the best season. The temperature is a little moderate on these days, and sunnier days make all outdoor pursuits in the park easier for you.  Did You Know?  The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the second-largest national park in the USA. It stretches over 13,000 square miles. You can see aurora borealis from this park if you visit between November and March.  July and August are the best months to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park for hiking and backpacking.  Bob Marshall, a wilderness advocate, named this national park “Gates of the Arctic.” Final Words  Unlike popular national parks like the Biscayne National Park or the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Gates of the Arctic National Park does not have many visitors yearly. In 2023, only 11,045 tourists flocked to this place. (Source) With a diversity in topography and wildlife and an association with human history, this park has much to explore. However, the extreme trekking conditions and wilderness make it far from an easy excursion or trekking experience. Despite the absence of campgrounds in this park, you can camp in the backcountry at the designated spots in the fields. However, only an experienced backpacker should try it with proper orientation and extra safety measures. Have you ever been to this wild and intriguing national park? Do you have any camping experience in the backcountry? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Gates Of The Arctic National Park FAQs  Can You Camp In The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? Only backcountry camping is possible in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The absence of roads, villages, or facilities makes this area unsuitable for having designated campsites. Backpacking and hiking are the best ways to explore this vast landscape with rich wildlife and geographical interests.  Can You Stay In Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You can stay or try backcountry camping near the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Undefined terrains, wilderness, and a lack of modern amenities make it risky to put up camps in the national park. Even to camp in the backcountry, you will need the highest outdoor survival skills. The arctic ecosystem, topography, and weather conditions are different, and if you are confident enough to stay in the backcountry, plan in advance and get in touch with the Park and Preserve authorities for updates and advisories.  How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? You don’t have to pay entry fees to visit the Gates of The Arctic National Park. However, you must attend the backcountry orientation program at any of the visitor centers.  In this way, the Gates of The Arctic National Park is different from other national parks as most of them demand an entrance fee.  How Difficult Is It To Get To The Gates Of The Arctic National Park? The Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park. So, as you enter the park, hiking is the best way to explore. Remember, it is home to the Schwatka Mountains region of the Brooks Range and the highest peak here is Mount Igikpak with an 8,510-foot elevation.  So, exploring the national park is not going to be a cakewalk. A lack of established trails further makes hiking difficult.  Further, there are six designated rivers, including Koyukuk and Dietrich, in this national park. So, you will have to pass through multiple meandering river crossings. The water levels of these rivers keep fluctuating throughout the season. They are furious throughout the spring season. Tussocks, marshy lands and dense vegetation are other hurdles to your fast movement while trekking.  Do you want to visit the backcountry? You can take a bush plane operated by permitted pilots with knowledge of the region.  What Is Special About Gates Of The Arctic? The Gates of the Arctic is special because of its geographical uniqueness, rich wildlife, and significance in human history. The glacier-carved valleys, rivers, and ancient trails make the Gates Of The Arctic a favorite destination for backpacking and hiking. Thanks to its geographical typicalness, you will meet many animals and birds. The adorable grizzly bears will be seen feeding, and the musk oxen are another unique animal you must watch out for. If you are a birder, you will love watching the golden eagles, Tundra swans, or common loons.  Near the Nigu River or throughout the park, you will find stone fences and camping rings. These are a testament to how Inland Eskimos or Nunamiut have lived in this region for thousands of years. They survived on fishing and hunting.  In addition, as I pen this guide, I must tell you that the Gates Of The Arctic National Park is going to celebrate its 45th anniversary of designation next year. First, it became a national monument on 1st December 1978. In 1980, it became a national park and preserve. Also read Italy: Is Florence flat or hilly? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. The Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Experience The Magnificence Of Nature.

BY  Subham Saha Sep 23, 2021

If you have opened this article, chances are you are a solo traveler. If you are looking to travel solo in Japan, this is your go-to guide. Not only will I share my experience, but I will also make some budget Tokyo hostels in Japan for your travel in 2022. I have selected these hostels based on their Location, Amenities, Prices, and Staff. Why Staying In The Hostel Is The Best Option In Tokyo? Tokyo is among the top 10 expensive cities in the world. But what I like about this city is that even though the cost of living is exceptionally high in Tokyo, there are some spectacular and budget-friendly hostels in Tokyo where you can stay at a meager price and save your money for your other expenses as a solo traveler. Many people think that Tokyo is expensive. Yes, that is a fact. However, if you are smart and intuitive and look at the right places, you will see that Tokyo has several budget-friendly options on offer. For example, you can always book a ticket on the famous Tokyo bus tours to explore the great city and all its attractions. The key is to look for these opportunities and do your online research when visiting. Top 11 Budget Tokyo Hostels In Japan For 2022 The hostels in Tokyo are extremely clean and promote Japanese culture in every possible way. They all maintain eye-pleasing decors. All of them have Wi-Fi, and some have kitchens too. The price of beds generally ranges between $18-$45 per night. They occasionally host musical events and serve a lot of tea, and have little rooms in which you can sleep.  1. Hostel Bedgasm Hostel Bedgasm is one of the best hostels in Tokyo. It is located in East Tokyo. It features a vibrant bar. Solo travelers get a drink which is in the house. They utilize good ways to make travelers get acquainted with each other to have a nice time.  When it comes to Bathrooms, they are pretty clean. There's a rooftop area where backpackers can sit and get a view of the city. The staff is very welcoming, and there is a ton of storage given to backpackers where they can store all their items.  The area surrounding is pretty quiet and has many local food outlets. The Ramen place is quite famous for its ramen. Just ask any of the staff; he/she will point it out to you. The nearby places you may consider visiting are Roppongi, Ginza, Ueno, and the Tsukiji fish market. You can get there by metro.  Price: Beds from $35/night  2. Khaosan Tokyo Origami Khaosan Tokyo Origami is located in Asakusa. It's only a few yards from Senso-Ji Temple. It is a spotless Tokyo hostel, and it's air-conditioned. They have plenty of rooms and are quite spacious, which is not typical of Tokyo hostels. The beds are very soft and big. They also have curtains placed between beds to ensure the privacy of the backpackers.    Khaosan Tokyo Origami features a shared lounge that serves tea and coffee for free. There is a shared kitchen which is open all day. They provide slippers that you can put on and toast and tea/coffee as breakfast. There is also a lounge on the eighth floor, backpackers can play video games, indulge in conversations with fellow backpackers. You can see half of Tokyo from the lounge.  Price: Beds from $30/night  3. Hostel Chapter 2 Tokyo Chapter two is another best Tokyo hostel which is run by a family. It's just a 2 mins walk from Skytree Station in Asakusa. You will find the shared kitchen and commonplace very lively. It has more of a family vibe to it, which makes you feel very comfortable. The dorms are equipped with bunker beds.  You can get a view of the Sumida River if you get a bed facing it. I would rate Chapter 2 very highly as it certainly is one of the best Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $38/night  4.  Sheena and Ippei It is a tiny hostel located in downtown Tokyo. I feel this is one of the best Tokyo hostels because it is very near to Ikebukuro Station. The owners of this hostel are amiable people. Everything is built-in Japanese style in this hostel. The staff are very helpful; they will suggest some right places to eat from and visit to visit.  Price: Beds from $38/night 5.  Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki is just a minute away from Asakusa Temple and Asakusa Station. Even though the rooms are not that well maintained as other hostels on this list, they are comfy. You can get a good view of Skytree Tower if you manage to get a room upstairs. Price: Beds from $27/night   Also Read: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia 6. Backpacker's Hostel K's Tokyo House They have hostels all across Japan. The one in Tokyo is one of the most famous Tokyo hostels. It has a very welcoming vibe to it. The staff is accommodating and friendly. They do not provide breakfast, but there's a shared kitchen in which you can cook. It is not precisely in the center of Tokyo, so if you want to get out of all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, then you may consider this place.  Price: Beds from $28/night Also Read: New South Wales Southern Highland Helicopter Tour 7. Kaisu Hostel Kaisu Hostel was not always a hostel. Formerly it used to be a ryotei, which in Japanese means a traditional Japanese restaurant. This hostel is a bit on the expensive side as the building has preserved the Japanese culture very professionally. You can say that it is more of a hotel than a hostel. Consider other options if you want Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $40/night  8.  Citan Hostel This hostel is trendy among youngsters and hipsters. They have a massive common area on the first floor, and also, the kitchen is well maintained for cooking. There are also DJ nights on Saturdays. It does not have much of a hostel vibe to it.  Price: Beds from $28/night 9. Unplan Kagurazaka This is relatively a newer hostel, so it looks very plush. The floors are made out of wood and have simplistic decor. Both backpackers and families fit in the ambiance of this hostel. The public cafe on the first floor is an excellent place to hang out and make new friends.  Price: Beds from $39/night 10. Book and Bed Tokyo As the name suggests, if you are a backpacker who loves reading, this is the place you need to be. This hostel features a bookstore where backpackers are allowed to sleep on the shelves. You can read all sorts of books, magazines, and mangas.   Price: Beds from $37/night 11. Space Hostel Tokyo The rooftop lounge is the USP of this hostel. The rooms are spotless and well maintained. What I love the most about this hostel are its sushi-making party and origami classes. Kindly remember to carry cash as it is the only form of payment that this hostel accepts. You have to pay upfront while checking in.    Price: Beds from $29/night  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Are Hostels Good In Japan? Don't get your kimono in a twist, we have a much simpler life for you and prepared a list for the best places to take rest and recover while you are in between your temple touring and sushi sampling. Hostels in Japan are generally good and there's a variety of options. 2. Can You Enter Japan Right Now? Tourists and non-resident foreign business travelers are prohibited from entering Japan.  Japanese citizens and foreign residents can reenter Japan with a  permit that is complied with strict pre-and post-travel testing  and quarantine upon arrival. 3. How Much Money Should I Bring To Japan?   Single Traveler Two Travelers Low Budget 3,500 - 7,800 yen 7,000 - 15,600 yen Medium Budget 8,800 - 18,500 yen 13,600 - 28,000 yen High Budget over 18,500 yen over 28,000 yen 4. What Is Japan Famous For? Japan is known for its traditional arts, which includes tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging. The country has typical gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen of UNESCO World Heritage sites and sushi is originated from Japan, one of its most famous culinary exports. Conclusion Solo traveling in Japan has been one of the best experiences in my life. The Tokyo hostels are spectacular. If you have never traveled alone before, trust me when I say it is an eye-opening experience. To travel solo, you need to keep an open mind free of prejudices and stereotypes.  Solo travel gives you a unique chance to be yourself indeed. There is no one to hold you back when you travel solo—however, certain things to keep in mind like mindfulness of your safety, loneliness, etc. With a little courage and preparation, it can make it worthwhile. You May Also Like: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 19, 2023

This outdoor oasis in the South is a solid wanderlust attraction. A scenic city that is always on the move can be your next perfect weekend getaway. The city is bustling with energy, and on a typical afternoon, you will see its locals as well as weekenders venturing into the Tennesse River along with their boards and boats. The bikers go up and down the hilly streets through the town, running and walking down the pedestrian bridge and playing with frisbees in the numerous parks. The parks look neat, being hedged by bike lanes and carefully placed benches. Public art makes the town come alive with color and socio-cultural significance. The number of things that will stay with you long after you visit this town is too many, but one of them will be the food and the restaurants. There are also a lot of adventures to be had outdoors in this character-filled city. If you are looking for some weekend fun or a short trip to feel rejuvenated, this city is close by and has to offer a lot. This is going to be the best weekend spot for you, and we have brought you the best of it. Here are some of the most fun and memorable things to do in Chattanooga. Things To Do In Chattanooga hotels.com If you have thought about going away sometime and taking a break, but you can’t think of any place so far. Chattanooga could be a great option. Here are some of the best things things to do in Chattanooga that will stay imprinted on your memory. Tennessee Aquarium tnaqua.org One of the fun things to do in Chattanooga is visiting the aquarium. This aquarium maintains two buildings. There is River Journey which showcases the freshwater habitats from around the world, and Ocean Journey, where visitors are treated to the magnificent view of sea creatures and ocean life. It is recommended to spend at least three hours while visiting to take in a good fraction of the 10,000 animals that are here. If you are looking for things to do in Chattanooga with kids, they will love the adorable macaroni penguins and dreamy sea jellies. Try visiting on a weekday, as it gets busier on weekends, for a more authentic experience. If you are looking for free things to do in Chattanooga, the city also offers a free shuttle to get here, making the experience pocket-friendly. Lookout Mountain cntraveler.com There are three scenic attractions this mountain ridge has to offer. There is the Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. The Ruby Falls is the United States’ deepest and tallest underground waterfall standing at 260 feet. Rock City is where one can see seven states from the iconic Lover’s Leap. And when you hop on the Incline Railway, you will be witnessing the steepest passenger railway on Earth. You need to spend a minimum of 4 hours at these mountains to gauge the highlights of the spot. Each of the three attractions has separate expenses, and the tickets are known to sell out fast. Raccoon Mountain Caverns wikimedia.org The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are located 1.3 miles off the I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit. It is less than 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. This mountain offers views of a cave in its natural state that has thousands of diverse rock formations. There are stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, delicate soda straws, rimstone pools, columns, draperies, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. It also offers many wild cave “spelunking” expeditions for all those who want to go deeper into the caves and explore the mountain. An expedition to the waterfall dome allows visitors to get to the place with the view of the tallest underground, unassisted, naturally flowing waterfall. Walnut Street Bridge pickyourtrail.com This is one of the best examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges dating back to the years between 1884 and 1923. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum wp.com This nostalgic train trip will offer aesthetically restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that encase the intricate craftsmanship of ages long gone. The ride will take you through the beautiful Tennessee countryside that has awe-inspiring views bound to make you reflect on the simpler times of the past. The museum’s exhibit has an impressive set of artifacts, old photographs, and other memorabilia that help bring the rich railroading history to life. The staff here are highly knowledgeable and will eagerly share information on railroad history while being dressed in period attire. The experience will provide you with lots of fascinating insights whether you are a history buff or otherwise. Ruby Falls simpleviewinc.com This one is the deepest and tallest underground waterfall that is open for public access in the States. There are guided tours such as the classic waterfall tour, the lantern tour, and the extended cavern experience tour. The tour will take you along its beautiful cavern trail to a gorgeous waterfall that is surrounded by old geological formations that took millenniums to form. There are also extensively picturesque views of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee Valley, and the Tennessee River from the top of the Lookout Mountain Tower. The tours fill up pretty quickly. You must purchase the tickets online in advance for increased availability. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery chattanoogawhiskey.com One of the other things to do in Chattanooga for adults is visit the whiskey distillery. This distillery is the first ever to craft whiskey in Chattanooga in over a hundred years. It boasts over 100 different barrels that mature in an aging cellar. Each visit to the distillery is an ode to the past, present, and future of hand-made bourbon. You can reserve a tour & tasting trip to check out their latest craft. This can also be one of the things to do in Chattanooga for couples. You must be 21+ with a physical and valid ID. Creative Discovery Museum This museum is a hands-on children’s museum at the very heart of downtown Chattanooga. It is known to inspire children of all ages to innovate, explore, play, and create. The exhibits are designed to entertain as well as educate children on exploring the world around them. They are pushed to become inquisitive about art, science, music, water exploration, and dinosaur digging. It was rated number #7 by Trekaroo of the children’s museums in the U.S. in 2015. Wrapping Up Chattanooga sure has everything you could want for a short trip away from the hustle of the city. If you want to know about things to do in Chattanooga this weekend, we hope this article gave you a headstart. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! 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