You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

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  Sibashree Apr 25, 2025

In 2025, we lost Victor Emanuel, the top-notch birder and the founder of the Austin ecotourism company.  Now, one month after his passing, it is the ideal time to have an in-depth discussion about the ecotourism scenario of Texas, a state he called home.  The ecotourism industry in Texas has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Further, it is an important element in the tourism and economic landscape of the state, generating employment and revenues.  Again, ecotourism in Texas is a part of sustainable tourism in the state, emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible travel practices.  The waterfalls in Texas, located in state national parks and other locations, are important components of ecotourism in the state. These waterfalls are often at the epicenter of diverse ecosystems.  Moreover, many of these waterfalls are part of bigger conservation projects, playing a bigger role in the environmental protection of the state.  By now, you must have an idea that this Tour and Travel Blog is going to be about the best waterfall in Texas.  So, let’s explore! What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas? Spring is the best time to visit the best waterfalls in Texas. During March and April, the waterfalls receive adequate water from rainfall in the winter season and melting snow.  Further, the summer months from May to August are a good time to explore the waterfalls in Texas. The cascading water with mists around offers a cool escape in the scorching summer of Texas. What Are The Best Waterfalls In Texas?  Today, we mostly associate Texas with stunning urban areas and the most dramatic desert landscape.  However, we often overlook the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes in the state, offering the right fusion of adventure and immersive experience for tourists. 1. Gorman Falls Location: Colorado Bend State Park Height: 70 Feet Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee for Adults: $5, Children below 12: Free Entry Gorman Falls near Dallas is so grand that you cannot capture the whole of it in a single frame. Further, Gorman Falls is a popular hiking destination with a rocky trail.  Moreover, various springs and Gorman Creek feed this waterfall, and the pool near the fountain is home to Guadalupe bass fish.  2. Cattail Falls Location: Big Bend National Park Height: 80 Feet Hours Open: 24*7 Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $15.00–$30.00 Cattail Falls is one of the hidden gems when we talk about the best waterfalls in Texas. It is a popular hiking destination for adventurous tourists.  The hiking trail is 3 miles long, and hiking is tricky through the trail. However, a glimpse of the waterfall falling as multiple streams of water is worth the effort. 3. Westcave Preserve Falls Location: Hamilton Pool Road Height: 40 Feet Hours Open: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: $20 for Adults 16+ and $10 for Children Aged 4-15 years Westcave Preserve Falls is the ultimate fantasy destination with stories of unicorns floating in the air.  Further, this waterfall is pristine, and the little cave here creates a sense of intrigue. 4. Chalk Ridge Falls Location: Belton Height: Around 206 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry: Free If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton will be your go-to destination.  Surrounded by trees, Chalk Ridge Falls exudes a pristine charm. Also, you will love swimming in the shallow side of the lake. 5. Pedernales Falls Location: Pedernales Falls State Park Height: 50 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years And Above, Free Entrance for Children Aged 12 Located near San Antonio, Pedernales Falls is all about finding peace. The sound of the water is music to the ears.  Here, you can bike and hike around the trail and swim in the calmest water.  6. Hamilton Pool Waterfall Location: Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs Height: Around 50 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2-5:30 PM Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Children Below 12 Years  Hamilton Pool Waterfall has been formed with the creek spilling streams of water over limestone structures.  There is a beautiful pool below the waterfall in a canyon. You can reach Hamilton Pool Waterfall after a hike of 1.9 miles through a moderately challenging route. 7. Krause Springs Location: Spicewood Road Height: 8 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 8 PM (Usually Closed between November 1st and February 15th for Maintenance.) Entry Fee: $10 for 12 Years and Old, $6 for Children from 4 to 11 Years, and Free for Kids Under 4 Years A property of the Krause Family for the last 50 years, Krause Springs has 32 springs. Furthermore, the waterfall here enhances the appeal of the serene landscape.  You can swim in the pool, camp, or even hike the small trail to spend some time in nature. Also, do not forget a walk in the beautiful butterfly garden.  8. McKinney Water State Park Location: Austin Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years and Above, Free for Children up to 12 Years Home to the Onion Creek, McKinney Water State Park has the Lower and Upper Falls. You can reach the waterfalls fed by the water of the Onion Creek by hiking through endless trails here.  Moreover, the gigantic bald cypress tree, or Old Baldy, stands as the eternal witness to humankind in this state park.  What Are The Best Swimming Holes In Texas? Do you want to escape the summer heat of Texas? Why don’t you plan a trip to these amazing swimming holes? These swimming holes are ideal for a fun time with family and friends. 1. Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park in Austin. Fed by spring water, this 1000-foot-long pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees F throughout the year.  It is a perfect summer escapade for families.  2. Devil's Waterhole Located in the Inks Lake State Park, Devil's Waterhole is a popular swimming hole in Texas. You can also hike through the canyon in the Inks Lake State Park. Further, you can plan camping and overnight stays in this beautiful state park.  3. Blanco State Park Blanco State Park has a dam that creates a beautiful lagoon and waterfall. You can swim here and indulge in the scenic beauty. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 11, 2021

Finding the right summer destination that offers a wide array of activities for all your family members can be a daunting task. However, opting to go for vacation in Myrtle Beach for the summer is a decision you will most definitely not regret. For years, millions of travelers have been thronging Myrtle beach during the summer holidays. Myrtle Beach offers tourists extensive tourist attraction sights, a favorable subtropical climate, and numerous festivals and cultural events in the beach city (features that check all the boxes for any traveler). Read now to find top reasons why this beach city is highly favored as a top summer destination. Here are the top reasons Why Myrtle Beach Is the Ideal Summer Destination Regardless of whether you're looking for a solo getaway or merely looking for a family excursion with family, Myrtle Beach should have you covered. So what makes Myrtle Beach stand out from the rest? Can you guess how long myrtle beach is? 60-mile long beach is the greatest tourist attraction. Here are the prime reason for choosing Myrtle beach as the ideal summer destination. 1. The Extensive Beach One of the best places you can spend your summer is on the beach. This is why millions of people visit Myrtle Beach every summer to enjoy the extensive sandy beaches. Myrtle Beach has access to a coastline that extends for about 60 miles from Cherry Grove all the way to Surfside beach. Once your toes sink into the sand of the beach, you will forget every concern or worry you have in your mind and will be taken aback by feelings of serenity thanks to the calming sounds of the cool ocean water. Many travelers are asking about how many hours to myrtle beach, South Carolina, only 9 hours drive. The long stretch of coastline makes it great for travelers to indulge in water activities and games along the beach. Couples can also enjoy long romantic walks in the mornings and evenings right before sunrise and sunset. 2. Different Forms of Entertainment If you are looking for a location that’s ideal for your whole family, then your children or grandchildren will have fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. If you are looking for a location that’s ideal for your whole family, then your children or grandchildren will have fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. Visiting this amusement park will also bring back your childhood vacation days to life. The massive park covers more than 13 acres of land and is situated close to the sea. The best thing about this park is that it's free for the public, and you don't need any particular subscription to get access to the park facilities. If you're not into the old-fashioned rides, then you can entertain yourself and your family at the Pelicans. This Myrtle beach minor league team gives visitors a remarkable opportunity to get acquainted with some of America's favorite pastimes at a very pocket-friendly price. The Pelicans are set up in a stadium with seats arranged near the beach to give visitors the best experience. If you’re looking to have a bit of mature fun, you can explore the fantastic Myrtle beach nightlife by attending the amazing clubs scattered across the city. 3. Ample Dining The best vacations are not only for filling your family photo albums but for filling your tummies as well. One of the things that make Myrtle beach stand out is the fact that it has many dining destinations that cater to families. When you visit this city during the summer, you can rest assured that you and your family will have a wide array of options that will trigger your taste buds for the better. Restaurants in Myrtle Beach are hall manned by professional chefs who strive to offer the best cuisines from the state and worldwide. If you happen to have a sweet tooth, you can check out the Sugar Life Ice Cream and Candy Bar for different options of confectionaries such as waffles and ice cream, among many others. Your kids will really appreciate it but make sure they don’t indulge too much. 4. Shopping Experience Is it even a vacation if you don’t raid the local courier shops for souvenirs or anything that appeals to your persona? Myrtle Beach offers an incredible shopping experience for everyone, so make sure you set some money aside to do some shopping. Whether you are a severe or not-so-serious shopper, you can rest assured that shops, such as the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove will have something for you. You can also check out the open-air markets such as the Market Common, where you are guaranteed to experience an entire village of residents, restaurants, and shops to explore. 5. Summer Festivals One of the best things about Myrtle Beach is that it has near-perfect weather all year round. However, it's the summer that really springs Myrtle Beach into life. With an average temperature of 80 degrees through the summer, the weather is more than perfect for festivals designed to impress both the young-at-age and young-at-heart. While some are huge with people traveling from all across the world, others are aimed at celebrating the local culture. One of the biggest celebrations is the Wings Over Myrtle Beach Air Show that features a squadron of Blue Angels famous in the Blue Crab Festival in Carolina. With so many festivals in the city during the summer, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from which is worth your time. Clemson is another popular tourist destination. You may be asking about how far iClemsonon from myrtle beach you only require five hours to reach the destinations. 6. Best Summer Hotel Deals Summer comes with some really amazing hotel deals that you can take advantage of. With vacations being quite expensive because of the high tourist traffic in the area, many hotels often have great deals to lure tourists. Some of the summer hotel deals you will find will turn your weekend getaway into an extra-long weekend getaway. For instance, the Sea Watch Resorts offers great discounts and sometimes even free stays during the summer. If you visit Myrtle Beach and make it your favorite, as many other tourists have, you can choose to buy property in the area so you can visit at any time you’d like instead of waiting for deals and discounts on accommodation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. What is so special about Myrtle Beach? A: It is the mini-golf capital of the world. Myrtle Beach is all about a long white sand beach that has warm water that you will feel while swimming. It is also a place where you will get uncountable seafood options.  Q2. Why is Myrtle Beach Is called Dirty Myrtle? A: Myrtle Beach is one of the famous beaches in America. The reason to call it dirty Myrtle Beach is that it refers to any kind of drink and a mud run.  Q3. Is Myrtle Beach crowded in the summer? A: If you visit Myrtle Beach at the beginning or end of summer, there will be no crowds. But if you visit the place in the months of May or September, then you experience the infamous crowds in Myrtle Beach. Q4. Should I avoid Myrtle Beach? A: Myrtle Beach is known for its extreme weather. Therefore try not to plan your trip during the month of July and August because the summer hits very hard. The same goes for winter, avoid visiting this place during the month of December, January and February. Bottom Line It's one thing to go on vacation and another to enjoy your vacation. No two travelers are alike, and finding an ideal location with a variety of activities for every family member can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be with Myrtle Beach. The location has become a favorite holiday destination for many because of its affordable hotels, top-notch restaurants, vibrant festivals, and pristine sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a lively trip with your family or a solo getaway, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic destination for families, adventurers, foodies, and sightseers. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures