Thinking Of A Fiji Cruise? Tips To Get You Started

BY  Sibashree Jul 12, 2024

“A river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea.” That’s Everglades National Park, a paradise exuding the most pristine and tranquil vibe.  You know, you always don’t need something out-of-the-box to have an ever-lasting impression. The spiritual ones know that being present in the moment and soaking the energy can be the most fulfilling experience.  Similarly, Everglades National Park does not need snowclad mountains or glaciers to draw millions of visitors annually. A diverse ecosystem and the conservation of natural lives here thrive amidst the National Park’s quiet hub.  President Harry S Truman rightly pointed out, "Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country." (Source) So, if you are heading to Florida and want the most immersive experience, plan a trip to Everglades National Park, a swampland just outside Miami. You will have sea turtles, alligators, manatees, Roseate spoonbills, and fish to welcome you.  Everglades National Park: Know The UNESCO World Heritage Site In the Brief Synthesis of Everglades National Park and its outstanding universal value, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says,  “Everglades National Park is the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent. Its juncture at the interface of temperate and sub-tropical America, fresh and brackish water, shallow bays and deeper coastal waters creates a complex of habitats supporting a high diversity of flora and fauna. It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America.” There are many other interesting factors adding to the outstanding value of this place. Let’s have a look at them. The Everglades has limestone substrate, which is one of the most active modern carbonate sedimentation areas. It is home to more than 400 species of birds. It is a major migration corridor for birds. Around 20 threatened, endangered, or rare species live in the Everglades. The Everglades was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today, various federal, global, local, and tribal governments manage the Everglades, and they work in agreement to restore the sanctity of the place.  An Encounter With The Most Fascinating Wildlife At Everglades National Park  Spanning across 1.5 million acres over Florida’s southern part, Everglades National Park attracted 1,155,193 visitors in 2022 and 810,189 in 2023. Diverse wildlife is the major crowd-puller for this park.  About the Everglades, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, “The mixture of subtropical and temperate wildlife species is found nowhere else in the United States.” Animals You Will Encounter At Everglades National Park AmphibiansSouthern leopard frogFlorida cricket frogEastern narrow-mouth toadPig frogBirdsRoseate spoonbillBlack-bellied whistling-duckEurasian WigeonAmerican WigeonInsectsArachnidsMosquitoesBiting fliesCentipedesReptilesLizardsSnakesAmerican alligatorsAmerican crocodilesMammalsShort-finned pilot whale Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin White-tailed deerWest Indian manatees The biodiversity of the Everglades is very crucial for Flordia’s ecological benefits. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan has been there since 2000 to restore the ecosystem of the National Park.  ** The table does not furnish exhaustive details of the animals found in the Everglades. Only a few species are mentioned.  What’s More At Everglades National Park?  Along with having an encounter with the most diverse wildlife, you can take part in boating, camping, and guided tours at the Everglades. Let’s make the most of it.  Enjoy Guided Tours & Other Services You cannot help falling in love with the following guided tours at the Everglades. Shark Valley Tram Tour Everglades Institue Tours Permitted Tour Guides You can also take airboat tours to Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.  Are you in for boating tours? Go for Backcountry boat tours, Florida Bay boat tours, and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours.  Glamping Everglades Style You cannot just miss “glamping Everglades style” if you visit the National Park between November and April. Enjoy the best of wildlife with modern comfort during your stay in these tents equipped with fans, electricity, and other amenities.  Did you know that the Flamingo Eco-tents of Everglades National Park, Florida, was featured on the list of Best Glamping Spot of 2022, published by USA Today? Glamping service here begins at $109 per night. Enjoy A Serene Boating Experience  Being in the water at the Everglades will offer you the most versatile experience. As you paddle through the water, you will also meet amazing birds and fish.  Further, when you pass through narrow channels of mud and seagrass cut through the long banks, you will surely catch a whiff of adventure.   In addition, once you reach Ten Thousand Islands, you will be at a loss for words meeting the oyster reefs and sandbars. If you are a fan of boating and aquatic pursuits, you can also visit other National Parks in Florida, including  Dry Tortugas National Park and Biscayne National Park. Stay Safe At Everglades National Park Everglades National Park has well-chalked safety guidelines, including encounters with wildlife, managing your pets and children, and risks related to mosquitoes and poisonous plants. Don’t forget to check the National Park Service website to know and address safety concerns.  Further, the park provides detailed safety guidelines regarding your visit to the park in dry and wet seasons.   Staying Safe In Wet Season Afternoon downpours and heavy thunderstorms are common Mosquito bites and the attacks of flying bees will be more Weather will be hot (>100-degree F) and humid (over 90%) Wear loose-fitting, full-sleeved/full-length clothes and remain hydrated to beat uncomfortable heat and humidity. Also, use mosquito nets or repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites.  Staying Safe In Dry Season  The temperature in the dry season is around 53-77 degrees F. Freezing conditions may occur occasionally. Biting flies and mosquitoes will still be present in some parts of the park. Bring a warm jacket, head nets, bug jackets, or mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Also, wear lightweight and comfortable clothes to explore the place freely during the daytime.  Are You In?  Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over a massive two million acres across central and south Florida.  It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with various species coexisting there and contributing to biodiversity. It is also a “noteworthy example of viable biological processes.” In addition, as one of the oldest national parks in America, it was designated in 1934 by the  U.S. Congress.  So, are you ready to surf through miles of water and witness how a tranquil wetland can emerge as the goldmine of natural vegetation and wildlife ecstasy? Pack your bag and count me in!    Everglades National Park FAQs  Why Is Everglades National Park So Famous? Everglades National Park is known for its extraordinary wildlife. It is the hub of rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, sea turtles, and other aquatic animals.  It also has Florida Panthers, one of the most endangered mammals. Further, you will meet the endangered West Indian manatee and the most adorable bottlenose dolphin. The place even has a diversity of vegetation. You will get to see sawgrass, cypress, mangrove trees, and orchids.  Why Is It Called Everglades National Park?  The Everglades had vast, grassy fields or glades. If you decipher the name, you will find it to be a combination of two words, “Ever” and “Glades.” Together, these two words mean open grass fields.  What Is The Best Month To Visit Everglades National Park? November to April, or the dry season, is the best or the safest time to visit the Everglades. The temperature at this place remains moderate in this season, and there are fewer attacks by insects and mosquitoes.  Thanks to the lack of rainfall in Florida during this season, you can also explore the wildlife better during this period.  Who Found The Everglades? John Gerard de Brahm, a British surveyor, found the Everglades while mapping the Florida coasts in 1773. He called them River Glades, and it was 1823 when the name “Everglades” first appeared on the map.  From 1851, everyone started calling it “Ever Glades.” Is The Everglades Salt Water? You will have fresh water and saltwater at Everglades National Park. Once you surf through the fresh water for hundreds of miles, you will reach salt water.  Earlier, this meeting of saltwater and freshwater used to form coastal bodies with partial enclosures. These places were dynamic and had the most productive environments.  What To Wear In The Everglades?  You have to pick your outfits and shoes based on the season in which you are visiting the Everglades. If you are at the National Park during summer or the rainy season, you must wear full-length pants and full-sleeve shirts to avoid mosquito bites and contact with poisonous plants. Don’t forget your rain jacket and shoes or boots you wear during rainy seasons.  In winter, you will need warm jackets, closed-toe shoes and full-length trousers.  Also read Pet-Friendly Destinations Worldwide. Beginner Tips For Your First Camino De Santiago. Guide To Visiting Hegra (Madain Saleh) And The Al Ula Valley.

BY  Mashum Mar 24, 2019

Airbnb is an online marketing platform where we can find vacation rentals for ourselves. Most of us do travel on vacations at some point in our lives. Because this is not your home, you will need a comfortable place to lounge.   Why Airbnb?   Airbnb exists to make sure that you are getting the best experience from your travel. It is good to make sure that you are getting the most comfortable rental sites within your budget.   There are different destinations around the world to visit and have the best experiences in our life. When we are traveling to a particular location, we get a hotel room or lodge to stay. A few of these hotels are quite expensive, and we may end up not having any other alternative.  It is a boon to all the travelers that Airbnb has come to rescue them from this kind of turmoil. Now they can go ahead and book a vocational rental through the site at an affordable price. It is one of the best opportunities that travelers have to get a comfortable place to lounge.   Top Benefits of Airbnb   The best part of this deal is that you will get to stay in the best houses or apartments. You will be in a home away from your own houses, and this is the best thing we could ever ask. Everyone wants to make sure that he has a high level of comfort while in transit.   The organization has come a long way, and it has been in this business for approximately ten years. It did face several accusations from all the corners of the world. But still, it did make it through all the speculations and downfalls.   It does tell you that this brand has passed the test of time. Now it is considered one of the biggest online platforms globally. Airbnb helps travelers to find a place to stay with absolute serenity and peace. You have to make sure that you have a comfortable place to stay before moving out on vacation.   Luxury Retreats is a rental service provider, and Airbnb has acquired this organization for around 300 million dollars. Of all the deals which the company has cracked so far, this one has the highest value. It tells you that Airbnb has a bright future.   Luxury Retreats is the only company where Airbnb has invested to this extent. There are around 4000 properties in close to 100 destinations around the world. As the name goes by, indeed they are luxurious, and you will be able to find a lot of peace.  Therefore, don’t hesitate to book one of them when touring the region. At present, there are close to 3 million listings on the home-sharing website. This figure is large enough to serve millions of tourists all over the world.   There is another fact that we need to consider, which is that there are approximately 1400 castles in the listings. The best part of the deal which they have cracked is that now travelers will be able to rent out on the world-famous Richard Branson’s Necker Island.  We can go ahead and crash on the island with our close friends for 80,000 dollars per night. There are nine houses on the island, and it can accommodate 33 guests. The charges to this destination come along with the food.   Property valuation experts state that each property on the Luxury retreats would cost around 50, 000 dollars. Undeniably, this amount is huge enough to pay for Airbnb. It is good to make sure that you are getting the value of your money from any investment.   The Future of Airbnb   Apart from the deal, the Montreal Luxury Retreat will serve the people as a solo performer. The CEO of Luxury Retreats Joe Poulin stated that he would retain 250 employees at Montreal for the business.   Airbnb CEO appreciated this by stating that the company is doing a great job and is glad to partner with them. Each property that comes under this retreat circle goes through thorough checking and testing. It makes sure that the guests are satisfied with the level of service delivery.  The Mayor of Montreal stated that they are glad to give way to the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology. It is good to allow them to bring their innovation and creativity at work. The initiative is the only thing that will make Airbnb start thinking outside the box.   It is for sure that this deal for both companies is going to gain a tremendous amount of revenue. In that case, they must target the clients who come from a high-end profile. You could be asking yourself why these people should be the primary target of the company.   People who come from this background do live stressful lives. Therefore, they must find peace in these beautiful villas with luxury. It is one of the reasons that motivate high-end profile people to travel.   If we don’t want to live in a room where someone else lives, then the luxury retreat will help us. You can accomplish this in Turks and Caicos. These people are mostly looking for a strange place to get relaxation.   For that purpose, these services are useful and comfortable, especially to the users. The online marketing place of Airbnb is accessible through the internet where we can gather every detail about it. Therefore, you will gain a lot of insights that will help you to make informed decisions.   Castles luxury retreats have several benefits while arranging or booking a room or house. In the service of Airbnb, you will get commitments within the place that will be using.  It has so many advantages, like delivering quality and low level traveling expenses. It is good because you will spend less but get the most from your travel.   The headquarters of Airbnb is in the country of San Francisco, California, in the United States of America. Mr. Poulin and another member of their team guide the Montreal employee’s performance efficiently.  Why Airbnb Stands Out in the Market   In the Luxury retreats, 250 employees are working towards the satisfaction of customer’s needs. Even though we have some big companies arising over this brand, Airbnb still stands out in the market. It is tough to dominate it in terms of performance.   Airbnb officials have decided to add some additional works and resources to the team of Canadians. This process will lead to efficient management when looking for a rental house or room through the platform.   Dramatically, the luxury retreat organization offers a luxurious style of our life to all the visitors. It will give you some of the most memorable experiences when touring the world.   Luxurious based projects are at the international level. Therefore, it takes some effort to reduce the high end of rents. The minimum estimation of the service charge is from $200 to $300 in the Airbnb and Luxury retreats.   Therefore, you will not fail to get something that falls within your budget. The most important thing is to do your homework well.   Terms and Conditions for the Market Place   There are some indispensable terms and conditions that are available in this online marketing place room rental service. This network currently covers 4,000 rooms globally and has an efficient room-renting service.   These services are highly suitable for high-profile celebrities who want to get some relaxation in our life. However, you can still use them even if you are not a high profile person as long as you can afford the cost.   It has achieved a tremendous number of users by its performance and by the facilities. Besides, Airbnb has 150 million regular customers with the consideration of several acquisitions.   In the service of Airbnb, for a single deal, it will take $31 million in the country of China. In 2005, the trump paid the service charge rate with Airbnb, which was close to 24 or 25 percent. There is an amount of $1.85 million in the federal income tax of Airbnb, which is an online marketing place.  It has been tied up with an international revenue department for the past five years. In the Airbnb, there are so many facilities that can increase the level of customer satisfaction. Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will give you the best experience.   There are 5.3 million accounts registered with this online marketplace of Airbnb. It has most of the alternative specifications that satisfy customer needs. This technique will continue to be highly useful for the forthcoming generation.   It is ideal for people who want to live richly. In the upcoming generation, there will be a high amount of charges in this online marketing place. We need to prepare for this because things will not be the same, given the upcoming harsh economic conditions.   Conclusion   The process of choosing or booking a rental house or room is arduous in our modern world. But, through this system, we can access it easily by the support of the online platform. It could be an efficient process for getting relaxation and feeling good to stay.   Read Also: 8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists 5 Immensely Popular Travel Applications That India Loves

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 3, 2021

Udaipur is also famous as “Venice of the East” and is located in the western reaches of Rajasthan. It had a history of more than 1000 years. Udaipur is well known for its magnificence and elegance. It is well known for desert safari, palace tours, shopping, celebrations and class functions. The best time to visit Udaipur is in the winter season. The Indian state of Rajasthan receives millions of global tourists every year. Some of the cities, which see the highest number of visits include Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer. Udaipur has been famously named as the ‘City of Lakes’, owing to the presence of majestic lakes that are situated around Palaces. If you wish to see Indian royalty at its best, a trip to Udaipur should be right on top of your list. Udaipur is a concoction of the royal luxurious life, as well as the life of commoners. Tourists visiting the city can experience a slice of both in this majestic abode. From sun-kissed deserts to 7-star palaces turned hotels, Udaipur is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Here Are 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur: 1. Karni Mata Temple Ropeway: Karni Mata Temple Ropeway is a ride which connects Machala Hilltop, Sri Karni Mata temple, and Deendayal Upadhyay Park. It is a prominent pilgrim spot. There are 2 ways to reach the temple, staircase, and ropeway. This is a unique experience and the best way of transportation to the temple. Other major reasons are the architectural attraction and a panoramic view of the temple surroundings. The ropeway can be accessed easily, as it is located in the heart of the city. It will provide the best views of Sajjangarh Fort, City Palace Complex, Fateh Sagar Lake and Pichola Lake. There is also a viewpoint which is the privileged place to see the sunset over the city. In addition, at night, the lighting of the different palaces gives a splendid view. 2. Sunset Cruise on Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola is a prominent tourist attraction place in Udaipur. The sparkling lake reflects the hues of the sunset, magnificent palaces, and the incredible city of Udaipur mingling together to create magical effects. The lake contains 4 islands called as Arsi Vilas, Mohan Mandir, Jag Niwas, and Jag Mandir. It is really a blissful and relaxing experience to take a boat cruise into the freshwater lake during the time of sunset. Enjoy some crisp sunshine as they hit the lake giving sparkling reflections. Lake Pichola along with City Palace Lake and Udai Sagar Lake form the magnificent trio of scenic destinations that arouse magnificence. Lake Pichola is surrounded by luxurious 5 star and 7-star properties like Taj Lake Palace and Leela Palace. You can also look up accommodation in other properties that are affordable and within your budget. There are a number of options, which offer beautiful views of the lake from their rooms. 3. Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a village located near Udaipur. A 10-day will be celebrated every year during the winter season. It is famous for fairs which will be conducted for craft items, handicrafts, and textiles. Besides fairs, workshops will also be conducted for locals and tourists. It is the best place for souvenir shopping. Shilpgram will be organized at the western side of the Udaipur. The highlights of the region are mirror work, bandhani, tie and dye, terracotta sculptures and marble. It is especially a pleasure for those who are interested in learning pottery or any other type of craft. Crafts and tourism are an important industry for the state of Rajasthan. This is where you will be able to find some of the best handicrafts of Rajasthan. Local women do most of these artworks. NGOs along with Government appointed self-help women groups to help local women find sources of employment through handicrafts. Not only will you be able to get a fine piece of Indian handicraft, but you will also end up contributing towards sustaining the livelihood of women and the local population.  4. Horse Riding around Aravalli Hills: Taking a horse ride along the sloppy regions of Aravalli Hills is the best experience you can have in Udaipur. You can also spot animals like blue bulls, antelope and many more. For beginners, it is better to take the horse ride for a short period. For professionals, it is advised to hire the horse for a long time and have overnight riding. All the equipment required will be provided by the service providers. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the city while you ride. This is one of the most fun experiences and a quirky experience to try. Explore the countryside through villages and nearby rural areas. If you want to feel like the Royals, there is no better way to imitate their lifestyle than exploring the mountain ranges of the Aravallis as they used to do hundreds of years ago. Horse riding is an intrinsic part of Rajasthan’s royal culture. Some of the Rajput kings were famous for their horse-riding skills. Most of them had thousands of horses of Arabian descent in their stables. 5. Sound and Light Show: The Sound and Light Show will be held at Kumbhalgarh fort. A show to watch, attend the flamboyant performances depicting the history and rich culture of the kingship of Mewar and Kumbhalgarh Fort. It is one of the amazing things to do in Udaipur. The sound and Light show will take place in the evening, every day. The sound and light show will narrate the history of the fort with the help of music and lights. Rajasthan State Government Tourism Department used to organize this show. The fort continues to be lightened for one hour after the show. This extraordinary sight creates a lasting impression. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is special in Udaipur? A: Udaipur being the capital of Mewr, Rajasthan is known to be the royal tourist destination.  Travellers with the love of history, culture and architecture can enjoy the place very much. The place is renowned for its massive palaces, ancient forts, beautiful lakes, green gardens, temples and so much more.  Q2: What are the famous foods in Udaipur? A: 1.Pav Bhaji at Pandit. Daal baati ata Manoj Prakash. Vada pav at Shankar. Tea in Kamlesh Tea Stall.     Momos ate Meals on wheels.  Q3: Where should I stay in Udaipur? A: 1.Fateh Prakash Place.     2.The Lalit Laxmi Vilas.      3.The Fern Residency. Hotel Le Roi.  Q4: What seasons are good times to visit Udaipur?  A: The best months are September, October, November, December, February and March. July is the beginning season of monsoon in Udaipur that stays till September. The rainy season makes Udaipur look good and the summer season in Udaipur is extremely hot.  Conclusion The mystical, enchanting and visually rich city of Udaipur will captivate all your senses. For thousands of visitors all over the world, Udaipur is a necessary visit. Whatever your budget, Udaipur will be able to offer its finest hospitality to all. P.S- while in Udaipur, please do try to eat ‘Rarha Gosht’. It is a preparation of Mutton Shanks in thick gravy- a dish loved by the Royals of the land! Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Experience Udaipur Through Deccan Odyssey