Thinking Of A Fiji Cruise? Tips To Get You Started

BY  Sibashree Dec 24, 2024

Washington, DC, the capital of the USA, is experiencing a massive boost in tourism these days. 2023 has been a remarkable year, with the number of footfall reaching 25.95 million. The number is not just up from 2022 by 17%, rather, it is an improvement from the visitors in 2019.  No wonder the things to do in washington DC have an important role to play in the increased tourism.  The spike in tourism has further yielded a positive impact on the local economy. The number of 1.95 million international visitors in 2023 has been especially beneficial, considering they stay here longer and spend more than domestic visitors.  “This is a major milestone for Washington, DC. Put simply, we are seeing the results of our increased marketing and sales efforts thanks to the tourism recovery district legislation, and the city is benefitting from increased tourism. There is still work to do, however, since international travel hasn’t fully recovered. The additional funding allows us to continue to entice international visitors who stay longer and spend more.”Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC So, do you also want to be a part of the bustling tourism scenario in the US capital? Let’s check out the things to do in Washington DC. I have also included some free activities to make your travel itinerary more pocket-friendly.  Fun Things To Do In Washington DC | Including The Fun Things You Can Enjoy Here The best time to visit Washington, DC, is during the spring season. This is the season when you will find cherry blossoms in full bloom. Further, the spring months record an average temperature of 5-24 degrees Celsius.  You can even plan a visit and explore the best things to do in Washington DC during the fall season. The fall months of September to November also record moderate temperatures ranging between 5-30 degrees Celsius.  Irrespective of the season, if you want to visit Washington, DC, you can try the following activities.  1. Visiting The White House And The Washington Monument White House And The Washington Monument are two most important landmarks of Washington DC and the entire USA. You can take an elevator to the top of the Washington Tower and explore a 360-degree view of the surroundings. On the other hand, the White House, the official residence of the US President, has been standing proud in Washington DC for two hundred years as the symbol of American life and people.  2. Visiting The Lincoln Memorial Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington Contact No: +1 202-426-6841 Are you traveling to Washington, DC, on a budget? You must visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. It is free and an ideal location for history buffs or people who want to know about Lincoln. Read here the famous speeches of Lincoln, including the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Moreover,  the 38 Doric columns and other architectural features of the Memorial will grab your attention instantly. When Lincoln Passed away, the 36 Doric columns of the Memorial used to stand for 36 states of the USA.  3. Sightseeing At The National Mall  Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841 A visit to the grassy expanse of The National Mall is one of the most exciting and fun things to do at The National Mall. If you want to take an end-to-end walk on this grassy expanse, you have to walk for 2.5 miles. As you take a walk through the National Mall, you will find many important monuments of the USA. You must especially stop by the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument. Moreover, the National Mall is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC to visit with your family.  4. Plan A Visit To Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials Address:  900 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841 Though not a fun visit, the Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials are one of the best places to see in Washington, DC. “The Memorial” or “The Wall” is a popular place for dark tourism in the USA. Today, when you visit the memorial, you will find the names of over 58000 Americans emblazoned on it. All of them lost their lives in the Vietnam War. You will also find metal sculptures of soldiers in action.  Further, the Korean War Veterans Memorials pay tribute to 1.5 million Americans who were impacted by the “Forgotten War.”  Tour And Travel Note:The Korean War Memorial does not have adequate signage. So, if you already don’t know about the Korean War or for a young traveler, it may be difficult to grasp the significance fully. 5. Appreciate The Brilliance Of The National Gallery Of Art Address: Sixth Street And Constitution Avenue Northwest  If you are looking for free things to do in Washington DC, you must consider a visit to the National Gallery of Art. And all the Da Vinci Code fans, this is the museum where you will find the only oil painting of Leonardo Da Vinci on a permanent display in the USA. Further, the West Building houses some of the older works of the museum. You will find here works of the likes of Claude Monet and Sandro Botticelli. So, the happening museum in the heart of America assembles the best of Europe art scenario.  6. Catch A Performance At The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts  Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Contact No: +1 800-444-1324 The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the year, you will find many performances, musicals and other shows taking place at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts.  Even if you don’t want to spend on the tickets (which usually come at a higher price), you can watch the free performances on the Millennium Stage.  Furthermore, don’t forget to explore the “Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy” here. It has been there at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts since 2022, and it ensures an immersive experience.  7. Spend Some Moments Of Introspection At Washington National Cathedral Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington Contact Number: +1 202-537-6200 The Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world. The construction of this massive church started in 1907 and was completed in 1990. The cathedral is so huge that you will need at least 2 hours to explore it. Furthermore, the gothic architecture will grab your attention instantly. Also, as you step inside the church, you will find intricate works of stained glass.  Moreover, the surrounding garden is a nice place to take a stroll and spend your leisure.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Sep 22, 2025

The East Coast doesn’t just “shift” in the fall—it transforms individuals in the Atlantic Ocean at the center of the fullness. Travel here isn’t passive, and it’s a rebellion against autopilot living.  It’s a gateway where human craft collides with nature’s raw rhythm. Human creative designs stand side by side with fiery foliage and air that invites you to slow down and breathe fully. However, do you know about the best places to visit on the East Coast, USA, during the fall? In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will talk about them.  What Are The Best Places To Visit On The East Coast, USA, In The Fall Season? Witness The Changing Colors Of Nature The fall season travel on the East Coast isn’t about chasing leaves—it’s about building experiences with intent.  You don’t stumble into renewal, connection, or investment; you engineer them. The Fed may cut rates, seasons may turn, but only those who listen, plan, and refuse shortcuts walk away with journeys that last. Because real travel—like real progress—isn’t improvised. It’s built, stone by stone, until nothing is left unturned. 1. Virginia Wine Country: Harvest And Partake Drive west from Ashburn and the world recalibrates. Rolling hills, golden vines, tasting rooms that don’t sell drinks but sell perspective. Fall here isn’t wine tourism—it’s strategy in liquid form. Couples: Don’t settle for random pours; seasonal releases are precision tools, crafted for this exact weather. Groups: Skip the chaos of DIY planning. Private tours give you headspace to connect instead of juggling logistics. Professionals: Vineyards double as off-grid war rooms, where productivity slips seamlessly into ritual relaxation. Ashburn locals call it harvest season. Travelers who know better call it optimally leveraging Fall Activities—because what you sip, where you stay, and the travel experts you trust will decide whether the season feels like just another getaway or a transformative reset. 2. Asheville & The Blue Ridge: Nature With Teeth Asheville doesn’t whisper fall—it screams it from mountaintops. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a moving mural, but here’s the catch: the scenery isn’t the prize, timing is. Adventurers: Guides don’t just point you uphill; they calibrate trails to your limits so triumph doesn’t turn to injury. Families: A cabin isn’t a splurge, it’s survival—space, fireplaces, and kitchens keep beauty from collapsing under stress. Wellness-seekers: Spas and local markets aren’t indulgences; they’re corrective measures against city-life burnout. Too late, and the leaves are dead. Too early, and you’ve missed the crescendo. Asheville punishes the unplanned. That’s why locals, with their ruthless timing, are the real gatekeepers of fall magic. 3. Charleston & The Lowcountry: Charm Without Illusion Charleston doesn’t bend for the season—it holds steady, heat gone but atmosphere intact. Streets, markets, and coastlines become a backdrop not for tourism but immersion. The danger? Treating it like a checklist. Food lovers: Menus sharpen around harvest—oysters, farm vegetables, flavors that only exist right now. History buffs: Private tours strip away noise, revealing architecture and legacy as living narratives. Entrepreneurs: Boutique inns double as work sanctuaries, proving ambition and escape can coexist. Charleston isn’t about monuments. It’s about rhythm—one only locals can translate. Without that translation, you’re just walking the streets. With it, you’re living history. 4. New England Towns: The Ruthless Gold Standard New England in fall is the prototype, the gold standard—and the trap. Too many choices, too much noise. Without precision, you’ll miss the point. Families: Expert-curated farms balance hayrides, cider, and play without collapsing into chaos. Retirees: Timing is everything; peak foliage waits for no one. Planners earn their keep here. Investors: Seasonal markets are brutal if you misread them. Trips double as reconnaissance when Realtors sync local data with your ambitions. New England isn’t just pretty—it’s tradition with teeth. The challenge is carving a blueprint that extracts meaning instead of drowning in options. 5. Maine: The Apple Orchards And The Crimson Colors  With the crisp and cool air filling the air, Maine becomes a coastal abode in the fall season. The apple orchards here get busy in the fall as it is the harvest season, and you can see a lot of festivities.  With nature getting ablaze with the shades of crimson, orange, and yellow, Maine welcomes you to attend the following fall festivals.  » Fryeburg Fair It is the largest annual agricultural festival in Maine. It starts from the last Sunday of September and continues till the first Saturday in October.  Earlier, the festival was known as “Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic.” » Damariscotta Pumpkinfest Damariscotta Pumpkinfest is another popular fall festivity in Maine. It takes place in October, and local artists take part in this festival and decorate giant pumpkins.  Furthermore, Acadia National Park is the main attraction in Maine in the fall season. Spanning an area of 47000 acres, this park is home to the beautiful Cadillac Mountain. It also allows you to take part in various outdoor activities such as: Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing Kayaking Canoeing Camping Hiking Moreover, if you want to have the best fall delicacies of Maine, you can explore the eateries in Kittery. It’s time to gorge on the best lobster, clam fries, Needham candies, and whoopee pies.  6. Massachusetts: Offering A Small Town Vibe With A Cozy Farm Experience  Salem is the epicenter of all fall activities and festivities in Massachusetts. The Salem's Haunted Happenings festival is the most unique cultural experience here.  Furthermore, if you want some moments of solitude, you can explore the hardwood forests of Maine.  These forests, filled with sugar maple and other trees, are brilliant locations to witness the changing colors of the autumn season, from yellow to bright orange and then crimson red.  Also, autumn is the cranberry harvest season, and you can be a part of the frenzy and festivities around it if you visit Plymouth County, filled with cranberry bogs. Moreover, for the most serene experience, you can plan a visit to the valleys of the Berkshires.  Overall, the East Coast of the USA is beautiful in the fall season! Come, soak in the colors and connect to nature. Also, have a good time with great food and drinks. 

BY  Sibashree Jul 18, 2024

Is it your dream to climb Denali in Denali National Park? Standing at 6,190 meters height from sea level, the highest peak of North America is surely going to give you a tough time. However, the toughest routes in the world are the most alluring for travelers. So, its remote location and the deadliest terrains attract mountain lovers across the globe. As the monumental centerpiece, Denali adds to the popularity of Denali National Park.  Are you also planning a climb on Denali or Mount McKinley? Here are the things you must know before you make an attempt. Many people talk about the magnificence of the peak and its beauty. I will primarily discuss how you will prepare and conduct yourself for the pain-stricken journey and sail through it.  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park (How You Will Prepare Yourself) Many people find climbing Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. Extreme weather conditions, steep terrains, and fixed lines make this exotic peak one of the deadliest in the world.  So, we must be particular about our preparations, and these are the areas where we need to prepare ourselves.  Physical Preparedness And Endurance Physical preparedness and endurance are the most crucial things while climbing Denali. Your training activities will include the following.  Fitness Test  VO₂ Max Test Carrying Packs Weighing around 55lbs Hike Training at Sea Level Strength Building While attending a training session for physical strength and endurance, take a step-by-step approach to success.  Working On Team Dynamics And Preparations Traveling solo is not a great idea when it comes to conquering Denali. Maintain clear communication, mutual respect, trust, and a supportive environment within the team. Trust me! Denali will challenge you in every possible way. You don’t want to add to it by having a discord within the team.  Make Sure To Have The Correct Mental Training Reaching the Denali summit is going to be tough. The weather conditions and the routes will throw endless challenges. So, you have to be mentally resolute to keep at it. Train yourself mentally and learn to push limits during your physical training sessions for the Denali trek. Staying positive and being persistent is very crucial in your journey.  Work On Your Technical Proficiency Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a demanding task. Things are not going to be as easy as visiting Biscayne National Park,  Everglades National Park, or any other national park.  You can attend courses on the following prior to joining a trip to Denali. Ice and snow travel Crevasse rescue Self-rescue Fixed line climbing Self-arrest techniques These technical climbing skills will prepare you for adverse conditions.  Be Particular About Food And Hydration  Planning food and nutrition before and during climbing Denali has two aspects. You have to eat healthy and nutritious food that keeps you in shape. If you are on a guided tour, you will have a proper diet and nutrition plan that you need to follow.  At the same time, having good food is crucial when it comes to climbing a height. You may face appetite issues at a higher altitude. However, you must ensure that you finish your meal properly. There will be no scope for overpacking snacks.  Further, nutrition is different for each person. So, your primary diet will be rich in healthy fats and high protein. However, for the instant energy kick, you must also carry some energy food items and chocolate bars.  The “Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions” report featured in the National Library of Medicine shows the food choices of climbers. Check the table below.  Food Choices Of Climbers Canned Meat3.6%Fruit Mousses7.1%Canned Fish7.1%Halvah7.1%Dry Smoked Pork Sausage10.7%Sandwiches10.7%Dried Fruits10.7%Nuts 10.7%Instant Dishes10.7%Dried Meat28.6%Salty Snacks32.1%Jelly Beans35.7%Energy Gels39.3%Chocolate71%Freeze-dried Dishes86.8%Bars100% Data Source: Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions This study was conducted on 28 men, and the average age group was “33.12 ± 5.96 years.” Take Care Of Hydration  Your body needs more hydration as you climb up the mountain. Water boosts the efficiency of our red blood corpuscles, which collect oxygen in the lungs. So, for proper breathing at a high altitude like Denali, you will have to keep drinking water.   You also need water to stay away from body aches and injuries and preserve your energy level. Water further helps in digesting your food.  Moreover, as you climb up, the air starts getting dry, and rapid breathing and an increased heartbeat promote faster loss of water from our bodies.  Along with drinking 3-4 liters of water every day, you will need to take multivitamins, electrolytes, and hyperhydration solutions available in sachets.  Work On Gear Selection And Preparation Pick and prepare your gear right for climbing Denali in Denali National Park. You will need to pack layered clothing, insulated boots, sleeping bags (-20 F), and mountaineering jackets. Further, if you are on a guided tour, you will be handed over a detailed kit list. Be particular about procuring the following items. Climbing helmet Balaclava Glacier glasses  Goggles Crampons Ice axe Harness Climbing rope Carabiners, etc. These gears ensure that you can navigate through the hard terrain comfortably and remain connected to your team.  Acclimatize With The Condition  With Denali, you are going to make a trek on harsh terrains under extreme weather conditions. So, you cannot plan a successful trip to Denali without devoting some time to acclimatization.  Join a group or guided expeditions that have acclimatization built into their itineraries.   Did You Know?  Mount Denali was renamed Mount McKinley on 28th August 2015.  Denali is the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits or the tallest peaks in seven continents. Denali means “the tall one,” and its name is derived from a Native Alaskan language, Koyukon.  Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck, and their team of climbers first conquered Mount Denali in 1913.  Galen Johnston became the youngest climber to Mount Denali in 2001. He was 11 years old, and he climbed the peak with his parents.  Final Words  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Reaching the summit can be the ultimate reward for your years of training and preparations.  Also, when your road leads to the highest peak in North America, you have to be physically and mentally fit and proficient in technical skills related to mountaineering.  In addition, respect the wonder of nature and be humble so that the wonder of nature embraces you with open arms and paves your way to the summit. Have you ever been a part of a climbing team to Denali? Do you have plans to make a trip to this steep mountain soon? What do you think is most important to prepare yourself for this arduous trek? Don’t forget to share your insights with us!  Denali National Park FAQs How Difficult Is Denali To Climb?  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a serious affair. You will at least need intermediate-level expertise or advanced expertise to climb the highest peak in North America.  If you are a serious climber and want to climb Denali, you must get your preparations right and acclimatize to difficult situations with some prior ventures. For preparations, you can climb the Cascades of Washington or the European Alps before your attempts to climb Denali. Further, you need to have the fitness and the agility to survive at all altitudes. You also need to be experienced in knots and hitches, rope work, and fixed-line climbing. In addition, you have to know about glacier travel, crampon techniques, and crevasse rescue.  What Is The Cost Of Climbing To Denali? The cost of climbing Denali for each person will be around $400 per day. Overall, the cost of climbing Denali will be around $12000. In addition, you will have to pay the NPS climbing registration fee. The National Park Service offers a detailed breakdown of the expenses you will need to bear when climbing Denali.  The expenditure includes guides, meals, and transportation costs to reach the kick-off point.  What Is The Hardest Part About Climbing Denali? Climbing the north face of Denali is the hardest, as there will be encounters with avalanches at Wickersham Wall. The Wickersham Wall extends 4,572 m upward from the glacier to the northern peak of Denali.  Another deadliest route for climbing Denali is the West Buttress route. Since the 1980s, there have been reports of at least 14 people dying on this route. (Source) What Is The Best Time To Climb Denali? Late April to mid-July is the best Denali climbing season. However, if you want to experience a milder temperature, you must visit the mountain in June and July. The weather is also less windy in June and July.  Traveling in late July is not a great idea, though, as the snow bridges over the crevasses will start melting. Further, it will be difficult for you to reach the base camp by airplane.  Climbing Denali in any season is not going to be a cakewalk for you. So, daily weather observations are crucial in determining the right time to climb the highest peak in North America. Also, it is always to be a part of guided expeditions to avoid fatal consequences and casualties.  Can I Die While Climbing Denali?  It would be harsh to say that you will die while climbing Denali. However, climbing the highest peak in North America is an arduous journey. You at least need an intermediate-level skill and glacier experience for the trek.  However, a solo climber to Denali died recently, just as the summer climb season this year kickstarted. The body of the deceased climber was found on 20th May 2024. (Source) So, commit to the climb only if you have the desired mental and physical fitness, have the expertise and experience, and have proper safety measures in place. Also read From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah! 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan A Day Trip To Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It.