Train Travel Essentials Packing Tips for a Smooth Journey

BY  Shahnawaz Oct 31, 2023

Statistics show that American travelers are likely to make 1.94 billion domestic leisure trips by the end of this year. One area that is quite popular is the Gulf of Mexico. Nestled along the southwestern corner of the United States lies an idyllic stretch of coastline. It draws families searching for memorable sun-filled adventures and lifetime memories.  The Gulf of Mexico, with its shimmering turquoise waters and warm sandy shores, serves as an oasis for beachgoers, nature explorers, beachcombers, and water enthusiasts alike. From Port Aransas beaches to Gulf Shores attractions and Biloxi's hidden gems, here is your gateway to family fun in the Gulf. Join us as we discover everything this coastal paradise has to offer. We have with us activities like building sandcastles to embarking on exhilarating boating adventures. Port Aransas: A Beach Lover's Haven Port Aransas, situated on Mustang Island, is known for its charming coastal town feel and 18-mile pristine shoreline. It is often called the Texas Treasure. It is renowned as an inviting and family-friendly vacation spot along the Gulf of Mexico shores. Port Aransas makes for an excellent coastal retreat getaway. As soon as you step onto Port Aransas' powder-white sands, you'll understand why this town is such a gem. Beach lovers will find plenty of space here for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach volleyball, not forgetting the calm waves that make swimming enjoyable. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot dolphins swimming nearby. If you're planning a visit to Port Aransas, Texas' charming coastal town, your trip must be carefully orchestrated. Start with finding accommodation that perfectly meets your preferences. Due to its immense popularity during peak vacation seasons, Port Aransas can quickly become overrun.  As such, beginning an early search for the best Port Aransas vacation rentals is crucial to ensuring a relaxing and stress-free stay. By booking in advance, you ensure a comfortable and enjoyable place. It also makes sure that every aspect of the Port Aransas experience can be maximized during your stay there. Boating Adventures: The Heart of the Gulf One of the quintessential Gulf of Mexico experiences is taking to the water for a boating adventure. The Gulf's calm and clear waters make it a prime location for all types of waterborne activities. No matter if it is sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, or taking part in any aquatic recreational activities, the Gulf offers limitless aquatic adventure. Are you seeking an unforgettable maritime adventure? For an experience like no other, take the plunge and discover the Gulf's plentiful islands, bays, and inlets. A visit to the Florida Keys gives snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to dive or snorkel across its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with aquatic life. You can even swim alongside turtles and tropical fish in the clear, warm waters. Families interested in history will find visiting the USS Lexington museum in Corpus Christi an unforgettable experience. This World War II aircraft carrier provides visitors with the chance to explore its vessel. They can learn its story, and try their hand at flying an aircraft using the flight simulator. Biloxi, Mississippi: A Hidden Gem Biloxi, Mississippi, stands out as an often-overlooked gem in the Gulf of Mexico. It boasts expansive white-sand beaches, lively casinos, and an impressive history. Biloxi makes an attractive option for families searching for an all-encompassing vacation experience. Biloxi's beaches are an outstanding feature, providing the ideal setting for relaxation, beach games, and water activities. But the city's lively atmosphere extends beyond the shoreline, with world-class casinos offering entertainment, dining, and gaming options for adults. If you're traveling with older kids or a multigenerational group, Biloxi is an excellent choice for its diverse entertainment offerings. For a touch of history and culture, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art is a unique attraction, housing contemporary and historical artwork and architecture. The Biloxi Lighthouse, another historical landmark, provides an opportunity to learn about the area's maritime history and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is an essential stop for families in Gulf Shores, Alabama, looking for a fun-filled combination of education and entertainment. This world-class zoo provides visitors with an unforgettable experience by bringing animals from around the globe closer to them so that they can observe them up close. From playful lemurs to majestic lions and curious kangaroos, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's immersive exhibits give visitors a greater understanding of animal kingdom marvels. Not only can you experience these incredible creatures in their meticulously curated habitats, but you can also engage in unforgettable encounters, such as feeding a giraffe or encountering a sloth. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo makes for an educational adventure perfect for family outings along the Gulf of Mexico coast and offers educational fun for people of all ages. Conclusion The Gulf of Mexico offers family-friendly destinations that promise sun, sand, and adventure for everyone in your group. From Port Aransas in Texas to Gulf Shores, Alabama's captivating beaches, to boating adventures on its open waters, here you can find something for every family member to enjoy. Wherever your journey leads you, the Gulf will provide an experience you won't soon forget. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and embark on an unforgettable family journey to the Gulf's sunny shores. 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BY  Sibashree Nov 3, 2025

I visited Luang Prabang in 2022, and the capital of the ancient Laotian kingdom was slowly recovering from the rampage of COVID-19. The misty mornings were special, with hundreds of monks walking through the narrow streets with their alms bowls.  People gather and offer fruits and rice to the monks. The monks silently accept the offerings, then quietly return to the temples.  Even today, with skyrocketing tourism numbers, Luang Prabang remains one of the most unspoiled places on earth. Buddhism and a strong belief in the power of nature have helped the city to maintain its authentic charm.  Also, the 32 Buddhist temples present in Luang Prabang today are a telltale of the history, myths, and spiritual beliefs associated with the city’s origin. In this Luang Prabang temple guide, I will talk about the top Buddhist temples to visit in Luang Prabang Laos. Of course, the Golden City Temple or Wat Xieng Thong is the most famous among them. It was built in 1560.  What Are The Top Buddhist Temples To Visit In Luang Prabang Laos?  As the mornings in Luang Prabang are special with the quietude and humility of the alms giving ceremony, the evenings are magical with the evening chants of the monks in the temples.  The sound of the chants echoes through the valley with the Mekong River passing by dreamily and the outlines of the mountains fading into the darkness.  I used to get lost in my thoughts that these temples were the sites of the coronation of many Laotian kings. Also, despite their intricate designs, they look like an extension of the ethereal natural landscape here.  Nevertheless, these are the top Buddhist temples to visit in Luang Prabang, Laos.  1. Wat Xieng Thong Also known as the “Monastery of the Golden City,” Wat Xieng Thong evokes awe. Built in 1560, it is home to the famous reclining Buddha Sanctuary or the Red Chapel.  It also stands out with its architectural excellence, including the multi-tiered roofline and beautiful mosaic work.  2. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marek Kotlarski (@mkotlarski) Wat Mai, or the New Temple, is the largest in Luang Prabang. It looks exquisite with the gilded bas-relief panels on the façade.  Also, it is historically important as it served as the residence of the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary till 1975.  3. Wat Visounnarath (Wat Visoun) Wat Visoun has a distinctive, spherical, and unique stupa called "That Mak Mo” or the “Watermelon Stupa.” It has a rounded shape.  Also, Wat Visounnarath was founded in 1512. So, today, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang.  4. Wat Aham View this post on Instagram A post shared by Austin Bush (@bushaustin) Wat Aham is also known as the Monastery of the Open Hearted. It is located next to Wat Visoun.  Wat Aham is famous for its two ancient banyan trees on its grounds. Locals believe that these trees are home to the guardian spirits of the city.  5. Wat That Luang Locals call Wat That Luang the Monastery of the Royal Stupa. The ashes of King Sisavang Vong, who died in 1959, are present in the golden stupa in the temple grounds. Even before that, it was used to cremate many members of the royal family.  6. Wat Chom Si Located on the top of Mount Phousi, Wat Chom Si was the best temple I visited in Luang Prabang. The spiritual energy there was so high.  I don’t know whether it’s the joy of reaching the temple after a trek or the magical views of the Mekong River from the top! Everything looks and feels so magical here! 7. Wat Sop Sickharam The structure of the Wat Sop Sickharam temple, what we see today, is the renovated form of the 19th century. However, the origin of the temple goes back to the 16th century.  Its architecture is a wonderful fusion of the French Colonial Style and traditional Lao architecture.  8. Wat Pa Phai The congregational hall or the traditional Lao-style sim is the highlight of Wat Pa Phai. Furthermore, its facade is unique with exterior columns and a verandah.  It also has another name, “The Monastery of the Bamboo Forest.”  9. Wat Sene Souk Haram Wat Sene Souk Haram looks dazzling with its golden and red ornamentation. It is known as the Temple of 100,000 treasures, as it was built with 100,000 stones collected from the Mekong River in 1718.  10. Wat Nong Sikhounmuang Wat Nong Sikhounmuang has recently gone through a major renovation. It is home to one of the largest and richest pagodas in Luang Prabang.  Furthermore, you can spot it from a distance due to its vibrantly colored roof in the traditional Thai style.  11. Wat Khili View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nat & Ricky Dunn (@lifedunndifferently) The large gold Wheel of Life on the front gable of Wat Khili will be the first thing to catch your notice. Furthermore, it has low roofs and a red facade with golden columns.  It shows influence from the Xieng Khouang province and was built in 1773.  12. Wat Phon Phao Wat Phon Phao has a unique octagonal structure, and with the sunlight falling over it, it uses its golden glow to illuminate the city.  The paintings in the interior of this temple are beautiful, and they depict the Buddhist philosophy of life and death.  13. Wat Manorom Wat Manorom is home to a 6-meter-high bronze Buddha statue, which dates back to the 14th century. Apart from being a temple, it is also an important community center for the locals.  In fact, all the temples in Luang Prabang help nurture community bonding. Also, historically, it used to be the home of the largest number of monks.  14. Wat Ho Pha Bang (inside Royal Palace) The Wat Ho Pha Bang, or the Temple of the Pha Bang, houses the Phra Bang Buddha image, the palladium of Laos.  This temple is located inside the Royal Palace grounds.  15. Wat Mahathat Wat Mahathat was founded in 1548. It houses the ashes of the revered Prince Phetsarath, who declared the independence of Laos in 1945.  It also has a highly ornamented facade.  16. Wat Xieng Mouane View this post on Instagram A post shared by nrq (@nrqpapa) Wat Xieng Mouane is important for its role in promoting traditional art and culture. Furthermore, I loved the gilding and traditional woodwork in the temple.  17. Wat That Phoun Wat That Phoun is one of the most peaceful temples I have visited in Luang Prabang. Also, once you enter the temple, it’s like an art gallery with a wonderful display of paintings.  The entrance gates are adorned with serpent deities or Nagas, and the temple also functions as a cremation location.  18. Wat Long Khoun “Wat Long Khoun is where our kings once meditated. It’s quiet, sacred, and often overlooked.” - Somsack, my local guide.  This former royal meditation retreat is a wonderful example of Lao architecture in the 18th century, and it has the most illustrious Jataka murals, depicting the last lives of Lord Buddha.  19. Wat Phra Bat Tai Wat Phra Bat Tai in Luang Prabang is very similar to Prabhas Tirtha in India. Prabhas Tirtha has the footprints of Lord Krishna, and War Phra Bat Tai has a huge footprint of the Buddha.  Furthermore, its architectural style shows a wonderful fusion of Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese architectural styles.  It is also where I found it the easiest to interact with the monks and share our philosophies about life.  20. Wat Phon Heuang The traditional stenciling on the temple's ceiling instantly evoked a sense of awe. Furthermore, I saw how it is an important social area or hub for the local community. It is so because it is one of the prime locations for participating in the alms-giving ceremony.  In addition, when I visited, it had not been extensively renovated. So, it was like connecting to the past for me.  Wat Xieng Mouane: The Lesser-Known Temple Of Luang Prabang  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruprecht Lin (@boblinize) Wat Xieng Maen is a hidden gem if I talk about the top temples to visit in Luang Prabang. It was founded in 1592.  I took a ferry across the Mekong River to reach this temple. It is a quiet escape, and it is significant as it was home to the famous Phra Bang Buddha image for a short period.  Accessibility Ratings Of The Best Temples In Luang Prabang  Check out the table below to know about the most accessible Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang.  TempleWheelchair AccessStairsQuiet ZonesWat Xieng Thong✅Minimal✅Wat Mai✅Few steps✅Wat Visoun✅Ramp available✅Wat Aham✅Flat terrain✅ Photography Tips Golden Hour: 6:00–7:00 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM. Best Angles: Capture rooflines from low angles; use temple doorways for framing. Respectful Shots: Avoid interrupting rituals or photographing monks without consent. Gear: Use a wide-angle lens for interiors and a tripod for low-light shots. Temple Etiquette & Dress Code In Luang Prabang Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees covered. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. Remove Shoes: Always take off footwear before entering the temple interiors. Avoid Pointing Feet: Never point your feet toward Buddha statues or monks. Photography: Ask permission before photographing monks or rituals. Alms Giving: Participate respectfully in morning alms (Tak Bat) by kneeling and remaining silent. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang? Luang Prabang’s temples are open year-round, but timing enhances the experience: MonthHighlightsNovember–FebruaryCool, dry weather is ideal for walking tours.Mar–MayHot but less crowded and good for early morning visits.June–OctoberRainy season, and it stands out with its lush greenery and fewer tourists. Best Time of Day To Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang  Sunrise: Wat Chom Si after a climb to Mount Phousi Midday: Wat Mai, with its shaded interiors, is the perfect late morning and afternoon refuge.  Sunset: Wat Xieng Thong is ideal for golden hour photography.  Walking Routes & Maps: Exploring The Best Temples Of Luang Prabang  Visiting all the temples in Luang Prabang is not possible in a single visit to the city. Instead, for a short trip to the city, you can follow these temple tour routes.  1. Temple Trail Route (2–3 Hours) Start at Wat Xieng Thong.  Walk to Wat Sop Sickharam.  Continue to Wat Sene.  Visit Wat Mai.  End at Wat Visoun. 2. Sunset Spiritual Loop (1 Hour) Climb Mount Phousi to Wat Chom Si. Descend to Wat Aham. Finish at Wat That Luang. Luang Prabang Temple Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang temple guide.  1. How Many Temples Are In Luang Prabang? Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 32 operational Buddhist temples. These temples with their beautiful murals, paintings, and sculptures depicting the life and lessons of Lord Buddha, are prominent social, religious, and community centers. Furthermore, they show a wonderful fusion of Lao, Thai, and Khmer architectural styles in their architecture.  2. Can I Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang During Festivals? Yes, you can visit the temples in Luang Prabang during major festivals such as Boun Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, and Boun Khao Phansa, or the start of the Buddhist Lent. However, you have to be patient as there will be crowds, and you have to follow the etiquette. 3. Are Women Allowed To Give Alms? I found out that people taking part in the alms-giving ceremony were mostly women. However, my guide told me to follow some strict rules. You cannot touch the robes of the monks or make any physical contact with them. Also, you must kneel down before them while offering the alms. 

BY  sagnika May 10, 2023

The Breeze Airways are a team of hospitality, aviation, and tech enthusiasts who believe that flying is the greatest opportunity and privilege in the world. They also believe that flying should be both a great experience and accessible to everyone. The Breeze Airways™ is a relatively new airline that merges kindness with technology. They provide non-stop services between the under-served routes across the United States of America. They work to provide travelers with affordable fares. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on breeze airways reviews! About Breeze Airways Image Source: www.bostonglobe.com Breeze Airways is a relatively novel American low-cost airline which has its headquarters in Utah’s Cottonwood Heights. The airline was originally established by David Neeleman. It was launched on 27th May of the year 2021. Its inaugural flight was from Tampa International Airport to Charleston International Airport. The Breeze Airways reviews state that they are an amazing airline. Keep reading till the end to find out more about breeze airlines reviews! Leadership Team The Leadership team of Breeze Airways consists of the following people: David Neeleman as the founder and CEO; the president is Tom Doxey; the chief operations is overseen by Mike Wuerger; Natalie Atwood as the Chief People Officer; the general counsel being John Varley; the chief financial officer being Trent Porter and Lukas Johnson as the chief commercial officer. Breeze Airways Destinations Here are the following list of destinations where Breeze Airways extends its services to: StateCities AlabamaHuntsvilleArizonaPhoenixArkansasFayetteville CaliforniaLos AngelesSan BernardinoSan FranciscoSanta AnaConnecticutHartfordFloridaFort MyersJacksonvilleOrlandoSarasotaTampaVero BeachWest Palm BeachGeorgiaSavannahKentuckyLouisvilleLouisianaNew OrleansMainePortlandNevadaLas VegasNew YorkIslipSyracuseWhite PlainsNorth CarolinaRaleighOhioAkronCincinnati/CovingtonColumbusOklahomaOklahoma CityTulsaPennsylvaniaPittsburghRhode IslandProvidenceSouth CarolinaCharlestonTennesseeNashvilleTexasSan AntonioUtahProvoVirginiaNorfolkRichmondWest VirginiaCharleston BreezePoints Rewards Program Breeze Airways very recently started a rewards program for their users in the United States. The Breeze Airways reviews state that they have a points program. It is very straightforward, where one point equates to one cent. A user earns points based on a certain percentage of the cost of their base fare. Tip: Is breeze airways safe? Their airline is completely safe to use. Earning Of BreezePoints The Breeze Airways awards points are based on the cash cost of the base fare and other forms of ancillary fees. A user can earn points based on the following rates: For economy tickets, the fares earn 2% of the base fare. For premium economy tickets, fares earn about 4% of base fare. The carry-on and checked baggage purchases earn 4%. The oversized bag fees, however, do not earn points. The pet-in-cabin purchases also earn 4%. The seat selection purchases earn 4%. They also effectively indicate how many points a user earns for a flight on the "Payment and Summary" screen when a user checks out. Keep reading just a bit more to find out about breeze airways review! Expiration Of BreezePoints The BreezePoints generally expire 24 months - from the original issued date. There's no way to extend the validity of these life points. For instance, if you earn 500 points from downloading of the application of Breeze in the month of May 2021, then you must make sure to use up those 500 points by the month of May, 2023 (and this is to be done even if you earn additional BreezePoints. Breeze Airways Reviews Here are a few breeze airways reviews left by people who have already used their services: Delta Platinum Medallion flyer for over 10 years, and Northwest before that. I gladly take Breeze anytime possible from Fort Myers, Sarasota, Charleston and Hartford. Planes are new, seats are spacious and comfortable, the lavatories are larger then the phone booths on most legacy carriers where if you are 6'-2" or taller good luck hitting your head on the fuselage ceiling. Love Breeze hope they expand service and show what flying should be like. – G. Marko Breeze is a new airline and I imagine a lot of their flights might get shuffled around. I see a common theme from the reviews are connections that don't have direct flights otherwise. It's possible that this review may not stand the test of time, but I for now, I had an amazing experience. My seat reclined super far and I could not have had better sleep in a newer plane. I plan to urge my travel partners to add Breeze into their systems ASAP so I can book easier for work. – S. Thomas Our family of 6 flew out of Akron to Tampa. From booking flights, customer reps at both airports, aircraft condition, flight staff, comport on board to special requests-zero issues and only praise for Breeze. My wife an I travel a lot and using Breeze was the most pleasant recent experience we've had vs. other major airlines. Flight cancellations/delays are not specific to one airline-watch the news these days. Staff shortages are now the norm. All Airline apps have their issues in our experience. We will use Breeze as much as possible when available for our domestic destinations. – Bryan Bryce Breeze turned out to be a great airline. Staff was great, plane was clean and very nice, seats were roomy. Plane was on time going and just about 20 minutes late leaving Las Vegas . All of our luggage went to a different airport in Florida but they were in contact with us before we reached the terminal and stayed in contact until they had it delivered to our house by the next day. I will definitely be using Breeze in the future! – Richard Licare Editor's Two Cents Yes, in my perspective! An excellent airline is Breeze Airways. They have unbeatable low prices, and their onboard amenities are on par with those of any other airline. particularly if, like me, you spring for an Extra Legroom seat. I had no complaints whatsoever regarding this flight, and I can't wait to use Breeze once more. Unfortunately, given their busy schedule, I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to do so. They should rank higher on my list of the greatest US airlines to fly with if they can expand their route network into something more substantial. It's not a very convenient airline to fly with until that happens. Above all, you must realize that a Breeze Airways seat with extra legroom isn't all that superior to a regular seat. Additionally, since this airline primarily operates shorter routes, you might want to reconsider paying the extra cost for even a small amount of additional space. Maybe it's not even worthwhile. Pros The E195 Extra Legroom seats have a luxurious appearance thanks to their white leather-like covering. Look-wise, it's very similar to Virgin America First Class. It's an amazing bargain. The guy in front of me mentioned to his seatmate that he paid $134 for his last-minute ticket, and I paid only $124 for my seat. The extra benefits that come with the seat, like priority boarding, complimentary snacks, a free checked bag, etc., are good. For a Southwest Airlines Business Select seat, you would still receive less for a much higher price. Cons If your flight is less than an hour, it's probably not worth it to pay extra for an Extra Legroom seat. There is some additional legroom, but not much. The actual seats are comparable to those in basic economy. No additional padding or lower back support will be provided. The snacks offered in these first-class seats are comparable to those found in regular economy on almost all US airlines. To Wrap It Up! That is all for information regarding Breeze Airways and their operations. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Chicago Using Google Flights Using Flightscanner To Find Cheap Flights In 2023? All That You Need To Know! 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