Travel Health: Which Vaccinations Should You Get Before You Travel?

BY  Mashum Apr 19, 2022

Well, you got to believe this as a traveler. There are many places in the world where the touring season starts in October itself. You can expect mother nature to put all colors as you enjoy, rejuvenate and get back to your place with a bag full of memories. Well, I know you might face a lot of problems choosing the perfect destination for an October trip. So, I have made a list of the best places (rather countries) to travel to in October. Top Ten Places To Travel In October 2022 You Should Know Check out the destinations and choose one fast. Remember, you need to do a lot of planning after finalizing a place. Have a look! 1. Bhutan Overview A lot of travelers in the world are mountain lovers. Well, if you are one of them, plan up for a  trip to Bhutan this October. It is a landlocked country in the Himalayas sharing its borders with India and China. However, you can get easy access to the country from India. In October, the climate of Bhutan starts getting cold, however, you can enjoy the vibrance of the fall season. From sunshine to greenery, this country has got a lot of surprises for you. You can also get a chance to explore your spiritual side by coming in contact with the Buddhist way of living. Do not forget to visit the monasteries while on the trip. You can even live for a couple of nights in one if things are pre-planned. Top Tourist Locations Punakha, Paro, Thimphu. How To Reach Reach New Delhi, India, and take a flight to the Paro International Airport. Durk Air has regular flights. Dishes To Try Ema Datshi, Jasha Maru, Dumplings. Read More: 10 Best Places To Travel In April – Travel Guide 2022 2. Iceland Overview If witnessing the Northern Lights has been there for a long on your bucket list, it is time to fulfill it. You can consider Iceland as one of the best places to travel to in October. The best you can do is take all winter gears and head to the country. Again, choose this place if you are up for a solo trip or a honeymoon. Among the activities, you can indulge in witnessing the Northern Lights, whale watching, and hiking. Top Tourist Locations Gullfoss Waterfall, Reykjavik, Fjallavack Nature Reserve. How To Reach There are direct flights from fourteen cities in the US that lead to the Reykjavik Airport. So, you can easily get to the country. Dishes To Try Puffin, Hakarl, Sheep’s Head Jelly. 3. Turkey Overview As we are here with the list of the best places to travel in October, omitting Turkey would be something impossible. It is one of the most colorful countries in the world and gets more vibrant in October. If you are not much into nightlife, you can always plan for an October trip to Turkey. Do not forget to make memories of exploring the cities and visiting the tranquil beaches of the Mediterranean coast. Remember, a trip to Turkey in October can be a lavish one. So, you need to set your itinerary wisely. Try spending more on activities like riding a hot air balloon sightseeing rather than staying in expensive hotels. A family or a honeymoon trip can be the best in Turkey. Top Tourist Locations Cappadocia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Antalya. How To Reach Both non-stop flights and connecting Istanbul flights are available from multiple cities in the US. You can choose one according to the airline and price. Dishes To Try Baklava, Sis Kebap, Kofte, Pide, Meze. 4. Portugal Overview Apart from the best places to travel in October in the USA, you can head out to one of the prettiest countries in Europe, Portugal. In October, Portugal experiences the autumn season and you can expect to enjoy the European sunshine and lush greenery. Another good fact about the country is that you can find not much crowd in this country during the autumn. Well, there would be chances to meet some intelligent travelers who visit this country. You can set friends or family trips to Portugal. The best you can do is enjoy the outstanding nightlife in Lisbon city. Top Tourist Locations Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro district. How To Reach Regular flights from multiple airlines are available from all major US cities to Lisbon. Dishes To Try Pastel De Nata, Arroz De Pato, Francesinha. Click Here To Read Out: 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 5. Indonesia Overview If you are one of those travelers always looking for lusty beaches and islands, no other country would be better for you than Indonesia. Consider it one of the best places to travel in October tropical. When in Indonesia, you can spend a lot of time in Bali. You can also make a list of the best places to travel in September and include Indonesia in it. However, expect to see a lot of crowds as it is the peak season. Well, you can indulge in a lot of water activities like snorkeling, speed boat riding, etc. Other activities that you can do are hiking and biking. When in Indonesia, do not miss the beaches of Bali. Moreover, you can explore other tourist destinations like the Tana Toraja, Komodo National Park, and Gili Islands.   Top Tourist Locations Bali, Gili Islands, Komodo National Park. How To Reach No direct flights to Bali are available from the US. However, you can get connecting flights from Doha, Hong Kong, New Delhi, etc. Dishes To Try Sambal, Bakso, Soto. 6. Italy Overview You can always check out the best places to travel in October 2021 and find Italy on the list. Well, nothing has really changed this year. Like most other European countries, there is autumn in Italy. The best you can do is get a good hotel to stay in and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of the Italians. Moreover, you can find a lot of empty Mediterranean beaches at this time. So, a solo or a honeymoon trip can best be set in Italy in October. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you can witness the Alps get their first snowfall. Sounds dreamy right?? Well, it is! Now, all you can do is pack your bags and head towards Italy in the forthcoming October. Remember to take a few heavy woolen clothes to the country. Top Tourist Locations Colosseum, Leaning Tower At Pisa, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain. How To Reach All major airports in the US have direct or indirect flights to Rome. So, you can expect to reach Italy in only a few hours. Dishes To Try Pasta, Risotto, Cured Meat, Seafood, Pizza. 7. France Overview Are you newly married or just got engaged with your partner? Are you both travelers and looking for a city to enjoy next October? Well, Paris can be your savior. Well, I would still suggest you take a week’s holiday and visit France. Yes, if you are planning, it is better to cover the entire country rather than just a city. A honeymoon trip to France in October can be action-packed. Apart from visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy the Oktoberfest in the country. You can even take the famous cruise ride while exploring the country. Another place that you should not miss visiting is the Mont-Saint-Michel. You can get all blessings from God and wish to have a happy life ahead. In case you are with friends, you can check out the museums too. Top Tourist Locations The Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Cote d’Azur, Louvre Museum. How To Reach There are several non-stop flights to Paris from multiple city airports in the US. You can purchase your tickets early to save some bucks on the journey. Dishes To Try Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse, Chicken Confits. 8. Spain Overview An October trip to Spain can be heavenly for a foodie. So, if you are one, there is probably no better place you can be in. Remember, it is the chestnut picking season in Spain. Moreover, you can taste some excellent wine while paying a visit to the country of Andre Inesta. Apart from putting things to your system, you would also have something to put to your soul. The warm Mediterranean waters can welcome you to swim. So, do not skip visiting a Spanish beach on a bright sunny day. Again, avoid it in the afternoon as chilly winds can blow you anytime. While in the country, you can check out the churches, museums, and shops. Top Tourist Locations La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Seville Cathedral. How To Reach Catch any flight from the US that leads to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, etc. Dishes To Try Gazpacho, Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas. You May Like To Read This: 10 Best Places To Travel In December – Travel Guide 2022 9. Greece Overview A country with a lot of history and enriched culture, Greece is now struggling with an economic breakdown. However, she is all up for welcoming tourists from all corners of the world. So, if you are looking for an offbeat country to visit, Greece can be your October destination. You can do a lot of adventurous activities in the country while in Greece. There are lots of hiking and cycling routes that you can enjoy along with sweet sunshine and breeze. So, waste no more time and purchase your tickets to visit the country. It can be the best for you if you are planning to go solo or with your partner. Top Tourist Locations Delphi, Acropolis, Rhodes Town, Nafplio. How To Reach Several non-stop flights are available from the leading US cities to Greece. So, all you have to do is purchase a ticket at the earliest. Dishes To Try Taramasalata, Dolmades, Grilled Meat. 10. Switzerland Overview It can be one of the best places to visit in October as you can enjoy the chilly weather and witness the snowcapped mountains. If you are lucky, you can even find the grasslands covered with snow in the month of October. Well, for a pro-trip, you can take a lot of winter gear while visiting Switzerland during the month of October. The Interlaken, Lake Geneva, The Rhine Falls, The Matterhorn. You can find non-stop flights to Zurich from many major airports in the US. There are some luxury airlines that have flights to the national capital of Switzerland. Zopf Bread, Cheese Fondue, Berner Platte, Grape Wine delicacies. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What Is The Best Beach To Visit In October? Q2. Is It Safe To Travel To The Caribbean In October? Q3. Where Is A Warm Place In October? Q4. Which Caribbean Island Has The Best Weather In October? Final Take Away So, I am sure that you have already picked a country that you would visit as October arrives. As of now, you can plan for bringing out the visas and updating your passport. Finally, connect to a travel agency in your area beforehand. Read More: A Cruising Tour Of Komodo Island Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler 10 Best Places To Travel In May – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

With the nip in the air and Christmas bells ringing, the best places to travel in Europe gears up for the visitors.  Also, the “Europe Winter Tourism Market” is massive, and Austria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland are some of the key destinations or revenue earners in this regard.  Further, winter tourism in Europe is beyond indulging in the drizzles of snow and relishing the best food. It has a deeper economic significance in the continent. Did you know that the revenue from winter tourism in Europe is 1-2% of the GDP of European countries?  So, when you visit the best places to travel in Europe in winter, you contribute to the overall economy of the place and the country.  Moreover, winter brings out the best in Europe, with glimpses of the Northern Lights, skiing in the Alps, Christmas festivities, and many more!  You Cannot Miss The Best Places To Travel In Europe In Winter  A wintry day in Europe is blissful, and it’s a great time to travel to this continent if you want to avoid the crowd.  Furthermore, the beautiful landscape of Europe looks dreamier with the blanket of snow in winter.  So, let’s take a flight to the best places to travel in Europe in winter.  1. Rovaniemi, Finland  Best Place to Stay: Santa Claus Holiday Village  Finland Tourism Package from the USA: 1100-1500€ Ho! Ho! Ho! Winter comes with the invitation to fly to the official hometown of Santa Claus. It is the best place to indulge in Christmas festivities, and you will also love the reindeer farms here. Furthermore, you can participate in the following activities when visiting Rovaniemi in winter.  Ice skating Snow sledding Northern Light Safaris However, Rovaniemi will not disappoint you even if you want to spend a quiet winter vacation here. You can cozy up by the fire and have the best glogg ever. Are you a foodie like me? You can indulge in some smoky salmon and ice cream. The chef’s kiss will be watching the snow-clad forests through the windows of your hotel room.  2. Prague, Czech Republic Best Place to Stay: Hermitage Hotel Prague Czech Republic Tourism Package from the USA: 2000-3000€ With St. Nicholas Church as the center of attraction during winter and Christmas, Prague decks up with fresh coats. The Church of Our Lady before Týn and St. Vitus Cathedral are some other popular churches to visit in Prague during Christmas. Furthermore, Christmas has a different fervor in Prague, thanks to the Christmas markets here. It supposedly has the best Christmas Market in the world outside Germany. In the upcoming winter, Prague Christmas Markets will remain open from 30th November 2024 to  6th January 2025. You will get the best wooden toys, ceramics, and candles here. Looking for some gastronomic delight? Prague has Palatschinke and mulled wine that you will cherish.  3. Vienna, Austria Best Place to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien Austria Tourism Package from the USA: 1500-2500€ Vienna, the winner of the “Most Livable City in the World,” is one of the best places to travel in Europe this winter. BBC conferred this title to Vienna three years in a row.  Further, in winter, Vienna transforms into a site of outdoor operas and hot chocolates. Attending the operas in the freezing cold is an experience, and with thousands of people attending the event, you will feel the palpable festive energy here.  Moreover, you can appease the connoisseur in you by attending the classical musical concerts here. Also, behold the snow-clad beauty of the St. Charles Church and Schönbrunn Palace. It’s dreamy and will offer you the best frames for capturing.  4. Tallinn, Estonia Best Place to Stay: Metropol Spa Hotel  Estonia Tourism Package from the USA: Around 4500€ Tallinn has an amazing location on the Baltic Sea and the most amazing historical centers. You can explore the following historical centers when in Tallinn.   Town Hall Square Olevsite Church Great Guild Hall Further, the turreted castles of Tallin stand tall with their unmatched architecture. Toompea Castle is probably the most famous castle among them. You will also love exploring Kadriog Palace and Pikk Herman. These castles are beautiful year-round. However, they appear to be straight from the pages of fantasy tales under the wrap of snow.  5. Zermatt, Switzerland Best Place to Stay: Hotel Firefly Switzerland Tourism Package from the USA: Around 2000€ Zermatt, at the foothill of the Matterhorn, becomes the paradise of skiers in winter. The coverage of fresh snow and the best scenic views make Zermatt everyone’s favorite, even on the chilliest days.  After you have a fulfilling winter day outdoors, you can indulge in the much-needed warmth and comfort in the spa of Hotel Firefly. Also, Zermatt is the ideal place to try Alpine cuisines and lemon martini.  Moreover, if you want to try outdoor pursuits other than skiing, you can try hiking. Even if you are not interested in hiking to the higher mountains, you can explore Zermatt and the surrounding villages.  You can even take a helicopter ride around Matterhorn to have the best views of the glaciers. If you are on the verge of ending your trip to Zermatt, don’t try to collect some handmade souvenirs.  6. Zagreb, Croatia Best Place to Stay: Garden Hotel Croatia Tourism Package from USA: Around 1500€ Zagreb exudes the quintessential Central European vibe and is a favorite of dark academia fans. Winter transforms it into a wonderland with the Advent in Zagreb festival. You will find the best brandy and homemade sausages here.  You also explore the Christmas markets and appreciate the lights galore throughout the entire locality to indulge in its festive fervor.  Are you looking for more adventure in Zagreb? You can plan a trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It has waterfalls and 16 terrace lakes. In winter, all these waterbodies get frozen and offer you the most surreal view.  Moreover, with the Croatian National Theatre at the epicenter, Zagreb is important for the cultural landscape of Croatia and Europe. You must make a note that Croatian National Theatre is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world.  The Croatian Museum of Naive Art, Zagreb City Museum, and Maksimir Park are some other places of interest in Zagreb.  7. Bergen, Norway Best Place to Stay: Citybox Bergen Norway Tourism Package from the USA: 2600-6500€ Bergen has the ideal Norweigan vibe with colorful wooden buildings. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the fjords and harbor from these aesthetic buildings. And who does not know of the Northern Light in Norway in winter? Late November to January is the best time to experience the magic of Northern Light in Bergen, Norway. The longest nights become bright as you observe this astronomical wonder in the sky.  With your nights becoming lit with the Northern Lights, you can spend your daytime in Norway doing winter hiking, skiing, and sledding. You can even go on a Wildlife or Wild Safari and experience the wonder of nature.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.