The Most Common Pitfalls To Be Aware Of When Traveling In The US

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

It’s already fall, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Trails are adorned with the Aspen leaves’ glistening gold. Also, the dark green of the pine trees in the backdrop complements the dark red and orange of Alpine shrubs. Hiking through the park trails is the best way to explore the beauty of the USA National Park to the fullest. Further, the hiking trails come with varying difficulty levels. Some are also great for enjoying a walk with your furry friends.  Moreover, the trails are varied in their destinations. Some trails in the park will take you to beautiful waterfalls, and some will end at breathtaking summits and immersive lakes. Do you also want to hike and experience the park at its best? Here is a brief overview.  Hiking Through The Rocky Mountain National Park Trails: A Rocky Mountain National Park Guide  Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails. Further, you will find a delightful activity in the park irrespective of your abilities.  However, you will need proper traction devices and a Rocky Mountain National Park map to remain safe during hiking. Moreover, you will need proper footwear with a treaded sole as the routes can be snowy and slippery.  With proper safety measures, it’s time for you to hit the waterfalls, summit, and lake trails.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Waterfalls Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 31 waterfalls. Do you want to witness water cascading through rocky terrains? Hit any of the following trails in the park.  1. Granite Falls Trail  Trail Head: Green Mountain Trailhead parking area Trail Distance: 5.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate You will pass through lush green meadows while hiking to Granite Falls Trail. However, the terrain is marshy here, and you must be careful as you explore the path.  Further, lodgepole pine, aspen, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir greet you throughout the trail. The elevation gain is 1,046 feet in the trail, and you must proceed carefully.  2. Chasm Falls Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 2 Miles (Round Trip) Difficulty Level: Moderate The Chasm Falls Trail will take you to a cascading beauty. With an elevation of just 640 feet, this trail is moderate to hike. Further, if the hiking trail from Old Fall River Road is closed, you can take the trail from Winter Closure Gate. Then, you will have to walk or bike for 2.2 Miles.  3. Adam Falls Trail  Trail Head: East Inlet Trail Distance: 0.6 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy With an elevation of just 79 feet, the Adam Falls Trail is one of the easiest ones in the park. Adam Falls is small but excels in its quaint beauty.  If you want to be more adventurous, you can walk past the waterfall. A beautiful glacier valley will emerge before your eyes, and you will love the exuberance of wildflowers.  4. Cascade Falls Trail Trail Head: North Inlet Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous (Expect changes in the difficulty level throughout the route) You will love the gurgling sound of the North Inlet stream water, and as it thrashes the pure granite stone, it’s a beauty to behold. This waterfall is 100 feet tall and forms a cascade, as the name rightly suggests.  You will meet the most adorable marmots As you continue your hike and pass through the open meadow. They are frequent to the winding river through the lodgepole pine forest. Further, you can stop here to fish river trout and brown trout.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Lakes Great National Park has 156 lakes. Some of these lakes have dense trout populations. Further, areas near these lakes are great for spotting wildlife. So, let’s know about the lake hiking trails that lead us to these beautiful lakes.  1. Bear Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 0.7 Mile Difficulty Level: Easy With mountains of the Continental Divide in the backdrop, Bear Lake Trail is one of the best locations in the park for watching the sunset. You will love the beauty of Hallett Peak, Continental Divide, and an Alpine lake here. Bear Lake is the epicenter of many hiking trails. You can start your hike to Alberta Falls, Flattop Mountain, Emerald Lake, and more from here.  2. Sprague Lake Loop Trail Trail Head:  Estes Park Trail Distance: 0.7 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Easy Sprague Lake Loop Trail is the most accessible trail in the park. Wheelchairs are allowed here. So, patients with disabilities can also explore this trail.  You can stop at the benches and many lookouts throughout the trail to reflect on the beauty of nature. Further, you can see the mountain peaks along the Continental Divide.  Moreover, Sprague Lake is an amazing destination for spotting wildlife.  3. Mills Lake Trail Trail Head: Glacier Gorge Trail Distance - 5 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  With a 700-foot elevation, the Mills Lake trail will take you through a gorge carved by glaciers, streambeds, and waterfalls.  The beautiful Mills Lake gets its name from Enos Mills, the founder of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Further, if you want to continue your hiking pursuit, you can walk to Black Lake, and that will be an additional 1.7-mile hike.  4. Gem Lake Trail Trail Head: Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Trail Distance: 3.4 Miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The expansive field of granite domes houses the Gem Lake. It is indeed a hidden gem and one of the biggest attractions in the area, along with Lumpy Ridge.  Gem Lake is shallow, and it has water of melted snow and rainfall.  5. Dream Lake Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  You must go for a steady ascent from Bear Lake to reach Dream Lake. The trail comes with an elevation change of 830 feet. Don’t miss the following highlights of this hiking route.  Nymph Lake Aspen Groves Ponderosa Pine The Nymph Lake looks most beautiful in summer, with pond lilies in full bloom. Further, you can use Dream Lake as the base and trek to the amazing Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha.  Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails To Summits Despite the elevation gain of around 1000-3000 feet, the hiking trails to summits are very popular among visitors. The wonderful vistas from the mountain tops make the effort worth it.  1. Deer Mountain Trail Trail Head: Deer Ridge Jct Trail Distance: 3.1 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The Deer Mountain comes with an elevation of 10,006 feet. Further, as you hike and reach the summit, you will enjoy the most beautiful view of Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak, Estes Park, and Moraine Park. Be careful about the weather forecast before you start your journey on the trail.  2. Flattop Mountain Trail Trail Head: Bear Lake Trailhead Trail Distance: 8.8 miles round trip  Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous  The trail from Bear Lake is the best way to reach Flattop Mountain, and this route is one of the trickiest ones in the park. However, if you cannot access the trail from Bear Lake, you can try the route to Flattop via Tonahutu Trail. Further, as you reach the Flattop Mountain summit, you will enjoy the beauty of Hallet Peak, Dream Lake, and Tyndall Glacier.  3. Chasm Lake And Longs Peak Trail Trail Head: Old Fall River Road or Winter Closure Gate Trail Distance: 4.2 miles one-way Difficulty Level: Strenuous  Chasm Lake, just beneath the Longs Peak, offers a spectacular view. You will come across Tundra meadows and Alpine tundra through the trail. Further, animals like pikas and marmots are common here.  As you reach the Chasm Junction and find an outhouse, you can hike along a wall to see Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool Gorge. After this point, the terrain becomes rocky, and you will need cairns to reach Cirque, the lake's location.  Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiking Through Trails Of Rocky Mountain National Park Making a rushed trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest mistake you can make. You can face severe issues like dehydration and acute mountain sickness here if you don’t allow your body to acclimatize or work on your physical and mental endurance. So, carry enough water or hydrating solutions and start your training under proper guidance at least one month before your Rocky Mountain hike.  Further, don’t think that you will always make it to the trails in your usual track pants or leggings. You have to wear hiking clothes as on many days, you will have no escape from the afternoon rain.  Rocky Mountains National Park At A Glance  Location: Colorado, USA Established: 26 January 1915 Highest Point: Longs Peak Area: 415 Square Miles How to Reach: Take a drive or shuttle from the Denver International Airport.  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.

BY  Barsha Nov 9, 2022

Are you planning a trip to Austin anytime soon? Or are you currently sitting at Austin? Whatever it is, if you are on the search for vegan or vegetarian food in Austin, then you have arrived at the right destination. Because we are here to help you find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants located in Austin. Keep reading and stick around to find out all the places you can’t miss out on while visiting Austin. Top 13+ Vegetarian Restaurants In Austin - All That You Need To Know: There are so many vegetarian and vegan options in Austin - we would suggest that you stop searching for ‘vegetarian restaurants near me’ and instead just scroll down for the best results - from vegan-friendly options to vegetarian restaurants creating killer taste pallets, there’s so much to explore in Austin! For now, keep reading and scroll down to find out which eateries you must visit! 1. Casa de Luz: Opening hours:7 am - 8:30 pm (Daily)Website: casadeluzContact:512-476-2535Address:1701 Toomey Rd, Austin, 78704 If you are looking for ‘vegetarian restaurants Austin,’ then Case de Luz is one place you cannot miss out. Best known for its plant-based, organic food, this place is tucked away on this side street if you go west from Zilker Park. The best part? You have to pay just one price for dinner, lunch, or even breakfast to enjoy the house buffet! 2. Bouldin Creek Cafe: Opening hours:7 am - Midnight (Monday - Friday) 8 am - Midnight (Saturday & Sunday)Website: bouldincreekcafeContact:512-416-1601Address1900 S 1st St, Austin, 78704 If you are typing on Google ‘best vegetarian restaurants Austin,’ then stop right now check out the Bouldin Creek Cafe. After first opening inside a small shack located on South 1st street, the cafe has always attracted guests who have now become regulars. However, you won’t find a shack anymore - the cafe is now located inside a big building, and locals can’t get enough of the all-day breakfast, amongst other delicacies. 3. Bistro Vonish: Opening hours:4 pm - 8 pm (Tuesday - Thursday)Noon - 9 pm (Friday & Saturday)10 am -2 pm & 6 pm - 8 pm (Sunday)Website: bistrovonishContact:203-982-7762Address701 E 53rd St, Austin, 78751 Bistro Vonish is one of those restaurants with vegetarian food for groups that you will fall in love with immediately - the moment you reach this North Loop truck, there’s no turning back from all their produces! Artfully and elegantly plated vegan dishes such as the Peach Molasses Glazed Shitcakes, Dairy-Meat-free versions of Kolaches, Pizzas, and delicious Sunday Brunches. 4. Swad: Opening hours:11:30 am - 9:30 pm (Daily)Contact:512-997-7923Address9515 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78753-4188 Swad is a vegetarian restaurant located in Austin, that specializes in South Indian cuisine. If you decide to check this place out, it’s best to take a friend with you so that you guys can try out their special Thali, accompanied by their huge Lentil Dosas entirely filled up with paneer, potatoes, and other veggies. 5. Koriente: Opening hours:11 am - 9:30 pm (Sunday - Friday)Website: korienteContact:512-275-0852Address621 E 7th street, Austin, 78701 Koriente happens to be one of the few vegetarian restaurants located in Downtown Austin, a neighborhood not known for healthy food options. A beacon of hope for both vegetarians and vegans, you cannot miss out on Koriente’s Mixmix Bibimbop, bowls made of stir-fried protein and veggies, or even their sticky rice. 6. Mr. Natural: Opening hours:8 am - 8 pm (Monday - Saturday)Website:mrnatural austinContact:512-477-5228Address1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, 78702 Are you currently sitting at a hotel in Austin, typing ‘best vegetarian restaurants near me?’ - then look no more! Check out Mr. Natural, a healthy cafeteria and fast-casual bakery with two different locations. The best part? You can find both vegan and vegetarian food, along with several options that are gluten-free. 7. Mother's Cafe & Garden: Opening hours:11:15 am - 10 pm (Monday - Friday)10 am - 10 pm (Saturday & Sunday)Website:motherscafeaustinContact:512-451-3994Address4215 Duval St, Austin, 78751-4341 On your quest to find the iconic vegetarian restaurants in Austin, you can’t miss out on the classic Hyde Park restaurant, Mother’s Cafe & Garden, even if the name doesn’t pop up on your  ‘vegetarian friendly restaurants near me’ search. This cafe has been serving delectable plant-based dishes since the 1980s - you can’t miss out on their Artichoke Enchiladas or Mushroom Stroganoff. 8. BBQ Revolution: Opening hours:4 pm - Midnight (Thursday - Saturday)4 pm - 10 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, & Sunday)Website:thebbqrevolutionContact:512-584-7659Address2421 Webberville Rd, Austin, 78702 Who said that Texas Barbecue is only meant for all meat lovers? BBQ Revolution proves every meat lover wrong by bringing vegetarian versions of barbeque - from No Bull Brisket to Tempeh Ribs and Smokey Curls, they have multiple options. Parked right outside Lost Well, BBQ Revolution is the friendly neighborhood food truck you were waiting for! 9. Conscious Cravings: Opening hours:11 am - 9 pm (Sunday - Thursday)11 am - 10 pm (Friday & Saturday)Website:consciouscravingsaustinContact:512-782-0546Address:1311 S 1st St, Austin, 78704 One of the best vegan friendly restaurants at Austin, Conscious Cravings, is a food truck specializing in creating 100% plant-based and fresh food. This practically means you will not find any food that’s fired. From wraps and salads with delicious fillings such as chimichurri seitan, blackened tofu (non-GMO), and spicy chickpeas, you will find so many healthy options here. 10. Beer Plant: Opening hours:5 pm - Midnight (Tuesday - Sunday)Website:thebeerplantContact:512-524-1800Address3110 Windsor Rd, Austin, 78703 Located at Tarrytown, Beer Plant is a gastropub that specializes in creating comforting vegan and plant-based food accompanied by craft beer. Instead of typing ‘restaurants with vegan options near me’ on Google, why don’t you check out Beer Plant? You will love their Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, BBQ-Pulled Spaghetti Squash, and Hops ‘n’ Chips. Read Also: 12+ Best Restaurants In Belfast Maine –  Reviews & Budget 11. Arlo's: Opening hours:Noon - 2 am (Daily)Website: arlostruck.comContact:512-840-1600Address900 Red River, Austin, 78702 Arlo’s is one restaurant ensuring that vegans living in Austin can end their nights with an indulgent, melty burger. Made from gluten-free bread, soy, seitan bac’n, and melted cheeze, these burgers are delectable. Arlo’s is your usual food truck, only it serves crazy vegan food - you can also try out their street tacos and chik’n sandwiches. 12. Counter Culture: Opening hours:11 am - 10 pm (Daily)Website:CountercultureaustinContact:512-524-1540Address:2337 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, 78702 Counter Culture is an eastside diner specializing in creating vegan soul food and bold flavors such as Shredded Jackfruit BBQ, Philly Seitan served with Cashew Cheeze, and Spicy Pad Thai made from Kelp noodles. Don’t forget to check out their weekend brunch menu - you must try out their Tofu scrambles, Tempeh bacon, and Pancake plates. 13. The Vegan Nom: Opening hours:8 am - 2 pm & 5 pm - 9 pm (Tuesday - Saturday) 8 am - 2 pm (Sunday)Website:thevegannomContact:512-217-7257Address701 E 53rd St, Austin, 78751 Another food truck from North Loop, The Vegan Nom, recently launched another trailer located on the eastern side of Austin. From all-day breakfast tacos (created from tofu scramble, soyrizo, and tempeh bacon) to signature tacos such as the Vegan Jalisco and Vegan Del Rey, there are so many mouthwatering vegan options at The Vegan Nom. Read Also: Top 12 Perdido Key Restaurants – Reviews & Budget 14. Flower Child: Opening hours:11 am - 9 pm (Daily)Website: iamaflowerchildContact:512-777-2493Address11721 Rock Rose Ave, Domain NORTHSIDE, Austin, 78758 One of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in Austin, the Flower Child is famous for spreading their love for clean eating across the city with two locations - one at the Northside, and one Downtown. You will find healthy wraps, bowls, and salads dominating the menu, and you get the option even to add proteins! Our favorites? Forbidden Rice Bowls and Thai Cashew Quinoa. And It’s A Wrap! So now you have a fair idea about all the vegan and vegetarian restaurants located in Austin, what are you even waiting for? If you have enough days in hand, we would suggest checking out all the places we have mentioned above - in case you don’t have much time, then visit the place that most appeals to you! In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the comments below. Read Also: Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling Best Restaurants In Honduras To Visit While Traveling Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City 10 Best Restaurants On Sanibel Island

BY  sagnika Mar 11, 2025

A great city to visit, New Orleans is vibrant, sweeping you off your feet with its diverse beauty! The Mardi Gras events, colorful jewelry, delicious cuisine, world-class musicians, amazing architecture, and rich history of the place bring together an amazing experience.   But with that beautiful culture, there is also a hint of fear, especially with the crimes and history of violence the place carries. You need to pay attention to the people around you, and the surroundings, manage your expenses, check your alcohol consumption, and walk across high-trafficked areas.   Additionally, you will be charmed by the place but do not forget to be aware of your environment. You can also book accommodation at New Orleans family hotels! Additionally, you can also go on free walking tours, and food tours, and adhere to the safety tips shared with you.   Is New Orleans Safe as a Solo Traveller: Shared Experience!   The city is a mix of art, tradition, culture, and a lot of Gangsta! Yes, New Orleans experiences a lot of negative press especially when violence in the city is over-advertised. While the strong sense of community is not highlighted as much.   People look after each other in New Orleans, especially with the cultural exchange and festivities. If you live in the city, of course, you will love it, after all, it is your place. However, if you are a tourist, you will fall in love. One of the best exotic places to travel, you must visit New Orleans once in your lifetime!   Yes, the place has its issues, every place in the world does. There might be a little concern when it comes to violence along with the drug crisis. It is, therefore, important to understand why you need to be cautious when roaming alone in the city.    Let's explore the places you must visit, eat food at, or stay at which are safe for a solo traveler. Additionally, I will also offer you tips on how you can stay safe in New Orleans. Even though most of the areas where tourists stay, or visit is quite safe.   Tips to Stay Safe in New Orleans   The areas such as the Garden District, the French Quarter, the Warehouse District, and the Central Business District where the tourists frequent a lot are quite safe. Yet, it is important to have basic common-sense practices that you must engage in to be safe.   If you see any family in New Orleans with kids, know that there are enough fun things to do with them too. It is not just perfect for young or solo travelers. Furthermore, there are several family activities in New Orleans such as visiting the museums, national parks, and others.   Book Accommodations at a Busy Place   Try to book your well-lit accommodation, especially if you like wandering around at night. If you are someone who likes to experience the nightlife of a place, it is better if you book your rooms in an area with heavy traffic.   Try to book rideshare with Lyft or Uber when you are returning late at night. An extra layer of security is when you have the option to request a female, or a male driver based on your preference. It is not always safe to get on public transport, especially late at night when you might not get any help if a crisis arose.   Be Careful of What You Drink and Where   New Orleans is a party, creating a vibrant and fun vacation for you. Alcohol is an important part of this vacation and of course, you can drink when you are out enjoying yourself. Yes, you can visit the closest beach to New Orleans to experience the relaxed but vibrant vibe of the place.   However, I would suggest trying to control the amount. Please do not leave your drink unattended so, even when going to the bathroom, take it with you. Cover your drink when you are in a crowded bar, and this advice is for both men and women.   Petty Crime   When you go out in New Orleans, try to keep your expensive watches, jewelry bags, or cameras in the safety of your hotel room. This way, you will not attract any unwanted attention from people by ill means.   In a crowded street, you need to keep your wallet, money, and other essentials in your front pockets. Be aware and careful of your surroundings, also try to wear your bags across your shoulder so it is not that easy to snatch them while passing.    Beware of the Scammers   If you look like a tourist, you are done! There are scammers everywhere and if you look like a tourist, you are an easy target. If you are visiting the city during carnival time or festivities, a lot of scammers can try to sell things as souvenirs at a high price.   Additionally, try not to be too polite because scammers take advantage of your nature. They identify you based on your behavior and stalk you to learn your ways so that they can take advantage of your weaknesses.   Try not to engage with anyone, whether it is about money, time, conversation, or smile especially if they are strangers. Keep walking if anyone is repeatedly trying to engage you and also say no to drinks or food coming from strangers.    Things You Can Do in New Orleans Alone   I travel alone frequently, and if you are planning to travel to New Orleans alone, let me share with you some of the top places to visit. A colorful city, New Orleans has a rich history where you can view beautiful architecture along with delicious cuisine.   How can you forget the lively music scene that is available on most streets of New Orleans? Try to follow the common practices when out in the street so that you don’t seem out of place for fraudsters. Let's explore the top things you have to do to be safe and still enjoy your vacation alone!   Top Places to Visit   These are some of the places you must visit if you are traveling to New Orleans. Especially as a solo traveler, if you are wondering if is New Orleans safe, you should visit these places to experience the beauty of it all.   Take a walk across the French Quarter: One of the most popular places in New Orleans, the vibrant history of the place along with the buildings and their architecture will take your breath away. If you are traveling alone, it is better if you take a guided walking tour or else you might miss things!   Visit the Whitney Plantation Tour: If you want to learn more about the history of Louisiana’s slavery, you should visit the Whitney Plantation. You will gain a profound understanding when you see all the preserved buildings along with powerful exhibits. These exhibits tell the stories of enslaved people who used to live there.  https://www.instagram.com/p/C0kJjreMV8y/?ref=badge Go to a Jazz National Historical Park: If you are a music lover, you will fall in love with this park because it offers you live music. Additionally, some exhibitions and performances will educate you about the rich jazz heritage of New Orleans.   Book a Swamp Tour: Are you a wildlife enthusiast? If so, you gotta go experience the swamp tour where you can sport wild boars and alligators in their natural habitat. Furthermore, you also get to learn more about how these places are maintained.   Top Restaurants and Bars   Several restaurants, pubs, and bars offer you delicious southern cuisine along with trademark drinks. One of the coolest places you can visit if you are traveling solo, Cochon is your go-to. Offering comfortable Southern food, you can enjoy diverse flavors.   Sazerac Bar is another place that you cannot miss, especially when it is known for its historical watering hole. It is known for its chilled atmosphere along with art deco interiors.   Travel Insurance   It is quite important to keep in mind that travel insurance is an important part of staying safe and secure, whether you are traveling solo or with family. The destination does not matter as long as travel insurance is a non-negotiable aspect when you are traveling.   If you face any unforeseen incidents, it is the travel insurance that helps you in weird situations. In the US, healthcare is expensive, so if you have travel insurance, you can manage any Healthcare insurance thus, footing the bill easily.   Yes, initially, Healthcare might be expensive but once you get it, your medical emergencies, lost baggage, and travel delays can be easily dealt with.   Places to Avoid in New Orleans   If you are traveling to New Orleans alone and wondering is New Orleans safe, I have the perfect answer for you. The place is perfect for solo travelers as long as you are a little aware and careful of your surroundings.   Additionally, there is also a possibility that you might be in a crisis, so for that, we have shared tips that will ensure that you enjoy yourself to the fullest. Read the blog and let us know how these tips have helped you.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.