Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 29, 2020

With many natural sights, monuments, and other adventurous places, Flagstaff is the largest city in northern Arizona. Trust me, you’re going to find a lot of exciting things to do in Flagstaff. I visited Flagstaff last year along with several other best places in the USA.   It was a truly exhilarating journey from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Apart from this, I also had a great time on the Maryland trip.   Now, in this post, you will find many attractive places with a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.   Best Things to Do in Flagstaff   The best place to start your Flagstaff trip is from the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. Know the other exciting things to do here.   1. Exploring Historic Downtown and Railroad District  https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GKpULKpQx/ When you plan your Flagstaff trip, I would recommend that you start the trip from the Historic Downtown and Railroad District.   I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the beauty of the town walking along the streets. You will find historic buildings that are now being converted into hotels, restaurants, breweries, etc.   Even at night, you’ll find a crowd in the town. I remember when I came back from a movie show, some college students were out on the street. You can book a day or two of your stay here to enjoy the farmer’s market, local events, entertainment shows, shopping, eating, and drinking.   The town allows easy access to many other tourist spots in Flagstaff. A wonderful park is located within walking distance of the visitors’ center.  2. Visiting Wheeler Park is One of the Best Things to Do in Flagstaff  https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctj4PRiK9Ts/ Take a short walk from the visitor center of the historic downtown to get to this park.  Visiting Wheeler Park is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.   The park hosts a variety of events, such as regular park runs and weekly art festivals like Park Art, Hullabaloo, and more.   The park is full of trees that give you a green space to relax and enjoy. When I visited this park, a lot of people came with books to read, but my friends and I enjoyed a picnic in the park.   3. Grand Canyon Day Tour  This place is out of town, so you can book a day trip to discover different historic buildings and hike in different locations. If you have time, then a day trip to the Grand Canyon is one of the great things to do in Flagstaff.  You’ll find the El Tovar Lodge and the Desert View Watchtower on this day trip. You’ll get a chance to have lunch and explore the Navajo Trading Post. Usually, it’s best if you’re traveling in a group.  4. Walnut Canyon National Monument  Exploring the Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. You might be thinking, why is the name of the monument called so? The reason is simple: the name is because this national monument is full of Arizona Walnut trees.  This monument is in the East of Flagstaff, which has many types of plants. The canyon has more than 500 species of plants, and you’ll find various wildlife in the forest.  Another interesting part of the monument is the loop trail, which descends along the canyon. There are several other trails around the Walnut Canyon, but the loop trail is the most attractive one.   Along this way, you will discover 25 historical limestone cliff residents where the Sinagua people were staying in the past.   5. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument  Have you ever heard of a volcano eruption? The Sunset Volcano National Monument is a place in Flagstaff where you can discover the eruption of volcanoes.   Around 900 years ago, a massive volcano eruption shook the city. In this eruption, a significant volume of lava was released and dispersed over 4 miles and coated 800 + acres of land in ash and rock fragments.  It’s been a long time since this eruption happened, but today, you can still find evidence of the violent and destructive events that occurred. The crater gives you a perfect hiking trail to explore the three lava flows.   However, certain areas of the crater are not permitted to be explored for safety reasons. Head to the visitor center, where you can learn about the volcano eruption and how it affected the region. Many visitors recommend exploring the crater, which is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.  6. Wupatki National Monument  Among other National Monuments, the Wupatki is one of the most famous monuments in America. However, this monument is abandoned but safeguarded by the Hopi clans. They tell the lifestyle and stories about their ancestors. To their beliefs, people at that time died here and remained as spiritual guides.   If you want to discover the rich American history, then visiting the Wupatki National Monument is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff. Ancient Pueblo people built this monument.    It has three buildings and 29 structures in an area of 35,000 acres (about half the area of Athens, Georgia). I didn’t get a chance to explore the place with the rangers when I visited. But if your luck is good, you might have an opportunity to discover the monument with the rangers. You can hike to some parts of the monument.  7. Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift  https://www.instagram.com/p/C75FlFhpVmS/?img_index=1 Riding the scenic chairlift to see the Arizona Snowbowl and the San Francisco Peaks is one of the most interesting things to do in Flagstaff. If you’re planning your trip in the autumn (that’s from October to December), you’ll enjoy the scenic chairlift ride. In this season, the landscape of Arizona showcases different colors and is truly mesmerizing.  When you reach the top, you will gain some information about the place from the rangers. They offer you knowledge on various topics such as the habitats of the region, geology, and history. Apart from this, you can enjoy adventurous activities like snowboarding, walking on the trails, and skiing.   8. Exploring the Lowell Observatory is one of the Unique Things to Do in Flagstaff  Lowell Observatory offers you the opportunity to get a view of space through telescopes. Do you know that this is the place where Pluto was discovered?   Here, you will find the original telescope that was used to discover the planet Pluto. Now, it is a working research center that is open to visitors to learn about space, the universe, galaxies, etc.  I would say visiting the Lowell Observatory is one of the most exciting things to do in Flagstaff. The observatory also hosts different special programs that allow you to meet an astronomer or attend different events, such as meteor showers.  9. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv-CXpCL-tn/ Do you like adventurous or challenging activities? Taking a rope drive on the zip lines in the Forthfill Country Park will pump your adrenaline. This spot will give you a thrilling experience by suspending between the trees.   I had a fear of heights, and it was really challenging for me, but I really enjoyed the rope drive. Trust me, this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Flagstaff, in my opinion.   If you travel in a group or alone, you can enjoy different adventure courses, from walking on the ropes to swinging between the trees. This place offers a different level of activities for adults and kids.  10. Camping At Lockett Meadow  This is the most beautiful place to visit on the list of things to do in Flagstaff. This is a fantastic place in the Coconino National Forest, inside Flagstaff. If you want to visit this place, one day is not enough and, fortunately, you can enjoy camping here.  The best time to visit this place is all year round because you’ll have a different experience in every season. You’ll find the ash tree leaves turning yellow in the summer, and the whole place looks amazing. Meanwhile, in spring, the entire meadow is full of flowers.  11. Museum of Northern Arizona  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2nVq3esjJ_/?img_index=1 This is a place where you can learn about the history of Flagstaff. The museum is built on lava stone. It allows you to discover the dinosaurs, the geology of Northern Arizona, and the ancient people who lived there. In my opinion, this is a place that you should never miss if you ever travel to Flagstaff.   Here, you will learn about the history, biology, arts, geology, and many other things about Northern Arizona. Along with that, the museum has a central garden that shows different species of plants in the area. Visiting the museum can give you some knowledge about this place. It is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff.   Why Is Flagstaff Called a Dark City?   Flagstaff became the official “Dark City” in 2001. On 24th October 2001, it was named the “First International Dark Sky City” because of the unforeseen work it did to preserve the natural resources of the night sky.   The preservation effort was to ensure economic security and public safety. Also, it was instrumental in ensuring Flagstaff’s position as a “premiere astronomic site” in the world. In addition, it was an expression of community values.   You can even watch the Milky Way in Flagstaff, and the view is stellar. If the weather is good, you will see the stars shooting one after another.   Bon Voyage!  Hopefully, you’ve found some useful travel ideas and unique things to do in Flagstaff. From my experience, I recommend that you plan your trip from October to December.   To explore every place on the list and have a memorable experience, plan your tour for 10 to 15 days (about 2 weeks). As I mentioned above, you’re going to explore the National Monuments, a few parks, and more. Hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and rope driving are some of the outdoor activities you’ll enjoy on your Flagstaff tour.  Also read Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago. Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2022

Alta, Utah, does not disappoint when it comes to offering the best and most memorable vacations. Whether you are into skiing, hiking, biking, walking, or relaxing and rejuvenating, you will find all the right spots to enjoy. This destination has something for every kind of traveler; with the right travel timing and properly planned trip, you will get the best it has it has to offer. Below is a highlight of some of the most scenic places you must visit. And near them, you will also find impressive Alta vacation rentals to suit your accommodation preferences.  Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah | Into The Land Skiing Hard And Eating Well Alta has played a crucial role in the development of skiing in Utah. At the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Alta Ski Area has the best snow in the state.  It awakens an adventurous spirit among the tourists. However, along with the ski area, there are many other scenic places in Alta, Utah. 1. Devil's Castle This rugged, dark peak rises above Cecret Lake in Albion Basin. It is a beautiful place, with the castle offering a priceless backdrop with its high-quality rock. Unfortunately, the road leading here experiences substantial snowfall during fall, and the number of vehicles allowed is limited. However, you can enjoy some camping at Albion Basin grounds at an affordable fee. The Devil's Castle can be accessed using the Snowbird Ski Resort tram, so no worries if you find you cannot access it with your vehicle. It is a peaceful, exciting place that will easily relax your mind. 2. Cecret Lake Trail It is located at Albion Basin and features a small alpine lake. The Cecret Lake is a protected watershed supplying water to Salt Lake City. Additionally, it is part of Wasatch National Forest. The dirt trail hike from Little Cottonwood Canyon is most fulfilling, especially when it opens up to the quartz monzonite surroundings. The Snowbird and Alta ski resorts surround the lake. The scenic area will leave you feeling one with nature; it is one of the best places you can choose if you want to de-clutter your inner self. Nothing beats clean, fresh air in beautiful natural surroundings; this is exactly what you will get from the Cecret Lake trail.  3. Alta-Brighton Trailhead This loop trail will take you through scenic surroundings near Sandy, Utah. The 6.9KM trail is challenging and will take more than three hours to complete. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. If you wish for some solitude, you can hike it during low-traffic times of the day. You will particularly find the trailhead breathtaking when the wildflowers are fully bloomed. Alta-Brighton Trailhead is open throughout the year; enjoy its beauty anytime you visit Alta. For the ultimate experience, remember to carry your bug spray, water bottle, hiking boots, and sweatshirt.  4. Big Cottonwood Canyon The Big Cottonwood Canyon is within the Wasatch Range, a few miles Southeast of Salt Lake City. It covers 15 miles offering amazing areas for picnicking, camping, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The canyon has popular ski resorts where you can also experience snowboarding at its best. It has lots of trails, with the most popular leading to Lake Blanche, Lilian, and Florence. Formed by the Big Cottonwood Creek, you will notice the canyon is V-shaped with rock forms that are quite impressive. It attracts botanical field trips, and wildflower walks from the local societies and institutions. This is the place to be if you love nature walks full of wildflowers.  5. Lake Blanche Trail This is the classic hiking spot in the Twin Peaks Wilderness area. It goes through aspen trees and scrubs oaks before opening up to stunning views of quartzite mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Summer afternoons can get quite hot, especially in the open areas. It is, therefore, advisable to take morning hikes and carry enough water because it is a steep trail that will drain you. Most notable on this trail are the Dromedary and Sundial Peaks, which rise above the lake, and the small lakes Lilian and Florence. You will love the dramatic views, especially near the lake and its iconic landscapes.  6. Catherine's Pass It offers easy passage to Big and Small Cottonwood Canyons. The Pass is a wildflower hike, and since it is on the Northern side, it offers beautiful views of Little Cottonwood's south ridge. Catherine's Pass offers impressive scenery, even better than Secret Lake, so you can explore while here. Additionally to the wildflowers, you will also love the grassy meadows and Big Cottonwood canyon views. It is a shorter hike thanks to the distance and elevation; however, if you love longer outings, you can consider descending to Lake Catherine or using the ridgelines East of Sunrise Peak. Whatever you choose, you will be impressed by the Pass.  7. Mount Wolverine This gem is hidden behind Mt. Millicent and is unfortunately overlooked most of the time. You get refreshing views of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons from this peak. Thanks to its rugged cirque, it also makes a great spot for hiking and snow climbing. Winter and early spring make the best times to climb Mount Wolverine as snow climbs. The chutes penetrating the cliffs make interesting steep climbs, so come ready for some adventure. If you love camping, you will find the numerous walk-in campgrounds perfect for vacation trips.  8. Snowbird Tram Snowbird's aerial tram offers ten-minute rides to Hidden Peaks' top. Going 2,900 vertical feet up along a 1.6-mile cable will have your heart racing with excitement, especially if it's your first time. This tram is designed in such a way that it is also accessible by the handicapped, and so is the Hidden Peak terminal. So you get to enjoy sightseeing and a round trip taking about 40 minutes. During summer, the tram interchanges with a Peruvian chairlift, allowing you to enjoy both on the same trip. This tram was opened in 1971 and has continued serving amid many upgrades.  9. Alta Ski Area It was the first ski area in the US, so it remains a popular spot among skiers. You will love the renowned deep, steep powder skiing, especially during winter. You will find the terrain most suitable whether you are a beginner or an intermediate skier. If you are looking for a natural mountain environment for authentic skiing experiences, the Alta Ski Area is, without a doubt, the place to be. There is everything to love about the ski mountain here, so why not take your time and indulge? Tour And Travel Update The 15 ski resorts in Utah make it a skiing hotspot in the country. Alta Ski Area is one of the most celebrated skiing spots in the state. 2022-23 was a great season for Alta and other skiing zones in Utah, with a record number of visitors  However, the year 2024 has witnessed a downfall in the number of tourist footfall. This downfall in tourist numbers has been further triggered by less snowfall this year.  Though the amount of snowfall has surpassed the seasonal snowfall amount, it is less by at least 270 inches from the last year.  10. Twin Lake Pass  Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains is a great move to visit the best scenic places in Alta, Utah. Especially the trail to Twin Lakes from Silver Lake is beautiful. Hiking to the Twin Lake Pass is ideal in autumn and winter. In autumn, the trek route and surrounding area of the Lake look beautiful with the colors of fall.  Furthermore, the Twin Lake Pass, being an off-beat place in Alta, is a great escapade if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  11. Guardsman Pass Overlook Guardsman Pass Overlook is a scenic drive in the fall and summer seasons. The drive goes up to around 7 miles to reach the summit of 2962 Meters. During the fall and summer seasons, the pass is well-maintained with decent traffic conditions. However, in winter, it becomes a place of tourist attraction for a different reason. You can access this area through snowmobiles. Further, you can explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here.  Additionals: Best Alabama Cities For Young Professionals Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations!

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 12, 2021

Kids always wait for summer vacations to enjoy because they spend most of their time in school on regular days. They have many plans in their mind, and as a parent, you should make their summer holidays memorable. Here is a summer vacation quote that I like the most: “Summer Vacation: The time for a break, the time to rest, and the time to rejuvenate self.” So, if you want to make your summer vacation engaging and thrilling, go through these awesome ideas. Take your kids to their favorite places, visit relatives, grandparents, help them pursue their hobbies, and more. Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas- Summer vacations are not just for kids; it’s for everyone regardless of which stage of your life you are right now. Here are some great ideas to make your summer holidays memorable with your family. 1. Plan A Trip: Everyone loves to travel and visit new places. You can go on a vacation trip with your family to a tourist place and have some quality time. You can go to a historical place, a valley, or waterfall, or any place that’s on your bucket list. Ask your kids about their dream destination where they want to visit. If you're looking for something a little more idyllic, with plenty of beautiful scenery, and the smell of fresh flowers and lavender, then you can visit a farm near you and do a private tour in the tranquil surroundings and sunshine. If you are visiting a nearby place for a couple of days, travel by your car. If you are going to a new city far away from your home or on a trip to a foreign country, you can check out the cheap flights to your destination. 2. Take Kids to A Swimming Club or Water Park: Summer without water is not interesting or enjoyable. Be it swimming or any water activities, we all love to pop on the kids bathers and our own and play with water in the hot summer season. Entering into the water gives immense pleasure on summer days, doesn't it? If you have a swimming pool in the backyard of your house, take your kids for a swim. If you don’t have one, you can join them at a swimming club in your locality. Swimming helps to stay active, and hydrated and builds water confidence in your kids. Apart from swimming clubs, you can go to a water park or try Lake District outdoor activities Windermere for other and more engaging water activities. 3. Visit Relatives, and Grandparents: Many people live far away from their natives, relatives, and grandparents. Summer vacation is the best time to visit your relatives and have a good time with them. Since the summer holidays are long, you can plan to stay for a couple of days in your native place. It will help your kids play with their grandparents, learn about your culture, and tradition, build strong affection, etc. Also, it makes your parents feel happy that you visit them during the holidays. You can also plan to take them for a visit with the whole family for a picnic party. 4. Engage in Creative Activities: Another way to utilize the summer vacation and make it interesting as well as productive is by engaging them in a creative activity. You can enroll them in a painting class or social activity class where they will learn new skills and improve their cognitive ability. Apart from that, you can engage them with puzzle and word games. Don’t just tell them to do certain things; you should also participate in the activities with them. It will help them to connect with your kids, and they will feel more comfortable and special. 5. Encourage Your Kids to Read Books and Magazines: Even though your kids may not want to study in the summer holidays, you should encourage them by reading inspiring books and magazines. You will notice that they will develop an interest in some specific areas. It will help them to broaden their horizons and get a better understanding of the world. You can subscribe to weekly magazines, storybooks, memoirs, biographies, etc. These will help them to develop an interest in a particular field that will be an advantage for their career development. There are also many online clubs where your kids can communicate with other children to share their ideas and what they read, and how they enjoy their summer holidays. 6. Join A Hobby Class: [caption id="attachment_3246" align="aligncenter" width="626"] Closeup of young ballerina practicing ballet with teacher grayscale[/caption] Children love to do things which they have a deep interest in. Maybe they don’t want to do what we tell them to do. So, it’s a good way to engage them in a hobby class like music, dance, art, or anything they are passionate about. Enroll them in a class near your area and help them pursue their hobbies or interest. Apart from that, if they have an interest in sports, join them in a sports club. Help them to live their zeal, and cheer them up for their favorite sports. No matter which sports they prefer, be it basketball, football, cricket, or anything else, you will find many clubs are offering these sports training. If there are no sports clubs near you, go to a nearby field and play their favorite games with them. 7. Go Camping: Camping is also a unique way to enjoy the summer holidays. Choose a hill station or a valley where you can live inside a tent and make it a memorable experience for your kids. No matter where you plan to go camping, it’s a great way to spend quality time with family. Search for the best places for camping on the internet. Choose a place near a riverside or hills station or a botanical garden where your kids will get the chance to enjoy nature. Don’t forget to take all the camping essentials such as a pillow, sleeping bag, mat, spare batteries, portable charger, etc. Check the complete list before you plan for a camping trip. The Bottom Line: I hope the above ideas can make your summer vacation interesting, enjoyable, and fun full. Make this summer vacation more fulfilling with your family and plan as soon as possible before the holidays are over. If you have more exciting ideas, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section. Read Also: Top 4 Ways Of Preparing An Enjoyable Retreat Celebrate Your Happiness With Family Friendly Gites South Of France Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park