BY ArnabJun 14, 2023

Camping is an activity that's beloved by many outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. It brings you to the heart of nature, enveloping you in a world that's wholly distinct from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives. That said, just like one should practice courtesy to a generous host, you should similarly respect the sanctity of your temporary outdoor quarters. The birds and the trees can't communicate these rules and guidelines, and not all campgrounds can list an extensive amount of rules on their signboard, so allow us to do it for them. Here are some of the unspoken rules of camping that every prospective camper should follow. 1) Respect Quiet Hours If you're camping in an established camping ground, then you're likely sharing the lot with other campers. Out of respect, you should refrain from being too loud late into the night with your buds or family. These people, just like you, are here to take a break from their lives and reflect in the wilderness. Don't spoil the quiet with loud music, boisterous laughter, or chatter—especially during the late night. People in campsites tend to start unwinding as soon as the sun sets, so try to keep your voice low by 7 PM and beyond. Being too rowdy and noisy can disrupt the peace of the camping grounds, and it can even compel the park rangers to give you a stern warning or bar you from future entry altogether. 2) Watch Over Your Pets While many camping grounds have specific rules on how to deal with pets, bringing a dog or cat with you still entails a little bit of extra responsibility on your part. For instance, if your dog is quite rowdy, it's best to keep them on a leash at all times. It's not an uncommon experience for bigger dogs to catch squirrels and smaller mammals as varmints and harm them. Their barking may also scare off the local wildlife in the area, which can interfere with the future visitors' experience. As such, it's vital to keep the ecological balance of the place you're visiting as unperturbed as possible. And this could mean leaving your dog at home. If your pet is well-behaved for the most part, you should also ensure that your pet is clean and well-groomed before the camping trip. An unhygienic pet may carry fleas and ticks that can be troublesome to local wildlife and resident dogs, and this can inadvertently cause an outbreak in the local area. 3) Don't Trespass Outside Property The camping ground will likely have an established perimeter that indicates the borders of its property. As a transient visitor, you should respect and adhere to these boundaries to avoid trouble from the owners of neighboring parameters. Stepping outside the camping ground's property and entering another that could potentially be owned by a private entity, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is trespassing. LY Lawyers claim that the act of trespassing is a minor offense, and if you're found guilty of entering a property without the owner's consent, you could be charged a maximum fine of up to $550. As such, be sure to stay within the bounds of your campsite. Besides avoiding the hefty fine, you're also guaranteed safety since the trail is well-established and closely monitored by the keepers of the campgrounds. You're also keeping you and your party safe, as who knows what other people may do when you're found invading their area. 4) Leave No Trace Even in our pre-school days, we've been told to throw our trash in the proper areas. This principle doesn't change when you're camping; in fact, it becomes an even more important act given that you're sharing a pristine space with wildlife and future campers. The "leave-no-trace" principle is a closely followed rule among campers, and it essentially means that you should avoid leaving behind any trace of your stay. This doesn't only mean bringing your trash and food scraps home with you, but it also means refraining from bringing home any souvenirs from the area, like rocks or leaves. This way, you'll ensure that the next camper can have as grand of a time as you did. 5) Keep Your Night Lights Low No one likes getting bright light flashing in their eyes late at night, especially when the rest of their surroundings are dark. And while you could be minding your own business in your private camping area, it's not unlikely for you to illuminate a portion of the public area. So, to avoid contributing to any negative experiences for other campers, make sure to keep your night lights on the lower side. If you're using a headlamp, keep it at the lowest setting. If you have a fireplace going, be sure to extinguish it before heading to bed. This will give all the campers a better personal experience since you're not invading their space. 6) Don't Use Natural Waterways to Cook and Clean Is there a river or lake near your campsite? If so, you might be tempted to use it for washing your dishes or using it to pour your unfinished food scraps. However, rivers and lakes are delicate ecosystems that shouldn't be tampered with. Introducing foreign chemicals such as bleach and detergent can disrupt the river's chemistry and can be detrimental to the ecological balance of the place. So, if you must clean your dishes and cooking utensils, it's best to get some water (from the lake or your own stash) and wash 150 to 200 feet away from the waterway. Boil water if it's taken from natural resources to purify it from potential parasites and bacteria. For food scraps, chuck them in a trash bag and bring them home. The principle of LNT applies to water habitats too, so be sure to keep that in mind when cooking and cleaning near these bodies of water. Read Also: Winter Camping Checklist: 10 Must-Have Items For A Cozy Campsite Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas

BY SumonaFeb 9, 2022

Since most of us prefer warmer weather, it’s easy to overlook the charm that winter can possess.  Fortunately, there are many locations around the United States that offer even greater beauty when the snow flies. Until you can return to those sunny days on the beach, consider these scenic snowflake cities that come to life when the temperatures dip! Before heading out, make sure your car is in good working order by checking tire pressure, the battery, lights, fluid levels, and windshield wipers. Also, look for the cheapest car insurance so you know that while you’re on the road, you’re covered for any possibility. 1. Burlington, Vermont New England is home to many quaint towns, and Burlington deserves a place at the top of that list. In addition to skiing, there are numerous things to do in Burlington making it perfect for families, couples, or even individuals wanting a little getaway. You’ll be able to while away the day at distilleries, breweries, spas, award-winning restaurants, and cafes, and walk down popular Church Street. This cobblestone street is where it’s happening in Burlington, and even though you’ll need to bundle up, you’ll be enchanted by the lights and energy. 2. Leavenworth, Washington This Bavarian-style village will charm those wool socks right off you. Located in the Cascade Mountains, it’s known for its ample snowfall and offers no shortages of places to ski, snow tube, and snowshoe or, if you prefer, just hang out at the resort or one of the many alluring cafes. Related Resource: Dharamshala’s Snow Story: A Guide To Visit During Winters 3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Americans may be proud to be American, but there’s always been a bit of envy for those incredible European Christmas markets. Bethlehem is a magnet for those wishing to partake in its annual Christkindlmarkt. It’s also home to an 81-foot wide “star” beaming on South Mountain 4. Sandpoint, Idaho If you’re in love with winter, Sandpoint is the place to go. Even if you’re not in love with winter, the Sandpoint experience will change you. Receiving about 300” of snow every year, the town is surrounded by the impressive Selkirk Mountains. There is skiing, snowmobiling, a cool beer scene, and an arts venue. Related Resource: A Guide To National Parks In Idaho – Latest Guide 5. Seneca Falls, New York Can you get any more winter-happy than the city that inspired the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”? Visit the fascinating museum that celebrates the film and even retrace George Bailey’s steps. Victorian-era homes grace nearly every street. 6. Door County, Wisconsin More than just a city, Door County lies between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It’s a peninsula that’s well known for its 300 miles of coastline that exhibit amazing ice shapes during the winter. It also boasts 11 historic lighthouses, bluffs, and cliff faces, cross-country skiing through pine forests, and a possible peek at the northern lights. Related Resource: What There Is To Attract Us To Ohio 7. Ogden, Utah With three ski resorts nearby and a reproduction of the Polar Express train, Ogden boasts a view of the imposing Wasatch Range. There’s even a dinosaur park that will wow the kiddies and parents alike. Nearby ski resorts include Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin. Visit 25th Street, which was once home to speakeasies. 8. Stockbridge, Massachusetts Plenty of rolling hills and peaceful countryside, Stockbridge is scenic, charming, and filled with artisan workshops, quaint and cozy restaurants, and country stores to get your fill of maple syrup, nostalgic postcards, and old fashioned candies. There’s also a Norman Rockwell Museum to top off your visit with a creative and sentimental bang. 9. Ouray, Colorado It’s Telluride without quite the financial commitment. Victorian buildings grace the town of Ouray so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Nuzzled at the seat of the San Juan Mountains, it is also known as the “Switzerland of America.” The historic downtown is just the start, you’ll also want to indulge in a dip in the hot springs and if you’re up for it, find out why it’s also the ice climbing capital of the United States. 10. Bend, Oregon To the west of this quaint town are the Cascade Mountains, which offer incredible skiing opportunities, as well as trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, even dog sledding if you happen to bring the pup! There is also a well-renowned microbrewery scene. B&B’s abound so you can slow down the pace and take your time enjoying all of the winter activities. Just because it’s snowy outside, doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold! There are plenty of places around the country to explore and indulge in all that wild wonder and beauty that winter has to offer. Read Also: Most Exciting Places To Visit In Bulgaria In 2022 A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going 3 Ways To Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park

BY Abdul Aziz MondalApr 15, 2023

The Galápagos Archipelago, a remote group of islands in the Pacific Ocean situated more than a thousand kilometers from the coast of Ecuador, is one of the most interesting spots on the planet. There are many reasons why this is so, starting from its history and formation to its incredible diversity of wildlife and beautiful scenic spots. Created over many millennia, the Galápagos Archipelago was formed by the accumulation of magma from volcanic eruptions that broke through the seabed. Still to this day, the archipelago is considered to be one of the most volcanically active areas in the world, with 13 active volcanoes. What draws tourists to this place is not only the chance that they might witness a once-in-a-lifetime volcano eruption but the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, most of it endemic to the archipelago. If you are a biology buff, you might know that Charles Darwin visited the archipelago, and his research into the island’s finches, which are named in his honor, contributed greatly to the theory of evolution by natural selection. If you want to see the giant endemic Galápagos tortoises and sea lions, snorkel in the clear blue waters and sunbathe on the white sand beaches, or island-hop to explore hidden natural gems, you can do so on a Galapagos islands cruise. If you worry about the best time to visit this destination, fret not, as the Galapagos is a year-round destination with a stable climate and pleasant temperatures. Top Islands To Visit Although the archipelago consists of what seems like tiny specs of land in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of options for travelers wishing to venture out on a journey through the islands. To make things easier when planning a trip to the Galápagos, we have picked out some of the islands that are definitely worth visiting. Santa Cruz Island For a place with a total population of a little more than 30,000, the Galápagos Archipelago boasts no large urban areas, and this is one of the appeals of the archipelago for many visitors. However, it would be amiss to say that the archipelago’s largest town is not worth visiting. Puerto Ayora combines both the comforts of civilization with many shops, bars, and restaurants and natural life, as the town is a great place to catch sight of brown pelicans, golden rays, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. For the brave adventurers, there is a secluded turquoise-water cove where snorkeling might get you to face the white-tup reef sharks, rays, and a plethora of different fish. But if you want a more laid-back activity, you can visit Tortuga Bay, named after the black sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach, and enjoy its long-stretching white sand beach and the inviting blue water. Isabela Island Approximately one million years old, the largest island of the archipelago is home to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second-largest crater in the world. Isabela Island charms visitors with its six coalesced shield volcanoes that are still active to this day. Being one of the youngest islands of the archipelago, Isabela has retained some of its massive lava fields and arid volcanic peaks. The sea-horse-shaped island hosts many wildlife species, many of them endemic, including the redheaded lava lizard, the pink flamingo, five types of tortoise, and the flightless cormorant. On the western side of the island, there’s a chance that you will spot migrating humpbacks and other whales, especially during the cooler period from June through November. The archipelago presents rich feeding grounds that attract orcas, endangered blue whales, sperm whales, as well as humpbacks, and Bryde’s whales. Floreana Island One of the things that Floreana is most famous for is the Floreana mockingbird, which is nowadays considered to have become extinct from Floreana and only resides on two small islands off the coast: Champion and Gardner-by-Floreana. But besides this, Floreana holds a ton of historical value as it was the place where the first official resident made its home and where the first “post office”, which was, in fact, a wooden barrel, was established by whalers. Today, visitors can visit this interesting piece of history and even leave their own postcards. Life on the island has always proved tough for most inhabitants as the island lacks a consistent supply of fresh water, but there are about 150 people still managing to live off the land by farming. When visiting the island, you can start off at the port town, Puerto Velasco Ibarra, and maybe spend the night at the Pension Wittmer, which is the only tourist accommodation on the entire island. From there, you can travel to the highlands for sightseeing and get to know the plants of Floreana, with 48 different species identified, and one-third of them are endemic. Additionally, you can opt to see Devil's Crown, the volcanic crater that allows for snorkeling among an oasis of coral reefs and plenty of marine species. Forge Treasured Memories These are just some of the fabulous and fascinating islands you can visit if you want to enjoy unique experiences and forge treasured travel memories. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade