Local Experiences: Uncover Hidden Gems With Vacation Rental Stays

BY  Sibashree Dec 18, 2024

Year-round sunshine and a pleasant weather condition make Austin the hub of outdoor pursuits. So, from hiking and biking to visiting the best parks, you have a lot of unique things to do in Austin Texas.  Also, you must not forget that Austin is home to the Circuit of The Americas. It is the venue of the  Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. So, Austin is the place if you want a good mix of adrenaline rush and quiet retreat in nature.   Moreover, tourism is in the soul of Austin. No wonder that almost every renowned platform like Forbes, Money Magazine, or the US News and World Report considers Austin one of the topmost places to sell for tourism. So, do you also want to explore the things to do in Austin Texas? Here is your Tour and Travel guide.  Unique Things To Do In Austin Texas (Including Free Activities While Traveling On A Shoestring) Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Austin. You can expect a mild temperature in these seasons, with temperatures recorded around 70 degrees F. Avoid visiting Austin in the summer. The temperature shoots up to 90 degrees F, and the high humidity in the air makes it even more uncomfortable.  Nevertheless, when in Texas, you must not miss the following activities. 1. Visiting The Zilker Metropolitan Park The Zilker Metropolitan Park is located on the banks of the Colorado River. This 350-acre space is a great space for strolling. Here, you can also take a dip at the Barton Springs Pool.  Moreover, the Zilker Metropolitan Park is the venue for some of the most happening events in the city. It hosts the ABC Kite Fest and Austin City Limits Musical Festival.  2. Hiking And Biking At Ann And Roy Butler Trail Are you looking for free things to do in Austin Texas, and want to spend some time in nature? You must visit the Ann And Roy Butler Trail for biking and hiking. The trail leads you to Lady Bird Lake.   It is also a popular place for running and walking for the locals.  The trail has a 1.3-mile boardwalk, and from here, you can enjoy the most amazing views of Downtown Texas. Moreover, the highlights here are the zinc belts featuring the lyrics of the most famous songs of Texas.  The fountains and scenic overlooks further make this place perfect for complete relaxation. Also, when you are at the Ann And Roy Butler Trail, you can see the Austin bats. Austin is famous for these nocturnal creatures and it is the biggest habitat of bats in the entire North America.  3. Planning A Visit To Texas Capitol If you are traveling on a shoestring and want to explore the best things to do in Austin Texas, a visit to the Texas Capitol is a great idea. It is free of cost, and you can explore the entire area in one to two hours. In 1986, the Texas Capitol became a National Historic Landmark. Further, it has secured a place in the National Register of Historic Places. The Texas Capitol is engineered with Texas granite and is even taller than the US Capitol in Washington DC by 14 feet.  Today, the Goddess of Liberty statue at the top of this dome is made of aluminum. The earlier statue was made of zinc and it was replaced during the massive restoration work in the 1990s.  4. A Free Visit To The University Of Texas In Austin A visit to the University of Texas in Austin is a must if you are looking for free things to do in Austin Texas. The Moody Center here is a popular venue for concerts and is widely visited by residents and tourists. Do you want to watch a grand Broadway show? You can catch a show at the Bass Concert Hall. The Bass Concert Hall even hosts small traveling acts.  However, to have the most maddening experience here, you have to visit the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. It can accommodate over 100000 visitors and the open-air setup resonated the cheer on the days of UT football games.  5. Watch The Austin City Limits Live At The Moody Theater https://www.instagram.com/p/DAByJSizAU9/ Are you a fan of The Austin City Limits? You must plan a visit to the Moody Theater. In the history of American Television, Austin City Limits is the longest-running musical series.  Before you catch a live screening of the series at Moody Theater, you can also take a tour. The tour starts from 11 AM from Monday to Saturday and continues for 90 minutes.  6. Spending Some Time By Lake Travis There is no dearth of natural wonders in Austin, and Lake Travis is surely one of the most prominent among them. Its shoreline is 271 miles and it has a length of 64 miles.  Lake Travis is created by taming the water of the Colorado River with the Mansfield Dam. You can take a drive along the dam to assess the vastness and beauty of this lake.  Furthermore, you can stop by the Mansfield Dam Park on the way. It is a beautiful place for a lot of outdoor pursuits. You can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and hiking here.  Moreover, the sunset looks most beautiful at Lake Travis. So, it is called the “Sunset Capital of Texas.”  7. Visiting The Circuit Of The Americas https://www.instagram.com/p/DCsQW_juS8a/?hl=en&img_index=1 If you are in Austin in October and are a Formula 1 fan, you must visit the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA). It hosts the United States Grand Prix Race every October. Attend this event to experience the most beautiful fusion of light and speed. With the crowd going crazy in the stadium for their favorite teams and racers, the ambiance becomes electric during the race. The racing track also has the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. It’s the largest venue for outdoor concerts in Austin.  Moreover, you can visit the COTA tower here and reach the observation platform for a Hawkeye view of the racing track below and the entire surroundings. The ticket will cost you around $35. Are you looking for more unique things to do in Austin Texas? You must plan a visit to South Congress Avenue, Blanton Museum of Art, and Sixth Street.  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  Subham Saha Sep 23, 2021

If you have opened this article, chances are you are a solo traveler. If you are looking to travel solo in Japan, this is your go-to guide. Not only will I share my experience, but I will also make some budget Tokyo hostels in Japan for your travel in 2022. I have selected these hostels based on their Location, Amenities, Prices, and Staff. Why Staying In The Hostel Is The Best Option In Tokyo? Tokyo is among the top 10 expensive cities in the world. But what I like about this city is that even though the cost of living is exceptionally high in Tokyo, there are some spectacular and budget-friendly hostels in Tokyo where you can stay at a meager price and save your money for your other expenses as a solo traveler. Many people think that Tokyo is expensive. Yes, that is a fact. However, if you are smart and intuitive and look at the right places, you will see that Tokyo has several budget-friendly options on offer. For example, you can always book a ticket on the famous Tokyo bus tours to explore the great city and all its attractions. The key is to look for these opportunities and do your online research when visiting. Top 11 Budget Tokyo Hostels In Japan For 2022 The hostels in Tokyo are extremely clean and promote Japanese culture in every possible way. They all maintain eye-pleasing decors. All of them have Wi-Fi, and some have kitchens too. The price of beds generally ranges between $18-$45 per night. They occasionally host musical events and serve a lot of tea, and have little rooms in which you can sleep.  1. Hostel Bedgasm Hostel Bedgasm is one of the best hostels in Tokyo. It is located in East Tokyo. It features a vibrant bar. Solo travelers get a drink which is in the house. They utilize good ways to make travelers get acquainted with each other to have a nice time.  When it comes to Bathrooms, they are pretty clean. There's a rooftop area where backpackers can sit and get a view of the city. The staff is very welcoming, and there is a ton of storage given to backpackers where they can store all their items.  The area surrounding is pretty quiet and has many local food outlets. The Ramen place is quite famous for its ramen. Just ask any of the staff; he/she will point it out to you. The nearby places you may consider visiting are Roppongi, Ginza, Ueno, and the Tsukiji fish market. You can get there by metro.  Price: Beds from $35/night  2. Khaosan Tokyo Origami Khaosan Tokyo Origami is located in Asakusa. It's only a few yards from Senso-Ji Temple. It is a spotless Tokyo hostel, and it's air-conditioned. They have plenty of rooms and are quite spacious, which is not typical of Tokyo hostels. The beds are very soft and big. They also have curtains placed between beds to ensure the privacy of the backpackers.    Khaosan Tokyo Origami features a shared lounge that serves tea and coffee for free. There is a shared kitchen which is open all day. They provide slippers that you can put on and toast and tea/coffee as breakfast. There is also a lounge on the eighth floor, backpackers can play video games, indulge in conversations with fellow backpackers. You can see half of Tokyo from the lounge.  Price: Beds from $30/night  3. Hostel Chapter 2 Tokyo Chapter two is another best Tokyo hostel which is run by a family. It's just a 2 mins walk from Skytree Station in Asakusa. You will find the shared kitchen and commonplace very lively. It has more of a family vibe to it, which makes you feel very comfortable. The dorms are equipped with bunker beds.  You can get a view of the Sumida River if you get a bed facing it. I would rate Chapter 2 very highly as it certainly is one of the best Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $38/night  4.  Sheena and Ippei It is a tiny hostel located in downtown Tokyo. I feel this is one of the best Tokyo hostels because it is very near to Ikebukuro Station. The owners of this hostel are amiable people. Everything is built-in Japanese style in this hostel. The staff are very helpful; they will suggest some right places to eat from and visit to visit.  Price: Beds from $38/night 5.  Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki is just a minute away from Asakusa Temple and Asakusa Station. Even though the rooms are not that well maintained as other hostels on this list, they are comfy. You can get a good view of Skytree Tower if you manage to get a room upstairs. Price: Beds from $27/night   Also Read: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia 6. Backpacker's Hostel K's Tokyo House They have hostels all across Japan. The one in Tokyo is one of the most famous Tokyo hostels. It has a very welcoming vibe to it. The staff is accommodating and friendly. They do not provide breakfast, but there's a shared kitchen in which you can cook. It is not precisely in the center of Tokyo, so if you want to get out of all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, then you may consider this place.  Price: Beds from $28/night Also Read: New South Wales Southern Highland Helicopter Tour 7. Kaisu Hostel Kaisu Hostel was not always a hostel. Formerly it used to be a ryotei, which in Japanese means a traditional Japanese restaurant. This hostel is a bit on the expensive side as the building has preserved the Japanese culture very professionally. You can say that it is more of a hotel than a hostel. Consider other options if you want Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $40/night  8.  Citan Hostel This hostel is trendy among youngsters and hipsters. They have a massive common area on the first floor, and also, the kitchen is well maintained for cooking. There are also DJ nights on Saturdays. It does not have much of a hostel vibe to it.  Price: Beds from $28/night 9. Unplan Kagurazaka This is relatively a newer hostel, so it looks very plush. The floors are made out of wood and have simplistic decor. Both backpackers and families fit in the ambiance of this hostel. The public cafe on the first floor is an excellent place to hang out and make new friends.  Price: Beds from $39/night 10. Book and Bed Tokyo As the name suggests, if you are a backpacker who loves reading, this is the place you need to be. This hostel features a bookstore where backpackers are allowed to sleep on the shelves. You can read all sorts of books, magazines, and mangas.   Price: Beds from $37/night 11. Space Hostel Tokyo The rooftop lounge is the USP of this hostel. The rooms are spotless and well maintained. What I love the most about this hostel are its sushi-making party and origami classes. Kindly remember to carry cash as it is the only form of payment that this hostel accepts. You have to pay upfront while checking in.    Price: Beds from $29/night  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Are Hostels Good In Japan? Don't get your kimono in a twist, we have a much simpler life for you and prepared a list for the best places to take rest and recover while you are in between your temple touring and sushi sampling. Hostels in Japan are generally good and there's a variety of options. 2. Can You Enter Japan Right Now? Tourists and non-resident foreign business travelers are prohibited from entering Japan.  Japanese citizens and foreign residents can reenter Japan with a  permit that is complied with strict pre-and post-travel testing  and quarantine upon arrival. 3. How Much Money Should I Bring To Japan?   Single Traveler Two Travelers Low Budget 3,500 - 7,800 yen 7,000 - 15,600 yen Medium Budget 8,800 - 18,500 yen 13,600 - 28,000 yen High Budget over 18,500 yen over 28,000 yen 4. What Is Japan Famous For? Japan is known for its traditional arts, which includes tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging. The country has typical gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen of UNESCO World Heritage sites and sushi is originated from Japan, one of its most famous culinary exports. Conclusion Solo traveling in Japan has been one of the best experiences in my life. The Tokyo hostels are spectacular. If you have never traveled alone before, trust me when I say it is an eye-opening experience. To travel solo, you need to keep an open mind free of prejudices and stereotypes.  Solo travel gives you a unique chance to be yourself indeed. There is no one to hold you back when you travel solo—however, certain things to keep in mind like mindfulness of your safety, loneliness, etc. With a little courage and preparation, it can make it worthwhile. You May Also Like: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 6, 2021

When one thinks of travel, one usually envisions a romantic getaway for two or perhaps a fun-filled family getaway. What most people don’t know is that solo travel can often be just as wonderful and memorable. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider jetting off to a new destination on your lonesome sometime in the near future. 1. There isn’t a need for compromise When traveling solo, there won’t be any worries about setting up an itinerary that takes other people’s preferences and interests into consideration. All that you need to think about is what you want to see, where you want to go, and what you want to do. There’s a tremendous amount of freedom in that. Be sure to check out Mr Hudson explores website for destination information, custom trip planning, and handy travel tips. 2. It’s more budget-friendly By traveling on your own, you’ll cut your travel expenses in half, at the very least. You’ll only have to book one flight ticket, you’ll be able to stay in a smaller hotel room, and you’ll only have one mouth to feed. This is great news if you’re keen to see the world but are trying to do so on a tight budget. 3. It builds confidence Traveling solo helps to build confidence no matter how old you are or how many times you’ve been abroad. By navigating your own way around and ticking off various experiences on your travel bucket list, you will instantly feel more powerful and in control of your own destiny. 4. It will teach you about yourself Have you ever wondered why those hoping to ‘find themselves’ often jet off on solo travel adventures? It’s because traveling solo is bound to teach you plenty about yourself. You’ll have plenty of chances to listen to your ‘gut’ and be alone with your thoughts. You’ll reflect on your past and contemplate your future, and you’ll probably find yourself engaging with locals and celebrating your differences and similarities. All in all, you can be sure that you’ll return from your solo journey with a lot more self-awareness than what you had when you initially departed. 5. It will teach you better self-care When at home, many people rely on their loved ones, including friends and relatives, to support them in their daily lives. Perhaps they turn to their best friend when they need a shoulder to cry on when something goes wrong in their love life, or maybe they still rely on their parents to supply them with a hot, home-cooked meal from time to time. By traveling on your own, you’ll be in a different country with nobody to rely on but yourself. This is a fantastic learning experience that will teach you just how capable you really are. From self-discovery to keeping travel costs low, there are countless reasons why solo travel is a must for everyone at least once in their lives. Now is the time to start making plans to head off somewhere new and exciting all on your own – you’ll be so glad that you did.  Read Also: A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen The Best Tips To Travel Around The World