Unique Things To Do In Phoenix: Enjoying The Sun And Warmth Year Round (Approved By A Local Travel Expert)

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

So, as a parent, you have taken up a challenging task. It’s about finding the best places to travel with kids! Every child is different. So, while a slice of wildlife or outdoor activities is enough to win their tasks, some of them may look for a destination like Disney Land, presenting the world of fantasy before them.   Further, some may be fascinated by more luxurious experiences, and one of the best examples of this will be the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland are some such destinations, taking your kids on a tour of the fantasy world.  So, understanding how demanding kids can be, it is difficult to select a particular location out of many options available. Here, I have made a list of countries with the coolest attractions for children. These Are The Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Must Visits For You  Traveling plays an important role in the growth of your child. When children travel, they gather memories and learn things they will never forget.  Further, traveling improves their socializing and problem-solving skills. Moreover, they learn about different human cultures, which is crucial for developing a more inclusive mindset.  Do you want to take your little one on a trip this vacation? Here are the countries you can fly to.  1. Dubai, UAE Best Time to Visit: October to March With the highest safety standards and numerous child-friendly hotels, Dubai is one of the best places to travel with kids. It offers many outdoor and indoor pursuits for the little ones, and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is, of course, the biggest attraction for them. Located at Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has as many as 33000 marine animals. Your little one will be enthralled watching the sand tiger sharks, Otters, Piranha, and many other fascinating creatures.  KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Aquaventure World, and Jungle Bay Waterpark are some added attractions for kids in this beautiful city of the UAE.  2. Malaysia Best Time to Visit: April to October (East Coast) and December to March (West Coast) Malaysia can be a really cool destination if you are searching for the best places to travel with kids. This country offers unique natural experiences and cultural interactions for children.  Here is a brief overview of the activities your little one will love in Malaysia. If your little one is more into wildlife and nature, Borneo and Cameron Highlands will be the best destinations for them. Borneo has pygmy elephants and orangutans. They will also get to learn about the indigenous people here.  Further, Cameron Islands has the Mossy Forest, tea plantations, and strawberry orchards.  The other kids’ favorite destinations in the country are Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur has the Petrosains Discovery Centre, Lake Gardens, and KLCC Park to entertain kids of all ages. Further, Penang is a place to learn about the rich culture of the country, and it has the best street food. Moreover, Langkawi is a relaxing hub in Malaysia, allowing you to explore the beaches and cable car rides.  3. Mauritius Best Time to Visit: May to December Mauritius is nothing short of a natural wonder, being a volcanic island with the best beaches in the world. However, Mauritius is often underrated as one of the best places to travel with kids.  The  La Vanille Crocodile Park is the best place in Mauritius if your little one loves animals and is interested in wildlife. The Nile crocodiles are the biggest attractions here. However, you will also find the following animals here. Giant tortoises Phelsumas  Mini tortoises Pigs Deer Bat Fat-tailed sheep Goat Donkeys Among them, goats, donkeys, and fat-tailed sheep are important contributors to the country's livestock.  The Mauritius Aquarium is one of the best places to travel with kids and introduce them to the intrigue of marine life. Along with sponges, fish, and corals, this museum has more than 200 species of invertebrates.  Some other places your kids will love in Mauritius are Casela Nature Park (Watch out for the white tigers.),  Curious Corner of Chamarel and the Blue Bay Marine Park.  4. Australia Best Time to Visit: September to November The diversity of Australia makes it a favorite of children and youngsters. From spending time with the most adorable kangaroos to watching the penguin parade, your little one will surely have a fun time here.  Visit Taronga Zoo Sydney A night safari in Taronga Zoo Sydney is something that you will cherish for your entire life. A kingdom of 4000 animals will unfold wonders before your eyes as you go on a night safari and take part in the Roar and Snore Program. Koalas and red kangaroos are the biggest attractions of this zoo. Visit Phillip Island To See The Most Amazing Penguin Parade  You will see tiny penguins on a parade and a mission for hunting fish at Phillip Island. You can book an underground viewing experience so that your little ones can see the penguins from an eye level. The other place to visit with your kids in Australia is Monkey Mia Reserve (They can feed dolphins here.). Moreover, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Tasmania are destinations to get up close and personal with these adorable animals.  Also, Luna Park Sydney offers an amazing spin in a hand-painted carousel, and the Great Barrier Reef is the best place to see colorful corals. 5. Japan Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to May Are you traveling to Japan with your kid? You can take them to Rabbit Island or Ōkunoshima. This scenic inland sea area in Japan is home to thousands of rabbits who roam around freely.  Your little one will love feeding them with their hands. Further, they can visit Silver Pavilion and Gold Pavilion to find lively turtles and fish and feed them.  Further, in March, Japan becomes the land of cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle and Ueno Park are some of the best places to spot the beautiful flowers in full bloom.  6. USA Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to May Housing endless best places to travel with kids, the USA will spoil your little one with choices. The country has amazing national parks, including the Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. These national parks have many kid-friendly hiking trails that will allow you to explore the wildlife, geological wonders, and scenic beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Along with being the house of Rockies, it also stands out due to its different ecosystems, hiking trails, and mineral richness.  Yellowstone National Park With more than 10,000 geothermal sites, Yellowstone National Park is the hub of the natural geysers of the world.  Grand Teton National Park  Grand Teton National Park is the best place for camping and hiking. Your kids will also love the best views of the Rockies at this national park.  7. South Africa Best Time to Visit: May to September With amazing wilderness, South Africa is one of the best places to travel with kids and see wild animals. For me, the most amazing spots to visit in South Africa with children are: Cape Point Nature Reserve Knysna Elephant Park  Kruger National Park The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site, while the Knysna Elephant Park has amazing African elephants. Further, the Kruger National Park is home to zebras and other amazing wild animals.  8. Finland Best Time to Visit: June to August For children in love with the fantasy world, Santa Claus Village in Finland is the best destination. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus.  Some other attractions for your kids in Finland are Esplanadi Park, Ranua Zoo, and Helsinki Cathedral.  9. Canada Best Time to Visit: September to November Canada is one of the best places to travel with kids, and it offers an eclectic experience with its natural wonders and historic monuments.  For your kids, the best spot in Canada is Marine Land, Niagra Falls. This amusement park in Ontario is the best place to encounter playful dolphins, Beluga Whales, walruses, and sea lions. The La Ronde amusement park in Montreal, the Children’s Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Toronto Zoo are other kids’ favorite destinations here.  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  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of socials. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮 So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.  At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.  We wanted to keep it all hearts as the Hollywood movies have taught us!  Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.  In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for the visitors to this city. So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  Completing a hike to the Hollywood sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potter Heads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies.  If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  Moreover, Universal Studios Hollywood has year-round attractions like “Jurassic World - The Ride,” “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, etc. So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the topmost once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids. 3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of your day of visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj/ Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is the best amalgamation of all three elements mentioned in the name.  It is an excellent place for researchers as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span between the 11th to 21st centuries.  Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American and Asian work.  Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from 7th December after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain put till New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road lines.  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  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.