6 Vacation Destinations Worth Splurging On

BY  Ankita Mar 26, 2024

Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore. Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve. All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain. Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck. Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country. Elorritxueta / Vivero   If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city. Atxabiribil Beach Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature. This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country. Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere. The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this. Faro Del Caballo For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip. The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gorbeia Natural Park Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure. Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish. Enjoy Basque Country Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain. Read Also: Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 26, 2021

Are you looking for the perfect family vacation spot to take your kids this holiday season? Do your kids love swimming with the dolphins, water rides, and other safe adventure games? Have you tried looking at the fantastic resorts in the Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico, which boasts of excellent weather and resorts? The year 2020 has been tough, especially for kids. The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on them in a major way. The social distancing requirements have meant that they have not been allowed to meet their friends for months on end. No school has also resulted in a lot of boredom and monotony at home. However, things are taking a turn for the better now and as a parent, you can do a lot to help raise their spirits and see them smiling again. In this article, we are going to help you pick the ideal vacation spot for your entire family. We will review the Aquaventuras Park on the Mexican Pacific Coast. We will discuss some of its star attractions and tell you why this can be the place for your next magical family vacation. Aquaventuras Park: Where is it located? Situated in the tropical paradise that is the Mexican Pacific Coast, Aquaventuras Park was formerly known as the Sea Life Park. It is situated in the tourist-friendly region of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta and boasts of some of the world’s most scenic natural landscaping. The tropical weather also ensures that if you are traveling from the American north or Canada in the winter holidays, you and your family can still soak in the sun. Lush beaches, great tropical hills for trekking, and excellent world-class resorts make Puerto Vallarta a must-visit destination for families. Apart from the resort itself, vacationers can also check out the sights and sounds of the beautiful city, which is steeped in colonial culture and history. If you want to get your family to a paradise for the next vacation, Aquaventuras Park is as good as it gets. You can Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta by the day and enjoy local cuisine at one of the small authentic restaurants in the evening. Major Attractions of the Aquaventuras Park: Why you should consider 1. Swimming with the Dolphins- Unlike other aquariums and aquatic water parks, which do not allow individuals to get up-and-close with dolphins, at the Aquaventuras Park you can come very close to these magical creatures. Our trained handlers and experts ensure that you can swim with these majestic animals on the open seas. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. 2. Sea Lion Discovery- Like dolphins, sea lions are highly intelligent animals. They are very cute, adorable, and love to interact with human beings. Your kids would find this the perfect opportunity to learn more about how aquatic animals live, what they eat, and other things. It will also make them compassionate about protecting our environment and our ecosystems. 3. Water Rides- Aquaventuras is one of the leading water parks on the west coast. At last count, the park boasted of more than 100+ water rides, which are completely safe for all age groups. Yes, there are some rides, where adults might need to accompany the kids, but then again, it is tipped to be a family water ride. Trust us, you will not get bored of water rides at the park. 4. Adventure Sports- If you have teenagers who love to engage with adventures like wall climbs and zip lines, fret not, the park has got your covered. End-to-end zip lines crisscrossing the entire resort and overseeing the tropical forests is sure to take anyone’s breath away. You can also challenge one another at the rock-climbing area, or try the balancing log. 5. The Lazy River- Where else can you enjoy floating around on a raft for 160 meters? At Aquaventuras Park, if you want to engage in an activity, which is a bit on the slower and relaxing side, you should try the Lazy River. You can see most of the park’s attractions on the Lazy River, sip a beverage, and let the good times roll. This is an ideal way to unwind and relax at the resort. The Park’s Commitment to Marine Life: What Kids Can Learn Apart from all the fun and the games, as parents, we would want our kids to keep learning and picking up valuable information. When you come to Aquaventuras Park, the experts and handlers make it a point to educate the kids about how marine animals live. They also touch upon issues like pollution and show them how polluting the water can harm these beautiful marine animals. When kids get up and close with these animals, they cannot help but fall in love. At this time, the handlers impress upon kids why they should try to keep their surroundings clean, not engage in pollution, and care for their ecosystem. The Park invests heavily in the conservation and protection of marine habitats. When kids come across such issues at a young age, it influences their future development. They become more sensitive to the environment, the animals, and take steps to conserve and preserve the same. Almost all Water Parks in Puerto Vallarta have a solid commitment to marine and aquatic life protection and conservation. If you want your kids to learn something even on a vacation and help them become better human beings when they grow up, a trip to Aquaventuras should be something, which you should consider. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How much is for Aquaventuras park admission? For visitors, it is 25 dollars for each adult and 19 for each kid. If you have participated in the dolphin function then your entry is free. What kind of foods are available in Aquaventuras park? If you have a swim adventure program then you get a hamburger with french fries and soda. They also offer combos where there are soda and french fries with which you will option like pizzas, hamburgers, chicken wings, hot dogs, Caesar salad to choose from. The amazing thing is you will get all of these in just 7 dollars.  What is the policy on children? Infants under 1 to 5 years do not have to pay for the service at all.  The infant cannot be under 1 year and must wear a life jacket that fits properly.  Children from 6 to 12 years will be given appropriate activities keep their age in mind How many people can be in the water at the same time? For the royal swim, only 10 people are allowed For swim adventure, 12 people maximum. For the Dolphin encounter, 15 to 20 people can together in the water.  The Final Word A tropical paradise, which allows you to swim with the dolphins, try adventure sports, and enjoy some of the finest cuisines, Aquaventuras Park located in Puerto Vallarta is an experience unlike any in the world. In addition to being rich in its offerings, the park is also very affordable in terms of the prices. This means that you do not have to shell out a lot of money to enjoy world-class amenities. The entire family can have the time of their lives on a very affordable budget. Do you have any other questions, which you would want us to answer Aquaventuras Park? Hit us up in the comments section below and we will try to answer as many as possible. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) 3 Ways To Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park The Perfect Destination For Adventure Enthusiasts In Jamaica- Yaaman Adventure Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Romantic Tips To Celebrate Couples Vacation

BY  Shahnawaz Apr 22, 2022

"In November you begin to know how long the winter will be." — Martha Gellhorn Before the long winter comes with the cold of the north, you should head out on your journey; a journey that prepares you for the long winter. The world is a funny place; if you want to escape from the world, you have to escape in it. November makes up for the best opportunity to travel before winter; you get to see how the world prepares for the long cold.  Some of the Best places to travel in November, for instance, Kyoto, Athens, and New City, are getting ready for the winter as the season slowly changes– Summer soon starts to fade into a distant memory. November is the wake of the winter; the sun is more welcoming, the beach sand is cool and gentle on your feet, and the cities are preparing for the festivals to come; festivals clad in a million laughter, banquets, gifts, and of love.  The winter is full of cold, but it prepares the world and you for the new time to come. November foreshadows the festive glee on your cheeks. If you ask me, I'll suggest you put some cherry on top of that happiness by going out. I have forged this piece article with only the best places to travel in November, and I will be glad if you consider my suggestions. Best Places To Travel In November If you are planning a November trip then I might be able to help you with some of the best locations. Here are ten of my recommendations if you are planning to travel in November– 1. Kyoto, Japan The artistic finesse of Makoto Shinkai is my personal reason for falling in love with Kyoto, or Japan to be precise. However, that is just one reason why you should visit Kyoto in November. Kyoto is located in the beautiful valley of the Kamo River and is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Being the capital of Japan for a thousand years, Kyoto has its own myths and mystery curved onto the pristinely preserved Shinto shrines, classic wooden houses, and numerous Buddhist temples. Although Kyoto is in its full glory, with Sakura blooming everywhere in April/May, Autumn is nothing less of a gorgeous charmer. November has the serene and temperate weather surrounding Kyoto, making it one of the best places to travel in November. The Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, Kinkaku-Ji temple, and various other shrines and temples will freshen your soul once you take yourself to the culturally seasoned and mythic Kyoto. Average Temperature: 8°C to 17°C Why Travel In November: Pleasant weather, the city is less crowded. Main Attraction: Numerous temples and shrines, Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, Kinkaku-Ji temple, and tea houses.  Mode Of Travel: Land at the Osaka international airport. 2. Cairo, Egypt Cairo is the home of the ancient. The banks of the Nile river record thousands of histories. The crown of Egypt, Cairo, preserves one of the world's seven wonders. The Great Pyramid Of Giza and The Sphinx are the wonders dating back thousands of years. Also, churches built atop Roman ruins call out to you all the time. Rich in old Islamic heritage, Cairo is history incarnate. The pleasant weather in November makes Cairo one of the best places to travel in November. Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C Why Travel In November: The crowd is minimal, and the weather is nice. Main Attraction: The Great Pyramid of Giza Mode of travel: You can land at the Cairo airport 3. Athens, Greece Named after the goddess of war and wisdom, Athena, Athens is a historical and cultural wonder. I could not leave Athens out of my list of the best places to travel in November. The archeological monuments and ruins of Athens still contain the essence of the classic Greek era. The oldest capital of Europe has a lot of stories to tell you. The nightlife of the bustling city and the architecture of Athens are enough reasons to make a visit there in November. In addition, you will love a walk around the historic city. Average Temperature: 12°C to 18°C Why Travel In November: The weather is slightly cool and temperate. Historical places are less crowded. You can also travel in October. Main Attractions: The Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum, National Archaeology Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, The Roman Agora & Hadrian's Library. Mode Of Travel: You can take a train from the city of Greece. You can also land at Athens airport. 4. Mauritius Mauritius, as a country of mixed races, has achieved racial harmony. In short–the Chamarel-colored earth, the blue bay, expensive resorts, waterfalls, and rainforests, are for everyone. The deep green of the Black River Gorges National Park, an underwater waterfall, calls you with a welcoming voice of nature. The climate is pleasant, almost the same 300 days of the year.  You have plenty of things to do in Mauritius in November: city life, shopping, beach hopping, and natural sightseeing are among many exciting things to do here. Mauritius should be on your bucket list if you are looking for the best places to travel in November.  Average Temperature: 23°C to 28°C Why Travel In November: Mid-autumn festivals and pleasant weather. Main Attractions: Tamarind waterfalls, Tamarin Beach, Chamarel Colored Earth, Black River Gorges National Park. Mode Of Travel: You can land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport or Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport in Mauritius. 5. New York City, USA Just about any foreigner dreams of visiting New York City once in their lives. Taking a walk around Central Park, visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art, and seeing a Broadway show are enough reasons for going to New York City. If you are planning to go to New York, November is just about as great a time as any month of the year. Why is November amongst the best places to travel in November? Well– Rockettes at Radio City, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday NYC sales, and New York City Marathon are reasons enough. Traveling in December also has its perks; you can keep that in mind if you want to postpone your visit to New York for another month. Average Temperature: 6°C to 13°C Why Travel In November: Various events and festivals, tolerant weather. Main Attractions: Rockettes at Radio City, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Black Friday NYC sales, and several sites In New York. Mode Of Travel: Land straight at New York Airport. 6. Cuba Cuba is a paradise in November, and Cuba has its weather to thank for it. Travelers looking for some color in their life while fresh new weather resurrects their inner soul should go to Cuba in the dry season– November. Cuba is definitely one of the best places to travel in November. You can spend a weekend in Cuba and savor its delicious Rum made of sugar canes, its cigars. You will enjoy the Salsa dance of Cuba, and most importantly, the beauty of Cuban women might be with you. Average Temperature: 21.3°C to 27.7°C  Why Travel In November: Dry weather is best for visiting Cuba Main Attraction: Old Havana,Varadero,Cayo Coco, Trinidad,Cayo Coco, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes,Castillo de San Pedro del Morro, Santiago de Cuba Mode Of Travel: Fly into José Martí International Airport in Havana. 7. Hawai If you are looking for tropical places to travel to in November, you must keep Hawai on your list. Hawaii is home to an ancient culture, rich cuisines, and 750 miles of pristine coastlines dotted with volcanoes. The Hawaiian shores are covered with red, pink, green, and black sand. You can do lots of fun activities like biking, sailing, kayaking, swimming or just enjoy the beach weather. If you don't want a lot of crowds, then Hawaii is one of the best places to travel in November. Average Temperature: 25°C to 27°C Why Travel In November: The beach weather is pleasant and less crowd Main Attraction: Beaches of Kauai, Hawaii (the Big Island), Oahu, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai Mode Of Travel: Fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport 8. Patagonia If you have the heart of a wanderer and if you are more of a mountain person, I will suggest you visit Patagonia in November. Among the best places to travel in November, Patagonia appeals to travelers with an abundance of natural treasures and wildlife. Patagonia is located in the southern end of America. The beautiful mountain peaks of Andes mountains, deserts, grassland, and pampas make up for a perfect vacation in Patagonia in November. Average Temperature: 3°C t0 7°C Why Travel In November: Lower price, less crowded Main attraction: Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Ushuaia. Mode Of Travel: Fly into Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport 9. Dublin, Ireland If you are planning a trip in November, then you should cross Dublin off your bucket list. With numerous ancient buildings, historical sites, memorials, and street arts at every corner of the Iris city, the picturesque city of Dublin reek of history. Home to some intellectual writers like Samuel Becket, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and so many others, the Dubliners welcome you with warm hearts. Intellectuals, art lovers, and writers looking for the best places to travel in November must visit Dublin. Average Temperature: 10°C to 4°C Why Travel In November: Less crowd and temperate weather. Main Attractions: The Guinness Storehouse, The National Museum Of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park. Mode Of Travel: Fly into Dublin international airport. 10. Doha, Qatar Doha merges the culture with the modern. Built around modern infrastructure and rich in historic architecture, Doha is a delight for your sore heart in November. So if you are planning a trip in November, Doha undoubtedly stays among the best places to travel in November. Qatar is high in economic value, and Doha city is also the second safest city in the world. The balanced mix of mosques and modern buildings will mesmerize you.  You can plan a delightful weekend trip and have fun at the beaches of Doha. You can go on a desert safari or just relax in the pleasant weather of Doha in November. Doha has beautiful culture and sites that you can visit. The mosques are great attractions in Doha.  Average Temperature: 21° to 30° Why Travel in November: Pleasant weather Main Attractions: Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque, Katara Cultural village, Villagio Mall, Museum of Islamic art, La Corniche  Mode of Travel: Fly into Doha international airport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): All of the ten places mentioned in this article are awesome for a November trip. If you are really planning a trip in November, then you should check out the questions mentioned here and the answers to them–  1. Which Place Has The Best Weather For A Trip In November? Of all the best places to travel in November, Hawaii has the best weather in November. Not just in November, Hawaii boasts temperate weather during most of the time of the year. The temperate beaches with vibrant and various colored sand are the main attractions for a trip to Hawaii in November. 2. Is November A Good Time To Travel In Caribbean Areas? Many people seek temperate weather when planning a trip in November. While November is definitely the start of the winter, and many countries have a very strong start to the winter, Caribbean areas may still be temperate. If you are looking for such weather in November, you can travel to Hawaii, Doha, Cuba, or Mauritius. 3. What Are The Best Tropical Places To Travel To In November? If you want some warm in November, then you can travel to one of these places I mentioned here– Melbourne, Australia. Palm Springs, California. Hong Kong. The Bahamas. Buenos Aires, Argentina. November is usually cold in most places. However, these locations remain warm and temperate during November, so you can relax without worrying about winter. Happy Traveling! Cuba, Mauritius, Kyoto, Hawaii, and Patagonia are some of the best places to travel in November. Although November marks the beginning of winter in many countries, there are also some places with pleasant weather. You just need to find them. Talking about finding the travel locations for November, I have already made the job easy for you in this article. All you need to do is to choose a place, pack your things and get out. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide