4 Reasons You Must Visit Gatlinburg This Summer

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 12, 2021

Ready to load the car and hit the road? Whether you’re heading off to college or taking a trip with the kids, it takes some planning. So before you get behind the wheel, make a checklist of everything you need. And while you’re at it, discover a few hacks along the way. Here are 14 hacks to make your road trip go smoothly.  14 Hacks To Organize A Smooth Road Trip A road trip is the best trip in your entire life. If you do not plan out a smooth road trip, the full enjoyment will be destroyed. For planning out a smooth road trip, you will need good robust route planning along with the essential emergency medical supplies. Here are 14 hacks to organize a smooth road trip. #1. Pack Your Cooler With Dry Ice Pack a cooler with refreshments for your road trip and make sure they stay ice cold for days — with dry ice! While it seems intimidating at first, dry ice is relatively easy to use once you understand how to handle it safely.  Plus, it will keep your food and drinks as cold as possible. Learn how to use dry ice in a cooler and discover hard coolers rugged and durable enough to transport to a campsite or be rolled to the beach.  #2. Bring An Emergency Kit Carry an emergency kit that includes necessary items such as a battery charger, a first aid kit, extra drinking water, and jumper cables. Another versatile piece of emergency equipment is a flashlight, which can be used to hail down passing cars or roadside service vehicles in an emergency.  Learn how to use all these emergency items effectively and safely — especially the jumper cables! — and you can be back on the road trip in no time.  #3. Prepare Your Vehicle For The Journey Before you put on hundreds of miles or so in your vehicle, make sure it’s up to scratch. Take it to a reliable mechanic such as those at auto repair in Lakewood CO, to have it serviced at least a week in advance. At the very least, get an oil change and check the tire pressure. While you’re on a road trip, make sure the spare tire is in good working order, too. Check the tread on the tire and the pressure in case you need it as a backup for a flat tire. Also, make sure you know how to change your own tire with a jack and lug wrench.  #4. Get A Rooftop Cargo Box A rooftop cargo box can free up interior space for passengers and provide a bit of elbow room. Fill it with compressible items and gear such as sleeping bags, backpacks, and luggage. #5. Use Travel Apps to Find Amenities and Attractions Countless travel apps are available to help you find everything from hotels to gas stations, from Trip Advisor to iExit. You can even use Roadtrippers to find unique roadside attractions and sights along the way.  All you have to do is put in your route, and you’ll find everything you need. You can even collaborate to find the perfect itinerary for a road trip. #6. Bring A Refillable Water Bottle Say no to single-use plastic and carry your own water bottle. Even better — choose a thermos or stainless steel container that can serve as both a coffee mug and water bottle.  Then, after your morning joe, just give it a quick rinse, and you’re good to go. Keeping hydrated is extremely important on the road and can even help you stay alert during a road trip. #7. Pack Strategically When packing for a road trip, don’t overdo it! Instead, think minimally and pack strategically. For example, when packing clothes, consider using an overnight backpack instead of hauling all your luggage into the hotel room every night.  Also, when it comes to loading up the car, add the nonessential items that you will only need once you arrive at your final destination, keeping essential gear and items like cameras and personal items on you.  You want to carry men bags that are capable enough to store all your essentials. At the same time, you do not want to be lugging around too much. This would simply derail your travel experience. You want something that is functional as well as stylish. Smaller items like smartphones, passports, medicines, cologne, etc, should fit in the same. #8. Keep The Car Tidy And Yourself Clean Keep your car tidy with a small trash bag, along with some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. That way, you can throw away granola bars and candy wrappers, wipe your hands clean, and anywhere else that might get crumbs or smears. A few extra road trip tips: Hang the trash bag on the back of a seat and compile everything in a container for accessibility. #9. Check Your Pit Stop Ratings Speaking of clean, when it comes to bathroom breaks at pit stops, it can be hit or miss. But fear not! With apps like the Bathroom Scout app or Flush, you can locate a sparkling clean restroom on your journey.  #10. Bring Plenty Of Change For Parking Meters Long gone are the days when you needed to worry about toll booths. Now, many tolls have an automated electronic system that is cashless. The same goes for parking meters, too.  However, don’t be caught without some spare change. There are still many road trips to small towns across America that use coin-operated parking meters.  #11. Use Apps To Locate Foodie Hot Spots Ever wish you could visit that diner or restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or that Netflix culinary series? Now you can find all the foodie hotspots with apps and sites such as Roadfood.com and TVFoodMaps. Were you looking for a taste of the local flavor? Be sure to explore the Agricultural Marketing Service website to find schedules for local farmer’s markets in the area of a road trip. #12. Pick Up A Multi-Outlet Adapter Keep all your passengers plugged in with a multi-outlet adapter. This is especially true if you drive an older model car. Make sure it has enough USBs to charge all kinds of devices, from cell phones to tablets and more.  Alternatively, you could also bring a solar power charger that can rest on the dashboard. #13. Swap The Car Air Freshener With Dryer Sheets Car air fresheners can be strong, especially in a compact space like a car. So instead, swap them out with something more subtle like a dryer sheet or use an essential oil spray deodorizer. Besides, keeping items off your rearview mirror and your sightlines visible and unobstructed is simply safe driving practice for your road trip. #14. Take Frequent Breaks Don’t set unrealistic expectations and try to drive for several hours straight. Be sure to take frequent breaks each day to stretch your legs or take shifts in the driver’s seat.  Plan accordingly and take your road trip slow enough that you have time to stop for meals and take snapshots and make memories at nearby attractions. When you take shifts, get comfortable and take a nap. Hint: Neck pillows aren’t just for flights. Conclusion: These 14 tips are always effective in planning a successful road trip. When you are planning for a road trip, do not forget to check the whole route map. The best solutions are here. Then, follow these strategies and plan a successful road trip for your next vacation. Read Also: 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love Eleven Essential Tips For Students Planning To Study Abroad

BY  Sibashree Apr 25, 2025

Everyone these days is asking, “Is the Bahamas safe?” Unfortunately, Nassau, the Bahamas Capital, has been under the radar due to rising records of violent crimes, including murders, robberies, and sexual assaults.  However, it does not change the fact that Nassau is a wonderful place to plan a trip, as it is one of the best Caribbean destinations, fusing history, culture, nature, and wildlife. It also offers a delightful gastronomic experience and a luxury stay.  Additionally, the Bahamian Government has adopted a multifaceted approach to combating the rising crime rate. There have been stricter law enforcement measures, increased attention to social issues, and intelligence gathering to address the growing number of crimes.  So, despite most countries asking tourists to observe “extreme caution” during a trip to the Bahamas, we hope that things will get better soon.  And with great optimism, in this Tour and Travel Blog, we want to now discuss what are things to do in Nassau Bahamas. “How can we in this small society, how can we not be serious about crime issues when it affects all of us, all of our families, our friends who are dying, these young kids who should be living until they are 70 years of age, killing one another, for what reason? We don’t know.How do we intervene and stop people from doing it? We think that the answer is a long-term solution by starting by the proper investment in the social programs and education. We are doing that. We’re trying to improve the housing [situation]. We are doing that.”Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Bahamas What Is Nassau Bahamas Best Known For? Nassau, the original land of the Pirates, is known for its multifaceted attractions as a tropical getaway.  You will fall in love with its white sandy beaches, rich history, cultural experiences, and laid-back charm. Rarely will you find another place where you can dive to a pirate shipwreck and visit a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and emancipation in one day.  I will discuss the top things to do in Nassau in more detail later. In this section, I'd like to give you a glimpse of the eclectic experience you can expect in Nassau.  And you must remember that the Bahamas is not a part of the US, and every tourist spot in the country is a testament to the country’s pride, way of living, and rich history. Types of Tourist Attractions in the BahamasPlaces to VisitHistorical and Cultural AttractionsParliament SquareThe Straw MarketFort FincastleChrist Church CathedralThe Pompey Museum of Slavery and EmancipationMarine AdventuresBimini IslandsExuma CayNew Providence Island and BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture GardenFood TourismDelicacies such as Johnny Cake and Conch Fritters make the Bahamas the ultimate destination for a foodie. The cuisine here shows eclectic influences, including European, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Visit the local eateries to taste the authentic flavors of the Bahamas. Beaches Junkanoo BeachCable BeachCabbage BeachMontagu BeachParadise Beach What Is The Best Time To Explore The Things To Do In Bahamas Nassau? December to April is the best time to visit Nassau and explore its top attractions. The temperature in these months ranges between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.  Additionally, you will enjoy extended daylight hours during these months.  These months are ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring local attractions.  Moreover, events such as the Farmer's Cay Festival (Early February), the Sailing Regatta on New Year’s Day, and the Junkanoo Festival in December and January take place during these months.  Refer to the table below to learn about the weather conditions in Nassau by month. It will give you a fair idea about the best time to plan a trip to Nassau. Nassau Weather by MonthHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of RainfallJanuary25175February26185March27196April28218May29229June302412July312513August322515September322415October332310November30208December27196 What Are The Top Things To Do In Nassau? Finally, it’s time to discuss what are fun things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Let’s discuss the top attractions. 1. Visiting Paradise Island You can begin exploring Nassau with a short trip to Paradise Island. It has powdery sand and turquoise water.  Further, it is ideal for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.  2. Exploring Fort Fincastle Start from the Central Square of Nassau and climb the 66 limestone stairs to reach Fort Fincastle, the highest point in Nassau.  The stairs and the castle have a history dating back to the 1700s. Also, once you reach Fort Fincastle, you will fall in love with the surroundings.  3. Take A Walk In Versailles Garden And French Cloister https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQLcGzpvH8/ Do you want to experience a slice of French aristocracy in the Bahamas? Plan a visit to the Versailles Garden and French Cloister.  The Cloister was earlier a French Monastery. It was reconstructed, and now it looks like the centerpiece of the Versailles Garden. 4. Shop At The Straw Market If you are looking for the perfect Bahamanian souvenir, the Straw Market will be your go-to destination.  Here, you will find handicraft items made of straws and conch shells.  5. Visit The Atlantis Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park Grab the day passes, and explore the underwater scenarios of the lagoons, and meet marine animals at Atlantis Aquarium. Here, you will get to see stingrays.  Once you are done exploring the aquarium, you can dive into the water at Aquaventure Water Park.  6. Plan A Boat Trip To The Blue Lagoon Island Take a 15-minute boat ride from Nassau and reach the Blue Lagoon Island for the most delightful encounters with the dolphins.  Also, you can kayak, boat, or snorkel in the hidden lagoon there to make the most of the blue water fun! 7. Taste The Spirit Of The Bahamas At John’s Watling’s Distillery It’s time to taste the “Spirit of the Bahamas” or the “Liquid Gold.” It’s a sin if you miss out on tasting the best Rum at John’s Watling’s Distillery.  John Watling was a pirate, and there are still many myths around his life. Take a complimentary tour of the distillery seven days a week if you are looking for free things to do in Nassau.  8. Visit The Pirates of Nassau Museum Do you want to have an interactive high-experience? Why not plan a visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum? The replicas of the pirate ships are stunning, and they will take you back to the 18th century. It was the time when the city indeed was the golden land of the pirates. 9. Visit The Stuart Cove And Dive With Sharks Are you a certified scuba diver? Go for a dive at the Stuart Cove and have a lifetime experience of your encounters with the sharks. 10. Explore The Clifton Heritage National Park https://www.instagram.com/p/DCImyY9S_Nc/?img_index=1 A diverse ecosystem and the historical relics associated with the Lucayan people are the biggest draws to the Clifton Heritage National Park.  Further, it is the location of the celebrated movies like “Jaws” and it has featured in a few movies of the James Bond series.  You will love the beaches here. However, the real fun awaits under the water when you snorkel and explore the sunken shipwrecks.  So, Is Nassau, Bahamas Worth Visiting? With the best things to do in Nassau being very diverse, and as the capital of an important Caribbean nation, Nassau is absolutely worth visiting.  Furthermore, the beaches, parks, marine attractions, and historical sites offer something for every type of tourist.  However, the rising crime rate is a concern for the tourism industry of Nassau and the Bahamas. The US Travel Advisory mentions, “Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.” Hopefully, as promised, the Government will combat this issue through social developments, stricter regulations, and intelligence gathering.  It is important to consolidate the over 11 million visitors to the country in 2024. Unique Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) There are some frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Nassau, Bahamas. 1. What To Do In Nassau, Bahamas For Free? There is no dearth of free and cheap things to do in Nassau Bahamas. Based on your interest, you can take a walking tour of Arawak Cay, Bay Street, Parliament Square, and Straw Market. Furthermore, you can visit historical sites such as the Queen's Staircase, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, and Fort Fincastle. 2. What Are The Free Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Port? A visit to Arawak Cay is one of the most exciting free things to do in the Nassau Cruise Port. Arawak Cay is just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from Nassau Cruise Port. You can even visit the nearby Straw Market, enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Junkanoo Beach, and do window shopping at Bay Street. 3. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas For Adults? Nassau has a very vibrant nightlife. The bars, lounges, and casinos in Nassau will shower you with the best hours of fun and games. So, if you are an adult and want to experience a slice of the Nassau nightlife, you can visit Atlantis Casino and Baha Mar Casino. 4. What To Do In Nassau For A Day? You can accomplish a great deal in Nassau in one day. Having said that, you need at least 4-5 days to explore the best of Nassau. If I were in Nassau for just one day, I would take a short boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island. You can also try snorkeling and swimming at Cable Beach. Furthermore, if you are a history enthusiast, you can plan a visit to the Pirate Museum, Fort Fincastle, Bay Street, Clifton Heritage National Park, and Rawson Square and Parliament Square. Also, for some relaxed time in nature, you can go for a walk in the Versailles Garden and the French Cloister or Ardastra Gardens and Zoo.  5. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau Bahamas For Couples? Nassau, especially Paradise Island, is an ideal destination for couples seeking a truly romantic experience. You will love the pristine beaches with white sand here. Additionally, the turquoise water here creates a serene ambiance. So, as a couple, you can plan a cruise trip to Paradise Island in Nassau. Also, you can plan a stay in any of the luxury hotels or resorts on Paradise Island. Hotels like Sandals Royal Bahamian further offer adult-only stays. So, it’s time to get soaked in steamy romance.  6. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau Bahamas When On A Cruise? The cruise tourism industry in the Bahamas has experienced significant growth over the last few years. In the 2023-24 cruise year, the cruise tourism industry in the Bahamas recorded a whopping $654.8 million in revenue.The diverse experiences during a cruise trip in the Bahamas have prompted growth in the specific sector. Additionally, if you are in Nassau on a cruise, the best activities to do will depend on your interests. For example, if you have a keen interest in history and culture, you must explore places such as Queen's Staircase, John Watling's Distillery, Straw Market, Fort Fincastle and Government House, and Parliament Square. However, if you want to have some fun at the beach, Blue Lagoon Island, Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island, and Exuma Cay will be your go-to destinations.  7. What Are The Things To Do In Nassau When It Rains? June to November are the months with the heaviest rainfall in Nassau, Bahamas. August is the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 24 cm. Heavy rainfall continues till October (16 cm), and from September to November, the Bahamas also experiences tropical storms. Having said that, a rainy day without storms is beautiful in the Bahamas, and the things to do are a visit to Paradise Island and Rose Island, reef snorkeling, parasailing, and a swim with pigs on Rose Island. Also, if you are an indoor person, a visit to the Baha Mar Casino is one of the fun things to do in Nassau on a rainy day. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 19, 2022

U.S. News came up with a list of “The 25 Best Places for Young Professionals to Live” in 2023. I was happy to find Huntsville, Alabama, on the list.  The city is affordable and is a bustling hub of aerospace and defense industries.  Having said that, Huntsville and all the best cities for young professionals in Alabama also have some great tourist attractions.  In this Tour and Travel blog, we will explore how these cities balance work with recreation and why these great cities are also ideal as travel destinations for young professionals. Why Are The Best Cities For Young Professionals In Alabama The Best? The top reason young professionals move to Alabama is the price!  Everything from housing to food is far more affordable in Alabama, which makes it far easier on starting salaries.   Instead of having to struggle to make your way in a hugely expensive city, you can save money and enjoy a higher quality of life. Also, the best cities for young professionals in Alabama are great for someone who wants to make advancement in their career. If you want to especially build your career in aerospace, defense, or technological sectors, these cities are ideal for you.  Beyond this, there’s a lot to do in Alabama!   From enjoying the countless outdoor spaces to the fantastic cities full of businesses, thriving music scenes, and incredible museums and entertainment, you’ll never be bored in Alabama!  Moreover, Alabama has a welcoming community and beautiful places like the Gulf Coast and the Appalachian Mountains.  So, the best cities for young professionals in Alabama score high on affordability and a high quality of life.  Do you want to know these cities? I have briefly discussed them in the next section.  Best Cities For Young Professionals In Alabama: To Live And For Travel Birmingham and Huntsville are two of the best cities for young professionals in Alabama. What are the other cities on the list?  Let's find out!  1. Mountain Brook Although this is an expensive city as far as Alabama goes, Mountain Brook is a fantastic place to live!  With Botanical gardens, gorgeous conservatories, incredible restaurants, and endless boutiques, you'll love living in this area.  Just on the outskirts of Birmingham, you won't have to travel far if you want to live largely and enjoy nightlife any given day. The job market in this area is thriving and offers the chance to work in any career or industry you're interested in. Birmingham homes for sale in this area are far more spacious than other areas and have a far lower crime rate than most of the state.  This is an awesome place to start an amazing career, especially if you eventually want to start a family! 2. Madison On the northern border of Alabama, Madison is a dream come true to many!  Although you'd have to drive a half-hour commute to and from work, this tiny area has some of the most affordable living you'll find in the state.  With only 20,000 people that call it home and countless things to do in the area, you'll never really feel like you're in too small of an area.  This is an exceptional place to start out until you have the funds to move closer to cities! 3. Homewood Possibly the most walkable area in Alabama, Homewood is a fantastic city in Jefferson county that allows city living at affordable prices.  Close to Red Mountain, the local views are breathtaking and offer refreshing surroundings despite being in a city. This is awesome for young professionals because it's a suburb of Birmingham as well, giving those who live here the chance to get the best start out of their career.  If you want to be close to the best job opportunities while still getting to live affordably, there's no place better for it than Homewood! 4. Huntsville As I mentioned, Huntsville is among the best cities for young professionals in Alabama and the USA.  It is home to the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. So, if you are planning to build a career in any of these fields, Huntsville is the go-to destination for you.  Moreover, the northern Alabama Metro Area offers an affordable lifestyle. Housing is very affordable, and residents must spend less than 20% of their annual median income on it.  Moreover, the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Monte Sano State Park, and Huntsville Botanical Garden are some of the best places to visit in Huntsville.  5. Birmingham Birmingham celebrates a thriving job market. Its economy is diverse. Further, a stunning business growth in the city keeps attracting young professionals from all over the world.  Birmingham has names like PwC, BBC, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs. Furthermore, Birmingham was the place securing the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) outside London.  So, with high investments and industrial growth visible in Birmingham, it now gives young professionals the opportunity to make a career or living here.  6. Mobile: Best Cities For Young Professionals In Alabama The second-largest city in Alabama, Mobile, is one of the best cities for young professionals. Being the oldest settlement, Mobile is also the place where history and hip culture meet.  Further, the city, with a history of 325 years, was once known as the Paris of the South. Also, a city born to celebrate, Mobile is the cultural epicenter of the Gulf Coast.  Moreover, the city with its storied past, is constantly making endeavors to improve its quality of living for young professionals and everyone.  Also, it is home to renowned universities and big hospitals. So, it is trying to be a huge name in the educational and medical sectors.  7. Montgomery Montgomery is a quaint place with a beautiful view of nature. Further, it is a great place to establish and grow your career.  Also, Mayor Reed of Montgomery just had a gala interaction with young professionals. It was an initiative to bolster the city’s position among the best cities for young professionals in Alabama. Alabama is an Incredible Place to Start a Career If you’re ready to start a career in a state that gives you the best chance to thrive: it’s time to head to Alabama.  There’s no better state to get a great start! Additionals: Visit Florence In Tuscany 6 Reasons Why You Need To Purchase A Boat In 2022 Stephen Gleave On The Best Waterfalls And Trails In Ancaster 12 Best Things To Do In Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide