6 Best Places To Visit In California

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

The Shenandoah National Park has many wonders that you just cannot miss. So, you can witness the beauty of Bearfence Mountain and its waterfalls and explore its endless hiking trails.   As a rich wildlife hub, it is also home to white-tailed deer, black bears, red-tailed hawks, Carolina chickadees, and many more.   So, to cut a long story short, the Shenandoah National Park has everything for everyone. Moreover, it does not matter whether you are a birder or an avid trekker.   However, one thing is certain: you can only enjoy the park to the fullest if you are camping here or at least spending nights at the local lodges. Therefore, I am sharing a brief guide about the campsites and other accommodation options in the park.   Shenandoah National Park Camping   https://www.instagram.com/p/CvPj7WmAt6a/ Shenandoah National Park offers you the best chance to sleep under the stars with its five functional campgrounds.   Further, these campgrounds are open from early spring to late fall. Also, you can know about their availability with a simplified alert system.   So, do you want to plan your next camping expedition at Shenandoah National Park?  Loft Mountain Campground  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bykz80iADRN/ In the southern part of the Shenandoah National Park lies the Loft Mountain. Further, it is at the top of the  Big Flat Mountain. Also, it is a large camping zone with a total of 207 sites.   Further, you will get a beautiful view of the eastern and western sides from the Loft Mountain Campground. In addition, the waterfalls and the trails to the Big Run Wilderness allow you to explore the park fully. Moreover, the table below shows the amenities available (not available) at Loft Mountain Campground.  Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Seasonal availability  Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale Yes Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park's fire and stove policy. * Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  *You can only use USDA-certified firewood in the park, and this is a measure to stop the unnecessary spread of emerald ash borer. However, you can also use deadwood or brunches in the park to ignite fire in the fire grates provided by the park.   Further, you must fully extinguish the fire before leaving the spot, and you cannot use charcoal.   Fees And Reservation At Loft Mountain Campground  Loft Mountain Campground has non-electric sites for tents and RVs. Further, only six people can stay at a time at a standard campsite. Moreover, a camping site can accommodate one RV at a time.   In addition, the fee for each campsite is $30.   Further, the campsites of Loft Mountain Campground come on a combination basis. Nevertheless, the best method is to reserve a site.   However, campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.   Lewis Mountain Campground  Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest in the park, with a stretch of only 57.5 miles. Also, just 7 miles away from the Big Meadows, this campground offers a quiet and more private experience.   The sites are available on self-registrations. Further, you can get a site on a first-come and first-served basis.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Yes, on a seasonal basis Food Storage Lockers  Seasonal Availability Ice for Sale Yes, Available Seasonally Staff on Site Seasonal  Amphitheater No Firewood for Sale Available Seasonally** Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station No Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  **You must abide by the fire safety regulations to stop the spread of the emerald ash borer. Further, remember the following points to avoid fire-related mishaps.   You can use deadwood or dried branches to light a fire in the fire grates.  Further, make sure that you extinguish the fire properly after use.  Also, you can carry camping and backpacking stoves.  However, you cannot use charcoal grills inside the park.   Reservation And Fees At Lewis Mountain Campground  A standard, non-electric campsite at Lewis Mountain Campground will cost you $30. Further, you don’t need to reserve your campsite in advance as all sites are available on a first-come and first-served basis.   Big Meadows Campground  https://www.instagram.com/p/B4a4lAAFP52/ The 51.2-mile Big Meadows Campground is the busiest camping zone in the park, with 221 camping sites. Further, with sites available on a reservation basis, this campground offers access to the following park areas.  Big Meadows  Byrd Visitor Center, and  Dark Hollow Falls  Moreover, every campsite for a tent or RV here comes with a picnic table and fire ring.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store Seasonal availability  Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale Yes Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park's fire and stove policy. *** Laundry Available Seasonally  Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)  *** The fire safety policies at Big Meadows Campground include using USDA-certified firewood. Further, you can use deadwood and branches in the fire grates.   However, even if you can carry backpacking and camping stoves, using charcoal grills is prohibited.   Further, the Big Meadows Campground has standard and group camping sites. Moreover, the group camping site will cost you $75, and the fee for the standard site is $30.   Mathews Arm Campground  If you enter the Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, you will first encounter the Mathews Arm Campground. Further, this 22.1 campground is home to 165 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, tents, and RVs.   However, this camping site has no camp store or shower facility. It also does not offer wood and ice for sale. So, you will have to walk for 2 miles to Elkwallow Wayside to collect the essentials.   Amenities Available  Cell Phone Network No Internet Connectivity No Recycling/Trash Collection Yes, on a seasonal basis Camp Store No Food Storage Lockers  Yes Ice for Sale No Staff on Site Available Seasonally  Amphitheater Available Seasonally  Firewood for Sale No Laundry No Dump Station Available Seasonally  Potable Water Seasonal Availability  Shower Type No  Reservation And Fees At Mathews Arm Campground   The Mathews Arm Campground  combines reserved and first-come, first-served based sites. Further, it has standard and group campsites.   Moreover,  standard and group campsite fees are $30 and $75, respectively.   Explore More Lodging Options At Shenandoah National Park  If you don’t want to compromise on comfort, you can explore the three Shenandoah National Park lodging options for an overnight stay.   Further, these lodges are located in the prime locations of the park, and offer the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moreover, they have pet-friendly accommodation. So, if you are traveling with your canine or feline friends, you can enjoy stress-free time.   Skyland Resort  https://www.instagram.com/p/CdqQODytuCm/?img_index=1 Along the Skyline Drive, the Skyland Resort offers the most comfortable accommodation options at Skyland Resort.   Further, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the park from the Skyland Resort. Also, this resort gives you easy access to many popular hiking trails in the park.   Lewis Mountain Cabins  Are you in for some rugged experience at Shenandoah National Park with the comfort factor intact? So, why don’t you get a place at Lewis Mountain Cabins?  Big Meadows Lodge  https://www.instagram.com/p/C-DcPBOADEx/ Built with stones from the Massanutten Mountains, the Big Meadows Lodge has a natural charm and warmth. Further, residents love spending evenings here watching the sunrise and sharing their park experience.  Exploring The Unique Geology Of Shenandoah National Park     https://www.instagram.com/p/CSwssncAg6D/ The geology of Shenandoah National Park tells ancient stories that are constantly evolving. Further, you will find many types of rocks that have formed the  park’s unique geology. So, let’s have a brief understanding of these rocks.   Basement Rocks  The basement rocks of Shenandoah National Park are older than Appalachians. Further, these rocks are the foundations of the Shenandoah Blue Ridge Mountains. These rocks are also responsible for the dramatic topography of Hogback Mountain, Old Rag Mountain, and Marys Rock.   Moreover, these rocks take you back billions of years.   Greenstone Lava Flows   Have you seen the  Hawksbill and Stony Man cliffs in Shenandoah National Park? These all are formed of greenstone lava flows at least 570 million years old.   Further, these lava flows form a staircase-like topography, and you will also find flat benches here and there. Moreover, the major waterfalls in the park cut through the greenstone lava flows and plunge into canyons.   Chilhowee Metasedimentary Rocks  These rocks come from the shores of an ocean older than the Atlantic. Further, these rocks form the park’s steep slopes and rugged terrain. Moreover, you will find these rocks in the Southern District of the park.   Further, they have transformed under pressure and have formed cliffs like the Calvary Rocks, Rocky Mountain, and Blackrock South. In addition, these rocks have formed many boulder fields.   Shenandoah National Park At A Glance  Location: Virginia, United States  Area: Around 198,000 Acres  Highest Point: Hawksbill Mountain (1,234 Meters)  Visitor Centers: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center, and Mobile Visitor Center  Hiking Trails: 500 Miles  Moreover, Shenandoah National Park is home to more than 50 mammal and 190 bird species with amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Further, this park has more than 12 waterfalls.   So, camping in the park will be a truly amazing experience. However, plan a trip to the park in the spring or fall to have the best experience of the wildlife flora and fauna.  However, the park has multiple entrance gates, and the route directions could be clearer. So, get a detailed idea from the park authority about the entrance gate and route based on your location.    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  Ankita Jun 7, 2024

You should purchase the visit to most of the countries in the world except for a few. Saudi Arabia is encouraging international travelers to visit their country and explore the beauty of their cities and Islamic landmarks in their country with the purpose of Umrah or booking an adventurous trip because there are a lot of places where you can enjoy the most.  In fact, tourism contributes a significant portion of the Saudi economy nowadays. People from different parts of the globe plan to visit Saudi Arabia to have a good time. That's why, Saudi Arabia is focusing on providing facilities to visitors so that they can enjoy at best.  The same goes with pilgrims as well. Pilgrimage also contributes to the Saudi economy and helps the government to maintain the spirituality of the land. This is a reason the Saudi government ensures that pilgrims have a fulfilling experience during their stay. Umrah packages also help pilgrims in this regard. The purpose is to make pilgrims free from tackling management and focus on Ibadah.  However, the question is whether visitors can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. If not, what type of visa should they consider before proceeding with their plan? Well, read ahead.  Why Do I Need a VISA When Visiting Saudi Arabia? KSA is a hub for Islamic landmarks. Because the kingdom is significant both in terms of spirituality and modernity, it has become a top priority of visitors nowadays. Some of them want to explore Saudi heritage, while others seek closeness to Allah and his house, the Kabbah.  But it requires you to have a relevant VISA anyway. A VISA document is a legal issuance certificate that outsiders need to enter a foreign country. Just like other countries, Saudi Arabia also requires you to have a VISA.  For pilgrims, it's easier to get VISA approval through Umrah packages. Providing VISA application assistance and ensuring VISA approval is part of these Umrah and Hajj deals.  The same happens with cheap plans like the 12 Nights 4 star Umrah package. You just have to arrange the required documents and enter personal details on the VISA application. Then, the travel agencies take care of application submission and approval.  Though visitors don't have to apply for VISAs through Umrah package deals, they require a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, these VISA requirements and details are different under different conditions. So, let's see what type of visa you should consider according to your plans. Who Needs a VISA? Just like in other countries, entering Saudi Arabia also requires a VISA. A VISA refers to a travel document or a legal statement.  The main purpose of requiring a VISA is to define your purpose for visiting the country of Saudi Arabia. If you are a business traveller, tourist, or pilgrim, you need to apply for a specific type, for instance.  In addition, visa documents are also necessary for countries to keep checks and balances on the entry and take-off of tourists. Through a VISA, tourists can claim their rights to their respective country's government. Similarly, it also guarantees the safety and integrity of the country.  The same policy is for Saudi Arabia. You should apply for a specific type of VISA to enter the KSA. However, Saudi Arabia also has exceptions.  Our honourable customers who are living in some of the Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar can enter the boundary of Saudi Arabia without a VISA. Similarly, the VISA Waiver Agreement allows some travelers to apply for a VISA on arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  In general, visitors must need a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, it is better to research whether you need a VISA or not. And if so, what type of visa do you need? Types of VISA for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia earns a lot of money from tourism. It includes pilgrims and tourists alike. Therefore, Saudi Arabia focuses on enhancing the experience of visitors. The VISA process and requirements also reflect the simplification of visiting Saudi Arabia.  For instance, Saudi Arabia issues different types of VISA documents to travellers according to their needs. This way, the process of entry into the kingdom works. In general terms, the price of all these VISA types varies depending on the purpose of the visit. For example, travellers apply for tourist VISAs and can stay in the country for up to 90 days. Tourist visas, Umrah visas, Hajj visas, business visas, and work visas are the most common types of VISAs that are availed from Saudi Embassies by global travellers. This VISA type comes with a validity of one year with multiple visits in a year.  Umrah VISA and Hajj VISA An Umrah VISA tells everything. Pilgrims apply for an Umrah VISA to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah packages also help them engage with Ziarat tours. This VISA type offers a short validity period, usually equal to the duration of the Umrah pilgrimage only.  Similarly, pilgrims get a Hajj VISA to perform Hajj. Hajj VISA also comes up with short validity, often for the duration of Hajj.  Business VISA Business VISA allows people to visit Saudi Arabia for work activities. For instance, with a business VISA, you can attend meetings or conferences in Saudi Arabia.  However, it's a dynamic type of VISA that comes up with multiple entries as well as a single entry, depending on your work requirements and duration.  Employee or Work VISA Another type of Saudi VISA is a work VISA. It's for individuals who have a job offer from Saudi Arabia and want to live there as an employee. Work VISAs remain valid up to the job contract or need renewal frequently.  In short, Saudi Arabia streamlines the process of entry into the kingdom. So, define the purpose of your visit and apply for a relevant visa. VISA Requirements Now, you will find out what type of VISA you have to get. After all, it's easier to spot until the purpose of your visit is clear to you. Here, a question hits your mind: how to you apply for a Saudi VISA?  You should collect all the necessary documents. These include:  a valid passport passport size photographs VISA application form proof of hotel accommodations in KSA non-refundable tickets. In some of cases, it is also important to avail yourself of travel insurance, health insurance, and relevant additional documents.  After making sure you have the necessary documents on hand, proceed with the application process. Note that pilgrims have to apply for an Umrah VISA through Umrah packages. The same goes for affordable deals like the 12 Nights 4-star Umrah.  However, travellers, visitors, and working employees can apply for Saudi VISAs through the eVISA portal.  To proceed, follow these steps: Go to the eVISA official page and fill out the application form with personal and travel details. Upload the necessary documents and pay the VISA fee. Submit the form and look for approval. Visitors can also apply for a VISA in person through the embassy. Take an application form and the necessary documents. Fill out the application form, attach the documents, and visit the Saudi embassy to submit the documents in person. Also, pay the fee there as they will guide you and wait for the approval. Tips to Ensure VISA Approval Applying for a Saudi VISA document is straightforward. This is because Saudi Arabia streamlines the whole process to promote tourism. However, some people still find the whole process challenging, and it has some reasons.  For instance, leaving the application form incomplete is a common mistake that ends up with a VISA rejection. To avoid it, read every section of the application form carefully and fill in all the required fields. Also, double-check the form before submitting it.  On the other hand, some people add inaccurate information to the application form, which can also cause visa rejection.  For instance, avoid spelling mistakes, wrong passport numbers, and incorrect travel dates in the application form. The best solution to avoid these mistakes is to cross-check all the information with your official documents and details.  Conclusion Following this, make sure to avoid missing documents while submitting the application form. So, be careful with your documents and make a list of required documents in the first place. After that, as you upload the document, mark that one on your list, and that's it.  Similarly, providing poor-quality photos and submitting late application forms also lead to VISA rejection. So, follow the photo guidelines beforehand and also submit the application form in advance. It will save you from approval delays all the way. Additional Reading: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary For An Unforgettable Trip! Ensuring Approval: The Power Of A Well-Crafted Two-Way Itinerary For Visas

BY  sagnika Feb 25, 2025

If you are planning a relaxing and luxurious vacation, you must book a cruise! Imagine having all kinds of amenities such as restaurants, pools, entertainment, and fun areas in a floating hotel or resort. Well, that is how you will feel when you book your spot on the best Mediterranean cruises 2025!   Yes, you might face some issues if you have motion sickness especially if the sea or the ocean is choppy. However, in most cases, cruise ships are so big that there is minimal movement along with recent times technology, the stabilization technology.   Let us explore more about some of the best cruises if you are making plans for February vacation ideas. Furthermore, you can choose a bit of both worlds, some adventurous activities and some leisure time!   Best Mediterranean Cruises 2025 Destinations Right Here!   If you are planning to go on a cruise vacation, nothing better than the Mediterranean cruises! Celebrity cruises bring you the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, dazzling ports, glamorous activities, and delicious cuisine in the form of Mediterranean cruises.   If you are planning to immerse yourself in the historical culture of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and others, this is the one way to go about it. What is more? Fruits, vegetables, grains, wheat, and olive oil represent the Mediterranean like no other!   Have you always wanted to visit the Parthenon in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome? Well, what are you waiting for, book yourself a romantic holiday on the best Mediterranean Cruises. Discover the beautiful scenic views and experience the exotic locales and cuisine.   1. Greece Cruises   Want to explore the turquoise-blue waters along the white beaches? After all, Greece and the Greek Islands have some of the best views that nature can offer. Additionally, the historical and cultural heritage of the destination is known worldwide attracting visitors everywhere.   You can explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes, visit the temple of Athena Lindia, or walk across the ruins of Kamiros. If you are someone who loves palaces and old historical places, you have gotta go to the Palace of Knossos and the Palace of Phaestos.   Simultaneously, how can you miss visiting the Acropolis in Athens? Of course, there are several beautiful beaches adjoining small coastal towns offering you picturesque harbors in Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu.   2. Spain Cruises   You can visit Barcelona, a place known for its football and cuisine while on the Spain Cruise. Departing from the US, one of the cruise companies, Celebrity Cruises, will take you on the ride of a lifetime. The trip will mostly be anywhere from seven to sixteen days itinerary.   Furthermore, you can explore Portugal along with Spain on some cruises, so decide and accordingly make bookings. The cultural diversity you will experience when you get off the cruise for day trips or excursions will blow your mind.   Additionally, the architectural heritage at the Giralda in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada will win your heart. Making a memory for a lifetime, you can go on exciting hikes around the active volcanoes and the calderas in the Canary Islands.   3. Croatia Cruises   If you want both mountains and oceans together, I have the perfect destination for you, especially when you are booking some of the best Mediterranean cruises 2025. The city, Dubrovnik, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you must visit.   With charming streets flanked by mountains on one side and on the other side, the Mediterranean. There is Modra Spilja Cave and Rector’s Palace in the location which you can visit once the cruise docks at the port.   Simultaneously, the cruise will also take you to Split, an ancient Roman city. The seafront businesses and cafes are perfect for you if you love spending time looking at beautiful views and eating local cuisine such as Arabasici, Dalmatinska Pasticada, and Soparnik.   4. France Cruises   The minimum days for which you can go on a French cruise is three days, and it can go up to seven days. There are a few companies that function in the French Riviera namely Princess, Avalon Waterways, Viking, and others.    Are you someone who enjoys architecture? Then you must go for one of these best Mediterranean cruises 2025. You must visit the 19th-century Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica, Notre Dame de la Garde, on your tour to Marseille.   If you are an art lover, how can you forget the Mona Lisa at the Louvre? You can visit when you are on the cruise with France as your destination. Apart from taking a stroll across the open-air market and art galleries in towns like St. Paul-de-Vence and Baux-de-Provence.   Lastly, you must visit the delicious bakeries offering you flaky croissants and creamy cheese-filled cakes. Known for their patisserie shops, you must try out those pastel-colored macarons.   5. Rome Cruises   Rome is known as the “Eternal City” for travelers all around the world! Starting from the port of Civitavecchia. The Rome cruise organizes beautiful trips including excursions where you will get immersed in the culture and the practices.   Whether it is the Baroque Trevi Fountain or the ancient Roman Colosseum, you must experience these beautiful places. After all, Rome Cruises is not just historically perfect but inspiring if you want to book one of the best cruises for families.   Do you know anything about the Cappella Sistina by Michelangelo? You can see that as well if you visit Vatican City with the beautiful Vatican museums! After all the place is known for its art scene. Are you someone who likes taking strolls on the streets when visiting a new place?   When your cruise docks at the port, you can take a walk along the Tiber. Additionally, you can check out the Sant'Angelo castle.   6. Israel and Egypt Cruises   One of the best Mediterranean cruises in 2025, if you have any plans to go on a cruise, this should be it for you. Nile and Egypt are known for their splendor with ancient wonders like Luxor’s Valley of Kings, Kom Ombo’s temples, and the High Dam.   There are bustling markets in Egypt and Israel where you can go for strolling! There are other exciting port cities and museums, which you can visit when you are going on the excursion from the cruise. You will be getting a relaxed environment along with diverse cuisine and a lot of activities!   7. Malta Cruises   You can book the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to visit Valletta, Malta, offering you a beautiful view of the world. You will fall in love with the place when exploring the museums, and historic sites such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and check out the Baroque art.   There are several limestone architectures as the Mediterranean Sea surrounds it with the sun shining all year round. When you travel on the cruise, you will love the view along with enjoying yourself on the sandy beaches. You can go swimming, sunbathing and hiking on these beaches.   You can also visit the Grandmaster’s Palace while you can see the Grand Harbor from your cruise. If you know kayaking or want to learn about it, it can be an adventure for you when you go on a cruise trip.   8. Italy Cruises   The Mediterranean cruises that take you to Italy offer natural and cultural opportunities for all. The long coastline is one of the most beautiful places and the cruises will cover several well-known cities such as Rome, Venice, Naples, Siracusa, Genoa, and others. It is one of the best places to travel in Europe!   For example, there is a cruise company, MSC Cruises, that creates your tour package including land excursions apart from traveling by sea. So, the cruise takes you to Trieste along with Miramare Castle, Lecce, Matera, and Alberobello in Basilicata Puglia and others.   You cannot miss visiting the gateway to Florence along with Pisa. Whether you want to travel to the best places to visit in February or try to book some of the best cruises for Couples, you must include Italy in your itinerary as a destination.   Let’s Pack our Bags and Go...   After all, when you are done packing your bags and booking your cruise, I am sure you will make a list of things you want to do. When returning from any one of these continents, be it Greece France, or Italy, you will always remember them.   Comment below about which one of the cruises you are going to book when making travel plans. Additionally, you can also share with you cruise trips that have won your heart.