Four Underrated Cities To Visit In Spring 2024

Sep 15, 2023

Last Updated on: Jan 6, 2024

Travel Guides

When you think of the ideal spring destination, what springs to mind?

For most, it’s rolling tree-lined vistas exploding with cherry blossoms; temperate weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold; a lively atmosphere, reinvigorated after a long winter; moments of serenity before the onslaught of summer tourists, etc.

It can be challenging to find all of those platonic ideals in one place, especially if you stick to the beaten path. However, if you wander away from the major tourist cities (your Parises, Tokyos, and New York, e.g.), you can find compelling cities that come to life in spring. As a bonus, these underrated cities are often less expensive than their famous counterparts–and cheaper in the shoulder season of spring.

ČeskýKrumlov, Czechia

ČeskýKrumlov, Czechia

Prague is beautiful, no doubt. Unfortunately, it’s the first and last place tourists often visit in Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic). If you’re willing to take a two-hour train from Prague (roughly $20), you can land yourself in ČeskýKrumlov, a UNESCO-recognized Gothic city in the heart of South Bohemia.

This is literally where the term Bohemian originated. The city brims with artistic energy, pristinely aged architecture, as well as nightlife. And in spring, the trees along the Vltava River bloomin magnificent abundance. Plus, if you’re a beer connoisseur, you’ll find some of the oldest European breweries at your doorstep.

Vancouver, Canada

Seattle and Portland dominate the narrative around the Pacific Northwest. But if you cross the 49th parallel into Canada, you’ll find arguably the crowning jewel of the PNW: Vancouver.

Vancouver is a city of extremes. On the one end, it’s a cosmopolitan metro on the move, complete with bumping bars, swanky restaurants, and posh shopping districts. On the other end, Vancouver is humbled by its natural surroundings – cornered by a long Pacific coastline and towering snow-capped mountains. Outdoor activities are plentiful in Vancouver; the city features an embarrassment of day hikes, suspension bridges, beaches, as well as ski trips.

Vancouver’s spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, so just be sure to pack travel clothes from Unbound Merino, which are versatile enough to withstand hot, cold, dry, and rainy weather.

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa is everything you love about Tokyo or Kyoto, scaled down to a streamlined 400,000-person package. It has the spring rows of cherry blossoms. It boasts old Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. There are world-class dining experiences as well as futuristic amenities.

Best of all, Kanazawa is home to perfectly preserved Edo-era districts. It makes you feel like you boarded a time machine to get there. It’s no wonder Culture Trip named it one of the most underrated cities in Japan.

Phoenix, USA

Phoenix is underrated any time of year. The city’s desert aesthetic, top-notch Southwest food and packed calendar of events and festivals make it a true standout among American cities.

But perhaps the perfect time to visit is spring. Phoenix’s spring temperature is still manageable – not the sweltering highs it experiences in August. Prices are reasonable across the accommodation landscape. And best of all, Arizona is host to MLB’s spring training – which means cheap baseball tickets.

This spring, don’t listen to the hype. Check out these four underrated spring cities for a refreshing dose of blossoms, great food, nightlife, as well as activities.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Scarborough Secrets: Your Ultimate Guide To Coastal Charms

BY Abdul Aziz MondalDec 1, 2023

For those who want to get away from city life, Scarborough's top attractions provide an amazing holiday experience. One of the most well-known coastal resort towns in England, it embodies the traditional historical charm. It is dotted with arcades, fish and chips, and waterfront parks. The essence of Scarborough is some of the nation's nicest beaches at the base of sheer cliffs. This seaside town in Yorkshire has the atmosphere of being stuck in the Victorian era. Perched atop the cliffs, the Grand Hotel commands attention from all directions. The Scarborough Spa continues to draw national visitors. The town's architecture is characterized by a lot of flamboyant buildings with a hospitable old-world charm. In this article, we will enumerate all the things to do in Scarborough you cannot miss. Things To Do In Scarborough Even with its historical vibe, Scarborough is still a lively and welcoming spot to spend a summer in England. South Bay Beach Scarborough's South Bay Beach is well-known for its soft sand, amusement arcades, donkey rides, and the Grand Hotel perched atop cliffs. Like a vacationer from the Victorian era, you can still take the historic cliff lifts from the hotel down to the beach. Though the North Sea is far less inviting, South Beach can be just as busy and enjoyable on a sunny summer's day as any beach in the Mediterranean. While it's usually acceptable to dangle your toes in, very few people go deeper than knee depth. North Bay Beach, located on the opposite side of the headland, has earned a Blue Flag designation for hygiene. Though it has fewer nearby attractions than South Bay Beach, it is usually busier on nice days. Rotunda Museum The exhibit at the Rotunda Museum covers the region's incredibly old history. The collection's highlights include a Bronze Age coffin, Stone Age tools, and dinosaur fossils. These intriguing objects are arranged in an equally intriguing and historic structure. One of the first purpose-built museums in history, the ancient circular structure with its trick-eye ceiling is just as fascinating to look at as the artifacts. The Scarborough Art Gallery, the famous Grand Hotel, the historic Spa Bridge that spans a valley with beautiful parkland, and the Rotunda Museum's distinctive exterior are all nearby. It's a major center of culture. Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults Renovated historically, the Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults houses a contemporary market with a nod to the past. There is local produce available in the main hall. It also has stalls offering handcrafted jewelry, presents, clothing, and artwork, among other items. Under the hall, in The Vaults, are more shops with a focus on antiques and handmade goods. In addition to being a place for shopping, Scarborough's market and hall also double as a cultural hub, hosting a calendar of special events. Additionally, there's a great food court with a view of the hallway. Scarborough Harbor Scarborough's historic harbor has long served as the city's center. It should come as no surprise that the harbor is home to several top-notch seafood restaurants, given that the fishermen still bring in their fresh catches on a daily basis. The classic fish and chips, which can be found at excellent establishments like Winking Willy's, First Catch, and Harbour View Café, is, of course, the dish of choice. As the name implies, Harbour View provides beautiful views of the old lighthouse across the protected moorings. You can help yourself to a traditional portion of English fish and chips wrapped in paper and savor it with a wooden fork. It is an English version of a takeout. A generous amount of vinegar gives the dish a unique tang and softens the crispy batter surrounding the flaky cod or haddock. Scarborough’s Old Town Not only do the winding old streets behind the harbor and South Bay Beach have a lovely, old-world charm, but they also have a fantastic assortment of stores and cafés. A few major high street names, such as Marks and Spencer and New Look, are present, but the bulk of the stores are tiny local businesses that sell some unusual and interesting goods. The selection of confectionery stores in Scarborough is particularly good. Seaside sticks of rock are boiled sugar candies is an English classic. There are plenty of other sweet options for you to choose from Additionally, there are a good number of casinos and amusement arcades. Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough boasts an active theater scene with a number of excellent locations scattered throughout the small town. The Stephen Joseph Theatre is one of the greatest. It's conveniently located next to the Scarborough Spa. They feature a combination of contemporary and classic shows, and the performances are excellent, even though it's unlikely that you'll see many well-known actors on stage. You won't have any trouble seeing or hearing the plays because of how small the theater itself is. There are several eateries close to the contemporary location, along with a decent bar and a small art gallery on the premises. When there isn't live action, the theater frequently screens old films and occasionally streams significant international events. Peasholm Park Peasholm Park offers both peaceful reflection and moments of excitement. During the summer (June to August), every Saturday at 3 p.m., model warships battle on the large lake near the beach, with the addition of aircraft and explosions to the action. You can rent a boat and go rowing around the large central island. It has a distinctive Japanese pagoda in the center when the miniature navies aren't in action. To explore the stunning hidden garden located at the other end of the park, stroll among the trees beside Peasholm Beck if you'd rather stay on dry land. Along the route, there are some exotic tree species like Chusan palms and American red oaks. Scarborough Spa Its distinctive history and location are what make this specific live music and events venue intriguing and worthwhile to visit. Constructed during the Victorian era, the spa is situated on the cliffs with a stunning view of South Bay Beach. Despite its historical appearance, it is equipped with contemporary amenities. One of the few seaside orchestras that still performs in the Spa plays lively classical music and classic oom-pah tunes under the sea breeze. It is a tradition they have brought down just like they did in the heyday of the town. It is a very memorable performance because of the setting, which can be either the Grand Hall or the suncourt. Since they only perform in the summer, make sure to schedule your travel and hotel well in advance. Wrapping Up The North Sea laps the picturesque, horseshoe-shaped bay at the heart of Scarborough. It is a seaside town, ruled over by a castle dating back to the 12th century. Over four centuries of sandy beaches, surfing, and hearty Yorkshire fare have made Scarborough a family favorite. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Scarborough, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Exeter’s Hidden Treasures: My Offbeat And Unique Experiences In Exeter! Things To Do In Leeds: Dive Into The Dynamic Heart Of Yorkshire Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham

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Connemara National Park: Where Guglielmo Marconi Invented The First Full Duplex Radio 

BY Sibashree BhattacharyaSep 10, 2024

Connemara National Park has been an important Irish national park, having won the Green Flag Award in 2018. This international benchmark shows its worth as a green space and park. Further, in 2021, it also sought the New Heritage Site Accreditation, which shows the quality of the national park and how it is maintained in a sustainable way.   Moreover, this park is even rich in geology and houses many historical and archaeological sites. In addition, as an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore its various hiking and walking trails.   So, want to tour this Irish national park, which has a dash of history, culture, natural abundance, and more? Here is a complete guide for you.   Important Information About Connemara National Park  Visiting Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm  Entry Fee: Free  Closed On Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Red and Orange Weather Alert Days  Amenities: Education Center, Visitor Center, Playground, Cafe, Toilets and Picnic Areas  How to Reach: You can reach this national park by train, car, or bus. You have to reach Galway City first and then take a bus (or private car) to reach the park.  Main Access Point: Near Letterfrack along the N59  Pet Friendliness: Dogs are Welcome to Walk the Trails   Fascinating Geology Of Connemara National Park  The national park is a part of the Twelve Ben area. So, the park also has underlying metamorphic rocks. The sediments forming these rocks are aged between 700 to 550 million years.   Further, you will find schists and gray marbles around the edges of the rocks. Moreover, at the top, you will see quartzite. In addition, it is astonishing to know that the final shaping of the park took place around 10000 years ago or during the last ice age.  The park has a rocky formation with boulder clay and a deposit of sand and gravel. The distinct geological features have contributed to the type of vegetation found in this area.   What Animals Are In Connemara National Park? Which Plants Does This Park Have?  The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has marked Connemara National Park as a Category II Protected Area. So, there is a constant endeavour to safeguard the landscape, wildlife, and ecology of the park unadulterated.   The park has many heritage breeds along with a wide range of protected flora and fauna. In addition, there are some conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna. The table below shows the details.  Birds* Stonechats Wrens Robins Peregrine Falcon Merlin Sparrowhawk Kestrel Mammals Nocturnal Animals  Pine Marten Bats Foxes Badgers  Diurnal Animals   Pygmy Shrews Red Deer Wood Mice Otters Hares Stoats Connemara Ponies Other Fauna Freshwater Pearl Mussel Salmon Trout Smooth Newt Common Frog Rare and Protected Plants and Other Flora Sundews Butterwort Purple Moor Grass Roseroot Purple Saxifrage Starry Saxifrage Pale Butterwort Lesser Twayblade Mountain Sorrel St. Patrick’s Cabbage St. Daboec’s Heath Heritage Breeds Connemara Ponies Cladoir Sheep Moiled Cattle Old Irish Goats Galway Sheep Conservation Projects** Control of Rhododendron Mweelin Exclosure New Found Wood Connemara Pony Cladoir Sheep Preservation Committee Irish Moiled Cattle & Conservation Grazing  *The national park has a large number of birds in the winter. Many native birds of Ireland, such as woodcock, song thrush, mistle thrush, snipe, and starling, increased in numbers in this season.   Moreover, fieldfare, redwing, and many other birds from Northern Europe flock to this park in great numbers during winter.   **The conservation projects in the park are designed to maintain biodiversity. These also try to eradicate the negative impacts on the rare and protected flora and fauna of the park.   Habitats Of Connemara National Park  Connemara National Park has wet boglands and uplands as its habitats. Further, the extremely wet boglands are the hubs of various vegetation. However, the uplands have drier mountain bog communities.  Boglands   Boglands are found in the low-lying areas of the park. Further, in these wet boglands, you will find the western blanket bog. In addition, purple moor grass surrounds this western blanket bog, and thus, it has a grass-like appearance.   In the national park, you will find these boglands near the pool surface, slope inclines, flat lands, and flushes. However, these boglands can appear on your route if you're hiking off trails, and there can be swallow pools. So, be careful!  Uplands   The mountainous and rocky uplands also house a wide variety of vegetation. The grasslands and heather here are also home to some rare and endangered animals, such as red deer and Old Irish Goats.  Moreover, the heathlands here are drier due to a higher altitude.  Hiking And Walking At Connemara National Park  For hikers, all roads in the Connemara National Park lead to the Diamond Hill summit. , panoramic views of Letter Hill or Tully Mountain. Twelve Bens and Kylemore Abbey are also visible from the mountain summit. However, the national park has three more major hiking trails. Check out the table below.  Name of the Trail Difficulty Level Distance (in Km) Upper Diamond Hill Difficult 3.7 Lower Diamond Hill Moderate 3 Sruffaunboy Trail Easy 1.5 Ellis Wood Nature Trail  Easy 0.5  If you are planning to complete a multi-day hiking trip in the national park, you can consider camping here. However, you have to abide by the Wild Camping Code and the regulations related to the Camping Exclusion Zone.   Moreover, you can take a walk (self-guided) through the Tree Trail in the park. It begins from the Car Park Kiosk, and throughout the trail, you will meet tree varieties such as holly, hazel, oak, and Scots’ Pine.   Did You Know?  Through the Connemara National Park West Center and the Letterfrack Village, you can have a thought-provoking walk. The trail you will take is known as the Poetry Trail. Further, in various locations along the path, you will find nine poems by eminent Irish poets like Mary O’Malley and Moya Cannon, which are placed on plaques.   In addition, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for poetry lovers. Some of these nine poems talk about the park and its importance in Irish history. Further, the remaining ones are more generic in nature.   Exploring History At Connemara National Park  The archaeological and historical sites at Connemara National Park tell the tales of human lives and the history of the park for thousands of years. The park’s two megalithic tombs (West and East Tomb) in the park were already popular. However, thanks to the surveys of Helen Riekstins, an archaeologist and national park guide, we have 13 other sites that add to the importance of the park.   Among these 13 sites, six further have been visited by NMS or the National Monuments Service and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Here are the visited sites.  A standing stone  A cairn  Enclosures  A pre-bog wall  Nearby hut  A house  Further, the other seven sites are to be a part of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) review for inclusion.   The pre-bog wall is likely to be associated with neolithic farming. On the other hand, the hut sites and standing stones are believed to be from the Bronze Age.   Connemara National Park has sites that are 10000 years old. These sites existed as coastal middens and belonged to the Mesolithic or Stone Age.  Many archaeological and historical sites are found near Diamond Hill, Letterfrack, and Mweelin.   The megalithic tombs in the park are around 4000 years old.   Connemara National Park is a twin historic site with Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland. These twinning sites speak for the cultural bond between Ireland and Canada.  Guglielmo Marconi, who received the patent for two-way radio in 1912, is associated with the place. Between Diamond Hill and Mweelin, he suspended the wires, and the current site of Bunaboghee Bog and Park Office had the second line. Here, he invented the first Full Duplex Radio.   So, the presence of various archaeological sites and the association with famous personalities make this park a delightful site for history lovers. Moreover, the Letterfrack Industrial School (1890) is a site important in modern history. Further, the school’s graveyard here tells the grave tales of injustices to the boys resting there.   Final Words   Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers around an area of 2,000 hectares. The park opened its door to visitors in 1980, and since then, it has been a place of attraction with its scenic beauty, geological variety, rich wildlife, and hiking trails.   The park also hosts many events like the Summer Evening Lecture Series and Heritage Week Celebration. Moreover, stargazing has become a popular activity in the park, and adults and children over 7 years of age can participate in the star-watching event. You can also check the National Parks website for the latest events at Connemara National Park.  So, are you planning a visit to this historically and naturally rich Irish national park anytime soon? Or have you already been to this wonderful place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

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Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg

BY ArnabJan 20, 2023

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the state of Tennessee that offers something for every type of traveler. Situated just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and enjoyable recreational activities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, a vacation in Gatlinburg won't disappoint you. Here Are The Eight Best Ideas For Vacationing In Gatlinburg To ensure you make the most of your vacation, we've put together a list of helpful tips to make planning easier. Here's what you need to know: 1. Plan ahead Any vacation can become a stressful experience if not planned carefully. So it's important to begin planning early to ensure you don't have trouble at the eleventh hour. And after choosing your destination, next comes selecting the accommodation. A convenient option is to stay in a condo. Condos offer an extensive array of amenities for a comfortable stay, such as a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living space, and are ideal if you're planning a trip with family or want to enjoy a more upscale experience. Look up downtown Gatlinburg condos online, compare prices, read reviews, and book one that suits your travel needs. Be sure to book in advance to score a better deal. 2. Explore the great outdoors Gatlinburg is approximately 5 miles away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails suitable for first-timers and avid trekkers. Some popular trails include Mt. Leconte, Mt. Cammerer, Charlies Bunion, the Chimney Tops Trail, and Thunderhead Mountain. So be sure to pack your hiking gear if you're up for one. The national park is also home to more than 1200 species of plants and animals, including big black bears. Be sure to follow directions and stay out of areas cordoned off for the public. Also, don't litter. 3. Indulge in local cuisine Who doesn't love food? If you long for unique flavors, there are plenty of options to tantalize your taste buds. Gatlinburg has diverse dining options, including traditional southern comfort food to continental and several popular fast-food brands. You can enjoy a finger-licking meal that you will remember for a long time. Some popular places to dine include Donut Frair, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Log Cabin Pancake House. Consider eating pancakes at the pancake house is a must-do. Be sure to try some of the local moonshine and barbecue. 4. Shop around Gatlinburg has many shopping options, from souvenir shops to high-end boutiques. Be sure to check out the downtown area for one-of-a-kind finds. You can shop till you drop at outlet malls and small mom-and-pop arts and crafts stores. If you visit the downtown area, you'll find a mix of unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Here, you can find exclusive dresses, artistries, and a collection of extremely rare souvenirs. Also, check out the local farmer's market for fresh produce, homemade jams, and more. 5. Relax and unwind Whether it's soaking in a hot tub or taking a leisurely walk around the town, take some time out for yourself and relax. There are several places in Gatlinburg where you can unwind and burn off stress, including hot tubs, saunas, spas, and massages. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or want to indulge in some quality self-care, Gatlinburg is worth a try. Just be sure to reserve some time for yourself during your trip. 6. Hit the slopes A vacation in Gatlinburg is a must if you are into winter sports. Gatlinburg is a great destination for winter sports, with Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offering skiing opportunities. Even if you're not a skier, the resort has an indoor ice-skating rink designed for casuals. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the only ski resort in Tennessee, and it offers a wide range of winter activities. These include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing. 7. Take a tour Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. From ghost tours to historical walking tours, you can explore some wonderful places that boast Appalachian culture and history. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the antiquity and traditions of Gatlinburg. You'll also see some of the most famous and hidden sights and landmarks. Guided tours can help you discover new places in Gatlinburg that only a few know about. Whether you're interested in the town's history or the natural wonders of the area, you can't go wrong with a trip to Gatlinburg. 8. Visit the arts and crafts community Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community, with many shops and studios showcasing the work of local artisans. Take a stroll through the community and bring home a unique souvenir. The Gatlinburg arts and crafts community is also one of North America's largest groups of independent artisans. The community offers a wide range of unique artwork and dexterities, from traditional to contemporary. Conclusion Overall, Gatlinburg offers a wonderful natural getaway destination that promises a memorable experience for tourists. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors or simply relax and unwind, Gatlinburg has it all. Following the tips above can help you make the most of your time in this delightful town. So, don't wait any longer; plan your next vacation and experience all this beautiful place has to offer. Read Also: Crucial Hiking Tips To Ensure Your Safety While Hiking Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide