Fun Things To Do In Washington DC: 6+ Things You Cannot Miss Here (Including Free Attractions)

BY  Sibashree Oct 15, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park was in the news recently as the fourth-largest wildfire in California exploded out of proportion. The park's officials evacuated staff from the Mineral community near the park headquarters.  120 people were there in the community, and the evacuation started as the fire started moving east to the park on the evening of 26th July 2024.  However, the park fire reached near containment in August, and on 17th August 2024, the park was partially reopened. You may wonder what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park after the fire breakout and if there is any significant destruction in the places of interest in the park.  Let me assure you. The park officials stated that the fire had never entered the park. However, there are still risks in the southern part of the park and Mill Creek and Mineral communities.  Nevertheless, the reopened parts of the park are out of danger despite some lingering smoke. So, Subway Cave, located around 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the safest sites to explore after the fire incident. Make a rush, as it remains open from late April to November.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park After The Fire Breakout (Exploring The Underground World Of A Lava Tube) Yes, you got me right! I am talking about the Subway Cave. The self-guided trail inside the cave is ⅓ miles long and 30 feet wide, and complete darkness is inside. So, many call it the journey into darkness. The USDA Forest Service maintains the cave, which remains open from dawn to dusk.  Before I get into more stories and facts about the cave, I want to present the basics you need to know briefly.  Important Facts About Subway Cave, Lassen National Volcanic Park Location in the ParkA 2-minute walk from the parking lot near the junction of “Highway 89” and “Highway 44” in Old StationAmenitiesPicnic TablesDrinking WaterParkingToiletsInterpretive SiteFeesFree (You can make donations)Pet-FriendlyNoParking FacilitiesMany Parking Facilities, Buses and RVsOutdoor ActivitiesInterpretative Sessions, Caving, PicnicTemperature Inside the Cave46 Degree Farrenheit Nearby AttractionShasta County (Mountainous landscape and multiple picnic locations)Nearby Trails*Cinder Crone TrailSpattercone Nature TrailButte Lake to Widow Lake, etc.  *Many hiking trails in the park, such as the Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Mill Creek Falls, are closed as the park has partially reopened after the recent wildfire explosion. So, check with the park authorities before you plan a hike on the park trails.  This Is How The Subway Cave Was Formed  If you are a keen learner of geology and want to know what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you cannot avoid the lure of Subway Cave. I have already shared an account on the geothermal wonders of the park. This cave is an example of how lava flowed around 20000 years ago and created some magic.  A major lava explosion happened all across the Hat Creek area around 20000 years ago. The top layer of the lava flow became cold and hard in contact with air. Thus, a hard cap was formed. However, there was a continuous flow of molten lava below this cap.  The molten lava drained out Over time, but a hollow tube structure remained there. As you hike this trail, you will find traces of the more recent lava flows.  Route To The Subway Cave Is Bumpass Hell on your list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Are you planning a trip to the park soon? Then, you will be disappointed as the Bumpass Hell trek route is closed after the park has reopened following the recent fire breakout.  Further, as Bumpass Hell is closed, you must take the Warner Valley Area route to  Devils Kitchen, which is the cave's opening. Devils Kitchen is a 4.4-mile hike from the Warner Valley Area (camping here is closed for 2024).   Accessing The Subway Cave  You have to climb down metal stairs as you access the Subway Cave. You will get down into a wide opening in the ground. The ground surface has a leveled floor. However, you must be careful as you get off the stair flight.  Further, you must wear sturdy footwear to avoid injuries and difficulties where the floor gets rough.  Fortunately, the ceiling and walls are quite smooth, minimizing the hiking difficulty level while hiking. Also, there is complete darkness inside the cave. So, you will need a flashlight to make it to the end.  The weather inside is a little cold, even in summer. So you will need a light jacket. Moreover, don’t forget to read and follow the interpretative signs through the trail to better understand the place.  The best thing about this park is that it’s 30 feet wide. So, even with complete darkness inside, you never feel suffocated.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park Subway Cave It is not a long walk inside the Subway Cave. However, this short walk is enough to make it feature on the list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic Park.  Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac (An Attraction Very Few Knows About) Have you listened to Satan’s Cul-de-sac from Gangland Buries Its Own? The first thing that may amaze you inside the cave is Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac. There is a split as you enter the cave, and you are to turn to the right if you want to continue the trail. However, you will notice a big room if you are adventurous enough to turn left, when I tell you about Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac, The ceiling height starts from 6 feet and gets higher up to 15 feet. The most amazing thing about this room inside the cave is the rock formation on the ceiling and walls. It’s gothic and justified its name.  https://open.spotify.com/track/6cq37W4OXjEdQRLh2IVQOF As The Hike Advances  The ceiling height will vary as you continue the trek, and there are small boulder-like rock formations in many places. So, be careful with your steps and do not stumble upon them. Also, because of these rock formations, you must not wear an open-toe shoe while walking through the cave.  Nevertheless, the ceiling formation is fascinating, and in one section, it looks like stoned rainfall or water ripples. The section is called the Lavacicle Lane. Molten lava dripped off through the cracks in the ceiling cave, and there were formations of “drip pendants” or “lavacicles.”  Further, as you plan to take the exit, you notice all the colors in the lava rock formation, including green, blue, white, and brown lines.  Getting Out Of The Subway Cave As you approach the end of the cave, you will find a metal stair flight similar to the one at the entrance. From the top of the exit staircase, you can hike through an on-ground trail to the west or north to find the parking lot.  However, I prefer to take another walk through the cave and get back to the entrance. It will be so much fun to explore this unique geological formation again.  Things To Remember Before Getting Into The Darkness Of The Subway Cave  Subway Cave is a hidden gem if you consider what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, once you take the hike and read the interpretative signs, you will learn why it is geologically unique.  Nevertheless, you must be careful about certain things to ensure complete safety throughout the hike.  You will find rattlesnakes in the trail, and you have to be respectful to these reptiles. You must not make any move to catch or hurt them. Moreover, you cannot go off trails or litter inside the cave.  No food, water, or firelighting is allowed inside the cave. There are picnic areas nearby for you to catch refreshments. Wish you a safe, easy, and fun-filled experience inside the Subway Cave!  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  sagnika Mar 21, 2025

A perfect place for high-energy travelers, San Juan is quite a bustling place for a trip! If you are wondering is San Juan safe? Let me share with you a piece of detailed information about things to do in San Juan so that you can enjoy the vibrant place.   You know you can book one of the best Caribbean cruises to reach San Juan in Puerto Rico. I can bet you can enjoy one of the most vibrant vacation experiences of your life.   Additionally, the art museums, tropical beaches, historical places and sites, and salsa music make sure you have the time of your life when visiting San Juan. Let us go through the different elements that are necessary to establish the basic safety tips when traveling to San Juan.   Is San Juan Safe for Solo Women Travelers?   San Juan is quite safe for solo women travelers if some basic precautions are taken. I would suggest avoiding walking alone in unknown neighborhoods especially if they are poorly lit. Additionally, it is also important for you to learn the navigation of the city so, go through the maps to know better.   If you are walking at night, coming back to your accommodation, try to do that in a trusted group or with a friend. However, if you are solo traveling, you must know your route well. Yes, at times, the wrong place wrong time thing is true.   However, it is also necessary for you to be aware of the surroundings, limit your alcohol intake along with being careful when visiting pubs and bars. Let me share with you some of the safest places to stay, safest places to eat, and things to do safely.   Safest Place to Stay in San Juan   Let me share with you some of the safest places to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a tourist. As a place, yes there are petty crimes and theft, but no place is completely clean. There might be some issues however, most places are safe for travelers, especially with some precautions taken!  Condado – a tourist-based area where the people are quite friendly and helpful to the tourists. Furthermore, with a thriving nightlife scene, this place is perfect if you can stay here.   Henceforth, visiting museums and other important places becomes easier. Let's not forget that you can hop to clubs and restaurants regularly if you stay close!   Santurce – One of the most populated areas of San Juan, this location is quite safe for you to book your accommodation here. Starting from museums, and art and music, you will get everything here. Admittedly, you will also enjoy the different types of cuisines available in this locality.   Things to Do in San Juan   If you want to enjoy visiting San Juan safely, let me share with you some of the coolest places that are worth visiting. History speaks here along with offering you some of the most picturesque places across the city.   Starting from the beaches to the streets, San Juan offers you beautiful places to explore. Let me share some of the things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico for free! These activities will make sure you have the time of your life!   El Yunque National Forest   This place is beautiful, especially if you are a natural person, this is it for you. Go visit nature and check out those beautiful waterfalls. You can also hike through the rainforest experiencing some of the best places in San Juan.   You can take a guided tour, or you can venture alone based on your experience of hiking. I would suggest you take an extra set of clothes along with extra hiking boots because chances are you will catch rain when you go across the trail.     Ocean Park Beach   This is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan, as people visit this beach for swimming and surfing. A large beach that is accessed by the public is in the neighborhood of the barrio of Santurce in Puerto Rico.    There is a little restaurant at this beach, but you probably won’t get a lot of options. It is better if you carry your drinks and order something minimalistic from the restaurant and accordingly enjoy the beach vibe.   Cobblestone Streets   Beautiful museums, colonial churches, and architecture across the cobblestone streets will take your breath away. I am sure you will start admiring the place when you take a stroll across these streets.   The streets are paved with blue cobblestone pavers, the beauty of it will just make you stare. You can get amazing pictures along with learning about the colonial past of the Island from these cobblestone streets. La Fortaleza   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Fortaleza is a historic fortress. You can take a guided tour of this place. You can see the current residence of the Governor-General of Puerto Rico, there is also an arsenal here.   Furthermore, you cannot roam around the fortress at your own will, instead try to book the 30-minute guided walking tours across the place from Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour is inclusive of the interiors of the fortress when the government is not in session and the luscious gardens.   Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery   The cemetery is historically profound especially because it is filled with graves of significant Puerto Rican figures. Salvador Brau, Jose Ferrer, Rafael Hernandez, Jose de Diego, and others are all buried here.   You will find them one of the most beautiful places as the cemetery faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is all about the symbolization of the journey of the souls in their afterlife!   Food to Have in San Juan   Are you a foodie like me? Whenever I travel somewhere, what I find very necessary is to try the food that the locals enjoy. This shows how the way a place develops a relationship with the local food, the people, and the culture there.   La Placita de Santurce – With several bars and food stalls, this place is as lively as a festival, the market square attracts you like no other. One of the hotspots of Puerto Rico, both travelers and locals are attracted to this place.   La Factoria – This bar is popular and known for its creative cocktails such as espresso martini, lavender mule and lager beer, hijos de Borinquen, and others! A low-lit salsa-filled ambiance is quite homely with their delicious fish tacos, stuffed mushrooms, fried goat cheese balls, and others.    Chicharron - One of the most delicious tapas menus, this restaurant is one of the best places to taste the Puerto Rican malanga soup. Let's not forget to try the Mofongo from here.   Deaverdura - A small restaurant, giving a farm eatery vibe offers you some of the best pernil in San Juan. You also need to try the pollo al ajillo with rice, which is to die for. It is located right in the heart of the city; the lively Latin American restaurant gives you the perfect taste of local cuisine.   Molini’s - A hidden gem of a restaurant, the menu keeps changing every day offering you some of the best local cuisines. If you are looking for an authentic Puerto Rican dish, try their Arroz con gandules. You are in for a treat!   Safety Tips for Solo Women Traveler   The safety tips that I am sharing with you are from my experience as a solo female traveler! My experiences have helped me create a checklist for myself especially when I am traveling alone, both domestically and internationally.   Select your accommodation area in a well-lit neighborhood. This will ensure your safety even when you are returning late to your hotel or leaving early to visit a tourist place. Another thing to keep in mind, if you are walking alone, try to be on proper-lit roads, especially at night.   It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, even when in a crowd. I recently traveled to a crowded city in India, and I realized, that pickpockets and petty theft are most rampant in crowds. Even at night, you must be aware of your surroundings.   When using transportation, use reputable and trusted individual drivers and organizations for ride-sharing services, organized tours, and taxis.   Try not to flaunt too much in terms of clothing or accessories. For example, it is better if you do not wear expensive watches, expensive bags, jewelry, and large amounts of cash.   You must keep track of the weather in San Juan and check the forecast before you make the plans. It is better to be prepared especially because you are a visitor to the city hence, you might not get help whenever you need it. Better take precautions instead of worrying about what will happen later.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, when you visit San Juan, you must enjoy the beautiful places, enjoy the local Puerto Rican dishes, and experience their culture. And when you ask, is San Juan safe? You will know yourself if you keep all the safety tips discussed above in this blog.   Comment below on what you think is the must-visit place in San Juan and why. Furthermore, it is also significant for you to plan your trip, especially if you are traveling solo. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  sagnika May 13, 2024

This is a call to action for all beach lovers! I am here with a list of nine beaches in Perth that will satisfy your urge to submerge yourself in the water and the activities that come with it. You will not be disappointed if you visit even one of these nine beaches. They are a collection of beaches with good views and different activities, including swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving! Australia is known for its diversity in flora and fauna. If you are visiting Perth, they are a must. I am a mountain lover, but there is something in the sea and the wide expanse of the ocean that takes your breath away! Beaches are designed by nature to relax individuals into doing things they do not get time to do regularly. So, what is the best time to visit Australia? If you sit on the beach with a drink in hand and stare at people, you will have the best time of your life. I am also a reader, so if you spread your body along the white sand and read a book, I am sure you will have this relaxing memory for the rest of your life. 9 of the Best Beaches in Perth that You Must Visit So why are you looking for beaches in Perth? Did you know that, apart from Perth, other coastal areas in Australia, such as beaches in Sydney and Melbourne, are beautiful and worth visiting? Sometimes, even the locals need clarification about which one they should go to. The soft white sand is a visual treat, along with the crystal-clear water. When you think of a perfect day out, these beaches will rescue you. You can relax in the sun, and there are various services such as shelter, restrooms, shops, and food joints! Let me share with you some of my favorite beaches, which are not just visually appealing but also perfect for various purposes. Some of these beaches help you enjoy solitude, while others are perfect for a family picnic or romantic date. Leighton Beach This is my favorite beach in Perth, not just because it is dog-friendly but also because the stunning blue water takes my breath away. The stunning stretch of land is perfect for relaxing, going out to swim, and then grabbing coffee or a delicious bite of food. There is a place to eat, Wooden Wagon, in the dog beach area, which is people's favorite! Another place is Orange Box, where you can go ahead, pull out a deck chair close to the main car park, and enjoy the ambiance. If you are more of a wine person, a new place is opening called North Fremantle, which offers a variety of snacks along with a long-curated list of wines. Cottesloe Beach An iconic beach among all bountiful beaches, Cottesloe is mentioned as one of the significant beaches in Perth! To experience this beautiful beach for everyone, you must drive from Perth, which will take 20 minutes. This is the most popular beach in Perth—the locals call it Cott! Surrounded by vistas and coastlines, this beach has it all. Whether planning a family outing with your kids or a romantic beach date with your partner, you'll find everything you need to enjoy the ambiance. If you are a typical beach lover, this is it for you. Find a great spot, sit for a drink at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, and enjoy the sunset while people-watching! You also cannot miss the Prego Italian restaurant if you love Italian food. Scarborough Beach Scarborough Beach is known for people-watching in Western Australia. You must check out this popular ocean oasis. It is the most iconic sandy spot surrounded by a high-rise cityscape. You can see hotels, cafes, surf shops, and restaurants all around the beaches! I can assure you that this beach is a premium destination, so you can easily experience sheltered and safe swimming conditions. The white sand and crystal-clear blue sea are perfect places to hang out with your friends, family, or partner. From The Lighthouse Cafe to the Whole Earth Cafe, you must check out these places for food. These are some of the coolest restaurants in Australia you must visit! Another significantly popular restaurant is The Kitchen at The Shack and Celeste, where people go to have some of the best beach drinks. City Beach One of the busiest beaches in Perth, City Beach is in an amazing place—in the center of the northern suburbs of Perth! Apart from swimming and snorkeling, you can spread your towel and relax with a book and sunglasses. Many families visit this beach, so this beach has a happy-go-lucky vibe! People are mostly in a festive mood when they see this beach. You will encounter a wide boardwalk with several restaurants and places to eat. Mullaloo Beach The Mullaloo beach is quite ideal for you if you have children! It is a popular spot for swimming so that you can take a dip in the ocean's calm waters. You will feel completely rejuvenated! You should also visit the locally operated restaurants and bars where you can get your food fix! Along with the food, you also need to be more aware of the surroundings. Hence, you can go to the beach to enjoy yourself. Floreat Beach If you want to get away from the crowd from Scarborough Beach or City Beach for a while, you can go to Floreat Beach, located across the stretch of sand to the south of Peasholm Dog Beach. There is also a gravel track, so you can access the beach at different points. There might be some swells of waves, you can go surfing here. Have some solitude when you hang out on this beach. Mettams Pool Located in the northern area of West Coast Highway, this beach is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts! Mettams have shelters along with grass; hence, you can easily take shelter if the wind is strong. There are several cafes across the coast so that you can hang out there after snorkeling! Furthermore, the view is so scenic your heart will flutter. Additionally, the reef is so beautiful you can explore it all by yourself! Trigg Beach If you are a surfer, darling, you must visit the Trigg beach! You can visit anytime as a tourist, but the locals always head there when the weather is wild, and the waves swell skyward. For experienced surfers, that is an adventure. However, if you are still a beginner, avoid rough weather. The rough waves rip your boat apart, or surfers can touch the sky! Perth's experienced surfers rate this beach as one of the best, which means you might find a lot of crowds. It is the mecca of surfing and quite popular among the locals! Along with the solitude, you will also get the thrill of adventure. Coogee Beach If you are staying in Perth City, you must travel to Coogee Beach by car, which will take about 35 minutes. If you are planning to visit this beach, you must try the jetty jumps, apart from going on a jetty for fishing! It is also considered one of the best beaches in Australia! A huge area is covered in grass where you can organize your family picnic. In the beach environment, there is an abandoned power station that you can visit before you go to the beach. Finishing Off... In short, the beaches in Perth are worth checking out, especially if you are a white sand and blue water fan. Beaches in Perth are not just a place to hang out but also the identity of the place. The pristine coastline brings several beaches with white sand and turquoise sea water. I have always wondered how free it feels when we go to the beach! In addition, I am sure you will feel the same energy when you go to these beaches; I have made a list of them in this blog. Along with surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, you can have a picnic or a barbeque. Comment on what you think is important when visiting a beach and enjoying yourself. Learn More About: 10 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Australia 8 Beaches Of Melbourne, Australia Where You Can Cool Off 8 Best Places To Live In Australia For You If You Have A Family