Making The Most Of The Gold Coast’s Whale Watching Season

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The specific geographical location of New Orleans, especially the proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, blesses the city with a vast coastal landscape.  So, along with the local heritage and culture of the city, the beaches and beach activities on the Gulf Coast can be a prominent factor in boosting tourism here.  From Bay Saint Louis, the closest beach to New Orleans, to more beautiful options like the Biloxi Beaches, await you with a lot of excitement! No wonder people are opting for vacation rentals near the New Orleans beach locations and cruise trips in the Mississippi River.  Adventure Life is such a service, organizing a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. You can contact them at +1.800.344.6118 to know more about the cruise trip.  Along with these cruise trips, many other activities like fishing, nature strolls, hiking, and bird watching make the beautiful beaches in New Orleans a lot of fun!  Charmed and impressed with these beaches, we have created a beach tour guide at Tour and Travel. Let’s explore the places!  Closest Beach To New Orleans | Explore The Gulf Shores At Their Best  Summer days in New Orleans can be extra balmy. So, winter, especially January, is the ideal time to explore the beaches here. The average temperature in New Orleans ranges between 43-62 degrees F and rarely there is snowfall in the city. All these weather conditions add to beach fun and vibe in New Orleans, and these are places you need to be at for some beach fun.  1. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | The Closest Beach To New Orleans Distance from New Orleans: 58.7 Miles An hour's drive from New Orleans will take you to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. The water here is shallow, but the peaceful ambiance and stretches of white sand more than makeup for it.  Enjoy sunbathing and crabbing here on a sunny day, and let your kids build adorable sand castles.  2. White Sands Lake Day Beach  Distance from New Orleans: 74 Miles Franklinton, on the north of New Orleans, has White Sands Lake Day Beach. This is a man-made and spring-fed lake that has become a popular tourist destination near New Orleans.  The Aqua Park is the prime attraction here. Your little ones will love playing on the slides and with inflatable water toys here. You can even play beach volleyball, kayaking, and boating here.  For a relaxing experience, you can even try full-day cooking. The entry fee to the Aqua Park is $18 for adults and $12 for children. 3. Biloxi Beaches Distance from New Orleans (90.2 Miles) The City of Biloxi has been one of the forerunners in restoring the beaches after the rampage of Hurricane Katrina. On its southern border, Biloxi is surrounded by a beautiful white sand beach, the Harrison County Sand Beach. With a whopping 26 miles of shimmering white sand, the Harrison County Sand Beach is the largest man-made white sand beach in the world. You can take a stroll along the pedestrian pathway here and on your way, you will also find some magnificent sand dunes.  The beach is also known for hosting special events. You can contact the Harrison County Sand Beach Authority at (228) 896-0055.  Moreover, you can take a drive along Beach Boulevard to enjoy the sound of the Mississippi and meet the historic oak trees. You will even find the antebellum homes here.  4. Grand Isle State Park Distance from New Orleans (110 Miles) Grand Isle State Park is next on our list of closest beaches to New Orleans. If you want to experience the coastal wildlife of Louisiana, there can be no better place than your destination.  Nestled at the southeast corner of Louisiana, the Grand Isle State Park is accessible to visitors with an entry fee of just $3.  Here, you can be a part of the deep-water fishing excursions and wildlife viewing. If you are here for fishing, don’t miss the longest fishing pier in Louisiana. It is 400 feet in length.  Do you want to make the most of the Grand Isle State Park fishing experience? Why don’t you get in touch with the best fish charter services, like the Southern Angler Fishing Charters, and explore the options? You can reach out to them at +1 504-458-7328.  Furthermore, this state park has a lot of hiking trails that you can explore. You will even enjoy birdwatching here with varieties like seagulls and pelicans displaying their prowess.  5. Dauphin Island, Alabama Distance from New Orleans (148 Miles) Dauphin Island on the border of Alabama and Mississippi, is a great spot for family vacation near New Orleans. This will be your ideal destination if you especially want to relax and have a low-key holiday.  Like many other beaches in New Orleans or beyond, it does not experience a rush of visitors. However, if you want to know about the local history, you will love visiting  Fort Gaines here.  This historical site has an association with the American Civil War. You must pay $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit this historical fort.  Moreover, Dauphin Island is a wonderful location for avid birders. It is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Covering a span of 165 acres, this bird sanctuary will allow you to walk through the trails and meet winged wonders. You will find osprey, gray catbirds, blue jays, and yellow-rumped warblers here.  No wonder that the American Bird Conservancy has termed Dauphin Island as the "Globally Import Bird Area.” Dauphin Island is also “America's Birdiest City." 6. Orange Beach, Alabama Distance from New Orleans: Around 200 Miles Orange Beach, Alabama, is not the closest beach to New Orleans. However, covering the 200-mile distance between the two is worth it because of the pristine shores. Looking at the stretches of white sand shores is an experience in itself.  Another major attraction on Orange Beach is the coastal cuisine. In fact, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism organized a specialized Foodie’s getaway for a gastronomic tour of the area.  Further, there are dedicated food trails like the “Oyster Trail,” “Burger Trail,” “Shrimp Trail,” etc. The Mardi Gras Food & Drink trail is another attraction for food lovers here. You can email Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism at Info@AlabamasBeaches.com to learn more about this food tour.  You can even get real-time updates about the city of Orange Beach, Alabama, from the government website or by contacting the authorities at 251-981-6979. 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 Oct 26, 2023

Paraguay, the landlocked gem of South America, is a country that boasts not only natural beauty but also a rich and diverse culinary heritage. From hearty soups to sweet desserts, Paraguayan cuisine has something to offer every palate. As you take on a culinary adventure through Paraguay, it's important to keep safety in mind, and having travel insurance from a trusted provider like Allianz Travel can provide the peace of mind and protection from unforeseen events you need. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the flavors of Paraguay. Fun facts you should know about Paraguay Before we dive into the delightful world of Paraguayan cuisine, let's take a moment to explore some intriguing facts about this unique South American country. Fact 1. It's Home To The World's Largest Water Reserve Paraguay is not only a land of rich culinary traditions but also the guardian of a remarkable natural resource. Beneath the surface of Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina lies the vast Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest water reserve. Covering a staggering 1.2 million square kilometres with a volume of approximately 40,000 cubic kilometres, this aquifer can supply fresh drinking water to the world for around 200 years. Fact 2. A Bilingual Nation Paraguay's harmonious coexistence of two languages is a testament to its rich cultural diversity. Most Paraguayans are fluent in both Guaraní and Spanish, making it one of the few countries in South America where the native tongue remains an official language alongside Spanish. Guaraní is a unique language that goes beyond mere words; it is onomatopoeic, with many of its words imitating the natural sounds of animals and the surrounding environment, creating a linguistic connection to the country's lush landscapes and wildlife. Fact 3. It's A Bit Isolated, Like An Island Paraguay's history is marked by a long period of self-containment. The country's first encounter with the Western world occurred in 1525 when Portuguese explorer Alejo Garcia ventured into its territory. However, after gaining independence in 1811, Paraguay adopted a policy of isolation and sealed its borders. Author Augusto Roa Bastos once poetically referred to Paraguay as "an island surrounded by land," highlighting the nation's historical detachment from its neighbors. Paraguay's Palate-Pleasing Delicacies Kivevé - A Creamy Delight Let's begin our culinary exploration with Kivevé, a dish that blurs the line between a main course and dessert. This creamy and light delicacy is crafted from andai, a juicy pumpkin, combined with cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. The result is an orangish delight that's often enjoyed lukewarm. Whether for breakfast, as an evening snack, or side dish, Kivevé is a typical Paraguayan food you can't miss. Sopa Paraguaya - More Than A Soup Despite its name, Sopa Paraguaya is far from being a traditional soup. It's Paraguay's national dish, resembling a thick, cakey bread. Crafted from cornflour, cheese, milk, eggs, onions, and pork fat, it has a soft, crumbly texture. Sopa Paraguaya is reserved for special occasions and typically serves as a side dish. Bori Bori - A Nutritious And Flavourful Soup Bori Bori, or Vori-Vori, is a thick and nutritious soup with flavours. Made from vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is enriched with meat, either chicken or beef and dumplings crafted from cornmeal and cheese. The aromatic notes of bay leaves, cloves, and parsley make this hearty broth even more enticing. Served piping hot, it's a comforting choice, especially during Paraguay's winters. Soyo - A Meaty Delight Soyo is another beloved Paraguayan dish, a thick, unstrained soup that packs a punch of flavours. It's a wholesome meal with pounded beef, rice, and vegetables like green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The dish is seasoned with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name "Soyo" is derived from the Guarani phrase "so’o josopy," meaning crushed meat. This hearty bowl is a calorie-rich delight. Pira Caldo - A Fish Lover's Dream Pira Caldo, a favoured Paraguayan dish, is a light fish stew featuring freshwater catches like surubi, many, and Carey. These meaty-textured fishes have a subtle saltiness that enhances the overall flavour. The stew begins with frying vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots in pork or beef fat, followed by adding spices. It thickens with milk and soft white cheese, creating a delectable and hearty meal. Chipa - A Staple Bread Roll Chipa, a simple bread roll, is special in Paraguayan cuisine. In the 18th century, indigenous people invented Chipa made from manioc or cassava flour, lard, anise, beaten eggs, and cheese. There are regional variations of Chipa, but one thing remains constant - its crunchy crust and soft, unique-flavored interior. This bread is a household staple, enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. Mbeju - The Paraguayan Pancake Mbeju, translating to "cake" in the Guarani language, is a simple yet essential Paraguayan food. This starchy pancake is made with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and sometimes pork fat. The dough is kneaded and rolled out thick before being fried to perfection. Mbeju is a common breakfast item, occasionally enjoyed with bitter herbal tea or coffee at dinner Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance! As you plan your delectable journey through Paraguay's culinary wonders, it's important not to overlook an essential ingredient for a safe and worry-free adventure: travel insurance. While savouring the flavours of this vibrant South American country, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind should be a top priority. One reliable option to consider is Allianz Travel. Our comprehensive travel insurance packages provide protection and peace of mind, ensuring your taste adventure remains worry-free. Here are some of our travel insurance packages to explore before you embark on your food adventure in Paraguay: Please note any claims eligibility is subject to the terms and conditions of the travel insurance product you are purchasing. The reasons stated in this article are indicative and not binding. It is highly recommended to read our terms and conditions to see the exclusions, limits and conditions of our products. You can see all of the steps regarding making claims in the Allianz Travel Terms & Conditions. Single-Trip Insurance Our single-trip insurance packages are designed for people who travel once a year. They offer more benefits than required for a Schengen visa and have worldwide coverage. The coverage includes: Emergency Medical Expenses Emergency Medical Evacuation Dental Expenses Loss of Travel Documents Hospital funds Personal accident Annual Multi-Trip Insurance Allianz Travel created this travel insurance product for frequent flyers as it is a convenient and more cost-effective way to travel any time of the year. Our Annual multi-trip product covers all trips below 92 days within a year. The coverage includes the following: Emergency Medical Expenses Emergency Medical Evacuation Dental Expenses Loss of Travel Documents Hospital funds Personal accident, About Allianz Travel Get covered by Allianz Travel and Assistance before you fly off to Paraguay. Allianz Travel has been around for over 30 years, so we know what travel insurance you'll need. When travelling internationally, it is essential to have insurance that covers medical emergencies, the loss or theft of travel documents and baggage, and other mishaps. Trust us to provide you with exactly that and more. Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

BY  Arnab Oct 20, 2023

Are you craving an unforgettable and luxurious getaway? Look no further than chartering a yacht in Dubai with Gold’s Yacht. On the other hand, you have the opportunity to sail on the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf. However, you can also indulge in a spa experience like no other. For instance, step aboard a luxury yacht and immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Above all, we will explore the exquisite spa facilities available on charter lux yachts in Dubai. Subsequently, it allows you to unwind and pamper yourself in style. Experience Luxury Yachts in Dubai Dubai is renowned for its opulence and extravagance, and the luxury yacht industry is no exception. In addition, from sleek and modern designs to lavish interiors, charter yachts in Dubai offer an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort. Meanwhile, step aboard and be greeted by a professional crew dedicated to catering to your every need. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a memorable celebration, chartering a yacht in Dubai guarantees an unforgettable experience. Discover the Ultimate Spa Experience When it comes to relaxation, charter yachts in Dubai go above and beyond to provide an array of luxurious spa treatments. Likewise, imagine being surrounded by panoramic ocean views, feeling the gentle sway of the yacht, and being pampered from head to toe. Indulge in a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Rejuvenate Your Mind Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the tranquil surroundings of a charter yacht spa. Similarly, unwind with a calming massage that melts away tension and stress. Further, let the soothing sounds of the ocean waves lull you into a state of deep relaxation. Allow yourself to disconnect from the world and truly immerse yourself in the present moment. Related: How Much Does Yacht Crew Make Revitalize Your Body Treat your body to a truly revitalizing experience with the variety of spa treatments available on charter luxury yachts in Dubai. From invigorating facials to body scrubs infused with exotic ingredients, every treatment is tailored to enhance your well-being. Embrace the healing powers of these indulgent rituals and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. Soothe Your Soul Embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace as you immerse yourself in the spa facilities of a charter yacht. Experience the healing properties of hydrotherapy, where warm water and soothing jets of water work together to relax and rejuvenate your body. Escape to a world of tranquility as you soak in a luxurious jacuzzi, taking in breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline. Trust in Professional Expertise When indulging in a spa experience on a charter yacht in Dubai, you can trust in the expertise of highly trained professionals. Gold’s Yacht crew on board are experienced in providing exceptional service and ensuring the utmost comfort and satisfaction of their guests. From knowledgeable spa therapists to attentive staff, you can relax knowing that you are in capable hands. Why Choose Spa Relaxation on a Charter Yacht in Dubai? Dubai is a city that exudes luxury and sophistication, and there is no better way to experience this than on a charter yacht. Not only will you have access to world-class spa facilities, but you will also enjoy the privacy and exclusivity that comes with chartering your own yacht. Leave the world behind as you sail through crystal-clear waters, soaking in the sun and indulging in spa treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Embark on a journey of relaxation and indulgence on a charter yacht in Dubai. Immerse yourself in the epitome of luxury as you sail on the stunning waters of the Arabian Gulf. Indulge in spa treatments designed to rejuvenate your mind, revitalize your body, and soothe your soul. Trust in the expertise and professionalism of the yacht's crew to provide an unforgettable spa experience. Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with spa relaxation on Gold’s yacht in Dubai. Read Also: Yachting In Dubai – A Memorable Experience 10 Reasons Why You Should Get A Yacht In 2022 Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations!