What To Do In Columbus Ohio This Weekend | A Brief Ohio Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 26, 2021

Are you in search of an interesting vacation spot? That has breezy orange beaches, amazing, inspiring civil rights history, and a charming lifestyle. Alabama comprises wonderful sights of museums that tell the tales of the struggles and conscious movements. To bring the changes, nevertheless, the state is a home for beautiful nature and tasty cuisines. See our Alabama travel guide and plan your holiday tour accordingly. Explore barbecue restaurants, exquisite breweries, wineries, and waterfalls not forgetting the ultimate seashores, Enjoy golf and hiking in Birmingham. At Florence, the beautiful single-story house the Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the only one in entire Alabama. Alabama travel guide is entirely giving the details of the popular barbecue trail on the streets of Alabama.  Click to find out more about the fabulous travel destination. 5 Cool Places To Visit In Alabama Are you a lover of unusual surprises? Look at the Alabama travel guide and choose your next destination where you want to spend your holiday destinations this year. Here are the names of five popular destinations in Alabama. 1. Gulf State Park: Lying on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Baldwin County is a heavenly feeling among all Alabama travel guides. This beautiful recreational place is spanning over 6,500 acres. This massive park has serene views in marshland, rustling streams, three spring-fed, fresh-water lakes:  Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake, and pine forests are naturally beautiful tourist places. If you are an adventure sport lover or someone who is looking for camping in beautiful landscapes lined with lush greenery being closest to nature, this is the place to be. The camping ground in the park is nearby the white sand beaches close to the Alabama coastlines. It has several campsites and great trails to have strolls. There are camping places and facilities like cots, shelters with porches, uninterrupted water supply, fireplaces, and bathrooms.  For enhancing, the customer delights. There are several other amenities for the visitors like a laundry facility, swimming pools, air-conditioned bathhouses, tennis courts, volleyball play area. It is a pet-friendly place, so you can get your furry pals and have a great vacation. 2. Cheaha State Park:  One of the amusement parks covering 2,799 acres comprising Cheaha Mountain which is one of the stunning sightseeing places as it is the highest peaks in the entire state. It is an impeccable journey to the mountaintop to escape the hectic lifestyle and dive into relaxed nature. Like these camping grounds, you are going to find much more camping ground in the Alabama travel guide. The camping ground is a perfect getaway with bliss. Planning a vacation is simple as there are many restaurants, lodgings, and resorts with modern facilities. Enjoy some beautiful trails for hiking and camping, like Cave Creek Trail from Cheaha. Trailhead is a 10.8 km trail with an entry fee. The popular hiking trail is going through Cheaha mountain via Lake trail – 5 km roughly. Other trails include Blue Mountain via Pinhoti Trail, Pulpit Rock, Mountain Laurel, and Fisherman's Trail are also popular among the tourists. Additionally, there are waterfall trails - Cheaha Falls, High Falls, and Devil's Den making it a complete package for camping. 3. U.S. Space and Rocket Center: A place that no one should miss in Huntsville is theU.S. Space and Rocket Center. It is an inspiring and interesting scientific place that offers a great deal of learning and knowledge to the visitors. Among the Alabama travel guide’s these wonderful exhibits, spacecraft displays are the world’s largest unforgettable live and interactive walkthroughs and presentations.  These amusing science and technology developments are a must-see especially for children as they can learn and plan a career. National Geographic Theatre or the Spacedome IMAX show elaborate multimedia presentations, also visitors are allowed to have a peek at the model of the International Space Station.  All of us must have seen parks and flower beds, but this space center has a peculiar arrangement of rockets and missiles displayed in the park. There are 27 rockets and missiles in the park along with them. You can also see the gigantic propellers of space rockets. Making it a must–visit in the travel itinerary gives you a spectacular experience of museum simulators- these are instructor-led training by astronauts; the unimaginable feeling of mars surface and crawling on it teaches the kids motion and immersion along with an understanding of weightless travel and free fall. 4. Mobile Bay: Apt for a historical journey with amazing scenic views that are located through the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay is a famous tourist attraction that sets apart the travel expedition at the wonderful coastline of Alabama.  This place has a collection of picturesque beaches and places to state the history with a jaw-dropping experience that every visitor loves. The island that stands as a barrier - Dauphin Island comprises a small cute town where the tourists can explore the glorious architectures of the past - the historic Fort Gaines. It has lakes of freshwaters which are popular among the tourists for swimming and relaxation also it has the beautiful Audubon bird sanctuary. The mesmerizing town of Fairhope is a tourist destination that is present along Mobile Bay on the eastern coastline. The place is a great recreational area among the Alabama travel guide.  You can experience thrilling adventurous activities like water sports, fishing, tennis, golf, cycling – so for the ones who love outdoor sports, this place offers the best fun-filled activities. The nature enthusiasts have their share of exploration at the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve with a variety of habitats. Have fun with beautiful trails for hiking and biking. 5. Orange Beach: Popular as the hub for water activities, orange beach is a city in Alabama situated on Wolf Bay. A place loaded with adventure sports and a refreshing vacation spot for singles, couples, and families.  So, what are the things you can expect here; well, you can go fishing, swimming, hiking, camping definitely indulging in some flavourful fine dining at beautiful restaurants that offer authentic and fusion culinary art.  For the adrenaline rush experience among all Alabama, travel guide the parasailing at the orange beach can accommodate three flyers, fall in love with the amazing flight. Watch the dolphins by amazing cruise rides.  Aside from the water sports experience, great taste with shrimps, crabs, oysters with seasonal flavors commonly stir-fried and grilled at some of the notable restaurants like Ruby Slipper Café known for the bacon pancakes, toasted pecans, and caramel sauces.  City donuts bring different variations in donuts from chocolate and vanilla to maple-glazed and blueberry. Other famous restaurants for exquisite seafood are Cosmo’s Restaurant And Bar, Fin and Fork, and Tacky Jacks. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why does Alabama use white Barbeque sauce? This is a northern Alabama thing, you have to get used to it. The Big Gibson barbeque is white and tastes as good as the red one or even better.  What is a mulet toss? When Alabamians and Floridians get together, they play this game of tossing a mullet and it’s a fish that they throw in the water.  Do grits come with every meal? You are asking this question may be because you liked it or maybe you did not. The answer is no, Alabamians don’t have it with every food, though most of them.  Are tornadoes frequent in Alabama? Yes, you will have to deal with the tornado storm if you are planning to stay there. The storms in Alabama can get crazy.  Wrapping It Up: Alabama travel guide is the best place where you are getting an entire tour plan for Alabama. When you are searching for a tourist place with a unique combination of natural beauty and modern cultural effects. This is the perfect place where you are getting both of impressions. Cahaba river to the orange beach, everywhere you are going you feel the beauty of nature. So what are your experiences? Do not forget to share your traveling experiences with us? Read Also: Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade How To Plan A Best One Day Trip To Atlanta With Family 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya When In New York; Don’t Miss Out On These Things

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  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution.  Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico.  So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park.  Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park's wildlife.  Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions  The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era.  Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people.  Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of  Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680.  However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it!  Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the  Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain.  The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions.  Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation.  The Pecos Pueblo Site Today  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cto5MWnS5Oa/ The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms. Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route.  Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez.  Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians.  The Santa Fe Trail  Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski's Trading Post says? It says,  Santa Fe Trail 1822-1879 Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico.  With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion. Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today!  “Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch.  Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xRKctnb3M/ Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 3. Battle Begins: March 26, 18624. Reinforcements: 27th March, 18625. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 18626. Battle Ends: 29th March, 18627. Casualty: Death of 375 People 8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America.  The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters.  You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail.  As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail.  More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  Time: Around 1 hour Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course! The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site's history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico.  Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park  “Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free! Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It's amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” - Isabelle M. “I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn't care for it but I think it's really amazing what is still here. He thinks it's all recreation and I can't say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don't see it that way. It's pretty awesome that it's free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that's also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” - Lydia G. Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-hAl8nrUW/ This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home.  MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock SquirrelBirds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald EagleFish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard FrogReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way.  A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in. Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico Established: 28th June, 1965 Area: 27 km² Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center How to Reach: Via State Road 63  Entry Fee: Free Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October) Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)