What To Do In Houston | Is Houston Worth Visiting Now | Traveling Across A Large Cosmopolitan Destination

BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff. Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of socials. Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮 So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience.  At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides.  We wanted to keep it all hearts as the Hollywood movies have taught us!  Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy  Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners.  In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for the visitors to this city. So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.   Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings.  Completing a hike to the Hollywood sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations.  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes.  2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Contact No: +1 800-864-8377 Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM For all the Potter Heads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies.  If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025. You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood.  Moreover, Universal Studios Hollywood has year-round attractions like “Jurassic World - The Ride,” “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, etc. So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the topmost once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids. 3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles.  4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach. Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.” Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers.  5. Visit The Griffith Observatory Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles Contact No: +1 213-473-0800 Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday - Closed Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Irrespective of your day of visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil.  Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky.  The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot.  Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory.  6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsIGM9hQmj/ Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California. Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person.  7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q5d_Ur2_-/?img_index=1 Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is the best amalgamation of all three elements mentioned in the name.  It is an excellent place for researchers as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span between the 11th to 21st centuries.  Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American and Asian work.  Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.   Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.  8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vuavPuOuf/?hl=en If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do.  The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from 7th December after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain put till New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road lines.  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  Shahnawaz Nov 24, 2022

Bubble tea stores both in the UK and the US are trendy nowadays. Be it a creative drink or crystal boba tea; fans are ready to try out different flavors and tastes every day. They are always trying to find different recipes to try out.  Every new recipe is like a new experience. However, they are not the same as tapioca pearls. On top of that, this delicious boba topping is very easy and simple to make at home. You can go and try them out at some Boba tea shop. Or you can make them at home and enjoy yourself. This article will help you explore these extraordinary pearls and help you make them at home. So, if you are looking for something like that, then this article might help. What Is Crystal Boba? Image Source: www.google.com If you have ever had bubble tea, you should be able to understand what the boba crystals stand for. Different types of bubble tea pearls are used to add texture and volume to the tea. However, the boba crystal is known for its translucent look and chewy texture that feels like gelatine. These crystals are ready to be eaten. They are usually presweetened. These crystals are used in their original flavors and in sugar flavors. They also taste great in milk and in flavored or iced teas. But what is crystal boba made from? They are made from an edible plant called the konjac plant. Although this unique type of food has very little taste, they are great in terms of nutritional benefits. They are also an important element in Asian medicine. In terms of their look, it is completely opposite to regular black boba. What Does Crystal Boba Taste Like?  Coming to another important query about this tempting food– what does boba taste like?  Well, they are from the Konjac plant, so they have a mild sweet taste and a citrus flavor. Another funny thing about translucent boba is that it may keep its taste and flavor when put in tea or storage. Regular boba does not have the taste as crystal ones. They are slightly sweet because they are made from brown sugar and caramel syrup. But, when added to the tea or anything else, the pearls lose their taste and lose their taste.  Crystal Boba Vs. Regular Boba: What Is different? Image Source: static.wixstatic.com Both crystal and regular boba have one thing in common. They are both derived from a specific root starch. Regular boba is made from the tapioca root starch which explains the chewy texture you feel when eating them with the tea. On the other hand, crystal boba is made from the konjac plant. You can also pair them with milk tea. So another similarity between them is that they are paired with milk tea.  Tapioca starch is the common topping for bubble tea in the United States and the United Kingdom. Instead, the konjac plant is used to make pearls of white color, which are the crystal boba.  Custard pearls have a nonpartisan taste and are chewy and supple on the surface. In comparison to traditional tapioca pearls, the ones used in boba drinks are typically smaller and slightly softer. Crystal boba, on the other hand, is extremely jelly-like and soft. The plant used to make them also gives them a subtle citrus flavor. When white pearls are stored or added to a drink, they keep their flavor. Tapioca pearls, on the other hand, firm up and begin to flavor the other ingredients. This can be something positive or negative, contingent upon what you as the cook planned to occur! Here are some of the major differences that you need to keep in mind: You must soak the tapioca boba in a sweet mixture or boil them to use them. But you don't need to cook the crystal boba. Regular boba has a softer and chewier texture compared to crystal boba. The tapioca boba has uniformly shaped spheres. On the other hand, the crystal boba looks more like jelly beans. Popping Boba Vs Crystal Boba: The Difference Image Source: www.google.com It looks like different types of boba are different in their taste, shape, and appearance. Popping or bursting boba is quite similar to crystal boba. They also don't need to be cooked before consumption. Those are pearls filled with juice and a thin outer layer is present. The popping boba comes in different flavors, for example, kiwi, mango, and more. All you need to do is to soak them in syrup. But what are the differences? Popping boba is filled with juice and can burst open with a little force. On the other hand, the crystal boba is chewy. Popping Boba comes in different colors and flavors and is more vibrant in color. Crystal boba doesn't have any color and is transparent. Crystal boba is enjoyed with milk teas or ice teas. On the other hand, the popping boba can be enjoyed with slushies or ice teas. Read More: Have You Tasted Starbucks Boba? Does Starbucks Have Boba? How To Make Homemade Crystal Boba? Image Source: plantbasedonabudget.com So, if you want to make crystal boba at home, then here are the steps to help you – Add some coconut water to the pot and use low heat. Mix the jelly powder and agar thoroughly and put them in the pot. Simmer it on low heat while constantly stirring for five minutes. Mix water, ice, and oil in a large bowl. Take a squeeze bottle and add the mixture to it. Once the pearls are set, they will sink at the bottom. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some popular questions people ask about the Bobas– 1. Is Crystal Boba Vegan Friendly? Ans: The tapioca pearls are vegan since no gelatine is used in them. But, some manufacturers might use gelatin for profit. So, you should beware of those manufacturers if you are looking for vegan-friendly pearls. But, the white pearl boba is usually vegan. 2. Are Crystal Boba Healthy Ans: If you want the honest truth, then I'd say that all the boba is unhealthy. The reason is that they are textured pearls full of syrups. On the other hand, white pearls are healthier. In a hundred grams of boba, you have 70 calories of carbohydrates. The tapioca pearls have 358 calories within the amount of 100 gms. 3. Do You Chew Or Swallow Boba? Ans: Bobas are made from Tapioca. The ingredients don't dissolve quickly, even when they are well-soaked. However, if you eat them without chewing, they can be hazardous to health. They don't dissolve, which makes them hazardous. Final Words  Crystal boba is a fine addition to your bubble tea. They make a wholesome taste inside your mouth. You can go and grab yourself crystal boba at a bubble tea stall. But making them at home can be a fun experience as well. You can use the tips shared in this article to make this. I think you have found the answer to your queries. However, if you have further questions, you can ask them in the comment section. Read Also: Traveling To Korea? Here’s Your Must-Try Korean Food Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe Top 13+ Vegetarian Restaurants In Austin – Complete Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 18, 2021

America’s Pacific Northwest is the ideal destination for travelers looking for natural beauty, great food, and a host of sumptuous cultural attractions. From great music to stunning food and flavourful beverages, the Pacific Northwest is the best getaway. Many travelers are lured by the natural beauty of the region, which stretches from the states of British Columbia, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Some also agree that it stretches well beyond these three states and into the wilderness of Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana. In this article, we are going to discuss the seven best places, which you should visit if you are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest. We will also discuss a very important natural attraction, which acts as a magnet for tourists and travelers in the region. The Pacific Northwest and the Quaking Aspen Every naturally beautiful region in the world has come to be defined by an element, which is the heart and soul of the place. In the case of the Pacific Northwest, most travel writers agree that the beautiful quaking aspen tree is the soul, which runs through the region. The quaking aspen runs through the length and breadth of the Pacific Northwest, stretching an impossible 47 latitudes. What is more astonishing is the fact that it is one of the longest stretching natural vegetations in the world, covering more than 110 longitudes and 9 Time Zones! The trees have found a place in numerous movies, music, and other cultural anecdotes. ‘Pando’ in Utah’s Fishlake Natural Forest is believed to be the largest single living organism in the world. The world attraction comprises more than 8000 quaking aspen trees stretching a massive 100+ acres in diameter. The quaking aspen tree is a cultural and religious marker. In other words, it is revered in indigenous traditions. People believe that the moving (quaking nature of the tree) especially when there is a breeze is like nature talking to a supernatural entity. List of 5 Best Places to visit in America’s Pacific Northwest 1. North Cascades National Park (Washington)- If you are someone who likes to explore nature at its finest, you should take a trip to the world-famous North Cascades National Park. Situated in the state of Washington, the national park is home to America’s longest river system in the west, the Columbia River. It is also home to Lake Chelan, one of the deepest lakes in the country. There are a host of recreational activities, which are suited for all kinds of travelers. Whether you want to go hiking with your family or would love some adventure time with your friends, you can rest assured that there are ample opportunities. 2. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)- The Crater National Park in Oregon is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Created by a volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama, the famous Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the entire United States. Just to put it in perspective, the depth of the lake is nearly 2000ft! A major reason why tourists flock to the park is that it boasts of more than 40 Caves. Going through the caves, exploring the natural habitat is an experience in itself. You can also visit the Old Man Log, which has been on the Crater Lake for more than a hundred years. 3. Columbia River Gorge (British Columbia)- The Columbia River Gorge is more than 80 miles long and more than 4000ft deep. It is also a great place for people looking to enjoy a boat ride. The river has been an integral part of trade and commerce in the region as it connects British Columbia with California. If you are planning a Camping Trip with your family members or your friends, you might want to check out the Columbia River Gorge. Many travel writers and animal photographers also use the gorge for its excellent nature and animal viewing. 4. St. Helens Mountain (Washington)- Many people might have heard about the Pacific Ring of Fire. Just to be clear, this is different from the famous movie franchise, Pacific Rim. St. Helens is an active volcano located in the Cascade ranges. St. Helens sits majestically on more than 8000ft. In the past few years, St. Helens and the surrounding Cascade Range has become a favorite of hikers. Many new companies have also started offering adventure sports and horseback riding along with the picturesque ranges. If you love ziplining, you should try it out here. 5. Mount Hood (Oregon)- Like St. Helen’s, Mount Hood is also part of the Cascade Range. It is located in the state of Oregon and is its highest peak. The volcano is located at a height of more than eleven thousand feet, making it one of the tallest peaks in the country. Mount Hood is a favorite for skiers, with the highest skiing peak located more than seven thousand feet up in the air. Many people visit the location for its fun winter times. Whether you like hiking, skiing, or snowboarding, you will love Mount Hood. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the best weather in the Pacific Northwest? Pacific Northwest is one of the sunniest cities in Oregon. Say bye-bye to swampy rainy days. This weather makes it easy for tourists to hiking trails, performing water activities, and do winter sports. What places are in the Pacific Northwest? It includes the U.S states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and the Canadian Province Of British Columbia. Is Wahington is the prettiest place to be? Well, it is a nice place and it has its own features. But I still think Pacific Northwest is truly a place to visited. Not once but often.  List of things that can be done on a vacation in the Pacific Northwest? Seaside Oasis is a place where you can relax. You can visit the Seattle Classic spots. Have a whale of a time at the Salish Sea.  The Final Word In addition to the above locations, tourists can also visit the Snoqualmie Waterfalls or the John Day Ecosystem Fossil Beds, or even the Pacific Rim Natural Park. Many tourists and travelers who seek a break from hectic urban lives seek out solace at the above-mentioned locations of the Pacific Northwest. If you are an outdoors person, you would love the fresh crisp air, the abundant natural beauty, and the plethora of activities, you would be able to do in the Pacific Northwest. Hiking, skiing, camping, bird watching, trekking, sailing, etc. are all possible in the most enjoyable fashion in the region. The local cuisines, the culture, and the entertainment only sweeten the deal. Can you pick a favorite from the list of travel destinations we have mentioned in the article? Let us know in the comments section below. Read Also: 3 Ways To Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park Top 11 Unique Things To Do In Flagstaff Things To Do In Maryland – Free Places To Visit In Maryland