Where To Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

BY  sagnika Apr 27, 2024

Are you planning to visit Australia recently? Do you wonder about the right time to visit? If you ask me, you can visit anytime between September and November. Another time to visit is between March, April, and May. Let me share important details about visiting Australia. I will share important places in the different regions, accordingly, deciding on the right weather to visit. Some of the best times you can see these places are the ones I will discuss in the article.  Want to know about things to do in Australia? Keep reading! You will also learn that sometimes it is not right for you to visit; hence, plan your trip accordingly. However, if you are willing to establish a holding company, Australia can be a great place to visit and explore first. The market is exciting, and companies in that place are eager to explore. Do You Know The Best Time To Visit Australia? Read All About It! An Amazing country, Australia is a perfect place for travelers. I am sharing how you can create an itinerary to visit Australia. Traveling to Australia makes you feel like you have reached a new world. Read more about this different world and how to make the best of it. Let me also share with you the climate of Australia based on its geography. As a traveller, you can decide which places to visit when there are different regions. The segregated areas are the perfect places to plan your itinerary! Regions and Their Best Time Let me break down Australia into different regions, and you can read about the climate in these regions. Furthermore, I will also share the climates of these regions with you so you can plan your visits accordingly. There are many climate maps available online. However, I am sharing with you this map, which was constructed using the data available from the Bureau of Meteorology's website. What I will share with you differs from the map I provide, but you get an idea. Check the map to learn about the general idea of climate and how it influences how you plan your itinerary when visiting Australia. Best Time to Visit Tropical North! If you plan to go to the northern section of Australia, be prepared for the tropical climate. This region consists of northern territory, Western Australia, and Queensland. This is a location that is mostly humid for most of the year. This region's natural landscapes are unique, with many rainforests and wildlife. Most of the plants and animals are interesting, massive, and colourful! I personally feel that waterfalls are lush, as the wilderness is completely wild, along with thriving coral reefs. You will experience flavorful and exotic fruits and vegetables. If you can brave the tremendous heat, there are some beautiful places you must visit, such as the Daintree Rainforest, Airlie Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Cape Range National Park, and Kakadu National Park. The best time to visit the north of Australia is between May and October. The region has both wet and dry seasons! The wet season persists from November to April. If you visit this region during this time, you will face extreme heat and humidity. Constant rain, tropical storms, and floods also occur during this time. Hence, it would be best to prepare for road closures due to floods. You might get stuck in these closures, leading to travel delays! During the wet season, many national parks are closed. In the dry season, which continues from May to October, you can visit to enjoy sunny beach days. Best Time to Visit Outback or Desert! In this region, I have sectioned northern territory, western Australia, South Australia, and rural NSW or QLD, mostly the remote regions of Australia. The country's middle can be highlighted as the outback, especially because it is away from the coast. The Aussies call it the Red Center, which refers to the southern part of the Northern Territory. You can check out these beautiful places in the country's center, such as Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Lake Eyre, Broken Hill, Watarrka National Park, and Coober Pedy. If you plan to visit this region of Australia, winter is the best time. The summers are dry and hot, while the winters are cool and mild. You should see it from June to August, especially because there is almost no rain. If you are camping in this region, you can pack a warm sleeping bag and clothes. Carry water when you visit the desert, considering you need to be hydrated. If you are planning tours during the daytime, please carry caps, sunglasses, and towels, as the heat is intense. Please don’t visit the outback region between November and March! Travelling is not fun when you are disturbed completely as the heat in the desert is extreme. Best Time to Visit Temperate South! The regions of coastal NSW, south Australia, south of Western Australia, and southern QLD all constitute the Temperate South. This region is considerable temperate with its hot summers and cold winters. However, several coastal places exist, such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and Noosa. People mostly visit two specific regions in this section: New South Wales and Sydney. There are both summer and winter seasons. What's more, you can visit the Blue Mountains, where you can catch some snow during winter. The western region of Australia has a very similar climate to New South Wales! The beaches in Sydney are one of its kind which you must visit when you go!  The locations are beautiful, even though it can be chilly at times. You can check out places such as the Gold Coast, Kangaroo Island, Margaret River, Perth, Canberra, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Noosa, Bondi Beach, and Byron Bay. You should consider what type of trip you are planning. During the summer, the place is quite crowded. Even when booking flight tickets, you will see they are very expensive. And yet, this is when all the beach parties are going on, even with the sunny and hot weather. The daylight stays long so you can participate in outdoor BBQs and parties! The weather is dreamy, and you can go hiking, sightseeing, surfing, and swimming! There are a lot of activities, along with positive vibes and beach parties. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, go during Spring or Autumn, as the weather is lovely. Even the flights are cheaper! Best Time to Visit Far South! When I talk about the far south, I mean locations such as Tasmania, Victoria, and Southwest NSW. Thus, the summers of these regions are quite warm while the winters are cold. You can visit during autumn and spring, as you can perform almost all outdoor activities. You can do everything from hiking and camping between December and February. Even the flight prices are quite low during this time, along with a chance to avoid the crowd! In Adelaide and Melbourne, the weather has cool temperatures or, at times, rain. We cannot forget the beaches in Melbourne and their beauty! You can plan to visit Mount Kosciuszko or snowy mountains for snowboarding or skiing. Of course, if you want consistent snow, you must go from June to September. If you travel to this region of Australia, you can visit Philip Island, Hobart, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Cradle Mountain, and Bruny Island. Places like the Murray River Region offer all-season enjoyment! During winter, the flights are quite cheap, so you can visit during this time. Try to avoid the summer season, as it is one of the worst seasons to visit these regions. Finishing Off... To sum up, I suggest that the best time to visit depends on the regions you are visiting and the type of trip you are planning. After you have read the comprehensive list and guide that I have prepared for you, you will know how to plan your trip.  Australia is a huge country, so it is better to plan your trip than plan it all at once. It is massive, so it will be difficult for you to enjoy it effectively when you visit. Comment on which area you are planning to visit and why! Learn More About: How To Enjoy Your Night In Sydney? 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia What Are The Restaurants In Australia Worthy To Have An Experience?

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  Rishab Dey Dec 30, 2023

Are the gloomy skies driving you to desperate measures? Can a massive blowout break be called desperate? You do have a choice. A secluded road trip across the globe, an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a truly tropical beach break. If you want all three, you will need to look for warm places to visit in February. It becomes more difficult to find intense, short-haul sunshine as winter drags on. A carefully planned trip separates a reasonably priced island stay and a mild-weather city break from the US. Both of these can provide much-needed rest as well as relaxation. However, there are plenty of far-flung options that best suit this month. And don't forget to check government travel advice for every destination.  Warm Places To Visit In February  Yes, Februaries are cold. But the warmth it brings with Valentine's is hard to contend against. If you are planning to visit warm places with your special someone to get away from the biting cold of your home country, here are some of your best options. Take a peek into some of the warm places to visit in February.  Morocco  The Miami of Morocco, Casablanca is the modern center of Morocco. The nation's largest city highlights modern Morocco, a humming mix of big finance as well as creative chops. It has been overlooked for lacking Tangier's rich history of bohemian revelry or the romantic chaos of Marrakech. Even better, it's a nearby, mild winter city break. Explore the district's Art Deco area, which is home to iconic buildings like the Cinema Rialto. Indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the Central Market. Get a taste of the past in the untouristy, donkey-filled medinas. You can end the day at a chic restaurant or rooftop café. Sea views, as well as a delicious seared duck breast with honey, are served at Le Relais de Paris. Morocco is probably one of the best warm places to visit in February. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this North African country.  Koh Yao Noi  Koh Yao Noi is the Thailand island of your dreams, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and a world apart from its boisterous tourist attractions. There are more water buffaloes, traditional rubber farms, serene beaches, as well as fewer inebriated backpackers. Phang Nga Bay's surroundings are dotted with striking limestone karsts. Boho-chic Cape Kudu, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, features white, bright rooms and a dreamy sea view from the pool. It also has a spa designed with hanging rattan chairs. Kayaking through the mangroves and island hopping are options, too.  Kenya  Kenya has seen a decline in tourism following a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this decade. However, most beach retreats and safari destinations in the nation are generally safe. Government travel advisories, too, are not too stringent. In February, you can combine two of the best trips into one. The southern coast's whale shark swimming season is in full swing. The Masai Mara's low rainfall causes big game to congregate in large groups at rivers and waterholes.  New Zealand  Want some delicious privacy? February, the last month of summer, is the best time to see the vistas along New Zealand's eastern seaboard by car. Few landscapes are as untamed and wild as those found there. Here, a volcanic headland meets the shimmering ocean, and multiple opulent lodges bask in seclusion. The North Island's Helena Bay Lodge is spread out over a tidy lawn near the South Pacific's edge. Its exclusive beaches, coves, as well as woodland hikes only see your own footprints. Next, travel to the South Island's Banks Peninsula, a picturesque volcano skeleton ringed with glistening bays and secluded little settlements. Annandale Farm is a mystical haven offering endless views of the ocean as well as locally sourced food. It is nestled in 4,000 acres of serene coastal pasture.  Carnival  It's crazy when you stand amidst a carnival. Still, isn't that the reason you're here? The streets stay marinating in wild revelry, and the beaches teem with a hot, toned young crowd. There is also the sound of samba pulsing everywhere you go. The Rio Music Carnival, an accompanying electro-music festival, takes place alongside the Sambadrome's parades to create the biggest party on Earth. Past performers such as Afrojack, Diplo, and Tiesto have left the crowds completely insane.  Honolulu  Here is another one of the warm places to visit in February. Between its capital, Honolulu, and its more sedate northern and eastern beaches, Oahu presents a compelling blend of big-city conveniences and quintessential tropical beauty. Additionally, locals get together for banter and bragging rights during the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic in February. This isn't your typical Kelly Slaters competition. Instead, teams of up to seven individuals compete in historical and unique events like SUPsquatch, where they ride enormous inflatable stand-up paddle boards.  Miami  Miami isn't for the timid, but it has a vibrant art scene in addition to its nightclubs, music, and traffic. You can check out the Yinka Ilori-designed café at Superblue or the Yayoi Kusama exhibits at the Rubell Museum. There is also a fun dining scene, and we recommend Itamae, a Nikkei restaurant.  Singapore  Singapore is one of the greenest cities in Asia. Trails, lush parks, and gardens dominate the area. According to The Singapore Green Plan 2030, it even aims to become the world's green champion. Nearly half of the city is covered in greenery. Visit during a hot, dry February to take in all of this. You can also visit Chinatown's markets, immerse yourself in the culinary scene, and learn about the local way of life.  Wrapping Up  Unless you really want to, there's no reason why you should stay inside this February. There are carnivals and even New Year's celebrations that combine Chinese and Mayan customs. In the end, this list of warm destinations in February should satisfy your need for warmth. This place has beaches, hikes, mountains, caverns, and volcanoes. If these don't motivate you, you can visit animals, museums, and a lot more places without having to worry about the dress code. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about warm places to visit in February, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Florida Dreams: RV Camping Along the Sunshine State’s Shore Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty