6 Reasons Why You Need Travel Insurance

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  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  Abdul Aziz Dec 8, 2023

Are you curious about how to camp like a pro without giving up comfort? Here are all our tips and tricks on camping in the forest. Primarily, you intend to take a short break from the hectic and stressful urban life by going camping in the wilderness to unwind and revitalize yourself. However, what if your camping trip goes horribly wrong and causes you more anxiety than joy? Then, you should give this some thought. Being prepared is essential for any type of camping, whether it be in the wilderness or at designated campgrounds. In order to keep yourself safe and ensure that your camping experience is one to remember, here are some excellent suggestions and rules. Any age can enjoy the wonderful experience of camping. At these fantastic campsites in the UK and abroad, there are tons of amazing places to visit and things to do, whether you're camping alone, with friends, your significant other, or even as a family. Camping In The Forest: An Overview Furthermore, a lot of campgrounds are made specifically to accommodate kids, dogs, or any other needs you might have. With Alan Rogers, you can look for the best campsites that meet the requirements for your trip and have been carefully inspected and chosen in locations all across Europe. Europe is seeing a surge in the popularity of forest camping, with many breathtaking campsite locations to be found all over the continent. Living in the forest gives you the chance to experience life in harmony with the natural world. There are many amazing locations to explore, whether you decide to camp in a designated area or go wild. However, as one might anticipate, there are a lot of additional difficulties when camping in the forest. You'll need to pay close attention to a few things, like how you'll prepare meals, whether there are enough activities for the kids, and how to set up your tent. We aim to address some of the common problems and questions that campers may have, so you can find helpful advice and information about all aspects of forest camping on this page. Our first tip is to be well-prepared before diving into some of the key talking points. Don't wait until the last minute to plan and pack for your camping trip. Rather, you can enhance the experience and guarantee a family-friendly adventure by planning ahead of time. Tent As one might anticipate, the tent is without a doubt the most crucial addition to take into account. You might be able to bring a caravan, campervan, or other type of lodging with you if you're camping in a designated area. However, you'll need a suitable tent for any kind of wild camping or forest camping. First things first, if camping is new to you, you'll probably need to go purchase a tent for your trip. After you've selected one that works well, try unpacking and pitching it before you leave. When you first arrive at the destination, this will save you a great deal of time and trouble. Sleep Arrangements Even in the summer, it can get chilly at night when camping in the forest. You must therefore make sure that the sleeping bags you bring will adequately protect you from any temperature dip. You should definitely choose sleeping bags and, ideally, well-insulated camping equipment if you plan to camp in the forest. After all, you can always unzip a little bit to help cool off if the weather is a little on the humid side. Remember to pack pillows as well, since the ground can be hard and uncomfortable at times. It is also advised to select sleeping mats, which serve as both a supporting cushion and a heat-retaining material. Cooking Equipment You probably will have access to gas, electricity, and even water if you are camping on a designated area. Additionally, there are campgrounds specifically designed for glamping, so you won't have to venture too far from home. If you're going to be camping in the forest, though, you'll need to think about your cooking arrangements. If there isn't a local community close by where you can shop, you should pack everything you need for cooking and food. If you plan to bring a gas stove on your trip, you will need to bring enough gas to last the entire duration of the trip. This is an option. Liquid fuel stoves are an additional option, but they don't usually generate a strong flame, so anything will take a while to heat up. Just be careful not to bring too many cooking utensils. You only need one saucepan, and it will help you stay light. You can also eat straight from this without using plates; just make sure to bring a fork or spoon. What To Pack? Image Source To be honest, there is an almost infinite list of items and equipment that you can bring on your camping trip, but the three categories mentioned above are the most practical. Nevertheless, you might prioritize some items over others, depending on your getaway. Check out the list of items you might want to pack for your forest camping trip below. Please feel free to print this off and utilize it as a guide when packing the car: Tent with extra pegs, a lantern, duct tape, sweeping brush, and an electric hook-up if needed are among the accessories. A pillow and a sleeping bag, mat, or even camp bed Any furnishings, including portable toilets, windbreaks, and camping chairs A trash bag for all of your trash A sizable water bottle A liquid, coal, or gas stove Pots and pans, a cooler box, matches or a lighter, utensils, tableware, cutlery, and a tin opener First Aid Kit and any necessary prescription drugs Sunscreen, insect repellent, cleaning soap, batteries, pocket knife, and paper towels. Campfire: How To Having a campfire can be enjoyable, and if you stay alert, there shouldn't be any issues. We have some helpful pointers to get you started if you're new to the whole campfire scene. Pick the ideal spot: It's crucial to pick a safe and convenient area for any campfire. Ideally, you would avoid places with dry undergrowth and overhanging branches. Additionally, take care not to build a fire too close to any tents. Use dry wood: You won't be able to start a fire with wet or damp wood logs. Thus, keep your matches hidden in a Ziploc bag and store the wood in a dry location. Build up from a simple base: It takes patience and time to create a wonderful campfire. You'll need to start small and use kindling, firelighters, or newspapers to start the fire. You can then begin applying larger wood logs. Apply a tipi formation: To ensure that your campfire has a basic structure and to allow oxygen to circulate, arrange the foundations into a tipi shape. Don't put all your eggs in one basket: To increase the fire's chances of becoming a strong blaze, try to light it in several locations at first. Don't rush the procedure: If you add the larger logs on too soon, the fire may be put out and your efforts may be lost at the first obstacle. Don't forget to put out the fire: After spending the evening conversing and having fun with lighthearted games by the campfire, you must put the flames out. Never trust a smouldering fire to go out before bed. Rather, allow the fire to go out and apply water or earth with a shovel as needed. If you've read all this, however, and are put off by all the hard work building a campfire might entail, there is a simple solution. Purchase one of these propane fire pits and relax through those long, cold evenings under the stars with no worries about keeping the fire alive in a gale or other troublesome weather. Fire pits such as this might even be more friendly for the environment, limiting waste and easy-to-control, minimising the risk of your fire spreading and damaging the local ecosystem. Wrapping Up Without a fire, camping just isn't the same. In fact, if you use your fire responsibly and sustainably, many campsites even encourage it. Nothing beats a campfire to get you through the evening and into the night as daylight fades. These camping tips are guaranteed to make your camping experience enjoyable, regardless of expertise level. Have you had any memorable camping adventures? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about camping in the forest, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! Winter Camping In Canada: Tips For Cold-Weather Adventures Under The Stars: Discovering The Best Camping Sites Near Me!

BY  Sibashree Jan 10, 2025

It’s time to take a Tampa to Siesta Key road trip. The distance between the two places is around 108 Km and you can journey via bus or cab.  Despite the distance, the Tampa to Siesta Key journey takes little time. If you are on a self-drive trip and driving without a break, you will reach Siesta Key from Tampa Bay within an hour. However, if there are traffic issues, it may take close to 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Further, this road trip is going to be the most fulfilling, with a lot of activities to do in Tampa and Siesta Key and multiple engaging stopovers in between.  So, are you ready for this most amazing road trip from Tampa Bay to Siesta Key? Let’s explore the best of Florida.  In this Tour and Travel guide, we will highlight the routes, stopovers, and things to do in Tampa Bay and Siesta Key.  Tampa To Siesta Key | Know The Different Routes  There are two routes to reach Siesta Key from Tampa Bay. You can take Highway 75 and Highway 275. The trip duration both ways is almost the same.  However, as we consulted the local experts, everyone preferred the route via Highway 275. Everyone agreed that the route was more scenic.  Tampa To Siesta Key Via Highway 75 On this route, you must take the E State Rd 60 E from Tampa International Airport. Then, you will continue on the I-75 S and take the exit 207 on the State Highway 758. This highway is in Sarasota County.  You must stick to Highway 758 to reach the Midnight Pass Road in Siesta Key.  Tampa To Siesta Key Via Highway 275  On this route, your drive starts from the Tampa International Airport, and then the merger with the I-275 S takes place.  Next, you must take exit 5 to take US-19 S. Continue on the right 2 lanes toward Palmetto. Further,  you take the US Highway 41 S and US-301 S to reach Siesta Key, Midnight Pass Road.  Tampa To Siesta Key | Know The Best Stopovers | Making The Most Of Sarasota There are multiple stopovers between Tampa to Siesta Key. So, if you are not in a super rush, you can get multiple places to relax and steal some fun moments.  1. Riverview Home to the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview is known for its parks. Don’t forget to take a walk in the Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve.  Are you eager to know about the history of carnival in America? You must plan a visit to the International Independent Showmen’s Museum.  2. Sun City Center Tourists taking a road trip from Tampa to Siesta Key usually stop at Sun City Center for lunch. There are places like Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant (+1 813-634-7521) and Old Castle Restaurant (+1 813-633-3331) for quick bites and refreshments.  Further, to have some moments in nature, you can plan a visit to the Little Manatee River State Park.  3. Bradenton A melting pot of culture and natural abundance, Bradenton is an important stopover between Tampa Bay and Siesta Key.  The fascinating enclave of the Village of the Arts is a great place to explore galleries and studios. Further, the Bishop Museum of Science & Nature has manatees and is a great place to learn about local culture.  Finally, the  Robinson Nature Preserve is a great place for outdoor pursuits like kayaking, walking, and bird-watching.  4. Sarasota | The Fun Begins Here On The Journey From Tampa To Siesta Key Sarasota is the place where you will meet wildlife on the journey from Tampa to Siesta Key. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens has alligators, tortoises, flamingos, etc. Further, the Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center has African lions, Bengal tigers, Brown bears, and birds.  Also, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is the best place to meet marine animals. Moreover, don’t miss visiting the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.  Once you are done with all the outdoor pursuits, you can relax at the cafes and restaurants of Sarasota.  Breaking Wave Coffee at 1310 Main Street Sarasota is a great place to hang out. Buddy Brew Coffee - Sarasota is another beautiful cafe here.  Road Trip From Tampa To Siesta Key | Know The Things To Do In Tampa Bay And Siesta Key  Tampa Bay, or the Cigar City, has always been an important spot when it comes to tourism in Florida. Warm weather and affordability have been two major factors in boosting tourism here.  So, when traveling from Tampa to Siesta Key, you cannot miss the top attractions or the things to do here. Things To Do In Tampa  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXv4ORzpe3/?img_index=1 You need a separate travel plan if you want to explore the best of Tampa. It is the city that offers you the best wildlife experience and cultural insights with its preservation and museum facilities.  Further, as mentioned, Tampa is the go-to destination for traveling on a shoestring. The city offers you a lot of free activities. For example, the most delightful Tampa Riverwalk is absolutely free.  Places To Visit In Tampa Busch GardensFlorida AquariumTampa GolfZooTampa at Lowry ParkGlazer Children's MuseumYbor CityHenry B. Plant MuseumAmerican Victory Ship & MuseumHillsborough River State Park Walk around 2.5 miles along the scenic paved trail to the Hillsborough River. During the walk itself, you will come across hotspots like Water Street Tampa, Sparkman Wharf, and   Channel districts.  If you don’t walk to walk, you can even take a bike ride along the trail.  Armature Works is another free attraction in Tampa. This public market is the best place to try the delicacies of Tampa. Visit the place between 7:30 AM to 10 PM to explore the cafes and eateries here.  Moreover, Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is an amazing place to visit in the city, and that too free of cost. You cannot take your eyes off the water here. However, the place also has educational exhibits like the manatee bones.  Things To Do In Siesta Key  https://www.instagram.com/p/DD98nh4T1qT/ The Tampa To Siesta Key journey takes you to pristine quartz beaches. Siesta Key is the place where you can have the most immersive experience. However, it’s a sin to miss the kayaking and charter tours at Siesta Key.  Places To Visit In Siesta KeySiesta BeachCrescent BeachTurtle BeachSiesta Farmers MarketShell BeachRide and Paddle By Siesta Sports Rentals (Location: South Bridge Mall, Contact Number: +1 941-346-1797)Siesta Key Wine Bar (Location: 5138 Ocean Blvd Suite C, Sarasota, Contact Number: +1 941-552-9105) You will find mangroves, manatees, and dolphins here. Also, the explorer in you will be elated to find the hidden beaches.  Moreover, you can opt for a dreamy electric bike ride along the beaches of Siesta Key. Are you someone into wellness? You can even practice Yoga on the beaches of Siesta Key.  Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Boat Charter Miami: Essential Tips for a Great Experience. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)