Wineries You Should Visit In Winter

BY  Shahnawaz Feb 1, 2024

Traveling is liberating; it’s one of the most celebrated hobbies in the world. However, your celebration can be masked by distress and more severe consequences if you don’t travel safely. Traveling safely means always updating your vaccination chart before you set out on your latest adventure.  Your travel plans should always have your travel vaccination on top right after the destination you are choosing to travel to. When planning your travel health, your destination plays a considerable role. Whichever part of the world you are choosing to explore next, make sure you have a list of vaccinations handy and checked before you set out on your travels. Here are some of the most common vaccinations one needs to take care of before setting out to explore the world and its many wonders.  Before You Travel Are your plans made? Have you decided where you are heading to? Here’s what you need right after you have made and set your goals: get your vaccination up-to-date. The easiest way to get your vaccination is to make an appointment with your healthcare professional and discuss your vaccination needs in light of the destination you are traveling to.  Travel vaccinations vary from routine vaccinations. When traveling to underdeveloped countries, you have to be extra careful with your vaccinations. For more information, you can even visit the embassy page of your destination to check their vaccination requirements. These protective measures are highly recommended to keep travelers safe from fast-spreading and deadly viruses like Yellow Fever, typhoid, etc.  Your healthcare professional will help you get up-to-date with destination-specific vaccines, preventive medication, and other materials you may need to keep your travel health in check.  Apart from that, make sure you ask as many questions as you can regarding general health concerns, itineraries, and planned activities when traveling to underdeveloped countries.  Pro Tip: Many vaccinations like COVID-19 require multiple doses, so make sure you seek medical attention as soon as you are sure about traveling.  Apart from vaccinations, discuss preventive medication such as medicines that prevent malaria; these are great for keeping you healthy and protecting you from fevers during your travel. Reasons Why You Should Get Vaccinated To Ensure Travel Health Travel health must be one of the core considerations for an individual. If the individual fails to keep healthy, they will disrupt the entire tour, especially if it is a family-oriented or business tour. You do not have the right to make life difficult for others. Therefore, you must have adequate protection against the issues. However, here we discuss some of the issues that are strictly related to travel. So, let us get started with the discussion so that you have a better understanding of safety concerns. In this section, we discuss why you need to be vaccinated.  The Vaccine Prevented Disease Still Persists Even Today  As we mentioned and discussed below, vaccination is considered one of the major issues linked to the individual; some of them still exist. They pass on to another individual, especially to one who is not vaccinated. The person suffers, being unguarded. Travel health is one of the major concerns; therefore, you need protection to save yourself from these diseases. That's the major problem associated with the spread of disease. Vaccines Will Help You Maintain Your Health When you go to a new place, there is a high chance of getting affected by the deadly virus. If you suffer from physical health disruption, it may harm your schedule badly. You must, therefore, understand the value of travel health, vaccinate yourself with the requirements of the government in that country, and also adhere to the norms of the individual.  Additionally, exploring the use of preventative treatments such as rapamycin can provide further protection against age-related diseases and improve your resilience while traveling. When you skip the vaccines, it will leave you vulnerable, especially on foreign soil. Let me give you a warning here: you might not know that shingles, HPV, and the flu lead to the cause of cancer.  Vaccines Are Important From The Point Of View Of Overall Health.  One of the most complex issues that harm an individual at this point is obesity. A healthy lifestyle is essential to keeping you fit and fighting bacteria and viruses. There has been wide-scale awareness of maintaining good health with regular health check-ups.  Just like it, you need to keep up-to-date with the latest vaccination requirements so that you can be healthy, fit, and fine. It is one of the safest preventives that is available to you.  Vaccines: A Must For Travel Health Different studies on the internet indicate the need for more tourists' adaptability in inclement weather conditions. Moreover, there are hundreds of instances of tourists affected by the deadly viruses succumbing to death when they return to their own country.  In a way, vaccination draws the line between life and death. So, touring without vaccination is antithetical to travel health, and you remain vulnerable in the new destinations. According to a study, around 50000 adults died from COVID-19 viruses.  The Vaccines Are Safe And Secure Making these vaccines took great effort, and they are standardized after many successful trials. Even the licenses were made stringent for the vaccines. They helped the common people and not the travelers.  They can also take them as they are one of the must-haves while traveling to another country. Hence, travelers must not doubt vaccinations and conform to travel health requirements.  Where To Get The Vaccination From? Always get your vaccinations from authorized entities; you can ask your primary healthcare provider as well.  Some of the most common vaccinations to keep in check before you travel are,  COVID-19 Chickenpox Cholera  Flu (Influenza) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Japanese encephalitis MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Meningococcal Pneumococcal Polio Rabies Shingles Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Typhoid Yellow fever You may not need all of these, as some of these vaccinations are destination-specific. However, to be sure, have a lengthy chat with your primary healthcare provider.  Conclusion Whether you are traveling alone, with kids or with senior citizens, vaccination should be your priority. You wouldn’t want the happiness of your travels dampened by an unforeseen event like contracting a severe virus. Travel safe, get vaccinated, and conquer all your trips.  Read Also: Spring Travel And Eye Health Tips The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok 5 Reasons To Travel When You Retire

BY  Sibashree Mar 2, 2026

Ninh Binh or Halong Bay on Land is a UNESCO-protected site and a hidden gem in the tourism landscape of Vietnam.  It has ancient temples, a surreal riverine landscape, and dramatic limestone mountains. A Ninh Binh boat tour and climbing up its beautiful peaks is the best way to explore this serene place.  Moreover, if you see Ninh Binh on the map, you will find it in the northern region of the country. Along with its natural abundance, it is also known for its historical and cultural heritage.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about what Ninh Binh is famous for, how to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi, the things to do in Ninh Binh, where to eat in Ninh Binh, and more.  What Is Ninh Binh Famous For?  If you are a follower of the TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy, Ninh Binh will become your instant favorite. It’s authentic, sustainable, and perfect for mastering the art of slow traveling.  In this way, Ninh Binh reminds me of Luang Prabang in Laos. During my Luang Prabang itinerary planner, I found out how it practices sustainable tourism.  In fact, being environmentally responsible is a common feature of these two neighbors.  Also, Ninh Binh is one of the most exotic places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam.  Nevertheless, here are the reasons why Ninh Binh is famous for.  1. Waterways And Wetlands Ninh Binh is a lush and fertile region blessed by a network of waterways. The Red River and the Day River function as the lifeline of this region, and at the same time, many smaller rivers have added to the fertility and unique topography of the region.  You can enjoy a boat tour of these waterways and experience an adrenaline rush.  Moreover, these wetlands, especially in places such as the Van Long Nature Reserve, are home to different types of birds and other animals.  2. Karst Limestone Cliffs Trang An, Tam Coc, and Van Long Nature Reserve are some of the most famous Karst limestone cliff areas in Ninh.  Most of the karst limestone formations here rise from the waterways and the rice paddies. Thus, this sudden rise against the lows of the waterway creates a sense of drama.  3. Grottes And Caves The limestone karsts in Nin Binh are all the more fascinating due to the underground exploration and adventure opportunities they offer.  Some of them, especially the ones in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, come with caves and grottes. Moreover, these caves and grottes are some of the largest in Southeast Asia. 4. Proximity To Hanoi Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, is one of the cheapest places to visit in the world.  The Hanoi to Ninh Binh journey by road takes around 2 hours. Drive south from Hanoi, and you will reach the former capital of the country.  However, despite this proximity, Ninh Binh has maintained its idyllic charm. So, often, it is the go-to destination for a day trip or weekend trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.  5. Transportation Hubs The Ninh Binh City railway station is the gateway to the Ninh Binh region for the rest of the country.  Furthermore, Ninh Binh is well-connected via road. Thus, this scenic region of Vietnam is quite easily accessible.  6. Gateway To Exploration Ninh Binh is the gateway to Halong Bay in the east and the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.  Furthermore, from Ninh Binh, you can explore northern regions such as Sapa and the Vietnam-China border.  7. Historical And Cultural Heritage Ninh Binh is home to Hoa Lu, the first capital of independent Vietnam. The Dinh and Early Le dynasties ruled over Hoa Lu from 968 to 1010 AD before the capital was moved to Hanoi.  You will find here 10th-century temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le in Hoa Lu.  Furthermore, Nin Binh has many ancient pagodas, and its cultural significance lies in being a UNESCO-Protected Site.  8. Scenic Beauty  The waterways of Ninh Binh are tranquil. Furthermore, the lush landscape and karst limestone formations act as the most dramatic backdrop.  You will love trekking, birdwatching, and of course boating at Ninh Binh. How To Get From Hanoi To Ninh Binh? A Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi is quite common. You can take a bus or train, or reserve a private car for the day trip.  1. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Train  You can take a train ride from Hanoi to the Ninh Binh Railway Station.  Depending on the class, your ticket price will be between VND 60000 and 200000, or around $8 USD.  Moreover, the travel time will be around 2.5 hours.  2. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Bus If you are a budget traveler, you can take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The buses, however, take a little longer, and based on the traffic, it may take up to 3 hours.  The ticket price for a Hanoi to Ninh Binh bus ride is around USD 6 or VND 70000-150000.  3. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Car  You can book an Uber or just take a private car to reach Ninh Binh by car from Hanoi. Of course, it is the most expensive mode of transportation and costs around 1,380,000 VND or USD 60.  Furthermore, the travel time will be around 1.5 hours.  Moving Around Ninh Binh  Once you are in Ninh Binh and want to explore it locally, you can do it on foot. The city of Ninh Binh is very walkable.  However, if you want to explore more, you can take a bicycle or rent a bike.  1. Exploring Ninh Binh On A Bicycle  It’s a miss if you are in Ninh Binh and don’t explore Tam Coc or other quieter areas of Ninh Binh.  I got a bicycle from the homestay I was staying in for free. However, some homestays can charge a little for the bicycle rental.  2. Exploring Ning Binh On A Bike  Renting a motorbike is the best way to roam around Ninh Binh. You have to spend around $6 USD or VND 80,000–150,000 to rent a bike for a day.  Then, you can explore all corners of this UNESCO Protected Site and explore how history speaks in its every corner.  What Are The Things To Do In Ninh Binh?  The Ninh Binh Vietnam attractions are endless. You have to just figure out the best time to visit Vietnam based on your areas of interest.  Also, the things to do or the places to visit will depend on your duration of stay. Here, I have enlisted the activities that will fit well into your Ninh Binh itinerary for two days.  Nevertheless, here are the details on what to do in Ninh Binh.  1. Ninh Binh Trang An Tour Tràng An is designated by UNESCO as a heritage site, and you can reach it by taking a no-hassle boat ride from Ninh Binh.  The boatride in the serene rivers with the karst limestone cliffs in the background feels cinematic.  Furthermore, on the way, you will find a few temples where you can sniff history and appreciate the architecture.  Why Take A Trang An Tour You must take a Trang An Tour because it is not as expensive as a trip to Bến Thạch Bích. Bến Thạch Bích tour is expensive and has now become a tourist scam.  A tour to Trang An costs around $10 USD or 250000 VND per person.  2. Hiking The Lying Dragon Mountain Or Núi Ngoạ Long The boat rides through the ancient waterways, watched over by the karst limestones, are not the only adventures offered by Ninh Binh.  You can plan a hike to the Lying Dragon Mountain top. You have to climb 500 steps to reach the top, and the view from there is unreal.  From the top, you will see the lush paddy fields and the waterways winding through the limestone cliffs. There is even a temple on a rocky spire.  Ideal Time For Hiking The Lying Dragon Mountain Sunrise and sunset hours are the best for hiking the Lying Dragon Mountain. You can enjoy the golden and red glow from the top of the mountain.  Also, if you are hiking early in the morning, you will have fewer people taking the steps to the top.  Entry Fee And Parking Tip  The entry fee for the Lying Dragon Mountain hike is 100,000 VND or $4 USD. However, please note that your parking fee is included in this fee.  The parking attendants are very aggressive, and they will often misguide you by saying that the parking lot is full. So, be strict about not paying them extra or giving in to their tricks. 3. A Visit To Bich Dong Pagoda The Bich Dong Pagoda in the Hoa Lu District was built by Ly Thai To. It is on the Truong Yen limestone mountain range, and its history dates back to 1428.  However, it was abandoned for many centuries until Tri The and Tri Kien discovered it in 1705. Furthermore, it was named the Bich Dong Pagoda or Green Pearl cave by Lord Trinh Sam of Dang Ngoai in 1774.  The Unique Structure Of The Bich Dong Pagoda  The pagoda has three levels, and the Dark Cave and the Xuyen Thuy Cave.  • Ha Pagoda Or Lower Pagoda The Ha Pagoda, or Lower Pagoda, has 5 rooms and 10 roofs.  Furthermore, there is a monolithic stone pillar adorned with the statues of Lord Buddha. The lower pagoda is used for worship, and you will smell incense once you enter it, and the smell evokes a spiritual feeling.  • Middle Pagoda Or The Trung Pagoda Then, you have to take 120 steps to reach the Middle Pagoda or the Trung Pagoda. It has beautiful tiles and scriptures written in Chinese.  Also, you will find the figures of Lord Buddha, flying dragons, turtles, fairies, and little boys here.  • The Upper Pagoda Or The Thuong Pagoda Finally, you will take 40 steps to reach the upper pagoda or Thuong Pagoda. There is a forecourt, two rooms, and a stone altar in the outer room of the pagoda.  Furthermore, there is an inner room, which has the idol of the Bodhisattva. Moreover, the Cam Lo pond near the upper cave is used for curing ailments.  • Dark Cave Bich Dong You will again climb 21 steps from the Upper Pagoda to reach the Dark Cave Bich Dong.  You will find a large bronze bell there in 1707. Furthermore, inside the cave wall, you will find amazing embossed pictures.  • Xuyen Thuy Cave The Xuyen Thuy Cave is semicircular in form and has a length of around 350 meters. In places, the cave is 6-15 meters in width.  4. Birdwatching At The Thung Nham Bird Valley The Thung Nham Bird Valley is a great spot for nature lovers. You will find the birds early in the morning or late afternoon.  However, if you are late in the morning or in the afternoon at the Thung Nham Bird Valley, you will find goats and ducks roaming.  Overall, the view of the field is amazing.  5. Exploring The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, or the ancient capital of Vietnam, is the place to enjoy the history of Ninh Binh.  Being here feels straight out of a movie scene, and this place of reign by the Le and Dinh dynasties, with the surrounding mountains looks straight from a movie scene. Where To Stay In Ninh Binh? You will find many budget-friendly homestays and hotels in Ninh Binh. Having said that, these are my favorite picks.  We stayed at the Ruby Homestay, and it offered a local and authentic experience. It was budget-friendly and still had amenities such as a pool.  However, if you want a more luxurious experience, you can even try the Ninh Binh Royal Homestay. It is a resort with a 3-star rating.  What To Eat In Ninh Binh? The mountain goat meat cooked in various styles, braised fish, rice, and crispy rice are some traditional Vietnamese dishes you can eat in Ninh Binh.  Furthermore, if you are more adventurous, you can try delicacies such as the snakehead fish salad and oakit or jackfruit snail.  Chookie's in Tam Coc and the local markets were our favorite go-to places for trying authentic Vietnamese cuisines and a mix of Western delicacies at times.  Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting?  Yes, Ninh Binh is worth visiting, and it is the heart of Northern Vietnam for tourists. It has pagodas and temples that go back to the 10th century. Furthermore, the winding waterways through the karst limestone formations simply create a landscape of contrast.  Moreover, it is one of the best places to see sunrise and sunset in Vietnam.  It’s soulful, sustainable, and fertile with lush greenery. Come, visit Ninh Binh.  Ninh Binh, Vietnam: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Ninh Binh.  1. Which Is Better, Ninh Binh Or Halong Bay? Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a more celebrated attraction in Vietnam. Ninh Binh, despite being a UNESCO-protected site, is more like a hidden gem. However, Ninh Binh is closer to Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, and only a 2-hour drive south. Also, the experiences in these places are very different. In Ha Long Bay, the activities include swimming in the Gulf of Tonkin, overnight cruises, kayaking, and exploring the limestone karsts. Ninh Binh, on the other hand, with a more rural charm, has ancient temples, pagodas, rice paddies, waterways, and dramatic limestone karsts.  2. How Many Days To Stay In Ninh Binh? Two to four days are ideal for staying in Ninh Binh. From hiking up the Lying Dragon Mountain to boat rides to Trang An and Tam Coc, you can cover the major attractions of Ninh Binh in two days. However, if you want to explore the Cuc Phuong National Park or have an in-depth understanding of rural life, you must plan a trip for 3-4 days.  3. How Far Is Ninh Binh From Hanoi? The Ninh Binh and Hanoi distance is around 94 km. The travel time by road down south is around 1.5 to 2 hours. Of course, the travel time will depend on the mode of transport. For example, if you are traveling by bus, the travel time will be around 2.5 to 3 hours. Also, if you are taking a train, it will take around 2.5 hours.  4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Nin Binh? November to April is the best time to visit Nin Binh if you want to enjoy pleasant weather conditions. Having said that, the exact timing of planning your trip will depend on the kind of experience you want. For example, March to May is the ideal time for seeing the blooming flowers. However, if you want to see the golden paddies along the Ngo Dong River, you have to plan a visit in late May to early June. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

RV-ers can choose from a wide variety of views, terrain, activities, and climates thanks to Oregon's diverse geography. Camping in Oregon offers a variety of locations. It includes open prairie grasslands, dense old-growth Douglas Fir forests, and a 5,000-foot high desert plateau. There is also the Willamette Valley, close to all the urban excitement, and campsites with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It's inviting to visit the coast. All along the coast, there are both public and private campgrounds that are ready to welcome guests. Stunning ocean views abound at these campgrounds. For others, it's a quick drive or stroll to the beach. You can find great surfing along the Oregon Coast in the Pacific surf. Bring a wet suit and board. Ultimately, the water remains chilly even in the summer. Winchester Bay RV Resort is yet another place you simply must visit. You won't be sorry if you can secure reservations at this well-known resort. Situated on an artificial peninsula projecting into the Umpqua River is the park. The park is beautifully manicured and furnished, and the peninsula creates views from all directions. Every site has paving, 50-amp electricity, sewage, and water. There are directional sites that optimize your view and accessibility to hook-ups, whether you're camping in a motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel. If you have RV camping Oregon Coast on your mind, this article is for you.  RV Camping Oregon Coast  Are you excited by the prospect of taking the RV and just hitting the road? When it comes to RV camping Oregon Coast has some of the best options. Here are the places you must dig into if you are thinking about an RV and the Oregon Coast simultaneously. Take a peek: Bandon  If golf is your thing, you'll love Bandon, Oregon, where you can choose from six top-notch golf courses and play 18 holes of golf while taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trail, Old MacDonald, Sheep Trail, and Bandon Preserve are the six internationally famous 18-hole courses just outside of Bandon. You can hone your putting skills on the Punchbowl Putting Greens or practice every stroke in the Practice Center. Since these courses host multiple tournaments each year, make sure to reserve your tee time when you make plans to play golf in Bandon. These are fantastic golf courses with breathtaking scenery to enjoy while playing. This one is another good option for RV camping Oregon Coast. Shore Acres State Park  Additionally, if you find yourself on the Southern Oregon Coast in December, make time to see the amazing Christmas light display at Shore Acres State Park. This display is like Christmas lights put on a higher gear. Throughout the year, the park is a beautiful botanical garden, but shortly after Thanksgiving, hundreds of volunteers arrive to decorate every tree, shrub, bush, and water feature. The outcomes are breathtaking, and you can stroll through the garden, savor hot apple cider and cookies in the guest house, and pick up some mementos and warm beverages at the gift shop before leaving. There is a small admission fee. Depoe Bay  A small town called Depoe Bay is halfway between Newport and Lincoln City. You can get fresh saltwater taffy there and keep an eye out for whale migration. Take some time to peruse the souvenir shops lining the waterfront and keep an eye out for the Spouting Horn, where water shoots over the sea wall. Tillamook Cheese Factory  Make time to visit the well-known Tillamook Cheese Factory, where you can observe the cheese-making process from covered observation decks that look out over the production areas. There is no competitor like Tillamook Ice Cream, and people from all over the world frequently wait in long lines at the ice cream counter. It's worth the wait, but if you're in a hurry, pick up a few pints to enjoy later in the freezer. Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great spot for RV camping Oregon Coast. Astoria Column  You won't want to miss the Astoria Column and the Astoria Bridge. If you're a fan of the film Goonies, these northern coast communities also have the Goonies' house. The rocks are lined up with the Doubloon and also the beach where the kids were reunited with their parents. Fort Stevens State Park  On the northernmost point of the Oregon Coast is Fort Stevens State Park. It boasts one of the biggest public campgrounds in the country, according to Oregon State Parks. In addition to 15 yurts and 11 deluxe cabins, the park features 302 electrical sites, 6 tent sites, and 174 full hookup sites. The park still has a military museum with year-round exhibits and marks the location of an abandoned military installation. In addition, there are miles of hiking trails and beaches to discover. Go to the Peter Iredale Shipwreck site, where the masts and rusted bow are still visible in the sand. Cape Lookout State Park  One of the most breathtaking places on the Oregon Coast is the Cape Lookout State Park. It is situated in Tillamook, Oregon. The state park offers visitors breathtaking views of the ocean day and night, encompassing both a lovely beach and a headland. The park offers a range of activities to its visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, surfing, and beach combing. It is situated within the Three Capes Scenic Loop. There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy at Cape Lookout State Park. The beach is ideal for beach combing, swimming, and surfing. The headland is a fantastic location for hiking, photography, and fishing, and it offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Harbor Vista RV Park  The Harbor Vista RV Park is situated in Florence, Oregon. With breathtaking views of the river and the surroundings, it boasts a prime location directly on the Siuslaw River. The family-run RV park is the ideal spot to unwind and take in Oregon's natural splendor. Large full-hookup RV sites are available in the park, and many of them can accommodate RVs up to 36 feet long. All of the locations have 20/30/50 amp electrical hookups, and some also have Wi-Fi and cable TV. The park's private marina is directly accessible from every site, making it the perfect place for a tranquil and restful vacation. Discover why guests adore Harbor Vista RV Park: the stunning vistas, the handy location, as well as the welcoming staff. The staff will make every effort to guarantee that each visitor has an amazing stay. For those who prefer to be active, the park also has a fantastic area for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, thanks to the private marina. Wrapping Up  Although Oregon is a beautiful state overall, the Oregon Coast is so unique that it was designated a national treasure in the 1960s, meaning that no beach can be developed for profit. Every beach in the nation is publicly accessible for your enjoyment and belongs to everyone. Bring your furry friends, and make plans to stay awhile. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about RV camping Oregon Coast, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Florida Dreams: RV Camping Along the Sunshine State's Shore Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!