Your How-To Guide On Working Remotely While Traveling

BY  Sibashree Oct 15, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park was in the news recently as the fourth-largest wildfire in California exploded out of proportion. The park's officials evacuated staff from the Mineral community near the park headquarters.  120 people were there in the community, and the evacuation started as the fire started moving east to the park on the evening of 26th July 2024.  However, the park fire reached near containment in August, and on 17th August 2024, the park was partially reopened. You may wonder what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park after the fire breakout and if there is any significant destruction in the places of interest in the park.  Let me assure you. The park officials stated that the fire had never entered the park. However, there are still risks in the southern part of the park and Mill Creek and Mineral communities.  Nevertheless, the reopened parts of the park are out of danger despite some lingering smoke. So, Subway Cave, located around 15 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the safest sites to explore after the fire incident. Make a rush, as it remains open from late April to November.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park After The Fire Breakout (Exploring The Underground World Of A Lava Tube) Yes, you got me right! I am talking about the Subway Cave. The self-guided trail inside the cave is ⅓ miles long and 30 feet wide, and complete darkness is inside. So, many call it the journey into darkness. The USDA Forest Service maintains the cave, which remains open from dawn to dusk.  Before I get into more stories and facts about the cave, I want to present the basics you need to know briefly.  Important Facts About Subway Cave, Lassen National Volcanic Park Location in the ParkA 2-minute walk from the parking lot near the junction of “Highway 89” and “Highway 44” in Old StationAmenitiesPicnic TablesDrinking WaterParkingToiletsInterpretive SiteFeesFree (You can make donations)Pet-FriendlyNoParking FacilitiesMany Parking Facilities, Buses and RVsOutdoor ActivitiesInterpretative Sessions, Caving, PicnicTemperature Inside the Cave46 Degree Farrenheit Nearby AttractionShasta County (Mountainous landscape and multiple picnic locations)Nearby Trails*Cinder Crone TrailSpattercone Nature TrailButte Lake to Widow Lake, etc.  *Many hiking trails in the park, such as the Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Mill Creek Falls, are closed as the park has partially reopened after the recent wildfire explosion. So, check with the park authorities before you plan a hike on the park trails.  This Is How The Subway Cave Was Formed  If you are a keen learner of geology and want to know what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you cannot avoid the lure of Subway Cave. I have already shared an account on the geothermal wonders of the park. This cave is an example of how lava flowed around 20000 years ago and created some magic.  A major lava explosion happened all across the Hat Creek area around 20000 years ago. The top layer of the lava flow became cold and hard in contact with air. Thus, a hard cap was formed. However, there was a continuous flow of molten lava below this cap.  The molten lava drained out Over time, but a hollow tube structure remained there. As you hike this trail, you will find traces of the more recent lava flows.  Route To The Subway Cave Is Bumpass Hell on your list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park? Are you planning a trip to the park soon? Then, you will be disappointed as the Bumpass Hell trek route is closed after the park has reopened following the recent fire breakout.  Further, as Bumpass Hell is closed, you must take the Warner Valley Area route to  Devils Kitchen, which is the cave's opening. Devils Kitchen is a 4.4-mile hike from the Warner Valley Area (camping here is closed for 2024).   Accessing The Subway Cave  You have to climb down metal stairs as you access the Subway Cave. You will get down into a wide opening in the ground. The ground surface has a leveled floor. However, you must be careful as you get off the stair flight.  Further, you must wear sturdy footwear to avoid injuries and difficulties where the floor gets rough.  Fortunately, the ceiling and walls are quite smooth, minimizing the hiking difficulty level while hiking. Also, there is complete darkness inside the cave. So, you will need a flashlight to make it to the end.  The weather inside is a little cold, even in summer. So you will need a light jacket. Moreover, don’t forget to read and follow the interpretative signs through the trail to better understand the place.  The best thing about this park is that it’s 30 feet wide. So, even with complete darkness inside, you never feel suffocated.  What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park Subway Cave It is not a long walk inside the Subway Cave. However, this short walk is enough to make it feature on the list of what to see in Lassen Volcanic Park.  Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac (An Attraction Very Few Knows About) Have you listened to Satan’s Cul-de-sac from Gangland Buries Its Own? The first thing that may amaze you inside the cave is Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac. There is a split as you enter the cave, and you are to turn to the right if you want to continue the trail. However, you will notice a big room if you are adventurous enough to turn left, when I tell you about Lucifer’s Cul-de-sac, The ceiling height starts from 6 feet and gets higher up to 15 feet. The most amazing thing about this room inside the cave is the rock formation on the ceiling and walls. It’s gothic and justified its name.  https://open.spotify.com/track/6cq37W4OXjEdQRLh2IVQOF As The Hike Advances  The ceiling height will vary as you continue the trek, and there are small boulder-like rock formations in many places. So, be careful with your steps and do not stumble upon them. Also, because of these rock formations, you must not wear an open-toe shoe while walking through the cave.  Nevertheless, the ceiling formation is fascinating, and in one section, it looks like stoned rainfall or water ripples. The section is called the Lavacicle Lane. Molten lava dripped off through the cracks in the ceiling cave, and there were formations of “drip pendants” or “lavacicles.”  Further, as you plan to take the exit, you notice all the colors in the lava rock formation, including green, blue, white, and brown lines.  Getting Out Of The Subway Cave As you approach the end of the cave, you will find a metal stair flight similar to the one at the entrance. From the top of the exit staircase, you can hike through an on-ground trail to the west or north to find the parking lot.  However, I prefer to take another walk through the cave and get back to the entrance. It will be so much fun to explore this unique geological formation again.  Things To Remember Before Getting Into The Darkness Of The Subway Cave  Subway Cave is a hidden gem if you consider what to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, once you take the hike and read the interpretative signs, you will learn why it is geologically unique.  Nevertheless, you must be careful about certain things to ensure complete safety throughout the hike.  You will find rattlesnakes in the trail, and you have to be respectful to these reptiles. You must not make any move to catch or hurt them. Moreover, you cannot go off trails or litter inside the cave.  No food, water, or firelighting is allowed inside the cave. There are picnic areas nearby for you to catch refreshments. Wish you a safe, easy, and fun-filled experience inside the Subway Cave!  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  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

With mountains, faults, monoliths, deserts, and unique geological formations, Joshua Tree National Park has emerged as an important ecological hub of California. Further, as the name goes, the park has the most amazing Joshua Tree, a Yucca palm species that became famous with the Joshua Tree album by U2.  Spanning 800,000 acres and situated at 5000 feet above sea level, this national park is like a natural tapestry. Further, 85% of this national park is still pristine wilderness. So, there is no wonder that a place like this harbors the best secrets and fun facts that are yet to be explored.  Here, I will share some amazing info about the park’s history, fossils, cryptobiotic crusts, and more. Joshua Tree National Park is about to complete 30 years of its designation as a national park on 31st October 2024. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1936. Things No One Talks About Joshua Tree National Park  The basics are boring! There is no fun in visiting a place that does not have stories to tell. However, this national park, designated in 1994, has mountains and ecological units that echo the tales of history, changes, and humanity.  Let’s get into the stories, but before that, let me give you a brief account about when and how to visit the park. September to November is the best time to explore the park due to pleasant weather conditions.  Further, the Annual Night Sky Festival occurs in the park in October. It’s a delightful experience for people of all age groups. Thomas Crochetiere writes many fascinating stories about Joshua Tree National Park in his “The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park.” If you are interested in the park’s history, you can grab a Kindle edition of the book.  1. Fascinating Historical Tales About Joshua Tree National Park  Human history in Joshua Tree National Park is as old as 15000 years. Two archaeologists, William Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell, further discovered the existence of Pinto culture in this park. Pinto Culture In The Park  People belonging to this Pinto Culture used to stay in cool grassland environments here, and they were primarily hunters. Pinto culture in the national park was discovered by archaeologists thanks to the triangular-shaped spears, scraping and cutting tools, and seed-processing tools.  All the implements that established a Pinto connection to the place indicate that the Pinto people led a bohemian lifestyle. Along with hunting, they also practiced seasonal harvesting.  Native Americans Occupying Joshua Tree National Park  Europeans came to Joshua Tree National Park in the late 18th century. However, the park had three groups of Native Americans. They followed the Pinto culture, thriving locally in the park. These three tribes were: Cahuilla Serrano Chemehuevi The Chemehuevi tribe was the latest to occupy the national park, and they came to this park from the Great Basin of Nevada in 1500.  All these tribes adopted the tools of the Pinto people, and they improved and diversified them.  Cattlemen First Occupied The Joshua Tree National Park  Joshua Tree National Park has every element of a Western movie. The western side of the park had higher elevations during the 1870s. These areas also received a higher rainfall and had different species of native grasses.  As a result, many cattle owners used to flock to these parts of the park for cattle grazing.  William “Bill” McHaney was the earliest cattleman in this park. He was a legendary figure, and he took his Texas Longhorns to these higher valleys. He will be known for living in the national park and exploring the area for around 60 years. Further, his brother, Jim, built a gang to steal cattle from Mexico and Arizona.  Discovery Of Gold In Joshua Tree National Park  The 19th century was the biggest highlight in the Joshua Tree National Park. Miners flocked to this park in great numbers for the discovery of gold. Twentynine Palms was the first area to have mining expeditions in the park in the late 1860s.  The presence of water in the Oasis of Mara was the main reason behind extensive mining expeditions at Twentynine Palms. Gold was collected from dirt using dry washing. The process was fun, and it involved throwing dirt mixed with dust into the air. The dirt was caught as it came down in the air, and this process continued until the mix only had gold dust.  Desert Queen Mine was a more successful gold mining venture in the park. It was Frank L. James, an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, who discovered the vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley. Unfortunately, he had to lose his life at the hands of  Charles Martin. Martin was a part of the notorious cattle-rustler gang of Jim McHaney. Jim McHaney was the brother of William “Bill” McHaney, a legendary figure in the park.  Joshua Tree National Park Had An Important Role To Play During World War I  The dry, desert climate of Joshua Tree National Park was beneficial for the war veterans suffering from the effects of the mustard gas. This gas was so lethal that it had to be banned after World War I. Did You Know?The Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty, signed in 1925 by most countries, banned the use of biological and chemical weapons in war.  Germans introduced mustard gas in 1917, and any contact with the gas used to cause skin burns, blisters, and respiratory problems. Patients hit by this gas needed to get hospitalized for the treatment of chemical burns and respiratory issues.  Moreover, the survivors of the mustard gas attacks had greater risks of developing cancer.  2. Fossils Of Joshua Tree National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHXsRDS2Xq/?img_index=1 The fossils in the Joshua Tree National Park tell us about the geological evolutions, extreme natural events, and biodiversity. So, what were the animals that roamed here when the earth was a cooler and greener space? Let’s have a look at the list below.  Columbian mammoths Dire wolves Camels Horses Llamas Giant ground sloths Saber-toothed cats  Bison American Pronghorn Did Dinosaurs Live At Joshua Tree National Park? Scientists believe that Joshua Tree National Park had dinosaurs. Some of the oldest rocks in the park are from the dinosaur era. However, being metamorphic and igneous, these rocks could not preserve the skeleton of the dinosaurs. So, there is no “black and white” evidence regarding the existence of dinosaurs in the park yet.  The oldest fossil found in the park is the tooth of a pocket gopher. It was found in a 7.8 million years old sediment. The park has many other microfossils that are even older.  Moreover, the midden of the pack rats has been a gold mine for finding plant and insect species. At least 12 species of plants were found in the midden, and the oldest was around 30,000 years old. In addition, the darkling beetle fossils in the midden come from various ages. The oldest dates back to  34,000 years ago, and the latest is as old as 1000 years old.  Above all, the human artifacts and bones collected in this midden speak of human history and the evolution of their lifestyle.  3. Cryptobiotic Crusts Of Joshua Tree National Park  What are cryptobiotic crusts? They are hidden biotic organisms present on the surface of the park soil. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are the leading cryptobiotic crusts at Joshua Tree National Park. The other forms of cryptobiotic crusts present in the park soil are: Mosses Lichens Microfungi Bacteria Green algae Now, these cryptobiotic crusts are important to bind the sand and soil particles of the park together. In other words, they prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water.    4. Spiritual Stories And Symbolism Around Joshua Tree National Park “The Joshua Tree” album by Irish band U2 brought the spiritual connection or symbolism around the Joshua trees in the park under the spotlight. The album explores the gap between the promised land and the real land of America. The desert also stood for the desolation of the soul, while the Joshua trees, surviving in extreme weather conditions, became the symbol of hope and prayer. However, you must go back around 180 years to trace how Joshua trees have always been associated with symbolism and Biblical stories. In the 1850s, the Mormon pioneers crossed the Mojave Desert and saw these trees.  The upraised branches of the trees reminded them of Joshua, who stretched his arms to the sky for prayer and led the “Israelites into the Promised Land.” So, this is how these Yucca Palm trees got their new name.  5. Joshua Tree National Park Is The Best For Stargazing  As International Dark Night Sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The following parking lot areas are best for Joshua Tree National Park stargazing. Hidden Valley Ryan Mountain Quail Springs Cap Rock Along with these places, you can also choose Pinto Basin for an amazing stargazing experience.  How To Reach Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. The table below details these entrances and will help you pick the right one based on the location you are traveling from. Park Entrance GateLocation Ideal For Tourists FromWest EntranceAt Park Blvd Off Highway 62Los AngelesPalm SpringsSan DiegoNorth Entrance29 Palms, Off Highway 62Las VegasSouth EntranceCottonwood Spring, Off Highway 10Salton Sea area The West Entrance is the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You must drive through California Highway 62 or Interstate 10 road to reach here.  Further, if you are traveling by air, you must reach Palm Springs Airport, and from there, you can rent a car. The Los Angeles International Airport is also 150 miles away from this park.   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  Sibashree Sep 27, 2024

Imagine gliding through emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush greenery, as the gentle breeze whispers tales of adventure. Welcome to Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem in Vietnam that promises an unforgettable trip. Not just that, but if you want to visit the place for business purpose and open a branch there you need some expert assistance. However, for now, let’s just focus on the focusing on Lan Ha Bay and what is has to offer. But what truly sets this destination apart are the unique cruises that offer a blend of luxury, culture, and thrill. In this article, we’ll dive into the four most interesting cruises you must try during your exciting trip to Lan Ha Bay. Most Interesting Cruises At Lan Ha Bay With its pristine and peaceful landscapes, including islands, caves, and forests, Lan Ha is not only an ideal destination for relaxation but also a great choice for exciting trips. To fully explore this bay, let’s look through the five most interesting cruises below! Capella Cruise (from US $213/pax) Capella Cruise is the only 5-star Lan Ha Bay cruise featuring interesting facilities like a Water Slide and Cigar/ Poker Club with many entertaining board games. Tourists will experience privileged services only on this ship, particularly personalized service. This includes everything from private dinners to speed boats and an exclusive deck for meetings with various opulent facilities.  Capella Halong Bay Cruise has excellent customer satisfaction rates (9.6/10) and good reviews. The cruise ship has a variety of amenities that meet the demand of passengers onboard; the most prominent ones are a fitness center, mini golf, and bar & karaoke.  Besides kayaking and swimming in beautiful attractions in Lan Ha Bay, there are many exceptional activities, such as enjoying the thrill of sliding into the water of the Ao Ech Area. In addition, you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the picturesque scenery and rocky Karst mountains and learn to make traditional Vietnamese food in the cooking class.  Capella Cruise offers top-notch service and full itineraries (2-day to 4-day) in Lan Ha Bay. Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise (from US $186/pax) If you seek a tour that harmoniously combines the beauty of Vietnamese history, cuisine, and culture while exploring Lan Ha Bay, Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan is a perfect choice. It provides most lavish cruise experience while sailing from Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island. The cruise exclusively offers artisanal boutique products along with an impressive art gallery and a culinary adventure with a royal-themed dinner. Alongside exploring famous destinations such as Dark & Bright Cave and Viet Hai Village, you can use many services and activities to entertain while staying on the ship, such as reading in the library, practicing Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam Class, squid fishing, seeing the art gallery, etc. Boasting Vietnamese traditional aesthetics, Heritage Cruise is a top choice for culture vultures. Le Theatre Cruise (from US $162/pax) Le Theatre Cruise Halong Bay can be an ideal option for discerning travelers who are looking for a new adventure but with an elegant experience. Only on this cruise can tourists exclusively explore a unique itinerary while sailing from Lan Ha Bay towards Cat Ba Island. Each cabin on the ship is furnished with modern facilities and a contemporary style. During the journey, you will participate in fantastic activities such as kayaking or swimming in Ao Ech Area, the most beautiful area in Halong Bay, and cycle around Viet Hai Village village, an ancient fishing village.  Additionally, the cruise also offers a wide range of services that make your vacation more exhilarating.  Some of the most interesting ones include squid fishing with guidance from the coach, a Tai Chi class, and a cooking demonstration class where you can prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Le Theatre Cruise provides a vibe of modern simplicity on Lan Ha Bay. Emperor Cruise (from US $264/pax) This is a small cruise ship that provides a truly all-inclusive cruising experience. Inspired by Emperor Bao Dai and his lavish lifestyle, Emperor Cruise offers you a royal-like experience with exquisite cuisine, and available butler service during your overnight cruise in Halong Bay.  Moreover, The ship only has 10 high-class cabins with aristocratic decor inspired by royal style.  Spending your trip on the Emperor Cruise will definitely give you a memorable experience with thrilling activities.  This includes exploring Me Cung Cave, which is a magnificent complex cave with stalactites and stalagmites in Halong Bay, and kayaking/ swimming in Ba Trai Dao, the most stunning beach in Lan Ha Bay. Moreover, you can also try Vietnamese martial arts in the Vovinam class, which starts in the morning on the sundeck. Emperor offers distinctive itineraries to explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay on a 3d2n cruise. How To Pack For a Cruise Vacation: Tips and Advice Packing for a cruise vacation can be both exciting and a bit challenging, but with the right tips, you'll be ready for smooth sailing! Here are some handy tips and advice to help you pack efficiently: Know Your Itinerary  You need to research the destinations of your cruise very well. Also, check the weather and activities at each port of call to pack appropriate clothing and gear. In addition, you should go through the list of excursions and Activities being offered onboard. Accordingly, plan outfits for excursions, formal dinners, and onboard activities. Pack Smartly  When packing for a cruise vacation, layering is Key. Bring light layers to adapt to varying temperatures on the ship and at different destinations. Most cruises have formal nights, so pack a couple of dressy outfits along with casual wear. Most importantly, don’t forget swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for poolside lounging. Pack Essential Items First  When packing for your cruise vacation, keep your essential items like your passport, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas handy. While most cruise ships have medical centers, it is better to bring enough prescription medications and pack a small first-aid kit. What’s more, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sunny days on deck. Here are some more tips on how to pack for a cruise vacation. Laundry Options: Check if the cruise offers laundry services or pack some detergent for hand-washing.  Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding can save space and reduce wrinkles.  Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items.  Multi-use Items: Choose items that can serve multiple purposes, like a sarong that can be used as a scarf, beach cover-up, or blanket. Lan Ha Bay possesses many stunning and offbeat tourist attractions that are waiting for travel lovers to explore. If you are looking for the most interesting cruise options in Lan Ha Bay, please contact BestPrice Travel - a local expert and a reputable service provider with the most choices available. 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.