Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.
Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.
What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?
Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.
Malaspina Glacier
Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.
Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.
“The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.
Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.
Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.
Nabesna Glacier
With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,
“Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”
Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias
You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.
Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.
Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts
Mount St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.
Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.
It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.
It is a part of the “world’s largest international protected wilderness.”
Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.
Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.
Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall’s sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.
Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Rich In Biodiversity
The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.
The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.
Land Mammals
Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine
Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species
Birds
Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson’s Warblers American Robins
Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.
Comes With Topographical Diversity
This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!
Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.
A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes
Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.
So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.
Final Words
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.
Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.
So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.
Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs
How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”
So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.
In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.
Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.
How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?
The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.
2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.
In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)
What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.
The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.
Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.
Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson’s warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.
What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?
Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.
Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.
Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?
Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”
So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
Data analytics is for more than high-end tech companies. Anyone can take care of data analytics as long as they know what to look for.
This tool can even be used for travel decisions. For business travelers, this is very important. Taking advantage of data analytics will save you a lot of money and time that could be used on business.
Here are some ways you can start using this skill for your next trip.
1. Booking
Take advantage of search engines and algorithms.
Search for alternative or creative routes. Use multiple search services to find what you are looking for.
If you only look at one website, you’ll only have their offers. Make sure to change up your searches or search at different times.
Most websites will use cookies to track your search. Turn this off for a safer and cheaper searching experience. However, some websites won’t let you use their service without cookies.
You’ll notice that the price will go up if you look back a few minutes later. That’s because they have tracked your data.
Use multiple computers and WiFi networks to work around this. Try doing your searches on a public computer or in a coffee shop.
When you get home, make the booking after searching only once.
2. Event Management
Traveling is an event.
Or maybe you are hosting a corporate event. You’ll need to organize the travel information of a lot of different people.
Here is some information on event management to help you out. You’ll want to think about things like timing, consumption data, and convenience.
For example, don’t just calculate the time of a flight. Make sure to calculate how long it takes for someone to get from door to door. Add in a bit of cushion room but be as precise as possible.
Ask your employees or guests to note this data for you. That way the data is unique to your company or event. What might be true for your event will not necessarily be the same for other events.
Every year, you’ll have more data than the year before. After running the event for a few years, you’ll know it like the back of your hand.
You’ll know exactly how much food to order, how much time to plan, and who to invite. That’s all thanks to data.
3. Scheduling
Timing is everything when it comes to travel.
Traveling as efficiently as possible isn’t easy. It can be tempting to take a longer flight or have multiple connections to save money.
However, this could end up costing you more money. Those are lost hours of productivity. These hours are also expensive.
The longer you are traveling, the more you’ll need to buy. You’ll start to get hungry and want something to eat.
So, a shorter route might be more expensive. But if you calculate it, it could end up being cheaper for you.
Double-check the scheduling and calculations before booking anything.
4. Networking
Use data to find out some ways to network on your trip.
For instance, look at data and lists about what people are reading. Books are great conversation starters.
They are also a good way to inform yourself of the latest trends. Maybe even read a book about data to understand how it works.
You can also use data about employee preferences. It’s important to know that younger workers are more interested in certain things than older employees. This is essential for recruiting new workers.
The more you know, the more impressive you’ll seem to customers and potential employers.
5. Flexibility
Data can have errors.
And at the end of the day, data is just a bunch of numbers. It won’t apply to everyone in every situation.
People change, and so does data. Be prepared that what you have planned and calculated might not be the best.
Flexibility is the key to travel. Be ready to change routes at any moment. Or be ready to switch your presentation for a different one.
Failing to change can be the downfall of a great business.
Conclusion
Data has its limits, but it is a very useful tool when it comes to corporate travel. Take advantage of it today.
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Korean food must have piqued your interest if you are a fan of K-drama and K-pop. You might be wondering what your idol's food tastes like. Likewise, watching Koreans eat on mukbang might leave you hungry for some kimchi and soju.
So if you are traveling to Korea, be sure to get a taste of these Korean foods before leaving.
Must-try Food #1: Rice-based Korean Cuisine
Since rice is a staple food of Koreans, most Korean foods have rice as the main ingredient.
Here are some favorite Korean rice dishes you should try:
1. Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)
Kimchi bokkeumbap became a popular Korean food in the 1990s. More people are familiar with this food today because of the K-pop and K-drama phenomenon.
When you order it, you will have rice of golden color and taste like kimchi. There are also vegetables and soy sauce that add a new element to the dish's flavor.
And no matter whether you choose pork or beef, you will get the same mouth-watering taste.
You can enjoy this South Korean spicy food every day of the week, whatever your mood is.
2. Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk)
Tteokguk is boiled beef soup with sliced rice cakes. It is particularly popular for Lunar New Year, one of Korea's most important festivals.
Must-try Food #2: Korean Soup
In Korean food, the soup comes second to rice.
Here are some famous soups that you should not miss when you go to Korea:
1. Soft Tofu Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)
You cannot go wrong with spicy clams and soft tofu. This dish is an excellent example of how unexpected combinations may result in a delicious dish.
Korean restaurants serve kimchi stew in an earthenware pot to warm the food. Upon serving, the stew has a raw egg on top, which is then poached into the dish.
The soft tofu breaks down into fluffy bits in the stew. It also retains the clam taste that provides cooling from the dish's spiciness.
2. Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang)
Koreans enjoy eating hot dishes on summer days to "fight heat with heat." One of the iconic spicy Korean dishes they love is the samgyetang.
This Korean ginseng soup has a thick glutinous texture with an entire stuffed chicken floating in its boiling depths. This cooking procedure reduces the ginseng's bitterness and softens the chicken.
3. Hangover Stew (Haejangguk)
The hangover-curing culture of South Korea is a culinary wonder by itself. From pre- to post-drink cocktails to various hot and steaming stews and soups, you’ll be sure to banish that grating hangover after a night of fun.
So if you visit Korea and get drunk, get yourself a hangover stew. This stew has a savoring flavor of beef broth, cabbage, bean sprouts, and radish. It also has bits of congealed cow blood that awaken a sluggish mind in the morning.
4. Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
Food shortages followed the Korean War. With new items like canned ham and sausage, Koreans made dishes to suit their tastes.
Budae jjigae was born when they combined ham, sausage, kimchi, and red pepper paste.
5. Ox Bone Soup (Seolleongtang)
The highlight of Korean seolleongtang is slow-cooked ox bones with thin noodles.
When you order it, you will receive it unsalted and unseasoned. So you may season it with salt, chili peppers, green onions, and chili paste based on your liking.
Must-try Food #3: Korean Noodle Dishes
Noodles are a staple of Korean food. And many noodle-based dishes have evolved through time.
Here are some notable Korean noodle meals:
1. Japchae
Japchae means "noodles mixed vegetables" in Korean. It has sweet potato starch noodles and fried vegetables like sliced onions. Also, the added soy sauce enriches the taste of this noodle dish.
2. Ramyun
You must often see someone eating ramyun in Korean dramas and movies.
Ramyun is Korean instant noodles. It is a popular snack among Koreans due to its low price and easy preparation.
In fact, Koreans eat the most ramen in the world. They are also becoming a worldwide snack option.
3. Cold Buckwheat Noodles (Naengmyeon)
Naengmyeon is a popular meal in Korea to cool down on hot summer days. You will like the chewy buckwheat noodle and the crunch of the potato chunks.
This tasty cuisine is also known as Mul naengmyeon or Bilim naengmyeon.
Must-try Food #4: Korean Meat Dishes
What’s Korean cuisine without meat?
Make sure to enjoy these Korean meat-based dishes during your stay in Korea:
1. Korean Barbeque Beef (Bulgogi)
Bulgogi is a traditional Korean barbecue composed of grilled beef with dipping sauce and uses sirloin.
2. Grilled Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
For foreign tourists, samgyeopsal ranks top as the Korean meal they want to eat again.
Samgyeop means "three layers," indicating the layers of fat on pork belly meat. Also, this Korean dish is best eaten with other side dishes like kimchi and soju.
3. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is more tender compared to others. It uses special flavors like sweet chili and soy sauce that makes it unique.
It is also best paired with beer.
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If you're interested in obtaining a Bajan visa and taking a vacation there, this post is ideal for you. Barbados is one of the Caribbean's most stunning islands. It boasts the most beautiful scenery, amazing natural beauty, and a very real culture. You'll be shocked to learn about the numerous fascinating facts about Barbados.
This island, which seems like heaven, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Before taking a vacation to another country, everyone does some research on things like safety, Instagrammable locations to visit, the country's climate, etc.
Before visiting Barbados, do a little research to help you plan your trip and get the answers to common questions like where is Barbados, is Barbados safe for travel, and when is the best time to travel there.
Is Barbados Safe For Travel?
One of the most crucial considerations before visiting any country is safety. Barbados is no different. So, is visiting Barbados a safe option? Although Barbados is a safe travel destination, you should exercise caution and refrain from doing certain things to avoid getting into trouble.
Not only is it applicable to Barbados, but you should always be aware of crucial safety precautions before visiting any nation. You can feel safe knowing that Barbados is not a dangerous place for tourists, according to the US State Department. There are certain things you need to exercise caution with. For example, you should not stroll alone on dimly lit streets or beaches.
Certain parts of Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados, like Baxter's Road and Nelson Street, should be avoided at all costs. It makes sense to visit popular tourist destinations, and Barbados offers a wide variety of secure lodging options. Traveling to Barbados is safe, the answer to that question is clear-cut.
Is Barbados Safe To Travel For Families?
Barbados is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. There is a great deal of family-friendly lodging available all over the island, with all those resorts, villas, condos, and mid-range hotels. Barbados is a family-friendly destination, even though it's not always the cheapest place to travel, particularly if you have kids with you.
But people do ask, is Barbados safe?
It's crucial to remember that not all lodging is designed with kids in mind. Some resorts and hotels. The majority of the island's beaches are suitable for play on beach days. Not all, though, are secure for swimming. Swim only in areas where lifeguards are present. Children and inexperienced swimmers should avoid the east coast due to the strong offshore currents.
When traveling to Barbados with kids, the island's natural environment can be a little frightening. First of all, mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance—they can also pose a threat to kids. Protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying repellent.
Things To Do In Barbados
One thing you will regret not trying is Oistins' Friday Fish Fry. This is the best place to go in Barbados if you want to see the island's nightlife and eat some mouthwatering fried fish. Visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve if you're interested in the island's wildlife and animals.
There, you can see iguanas, parrots, turtles, snakes, and famous green monkeys, among many other amazing creatures. In general, there are many stunning locations in Barbados that you ought to see. To ensure you see the majority of the attractions and locations on your vacation, try to compile a list of them before you leave.
One of the more surprising facts about Barbados may be that it is the birthplace of the alcoholic beverage rum. The Bajans have been making rum for more than 350 years. It's among the world's best and strongest rums. One of the best rum tours in Barbados might be an interesting thing for you to do if you're wondering what to do there.
For instance, the oldest operating rum distillery is Mount Gay Rum Centre. Production at this distillery commenced in 1703. You can sample some of the best rum in the world and witness the rum-making process in action at the center. Around the island, there are a lot of vibrant rum shops. You can always go up there and shoot the locals.
Best Time To Visit Barbados
It's possible that you're wondering when is the ideal time to visit Barbados. Barbados boasts a fantastic climate that is especially enjoyable for visitors. All year long, the weather is pleasant and sunny but not oppressively hot. This is the ideal weather for sunbathing on the beaches and swimming in the ocean.
It gets a little chilly at night. On the island, there is also rain, though it usually falls in the form of showers. This is very typical of Barbados, which you are probably aware of. So when would be the ideal time to visit Barbados? Traveling to Barbados is most enjoyable in the months of December through April.
The term "dry season" refers to this period of reduced precipitation. In addition, the weather is nicer because it's not as hot as it is in other months. Remember, though, that going to Barbados is best done whenever you feel like it.
Night Life In Barbados
See the incredible nightlife of Barbados if you enjoy going out to clubs and pubs and generally taking in the nightlife. You can see amazing dinner shows, take a cruise, visit nightclubs, and do a lot of other interesting things. The majority of Barbados' nightclubs are found in St. Lawrence Gap.
They provide live entertainment both on the weekends and during the week. One of the best places to visit in Barbados if you enjoy calypso and reggae and are looking for something fun to do while there is no doubt about it.
Drug Laws In Barbados
It's crucial to familiarize yourself with Barbados' drug laws before visiting. Barbados' laid-back and laid-back culture may lead you to believe that drug use is acceptable there, but that is untrue. On the island, cannabis use for recreational purposes is still illegal. Nonetheless, a sizable population consumes cannabis, which comes from St. Vincent and Jamaica. The law permits registered Rastafarians to use cannabis for both medicinal and spiritual purposes.
Bajan Culture
British and West African elements heavily influence Barbados' culture. When you visit Barbados, you can observe these influences in the language, architecture, food, and many other areas. One of the key areas where the British influence is most obvious is architecture.
From 1625 until 1966, Barbados was a colony of Great Britain. For this reason, British influence is evident, particularly in its culture. Perhaps the most colorful times to visit Barbados are during the island's festivals. Numerous museums, art galleries, exhibitions, and libraries can be found in Barbados' capital city of Bridgetown.
Barbados' national sport is cricket, which the islanders take very seriously. If you're interested in visiting Barbados, you should learn more about its history and culture.
Bajan Cuisine
One of the most exciting things to experience while visiting other nations is food. We recommend that you try all the dishes that you may have never tried before. Barbados' native cuisine, known as Bajan cuisine, is influenced by a variety of cultures, including African, Portuguese, British, Irish, and others.
Meals that are typically made with meat and fish and seasoned with various regional herbs and spices are very common. Barbados' two main dishes are cou-cou and fried flying fish. Try those two things without a doubt if you're wondering what to do in Barbados.
Is Barbados Safe But Expensive?
Barbados is not too expensive to visit. However, a lot relies on your personal preferences. Either select opulent accommodations, vehicles, and dining establishments or select more affordable lodging options and less expensive dining establishments. There are steps you can take to make your trip to Barbados more affordable if you're on a tight budget.
Prior to the start of your vacation, you can purchase your airline tickets quite early. Barbados offers a wide variety of affordable, high-quality dining establishments. In particular, Oistins Fish Market is a well-known and reasonably priced restaurant serving fried fish.
Rather than taking a taxi, you can go anywhere using a bus. Barbados offers a good public transportation system. You will save money by using it instead of a taxi.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, it is crucial to travel only after thorough research. Make sure you are interacting with other online travelers, looking for suitable lodging and people with whom you can socialize.
Is Barbados safe? Barbados is safe as long as you know how to tread the path as a visitor. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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