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BY  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

Scottsdale has always been popular as an upscale tourist destination. However, if you have an explorer in you and you have a stringent budget to follow, there is no dearth of free things to do in Scottsdale. Almost 300 days of sunshine every year and a vast desert landscape have made Scottsdale ideal for all types of outdoor pursuits. You can swim in the clear lake waters, hike or bike along the trails to explore the city, and visit the museums without spending a fortune.  So, no wonder the “Scottsdale Tourism Study - Visitor Statistics” published by the Tourism and Events Department of the City of Scottsdale has promising figures to flaunt.  “Scottsdale hosted an estimated 4.8 million domestic overnight visitors, 1.5 million international overnight visitors, and 4.9 million domestic day trip visitors in 2023. The annual number of international visitors increased by 380,000, and the number of domestic day trip visitors increased by 100,000 over 2022.“ Nevertheless, we all love platforms like Free Fun Guides, and those really give us kick-ass ideas while planning travels on a shoestring. Here, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have tried to curate similar ideas backed by approvals from local experts.  Free Things To Do In Scottsdale | Traveling Scottsdale On A Budget  On average, a trip to Scottsdale will cost you around $250-300. A large portion of this expenditure will go into your passage money and hotel or resort charges.  So, the free things to do in Scottsdale will really help you control your budget without compromising on your travel experience. Let’s check out the options. 1. Visit The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xDND7spVj/ Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-874-4666 Free Entry: 12-9 PM on Every Thursday As the name suggests, this museum is a hub of contemporary sculpture and art. As you explore the museum, you will get to see the best public art, like: Hopi Deity by C. Doug Weigel Mustang Wall by Ken Williams One with the Eagle by Pat Mathiesen Ambient Landscape by Janet Taylor Tree of Life, Papago Park City Boundary Project by Jodi Pinto, etc. Furthermore, the museum has the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts. It celebrates the best of musical events, discussions, and other performances. Keep checking with the museum authority to know about the events during your visit to Scottsdale.  2. Explore The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSI7dLPa_d/?hl=en&img_index=1 Address: 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale Phone Number:  +1 623-848-1234 The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a seasonal marketplace in Arizona. In 2024-20525, the market will remain open between October 5th and April 26th. The market timing is 8 AM to 1 PM.  In its 14th year, the marketplace is the biggest hub of local farmers, growers and farming products. From more than 100 growers in the market, you can collect pesticide-free products.  Apples and ciders are the most in-demand specialties in the market. Further, you can collect essentials like pork, beef and fish from this market.  3. Be Familiar With Desert Life At McDowell Sonoran Preserve The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to desert vegetation and many multi-use trails. These trails are not motorized, and you can explore them on foot or horseback. The trails present in this preserve are: Gateway Loop Trail Bajada Nature Trail Tom’s Thumb Trail Furthermore, this desert preserve is the largest in the area, and it offers free entry every day. You will find at least 1000 types of plants and animals here. Various types of animals here include amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Rattlesnakes are found in abundance across all trails. So, wear appropriate footwear and carry a hiking stick.  4. Make The Most Of The Scottsdale Fashion Square https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtLTq7spKi/ Do you want to explore the best shopping area of Scottsdale and the entire Southwest? Scottsdale Fashion Square will be the most premium destination to explore your shopping spree.  In every corner of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, you will find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Boss Hugo Boss, etc., offering their best collections. Furthermore, it is a prominent zone to relish the best dining and entertainment scenario in the city.  Taking a stroll through the Scottsdale Fashion Square is an experience in itself, and it’s absolutely free of cost.  5. Hike Through The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Difficulty Level: Challenging Tom’s Thumb Elevation:  3,670 Feet Trail Distance: 4.6 Miles The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is at 128 St near the Ranch Gate end. The final destination of this trail is the Tom’s Thumb, a dramatic rock formation with a terrain of loose gravel. The climbs here are very steep, making the hike more difficult.  Furthermore, throughout the hike, you will come across the following iconic vistas and landmarks. Windgate Overlook Gardener’s Wall Sven Slab Mesquite Canyon Windmill Trail However, the biggest highlight of this hike is the Marcus Landslide Trail. By exploring this trail, you will get to know about the “2nd largest landslide in Arizona.”  Throughout the trail, you will find amenities like restrooms and horse-trailer parking. However, there is no drinking water facility throughout the route. So, carry water and hydrating agents to sail through this hot desert weather.  6. Hike Through The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Difficulty Level: Moderate Elevation Gain: Around 100 Feet Trail Loop Distance: 3.1 Miles The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead initiates a beautiful hiking trail in Scottsdale. It is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. This trail remains open for hiking from sunrise to sunset. Further, you can park your car here for free.  As the trail winds through the Ranch area, you will get to explore the most beautiful desert landscape. The hiking path looks all the more beautiful during the springtime. Desert wildflowers are in their full glory in this season.  7. Visit The Eldorado Park  Address: 2311 N Miller Road, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-312-2483 The Eldorado Park offers many outdoor pursuits if you are looking for the best things to do in Scottsdale. You can go fishing and swimming here. Further, this 60-acre park has outdoor and indoor basketball grounds. You can also pump it up at the soccer field, basketball court, or the sand volleyball court here.  In addition, the ongoing Indian Bend Wash Master Plan will make the experiences at the park even better by meeting user needs and catering to the residents.  This master plan will improve the amenities. Also, it will upgrade the aging infrastructure of the park for enhanced safety and experience. That’s it! Now, you know the things to do in Scottsdale for free. Pack your bags for a trip to this desert getaway in Arizona.  Scottsdale, being a warmer state in the USA, is a popular winter holiday destination. The city enjoys a warmer climate during the months of December, January, and February.  With an average temperature of 3-21 degrees Celsius here, these months are the best time to explore the things to do in Scottsdale.  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  Sharmita Feb 6, 2019

When Pausanias, an ancient Greek traveler, penned his experiences, he became the first travel writer. Names like Paulo Coelho, Elizabeth Gilbert, and many others continued his legacy. Thanks to these writers, today, there are many options when it comes to travel books you should read in 2024.   The best way of learning about food and the people and all aspects of contemporary cultures is by reading about them. Further, reading travel books on specific destinations helps you to prepare right for the upcoming trip. Trust me! It is as important as tracking down any place on the map.   In addition, the pages of travel books will change the way you see the world. You will fall in love with the places and people you have not seen yet.   10 Travel Books You Should Be Read in 2024: Are you ready to experience a serious dose of wanderlust? Grab these travel books and travel to different parts of the world.   1. On The Road by Jack Kerouac: This book remains the best in the niche of travel books. It is classic; you may choose to read it in an English class. Even if you have read it, it is recommended that you read it once again. This book is timeless as the story follows Sal, the main character while leaving New York heading west. He rides the rail along the way, meets acquaintances and friends, and parties through the nights. The theme of the novel is the frustrations of Sal and his desires to see all things around the world. These themes resonate with many people around the world and readers of the book. 2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This book is a timeless classic and an international bestseller. It was written in 1988 by Paulo Coelho and follows Santiago's life, who was an Andalusian shepherd boy. He longs to travel around the world for treasures. He moves from Spain to Egypt following his dream. He learns a lot of lessons along the way. He discovers love and understands the meaning of being alive. He finds some bits about himself along the way, which is something avid travelers relate to. If you read "The Alchemist", you will have to peruse its best quotes for purposes of inspiration. 3. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: This book is much of the stories of a man than a novel. Rolf Potts spent ten years on the road. He walked to Israel. In his write-up, he provides tricks, insights, lessons, and tips he learned over the decade. If you are after becoming a long-term traveler, it is easily among the best travel books you can read. He shares all things from valuable lessons learned to funny stories. He also includes inspiration quotes plus practical info that can help all travelers. If you want to live on the road, you must read Vagabonding. 4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The truth of the matter is that you have read this book even if you have never read it. Or you have watched a movie adaptation with Julia Roberts. This story os great to begin with if you are looking at reading many travel books. One woman is seeking everything across Indonesia, Italy, and India. It follows the trip of the author Elizabeth Gilberts around the world after her divorce. She delves in the learned lessons along the way. She dares to step outside her comfort zone, and this story will make you desire to do the same. This book is among the best travel books if you are feeling stuck. 5. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer: It is likely that you have heard about this travel book. This non-fiction book follows adventures of Christopher McCandless. Born in a wealthy family, he decides to leave all things behind and goes to Alaska. He gave out everything in his possession. He burnt all the money in the wallet before fleeing. After arriving in Alaska, He starts searching for a new life in the wilderness. This book touches on ways of being accepted in the society and methods of breaking from the norms the community places on you. This book challenges you to break from existing stereotypes and try something new. 6. Marching Powder by Rusty Young: In case you want great travel books, then this one is the best option for you. It was written by Rusty Young, an Australian journalist on a trip to South America. He learned of Thomas McFadden, the convicted drug trafficker running tours in San Pedro Prison. He became interested and wanted to learn a lot. He went ahead to join Thomas's illegal tours. He manages to stay inside the prison for the next three months after becoming a friend to Thomas. The resulting story shows that anything can happen while traveling. You also learn about the importance of safety while on your adventures. 7. Less by Andrew Sean Greer: Less is a novel written in 2017 by Andrew Sean Greer following his humorous journey of the Arthur Less, the gay novelist. Arthur travels the world on tour to welcome his fiftieth birthday. The career of Arthur as a novelist does not go well; neither is his life in love. The main traveling reason is to avoid his ex-lover wedding. His adventure leads him close to falling in love while in Paris. He almost falls to death in Berlin. This comedy is satirical that you can wish to read over and over again. This book is among the best travel books when you want something light-hearted. You can learn a lot from this book concerning confronting turning points, love, travel, and much more. 8. How to Travel the World On $50 A Day by Matt Kepnes? There is a possibility of traveling the world with fifty dollars a day. Matt Kepnes shows you the way to do so. It is the best book to read about adventures on a budget. For those that prefer minimalist traveling, this book goes into the details of traveling for long on a small budget. You will learn about traveling the world without spending what you do not have. He shares related stories about what he learned along the way. 9. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner: This book is a humorous memoir. It came into being in the year 2008 by Eric Weiner while recounting his years of traveling around the world searching for a happy place on earth. The destinations he explores include Qatar, Moldova, Iceland, and Bhutan. He investigates how various countries pursue and define happiness. It is among the best travel books when seeking to learn the outs and ins of other cultures. 10. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts: Shantaram by George David Roberts is a novel showing where Lin, the Australian bank robber is hiding. He passes the time running a clinic in the poorest regions in the city and working for Bombay mafia. If you fantasize India, this is your boo. This novel portrays the reality of life for the people of Bombay. Conclusion Now that you know the best travel books you should read, get ready for the most rewarding traveling experience sitting in the comfort of your home. Do you remember the Pandemic days? These travel books and some good movies were our only means of traveling.   Further, any great travel book, like actual traveling, will present the best and worst sides of civilization and life in front of you. So, pick any of these and see how the world gets unveiled in front of you.  Do you have a secret favorite among the books I have mentioned? Or do you have any other travel books on your Wishlist? Don’t forget to share!   Read Also: Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia Top Places to Visit in Italy on your next Travel Escapade 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip

BY  Pijus Maity May 23, 2023

The world heritage site of Machu Picchu, which is the main highlight of the Andean region, is a must-see attraction for tourists who come to South America. This Inca site has been closed for a while because of certain social and political situations. This has been done so to protect the safety of the local and international tourists. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on is Machu Picchu closing! The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu The Cusco Ministry of Culture agency and headquarters of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also in coordination with the Protected National Areas agency. They announced that the current situation in their region and country had experienced led to the site closing down. They closed down the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Road Network. This was ordered on January 21st, 2023, and untill further notice, to safeguard the general population's and tourists' safety. Similarly, it was also informed that all the facilities would be provided to the foreign and national tourists affected by Machu Picchu closing. This was effective from January 21st, 2023, and remained until one month after the social mobilizations or after the request to return the amount ticket. Temporary Closing Of Inca Trail Is Machu Picchu closing? Well, Machu Picchu got closed down on January 21st, 2023, because of the actions of the protestors. They were earlier also affected by an especially slow and low tourism season. The roads were blocked, and the supply chains were cut off. According to various Machu Picchu news, here were protests, and due to that, the Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary (of Machu Picchu) shut the place down. The whole of it was shut down - including the ancient city of Inca, the Inca trail. The whole of tourism went to sleep while the country tried to work out its problems. Visiting Machu Picchu Post Protest One thing to understand is that no one can guarantee that there won't be any interruptions on your visit to Peru. Whether you plan it this or in the next year! The month of February is when travel remains the most low. This is also the time when the Inca trail closes down for prevention work and maintenance. The month of March, on the other hand, is when the tourists start re-opening for their new travel season. It is also considered to be one of the best places to travel to in September. Due to Machu Picchu and Peru's busy tourist season in the month of March, travelers should always book in advance. There are timed entry tickets to this site. For the year 2023, tourists are limited to 4,500 per day. Hence, one needs to make advance purchases if one wants to visit this gorgeous attraction. Tip: Is Machu Picchu open? Well, it is certainly open now and has been since the month of March. Things To Remember Before Visiting Here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards the Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains - Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is the standard train that brings one to Machu Picchu and is known to be equipped with panoramic windows. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features half-panoramic windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version and is known to be equipped with large panoramic windows so you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside. This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu. After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route. Which means that you can only walk in a single direction. It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots. This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack - it should be of regular size. There are certain measurements of backpacks up to which a backpack is allowed entry into the premises of Machu Picchu. Keep reading till the end to find out about is Machu Picchu closing! Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the event of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location. It was not found by the Spanish explorers at that time. This makes it one of the most best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory. It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately. A total of twice a year - the sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner untill the professor of Yale - Hiram Bingham again discovered the site in year 1911. His book "The Lost City Of Incas" was actually based on his findings. Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes. The wonder is known as Peru's most visited tourist destination. It also symbolizes the Incan Empire that was actually built around 1450 AD. The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of The World in 2007. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding is Machu Picchu closing and related information. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: A Guide Of Top 6 National Parks In Wyoming A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States