Exciting Zipline Tour at Selvatica’s Thrilling Adventures

BY  Sibashree Nov 14, 2024

Savannah has recently been in the limelight for great reasons. At the just-concluded 2024 Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Tourism Industry Excellence Awards, Savannah in the Round has been conferred the Outstanding Commitment to the Industry award. Savannah in the Round is a popular music and arts festival and with it winning the laurel, Savannah will get a great kick in the city’s art tourism.  However, the unique things to do in Savannah are much beyond only nurturing the musical and arty aspects. For the longest time, it has been a hub of history enthusiasts, especially the ones eager to know about American history. There is no wonder that Savannah and Chatham County have created an economic impact of $4.7 billion, thanks to tourism in 2023.  "What we are most pleased about is our visitors are staying longer and spending more money when they are here. That tells us that the overall Savannah visitor experience, when it comes to lodging, dining, and other activities, is meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. A goal the hospitality community strives for every day."Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO, Visit Savannah So, do you want to explore the promising tourism landscape of Savannah? Try the following activities on your first visit. Most Unique Things To Do In Savannah (Don’t Miss Out On The Tour And Travel Tips) Tourism in Savannah is crucial for the community as it has sustained 30,000 jobs annually in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Further, the insights from locals and industry insiders have confirmed that the tourists now choose local businesses and hotels in the city. To be more specific, tourists here prefer to eat at locally-owned restaurants and buy stuff from local retail businesses. “With two-thirds of respondents intentionally favoring locally-owned restaurants and retail offerings, we as industry leaders must acknowledge and harness this trend.”Todd Costin, General Manager Hyatt Regency Savannah and Visit Savannah Chair So, are you ready to explore the true flavors of Savannah while visiting the iconic landmarks? Here are the best things to do in Savannah, curated and approved by the Tour and Travel expert team.  1. A Day Trip To Tybee Island A day trip to Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah if you want a relaxing holiday. The Little Tybee Island is the hidden gem of this trip, with only boats taking you to this pristine destination.  Along with being a picturesque beach destination, Tybee Island also has places of attractions like the Tybee Island Light Station, Marine Science Center, etc. When on Tybee Island, don’t miss a visit to Fort Pulaski, a place of great historic significance between Tybee Island and Savannah.  2. Visiting The Bonaventure Cemetery Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM The 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is among the best attractions for literary and music enthusiasts. Names like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken rest here. Further, the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery has the grave of Danny Hansford. For the uninitiated, the murder of Danny Hansford was the main inspiration behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the bestseller by John Berendt. Tour And Travel Tips Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle and bug spray while visiting this cemetery.  3. Visiting The River Street River Street in the Waterfront District of Savannah is one of the most prominent travel destinations in the city. It runs along the Savannah River and many people also take a cruise ride from Hilton Head to River Street to take a stroll and explore the city’s history. However, the main attractions here are the souvenir shops. Further, you can enjoy serious gastronomic delights at the local restaurants.  Moreover, sipping your favorite drink at the old cotton warehouses while enjoying the river view is the most relaxing experience one can expect.  4. Visiting The Old Sorrel Weed House https://www.instagram.com/p/C0igAyIMSLe/?img_index=1 Operating Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 3 PM (Sunday) This villa, built in 1840, stands proudly on Harris Street with its unique Greek revival style. Francis Sorrel built the villa, and with time, it became home to Moxley Sorrel, the brigadier general and an important figure in the Civil War. Did You Know?The second wife of Francis Sorrel committed suicide at the Old Sorrel Weed House along with one of the slave workers.Old-Sorrel Weed House was also featured in one of the episodes of HGTV’s Ghost Adventures. However, today, along with being a place of architectural and historic importance, it is also a popular destination for ghost tours in Savannah. So, if you are interested in ghosts and spirits, a Ghost Tour on Paranormal Investigations here will be one of the best things to do in Savannah. Tour And Travel Notes Don’t miss a visit to Chippewa Square, near the Old Sorrel Weed House. It was the location of the famous Tom Hanks movie, Forest Gump. In the movie, the actor sits on a bench at Chippewa Square and narrates his life stories.  5. A Tour Of Fort Pulaski National Monument Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM The 19th-century Pulaski National Monument gets its name from Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War Hero. Originally built as a watchpoint to save Savannah from coastal attacks, the fort slowly became a part of the history of slaves in Savannah. Slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad used to take refuge in Fort Pulaski. So, visiting this historic fort is one of the most important things to do in Savannah and learn about the city’s relation with the history of slavery.  6. Exploring The Savannah African Art Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C23I31agi7y/ Operating Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM The Savannah African Art Museum is home to over thousand artworks from central and west Africa. You can visit the spiritual and ceremonial collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. These objects are crafted from ceramics, metals, wood, etc. The museum’s mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art.” Tour And Travel Note Savannah African Art Museum is a hidden gem and a great conversation starter for people interested in African culture. Further, you will see many sculptures, textiles, masks, and other objects on display with the guide explaining their significance to you. You can attend the 1-hour tours of the collectibles from Wednesday to Saturday. These tours start every 30 minutes.  7. Visiting The Wormsloe State Historic Site Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4:45 PM Are you up for a stroll with towering oak trees gracing the pathways? The dressing of Spanish moss makes these oak trees appear as a witness to the changes in nature and human histories related to this place. This is a great place for photography enthusiasts. However, as you pass the entryway, you will encounter the oldest standing structure of Savannah, the Wormsloe Ruins. Noble Jones, a carpenter and one of the first-generation settlers from England built an estate here in the 1750s. He recruited slaves to plant cotton and vegetables and run the estate as a profitable business. Today, you can visit the ruins and a small museum tour will help you find the artifacts unearthed here. Tour And Travel Tips   Don’t miss a walk on the interpretative trail at the Wormsloe State Historic Site. This trail along the Skidaway River marsh has interpreters in costumes. They interpret the colonial history of this estate and Georgia.  8. Introspection At The First African Baptist Church The first African Baptist Church of 1773 is the longest-running Black church in North America. Rev. George Liele organized the church. He was a slave, but the British released him and he became the pastor of this church. Andrew Bryan became the church’s second pastor as George Liele left for Jamaica. You can attend a service at the church or visit the following things, bearing the church’s architectural features and histories. Original light fixtures Balcony pews Baptismal pool Stained-glass windows Underground Railroad You can complete a tour of this church within 1 hour. So, visiting this church will easily fit into your list of things to do in Savannah.  Also read Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 23, 2024

Welcome to the country of red rock canyons, expansive views framed by arches and sandstone spires. Spreading national forests, vast wilderness areas, quaint state parks, and five national parks in Utah make up more than seventy-five percent of its land area that is open to the public. The southern portion of Utah is home to all the state's national parks. The "Mighty Five" are worth the hype, from the breathtakingly steep yet sublime Zion Canyon to the mind-blowing hoodoos of Bryce and the famous Delicate Arch. Additionally, these parks offer at least a dozen hidden gems, peaceful trails, and less-traveled roads for every must-see highlight. How, then, can one outwit the masses? The easiest solution is to leave when other people aren't. This may mean a trip in the winter, when the temperatures are much more bearable than in the sweltering summer, and the snow adds an extra magical quality to the hoodoos. Since all national parks in Utah are accessible year-round, you can schedule a stargazing expedition or a sunrise tour. However, bear in mind that the hours of local eateries and visitor centers change if you visit during the off-season, which runs roughly from November to February. Despite this, you can find cheaper lodging during this time. Here, being proactive pays off very well. Popular hikes have permits that sell out months in advance. The most sought-after lodges and campgrounds (particularly those inside the park) frequently have a year-long waiting list. You can make a lot of these reservations at www.recreation.gov. The top attractions of the national parks in Utah, listed from east to west, include must-see locations, undiscovered treasures, and insider advice for maximizing each trip. National Parks in Utah How many national parks in Utah, you ask? The answer is easy because they call it the “Mighty 5” for a reason. Here, we are listing all the state parks in Utah that you could plan a visit to. We are also going to help you with all the stuff you must pack when planning a trip. Zion National Park With its soaring canyon walls and hanging gardens, Zion National Park, the first of the national parks in Utah and the 13th in the United States, is a popular destination on many people's bucket lists. The park's main road now closes to private vehicles during peak season (March to October) due to its increasing popularity, requiring visitors to take a shuttle. One advantage is that you can bike this almost flat, picturesque drive. You can rent bikes and e-bikes in nearby Springdale (check out Zion Cycles). Two to six months in advance of your trip, you must apply for a permit if you plan to hike the popular Angels Landing trail. If possible, stay at Zion Lodge or in neighboring Springdale. Make reservations up to 13 months in advance for any lodging in or around Zion. Explore the park's Kolob Canyons area or the more sedate paths off Kolob Terrace Road when you're ready to forgo the tourist traps. Bryce Canyon National Park At Bryce, the main draw is the bizarre spires that have been formed over millions of years. Ultimately, this location has the highest concentration of these hoodoos worldwide. The best (and quickest) way to satisfy your thirst for hoodoo views is to take the main park drive and take the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point or the Queen's Garden Loop from Sunrise Point. Try a portion of the 23-mile Under-the-Rim Trail or one of those trails down to Fairyland Loop for a more immersive hike. Take the back entrance into Bryce Amphitheater via Tropic Trail from the small town of Tropic to have some hoodoos all to yourself. While there, you can also have lunch at i.d.k. Barbecue a state favorite. Bike the dirt Thunder Mountain Trail or the paved Red Canyon Path to discover a more sedate hoodoo landscape. The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the perfect base camp for exploring the park; however, if reservations are unavailable, consider lodging at one of the nearby hotels in Bryce Canyon City. We also think Under Canvas Bryce's campsites are great. Capitol Reef National Park The quietest of the national parks in Utah boasts a magnificent environment that is attributed to the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geologic wrinkle in the earth. Petroglyphs and the historic Fruita Orchards, which the park still cares for, are two of the area's unique attractions. Try the fresh pies at Gifford Homestead, which is close to the park entrance and made with local fruit, such as apples or peaches.  Take a leisurely stroll along the former main highway through Capitol Gorge. Or brave the steep trail to Cassidy Arch, where there are rumors, that Butch Cassidy escaped the law. If you have a decent 4WD car, you, too, can escape (from other travelers). Notom-Bullfrog Road intersects with Burr Trail Road, another backcountry route, and leads to Lake Powell. Burr Trail leads to Boulder, the starting point for Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument and the location of Hell's Backbone Grill, possibly the best restaurant in Utah. It stays open in spring through fall. You should make reservations in advance. If you stay in one of the lodges in this small town that is only five minutes from the park, Boulder is close, but Torrey is closer. Canyonlands is divided into five distinct districts, each providing a unique experience. Island in the Sky is a place of expansive vistas. Don't miss Mesa Arch or Shafer Trail Viewpoint. The Needles District is a great place to go hiking. It's only about 20 miles south of the Island in the Sky as the crow flies (two hours drive). One of the best hiking routes is the action-packed Cave Spring Trail. It features a replica of an 1880s cowboy camp and mushroom-like rock formations. Canyonlands National Park Get lost in the Maze. Other worthwhile stops in this backcountry district are Chocolate Drops and the Land of Standing Rocks. See amazing petroglyphs, including floating "holy ghosts," by traveling to the non-contiguous Horseshoe Canyon unit. For a rafting adventure, head to the River District, which is at the base of the canyons formed by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The best place to stay for most of the park's district is Moab, which provides quick access to the park's rivers, the Needles, and Island in the Sky. Arches National Park Arches, the inspiration behind Ed Abbey's famous Desert Solitaire, has evolved significantly since 1968. Because of its increased activity, the park service is currently testing a timed entry system that will require reservations in advance from April to October 2023. However, it is possible to avoid a Disneyland experience. If you arrive before sunrise or remain past sunset, you will be rewarded with quieter trails and golden light that casts a glow over the arches. Be an early bird or a night owl. This is feasible because Moab's closest lodging options are situated sufficiently near the park's entrance. If you would prefer not to get up early, reserve a campsite at Devils Garden up to six months in advance or take a ranger-led tour to see the Fiery Furnace area, which is accessible only with a permit. Travel Checklist When Visiting the National Parks in Utah Planning a trip to the national parks in Utah is as fun as it is a massive plan to come up with. You must be well prepared for the weather you will be subject to both in the day as well as night. The few days that you will spend here will be nothing short of an adventure. Here is a list of things that you must have with you if your destination includes the national parks in Utah. Hardy Water Shoes The red desert dirt in Utah can be extremely sticky. You should invest in good water shoes if you intend to go river rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. When participating in water activities, flip-flops are not advised. They will become stuck in the mud and either break or get sucked down the river.  Your feet will be safe if you hike the rocky Virgin River through the Narrows in Zion National Park wearing rubber-toed shoes covered with firm soles. (Near Zion's Springdale entrance, you can rent an entire dry gear outfit, including shoes.) Blacklight Flashlight Scorpios are nocturnal creatures that hide during the day. Use your black light to identify them; the light from it causes these odd creatures to glow. Don't worry too much about scorpions because there is only one species in the Southwest that is thought to be deadly. Sun Protection The strength of the Utah sun only needs to be experienced once, especially in the desert, where there isn't much shade to be found. There will be certain hikes you take or picnic tables you sit at where there isn't a single spot to hide from the sun and heat of the desert. If possible, bring a wide-brimmed hat to cover your entire face. That would be better than a baseball cap. Next, cover all exposed skin, including the back of your neck, with sunscreen. Don't forget to wear sunglasses for eye protection. Polarized lenses will improve your vision and shield your eyes from burns. Recall that at 8,000 feet, you are closer to the sun than you are at sea level. If you're going to be on the water, get some sunglasses straps. It's annoying to watch your new shades drift away with you. Rain Jacket You might wonder, who takes rain jackets into the desert? Yes, we do. Each time we come to town. Even the desert experiences occasional, albeit brief, bursts of rainfall. You want a jacket that will keep you dry and warm when it pours, and the temperature drops. Hiking Boots Bring a pair of supportive, water-resistant, and breathable hiking boots to maximize your experience. These will make it easy for you to travel both dry and wet trails, allowing you to go farther than you otherwise could have. They also shield your feet from trail stones, cactus needles, and maybe even snakebites. Here's a staff member who can't stop gushing about his Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX to get you started on your research. Vasque Skywalks GTS was highly appreciated by our friends at Backpacker.   Water Bottle Carry a sizable water bottle that you can fill with your garden hose prior to packing if you intend to go camping. With the jug, you can travel with water wherever you go. This means you can cook, stay hydrated, and make coffee in the morning even if you find yourself at a campsite without water. A water pump is typically available at campsites so you can replenish as needed. Hydration The air in the desert is so dry that perspiration quickly evaporates. Often, sweating is invisible to you. By staying hydrated, you can prevent dehydration, which can cause headaches as well as more severe ailments like heat stroke and cramps. Make a drinking plan of 5 to 1 liter for each hiking hour. Make sure to continue drinking even when you are not recreating. You are hydrated if your urine is clear. We adore carrying our CamelBak with us so we can continue to sip while we’re out and about. If you find yourself severely dehydrated or in need of quick hydration recovery, mobile IV therapy in Houston or at any needed location can be a lifesaver. These services offer on-site hydration solutions that can help replenish your body's fluids and electrolytes efficiently while you're still enjoying your outdoor activities Warm/Cool Clothes Temperatures in the national parks in Utah desert can vary by up to 30 degrees in a single day. So, pack light clothing for the day and warm clothing for the evenings. Include a winter hat for when the sun sets, and the cooler air moves in. As for national parks in Utah, this is particularly crucial in the fall, winter, and spring. Temperatures here can drop sharply after precipitation and sunset. Maps There are an amazing variety of trails and overlooks in each of Utah's five national parks. Having a map is beneficial. You can either get your maps in advance and get them now, or you can wait until a park ranger hands you one at the entrance station. Get the NatGeo Utah National Parks Map Pack, which includes detailed topographic maps, at REI.com or download free PDF maps. Star Chart/App The national parks in Utah have some of the darkest skies. You can recognize some of the formations you might not have noticed otherwise with the help of a star chart. Particularly so if you are traveling from an urban area. Alternatively, you can make use of technology and download the SkyView app for Android or iPhone. This app allows you to point your phone at objects to identify stars and other objects. In contrast to the 500 stars in an urban sky, you might be able to see up to 15,000 stars in a desert. It's a long way off! Tablecloth The little things add up to a significant impact. Pull out your tablecloth when you stop for lunch at the weathered picnic table by the side of the road, and you'll go from rustic to elegant in an instant. Additionally, by avoiding leaning against the table, you'll prevent difficult-to-remove splinters. Bug Spray Rather than swatting insects, spend more time taking in the beauty. These days, there are many bug sprays made from natural ingredients that are safer for kids to use if you don't want to use harsh chemicals. Our choice is the Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent, which is great for families. According to Consumer Reports, this formula offers the best defense against mosquitoes. In addition to being highly effective against ticks and biting flies, Sawyer's insect repellent won't harm tools or equipment. Wrapping Up The national parks in Utah serve as a living example of the amazing natural beauty and geological marvels that abound in the American Southwest. These protected landscapes preserve the natural heritage of the area. They also provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with the profound forces that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. The terrain ranges from the majestic red rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands to the captivating canyons of Zion and Bryce Canyon. The national parks in Utah invite us to discover, value, and safeguard the delicate wonders that make our planet truly remarkable. They serve as entry points to adventure, education, and environmental stewardship. In addition to creating lifelong memories, experiencing Utah's breathtaking scenery also helps to continue the legacy of conservation, guaranteeing that these natural treasures will be appreciated for many years to come. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about national parks in Utah, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: From Festivals To Spas: The Top Things To Do In Park City Utah From Museums To Parks: The Top Attractions In St George Utah A Guide To Adventure And Nature: The Best Things To Do In Moab Utah For Outdoor Enthusiasts

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 24, 2023

Marketing is a staple in the business world. Whether it takes on a digital, traditional, or hybrid form is decided by the nature of the company. Even the people running it are responsible. However, regardless of the choice, marketing is a business fixture that cannot be ignored. For a travel business, in particular, building attraction among potential customers using a mix of visuals. Furthermore, creative text is of the essence. One of the best content forms to utilize these elements is travel videography. Not only does travel videography provide interested clients with a snapshot of the experience that they’ll be getting. However it’s also great at creating brand hype and awareness. Confused about how you can use travel videography to promote your travel business better? Here are four simple ways how:   1) Put A Video On Your Instagram   Social media marketing is a must-do in today’s corporate environment! From following the latest #hashtag trends to creating viral reels to building exciting collaborations, it is a lot! With fellow companies and creators, there’s a lot that social media can do for your travel business. Additionally, the best way to utilize this online tool. They inculcate video in your SMM strategy, taking your content a step ahead! Worried about getting started? PosterMyWall’s Instagram reel video templates are a great guiding path. Not only do they allow you to push out reels with both quality and time efficiency due to the pre-made templates, but they also facilitate extensive editing and customization, helping each brand achieve its own unique look. And the best part? You can take advantage of all this - and more - without having to pay a single dime. Once your reels are made, you can post them on your Instagram feed, reshare them on your story, or even invite other profiles to join as collaborators, automatically expanding your reach. Of course, be sure to pair your video content with SEO-optimized captions and trending #hashtags to maximize your traction.   2) Enlist Paid Travelers   Ever heard of the concept of a paid traveler? These are people who are either content creators or travel videographers who often undertake vacations where they produce content for a brand in exchange for free services such as tickets, accommodation, food, and the like.   In order to promote your travel business, you can enlist the services of these paid travelers, sending them to capture content around areas that you’re operating in or areas towards which you want to generate tourist traffic. Once their content is made, the videos can be posted on their social media accounts such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as be used by your travel company in their own marketing material.   3) Get the Locals Involved   There’s nothing to get you in the mood for a vacation like the place itself speaking to you. And what better way to experience this than by connecting with the local people of the area themselves? It’s simple - hire a local videographer, get a couple of short videos made that highlight why the specific country or area is your ideal vacation destination, and then link it back to how your travel company can make this dream vacation a reality. Since it’ll be local people highlighting the area your content will seem more authentic, drawing in more people to acquire about your services. As for the channels, social media as well as traditional television and paid Google advertisements are the route to go down!   4) Deck Out The Posters   While video content is great, it can sometimes need a helping hand to get across to the right audience. And what better-helping material than a poster? Not only are poster posts apt for generating hype about your business, but they’re also a great mix of visuals and text, making them easily digestible. And if you’re worried about nailing the design, then just head to PosterMyWall and browse their range of travel poster templates. Fully customizable and with dozens to choose from, you’ll soon have your perfect design! With your posters ready, now it’s time to put them up. You can do everything from marketing your travel company’s video content by linking it to your poster to spreading general information about your services. In either case, the more traction you get, the more the audience will be redirected to your travel videos. So, if you’re looking to use travel videography to market your travel business, then these tips are your go-to. Just remember to customize according to your brand and you’ll be good to go! Read Also: Top 10 Business Travel Booking Platforms Of 2023 Tips For Earning Frequent Flyer Points In Business Travelling Want The Best Travel Tips: Go Through Velvet Escape Travel Blog