World Travel

If you are searching for the next country to visit, you might want to have India on your list. Given the diversity of the country in almost every aspect, you have a lot of reasons to go there. For first-time travellers, you might have a lot in mind about the country. Before you go there, you need to remember the India Travel guide to have a rich experience.

Drop all your expectations

You need to make sure that you forget everything that you know about India and immerse yourself in the experience. If you have already set your mind regarding what India will be like, you will not embrace the trip. You will think that you already know everything, and you will end up staying in your hotel. As long as you prepare the fundamental aspects of the trip, you have nothing to worry about.

Prepare your budget

The good thing about India is that it is not an expensive travel destination. You can head there on a budget airline and avoid spending a lot. You can also find budget hotels if you don’t want to splurge on expensive accommodation. Finding meals is also easy since there are lots of affordable street foods and restaurants. As long as you can find a clean and safe place to dine, it is perfectly okay. However, it is not the same in all parts of the country. You need to create a budget depending on which part of India you intend to visit.

Don’t be afraid of talking to the locals

Indians are very warm and accommodating people. They love welcoming tourists like you. Tourism is a significant aspect of the country’s economy, and almost all parts of India have tourists coming over throughout the year. Some locals might be quite shy about speaking with foreigners at first, but they will start enjoying your company as soon as you warm up to them. A lot of them also speak English well, so communication won’t be an issue. However, it helps build a relationship if you try your best to speak a few local words.

Pack well

Depending on how long you will be travelling and where you will be heading, you need to be smart when packing your stuff heading to India. Make sure that you bring the right clothes. Women have to be modest with what they wear. You also need to prepare for the heat of the sun. If you are heading to the wilderness, as India has beautiful forests, you need to prepare the things you need to enjoy the experience.

Prepare for the possibility of getting sick

You might get sick because of weather changes if you came from a cold country. You might also get sick because of the food you eat. Don’t panic if something happens. Your body might still be adjusting to the food you are not familiar with. You can take medicine right away, and you won’t face this problem. You can also head to a local hospital if things turn bad.

India has a lot to offer, and you want to experience its richness as you go there for a trip.

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If you enjoy a delicious cocktail or craft brew as you unwind in the evening, there’s nothing better than a good hotel bar when you’re on vacation. You can get a satisfying sip just steps from your room, with no worries about the drive back. Try these hip hotel bars around Los Angeles for a delicious drink on your next visit to the city.

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles: Best Girl

You’ll find the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles in the historic United Artists Building downtown. The hotel’s distinctive features include a restored movie palace, chic terraced rooms, and the neighborhood bistro Best Girl. So named for the 1927 film that was the first screened at the theater, Best Girl features a cozy atmosphere and diverse menu.

Among your drink options are several sparkling, white, rose, and red wines, a handful of cocktails, and an assortment of beers. For a touch of local flavor, try one of the rotating draft beers from LA’s Indie Brewing or order the Golden State Bay Brut Cider.

The Standard Downtown LA: The Rooftop

Head up to The Rooftop at The Standard and you’ll find delicious drinks and dining hosted alongside a sparkling swimming pool, outdoor fireplace, and happening dance floor. The dress code after 8 p.m. upgrades to smart casual. Use Hipmunk to book a room at the hotel, so you’ll be particularly well-placed to pop downstairs after your day at the pool and dress for the after-dark festivities.

The menu includes sweet and fruity cocktails, a variety of wines, and several beers. Even the brews have an added touch of fruit flavor, with options like the Grapefruit Sculpin, Hell or High Watermelon, and Angel City Saazberry.

LINE Hotel: The Lobby Bar

The Happy Hour Agency brings guests an artistic drink experience at the Lobby Bar in the LINE Hotel. Sleek and simple, this atmosphere is everything you want for a casual drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try one of the cocktails, like the Mary Seoul featuring red jalapeño-infused vodka, or the Senor Right, which pairs tequila with flavors of prickly pear and salted plum.

The wine and beer selections are pleasantly diverse, with beverages from around the globe. Take a world tour with your brew, sampling flavors from Belgium, Korea, Denmark, and even right in California.

Hotel Normandie: Normandie Club

Hotel Normandie, originally constructed in the 1920s, is a great choice if you’re using Hipmunk to find LA hotels with historic charm. The equally beguiling Normandie Club offers an exclusive air while still keeping the doors open to everyone. Though the menu lists several cocktails, guests are also encouraged to order custom drinks from the skilled bartenders. The wine selection includes a lite and full option for your reds, whites, and roses. Among the brews are local flavors like the Smog City Sabre-Toothed Squirrel.

Include some local brewery highlights in your stay, or expand your cocktail experience far beyond the basics when you slip into a seat at one of these hotel bars. Choose the accompanying hotel for your stay, and you’ll never be far from a relaxing evening.

Many people to think of visiting Tasmania on their next adventure, but they should! Here is your ultimate Tasmania travel guide so you’re prepared to go.

 

If you want to travel somewhere with amazing views, incredible food, and good people, then Tasmania is your destination. Tasmania is a popular island state in Australia. It hosts a unique and lively culture you’ll fall in love with.

Tasmania offers an experience you’ll never see anywhere else. Its beaches are breathtaking.

But beyond the beach and sightseeing, Tasmania offers plenty of fun things to do for travelers of all walks of life. But many people still don’t travel to Tasmania often, or as often as they should.

Are you not convinced you should go to Tasmania? Continue reading and know everything there is to know about Tasmania travel.

Tasmania Travel: Why You Need to Go

Here are some facts about Tasmania and why you should go.

What is Tasmania?

Before you understand why you need to go to Tasmania, you need to know what Tasmania is.

Tasmania, often called Tassie, is a lone island off the coast of Australia. It’s about 150 miles away from Australia’s southern state, Victoria and is the smallest state in Australia.

The man who discovered Tasmania is Abel Janszoon Tasman, and the island was named after him. Tasmania is best known for its incredible beaches and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Surprisingly, animal life is sparse compared to the Australian mainland.

But Tasmania is famous for one animal: the Tasmanian Devil. This is a carnivorous marsupial which is larger and more vicious compared to other marsupials. While the Tasmanian Devil isn’t violent, it does attack its prey when hungry.

Now that you know some facts, here’s why you should visit Tasmania.

Tasmania is Beautiful

Tasmania is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll ever visit. Their beaches are like something out of a fantasy. The mountain ranges look gorgeous on the shore.

And there are plenty of hills and cliffs you can climb and get a better view of this amazing island.

We will go over everything to do. But some of the most beautiful places are the capital Hobart, Freycinet National Park (home to Wineglass Bay), Cradle Mountain, and St. Helen’s Beach.

Tasmania Has a Gruesome History

If you’re the historical traveler, you’ll get a kick out of Tasmania. As mentioned previously, Tasmania was discovered by a Dutch navigator in 1642.

But for the next couple hundred years of its existence, Australian convicts were transferred to Tasmania.

Because of its weak penal system, the island was crime-ridden. This story is a selling point for Tasmanian tourists, who can learn more about Tasmania’s destructive past at the most famous penal settlement, Port Arthur Historic Site.

Great for Hiking

If you love traveling for all the hiking adventures, Tasmania should be on the top of your list. With all of the cliffs, hills, and mountains, you won’t get enough of hiking here.

A favorite hike for tourists is visiting Wineglass Bay. It’s a two-hour hike and well worth it.

But this isn’t the only hike you should take. Tasmania has a plethora of travel hikes and national parks you can explore.

Some of the Greatest Food You’ll Eat

If you travel for the food, Tasmania should also be on your list. They boast some of the best food in Australia. Since it’s an island state, you’ll eat incredible seafood such as oysters, salmon, and abalone.

Tasmania is also famous for their cheese. They produce award-winning cheeses such as blues, bries, cheddar, and camembert. If you prefer goat and sheep cheese, Tasmania is also famous for them.

What to Do?

Now that you know Tasmania deserves to be on your travel bucket list, what exactly should you do?

While everything in Tasmania is amazing, here are a few things to do in Tasmania.

Sullivan’s Cove

Hobart, the Tasmanian capital, is a charming city. While you’re in the capital, you should visit Sullivan’s Cove. Everything in this cove was made from the British Colonial era. You’re exposed to Georgia-era buildings from the 19th century.

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay has been mentioned several times already, and for good reason. This stretch of land consists of white beaches, stunning waters, and covered in peaks called the Hazards. There’s nothing in the world like Wineglass Bay.

Convict Relics

One of the Tasmanian history staples are the Australian convicts forced into Tasmania during the 19th century. While this was an ugly time in Tasmanian history, it’s worth looking at some of the relics.

Port Arthur is the most important relic to visit. Port Arthur is now a series of ruins, but you can still see Gothic-looking structures and even cellblocks.

Cradle Mountain

Out west in Tasmania, you’ll find the famous Cradle Mountains.

Dove Lake is surrounded by many mountains, the highest being Cradle Mountain. These mountains tower over the gorgeous lake and are encompassed in mist. If you love hiking, you should take a four-house hike into Ballroom Rainforest.

Feed a Tasmanian Devil

Because the Tasmanian Devil is the most famous animal in Tasmania, you can get up close and feed one!

There’s a Tasmanian Devil sanctuary near Cradle Mountain that welcomes visitors to feed these cute but vicious creatures. If you’re lucky, they will behave and you can pet one!

Unfortunately, Tasmanian Devils are endangered. Donate to the sanctuary to help spread Tasmanian Devil awareness.

Visit the Bay of Fires

If there’s one beach that can compete with Wineglass Bay, it’s the Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires is not only one of the most beautiful places in Australia but is also known as one of the hottest.

But walking down the white sandy beaches is worth it as you gaze out into the ocean. If you’re lucky, you can spot a whale or a dolphin!

Bay of Fires is best known for the orange-colored boulders scattered throughout the beach. This is one of the most famous photo ops for tourists.

Visit Tasmania!

If there’s one place in the world you should visit it’s Tasmania. Tasmania travel encompasses beautiful scenes, an interesting history, great food, plenty of hiking, and cute Tasmanian Devils.

Are you experiencing some serious wanderlust? Take a look at more world travel articles!

Your travel adventures are fast-approaching. Are you running short on space and time? If so, you need these 10 smart packing hacks to pack more in less time.

 

Does the idea of packing a suitcase before taking a trip stress you out beyond belief?

You’re not the only one who feels this way! According to a study done in 2017, more than 50 percent of Americans said they would rather abstain from alcohol for a month or give up social media for a week than pack a bag for vacation.

If you fall into this category, you should consider rethinking the way you go about packing a suitcase. There are all kinds of packing hacks you can put to good use to make packing a more pleasant experience overall.

Check out 10 smart packing hacks below that will help you pack more in less time while eliminating a lot of the stress that often accompanies preparing for a trip.

1. Begin By Putting Together a Packing Checklist

The first thing you should do before you start packing a suitcase for a vacation or business trip is create a packing checklist for yourself.

Ideally, you should put this packing checklist together about a week or two before you actually start packing. It should include everything from clothes and toiletries to any out-of-the-ordinary items you might want to bring along on your trip.

People run into trouble when they pull out their suitcase and start stuffing it with random items without having a plan in mind. Before they know it, their bag is full and they don’t have half the things they actually need to bring with them when they travel.

2. Assemble Outfits You Want to Wear During Your Trip

Clothing is going to take up the majority of the space in your suitcase when you travel. So you should be strategic about how you pack it.

One of the best ways to approach packing clothes is by assembling complete outfits that you want to wear during a trip. Rather than pulling out a pile of shirts, a stack of pants, and more and throwing it in your bag, lay out each outfit you’re planning to wear.

This will help you cut down on the amount of clothing you bring on your trip. It’ll also make it easier for you to get dressed each day once you arrive at your final destination.

3. Roll Clothes Rather Than Folding Them Prior to Packing Them

People who travel on a regular basis swear by this packing hack. They’ll tell you that rolling your clothes rather than folding them will help them to take up a lot less space.

This might not necessarily be an option for everyone. If, for instance, you have a lot of business attire that you’re taking on your trip, it might not make sense for you to roll everything up and risk wrinkling it in dramatic fashion.

But generally speaking, rolling up T-shirts, jeans, and other basic clothing items should cut down on the total amount of space that your clothes take up.

4. Limit the Numbers of Shoes in Your Luggage

Deciding which shoes to pack for a vacation can be one of the most difficult decisions people have to make. They often want to bring along everything from flip-flops and casual sneakers to dress shoes, heels, and other more formal footwear.

Your best bet is to find shoes that can serve multiple purposes. For example, there are some fashion sneakers that you could wear both for sightseeing and for a nice night out on the town.

If possible, try to limit yourself to just two or three pairs of shoes, tops. Otherwise, you stand almost no chance of fitting everything inside of your luggage neatly.

5. Stuff Socks Inside Shoes to Save Space

While shoes can take up a lot of space inside a suitcase, they can also offer you a simple storage solution. You can place things inside of your shoes to conserve space.

Slip a bunch of pairs of socks into your shoes the next time you’re packing for a trip. It’ll cut down on the amount of space your socks take up and help keep your shoes intact throughout the duration of your travels.

6. Steer Clear of Bringing Too Many “Extra” Clothes

Most people will throw some “extra” clothing into their luggage when packing, just in case. They’ll pack extra socks, extra underwear, and an extra shirt or two.

This isn’t the worst idea in the world, but you should be mindful of how many “extras” you’re packing. It’s easy to get carried away and end up with way more clothes than you could ever need.

7. Create a Toiletries Bag Specifically for Travel

Do you have a toiletries bag that is dedicated specifically to your travels? If not, you should get one now and set it aside for travel purposes only.

The bag should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, makeup, and everything else you need in the bathroom when you’re away from home. Don’t touch it in between trips and you won’t have to worry about repacking a toiletries bag before every vacation.

8. Consider Using Packing Cubes to Your Advantage

No matter how diligent you are about packing efficiently for a trip, your suitcase is probably going to fall into a state of disarray the moment you open it when you reach your destination. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, and more are going to come spilling out and force you to reorganize everything.

Packing cubes can prevent this from happening. You can neatly organize everything in your packing cubes at home before placing them into your suitcase and know exactly where everything is once you arrive at your hotel later.

From basic four-piece packing cube sets found on this useful page to customized packing cube options, you can get your hands on packing cubes that’ll make life easier on you every single time you travel.

9. Bring a Laundry Bag Along for the Trip

When you’re preparing for a vacation, laundry is likely the last thing on your mind. But when you return home from vacation, it’s something you’re going to have to do.

Make it easier by bringing a laundry bag along for your trip. You can fill it with dirty clothes and keep your hotel room clean in the process.

10. Don’t Put Off Packing Until the Last Minute!

The same 2017 study that we referenced earlier found that about 65 percent of people believe packing for a trip would be less stressful if they didn’t procrastinate while doing it.

Put that theory to the test the next time you have to pack for a trip. Start early and see how much less stressed out you feel by the time it’s ready for you to go.

Keep These Packing Hacks in Mind When You Travel

There is always going to be a little bit of stress associated with traveling. But you don’t have to let it keep you down.

Utilize these packing hacks when you’re throwing your suitcase together. They should make life easier on you and ensure you don’t forget anything when you take flight.

Would you like to learn about some of the best places to visit this winter? Check out our blog about suggestions on where to go to beat the winter blues.

 

Are you looking for fun, unique and exciting Texas attractions? If so, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn about where to go and what to do.

 

Everything is bigger in Texas and The Lone Star State’s tourism industry is no exception. Some 220 million visitors pass through the state on an annual basis.

Frankly, that number doesn’t surprise us.

Texas is a state known for its larger than life disposition towards most things. This includes the attractions it offers to guests.

Below, we share with you some of the most breathtaking Texas attractions you can tackle if you should ever find yourself in this great state!

1. Catch a Wave…In Austin?

If you’re familiar with Texas’ geography, you may be wondering if we typo-d when we wrote “Austin.” We didn’t.

While the Texas Gulf Coast is an obvious choice when it comes to surfing, most people are surprised to learn that Austin is a great alternative if the Gulf isn’t on your Texas itinerary.

At NLand Surf Park, you can surf in three separate riding areas that serve up a variety of waves.

This is one of our favorite Texas attractions so don’t miss it!

2. Get Your Thrills On

Love thrill rides? If so, you’re going to love Six Flags Over Texas.

Boasting tons of the best rides in the country, Six Flags Over Texas stands tall as the largest amusement park in the whole state. This awesome theme park is great for all ages and attracts millions of visitors every year!

Summertime is high season for Six Flags Over Texas and lines can get long, so plan accordingly.

3. Explore the Texas Outback

When people go to Australia, a popular activity is to go on a safari through the outback and hunt whatever is in season.

You can have that same awesome safari experience in Texas!

If you’re not opposed to going on hunts, we recommend Desert Safaris which run out of the San Antonio area and allow you to see Texas in a unique way while trying to find Aoudad Sheep.

4. The Alamo

One of the most historically significant sites in Texas is The Alamo. The Alamo was made famous during Texas’ war for independence when a small group of soldiers successfully thwarted an attack of 3,000 men from within its walls.

The Alamo is one of the most visited Texas attractions with about 2 million people paying homage to the site on a yearly basis.

5. Conquer Big Bend National Park

If you’re looking for a breathtaking nature experience in Texas, look no further than the world famous camping destination, Big Bend National Park.

At Big Bend, you’ll find thousands of plant varieties and scenic mountains that go as high as 7,800 feet above sea level.

The park is situated along the Rio Grande River so you can arrange for river trips to get an incredibly memorable view of what the park has to offer.

Wrapping Up Amazing Texas Attractions

From the staggering beauty of Big Bend Park to the jaw-dropping thrills at Six Flags Over Texas, our list above barely scratches the surface when it comes to incredible Texas attractions.

To truly experience everything the state has to offer, we recommend heading over and staying open to new experiences. If you do, we promise you that you won’t regret it.

For more awesome info on adventures in the United States and around the world, check out more of our content on Beekman Beer Garden Today!

 

If you’re looking for a wine adventure without the hassle of traveling to Napa, you’re in luck. Here’s how to plan the perfect weekend in Santa Barbara.

 

Looking for a weekend away, but tired of the typical tour through Napa Valley wine country? You need to book a weekend in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is one of the many beautiful places California has to offer. It has magical weather all year round, and it’s great for tourists.

Why? For one, the city has great restaurants and wineries. There’s shopping, eclectic luxury experiences, and did we mention the wine? We need to mention it again.

Because Santa Barbara is less known for its vineyards than Napa Valley, you’ll get an amazing experience without the crowds. It’s the perfect relaxing vacation for your honeymoon, anniversary, or time with friends.

If you’re looking for a weekend away, then you need to visit Santa Barbara wine country. Keep reading for our top recommendations in the area.

The Best Things to Do for Your Weekend in Santa Barbara

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara, and they don’t all have to do with wine. That said, we know you guys are alcohol aficionados, so these are our top recommendations.

1. Enjoy Breakfast at the French Press

The French Press is one of the most popular breakfast spots in downtown Santa Barbara. If you plan to hit it early in the morning, expect a line past the pastry case and down the hall.

The espresso is the kind you write home about. Each barista is well trained, so you know you’ll get a great cup of joe with your fresh baked pastry.

2. Explore the Urban Wine Trail

If you’ve pulled in and you’re not ready to hit the vineyards, don’t worry. Santa Barbara has 25 wineries on it’s Urban Wine Trail, and they’re all within walking distance.

Check out their site for special events and winery map details.

3. Travel to Denmark… We Mean Solvang

Look, world travel can be expensive (although there are cheap ways to travel). When you only have a few days to explore, you want to get the most out of it.

That’s why Solvang is a cool place to stop by in the Santa Barbara area. They have cool Danish-inspired architecture, famous pastries, and, of course, wine. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to feel like you’re in a whole other country.

4. Take in the Breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley

Ready to hit the vineyards? Then get out to the Santa Ynez Valley.

Santa Ynez Valey is full of beautiful estates, sprawling gardens, and homegrown wineries. Stop by a few of the estates and sample their wines. Then book a dinner at First and Oak in the evening for a culinary experience.

5. Walk Through Lotusland

Lotusland is a historic estate with 37-acres and 14 distinct gardens. It’s the best place to see what kind of flora and fauna California has to offer.

The opera singer Madame Ganna Walska owned the mansion in the 1940s. She used the garden as a way to express her artistic inclinations. It’s described as an “Alice in Wonderland” garden, but you’ll have to see it for yourself.

Want More Travel Tips?

If you’re planning a trip out West, then check out our guide for the best places to visit.

You can also expand your tour of California with our guide for the Los Angeles beer crawls and San Francisco restaurants.

Don’t forget to comment and tell us how you spent your weekend in Santa Barbara.

 

Bali has always been one of the favorite holiday destinations for the tourists. Whether you are a honeymoon couple or an adventurist, Bali won’t disappoint you ever. If you think of Indonesia for your foreign trip, you definitely choose Bali on the top. This is the destination which is perfect for making your holiday full of excitement and fun. So, what you can do is to book Bali holiday packages and set on for the journey. Before visiting this Indonesian island, you need to know the exotic things you can do over there. Here is the list for your benefits. Have a look-

1. Surfing at Canggu Bali

If you are fond of surfing, Bali is an amazing destination for you. And for exotic surfing experience, go to Canggu Bali. The black sand beach with a tiny coastal village, this place is amazing and perfect for surfing. There are beautiful villas for staying the tourists. The famous beaches of Canguu Bali are Batu Bolong, Berawa Beach, Echo Beach, Seseh and so on.

2. Enjoy Parasailing at Tanjung Benoa Beach

If you are an adventurist by heart, you can enjoy the parasailing at the Tanjung Benoa Beach. You can get the most thrilling experience of parasailing on this beach. You can try tandem or single parasailing there. The interesting thing is you don’t need to have any prior experience of parasailing. There are professional guides who will help you in it so that everyone can try it once you are here.

3. Try Your Hand at Bali’s Cooking Class

This is really amazing, especially for couples. If you are looking for activities you can do together and make your Bali trip memorable, try your hand in Bali’s cooking class and be efficient in Indonesian cooking style. You can learn to cook traditional dishes of the country, get to know about new types of herbs and spices and also unique cooking techniques over there. It is really fun.

4. Try Snorkeling at Amed

If you are fond of water activities, you should try snorkeling at Amed. This is the fishing village where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and also go for snorkeling. The serene nature of this place is really appealing to you. The underwater experience with colorful fishes and bright coral reefs will open a new world for you.

5. Experience the Exotic Balinese Dance

Visiting a country gets complete when you live the culture for a few days. And Balinese dance form is one of the important parts of its rich culture. Go to the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple which is the center of the famous Bali culture where the beautiful Balinese girls perform famous Kecak Dance in the amphitheater. This is really an out of the world experience for you.

6. Visit Ulun Danu Temple

If you want to spend some time away from the chaos and surrounded by serenity with spirituality, head towards Ulun Danu Temple. The temple was founded in the 17^th century and it became the center of the Hindu-Buddhist culture and beliefs.

It is really difficult, to sum up, amazing things that you can do in Bali. You can follow the list and also look for other things to make your vacation exciting.

The western United States is one of the most mind-blowing parts of the country. If you’re planning a trip, here are 4 places to visit out west.

The United States is a fascinating travel destination in so many ways. For one, the country spans so many climates and geographical areas that there’s no “standard” American region.

Second, our country takes up such a wide expanse of space that you have to visit a small area at a time.

In winter, the western US is known as a skiing destination, but it has so much more to offer. Don’t miss these great places to visit out west:

Best Places to Visit Out West

Fire up Blazing Saddles and get into a western state of mind because the region offers a variety of great sites:

The Grand Canyon

Many Americans consider The Grand Canyon to be the most awe-inspiring natural site in the country. The canyon is over 270 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. That’s a size and atmosphere visitors can’t comprehend until they experience it for themselves.

The colorful layers in the canyon give you a glance of geographical history. There’s also plenty to do, from gorgeous hikes to thrilling river trips.

Be careful about planning your visit, though. The northern parts of the park close in fall and winter due to weather conditions, so do your research.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Utah is a treasure trove of beautiful sites, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of them. While it’s called a monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante is a wonder of nature that spans over one million acres. To add to the monument’s natural beauty, the Escalante River flows through and creates a gorgeous landscape.

Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite National Park was closed earlier this year due to wildfires, we’re thrilled that it’s now open for your visiting pleasure. You can’t visit without checking out the famed El Capitan as well as the park’s beautiful waterfalls.

If you enjoy camping, Yosemite is a can’t miss. It’s home to some of the best campgrounds in the US.

Napa Valley

While we’ve focused on natural sites so far, it’s time to take a turn. Napa Valley is the perfect destination for a wine-lover.

As the best wine-growing region in the US, Napa Valley has wineries that specialize in close to every type of wine you can imagine. However, the region is best known for stunning cabernet sauvignon varieties.

Keep in mind that Napa Valley might not be as much fun for a family with young kids. It’s great for a group of adult friends or for a romantic getaway.

Planning Your Trip Out West

The US is full of fantastic travel destinations for people of all tastes, from thrilling cities to beautiful natural sites. While the western region has a bit of everything, it specializes in natural beauty. It’s the perfect destination for hikers, campers, and others who love the great outdoors.

The list above is a great start for your bucket list of places to visit out west. For more fun destinations and travel tips, check out our travel blog for the US and abroad.

 

Europe may not be the first place you think of when it comes to snorkeling destinations, but there are a lot of great places to snorkel here. Read on to learn the top 10.

When you think about the best snorkeling destinations in the world, Europe is probably not the first place that comes to mind.

The majority of the countries in Europe are landlocked and feature very little in terms of snorkeling opportunities. But believe it or not, there are more than a few incredible snorkeling spots in Europe despite the continent’s limitations.

If you’re planning to take a trip to Europe sometime soon and you love snorkeling, consider making a stop at these snorkeling destinations to see what they’re all about. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what Europe has to offer to all the avid snorkelers out there.

Here are 10 European snorkeling destinations worth checking out.

1. Cabrera Archipelago National Park in Spain

Once upon a time, Cabrera Archipelago National Park was home to a prison camp. It was just about the last place you would want to visit to do any snorkeling.

But these days, it’s the perfect place to sneak away to when you’re posted up in Spain. It boasts a well-preserved seabed and crystal-clear waters that will allow you to enjoy a fun snorkeling adventure.

In the waters that surround the park, you’ll find everything from gorgeous rock formations to caves that are worth exploring. You’ll also find an eclectic collection of fish and other marine life.

One thing worth noting is that the park is a protected environment. This means that you won’t be able to just show up and start snorkeling. But as long as you’re willing to book a tour in advance, it’s one of the best snorkeling destinations throughout all of Spain and, to a larger degree, all of Europe.

2. Isola Rossa in Italy

Situated on the north coast of an Italian island called Sardinia, Isola Rossa was a fishing village when it was first founded. But over the last few decades, it has developed into a seaside resort for tourists looking to escape the crowds on the Italian mainland.

It has also developed into a great place for snorkelers to congregate thanks to the sandy beaches and clear water that surround Sardinia. From the moment you put your full face snorkel mask into the water, you’ll be surrounded by nothing but beauty.

There are all kinds of fish swimming below the surface in Isola Rossa. But moray eels have become the most popular attraction for those who enjoy snorkeling.

3. Coco Beach in France

Coco Beach is located in the city of Nice, which has actually become a very industrialized city over time. The beach is not far from a major port that is almost always hustling and bustling.

But the nice thing about Nice is that it offers places like Coco Beach where people can go to escape the industrialization that has reshaped the city in many ways. It’s ideal for those who want to do some snorkeling in the middle of their French getaway.

If you’d like, Nice offers a wide range of snorkeling companies that will take you out and show you all there is to see in the brilliant blue waters off the coast of the city. But if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can get away with exploring all the coves that are situated right off the coast on your own.

The one thing you’ll want to be mindful of is that the waters near Nice are usually active and filled with boats, Jet Skis, and more. But as long as you keep an eye and ear out, you shouldn’t have any trouble snorkeling in peace.

4. Columbretes Island in Spain

Spain has a handful of excellent snorkeling destinations thanks to its close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. You can go up and down the coast of the country and find many different places to snorkel in the sea.

Columbretes Island will prove to be one of the most attractive options. It includes a handful of islets that are completely uninhabited and untouched by human beings.

Making your way to Columbretes Island can be a bit challenging. But once you’re there, you can have an entire beach to yourself if you want. You can also swim in the waters off the coast of the island and see many species of fish and other marine life.

As an added bonus, the island also features lots of hiking trails that will allow you to experience everything it has to offer. You’ll likely see just as many animals on the island as you see fish off the coast of it.

5. Ghar Lapsi in Malta

Do you want to find a snorkeling destination that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than Ghar Lapsi, which is a fishing port that features natural pools with shallow water.

When you’re not splashing around in the natural pools, you can strap on your snorkeling gear and swim up and down the rocky shoreline of Ghar Lapsi to see everything that’s swimming around. The water is always clear and will allow you to witness the movement of fish and more.

Your entire family will have a blast snorkeling in Ghar Lapsi.

6. Paphos in Cyprus

While Ghar Lapsi is a great place to snorkel if you’re still a beginner, Paphos is not ideal for those who aren’t experienced with snorkeling. It’s better for those who know what they’re doing when they’re out in the water.

The best place to snorkel in Paphos is near the Paphos Lighthouse where there are lots of rock formations underwater. Those formations attract fish, crabs, and more.

The problem you’ll face is that the waters near the Paphos Lighthouse can get rough at certain times of the day. It’s not uncommon to see waves crashing down on the shoreline in the area.

But those waves are actually what has helped develop the rock formations. As long as you’re prepared to deal with them, you’ll enjoy snorkeling in Paphos.

7. Medes Island in Spain

Another snorkeling spot in the Mediterranean Sea? You bet. And it’s one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Sea, at that.

Back in 2010, Medes Island earned the distinction of being declared a protected park. As a result, the island is virtually untouched and offers some of the most beautiful views both in and out of the water that you’ll find in Spain.

The shoreline is very rocky, which prevents swimmers, fishermen, and those with boats from spending much time in the water. But it offers the perfect opportunity for those who enjoy snorkeling.

You can find all kinds of cool fish in the waters off Medes Island. But a couple of the most popular kinds are barracudas and giant groupers.

8. Rusalka in Bulgaria

Generally speaking, snorkeling in the Black Sea is not much fun. Sediment gets kicked up and makes it tough to see anything.

But if you make your way into the waters of the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria on a nice day, you can catch some incredible sights.

There isn’t much in terms of marine life in the Black Sea, but you will see dolphins swimming around in it every now and then. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to see some of the shipwrecks in the area.

To explore those wrecks, you’ll obviously need to strap on SCUBA gear to take a better look.

But as long as the water isn’t too cloudy, you can get a glimpse at the wrecks from the surface while snorkeling.

9. Makarska in Croatia

Croatia is not necessarily a place you want to visit specifically for snorkeling. But if you happen to be in Croatia vacationing and have the chance to do it, snorkeling in Makarska will present you with a unique opportunity.

Makarska sits on the Adriatic Sea, which has springs in its seabed that send fresh water out into the sea. That fresh water allows some interesting plants to grow at the bottom of the sea.

One of the things you’ll likely spot while snorkeling in Makarska is the Golden Sponge. You’ll also come across corals, octopuses, seahorses, and more. It’ll open your eyes to what Croatia has to offer as far as snorkeling is concerned.

10. Plage de La Palud in France

Plage de La Palud sits in Port-Cros National Park, which is the oldest marine park situated along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s home to hundreds of different types of fish and will provide you with a memorable snorkeling experience.

The great thing about snorkeling in Plage de La Palud is that there are specific areas designated for snorkeling that are marked off with buoys. Each of these buoys contains information about the things you’ll find underwater. You can read the info underwater to learn about marine life in the area.

Book a Trip to One or More of These Snorkeling Destinations Today

As you can see, you shouldn’t sleep on the snorkeling destinations in Europe. While some of them are off the beaten path, they’re just as incredible as the snorkeling destinations you’ll find in other parts of the world.

Think about taking a snorkeling trip to Europe today. You’ll uncover some things while snorkeling that you wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else.

Read our blog for more helpful travel tips.