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Athabasca Falls – Picturesque and powerful

Aerial view of Athabasca Falls, showcasing its impressive scale and the surrounding landscape.

The Athabasca falls is a picturesque waterfall in the Jasper National Park of Canada. It is known for its loud, powerful, heavy, and forceful downfall all throughout the year.

The waterfall has been able to very well erode the quartzite and limestone rocks around it and carve its own way out in the form of a gorge and many potholes.

The fall is surrounded closely by many lookout platforms, from where tourists can see the powerful waterfall.

How to get to the Athabasca Falls?

You will need to head to the south of the Jasper main town in Alberta. Go down the famous Icefields Parkway. In around 20 minutes, you will reach the bottom of the trail to the falls, from where you will have to hike 1 kilometer up, to witness this powerful fall.

Rainbow forming in the mist of Athabasca Falls on a sunny day. — Catch the magical sight of a rainbow in the mist of Athabasca Falls, a memorable moment in Jasper.

In case you are on a visit to the Banff National Park, you should get from Banff to Jasper National Park by an exhilarating road trip filled with mountain sceneries, forests, and glaciers.

What to do in Jasper National Park?

Get going along the trails and capture views of the falls, the river, and the canyons.
Walk past the constructed concrete bridge and go down to get an idea of the canyons formed due to previous erosions. You will be able to appreciate the power of flowing water.

Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park, with powerful water cascading over rugged rocks. — Witness the raw power of Athabasca Falls on your visit to Jasper National Park, a truly majestic sight.

As you walk along the way, you will also be enlightened by the inscribed or written facts and information about the place. There are also many other things to do in the Jasper National Park apart from the Athabasca Falls sightseeing:

Get to the banks on the beautiful Maligne Lake, which is the world’s second-largest glacier-fed lake.
Experience Jasper’s Sky Tram and get stunning views of the mountain ranges and gorges from above 7,500 feet.
Do visit the Maligne Canyon lookout.
Go around Lakes Annette and Edith, spend some family time picnicking and hiking the mini trails around.
Go for the adventurous Whitewater rafting and get yourself an adrenaline rush by rafting and exploring the deeper and remote terrains of the Jasper National Park.
The Glacier Skywalk further adds to your adventurous trip to Jasper National Park.

The trails are well marked with signboards to assist tourists and to keep them out of risk. Nevertheless, you may carry a Jasper National Park map with you, it could come handy.

Close-up of the roaring waters of Athabasca Falls, illustrating the force of nature. — “Feel the might of Athabasca Falls up close, a captivating display of nature’s power in Jasper.

What makes the Athabasca falls a place to definitely stop by?

Who would not love the gushing sound of a huge waterfall and the rainbow above it? The unbelievably great walking trails that surround the falls provide a view of this magnificent Athabasca falls from innumerous angles.

The powerful Athabasca Falls is a stunning presentation by nature itself, in the Jasper National park. Your Canadian Rockies trips just can’t end without stopping by this misty Athabasca Falls.

Where to stay around Jasper National Park?

You won’t usually find any trouble when it comes to lodging around the Jasper National park:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Downtown Hostel
Alpine Village Jasper
HI Jasper

The Waves of Arizona – Masterpiece made by Nature

The mesmerizing sandstone formations of The Wave in Arizona, showcasing intricate patterns.

The Waves, Arizona is a rock formation out of sandstone situated in northern Arizona where it shares borders with Utah. These rock formations are a part of the slope of the Coyote Buttes in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

The contrasting and undulating gorgeous red rock patterns are so unique and full of wonder.

How do I get to The Waves in Arizona?

Since these rock formations out of sandstone are very fragile and are high in demand by the tourists, a lottery system operates on a daily basis at the Kanab Visitor Center. Based on the lottery results, only ten people are given permits to climb up to the Wave on the next day.

Apart from this, an online permit portal allows the distribution of 10 permits daily, to be used four months after the issue of the permit. The lucky chosen ones are supplied with a map of the hike to assist them with their trip.

Photographer capturing the majestic beauty of The Wave, a perfect spot for nature photography. — Capture your own masterpiece at The Wave, a photographer’s dream location in Arizona.

A piece of advice: Start your hike from the Wire Pass Trailhead, and you will get access to the shortest path. The Wire Pass Trailhead has a parking area and restrooms as well. There are no signboards to guide you on your way up. You will be provided with a map, thankfully along with the permit.

The Best time to visit The Waves

Spring and autumn seasons promise pleasant weather for a smooth hike up. Before you start your trip, carry the essential hiking gear with you along with plenty of water and snacks. A round trip, on average, requires a morning to evening time span and there is no water source along the track.

Close-up of the unique, wave-like rock textures at The Wave, highlighting nature's creativity. — Enjoy panoramic views of The Wave’s iconic landscape, a must-see natural wonder in Arizona.

What spots do you need to cover while on the hike?

Below is a little checklist for you to refer to, on your trip to The Waves, Arizona so that you do not miss out on any of these spots.

The Wave
The Second Wave
The Top Rock Arch
The Alcove
Melody Arch
Big Mac
Boneyard
Dinosaur Track

All these spots are unique and equally amazing.

Hikers exploring the undulating landscape of The Wave, Arizona. — Embark on an adventure through the stunning landscape of The Wave in Arizona, a hiker’s paradise.

How old are these famous rock formations?

The geological significance of these rocks is beyond imagination. These rock formations consist of innumerable parallel as well as intersecting troughs on the Navajo Sandstone which belongs to the Jurassic Age!

In fact, as you hike up, you will find a place called the Dinosaur Track. Both rainwater and wind have contributed to these erosions on the Navajo Sandstone.

Where to stay near the Coyote Buttes?

Following are some of the nearest and the best-rated hotels that you may check out:

Lake Powell Manor
Rodeway Inn and Suites Big Water
Dreamkachers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast
Grand Canyon Ranch and Outfitters
Marble Canyon Lodge
Lake Powell Dream Vacation

Lastly, why to visit The Waves, Arizona?

The Waves, Arizona is a dream destination for many hikers as well as photographers all around the world. The contrasting and undulating gorgeous red rock patterns are so unique and full of wonder.

The challenging hike up to the Waves, Arizona is what makes hikers plan a trip to weather. The views from above, no doubt are mind-blowing as well.

Fiordland National Park – Stunning glaciers in the lap of nature

Mirror Lakes reflecting the stunning scenery of Fiordland, a peaceful and picturesque spot.

Fiordland National Park is completely a fantasy world for travelers. While visiting New Zealand, it is inevitable to come back without exploring this stunning trail. Accompanied by the dazzling and beautiful natural features like the classy fiords, unmatched waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, this place is a dreamland painted with pure sheer love.

This New Zealand National Park is an enchanted piece of nature is a bouquet of mountains, lake, fiord, and rainforest environment. This place is stunningly beautiful and romantic. Perhaps would be a perfect site for a romantic date with your partner.

So join us in this complete guide where we have explained each part of this location.

What are the top attractions to visit in Fiordland National Park?

This National Park is an ecological wonderland, enchanted with glaciers, lakes, greenery, fiords, and mountains. With the scenic beauty pleasing your eyes and pure air to inhale, this place is no less than heaven.

A serene morning at Doubtful Sound, with reflections of mountains on the calm waters of Fiordland National Park. — Experience the tranquil beauty of Doubtful Sound during your visit to Fiordland National Park.

New Zealand Fjords is also famous for the rare and endangered species. It is proclaimed as one of the most famous and devastating New Zealand’s National Park. The best places to see at this location are:

Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Te Anau
Lake Manapouri

A rare Fiordland Crested Penguin spotted along the rocky shores of Fiordland National Park. — Spot the elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin during your visit, a unique wildlife experience

Where is Fiordland National Park?

The enchanted and beautiful Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is a place that will leave its visitors speechless.

The beauty scattered everywhere will mesmerize you. Located at the southwest corner of the south island of New Zealand, this place is the most remarkable trail to visit.

The Fiordland National Park gives a soothing and cool environment with peace of mind and calmness for the soul.

When to visit Fiordland National Park?

There is no perfect time to visit a lovely place like Fiordland Park. But still, when nature is at its peak beauty, and the climate is perfect, this place becomes the land of beauty and turns to live heaven.

Hence, the best time to travel Fiordland Park is from December 3rd to April 8th. The climate is perfect, and the temperature is not too cold, making this place even more romantic.

Majestic view of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, with towering cliffs and waterfalls — Discover the stunning Milford Sound, a highlight of your visit to Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.

What has Fiordland National Park to do with the Lord of the Rings movie trilogies?

Lord of the Rings was one amazing series. The movie trilogies and the scenery displayed within the movie are nothing short of spectacular. The Fiordland National Park Lord of the Rings are various locations of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where the movie was shot.

The unique U-shaped glacier formations, ice-caps, soothing environment, and greenery everywhere, the place is dreamland and heaven to visit.

So, if you want to spend some time in the lap of nature with a cool breeze, clean water, sheer clean air, and abundant flora and fauna then pack your backs and visit this hidden gem of New Zealand!

Where to stay at Fiordland National Park?

Fiordland Park offers many hotels and stays points for you to stay. All these stay points will give you the best view of the Fiordland National Park is undoubtedly Te Anau.

If you are planning to stay in New Zealand Fjords, the best places are:

Kingstate Hotel, Te Anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Distinction, Te Anau
Fiordland Hotel, Te Anau.
Lakeside Motels and Apartment, Te Anau
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Milford Sound
Explorer Motels and Apartments, Te Anau

Visit the legendary island of Mont Saint Michel

Aerial view of Mont Saint Michel, showcasing its unique location and structure.

A classic fairy tale island peaked by a majestic high rising monastery, the Mont-Saint-Michel counts among the most stunning sights in France.

This holy island is now one of the major pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The unforgettable sight of Mont draws the eye from a long distance.

What is Mont Saint Michel known for?

It is a tidal island with an interesting history and has been through numerous ups and downs. According to legends, Archangel Michel appeared in Saint Aubert’s visions in 708 A.D. and asked him to build a church on the Mont. What you see of Mont Saint Michel today, was built between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries.

Springtime in Mont Saint Michel, with blooming flowers adding color to the landscape. — Visit Mont Saint Michel in spring to see it surrounded by blooming beauty.

It doesn’t really end here. There have been innumerable attempts to conquer the Mont and make use of its strategic position since then. Mont is forged with fortifications and played the role of a prison during the French revolution.

It was in the nineteenth century that they had the Abbey restored and declared the Mont a historical landmark. As of today, hardly 50 people live on the island city, which includes a small population of nuns and monks. The Mont is currently known as a legendary pilgrimage site, harboring a rich history.

Can you live in this picturesque place permanently?

Unfortunately, you can’t reside here as a permanent resident. The municipality has got strict regulations. You can nevertheless sleep for a night in one of the handfuls of rooms spread across a couple of hotels on the island.

The intricate Gothic architecture of the Mont Saint Michel Abbey against a clear blue sky — Explore the architectural grandeur of Mont Saint Michel Abbey, a gem of Gothic design.

How far is Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris?

Paris and Saint Mont Michel lay 360 kilometers apart. A typical journey takes around 3 to 4 hours. You can travel to this island from Paris by the following two routes:

TGV or Train A Grand Vitesse – Get on this train from Gare Montparnasse in Paris, and travel to Rennes. From Rennes, keolis buses operate to Mont Saint Michel quite a few times a day.
You can also hire a private car from Paris to Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France. Once you step at the edge of the mainland, either walk or take a shuttle across the Pont Passerelle, and you will reach the island.

A little insight into the famous Mont Saint Michel Bay

The Mont Saint Michel bay is among the world’s most beautiful bays and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the Mont Saint Michel. It is situated between Brittany and Normandy.

The bay is home to two magnificent islands, namely, Tombelaine and Mont-Saint-Michel. The tides are always fluctuating, and low tides unveil the holy bay.

The majestic Mont Saint Michel rising above the tidal flats in Normandy, France — Witness the awe-inspiring sight of Mont Saint Michel, a medieval marvel on your visit to Normandy.

As a matter of fact, this holy island was the inspiration for the design and set up of Minas Tirith in “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.”

Come to this fascinating island conceived in the dreams of a bishop for an unforgettable and jaw-dropping experience and do try out some Les Galettes, the delicious local butter cookies.

Lake Como – romance with nature within an enchanting mountain backdrop

Elegant villas along the shores of Lake Como, reflecting the area's luxury and history.

Lake Como in Italy is truly an amusing destination located in the foothills of Alps. With attractive villages, historically alluring beauty, and romantic climate, the Lake Como is a perfect destination to fall in love and experience the warmth of the environment.

The scenic beauty, romantic climate, beautiful lake, cool breeze hitting your skin and a cup of hot coffee in hand would be the picture-perfect evening that anyone would desire.

Here is all that you need to know about this heavenly place.

Where is Lake Como?

Italy is the place to be in love perhaps the place which depicts love in each of its corner. With its beautiful cities, mesmerising lakes, lovely climate, and breath-taking scenic beauty, Italy is no less than a fairly-tale come to life.

This area is a playground for wealthy, lined up with luxurious villas, surrounded by white snowy mountains, filled with ferries, and so many stunning towns. The romantic gateway with nature and perfect place to date, is how you can define the Lake Como of Italy.

Colorful boats docked at a small marina in Lake Como, surrounded by lush greenery. — Stroll around the charming marinas of Lake Como and enjoy the peaceful boat scenes.

What to do in Lake Como?

When the place is as beautiful and soothing as heaven, you surely need to have list of things that you can do. In the lap of nature with beauty everywhere, you can never get enough of the place. Just close your eyes, and capture every moment spent here in your heart.

Things you have to-do when you are there:

Spend a day trip in Bellagio, Varenna, or Como city.
Go for a romantic and a lovely trip in ferry and feel the coolness of the lake.
Chill and spend some time at the beach and try some lip-smacking delicacies.
Pay your visit to historic and alluring villas and gardens.
Travel from Milan to Lake Como to praise nature in way.

Panoramic view of Lake Como with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. — Experience the breathtaking panorama of Lake Como, a serene and picturesque gem in Italy.

When shall you visit Lake Como?

You can plan your trip to Lake Como at any time. Although the best is during the months between March and November. With bright flowers all around, warm climate, clear sky, cool breeze, and romantic climate, this time is perfect to surprise your family with love. The floating boats, fluttering flowers, smiling scenes, and alluring structures, this place is no less than a movie set!

Aerial view of the town of Bellagio on Lake Como, known for its picturesque streets and waterfront. — Find your own secluded cove in Lake Como for a peaceful and private escape.

What makes Lake Como unique?

Lake Como is a cozy, charming, and mesmerizing site. It is a truly different and exclusively beautiful place. It is unique in much sense like:

Amazing historic villas
Lush green gardens
Breathtaking cities all around
Romantic Climate
Exotic ferry rides
Dive back to aristocratic days
Relax at soothing beaches

Where to stay in Lake Como?

A land of fairy-tale, brining all the love stories to life is scarce to see. Lake Como can be awarded this caption, blindfolded. The Bellagio Italy, the pearl of the Lake in the heart of cities around the lake. With love in the air, beauty everywhere, the city is breath-taking.

Feel the aristocratic era, and embrace the history, by staying in some of the beautifully decorated villas. Milan to Lake Como is one memorable trip. Milan, an authentic experience of Europe, and just an hour away by train is perfect for your weekend.

The Lake Como hotels are just perfect and comfy. With delicious food, amazing stay, and the sight will leave you speechless. To capture the alluring and heavenly beauty of the place, stay here for 3-5 days, and have an amazing experience.

Kauai Hawaii: Discover this wild and tropical island

The iconic Queen's Bath in Kauai, a natural tide pool set against the rugged coastline.

Kauai is the name of an island of Hawaii and is a must-visit spot if you happen to visit Hawaii. The island of Kauai, Hawaii offers absolutely everything you need from a wild beachy vacation.

The serenity of the Kauai Island is unmatchable. Especially if you are a die-hard admirer of rainforests and nature in general, start planning your next trip right away to this beautiful and wild island.

Why is Kauai called the Garden Isle?

That is because the island Kauai, Hawaii, is covered with lush green tropical rainforests. You almost feel as if you just landed in a jungle, leaving aside a garden!

Surfers riding the waves at Poipu Beach, a popular surfing spot in Kauai. — Catch some waves or watch surfers in action at Poipu Beach, a highlight of your Kauai visit.

How to reach Kauai, Hawaii?

You now directly get flights to Kauai. Another option if you also have to go to Oahu is to fly to Oahu first and then you can get a short flight to Kauai.

Between September to November and April to June – hotels and flights to Kauai are less expensive and the weather is pleasant.

How is the Weather in Kauai?

The Kauai weather needs a special mention, though. The weather here changes with a snap of a finger. It is wet almost every time, probably the wettest place you would ever visit, thanks to its rainforests. Fog sometimes happens to obstruct your vision when you go to lookouts. At other times, it just adds to the charm of the island.

Aerial view of the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, showcasing its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. — Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Na Pali Coast on your visit to Kauai, Hawaii – a true natural masterpiece.

Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii

Below are listed some must-visit spots and things to do in Kauai:

Visit the State Parks in Kauai to get an even more jungle-like vibe.

You definitely can’t end the trip without visiting the Waimea Canyon Lookout in Kauai. The view that catches your eye here is just so epic- cliffs and hills covered with thick greens and fog, and also some waterfalls to steal your notice.

Another very beautiful spot is the Kalalau Valley lookout. No words suffice when it comes to describing the landscape you get to see below this spot- an interplay of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and the teal ocean, and seldom a rainbow as well.

Spend afternoons in swimming pools and bring out the kid in you with those water slides. Grab a drink or two in the pool and see the sunset.

And of course, if you are a sporty personality, you should definitely engage yourself in surfing at the beach.

Lastly, wear a Lei and wander about in Kauai, Hawaii and explore the beachy, vintage destination. You can find innumerable things to do in Kauai.

Traditional Hawaiian Luau in Kauai, featuring hula dancers and local cuisine. — Immerse in Hawaiian culture at a traditional Luau in Kauai, a feast for the senses.

Where to stay in Kauai?

Kauai, Hawaii is filled with exotic resorts having swimming pools, bonfires, inbuilt restaurants and everything else you need. You also frequently find waterslides!

Kauai Beach resort – offers a mesmerizing beachfront point.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Kauai Beach House Hostel – provides with simple dorms, best for students and other people planning on a low budget trip.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences – a beachside 5-Star hotel for those money makers!
Sheraton Kauai Resort at Coconut Beach

Visit Kauai Island, and we guarantee you will gather several reasons for your holiday to come back here again.

Jokulsarlon – The glacial edifice of iceland

Close-up of the intricate patterns and textures on icebergs at Jokulsarlon.

The glacial system of Jokulsarlon at Vatnajökull National Park is the spot where the largest icecap of Europe can be found. It is a series of impeccably beautiful icebergs that slowly float on the crystal blue lake water. The shores comprise the black sand Icelandic beaches that brilliantly offer a contrast to the iceberg crystals.

Jokulsarlon is the destination where contrasting natural forces come together to present a radiant spectacle to all who come here to revel in the beauty untarnished by man-made forces.

How to get to Jokulsarlon?

It will take you about five hours to cover this journey if you opt for a car ride or rental from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon. However, the journey from Akureyri to Jokulsarlon lagoon takes significantly longer, that is, seven hours. Alternatively, you can also book a tour to Diamond Beach, Iceland, or choose public transport. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is on Route 1.

Icebergs floating in the crystal-clear waters of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland. — Experience the surreal beauty of floating icebergs when you visit Jokulsarlon, a natural wonder of Iceland.

How far is Diamond Beach from Reykjavik?

The distance from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon lagoon, and consequently Diamond Beach that is present right opposite Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is 370 kilometers.

Why is it called Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach, Iceland is inspired by the shimmering icebergs that float to the beach from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. They are ginormous ice blocks that drift off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier at first. Subsequently, these ice blocks move to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

When tourists began visiting this beach to witness the stunning natural occurrence, the Diamond Beach name was coined to be cherished for posterity.

Photographer capturing the stunning scenery of Jokulsarlon, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. — Bring your camera to capture the unparalleled beauty of Jokulsarlon, a dream for photographers.

What is the best time to visit Jokulsarlon?

Diamond Beach is one of the perennial tourist destinations that attract tourists all around the year regardless of the seasonal changes. The only difference is that the daylight lasts longer during summer.

We recommend a visit while it is still daytime to appreciate the majesty of the icebergs. Moreover, the shore tends to get crowded as the day progresses.

So, the sooner you can get in, the better. But if you wish to see the Northern Lights, the best time to see this natural phenomenon is during winter nights.

Aerial view of Jokulsarlon, showcasing its vast size and the surrounding glacial landscapes. — From above, the vastness of Jokulsarlon and its glacial landscapes are a sight to behold.

What can you do at Jokulsarlon?

Go Hiking: One of the best hiking trails at Jokulsarlon is at Vatnajökull. Book a tour guide to show you the route and provide the hiking equipment, as the glaciers can be a tricky area to navigate.

Book a Boat Journey: There are numerous boating tours available at Jokulsarlon, especially during the months of July and August. Tourists can choose between the Amphibian boat tour on the lake that offers opportunities for seal-watching, and the Zodiac boat tour gives you a closer look at the icebergs.

Undertake Ice Carving Tours: The Ice Carving tours take tourists on an immersive experience traversing the ice caverns and tunnels. Don’t miss the Crystal Caves – it is nothing short of a modern art exhibition.

Where to stay when visiting Jokulsarlon in Iceland?

Some of the great hotels to stay include Hotel Vik, Hali Country Hotel, Reynivellir, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Icelandair Hotel Herad, and Vagnsstadir HI Hostel.

Haiku Stairs in Hawaii – Jump on the stairway to heaven

Close-up of the Haiku Stairs' metal steps against the backdrop of Hawaii's natural beauty.

Are you a lot into hiking recently? The Haiku stairs of Hawaii clearly stand out as one of the most challenging yet amazingly beautiful hikes. It is rightfully called a stairway to heaven, Hawaii.

What purpose did the Haiku Stairs in Oahu serve?

It is basically a very long and steep stairway built by the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II, to climb up the Oahu’s Koolau Mountain range. The purpose was to access a secret radio station that was at the very top of the mountain. It consists of shocking 3,992 stairs! The cliffs surrounding the stairway made sure that it was hidden from the rest.

Signage at the base of Haiku Stairs, marking the beginning of the famous trail. — Start your epic journey up the Haiku Stairs, a must-visit for every hiking enthusiast in Hawaii.

How to get to Haiku stairs?

The stairway to heaven hike is actually forbidden, and police patrolling makes it difficult to enter through the conventional route.

There is a backway, though, which is very often used by hikers to get to the stairway without having to confront the police and outrage the neighbors.

You will have to get to the bottom of the stairs after passing through the bamboo forest at the back.

The steep and narrow steps of the Haiku Stairs winding through Hawaii's tropical landscape. — Challenge yourself with the steep ascent of Haiku Stairs and be rewarded with Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Can you climb the staircase to Heaven in Hawaii?

Yes, you can. The backway to the rescue! You can reach the foot of the Haiku stairs through the bamboo forest. The guards can’t stop you from scratching out the name of Haiku Stairs off your bucket list. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of climbing these thrilling Haiku stairs in Oahu.

The climb is steep and extremely challenging. The Haiku stairs often become quite vertical, and all you have is a thin hand railing, to save you from falling into the valleys below! The climb of this stairway to heaven, Hawaii is of 4,000 feet, by stairs that are only about 18 inches wide.

Breathtaking view from the top of the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii, overlooking lush green valleys. — Reach new heights and enjoy panoramic views when you visit Haiku Stairs, Hawaii’s staircase to heaven.

Don’t go unprepared, buddy!

This hike is not an ordinary one, as you would now know. Carry a few essentials with you to ensure a smooth climb.

Take plenty of water and some snacks with you.
Make sure you have a rope and a raincoat as the weather can be unpredictable.
Bring a headlamp so that your hands are free of holding the torch, and you can have a grip on the railing.
Wrap up all of this in a waterproof backpack. But make sure you don’t overfill your backpack as the hike of the Oahu Haiku Stairs is very steep.
Wear your hiking shoes and contact a guide who can help your gang with the hike.

Why is it called the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii?

The Haiku stairs seem to reach up into the clouds. The sunrise that you get to see while on the stairway to heaven hike and the mountain view that catches your eyes and makes you sigh is priceless. Thus the Haiku stairs are rightly called the Stairway to Heaven, Hawaii.

As you reach the summit, you see the old radio station cabin with a large antenna. Chill out with your gang, take photos, and get ready to be even more thrilled on your way down.

Sure enough, this hike is bound to change your life – the panoramic mountain view of Oahu Island, the orange, pink sunrise, the exhaustion while on the hike, the fear of falling down and a photoshoot like never before. This is surely the stairway to heaven hike!

Colmar – The great city of the museums

Colorful half-timbered houses lining the canals of Colmar, reflecting in the water.

Colmar is located at the Grand Est region of Northeastern France and close to the German border. The city is usually referred to as the “capital of Alsatian wine” because it is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route.

The city is famous for its numerous architectural landmarks, well-preserved old town, and museums, which include the Unterlinden Museum – the prestigious museum.

Colmar is very quiet and has a reputation of being a firmly-secured pretty town, where it’s very safe and extremely pleasant for visitors to walk around. More so, the town has an amazing collection of high-quality restaurants and shops that sell quality local products.

What language is spoken in Colmar, France?

Being an old Alsatian town, natives of Colmar speak their language called Alsatian (Alsatian German). However, you will still hear some people speak French and standard German – due to tourists from neighboring countries.

Stroll along the canals and admire the vibrant, half-timbered houses on your visit to Colmar. — Don’t miss the enchanting ‘Little Venice’ in Colmar, a picturesque canal district.

What are the top attractions to visit in Colmar?

The city has so many activities that it will be impossible to enjoy them all in one day. Here are some of the top attractions in Colmar:

Walk around the old town

Have a boat ride through the lovely canals, while enjoying little bridges and romantic, charming streets. While walking through the streets you will enjoy the half-timbered, century-old building with elegant French finishes that you will remind you of a movie set.

Visit the Little Venice

Like the other places of Colmar, Little Venice is from the year 1400 and has seen wars and invasions without being damaged. According to legends, old merchants resided here including tanners, fishmongers, and butchers.

Outdoor café in Colmar's old town, offering a perfect spot for people watching and relaxation. — Enjoy a leisurely coffee at an outdoor café in Colmar’s picturesque old town.

Saint Martin’s Church

Also popular as the Eglise St Martin, this wonderful Catholic Church is an awesome attraction in the city. The building has hundreds of years of history.

Pfister House

This great building is about 500 years old and has many of the Colmar’s history both in and outside of its walls. There are drawings of biblical scriptures and German emperors portraits.

Tourist Trains

You will find two tourist trains in Colmar, the white and the Green train. They both provide a scenic ride and live commentary in various international languages. This is surely an informational and fun way to explore Colmar.

Floral displays adorning the bridges over Colmar's canals, adding to the town's charm — Witness the stunning floral displays on Colmar’s bridges, adding color to every view.

How to get to Colmar?

Colmar is currently in central Alsace in France and not in Germany. However, it shares its border with Germany and Switzerland.

Colmar is located in-between Basel and Strasbourg and both cities have a direct train connection between them. So you can get a train from either side to Colmar.

Note: There is no storage space for baggage in the train station or at Colmar.

Where to stay in Colmar?

There are a few hotels you can stay in when you visit Colmar. Some of the spectacular hotels to book are:

B&B Colmar Expo
B&B Colmar Vignobles
Hotel – Restaurant Le Grand Hôtel
Hôtel & Spa Husseren Collections
Hôtel Restaurant Spa Au Soleil

Everything about Colmar is beautiful, from the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings to the delicious meals in the many restaurants, and many more! Book your trip today.

Blue Lagoon – The rejuvenating and healing man-made pool

Nighttime view of the Blue Lagoon, illuminated for a tranquil and mystical experience.

The story goes that Blue Lagoon was catapulted to its reputation when the Svartsengi geothermal power plant was established. This hot spring comprises mineral-rich water from the plant. The pool was formally opened to the public in 1987, and the rest is history.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon?

The distance to Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport can be traversed within 50 and 20 minutes, respectively. You will have to venture out to the Reykjanesbraut highway and travel to the Grindavikur Vegur highway. Follow the road signs until you reach Blue Lagoon.

Taxis, car rentals, and buses are available from Reykjavik and Keflavik. The travel time is more or less the same. The transportation rates range somewhere between 20 and 30 dollars per person.

The modern architecture of the Blue Lagoon spa facilities blending with the natural landscape — Marvel at the Blue Lagoon’s seamless blend of modern architecture and natural beauty.

How much does it cost to go to the Blue Lagoon?

There are different packages that you can avail to visit Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik.

We have listed a few here:

Standard Package – This allows entrance and cream use and costs 50 dollars.

Premium Package – This includes entrance, cream use, towels, bathrobes, slippers and a drink. It is priced at 85 dollars.

Luxury Package – This includes entrance, cream use, a skincare set, face masks, bathrobes, slippers, towels, a drink, and access to the lounge. It costs 450 dollars.

You can choose any of the aforementioned packages. Subsequently, you can request the staff to add on the price for any other treatment not included in the package.

How warm is Blue Lagoon?

The water temperature at the lagoon averages from 39 to 42 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Aerial view of the Blue Lagoon, showcasing its vast size and unique color in the Icelandic landscape — From above, the Blue Lagoon is a breathtaking sight to behold. Don’t miss it on your Iceland visit.

What is the best time to visit Blue Lagoon?

In terms of the time of the day, we would recommend avoiding a slot that is later in the day or too early in the mornings. The best slots are arguably the ones in the evening – this slot allows you to enjoy several relaxing hours. Some people also book their slots depending on whether they want to watch the sunset or the Northern Lights.

Although Blue Lagoon is a great place to visit all around the year, you might want to book your tickets based on the opening hours. The opening hours are till 23:00 and 21:00 in summer and winter, respectively.

Another pro-tip: Stay in one of the hotels in Reykjavik such as Hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland or Silica Hotel to easily access Blue Lagoon, Iceland.

People relaxing in the steamy, milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. — Unwind in the surreal blue waters of the Blue Lagoon on your visit to Iceland.

Do I need flip flops for Blue Lagoon?

It is not mandatory to carry flip flops while visiting Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik as the lagoon itself has naturally smooth silica at the bottom. Therefore, there are no risks of getting hurt through sharps objects. However, you can either carry them with you or buy a pair at the well-equipped reception desk if you personally prefer to wear flip flops.

The lagoon has single-handedly established the Icelandic bathing culture. No wonder that it has been uplifted to the status of a world-class spa that attracts tourists from all over the world.