Category: Lifestyle

Backpacking is a popular activity for those who love adventure and the great outdoors. However, planning for a backpacking trip can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. One of the most critical aspects of preparing for a backpacking adventure is knowing what to pack. Today, we will guide you through the essential items to pack for your next backpacking adventure.

Backpacking Preparation

Before you start packing, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure a successful backpacking trip. Firstly, you need to research your destination and expected weather conditions. This will help you determine what clothing and gear you will need to pack. You should also choose the right backpack and ensure a proper fit to distribute the weight of your gear evenly.

When packing, it’s important to pack for comfort and convenience, not just necessity. You want to make sure that you have everything you need to have a comfortable trip, but you don’t want to pack too much and weigh yourself down. Always prioritize packing the essentials before adding any luxuries.

Clothing and Footwear

When it comes to clothing and footwear, layering is key. You should pack clothing that can be layered for different weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to pack a base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer. This will help you stay warm and dry in any weather conditions.

Choosing the right footwear for your backpacking trip is also essential. The terrain you will be hiking on will determine the type of footwear you need. For example, if you’re hiking in rocky terrain, you’ll need sturdy boots with ankle support. If you’re hiking in a wet environment, you might need waterproof boots or shoes.

It’s also crucial to pack spare socks and underwear. Your feet will be your primary mode of transportation during your backpacking trip, so you want to make sure they stay dry and comfortable. Bringing extra socks will help you avoid blisters and keep your feet dry.

Shelter and Sleeping

When it comes to shelter and sleeping, there are a few different options to choose from. Tents, tarps, and hammocks are popular choices for backpackers. When choosing a shelter, consider the weight and size of the shelter, as well as its durability and ease of setup.

Sleeping bags and sleeping pads are also essential items to pack. A good sleeping bag will keep you warm in colder temperatures, while a sleeping pad will provide cushioning and insulation from the ground. It’s also a good idea to pack a small pillow or use your clothes as a makeshift pillow.

Food and Water

When backpacking, it’s crucial to pack lightweight and nutritious foods that will sustain you during your trip. Foods that are high in protein and calories, such as nuts, dried fruit, and jerky, are great options. You should also pack a variety of food to avoid getting bored with your meals.

Water filtration and purification methods are also essential for backpacking trips. Depending on your destination, you may need to bring a water filter or water purification tablets to ensure that your drinking water is safe. You should also practice proper hydration techniques to avoid dehydration.

Navigation and Communication

Proper navigation and communication tools are essential for backpacking trips. Maps, compasses, and GPS devices are all useful for navigating your route. You should also research the cell phone coverage in your destination and bring an emergency communication device, such as a satellite phone, in case of emergencies.

First Aid and Personal Hygiene

A basic first aid kit is essential for any backpacking trip. You should include items such as band-aids, gauze, antiseptic, and pain relievers. Personal hygiene essentials, such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper, are also important to pack. Proper waste disposal is also essential to maintain sanitation and avoid polluting the environment.

Other Essentials

In addition to the essential items mentioned above, there are a few other items that you might want to consider packing. Lighting and illumination tools, such as a headlamp or flashlight, are essential for camping and hiking after dark. Multi-purpose tools and equipment, such as a pocket knife or a multi-tool, can also come in handy in a variety of situations. Optional items, such as cameras and books, can also enhance your backpacking experience.

While most people think of towering skyscrapers in massive downtown areas or sports stadiums, cultural centers are still a big part of a cityscape and play a very important role. The United States has plenty of cultural centers, especially in the state of Florida. Here are five of those that you have to check out when you’re in the biggest cities of the Sunshine State.

Perez Art Museum (Miami)

During the early 1970s, the city of Miami wanted to invest in the arts over the next decade, and a big part of that was the Miami-Dade Cultural Center. A major piece of the center was the development of the Miami Center for the Fine Arts, which was officially opened in 1984. It was the first building opened in the center, but it wasn’t until 1996 that fine art was collected and added to the building.

In the early 2010s, a new center was developed so that the museum could move to an upgraded location. With that, the Perez Art Museum Miami was established, opening in 2013. There are now around 2,000 works of art in the museum that gets around 200,000 visitors per year. That’s more than triple the amount of the old museum, showing that the relocation ended up being a great idea.

Museum of Fine Arts (St. Petersburg)

Margaret Acheson Stuart was an art collector who was able to establish a cultural center in the Tampa Bay area. In the early 1960s, the Museum of Fine Arts began construction in St. Petersburg on four acres of waterfront property. It took a few years for designers and constructors to make sure they got everything just right, and the MFA was opened to the public in 1965.

Since then, the MFA has become one of the most popular art destinations for Florida residents and visitors. In the mid-2000s, it became more of a cultural center thanks to an expansion that included more than just art. With painting classes and other programs, it’s a popular spot that’s run smoothly by director Kristen A. Shepherd. Though Stuart passed 15 years after the museum’s opening, the society that runs the museum is named after her, continuing her great artistic legacy.

Ringling Museum of Art (Sarasota)

Fully named the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, this Sarasota center was designed in the mid-1920s with John Ringling putting his other projects on hold so that he could fund this Italian-style museum. Though there were some hiccups along the way, the museum was finally opened for good in 1932. Ringling himself passed away just four years after the museum opened, but it has remained (and will always, contractually) named for him.

The Ringling Museum of Art became a staple of the Sarasota community almost immediately after its opening, and in 2000 was acquired by Florida State University. Since its transfer to FSU, the museum has seen a lot of expansion and renovation. Now spanning around 200,000 square feet, the Ringling Museum of Art has over 10,000 pieces in its collection that include everything from carved gems to trading cards.

Miami Children’s Museum (Miami)

Known as the Miami Youth Museum when it first opened in 1983, the Miami Children’s Museum began as a cultural outreach program that serves nearly 1 million youngsters in the metro area. Things started out small with a 2,000-square-foot building, then quickly moved to a building that was double in size. 

After receiving grants to find a new location, the Miami Children’s Museum finally found a permanent home in 2003 on Watson Island. There are now more than a dozen galleries in the museum along with preschool classes and a large auditorium. The new building also increased attendance, with nearly a half-million yearly visitors.

Salvador Dali Museum (St. Petersburg)

Almost everyone knows who Salvador Dali is, as the famous Spanish painter left his mark on the art world during the 20th century. Dali may not have been from Florida, but the state houses one of the two museums that showcase his work alongside the other in Figueres, Spain. The St. Petersburg version of the Salvador Dali Museum was opened in 1982 and was much more subdued than the $30 million building that it’s housed in today.

The Dali Museum has hundreds of works created by the painter while also offering a lot of classes and public programs. It’s easy to spot the large glass building from a distance as the exterior is one of the most unique in all of St. Petersburg. The designer of the building, Yann Weymouth, said that his favorite part is the atrium space, “which is very three-dimensional and different from every viewpoint and at all times of day and night.”

When you think of legendary live venues in the United States, your mind probably goes to places like the Hollywood Bowl, Red Rock Amphitheater, or Madison Square Garden. Florida doesn’t actually get a lot of love on a national basis when it comes to the live music scene, but it really should. There are plenty of amazing venues that have a long history, and have either helped launch careers or have been the highlight for many A-list musicians.

Let’s take a look through the state and find some of the best venues that Florida has to offer. Whether they be massive stadiums or dive bars where you can expect to get thrown into a mosh pit, these five venues are absolutely must-sees for Floridians and visitors.

Amway Center

The original Amway Arena opened in early 1989 and played host to the NBA’s Orlando Magic and many notable concerts until it closed in late 2010. Many of the biggest indoor events were then switched over to the new Amway Center, which was built on Church Street and has been a tremendous upgrade since its opening. While mainly a basketball venue, there are a lot of concerts that happened between the games and in the offseason.

The Amway Center is home to some of the biggest names in the music industry both past and present and is truly the type of venue you play at when you haven’t just “made it” but have become a bona fide superstar. From the likes of Bad Bunny and Dua Lipa to Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, there has been an endless list of platinum-selling artists.

Club Downunder

Pretty much every major college campus throughout the United States is going to have a performance center where there are some notable names that perform, but Florida State University takes it to another level. Located in Tallahassee, Club Downunder is run by and for students and is one of those rare on-campus venues that actually has a full bar (for those who are of age, of course).

Every show that takes place in Club Downunder is completely free for students, too. Some of the bigger musical acts that have made their way Downunder include Soundgarden, the White Strips, and Modest Mouse. The good news is that you don’t even have to be an FSU student to attend a show at Club Downunder, though there may be a cost.

Miami-Dade Arena

Earlier we mentioned the Orlando Magic, but that’s not the only NBA team in Florida that plays in an arena where some amazing concerts are also held. Though it has undergone some sponsorship name changes including American Airlines Arena and FTX Arena, Miami-Dade Arena is the base name for the Miami venue that’s home to the NBA’s Heat.

Opening on New Year’s Eve in 1999, Miami-Dade Arena is in the same boat as the Amway Center for housing some of the biggest names in music history. This includes Madonna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Tina Turner, just to name a few. The MDA also hosts the Premio Lo Nuestro Latin music awards.

The Beachem

Returning to Orlando, The Beachem Theater on Orange Avenue reclaimed its original name in 2011. It was called The Beachem from 1921 until 1976 before it became the Great Southern Music Hall, then underwent several more name changes until 2011. As part of the downtown scene, The Beachem was saved from demolition so that it could continue to host some up-and-coming acts while also showcasing some living legends.

From rap to country to rock, The Beachem has hosted concerts for all genres. Some of the more notable musical acts that have headlined The Beachem include Pink, The Police, Judas Priest, and 50 Cent. The Beachem has even been home to professional wrestling events, making it a great hub for entertainment.

Hard Rock Stadium

You can’t talk about venues in Florida, especially music venues, without mentioning the one that has “Hard Rock” in the name. Built for the Miami Dolphins to replace The Orange Bowl in 1987, Hard Rock Stadium has undergone several name changes throughout the years including Pro Player Stadium and Joe Robbie Stadium.

Though football tends to come first for Hard Rock Stadium, it’s the perfect venue to truly show that a musical act has made its way to that “hall of fame” type of status. Just to give you an idea of how popular you have to be to sell out Hard Rock Stadium, some of the performers who have played on the field include Elton John, U2, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, and Metallica. However, it’s Bad Bunny that set the record for most attendance at Hard Rock Stadium with over 97,000 screaming fans.

Every year, tens of millions of people make their way to Africa to go on a safari where they can see exotic animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. From lions and elephants to hippos and giraffes, safaris offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors. Don’t expect to simply get off of the plane, hop in the back of a Jeep, and go on a trip, though.

There are some things that you need to know to make sure that your safari is safe and fun for everyone involved. Here are five essential tips that will boost your safari experience.

Listen To Your Guide 

This may be the most important tip you’ll put to use. Your guide lives the safari life day in and day out. They know how to track the animals, their names, their behaviors, and all the ins and outs of the land and the animals who inhabit it. No matter how silly a rule might seem, there’s a reason for every single one and that reason is the safety of you and those around you. Don’t be cocky, listen to your guide, and be respectful of the professionals who know what they’re doing. 

Remain Seated 

Speaking of listening to your Safari guide, one cardinal rule you should know before your venture is that you must remain seated in the guide’s vehicle. The reason for this is an interesting one but it makes perfect sense. Although they’re wild animals, they’re accustomed to seeing safari vehicles pass through their territory. In their mind, they cannot separate human beings from the vehicle itself. When you stand up in the vehicle, it creates that separation and the animals quickly grow to realize you could be prey. 

Don’t Distract the Animals or Attract Attention

This should go without saying, please do not distract the animals or attract attention from the animals on your safari. You are a guest in their habitat. Not only is it greatly frowned upon to do this. It’s also extremely hazardous and can threaten the lives of you, your fellow safari crew, and your guide. More than likely, your guide won’t be heavily armed. Their job is to protect animals, not harm them. If something goes awry, there’s not much you can do. It’s best to prevent a problem before one arises. Remember to be respectful to the animals and mindful of your actions. 

Be Prepared

Odds are, if you’re going on a safari, this isn’t your first rodeo. You’ve likely prepared for some sort of wild adventure before. If you’re new to this whole adventure thing then you’ll want to properly prepare yourself for any and all situations that may arise. First and foremost, you’ll want to dress comfortably and practically. No bright colors, or busy patterns. No camouflage, or dark colors. Keep it neutral and protective from the sun, bugs, and nature. You’ll definitely benefit from bringing a camera, charging blocks, sunscreen, bug repellent, tough boots, a safari hat, as well as a map and GPS for when you make your way to the safari trail. 

Expect the Unexpected

We’ve all seen those crazy videos online where someone on a safari captures a tense situation on film of safari vehicles being chased and flipped over by elephants, wild animals making their way into the vehicle, and many more terrifying encounters. Some safari goers have been lucky enough to experience rare and unique encounters as well. You never really know how your safari trip will turn out. So, expect the unexpected. Stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings. Listen to your guide. Most of all, enjoy the incredible views of nature and its wild inhabitants  

Traveling to a new country is always exciting, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what to see and do. Many popular destinations have well-known attractions that are worth visiting, but what about the hidden gems that are off the beaten path? 

These lesser-known spots can often provide unique and memorable experiences that will make your trip even more special. Here are some tips for uncovering the hidden gems of each country you visit.

Do Your Research

Before you go, spend some time researching your destination online. Look for travel blogs and forums where locals and other travelers share their favorite places to visit. Check out social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration, using hashtags related to your destination. You may be surprised at what you find – there may be beautiful parks, historic sites, or local markets that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

Ask Locals

Once you arrive at your destination, don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Strike up conversations with people at cafes or shops and ask them where they like to go in their city or town. You’ll often get insider tips that aren’t widely known by tourists. If language is a barrier, try using translation apps on your phone or bring a phrasebook with you.

Take a Tour

While tours can sometimes feel touristy, they can also lead you to unexpected places. Consider taking a walking tour with a local guide who can show you hidden alleyways or secret gardens that you might not have found on your own. Look for specialized tours like food tours or street art tours that focus on specific aspects of the culture.

Stay in Local Accommodations

Choosing accommodations in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist areas can give you a better sense of what life is really like in the country you’re visiting. Try booking an apartment through Airbnb or staying at a bed-and-breakfast run by locals instead of staying at chain hotels. This way, you’ll be able to interact with people who live and work there every day and get tips on where to go from them.

Get Lost

Sometimes the best way to find hidden gems is simply by wandering around without any set plans. Take public transportation and get off at random stops; explore side streets and alleys; follow crowds into local festivals or events; try new foods at hole-in-the-wall restaurants. You never know what treasures you might stumble upon when you’re open to exploring without an agenda.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to uncover the hidden gems of each country you visit – those little-known spots that will make your trip truly unforgettable. So next time you’re planning a trip abroad, don’t forget to dig deeper than just the popular tourist attractions – there’s so much more waiting for you if only you know where to look.