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Top Things to Do in Zakinthos, Greece for First Time Visitors

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is one of the major Ionian Islands – a mesmerizing archipelago located along the western coast of mainland Greece. Due to its spectacular white cliffs, hidden coves, as well as the famous Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos island became one of the most popular destinations in Greece. How to Reach Zakynthos from Mainland …

The post Top Things to Do in Zakinthos, Greece for First Time Visitors appeared first on Travel Notes & Beyond.

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Best Travel Advice – Use Packing Cubes

Ok, here we go! I think it’s about time to share some of my best travel advice. I use compression packing cubes to save space when packing. I’ve been traveling for decades to a myriad of destinations. I’ve traveled in cars, planes, trains, ships, subways, buses, and more, so hopefully I’ve learned a thing or […]

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10 Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva in April

10 Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva in April

Guide to what to do in Lake Geneva in April to an amazing spring visit

When spring finally comes to Wisconsin, you’ll have fun unlocking and exploring all the fun things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

Temperatures peaking at 59 °F means that you can start to enjoy a great range of outdoor activities.

There are also plenty of indoor Lake Geneva April attractions if you don’t get lucky with the weather as you travel Wisconsin in springtime.

April in Lake Geneva has activities for everyone, and this article helps by giving you access to my ten favorite things to do so you can start planning.

Pin with image of a white golf ball resting at the edge of a white golf hole on a large rolling green of neatly trimmed vibrant green grass with some silhouettes of trees and the bright setting sun behind, caption reads: Fantastic Things to Do in Lake Geneva in April from paulinaontheroad.comLike it? Pin it!

Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:

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Overview: Top 3 Things to do in Lake Geneva in April

1. Enjoy Downtown Shopping

Lake Geneva in the spring, person holding several paper shopping bags of different colors on outstretched arm with a credit card in their hand

There are an average of nine rainy days in Lake Geneva in April, so it is essential to have indoor activities on your vacation plan.

For those April showers, why not explore Lake Geneva’s vibrant downtown, with plenty of local shops available to hop into and out of the rain?

Shops that rank among the best things to do in Lake Geneva any time of the year include Clearwater Outdoor, your one-stop shop for everything adventure gear, and Cornerstone Shop, a department store that can inspire you to reinvigorate your home.

Whatever your shopping preferences, you will find something to get you excited in the boutique main square.

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

2. Hike the Geneva Lake Shore Path

what to do in Lake Geneva in April, paved path along the shoreline of Lake Geneva

Regardless of the weather, hiking the Geneva Lake Shore Path will always be one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

This 26-mile path circumnavigates Lake Geneva and is open all year round and is one of my favorite hiking trails in Wisconsin.

Hiking the entire loop is among the more challenging Lake Geneva things to do in April. It will take 8-10 hours and takes you through one of the best state parks in Wisconsin.

For families, it will probably be better to drive out to a particularly scenic spot and take a shorter walk.

The main access points are Fontana, Williams Bay, Lake Geneva City, and Big Foot Beach State Park, all of which have public restrooms open during Spring in Lake Geneva.

Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin

3. Eat with a Lake View

Lake Geneva April activities, View looking out of french windows onto a patio with a small round table and two outdoor wicker chairs with a wide view of a large body of aqua blue water all under a wide open blue sky

After spending a long day enjoying the best Lake Geneva April activities, you will be hungry to try the local cuisine.

Many restaurants in the area have beautiful lake views, giving them a deserved place in my list of things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

You will be able to find superb restaurants wherever you are staying during your spring break in Wisconsin. However, my favorite is Pier 290.

Located in Williams Bay, this restaurant is an upmarket American restaurant, serving delicious cocktails.

This Lake Geneva April restaurant is also unique as it has boat parking on the water so you can arrive in style.

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

4. Take a Lake Geneva Boat Tour

Lake Geneva April attractions, Smiling person in sunglasses sitting on the side of a boat holding their arm out over the edge of the railing with the sea behind and some tall rolling hills in the distance

With the beautiful spring weather, why not enjoy a tour around one of the best lakes in Wisconsin.

The best perspective you can get of the transformation that happens at Lake Geneva in the spring is by getting out onto the water.

Lots of companies offer Lake Geneva boat tours, allowing you to see the wildlife that flocks to the area as the weather improves.

Alongside conventional boat tours, there are also novelty boat tours among the things to do in Lake Geneva, WI, in April.

Your kids will love the ice cream boat tour and seeing the mail workers during the mail boat tour.

Alternatively, if you are traveling with your partner, a jazz cocktail cruise is one of the most romantic things to do in Lake Geneva in April.

Book the best tours in Lake Geneva

5. Ride Slides at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

where to stay in Lake Geneva in April, aerial view of the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, Wisconsin

If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Geneva, why not opt for something fun for the whole family!

One of the best Lake Geneva resorts is Grand Geneva Resort, known for its luxury accommodations and being partnered with Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark.

This is among the highly popular Lake Geneva attractions in April as all the slides are indoors, so it is the perfect place to keep your kids occupied on a rainy day.

The waterpark has also recently been updated with four new slides and Moose Mountain Falls has now fully reopened.

Book a stay at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

6. Catch a Show

Lake Geneva April events, Close up shot of a magician's top hat with white gloves, a black and white magic wand, a small stack of coins and a deck of cards with the four aces spread out on top

With lots on, it is easy to curate a program of unmissable Lake Geneva April events. Few of these popular things to do in Lake Geneva April offers are as mind-bending as the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre.

You can enjoy an exciting mix of live magic, illusions, and comedy within a small and immersive theater.

What’s more, the show is updated each year with new tricks, so it’s always worth a visit if you regularly spend Spring Break in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, if you prefer a more conventional theater experience, you will love the Lake Geneva events in April at Geneva Theater.

This historic building in Lake Geneva’s downtown has recently been restored and is always hosting incredible shows.

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

7. Enjoy a Round of Golf

Lake Geneva attractions in April, Close up shot of a white golf ball sitting on some freshly cut green grass with a metal golf club poised for a shot behind

Surely, none of the things to do in Lake Geneva in April are as relaxing and cathartic as spending a day on the fairway.

The Lake Geneva area is well-stocked for golf lovers, and top-quality golf courses are open during the Lake Geneva spring. There are several courses to choose from.

The most popular for short-term visitors include Geneva National, Grand Geneva, Hawk’s View, Lake Lawn, Lake Geneva Country Club, and Big Foot Country Club.

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

8. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours

best outdoor things to do in Lake Geneva in April, two smiling people zip lining near a forest towards nearby lake

Among the Lake Geneva things to do in April, few are as fun for adventure lovers as Lake Geneva Canopy Tours.

Their zipline tours are particularly popular in spring. Lasting two hours, you will enjoy 8 long zip line rides through the lakeside treetops.

Between the zip lines, you will traverse five sky bridges and three spiral staircases. Your adventure then ends with a giant racing zipline where you can compete with your friends.

You can also get the adrenaline pumping at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours by using the high ropes course.

During these excursions, you navigate among the treetops across a range of challenging and enthralling high ropes features.

Book the best tours in Lake Geneva

9. Safari Lake Geneva

April things to do in Lake Geneva, Giraffe at Wildwood Zoo in Minocqua

There are plenty of April things to do in Lake Geneva for animal and nature lovers, but Wisconsin’s original drive-through safari has to be at the top of your list.

Just five miles from downtown Lake Geneva, you can find an animal park with amazing creatures from all over the world.

This safari park was created by Jay Christie, who realized their dream of conserving the world’s most endangered animals while giving them room to roam.

There are dozens of animals to look at when you visit Safari Lake Geneva. The most exciting and unique examples include bison, giraffe, water buffalo, and Yak.

Just make sure you keep your windows closed while you drive around!

Book the best vacation cabins in Lake Geneva

10. Visit the Yerkes Observatory

Spend April in Lake Geneva, view of Yerkes observatory, large stone building with two domed sections

Among the Wisconsin vacation ideas for science lovers is a visit to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay.

Founded in 1892, it once had the..

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Best camping spots in the UAE part 4 | Al Qudra &
Love Lakes

Best camping spots in the UAE part 4 | Al Qudra & Love Lakes

If you’re looking for a camping experience next to the lakes, the Al Qudra area in Dubai is worth exploring. Camping at Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lakes offers a unique outdoor experience amidst the desert landscape of Dubai. Al Qudra Lakes, situated in the heart of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is a man-made oasis comprising several interconnected lakes surrounded by desert flora and fauna. Love Lakes, located nearby, are two interconnected heart-shaped lakes nestled amidst the desert dunes.

BEST CAMPING SPOTS IN THE UAE: AL QUDRA LAKES

Camping at Al Qudra Lakes:

You do not need a 4×4 to access this area, even though there’s no paved road leading to the lakes area. The lakes provide a picturesque backdrop for camping, especially during sunrise and sunset when the desert sky is painted in hues of orange and pink. You can set up your tents along the lakeshores or opt for designated camping areas equipped with facilities like fire pits, picnic tables, and washrooms. The best part is being able to park your car right next to your camping spot. However, if you wish to camp at the lakeshores, you will not have access to facilities such as washrooms, etc. These make for more scenic but less convenient spots.

The lakes area is quite expansive, and you can continue driving along the lakes until you find your perfect camping spot. There are several trees, etc. along the paths too, providing you with several options. While Qudra Lakes can get very crowded on weekends, due to the way they’re spread out, it doesn’t feel chaotic or overcrowded as the people are spread along a large expanse.

Click here to read about Best Camping Spots in the UAE Part 1 | Jebel Jais

BEST CAMPING SPOTS IN THE UAE: LOVE LAKES

Love Lakes, known for their distinctive heart-shaped formations, offer a romantic setting for camping under the starlit sky. Couples and families alike can enjoy leisurely walks around the lakes, taking in the tranquil surroundings and snapping photos against the stunning desert backdrop. In Love Lakes, you will need to paek your car in the designated parking spot and then carry your stuff to the lakes. You cannot camp right on the lakeshore because it’s against the rules (there’s a security van that does the rounds even late at night and they will keep an eye on you) but you can pitch your tent 20-30 meters away from the lake shore, which is still not too far. There are washroom facilities on site, though a bit of a walk from the camping area.

Both Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lakes offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, without having to drive too far, providing a serene environment for camping enthusiasts to unwind and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply craving some time away from the urban jungle, camping at these picturesque lakes promises a memorable outdoor experience in the heart of the Dubai desert.

Click here to read about Best Camping Spots in the UAE Part 2 | Hatta

Right before you enter the lakes, you can also shop for camping essentials at the Last Exit, where you can fill up on fuel, grab a bite, use the toilets and shop at the superstore for camping equipment. Unfortunately, UAE doesn’t have many natural lakes, so these manmade lakes are the best option for those looking to camp within the desert, next to waterbodies.

Click here to read about Best Camping Spots in the UAE Part 3 | Al Aqah Fujairah

 

The post Best camping spots in the UAE part 4 | Al Qudra & Love Lakes appeared first on Hopping Feet.

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Things to do in Shibuya – Tokyo’s buzzing
neighborhood

Things to do in Shibuya – Tokyo’s buzzing neighborhood

The heart and soul of Tokyo, Shibuya is famous for its crowded pedestrian crossings, explosive nightlife, bright lights, and lively atmosphere. Popular amongst the country’s youth, the district is famous for its commercial and entertainment options. Among the many things to do in Shibuya, there is something for everyone, regardless of age, with the neighborhood’s offerings ready to satiate every preference.

The ambiance the second you step foot in Shibuya is indescribable. It’s immersive to the max, urging you to participate, feel the vibe, and take in the perpetually buzzing atmosphere. Whether looking for free attractions in Shibuya or a culinary experience, here is a list of excursions you can enjoy by yourself, as a couple, or with the family.

Walk the Shibuya Crossing

The famous Shibuya crossing

One of the quintessential things to do in Shibuya, the neighborhood is world-famous for its Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Immortalized in many films, the central cross-way has a distinct energy that makes it such an attraction.

Every few minutes, as the lights turn red at this massive traffic intersection, a flurry of people step on the roads, creating an orderly crisscross of humans going about their business. The experience is as visually impressive from a high vantage point as when you are part of the crowd.

Shibuya Crossing can be overwhelming for some at rush hour. Nevertheless, I recommend crossing this street at least once. If you don’t feel like walking through it again, sit at a nearby restaurant or skyscraper and enjoy a bird’ s-eye view of the crossing.

Best places to watch Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above

  • Shibuya Sky
  • Magnet by Shibuya 109 (8th floor)
  • Gusto Shibuya Station Restaurant (window seats)
  • Shibuya Mark City (overhead corridor)
  • Shibuya L’Occitane Café (side view of the crossing)

Shop till you drop!

Shopping in Shibuya at Don Quijote

Shibuya is a popular destination among Japan’s youth, which means that the neighborhood’s fashion reflects the area’s zeitgeist. The streets are brimming with shopping complexes, mini stores, vintage clothing options, and premium brands.

Shibuya 109, for instance, is a ten-story mall with shops for accessories, make-up, and trendy clothes. Shibuya Parco is for both clothes and entertainment and even has a couple of Tokyo’s famous themed cafes. An entire floor of this establishment has Japanese pop culture clothing and souvenirs.

The great part about Shibuya shopping is that it caters to visitors of all budgets, and you can find some amazing bargains here. Tokyu Hands will satisfy all craft and DIY needs as it stocks numerous home improvement items. Mega Don Quijote is bargain hunting at its best, the place to pick up souvenirs, chocolate, skin care products, and the like at cheap prices.

Groove at Tower Records

Visit Tower Records - things to do in Shibuya

As is any music lover’s dream, visiting the 9-story tall Tower Records store is one of the highlights of visiting Shibuya. Tower Records is a popular store for people of all ages in a city where the music scene is eclectic and extravagant.

Built-in 1995, the shop comprises numerous floors boasting a collection of 1000s of CDs, vinyl, and other musical paraphernalia. Each floor has CDs of a different genre, including instrumental, movie soundtracks, J-pop, K-pop, and so much more.

However, there is a limited collection of English CDs. While we didn’t buy anything at the store, it is an ideal place to browse and buy the latest in the Japanese music scene!

With listening stations every few meters and a bright red and yellow atmosphere, this store evokes the classic Tower Records experience. Should all the browsing leave you feeling hungry, Tower Records Shibuya also has a café on the second floor, which hosts occasional live performances!

Introspect at the Hachiko Memorial statue

Hachiko Memorial Statue

Hachiko, the dog, is known worldwide as a symbol of trust and love. He waited every day at the station for his owner, a professor, to return from work. When the professor died, he continued to wait outside the station until his own death.

Now, Hachiko is one of the most famous statues in Tokyo, and visiting it is one of the essential things to do in Shibuya. To get from Shibuya Station to the statue, you only need to follow the paw prints!

As it happens, the area around the statue is also a common meeting spot among locals.

Try conveyor sushi at Uobei

Things to do in Shibuya - conveyor belt sushi at Uobei

There is no shortage of recommended sushi restaurants in Shibuya. However, conveyor belt sushi has a whole different charm.

Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka comprises long rows of individual seats with a conveyor belt connecting them. Our family of four managed to get four seats side-by-side and promptly started ordering sushi off the tablet in front of us.

As is with any conveyor belt sushi, there are usually two conveyor belts. In some places, the bottom one often has an ongoing variety of dishes that the restaurant sends out. You can pick one that looks good, and the belt keeps moving. The one on top delivers the individually ordered sushi from the tablet.

At Uobei, both conveyor belts were used to send only ordered items.

We mainly used the tablet ordering system as we found it easier. It also meant we 100% knew what we were eating, which was important because some of us were vegetarian.

By the end, we all had a sizeable pile of plates by our side, having ordered various sushi dishes over 30-45 minutes, including toppings such as salmon, prawns, eggs, and more.

Wander around Miyashita Park

Miyashita Park

A walk around Miyashita Park, initially constructed in 1953 but renovated since, is one of the relaxing things to do in Shibuya, especially if you want a break from the bustle of the streets.

Approximately three minutes from Shibuya Station, Miyashita Park is an architecturally spectacular shopping mall in disguise with various restaurants, retail stores, cafes, art galleries, open spaces, and a hotel. The rooftop is the park’s highlight, boasting its very own sports facility, including a skate park, sand court (for beach volleyball), and a rock climbing wall.

We initially decided to visit Miyashita Park for the KitKat Chocolatory. As someone with a sweet tooth, I looked forward to it, especially after learning of the wacky flavors available in Japan. Unfortunately, the shop no longer exists, but a walk indoor window shopping proved to be a nice little change from all the walking we’d been doing throughout the day.

Dine at Shibuya Yokocho

Shibuya Yokocho - izakaya street

Although a part of Miyashita Park, but still separate, is Shibuya Yokocho. This long row of izakayas lined next to each other on a 100-meter side alley is more of a hidden gem that most tourists, like us, come across randomly.

A yokocho is typically a place where you can find local city dishes. At Shibuya Yokocho, though, the idea is to connect the new generations with the old Japanese culture.

Since each izakaya serves food from different localities, you can eat Japanese food from the north, south, east, and west, savoring recipes from every part of Japan without walking more than a few steps.

We stumbled across Shibuya Yokocho one night while wandering around Shibuya. The vibe in the later hours of the day is particularly inviting, with lights, open-air seating, conversations, and an atmosphere ideal for a romantic date or a filling meal with the family.

Go high on Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky, Tokyo

Shibuya Sky is one of the most popular attractions in Shibuya and all of Tokyo. It is the highest outdoor observer in Japan, standing at 237 meters. Situated on the top floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, it offers some of the most striking panoramas of the city.

While visiting during the daytime is great, the best views are after sundown. As lights flicker across Tokyo, the city comes alive in a neon haze, adding to its futuristic persona. Or else, plan to visit Shibuya Sky in the evening and see the sun setting behind Mt. Fuji.

Shibuya Sky opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 10:30 PM. The last entry time is 9:20 PM. Once in, you can spend as much time as possible until closing.

If bird’s eye vistas of the city are on your checklist, but you are on a budget, look into booking a hotel in Tokyo that puts you high above the rest. Our room on the 20th floor gave us some fantastic views, albeit in one direction.

Enjoy the Shibuya nightlife

Shibuya nightlife

Shibuya comes alive at night. The neon signs, bright billboards, and populated streets are characteristic of the district, drawing in crowds from across Japan and the world.

As it happens, several retail stores stay open till late; in addition to that, Shibuya’s mix of late-night fine dining cafes, casual bars, and clubs gives the nightlife experience the excitement it needs.

Clubs such as Womb, Club Vision, and Club Asia are popular among locals and visitors. They host regularly changing events and play famous tunes in English and Japanese. Atom Tokyo is another popular haunt, with separate women-only seats and stages and the capacity to accommodate up to 2000 people.

Shibuya’s extensive selection of bars boosts its nightlife. Rock no Cocoro and Music Bar Rockaholic let you drink the finest spirits while listening to rock and metal music. Shibuya Oiran, a “warm-up” standing bar, has a more relaxing and intimate atmosphere in comparison.

Karaoke is also an everyday late-night activity in Shibuya. Drop by Big Echo and Rainbow Karaoke are two popular spots. But if you are a fan of Lost in Translation and wish to recreate the famous karaoke scene, ask for Room 601 at Karekoke Kan’s Shibuya Udagawachohead branch.

The post Things to do in Shibuya – Tokyo’s buzzing neighborhood appeared first on Ticker Eats the World.

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10 Affordable Travel Destinations For Millennials In 2024

If you’re a 20/30 something traveller trying to decide where to book your next holiday without blowing your budget this article has you covered. As a late 20s traveller myself,…

The post 10 Affordable Travel Destinations For Millennials In 2024 appeared first on Kate Abroad.

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How to Enjoy Tennessee’s Nature – A Guide for Visitors

Tennessee, a state renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural scene, hides within its borders a paradise for nature lovers. The state’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the tranquil waters of the Mississippi River, offer an outdoor experience like no other. Tennessee’s natural beauty is not just about the picturesque views; it’s about the immersive experiences that await in its vast wilderness. From the dense forests of the Smoky Mountains to the rushing waters of its rivers, there’s an adventure at every turn, making it a haven for those seeking to connect with nature. In this blog, we will discuss why Tennessee is a dream for nature lovers. If you’re into nature, keep reading till the end. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a prized gem in Tennessee, calls you with its amazing variety of plants and animals and ancient mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a mix of ancient forests, meadows covered in wildflowers, and peaks hiding in mist. If you love hiking, there’s a bunch of trails, from easy strolls to tough treks, each giving you different views and chances to bump into lots of […]

The post How to Enjoy Tennessee’s Nature – A Guide for Visitors first appeared on Dame Traveler.

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