• Destination USA : 8 things to see and do in Miami

    Destination USA : 8 things to see and do in Miami

    By David Smith ——

    Famous for its beauty and amenities, Miami is a fantastic travel destination. Among the many reasons Miami is so well-known are its warm climate, stunning beaches, and top-notch diving spots. The city of Miami is home to the wonderful Everglades National Park, the NBA’s Miami Heat, and the renowned Miami Tower. Book your airline tickets using FaresMatch, which offers some fantastic travel discounts, without giving it any thought. Every traveler should visit Miami because there are a few incredible things to do and see there.

    Things to do and see in Miami

    Sightseeing Cruise through Biscayne Bay

     Savor the stunning views of Miami’s shoreline while taking a leisurely boat around Biscayne Bay. This 80-minute tour will take you to the Venetian Islands and around the coast. Aboard one of the double-decker cruise ships, you can unwind while savoring delectable cuisine and beverages and taking in live entertainment. Your tour guide will narrate the route as you pass wealthy and renowned people’s residences, recognizable Miami landmarks, and gorgeous beaches.

    Tractor Pulls South Beach

    If you’re ever in Miami, you must take a Duck Tour around South Beach. You will get everything because you’ll explore the region on land and sea! These amphibious vehicles will transport you beyond the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, Star Island, and much more. Your guide will give you a brief history and interesting information about each landmark you visit.

    Visit the Miami Zoo

    While in Miami, the family should visit this location as well. You may experience a global tour in one location at Zoo Miami. Three thousand animals, 1,200 plants and trees, and seven themed zones featuring creatures from every continent may all be found within the 340-acre complex. At the petting zoo, you may interact with familiar farm animals, feed camels and giraffes, meet the keepers, and take in planned animal talks. Discover your favorite tiny and large creatures by exploring each zone. See the jaguars, tigers, lions, and elephants frolicking in their natural environments. Florida: Mission Everglades is a must-see exhibit. It features a variety of native species from Florida’s wetlands and marshlands.

    Explore Island Jungle

    Jungle Island has returned, bigger and better than ever, following a break for repairs. Now, this animal sanctuary has grown to become a center for events and attractions. The well-known animal interactions and experiences are still available at the eco-adventure park. Study up on birds, sloths, lemurs, and other creatures. It’s even possible to engage with them and get up close! Open from June to the end of September, the Neo Splash Water Park Pop-Up is one of the newest additions. The park has wave pools, 60-foot water slides, rest places, and more features. This is the ideal location to visit after viewing every animal exhibit under the sun.

    Vizcaya Gardens and Museum

    You’ll stimulate your sense of culture with a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Garden. For art enthusiasts and those interested in discovering more about Miami’s past, this stunning estate filled with antiques and one-of-a-kind artwork is the ideal location. It also boasts a lush tropical garden. Browse the museum to discover antique furnishings, ephemeral artworks, and exquisite, handcrafted jewelry. A stroll outside the park offers unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay and a wonderful setting for a little respite.

    Have fun at the Miami Aquarium

    If you are considering a trip to Miami with the kids, the Miami Sea Aquarium is a fantastic family destination. As you explore the grounds, the stunning views of Biscayne Bay and beyond from this waterfront 38-acre marine animal paradise provide a perfect backdrop. The purpose of the aquarium is to educate visitors on the best methods for protecting and preserving marine life entertainingly and engagingly. Around the day, there are ten thematic exhibition halls showcasing animals worldwide and eight animal performances, displays, and feedings.

    Explore the Art District of Wynwood

    More than seventy galleries, museums, and street art murals may be found in the Wynwood Art District and are regarded as one of the most significant outdoor street art pieces globally. Mark Coetzee developed the district after first testing this idea in his homeland of Capetown, South Africa. Since Miami is already a creative community, the Wynwood walls and art area blend in. There is a public art walk every second Saturday of the month during which all galleries and institutions open their doors and give free admission to the public.

    Enjoy at the District of Art Deco

    Another fantastic location for art and architecture enthusiasts is the Miami Beach Architectural District, also called the Art Deco District. This neighborhood, directly in South Beach, is most well-known for being the address of the renowned Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive, which Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace owns. The buildings, which have an antique appearance and glow brightly with neon colors at night, are another of its noteworthy features.

    The best thing a traveler can do while arranging a trip is to spend their holiday exploring Miami. It is optional for first-time travelers to worry about finding a fantastic vacation package because FaresMatch makes it easy by availing cheap flights to Miami.

    Nov. 15 , 2023

    Courtesy : maps-miami.com
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      The 2025 FITUR international tourism exhibition opened  in Madrid, showcasing a robust recovery in the global tourism sector. Over 9,000 companies from 156 countries are participating in the event, which marks the 45th edition of the exhibition. Running until Jan. 26, FITUR is hosting 153,000 industry professionals, highlighting its significance as a key gathering for the global travel industry.

      The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) announced Tuesday that 2024 saw international tourism fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1.4 billion international travelers recorded. The organization forecasts further growth of 3-5 percent for 2025.

      Spain, a leading global tourism destination, recently reported a record-breaking 94 million visitors in 2024, underscoring the sector’s resilience and strength.

      Brazil takes center stage as the invited nation at this year’s FITUR. The exhibition also features 10 specialist areas, including cruises, sports tourism, film tourism, and language-learning tourism, reflecting the growing diversity of travel trends.

      The Asia-Pacific region has reached 87 percent of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers, according to the UN Tourism. China has a strong presence at FITUR, with companies such as Enjoy China, Fantastica China, The Chinese Office of Tourism in Spain, and Focus China showcasing their offerings over the coming days. – Xinhua ,Jan. 22 ,2025

      France holds off Spain

      as world’s tourist favourite

      Olympic host France retained its spot as the world’s top tourist destination in 2024 with 100 million visitors, holding off stiff competition from countries including Spain.

      As world tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels with 1.4 billion people taking a trip abroad, according to the UN, both France and Spain announced record visitor numbers.

      Spain said last week that a record 94 million foreign tourists flocked to the Iberian nation in 2024, a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

      France, which hosted the Olympic Games in July – September 2024, welcomed two more million visitors in 2024, an increase of two percent compared with 2023.

      But although France had more visitors, they spent less than those in Spain — 71 billion euros ($74-billion) compared with 126 billion euros in Spain.

      France’s takings from international tourists rose by a total of 12 percent year-on-year, driven largely by Belgian, English, German, Swiss and US citizens, the tourism ministry said in a statement.

      Despite the return of customers from Asia, the number of Chinese visitors to France remained 60 percent lower than before the pandemic.Thirty percent fewer Japanese visited the country than in 2019.

      Good snowfall in late 2024 meanwhile drove a rebound for the end-of-year holidays as snow sports lovers flocked to the French ski slopes.

      “The outlook for the first quarter of 2025 is very good, with visitor numbers on the rise,” the ministry statement added.- enca.com ,22 January 2025

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      KATHMANDU – Nepal has sharply increased Everest climbing permit fees and introduced a slew of measures aimed at controlling garbage pollution and preventing accidents on the planet’s tallest peak.

      Under the revised rules, every two climbers must hire a guide to climb any mountain over 8,000 metres, including Everest.Under the revised mountaineering regulations, the royalty fee for foreigners climbing Everest from the normal south route in the spring season (March-May) has been raised to $15,000 from the current $11,000 per person.

      The autumn season (September-November) climbing fee has increased from $5,500 to $7,500. At the same time, the permit cost per individual for the winter (December-February) and monsoon (June-August) seasons has risen from $2,750 to $3,750.The new rates will take effect on September 1, 2025.

      The last royalty fee revision was made on January 1, 2015, when the government switched from a group-based system to a uniform fee of $11,000 per climber for the spring season from the normal route.

      For Nepali climbers, the royalty fee for the normal route during the spring climbing season has doubled from Rs75,000 to Rs150,000.Climbing permits, previously valid for 75 days, will now be limited to 55 days. The reduced validity is aimed at streamlining climbing activities.

      As per the amended rules, from the upcoming spring season, Everest climbers will be required to bring their poop back to base camp for proper disposal. Climbers must carry biodegradable bags to collect waste in the upper reaches.

      Base camps typically have designated toilet tents with barrels to collect human waste during expeditions. However, in higher camps, only a few agencies provide similar facilities, while others rely on pits. Very few climbers use biodegradable bags to transport waste from the summit.

      The government has also hiked the insurance coverage for high-altitude workers.Insurance coverage for high-altitude guides has gone up to Rs2 million ($14,400) from Rs1.5 million ($10,800), and for base camp workers, it has been raised to Rs1.5 million ($10,800) from Rs800,000 ($5,760).

      According to the Himalayan Database, which records all expeditions and deaths in the Himalayas, more than 200 people died on the Nepal side of Everest between 1953, when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first scaled the peak, and 2022.

      Nearly 8,900 people have summited the world’s highest peak from Nepal’s side since 1953.- Kathmandu Post , January 22, 2025

      Bangkok named the world’s

      second-best city by Time Out

      The ranking, based on surveys of city dwellers worldwide, highlights culture, food, affordability and overall happiness as key factors in making a city truly great.

      Climbing from 24th place last year to an impressive second place, Bangkok is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, dynamic food scene, and vibrant lifestyle.

      The city’s affordability is a major plus, with 84% of residents agreeing that dining out, grabbing a coffee, or catching a movie is accessible to all. Additionally, 86% of locals rated Bangkok’s food as “good” or “excellent”.

      One urban expert described Bangkok as “a city of contrasts”, where the scent of sizzling street food fills the air, Michelin-starred restaurants thrive, and the majestic Chao Phraya River flows past luxury hotels.

      The city’s temples such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace stand as timeless cultural icons, while modern parks like Benjakitti Park provide much-needed green spaces.

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      Whether it’s a bowl of boat noodles or an extravagant fine-dining experience, food is an undeniable part of Bangkok’s appeal.

      The No 1 city this year is Cape Town, South Africa, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural vibrancy. Following Bangkok in third place is New York City, while Melbourne, London and New Orleans round out the top six. Mexico City, Porto, Shanghai and Copenhagen complete the top 10.

      Thailand’s rising global status is further reflected in Chiang Mai, which secured the 28th spot, adding to the country’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

      With its blend of tradition and modernity, Bangkok is more than just a tourist hotspot – it’s a city where people genuinely love to live. Whether you’re exploring hidden street-food gems, temple-hopping, or dancing the night away, Bangkok remains a city of endless possibilities. -The Nation ,January 20, 2025

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