1 - Best Places to Visit in Yukon, Canada

Best Places to Visit in Yukon, Canada

Wild virginal tracts of forested land teeming with moose, grizzly bears, black bears, and an impressive array of avian species, riding historic railroads and canoeing along the Yukon River are but some of the reasons to meet your wanderlust. The unparalleled and untouched wilderness of North-West Canada offers you this and much more. Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Yukon, Canada:

 

1. Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Take up the chance to see some of Canada’s most iconic creatures either by bus on skis/ snowshoes or even on foot. Just 25 minutes from Whitehorse, this conservation area is home to 11 species of Northern mammals in their natural habitat. You can expect to spot elks, mountain goats, muskox, lynx, red and arctic foxes, mule deer, woodland caribou, thinhorn sheep, and baby moose. Apart from admiring the wildlife roaming freely over low-lying flatlands, rolling hills, wetlands, and steep cliffs, you may even get the chance to hit the feeding time at one or more of the enclosures. The park opens regularly but closes to the public when the temperature drops below -40 degrees Celsius. 

 

2. Whitehorse

Not called the ‘wilderness city’ for nothing, Yukon’s capital Whitehorse is home to some of the planet’s cleanest air. Surrounded by wilderness and mountains, Whitehorse offers the ‘frontier experience’. Enjoy the hospitality of the locals at lively bars, hike or bike through Miles Canyon, or soothe your sore muscles in the mineral-rich waters of Takhini Hot Springs.

 

3. Dawson city

Dawson came into being following the Klondike Gold Rush. Dawson offers you a chance to pootle along the river by paddle steamer or browse the wood fronted stores. See if Lady Luck is in your favor by playing a hand at Diamond Tooth at Gertie’s gambling hall. All that glitters is gold in Dawson, head to Gold bottom Mine to not only learn about the mining life but also try your luck at panning your own fortune since you get to keep any gold you find.

 

4. Kluane National Park

One of North America’s most magnificent and awe-inspiring reserves, The Kluane National Park is home to wild rivers, glacial lakes, pristine forests, ginormous ice-fields, and the country’s highest mountains. Hike on trails running up hillsides or along streams. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, soar above the unrivaled view of snow-clad peaks and crystal-clear rivers. And there are enough wildlife spotting opportunities too, given this place is home to nearly 150 bird species, moose, caribou, white-tailed deer, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and much more.

 

5. White Pass and Yukon Railroad

This narrow-gauge line was constructed through the coastal mountains, following the gold rush of 1896. Connecting the Yukon town of Carcross and the Alaskan port of Skagway, this Railroad offers a once in a lifetime experience as it takes you past breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls, and the dazzling waters of Lake Bennett.

 

6. Tombstone Territorial Park

Short of the Arctic Circle, this park’s terrain is a fascinating blend of enormous gravestones like rugged peaks, permafrost landforms. Wildlife, namely- Moose, Sheep, Bears, Caribou, and Wolves abound. The park is also home to more than 70 protected archaeological sites of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in people who roamed this area for thousands of years. Most worthy of attention are the established trails of Goldensides, Grizzly Creek, Hart Winter Road, and Foxy Creek Trails – most of which are extremely remote and ideal to experienced hikers who aren’t bothered that there’s no mobile phone signal for miles around.

 

7.  Yukon River

Indulge in the classic Canadian experience of canoeing along the magnificent Yukon River, which runs from British Columbia to the Bering Sea. Relive life the stampeder way by canoeing from Whitehorse to Dawson City; making your way past former trading outposts, spruce forests, lakes, and superb fishing spots. 

 

With its natural wilderness and stunning scenery, Yukon is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventures. If an out of the world holiday is what you are looking for, look no further than Yukon. Escape the routine of daily life and embrace the unpolluted air and charms of a long-gone era. If you wish to experience the wildlife in Yukon, it’s best to know before you go and stay aware of where you’re most likely to encounter wild packs and herds. Summer is the ideal time to see most of the animals in Yukon. 

 

Now that you have all the vital information before visiting Yukon, you’re ready to plan your adventure. At Travelgooru.com, we help make your dreams come true. Check out Travelgooru.com to get deals on Yukon hotels and make the most of your time!

2 - How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

Christmas time is all about wonder and magic and there is no better place to spend your Yuletide than at Germany’s famous Christmas markets. Sure, you find Christmas markets everywhere, but none can evoke the sense of awe and childlike wonder that German Christmas Markets can, with their medieval castles and old town squares making for an almost fairy-tale setting. Are you tempted to see all these wonderful sights for Christmas? Well, here is how you can go about planning a German Christmas Market trip, in order to experience its magic in the best way possible:

 

Plan Your Trip Sometime Between 20th November to 23rd December

Christmas is celebrated on December 24th in Germany, which is why Christmas markets usually remain till December 23rd, which is more often than not, the final date. Most of these markets are month-long starting from November 20th or so. It is recommended that you plan your trip accordingly, so as not to miss out on anything.

 

Do Your Homework and Find the Christmas Market that Appeals to You the Most

It is always better to plan your itinerary so as to make sure you don’t miss out on the places that you find interesting and also, so you can pass on the places that particularly appeal to you. That being said, some of the most renowned Christmas Markets in Germany include the ones in Dresden, which has the world’s oldest Christmas Market, Nuremberg, where the world’s largest Christmas Market is held, and Konstanz, which set against the backdrop of the Alps, on the banks of Lake Constance. Apart from these there also some amazing Pink Markets in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich that are LGBTQ- oriented. Moreover, Munich has more than 30 Christmas Markets of its own, while Berlin has a whopping 60 Christmas Markets of its own. 

 

Venture to Try Each Town’s Specialties

Be it a special kind of baked goodie or a particular kind of sausage, every German town has its own local delicacies, and it is absolutely imperative that you try them all for the full experience! What’s more? Every town has handicrafts that are unique to it. For instance, Nuremberg is known for its Prune People, which are a specialty.

 

Don’t Overlook Small Towns and Cities

Sometimes the splendor and popularity of big cities and towns tend to blind us to charming little cities right under our noses. Now, the thing about big and popular towns is that most people flock to their markets, making them extremely cramped and congested. Do yourself a favor and visit a small lesser-known town or city instead, so you can actually enjoy their Christmas markets without being hindered by the crowds. 

 

Dress for the weather 

Christmas markets are held outdoors, in Germany, in the dead of winter. Thus, it is important to know that there’s no escaping the cold, but you can avoid the worst of it by donning scarfs, hats, thermals, and gloves. And make sure to wear boots to keep your feet dry and warm in wet conditions. Compassionately, most markets have heater tents where you can catch a bit of a break from the bone-chilling cold.

 

Enjoy the overall ambiance 

There may not be actual sights of sugar plum fairies dancing at these Christmas markets, but the atmosphere is pretty darn close. Sounds of music and laughter from merry-go-rounds fill the air. Fairies stroll together and eat treats. The aromas of fresh vegetables and spiced wine puff through the air. So, before to get stressed about what to do, remember why you’re ultimately there: to relax, step back, and enjoy the scene and the wonderful mood. 

 

All Christmas markets sell amazing fest food, so they usually open at about 11:00 in the morning to catch the excited lunch crowd. The ideal time to go, in our opinion, though is in the evening and into the night. There are plenty of sparkly lights, and standing around sipping some hot cocoa or gluhwein and observing the shoppers is an ideal way to pass some time. 

 

Christmas markets are something the German people do very finely. If you and your partner or spouse get into a “Bah, humbug!” state of mind after Thanksgiving, this will give your attitude a complete makeover. So, is there a German Christmas Market Trip in the offing? Well then, Travel Gooru is your one-stop destination for anything and everything travel related, that you might need, right from comparing airline ticket prices to booking hotel rooms and car rentals, we’ve got it all!

1 - 6 Reasons You Should Definitely Visit South Dakota

6 Reasons You Should Definitely Visit South Dakota

For your next vacation, if you’re searching for a place that has jaw-dropping natural beauty, iconic national monuments, Wild West Thrills, Native American folklore, American history galore, herds of stampeding buffalos, and freaky natural wonders, then look no further than areas in the South Dakota region. The South Dakota attractions tempt even the most jaded of travelers. From Mount Rushmore to Badlands, it’s a well-rounded vacation destination or an ideal spot for a fun road trip in the United States. 

 

1. Mount Rushmore 

Settled in the Black Hills in the touristy town of Keystone, this iconic National Memorial is definitely the real deal. Giants busts of four US Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt – are carved into the mountainside. It is one of the most iconic sights in the US, and definitely worth a visit, even if you can’t really get up close to the monument. Hike the half-mile Presidential Trail to get as close as you possibly can, but make sure to carry your binoculars.  

 

2. Badlands National Park 

This stunning national park is home to plains with wildlife like prairie dogs, bison, bighorn sheep, and has a spectacular landscape of rocky pinnacles. The park offers the best of both worlds – superb wildlife in America’s popular prairie and hiking through otherworldly rock formations. You can also camp here and experience the insanely dark skies, meaning that you can easily see the stunning Milky Way in all its glory. 

 

3. Mammoth Site & Museum

This is an archaeological site, which is still being excavated, and was once a sinkhole that swallowed up dozens of mammoths. It is a graveyard of at least 61 mammoths, all of which happen to be male. The spot in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is surely considered as one of the coolest places to visit. Tourists can actually get into the sinkhole to see the bones. 

 

4. Custer State Park

This 71,000-acre state park in the Black Hills is regarded as one of South Dakota’s natural gems. Just like the Badlands, Custer is popular for its bison herds but is also famous for its elk, mountain lions, and coyotes. After animal sightseeing, it would be best to head to one of the park’s five stunning scenic lakes, camp in the pine forests, or drive a portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. 

 

5. Deadwood 

We are sure that you recognized the name Deadwood from the critically acclaimed but short-lived HBO TV series. But it is important to know that, Deadwood is a meticulously restored 19th century Wild West mining town and a popular tourist attraction thanks to its Main Street which is a National Historic Landmark District. Not only do its various hotels make Deadwood a great base for exploration, but just wandering in and out of the old-time saloons and soaking up local history is time well spent. 

 

6. Roadside Attractions 

Historical places kept aside, South Dakota is also popular for its roadside attractions. The most well-known is Wall Drug, which began as a small-town drug store and now covers the whole city block with all kinds of craziness. Another roadside option is Al’ Oasis, a rest stop along I-90. The place has everything from a grocery store to souvenir shops inside. 

 

With this list of major places to visit in South Dakota, you now have a small base for an itinerary. South Dakota is a land that will fill you with wonders at every turn and you must definitely go explore it. If you desire to see all of these amazing places in South Dakota, connect with us at Travel Gooru today. We help clients search for cheap hotels and rental cars at their vacation destination. We instantly compare prices and provide precise details to make it easy for our clients.

Travel Gooru Blogs 1 - How to Travel the World Living Out of a Backpack

How to Travel the World Living Out of a Backpack

Whoever came up with the phrase ‘travel light’ had probably never envisaged a person travelling, and the world no less, so light that they end up living out of a backpack. But no matter what anyone says, travelling the world out of a backpack is definitely a huge learning experience – one which takes a lot of courage. A lot of experienced backpackers recommend that everyone must have this experience at least once in their lifetime.

So, if you are looking for some adventure in your life which involves travelling the world living out of a backpack but have not the first clue as to how to go about it, then don’t worry since that is exactly what we are going to be talking about – how to travel the world living out of a backpack. So, read along and start jotting down the important points!

 

Prepare a List of Things

First things firsts, it is very important that you prepare a list of all the basic essentials which you will be needing to have a proper ‘living out of backpack’ experience. Typically, your list should include the following:

1. Getting yourself a bag!

The very first thing that your list should mention is getting yourself the right bag. Remember, when buying the right bag for backpacking, it needs to be the right combination of light yet sturdy.

 

2. Recognise all the gadgets you will need

Depending on where you are travelling, you must carry all the necessary gadgets. This may include the universal travel adaptor, locks for your luggage, etc.

 

3. Clothes and other items

When deciding what clothes to keep, your mantra should be ‘less is more.’ During this process, it is best to ask yourself the question ‘will I even look at it during my travels?’ if your answers range from no to maybe, then that article of clothing should not make your list.

 

Rules to follow when you live out of a backpack

1. Best to leave space

When travelling out of a backpack, it is highly recommended that your backpack isn’t full to the brim. It is best to travel light and leave space for all the things you may collect during your travels.

 

2. Remember to have a ‘day bag’

Always keep a small day bag with you handy, just in case you feel like exploring the town you are staying in without having the weight of your travel backpack weighing you down.

 

3. Be organised

This is the most important rule of backpacking around the world – be extremely organised. Your organisational skills will be the only things that will help you during your globetrotting travels.

 

If you want access to reviews about all the places you can visit, the hotels you can stay in or the cars you can rent – all of which available at a budget friendly – then Travel Gooru has all this and much more! So, go check out Travel Gooru right away!