Niagara Falls Day Trip: A Complete Guide to Exploring the American Side

Niagara Falls What to See: Top 7 Must-See Sights from the US Side

Niagara Falls, a majestic natural wonder, draws millions of visitors each year. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, this awe-inspiring spectacle offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. If you're planning a visit from the Canadian side, exploring the American side of Niagara Falls is a must. This article will guide you through seven of the top places to visit on the US side, offering a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

1. Niagara Falls State Park (1-2 hours)

If you are coming from Canada, After crossing the Rainbow Bridge, head straight on Niagara Street and follow the signs to the park. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the bridge.

Enjoy the stunning views, visit the Observation Tower, or take a short hike on the trails.

2. Observation Tower (30 minutes) Entrance Fee: $1.25

Located within Niagara Falls State Park, the Observation Tower offers panoramic views of all three falls. It’s a great spot for photos and to take in the scenery.

3. Cave of the Winds (45 minutes) Entrance Fee: $14 Will Get Wet

Walk towards Goat Island within Niagara Falls State Park. The entrance to Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island, and it’s well-signposted.

Experience the exhilarating walk right up to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. The whole tour takes about 45 minutes.

4. Goat Island (1 hour)

You can walk to Goat Island from the main part of Niagara Falls State Park. It’s a short walk across a pedestrian bridge.

Enjoy beautiful views and visit Terrapin Point for a closer look at the Horseshoe Falls.

5. Terrapin Point (30 minutes)

Located on Goat Island, Terrapin Point offers one of the best views of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s a must-see spot for its breathtaking scenery.

6. Luna Island (15-20 minutes)

Accessible from Goat Island, follow the signs once you’re on Goat Island to reach this small island.

Provides unique perspectives of both the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

7. Three Sisters Islands (30 minutes)

Located on Goat Island, the Three Sisters Islands are accessible via three historic walking bridges.

Enjoy the scenic walk and beautiful views of the rapids and the river.

Niagara Falls, whether viewed from the Canadian or American side, offers a truly unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty, thrilling attractions, and rich history, it's a destination that will leave you in awe. So, plan your trip, choose your preferred vantage points, and prepare to be amazed by the power and beauty of Niagara Falls.

10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Daily Microplastic Consumption

10 Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure from Your Everyday Life

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are increasingly polluting our environment and infiltrating our daily lives. While the issue may seem daunting, making simple changes to your routine can significantly reduce your exposure. Here are 10 easy ways to minimize microplastic intake:

1.  Start with your kitchen. Replace plastic spatulas and utensils with wooden, stainless steel, or bamboo alternatives. This is the easiest action you can take right now.

2. Remove microplastics- generating plastic cutting boards and replace them with glass, wood, or bamboo boards. Over time, plastic cutting boards can release tiny particles that mix with your food and, ultimately, your body.

3. I went through my cupboards and got rid of most of my plastic containers. Invest in glass or stainless-steel containers. Besides, you will probably only need to buy them once in your lifetime.

4. So-called safe water is no longer safe. Use a filter that removes microplastics from drinking water. Stay away from bottled waters, as they are the worst culprits.

5. Another area we often overlook is processed foods, which come in plastic packaging and contain microplastic additives. Try to limit these as much as possible.

6. This is very similar to #5. Fruits and vegetables that are wrapped in plastics may contain microplastics so replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic.

7. I was buying sea salt as a better salt option, but was shocked to learn that I am ingesting more microplastics because our oceans are ruined. Opt for Clean Salt or salt that is less prone to plastic contamination.

8. I drink a few cups of tea daily and didn’t think of the microplastics in the tea bags. Now I remove the tea from the tea bag and put it in a stainless-steel tea diffuser to make tea.

9. Another common microplastic source is seafood. Be mindful on your seafood consumption and choose sustainably-sourced options.

10. Another common way to remove microplastic is to stay away from plastic straws and cutlery.

By incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and contribute to a healthier planet. Remember, every small step counts!

Why You Should Use a Surge Protector Extension Cord While Traveling

The Importance of Surge-Proof Extension Cords for Travelers

I have been traveling for decades with a regular travel extension power strip, and it never crossed my mind to use a surge protection cord while traveling. I got lucky in many countries where it’s normal to have voltage hikers like Bangladesh, India, Morocco, Philippines, and Thailand. But I never had any issues.

Then I read an article about a traveler whose laptop got fried in Thailand due to a power surge.  A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage in an electrical circuit. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, faulty wiring, and power grid fluctuations. When a power surge occurs, it can damage your electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras.

When traveling, it's crucial to prioritize the safety of electronic devices, especially when plugging them into unfamiliar power sources. A surge-proof extension cord shields devices from power fluctuations. These specialized extension cords feature multiple outlets, allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful in hotel rooms or airports with limited power outlets.

In searching for a portable, lightweight, and compact surge-proof extension cord, I found the Anker 2000J Surge Protector USB Power Strip. This is the lightest, minimal cord I could find. This cord is definitely slightly heavier than my non- surge protection power cord, but I don’t mind the slightly heavier weight and bulkiness to save my expensive electronic devices.

As a content creator, this is even more important because I don’t want to burn my laptop or phone in the middle of a trip and lose all my video files.

I will be trying my new Anker 2000J Surge Protector USB Power Strip on my next trip and will update you guys on my YouTube Channel .

Top 10 Airport Mistakes Travelers Make and Tips to Avoid Them

10 Common Airport Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

Avoiding some common mistakes can make traveling a lot smoother, stress-free, and enjoyable. Here are the top 10 simple mistakes travelers forget, especially navigating through airports.

1. Arriving Late – Most of us are guilty of this. Always allow plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and finding your gate. My own golden rule is I always arrive at least 4 hours before takeoff. I adjust the commute time to maintain this depending on where I am at.

2. Not Using Travel- or Flight-Tracking Apps – Using travel- and flight-tracking apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. These apps provide real-time updates on check-in times, flight delays, gate changes, baggage carousels, and more. I rely on apps like Kayak and TripIt to keep my travel plans organized and stress-free. These tools notify me of any changes and help me stay on top of things.

3. Overpacking – Always travel light. Packing too much can lead to excess baggage fees and difficulty maneuvering through the airport and your entire trip. I have many tips on packing light on my channel.

4. Ignoring Security Regulations – Follow local security regulations to go through airport security smoothly.

5. Forgetting Travel Documents – Make a list of the documents you need to carry and triple check before leaving home.

6. Not Understanding Baggage Policies - Different airlines have different baggage policies, including your connecting flights. Ensure your luggage meets the requirements.

7. Ignoring Layover Time - Make sure you have enough time between flights. I recommend at least 2 hours.

8. Not Using Airport Lounges - Take advantage of lounges to make your wait more comfortable. Many credit cards offer free lounges. Some lounges offer day passes, which can be a worthwhile investment for long layovers.

9. Not Keeping Eye on Belongings - Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them or becoming a target for theft. Use a secure bag and keep your valuables close to you.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy Your Trip – Don’t stress too much over your trip. It is important to enjoy this unique experience, as it won’t happen every day. 

First Impressions: McDonald's in Ao Nang, Krabi (Thailand)

First Time Trying McDonald's in Thailand: A Surprising Experience

After arriving at Ao Nang from Bangkok, we wanted snacks and coffee. As we were searching for a coffee shop, we saw a MacDonald’s and decided to try it right away. It was our first time trying the fast-food chain in this part of the world, and we were curious to see if there were any differences from our experiences back home.

Unlike the ubiquitous 7-Elevens scattered throughout Thailand, McDonald's offered a welcome change of pace. The restaurant itself was clean and modern, with the familiar ordering system featuring touchscreens and the option to pay by credit card. Deciding on a snack, we opted for a classic Americano coffee (sugar and creamer are apparently not included with Americano orders) and two cheeseburgers. I had noticed before that in Asia, they don’t recognize regular coffee like in North America and Americano is the closest thing that comes to a regular coffee.

Here's where things got interesting: the price. While McDonald's might be considered a budget option in many places, the cost in Ao Nang (and anywhere else in Thailand, as we found out later) surprised us. Each cheeseburger came in at 100 baht, which translates to roughly $4 CAD. Similarly, the Americano was 90 baht, or about $3.70 CAD. We noticed that a Quarter Pounder with Cheese was 170 THB (7 CAD) and a double Big Mac was 210 THB (8.50 CAD).

While the price tag was a lot higher than expected (Thailand is a place where food is very cheap), the convenience and familiarity of McDonald's were undeniable. It was a fun little pit stop on our Ao Nang adventure and a reminder that sometimes, a classic burger and coffee can hit the spot even when you're exploring a new and exciting place.