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Travel + Leisure
05-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
7 Proven Ways to Skip the Lines on Your Next Trip
Key Points Long lines can drain precious vacation time, but there are smart ways to skip the wait at popular attractions. Booking tickets online ahead of time and opting for early or late visits are simple and budget-friendly tips that can make a big difference. If you want to splurge, consider booking an exclusive tour or skip-the-line tickets. Patience may be a virtue. But when you're on vacation, every second is sacred, and waiting in lines can be annoying at best and agonizing at worst. I've lived in New York City, Paris, and Rome—three of the world's most visited cities—so I'm very familiar with lines that wrap around the block, twice. One time, I waited so long outside the Louvre, which I needed to visit for a homework assignment, that my classmates almost reported me as a missing person. And in Rome, I once spent so much time waiting in line at St. Peter's Basilica that I nearly got third-degree burns from the sun. With the warmer months being peak travel season pretty much everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you, too, can expect to encounter a queue soon. But that doesn't mean you have to suffer. Below are seven ways to avoid long lines at popular tourist attractions this summer. Go with a private guide. If you can afford it, the foolproof way to get in and out without spending time in a line is to go with a private guide on a tour that offers VIP access. For example, last month I visited the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi's second most popular tourist attraction according to TripAdvisor. Most travelers spent more time waiting in the ticket line and giraffe food line than they did interacting with the center's majestic and endangered Rothschild giraffes. But because I was visiting on a day trip with Micato Safaris, a 10-time Travel + Leisure World's Best Award winner, the moment I stepped out of the van, I was whisked inside, and within five minutes, I had a 20-foot-tall giraffe eating out of my hand. Meanwhile in London, if you have around $3,000 and you book at least six weeks in advance, you can spend 90 minutes admiring the crown jewels at the Tower of London without having to spend a single minute waiting in line. At The Edge, one of New York City's newest attractions, you can get escorted to the top in a 'New York minute' if you opt for priority access. At $88, it's about 2.5 times as expensive as general admission ($34). Buy tickets online, in advance. Most of the time I travel, I can't afford to upgrade to a private guide. That said, I can take advantage of online tickets and purchase my admission in advance. This means I don't have to wait in line at the ticket window. Instead, I can go straight to the security line. Note: Some attractions charge more to purchase tickets online (they usually call it a convenience fee). And be wary of copycat websites; make sure you're purchasing tickets from the attraction's official website, not the first one that shows up in the Google results. I've been scammed before, and it's a big bummer, not to mention embarrassing. Splurge for skip-the-line tickets. While skip-the-line tickets don't allow you to skip security (you'll still have to be screened if they have security measures in place), they do allow you to bypass other lines. Most of the time, you have to purchase these online and in advance, and they usually cost more than the standard tickets you can also purchase online. Often, they're add-ons. For example, a one-day Disney California Adventure Park adult general admission ticket, purchased online, starts around $104 and stretches north of $200. Before you get to the checkout page, you'll be asked if you want to add a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for an additional $32. This pass allows you to use the Lightning Lanes inside the park for some attractions. You'll still have to wait in line at rides, but it's usually a shorter line. Opt for a multi-attraction pass. If you plan on seeing more than one attraction in the same city or destination, look for a multi-attraction pass that includes entry to all the sites on your list. Not only do these one-and-done passes often save you money, but they sometimes come with perks like access to a priority lane and discounts at attraction gift shops. Go at odd hours. Did you know they offer nighttime tours of the Colosseum? Not only are after-hours a more pleasant time to visit temperature-wise, but they're often less crowded. And Chadi Lotfi, front office manager at Fauchon L'Hôtel Paris, tells me that early birds have the best time in the City of Light. 'Visit Butte Montmartre at sunrise to enjoy a magnificent spectacle and see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica without the crowds on the steps.' Paris's most visited church after Notre Dame, the Sacré-Cœur, opens at 6:30 a.m. This is long before the pickpockets are out on the prowl. Generally speaking, 'odd hours' are super early, super late, or maybe even at lunch time. That said, keep in mind that some destinations, such as Spain, celebrate their daily siesta, so midday may be a no-go. Find the less-used entrances. You know that analogy about going through a window instead of the front door? It applies here, too. For example, when Lotfi's guests ask about visiting the Louvre Museum, he recommends they avoid the main entrance, the iconic glass pyramid. Instead, try to enter via the Carrousel entrance or Richelieu entrance on Rue de Rivoli. While these entrances are less Insta-worthy, they often have shorter lines. Regardless of the attraction, just make sure to check online in advance to make sure any alternative entrances are open and if they have special restrictions. Some entrances are only for groups, and other entrances only operate during peak hours. See if there's a webcam you can monitor. I'm still waiting for a quality app that will show me how many people are waiting in line, in real time. Until then, I always check to see if the attraction has a live webcam that shows the current line status, so I can see if it's a good time to go. For example, if you're visiting the Grand Canyon's South Rim, you can check out the South Entrance Station webcam which refreshes every five minutes. There's also a webcam at Yellowstone's West Entrance, Glacier National Park's West Entrance, and the entrance to Arches National Park.
Time Business News
17-06-2025
- Time Business News
Nairobi National Park Safari Tours: What to Expect
Just minutes away from Kenya's bustling capital city lies one of Africa's most unique wildlife destinations — Nairobi National Park. Unlike any other in the world, this park offers the incredible chance to see wild animals roaming freely with the city skyline in the background. Nairobi National Park safari tours are perfect for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic African safari experience. In this article, we'll explore what to expect, how to book, what to see, and tips to make the most of your visit. Nairobi National Park is the only national park located within a capital city. Established in 1946, it covers around 117 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes — all just 7 km from downtown Nairobi. What makes it special: You can do a full safari in just half a day . . See animals against the backdrop of skyscrapers . . Easily accessible from the airport or city hotels. Despite its relatively small size, Nairobi National Park is teeming with wildlife: Spotting lions in the early morning or late afternoon is common. Guides know where they usually rest or hunt. The park is a sanctuary for endangered black rhinos, offering a rare opportunity to see them in the wild. You'll find plenty of giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, and other herbivores roaming the open plains. Buffalo sightings are frequent, especially near watering holes. Hippos can be found in the river sections. With over 400 species of birds, Nairobi National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, especially during migration seasons. Note: Elephants are not present in this park. For elephants, you'll need to visit places like Amboseli or Tsavo. Depending on your time and budget, there are several options for safari tours: Duration: 4–5 hours Best for: Quick visits or layovers Includes: Hotel pickup, game drive, park fees, guide Duration: 8–9 hours Often includes: Nairobi National Park + David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage + Giraffe Centre + Karen Blixen Museum Best time for wildlife spotting Depart as early as 6:00 AM Cooler temperatures and more animal activity Private safaris offer more flexibility and personalized experience. offer more flexibility and personalized experience. Group safaris are budget-friendly and good for solo travelers. Here are some reliable and highly-rated safari companies offering Nairobi National Park tours: Known for affordable and well-organized Nairobi tours. Offers eco-friendly game drives with experienced guides. Popular with international tourists, offers hotel pick-up and full packages. Great for local and regional travelers with good customer service. Be sure to check reviews and compare prices before booking. Wear neutral colors (avoid bright reds or whites) (avoid bright reds or whites) Bring sunscreen and a hat Carry a camera with zoom lens for wildlife shots for wildlife shots Wear closed shoes Carry ID or passport for entry at park gate for entry at park gate Bring water and snacks if not included in your tour Residents (Adults) : Around KES 500 : Around KES 500 Non-Residents (Adults) : Around USD $50 : Around USD $50 Children (Residents) : Around KES 200 : Around KES 200 Children (Non-Residents): Around USD $20 Note: These may change, so always confirm with your tour operator or Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is open year-round, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. During the rainy season (March to May, November), the grass can be tall, making it harder to spot wildlife. Many Nairobi National Park tours offer combo packages. You can visit: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Centre Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi National Museum These combinations offer a richer cultural and wildlife experience in just a day. A Nairobi National Park safari tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Kenya, even for a short stay. It offers the rare experience of a true African safari without traveling far from the city. Whether you're a solo traveler, family, or a couple on a romantic escape, this park promises unforgettable wildlife moments in a uniquely urban setting. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
5 Reasons Why Kenya Should Be On Every Wildlife Lover's Bucket List
We all grew up watching wildlife shows and documentaries on television. The thrill of seeing a lion chase its prey or a herd of elephants migrating offered a glimpse into a world far from our city lives. If you are someone who has a deep love for wildlife and everything that comes with it, then Kenya is where you should be heading. Located in East Africa, this fascinating country is not just a travel destination, but a raw and unforgettable experience. From iconic African safaris to sightings of rare animals, Kenya has everything to excite a wildlife lover. Here is why a trip to Kenya should be on every wildlife travel bucket list. Here Are 5 Reasons Why Kenya Is A Must-Visit For Every Wildlife Enthusiast: 1. The Legendary Maasai Mara And The Great Migration Very few wildlife events across the globe match the intensity of the Great Migration. Each year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores cross the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. Watching them navigate crocodile-filled rivers while lions wait in the tall grass feels like witnessing a live wildlife documentary. While the migration typically takes place between July and October, the Maasai Mara remains a year-round safari hotspot, offering sightings of leopards, elephants, giraffes, and more. 2. Home To The Big Five Kenya is one of the rare places in the world where you can encounter all of the Big Five — the African lion, African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and black rhino — on a single trip. National parks such as Amboseli, Tsavo, and Laikipia provide varied landscapes that attract an incredible range of animals. And it does not end there. Cheetahs roam the open savannahs, hippos bask along riverbanks, and if you are fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive African wild dog. 3. Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters In Nairobi Would you like to feed a giraffe from your breakfast table or watch baby elephants being bottle-fed? Nairobi, Kenya's capital, offers unique urban wildlife experiences that are both intimate and impactful. At the Giraffe Centre, visitors can get up close with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides the chance to meet orphaned elephants being rehabilitated for release into the wild. These rare moments add a deeply personal touch to your wildlife journey. 4. Kenya's Diverse Ecosystems Kenya is much more than just open plains. From the snow-covered peaks of Mount Kenya to the pink-hued shores of Lake Nakuru, the country is home to a wide variety of ecosystems. In the Samburu National Reserve, you will find the rare 'Samburu Special Five,' including a unique type of zebra that is not seen in other parks. Whether you are in the arid north or along the coastal mangroves, each region of Kenya offers a fresh perspective on African wildlife. 5. A Blend Of Wildlife And Tribal Culture The magic of Kenya lies not only in its wildlife but also in the people who coexist with nature. Spending time with local communities such as the Maasai, Samburu, or Turkana provides meaningful insights into indigenous life and their relationship with the land. Many safari tours in Kenya partner with these communities, directly supporting conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices. It is this human connection that makes your trip even more impactful. Can you think of another destination that offers such a rich wildlife experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
