When you hear about the United States, all you think about is the Statue of Liberty, pepperoni pizza, and the 4th of July, but this country is way beyond your imagination. Known for its diversity both in terms of people and places, this country makes it to the list of the most visited holiday destinations. 

Ever heard of a town that celebrates fruit like it’s royalty? Or one where the mayor is literally a dog? Well, that’s America, too. Nestled between the Targets and the Taco Bell are some of the weirdest towns you might have ever seen. 

So, if your travel taste leans toward the unexpected, buckle up! Because this blog will share stories about four towns that will take you so far off the beaten path, even your GPS might get confused.

Top Unusual Towns in the United States

This section will take you on a tour of some of the bizarre and unusual towns in America. Looking to travel somewhere off the bucket list? Then hop on the bandwagon as you explore these twins one by one. It is a perfect adventure to have on your USA holidays. Let’s begin!

1. Picketwire Canyon in Colorado

On top of the list is the Picketwire Canyon. This place is not exactly a town, but it’s weird and fascinating enough to earn a spot on this list. Located in southeastern Colorado, the canyon is home to the largest known set of dinosaur tracks in North America. 

The unusual part? You won’t find coffee shops or souvenir stores here. The only thing you would feast your eyes on is the footprints of prehistoric beasts stamped into stone. Consider it like nature’s very own time machine, except instead of buttons and blinking lights, you get dusty hiking boots and a lot of sunscreen. 

There is a little town nearby known as La Junta, which acts as the main stop for travelers headed to the canyon. The whole experience feels like a mash-up of Jurassic Park and a desert road trip. If you are a history buff or a die-hard fan of T Rex, then this spot is best for you to savour your adventure appetite. 

2. Hell Town in Michigan

Ever wished to scream at someone Go to Hell? It turns out the other person can go there. Located just an hour away from Detroit, in Livingston County, Michigan, this town is a charming spot to hang around.

The quirky name comes from a 19th-century settler who described the area as “hell” due to its difficult terrain and swampy conditions.  The residents that live in this town are quite few, which makes it perfect for travellers looking for some seclusion.

For a few bucks, you can become the mayor of this town for one day. It’s the only place on Earth where political power comes with a certificate, a devilish grin, and zero responsibility. Plus, it will be the most care-free government ever with no taxes or scandals.

The bizarre thing? You can get a fabricated degree from the University of Damnation. Don’t worry, because visitors don’t need to write a thesis- a good evil laugh will do the trick. Guests cannot skip the Screams- the main building of the town.

This is where visitors can shop for souvenirs such as themed T-shirts, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, and rubber ducks. Each item costs $6.66, which is another reference to the biblical number of the devil.

The Crematory ice cream parlour serves delicious ice cream for those who have a sweet tooth. You can try various of flavours there to beat the scorching heat. The town is filled with quirky photo-ops and signage to entertain visitors. If you are looking for a fun time, then this place offers hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming as well.

3. Santa Claus in Indiana

Have you ever wished to get a reply from Santa Claus on Christmas? If yes, then this town in Indiana houses people nicknamed as Santa’s Elves, who write back to hundreds of letters that children send them. 

Named after a lucky twist of fate, the town was originally going to be called “Santa Fe,” but that name was already taken. As per a folk tale, locals were discussing about finding a new name for the place when a child excitedly shouted “Santa Claus!”- and the rest is holiday history.

This place is all about the Christmas celebration. With streets having funny names like Candy Cane Lane and Sleigh Bell Drive, this town is a must-visit spot to bring your children along. Visitors can head to the Santa Claus Museum & Village, which features the original post office. You can even snap a selfie with the gigantic 22-foot Santa statue. 

Moreover, this town has a massive amusement park- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Guests can experience an adrenaline rush on roller coasters. If you have landed in this town in summer, then cool off on the water slides. 

Do you want to make your friends jealous? You can send them a postcard postmarked from Santa Claus. That’s right, you can literally mail joy from Santa Claus.

No matter what the season, this cheerful town keeps the vacation spirit alive for tourists from around the world. Even Uncle Scrooge from the A Christmas Carol movie would crack a smile here. 

4. Whittier in Alaska

Whittier is one of the most unusual towns in the United States, and not just because it looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Tucked between snowy peaks and the icy waters of Prince William Sound, this Alaskan town is home to around 200 people. The bizarre part?  Nearly all of them live in one building.

This Begich Towers is a 14-story former military facility turned all-in-one community. It has apartments, a post office, a grocery store, a church, a police station, and even a health clinic. You could technically go months without stepping outside, which is great if you love warmth. However, if you need a bit of privacy, then you might consider shifting elsewhere. With paper-thin walls and one shared entrance, your nosy neighbor might know more about your life than your closest friend.

To reach this town, visitors have to pass through a narrow tunnel in a mountain. The tunnel is so slim that cars can move in one direction only. The fun fact? A train uses this pathway as well, so you might have to wait for your turn.

Whittier offers magnificent views, glacier hikes, and kayaking in peaceful waters. During the summer, cruise ships bring in visitors who wonder what it’s like to live in a vertical village. The truth? It’s cozy, cold, and just a little creepy if you’re not into close quarters.

Final Words

This blog has discussed some of the most unusual towns in the USA. From visiting Santa to living in one building and even strolling the devil’s area, these towns offer a perfect escape from the boring grind of life. If you want to have a little detour, then book a travel deal with Virikson Holidays to get the best USA holidays packages right now. Also, you can get a sunny vibe on your Miami holidays, making your each moment count. 

Whenever you travel to another country, your loved ones back home eagerly wait for you and the gifts you will bring. Similarly, when Muslims go for Umrah, they always try to bring back something special for their loved ones that gives them a taste of the blessings of the journey. After completing Umrah, pilgrims go out for shopping and look for unique things to give to their friends and family. These gifts are also known as souvenirs and hold special value for the receivers.

Whether you book All-inclusive Umrah Packages or travel on your own, you will get plenty of time for shopping during your journey. After you are done with Umrah, you can explore the shops in Makkah and Madinah and buy the items you need. In case you don’t know what to buy, here is a list of different gift items you can get for your friends and family back home.

Top Gifts You Should Bring Back From Makkah and Madinah

Miswak (The Natural Toothstick)

Miswak is a small and natural toothbrush that is made out of the roots, twigs, and stem of the Salvadora persica tree. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has highly recommended using it to maintain oral hygiene. He has narrated a lot of hadiths on the importance of using miswak, saying it purifies the mouth. A simple miswak stick is easy to carry, inexpensive, and using it is also a Sunnah. Many shops near Masjid al Haram and Masjid e Nabwi sell fresh miswak in hygienic packs, making it a perfect gift for loved ones or even for your daily use back home.

Kohl or Surma

In the Islamic culture and tradition, kohl or surma is used as a natural eye cosmetic. As per the authentic resources, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was known to use Ithmid kohl. He also recommended using it, as it sharpens the eyesight and promotes healthy eyelashes. Authentic ithmid kohl, free from chemicals, can be found easily in Makkah and Madinah. It makes a thoughtful and Sunnah-inspired gift, especially for those who love natural remedies and traditional practices.

Zamzam Water

Zamzam water is an essential gift whenever someone comes back from Umrah. This is blessed water and has a rich history. Organically, it sprouted miraculously after Hazrat Hajra ran between Safa and Marwa hills in search of water. Since then, it has been seen as a symbol of miracles and healing. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) highly recommended drinking Zamzam water for healing and supplication purposes. Pilgrims are usually allowed to bring a certain quantity of Zamzam water back home, making it a precious and spiritual gift for family members.

Prayer Rugs or Mats

Prayer is one of the most binding pillars of Islam. Every one of us should encourage others to pray. And the best way to remind others of this act of worship is by gifting them a prayer mat. It is the most beautiful and practical souvenir one can gift. There is no doubt that a large number of prayer rugs are available around the world, but those that come from the holy cities hold special meaning and value for the receiver. You’ll find beautifully crafted mats woven with Islamic calligraphy, Kaaba designs, or patterns inspired by the Prophet’s Mosque. Moreover, gifting a prayer rug also connects the receiver spiritually to the sacred places where you performed your Umrah.

Attar or Non-alcoholic Perfumes

If you want to find one of the best scents, go to Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) loved good scents and often wore perfume, especially before Friday prayers and on special occasions. Moreover, he always liked the gift of attar and accepted it. Therefore, gifting someone an attar or a perfume is the best option. Generally speaking, attar is a non-alcoholic natural perfume oil that is easily available in Makkah and Madinah. Scents like oud, musk, amber, and rose are traditional and spiritually uplifting. Small bottles of attar make elegant and Sunnah-approved gifts for both men and women. If you choose an Umrah package that provides you with a stay at a hotel near the Abdul Samad Al Qureshi shop in Makkah, check out their collection of perfumes. You will surely love them.

Ajwa Dates

Among the Prophet’s favourite dates, Ajwa dates stand at the top. As per the hadith, “eating seven ajwa dates in the morning protects a person from poison and magic”. Gifting Ajwa dates after Umrah is a beautiful way to share the Sunnah and promote healthy eating among your family and friends. These delicious dates are soft, rich in nutrients, and packed with numerous health benefits. Around 20 to 25 kg luggage is allowed in most of the airlines but some Umrah packages come with flights that offer more weight allowance. So make sure you get one that offers maximum weight limit.

Tasbih

Prayer beads, or tasbih, is a useful tool that can help a Muslim to do Dhikar. Although it is not a part of any mandatory worship, these beads help Muslims to maintain focus during Dhikar or other supplications. In Makkah and Madinah, you’ll find beautifully crafted tasbih made from wood, glass, or gemstones. They’re symbolic gifts that encourage ongoing remembrance of Allah and spiritual mindfulness.

Traditional Islamic Clothes

One of the most unique and exciting gifts is modest clothing. You can buy thobes for men, abayas for women and kufis or Islamic caps. These gifts are the emblems of dressing modestly, as it is not only part of the Arab cultural but also a Sunnah. Moreover, when you buy these clothes from the Holy Cities, they add a sentimental value because these garments come from the heart of the Muslim world. You must opt for lightweight, high-quality fabrics that are comfortable and practical for everyday wear.

How to Choose the Best Umrah Gifts?

When you are shopping in Makkah or Madinah, keep one thing in mind: you have to pick the best to gift someone. In this regard, the following tips can help you choose the best gift items.

• Always choose the products that are authentic.
• There are many shops in Makkah and Madinah that sell unique Islamic goods. You can check them out.
• While choosing a gift, make sure that the item you choose is practical and that people can use it in daily life.

Closing Note

Islam values the act of gifting. It considers it as a way to build strong bonds and breed love. Whether you gift a miswak, a prayer rug, a bottle of Zamzam, or an attar, you are indirectly sharing the blessings of Umrah with others. To embark on this beautiful and soulful journey, you must book all-inclusive Umrah packages from a reputable travel agency. In this wake, Muslims Holy Travel can become your partner. It offers a wide range of Family Umrah Packages at the best prices. Contact it today and book your slot.

People have become busy in their routines. This is why they look for an easy and quick way out of the situation, given they have less time in hand. When it comes to shopping, buyers look for ultimate comfort to make their experience as friendly as possible. One such way is to opt for custom handle boxes to carry their purchased items while on the move. 

Brands create this packaging to facilitate the buyers and protect the contents inside. This way, customers won’t get tired of carrying all the shopping bags in their hands. So what makes the handle boxes a good choice for the buyers? The answer is simple- their handles. However, the type of handle also determines the ease of the clients. This blog will share some of the common handle types that make the custom boxes stylish and add to their appeal.

Types of Handles for Custom Handle Packaging

This section will explore some of the common handles that are used in custom packaging by the brands. While all handles serve the same purpose of safety, they differ in terms of aesthetics and comfort level. Moreover, handles also differ in terms of materials which affects the grip. Let’s have a look:

1. Paper Handles

One of the most typical types of handles that brands use is the paper handle. This type of handle is created from materials like paperboard, which is usually white. However, the color can be changed based on consumer demands and the brand’s needs. 

It is mostly used in paper bags that are commonly found in grocery stores or high-end shoe brands. Businesses choose paper handles as they are eco-friendly. Such handles limit extra resource wastage and save the planet from harmful carbon print. 

This proves a plus point for the brands because customers view them as responsible. With paper handles, brands can uplift their image in the industry easily. Moreover, these handles are recyclable, adding extra time to their shelf lives. Also, paper handles are fashionable, pulling the client towards the brand. 

Several styles can be created with paper handles for the custom boxes. This includes twisted paper handles, macrame rope handles, sliced handles, die-cut handles, and flat paper handles. Twisted handles are made by twisting two or more papers together, while rope handles are created by knotting 8-10 paper strings. Both types give a strong hold to the packaging boxes. Die-cut handles are made by cutting the handle shape within the box itself. Slice handles are used as an alternative to twisted ones and are formed by connecting various strings in a web manner. 

2. Plastic Handles

Another type of handle that is quite widely used in custom packaging is the plastic one. While plastic is harmful to the planet, causing pollution, it is widely considered by brands because of its durability and longevity. Handles that are made from plastic tend to be more sturdy, giving a solid grip to the customers. These are mostly used in packaging that needs to carry a good amount of weight.

Plastic handles are made using a process called injection molding. In this process, melted plastic is poured into a mold to shape it into a handle. The mold is then cooled so the plastic becomes hard and strong. Once the plastic sets, the handles are removed and cleaned for use.

There are different styles of plastic handles used in packaging. Some are simple and flat, while others have a curved or rounded shape. A few handles come with finger grooves for added comfort. Some handles are attached directly to the box while others are clipped in.

Flat plastic handles are thin and simple. They are often used on lightweight boxes. Curved handles are smooth and easy to carry. They are found on boxes that are meant to look a bit more stylish.

Grooved handles offer a better grip. These are used in packaging that people carry for longer periods. Clipped-in handles are separate parts. They are fixed on the box after designing is complete.

3. Leather Handles

Leather handles are another typical type of handle that is used for custom boxes. These handles are mostly considered by luxury brands, as they give a sense of elegance and a premium touch to the products kept inside.

While brands create leather handles separately, they often mix up plastic in them. The addition of plastic increases its strength and makes it more flexible. Moreover, these handles are a smart choice for heavy-duty products like wine bottles.

Brands add different styles of leather handles to the custom packaging. Some of them include flat handles, rolled handles, braided handles, and woven handles.

How to Choose the Right Handle for Custom Boxes?

This section will now look into the tips on choosing the right handle for your custom boxes. Let’s take a peek:

• Color Match

The best way to choose the right handle for custom boxes is to match it with the color of the packaging. Colors play a vital role in pulling customers towards the brand. This is why brands must go for the right colors  to entice buyers. However, luxury brands can opt for subtle shades. No matter what color is selected, handles must be properly placed and must be attractive. This shows that the brand is consistent and serious about delivering its products.

• Audience Analysis

Another crucial factor for choosing the right type of handle for the packaging is the audience analysis. Buyers’ interest changes over time. This is why brands must keep up to remain ahead of the market trends. They must learn about the customer’s needs to make the desired boxes. When it comes to handles, businesses can opt for either paper handles or leather ones if the target consumers are young teens. These handles provide less discomfort to the hands, which makes the kids carry the boxes with ease. On the other hand, plastic handles might be a good fit for the adults, as they can carry heavy loads without much hassle.

• Design Selection

Well-designed packaging steals more customer attention than a plain one. Brands must choose the design of the handles properly. They can consider vibrant patterns or minimalist elements to make the design of the boxes. The key is to keep the style in line with the product and the brand’s message. Even a small touch on the handle design can make a huge impact. This is why every detail must be selected carefully to match the appeal of the packaging.

• Length

Length is an important part of selecting the right handle. A handle that is too short can hurt the fingers and make it hard to carry the box. On the other hand, a handle that is too long can feel loose and unsteady. Brands must test different lengths based on the box size and weight. Lightweight packaging may need shorter handles. Whereas, heavy boxes need longer and stronger handles. A proper length keeps the box balanced while carrying. Also, it offers comfort to the customer. 

Final Words

This blog has discussed some of the common handles for custom packaging boxes. Brands can consider a variety of handles based on their marketing goals, product weight, and customer demand. Apart from design, the handle must be functional enough to offer comfort to the buyers. Are you in need of stylish handles for your customized boxes? If yes, then feel free to contact Packaging Mania to get custom boxes at an affordable price.