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Hilton’s newest consumer marketing campaign was designed to stress the benefits of booking direct as a Hilton Honors member and stars actor Anna Kendrick. Hilton
AussieThe post Tips for Traveling with Life-Threatening Allergies appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.
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Let’s hit the road in this North African country and see what we can cover on a 2-3 week Morocco road trip. While you might be turned off by the idea of driving around Morocco, the combination of relatively good roads, a quiet countryside and friendly people make this an option for those who don’t mind getting behind the wheel of a reliable rental car.
First up…should you book a car for your Moroccan road trip online or find one when you arrive? The answer in my opinion is to book online. In fact, it’s probably essential to reserve a car in advance in high season in order to ensure you get a decent car at a decent price.
The minimum age at which you can rent a car is 19, however, in many cases, drivers are required to have held their license for at least two years prior to renting. Additionally, as is common throughout the world, many rental companies charge a Young Driver Fee for drivers under a certain age (typically under 23).
As for an International Driver’s Permit, it’s not required to either drive or rent in Morocco.
In terms of cost, you can expect to rent a mini category car for as little s $130 USD for 2 weeks. However, I’d recommend a bigger, sturdier vehicle for such a trip as this will come in handy when away from the cities. You’ll be able to move at a faster pace while on the open road and you’ll be able to climb up the mountain roads with greater ease. It’s also more comfortable considering you’ll spend a decent amount of time inside the vehicle!
A larger economy or intermediate size vehicle should cost around $220 – $320 from a reputable rental agency, again, for a similar 2 week period.
The most confusing part about renting a car anywhere in the world is the insurance. Renting in Morocco is no exception. To start, most rental companies include Theft Protection, Third-Party Liability and a Collision Damage Waiver with all of their rentals and to all customers.
A Collision Damage Waiver (or Loss Damage Waiver) is a contract between you and the rental company that waives any charges for damage to the car’s body over the deductible or excess. However, since the deductible/excess for all rental companies in Morocco is at least $1,000, you need to have this amount available on your credit card. The rental company will put a hold on your credit card for the deductible amount for the duration of your rental. If this amount exceeds your credit limit, you’ll need to purchase extra insurance from the rental car company.
If you look at Discover Car Hire’s website, you can actually sort the results by the required deposit helping you find a car that requires the lowest hold on your credit card. They also offer Full Coverage for $9 per day, which is about half of what it would cost at the rental counter, making this coverage a good option for those who want to eliminate the deductible and risk altogether.
Many travelers, especially Americans, have credit cards that provide coverage for rental cars in Morocco. To use this coverage, you must decline the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver. Note that credit cards usually do not provide third-party liability coverage, so you must make sure the rental company still includes that in your rental contract.
Note that when renting in Morocco, you can not take the car outside of Morocco. Due to political reasons, the border with Algeria is closed to all traffic. It may be possible to take your car to Western Sahara, though. Morocco considers this to be part of its sovereign territory and therefore treats travel to it as domestic travel.
There are many instances all over the world of rental companies attempting to charge customers for damage that the car already had. I had this happen to me after renting a car on the island of Ibiza. Even large, international rental companies can try this and it does happen in Morocco.
The best approach is to make note of every scratch or dent on the car on the damage report when picking up the car. Do not trust the rental company’s employees to mark everything properly. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the damage. This may help you avoid charges for damage you didn’t cause upon dropping the car off.
After my Ibiza incident, I’ve started taking a video of the entire outside of the vehicle as extra protection as well. This way, if they try to claim damage, I have a very clear video to prove what was already on the car.
Now that the rental details are out of the way, let’s move on to my recommended itinerary…
With a ton of destinations and routes, you could easily spend a couple of months exploring this country. But of course, most of us have a couple of weeks when we travel somewhere. So, using that time frame, I’ve put together what would be my personal favorite Morocco road trip itinerary based on my extensive travels here.
Let’s get going…
Okay. This has never been my favorite city on the planet but it’s definitely an ideal spot to begin your trip, being home to the largest and most well-connected airport in the country. Arrive, stay at the centrally-located Kenzi Basma Hotel or the more budget friendly Hotel Maamoura, visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, eat at Restaurant Al-Mounia and then pick up your rental car on the morning you’re ready to head out of town.
Get on the A1 Highway heading north, make a stop in Rabat if you have time and then turn east onto the A2 towards…
It’s a small imperial city and the relatively peaceful local market is worth exploring. The main Bab Mansour gate and the Bou Inania Madrasa should not be missed before spending the late afternoon at my favorite spot in the city, the super impressive Royal Stables, located about a 20 minute walk away from the market.
For a half day trip out of town, drive through the beautiful hills and around the village of Moudray Idriss until you reach the ancient and impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis. Hire a local guide from the ticket office and you’ll easily spend 2 hours here learning the history and admiring the landscapes.
For many tourists, this picturesque pastel blue town in northern Morocco needs to be on the itinerary. I personally don’t think it’s worth it as it adds about 7 hours of extra driving time, there’s not much to do there and it is often jam-packed with big tour groups. You’ll get a few nice photos for sure but because a Morocco road trip already involves a decent amount of driving, I’d rather spend my time somewhere with less crowds and spend less time on the road.
So, from Meknes, it’s a short one hour drive east to…
With its sprawling medina, endless lanes and abundance of gorgeous buildings to check out, Fes is well worth a couple of nights. Staying at a riad in the heart of the medina is the way to go so that you simply need to walk out the front door in order to find yourself among the colors, sounds, smells and action of this vibrant destination. While you’ll want to visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, Bab Bou Jeloud gate, Funduq al-Najjariyyin (impressive wood carving museum) and the Chouara Tannery, leave sufficient time for aimless wandering as well.
The best gems of this city lie in the areas that don’t receive many visitors as most people pop in for a few hours, see a few sights and then take off. Don’t be afraid to speak with locals you come across or to duck into mosques, madrasas, markets and more that don’t have lines of tourists outside. This is what will lead to all kinds of invitations for local experiences that you wouldn’t be able to organize on your own.
Continuing this Morocco road trip, you’ll go south along the mountainous N13…
It’s a long day of driving up and over the High Atlas Mountains but you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to stop for a break. From the Swiss-like town of Ifrane to a spot in the forest that’s home to the Barbary Apes, from viewpoints over the absolutely gorgeous Ziz Valley to fossil workshops in the town of Erfoud (sounds touristy but is actually quite fascinating), the journey will pass quickly with so much to see along the way.
When you arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, settle into your guesthouse (I highly recommend Riad Madu) and watch the sun set over the dunes of the Sahara nearby. Then, enjoy a good night’s sleep before you begin a desert adventure the following day.
*Arrange to leave your car at the Riad the next day/night.
Now it’s time to head off into the Erg Chebbi dunes for your overnight Sahara Desert experience. Typically, you’ll leave town in the afternoon and you can travel by camel, jeep or foot (walking across the desert is my absolutely favorite option!) to reach your desert camp.
Most camps offer meals and activities to keep your evening busy before you head to sleep in your incredibly quiet surroundings. A Sahara desert experience is a must but definitely choose one of the reputable desert camps for your stay!
After a night out in the desert, you’ll return to Merzouga the next morning and you can either spend another night here (which gives you time to visit some local Gnawa villages) or you can head off towards the Dades Valley, about a 4 hour drive away.
Leaving Merzouga, you’ll take the N12 and N10 to reach…
I’ll say it. This is my favorite region of Morocco. I could easily spend a week in this valley, staying at the beautiful Chez Pierre guesthouse, hiking through the Monkey Fingers gorge, taking a 4WD trip across the high desert, through the Valley of the Roses, into the remote towns of Agoulzi and Bou Tharar, walking through local Berber villages, interacting with all kinds of people, eating homemade food and simply enjoying this genuine area that few travelers visit. Take your time, spend a few days here and you will undoubtedly fall in love with this region too!
Coming out of the valley, you’ll head west on the N10 and continue to the N9 which will send you directly to…
Eventually, though, you’ll need to get going and the next drive will take you up and over the mountains one last time en route to Marrakech. On the way, you can stop in Ourzazate (famous for its film studios and casbahs), you can wander through Ait ben Haddou (UNESCO village where many films were made, such as Babel, The Mummy and Gladiator) and you should also stop at every viewpoint you can along the twisty, stunning mountain route.
Then, once in Marrakech, check in to your accommodation (again, I’d go with a local riad in the medina), head to the main square in the old quarter, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and cap off your day with great food and a lively atmosphere that begins as soon as the sun sets.
During your stay in Marrakech, I can highly recommend visiting the Marjorelle Gardens, the House of Photography Museum and the Bahia Palace. Then spend the rest of your time wandering the massive markets and old city (as you can see, Morocco is great for this!) and letting the experiences unfold.
From Marrakech, if you have time, you could also drive to the coastal town of Essouira, either as a day trip or for a couple of nights. Essouira offers a beach, citadel, art galleries, traditional craft workshops, the lively Moulay Hassan Square, great food and more.
And then, from either Essouira or Marrakech, the drive back to Casablanca is a direct one, where you can drop off your car and spend one last night before your Morocco road trip comes to and!
To complete all of the above, you would need 3 weeks if you want to have sufficient time in each destination. If you don’t visit Chefchaouen and possibly Meknes, you could do the circuit in two weeks and that’s what I’d recommend if that’s the time frame you’re working with.
Either way, Morocco needs to be seen. During the small-group tours I organize in Morocco, it’s quite common for participants to find themselves completely surprised at the sheer diversity of landscapes, sights, people and experiences that we come across. Part of this is because Morocco is the kind of country that makes getting off the beaten path very doable, and that leads to activities and interactions that go beyond what you may see online.
Even in the cities of Marrakech and Fes, two of the most visited places in the country, all it takes is a wander down random lanes or a quick conversation with a market vendor or peeking into a beautiful quiet doorway…and before you know it, you’re away from the crowds, having the kind of local, authentic travel experience that Morocco offers visitors around every corner.
Enjoy your trip and if you have any questions at all, just let me know!
If you have more time, consider extending your Morocco road trip to the remote and otherworldly Western Sahara.
The post A Great Morocco Road Trip: My Favorite Itinerary and Car Rental Tips appeared first on Wandering Earl.
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The allure of Oman lies as much in its geographical location as it does its rich history. Ancient culture blends with contemporary influences to create an intriguing travel destination. What should you then bring on your journey to make the most out of the experience?
One of the most essential items to bring when traveling to Oman is your travel documentation and you will most likely need an eVisa to enter the country. There are different visa requirements depending on which country you come from. Requirements for Americans for an Oman e-Visa for example include a valid passport and the ability to pay for your visa. The eVisa process is fairly simple and it is possible to apply online.
The online visa application process only takes a few minutes to complete and once approved the travel documentation will be sent directly to your inbox. There are different types of visas to apply for and as such, the best things to do is consult official sources online for exhaustive information on all rules and regulations.
1. Lightweight loose-fitting clothes – depending on when you choose to travel to Oman, the country has a sub-tropical desert climate and you need to have suitable clothes for that. This means garments in natural fabrics such as linen or cotton to be able to withstand high daytime temperatures and cold nights. It might also be wise to bring a light jacket in case of rain and wind.
2. Protection against the sun – this means everything from sunglasses to long-sleeved tops and a hat. The sun is relentless and you will need sunscreen as well. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially if you want to enjoy spending time outside. On this note, remember to also bring some mosquito repellent.
3. Sensible shoes – it’s recommended to bring footwear that may be worn at the beach as well as sturdy shoes if you want to go trekking. For everyday use, choose alternatives that will provide some coolness due to the high temperatures.
4. Travel adapter – in order to make sure you are able to use your electronic devices it is best to bring a travel adapter. It might be possible to purchase once you have arrived but to be on the safe side you should definitely bring your own.
5. Suitcase – depending on whether you are traveling with only a carry-on baggage or if you intend to check-in luggage, choose bags that are made of lightweight material and that are roomy. Both in terms of having to carry them but also if you intend to being home some souvenirs.
Before traveling to Oman, make sure you have your travel documentation in order. It’s also good to take some time to go over your luggage and check to see that you have all the essential items with you. The suggestions here are by no means exhaustive and when traveling to regions such as the Middle East, it’s also crucial to be aware of things like if you are able to drink the local water or not.
Research some before you go and get ready for a unique travel experience.
The post How to Prepare Your Trip to Oman appeared first on Wandering Earl.
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It’s not a secret. I’m just not a fan of ‘travel clothes’.
After 19 years of traveling the world, I don’t understand the concept.
Fast-drying clothes? That sounds good but I don’t need clothes that dry in 27 seconds. Regular drying time works for me.
Convertible pants/shorts? Wonderful! However, I don’t think I’ve ever felt a need to switch between the two in the middle of a day, ever. Am I weird?
Super special material? I get it. Different materials have different benefits. Sure, some materials keep you cooler, some keep you warmer. Some are known for their otherworldly softness or their ability to stay ‘clean’, or at least hide the smell. But good old regular cotton does the trick, too. It works for millions of non-traveling people so why can’t it work for travelers as well?
429 pockets? Again, on paper it sounds useful to have so many pockets on a pair of pants or on one shirt. But I barely carry enough stuff to fill up one pocket. What do travelers carry in their pants and shirts that I’m missing?
What I don’t understand is this – when I’m traveling, there really isn’t much difference than if I wasn’t traveling when it comes to clothes.
In both cases, I walk. I sit. I stand. Sometimes it’s warm out. Other times it’s cool. My money and credit cards go in one pocket. I’m good to go.
So why do I need super special clothes just because I’m crossing a border into a foreign land?
Luckily, I don’t think I’m the only one who’s made this realization. I currently see a trend taking place where overly functional and specialized ‘travel clothes’ are being replaced by normal looking clothes that offer a couple of simple benefits for those who travel.
That’s something I can handle.
Where am I going with this?
If I was living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hitchhiking in the Karaokaram Mountains of Pakistan, visiting Chernobyl or taking a road trip around the Maramures region of Romania, I’d be wearing normal-looking jeans and a normal-looking shirt. So, I like to have normal-looking jeans and normal-looking shirts in my suitcase.
Aviator jeans. That’s what I’ve settled on.
I now have two pairs of these jeans – blue and black – and I wear them almost every day. It doesn’t get any simpler.
Aviator jeans are good looking, comfortable, high-quality jeans. No high-tech ventilation system, no fur from the underbelly of a yak and they don’t turn into a raincoat if I tap my knees three times.
1. Benefit #1 – They don’t get too wrinkled when folded up in a suitcase for a while. Cool, I can dig it.
2. Benefit #2 – They have a zipper pocket inside of one of the side pockets and inside both of the back pockets too. This provides a simple, yet effective, extra layer of protection for my money, credit cards and even my passport.
3. Benefit #3 – I could get away with wearing these jeans in almost any situation, from the most casual to a more formal gathering. Ideal for a traveler.
Done.
Three simple, excellent benefits without sacrificing look or comfort (in fact, these jeans are super comfortable).
Aviator jeans. Normal jeans for travelers. I finally found them.
Thoughts? Are you a travel clothes kind of traveler?
(The post is meant to be sarcastic. Travel clothes clearly offer benefits for many travelers!)
The post Travel Clothes Perfected With Aviator Jeans appeared first on Wandering Earl.
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A guest wears a Carnival Corp. Ocean Medallion wristband. Travel advisors and their customers have to grapple with a bevy of cruise fees that are added to the fare. Carnival Corp.
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Andrea Mladin, founder of Pet Travel Advisor, on the beach with Mila, her Maltese puppy. Pet Travel Advisor
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Heather Eisenstadt of Top Dog Travel brought along a four-legged companion on a recent white water rafting expedition. Top Dog Travel
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Cocktail chef Matthew Biancaniello, host of the travel show Good Spirits, has a toasts with guests on board a Carnival Corp. ship. Carnival Corp.
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Nathan Brown, director of food and beverage for Park Hyatt Aviara in San Diego, took on the role of the Master Steak Knife Concierge at the hotel’s The Argyle Steakhouse in 2016. Park Hyatt Aviara
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Perhaps a CEO or a corporate vice president may want to shop for some Louis Vuitton gear during a business trip. Luxury travel advisors will know how to hook them up. Bloomberg
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A room at The Westin New York Times Square, which currently charges guests a nightly destination fee in addition to the room rate. Westin Hotels & Resorts
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A Selina co-working space in Medellin, Colombia. The startup, which provides travelers with co-working spaces and hotel-style lodging, is aiming to raise a $500 million fund to invest in buying, leasing, and converting U.S. real estate. Selina
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