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Pamelahawthorne

The Best Advice If Your Flight is Cancelled

It’s inevitable. So plan for it. It’s a rare trip that follows the booked itinerary but there are things you can do to make it a minor inconvenience instead of a catastrophe. Federal Law Says… It’s important to know that federal law entitles you to a full cash refund in the event your flight is canceled, regardless of the reason. On domestic carriers. Unfortunately, getting a refund is often a …

Ultimate Shopping in Morocco: Here’s What to Look For

You will never forget your shopping experiences in Morocco. There are the open bazaars and medieval markets, back-alley souks in labyrinths of the medinas. From Fes to Marrakech, the neon colors and bold patterns deliver a sensual assault. In a good way! It is overwhelming at first. Every shopkeeper is a carnival barker, circus performer, negotiator, host and many are relentless beyond American tolerance. I loved every negotiation. Every conversation. …

A Unique Portrait: Morocco’s Fearless, Powerless and Silent Women

I asked the 22 year old young man, fluent in at least four languages in spite of no formal schooling, as he drove across the dunes to our bivouac in the Sahara, ” What is best in Morocco, to be a man or a woman?” “A man,” he said with no hesitation, “a woman has no choices.” A telling comment. Depending on where they live, entirely true. Although life for …

Nine Big “Don’ts” on Solo Travel That Make a Difference

After each solo adventure I catalog the great tips, new ideas and helpful suggestions that I’ve picked up or been gifted with from other travelers. So here are a few from my most recent Moroccan adventure: Don’t Overthink it. Solo travel is not a rite of passage. You can’t fail it. Some trips are better than others. Understand that once you’ve done your planning, booked your flights and hotels and …

See the Real Astapor: Daenerys’ Dragons and Magical Essaouira

It started long before Rick’s Place made Casablanca a movie legend. Morocco has an enviable reputation for magical movie and TV series locations. In fact, during my recent trip I visited at least three: Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and Essaouira. There were also a few abandoned sets in the midst of Saharan sands where Jewel of the Nile was shot. Game of Thrones Game of Thrones looms large in Essaouira …

A World Famous Designer’s Art-Deco Treasure: Visit Majorelle Gardens

Come with me to the gardens of Yves and Pierre… The Garden, located in the city of Marrakech and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Berge in 1922, is one of the most enchanting and mystical gardens in Morocco. Created in the space of forty years, it is surrounded by walls and is a labyrinth of intersecting alleys. Gorgeous. Intertwining levels and Moorish Art Deco style buildings in …