Paper cones filled with roasted steaming chestnuts, the air perfumed by cauldrons of hot, mulled cider, cinnamon and cloves. Sacher torte with peppermint-laced cream. Blown glass ornaments delicate as soap bubbles, hand-painted eggshells, their holiday scenes painted with a feather brush. St. Nicholas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas… The Christmas season offers an intimate portrait of a country’s customs and its people. But… Christmas Market Travel is a big business. …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
