#cheap dar accommodation

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The Dar Es Salaam hotel deals Diaries

Exploring Affordable <b>Hotels in Dar Es Salaam</b>: An Overview

Hotels in Dar Es Salaam offer numerous lodging options for tourists. Exploring cheap hotels in Dar Es Salaam can be cost-effective. 5 star hotels in Dar Es Salaam promise exclusivity and superior service. Selecting the best hotels in Dar Es Salaam depends on specific needs. Looking for Dar Es Salaam hotel deals may result in significant savings. The best place to stay in Dar Es Salaam should include both comfort and convenience. Remember the proximity to key destinations when booking.

Choosing the Perfect Accommodation in Dar Es Salaam: The Complete Handbook

Hotels in Dar Es Salaam accommodate a wide range of travelers. Cheap hotels in Dar Es Salaam give budget-friendly options for cost-conscious visitors. 5 star hotels in Dar Es Salaam shine for their exclusive services. Choosing from the best hotels in Dar Es Salaam guarantees a pleasurable stay. Looking into Dar Es Salaam hotel deals is beneficial. The best place to stay in Dar Es Salaam often merges location with amenities. Upscale accommodations improve the overall travel experience. Assessing hotels in Dar Es Salaam assists in finding the best deal. Make sure to consider the additional services offered at cheap 5 star hotels in Dar Es Salaam hotels in Dar Es Salaam. Finally, select a hotel that suits your specific needs.

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Hotels Near Julius Nyerere International Airport Provide Top Quality Accommodation!

Finding your accommodation close to the airport is always a better idea. But getting this type of accommodation in a good hotel can also be challenge sometime. If you are in Dar-es-Salaam and you are looking for quality hotel where you can find your accommodation at a close proximity to the Julius Nyerere international airport, then you have come to the right place! It’s one of the best hotels near Julius Nyerere international airport where you are going to get the most comfortable and luxurious accommodation facility that comes with rooms which are equipped with modern day’s designs and décor as well as complementary amenities for the guests. Staying close to the airport often brings a great deal of conveniences. From the hotel you can access the airport easily and quickly. This hotel also provides airport shuttle services so that transportation for the guests from and to the airport can become convenient and quickly.

Have a very comfortable stay

Dar-es-Salaam is the most populous city of Tanzania. This is also a business and trade hub. So many business travelers use to come here and they look for the best and the most comfortable stay in Dar-es-Salaam. This hotel is all set to provide the best and the most comfortable accommodation for these guests. And most of these guests are looking for a close Dar-es-Salaam airport stay.

Fully furnished rooms are available in cheap

If you are also planning for your next tour to Dar-es-Salaam like city, then you must have a stay right at this hotel. Its contemporary accommodation that comes with complementary amenities for guests is really going to mesmerize you. The rooms of this hotel are well furnished and equipped with the facilities like Wi-Fi, LCD TV, A/C, and from the windows of these rooms you will really love to spend some time while admiring the beauty of the skyline of Dar-es-Salaam.

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5 Fantastic Cities to Visit in Tanzania

1) Arusha

An important regional hub and tourism center, Arusha offers many excellent attractions for city travelers. The famous Maasai Market and Arusha National Park are both found here, as is a host of high-end accommodations and exciting nightlife venues. Tradefcm has negotiated special deals with several travel companies for their clients! A limited number of openings at discounted rates are still available — book early to avoid disappointment! https://skylinktanzania.co.tz/ Heard about our exclusive partnership with Safari Club International? Yes? Then make sure you take advantage of our sales team’s expertise in planning trips around African safaris (and any other destinations). Our partners at Safari Club International will assist you in planning you’re itinerary and booking your reservations for flights, hotels, excursions, and more so that you can maximize your trip’s potential.

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2) Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a vibrant, densely populated coastal city that is arguably home to some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. While it might not be ideal for high-end shopping and fine dining, it’s an attractive option for those who are drawn by a cosmopolitan vibe and a thriving social scene. This megacity boasts one of Africa’s highest standards of living thanks largely to its port — which serves as a hub for trade between East Africa and Europe. You can spend your time here discovering colorful markets or relaxing on sandy beaches; Tanzania’s travel options abound within easy reach of its coast. In terms of getting around town, dar Tanzania transportation is both cheap and convenient: buses are available all over town (but keep in mind that they aren’t exactly great for sightseeing), while cabs can be hailed pretty much anywhere you see people on foot. If you prefer something more adventurous, bicycles can also be rented near many hostels around town (just watch out for thieves). Your best bet?

3) Serengeti National Park

One of the largest and best-preserved national parks in Africa, Serengeti National Park is home to some of nature’s most spectacular creatures. Spot elephants and giraffes roaming across miles of the savannah as you head on safari tours that take you through one of Tanzanian’s greatest tourist attractions. When visiting Tanzania, make sure you plan your trip around July or August — that’s when over 2 million wildebeest and zebra cross from neighboring Kenya en route to greener pastures. While in the park, check out Il Ngwesi Lodge where you can sit down for a memorable meal made using fresh ingredients plucked straight from the hotel’s herb garden. When night falls, watch a stunning display of African wildlife under starlit skies.

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4) Mwanza

Mwanza is a colorful city located on Lake Victoria’s northern shore. Comprised of ancient Swahili settlements, Mwanza was once an important trading center for ivory, gold, and slaves. Today, it is Tanzania’s second-largest city and a trade hub for goods such as cashew nuts, sugar cane, and fish. Tourists can take day trips from here to visit nearby islands like Ukara and Pemba; visitors with longer vacations can explore Tanzania’s natural wonders in Akagera National Park or cross into Kenya for safaris at Tsavo East or West. With so much to do, Mwanza makes for an excellent jumping-off point for any trip around Tanzania. The community has also taken active steps toward protecting its ecology through green initiatives such as recycling plants and introducing solar power technology. https://skylinktanzania.co.tz/tanzania-travel-blog-12-things-to-know-before-you-go/

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5) Zanzibar

Zanzibar is made up of two islands: Unguja (the main island) and Pemba. This East African island is more popular as a tourist destination than mainland Tanzania, which has little infrastructure for tourism. Zanzibar has an amazing blend of Arab, Asian, Swahili, and African influences — and these come out in everything from architecture to cuisine. Because it’s so attractive to tourists, there are plenty of resorts and tour operators around who can organize your stay. The best time to visit Zanzibar is during its dry season, between April and October. September/October tend to be the most popular months with their beautiful beaches. Many choose March/April or November/December because they are considered shoulder months; in other words, they aren’t particularly busy seasons with higher rates but still offer great weather. https://skylinktanzania.co.tz/best-cities-to-travel-near-me/ One place you can never go wrong when choosing your travel destination in Africa.

[letstraveljournal-blog]

Top 5 Umrah Travel Agency in Pakistan: Which one to choose?

Umrah is Islamic worship also known as the minor pilgrimage, as compared to the 5 pillars of Islam “Hajj”. Umrah is the holy pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca carried out at any time during the whole year as compared to Hajj, which is performed at the specific time according to the Islamic year. There are 4 religious rites for Umrah - Putting on of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee, and Qasar. Pilgrims wear Ihram sheets after the Niyah of Umrah. Then they perform the Tawaf, an act of moving around Kaaba seven times with great devotion. Sa’yee means walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. After performing Sa'ee, all the male pilgrims get their heads shaved and women get their hair clipped equal to the length of a fingertip. 

Before you set out on this spiritual journey, you must be aware of the few guidelines to make your journey convenient and pleasant.

Here is the list of top 5 Umrah Travel Agencies providing the best Umrah services.

1. Meezab Air

Meezab Air is the best online Travel Agency to plan and manage your Umrah travels. It is one of the trusted Umrah Travel Agency among the customers. If you want to perform the sacred act of worship - Umrah, in your budget, Meezab Air has got the best economy packages for you. 

Track your spending and don’t go out of your budget! Simple and easy to follow reservation process is an attraction for the customers. Avoid any inconvenience in your journey to the holy destination. 

Enjoy the best hotel services including separate rooms for families, free Wifi, facilities for disabled guests, air-conditioned rooms, and accommodation near to Haram in Makkah and Madina.

2. Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services

Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services established since 1973 is the best travel agency in Pakistan ensuring the best and unforgettable traveling experience to its customers. They know the culture, rules and regulations, the laws and offer their customers what they really need. 

They excel in providing the best traveling solutions to assist their valuable customers. Best and cheap Umrah deals and packages, luxury accommodations and five-star hotels and rental vehicles, they have planned out each and every aspect of your travel to the sacred city. 

Contact them and get generous discounts.

Also Read: What are the pros and cons of a travel agency?

3. Aslam Makki Travels

Aslam Makki Travels is a prestigious and distinguished travel service agency in Pakistan. They offer the premium umrah packages from all over Pakistan. They cater your all traveling needs from private umrah packages to group with or without scholars deals. Of course, we all prefer to have the best accommodation with a hygienic environment and efficient services. 

Then Aslam Makki Travels are the best traveling agency making your Umrah experience exceptional and unforgettable. Book their cheap packages from your home without any hassle, take their experts advice for any confusion and query.

4. My Booking World

My Booking World offers the best deals to perform this spiritual act of worship with great comfort and convenience. Best of all the services including residence, conveyance, best food, and topnotch airline flights, warm hospitality, overwhelming facilities, and deals are all just a few clicks away. 

Their time is at your service at all times to keep you from any trouble during this holy journey. All of your needs are taken care of by My Booking World so you can do comfortably for what you have come to this sacred place.

5. Suchi Travels and Tours

Suchi Travels and Tours is an Umrah traveling agency providing the cheapest packages and deals for Muslims all across Pakistan. 

Get the best Umrah packages for several days stay in the hotel with outstanding services. Suchi Travels and Tours offers accommodation in Makkah and Madina at different hotels such as Fairmont 5 Star, Al-Jewar Royal Orchid, Hilton Towers, Dar Al-Tawhid, Zam-zam, Dar Al-Hijra Intercontinental, Hilton Madinah, Al-Haram Hotel and Dar Al-Taqwa. 

Sign up for the safe journey with them with quick booking procedure.

May Allah accept your all prayers and Umrah, Ameen!

[intellectbuzzgo]

10 Top Hotels in Madinah

The religious significance of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is palpable. It is home to Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, which is thought to have been constructed by the Prophet himself, Quba Mosque, the world's oldest mosque, and the Green Dome, which houses the Prophet Muhammad's grave. Unsurprisingly, the top hotels in Madinah are built around landmarks, so you can wake up to a muezzin's call to prayer, stroll to the Prophet's Mosque, or look out your window to get beautiful views.

Crowne Plaza Madinah

Within walking distance of the Prophet's Mosque, this hotel can still arrange a shuttle that will take you directly to the men's and women's entrances. The on-site business center is manned and open until midnight for corporate guests, and five boardrooms are accessible for meetings or conferences. The furnishings and employees, who speak six languages including Arabic, English, and Hindi, have a formal but pleasant aura.

Shaza Al Madinah

This five-star hotel is just a few meters from the Prophet's Mosque and within hearing distance of the muezzin's call to prayer in the morning. The Arabesque restaurant's display kitchen and mashrabiya-inspired lanterns give a dramatic vitality to the cuisine, which mixes Eastern and North African flavors. When you return to your room in the evening, you'll also find new dates.

Dar Al Taqwa Hotel

The royal blue and gold color scheme gives the rooms at this hotel a vibrant and joyful air. The theme continues at the Tea Garden, where you may enjoy hot beverages, pastries, and cakes on the terrace overlooking the Holy Mosque courtyard. If feasible, request a room with a view of the Prophet's Mosque, while the 12th and 13th floors are reserved for the Royal Palace experience, which contains residential-style apartments and a prayer space with stunning views of the Holy City.

Pullman Zamzam Madinah

The degree of hospitality at this huge hotel is highlighted by a welcome of fresh Madinah dates and a pot of Arabic coffee. It boasts over 800 rooms and suites, most of which are decorated with Islamic art and flooded with natural light owing to huge arched windows. It's also just a few steps from Bab Al Salam (Peace Gate), one of the main entrances of the Prophet's Mosque.

Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick

This Mövenpick hotel, with 1,291 rooms, is the largest in Madinah and only a few feet away from the ladies' prayer door, making it one of the closest to the Prophet's Mosque. You enjoy free underground parking, full international breakfast buffets every morning, and convenient access to the ground floor retail and grocery.

Madinah Hilton

Among the top hotels in Madinah is the Hilton hotel that exudes subtle elegance, with rose-marble bathrooms, elaborate hanging chandeliers, and geometrically patterned windows. The food is equally elegant, with Arabian specialties provided at the Madinah Restaurant. If you have a sweet craving, the Um Ali dessert, a cinnamon-dusted pastry filled with almonds, cream, and raisins, is likely to be recommended. Head to the less formal Cafe Najd for a fresh juice or drink.

Bosphorus Hotel

This relaxed hotel, with 140 rooms, is one of the lesser players in central Madinah. The range of accommodation layouts and sizes, on the other hand, makes this a suitable option for larger parties or families. There are also connected double rooms, as well as triple, quadruple, and cheap twin rooms. The ancient Old Bazaar is less than a kilometer away for guests looking to get some souvenirs.

Al Nokhba Royal Inn

The Al Nokhba Royal Inn Madinah is located on King Fahad Street, which is a good location in the city. The smoke-free facility provides both, modern services, and amenities. It is within a few minutes drive from the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul-Aziz International Airport. The hotel has a public lounge, a large eating room, and an on-site coffee shop. It also has a business center with high-speed internet access.

InterContinental Dar Al Hijra Madinah

This hotel is a two-minute walk from the Holy Mosque and the adjacent courtyard, and it has a view of Mount Uhud, which is significant in the Prophet Muhammad's tale. Abdulhamid, the experienced head concierge, can assist you to customize your stay in Madinah. Along with dining and shopping recommendations, he's likely to suggest a visit to the King Fahd Quran printing facility, the largest in the Middle East.

Leader Al Muna Kareem Hotel

This hotel's daily breakfast buffet has a mountain of freshly baked bread and pastries that is both a sight and a fragrance to behold. If daily you're short on time, the grab-and-go breakfast option is one of the numerous thoughtful features created with Madinah's hectic pace in mind. It also provides three-hour rapid laundry service and Arabic coffee and dates upon arrival.

Madinah for the followers of Islam has a special significance because of the presence of two sacred mosques here. In addition to the religious places, there are a number of religious places that pilgrims visit in Madinah. To ensure their stay is pleasant the top hotels in Madinah have the best facilities.

[storyrabat]

Your Morocco home base must be Rabat!

Morocco is an incredible country full of great food, history and culture. If you are traveling to Morocco for the first time, we recommend staying at a home base instead of trying to explore every city in one trip. 

Rabat has become a go-to city because it is so easy to get around from anywhere thanks to its proximity to other popular destinations like Chefchaouen and Fes. For example, if you want to spend your day exploring Chefchaouen then you can do so by train or bus without having to rent a car or hire a driver (unless you want!).

An endless list of possibilities

Rabat is a city that has something for everyone. If you are looking to spend a weekend relaxing in this beautiful city, or if you want to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture while learning the language, Rabat has plenty of options to fill your time. It is easy to get around and there are many hotels in Rabat to choose from, so whether you're traveling with kids or without, there is something for everyone!

Budget-friendly getaway

Rabat is a great city to base yourself in Morocco. The capital city has everything you need for your trip and it's not a huge price tag. You can find cheap flights, accommodation and food are also very affordable. There are plenty of things to do in Rabat and they are all very budget-friendly too!

There are many ways to get around Rabat on the cheap: use local buses, walk or hire a bike if you have time on your hands. If you don’t feel like walking too much then take advantage of public transportation such as taxis or Uber which can be found easily by looking at apps such as Google Maps (if offline), Moovit (if offline) or CityMapper (if offline).

Rabat is home to several museums including Dar Cherifa Museum which displays traditional Moroccan art pieces from across Morocco; Dar Jamai Museum where visitors can learn about Moroccan history; National Archaeological Museum displaying artifacts from prehistoric times up until today; Royal Palace where one can visit rooms containing royal furniture and chandeliers; Hassan Tower built-in 1781 standing tall over 100m high offering amazing views over Rabat city center; Grand Mosque and Tower built in 12th century with 3 floors including prayer hall on the top floor with 6 towers surrounding the mosque.

Also Read,  How to Pack for a Trip to Morocco

It is a cultural capital

If you think Morocco is only about its beaches, you are wrong! Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and it’s a cultural capital as well.

It’s the country’s administrative center and economic hub, let alone one of its most important cities when it comes to culture. It has a rich history, with many historic buildings thanks to its long history as a center for learning and trade in Morocco.

Rabat is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hassan II Mosque (the second largest mosque in Africa), Royal Palace (home to King Mohammed VI), Parliament of Morocco (the oldest parliament building in Africa) and Dar Tazi Palace (where many historical events happened).

The Food!

You will find delicious Moroccan food in Rabat. Not only is it cheap, but it is also healthy and traditional. If you are looking for modern cuisine or even world cuisine, you will find restaurants with options from all around the globe in Rabat.

Authentic souks and markets

A souk is a market or bazaar, and it is one of the most common words in Arabic. Moroccan souks are found throughout the country, but they are more than just places to buy souvenirs: they are also home to some of the best street food in Morocco.

Many merchants in these markets have been selling their wares for generations and are happy to chat with customers about their products. As you peruse, feel free to ask questions about anything that catches your eye—you will likely get an interesting story along with an authentic answer!

Traditional and modern hotels and resorts

Morocco is a country with a rich history, so it is no surprise that its accommodations reflect that. While hotels in Marrakech are more modern than traditional, Rabat has a large number of both. If you are looking for more authentic accommodations, then we recommend checking out the traditional ones in Rabat. 

These hotels are some of the best luxury hotels in Morocco with world-class amenities and great architecture. These hotels have character and charm—and they will give you some insight into Moroccan culture. Plus, they are usually cheaper than their modern counterparts!

The beaches are beautiful

The beaches in Rabat are amazing. It will be hard to find a beach that is nicer than the ones in this city. The water is always warm, as it is only at an average of 80°F (27°C ). The sand is soft, almost like powdered sugar! And the water—it is clear, shallow and calm enough for you to wade out into it without fear of getting carried away by a strong current.

The best part about spending time at one of these beaches? They are so easy to get to! All you have to do is hop on one of our boats and head straight for the coast!

Rabat is an underrated city that you should visit in Morocco.

Rabat is an underrated city that is often skipped over in lieu of Marrakech and Fez. But this is not your typical European capital—it is a unique Moroccan experience.

Rabat is a great home base for exploring Morocco, with its historical buildings, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. Here are some reasons why you should visit Rabat on your next trip to Morocco:

It is affordable. Rabat has one of the lowest costs of living in all of Europe, making it easy to spend less while still feeling like you have had a luxurious vacation!

You will be able to see so much history without having to travel far from downtown Rabat itself! The old medina (or market) is filled with vendors selling everything from spices and produce to clothing items made by local artisans—all at very reasonable prices too! Plus there are plenty of cafes where you can sit down with some friends over cups of hot mint tea while planning what else might be worth seeing during your stay here...

Rabat is a great home base because it is a big city with lots of attractions that you can explore on foot, and it has good public transportation. It is also close to the airport and the beach, so if you want to take a day off from sightseeing or shopping then there are plenty of other things to do nearby!

[miminomadic]

Mi Despedida de Galápagos. A Party of Two

I spent the last three days from my Galapagos adventure on the island of San Cristóbal and a total of nine blissful days on this magical archipelago at the end of the world. Coming to San Cristóbal was not even part of my original plan but I decided to give it a go just based on conversations with other travellers and the fact that I discovered there was an airport with connecting flights to the mainland in here too. It was the best decision ever as it turned out to be one of my favourite islands for various reasons. I had saved the best for last without even realising it!

If you are planning to visit the Galapagos, do not miss this island! Flying off to Santa Cruz from Quito or Guayaquil and then coming back to the mainland from San Cristóbal, or vice versa, is a great way to discover more rather than flying from the same airport.

I had arrived to the Galapagos with a one-way ticket to the Island of Santa Cruz as I was not sure how long I wanted to stay and how expensive everything was. This is the most common exploration starting point. Talking with other backpackers, everyone was surprised that they let me in without having a return as it was apparently a strict requirement. In my case, the airport officials in Quito just put a random date in my Galapagos entry visa when I told them how much more or less I was planning to stay and luckily I did not have any issues. This is where being fluent in Spanish pays off. It makes travelling without a plan and organising things on the spot much easier.

I love Latin America and always feel extremely happy being around this part of the world but the Galapagos felt really unique. The fact that the islands are not easily accessible plus the extraordinary amount of endemic animals and plants make you feel really far away from everything and everyone. I was in Neverland, living the absolute dream.

So what do you do on the Galapagos?

Swim, snorkel, dive, explore, eat, burn, repeat! So simple as that!

Every day is long and filled with new mind-blowing experiences and sights. And just when I think I have seen the best marine life on mother Earth, swam with sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions and the biggest marine turtles ever, there comes something new and extraordinary. It gets better all the time! This is true on the Galapagos like no place else. Indeed, the best was yet to come!

Just for the record, a sunblock of factor 100 and a hat are indispensable if you ever decide to go. The islands are dotted across the Equator and I never burned so much in my life despite the fact that I was covering myself as much as possible and using a wetsuit too. The sun is really very strong.

So I arrived to San Cristóbal by speedboat after having visited four other islands at about 9am on a Monday morning. Soon I discovered that I did not have accommodation. I had booked an Airbnb the previous night from the hostel where I was staying on Santa Cruz but could not verify whether it was confirmed when I left early in the morning as the WiFi was not working. Internet connection is terrible on the islands, which I did not mind at all. I am mostly offline when I travel anyway. I would just connect occasionally mainly to decide and book where to go next and post some pictures. The rest of the time I want to be fully present in the place and connect to people around, otherwise what’s the point!

I entered a café directly next to the packed by sea lions peer. After much waiting to get some signal, I found out that my Airbnb booking was rejected due to repair works. This was not a big deal as Puerto Baquerizo - where you disembark, is a small friendly village with plenty of options. I finished my coffee and started walking around with my backpack to check the availability in some of the hotels around. I stopped a random guy to enquire which was the main street. Seeing me with my backpack, he asked if I was looking for accommodation. As it turns out, he owned a hostal. A hostal in South America is something in between a hotel and a hostel. It is very basic and usually cheap and you have mainly private rooms. I requested to have a look. Always have a look first before you say yes! It was a room with two separate single beds, super basic and about $15 a night so I went for it. I was not in the mood to waste any time. The island was waiting for me. I changed quickly and went to rent a bicycle to start exploring.

I went straight to La Lobería which is a beach on the South-east part of the island. Needless to say, it became one of my favourite beaches ever. I was having a new favourite every day. Quite normal in Neverland.

La Lobería is basically a beach/nursery for sea lions - from lobo marino (Spanish for sea lion). There is a shallow area of sand and lava stones where the babies can swim freely and relax while the adults are out hunting. There was one adult female (I think) on the watch taking care of cute baby sea lions while couple of giant sea turtles were almost out on the shore. You hardly have to swim to see the marine life on this beach as it comes ashore to you instead.

Wildlife is so abundant everywhere on San Cristóbal due its super relaxed vibe and I think that’s why I loved it so much. Sea Lions are practically everywhere blocking everything and squeaking all the time. I miss them so much now together with the tranquility that nature brings. The following day I did another full day of snorkelling and exploration - the famous 360° tour around the island which is a must if you are there. It includes a stop at Kicker Rock where you can spot hammerheads but I was not that lucky. It was the only species I did not manage to see. It will have to be another time, another adventure 🧜🏻‍♀️

And so my days flew and suddenly it was my last night on the islands. I was bound to fly to Quito and then to the Amazon the next day. The night before I had dinner with a traveller I met on another island but she had already left and now I was out on my own without any plan.

There was this really cool hostel next to the place where I was staying with an outdoor cafe and I saw D having dinner at one of the tables by himself. He was this Argentinian guy working in the hostel that I had briefly met the night before while I was hanging out there stealing their WiFi. It was literally the only place on the island with a properly working WiFi! He stopped me to ask what I was up to and suggested to have some beers later. I was not particularly attracted at first but I did not mind, I did not have a more fun plan after all.

Twenty minutes later D was already sitting with me in the restaurant where I was having dinner. I learned that he was a professional snowboard instructor and dive master who had been working here and there travelling the world for the last three or four years. He took avid interest in everything I told him about myself and was overall a refreshing free soul, real and full of life that is so lacking in most people. He had been on the island for a month now and knew his way around. After dinner he took me to a hip local bar to play some pool and at some point we went for a smoke and kissed. I was starting to really enjoy my last night! It was not only because D was a good kisser and kind of cute but because he was hundred percent present then and there with me in this very moment making it feel unique, which it was. A kissy while later, D asked what I wanted to do next. Since it was my Galapagos farewell party apparently, I was the Boss and he would do everything I wanted.

Turns out he was a present from the Universe sent to satisfy my desires. D truly surprised me with his almost superhuman stamina, amazing body shape and some other very important assets too😉His main goal was indeed to please me this night and he did not stop till this was the case, many many times. He was there to give - to give me satisfaction! HA! And it all made perfect sense somehow as his actual name was Dario, or else the Giver. It comes from the Spanish verb dar meaning to give. Certainly a night I will remember, I felt resurrected.

Needless to say, I left the Galapagos the following afternoon with a big smile on my face. I was ready for my next stop - the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Viva La Vida!

[kilipeak]

3 DAYS SNORKELING EXCURSION IN ZANZIBAR BEACH

3 DAYS SNORKELING EXCURSION IN ZANZIBAR ISLAND 3 DAYS SNORKELING EXCURSION IN ZANZIBAR BEACH with Kilipeak Adventure  The original Safari Blue tour (make sure you are booking the right thing!) is one of the most popular day trips from Nungwi village (and a fair few other locations as well). Though not cheap it offers a full and fascinating day including all transport, snorkeling, food, and drink, etc. It also offers a far more nature-friendly way of possibly catching sight of some dolphins than the numerous ‘Swimming with Dolphins’ trips offered from Kizimkazi. The cost is $650 per person, price per person varies depending on group sizes The above prices should be used as a guide only. Real pricing will be based on family group size and itinerary desires DAY 1: STONE TOWN TOUR. Your program starts with a morning visit by the walk on our Historical Stone Town Tour. This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace) and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Dinner and overnight stay at Coral beach resort: Half board. DAY 2: SNORKELING IN ZANZIBAR. Snorkeling in Zanzibar is an experience of a lifetime. Unlike many other popular snorkeling destinations around the world, it is still possible to find places that have never been explored along the coast. The many varieties of coral provide a home to thousands of colorful and exotic creatures, including blue ribbon tail rays, firefish and for the “Finding Nemo” fans, clown fish. Dinner and overnight stay at Coral beach resort: Half board. DAY 3: ZANZIBAR TO THE AIRPORT. Depending on your flight schedule and departure point you will be transferred to the Zanzibar Airport to take a flight back home. If you are flying out of Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, we will arrange a connection flight for you to catch your flight back home. 3 DAYS SNORKELING EXCURSION IN ZANZIBAR BEACH TRIP INCLUDES. • All transfers while in Zanzibar. • All entries fees as listed in the itinerary • All accommodations on bed, dinner & breakfast • Pick up from the hotel to Airport for flight • All tours & excursion • Lunch during tours & excursion 3 DAYS SNORKELING EXCURSION IN ZANZIBAR BEACH TRIP EXCLUDES. • International airfare & flights • All items of a personal nature • Airport departure tax • Travel insurance • Visa and Passport fees. Read the full article

[kimzebraadventuressafaris]

10 DAYS SPECIAL PACKAGE

Tanzania Classic Lodge Safari Tarangire N.P, Lake Manyara N.P, Serengeti N.P, Ngorongoro Crater & Zanzibar Beaches.

Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland.

It’s time for adventure and maximum relaxation. Let our team of professionals assist you in making your vacation in 🇹🇿 an excellent one.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival In Arusha-Tz 🇹🇿

Day 2: Transfer to Tarangire N.P

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Manyara N.P

Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti N.P

Day 5: Full day in Serengeti N.P

Day 6: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

Day 8-9: Transfer to Zanzibar - Zanzibar Tour (Stone tour, Beaches & spice tour)

Day 10: Back to Dar es Salaam, Drop off at the Airport / at your booked Hotel. End of your tour

WHAT’S INCLUDED.

All the park entry fees

Full board accommodation during safari

Transport in a 4x4 safari car with roof top open

Professional driver guide

1500ml Mineral drinking water

Government tax

Airport transfers

WHAT'S EXCLUDED.

Visa entry

Domestic/International flight

Tipping

Beverage drinks and laundry service

Hotel accommodation in Arusha before/after the tour in Dar es Salaam.

Note: Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris uses 4-WD Land Cruiser with viewing roofs for the safaris that can accommodate 4 or 6 passengers. Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris guides are licensed, trained, friendly, and have years of experience.

Classic lodge Safari 10 Days 8Nights

Tanzania Unforgettable Safaris

COST FOR 1 PAX : US$5,000 / PERSON

COST FOR 2-3 PAX : US$4,000 / PERSON

COST FOR 4-5 PAX : US$3,800 / PERSON

COST FOR 6-6+ PAX : US$3,500 / PERSON

Comfort Camping Safari 10 Days 8Nights Tanzania Unforgettable

COST FOR 1 PAX : US$4,000 / PERSON

COST FOR 2-3 PAX : US$3,000 / PERSON

COST FOR 4-5 PAX : US$2,500 / PERSON

COST FOR 6-6+ PAX : US$2,100 / PERSON

Domestic Package (Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda)

10 Days Tanzania Lodge / Camping Safari #tarangire, #lakemanyara, #serengeti, #ngorongoro & #zanzibar .

For domestic tourism should they agree, if they will be 10 or more pax, Just tell us to give them a cheap way to visit our National Park during this holiday.

#travelblogger #traveling #kimzebraadventuressafaris Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris

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Organizing a Trip To Tanzania

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. Here in this beautiful country, you can visit the plains of Serengeti National Park. This location is the most attractive destination for safari tourists as it has lion, leopard, elephant buffalo, Zebra, and rhino.

Useful info about the climate of Tanzania

Tanzania is characterized by different types of climate depending on the area: one in the northern and central one called Altopiano dei Laghi and the other is the flat one facing the sea. In principle, it is possible to recognize two seasons, one dry and the other more humid and hot: the least rainy season is between July and August, while most rainfall occurs is from the end of March to mid-June. As for the winter period, between December and February, showers are possible, but not as intense as those of the spring period: once past, the calm returns again. Although they are not the best times to visit Tanzania, the winter months are anyway recommended for exploring Lake Victoria and the Serengeti. Temperatures range between 18° and 28°C and the sea temperature is 29° C.

How to Travel?

The main airport is Julius Neyere which is located a few kilometers outside the capital Dar El Salaam. As for air connections, you can opt for Middle Eastern companies that make a technical stopover in their main hub before continuing to Tanzania, or for European companies such as British Airway and Lufthansa. It will probably be the Middle Eastern companies that offer the best rates for traveling around the New Year period. And Alitalia? Our flag carrier does not fly to Tanzania, so there are no direct flights from Italy.

Getting around: do it yourself or a tour?

The first thing you should keep in mind is that you are in Tanzania, in the middle of central Africa, so you will have to adapt to the rhythms imposed by local life. So arm yourself with patience and a good trip! Let's start from your arrival at the airport: if you have already booked a hotel, ask if they have a shuttle to reach the center, otherwise opt for a taxi, always very expensive, especially when they are carrying tourists and take the opportunity to take advantage of it a little. Once in the city, you will have several opportunities: for small and short journeys, the most folkloristic means of transport is undoubtedly the "Dal Dalla", minibusses (always full of people) that cross the city: they make obligatory stops and the starting point and arrival is written at the top on the front of the vehicle. Associating from any kind of comfort is a mistake, but in this way, you will have taken a dip in the local culture. An alternative is the Rajaji, practically of the Asian tuk-tuks, adapted to the African environment, while for tracts along the coast you can opt for the motorcycle taxis. For once, do not take the normal, expensive and not very typical taxis. To move far and wide in Tanzania, forget about the rental car and consider local buses, which are quite comfortable even for long distances, but above all very cheap. The car costs, as does gasoline, but the roads are poor and the prohibition to drive at night for tourists, which makes it opt for public transport. If the buses are not for you, you can consider the idea of a private van with a driver, but the budget will certainly begin to rise. If you want you can also use domestic flights, as distinct as in Europe, on "normal" and "low cost" flights, but you'll have to book well in advance to get affordable fares. Obviously all that we have said so far does not apply if you have booked an organized tour: in this case, it will take care of the entire tour operator, including travel. 

Accommodation in Tanzania

Finding accommodation in Tanzania is quite simple, even if you have not booked anything from Italy, as upon your arrival you will be stopped by a crowd of people who will propose their own structure. Everyone will tell you this, but for us, it is always the rule to book in advance from Italy. Since sleeping in Tanzania is cheap, we advise you to discard low-level accommodations and opt for hotels and facilities that are more comfortable and of a good standard. On the coast, you will also find some guest houses overlooking the beach, but before booking, take a good look at the cleanliness and the type of structure. In reality, if you want to spend a New Year in absolute relaxation, we suggest you opt for a tourist village, even if not very characteristic: in this way, you will not have to do anything but lie down to sunbathe on the beach.

 What to do and see in Tanzania?

Safari

Safari and sea. Here is the key to reading this journey. Start with the adventure and then move on to relaxation. The first stop will certainly be Dar El Salaam, but it is not worth spending more than a couple of days, perfect only to settle in and visit the  Kariakoo Market and the Fish Market. Then go to Africa made of sunsets and landscapes: the most famous places are certainly the great parks of the north, such as the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro and the Tarangire where you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique landscape, while if you are looking for a less crowded park, you can opt for the Selous Game Reserve which also includes the third largest lake, Lake Malawi. You will also like Ruaha National Park, the second-largest park in Africa where many animal species move freely.

Sea

And the sea! Most tour operator catalogs recommend the Zanzibar sea, but it does not matter if you go there to have the turquoise sea and the soft beaches. In the southern part of Dar El Salaam, we recommend the Pwani region, beautiful and wild, but above all still little beaten by mass tourism. It is worthwhile to go as far as Sandi Island which fully embodies the exotic dream. The alternative is located north of the capital: these are the two islands of Mbudya and Bongoyo, still very wild, both included within protected marine areas. If you are looking for other areas where you can take beautiful photographic safaris in Africa, we suggest Namibia.

And the final words, if you want to enjoy all aspects of touring Tanzania it will be better if you opt an “Organized Tour” arranged and managed by any established tour operators like Bestway tours in Canada.

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A Charismatic Expedition to Dar es Salaam!

A Charismatic Expedition to Dar es Salaam! – – Now-a-days an enormous crowd of passengers are traveling to Mumbai from all of over India as well as from foreign lands by means of air transport – There are several airline carriers in India that proffer cheap air tickets to Mumbai – For instance, Jet Airways, Indigo, Spicejet and Air India Express provide economical airfare on the travelers – These airlines offer concessions about the air tickets, when the passengers reserve the seats before a lot more than 30 days – The travelers receive discounts all the way to 69 % for the air fare around the return flights for several places like Delhi-Mumbai, Mumbai-Delhi, Hyderabad-Mumbai, Mumbai-Hyderabad, Bangalore-Mumbai, Mumbai-Bangalore, Kolkata-Mumbai, and Mumbai-Kolkata In the most preferred and charming state Rajasthan, visitors will get a great connection with their trip and make memorable times here. Rajasthan tour supplies the visitors a chance to check out the rich Indian cultural heritage of Rajasthan where tourists will get numerous monuments, Places, Havelis, Forts and more. These attractions represent the wonderful past and attractive reputation Rajasthan. The most famous state has many attractive and amazing destinations such as Jaipur (the Capital City of Rajasthan), Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, MountAbu, Mandawa, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jaisalmer etc. Here, visitors can find many attractions to explore just like the fairs and festivals which provide diversity of colors. Thus, with Rajasthan tour visitors can look at a number of colorful destinations with the prominent state of Rajasthan which never neglect to attract tourists coming from all over the world to understand more about its culture and beauty. – With the help of Taj Mahal special tour, tourists can know its history – Sikandra Lodi, who madeAgrahis capital around of 1501 A – D, built a fort and laid out a city – Sikandra Lodi rebuilt his new capital after it absolutely was destroyed by an earthquake in a year of the foundation – Though no building within the city could be used on him, his name will be the pressed inside the suburb of Sikandra, where he erected a Baradari that is still standing – It was after his death that Babar, the initial of the Great Mughals, continued to live atAgraand got an urban area of gardens – Ram Bagh and Zohari Bagh are that remain today Also known by some as the City in the Spas, the heart of the capital of scotland – Budapest is richly endowed with natural springs which can be renowned for various medicinal properties. Some 118 springs provide you with the city’s spas and baths with water ranging in temperature from 70 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit (21-78??C).The Gellert Baths are some from the most incredible baths found in Budapest Read Also – Ksrtc Online Tickets enterdavao.com – While those who are with limited funds might choose to go with the cheapest rates available, they should keep another things planned. Travel costs may add up also it may actually turn out costing people additional money to keep at budget Toronto hotels which can be faraway from the downtown core. Cheaper accommodations might also mean dirtier and fewer sanitary conditions.

#EnterDavao, #BudgetTravel

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One Week in Zanzibar on a Budget

Zanzibar is an island paradise, although it is not as famous as similar budget beach destinations like Thailand or Sri Lanka. This is largely due to its position off the south coast of Africa and its lack of nightlife or party scene. Due to the island hosting a largely Muslim population, alcohol is not as readily available as in some other countries.

However, the main city of Stone Town has become very westernized and as a result hosts, several bars and most Western hotels and restaurants serve alcohol. Don’t expect crazy hostel parties until 4am though – after midnight the city goes deathly quiet (except for Tatu which stays open a bit later on weekends).

Sunset from Swahili House

The island is quite an odd place. It’s not technically its own country (it’s part of Tanzania) but you need to pass through immigration to enter it. While its official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh), the US dollar is more willingly accepted due to some or other tax laws.

The majority of places on the island use an inflated conversion rate of $1 = Tsh2400, so paying in US dollar is cheaper.

Getting There

To visit Zanzibar, visitors from most countries outside of Africa will need to apply for a Tanzanian visa for around $50. You can fly directly into Zanzibar airport which is a short 10-minute drive from Stone Town, or fly into Dar Es Salaam (if it’s cheaper) and catch a ferry to the island.

There is a fast (2 hour) ferry for $35 or a slower (3.5 hour) ferry for $20. I took the slow ferry which leaves daily at 12pm (noon) and it was very comfortable, with airline-style seating and a TV playing western movies. There is also a small canteen with snacks and drinks.

Attractions

Stone Town

Zanzibar is an ancient slave island and Stone Town was the base of operations. There are many old slave buildings and forts around the town that are now museums or attractions. It was also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury and features the famous Freddie Mercury restaurant. There is an endless supply of merchants selling clothes and curios along its maze of streets and you can easily spend a day just wandering around. At night there are several fish markets along the promenade and more locally on the main street.

  Click to view slideshow.

Prison Island

Prison Island is popular for its population of giant turtles. These huge beasts have populated the island for hundreds of years and some are over a century old. The island used to be a prison but the buildings have now been converted into a hotel, bar and library.

For $10 you can visit the island from Stone Town and go snorkeling in the many reefs surrounding it. This is preferable to trying to swim or snorkel near Stone Town where the water is full of sewage.

  Click to view slideshow.

The Rock

The rock is a restaurant situated on a rocky outcrop on Michamvi beach. I didn’t have a chance to visit so I can’t comment on the quality of the food but I assume it’s expensive. It makes for an excellent photo opportunity if you’re in the area though.

Accommodation

Zanzibar is not really a backpacker destination but it can still be done relatively cheap. I visited in low season which helped to keep my accommodation costs down but still offered all the benefits. In ten days there I had only two days of heavy rain – the rest of the time was beautiful beach weather.

Bottoms Up, Stone Town

This was my favourite hostel, set right in the heart of old Stone Town. It is only $12 a night and includes a fairly decent breakfast of egg, fruit, bread and coffee or tea. The hostel is a confusing maze of staircases and rooms with a fabulous rooftop sitting area that has amazing views across the city. They don’t have a bar but keep a small amount of $2 beers and $1 bottles of water in a fridge that seems to operate on an honesty system.

The rooftop at Bottoms Up

Nearby is the local restaurant Lukmaans, which does great local meals from as little as $3. Unfortunately, they get very busy and the staff seem a bit clueless, so service is terrible, but you can fetch your own food from the counter to save some time and confusion.

Around the corner is a slightly more expensive western restaurant that serves beer for $2 and has meals for $10 – $15.

There is a fancy hotel nearby called Swahili House that has a (tiny) rooftop pool and does happy hour between 4:30-7pm with cocktails for $3.20 and beer for $2. It’s a great place to have sundowners and a dip at the end of the day, which I did several times.

The tiny pool at Swahili House

Lost & Found, Stone Town

This hostel is closer to the touristy part of town and is more modern than Bottoms Up. It costs $13 a night for a bed in a huge 18-bed dorm and doesn’t include breakfast. The aircon works a little very well though and the mixed dorm has a nice balcony overlooking the main street.  

Across the road is a pricey Spanish bar called Taperia that does live music every night and has a wide selection of expensive imported wines. Beers are about $2.50.

Further south towards the beach is a three-story pool bar and restaurant called Tatu which does beer for $2.50 during happy hour is another good place to watch the sunset from.

The view of the main street from the balcony at Lost and Found

Ananda Hostel, Paje

The cheapest hostel I found was Ananda Hostel in Paje, a beach town on the opposite side of the island. It was $10 a night for a bed in a 6-bed dorm room and didn’t include any extras but breakfast is available for $2. It is certainly the best option for budget travellers, as it is well maintained and situated on an exquisite beachfront with several hammocks and sun loungers.

It was very quiet in low season so I can’t comment on the party scene but its a great place to relax and drink a beer on the beach. The nearby Africana BBQ restaurant does meals with veg, curry, goat or chicken for around $5 and serves large beers for $2. For delicious local seafood, the Fisherman’s restaurant a few meters up the beach does seafood platters of various fish, calamari octopus and lobster for between $6 – $8. They don’t officially serve beer but will gladly fetch you bottles for around $2.50.

A few meters south of Ananda is the Buccaneer Diving bar which does 2-for-1 cocktails between 4:30 and 7pm. This means you can mojitos, pina coladas or whiskey sours for as little as $2 each. The sun doesn’t set over the ocean this side but if the clouds are right it makes for a pretty amazing pink sky.

New Teddy’s on the Beach, Jambiani

This place is more of a boutique hotel than a hostel but it happens to have dorm rooms too. I didn’t stay here but a friend did and they said they paid $22 a night for a bed in a dorm. It has a huge fancy pool, a decent restaurant and bar with beer and cocktails and beautifully manicured grounds facing onto the beach. If you have the extra cash, it’s worth splashing out just for a night or two.

Kiteboarding is a very popular activity in both Paje and Jambiani but is quite pricey at $30 per hour. In low-season this can be negotiated down if you book 4-6 hours at a time, but not by much. Other popular activities include snorkeling and spear-fishing for around $10 per person.

Transport

Stone Town is small so you will be able to walk almost anywhere or catch a taxi short distances for $4-$5.

To keep costs down you can catch the local ‘Dala Dala’ buses around the island for a few dollars per trip. Private taxis are also available but prices fluctuate wildly depending on your negotiating skills. It will be anywhere from $20 to $50 to cross the island depending on how many people.

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Morocco guide: 10 things to know before you go

(CNN)Rainbows of color, spice-market smells, an urban orchestra of sounds: Morocco can be overwhelming at first.

Lying 13 kilometers, or 8 miles, from the coast of Spain, the North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and European flair.

Tourism has more than doubled since 2002, to nearly 10 million visitors in 2011. King Mohammed VI wants to increase the annual visitor numbers to 18 million by 2020.

The royal ruler’s strategy is underpinned by infrastructure development, making traveling around the country even easier.

Add to this a program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms, and Morocco is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region.

Here are 10 things you’ll want to know before you arrive:

1. Cafes dominate life in Tangier.

Cafes are the key place to socialize, for Moroccan men at least. They gather to drink sweet mint tea and watch people as they go about their affairs.

The northern port city of Tangier has a history of literary bohemianism and illicit goings-on, thanks to its status as an International Zone from 1923 to 1956.

The Interzone years, and the heady decades that followed, saw writers, rock stars and eccentrics flock to the city’s 800-plus cafs.

Two must-visit spots: Cafe Hafa (Ave Hadi Mohammed Tazi), overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, was a favorite hangout of Tangier’s most famous expat, writer and composer Paul Bowles.

Smoky and slightly edgy, Cafe Baba (1 rue Sidi-Hosni) is the coolest spot in the Kasbah. A photo of Keith Richards, kif-pipe in hand, still adorns the grimy walls.

Sea, souks and surfs in Morocco

2. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims.

Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim, and hearing the muezzin’s melodic call to prayer for the first time is a spine-tingling moment.

While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah; +212 522 22 25 63).

Located on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque was completed in 1993 and can hold 105,000 worshipers inside and out.

Tradition and technology sit side by side, with colorful zellij (mosaic tiles), intricate stucco and carved cedar complementing the retractable roof and heated flooring.

If you can’t make it to Casa, Marrakech’s 16th-century Ali ben Youssef madrassa-turned-museum (Pl Ben Youssef; +212 524 44 18 93) is open to all and also features impressive Islamic design.

3. Multilingual Moroccans will put you to shame.

Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures — Berber, Arab, French and Spanish — that have crisscrossed the country.

Arabic is the official language, and you’ll hear the Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street.

French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier.

There are also three main dialects spoken by the country’s Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit.

You’ll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs, although “La, shukran” (“No, thank you” in Arabic) is one phrase to master.

4. Don’t get stuck in Marrakesh.

Marrakesh is justifiably popular, but there’s so much more.

Fez tops the list for its maze-like medina, fabulous foodie scene and annual Festival of World Sacred Music.

For a slice of the Sahara, there’s the desert town of Merzouga, near the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, accessible via camel treks.

Active types can hike between Berber villages in the High Atlas or head to the blue-hued Andalusian town of Chefchaouen to explore the Rif Mountains.

Beach bums will love laid-back Essaouira and Sidi Ifni on the Atlantic coast, while surfers often head south to Taghazout.

For quiet contemplation, Morocco’s holiest town, Moulay Idriss, is hard to beat. Plus, you’ll have the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis pretty much to yourself.

The Atlas Mountains: Morocco’s hidden travel gem

5. If you don’t like cumin, you may starve.

Cumin is one of the main spices used in Moroccan cooking. This pungent powder is used to flavor everything from tagines to mechoui (slow-roasted lamb).

Cumin is used as a condiment on most Moroccan tables, along with salt and chili. It’s also a popular natural remedy for diarrhea.

“Cumin has anti-parasitical properties, so if you’ve got an upset tummy, a spoonful of cumin knocked back with water will help,” said food guide Gail Leonard with Plan-It Fez.

10 street foods to try in Morocco

6. Trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable.

Train company ONCF operates one of the best train networks in Africa, making it the easiest way to travel between cities.

It’s worth paying extra for first class, which comes with a reserved seat and A/C.

First class carriages have six-seat compartments or open-plan seating. Stock up on snacks, or buy them onboard, as it’s customary to share food.

When it comes to traveling to smaller towns and villages, buses and grand taxis, usually old Mercedes sedans that can seat six (at a squash), are best.

7. Couscous is served on Fridays.

You’ll see it on every restaurant menu, but traditionally, couscous is served on Fridays, when families gather after prayers.

This is because the proper (not packet) stuff takes a long time to prepare.

Coarse semolina is hand-rolled into small granules to be steamed and fluffed three times. It’s pale in color, deliciously creamy and served with vegetables and/or meat or fish.

Bread is the staple carb and is served with every meal, except couscous.

It’s baked in communal wood-fired ovens, one of five amenities found in every neighborhood (the others being a hammam, or bathhouse; a drinking fountain; a mosque and a preschool).

8. Riad rooftops rock.

The traditional Moroccan house (riad) is built around a central courtyard with windows facing inwards for privacy.

They’re decked out with elaborate zellij, stucco and painted cedar and are easily the most atmospheric places to stay.

While Moroccans tend to use their rooftops as clotheslines, a riad roof terrace is the place to be come sunset.

In Marrakech, Italian-designed Riad Joya (Derb El Hammam, Mouassine Quarter; +212 524 391 624; www.riadjoya.com) has prime views of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret, while five-star La Sultana (403 rue de la Kasbah; +212 524 388 008; http://ift.tt/2n3Umwo) overlooks the Atlas Mountains.

Top picks in Fez are the bohemian Riad Idrissy (13 Derb Idrissi, Sieje, Sidi Ahmed Chaoui, +212 649 191 410; www.riadidrissy.com) and its suntrap terrace, while Dar Roumana (30 Derb el Amer, Zkak Roumane; +212 535 741 637; www.darroumana.com) has sweeping views of the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city.

9. When you hear ‘balak!’ watch out.

Morocco’s souks are not for the faint-hearted. The narrow streets teem with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.

Rule No. 1 is to step aside when you hear “Balak!” It means there’s a heavily laden handcart or mule bearing down on you.

You’ll inevitably get lost, as maps don’t usually include the warren of small alleys that make up the medina.

A guide can help you get your bearings and fend off touts, but be aware that anything you buy will have his commission built in to the price.

Alternatively, taking snaps of landmarks with your smartphone can help you find your way back to your accommodation.

10. It’s not weird to be bathed by a stranger.

There are plenty of posh hotel hammams, but nothing beats a visit to a no-frills public bathhouse.

Spotting the entrance can be tricky, as most signs are written in Arabic. Look for a shop selling toiletries or a mosque, as these are usually nearby.

It’s advisable to stock up on black olive oil soap, ghassoul (clay used as hair conditioner), a kiis (exfoliating glove) and a mat to sit on. Visitors need to take their own towels, comb and flip-flops.

Women strip to their knickers (no bra), and men wear underpants. Then you’ll be steamed, scrubbed and pummeled until you’re squeaky clean.

23 best cities for street food across the world

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from Morocco guide: 10 things to know before you go

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The Ultimate 9 Day Morocco Itinerary

The best way to explore a country is by visiting as many cities as possible. Each city has its own unique look and feel. By visiting a handful of cities across Morocco you get a good feel of all the country has to offer. We have selected our favorites cities in Morocco and created the best itinerary to see the country with a friendly budget.

Morocco has been a dream destination for Jazmin as long as she can remember. When we were in Madrid for our Masters she wanted to go so badly. Unfortunately she needed a visa and more time to explore that beautiful county.

In the past couple years Morocco has become a trending destination and it is not hard to see why. Each corner is full of magic with its beautiful doors, tiles, Riads, delicious food and welcoming people. Plus, lets be honest it is pretty cheap, which is key when choosing a destination with a limited budget.

This year Jazmin’s New Year resolution was to visit at least three new countries that has been on her bucket list for the longest time, so we finally made her dream come true!

Tips for Visiting Morocco

We visited Morocco in May as it was the start of the high season but the prices were still low. At the same time it was not too hot and full of tourists. The best time to visit Morocco is from March to May or September to October.

A lot of people have asked us if it is safe to visit Morocco and to be honest it is as safe as any other place we have travelled to. People are very nice and we had no issues in any city. We took several long bus rides and it was ok!

If you are wondering what you should wear in Morocco, anything is fine for either male or female. However, we suggest light long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun. As a female you need to cover yourself when visiting a Mosque out of respect, so if I were you I will carry a shawl in your bag.

It is hard to find places that take your credit card so it is recommendable to get cash out on any ATM or to exchange money. When purchasing something make sure to bargain, that will make you get a better price! The custom there is to bargain otherwise you can be paying 3 to 4 times more.

Nine Day Morocco Itinerary

Day 1: Tétouan to Chefchaouen

What to do: Arrive by plane to either Tanger or Tétouan. Tétouan is best option as an starting point. Once you explore the city take a bus to Chefchaouen, also known as the blue pearl.

Riad recommendation: Hotel Casa Miguel

Transportation: Bus from Tanger or Tétouan to Chefchaouen. It costs approximately 35 DH.

Day 2: Chefchaouen

What to do: Chefchaouen is a dream place. It will make you fall in love with its beautiful blue doors and walls. We recommend to get lost in the old city, visit the Kasbah and wake up to see the sunrise at the Ras Elma, a beautiful viewpoint on the way to the Spanish Mosque.

Riad recommendation: Hotel Casa Miguel

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes

What to do: Visit the Medina which is actually the biggest Medina in Morocco. Take an informative guided tour at the ceramic and mosaic factories as well as the leather tanneries. Take a photo in front of the golden King’s Palace doors (Dar el Makhzen Palace). 

Riad recommendation: Riad Lalla Fatima

Transportation: Morning bus from Chefchaouen to Fes. It cost approximately 60 DH.

Day 4: Fes to Merzouga

What to do: Spend a full day exploring the many hidden spots in Fes and take the night bus to Merzouga.

Transportation: Night bus from Fes to Merzouga. It cost approximately 180 DH.

Day 5: Sahara Desert

What to do: Spend a full day in the desert riding camels, sand-boarding, 4 wheeling and relaxing in the Sahara Desert with some Berber tea.

Accommodation: Desert Luxury Camp

Day 6: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

This will be a long, long day! It takes eight hours to the next destination or 14 hours if you would like to skip Ait Benhaddou. You will leave Merzouga at 8AM and arrive to Ouarzazate around 4PM.  From Ouarzazate you will have to get a cab to Ait Benhaddou. It costs around 50 DH each way via taxi.

What to do: Explore Ait Benhaddou, visit Dades Valley, the Taourirt Kasbah Museum, the Cinema Museum of Ouarzazate, and take a tour at the Atlas Studio. Grab dinner and then head back to Ouarzazate for a good nights sleep.

Transportation: Bus from Merzouga to Ouarzazate. It costs approximately 180 DH.

Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

What to do: Wake up early morning to take the bus to Marrakech. Explore the old medina, the Jarin Majorelle, the Ben Yossef Madrasa and even if you are not staying you must visit La Mamounia Riad.

Riad recommendation: Hotel Sherazade or Riad Star Marrakech

Transportation: Bus from Ouarzazate to Marrakech. It cost approximately 40 DH.

Day 8: Marrakech to Essaouira

What to do: Take a day tour or the bus to Essaouira. It is a beautiful port city along the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the walled medina, visit the palace and do not leave without eating grilled fish in the port.

Riad recommendation: Hotel Sherazade or Riad Star Marrakech

Transportation: Either take a bus from Marrakech or take a day tour.

Day 9: Marrakech

What to do: Wake up early morning to take the bus back to Marrakech. Explore the rest of the old medina and spend some time picking up souvenirs from the endless shops in the shuks.

Riad recommendation: Hotel Sherazade or Riad Star Marrakech

Day 10: Explore the city and then leave to the airport

We could not visit Rabbat, Meknes or Casablanca due to our schedule. For what we have read people recommend to either stay 1 to 2 days in each city. Make sure to buy your plane ticket to one city in Morocco and leave from another. It will save you time and money as you will not have to travel all the way back to your starting point.

Please let us know your favorite spot in Morocco in the comments below!

The post The Ultimate 9 Day Morocco Itinerary appeared first on Travel to Blank.

from The Ultimate 9 Day Morocco Itinerary

[olgapikalovacontextualstudies]

References and websites

The great British housing crisis

Britain was unique among other European countries in providing social housing through direct state provision, although initially it was seen as a temporary measure that reflected the excep- tional circumstances of the immediate post-war period (Power, 1993).

Robertson, M. (2017) ‘The great British housing crisis’, Capital & Class, 41(2), pp. 195–215. doi: 10.1177/0309816816678571.

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https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0309816816678571

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"Our boat is several things: it is a country cottage, which we go to year round, whether it's for a day, a weekend or a holiday. We don't have a TV on board. We take a phone, but we don't give anyone the number. We have books and we take music. We go there to get away from the world. We both work for ourselves, but we never take work with us.

Spackman, Anne. Financial Times; London (UK) [London (UK)]22 Nov 1997: 19.

Spackman, A. 1997, A world away on the water: My other house is ...: Christine Lea tells Anne Spackman of her passion for her narrowboat: [London edition], London (UK).

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The number of boats on the London waterways increased by 72 per cent between 2012 and 2017, according to licensing data from the Canal and River Trust (CRT). Over the same period, the number of boats in London without home mooring (continuous cruisers) tripled to 1,880.

River life also means moving constantly. Permanent moorings are rarely available in London, and prohibitively expensive when they do come up for sale or rent. So, like almost 2,000 other boats on the city's waterways, mine is on a "continuous cruiser" licence, administered by the CRT

I've shared moorings and meals with people from all walks of life: people who are retired or on a break from stressful jobs, people who work in finance, psychology, theatre, media - even a jazz musician with a piano on board.

BURKE, L., 2018, Jan 27. I escaped renting - by buying a boat: One year on, theTelegraph's assistant foreign editor Louise Burke reflects on how she became a homeowner... and what she's learnt. The Daily Telegraph, 1. ISSN 03071235.

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http://www.denizenworks.com/floating-church

Jesus water hello

http://stpetersbarge.org

https://www.puppetbarge.com

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Canal-boat residents give up closet space and modern plumbing, but they say they gain freedom, cheap housing and community.

WATSON, T., 2012, Aug 10. Life's a cruise for London's canal boat people. Gannett News Service.

BBC radio Live

Housing

How do u solve housing problem

4:20 - 4:35

Uk is facing a shortfall of more than a million homes, and it’ll take 15 years to close the gap.

THE ARTS

No design decisions were required beyond choosing the colours in which to paint the various parts of the boat; the only crafts- manship needed was a steady hand with an ordinary paintbrush. Thus the panelled framework of the cabin

LIP sides might be bright green, whilst the recessed centre

sections were painted dar

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https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2018_lhs_london_housing_strategy.pdf

The origins of London’s housing shortage can be traced to a failure over decades to provide the number and types of homes that people working in London’s growing economy require. Between 1997 and 2016, the number of jobs in London grew by 1.6 million, an increase of 40 per cent. Over the same period its population grew by 1.7 million, an increase of 25 per cent. But with a reliance almost entirely on private sector provision, and on an increasingly limited range of delivery models within that sector, London has not been building the homes needed to accommodate the extra demand. Between 1997 and 2016, just 470,000 homes were added to the housing stock, an increase of only 15 per cent4.

When other forms of homelessness are taken into account, one in 50 of all Londoners is homeless

https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/heritage/the-east-end-canal-tales-marks-200-years-of-the-regent-s-canal-1-6515996

https://www.waterways.org.uk/blog/evolution_the_narrow_boat

https://www.whiltonmarina.co.uk/useful-info/narrowboat-basics.aspx

[tamboradventure]

Let’s Talk About the Double Standard in Travel

Posted: 02/20/2020 | February 20th, 2020

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes our regular column on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other women travelers to help cover the topics important and specific to them! In this month’s article, she explores the double standards that come with solo female travel.

I rushed to the gate at Julius Nyerere Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As the agent checked my passport, he looked around me and, perplexed, asked if I was alone.

I’d just finished up four months of solo traveling up from South Africa, one of the best and most enriching solo trips of my life, and replied that yes, I was alone.

“Your husband lets you do that?” he asked incredulously.

I get it. In Tanzania, it’s unthinkable for a woman, especially in her late twenties like I was, to travel alone. I gently let him know that nobody “lets” me do anything, and that I’m unmarried.

While I take pleasure in shifting paradigms when possible, I still wonder what it would be like if I were a man. How would I be perceived when I solo travel or write about it? How would people treat me differently?

1. They wouldn’t ask me whether or not my husband “lets me” travel alone.

From Tanzania to the Philippines, I’ve been asked where my boyfriend or husband is. I bet almost nobody would ask me if my girlfriend lets me travel alone if I were a man.

I wouldn’t have to question whether or not I should lie about being single. I wouldn’t debate wearing a decoy wedding band. My safety wouldn’t be tied up in my singleness.

2. They wouldn’t question whether a boyfriend or daddy pays for my trips.

Is it so strange to believe that a woman can fund her own lifestyle? Why is there such a pervasive myth that women who travel solo are being bankrolled by someone?

When I travel, I pay for it, and when I travel with my partner, we split it 50/50.

I bet I wouldn’t have to state that if I were a man, though.

3. People might ask when I’m planning to settle down, but they wouldn’t do it with such frequency and entitlement to the answer

Maybe settling down with a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog named Spike used to be the norm, but we have more mobility these days, and the internet, and too many people anyway. So why is it so darn important to people that I eventually settle down?

I think in a way it’s saying, “Hey, this was the only option I gave myself, and now you have to follow suit.” For those who conform to expectations, it’s uncomfortable when others deviate from the norm, especially women.

But I’m not worried about it. If and when I choose, I’ll do it, and if I don’t, that’s OK too. I’m approaching this more like a man, OK?

Also, get out of my ovaries.

4. I’d be called adventurous and an explorer rather than irresponsible and stupid.

If I traveled solo as a man, even if something unfortunate happened to me, I’d be called an explorer and lover of life.

Yet as a woman, I’ve been called stupid, warned I’d be “found dead and cannibalized,” and accused of leading other women to their death (just look at the comments on this video, the worst of which I actually deleted).

5. I wouldn’t be warned I’d “get raped” if I traveled alone.

If I were a man, I’d only have a 6.6% chance of being told I’d “get raped” if I travel alone, versus nearly 70% as a woman.

This is problematic on so many levels, it deserves its own post.

6. I’d be able to wear what I want.

In some places, I can’t wear what I want. I understand that modesty is built into the culture in many places around the world, and I respect it and assimilate when in those countries.

But that doesn’t mean I have to pretend that I enjoy wearing long sleeves and pants in 90-degree weather with 90% humidity while the boys get to wear shorts and tank tops.

7. I wouldn’t have had to wonder what the hell to do when cornered in an elevator in Santiago by two big men, saying salacious things to me in Spanish.

When I traveled through Patagonia with a male friend, nobody harassed me, assuming I wasn’t available. Yet when we parted ways so that I could solo travel — something that was important to me to do — the catcalls started pouring in.

Sadly, I’ve been catcalled in almost every country that I’ve been to, even the ones you’d least expect (yet not at all in southern and eastern Africa — points for Africa!). It ranges from “ciao bella” to being chased down the sidewalk.

It is not a compliment, it’s an assertion of power, and it’s exhausting.

In Santiago, it crossed the line into terrifying when two huge guys got into an elevator with me, hovered over me, and harassed me. It was the perfect place, because who could help me in there?

Would that have happened to a man?

(On the positive side, if I were a man, locals might not be as concerned with taking care of me as many are. People might also not trust me outright the way they do. Right or wrong, women tend to be perceived as more peaceful and gentle and in need of protection.)

8. Nobody would have assaulted me in public in Nepal.

In Pokhara, Nepal, after a random power cut, the sun was setting and I realized I needed water to drink to get through the evening. Though I prefer not to walk alone when it gets dark, I had to do so in that instance.

I heard myself scream before realizing that a local male had grabbed my breast. I whirled around and saw nothing but the back of his head as he ran away like the coward he is.

Everyone nearby just pretended like they hadn’t seen anything, of course.

9. But maybe the police would have taken me more seriously.

I wonder, if I’d been a man demanding the police take notice, would they have listened to me? Would the officer still have rolled his eyes and acted like I was ruining his night by demanding an escort back to my guesthouse?

I can only wonder if it would have been different.

10. Insulting my ass would not be the topic of discussion on a post about road trips.

When women share about something like travel on social media, why is body shaming still a thing?

Why, on a post about road trips of all things, does someone feel the need to inform me that my ass is flat? Does that happen to guys too? I think not.

11. I wouldn’t have had an internet stalker demand a naked selfie from me for months on all of my social platforms.

If being a solo female traveler is tough at times, try writing about it. Have any of my male peers ever been harassed for months on end, on every platform, by a stalker demanding a naked selfie?

Unfortunately, women are targeted online way more than men. According to the BBC, one in three teenage girls have been sexually harassed online.

Why can’t we just share our travel pictures in peace?

12. I wouldn’t get a flood of comments from fragile males on posts like this.

It always happens, but I’m curious: Why should any egalitarian male, who has the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective, ever take this personally? Why does pointing out issues in our society automatically equate to blaming men?

Louder, for the ones in the back: it doesn’t.

***

Obviously, there are drawbacks for male solo travelers too — and benefits that only women who travel solo get to enjoy. There can be an implied trust factor between women that transcends cultures, and time and time again, people have been generous towards me in ways that I didn’t expect.

In the end, I still love and champion solo female travel and believe that every woman should do it. I’m just sick of all the double standards and think it’s high time to call them out.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over eight years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

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