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PLACES

Deadly Wildfires Torch Hawaii To Ashes

Hawaii is facing its biggest natural disaster in history, with a volcanic eruption that's rewriting the island's chill narrative, & shaking up travel plans. The Big Island's mighty eruption has triggered travel warnings, making even the most laid-back tourists raise an eyebrow.

"In the days and weeks ahead, our collective resources and attention must be focused on the recovery of residents and communities that were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses," the HTA said. "Visitors who have travel plans to West Maui in the coming weeks are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.”

Amidst the ongoing wildfires impacting regions encompassing Lahaina, Kihei, and Upcountry Maui, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) took a clear stance on Wednesday night, expressing a strong discouragement of nonessential travel to Maui.

Actor Jason Momoa also shared a post advising that - Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now.

SPREAD OF THE FIRE

• Lahaina - The flames of the wildfires wreaked havoc on Lahaina, a cherished vacation spot and a cornerstone of Hawaii's history, leaving behind a scene of devastation. Concerns loom over the fate of the iconic Front Street, known for its vibrant restaurants, bars, shops, and even the towering United States' largest banyan tree, which might have fallen victim to the fire's grasp.

• Maui - the authorities are urging visitors to leave the island. "Visitors who have travel plans to West Maui in the coming weeks are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.” advices HTA.

• Other Parts - If you're headed to places beyond the wildfire-hit areas in Maui or planning a stay at the Mauna Kea resort zone on the Big Island, it's a good idea to touch base with your hotel. The HTA suggests reaching out to your accommodations to get the lowdown on any potential effects on your travel arrangements.

Help - Reports indicate that the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu has stepped up by transforming into an assistance hub for evacuees from Maui, with preparations underway to accommodate as many as 4,000 individuals.

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PARADISE MEMEING

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Warnings

1. Travel or Trouble ? - Imagine snagging a flight deal so sly, it makes Houdini jealous. Meet "Skiplagging" – the ninja move of the travel world. You book a flight with a sneaky layover, but your real destination is the layover city itself! It's like buying a movie ticket for the popcorn. Airlines, however, aren't clapping; they're cracking down on this travel hack faster than you can say "baggage claim."

2. Pricey Slice - A restaurant is charging a cool $2 for the masterful skill of cutting a sandwich in half. Yes, you read that right – two bucks to slice that sarnie with style. As the debate sizzles hotter than a well-grilled steak, readers are left to ponder: to pay or not to pay for that gloriously snipped sandwich symphony?

3. Big In Japan - characterized by strong winds & heavy precipitation, tropical storm has battered central and western Japan, causing flooding and power blackouts and paralyzing air and ground transportation. Travel plans and outdoor activities might need a rain check.

Attractions

👩‍🚀 From Infinity to Beyond - In a Successful launch, like a casual weekend getaway, Virgin Galactic sent 3 thrill-seeking tourists to an altitude of roughly 55 miles (88.51 km), soaring on their air-launched VSS Unity spaceplane. Seating 3 Passengers - Keisha Schahaff, an entrepreneur and health coach, plus her daughter Anastatia Mayers, & a former Olympian Jon Goodwin, who marked another milestone, becoming the 2nd individual with Parkinson's disease to venture into space. See Video
Virgin Galactic's is on a stellar trajectory, boasting a backlog of approximately 800 customers who've secured tickets priced between $250,000 and $450,000. Buckle up for Galactic 03, the company's third commercial spaceflight, scheduled for blastoff this Sep.

✨ Adventure Time - Catering to both grown-ups seeking a trip down memory lane and kids craving an action-packed day inspired by their favorite toys, The Mattel Adventure Park opening in Arizona next year will feature 2 family-friendly coasters, the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker rollercoaster that’ll take you to the height of 84 feet & Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer, meanwhile, promises to take guests through a double loop and two corkscrews. Including a life-size Barbie Beach House.
Other attractions will feature your childhood favorites like Thomas & Friends, Masters of the Universe - A themed laser tag arena, Magic 8 Ball, a mini-golf course, Pictionary, and UNO climbing structure come to life on a sprawling nine-acre canvas.

🫰 Luxury Golf - Saudi Arabia‘s NEOM, set to open by 2024, a nine-hole beachfront golf course on the Sindalah island, a sprawling 6,474-yard par 70 golf course, complete with nine holes, 18 teeing points, and a whopping 280-meter driving range. And that's not all – top it off with high-tech golf practice suites that boast advanced ball tracking technology. Sindalah Island is here to redefine luxury, offering a dazzling gateway to the Red Sea.
Get ready for 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms, 333 top-notch serviced apartments, and a shopping spree at 51 high-end retail outlets – it's the ultimate recipe for lavish indulgence!

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•  The Iconic Koala Breakfast at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Returns!

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Your Every Step An Adventure

📍 Cinque Terre, 🇮🇹 Italy

Over 1,500 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

A string of five vibrant villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – clinging to cliffs that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
What makes this hike truly special? It's not just the jaw-dropping scenery, but the centuries-old trails that connect these colorful havens, revealing stories of generations past. Imagine wandering along ancient cobblestone paths that wind through vineyards that date back to Roman times, all while relishing in the aroma of fresh seafood and local wine.

Curious to learn more? Let's delve into the captivating world of this coastal gem.

🍱 Trailside Picnic: Pack a picnic with some local cheeses, fresh bread, and delicious Italian olives. Find a cozy spot along the trail, and enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.

🏊🏻‍♂️ Dip in the Sea: After a good hike, reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. The crystal-clear waters are a tempting invitation for a swim.

🚶 Village Exploration: Take your time to explore each of the five picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each has its own unique charm, so make sure to soak up their individual vibes.

🦐 Taste the Freshest Seafood: As you pass through each village, treat your taste buds to some authentic Ligurian cuisine. Seafood is a specialty here, so make sure to try the local catch prepared in traditional Italian ways. Freshness is guaranteed!

⚓ Explore Vernazza's Harbor: Wander through the charming streets of Vernazza and head down to the harbor. Watch the boats bob in the water, and if you're feeling adventurous, try some cliff jumping with the locals.

🍷 Sample Cinque Terre Wine: The vineyards here are renowned for producing some exceptional wines. Take a pit stop at a local winery, taste their selection, and even bring back a bottle as a memory of your adventure.

🍇 Visit the Vineyards: Don't miss out on the chance to explore the local vineyards. Cinque Terre is known for its terraced vineyards that produce delicious wines. Take a tour, sample some wine, and learn about the area's winemaking traditions.

🪃 Local Artisan Shops: Monterosso is home to a variety of artisan shops. Take your time browsing through unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs that reflect the local culture.

🪷 Cliffside Yoga: If you're into yoga, bring along a yoga mat and find a quiet spot along the trail for a peaceful session. The sound of the waves crashing below will add a soothing element to your practice.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Meet Fellow Hikers: The Cinque Terre hike is popular among travelers. Strike up a conversation with fellow hikers along the way. You might make new friends from all over the world.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Easter Island experience:

• Florence, Italy: Renaissance Splendor Meets Artistic Marvels

  After completing the picturesque Cinque Terre hike, extend your Italian adventure to the historic city of Florence. Climb to the top of the Florence Cathedral's dome for panoramic city views that will leave you breathless. The city's lively markets, such as Mercato Centrale, offer a chance to indulge in Tuscan flavors and shop for local products.

• Portofino, Italy: Chic Coastal Escape with Scenic Serenity

  Just a short journey away, Portofino offers a chic and refined contrast to the rustic charm of Cinque Terre. Explore the elegant boutiques, dine in stylish waterfront restaurants, and take leisurely walks along the Mediterranean coastline. Portofino's offers a wonderful balance to the more rugged adventure of the Cinque Terre hike, making your Italian escapade truly complete.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Cinque Terre, (hike, village explorations, vineyards, wine tasting)

✔️ Day 4-7: Florence, (Visiting Lively markets, Viewing artist galleries )

✔️ Day 8-10: Portofino, (waterfront restaurants, walks along Mediterranean coastline )

Recent Review - Beautiful stunning from the walking trails or by train or best of all the sea ferries that are very frequent throughout the day. Each of the five colourful villages have there own characteristics even if all the shops sell the same thing. Food and Wine Restaurants Cafes and Italian Ice cream it abundantly available everywhere you go. Best of all the coffee.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Pep in your Step

👞 Shoe Savvy: Let's face it – those cobblestone streets are charming, but the trails can be sneaky rocky. Grab those trusty hiking shoes to avoid spraining an ankle and unintentionally inventing a new dance move. You'll thank yourself later as you triumphantly stroll through the colorful villages with confidence.

🎒 Pack Smartly: As you hit the trails, remember to pack essentials like sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, sunscreen, a hat, and a small first aid kit. Cinque Terre's weather can be unpredictable, so bring along a light rain jacket just in case. Oh, and don't forget your camera – you'll be snapping shots of breathtaking coastal views, charming villages, and colorful houses at every turn.

🚍 Purchase the Cinque Terre Card: Opt for the Cinque Terre Card, a fantastic investment for hikers. Not only does it grant access to the trails, but it also provides unlimited train rides between the villages and access to the local bus network. This card comes in various options, including single-day and multi-day passes, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the region.

🤳 Seagull Selfie Alert: While capturing that perfect cliffside selfie, beware of stealthy seagulls eyeing your snacks. These avian opportunists have mastered the art of photobombing while snatching your sandwich. So, snap that pic, but keep your panini guarded like a treasure map.

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 3 Trailer Revealed.

2. Taiwan VP gets angry reactions from china on his visit to U.S.

3. Britney Spears husband Sam Asghari files for divorce.

4. Keke Palmer mocks fun at boyfriend in Usher’s new Music Video.

5. Lionel Messi Best Highlights of 4-1 Victory over Philadelphia Union.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Place has the longest hiking trails in the world.

- A N - - A

Last week’s answer to:
There’s an island in this Country where dolls of various shapes & styles hang from trees - Mexico

• The island of Isla de las Mucenas, or the Island of Dolls, located near Mexico City, known to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl believed to have drowned off a small island hidden deep in the canals.

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