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PLACES

Morocco Earthquakes,
Parts Affected, Travel & Advice

Tragic news from Morocco as a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck late at night on Friday, September 8th. The death toll keeps climbing, with more than 2,800 people killed and injured. The quake's epicenter was just 70km southwest of Marrakech, a popular destination for international tourists, including thousands of British holidaymakers already in the area and many more scheduled to visit in the coming weeks. It's a grim situation in the travel world right now.

Which parts of the country have been affected?

1. The earthquake's impact hit Marrakech hard, causing damage to its historic medina.

2. Seaside hotspots like Essaouira and Agadir also felt the tremors, while folks as far north as Casablanca and Fez, about 300 miles northeast of Marrakech, felt the shaking, although fortunately, there was no reported damage in those areas or the northern parts of the country.

Is Marrakech airport still open and operating?

Good news, Marrakech Menara airport is still open and operating smoothly. While a few flights were canceled, airlines like British Airways and easyJet even brought in larger planes to help folks get home early. And don't worry about other Moroccan airports; they're all running business as usual. Popular holiday spots like Agadir and Essaouira remain untouched by the quake.

What does the Foreign Office advise?

“Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.“ If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.

“If you are trying to get in touch with a family member or a friend or the FCDO to share updates, be aware that telephone networks in Morocco are subject to outages. Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy Rabat +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the FCDO +44 (0) 207 008 5000.”

Hotel Situation

Most hotels are still open and ready to host you. However, there are a few exceptions, especially in the Atlas Mountains region, due to earthquake damage. Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s property in the mountains, is telling guests: “We are currently assessing the impact of the earthquake on our beloved Kasbah Tamadot and we are temporarily closing the property whilst we inspect the damage and we will not be taking any new bookings until November 2023.

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Warnings

1. To control the hordes of tourists flooding its picturesque canals, Venice will introduce a €5 (US$5.36) admission fee for day trippers in 2024, as announced by the city council on September 5, 2023.

2. New York City is tightening the reins on Airbnb. The city's latest crackdown, aims to curb short-term rentals in apartment buildings. The regulations aim to maintain housing availability for residents rather than turning it into a giant hotel chain.

3. Brazil is rolling out the welcome mat, but with a twist! Starting on from oct 1, the country is re-imposing visa requirements for travelers coming from the U.S., Canada and Australia. You'll need to snag a "Visit Visa" or "Vistos de Visita" (VIVIS) for Brazil. So, if you're planning to samba your way to Brazil, be prepared to dust off your passport and go through the visa application process once again.

Attractions

👄 Bite into This - families flocking to a spooky castle, ready to unravel the legendary tale of Vlad Tepes Dracula. At 'Draculade,' kiddos get to dive headfirst into his dark and mysterious world, donning costumes and swapping spine-tingling stories. As the night creeps on, everyone heads to Burg Forchtenstein's Ancestors' Gallery to lock eyes with a 17th-century oil painting of the Drac himself. But the real kicker? A torch-lit tour around the castle, where even the little ones can step into the infamous shoes of Vlad Tepes. It's a history lesson they'll never forget, wrapped up in a spine-chilling adventure!

💵 Stacks On Stacks - United Arab Emirates, the land of desert sands and skyscrapers, is making a wild bet on a whole new game! The city announced plans to legalize casino resorts, and you can practically hear the roulette wheels spinning with excitement. But, it’s not turning into Las Vegas overnight. While the specifics are still in the cards, this gamble could be a game-changer for Dubai's tourism and economy. Soon, you might swap your camel ride for a roulette spin in the City of Gold !

👀 Fat Rats - Well, move over Broadway and Times Square, because New York City's hottest new attraction, Rat seeing. A guy turned a rat-tracking project into a thriving tourist venture. It all started on TikTok, where he innocently shared rat videos to help the health department squash their furry foes. But here's the twist – instead of swatting them away, tourists are now lining up to pay him for rat rendezvous. Imagine, you, & a bunch of curious tourists, and an expert guide strolling through NYC's rat hotspots. And rumor has it, some of these city rats have grown to the size of puppies.

Deals

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Oktoberfest -
Cheers To The Liquid Gold Rush

📍 Munich, 🇩🇪 Germany

Over 1,174 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

In a city nestled amidst the stunning Bavarian Alps, boasting a rich history dating back to the 12th century, and home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Europe, including the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle. every year, the world's largest beer festival, Oktoberfest, takes center stage.

This year its Hapenning on Sat, 16 Sept, 2023 – Tue, 3 Oct, 2023
Picture yourself surrounded by the joyful sounds of lively music, the aroma of sizzling bratwurst, and a sea of colorful traditional costumes. But that's just the beginning! With over 6 million visitors annually, 16 days of merriment, and an astonishing consumption of 7 million liters of beer, Munich's Oktoberfest is a spectacle like no other.

👌 Stay Safe: Enjoy the festivities responsibly. Know your limits, use public transportation, and have a plan for getting back to your accommodation safely.

🍻 Prost! (Cheers!): Raise your stein and toast with locals and fellow visitors. Don't be shy; it's customary to clink glasses with a cheerful "Prost!"

🎪 Beer Tent Hopping: Don't stick to just one beer tent – explore them all! Each tent has its own unique atmosphere and character. Hofbräu, Paulaner, and Augustiner are popular choices.

🥨 Food Galore: Oktoberfest isn't just about beer. Try the delicious Bavarian dishes like pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut, and roast chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert like apple strudel!

💃🏻 Live Music and Dancing: Most tents have live bands playing traditional Bavarian music. Join in the dancing and experience the infectious energy of the crowd.

🎢 Take a Spin on the Rides: Explore the amusement park, the Ferris wheel offers a fantastic view of the festival grounds and Munich skyline. Enjoy the carnival rides, from the classic Ferris wheel to thrilling roller coasters.

🥒 Visit the Viktualienmarkt: Take a break from the beer and check out Munich's famous Viktualienmarkt. It's a vibrant food market with an array of fresh produce and international snacks.

🍺 Join a Brewery Tour: Learn about the art of brewing by taking a brewery tour. Munich has some of the world's oldest and most renowned breweries.

🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs: Browse the many stalls selling Oktoberfest-themed souvenirs, including beer mugs, t-shirts, and Bavarian crafts.

🥁 Attend Parades: Keep an eye out for the traditional Oktoberfest parades. Witness horse-drawn beer wagons, marching bands, and locals in elaborate costumes.

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

• Salzburg, Austria: Just a scenic train ride away from Munich, Salzburg is a charming city that pairs perfectly with Oktoberfest. After the lively festivities in Munich, Salzburg offers a serene and cultural contrast. Explore the birthplace of Mozart, wander through the picturesque old town, and visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. The rich Austrian cuisine and the soothing melodies of classical music provide a delightful counterbalance to the exuberance of Oktoberfest, making Salzburg a harmonious addition to your Bavarian adventure.

• Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian Alps: A short drive from Munich takes you to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and the breathtaking Bavarian Alps. After indulging in beer and Bavarian traditions, escape to this enchanting landscape. Hike or take a cable car to witness stunning alpine vistas and explore the awe-inspiring Neuschwanstein Castle, a true architectural masterpiece. The crisp mountain air and serene natural beauty will rejuvenate your senses, offering a tranquil and majestic contrast to the energetic Oktoberfest experience.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Munich, Germany (Beer tours, shopping, parades etc.)

✔️ Day 4-6: Salzburg, Austria (Town Exploration, Austrian cuisine, etc.)

✔️ Day 7-9: Neuschwanstein Castle (Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavarian Alps, etc

Recent Review - Have been three times now. Tips - wear lederhosen. If you don’t you’re the odd one out. Lowenbrau Tent is my favourite. I’ve read lots of things about having to book tables - my mates and I have never booked a table and have never had a problem getting into a tent. Come 8pm when it turns into table dancing time it is amazing! The atmosphere is out of this world and couldn’t happen in the uk as it would be spoiled by drunken louts and corporate greed.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

While drinking on your travels..

⏰ Arrive Early (or Don't) - If you want to secure a prime table inside the beer tents, arrive at the crack of dawn. If you prefer a more leisurely start, arrive fashionably late and try your luck at a crowded beer stand. Either way, prepare for epic queues.

🍻 Prost! But Pace Yourself - Oktoberfest is a marathon, not a sprint. Sure, those steins of beer are tempting, but remember, you'll need both your legs to do the chicken dance later.

💵 Bring Cash - Cash is king at Oktoberfest, and plastic is usually treated like a tourist with a selfie stick – tolerated but not always welcomed. So, stuff your wallet with euros and enjoy the simplicity of old-school transactions.

🤢 Don't Trust the Porta-Potties - Those portable toilets are a horror show. If you value your olfactory senses, find a proper restroom or consider holding it in until next year.

⚖️ Know Your Limits - Oktoberfest is a place to have fun, not a contest to see who can consume the most beer. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and avoid becoming a human beer fountain.

🥴 Hangover Day - Accept that the day after Oktoberfest should be declared a national day of recovery. Plan nothing more strenuous than lying in bed and wondering how many liters of beer you actually consumed.

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

1. Apple Unveils New Iphone 15 Pro & Pro Max.

2. MTV VMA’s All the Winners.

3. Libya Battles A Death Toll With 30,000 Missing Due From Powerful Floods

4. Impeachment Inquiry Against Joe Biden by Kevin McCarthy.

5. Escaped Pennsylvania Murderer Gets Captured After 13 Day Manhunt.

GUESS THE PLACE

This place has a

free public wine fountain.

- T - - Y

Last week’s answer to:
What is the 2nd biggest city in terms of population - Delhi.

• With around 28,514,000 as per 2018 estimates, Delhi remains as the 2nd most populated city right after Tokyo.

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