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PLACES

Choosing Your Destination While Eyes Shut

Tired of the endless loop of flight searches, hotel comparisons, and itinerary debates with your friends or partners? Travel Planning is a burden for most people, not to mention doing all of that at the last minute, (talking to you last minute packers.)
While some thrive on this pre-trip ritual, there's a wave of travelers leaning toward an unconventional strategy that throws out travel planning altogether. Enter Mystery Trips..

How the Mystery Unfolds

Step 1 - You pick your dates when you're ready for your trip. Then, jot down how much you're willing to spend on this enigmatic escapade.

Step 2 - Now, this is where the fun gets tailored to your taste. Set some travel boundaries or preferences. Think of these as your adventure guidelines. Do you crave heart-pounding outdoor escapades? Or maybe you've got a list of places you'd rather skip? It's your call.

Step 3 - Then, the waiting game begins. Drumroll, please! Some mystery travel experts, might go all out and send you a snazzy envelope with all the secret trip details neatly tucked inside. Warning: don't peek until departure day!

Now, the nitty-gritty.

Your trip budget often covers the airfare and accommodations – so, no surprises there. The price tag? Well, it's a mixed bag.

1. Short weekend getaways might hover around $1,499 per head, while grand international explorations could reach several thousand.

2. Keep your appetite in check, though; while recommendations for food and fun are on the house, you're usually on your own when it comes to the bill.

So, whether you're ready to toss the travel rulebook or just looking to add a sprinkle of suspense to your trips, mystery travel's got your back.

But it's not all smooth sailing.

• Picture this: you're a night owl, dreaming of an afternoon flight, but bam! You find yourself jetting off at the crack of dawn.

• And here's the twist: you might land in a place you'd never pick yourself, even if it were the last option on your list.

• Now, about planners – the folks who've got spreadsheets for their spreadsheets. If you're one of those meticulous types, the spontaneity might feel like a rollercoaster without a seatbelt. What to pack? Where to dine? Questions like these could stir up more anxiety than adventure for the planning aficionados.

But, mystery travel veteran, Van der Horst, suggests a little cheat code: share some hints. If you're plotting a sneaky beach getaway, maybe toss in a clue about a swimsuit. It's all about balancing the secrecy with the essentials.

So, whether you're up for surprise sunsets or hesitant about handing over the reins, remember this: when it comes to mystery travel, a hint of preparation might just be your secret weapon.

Would You ever take a Mystery Trip made by your friends ?

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PARADISE MEMEING

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THE TOP STORIES
Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Warnings

1. TOWERING FEES - Holidaymakers are being warned by Reports which reveal that airport parking fees are climbing higher than the control tower, some airports parkings are charging up to a whopping £391 for just a week of parking – that's more than some flight tickets!

2. CAP ON MAX VISIT - Athens, Greece is shaking up the sightseeing game with a cap on Acropolis visitors. From next month Greek government saying no more than 20,000 visitors each day

3. TRAVEL SAFE - 9 Most Dangerous Countries in Asia, according to Global Peace Index that you should be avoiding.

Attractions

🐋 Holy mackerel! The Mexican Caribbean is the hot spot for the biggest, baddest fish in town - the whale shark! But don't worry, they might be huge, but they're basically like aquatic vegans, chowing down on plankton and teensy fishies. So, grab your snorkel gear and hop on that boat for a 1.5-hour ride with the coolest local guides who'll school you on everything about these gentle giants. It's like a marine biology class on steroids! And hey, let's not forget - swimming with whale sharks? Now that's the kind of bucket-list thrill that'll make all your landlubber friends totally jelly!

🦕 Monster Hunters Needed - The Loch Ness Centre in Scotland is on a mission to find hide-&-seek pro Loch Ness Monster, & they want YOU to join in the adventure! Using cutting-edge tech like drones with thermal imaging cameras and hydrophones, they're gearing up for the biggest search since the 1970s.
So, mark your calendars for the weekend of Aug 26 & 27, and get ready to spot any mysterious movements in the legendary waters. It's time to be a part of history and unravel the age-old mystery of Nessie!

🤖 9 Meter Puppets - Picture this: a deep-sea diver popping out of a French port, a grandma strolling through Liverpool's cobbled streets for World War I, and a bouncy dog boogieing down Mexican roads for a revolutionary party. This ain't your ordinary street theatre – it's Royal de Luxe's 'Saga of the Giants,’ Royal de Luxe, a French street theatre company that specialises in giant mechanical puppets as tall as 9 meters.
See them in Antwerp, Belgium, on 25-27 Aug, &
Nantes & Saint-Herblain in western France on 22-24 Sep,
See what it looks like.

Deals

• 3000 Jobs to Choose From, in New Zealand City.

• Jet-Setting on a Budget ? 6 Dreamy Countries for Digital Nomads for Under $1000/Month.

• Use Apple ? - Earn 4 Miles Per Dollar on Apple Purchases.

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📰 Read

• A Go Ahead for New Las Vegas Project 

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Canada Iceberg: Giant iceberg near the coast of Newfoundland.

😲 React

 • Tourists Destroys 150 Year Old Statue worth $300,000

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Where Secrets Sculpted In Stone Stand Tall

📍 Easter Island, 🇨🇱 Chile

Over 3,200 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, you find yourself on a tiny, enigmatic island, where colossal stone figures stand as silent witnesses. With a land area of only 64 square miles, this remote island is a dot on the world map, yet its mystique and allure are immeasurable. Home to around 900 inhabitants, this isolated haven, also known as Rapa Nui, here, you'll encounter the Moai statues, mammoth sculptures reaching heights of up to 33 feet, carved by the Rapa Nui people, each one telling a story etched in time.

it's astonishing how this small landmass holds around 1,000 Moai, each weighing an average of 13 tons.

With a population of around 7,000, Easter Island feels like an intimate world of its own. Yet, despite its isolation its brimming with unique experiences. Here's a list of captivating things to do:

🌄 Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki: Set your alarm early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Ahu Tongariki. This is where 15 Moai stand against the horizon, creating an awe-inspiring sight that you'll remember forever.

🗿 Marvel at the Moai Statues: Your journey starts with the iconic Moai statues. These massive stone figures scattered across the island hold centuries of history and mystery. Wander amongst them and ponder their significance.

🩴 Relax on Anakena Beach: After all that exploring, it's time to unwind on Anakena Beach. With its golden sands and turquoise waters, it's the perfect spot to soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

🤿 Snorkeling and Diving Adventures: The waters around Easter Island are teeming with marine life. Grab your snorkel or diving gear and discover vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and maybe even some hidden treasures.

🦐 Enjoy Seafood Delicacies: Indulge in fresh seafood dishes that showcase the island's coastal bounty. From ceviche to grilled fish, your taste buds are in for a treat.

🪩 Experience a Traditional Rapa Nui Show: Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional Rapa Nui show. From dance performances to music, you'll get a taste of the island's vibrant heritage.

✨ Stargaze at One of the Darkest Skies: As night falls, don't miss the chance to stargaze on Easter Island. With minimal light pollution, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the night sky.

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

• Atacama Desert, Chile: Otherworldly Landscapes and Starry Skies

  The nearby surreal Atacama Desert in Chile feels like another planet. Imagine walking through the Valle de la Luna, where winds have crafted a landscape that could rival the moon's surface. Catch vivid sunsets over the salt flats of Salar de Atacama. At night, the desert's high elevation and clear skies unveil a breathtaking celestial show that's worth staying up for.

• Tahiti, French Polynesia: Unveil the Heart of Polynesian Culture

  Tahiti's the perfect follow-up, giving you a taste of modern life blended with rich Polynesian heritage. Dive into the rhythm of Papeete, the capital city, where colorful markets and local eats showcase the island's soul. The Paul Gauguin Museum invites you to explore Tahiti's artistic side, while fire-dancing performances and traditional crafts offer a glimpse into its vibrant culture. And those pristine beaches? They're ready to sweep you off your feet again.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Explore the Enigma of Easter Island (Moai Staues, Snorkeling, Rapa Nui Show etc.)

✔️ Day 4-7: Otherworldly Landscapes in Atacama Desert, Chile (Valle de la Luna, salt flats of Salar de Atacama)

✔️ Day 8-10: Heart of Polynesian Culture in Tahiti, French Polynesia (Paul Gauguin Museum, fire-dancing etc. )

Recent Review - We did one full day tour and two half-day tours. You have to pay USD80 for a National Park pass (something we were not told before we booked the tours). It's better to get the pass "on-line" than to buy it with the tour company; you might pay a lot more. Walking among the many "Moai" was very special and one of my long time bucket lists. There are a couple of sites you can go to WITH OUT a National Parks pass but you will need a car or car and driver to get around. There is no apparent public transport on the island.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Capturing Your Best Moments

🌄 Embrace the Golden Hours - During the golden hours, right after sunrise & just before sunset, the sun's low position on the horizon casts a warm and soft light, creating a captivating effect on the landscape. The resulting long shadows and gentle hues lend a sense of depth and drama to outdoor photographs. When hiking, strategically plan your photography stops around these times to capture breathtaking landscapes with enhanced colors and textures, elevating the overall quality of your images.

🎥 Use Polarizing Filters - In wilderness landscape photography, polarizing filters are essential tools. They excel in reducing glare from reflective surfaces, such as water and foliage, while also enhancing contrast and intensifying blue skies, giving your images a vibrant and dynamic look.

🐋 Incorporate a sense of scale - To capture the true essence of vast wilderness landscapes, incorporating a sense of scale is crucial. Include people, wildlife, or recognizable objects in your photos provides reference points that emphasize the grandeur & size of the surroundings. This technique adds interest to the composition while allowing viewers to appreciate the immense beauty of the natural environment.

Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems, avoid trampling vegetation, and never disturb wildlife for the sake of a photograph.

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

1. Hawaii battles wildfires, as dozens forced into water.
   
   

2. China slides into deflation, as prices drop.
   
   

3. Tory Lanez sentenced 10 years for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.
   
   

4. U.S. Credit Card debts hits $1 Trillion.
   
   

5. Lil Tay claims account was hacked, amidst death post.
   

GUESS THE PLACE

There’s an Island in this Country, where Dolls of various shapes & styles hang from trees.

- E - I C -

Last week’s answer to:
This Country is the Most Popular Tourist Destination in the world for 2023 - France.

• France is the most visited country in the world until now in the year 2023, followed by Spain, the USA, and China.

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