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PLACES

The Next Solar Eclipse,
Places to see, Timings, Hotels, etc.

On October 14, 2023, there's going to be a solar eclipse in the United States. It's a pretty rare event when the moon covers the sun for a little while. Solar eclipses are rare and incredible natural events, like winning the cosmic lottery. They don't happen every day, so it's a unique chance to see something truly spectacular. This time, you can catch it in the United States, so no need for a passport or a long-haul flight.

Astro tourism, the allure of witnessing celestial wonders, from meteor showers to solar eclipses, has led adventurers to seek out destinations that offer unobstructed views of the night sky. a chance to step away from city lights and be awed by the universe's grandeur. And now, with the weekend of October 13-16, 2023, marked on astro enthusiasts' calendars for a remarkable solar eclipse,

But here's the kicker: finding the right spot for celestial adventures without breaking the bank can be a cosmic conundrum. Luckily, Priceline, the travel wizards, have stepped in to reveal some budget-friendly destinations for a stellar weekend getaway. They've compiled average costs for hotels, flights, and rental cars for cities right in the path of the upcoming October 13-16, 2023, solar eclipse.

These three cities are situated directly in the eclipse’s path and offer excellent value for travelers:

Eugene, Oregon

- Eclipse begins at 8:06 a.m., peaks at 9:18 a.m., and ends at 10:39 a.m. PDT.

- Flight: $375

- Hotel: $161 per night

- Rental car: $75 per day

Albuquerque, New Mexico

- Eclipse begins at 9:13 a.m., peaks at 10:35 a.m., and ends at 12:09 p.m. MDT.

- Flight: $381

- Hotel: $196 per night

- Rental car: $87 per day

San Antonio, Texas

- Eclipse begins at 10:23 a.m., peaks at 11:54 a.m., and ends at 1:33 p.m. CDT.

- Flight: $318

- Hotel: $146 per night

- Rental car: $68 per day

For Other affordable U.S. destinations where the upcoming solar eclipse will be readily visible like Portland, (Oregon), San Francisco, (California), Las Vegas, (Nevada), Salt Lake City, (Utah), Denver, (Colorado), Santa Fe, (New Mexico), Austin, (Texas), Houston, (Texas) see details here.

In My Travel Bucketlist you’ll get to see an enchanting realm where the skies come alive with stars, offering travelers like you a chance to connect with the cosmos in a truly profound way.

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Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Warnings

1. Spilling the tea on Visas, the UK is cranking up the visa fees, for
Short stay visas (less than 6 months): an increase of £15 (US$18.50)
For Student visas: an increase of £127, totaling to £490
taking effect from 4th Oct 23, those double-decker bus tours in London might cost you a few extra quid, more details in link.

2. Iceland is taking a unique approach to combat climate change - tourist tax. visitors will be forking over a few extra kronas to offset their carbon footprint. If you're planning to chase the Northern Lights or soak in geothermal spas, this tax means you're helping protect the stunning Icelandic landscapes you came to see, in the land of ice and fire! Happy eco-exploring!

3. Tired of "Tick Tockers" flocking to their peaceful small town of Pomfret, Vermont , town board have decided to block anyone but locals from using Cloudland Road, a dirt track with stunning rural views, with the help of county sheriff's to stop the flooding of the selfie brigade during peak “leaf-peeping” season from 23 Sep to 15 Oct. More in link.

Attractions

🏛️ You’re Spartacus - In a plot twist worthy of an epic gladiator movie, the 2000 yr old Domus Tiberiana has flung open its doors to you after 50 years after closure for restoration, dating back to the era of Nero. So, if you've ever dreamed of strolling through the footsteps of emperors while channeling your inner Julius Caesar, this is your chance. Excavations uncovered artefacts from centuries of Roman life following the decline of the empire. Well, it's like stepping into a real-life episode of "Ancient Cribs." Plus, it's a chance to witness history come alive, and you can finally fulfill your lifelong dream of being an honorary Roman emperor for a day.

🏝️ Island Hopping Paradise - Saronic Islands, situated in the Region of Attica have snagged a nomination for Greece's leading Island Destination at this year's European Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards. Itching for a dreamy Mediterranean getaway ? Think fewer crowds, mouth watering seafood, bask in the sun of instagram worthy beaches. And let's not forget the icing on this Greek island cake! The Saronic Islands are an absolute feast for the senses with their crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and lush landscapes. Hiking, sailing, and snorkeling are just a few of the adventures you can dive into, & Greece has more islands than you can count on your fingers and toes. From local tavernas to restaurants serving up fresh seafood and regional delicacies, the traditional Greek cuisine is a gastronomic journey you won't want to miss. Know in details what this island paradise has to offer you all year round.

💦 World Of Water - Walt Disney made a splash with their latest attraction with “Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana,” Imagine caressing water strings to create melodies like a water maestro, waving hello and getting a watery wave-back, or making water rise to meet your command – it's like having your own liquid symphony. And the best part? Walk slowly through a shimmering "curtain" of water, and it'll part like the Red Sea, leaving you perfectly dry. Keep an eye out for those "splash" icons on the ground—they're like treasure maps to interactive aqua adventures. So embark on an journey for all-ages that'll make you feel like you've set sail with the coolest demigod ever opening in EPCOT’s World Nature Neighborhood on Oct. 16, 2023.

Deals

• Earn 60,000 Miles + Companion Fare On New Alaska Airlines Visa Card Offer

• Win Rewards For No-Annual-Fees With These Credit Card Strategies.

• This Free Pass lets you visit one of 500 Historic British Properties Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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📰 Read

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😲 React

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MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Your Oasis In Chile’s Wilderness

 📍 Atacama, Chile

Over 11,200 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

Atacama, Chile, a place that seems plucked from another world. Did you know that some parts of this desert haven't seen rainfall for hundreds of years? Yet, against all odds, it's teeming with life, from pink flamingos wading in salt lagoons to ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks. As you delve deeper into this captivating destination, you'll discover a landscape so surreal and a culture so rich that you'll wonder if you've stepped onto another planet altogether.

A place where the desert meets the sky, where flamingos wade in emerald-green lagoons, and where the night sky unveils a breathtaking celestial show.

Get ready to explore this land of surreal landscapes, ancient cultures, and astronomical wonders that will ignite your curiosity and set your wanderlust on fire! 🌵

🌌 Stargaze Like Never Before: Atacama is one of the world's best places for stargazing. Head to an observatory or simply lay back in the desert and gaze at the dazzling night sky. It's like having a personal cosmic light show.

🔭 Astronomical Tours: In addition to stargazing, you can visit some world-class observatories. It's space exploration without leaving Earth!

🌕 Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna): Explore a landscape that's eerily similar to the moon's surface. Marvel at the bizarre rock formations and salt caves that make you feel like an astronaut straight out of a sci-fi movie.

🌡️ Geysers at Tatio: Wake up early (like really early) to catch the geysers at El Tatio in action. Watching those hot water spouts shoot up into the chilly morning air is strangely mesmerizing.

😋 Taste Chilean Cuisine: Savor traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas, cazuela, and pastel de choclo at local eateries. Don't forget to try some Chilean wine!

🥾 Trekking in the Andes: If you're up for a challenge, embark on a trek in the Andes Mountains. The breathtaking views at the top are the ultimate reward.

🌈 Rainbow Valley (Valle Arcoíris): Explore the colorful hills and unique rock formations that look like they've been painted with a giant's brush.

🏇🏻 Horseback Riding: Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and go horseback riding through the stunning desert landscapes. It's a different perspective of Atacama's beauty.

♨️ Relax in Natural Hot Springs: After a day of adventures, unwind in the natural hot springs of Puritama. The warm waters will soothe your tired muscles.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Atacama, Chile experience:

• Uyuni - After immersing yourself in the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert, hop over to Uyuni for a completely different but equally mind-blowing experience. The salt flats, stretching as far as the eye can see, create an enormous natural mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the sky in a breathtaking spectacle. Plus, you can visit the train graveyard, explore the surreal cacti-covered Incahuasi Island, and soak in the magic of the starry salt flats at night. It's a seamless transition from the desert's mystique to the salt flat's wonder.

• Valparaíso - For a taste of coastal charm, pair your Atacama adventure with a trip to Valparaíso. This vibrant coastal city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colorful houses, winding streets, and stunning sea views. Stroll through the artistic neighborhoods covered in stunning street art, and savor fresh seafood at local markets. Valparaíso offers a unique blend of culture, history, and seaside relaxation that perfectly complements the desert's rugged beauty.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Atacama (Stargazing, Trekking, Geysers etc.)

✔️ Day 4-7: Uyuni (Salt flats, train graveyard, incahuasi island etc.)

✔️ Day 8-10: Valparaíso ( Coastal exploration, local markets, seaside relaxation etc.)

Recent Review -

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

While exploring the deserts..

🧴 Sunscreen is your new BFF: In the Atacama, the sun's idea of a gentle caress is more like a fiery bear hug. Slather on sunscreen like you're auditioning for a role as the next "Solar-Flare Survivor.”

🥵 Drink water like you're auditioning for a fish role: The desert's thirstier than a cactus at a karaoke bar. Stay hydrated or risk turning into a human raisin. Seriously, even the llamas laugh at dehydrated tourists.

👚 Layers are your fashion statement: Mother Nature in the Atacama likes to change her mind more than a teenager at a mall. Bring layers and be prepared to switch from "Arctic explorer" to "beach bum" in a matter of hours.

📡 GPS is your lifeline: Getting lost in the Atacama is like auditioning for a survival reality show you didn't sign up for. So, bring a GPS, or you might find yourself conversing with cacti and desert tumbleweeds.

🦩 Don't be a flamingo whisperer: While flamingos are fabulous, resist the urge to try and have a heart-to-heart with them. These elegant creatures prefer their solitude, and your attempts at conversation might be met with awkward silence.

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

1. NASA Spacecraft Returns To Earth With An Asteriod Sample After 7 Year Mission.

2. India Suspends Visa Services For Canada.

3. How GOP Power Struggle May Shut Down The Government.

4. GOP Shows Key Moments From 2nd Republican Presidential Debate.

5. Harry Potter’s Dumbledore Passes Away At 82.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Place is one of the Best Places to see the Aurora Borealis

- - R - A -

Last week’s answer to:
This Place has the highest waterfall in the world - Venezuela.

• Angel Falls, with a plunge of 979 metres (3,212 feet) is considered the highest.

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