Africa & Middle East – Holiday

12 Coolest Riads in Marrakech, Morocco

Georgie Darling — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:00:50 +0000

I always insist on checking into a riad when I visit Morocco, no matter whereabouts in the country I’m visiting. These gorgeous traditional houses offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities while providing unique insight into an authentic way of living. Marrakech, in particular, is home to a countless number of beautiful riads, complete with central swimming pools, rooftop terraces, stained glass-windowed bathrooms, and warm tones in every direction. Heading to Marrakech soon and not sure where to stay? Read on for all of the best riads in the city!

Top 14 Hotels in Doha, Qatar

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:15:57 +0000

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar from November 21 through December 18, 2022, millions of people will be descending on the country, making it imperative that you secure your hotel reservations well in advance. But no matter the reason for your visit, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to ensure the best accommodation based on your requirements.

As the most luxurious nation in the Arabian Gulf and one of the best places to visit in 2022 (according to a travel expert), it’s home to many high-end hotels, but you’ll also find value options that provide a good bang for your buck. Keep an eye out for new resort openings as well – the Outpost Al Barari will be the first of its kind in the country, featuring 21 luxury lodges with private pools and a variety of experiences, from hot-air balloon rides to immersive desert walks.

17 Best Beaches in Africa

Georgie Darling — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:15:07 +0000

The good thing about Africa? There’s no shortage of incredible beaches here. The bad thing about Africa? It’s unlikely – although not impossible – that you’ll be able to visit them all in your lifetime. This amazing continent is home to some of the world’s most impressive beaches, with soft white sand, warm azure waters, and postcard-perfect settings.

While some beaches here are designed for days spent tanning with a cocktail in hand, others are for the more active beach-goer, complete with surfable waves, rainbow-colored coral reefs, watersports options, and more. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself in Africa as you’ll find wonderful beaches dotted across every side of this continent.

Not sure where to visit first? Read on for all of the best beaches in Africa, from South Africa to Zanzibar, and some of the most beautiful islands in between.

Top 6 Beach Resorts in Casablanca, Morocco

Georgie Darling — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:00:01 +0000

Many travelers overlook Casablanca in favor of Marrakech or Fes. But take a trip to this gorgeous city and you’ll wonder why so many choose to pass it by. As well as Casablanca’s beautiful beachfront, you’ll find plenty to do here. Check out its stunning Art Deco architecture, feast and sip upon the city’s best restaurants or wander through its historic remains. You’ll also want to make the most of the balmy weather here, which means checking into one of the best resorts in Casablanca. Not sure where to start? Read on for all of our favorite spots.

14 Best Beach Resorts in Africa

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:15:55 +0000

When thinking about a getaway in Africa, many people picture embarking on a safari, but some of the world’s most exclusive beach retreats can also be enjoyed along its shores. If you’re looking for the ultimate in privacy, relaxation, and opportunities for outdoor adventure with pristine white sands beneath your feet, you have many options here. From private islands to stunning resorts along South Africa’s coastline, these are some of the top picks.

14 Best Places to See Wildlife in Africa

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:00:10 +0000

There are few travelers who haven’t dreamed of jetting off to Africa to witness wildlife that they’ve only seen on-screen or in zoos. It’s famous for the remarkable diversity and richness of animals with everything from zebras, giraffes, lions, and leopards to gorillas, hyenas, elephants, hippos, penguins, and whales. Of course, as the world’s second-largest continent, how do you know where to go for optimal sightings? To plan your bucket-list trip, you’ll want to put at least one of these places on your itinerary.

Top 14 Luxury Resorts in Morocco

Georgie Darling — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:00:05 +0000

Morocco doesn’t hold back when it comes to stunning travel destinations. Home to the incredible Atlas Mountains, brilliant surf spots, relaxing beaches, and the Sahara Desert, it’s a feast for all of the senses with delights hidden around every corner. Morocco’s a place with something for everyone, no matter whether you’d rather spend your days shopping in the medinas, digging into a delicious tagine, or simply relaxing at your hotel’s spa. These dreamy hotels offer the perfect setting for your time in Morocco, filled to the brim with authentic decor and vibrant designs. Read on for all of our favorites.

9 Stunning Natural Sites in Ethiopia

Karyn Wofford — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 14:10:07 +0000

Ethiopia is a country within Africa that contrasts with much of the continent. Diverse ecological systems, a plethora of wildlife, and rich cultural influence give this region in the Horn of Africa a distinct allure sought after by travelers of all extremes, from the laid back to intense explorers. Aside from culture, the country is laden with natural attributes, from sky-scraping mountains, turbulent waters to mystical caves that offer a peek into the underground world. So if you are planning a trip, we’ve highlighted some of the most stunning natural sites to see in Ethiopia.

10 Best Cities to Visit in Morocco

Karyn Wofford — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 14:10:54 +0000

Morrocco is a unique part of Africa, with an incredible diversity of influence, as it nearly touches Europe. You’ll find French, Portuguese and Spanish flavor, to name a few, and this contributes to the richness. Today travelers will find intact palaces, mosques and fortresses within some beautiful towns, and the Mediterranean or Atlantic often hugs against the landscape. However, you might find yourself in the Sahara Desert or in the mountains. Here’s our list of the best cities in Morocco to get you started on your adventure.

10 Coolest Airbnbs in Morocco

Karyn Wofford — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:20:54 +0000

Morocco is an African country like no other with its variety of cultural influences. Its colorful streets, markets, and fascinating cities offer a whimsical appeal that brings travelers from around the world to explore this special place. Lovely Airbnbs can be found by the handfuls within old, renovated houses with beautiful courtyards, known as riads. With a majority of accommodations in Marrakesh, these are the most authentic Airbnbs in Morocco.

Have Breakfast With Giraffes in This Kenya Hotel

Charity De Souza — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 18:29:38 +0000

If you’ve ever dreamed of having breakfast with giraffes, here’s your chance. Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya is an exclusive boutique hotel nestled in 12 acres of private land that is home to a herd of resident Rothschild giraffe who visit throughout the day, popping their long necks into windows looking for a treat.

6 Affordable Safari Lodges in Africa

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:13:00 +0000

Looking at the price tag of the average African safari is enough to make most people think going on this bucket list adventure is only a pipe dream: $800 to $1,000 per person per night. Add in the cost of the flight from the U.S., and it becomes even more of an impossibility. But the good news is, more affordable options can be found. While they won’t fit into a shoestring budget, they are a lot more doable, at less than $300 a night, especially if you go in the off-season, generally considered between May and September – Africa’s winter is the opposite of North America’s, falling in June, July, and August.

7 Best Places For Tourists to Travel in the Middle East

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:59:35 +0000

Many travelers don’t consider visiting this region, but it’s a vast area with a very diverse group of countries that stretches all the way from the border of Pakistan, across the Arabian Peninsula, to the eastern countries of North Africa. And more than a few nations within this region are not only safe to visit, many offer unforgettable sights and attractions that can’t be experienced back home, including these.

20 Best International Vacations for Families

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:55:06 +0000

Taking a vacation with kids can feel like more trouble than it’s worth with the packing, the nap schedule, the tantrums, and the hassles – it can all be intimidating. But studies show that kids that grow up traveling from a young age are often more adaptable to travel throughout their childhoods and that well-traveled children tend to grow up to become well-rounded adults.

But admittedly, some travel destinations are better suited to families than others. For example, a trip to wine country or hardcore adventure sports destinations might be better reserved for adults-only vacations. However, there are many places around the globe that are great to visit with kids, and some of them might surprise you.

In no particular order, here are some of the best places in the world to take a vacation with kids.

9 Best Places to Stay in Morocco

Alyssa Ochs — Mon, 18 May 2015 18:47:42 +0000

In recent years, Morocco has emerged as one of the best travel destinations in the world. It’s an amazing country that’s affordable and packed with local culture and authentic experiences. Morocco is known for its beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean coasts, traditional architecture with interior gardens known as riads, and the historic cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakesh. It’s also an ideal destination for hikers and long-distance trekkers because the Rif Mountains, Middle Atlas Mountains and High Atlas Mountains offer outdoor enthusiasts the chance to connect with nature in unique ways.

To truly be considered a riad, a building should have a garden divided into quarters with a fountain in the center. If you choose a conveniently located place to stay in Morocco, you can easily explore the desert region on a camel ride or 4×4 tour, sample local cuisine, celebrate a festival, or visit a public steam bath. These are some of the best places to come back to at the end of your exciting days in Morocco.