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BY  Pijus Maity May 23, 2023

The world heritage site of Machu Picchu, which is the main highlight of the Andean region, is a must-see attraction for tourists who come to South America. This Inca site has been closed for a while because of certain social and political situations. This has been done so to protect the safety of the local and international tourists. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on is Machu Picchu closing! The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu The Cusco Ministry of Culture agency and headquarters of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also in coordination with the Protected National Areas agency. They announced that the current situation in their region and country had experienced led to the site closing down. They closed down the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Road Network. This was ordered on January 21st, 2023, and untill further notice, to safeguard the general population's and tourists' safety. Similarly, it was also informed that all the facilities would be provided to the foreign and national tourists affected by Machu Picchu closing. This was effective from January 21st, 2023, and remained until one month after the social mobilizations or after the request to return the amount ticket. Temporary Closing Of Inca Trail Is Machu Picchu closing? Well, Machu Picchu got closed down on January 21st, 2023, because of the actions of the protestors. They were earlier also affected by an especially slow and low tourism season. The roads were blocked, and the supply chains were cut off. According to various Machu Picchu news, here were protests, and due to that, the Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary (of Machu Picchu) shut the place down. The whole of it was shut down - including the ancient city of Inca, the Inca trail. The whole of tourism went to sleep while the country tried to work out its problems. Visiting Machu Picchu Post Protest One thing to understand is that no one can guarantee that there won't be any interruptions on your visit to Peru. Whether you plan it this or in the next year! The month of February is when travel remains the most low. This is also the time when the Inca trail closes down for prevention work and maintenance. The month of March, on the other hand, is when the tourists start re-opening for their new travel season. It is also considered to be one of the best places to travel to in September. Due to Machu Picchu and Peru's busy tourist season in the month of March, travelers should always book in advance. There are timed entry tickets to this site. For the year 2023, tourists are limited to 4,500 per day. Hence, one needs to make advance purchases if one wants to visit this gorgeous attraction. Tip: Is Machu Picchu open? Well, it is certainly open now and has been since the month of March. Things To Remember Before Visiting Here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards the Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains - Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is the standard train that brings one to Machu Picchu and is known to be equipped with panoramic windows. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features half-panoramic windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version and is known to be equipped with large panoramic windows so you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside. This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu. After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route. Which means that you can only walk in a single direction. It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots. This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack - it should be of regular size. There are certain measurements of backpacks up to which a backpack is allowed entry into the premises of Machu Picchu. Keep reading till the end to find out about is Machu Picchu closing! Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the event of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location. It was not found by the Spanish explorers at that time. This makes it one of the most best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory. It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately. A total of twice a year - the sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner untill the professor of Yale - Hiram Bingham again discovered the site in year 1911. His book "The Lost City Of Incas" was actually based on his findings. Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes. The wonder is known as Peru's most visited tourist destination. It also symbolizes the Incan Empire that was actually built around 1450 AD. The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of The World in 2007. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding is Machu Picchu closing and related information. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: A Guide Of Top 6 National Parks In Wyoming A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 7, 2023

SnapTravel is an online booking website (and app!) that combines the ease of use and cost-free nature of online booking platforms with the advantages of a travel agent. Like any other online booking website, SnapTravel is essentially an online travel agent that allows you to enter dates and a location to find hotel and flight deals. Sometimes SnapTravel offers amazing deals because, similar to a travel agency, it has access to airline and hotel discounts that it can pass along to you. You are not charged for using SnapTravel's services. Additionally, using SnapTravel's product doesn't require downloading any apps, in contrast to many others. Instead, just like with any other booking platform, you input information straight into their website. Using various messaging apps, you can choose to converse with a bot as well. I looked into booking hotels, flights, and customer service through SnapTravel. My experience is as follows. Overview To begin with, SnapTravel recently underwent a rebranding and is now known as Super. Booking hotels is now a part of their Superbrand. In this article, I'll continue to refer to it as SnapTravel because Super Travel hasn't quite taken off yet. Hussein Fazal and Henry Shi, two tech entrepreneurs, founded SnapTravel in Canada in 2016. SnapTravel is a legitimate business with investors such as Steph Curry (I doubt he spends hours searching the internet looking for deals on flights for under fifty dollars!). It searches for the greatest hotel and flight offers for clients by fusing cutting-edge chatbot technology with an online travel agency's business plan. SnapTravel doesn't charge users for these services; instead, it accepts commissions from bookings made by users. Furthermore, SnapTravel occasionally sends sponsored messages to its customers, which may be paid for by partners, though I haven't seen this in any of our chats. Naturally, SnapTravel highlights this as a benefit by offering recommendations to clients for places to visit or accommodations. SnapTravel Reviews: My Experience And User Opinion SuperTravel is the new name for "Snaptravel Hotels." They are only using Messenger to make hotel reservations. SnapTravel has since added a more recognizable method to display their deals. SnapTravel hotel deals can be found by scrolling to the bottom or using a search engine. But I was unable to begin looking right away. They wanted to make sure I wasn't a robot when I first hopped on to look for a hotel. Okay, all right, I get it. However, SnapTravel approached this peculiarly. I needed to have a code texted to my cell. They can now send marketing messages as a result, which was a bad experience for me. SnapTravel User Interface You don't use a search engine to find the best hotel deals when you use SnapTravel. Rather, you use their AI chat to speak with them after searching to see what options are available. I found Travel Lodge when looking for the greatest hotel deals in Mill Valley. This search's first screen displayed a $6 off discount in pink at the top of the image. When I searched for the savings for three nights, I discovered that it was $11. Snaptravel ultimately revealed to me that I had saved $17.85. In contrast, I saved almost $9.88 when comparing this offer with the hotel's website. This still represents a 3% savings, which is excellent! The savings might be negligible if you only stay with one hotel chain and take into account other reward programs. Nevertheless, these vacation offers validate SnapTravel! The SnapTravel website is undergoing maintenance as I write this in order to make the switch to their new name. When you visit Super's website, you may be wondering where the flight deals are. Up until recently, SnapTravel was the only place to see the flights. Things have changed once more in the brief period of time since I tested SnapTravel. You will now receive a notification when you click that link stating that they no longer have a third-party carrier associated with them and that the third-party carrier they formerly worked with has ceased operations. Previous Setup Experience In any case, I had a bad experience with their prior setup. My flight search left me feeling let down for a few different reasons. Firstly, their website loads incredibly slowly! The last time I tried to use it, the page took more than 30 seconds to load. Perhaps that is why their website is currently undergoing maintenance. And it doesn't end there. Actually, SnapTravel wasn't offering low prices—quite the contrary! I had to confirm that they were accurate by checking again. When I entered my ideal travel dates from Los Angeles to Omaha into SnapTravel, they displayed a $440 round-trip ticket. On Google Flights, the same route cost $237! Additionally, these flights took place a week and six months in advance. I would like to discuss these flight costs with the support staff. It appears that they only do that for their hotel packages right now. What To Expect From New Setup Everything will eventually fall under the "Super" umbrella. With any luck, all of this work will be worthwhile and their prices will drop. I would have preferred to find fewer negative reviews on SnapTravel, but I did find some. Nevertheless, SnapTravel has an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau reviews! Not all of it was awful. There were some useful flight features on SnapTravel, such as the option to search for multi-city flights. They must, however, improve in this area or stick to hotels because there are numerous SnapTravel substitutes. I want you to benefit from my SnapTravel shopping experience. The best hotel booking experience comes from finding a good deal on SnapTravel and then checking other websites. Verify that the availability and price correspond with what you are seeing on SnapTravel. SnapTravel offers some deals, but they usually go through the messenger. As I previously mentioned, SnapTravel uses AI to assist you in finding these offers. They will send you these deals if you quickly message them on Messenger with your travel dates and destination. You can check out after you locate the reservation you like. You can even add a purchase to SnapTravel's VIP program at this time. User Experience "The good thing is how much you get these credits. When using them for the next ones, this is the cheapest booking site out there. Used snaptravel for some 15 bookings now, I will keep using this as long as they give that USD30/10% credits after booking." - mod3mkorv "We used it a couple of times with no issues. Planning to use them again. A lot of these 1 star reviews on the sites sound like people who paid for a non refundable room and then got mad when they couldn’t get a refund lol seems legit enough to me. We always book our hotels in advance though so I can’t attest to any issues that could come from booking last minute with them. We even had to cancel a trip we booked with them and they refunded right away. Only commenting because of all the bad reviews I see." - jfritz7915 "I only used them a couple times but got a great price and didn't have any problems." - crackanape VIP Program Free Upgrades Expedited Customer Support Free Booking Modifications 24/7 Concierge Service All of this is yours for just $30 for the first six months, with additional monthly payments of $5 after that! Wrapping Up SnapTravel can help you find amazing hotel deals and has its uses. Having said that, there are some disadvantages. Super, once they fix their SnapTravel flight deal page, is going to be a valuable addition to my collection of the best travel deal websites for trip planning.  It's a simple feature that can save you a lot of money to use their messenger to find the best hotel deals! SnapTravel's hotel deals are what really set it apart. Amazing savings can be achieved when using their SuperCash card to book hotels through SnapTravel. It's something that ought to be considered by all when making travel plans. Hotels.com is my preferred SnapTravel substitute. This is mostly because of their excellent hotel rewards program. You'll frequently receive a fantastic deal along with a one-night stamp. You can get a free night's stay worth up to the average of the ten hotels when you collect ten stamps! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Play Airlines! Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines! Condor Airlines: Is Booking Tickets On Condor Worth It? Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

Have you watched the documentary “Il Bianco nel Blu?”  This documentary ( titled Deep White Forests in English) highlights how Giovanni Chimienti, a National Geographic Explorer and marine explorer, has been conducting a scientific research project on the black corals in the waters of the Egadi Islands.  It is also astonishing to see how the Egadi Islands harbor so many mysteries. I mean, they have the potential to be the site of groundbreaking scientific research and a goldmine of archaeological treasures.  The latest archaeological discovery from the Egadi Islands has been a bronze rostrum. It was found at 80 meters under the water.  All these archaeological discoveries further establish the connection between the Egadi Islands and the Battle of the Egadi Islands in 241 BC. “The Egadi seabed is always a valuable source of information to add further knowledge about the naval battle between the Roman and Carthaginian fleets. Sebastiano Tusa’s intuition continues to this day to receive more and more timely confirmation, corroborating the archaeologist’s studies that had allowed the identification of the theater of the battle that sanctioned the dominance of the Romans over the Mediterranean.”Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage, Also, this archipelago, consisting of the three main islands of Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo, is just a boat ride away from Trapani. The crystal clear water of the Mediterranean Sea is also a huge attraction for tourists.  In addition, it is home to an extraordinary ecosystem and marine life. So, the Egadi Islands have been a part of the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area since 1991.  And the list of attractions continues for the Egadi Islands! In this Tour and Travel Guide, we will explore the Egadi Islands and discuss why it is the ultimate location for a tropical vacation.  Egadi Islands: Understanding The Geography And Vividness The Egadi Islands are located off the western coast of Sicily. Further, these islands, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, are often dubbed the “Best Well-Kept Secret” in Italy.  Along with its three major islands, it also has smaller islets such as Maraone and Formica. However, these islands display vividness in their natural features and characters.  For example, the largest island, Favignana, has rugged coastlines and almost flat terrain.  On the other hand, Marettimo is mountainous in nature, and the dramatic trails and scenic views here are a favorite of hikers.  Again, you will not find the quietness of Levanzo, the smallest among the Egadi Islands, anywhere else. It is also rich in Mediterranean vegetation.  Moreover, the dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sea caves add to the scenic beauty of the island.  Further, the beauty and vividness of the islands are also visible in the waters of the Egadi Islands.  You will find lush seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica in the waters. Also, you will see loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). So, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.  Egadi Islands: A Telltale Of Italian History And Culture The Egadi Islands have played a pivotal role in Mediterranean history for millennia.  One of the most significant events occurred just off these shores in 241 BCE. It was the final battle of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.  This decisive clash marked the beginning of Roman dominance in the western Mediterranean. Over the centuries, the islands fell under the control of various powers, including the Goths, Vandals, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving traces in the local culture and architecture.  Their strategic location made them a constant point of interest throughout ancient and medieval times. In the 19th century, the islands experienced a cultural and economic renaissance thanks to the Florio family, who modernized the traditional tuna fishery in Favignana.  Their innovations turned it into one of the most efficient operations in the Mediterranean and laid the foundation for the islands’ economic development. Today, the Egadi Islands are a living museum of their rich past.  On Levanzo, the Grotta del Genovese showcases prehistoric cave paintings estimated to be over 12,000 years old, including images of animals and human figures, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Marettimo is home to Roman ruins known as the "Case Romane" and the Norman-built Castle of Punta Troia, which later served as a Bourbon prison.  In Favignana, the former Florio Tuna Factory has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore the history and culture of tuna fishing in the region. Want Some Adventure? Try These Outdoor Activities In The Egadi Islands Whether you're an adventure seeker or a laid-back explorer, the Egadi Islands offer a wealth of outdoor activities set against breathtaking natural backdrops. Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the top attractions, thanks to the pristine underwater landscapes and thriving marine life.  Hiking For hiking enthusiasts, Marettimo is a dream come true, with scenic trails winding through rugged mountains and offering sweeping views of the open sea. Boat Tours  One of the best ways to experience the islands is by boat. Guided boat tours allow you to discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and sea caves only accessible from the water.  Companies like Mare e Vento di Favignana offer daily and private boat tours around the Egadi Islands, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and even onboard aperitifs.  Favorite destinations include: Cala Rossa Cala Azzurra Bue Marino on Favignana Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola on Levanzo Sea caves of Marettimo. Kayaking And Paddleboat Rentals  For those who prefer a more independent adventure, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are a fantastic way to explore the coastline at your own pace and with minimal environmental impact.  Some boat excursions even include food tastings or traditional dinners on board. It is an unforgettable way to enjoy the fresh, local seafood while surrounded by nature. Exploring The Fishing Villages  Beyond the water, don’t miss a stroll through the charming fishing villages, where you can soak in the relaxed island vibe and get a feel for local life.  The Tuna Fishery Museum in Favignana offers a deep dive (pun intended!) into the cultural roots of the islands. Summer brings the islands to life with festivals and cultural events.  Highlights include the Feast of Saint Joseph in Marettimo and the Egadi Summer Festival, featuring live music, performances, and art across all three islands. What To Eat In The Egadi Islands And Indulge In Local Flavors? Food lovers, take note—the Egadi Islands are a culinary paradise where Sicilian tradition meets the bounty of the sea.  Here, the cuisine is deeply rooted in local fishing culture, and tuna takes center stage in many unforgettable dishes. Tuna is served in a variety of forms, both fresh and preserved. You’ll find it as bottarga (cured roe), lattume (tuna milt), mosciame (air-dried fillet), and in pasta dishes made with tender chunks of fresh tuna.  One local specialty not to miss is Ficazza, a type of cured tuna sausage that’s unique to the islands. Another must-try is the seafood couscous, a dish with North African roots that’s become a staple in Sicilian coastal kitchens. It's rich, aromatic, and often prepared with the catch of the day. The islands also offer a variety of local vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant capers from nearby Pantelleria.  And of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Look for classic Sicilian treats like cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, or cassatelle, deep-fried pastries filled with ricotta and chocolate, or chickpeas and cinnamon. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to some of the most beloved local restaurants.  In Favignana, top picks include SottoSale, A' Cialoma, and the charmingly named Quello Che C'è... C'è!. On Marettimo, Hiera, and Il Veliero serve up ultra-fresh seafood in scenic settings.  And in Levanzo, Ristorante Bar Romano is a local favorite for a relaxed meal with a view. Where To Stay In the Egadi Islands? Whether you're looking for seaside luxury or a cozy retreat immersed in nature, the Egadi Islands offer a wide range of accommodations to suit every travel style. Favignana, the largest and most developed of the three islands, features everything from boutique hotels and charming B&Bs to vacation rentals and resorts with sea views.  You'll find options that range from simple, budget-friendly stays to elegant, eco-conscious lodgings nestled among Mediterranean gardens. Marettimo, by contrast, is a peaceful haven for nature lovers.  Here, most accommodations are small-scale and family-run. Think of apartments and B&Bs either facing the picturesque harbor or tucked into the hills, surrounded by untouched landscapes. Levanzo is the quietest and most remote of the islands, ideal for those who want to truly disconnect.  The lodging options are more limited but full of charm: small vacation homes and guesthouses that offer a serene escape, often with stunning views and warm, local hospitality. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll find that the pace of life on the Egadi Islands is refreshingly slow, the service is personal, and the settings are unforgettable. Sustainable Travel: Protecting The Egadi Islands Paradise The Egadi Islands are more than just a scenic getaway—they're a model of environmental stewardship.  So, we must protect it from becoming another Italian destination fighting with overtourism. We already know what the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Venice, and Florence are facing.  As part of Europe’s largest marine protected area, the archipelago preserves its delicate ecosystem while welcoming travelers from around the world. Tourist activities here are carefully regulated to minimize impact on the natural environment.  Eco-friendly practices are common here, including using low-emission boats, recycling programs, and environmental education initiatives.  You'll even see signs throughout the islands reminding visitors to "leave no trace" and respect the fragile balance of land and sea. Ongoing conservation efforts include protecting the underwater meadows of Posidonia oceanica, which are vital for marine biodiversity, and monitoring populations of endangered species like sea turtles and groupers.  Anchoring in certain zones is restricted, and visitors are asked not to touch or collect protected flora and fauna. By choosing to travel responsibly—whether by kayaking instead of motoring, supporting local businesses, or respecting wildlife—you’ll help preserve the beauty and authenticity of the Egadi Islands for future generations. Make Your Trip To The Egadi Islands Memorable A trip to the Egadi Islands is not just about a tropical vacation. It is a destination that allows you to indulge in the slow rhythm of life.  Further, rich history, warm hospitality and the pristine beauty of nature make the Egadi Islands the ultimate Italian gem.  Also, the Egadi Islands are the land of Bella Vita, with you lounging by the sea and soaking in the Mediterranean Sun, enjoying a long lunch, and then watching the most dramatic sunset.  You can even nurture your adventurous side here by taking part in activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and boating tours around hidden coves.  Irrespective of the activity or experience you choose for yourself, you must be respectful of the local environment and culture.  Be careful about intruding on the protected areas, and connect with the community by supporting local artisans and family-run businesses.  Also, summer is the best time to visit the Egadi Islands. However, the beauty, authenticity, and natural abundance make the Egadi Islands a true Mediterranean gem to explore in any season.  READ MORE: Exploring the Virgin Islands: Must-See Spots You Can Visit by Boat and St John Rentals Bali Beyond The Beaches: Exploring The Hidden Gems Of The Island Seven Reasons To Visit The Stunning Greek Ionian Islands