wanderfulescapes

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Traveling in festival seasons (Fall edition) 🍁🍂

Dia de Los Muertos

Every autumn, Mexico erupts with joyful celebrations to honor lost loved ones during the time-honored holiday of Día de los Muertos. Far from somber, the festivities invite the deceased to return through vibrant rituals passed down through generations. You'll see the streets come alive with parades of skeletons and skulls, elaborate altars overflowing with marigolds and favorite foods of those departed, and families gathering in cemeteries for overnight vigils. The playful costumes and faces painted like sugar skulls celebrate life and death alike. To fully experience the communal rituals, rich memories, and cultural insights that surround Día de los Muertos, you must immerse yourself in the celebrations. As you reflect on mortality and honor those who came before, you just may leave Mexico with a revived passion for squeezing every drop out of life. Let the uplifting festivities of Día de los Muertos sweep you up on a travel adventure like no other this fall.

Before going Mexico for Día de los Muertos you need to understand their culture and traditions and where are they coming from.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday celebrated each year from October 31 to November 2 across Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage worldwide. The holiday originated with the indigenous Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures of Mexico and Central America over 3,000 years ago. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the region in the 1500s, the rituals of Día de los Muertos merged with the Catholic holidays for All Saints and All Souls Days.

Today, Día de los Muertos is a time for families to honor and celebrate their deceased loved ones. They build elaborate altars called ofrendas overflowing with the favored foods, drinks, photos and possessions of the dead. The holiday is associated with vibrant decorations like marigold flowers and sugar skulls. Families often clean and decorate the graves of lost loved ones, sometimes having overnight candlelight vigils or picnics in the graveyard. Parades and festivals with skeleton costumes, music, dancing and feasts are common public celebrations.

While Día de los Muertos has origins in mourning and remembrance, the mood today is celebratory and festive. The rituals are designed to entice the spirits of deceased family members to return for this special day of reunion. The holiday reminds us to value life and those we love. Día de los Muertos reflects the Mexican view that death is natural - not something to fear, but rather accept as part of life's cycle.

Participating in Dia de los Muertos festival is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and honor the tradition of celebrating life and remembering the departed. Here are some recommendations for what to do during the festival:

Visit Altars: These are set up in homes, cemeteries, or public spaces, overflowing with marigolds, candles, skulls, photos, and the favorite foods and belongings of deceased loved ones. Observing them provides deep insight into the customs. Each altar is unique and offers a glimpse into the lives of those being remembered. Respectfully observe the offerings and take in the stories behind them.

Attend a candlelight vigil - Many families hold all-night vigils in cemeteries, decorating graves with marigolds and keeping candles lit to guide the spirits. Witnessing this intimate tradition is moving- Many families hold all-night vigils in cemeteries, decorating graves with marigolds and keeping candles lit to guide the spirits. Witnessing this intimate tradition is moving

Witness Parades and Processions: Many towns and cities host lively parades filled with vibrant costumes, music, dancing, and people painted as calaveras (skulls). These parades are a joyful way to celebrate the spirits' return.

Enjoy Traditional Foods: Indulge in the delicious traditional foods associated with Dia de los Muertos, such as pan de muerto (sweet bread), chocolate caliente, sugar skulls, tamales, atole (a warm beverage), and more.

Learn about La Catrina: Discover the history and significance of La Catrina, the iconic elegantly dressed skeleton figure.

La Catrina became an iconic Día de los Muertos symbol due to her origins in José Guadalupe Posada's satirical 1910 etching of an elegant female skeleton, poking fun at indigenous Mexicans imitating upper class fashions. Her name blended European and native words, while her outfit blended styles, representing Mexico's mixed origins. Artist Diego Rivera later popularized La Catrina as a national symbol in his murals. Her playful yet philosophical representation of death as a natural part of life, instead of something to fear, resonated deeply. Today La Catrina appears everywhere during Day of the Dead celebrations, from artwork to costumes. She is the quintessential folkloric embodiment of Mexican identity and attitudes towards death.

Engage in Face Painting: If you're comfortable, consider getting your face painted with calavera makeup. It's a fun and artistic way to join in the spirit of the celebration.

Overall, Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life, memory, and the unity of people across generations. Engaging in the festivities with respect and an open heart can provide you with a transformative and culturally enriching experience.

[wanderfulescapes]

Top lesser-known destinations to travel in autumn 🍁🏯

Another summer come and gone, but the colorful goodbye it bids makes fall the best hello. It’s a time when nature’s beauty blazes, senses come alive, and new adventures feel more possible than ever. Answer autumn’s call by packing your bags for these top destinations where falling leaves and travel dreams await.🐞🍂

Japan in autumn is a sensory masterpiece. As the leaves change to brilliant shades of red and gold, iconic cities like Kyoto and Tokyo transform into picturesque landscapes. Temples and gardens, such as Kiyomizu-dera and Shinjuku Gyoen, become vibrant havens of color. The air is crisp, festivals like Momiji Matsuri celebrate the season, and the beauty of fall foliage reflects in serene lakes and historic shrines. Japan's autumn is a time to savor the delicate balance of tradition, nature, and cultural splendor.

Germany in autumn is a picturesque landscape of vibrant colors and cultural richness. As the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and gold, the country's charming towns, historic castles, and scenic countryside come alive. Cities like Munich and Berlin offer a blend of fall festivals, art exhibitions, and cozy cafés. The Black Forest region is a must-visit, with its dense woodlands and charming villages. Whether strolling through parks, sipping warm mulled wine at markets, or exploring fairy-tale landscapes, Germany's autumn ambiance is a delightful blend of nature and culture.

Georgia (the country) in the Caucasus region is a fantastic choice for a lesser-known destination with stunning fall scenery. The country boasts a diverse landscape with mountains, valleys, and charming villages. During the fall, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque setting. Georgia's unique cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality add to the charm of visiting during this season.

For a lesser-known city with breathtaking fall scenery, consider visiting Lviv in Ukraine. This charming city is known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafes. During the fall, Lviv's parks and squares come alive with colorful foliage, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The city's unique blend of cultures, rich history, and autumn charm make it a hidden gem for fall travel.

For a lesser-known city with incredible autumn scenery, consider visiting Hallstatt in Austria. Nestled by a pristine lake and surrounded by the Dachstein Alps, Hallstatt's charming architecture and natural beauty create a magical atmosphere during the fall season. The reflections of colorful foliage on the lake's surface add to the enchantment. Hallstatt's serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal destination for experiencing the beauty of autumn in a less crowded setting.

Canada, particularly Quebec, is a masterpiece of autumn beauty. As the leaves transform into a tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, the province becomes a captivating wonderland. Quebec City's cobblestone streets and charming architecture take on a magical aura, while the Laurentian Mountains and Mont-Tremblant National Park offer breathtaking vistas. The St. Lawrence River shimmers against a backdrop of fall foliage, and the air carries a crisp, invigorating scent. Exploring Quebec in autumn is an invitation to witness nature's artistry in one of its most stunning displays.

Whether it’s your first fall getaway or your fiftieth, the familiar scents and scenes rekindle that childlike joy we all need sometimes. This list is just a starting point for your own autumn adventures that await. Trust your instincts, go where the falling leaves guide you, and relish every cozy, crunchy, pumpkin-flavored moment. Fall’s fleeting beauty rewards those with open eyes, ears and hearts 🏜️🤎

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Are you looking for interesting and less crowded places to visit? Here are a few lesser-known travel destinations that you might want to consider visiting before they become mainstream:

1. Faroe Islands: A stunning archipelago known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and unique Nordic culture.

2. Bhutan: A remote Himalayan kingdom with breathtaking scenery, vibrant festivals, and a focus on Gross National Happiness.

3. Azores, Portugal: A group of lush volcanic islands in the Atlantic, offering beautiful hikes, hot springs, and untouched beauty.

4. Svalbard, Norway: A remote Arctic destination known for its polar bear sightings, stunning glaciers, and northern lights.

5. Matera, Italy: An ancient city famous for its cave dwellings and historical architecture, often referred to as "the second Bethlehem."

6. Palau: A Pacific island nation with crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and some of the world's best diving spots.

7. Gobi Desert, Mongolia: A vast desert offering unique landscapes, dinosaur fossils, and the chance to experience traditional nomadic culture.

Remember that even these hidden gems may become popular over time, so it's always a good idea to plan your visit sooner rather than later if you want to experience them before they gain widespread attention.

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Tips to find the lowest airline tickets 💻🌅How to avoid mistakes when booking cheap tickets 🎫 🛫

Planning a trip is always exhilarating, but the excitement can quickly give way to stress when it comes time to book flights and transportation. With varying ticket prices, seemingly endless fees, and complex booking platforms, sorting through travel ticket options can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin to find an affordable fare without spending hours searching every airline website? When is the best time to purchase airfare or train tickets for the lowest possible price? What factors into pricing and availability? In this guide, I'll walk through the key considerations for booking both domestic and international travel tickets. You'll learn insider tips on finding deals, dodging extra fees, timing your purchase, and maximizing flexibility. With strategic planning and research, you can master travel ticketing and lock in the best value seats for your next big journey or quick getaway. Let's explore how to take control of travel booking and make ticketing a breeze, not a burden.

Here are some tips on when plane tickets tend to be cheapest:

- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are generally when airlines release sales and cheaper seats. Set fare alerts for midweek mornings.

- Tickets are usually cheapest 1-3 months in advance of travel dates, when airlines are trying to fill seats. Avoid buying last-minute.

- Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tends to be cheaper than high-demand days like Friday and Sunday. Flexibility helps.

- Traveling during shoulder seasons when weather is transitioning (spring/fall) is cheaper than summer and winter peak times.

- Red eye and early morning flights are often cheaper than midday and evening. An inconvenience for savings!

- Holiday periods like Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving lead to price spikes. Avoid traveling a few days before/after major holidays.

-If you're open to it, check if there are alternate airports near your destination. Sometimes flying into a nearby city and then taking a short train or bus ride to your final destination can save you money.

Protip: consider looking for tickets in incognito mood to see the real prices of tickets. Otherwise, the price will go up everytime you visit the same site.

Being flexible on dates, willing to take red eyes, flying midweek, and searching extensively can lead to great flight deals. Signing up for price alerts and newsletters from airlines can help find the cheapest tickets.

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We should take adventures to know who we really are

Unveiling the world, one destination at a time ✈️🗺️ Stepping into new adventures with wide eyes and an open heart. From the bustling markets to the serene landscapes, every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Join me on this journey as I capture moments that ignite the soul and inspire the wanderer in all of us. 🌍📸

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