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The 15 Biggest Travel Scams, and How to Avoid Them

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You know that old saying “there’s a sucker born every minute”? Don’t be one of them. Stay ahead of these surprisingly effective travel scams to keep your vacation plans from falling apart. The schemes below may be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to travel cons, but preparing yourself for these common swindles is a good place to start.

Vacation Clubs

Wholesale travel clubs claim that you’ll have access to incredibly cheap vacations if you join. However, once you pay the joining fees, you find that the deals offered aren’t any better than what you can find for yourself online—for free. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott , whose book Scammed lays out a helpful roadmap for being a responsible and effective shopper in a world of corporate swindles, has told SmarterTravel: “I’ve never come across a legitimate travel club. My advice is to run, don’t walk.”

Elliott advises that anyone considering joining a travel club do research with a very critical eye beforehand. Simply doing an internet search for the name of the travel company plus “travel scam” will usually reveal a host of problems experienced by other members. Also check the Better Business Bureau for complaints about the specific service before you buy.

Timeshare Sales

Ed Perkins, a longtime contributing editor at SmarterTravel, calls the up-front fees for selling your timeshare the biggest travel scam out there.

“Scammers promise to get you out from under, saying they have buyers, but all they really do is take a fee, upward of $400, and do nothing,” says Perkins.

Never pay up front to have someone help you sell your timeshare. If you want out, go to a licensed company and check them out with the Better Business Bureau before listing with them. If you’re having trouble getting out of your timeshare , work with a rental company and rent it out to recoup some of the money until you can sell.

Vacation Certificates

Ed Perkins also warns against prepaid vacation certificates: “Travel scams promise really great prices but deliver nothing. The idea here is to get the up-front money, then keep stalling: ‘Sorry, these dates are sold out; try again soon.’ They delay until people just quit trying.” Or the company charges huge additional fees to redeem the certificates, and the trip is considerably less luxurious than promised. Before prepaying for a vacation package, be sure to research fees and blackout dates, as well as the company’s reputation.

“Travel-Agent” Card Mills

Ah, the life of travel agents. Cheap hotels and airfares are thrown at their feet once they pull out their travel-agent ID cards, right? Wrong. Don’t believe the hype from outfits that promise to issue you a travel-agent ID that provides access to discounts. Scammers charge hundreds of dollars for these cards, but victims who shell out will quickly find that no place will accept the fakes, and they never see any discounts. The only way to avoid this travel scam is to not buy a travel-agent card if you’re not a travel agent—there’s really no legal way to get around it.

Car-Rental Collision Damage Waivers

Rick Steves calls the car-rental collision damage waivers (CDW) a “collision damage waiver racket” for a reason. When you rent a car, the company often pressures you to buy a CDW supplement, which will prevent you from having to pay a high insurance deductible if the car is damaged. (The deductible can be thousands of dollars before insurance kicks in.)

But most major credit cards already include deductible collision coverage for free , so check your credit-card terms and pay for the rental car with your credit card. Then you’ll be covered without having to shell out extra cash for phony insurance. Most credit-card collision coverage is secondary, meaning you have to claim from your regular insurance first. If you don’t want a claim on your insurance, you can buy third-party primary collision coverage from the booking agency for about $10-$11 a day. Or, if it’s pricey, you can instead buy coverage from an independent outlet; sites like Bonzah.com offer rental coverage from $7.99 per day. That’s about one-third of what the rental companies charge.

“You Won a Free Trip!”

If you’ve ever dropped your business card in a “win a free trip” drawing at a restaurant or signed up to win at a fair, you may have gotten a phone call, letter, or email claiming you’ve won a free vacation. These days, the hustle is often via robocall. Be wary—many of these “prizes” are actually booby traps in which you’ll have to pay hefty fees to claim the vacation or give your credit card number to “verify your eligibility,” resulting in identity theft. After a recent lull in monitoring these robocalls, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again cracking down on them. If you’re scammed, get the names of resorts and airlines included in the prize and call them independently to verify the trip. Never give credit card information to someone who cold-calls you, and be sure to get details of the prize in writing before accepting.

Fake International Driving Permits

The FTC also warns against fake International Driving Permits (IDPs) . Some countries require tourists to have an IDP in addition to a U.S. driver’s license. However, there are only two American associations that are legally authorized to issue IDPs—the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Fraudulent companies sell fake IDPs over the Internet, but you’ll pay hundreds of dollars for a permit only to face legal problems for using the imposter IDs in another country.

The Bait and Switch

The hotel you’re thinking of booking is suspiciously cheap, but the property’s website makes it look beautiful and centrally located. When you arrive, the hotel is run-down, missing amenities, and in a deserted part of town—and it won’t refund your money. Avoid this travel scam by using websites like Oyster (one of SmarterTravel’s sister sites) and TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent site) to read real customer reviews and see honest photos of the property.

“Grandparent” Travel Scams

Even if you’re not currently traveling, you can still be the victim of a travel scam: The State Department warns that scammers will call an older relative or friend of someone who’s away on vacation and pretend to be the traveler in desperate need of help. The scammer usually poses as the traveler or a foreign government official and directs the victim to wire a large sum of money, citing an array of things: They have been robbed and need money to return to the United States, or they have run into legal trouble and need bail money. Sometimes the scammer will even pretend to be someone from the U.S. embassy calling on behalf of the relative for money. Never wire money in response to a suspicious phone call; instead contact the State Department to ask if the situation is legitimate, or call your relative directly. If you encounter this scam, the FBI advises you report it to local authorities or a state consumer protection agency. You can also file a complaint with the FCC .

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) offers the following advice to prevent “grandparent” travel scams:

Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mothers’ maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to suspicious calls or to callers demanding immediate action. Scammers can spoof the caller ID of their number to make it appear to be from a trusted source. If a caller claiming to represent a company or a government agency asks for personal information, hang up and verify the authenticity of the request by contacting the company or agency yourself, using information found on its official website or through other means such as the phone book. If a caller claims to represent a company with which you have an account—such as a utility or a bank—hang up and check the contact information on a recent bill or statement, then call the company back yourself.

Rental Property Scam

Rule of thumb: Never go to Craigslist (or anything similar) for a rental home. Scammers will place an ad and ask the victim to wire money to secure the vacation rental—and then disappear. Or they’ll have you send money to them rather than to the actual property owner. Avoid the rental scam risk by going through a reputable vacation rental site with protections and insurance guarantees such as Airbnb , HomeAway , or SmarterTravel’s sister site FlipKey , all of which will protect your money from fraudsters.

Bogus Travel Agents

Don’t trust a tour operator or packager you don’t know of or can’t find reviews of easily online—especially with a big payment. An even more worrisome version of these travel scams in the U.S. is fake versions of websites: You search for a hotel or tour and get through to what looks like a legitimate website from a known company. But it isn’t: It’s a copy-cat version run by a scamster who paid a lot of money for a good search engine position. At best, after you make a payment, the hotel will honor your reservation—but probably at a higher price than you should have paid. At worst, you get nothing.

Take a close look at the website’s URL. Unsure if it’s right? Do a new search to find the company’s homepage and compare it to the first half of the link—any rogue characters, numbers, or symbols might mean it’s a fake. You should also never pay for a service via wire transfer, or any other irreversible money-transfer system.

Currency Short-Changing

A longstanding travel scam relies on tourists’ unfamiliarity with a foreign currency. This can take various forms: counterfeit bills, miscounting change, mixing smaller bills into what should be a pile of larger notes, etc. Get to know the bills of any country you visit, and limit the amount of foreign currency you exchange and have with you at any time. Get your foreign currency from an ATM, and put all your big-ticket purchases on a credit card.

Counterfeit Event Tickets

These days, high-tech forging can make almost any piece of paper or cardboard look authentic. Don’t buy a high-priced ticket (or even a low-priced one) to a sold-out event from someone on the street or via an unfamiliar website. You might be turned away at the gate. Buy from an authorized source—the box office or an online dealer that’s a verified reseller.

Fake Tour Guides

Have you ever been walking in a tourist-frequented area and had someone approach you offering to be your guide? Of course, you would have no idea in this situation whether this person has any useful knowledge of the city, but you may be coaxed into a nearby store that they claim offers the “best” prices on local specialties.

Pre-arrange a guide through an official tourism office or a local travel agency so you can compare prices and know what you’re getting. I once arranged the best local guide I ever had through an American Express agency. A university history professor showed us the fantastic National Museum of Damascus in Syria.

Credit Card Fraud

One of many potential credit card fraud risks is the familiar “verification call” gambit. In this travel scam, within a few hours of checking into a hotel, you get a call from someone claiming to be at the front desk to “verify” the details of the card you used. Of course, that caller is a scammer with no connection to the hotel who just wants to get your card data. In this and any other situations, be highly suspicious of anyone who calls you asking for credit or debit card information, no matter how plausible the excuse may seem. Tell the caller you’ll be right down to settle the problem, and instead call a known number, like the hotel’s direct line, to settle whatever account is involved.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Avoid Counterfeit Money While Traveling
• 6 Cruise Scams You Should Never Fall For
• Europe Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Caroline Morse Teel and Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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A relative booked through this travel agency for her 10 year wedding anniversary. We were given the name and phone number to contact in order to make reservations. I actually stopped by in person and talked to Jose (travel agent) He gave us all the information we needed for our trip. I called every pay check to make a small deposit and made the remaining payment towards the end. Through out our engangment he made our travel arrangments very pleasant and was very helpful. I now plan to make future travel agents with him.

My parents have been booking their vacations with Joel for years now So it was only natural that my husband and I booked our honeymoon with him. We ended up choosing Secrets Akumal in Riviera Maya, Mexico based off his recommendation. It has been all we have wanted out of our honeymoon. His recommendation was perfect. I'm so glad we had Joel help us.

My mom has booked all of her travel arrangements through Jose for years now. This year, she planned a family trip to Cancun to celebrate her retirement and she suggested that we all book through Jose at Festival Travel. All 14 of us agreed, we made our deposit, and everyone paid their balance prior to the deadline except for me!!! I was caught up with end-of-year Senior activities with my oldest daughter so all the details related to this trip were temporarily put on the back burner. Needless to say, because I did not pay the remaining balance prior to the due date I initially lost my $600 deposit. Jose called me a few days later with GREAT news! He didn't want to see me lose my deposit and didn't want me to have to miss out on the family trip. He mentioned that he had made some calls and was able to offer me the following: he offered me a much lower rate than what I was originally quoted AND he was able to apply my deposit toward my balance. I ended up quite happy saving a ton of money! Praise God!!! Jose is very honest, ethical, and a pleasure to work with.

Jose treats you like family. He always works for you on getting the best deals that's why my whole family always books with him. If you're looking to travel and want a hassle free experience give them a call.

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The world’s best music festival is on a tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean – here’s why it’s so good

Thousands of miles from anywhere, Tremor is a music festival without equal

‘What were the chances of this happening, out here in the middle of the ocean?’ asks Colleen (stage name of French musician Cécile Schott), midway through a set of minimalist synth music in a cavernous mid-century theatre smack-bang in the middle of the Atlantic. Colleen’s performing on the Azorean island of São Miguel at Tremor , one of the world’s most remote music festivals. Taking in our surroundings, it’s hard not to share Colleen’s wonder and disbelief. 

RECOMMENDED: The best festivals in Europe in 2024

The Azores, for those not in-the-know, are an archipelago very, very far from pretty much anything – roughly 1,400 kilometres west of Lisbon and 1,900km east of North America. On a map, the Azores are mere specks in a wash of blue; surrounded on all sides by a terrifying mass of Atlantic Ocean.

Tremor uses that isolation to its advantage. By virtue of its lack of contact with the hyper-commercialised, overblown fests of the continent, for over a decade Tremor has distilled and incubated what a music festival should be: platforming excellent music in a unique location, for the benefit of attendees and locals alike. But while there’s no doubt that it’s that sense of inaccessibility that gives Tremor plenty of its identity and charm, this festival is more than its unusual location. Tremor has a rep for being one of the world’s best musical celebrations. So, why is that, exactly? We went to the festival’s 2024 edition to find out.

Music venues reinvented

My Tremor 2024 starts as it would go on: with a cycle of mystery, anticipation, and eventually proper, thorough, ecstatic release. Having flown in from Lisbon and shacked up in a hotel in São Miguel’s biggest city Ponta Delgada, on the first afternoon I’m bundled onto a coach and told I’m being shipped off to one of the festival’s many secret gigs – those in its ‘Tremor na Estufa’ series.

Regulars at festivals in the UK, Europe and beyond have a right to be sceptical of the idea of ‘secret gigs’ – at the likes of Glastonbury and Reading, rumours of superstar surprises often spread like wildfire, only for the actual event to be underwhelming or a bit naff.  But secret gigs at Tremor couldn’t be further from that. Instead, they’re exactly as tantalising and rewarding as they should be. 

Mid-afternoon, all festival goers are informed by text the location of that day’s Tremor na Estufa gig. If, like me, you don’t drive, coaches haul punters around the island to gigs.

And that first show of Tremor 2024 is exceptional. Spilling off the coach at a small village on the island’s north coast, I traipse down a perilously steep hill and along a thin peninsula, at the end of which a small, exposed chapel sits, ravaged by the wind and rain. Edging closer, I hear distant drumming eek out between those waves; venturing past the chapel, we come to a tiny green space with a makeshift stage and an exceptionally high-quality sound-system. Surrounded by sea on three sides, fiercely drumming and punching out ferocious rock to a communal, jovial crowd is Landrose, ie Belgian punk David Temprano. The wind batters, the sun sets, the performance is thrilling. It’s as perfect a start to a festival as you can get.

The wind batters, the sun sets, the performance is thrilling – it’s as perfect a start to a festival as you can get

Tremor’s venues are just one element of its exceptionality – but they’re critical to it. Colleen’s show takes place in the Teatro Micaelense, an imposing mid-century theatre in Ponta Delgada (the Azorean capital, the islands’ largest city, and where most of Tremor takes place). The Micaelense is grand and fascinating, but it’s also by far one of Tremor’s most conventional spaces – and one of several venues that you might consider somewhat typical. Clubs, churches, warehouses, concert halls, bars… plenty of Tremor takes place in venues purpose-built (or easily adapted) for musical performance.

Where Tremor really stands out is its more unconventional settings. Thanks to the Tremor na Estufa series, on the second afternoon I find myself in a community market, then a fishing village and a dockyard; on the third day, the gig takes place in a working quarry (try and name a more brutal, atmospheric setting for a sludgy punk gig). And it’s not just the secret gigs that make use of these unorthodox venues – many shows on the festival’s planned line-up take place in shops, galleries and gardens. 

One show, notably, incorporates a hike. A 9am coach whisks us off to the highlands of São Miguel, and before we leave we’re instructed to download a 17-minute track. Once we reach a blustery, mossy hillscape, 50 or so hikers press play in unison before scrambling up between the peaks. The hike is designed so that once the song is over, you’ve gone from exposed volcanic mounds to dense Japanese red fir forest; take out your earphones and all you can hear is rustling leaves, delicate birdsong and an ominous, irregular drumbeat.

All of which would, in itself, make for an interesting experience – but the hike-gig hybrid doesn’t stop there. Eventually the route winds down to a vast lake encased by firs, with a solitary figure standing at the other end. When the hikers follow the edge of the lake and reach the figure, what follows is a full-fledged musical epic from Lavoisier, the Portuguese folk duo of Roberto Afonso and Patrícia Relvas. Relvas appears to somehow bounce her wails off the lake and trees, her own voice boomeranged back by nature; she’s joined by guitarist Afonso, who responds to her calls from across the water. Ever heard of a gig quite like that?

No big names

Not only is Tremor full of those sorts of experiences – besting itself regularly, always when you don’t think the festival can get any better – but it does so entirely without headliners. Those who run the festival would no doubt deny that it has any standout names, with the Tremor 2024 gig poster purposefully not prioritising any names more than others.  

Case in point: talking to gig-goers about why they’ve come out to this festival in the middle of the ocean, nearly everyone has a different reason, a ‘headliner’ of their own. Some are here for Ugandan dance producer Faizal Mostrixx or Canadian electronic provocateur Marie Davidson, others for Brighton punks Lambrini Girls or US DJ/producer DJ Haram, Russian art popper Kate NV or Japanese-French folk-prog act PoiL Ueda.

Every name on the line-up is of pretty much equal stature, which might seem disorienting to any conventional European festivalgoer. But instead of leaving you clueless or disinterested, there’s something quite comforting in submitting to someone else’s taste, in entrusting your enjoyment to someone else’s curation. And that trust is rewarded – pretty much all my favourite performances at Tremor were from artists I’d never heard of.

One of those was a showcase of Azorean hip-hop, which popped up on a concrete dock in the small fishing village of Rabo de Peixe. Sure, some of rap’s linguistic playfulness and lyrical depth is lost with the language barrier, but the energy certainly isn’t. Led by Portuguese rap star Sam the Kid, São Miguel’s local youngsters took turns on stage in a feast of styles. Nearby, locals held their own community party with blaring cheesy Spanish- and Portuguese-language classics and plenty of dancing.

I feel part of a sort of triumphant, communal folk ceremony

The other highlight takes place on the festival’s final day, with a procession by Som Sim Zero – a project comprised of members of São Miguel’s Deaf Association, local musicians, the Rabo de Peixe Music School and art collective ondamarela. Wearing ornate headwear fashioned out of sticks and wielding drums and signs, the collective marches through the streets, growing in number on its way to the António Borges Botanical Garden. Gathering around a vast tree with sprawling roots, the sun sets and shrouds the scene in egg yolk orange; I feel part of a sort of triumphant, communal folk ceremony which increases in volume and power with horns, guitars, singers and even more drums. Eventually the entire crowd, myself included, is overcome by the urge to dance; the sense of joy is boundless.

All of Tremor’s acts fit a bill, much of them community-focused (and locally sourced) with progressive approaches to genre (and equally progressive politics). But they also suit the island of São Miguel itself, the rugged and dramatic Azorean capital and underdog of European island getaways.

For years, the Azores have been a hard sell to continental European tourists; the islands’ temperamental weather and lack of picture-postcard beaches not proving popular with those looking for a conventional getaway of sun, sand, sea and so on. The rain, in particular, is a sticking point: pretty much every month of the year, you can expect daily drizzle in the Azores.

The isolation of the archipelago, while undoubtedly crucial to Tremor’s exceptionality, is also a bit of a hindrance. Despite having year-round direct connections to mainland Portugal, the Canaries, Paris and the USA’s east coast (namely Boston and New York), many of Ponta Delgada’s flights are seasonal; from the UK, I ended up flying via Lisbon and enduring two two-hour-plus flights. For somewhere so politically and historically tied to mainland Europe (they were colonised by Portugal back in the 1400s), the Azores aren’t the easiest to get to.

Embrace the shiftable weather and plan your visit carefully, however, and the Azores’ list of charms are lengthy. On São Miguel alone you’ve got natural landscapes ranging from fir-surrounded turquoise lakes and moss-covered hills to brutal clifftop coastlines and pineapple groves. Besides, the locals, far from shirking from the rain, boast about it – it is, after all, the reason São Miguel’s nature is so deeply, vividly green. 

There are plenty of attractions around the islands too (whale- and shark-watching and diving are all a big deal), but São Miguel’s appeal isn’t totally nature-based. Ponta Delgada boasts museums, churches, history and good food (especially fish) galore – and driving out, botanical gardens, thermal spas and more are dotted throughout and between the islands’ towns, many of the buildings of which are distinctively fashioned out of blackened volcanic stone.

Tremor community, Azores community

Not only did Tremor 2024 show off the Azores, but it worked its way into the community fabric of São Miguel and Ponta Delgada. And that community element is what ultimately rounds this festival off as one of the planet’s greatest, trickling down to every venue, gig and audience member.

The deaf-friendly performance of Som Sim Zero was just the tip of a festival that included all at every turn – and was all the better for it. The crowds (which consisted mostly of young Portuguese and Spaniards) were all friendly in a way that seems so alien to British festival crowds. There was no overcrowding, no boisterousness, no drunkenness, no chin-stroking snootiness. Just safe spaces full of positivity, friendliness and freedom.

Children also weren’t an uncommon sight at Tremor, on shoulders and at the edge of crowds, engaged with even the wackiest or most abrasive performances. Those kids made me slightly jealous that I hadn’t been exposed to this sort of stuff at such a young age, that it took me well over 20 years to explore these musical frontiers – and to go to a festival as encouraging of discovery as Tremor.

Then there are the prices. A full five-day festival ticket for Tremor 2024 cost just €70 (£60) – less than plenty of day festivals in London. Beers were just €2 (once you’d bought a reusable €1.50 cup). Festival t-shirts, if you wanted to get one of your own tees printed, were just €4 (a new t-shirt was also just €10). Tremor is clearly priced in a way that makes it undoubtedly a festival for the people – as far from possible from a corporate cash-in.

When Colleen mused about the chances of Tremor happening somewhere so remote, she wasn’t wrong, but that’s just one of the festival’s many remarkable qualities. From its curation and organisation to its settings and community, Tremor is extraordinary in every regard. Having seen it first hand, I still can’t quite understand how it all pulls together so exquisitely.

In short: get to Tremor 2025 . Next year’s edition will take place from April 8-12 2025 and tickets are already on sale, costing €75 (£64). You can  buy tickets here .

Ed Cunningham travelled as a guest at Tremor Azores. 

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Festival tours

Places to go for a festival, central america, about our festival tours.

To visit a country and meet its people during a festival can be an experience second to none: you will bring home not just life-long memories of colour, music, dancing and fun but also a richer understanding of the traditions and beliefs that make the country what it is. Join one of our small group tours during a festival and experience a country in a whole new light. Our expert local tour leaders will take you under the skin of your destination, often enabling access to parts of a festival visitors wouldn't usuall see.  In Asia, experience India's Pushkar Camel Fair or the vibrant Holi, sometimes called the Festival of Colours, which takes place over two days each year, celebrating the victory of good over evil - and covering everyone and everything in wet paint along the way!

Elsewhere in Asia you could experience the three traditional sports of Mongolia (wrestling, archery and horse riding) at the annual  Nadaam Festival , or witness the spectacular colours and centuries-old religious customs of Bhutan’s  Thimpu Festival , or immerse yourself in the little-known mountain festivals of south-west China’s Guizhou and Yunnan provinces.

Africa is also rich in tradition and festivals abound, perhaps the most famous being  Timkat  in Ethiopia, celebrating Epiphany and re-enacting the ritual of Baptism. In the Americas you can take part in Brazil’s most spectacular extravaganza, the Rio Carnival, or witness the ancient Inca Inti Raymi festival in Peru. New to Explore? We've answered some of the most-asked questions about our small group adventure tours. 

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Oktoberfest, Munich Germany

The worlds largest beer festival, location: munich, germany dates: 16 days prior to the 1st sunday in october (if the 1st sunday is the 1st or 2nd of october, then the festival ends on germany unification day on the 3rd of october) frequency: annually.

OK, folks, this one is for my beer lovers. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival (locally called Volksfest). Held in Munich, Germany every year, the festival first began to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in the early 1800s. Now, the 16-18 day festival attracts more than 6 million attendees every year. While Oktoberfest is celebrated all over the world now, nothing beats the original.

The annual festival is held at Theresa’s meadows (Theresienwiese) and runs for the 16 days prior to the 1st Sunday in October. If the 1st Sunday is the 1st or 2nd of October, then the festival ends on Germany Unification Day on the 3rd of October. Although the main attractions of the festival are the beer tents, there are plenty of carnival games and rides on the fairgrounds to enjoy as well.

Oktoberfest Breweries

There are only 6 breweries that are allowed to brew beer for the festival (see below). For a beer to be considered a true Oktoberfest beer, it must be brewed within the Munich city limits and conform to Germany Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot). Most of the tents serve a different beer, so you’ll need to venture into a few of them to really get the full experience.

• Augustiner-Bräu
• Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu
• Staatliches Hofbräu-München

Oktoberfest Tents

The beer tents at Oktoberfest are where all of the real action takes place. There are 14 big tents and roughly 20 small tents. For a lot of the tents, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time to get a seat. You can still go into every tent, but without a reservation, it may be a challenge to order a drink, especially on crowded days like the weekends. Luckily, if you just want to stop by and try the beer for that tent, most have outside seating which is typically pretty accessible.

Some of you may get the wrong idea when I say tent. These structures are massive, with the big tents holding anywhere from 1,000 to 9,000 people at a time to the small tents that can hold up to 500. Some have upstairs and downstairs seating or huge stages for bands to perform.

Oktoberfest Attire

What should i wear.

One of the most interesting aspects of Oktoberfest is the attire. You will see many people wearing traditional Bavarian outfits (Tracht). The men wear Lederhosen (translated Leather Breeches) and the women wear Dirndl. You can skip the traditional attire and still have an awesome time. There are many people, visitors, and locals, who decide not to go full wardrobe, at least not every day at the festival.

Where do I get the proper attire?

However, if you decide that you do want to go all-in on your Oktoberfest experience, I would recommend avoiding the cheap costumes. They don’t look right and you’ll stand out (not in a good way). There are shops in Munich near the fairgrounds where you can get a decent set. The advantage of shopping here is that you will have someone to help you pick something that looks good and fits well. These shops may be a bit on the expensive side, but it adds to part of the fun. Plus, the end product is generally good quality, so you can use them on your next trip.

Enjoying Oktoberfest

Which tent should i go to.

I’m going to focus on the Hofbräu Tent right now because it’s the tent I always seem to end up in and it’s one of the easier tents to navigate. However, I highly recommend checking out the other tents as each one has its own unique qualities. Each tent is independently run, so you have to contact the tent that you want a reservation directly. In the Hofbräu Tent, it’s usually pretty easy to get a beer without a reservation, so I would suggest trying to get an early reservation for one tent, get something to eat, and make your way over to the Hofbräu Tent as the day goes on. And I would be failing you if I didn’t mention that the food is outstanding.

Hofbräu Tent

Now, there are a few reasons that I always recommend the Hofbräu Tent. First, it is the easiest tent that I’ve found to get a beer without a reservation. There are plenty of tables that require a reservation, but there is a section in the middle of the floor with tables (no seats) where all you have to do is find an empty spot. This is much better than trying to flag down a waitress in some random spot in the middle of a walkway.

The Hofbräu Tent is also very diverse and extremely friendly for the most part. This is also the reason I recommend this tent to solo travelers. You will run into people here from all over the world. I ended up at a table one year with myself, 4 Australians, a British couple, 2 locals, some Americans, and a random guy from Brazil. None of the groups had met before, but you would have thought we’d known each other for years. And as the day goes on, you’ll find yourself migrating to new tables and meeting new people. It really is an amazing experience.

Bierleichen (Beer Corpses)

All of the tents serve their beers by the liter, so make sure to pace yourself. And for the love of it all, don’t show up on an empty stomach and think you’re going to last the whole day. Just outside of the Hofbräu Tent is the Kotzwiese, also known as Puke Hill. This is where people who have outdone themselves go to try and sleep it off for a while. Locals refer to the people on the hill as “bierleichen,” or beer corpses. Trust me, you don’t want to be that guy.

Prost (Cheers)

One word you must know before heading to Oktoberfest is “Prost”. Don’t worry, you’ll get plenty of practice. Prost is German for “cheers” and at Oktoberfest, there must be a lot to be cheerful about. Throughout the day the bands will play “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” (you’ll know this song well before you leave Oktoberfest), which signifies another round of toast.

One thing I love about Oktoberfest is that you don’t really see any trouble out of the festival-goers. With that much drinking, you would assume that this would be a rowdy bunch, but typically everyone is just there to have a good time. On one trip a guy left his video camera on the table and disappeared for two hours. There were probably some pictures taken while he was gone that he might not want to share with his mother, but the camera was there when he returned (I do not recommend leaving your stuff on a table and disappearing).

The festival runs through three weekends. I’ve heard that the second weekend can get a little crazy because of the large number of visitors from Italy, but even during this time I’ve never had an issue. It’s also nice that there is always plenty of security around without having an overbearing presence.

Final Thoughts on Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an awesome festival to attend, especially for beer lovers. If beer isn’t your thing, the food makes the trip still worth it. Oktoberfest is imitated all over the world, but nothing beats the original. With the carnival rides and games not far away from the beer tents, there’s actually something for the whole family.

But the most beautiful part of the celebration is seeing people from all over the world come together, have fun, and enjoy themselves. If you’re looking for an amazing experience, then this is a festival I highly recommend. Just remember to pace yourself because those 1-liter beers can start to add up quickly.

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A guide to Moscow’s summer festivals

May 26, 2018 • 4 min read

People attend open-air concert during Usadba Jazz festival at the Archangelskoye Estate @ Anton Gvozdikov / Shutterstock

Believe it or not, in summer Moscow usually gets rather hot. It’s also the season when the city is fully awake, with more events happening than at any other time of the year. Almost every weekend a new market, exhibition or festival takes place, making it pretty hard to choose which one to attend.

Of course, the highlight of this summer in the Russian capital will be the celebration of football, as Moscow gets ready to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup (from 14 June to 15 July) along with 10 other cities across the country. Nevertheless, over the years some big annual events have become an integral – and fun – part of Moscow’s summer culture. Here are our top picks.

Usadba Jazz at Arkhangelskoe

This iconic open-air jazz festival has been taking place in Moscow for over a decade, making it one of the city’s favourite outdoor events. The location is always the same – the gorgeous 19th-century  Arkhangelskoe Estate and its surroundings. Apart from some great classical and modern jazz, blues, funk, soul and world music, there’s a new theme each year: in 2017 it was ecology, introducing some local eco-designers and culinary artists to jazz-loving Muscovites.

Dates: 2–3 June 2018

Red Square Book Fest

This year Moscow’s annual book festival will be taking over the historic Red Square for the fourth time. The event celebrates the reading culture, introduces the best local publishing houses, and allows visitors to purchase books, attend masterclasses and listen to some well-known modern Russian writers. The program covers several themes, including fiction, non-fiction, ebooks, children’s and educational literature, antique and secondhand books, as well as Russian regions.  Famous Russian museums present their publishing projects and catalogues, and there are live concerts and performances throughout the festival.

Dates: 3–6 June 2018

Moscow Flower Show

Who knew Moscow could be a rose? Last year a new sort of rose was created just to celebrate the 870th anniversary of the Russian capital. This international garden festival is a paradise for the admirers of landscape design and all things green and blooming. Both recognised and up-and-coming landscape designers present their works and compete for the main prize, awarded by an international jury. And visitors get a chance to release their inner flower child.

Dates: 29 June–8 July 2018

Taste of Moscow

This international food festival   has been around for a long time, covering 19 cities of the world and gaining huge popularity in Moscow. The city’s 30 best restaurants will take part in the program this year, offering visitors their most renowned dishes and products. You can treat yourself to delicacies from one of the exclusive menus created specifically for the festival, attend degustations or learn how to cook from a professional chef. The interactive program will also include concerts, masterclasses, pop-up performances and children’s activities.

Dates: 26–29 July 2018

Much loved by both locals and visitors to the city, the annual Park Live rock festival has achieved international status in its six years of existence, treating the fans with performances from world-famous and local rock stars. Hosting Muse in 2015 has been the highlight in the festival’s history, while Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Limp Bizkit and System of a Down have also headlined. In 2018 revellers will have a chance to see David Guetta, Gorillaz and Massive Attack at the vibrant Gorky Park  in the heart of the city.

Dates: 27–29 July 2018

Afisha Picnic

Moscow’s biggest open-air festival is a summer rave for food and music lovers. Organized by Afisha magazine, it’s been expanding year on year, eventually moving from concert halls and stadiums to the vast Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve , a former royal estate and a Unesco World Heritage Site by the Moscow River. The organisers make sure there’s lots going on, so apart from multiple music stages you can find food stalls with local products, a designers’ market, gaming and lecture areas – all with a strict no-alcohol policy.

Dates: 4 August 2018

The Times and Epochs re-enactment of a battle between Polish and Ruthenian archers © Degtyaryov Andrey / Shutterstock

Times and Epochs

The ultimate historical festival in Russia expands with each passing year, taking over Moscow parks, recreational areas and some of the main streets. It brings together the best from the world of historical re-enactment, boasting more than 6000 geeky participants in 2017 (many of them from abroad). Soldiers, merchants, craftsmen, musicians all walk the streets in traditional costumes, performing or teaching the arts, crafts and games of the past. Best of all, the festival is focused on getting the audience involved in the lifestyles of different eras, from the Stone Age to the Soviet times.

Dates: 10–22 August 2018

Moscow City Day

Moscow turned 870 in 2017, and to celebrate the occasion, the city administration decided to host a 10-day festival under the slogan ‘Moscow is a city where history is being made’. With Russian avant-garde the main theme, dozens of events, lectures, performances and street markets celebrated the history of the capital as well as its prominent inhabitants. Plenty of music, food and modern art is always to be expected on the city streets during this time. Don’t miss the magnificent fireworks.

Dates: 1–10 September 2018

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Truly one of the best trips I’ve ever had. It was my first time ever doing a solo trip. Himanshu gave us an itinerary and a list of good traveling tips for Egypt months in advance. He is very organized and responsive so I never had any concerns. Everything was already taken care of. All I had to do was show up. The scenes in Egypt were breathtaking and I saw places that I never thought I’d see.

Had a great time in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Land in Salt Lake City & the rest of the trip is taken care by BLGT.. you have absolutely nothing to worry about.. logistics, campsite booking, tickets, planning is all done by them. We had a great guide with us through out the trip. Would definitely be going with BLGT in future.

The trip was to the Galapagos and it was wonderful Quito was also a beautiful City.

This was a trip of a lifetime, been wanting to do this for a long time. All planning done right and price was great can’t wait for my next trip, unfortunately I can only do one a year

Had a great experience through BLGT recently in Alaska; appreciated the trip leaders’ ability to handle logistics so you could focus on the experience and having fun. It was just like traveling with a group of friends, with the added bonus of the itinerary being all taken care of.

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I have had some of the most adventurous and memorable trips with this group. I was initially apprehensive about traveling with a group of strangers, but in retrospect, it was the BEST decision I ever made. In a short span of two months, I have been on two international travel adventures with the group- Costa Rica and Belize. That bears testament to the meticulous and skillful planning of the group coordinator – Himanshu. The trip itineraries are very well organized, with a perfect mix of fun and adventure activities. Himanshu is friendly, accommodating, has a positive attitude and most importantly, he is very good about adapting to the group dynamics and making adjustments along the way – which in turn makes it a memorable and pleasant experience for everyone. I am very glad I took the leap of faith and joined this group. I have met like-minded fellow travelers, made new friends and have had the experiences of a lifetime! I would highly recommend traveling with this group!

COSTA RICA with BLGT was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever been on!! Imagine getting 17 people together (most of whom have never previously met), taking us on an adventure of hiking a volcano, zip-lining through the rain forest, and then a Catamaran ride along the Pacific coast and making sure we were all safe and enjoyed ourselves…that describes the trip that Himanshu put together!! I was thoroughly impressed with how well-organized and well-thought-out the trip was. He maximized our time so that we could do and see as much as we could in 5 days. I highly recommend this group for anyone who wants an active vacation in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. The experience will leave you wanting more — I am definitely traveling with this group again and so should you!!

The Belize Trip was Unbelizeable! First time traveling solo and might I say I was NOT disappointed! The group members were Awesome and Himanshu’s preparedness was on point! There was no dull moment. Definitely left the trip with new found friends!! I’m looking forward to future Bucket List adventures!

I just finished Belize trip . Beautiful country, great hikes, amazing snorkeling, and nice people. The trip organized very well, and I had good times with the group, I am a solo traveler but I found its nice to be in a group with people I never met before and had a lot of fun with them.

My first ever international Meetup travel excursion was with BLGT to Costa Rica. To summarize, I easily met up with everyone at organized meeting spots, had a safe, comfortable, and adventurous experience with a patient, organized leader, saw more of an entire country than I ever thought was possible in 5 days, and left hugging my new-found friends goodbye with memories I will never forget. I would highly recommend a trip with Himanshu and Bucket List Group Travel for anyone looking to explore, see new places, and tour with like-minded people who love traveling. I went into this trip a complete stranger to everyone going, and came out with 16 new incredible friends and the experience of a lifetime. The trips are short, sweet, economical, and will leave you refreshed with a new perspective on our beautiful world and the amazing people that inhabit it. Thank you, Himanshu for an incredible experience! I can’t wait to travel with the Bucket List group again!

Went to Costa Rica with this group and had a great time. If you like to pack in as much adventure as you can on your vacation this is the group to travel with! Very well organized, very comfortable accommodations. Will definitely try to go with them again!

I’m so glad I went to Iceland with Himanshu! He planned very well and we had a great time.

Iceland trip was my first trip with BLGT. It was one of the best trips I ever had. Himanshu is really a superman: very well organized, very capable, creative and considerable. We had a lot of fun. The trip combines adventure and leisure very well. In the meantime, you get a chance to know many new friends who share the same interests. I highly recommend this group to those who love adventure. And I am looking forward to traveling with this group in the future.

My first trip was Jamaica and I had a great fun trip. My second trip was Iceland and it was great and very memorable trip. Himanshu planned the trip very well and organized fashion. He tries to accommodate everyone. I highly recommend this group. Looking forward to traveling with this group again!!

One of the best trips of my life was with BLGT. My friend and I took a leap of faith to travel with folks from this group and we were more than glad we did. Himanshu planned the entire trip (9 days road trip, camping, and hiking on the west coast) made sure we not only stayed on schedule but also enjoyed. I highly recommend this group. Get acquainted with members to save you time as well.

I went to Yosemite and had a blast. Himanshu is very organized and capable. He’s got tremendous energy and is an all around fun and entertaining guy. Loved the trip and the my fellow travelers. I’m going to Iceland where I’ll meet back up with my Yosemite peeps.

Jamaica trip was my first trip with this group. Himanshu planned this trip very well down to minute detail. As with may trips not everything works out as planned. When this happended Himanshu flowed with the group dynamic. He respected everyone and tried to accommodate everyone’s requests and still maintain schedule. I will be travelling with this group in the future and recommend you do to.

This was an amazing trip. There were a lot of planning involved which later I noticed with a lot of intricate details of location, timing & weather conditions, etc. and Himanshu did a fantastic job organizing and planning for the entire trip! I will definitely travel with him again and I will definitely recommend others to his travel adventures in the future. Thank you Himanshu for everything 🙂

I highly recommend Himanshu planned trips! My first trip to Yosemite was one of the best-guided trips I’ve been on. He’s organized, creative, experienced, knowledgeable, experienced and always felt safe. I am looking forward to Iceland trip to bring in the new year to be united with Yosemite group and some new.

I travelled with this group in west coast and great time. We covered all the places we planned. Highly recommend .

This is fun group, really had a great time. I went to Hawaii, Rhode island, North Carolina road trips and many other camping events…highly recommended.

I participated in a couple of trips this year with this group and both events surpassed my expectations. Himanshu is an outstanding coordinator, whose attention to details on the trips is just remarkable. Very accommodating, encouraging, with a positive attitude. Both trips (Havasu Falls/Bryce/Zion, Old Rag & Kilimanjaro) were trips that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I highly encourage joining this group if you reopen some adventure and meeting new people.

I went on a couple of trips with this group including to Acadia National Park. Had a great time. I Recommend Joining.

This is a great meetup group and Himanshu- organizer of this group has some really cool meetup events. People who are really into adventure should check out this meetup. Himanshu is a great guy who takes care of everyone while travelling in group and plans very well in advance.

I did Yosemite and Sequoia Parks hiking trip with this club and plan to join the group for Iceland and Machu Picchu next year. The leader Himanshu is a great organizer with the perfect combination of physical challenges (Yosemite Half Dome hike!), leisurely, scenic drives (Kings Canyon), and even sunset photo ops.

I did a couple of trips (Yosemite Halfdome and Hawaii) with Himanshu. Being part of this group was a tremendously wonderful experience! All my companions were so friendly and helpful. Special credit goes to Himanshu, our skillful and considerate group leader, who knew just what to do! I highly recommend this group to my family and friends. My next trip will be to Iceland in December and Peru next year with this group!

I went on the White Oak trail hike right when I first moved to dc and was trying to get acclimated to the area. It was THE BEST decision I ever made, I made great friends that I still talk to daily, and I got to get out and explore new parts of Virginia that I never knew existed. The trips are so well organized and Himanshu will literally go out of his way to make sure you have THE best time! 10 out of 10 would recommend any of these trips!

I did a couple of trips with this group and always had a great time!

The summer 2017 solar eclipse camping trip was fantastic. The trip was very well organized, the group very friendly, and we even managed to prevent partial cloud cover from interfering with our view of the eclipse

Everything as advertised. I went to the Grand Canyon and Havasuipai fall with this group. We camped and saw the great Outdoor. It was an experience I won’t forget. The trip was well organized and attracts amazing group of people. The destinations speak for themselves. Try his short day hikes!

Its always been fun ! Thanks Himanshu .

This is a friendly group that is up for fun adventures with new and old members alike! I’ve been on several domestic trips this year and am looking forward to more domestic and international ones next year. Himanshu does a great job organizing the itineraries and making changes for unexpected circumstances. If anyone has specific questions or wants more information- send me a message and I’d be happy to share more of my experiences.

I am glad to be a part of this group.

This is a fun group which always comes up with interesting outdoor trips to suit people from all walks of life!

Wonderful trip with very nice people.

Costa Rica was my first trip with BLGT. Pura Vida! I really enjoyed it. Himanshu did a great job at planning, organizing, and leading our group of 17 people. It was a maximum adventure packed in a handful of days.

My traveling patterns used to be a full long 4 weeks of adventures visiting many countries and doing a lot of self planning. Since this is no longer an option, I discovered a gold mine – Himanshu does all the work to provide exactly what my traveling appetite needs in a reasonable short period of time. Himanshu enjoys what he does and that’s why he will be very successful at this. He is very patient with everyone, cares about the enjoyment of the group he leads and listens to everyone’s suggestions. It’s hard to manage the travel needs of a large group but with Himanshu the task is so simple. The other advantage of traveling with him is that he is a professional media editor so you don’t have to worry about spending time for pictures. Just enjoy your trip while he takes memorable pictures and videos even using his drone. I’d definitely recommend traveling with Himanshu and I will be looking forward to more trips with the group. Outstanding job H!

Northern Lights Alaska was my first trip with this group. Trip was amazing 😊👍. Himanshu did a great job. Did lot of my bucket list, Northern Lights, Dog sledding, Trans Alaska pipeline, Hot Springs and Snow shoeing

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Hot air balloon festival takes flight - with mixed reviews from public

The highly-anticipated Dorset Hot Air Balloon Festival finally took flight in Dorchester - with mixed reviews amid complaints about traffic and facilities.

The event officially kicked off at 11am on Saturday at the Dorchester Showground.

The festival has been the subject of wide speculation with it originally being cancelled earlier this year  because of concerns over the event’s validity after scammers infiltrated the festival Facebook page.

After it was announced it would go ahead  20,000 tickets were sold for the two-day event - and the sunny weather on the first day drew crowds of thousands.

However, this led to “horrendous'” queues of traffic on the A35 approaching the festival site, with drivers reporting queues of more than two hours on the A35. Some festival ticketholders even turned around and went home before reaching the site.

Unlike the County Show, there was no one-way traffic system in place with only one way in and out of the site. This, along with a lack of marshals, and a reported crash on the A35 contributed to the problems.

People were also frustrated at the low number of toilet facilities as queues stretched across the field, with some waiting as long as half an hour. 

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s taken an hour and twenty minutes just to get to the site by car from the main roundabout. I’ve come from Poole. 

"I don’t think they’ve thought this through at all. There needs to be more toilets especially when people have been queuing for hours just to get in in the car.”

Another man in the queue, who also didn't wish to be named, said: "It's taken me four hours to get here.

"There needs to be more toilets, I’ve been waiting in the queue for twenty minutes.”

A spokesperson for the event addressed the traffic issues and admitted a lack of traffic marshals as they didn’t anticipate such a huge turnout.

The spokesperson said: “People buy tickets but not everyone turns up but because we were gifted with the weather, we had a lot turn up and it meant the capacity was full.

“However, in future, we have learnt some lessons for future festivals in that we need more traffic marshals and more toilets as well for the event.”

READ MORE:  Dorset Balloon Festival organisers say lessons learnt

There was also confusion amongst many festivalgoers about the lack of balloons until later in the evening.

Annie Ondrusek, 53, from Poole, said: “It’s a bit disappointing as it was advertised as a balloon festival and they’re not doing it until 7pm at night so that’s kind of misleading.”

Another festivalgoer said: “It is a kid-friendly event which is good but there are no balloons yet.

"I won’t say false advertisement because they said there would be balloons later but in the day there could have been more.”

In response to these complaints, a spokesperson for the event stated they’ve always stressed the events were weather permitting, clarifying there was meant to be morning balloon flights but it was postponed until 7pm due to the foggy weather.

She said: “Every media post we have said it is weather permitting. The thick fog in Dorchester meant we couldn’t have any morning balloon flights. There was a briefing at 5.45am and it meant it had to be postponed.”

This late lift off left meant many parents were worried their children would be too tired to see the festival through to the end. 

Couple Jo Gregory and Will Harrison, visited with their son Jacob.

Jo Gregory, said: “Initially I was expecting it to be a bit during the day as well.  

“So we’ll have to see how Jacob gets on."  

Will Harrison added: “That’s the only problem because it’s so late and we’re here all day and if his batteries go that’s it then he’ll miss it."

Yet these concerns didn’t dampen the spirits for many festival goers who were enjoying the “fun” and “family friendly” atmosphere of the event.

The festival also had a BMX bike show, fairground rides, food stalls, and live music from tribute bands.

Millie Downton, 16, from Weymouth said: “As a local event, it’s really good. There seems to be lots of food, lots of different stalls and it’s really good to bring the community together.

“I don’t really mind about the balloons. I quite like the live music and I think the BMX thing is quite cool as well.”

Christopher Downey is originally from Guildford but owns a caravan in Weymouth. He visited the festival with his daughter Evelyn and said he was “really impressed” with the festival despite the traffic problems.

He said: “I was a little bit disappointed with the queueing getting in as it nearly took two hours driving in.

"Other than that, it's done very well and it's quite spacious. There's lots of people here but it does not feel cramped so that's good.”

Throughout the day, people could enjoy funfair rides, a selection of food stalls, BMX stunt shows and tribute acts from Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Elvis and Cher.

At 7pm, balloons began to lift one by one finishing with glow up balloons decorating the night sky as the festival's first day drew to a close at 11pm.  

The festival continued on Sunday but it was not expected to be as busy due to the weather.

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A Former ‘Green Book’ Hotel in North Carolina Has Been Lovingly Restored — And You Can Still Stay There

The Historic Magnolia House honors its past as a Green Book hotel while offering thoughtfully appointed rooms and delectable Southern food.

Food and Drink

Experiences and amenities, accessibility.

Byron Cain/Waterfall Associates

The Historic Magnolia House isn't just any ordinary bed-and-breakfast.

This Victorian-Italianate home dates back to 1898, but its vital role in Black history started in 1949 when the Gist family purchased the abode and turned it into a hotel that would welcome Black travelers. One of the few options with quality accommodations between Atlanta and Richmond, Virginia, during segregation, the property would become recognized in six editions of the Green Book starting in 1955.

Now, the Historic Magnolia House is one of America's last fully restored hotels of its kind.

In the decades following the Jim Crow era, the home began to slowly fall to the wayside. Samuel Penn Pass, who grew up in the neighborhood just around the corner, purchased the property in 1995 hoping to return it to its former glory. "However, it was in very bad condition," recalls Pass's daughter, Natalie Pass-Miller. "Squatters and the homeless community had taken over the home," she adds. The house had to be gutted to be stabilized and secured. By the time Pass-Miller and her husband, Devin Miller, acquired the Historic Magnolia House in 2018, there were still some necessary touches that needed to be made before it could be re-opened as a functioning B&B once more.

In January 2022, the Historic Magnolia House finally made its grand return. For Pass-Miller, carrying on her family's legacy was undoubtedly a driving force when it came to taking on this exceptional project, but it's almost much more than that. "Preserving Black historic sites, reuniting them in their communities on a national level, . . . and being able to give back to the [low-income] community that [she] grew up in" were also significant factors. Ultimately, it's this fervor for conservation and local betterment that reverberates through the walls of the Historic Magnolia House.

Historic Magnolia House

• Events throughout the year honor Black musicians, bring together the community and offer guests the opportunity to interact with locals.
• The food here is comforting, delicious, and soulful — Southern cooking at its best.
• The four bold and colorful rooms have been individually designed to pay homage to famous past guests.

The passion is palpable from the moment you step foot into the hotel. The staff's genuine desire to welcome all guests creates this sense of warmth that can only be likened to how one would feel in a fond, familiar place. Color-blocked interiors are reminiscent of a quirky but loving aunt or grandmother's home, a comforting feeling that's only heightened when the smell of butter and spices wafts out from the kitchen. Meanwhile, the museum-like living room is a reminder of the fight for basic civil rights for Black Americans while also honoring the fortitude of the Black community and the hotel's former proprietors. The Historic Magnolia House is not just any B&B — it's a home, it's a national treasure.

Read on for our full review.

Swathed in striking colors with various textures and midcentury modern accents, the four rooms at the Historic Magnolia House each have their own personality and have been dedicated to the property's past venerable visitors.

The chic black-and-white Baldwin room is a tribute to writers and intellectuals such as James Baldwin and Carter G. Woodson and features a vintage Smith-Corona typewriter on the desk. In Legends, a more “masculine” touch of plaid wallpaper, leather throw pillows, dark wood, and overt adornments like boxing gloves and baseball mitts remember athletes like heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles and baseball icon Jackie Robinson. Contrastingly, Carlotta's hot pink décor honors Queens of Soul Tina Turner, Lena Horne, and Gladys Knight while also nodding to Greensboro's erstwhile Carlotta Club, an important music venue that was part of the Chitlin' Circuit.

Then, there's Kind of Blue, inspired by Miles Davis' album of the same name, which is an homage to the friendship between the musician and Buddy Gist, the son of the hotel's original owners. The largest of the four, the cobalt-hued room is the only option with a private bathroom and shower. In keeping with an authentic Green Book hotel experience, the other three accommodations have access to shared bathrooms like guests would have during the Jim Crow era.

As expected with any B&B, breakfast is included, and this is one worth staying for.

A force to be reckoned with, Brooklyn-born Yancey Williams served as a combat Navy cook and later graduated top of his class from the Institute of Culinary Education. During the pandemic, the chef found his way down to North Carolina, where he ran the kitchen at UNC Greensboro before becoming a one-man crew at the Historic Magnolia House. The menu changes seasonally, but expect Southern classics like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles, and buttery grits.

If you stay on a Friday, hop down for supper and order the oxtail. Braised for six hours, the meat is so ridiculously tender that if a strong gust of wind found its way through the dining room, it'd likely fall right off the bone. A small selection of spirits, cocktails, and wine are also available to wash it all down. But one word of advice: portions are generous, so come with a healthy appetite and perhaps some stretchy pants.

Given the legendary musicians who have walked through the doors of the Historic Magnolia House, it is no surprise that music is at the core of the property's programming. "Because there is such a rich history as it relates to the musical arts . . . it was only right to establish a program in honor of such," says Pass-Miller. "Juke Joint [is tailored] toward the Black history and Black excellence in music and the culture of the arts."

Every Friday night, live jazz performed by members of the UNCG band floats through the home. A local DJ headlines a near-monthly party with house music. But watch for marquee events throughout the year, ranging from tribute concerts to art showcases.

Otherwise, relax in the lounge with a tipple and some board games, enjoy friendly conversation with other guests, or get to know the staff, who all have interesting stories. But you can't leave without exploring the museum-like first floor, where you'll find several informational placards centered around the hotel's history, excerpts from the Green Book , and even the original motel sign above the reception desk.

Due to the property's historic nature, the B&B does not offer ADA-compliant accommodations. All four rooms are located on the home's second floor, which is only accessible by stairs.

While you're in Greensboro, take the opportunity to brush up on history. On Feb. 1, 1960, four North Carolina A&T State University students sat down at Woolworth's, a whites-only lunch counter, marking the beginning of non-violent protests known as sit-ins. Today, that landmark is now the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, commemorating the site and participants of the historic moment, along with many other significant events during the Civil Rights Movement.

For American Revolution buffs, the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park was the scene for the historic namesake battle in 1781 that, while it was a loss on paper, ultimately led to pushing the British out of the Carolinas.

If you're interested in the arts, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts hosts everything from Broadway productions to comedy shows, while downtown Greensboro, just a couple minutes from the Historic Magnolia House, is decorated with murals for public enjoyment.

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• >> Entertainment
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Popular Strip music festival canceled by threat of strong winds

The “Lovers & Friends” festival has been canceled, according to event organizers. This was to be the third installment of the annual hip-hop and R&B festival.

Saturday’s “Lovers &Friends” festival in Las Vegas was canceled due to the threat of high winds, according to a statement posted on the event’s social media accounts late Friday night.

This was to be the third installment of the annual hip-hop and R&B festival at Las Vegas Festival Grounds. It had been sold out.

Headliners for the event were to include Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne, the Backstreet Boys and many others.

“Lovers &Friends Festival has unfortunately been canceled due to dangerous weather predicted for Saturday,” the statement read. “Fans who purchased tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days.”

The statement included a link to a website that appears to be deactivated, but the actual festival website had an updated statement from organizers.

“Lovers &Friends Festival organizers have been monitoring the weather for several days and proactively preparing for a windy Saturday,” it read. “However, the National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph. Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers &Friends Festival.

“This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months. We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are.”

Jackson reposted the announcement on her social media accounts.

Usher, one of the founders and organizers of the event named for his 2004 hit song with Ludacris and Lil Jon, posted a statement on social media early Saturday morning.

“Mannn…I’m just as disappointed as you are. We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today,” he wrote on X. “I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason. I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today, but know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who continue to support me.

“I’ll see you soon.”

As recently as Thursday, the event’s social media accounts were updating guests on information such as parking procedures, walking directions and ride-share meeting points. Hours before the cancellation announcement, the accounts were posting links for merchandise.

The lineup was expected to include more than 70 acts on five stages, beginning just before noon and running until after midnight.

The bill was to feature Nelly Furtado playing her first Vegas show in 17 years, M.I.A. bringing her clamorous alt-hip-hop, as well as Ciara, TLC, Brandy, Eve and plenty more female stars.

Responses to the post were quick to flood in, with many expressing anger about having already arrived in Las Vegas for the show and requesting travel reimbursement.

“A 12-hour notice is disgusting,” one account responded.

Others were complaining that the weather on Friday night was just fine. But the weather service warned Friday that patchy blowing dust was expected after 1 p.m. Saturday.

Clark County issued an air quality dust advisory for Saturday and Sunday, advising people to use precautions to limit their exposure to blowing dust.

Weather festival woes

This is not the first time bad weather, especially strong winds, has affected a Las Vegas festival.

■ In October 2022, the much anticipated debut of the When We Were Young festival was canceled because of high winds. The festival picked up the next day.

■ In May 2019, strong winds shut down the main stage during the Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The same thing happened in 2012.

Contact Adam Hill at [email protected]. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.

Buzz around the music scene is, Zac Brown Band is prepping for a residency at the Sphere. The person providing the buzz is Zac Brown.

“I can play anywhere,” Santana said during a phone chat. “I can play a parking lot in Africa.”

Country superstar Keith Urban has announced a new residency on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Animazing Gallery is hosting an art and photography exhibit later this month that looks back at the work of Grateful Dead artists, coinciding with the band’s residency at the Sphere.

Guy Fieri produced a great gift and John Mayer displayed the gift of gab at Sammy Hagar’s Hollywood event.

The English football team hit two Strip nightclubs as it celebrates its promotion to League One.

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor likes “A View to a Kill,” the James Bond film from 1985.

Pamela Anderson is now portraying a Vegas performer theatrically, in Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl.”

The Lovers & Friends fest, San Gennaro Feast and comedian Matt Rife top this week’s entertainment lineup.

Fremont Street Experience has announced several more concerts have been added to its free “Downtown Rocks” concert series for 2024.

More From Forbes

Riverbeat festival restores live music to renovated memphis waterfront.

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Lauryn Hill reunites with the Fugees at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn. on May 4, 2024.

Strands of chartreuse, gold and sapphire lights reflect off of the dark, rolling currents of the Mississippi River as Lauryn Hill takes the stage. Trading bar for bar with fellow Fugee Wyclef Jean at the forefront of a 10-piece band, the reunited hip-hop act electrifies a swarm of smartphone lights and the occasional cigarette lighter burning into the swampy, southern air.

As a mid-song interlude transitioned into the first melodies of Hill’s effervescent 1998 hit, “Doo Wop (That Thing),” the lights begin to pierce through a smokey haze wafting over a crowd on the Memphis riverfront.

Memphis has been hosting a music festival on its riverbanks in May since 1977. Almost without fail, the festival coincides with the coming of summer rains and thunderstorms pounding a dark, cloudy line over the flatlands of eastern Arkansas before smashing straight into the 100-foot bluffs holding the city’s foundations.

Tonight, the Fugees join a long line of entertainment greats who have played chicken with the weather to perform in one of the world’s great music cities. Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Mayer and Jay-Z have scattered sonic ashes into the air here. So too have Chuck Berry, Soundgarden, Ed Sheeran, Beck, Weezer and omnipresent hip-hop legends Three 6 Mafia, the reverberations of their creative genius burrowing into the bluffs and bouncing off of the distant, steel pyramid welcoming travelers from the west.

Occasionally in perfect weather with a brisk breeze blowing off of the water; but more often in between soggy deluges, an entourage of the world’s great musicians have performed for a city that in one way or another helped to nurture them all.

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Fans at Riverbeat Music Festival light up a Fugees reunion set with smartphone lights.

“You know I did get to rock it with Mr. B.B. King,” Jean says, before bending strings into his own spin on a blues progression that the Haitian hip-hop megastar could have plucked straight from a Beale Street bar a mile away. Energized by the performance and captivated by the appearance of the almost mythical Hill, the crowd began to pulse into a bobbing, breathing human interpretation of the river’s rolling water, forming a captivating backdrop to one of the band’s rare performances since splitting up in the late 1990s.

But this Fugees performance almost didn’t happen.

In October of 2023, the city’s longstanding festival presenter—Memphis in May International Festival—put its 47-year-old Beale Street Music Festival on hiatus. Citing declining attendance (37,000 in 2023 from a pre-pandemic average of about 100,000), a reduced capacity at its traditional home in Tom Lee Park and a $1.7 million repair bill to refurbish the recently renovated 31-acre riverfront park after its 2023 show, the non-for-profit organization suspended the festival indefinitely.

Six months ago, Memphis—the city that harbored the blues, birthed rock n’ roll and fostered cornerstones of modern hip-hop—was left without a signature summer music festival. Last fall, it seemed that May music in Memphis, of all places, would fall silent.

The news set off a tirade of swirling opinions on Beale Street Music Festival’s decline. Some blamed the pandemic. Others blamed an uptick in violent crime in the city. Some blamed newly relaxed state gun laws for bolstering that crime. Many blamed a $60 million renovation of Tom Lee Park, which saw the festival’s footprint transformed from a massive, open lawn into a more developed urban park with built-in forests, playgrounds and basketball courts.

The truth likely lies somewhere between a blend of the above and a shifting festival economy currently juggling market saturation and production costs.

Beale Street Music Festival is not the only multi-day music festival to hit pause on 2024. On the other side of Tennessee, sibling city Chattanooga canceled its longstanding Riverbend Festival for 2024. Philadelphia-based Made in America Festival was also suspended this year. And Colorado’s signature electronic music festival, Sonic Bloom, has followed suit.

But in Memphis, the beat goes on thanks to Riverbeat Music Festival a new, first-year event that defiantly pieced together a modern, three-day event into the footprint abandoned by its forerunner. Headlined by electronic/dance duo Odesza, rapper-turned-bard Jelly Roll and a reunited Fugees, the event was put together in just six months as a test bed for what organizers say will continue an annual Bluff City tradition.

“We’re going to be here,” says Mempho Presents founder Kevin McEniry. McEniry’s company began producing Mempho Music Festival , a smaller, more rock-focused autumn festival in 2017. “The idea is not to make and earn a lot of money. The idea is to try and build something that is sustainable over time and the city can be proud of.”

Fans revel in the sounds of Odesza on May 3, 2024 at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn.

Though McEniry’s festival is occupying the same ground as its predecessor, Riverbeat feels markedly different than Beale Street Music Festival. In nearly five decades of operation, Beale Street Music Festival garnered a reputation for blending resplendent Mississippi River sunsets and memorable performances with an opposing quagmire of muddy fields. Indeed, veteran festival goers at Riverbeat can be easily spotted by mud-caked hiking boots still bearing the scars of past years.

A smaller crowd and redesigned park with more sidewalk space, paired with Riverbeat’s seemingly more thoughtful approach to crowd flow, have helped keep the mud this year at a bay. Portable toilets, for instance, are no longer located on grassy fields prone to becoming pudding pits after the first real downpour.

Gone, too, are Beale Street Music Festival’s trio of hulking main stages that often bled sound atop one another. Riverbeat staggers its schedule between two main stages and two smaller stages that allow for an efficient flow between sets. Commutes are relegated to short treks along a riverwalk that is no longer separated from the public via fencing or new, forested paths of some 1,000 native trees planted during Tom Lee Park’s recent remodel.

Tom Lee Park itself, once a backdrop, is now a co-star of the festival. Ample seating areas along the riverfront encourage visitors to sit and sip local brews or lattes beside the swirling water below. A shaded pavilion harboring basketball courts throughout the year doubles as a stand-in for the old festival’s beloved blues tent.

Those touches, along with premium VIP experiences with plush seating in elevated lounge areas, create a less chaotic atmosphere that feels more akin to hanging out with friends in a park that just happens to have a lineup of performing musicians than a dedicated slog through the muddy Beale Street Music Fest of old.

Spencer Stewart of The Band Camino plays a homecoming set at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, ... [+] Tenn on May 4, 2024.

In its first year, Riverbeat’s first year attendance feels light.

McEniry hopes to ultimately draw 22,000 people per day to the three-day event, but Riverbeat is not there yet. They may only be halfway there. If his company is able to achieve their goal going forward, they will still be drawing about 34,000 fewer people than Beale Street Music Festival reported at its peak. But in a world where even professional sports teams are focusing on luxury experiences instead of raw numbers, perhaps a more boutique festival is a new perfect fit.

In this music city, the tailoring is important.

Festivals feel especially significant in Memphis thanks to an unusual civic glitch: Despite occupying the rarest of air among global music cities, Memphis struggles to host the kind of mid-size concerts where many artists thrive. The 18,000-seat FedExForum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies and Tigers basketball teams, is too large for many tours. The 10,000-seat Mid-South Coliseum has been shuttered for decades. 1,700-seat Minglewood Hall, the 2,000-seat Graceland Sound Stage and 2,500 seat Orpheum Theatre— all wonderful homes for more intimate performances—are too small for major tours. A smattering of nearby venues in North Mississippi often host mid-size gigs in the greater Memphis metropolitan area, but outside of its festival scene, the city that birthed much of the world’s favorite sounds currently has few options for many bands that might otherwise perform in the city.

Without regular festivals, Memphis sits at an awkward crossroads for acts drawing more than 2,500 fans but less than 18,000. And that’s a problem.

It’s a problem because people want to hear live music in Memphis. And people will travel to Memphis to listen.

According to Memphis Tourism CEO Kevin Kane, more than half of the city’s 13 million annual tourists are connected directly to its music destinations, primarily Graceland and Beale Street. The former Presley compound at Graceland is still the most visited private home in the United States, luring in more than 500,000 visitors annually. Beale Street draws in an estimated four million visitors per year, regularly ranking as the number one tourist destination in Tennessee despite the marketing buzz of Broadway’s made-for-tv honky tonks in Nashville.

For Memphis Tourism, an annual music festival in May means a jump start on the summer travel season. “We traditionally got a really good jump on the summer travel season because of Memphis in May having their music festival,” says Kane. “The number one reason most people come is in some form or fashion for the music, whether that is for Elvis, Beale Street, Sun Studio , Stax or the International Blues Challenge .

Black Pumas vocalist Eric Burton glances towards the Mississippi River at stage right during a ... [+] performance at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn on May 5, 2024.

“We have to draw in visitors and we need people staying in hotels, buying food and enjoying this event. We want them to build a following so people come back each year.”

On stage, Riverbeat’s coalition of around 50 acts represent a flourishing stroke of the city’s impact on multiple genres. Atlanta hip-hop icons Big Boi and Killer Mike have made the short trip over to answer the call from Memphis. Houston’s Tobe Nwigwe joins the frey alongside honorary local ambassadors to Houston 8Ball & MJG. Nashville-based but Memphis born alt-rock trio The Band CAMINO returns home, recounting tales of May music festivals of old that flew under a different banner. And young blues sensations Southern Avenue share a bill with blues royalty like Robert Randolph, Charlie Musselwhite and Kenny Brown.

“There are a lot of artists here who are internationally known but are from the city of Memphis,” says Southern Avenue vocalist Tierinii Jackson, whose five-piece band spreads a modern blues sound across the globe. “It’s a spiritual experience because of the legacy and the history of the city. The city has thrived because of music culture, and in order for the city to continue to thrive, we need to be pouring into that culture. It’s such a rich history, with so many amazing musicians coming out of Memphis.”

Tierinii Jackson of Southern Avenue performs at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn.

“You don’t have a lot of cities like Memphis in America,” adds lead guitar Ori Naftaly. “Almost from the moment that microphones became a technology, the most successful music came out of Memphis and this area. Really, from the beginning, There’s something about the energy here, something in the water here where things come together and seem to go out into the world.”

In the crowd, a mingling of curious locals blend with visitors from across the region that have a wider perspective on Memphis. A pair of travelers from St. Louis cite Memphis as a city on the rise while soaking in a parade of paddlewheel steamboats on coursing through a burning, orange sunset. St. Louis has an arch, they say, but fails to utilize its riverfront along the very same river.

“I’m so happy that Memphis has this going on,” says Monica Keshwara, an EDM fan who flew in from Atlanta to experience Riverbeat’s electronic DJ hub, Whateverland. “I moved to Atlanta but I came back just for this event. The river view vibes are the best. I’m going to make out with Odesza tonight!”

“I love the park,” says Memphian Kenn Gibbs, “I’ve been monitoring its progress over the past several years, and it’s amazing now. Walking along the riverwalk while listening to musicians is one of the best experiences in Memphis.”

Jelly Roll fans converge on the festival closer at Riverbeat Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn. on May ... [+] 5, 2024.

By day three, the rains have finally caught up to Riverbeat and throngs of weathered, mud-caked boots finally begin to prove their worth.

Facing its first real test against the vengeful precipitation and winds ripping across the river delta, show organizers postpone opening the gates for two hours while storms fizzle out. Newly-elected Memphis Mayor Paul Young joins city folk heroes 8Ball & MJG on stage amidst light sprinkles. But by the time Outkast rapper Big Boi’s Atlanta contingent launches into the title track from 1994’s “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” around nightfall, the deluge returns in earnest.

“It ain’t nothin but a little rain,” belts Big Boi, igniting a Memphis crowd well-versed in the back catalogue of their cultural cousins from Georgia delighting in the throwback tracks from Outkast and a cut of “Kryptonite” from supergroup Purple Ribbon All-Stars.

Big Boi performs "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" in the rain during Riverbeat Music Festival on ... [+] May 5, 2024.

Big Boi has another surprise for the crowd, too—one that’s become a theme over the weekend—a cameo from a Memphis artist. Grammy award-winning engineer and East High School product Renegade El Rey (fresh off of a Grammy win with Killer Mike’s “Michael” album) launches onto the stage with a spellbinding flow backed by bonafide hip-hop royalty.

Moments later, festival closer and country music megastar Jelly Roll finishes sound check as Big Boi’s crowd migrates stages. Winds continue to percolate over the Mississippi River at stage right as a line of thunderstorms flash over the fields of Arkansas. Stretches of grassy lawn in between newly-minted sidewalks, Pronto Pup stands and beer tents begin to return to their familiar, soggy festival forms of old.

Already amped by an energetic performance from Big Boi, the crowd erupts for the opening chords of the Nashville-based Jelly Roll. Paradoxical in a city that’s about as un-Nashville as they come, Jelly Roll unleashes a torrent of twang over a rock-heavy opening salvo replete with fireballs and smoke machines. A cameo from Jelly Roll’s early career co-star, Memphis rapper Lil Wyte, and an improvised “Mafia!” chant referencing his early fandom to Three 6 Mafia work to win over the few fans unaware of the country star’s background.

“Many moons ago, I used to go to a similar festival right here called Memphis in May,” quips a markedly candid Jelly Roll. “Back then, we were just fans.”

Riverbeat organizers say they are planning a return to Tom Lee Park in 2025, giving music fans a reason to continue traveling back to one of the world’s great sonic cities.

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2024 BNP Paribas Open

Palm Springs, CA, USA

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About this trip

The Fifth Grand Slam is a festival of tennis unlike any other. Many of our guests say that this is their favorite tournament - from the venue to the atmosphere, this is a true celebration of all things tennis. 

5 Sessions of Tennis with 3 nights in a Shared Suite

OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA

A relaxing oasis with a backdrop of mountains and palm trees, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa offers an ideal escape in the Coachella Valley. Revel in timeless comforts, classic conveniences and modern technologies that have made our resort minutes from Palm Springs a desired destination for a sun-drenched getaway. Located in Rancho Mirage, California, we’re convenient to the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Desert’s El Paseo with a shopping experience similar to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, and fine dining at a stunning number of establishments. Set on 240 lush acres, our resort has been renovated to include a fresh, new color palette, expanded fitness center, refurbished spa and redesigned boutiques. Make a splash in one of our three pool settings. You can also take time for yourself and replenish your body and soul at our 20,000-square-foot spa. New heights of relaxation will be discovered with our exhilarating treatments that use pure essences of desert botanicals. Our 27 holes of championship golf will challenge amateurs and pros alike with palm tree-lined fairways and incredible mountain vistas.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has 24 tennis courts and the facility is one of Tennis Magazine’s Top 50 USA Tennis Resorts as well as Tennis Resorts Online’s Top 25 tennis resorts in the world. The Rancho Las Palmas Pro Shop offers all of the latest tennis accessories as well as racquet stringing and grip repair. Our exceptional tennis program is under the direction of Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Providing the ultimate tennis experience, our tennis program includes adult camps, ladies’ retreats and junior and adult private lessons and clinics.

What’s included

• Accommodations 3 night stay at OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA
• Welcome Social Meet and greet with your personal on site host to meet others and get insider tips to the weekend
• Friday 3/8 Night Seats Kick off the weekend with a night session in great seats!
• Saturday 3/9 Day Seats Lower level seating
• Saturday Night VIP Exclusive Access to MAC VIP Suites during night sessions - VIP Guest in an air conditioned suite with in and out access to outside courts. Complimentary dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments
• Sunday 3/10 OPTIONS Tickets for BNP Day Session, Tour & Explore Palm Springs or Play Tennis
• Sunday Night VIP Suite Exclusive Access to MAC VIP Suites during night sessions - VIP Guest in an air conditioned suite with in and out access to outside courts. Complimentary dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments
• VIP Guest Credential As a VIP guest of MAC Sports, your exclusive guest credential grants you priority access to the hotel shuttle service and a dedicated entry line at the gates
• On Site Host Experienced, professional staff will be on-site for the duration of your trip to assist you along the way
• Shuttle Service All guests will have access to a complimentary roundtrip shuttle service to and from Indian Wells Tennis Garden
• Airport Transfers Roundtrip airport transfers
• Taxes and Fees

What’s not included

Available packages.

King or 2 Beds

Want to book your own accommodations but still experience the tennis excitement with us? Book the ticket only package.  

Arrive Friday afternoon with time to check into your room and enjoy and afternoon social with your MAC Sports Travel hosts and other guests.  

Experience the action with night tickets to the BNP. 

Experience the excitement with tickets to two sessions (Day & Night). Access the VIP Saturday Night Suite with catered dinner included.

Experience the excitement with VIP Suite Night Sessions. 

Choose between the options to plan your daytime adventure! 

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• Great Moscow State Circus
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• Things to do in Moscow

3 reviews of Great Moscow State Circus

Russian circus.

This building houses the world's largest fixed circus which has an outstanding reputation. I couldn't personally attend the show "Around the World", which is the most famous, but was able to see the new year's show and it was amazing.Part of the purest Russian tradition, the circus really can't disappoint. However, unlike the Circus Nikutin which smaller, modest and not as well-known, but in a better condition this circus shows signs of wear. When I was there, in midwinter, the water was dripping from the ceiling. However, the show is really succesful, and I had to buy tickets in November for January 1st, and Regular show tickets were not available before February.

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