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4 reasons Italy charms us
June 05, 2024

4 reasons Italy charms us

La vita doesn’t get more dolce than in Italy. Long a center of international culture, the country continues to draw savvy visitors from around the world (it’s the fifth-most visited country on Earth). And no wonder: its legendary cuisine, trendsetting fashion, marvelous cities, music, literature, and much more inspire countless millions. Including the team here at Jet Set Candy. What wouldn’t we want to remember about our trips to Italy? And for those of us not yet lucky enough to have made it there, why wouldn’t we want to express our affection for such a magical place? Enter our collection of Italy-related charms, which turn our memories and hopes into wearable, stylish, and super-fun ways to show why Italy gets our travel hearts aflutter every day. What is Italy known for? Ancient Roman monuments, Renaissance paintings, and cutting-edge design. Creamy gelato, heirloom produce, and sparkling wines. Millennia-old fortifications, baroque palaces, and cerebral contemporary architecture. Italy’s mix of very old and very new is unique in the world. Here are three illustrations of its cultural prowess.      1. Italian cuisine What comes to most people’s minds when they think of Italy? The food. Italy’s cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, colors, and history that delights diners worldwide. Yet tasty foods like pasta, pizza, gelato, and espresso are more than just calories: They are symbols deeply rooted in Italy’s history and identity. Pasta comes in hundreds of shapes and sizes, with countless regional variations and accompanying sauces. From the hearty ragù of Bologna to the simple freshness of Sicily’s pasta alla Norma (made with eggplant and ricotta), every bite tells a story of tradition and local culture. Likewise, the divine combination of dough, tomatoes, and cheese that makes up pizza — which emerged in Naples, and is now served everywhere in the world — has become perhaps Italy’s most influential export. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of fresh, local ingredients in Italian cuisine. Whether it’s the ripe tomatoes of the Campania region for pizza sauce or the golden wheat of the Puglia region that goes into pasta, Italians prioritize using locally sourced, seasonal, regional produce. This emphasis both enhances the flavor of dishes and reflects a deep respect for the land and its bounty. Each region boasts distinct specialties, influenced by climate, history, and culture. Gelato from Florence, for example, might taste different from gelato in Rome — for Florentine and Roman cows don’t have the same diet. Espresso, the fuel of Italian mornings, is another cornerstone of Italian culinary culture. Just about every Italian performs the daily ritual of enjoying a perfectly brewed espresso in the morning. From the meticulous roasting of coffee beans to the precise delivery of each espresso shot from a beautiful machine, the process reflects Italy’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Whether sipped leisurely at a sidewalk café or hurriedly at a bustling espresso bar, this iconic drink offers a sip of pure Italian essence. If you want a taste of Italy yourself, collect one of Jet Set Candy’s whimsical charms.  Parmesan Cheese & Grater Charm Espresso Coffee Pot Charm     2. Italian fashion and design Italy is a giant of the fashion industry, with legendary brands such as Versace, Gucci, and Prada having shaped the style landscape for decades. These and other iconic fashion houses have become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation, — and embody Italy’s rich cultural heritage and flair for elegance. The fashion house founded in 1978 by the late Gianni Versace in 1978 is celebrated for its bold and extravagant designs, vibrant colors and opulent embellishments. Since 1921, Gucci has delighted its sophisticated customers with its iconic double-G logo and goods ranging from handbags to chic ready-to-wear pieces. Miuccia Prada reinvited her family’s luxury leather-goods firm, and her brand is revered for its minimalist aesthetic and avant-garde approach to fashion, which continuously pushes boundaries and sets trends. Fusing impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and tradition with innovation, Italy’s aesthetic influence extends into industrial design, interior decoration, and luxury automobiles. From sleek furniture by designers like Gio Ponti to iconic lighting fixtures by Artemide, the Italian “look” enhances homes and public spaces worldwide. Luxury Italian automobile manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati exemplify elegance, performance, and expertise, and set the standard for automotive excellence. Across various industries, Italy stands apart as a global powerhouse in design and luxury. Jet Set Candy ❤️ Italian design.   Italian Scooter Charm   3. Italian art and architecture, history and culture The history of Italy encompasses ancient civilizations, flourishing empires, and groundbreaking artistic movements. The ancient Roman Empire provided the foundation of Italy’s rich history, leaving an indelible mark on Western civilization through its advancements in governance, engineering, and law. The imperial capital of Rome became a beacon of power and culture, with iconic landmarks like the  Colosseum, standing as remarkable feats of engineering and some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Some of the most celebrated artists who ever lived called Italy home. Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest polymaths of all time, used his understanding of anatomy and keen observation of nature in works that define art, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. A contemporary of Leonardo, Michelangelo created moving sculptures (including David) and the awe-inspiring frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, which continue to captivate visitors. In such paintings as The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Sandro Botticelli epitomized the Renaissance ideals of grace and harmony. These geniuses are emblematic of Italy’s golden age of art. Italy’s architectural wonders also dazzle. With its distinctive tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a marvel of medieval architecture that attracts tourists from around the globe. In Vatican City, the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and magnificent Sistine Chapel represent the pinnacle of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, respectively. Such architecture elevates this spiritual and cultural center for millions of Catholics worldwide.. Italy’s historic traditions live on through a calendar brimming with vibrant festivals and celebrations. From the elaborate Carnevale di Venezia to the historic Palio di Siena, these events illustrate Italy’s many regional customs and beliefs. Religious festivals like Easter in Sicily and the Feast of San Gennaro in Naples showcase Italy’s strong Catholic identity, while secular festivities such as the Sagra del Tartufo (Truffle Festival) in Alba highlight the country’s culinary range. Join Jet Set Candy in celebrating Italy’s cultural heritage.   Colosseum Charm   4. Italy’s thrilling cities Italy is a treasure trove of enchanting cities, each with its own unique vibe. Rome — the Eternal City — immerses visitors in millennia of history as they wander through world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon. A living record of architectural styles, Rome’s cobblestone streets are lined with Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and piazzas packed with contemporary life. In the sovereign state of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence enchants with its stunning architecture, world-class art collections, and picturesque streets. Such landmarks as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio draw art enthusiasts from around the globe. Within the dense blocks of the historic center, visitors can marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and sample hearty Tuscan cuisine in charming trattorias. Venice is a city like no other. Among its labyrinthine, car-free streets and world-famous canals lie landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Don’t skip a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to take in grand palazzos and churches from the water. Venice’s unique atmosphere, rich history, and artistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking romance and inspiration. The fashion and design capital of Milan offers a cosmopolitan vibe, world-renowned shopping districts, and architectural marvels. The city’s crown jewel, the Duomo di Milano, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Old-master paintings line the galleries of the Pinacoteca di Brera, while some of the world’s most beautiful voices fill the ornate auditorium of the Teatro alla Scala. The fashion flock gravitates toward the shopping district of Quadrilatero della Moda, where the flagship stores of such famous houses as Versace, Armani, and Prada showcase luxury, Italian style. At the foot of the Alps, Turin combines regal splendor with the hum of industry — a blend of grandeur and innovation that’s unique in Italy. The city’s grand boulevards are lined with elegant palaces, including the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, while institutions such as the Egyptian Museum and the National Automobile Museum showcase a range of beautiful objects.  Take a tour of Italy’s most exciting cities with Jet Set Candy’s luggage tag charms. Rome FCO Luggage Tag Charm Florence FLR Luggage Tag Charm Venice VCE Luggage Tag Charm Milan Italy MXP Luggage Tag Charm Torino TRN Luggage Tag Charm See why Jet Set Candy loves Italy? Food, art, history, fashion… and we’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to love about Italy. Jet Set Candy is all about collecting adventures, making memories, connecting with fellow travel lovers, and taking experiences to the next level — and Italy is a pretty solid place to start. Show your Italy love with one of Jet Set Candy’s passport stamp charms. Italy Passport Stamp Charm Italy Passport Stamp Charm, Mini 
Celebrating 76 years of Cannes
May 16, 2023

Celebrating 76 years of Cannes

From blockbusters you’ve definitely heard of to those more obscure Palme d’Or recipients you should watch like now, The Cannes Film Festival has ushered in some pretty fabulous films and isn’t stopping any time soon! Flicks we love that got their start at this infamous film festival. Triangle of Sadness, 2022 All that Jazz, 1980 Pulp Fiction, 1994 La Dolce Vita, 1960 Taxi Driver, 1976 Parasite, 2019 Marie Antoinette, 2006 Blue is the Warmest Color, 2013 Apocalypse Now, 1976 Taste of Cherry, 1997 BACK TO THE BLOG
East Coast for the Summer
August 11, 2021

East Coast for the Summer

Cottage-lined streets, lighthouses in the distance, gentle waves, and handcrafted ice cream softly dripping from your cone. This is an east coast summer. Break out the Sperrys and come aboard.    
Puerto Vallarta: Land of the Sun
May 04, 2021

Puerto Vallarta: Land of the Sun

Pack your sunglasses and slather on the SPF! Bountiful rays are on the menu in the beach paradise known as Puerto Vallarta.    Embraced by the Sierra Madre Mountains and cozied up to Banderas Bay in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta feels very, well, Mexican. With rich cultural traditions evident at every turn and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you already belong, PV is the real deal that’s also safe and accessible for newcomers. It’s a town of harmonious opposites. Tradition and tourism. Sun worship and renowned nightlife. Relaxation and recreation. Comfort food and culinary innovations. You could zip line through the forest canopy or go whale watching one day and find yourself gallery hopping on an art walk tour the next.   It’s all in Puerto Vallarta and at a price point where you can truly indulge. So, go ahead! Order the guac!    SEE  CATCH THE SUNSET The sun is an all-day attraction here. Locals and visitors alike can be found soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches or while stand up paddle boarding in the gentle, glistening waves until that magic moment when the whole town seems to stop, take a collective breath, and gather to watch the sunset in all its honey-gold and fiery orange glory.    Finding the best spot to catch the sun’s descent is something of a sport. The right beach, the right open air restaurant, the right spot on the Malecon, all at the right time for the best show in town.            PRO TIP: The aptly named beachfront restaurant and bar combo, Solar/Barracuda is located along Camarones Beach and boasts refreshing drinks and top notch sunsets. Or experience wow-worthy sundown views at the more upscale, open air La Capella Restaurant located in the downtown area and just steps away from the “Bridge of Love” where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor famously started their love affair during the filming of Night of the Iguana in 1963. As the celeb gossip spread and word got out about this dazzling location, expatriates flocked and it became known, lovingly, as "Gringo Gulch."          The Arcos amphitheater (looks like something out of ancient Rome; is really just something out of Mexico circa very modern times) as well as the Triton and Siren mer-people statues located along the Malecon also serve as photo-friendly sunset-watching venues. If you time it just right, the adept shutterbug can even create the on-camera illusion that Triton is passing the sun to the Siren.      BELIEVE IN MAGIC: The winding Malecon, or seaside boardwalk, not only provides free and ample seating for the nightly sunset show (see above), musical performances and daring feats based in indigenous tradition (see the Papantla Flyers below) but a little escape into the longstanding Mexican tradition of magical realism.          While you won’t be whisked away into a wormhole (or will you?), anyone biking, running, strolling, or testing out their high heels on the nearly mile-long stretch is instantly transported through the whimsy and fantastical themes of the many sculptures lining it. Most sculptures are donations from local artists. Not local as in they own a second home nearby and pop in once a year but local as in you may walk by them, unassumingly manning their booth at the farmer’s market. Nearly all the installations are interactive and have the well-worn, polished spots to prove it!  “La Rotonda del Mar” or “The Roundabout of the Sea” is a fan favorite and the kind of sculpture you could visit time and time again and still discover something new. Completed by Alejandro Colunga in 1996, the sculpture feels like something out of the world of both Seuss and steampunk, futurism and fairy tale. Cast in bronze, the work features 8 “adults” who appear part creature, part towering throne encircled by 8 small “children” who could almost be mistaken for tiny fire hydrants. Slow down and have a Goldilocks moment as you move from chair to chair; experiencing a new vantage point and taking on each character’s playful identity.        Test your athletic ability (and your fear of heights) with another fantastical installment known as “En Busca de la Razón” or “In Search of Reason.” Some may call them aliens, others may say pillow heads, but according to artist Sergio Bustamante it’s a mother standing at the foot of a ladder while her two daughters ascend the rungs, higher and higher looking for, as the title suggests, reason. Despite some speculation that the mother is scolding her kids to “get down here right this instant” it is widely believed that she is encouraging her children to aspire to greater things. Which is exactly what most visitors do who inevitably take the suggestion and start their climb. Sometimes all the way to the tippy top! Who could resist the photo op and the call of these participatory pieces? But be careful!      Like what you see? Get more of Bustamente’s work at his gallery located just down the street from the famed Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.    See those stacks of rocks along the beach? They might be gone tomorrow! Such was the inspiration for artist Jonás Gutiérrez when he created “El Sutil Comepiedras” or “The Subtle Rock Eater” in 2006. What other explanation could there be? High tide? But what fun is that? Instead, this 7 foot bronze statue with a big eggplant-like obsidian belly and oversized clown-like shoes is the culprit; coming out at night to stock up on his diet of neatly arranged stones.        No walk along the Malecon would be complete without a stop and photo opp at the much beloved “El Caballito.”  The sculpture, formally entitled “El Niño Sobre el Caballo de Mar” but known simply as “El Caballito” or “The Seahorse,” has a storied past to say the least. It is based on an original statue by artist Rafael Zamarripa who placed the naked, cowboy-hat wearing boy riding a seahorse on a concrete block in the ocean at Las Pilitas. As you might imagine, a few strong storms took their toll and eventually Zamarripa decided enough was enough and provided PV with a large replica that would live safely on the boardwalk. Today the little seahorse and his unclad companion are flanked by giant letters that spell out “Puerto Vallarta.” These are the creations of artist Carlos Terres who based the colorful designs of landscapes and children on the folk art style depictions of local hero, Manuel Lepe Macedo. You can celebrate Manuel Lepe Macedo day on April 17th each year.        PRO TIP: Interested in indigenous art? Look no further than El Malecon boardwalk itself. Right beneath your feet are forty five symbols that represent things like cacti flowers, snakes, humpback whales, and much more.      DO TAKE A HIKE With so much beautiful PV to see, why not see it all at once? Puerto Vallarta is rife with vistas and lookout points to catch all the action at once. The trick is getting there! Making your way through parts of Puerto Vallarta can feel a little like triathlon training but the rewards are more than worth the trek. Just plan on proper footwear so you’re ready for those 45-degree-angle, cobblestone streets. Really.      As you snake through the flower-filled, tile-laden staircases of the central region, you’ll reach lookout point number one: Faro de Matamoros. Black and white striped with a metal spiral staircase to boot, the Tim Burton-esque structure was once a beacon used to guide ships to port from 1932 to 1978. Remodeled in 2006, the Faro de Matamoros now offers an enclosed terrace and serves as a prime location for panorama views where the bay seems to stretch on to infinity and the crown-topped terrace of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish appears more regal than ever gleaming in the sunlight.      .     Oh! And don’t be intimidated by the tiny, hidden pathways. While you may feel like you’re walking through someone’s backyard, treat these like sidewalks to get from point A to point B.     If you’re feeling brave and like you really want to work on those calf muscles, make your way to the Mirador de La Cruz. No shame in stopping to take a breath or two. After climbing a series of seemingly vertical staircases, scenic views are yours to enjoy in the company of a giant, towering cross and a sleek observation deck. A popular choice by day but also by night when the lights of the city dance across the water and twinkle.  PRO TIP: Between 9 and 9:30 PM each evening, the Marigalante Pirate Ship hosts a short fireworks display from Banderas Bay. While you’ll likely hear the series of pops and booms from most anywhere, guarantee your unobstructed view atop one of these lookout areas or treat yourself to a front row seat and book a romantic dinner for two at La Capella Restaurant.   HAVE SOME ALONE TIME...ON THE BEACH Los Muertos Beach in downtown PV is poppin’ round the clock which is definitely exciting! But if you want to spend some time in the surf and sand without much company, hop on a “lancha” and find your little slice of secluded paradise.      Lanchas or water taxis are accessible from a worn wooden dock in the little fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán and take you to where you need to go in just minutes. No more than five minutes west lies Colomitos Beach, a narrow, tranquil cove edged with large rocks. Here you’ll discover warm, turquoise waters, oversized coconuts to drink, and wooded trails to explore just beyond the sand. Note that you are likely to encounter the occasional small party boat but if you’re a fan of the musical stylings of Cher that should be no problem!         From there, hop a lancha to more beaches that have that almost-private feeling including Playa Madagascar and Playa Caballo, the latter offering shaded spots, soft waves, peaceful vibes, and immediate access to Casitas Maraika.      Like some chic version of Swiss Family Robinson, the treehouse-style restaurant and hotel is the perfect respite for nature lovers and those in search of a fruity beverage.            Further along the coast you’ll find Playa Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Yelapa which are certainly more popular with the range of restaurants and beach sports to prove it, but still feel like you’re getting away from it all. Shocking as it may seem (joke), these are also great spots to catch the sunset!       On your way back to the center of town, be sure to stop by Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a national park composed of two massive islets and their smaller sidekick. Enjoy a quick view and a pic from the road or make a day of it snorkeling and diving to get up close and personal with some colorful fish friends throughout the many caves and tunnels.      PRO TIP: When sunbathing on the beach you might just make a new friend! Keep an eye out for iguanas large and small scurrying everywhere and practicing their best camouflage routine while hanging off trees.     GET BACK TO NATURE Take a quick trip to the south zone of Puerto Vallarta to spend some time in the great outdoors exploring the lush tropical jungle interior and learn more than you ever thought possible about orchids!    The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a local treasure composed of 64 sprawling acres of trees, cacti, cacao, even carnivorous plants, and yes, the seemingly infinite varieties of orchids.     Not to mention a free range menagerie of birds, insects, reptiles, and even jaguars, ocelots, and pumas. But no need to worry, these large cats only come out at night!          The passion project of Robert and Betty Price, two Americans from Georgia who simply fell in love with PV upon their first visit, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens opened to the public in 2005 with an ever-growing collection of both indigenous and exotic specimens.     Since then, the gardens have maintained their mission of education, conservation, and the appreciation of all nature has to offer.      While you can’t see it all in a single day (some locals make a point to visit the gardens at least once a month), you can try to catch the highlights until you meet again. Go nuts with the bug spray and saunter down to the vanilla plantation area before visiting the Rio Sendero.          Seek some shade on the picturesque Bridge of Dreams, take a peek at the rows of agar-filled beakers through the laboratory observation windows, catch a glimpse of Military MaCaws flying in pairs through the palms, and find a little respite at the Our Lady of the Garden chapel which is home to a small pet cemetery as well as weddings and other events.        PRO TIP: If you see a large, yellow plant that almost looks like a claw, you’ve come face to face with the real life logo of the garden that can be found growing throughout the grounds. These are Tillandsia compressa, native to Mexico and South America and a real eye catcher!    SIP AND SAVOR EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY Hungry? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re waiting in line at a popular dinner spot, picking up something for a few pesos on the Malecon, or affixing your napkin ever so carefully at a fancier joint, it’s all mouth-watering and true to Mexican fare.    For street eats, a family-run oyster stand set up in the sand close to Los Muertos Pier is a go-to for fresh daily catches at totally affordable prices. Quench your thirst with some “tuba,” a strangely satisfying concoction of coconut juice, apples, and walnuts sold by the cup-full all along the Malecon.        Basilio Badillo Street set in the colorful Romantic Zone is chockablock with reasonably-priced restaurants, high energy, and patrons ready to have a good time. Musicians line the streets (and often visit your outdoor seating area) and the tacos are bountiful. Cafe de Olla, Pancho’s Takos, and El Mole de Jovita are just a few standout venues. Los Muertos Beach is just a block or so over where you can look out at the ocean while you dine. Try La Palapa or El Dorado for seafood that lives up to the hype.  If you’re looking to break out your Sunday best in el centro, Café des Artistes is a glamorous garden oasis that does cost a few bucks. Pipis has some of the smoothest guac in town, prepared right in front of you by a nimble-handed pro while a Mariachi band takes requests ranging from Mexican standards to covers like Justin Beiber’s “Despacito.” Gaby’s sits atop one of those charming tiled staircases; offering balcony views and the kind of grande Margaritas that build up your biceps.  ¡Buen provecho!      PRO TIP: While many restaurants do take credit cards, some of the wonderful hole-in-the-walls (and some you wouldn’t expect) are cash only! Check in advance and be ready with pesos in your pocket.      Your love affair with Puerto Vallarta begins with a flight straight into PVR and continues to grow with each return trip. Direct flights from cities across North America and beyond don't hurt either! Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Newark are just a few of the USA locations flying directly into PVR while Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary represent some non-stop Canadian highlights. As Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular destination for R&R seekers and families throughout Mexico as well, Tijuana, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Monterrey also offer easy breezy passage.    And it’s the kind of place visitors from other states in Mexico, the US, Canada, and beyond keep coming back to over the years. Like visiting an old friend who always has something new and exciting to share.   
Wanderlust Games
February 16, 2021

Wanderlust Games

Suffering from cabin fever? Longing for adventure? We recommend the tried and true quarantine essential: games. We've put together a collection of jetsetter-approved games to while away an afternoon (or two). Play solo or with others 6 feet apart. Side effects may include: Chronic SmilingJet-Lag By ProxyDelusions of Travel            You know what goes great with games? A side of music! Give our Wanderlust Playlist a listen and feel instantly transported...but you know, in your mind.    WORDS OF WANDERLUST CANDY  
Travel Memories: My Favorite Moments in Morocco
October 06, 2020

Travel Memories: My Favorite Moments in Morocco

Morocco is the definition of sensory overload. The colors of the bustling marketplace are bold and vibrant, the scent of spices and fresh cooked tagine meet you at every turn, and the muezzin's melodious call to prayer echoes through the streets. There's so much to take in across this North African nation; the mental snapshots you take truly last a lifetime. While there are countless ways to experience the Kingdom of Morocco, here are a few unforgettable moments to inspire your next trip.     1. Boat Ride to Tangier There are many ways to arrive in Morocco but the most incredible by far just might be by boat. If making your way from Europe, the Tarifa-Tangier Ferry is as scenic as it gets. Running 12 times a day, the hour-long journey takes you from the Andalusia region of southern Spain called Tarifa into Tangier; the true gateway between Africa and Europe. Time your trip to a sunset for the full effect and top photo ops.      2. Haggling in the Marrakesh Marketplace  The Djemaa El Fna, or main square, in Marrakesh is home to dozens of vendors selling everything from textiles to chess boards, to carpets to electronics, to mountains of spices, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and snails if you're feeling peckish! It's an impressive scene no matter the time of day during the usual 9 AM to 11 PM hours of operation. Be sure to practice your haggling before you hit the streets. You'll need it!        3. Trekking through the Desert  It's almost impossible not to hear the soaring strings of the "Lawrence of Arabia" theme in your head as you make your way through the desert (Fun fact: desert scenes from the movie were filmed both in Morocco and Jordan!) It truly feels like a movie set with scenery that's almost too gorgeous to be real! The Erg Chebbi or Merzouga Desert is located at the edge of the Sahara Desert and known for its massive pink dunes. Morocco's other Saharan Erg, the Erg Chigaga is is a newer destination boasting a vast landscape of lower dunes. If you're not in the mood to travel hours and hours from your stay in Marrakesh, Palm Grove offers another scenic and camel-accompanied experience through thousands of palm, olive, and fruit trees that date back centuries.      4. Getting the Blues The northwestern mountain city of  Chefchaouen is a sight to behold and an IG travel influencer's dream. The old winding streets are blue-washed in a stunning hue that has inspired explanations ranging from a way to ward of mosquitos to an effort to make the city stand out from the mountains to a tradition brought by a Sephardic Jewish community who hoped to paint the city like the sky. The city itself is tricky to get to and there isn't actually much to do they but relax and explore. The Mini Blue City in the old medina of Rabat gives you a taste of the breath-taking color scheme while placing you closer to the magnificent seaside and the nation's capital.        5. Treating my Tastebuds The alliteration doesn't stop there. The top Moroccan treats include tagine and tea. Moroccan mint (or  Maghrebi) tea to be exact. Poured from ornately crafted silver kettles and sipped from gold lief-ed glass tumblers, you can find people sharing this delicious drink all day long. The green tea steeped with tons of spearmint is a symbol of hospitality and culture. Your hunger doesn't stand a chance against the aromatic mountain of tagine (also spelled tajine) served in distinct ceramic cookware by the same name. The dish's exact ingredients vary widely but is comparable to a slow-cooked stew that mixes meat or fish and vegetables as well as fruits, nuts, olives, lemons, and herbs. Yum!     6. Learning a Thing or Two About Architecture Moroccan architecture is a beautiful mix of its past. And it shows!  Madrassa Bou Inania, located in Fes (or Fez) located in Morocco's inland, is a stunning example of Marinid and historic Moroccan architecture. Designed as a school for Islamic teaching back in the 14th century, this historic site has it all. Big brass doors, a marble-paved courtyard, and a brick minaret decorated with Morocco's answer to the fleur-de-lis (called the sebka), and eye catching details everywhere!     The list could go on between exploring ancient ruins in Marrakesh, biking through the Atlas mountains, surfing in Essaouira, relaxing in a hammam. Make Morocco your own and day dream 'till you get there!    EXPLORE  
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