The year-end holidays are approaching. You’re looking for a family travel plan that goes off the beaten path, not too complicated to implement, with pleasant weather. And, of course, safe, both health-wise and politically, in these complicated times. We’ve done our research, and we suggest heading to Latin America.

Imagine walking in the footsteps of Che, discovering Pachamama, and ascending to Machu Picchu… a mix & match of cultural discoveries, ancient civilizations, and natural treasures that can easily be done with the family. Ideally you’d bring children over the age of five or six so that they can form memories of the experience, but according to the general opinion of travelers, it’s a trip that can be done at any age, provided you know how to be patient and inventive during travel times.

Over 9000 km and a four-hour time difference separate Morocco from Argentina. There are no direct flights, and that’s a good thing. Layovers allow your family to stretch their legs and get some fresh air before reaching the destination. Ideally, this trip would require at least a month on-site. Still, time is often limited, so we tried to condense everything into three weeks.

At the end of the world with a tango vibe

First, we land in Buenos Aires, a sprawling city with a decidedly sexy aura. The cultural and artistic buzz is remarkable. The idea is to stay in its heart to easily move around and access the main points of interest. San Telmo, La Boca, or Recoleta are the neighborhoods to prioritize. Here, day and night, the rhythm follows the steps of the tango. The city’s steakhouses serve excellent beef, and young chefs compete in inventiveness. Just to name a few, we recommend lunch or dinner at Don Julio, Anchoita, and Aramburu.

The architectural landscape in Buenos Aires is eclectic. Between Art Deco, neoclassicism, and colonialism, the styles and influences evoke the country’s history. A detour through Plaza de Mayo, Teatro Colon, and Casa Rosada will give you an overview of what the most European city in Latin America has to offer.

Argentina is the heartland of tango and football, but it’s also the Andes and Patagonia. Just the mention of these two words puts us in the shoes of explorers. It’s challenging to determine a typical route, but it seems obvious that you should go to the end of the world, to Ushuaia. The southernmost city on the planet, the last port before Antarctica, is also the capital of Tierra del Fuego. Be sure you wear warm clothes; it doesn’t get warmer than 3°C, but the landscapes are beautiful, and you’ll have the chance to see penguin colonies!

Also, one of the most impressive natural sites in the world is in Argentina, exactly on the border with Brazil: the  famous Iguazu Falls. UNESCO World Heritage, these 275 waterfalls wind through the tropical forest before reaching over 80-meter-high basalt cliffs —  dizzying fall  with a breathtaking roar. This is a memory that promises to remain engraved in the memory of this family trip. The falls can be visited from 8 am to 6 pm, but plan to go in the morning if you want to make the most of it.

Practical information:

Buenos Aires GMT -3, vaccination schedule to be checked on the Pasteur Medical Center website and updated at least 15 days before departure.
Currency: Argentine Peso. Budget between 15 and 20 euros/day/person for dining and around twenty euros for paid activities.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires? Four Seasons or The Family Coppola Hideaway

Colors and poetry in Chile

Our journey continues, bringing us to Chile. A wild and natural land where the love poems of Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean poet and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, take on their full meaning. Start with Santiago, the capital. Cultural and intellectual life thrives at every street corner: literary cafes, street art, art galleries, designer shops, etc. The picturesque architecture of the city combines colorful houses typical of South America and buildings with contemporary designs. The city is located in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

Remember some mythical neighborhoods to visit: Bellas Artes, Bellavista, Cerro Santa Lucia, and Cerro San Cristobal, which is a bit like the city’s lung. Everywhere, you can discover Chilean gastronomy. You’ll discover the flavors of pastels de choclo (corn cakes) and ceviche. La Sarita Colonia, Azotea Matilde, or Peumayen are noteworthy dining options.

Don’t skip the famous Easter Island, lost in the middle of the Pacific. Obviously, the Moai, these large statues whose history remains mysterious, will be a significant step in your family trip. The village of Hanga Roa, volcanoes, and sandy beaches lined with coconut trees will allow you to get up close to a culture that is still beautifully preserved.

Chile also boasts the highest geyser field in the world. Perched at 4300 meters, El Tatio’s geysers growl, gurgle, whistle, and spout with incredible power. To fully experience this, it’s better to plan to explore El Tatio Park on foot at dawn, which is entirely feasible with the family.

The Los Lagos region is also a must-see in Chile, a range of blues and greens that stretch as far as the eye can see. Wild horses, llamas, alpacas, and other vicunas live peacefully under the smoking eye of the Osorno Volcano. We are in Patagonia. A visit to Chiloe Island and a kayak ride will allow you to see some of the sixteen colorful wooden churches, listed on a Unesco list. Then, we’ll take a final stop to observe the stars from the Atacama Desert: a nearly lunar landscape in one of the driest regions in the world.

Practical information:

Santiago, Chile, GMT -4, vaccination schedule to be checked on the Pasteur Medical Center website and updated at least 15 days before departure.
Currency: Chilean Peso CLP. Budget between 15 and 20 euros/day/person for dining and around twenty euros for paid activities.
Where to stay in Santiago, Chile? Mandarin Oriental or Hotel Bidasoa.

In Peru, following the Incas

Peru is the Latin American country that holds the most cultural treasures. From Lima to Cusco through Arequipa, the white city, you will be constantly impressed by the close connection between the glorious past of the Inca civilization and the modernity of current life. The architecture of the country’s main cities also highlights this subtle blend of authenticity and innovation. Between markets, museums, squares, and basilicas, you’ll have plenty of choices for sightseeing. 

For your taste buds, Lima has some surprises. The city indeed has 4 of the best restaurants in the world, according to the British magazine, Restaurant, in 2023. The best of them, Central, but also Kjolle and Astrid y Gaston are must-visit locations.

But Peru is primarily famous for Machu Picchu. This “Lost City” of the Incas was built on the mountainside of the Andes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these emerald green terraces have withstood numerous earthquakes and invasions. The site must be on your to-do list for this family trip. Plan to get there early; access starts at 6 am, and the last entries are at 2 pm because Machu Picchu closes at 5 pm. The visit takes about 2.5 hours.

On the road to Cusco, a stop is essential in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This valley stretches over about sixty kilometers, bordered by mountains and crossed by the Urubamba River. Archaeological sites and craft markets will delight both young and old.

Shared with Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is a sacred place that the Incas consider the cradle of their civilization. At about 3800 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. Dotted with artificial floating islands made of woven reeds, you can even plan to spend a night with a Peruvian family there.

If you have time, don’t miss the famous Nazca Lines in southern Peru. This geoglyphs site and as-yet-unexplained mystery consists of  over 800 geometric figures representing animals and believed to have been created in the year 500  BC. The village of Huacachina, a mirage in the heart of the Peruvian desert, the Paracas Nature Reserve, or the Colca Canyon are also wonders to include in your itinerary.

Practical information:

Lima, Peru, GMT -5, vaccination schedule to be checked on the Pasteur Medical Center website and updated at least 15 days before departure.
Currency: Peruvian Sol. Budget between 15 and 30 euros/day/person for dining and between 10 and 15 euros for paid activities.
Where to stay in Lima?  Belmond Hotel or Atemporal.

Picture (c) : Vogue

Are you planning to visit the City of Light soon? It’s time to add to your list of favorite hotspots in Paris! For the fall of 2023, Shoelifer has selected three places that exude the essence of autumn and freshness : a piano bar cafe, a trendy brasserie on the Left Bank, and a hotel with a garden and a rooftop bar… Step right this way…

Le Gainsbarre

One of the most highly anticipated new locations in Paris is Le Gainsbarre. That’s the name of the cafe/piano bar that has just opened its doors, simultaneously with Maison Gainsbourg (the artist’s former home turned into a museum). Located right across from 5 bis rue de Verneuil, this hybrid venue transports us into this icon’s world: a cozy atmosphere, thick carpeting, dark velvet armchairs, and portraits of the artist himself hanging on the walls…

The menu, crafted by the Paris Society group (known for its exceptional restaurants like Monsieur Bleu, Mun, Raspoutine), aims to be simple and unpretentious. For lunch, you can try the truffle croque-monsieur, Cadoret oysters, or lobster rolls. As night falls, the place turns into a piano bar where you can enjoy cocktails and drinks accompanied by jazz music…

Adress : 14 rue de Verneuil, 75 007 Paris 

Noter : If you plan to visit Maison Gainsbourg, be aware that tickets are sold out until the end of the year. Offering an immersion into the artist’s universe (original manuscripts, vintage portraits), Le Gainsbarre is a good compromise to hold you over.

La Brasserie des Prés

This brasserie, hidden in the Cour du Commerce Saint-André, right in the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés, is one of the most buzz-worthy places in Paris at the moment… After Brasserie Dubillot, Bellanger, and Martin, this is the 4th Parisian location of La Nouvelle Garde, a group of entrepreneurs passionate about regional cuisine and good food. This restaurant, in the Art Nouveau style, spans three floors and features a courtyard terrace as well.

The menu offers classic bistro cuisine: deviled eggs, leeks in vinaigrette, snails with garlic and parsley butter, and more. Main courses include flank steak of beef from Salers, BBQ lamb to share, and much more… As you can tell, at La Brasserie des Prés, you eat well and at an affordable price. Everything is homemade with fresh, local, and seasonally sourced ingredients directly from producers.

Adress : Cour du Commerce Saint-André, 75 006 Paris
Open every day from 9 am to 12 am

La Fantaisie

After three years of renovation, this hotel located in the bustling Faubourg Montmartre district finally opened its doors in the fall of 2023. Behind the understated facade on Rue Cadet, this 5-star hotel takes us to a small bucolic, colorful, and verdant paradise. In addition to its 73 rooms and suites, you’ll find a rooftop, a restaurant (Golden Poppy), and a courtyard garden where you can sit down for a meal or a drink.

The interior design is by Martin Brudnizki, a renowned Swedish designer. The restaurant menu was curated by Dominique Crenn (the only chef in the United States with three Michelin stars), who showcases Californian cuisine. You’ll find dishes as surprising as they are inventive, such as Poutargue flan, abalone tacos, or crispy rice with “tiger’s milk” ceviche. In short, if you want to treat your taste buds to a journey, you know where to go!

On the 7th floor, the Rooftop Bar has more surprises in store for you. In a retro, chic, and intimate setting, you can enjoy delicious signature cocktails like the Japanese Connection (with Kombu-infused gin) or the Mule & The Tiger (made with vodka, “tiger’s milk” ceviche, and ginger).

Address: 24 Rue Cadet, 75009 Paris
Rooftop Bar: open daily from 5 pm until late
Restaurant Golden Poppy: open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Photo (c) : Vogue

A Quick Reminder

Even though airline websites and airports remind us all, we all tend to forget at least one of the security rules for international flights. Here’s how to avoid a misstep that can cost you a lot of time during security checks.

• Containers (tubes and bottles) over 100 ml are prohibited. Get miniature containers for shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries, and a travel-sized version of your perfume. Place them all in the same transparent pouch to expedite the security check.
• A carry-on bag must not weigh more than 10 or 12 kg and should not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Some airlines only allow 7 kilos, so be sure to double-check this information when booking your flight. Additionally, ladies, your handbag doesn’t count as luggage; take advantage of this to bring a large tote that can hold a smaller handbag and, if necessary, your laptop. Gentlemen, the same applies to your briefcase or backpack. But if you add an extra bag for your dresses or suits, you may have to pay an additional fee.
• Electronic devices (computers, tablets, and other mobile phones) should be easily accessible so they can be quickly isolated during the security check. The same goes for metallic objects and jewelry.

Read also : LUXURY TRAVEL: 5 TRAINS YOU MUST TAKE AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE

Mary Poppins’ carry-on bag

We talked about it a few months ago: Marie Kondo’s tidying method is the solution to all your overflowing closet problems. Well, this method can also be applied to your suitcase. In fact, there is a documentary series dedicated to it on Netflix if you want to become an expert. To maximize space, the golden rule is not to fold clothes but to roll them.

The advantage? Fabrics don’t get wrinkled. However, avoid packing silk or overly thick knits. As for lingerie, don’t toss it haphazardly into the designated pouch. Stack bras and fill the remaining empty spaces with panties. And what about socks? You can roll them up and place them inside your shoes, which can also serve as protection for fragile items.

Shoelifer’s equation for always looking stylish

Although no scientist has been willing to tackle the question, at Shoelifer, we took on the challenge. We have determined that for a 3-day trip, there is a mathematical equation that allows you to pack exactly what you need in a cabin suitcase. According to this foolproof formula, 3 dinners + (2 workouts x 1 shopping session + 1 city tour) / (3 nights + 4 days) = 1 pair of heels (or dress shoes for gentlemen), 1 pair of sneakers (recommended for travel), 1 pair of casual shoes.

Regarding outfits, try to make them versatile, suitable for both day and night wear. If you bring two bottoms, take two matching tops for each to give you some variety. For the evening, opt for materials that don’t wrinkle too much, just in case your hotel doesn’t offer express laundry service. Above all, banish the “you never know” mentality. Stick to the trip’s itinerary! If there’s doubt about swimsuits that probably won’t be used at the hotel pool, riding boots (do we really need to specify?), or golf attire, leave them behind. However, don’t forget to bring a shawl and a jacket. Even in warm weather, nighttime temperatures can be chilly.

Shopping recommendations

Choosing a carry-on bag should be a well-thought-out decision. Ensure its durability and maneuverability to avoid having to replace it frequently. For easy packing, choose an optimized and functional model. If you travel regularly, opt for a lightweight one in a neutral color (black, gray, beige, navy blue) with secure zippers because, well, “you never know” – yes, we can say it here.

Although expensive, the Essential Lite Cabin U is a must-have right now. This carry-on bag is the lightest from the century-old luggage brand Rimowa. The Lite carry-on bag is stable and robust, weighing only 2 kg. It’s also accepted by all airlines.

Approximately 6800 DH on Rimowa. 

“My unique wedding? My partner and I organized a symbolic ceremony just for the two of us at the Bacalar Lagoon in Mexico, the country where we met.” Four years ago, after a purely administrative marriage in Morocco, Sophia and Adam crossed the Atlantic to exchange their vows in a paradise-like setting. These two young people chose a unique wedding, deviating from the traditional Moroccan wedding: expensive and grandiose. “We didn’t want any fuss, and we certainly didn’t want to have a wedding just to impress others. For us, it was about celebrating our love in complete intimacy, without constraints and without any hassle,” adds her loving husband, Adam. Of course, “Due to social norms, our parents didn’t immediately understand our choice, but they eventually came around,” Sophia explains.

The Romantic Getaway

In our kingdom, wedding ceremonies are still highly codified social rituals. They are closely supervised by the parents and in-laws of the bride and groom. Nevertheless, an increasing number of Moroccan couples opt for a low-key union abroad, especially since the pandemic, which seems to have dampened the desire for grand ceremonies, according to our colleagues at The Guardian.

This type of iconoclastic and unique wedding has a name: “elopement,” an English term meaning a “romantic runaway.” In the fabulous world of wedding planners, this trend started gaining attention around 2014. It was the year when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West celebrated their wedding in Florence, Italy (by chance or coincidence). However, the ceremony, covered by media outlets worldwide, included no less than a hundred guests. So much for “incognito.” Moreover, Morocco—Marrakech, Essaouira, and Dakhla—is a popular elopement destination for lovers from around the world. 

Read also : ORIGINAL GIFT: WHEN HIGH TECH AND WEDDING COMBINE SUCCESSFULLY

Stress-free, but pre-planning required.

Why is elopement gradually gaining popularity? Well, because it guarantees an original, serene, and authentic wedding. “We were lost in each other’s eyes on a beach, and I found it incredibly romantic and profound. It’s a moment that belongs to us, and only us. Whereas if I had a conventional Moroccan wedding, I would have thought more about my guests than about us,” says Sophia. Often, it’s also an option that dispenses with the stress of preparations and the blending of the two families (for better or for worse). “Since it was just the two of us, it cost us less. And we achieved two goals at once: the ceremony and the honeymoon,” adds Adam.

However, it’s important to note that an original wedding abroad requires some level of organization. Wedding planners recommend starting preparations six months to a year in advance.

Our editorial team—always eager to have everything under control—has done some research on the topic and is ready to recommend several options. 

Symbolic Union:

The first option: you get married legally through an “adoul” and the Family Court in Morocco, and then you have a ceremony abroad (like Sophia and Adam). In this case, you can easily hire a wedding planner or a private agency to organize your symbolic wedding. They can also help with vow renewals or wedding anniversaries. A simple Google search will provide dozens of agencies dedicated to organizing weddings abroad, and most of them offer free quotes.

Among the most beautiful visa-free destinations are Cape Verde, Tanzania, Ecuador, and Indonesia. A special mention to Cape Verde, where the Jules&Moi agency, for example, organizes ceremonies on a private beach, followed by snorkeling with turtles and sharks, and kite-surfing the next day. It’s an original wedding that will leave you breathless.

The Wedding and the Ceremony

The second option: you want to get married for real abroad. Keep in mind that it’s a bit more complicated. You’ll need to contact the consular authorities of Morocco beforehand to be able to have a civil marriage recognized by the authorities of the host country. In Turkey, for example, you can be married by either the Moroccan consulate or the Turkish authorities (your choice) in Istanbul. Then, for a truly original wedding, our editorial team suggests a beautiful getaway to the Princes’ Islands archipelago, located southeast of the capital.

But you can also count on Greece. Greek authorities have the prerogative to celebrate the union of any nationals. Once again, you’ll need to obtain a “certificate of eligibility for marriage” from the consular authorities and then have this union validated by the Moroccan civil registry. In an era where simplicity is increasingly trendy, this streamlined wedding option is very tempting… The most challenging part? Convincing your family!

In some ways, the pandemic has given birth to beautiful ideas. La Karavane is one of them. This new way of traveling was born from the meeting between Safaa El Hakym, founder of Maev Event, and Amine Akesbi, also known as Amine K, a prominent figure in the Moroccan electronic scene. The concept? Combine the comfort of a 5-star hotel with the excitement of an adventure in nature. La Karavane offers the chance to venture off the beaten path in a comfortable camper van, creating moments of sharing around gourmet dishes to the rhythm of groovy music… A lovely project that the organizers initially wanted to keep rather secret to fine-tune the concept. However, they didn’t count on the determination and curiosity of the Shoelifer team, always on the lookout for good travel ideas in Morocco. So here it is, we reveal everything.

La karavane : what is it ?

Inspired by the caravans that have crisscrossed the country for centuries, La Karavane offers a journey through the country’s roads to explore a specific region in each edition. On the agenda: visits and memorable nights in places as surprising as they are unoccupied. The goal? Bring together people from all walks of life to foster meetings and exchanges. The first edition took place in the Rif region, an unknown yet beautiful area with its wild coves and turquoise waters. Since then, four other editions have emerged, exploring other regions of the country. Among the destinations are the Middle Atlas through the terroir routes, from Château Roslane to Toumliline Monastery, passing through Michlifen and the Azrou forest.

How does it work ?

La Karavane is a unique adventure lasting one week, bringing together about thirty participants. Alone, with family, or with friends, the concept is open to all types of audiences. The principle is simple: alternate one day in a camper van or glamping (glamorous camping) and two days in a hotel or guest house to vary the pleasures. Note that not all editions are done in a caravan, especially when the distances are short. Regarding cuisine, chefs prepare elaborate meals based on local and fresh products, with menus planned several weeks in advance. Finally, throughout the journey, Amine K, a well-known figure, sets the beat on his turntables with disco-funk or electro vibes as desired.

How to book ?

To gain access, you must be selected. You must first go through the form on the website. The team assesses the aspirations and mindset of each candidate. Yes, you are considered candidates and not “customers”. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, let go, and open up to this type of exploratory experience. Hence the preselection of the group in advance for a good vibes only effect. La Karavane is primarily looking for adventurous souls, lovers of travel in Morocco, and those curious about life. The organizers also offer private, tailor-made trips for groups looking to embark on an adventure. Whether for a birthday, a bachelorette or bachelor party, or simply for the pleasure of traveling. And for eco-conscious travelers, La Karavane implements local initiatives to preserve the environment, such as beach cleanups.

What’s next ?

The next edition of La Karavane, named “Road to Merzouga,” is scheduled from May 1st to 7th. It will be a 4×4 journey from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, concluding with the Transahara festival. But that’s not all! La Karavane doesn’t just offer you a unique travel experience in Morocco; it also plans to export the concept internationally. The next editions are planned in Panama and Egypt. Not to mention Amine and Safaa’s big dream: to organize a festival in Badès, in the Al Hoceima region, where it all began. This fishing village could host all the communities from previous editions every year to celebrate… music, of course. Stay tuned!

Reservation: Fill out the form on www.lakaravane.com.
Week starting from 20,000 MAD per person.

Picture (c): Nerijus Ir Gintare