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The Tourist Essential Guide to Zimbabwe

When I tell people I am from Zimbabwe, the first question is usually, “where is Zimbabwe?” or “what is it like over there?” Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the heart of Southern Africa, with a unique and diverse landscape ranging from vast national parks and spectacular landscapes. Zimbabwe is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a rich heritage across the Zimbabwe planes. Visiting Zimbabwe should be on any travel enthusiast’s bucket list. My dream is to explore Zimbabwe more deeply, revisit destinations I last visited as a kid, and experience its beauty.

In this Article:

Getting to zimbabwe.

• Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

Currency & Basics

• Health and Safety in Zimbabwe

Covid19 Requirements for Visiting Zimbabwe

Bucket list attractions in zimbabwe.

Depending on your trip goals, people choose to either fly to  Harare , the capital city of Zimbabwe and then embark on their tour to specific parts of the country OR fly directly to  Victoria Falls  (more info below). Unfortunately, there are no direct routes when traveling to Zimbabwe from Europe or the United States; flight times vary from 18 to 35 hours, depending on your country of origin. Therefore, be prepared for a long haul journey. The most common routes from Europe and the United States are as follows:

• Somewhere in USA / Europe > Dubai, UAE > Harare with a 2hr stop in Lusaka (Emirates)
• Somewhere in USA/ Europe > Addis Ababa, Ethiopia > Harare with a 2hr stop in Lusaka (Ethiopian Airways). Note that this route from the USA has a connection in Washington DC.
• Somewhere in United States/ Europe > connecting somewhere in Europe > Johannesburg / Nairobi / Lusaka > Harare (multiple airlines). Note that this route from the USA occasionally has a connection on the east coast.

Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is generally a year-round destination, however, it is worth noting the general weather patterns. December – March  is the rainy season. Following the rains in  April and May , the weather is drier, and most parts of the country is verdant.  June – early August  is Winter when the weather is warm during the day but much cooler during the nights.  Mid-August – October , temperatures rise again to hot and dry weather. Lastly,  November  is a hit or miss where the weather can be pretty hot and dry, or the rainy season starts early.

I have typically visited Zimbabwe during December or in April/May. December tends to be more crowded as Zimbabwe’s diaspora returns home for Christmas. Therefore, April/May is my favorite time to travel to Zimbabwe when the weather is not oppressively hot and also not crowded. April/May is also when Victoria falls has the highest volume of water falling. Alternatively, if you would love to see the Jacarandas in bloom, October is the best month to visit.

• Zimbabwe has 3 entry visa types – i) countries that don’t need a visa to enter, ii) visa upon arrival, and iii) e-visa  apply online . Check which visa you will need before traveling.
• English is one of the official languages of Zimbabwe; as such, 90% of the population speaks English.
• The currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Dollar-denominated in RTGS aka Bond Notes; the exchange rate when we went was ~$1USD to 400 RTGS. However, US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Prices at grocery stores are quoted in RTGS and converted to USD at the till/ checkout stand. Prices at restaurants are displayed in both currencies. Some vendors will only accept USD, mainly for tourist attractions and gas stations. Be sure to know both the street rate and the bank rate.
• As of the time I went, international cards were not accepted anywhere. The primary forms of payments accepted are cash and local bank cards.
• Expect to pay ~$18-$25 per plate at restaurants, which locals consider expensive.
• Roaming networks are spotty; therefore, I recommend getting a local sim card at the airport or at your nearest mall.
• There are limited private taxi services; recommend booking a taxi service ahead of time for the day to guarantee your safe return to your accommodations.
• Zimbabwe uses 240v electricity for all electronics with UK-style plugs. You will need an adapter if your electronics do not have UK-style power plugs. Those traveling from the United States will need a transformer and adapter for electronic devices that only operate on 120v, e.g., hairdryers, shavers, etc.
• Most hotels/ inns have backup power in case of load shedding (power cuts) of the city-provided power. Recommend asking if your accommodations have a back for electric power before booking. 

Health & Safety in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a region with malaria; therefore, you need mosquito repellent to prevent bug bites. It’s advisable to bring anti-malaria tablets while traveling in Zimbabwe, especially if you plan to go to places like Kariba, Hwange, and Victoria Falls. If you are traveling from a place with  yellow fever , you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

If you are going on a safari, it’s best to wear neutral colors such as khaki/ stone and avoid blue or black clothing that attracts tsetse flies. Also, pack a wide-brimmed hat at any time of year; the sun can also be hot in the winters. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must even if you are melanated to prevent sunburn, especially in the dry, hot months. Finally, always drink bottled water or purified water.

Emergency medical facilities are available in major cities in Zimbabwe – Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Victoria Falls. Unfortunately, fewer medical facilities are available in more remote parts of the country. Recommend getting travel insurance in case of an emergency that requires you to go to a hospital or be airlifted to Johannesburg. That being said, out-of-pocket costs for cuts and scrapes are relatively inexpensive.

Zimbabwe is relatively safe for tourists. You will find that everyone is warm and welcoming, but like anywhere, you need to stay vigilant. Do not carry large sums of money. Make arrangements with hotels and tour services to pay in advance via World Remit/ Western Union. Some roads are severely in need of repairs, and others are well paved, so it’s best to conclude all outings and road trips before sundown. In Harare, it’s best t get a local driver to drive you around as the road rules are loose; if you don’t know what you are doing, you could easily find yourself in an accident.

Every person arriving in Zimbabwe needs to show valid proof of complete vaccination against Covid-19 OR a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure to Zimbabwe, not both. Those departing Zimbabwe must follow the COvid-19 Rules of their destination country.  Note that those traveling to the United States must have a negative PCR test taken one day before departure.  This was very easy to do in Harare. I had my Covid test at Lancet Labs for $40, and the results were out within 4 hours.

Harare  

Harare is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe. Most visitors bypass Harare and rush off to the wilderness. It’s worth taking a few days to tour the city to sample museums, craft markets, urban safaris, and so much more. Note that there are limited private taxi services. We recommend booking a Taxi Service in advance for the activity you have planned that day – just google “taxi service in Harare,” and several will pop up.

Victoria Falls

Locally known as  Mosi-oa-Tunya , Victoria Falls is the most popular tourist destination in Zimbabwe and is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The waterfall is the largest waterfall in the world in that it is the largest curtain of falling water in the world. It is a one-hour flight from Harare with frequent flights. This destination is easy to add to your itinerary from South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia. Victoria Falls International Airport serves several local and international flights – including South African Airways, British Airways, Kenya Airways, and Air Zimbabwe. Also, non-stop direct flights depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Windhoek. Note that the best views of Victoria Falls are on the Zimbabwean side compared to the Zambian side – true fact, not at all biased. Lastly, If you have time, you can drive to the following destinations from Victoria Falls and spend a couple of nights:

• Hwange National Park –   (2hr drive) – the largest national park in Zimbabwe, spanning 9,000 sqkm / 5,600sqmi. 
• Lake Kariba –  (4hr drive) – the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume, where you will see the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen.

Great Zimbabwe

 Great Zimbabwe, locally known as Dzimbabwe (houses of stone) is a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 330km/ 205mi from Harare (5hr road trip). It was a medieval African city and home to the great monarchs of the area between the 10th to 16th centuries. This site is a wonder in that the construction used stone bricks and no mortar relying on carefully shaped and placed rocks to hold the wall’s shape on their own. The best way to get to great Zimbabwe is either renting a car or booking a shuttle service.

The Eastern Highlands  

The Eastern Highlands is a mountain range from Nyanga, through Mutare and Vumba, and ending in Chimanimani, spanning 300km /190mi on the eastern side of Zimbabwe bordering Mozambique. This region has an unparalleled natural beauty with lush green forests, rolling hills, misty valleys, rugged peaks, deep gorges, sparkling rivers and lakes, and spectacular cascading waterfalls. The best way to get to great Zimbabwe is either renting a car or booking a shuttle service.

Mana Pools National Park  

Mana Pools National Park is a 2,200 square kilometer (850 sq mi) wildlife conservation National Park in northern Zimbabwe. The region attracts many large animals searching for water as lakes dry up, making it one of Africa’s most renowned game reserves. Getting to this National Park from Harare is a 5 hr road trip (~350km/ 220mi). So the best way to get to great Zimbabwe is either renting a car or booking a shuttle service.

There are many more things to see than what is highlighted in this article, e.g.,  Matobo National Park ,  Domboshava Caves, Khami Ruins, Chinhoyi Caves,  etc. We hope this guide has convinced you to add Zimbabwe to your bucket list and make it easier for you to navigate. We are always happy to answer questions you may have about visiting Zimbabwe. If you have been to Zimbabwe, drop a comment with your tips. Now that the world is open again, now more than ever is the best time to go to Zimbabwe and experience its majestic beauty.

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RV Zimbabwean Dream

Built in 2020, the RV Zimbabwean Dream is one of the gems of the CroisiEurope fleet with a magnificent setting for a dream safari-cruise in Southern Africa, overflowing with history and wildlife. A real cocoon of charm and elegance.

Combining elegance and exoticism, comfort and refinement, the RV Zimbabwean Dream is a luxury cruise ship, which sails on Lake Kariba. The ship measures 33 m long and 8 m wide, and can accommodate 16 passengers, in 8 cabins with a size of 17 m2. Of all cabins, 6 are with a French balcony and 2 with a small private terrace, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The spacious areas and large windows give the ship a bright  appearance. The interior is decorated with noble wood and local fabrics and blends in perfectly with the splendid surrounding landscapes. Situated on the upper deck are a small pool, the restaurant and lounge / bar where binoculars are available for wildlife and flora watching. The sun deck remains the ideal place to relax and admire Southern Africa’s magnificent sites, which are among the most beautiful in the world.

Interior View

Photo gallery.

• Air-conditioning
• 220V voltage and adapters for most countries
• Screen connected to a DVD player with films available
• Welcome basket
• Lounge chairs and exterior sofas
• Binoculars can be loaned (limited availability)

CABIN FOR TRIPLE USE ON BOARD THE ZIMBABWEAN DREAM If two adults and one child are sharing one cabin, the spare bed will measure 150cm x 80cm (59 in. x 31 in.).

Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth with extended stay at the Cape Peninsula (port-to-port cruise)

SOUTH AFRICA - BOTSWANA - NAMIBIA - ZIMBABWE

Extend your stay in Southern Africa with a tour of the Cape Peninsula. You'll discover Robben Island, a place that needs no introduction with regards to its significance in South Africa’s and indeed the world’s history, but also stunning panoramas from Table Bay or along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive.

Southern Africa: Once-in-a-lifetime experience on the African Continent with the post-cruise program "From Zimbabwe to South Africa on a Luxury Train" (port-to-port cruise)

SOUTH AFRICA - BOTSWANA - NAMIBIA - ZIMBABWE - SOUTH AFRICA

From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, you’ll discover spectacular panoramas and tumultuous histories, but also incredible wildlife and carefully crafted menus that reflect the flavors and savors of Africa, as well as the most beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls.

After your safari-cruise, continue exploring Southern Africa on board the legendary Rovos Rail, traveling across the grand decor of the high plains in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Get ready for a legendary experience on board the African Orient Express!

Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)

Seek Out Some of Africa's Majestic Treasures

Zimbabwe is a country extremely rich in history and natural beauty, with a resilient and charismatic population. Find the ideal accommodation for your safari experience, from traditional and rustic to luxury tents. It is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park . For those looking for the Big 5, Hwange National Park is the ideal place to visit.

Highlights of Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park & Mana Pools National Park

Explore the country’s largest wildlife reserves. In Hwange National Park ,  you will see rare and endangered animals such as the black rhino. In Mana Pools National Park , known for its high density of predators such as leopards and cheetahs, you can also enjoy canoeing and walking safaris.

Victoria Falls

Explore the epic Victoria Falls known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders”, from one of the exclusive accommodations located on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Lake Kariba

Visit the magical Lake Kariba , an extremely biodiverse place where you can see a wide range of wildlife such as Nile crocodiles, tiger fish and large herds of elephants. Its unique experiences include water-based activities, walking safaris, game drives, birding watching and cultural visits.

Best Time to Go

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The Magic of a River Safari Through Zimbabwe

By Heather Greenwood Davis

From my seat on the pontoon boat, I squeal in excitement at the splinter of gray I see in the distance. I almost missed it, despite the attempts of my fellow travelers to aim my gaze, but the flapping ears give him away.

Tucked up on the hill, deep in a green cluster of Zambezi teak trees, his telltale wrinkled grey skin and sturdy legs at first seemed like just another tree in the bush. But once those ears flap, there’s no denying the majesty of an African elephant.

From his perch at the front of the boat on the Chobe River , our guide and captain Emmanuel Maruza, doesn’t attempt to mask his own excitement. “Look at that,” he says, mostly to himself as he maneuvers the boat closer to shore. “Amazing. Amazing.”

It is day three of a nine-day unforgettable African river adventure. The ambitious CroisiEurope itinerary takes a maximum of 16 guests across four countries: South Africa , Namibia , Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In each, we spend time on land with the people and animals. But in three of the four, there’s a bonus: time spent cruising the continents’ scenic and vital waterways.

Having the opportunity to explore from both land and water makes booking with CroisiEurope appealing, and it’s the European cruise company’s first foray into Africa. Most luxury African safari operators whisk guests away to a plush lodge and then offer twice-a-day open-jeep safari rollouts into the wild. CroisiEurope’s RV Zimbabwean Dream itinerary offers a similar lodge stay (it owns two lavish properties on the edge of the Zambezi River where Namibia borders Botswana), but takes it a step further with multiple trips out on water safaris and a three-night stay on one of two intimate houseboats in Zimbabwe. The advantages of exploring the countries by both land and water are almost immediately evident.

On the land tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana, animals are everywhere: Lions lazing in the tall grass on the roadside, giraffes gracefully crossing the savannah, warthogs bumbling past Cape buffalo who seem oblivious to the Oxpeckers on their own backs.

You don’t have to get on the water to see the wildlife. There are more than 50,000 elephants—my favorite wildlife sighting—that freely roam in and out of the fenceless Chobe National Park, alone. But there’s no question that cruising the region’s rivers will amplify the experience.

The rivers and lakes we traverse are calm. Small ripples across the glassy surface and the occasional bubbles around us are reminders that life—crocodiles and hippos mostly—lie beneath. Reeds and mangroves line the shores on the rides out from the lodge, barely moving in the absence of heavy breeze despite the birds nimbly balanced on their tips. And it’s not long before the gentle hum of the motor becomes almost meditative, and our small group settles into a quiet as we watch hippos yawn and grunt from the land and the water in reverent silence.

The animals look different from the water, too. The perspective change means that instead of looking down on them from the height of the jeep, you’re gazing up or across. Kudus seem larger, hippos more foreboding. And you’re encountering them in places that feel almost intimate: Elephants bathing in the shallows of the river amongst a field of water lilies, crocs sunning on the shore and then slithering into the water beneath the boat. You feel smaller on the water. More vulnerable.

It's a feeling that stays with us when we eventually move to CroisiEurope’s luxury houseboat in Zimbabwe. There, we take turns boarding smaller boats, perfect for sundowner cruises, scooting up to reedy mounds to listen to the birds as the sun sets or zigzagging through sun-bleached Mopane trees on afternoon fishing jaunts. And with no other boats in sight, early risers share the morning with the animals as they start their day. I watch hippos shake the sleep off their backs and head back to the water, and elephant moms nurse their babies and meander the short grass just beyond the shore.

The trip is not all slow cruising and shoreline searching. In South Africa, we trace the life of Nelson Mandela through the Apartheid Museum, on Impalila Island in Namibia we walk the villages with a resident guide, and in Zimbabwe we take in the stunning Victoria Falls by foot and helicopter. Emotional moments abound on this trip and adrenaline is in no short supply.

The moments are all incredible in their own right, but for me the highlight remains that first glimpse on day three and the surprise that followed. As it turned out, the elephant I saw wasn’t alone.

The whistle of tree branches being pulled and broken gives them away. Three adult elephants and a few babies come forward toward us. Our boat backs up to give them space, but we remain close enough to hear them slurp and splash as they drink and dip in the water.

When it’s time to go, we erupt in a smattering of giggles and chatter. A shared moment on a trip where magic seems to flow as easily as the waters beneath us.

The Ultimate Zimbabwe Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Check out our zimbabwe travel guide.

Renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and cultural treasures, Zimbabwe is an incredibly diverse destination that promises exciting adventures and memorable experiences for travelers. This comprehensive guide provides key details to help you plan your perfect Zimbabwe holiday.

Key takeaways

Top sights and experiences not to miss, be awestruck at victoria falls.

• White water rafting  – Ride the rapids along the Zambezi River for an exhilarating experience.
• Helicopter tours  – Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the falls and to feel the spray.
• Bungee jumping  – Leap off Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia for the thrill of a lifetime.

Discover Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The ancient city of  Great Zimbabwe  thrived between the 11th and 15th centuries as the heart of trade and ceremonies in the medieval era. The magnificent stone wall ruins provide evidence of the sophisticated early Shona civilization that inhabited the area. Take a guided tour for fascinating insight into the history, society and architecture.

Go on Incredible Safaris

Renowned as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, Zimbabwe boasts superb national parks teeming with diverse wildlife. Top safari experiences include:

• Hwange National Park  – Zimbabwe’s largest park with huge herds of elephants and excellent game viewing.
• Mana Pools National Park  – Remote wilderness perfect for walking safaris and canoeing to observe elephants, lions, wild dogs and more up close.
• Matobo National Park  – Home to endangered black and white rhinos along with over 3,500 ancient Bushman rock paintings.
• Gonarezhou National Park  – Off the beaten track park with iconic baobab trees and diverse antelope species.

Take a Houseboat Safari on Lake Kariba

The stunning  Lake Kariba  offers pristine landscapes and relaxing houseboat cruises to observe hippos, crocodiles and elephants along the shores and islands. It’s a peaceful alternative to traditional safaris.

Visit Mystical Matobo National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site,  Matobo National Park  contains unique granite domes, wooded valleys, and impressive balancing rock formations. It houses ancient Bushman cave paintings and diverse wildlife like the endangered black and white rhino.

Experience the Power of the Zambezi River

The mighty Zambezi River powers the iconic Victoria Falls and offers spectacular  white water rafting  excursions including family friendly options. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a sunset cruise on the river.

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

• April to October  – The peak dry season brings warm, sunny days ideal for wildlife viewing on safaris and adventure activities at Victoria Falls.
• May to July  – Cooler temperatures and Victoria Falls at full flood capacity make these months a great option to avoid crowds.
• November to March  – The wet season has hotter weather with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Abundant migratory birdlife and newborn animals.

Top Destinations and Attractions

Hwange national park.

Boasting over 100 mammal and 400 bird species, Hwange is Zimbabwe’s top national park. It harbors one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, estimated at over 40,000! The park offers exceptional opportunities for safaris and sightings of lions, buffaloes, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras and more.

Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo contains historical landmarks like the Natural History Museum, local markets and the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage where injured animals are rehabilitated. Nearby destinations like Matobo National Park and the Khami Ruins archaeological site can be visited on day trips.

Mana Pools National Park

Bordering the Zambezi River, the remote wilderness of Mana Pools National Park allows for adventures like canoeing safaris to observe hippos, crocodiles and plentiful birdlife. Walking safaris provide incredible views of wildlife including elephants, lions and African wild dogs in their natural habitat.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The granite stone ruins at Great Zimbabwe provide evidence of an ancient prosperous city that was once the hub of trade for the Kingdom of Mutapa during the country’s Late Iron Age. The site spans over 720 hectares and the ruins have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zimbabwe’s Welcoming and Vibrant Culture

Beyond the natural attractions, Zimbabwe’s friendly people and culture make a visit to the country incredibly rewarding. Here are some memorable cultural experiences for travelers:

• Try dishes like  sadza  (ground maize porridge) and  tsunga  (meat and vegetable stew) and interact with local vendors at markets.
• Learn about ancient Shona traditions and ways of life on tours of rural villages.
• Shop for stone sculptures, wood carvings, basketry and textiles crafted by local artisans.
• Attend vibrant music and dance performances showcasing Zimbabwe’s talented artists.
• Visit community-based tourism projects supporting local livelihoods through conservation, farming and other initiatives.

Essential Information for Your Trip

• US dollars are widely accepted in Zimbabwe. Carry small denominations for purchases and tipping.
• Apply for visas in advance through eVisa or at the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy/Consulate.
• Pack lightweight, neutral clothing. Bring rain protection, hats, insect repellent and warm layers for early morning game drives.
• Drink bottled water only and take precautions against malaria when visiting rural areas and parks.
• Follow guide instructions closely during activities for safety. Give animals ample space.
• Take advantage of tour companies that support local communities and conservation efforts.

Start Planning Your Dream Trip!

With its magnificent landscapes, abundant wildlife and cultural treasures, Zimbabwe promises an unforgettable adventure. Use this guide to start planning your idyllic Zimbabwe getaway! Reach out to reputable tour operators like The Grown-up Travel Company for customized itineraries or to arrange complete package deals. Alternatively, connect with an Africa travel specialist for expert advice tailored to your interests and budget. The wonders of Zimbabwe await!

I know what it's like to go from being a crazy backpacker without a care in the world, via being a vaguely sensible parent to being an adventurer once more. In other words, evolving into a Grown-up Traveller.

Like everyone else, I love to travel, have visited a lot of countries and all that but my big thing is Africa.

I also own and run The Grown-up Travel Company as a travel designer creating personalised African itineraries for experienced adventurers

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Experience Zimbabwe

See more of your destination on our most popular travel style, with a wide range of experiences included in the cost of your trip., where adventure meets culture. victoria falls, wildlife, ancient ruins, and warm hospitality. thrilling activities, breathtaking landscapes..

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Dream Africa Vacations

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Dream Africa Vacations is a Travel, Tour & Safari company based in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We specialize in providing personalized and customized comprehensive travel, tour & safari packages for Groups, Families & FITs, In Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana & Namibia. We are dedicated to service excellence, providing undivided attention to all our clients, delivering quality service and creating memorable experiences.

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Hand-crafted Travel to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a reputation for being home to some of Africa’s finest guides, incredibly welcoming, warm hospitality and some of the friendliest people you are likely to meet on your travels! This is a destination for clients who are looking to stay away from the crowds and get off the beaten track. Although it has had its difficulties in the past, today it is very much back on everyone’s radar as a premium safari destination.

Zimbabwe boasts a huge variety of wildlife, scenery, habitat, cultural history and activities across safari destinations. From rafting down the Zambezi River to fishing in tiny mountain streams for trout, it guarantees a diverse and extremely hands-on experience. The country’s dramatic landscapes vary from the balancing rocks of the Matopos and shoreline sunsets on Lake Kariba to the mighty Victoria Falls and scenes of wild animals in their natural habitat. This is the destination for an adventure of a lifetime.

Zimbabwe is very much a seasonal safari destination, albeit not quite as limited as neighbouring Zambia in terms of camp closures in the summer season.

Safaris do remain possible throughout the year, although it is worth considering how hot and wet the summer season can be and visits here are not for the faint hearted. Conversely, the dry winter months between June and October offer some of the very best safaris that Africa has to offer, with incredible wildlife viewing to be enjoyed in some of the most remarkable landscapes anywhere on the continent.

Local Time: GMT+5

Local Currency: Zimbabwean Dollar

Travelling to Zimbabwe with True

Few travel operators recognise and value the quality of safari that Zimbabwe offers like True Travel. 

A True Zimbabwe Itinerary

Our travel design process starts with you and your ideas, each trip created from a blank piece of paper.

Our Africa specialist’s have created a selection of example itineraries to provide a sense of what can be crafted for you in Zimbabwe.

Riverbanks & Safari Adventures

9 Day Itinerary

Guide Price: £8,500pp

Guide Price: $10,300pp

Explore the diverse terrain of Zimbabwe by embarking on sunset river cruises, safari adventures and steam trains for breathtaking views of natural wonders like Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and a plethora of exciting wildlife.

Zimbabwe’s Highlights

10 Day Itinerary

Guide Price: £9,800pp

Guide Price: $11,700pp

Discover the diverse wonders of Zimbabwe, where captivating landscapes set the stage for exhilarating walking safaris amidst remarkable wildlife sightings. Dive into water safaris offering a spectrum of aquatic activities.

Zambezi & Victoria Falls Safari

Guide Price: £12,900pp

Guide Price: $15,500pp

Experience some of the best natural wonders of Africa on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia, from the majestic Zambezi River and the breathtaking Victoria Falls, alongside diverse wildlife on a walking safari or from the close proximity of a canoe.

True Experiences In Zimbabwe

The foundations of a memorable holiday are the experiences and Zimbabwe has an abundance of activities to make each itinerary special.

Night Drives in Zimbabwe

Boat Cruise down the Zambezi River

Rhino Tracking

Meet the San Bushmen

Sleep Under the Stars

Our featured zimbabwe camps and lodges.

There are a wonderful range of properties across Zimbabwe True Travel partners with the very best.

Each trip True Travel curate is based on the experience you are looking for and as an independent travel operator, we are not obliged or committed to any properties. You can rest safe in the knowledge that the accommodation we recommend for your stay has been chosen based on your interests, not ours.

African Bush Camps Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba.

Wilderness Linkwasha

The camp is an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors and Ndebele culture.

Tembo Plains Camp

Sapi Explorers Camp, perfectly located along the Zambezi River, is situated within the 118,000 hectare private Sapi Concession.

Zimbabwe Hotspots

From  Victoria Falls  on the western boarder with Zambia, to  Gonarezheu  in the south east, there is a lot to discover in Zimbabwe. The capital  Harare  will serve as your travel hub, before adventures to  Hwange National Park  or  Mana Pools National Park .

Victoria Falls

The crashing deluge of the mighty Zambezi as it spectacularly plunges over the Victoria Falls is one of Africas most awe-inspiring and iconic sights. We think that the Falls are best seen from the Zimbabwean side and when you are standing close to the worlds greatest mass of falling water and enjoying the sight of double rainbows, you won’t feel short-changed.

Known by its African name, Mosi-ay-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), the Falls are now linked by dozens of daily flights and holds a reputation for being the adrenaline centre of Africa with bungee jumping, white water rafting and helicopter flights that drop right into the gorge.

True Africa

Our team of Africa specialists, Felix and Matt have over 30 years of experience selling Africa holidays, so you can be assured you will be in the best hands when planning your trip. They will look after you start to finish using their expert knowledge to give you a holiday to remember.

Felix has over 17 years experience designing trips to Africa and has travelled to many far-flung regions in the continent; visiting at least twice a year since his career began.

Raised in South Africa, Matt has travelled around Southern and East Africa from childhood. He’s been on safari over 50 times all over the African continent and is extremely passionate about Africa’s wildlife and wild places.

Zimbabwe Journal

Family-friendly safari lodges for your tribe, 12 facts you probably didn’t know about victoria falls, the ultimate guide to victoria falls.

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Beautiful, Wild and Perfect!

Kristi and I first contacted ADS nearly ten years ago. The packet that we received in the mail lived on our bookshelf, through multiple moves and life changes, as a reminder of a dream. We watched the Hemingway experience video over and over and I must admit I had some doubts that the experience could...

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I’m a traveler. I take 2 big trips a year and 4 to 6 small trips. I happily suffer from Wanderlust and I’m not looking for a cure! With most of my travels, I always say I’m going to return but never do. There are just so many wonderful places to explore. In August 2022, …

Allison K. and Kristen H.

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Celebrating Our 40th Wedding Anniversary In Tanzania!

I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful our anniversary safari trip was. ADS and Tanzania exceeded our expectations in every way. We did not have one problem. Everyone was helpful and kind. Michael, our guide, was AMAZING! He knew all about Tanzania, every animal, their behavior, and where to...

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How often do you go half way across the world and have no travel stress?

There are few experiences in life that exceed all expectations no matter how much it’s talked up prior. My family’s ADS safari truly exceeded all expectations. From the camps to our guide, Roman, we couldn’t have asked for more. ADS was on top of every detail and even planned some special...

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An Awe-Inspiring Epic Adventure That We Will Never Forget!

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All I can say is what an amazing time we had touring Tanzania with African Dream Safaris. It was an incredible journey from the beginning planning stages working with Dawn. She helped with planning and scheduling with our changes and ultimately gave us an incredible anniversary trip. The Hemingway...

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Mary and Greg P.

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A Dream Come True For My Family!

Recently my family and I went to Tanzania for a safari. Over a year ago we researched options of tour companies, routes, costs, etc. We decided to have Africa Dream Safaris arrange our entire trip from the moment we arrived until the moment we flew out. Our decision was based on recommendations, reviews...

Kent A and Family

Long Beach, California

Safari Dates: July 20, 2023 to July 28, 2023

The World Back In Perspective…

Thank you for helping us to put our busy lives and the crises filled world in perspective. In just 7 days, you brought into focus the wonder of nature, the warmth and kindness found in mankind, and the tranquility of immersing oneself in a patient search for beauty in our midst. We cannot imagine this...

Tim and Linda G.

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Southern Africa aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)

• River Cruise
• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

• Introduction
• Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)
• Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)
• Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)
• Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)
• Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING TO SPURWING ISLAND (Zimbabwe)
• Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)
• Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
• Day 9 Victoria Falls

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by croisieurope river cruises.

When river cruising was a privilege for the wealthy, CroisiEurope developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices, and appealing to every traveler. This was possible thanks to our involvement in all the steps: from the simple idea to the construction of our ships, the assembly of our crews, and the full integration of sales and logistical (purchasing, cuisine and maintenance) teams. Your pleasure is our priority, and we aim to provide just that in the comfort of our boats and the quality of the service you receive when dining. We call on all our expertise to better serve you, including working in partnership with some of the most renowned French chefs, such as Paul Bocuse and Marc Haeberlin. Owner and operator of 43 ships, the CroisiEurope river cruise company is proud to be the greatest river ship owners in Europe. Although the Rhine and its tributaries and the Danube remain the major river cruise destinations in Europe, we knew how to develop creative itineraries that appeal to everyone. But we also knew it was important to expand our cruises to unique destinations. These include the Seine and the Rhône, of course, but also the Tisza in Hungary, the Guadalquivir in Spain, the Douro in Portugal, the Dordogne and the Garonne in Bordeaux. Don’t forget our more exotic destinations as well: the Mekong in Vietnam and the Irrawaddy in Myanmar. Our founder’s pioneering spirit has been passed down through the generations. After having developed the novel concept of a coastal cruise on the Adriatic Sea aboard a 200-passenger, top-comfort and high-tech ship (La Belle de l’Adriatique), CroisiEurope revamped the feel of cruising the French canals in Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, and Paris with a fleet of new, modern and comfortable hotel barges. With just 12 cabins, these barges bring you to the heart of each one of these regions to discover the hidden treasures awaiting you. As a French company, we are also proud to be launching a river cruise on the Loire. In a worldwide premier, our new revolutionary boat equipped with a paddle wheel will bring you into the interior of a mythical region like you have never experienced before. Alsatian, but French. French, but European. In 2014, we also launched the New MS Lafayette Class of intimate vessels with only 82 guests. CroisiEurope knew how to become global by providing cruises in some of the world’s most fabulous destinations. And it’s with this passion, friendliness, and professionalism that we welcome you aboard our fleet.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Tour Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 4.3

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• -9% Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 Monday 1 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 Sunday 7 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Monday 8 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 16 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 Friday 19 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Wednesday 17 Jul, 2024 Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 Sunday 28 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Tuesday 23 Jul, 2024 Wednesday 31 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Friday 26 Jul, 2024 Saturday 3 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h
• -9% Monday 29 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 6 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types Zimbabwean Dream €5,835 €5,335 Book Online Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currencies $ US Dollar P Pula Botswana $ Namibia Dollar Namibia R Rand South Africa

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 9th September 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 9th September 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with CroisiEurope River Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• The following cards are accepted for "CroisiEurope River Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• TourRadar can request CroisiEurope River Cruises to hold spaces for you for up to 48 hours without any credit card details.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of CroisiEurope River Cruises. Please familiarise yourself with the CroisiEurope River Cruises payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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• Save 15% with 6 & more Adults travelling together
• Less 20% with 5 or more Adults travelling together - Cat A
• Less 20% with 4 Adults travelling Together
• Less 30% with 5 & more Adults travelling Together
• Including 5 sightseeing tours in Bali
• Less 20% with 6 Adults traveling together
• Less 10% with 4 to 6 Adults traveling together
• Less 20% with 7 to 14 Adults traveling together
• Less 15% with 7 to 14 Adults traveling together
• Canadian Taxes Included
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• 3 Tours - 2 full-day & 1 half-day tours included
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Zimbabwean Dream

Cruise line CroisiEurope

• Kasane (Botswana)
• Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Current itinerary of Zimbabwean Dream

Zimbabwean Dream current cruise is 3 days, one-way from Kasane to Victoria Falls . Prices start from USD 5069 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 28 May, 2024 and ends on 31 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Zimbabwean Dream

•   Itineraries
•   Review

Zimbabwean Dream Itineraries

Zimbabwean dream review, review of zimbabwean dream.

CroisiEurope's Zimbabwean Dream cruise ship (2020-launched) is one of the newest houseboats on the South African river cruising market. The vessel is a houseboat-type riverboat operating on Chobe and Zambezi river cruises leaving roundtrip from Kasane Botswana . Its fleetmate is also a newbuild - the 2017-launched African Dream .

Another famous African houseboat cruise ship on Chobe River is Zambezi Queen (chartered by AMAwaterways ).

The premium houseboat Zimbabwean Dream has max passenger capacity 18 (plus 16 staff-crew), 3 decks (1 with cabins) and a total of 8 staterooms . Of all cabins, 6x are French Balcony (with floor-ceiling sliding windows opening to a railing) and 2x are Forward-Facing Suites with Balconies. All staterooms are equally-sized (17 m2 / 185 ft2), but the Balcony Suites are with step-out verandas (forward-facing, sized 3,5 m2 / 40 ft2). All cabins are located on Main Deck and feature wall-to-wall windows.

Shipboard facilities

The Zimbabwean Deam ship has a midship staircase that interconnects all decks. All indoor spaces are air-conditioned.

Main Deck (deck 1) is the riverboat's Boarding Deck (with a starboard-midship entrance area) and the fore-located Navigation Bridge (aka Wheelhouse). On Main Deck are also all passenger cabins.

Upper Deck (deck 2) is the riverboat's Lobby Deck housing the Reception Desk and Cruise Director's Office. On Upper Deck are also the Dining Room Restaurant (midship) with an Aft Terrace (outdoor seating / alfresco dining) and the fore-located Bar Lounge. Adjacent to the Restaurant is the Galley (kitchen with drink and food storage rooms)

The midship Sundeck (deck 3) is dubbed "Chobe Space". This is a spacious Terrace (Observation Deck) with shaded seating (large umbrellas and premium garden furniture).

In addition to guests from France, CroisiEurope's African cruises attract international travellers, so all of the ship's crew are bilingual. Onboard announcements and itinerary/tours information are in English. English-speaking local guides lead all shore excursions.

Chobe and Zambezi river cruise itinerary

The CroisiEurope company offers an 8-nights / 9-days African cruise tour itinerary program visiting Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa. All itineraries start with an overnight Johannesburg hotel stay (in South Africa), followed by a 3-night cruise on Chobe and Zambezi rivers and a 4-night land stay (in lodge accommodation owned by CroisiEurope). African shore excursions program (cruise fare inclusive) includes visits to Victoria Falls, wine estate tour and African jeep safari tour in Chobe National Park (Botswana), home to around 130,000 elephants (nearly 1/4 of Africa's total elephant population).

• CroisiEurope's Chobe River cruise itinerary is themed "Southern Africa: travel to the ends of the earth".
• Itinerary length is 9-days. The itinerary with an extended stay at Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) is 11-nights / 12-days.
• Prices vary between EUR 4000-5000 (pp / 9-day cruisetours) and EUR 6000-6600 (pp / 12-day cruisetours).
• Next is shown CroisiEurope Zimbabwean Dream's river cruise itinerary map.

Follows the list of the cruise itinerary ports of call and land tours:

• Day 1 JOHANNESBURG - meet and greet at the hotel around 12 noon, coach travel towards Soweto, follows lunch before the tour to Freedom Park, next is dinner and overnight 4-star hotel stay.
• Day 2: JOHANNESBURG - KASANE - CRUISING- flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, airport transfer to the cruise ship Zimbabwean Dream, follow welcome cocktail, lunch and cruising along Kasai Channel. Follow the company's private mooring on Chobe River, dinner and overnight on the houseboat.
• Day 3: CRUISING - jeep safari in Chobe National Park, follows onboard lunch and afternoon cruising to Zambezi River (Zambia-Namibia border). In the afternoon there is a small motorboat (water safari) tour for wildlife viewing. Follows onboard dinner and overnight on the houseboat.
• Day 4: CRUISING to Kabulabula. The Chobe National Park cruise experience features unique wildlife (zebras, Cape buffalos, antelopes, various birds). Follows onboard dinner and overnight on the houseboat.
• Day 5: CHOBE RIVER - SEDUDU ISLAND - LODGE - morning disembarkation is followed by water safari (motorboat tour) to watch game animals. Follows "floating restaurant" lunch in the middle of Chobe River (featuring local delicacies), then is the travel to the CroisiEurope's lodge. The travel route includes Sedudu Island and wildlife viewing (hippopotami, water buffalos, crocodiles). After the arrival at the lodge, guests check into their rooms. Follow dinner and overnight at the lodge.
• Day 6: IMPALILA ISLAND - morning departure from the lodge on a tour visiting a local school. Follow the return to the CroisiEurope's lodge for lunch and free time afternoon at the lodge (has a swimming pool). After dinner follows a local storyteller time with region's mysterious legends, and overnight at the lodge.
• Day 7: IMPALILA ISLAND - morning tour to an authentic African / Namibian village. Follow the return to the lodge, lunch, free time afternoon, dinner (served under the stars), overnight at the lodge.
• Day 8: VICTORIA FALLS - coach travel for Victoria Falls, follows lunch cruise, afternoon walking tour to the waterfalls in Zimbabwe. Next, are the "Boma" dinner (with traditional dancing and music performances) and the overnight 4-star hotel stay.
• Day 9: VICTORIA FALLS - Breakfast and hotel check-out. There is an optional helicopter tour to Victoria Falls (in the morning).
• Notes: The order and port/tour times can change depending on the weather. Wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park is not 100% guaranteed. The Victoria Falls helicopter tour also depends on weather conditions.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

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Zimbabwe’s illegal forex dealers use WhatsApp to find clients, evade police

Zimbabwe clamps down on black market trading it blames for devaluing its newly launched ZiG local currency.

Harare, Zimbabwe – The entrance to the main gate at the Budiriro shopping centre, a busy mall south of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, used to be a hive of activity where informal forex dealers had set up makeshift “offices” on the pavement.

Now the area is all but abandoned.

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‘triple spending’: zimbabweans bear cost of changing to new zig currency, will oil prices keep rising, and how will that affect inflation, zimbabwe introduces new gold-backed currency to tackle inflation.

The smartly dressed young boys and middle-aged men who would stealthily trade foreign currency with shoppers have not set foot there in weeks to avoid police raids.

In Zimbabwe, which has been beset by a decades-long economic crisis characterised by hyperinflation, a 54 percent unemployment rate and highly volatile local currencies, the more stable United States dollar is the preferred medium of exchange.

Everyone from state utilities to street vendors accepts payment in US dollars. Because of the popularity of the greenback, black market forex dealing is a thriving side hustle with thousands earning a living from the practice.

In April, in the government’s latest attempt to stabilise the economy, Zimbabwe’s central bank launched a new currency, Zimbabwe Gold, or ZiG .

Soon after, Zimbabwean police began cracking down on informal forex dealers and arresting them in their numbers. The authorities blame illegal currency dealing for distorting the exchange rate and devaluing the local currency, and want to ensure the ZiG is accepted and does not lose value rapidly like its predecessor.

To date, more than 70 street forex dealers have been arrested. But instead of curbing them, it has driven them underground and towards more creative means of doing business.

At a tuck shop about a kilometre from where he used to work at Budiriro shopping centre, forex dealer Darlington Murazva* has set up a makeshift office.

The stocky 30-year-old scrolled through the WhatsApp messaging app on his Samsung smartphone, and pressed play on a voice note that arrived in a group chat he’s in with other foreign currency dealers and vendors.

“The police are in Glen View right now. They didn’t find anyone,” the voice said.

Murazva, who has been a forex trader for 11 years and mostly operates informally, used to have a strategic spot at the entrance to the mall where he would sit on a plastic stool scouting for passing shoppers.

When the police raids started, he and the other traders fled. They are now positioned all over Harare – and give one another a heads-up about movements of the police.

“Now, the police can’t find us. We are always two steps ahead,” he said with a wry smile.

“We know where they are in real time through our fellow traders in the surrounding areas.”

Pockets of opportunity

The biggest sources of foreign currency in Zimbabwe are diaspora remittances and exports. Zimbabwe allows its citizens to open USD accounts where they can deposit or receive the greenback. They can also withdraw hard USD notes from banks. Companies can also source forex from the official auction market.

Away from official channels, though, people regularly buy and sell USD to informal forex dealers depending on their needs. Because street dealers offer better and more market-driven rates of exchange, Zimbabweans prefer to deal with them instead of banks or official currency exchanges.

Black market dealing is illegal, so the exact number of traders is not known. But it is thought there are a couple of thousand. The WhatsApp group Murazva belongs to has 247 members.

Though usually in competition with one another, the dealers have set aside their rivalries to join forces and help one another avert arrest.

Recent reports that went viral on social media saying 60 arrested dealers were sentenced to three years in jail have also created jitters in an already unnerved community.

Moving online has not only been a safety measure for dealers but also a new way for some to continue conducting business.

Steven Tambudze*, 40, who has been a forex dealer for almost half of his life, said WhatsApp has been a real boon in recent weeks.

“Although this has been a very difficult time for other dealers, business has been very good for me,” Tambudze told Al Jazeera at the Highglen cross-border bus terminus, where he waited for a client.

“Most of my deals come through WhatsApp now,” he said.

Some of his former clients who he lost track of because they started trading with other dealers in the city have also returned, he said, explaining that with the raids people prefer to deal with someone they know and trust, and now reach out to him directly by phone and messaging app.

Tambudze said he never meets random people and only deals with clients he personally knows.

Murazva also uses WhatsApp to continue working. However, he is cautious. He never mentions the word ZiG on an actual phone call and never talks about exchange rates or anything that may identify him as a dealer, out of fear the authorities may be listening in.

When he gets a call, he tells potential clients to chat with him over WhatsApp, which he said he trusts a bit more because of its end-to-end encryption.

“One must never give safety a day off,” he told Al Jazeera.

‘Keeping our heads above water’

On the streets, forex traders all have their own ways of approaching customers. At the mall, Murazva would sit on his plastic chair at the entrance until he spotted a potential customer. In a hushed tone, he would then approach the passerby with a whispered deal to change dollars into local currency or vice versa.

Over WhatsApp, clients now contact a dealer they know when they are looking for currency. The dealer then posts a message on the WhatsApp group letting the other traders know they would like to make a currency exchange.

Other interested traders get in touch via inbox with an offer and a rate is agreed.

From there, a payment in local currency is made electronically through a bank account and a physical meeting is arranged for the collection of the hard USD cash.

The dealers in the group are a community who know each other and therefore have a level of trust.

Other traders also use WhatsApp’s broadcast feature, which allows users to send a single message to multiple recipients simultaneously with one click.

The recipients of a broadcast cannot see each other, ensuring privacy. This comes in handy for forex dealers who are trying to lay low and still earn a bit of income.

“The broadcasts are also helping a lot and are far more convenient because one can reach a number of dealers,” Tambudze said.

Murazva is grateful to messaging apps for helping dealers eke out a living amid the turmoil.

“If it wasn’t for WhatsApp groups, we would have starved. We are keeping our heads above the water,” he said.

The veteran dealer feels the police onslaught is a passing phase.

He said this was because when the central bank introduced the bond notes, a currency that forms part of the Zimbabwe dollar, in 2016, the police launched a similar blitz.

“The police operation is not new. We are used to them. Whenever they introduce a currency, we get arrested,” Murazva said. “But they will stop soon.”

Stopgap measures

The new ZiG currency is already devaluing against the US dollar. To date, the currency has depreciated by as much as 25 percent on the black market and is trading at Zig20:USD1. Officially, the rate is about Zig13.5:USD1.

Harare-based economic analyst Rashwhit Mukundu said the fast devaluation speaks to a lack of confidence in the local currency.

However, authorities blame the decline of the ZiG and the collapse of its predecessor on the black market foreign currency dealers. They say dealers pay much more than what is offered at the official rate, driving the currency down as it depreciates against the US dollar.

Informal dealers reject the idea that they are to blame.

Meanwhile, economists and critics accuse the central bank of flooding the market with local currency which is then used to buy US dollars from street forex dealers. Local government contractors, who are usually paid in local currency – which amounts to billions in bank notes – then trade these notes for US dollars on the black market, causing an oversupply, which fuels inflation.

“The real challenge in this economy is lack of confidence in the local currency because people have lost their savings and capital to hyperinflation in the past,” said Gift Mugano, a visiting professor of economics at the University of Zimbabwe Business School.

He told Al Jazeera the arrest of forex dealers was a stopgap measure to deal with the currency crisis, but not a wise idea.

“The question is: how do we restore confidence? You don’t arrest people to foster confidence. The moment you force people, you lose the plot,” he said.

For Mugano, the clampdown is a sign that the authorities have simply “run out of ideas” on how to deal with the currency problem.

“The black market is still thriving. Government is refusing its own money to pay for passports, fuel and other services,” he said.

Mukundu, meanwhile, said the police clampdown was an exercise in futility.

“It’s a case of stitching up one’s behind to stop a diarrhoea. The Zimbabwean government and the central bank are not addressing the fundamental issue of lack of confidence in the Zimbabwean currency,” he told Al Jazeera.

For Mukundu, past experiences with inflation and ongoing economic crises make people want to hold on to US dollars and other stronger currencies over their own.

“The people of Zimbabwe now see value and wisdom in storing economic value in foreign currencies,” he said. “It’s a culture and economic system that has been built over the years that supports storing value in such currencies.”

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

• BAN vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction, Dream11 Playing XI, Today Match 5, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I series 2024

Karan Rawat

Dream11  fantasy XI tips and guide for 5th T20I of the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I series 2024 between BAN vs ZIM to be played in Dhaka.

The five-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe has come to an end, with the fifth and final game remaining to be played. The hosts have outplayed the visitors completely in the series so far and have won the first four games.

With a 4-0 lead, Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in the final T20I match. This game will take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, on May 12 (Sunday). Bangladesh will look to register a 5-0 whitewash and head into the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with confidence, while Zimbabwe have come close in the last two games but haven’t crossed the line.

BAN vs ZIM: Match Details

Match : Bangladesh (BAN) vs Zimbabwe (ZIM), 5th T20I, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I series 2024

Match Date : May 12, 2024 (Sunday)

Time : 09:30 A.M. IST / 10:00 AM LOCAL

Venue : Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

BAN vs ZIM: Head-to-Head: BAN (17) – ZIM (7)

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have faced each other 24 times in the shortest format so far. Bangladesh have a big lead with 17 wins, while Zimbabwe have won seven matches so far.

BAN vs ZIM: Weather Report

There is 30 percent chances of passing showers on Sunday morning in Dhaka. The temperature will be around 27°C with a wind speed of 8 km/h and a humidity level of 85 percent.

BAN vs ZIM: Pitch Report

The pitch in Dhaka is slow and bowler-friendly. It will help the slow bowlers mostly with turn and grip. The conditions in the first inning will be more challenging as it is a morning game, and there will be some swing early on as well.

BAN vs ZIM: Predicted XIs:

Bangladesh : Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

Zimbabwe : Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett , Sikandar Raza (c), Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Suggested  Dream11  Fantasy Team No. 1 BAN vs ZIM  Dream11 :

Wicket-keeper : Clive Madande

Batters : Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Brian Bennett

All-rounders : Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza, Rishad Hossain

Bowlers : Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

Captain First-Choice : Shakib Al Hasan ||  Captain Second-Choice : Rishad Hossain

Vice-Captain First-Choice:  Soumya Sarkar ||  Vice-captain Second-Choice : Sikandar Raza

Suggested  Dream11  Fantasy Team No. 2 BAN vs ZIM  Dream11 :

All-rounders : Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan, John Campbell, Rishad Hossain

Bowlers : Taskin Ahmed, Bleesing Muzarbani, Mustafizur Rahman

Captain First-Choice : Tanzid Hasan ||  Captain Second-Choice : Sikandar Raza

Vice-Captain First-Choice:  Mustafizur Rahman ||  Vice-captain Second-Choice : Towhid Hridoy

BAN vs ZIM:  Dream11  Prediction – Who Will Win?

Bangladesh have not let Zimbabwe get away with any kind of momentum in the series. That is why we back Bangladesh to win the final game as well.

For more updates, follow  Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table ,  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  Youtube ; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App  and join our community on Whatsapp &  Telegram .

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Three surfers on a dream trip to Mexico were brutally killed. Here’s what we know

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A trio of tourists on a surfing trip in Mexico were living an idyllic life. They were posting photos of themselves on the beach, on rooftops, drinking beer, listening to music as they explored the country’s scenic coastline.

Then, they disappeared.

Here’s what we know about what happened:

Who were they?

The men who were killed were Australian brothers Callum Robinson, 33, his brother Jake, 30 , and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30.

Callum was a high-level lacrosse player. He played Division III college lacrosse at Stevenson University in Maryland.

World & Nation

Bodies found in Baja California during search for missing tourists, Mexican officials say

Mexican officials say three bodies are found in the Baja California area where two Australian brothers and their American friend went missing while on a surf trip.

May 4, 2024

“He lived an extraordinary life, but what is most impressive about Callum is what a loyal friend he was. Once you were his friend, you were friends for life,” said Stevenson University lacrosse team coach Paul Cantabene.

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” wrote Callum Robinson’s girlfriend, Emily Horwath, in an Instagram post.

His brother Jake was a doctor, and Jack Carter Rhoad founded an online apparel company in San Diego called Loma Apparel. He also worked for a consulting company called ITCO Solutions.

Rhoad had recently proposed to his girlfriend, and his final Facebook post, from July 2023, showed pictures of the proposal.

What were they doing in Mexico?

The three men were on a surfing trip in Baja California and were expected to check into an Airbnb in Rosarito on April 27 but never showed up, according to Debra Robinson, Callum and Jake’s mother.

The three arrived in Mexico on April 26 for their idyllic beachside trip. Callum Robinson posted photos of the trio drinking beer on a rooftop, as well as pictures of the men at the beach and in a rooftop Jacuzzi.

3 bodies in Mexican well identified as Australian and American surfers killed for tires

Mexican authorities say three suspects killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip in Baja California to steal tires from their truck.

May 5, 2024

Their disappearance triggered a manhunt and investigation by local Mexican police, the FBI and the Mexican marines.

What happened?

Mexican authorities have determined that the three men were killed by thieves who were looking to steal their white pickup truck in order to sell its tires.

The Chevrolet truck was posted in the first picture Callum Robinson shared when the men arrived in Baja California on April 26. It had a California license plate.

The bodies of the victims were found about 4 miles from where they were killed, just south of the city of Ensenada. A tent the men were staying in, as well as their burned-out truck, was found nearby.

María Elena Andrade Ramírez, chief state prosecutor of the state of Baja California, said investigators discovered their bodies 50 feet deep in a remote well.

Inside the well was a fourth cadaver as well, she said.

Three Mexicans are being held in connection with the case, the prosecutor said.

This gentrifying Mexico City neighborhood has a Soho House — and a migrant encampment

An encampment in the Juarez neighborhood of Mexico City shows how migration is impacting countries south of the U.S. border.

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What does it mean for tourists?

The killings have set off pitched discussions over safety as well as the prioritization of solving the homicides of other tourists killed in Mexico.

On the Talk Baja Facebook group, concerned surfers and potential visitors to the Northern Mexico state have discussed whether they should still visit the area.

The U.S. State Department said in its 2023 report that Americans should “reconsider” travel to Baja California due to kidnapping and crime. The “reconsider” category is the second-worst category, after the department’s “do not travel to” recommendation.

More to Read

Testimony details alleged motives in Mexico surfer slayings: ‘Money, devices and the pickup’

May 9, 2024

Three friends drove from California to Mexico for a surfing trip. Then they disappeared

May 3, 2024

U.S. couple likely thrown overboard by boat hijackers are dead, Grenada police say

Feb. 27, 2024

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Noah Goldberg covers breaking news for the Los Angeles Times. He worked previously in New York City as the Brooklyn courts reporter for the New York Daily News, covering major criminal trials as well as working on enterprise stories. Before that, he was the criminal justice reporter for the Brooklyn Eagle.

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Field notes

Choosing a Dream Honeymoon Over a Lavish Wedding

With the cost of weddings on the rise, some couples are skipping big celebrations and prioritizing travel instead.

By Brianna Holt

In October 2023, Oscar Avilez Marquina and Luis Lopez, newlyweds from New York, flew to Europe to spend two weeks on a city-hopping tour between Nice, France; Paris; and Amsterdam. JetBlue had just launched direct flights to Paris from Kennedy International Airport, and the deal was too good for the couple to pass on.

“Going to Paris has always been a dream for me and for Luis as well,” said Mr. Avilez Marquina, 30, who is currently unemployed. “I’m so happy that the first time we got to visit, it was together because that’s going to become a core memory that we’re going to look back on for years to come.”

The decision to have a trans-Atlantic honeymoon is one the couple prioritized after eloping on Feb. 2, 2022, at the Durham Courthouse in Durham, N.C., with two friends as witnesses.

“We had talked about having a wedding and what that would look like,” Mr. Avilez Marquina said. “And after many discussions and sort of understanding the anxiety of having one, we decided to go to a courthouse and focus on what we really love to do, which is traveling and enjoying each other’s company.”

Ultimately, the cost of having a bigger wedding drove the couple away from the idea, with Mr. Lopez estimating a $60,000 budget for a larger party.

“That’s basically what my student loans cost,” said Mr. Lopez, 30, an accountant. “I had to ask myself, do I get married or do I pay my student loans? And is it worth spending that much money on something that’s only going to last a few hours?”

Instead, the couple combined their travel miles and spent a total of $2,000 on their honeymoon trip.

The average cost of a wedding in the United States last year was $35,000, according to the Knot . Also, the average student loan borrower in 2023 owed $37,338 in federal student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative . With persistent inflation , paying for a lavish wedding celebration has become financially unattainable for some couples. However, many others have found that splurging on a dream honeymoon is more affordable and less stressful to plan than an extravagant wedding.

While thinking about a wedding to her college sweetheart, Haley Black, a full-time content creator, decided she didn’t want one. Her childhood fantasy was not a huge wedding. Instead, she dreamed of traveling and seeing other cultures.

So, in November 2022, Ms. Black, her husband, Mon’Darius Black, and their eight-person wedding party traveled from Shelby, N.C., to the Greek island of Santorini for a nine-day trip that included a small wedding ceremony with group activities followed by a honeymoon full of excursions and sightseeing.

“We didn’t want to spend a tremendous amount of money on a wedding. We looked at it like it was more about us rather than other people,” Ms. Black, 25, said. “Some people do see that as selfish, and while we had concerns about that, what mattered most is how we wanted to celebrate ourselves.”

When the couple first started considering wedding venues, the cheapest option they could find was $25,000. Flowers alone were $10,000. The total cost of their marriage and honeymoon trip was a little under $9,000. “We both have student loans, and we weren’t willing to go into more debt over a wedding to appease other people,” Ms. Black said.

Erika Hernandez, a wedding and elopement planner and the founder of the Greatest Adventure Wedding in Seattle, said that combining an elopement with a honeymoon was becoming increasingly popular because of its affordability.

“A lot of times, the couple just wants to include something that they really love doing together, like something they built their relationship off, and a lot of times that is traveling and adventuring together,” she said.

Couples choose honeymoons over weddings for more than just the savings. Many of Ms. Hernandez’s clients prioritize travel because they want to avoid the stress of preparing for a big event, are too busy with work and children, or prefer not to be the center of attention. “People rather spend the money on an experience for themselves than dinner for a whole bunch of people,” she added.

After Muna Yowell’s in-laws threw her and her now-husband, Dr. Jose J. Vargas Alvarado, an engagement party, the couple realized that they didn’t want a wedding.

Ms. Yowell, a 27-year-old data analyst, said the engagement party was largely about socializing with guests. On Oct. 7, the couple, who live in Dallas, married at a local courthouse and spent the evening with loved ones at a friend’s apartment.

Ms. Yowell, who is Palestinian, and her husband, who is Guatemalan, said they both did not feel right about holding a big celebration when the majority of her family lives in Palestine.

They spent only $100 on their courthouse ceremony, leaving room in the budget for a much larger honeymoon.

A week later, the couple flew to Hawaii for a week. “We went all out because we knew we could,” said Ms. Yowell, adding that the $5,000 trip involved renting a private sailboat, snorkeling, a helicopter tour across Maui and indulging in a fancy dinner every night of their stay.

“I’ve always heard that when it’s your wedding, you barely even get to eat the food that you paid thousands of dollars for,” Ms. Yowell said. “I didn’t want that. We wanted to be able to soak up the moment and really enjoy it with each other.”

Skipping the big wedding and going on a more budget-friendly getaway may have its drawbacks. Family members may be disappointed that they will miss the special day. However, Ms. Black decided that the advantages of saving money outweighed a few ruffled feathers.

“I don’t want to diminish the importance of family when it comes to celebrating big moments because I do love our families,” Ms. Black said, “but them witnessing us getting married is not worth us going into debt over a wedding.” The Blacks used the money they saved to close on a home in 2022 in Shelby, N.C.

Weddings Trends and Ideas

Keeping Friendships Intact: The soon-to-be-married couple and their closest friends might experience stress and even tension leading up to their nuptials. Here’s how to avoid a friendship breakup .

‘Edible Haute Couture’: Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, a luxury cake designer based in Paris, creates opulent confections for high-profile clients , including European royalty and American socialites.

Reinventing a Mexican Tradition: Mariachi, a soundtrack for celebration in Mexico, offers a way for couples to honor their heritage  at their weddings.

Something Thrifted: Focused on recycled clothing , some brides are finding their wedding attire on vintage sites and at resale stores.

Brand Your Love Story: Some couples are going above and beyond to personalize their weddings, with bespoke party favors and custom experiences for guests .

Going to Great Lengths : Mega wedding cakes are momentous for reasons beyond their size — they are part of an emerging trend of extremely long cakes .

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What are eggs for in Animal Well and how to unlock fast travel

Eggs-plore more with fast travel

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You’ll start finding eggs pretty early in Animal Well , but it’ll take a while before you figure out what they’re for — namely, they’re like keys for a specific room in Animal Well ’s map, which allows you to access new areas.

Our Animal Well guide will explain how to use eggs and how they relate to fast travel.

How to use eggs in Animal Well

You’ll find your first egg almost immediately in Animal Well . When you wake up, head to the left. There’s a hidden passage in the wall there that will lead you to your first egg — the Clover Egg — in a chest.

It’ll drop into your inventory off to the side where you can’t interact with it. It’ll take a bit of exploring before you can understand how they’re used.

After you get past the first ghost enemy , you’ll find the map and then climb up to (what we’re calling) the egg room . This is where you’ll get the stamps for your map. We’re not going to walk you through finding the first handful of eggs, but they are marked on the map above — specifically, eight of them are. And that’s because…

How to use eggs in the egg room

When you enter the egg room, you’ll see a peacock standing over a set of shelves with all the eggs you’ve found arranged on them. More importantly, off to the left, you’ll see a set of four doors. The bottom one has eight dots on it, the second one up has 16, the third one has 32, and the topmost one has 64.

Those dots correspond to the number of eggs you’ve found. Once you’ve found that number of eggs, the door will open automatically. The first door — that opens when you find eight eggs — leads to a way to unlock fast travel (more on this below), but we don’t know what the others lead to.

How to unlock fast travel in Animal Well

Once you have eight eggs, head to the egg room and you’ll be able to go through the bottom-most door. A couple screens to the left, you’ll find a dreamy room with a few sleeping chinchillas.

Hop up the stairs on the left and use them to jump to the chest in the upper left. Inside, you’ll find the animal flute .

Play your new flute to wake up the chinchillas, and they’ll walk toward you (when you’re on the same vertical level as they are). Use your new chinchilla friends to climb up the stairs heading right. Alternately, you can just use the bubble wand if you have it.

In the next room, you’ll find an altar-thing. When you stand in front of it, the eyes on the crow head to the left with light up. Keep standing there, and play the animal flute. The bird’s beak (mouth?) will open.

Hop up to it and go inside.

You’ll come to a new room with several animal heads and another altar. Jump down to the altar and play your flute again. This will open any of the animal heads you’ve found so far, making this room a fast travel hub of sorts.

The next level of puzzles.

Take a break from your day by playing a puzzle or two! We’ve got SpellTower, Typeshift, crosswords, and more.

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