Northern Sudan boasts more pyramids than Egypt

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As the doorway of the pyramid creaks open, I am instantly enveloped by the powerful ancient world that used to thrive in northern Sudan. Deserts keep their secrets well hidden, and the pyramids at Meroë are no exception. The inside walls of the tomb are meticulously inscribed with Meroitic script, a derivative of Egyptian hieroglyphics telling tales of kings and queens from long ago. The pyramids have long been stripped of any riches by opportunistic tomb robbers, yet it is impossible to shake the feeling that there is still more to be discovered if one has the time.

Sudan is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination. Alth

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Carl Hoffman on finding “authentic” travel experiences

Authenticity was a buzzword in travel, but what exactly did it mean? At its purest form you could make the argument that the only really authentic places were ones that had never seen contact with the outside world at all. There were still a few of those left in the Amazon, perhaps in Indonesian New Guinea. But they were hardly representative; they were freakish vestiges of a changed world, and authenticity was simply everywhere; it was all authentic in one way or another. But if you were on a train with a lot of backpackers, it got too easy not to meet locals, not to get lonely, not to feel scared, and I wanted all of those things.

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Residence Inn Tampa Downtown

Business and pleasure make great teammates at Residence Inn Tampa Downtown, a strategically located hotel in Tampa’s spectacular downtown area, buzzing with activity throughout the day. With 109 climate controlled rooms, great service and best of facilities, Residence Inn offers guest a perfect retreat.

Guests at Residence Inn Tampa Downtown enjoy the hotel’s proximity to Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Museum of Art. Other area attractions include Florida Aquarium and Port of Tampa. Add

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Raphael hotel in KC named one of world’s best by Travel+Leisure

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The lobby of the Raphael hotel in Kansas City. 

 The Raphael, a historic Kansas City hotel, has been named one of the world’s best hotels by Travel+Leisure magazine.

The magazine’s January issue features the 500 best hotels in the world. The Raphael is the only Missouri hotel and one of only 10 Midwest hotels, including seven from Illinois and two from Michigan, to make the list. The Raphael, with rates from $179, is rated the best value among Midwest hotels. Find the complete list here.

 To celebrate its recognition by Travel+Leisure, the lhotel is introducing a new T+L 500 World’s Best Hotel package. Th

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Cancun’s colorful carnival reminiscent of Mardi Gras

Visitors to Cancun often don’t make it beyond the hotel strip the snow white sand, turquoise blue waters and mild year-round temperatures probably have something to do with it but downtown Cancun should not be missed for its dose of local culture and inexpensive yet authentic cuisine. Come February, there’s one more reason to leave your Cancun hotel and head to the town center and explore: the town’s spirited, colorful carnival.

February marks Cancun’s version of the festival, a colorful parade of stilt walkers, scantily clad women, musicians and dance troupes with scores of performers. Think M

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