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New Direct Trains From Switzerland Will Connect To These 2 Stunning Cities In Italy

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Following Paris to Brussels for $10, Brussels to Venice overnight, in time for this year’s Carnival celebrations, and Amsterdam to Berlin for less than the price of a pint of beer and a schnitzel, Europe’s Train Renaissance saga continues with one of the most exciting launches just yet:

In the future, travelers will be able to journey from Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a popular destination for Americans in particular, all the way south to two of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities––and vice-versa.

New Trains To Launch From Zurich To Two Cities In Tuscany!

Train Traveling Through Switzerland

As Swiss Info reveals, Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, the two national railway companies for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, will team up to bridge the existing gap between the Alps and the sun-drenched Tuscany.

More specifically, you’ll be able to travel from Zurich to the cities of Florence and Livorno by avoiding the chaotic airports altogether––and reducing your carbon footprint if that’s something you’re passionate about.

As of right now, train options between the Swiss metropolis and central-western Italy are scarce.

Unless you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, which in that case could run you up $414 on a one-way ticket alone on Swiss, you’re looking at either long layovers in Rome to cut costs, with ITA Airways (starting from $87), or multiple changes traveling land-side.

Aerial View Of Altstadt In Zurich, Switzerland

How Hard Is It To Travel By Train From Zurich To Florence Right Now?

The easiest way to go from Zurich to the heart of Tuscany involves at least 3 changes: Zurich to Bern, Bern to Brig, Brig to Milan, Milan to Florence, and if traveling onward to Livorno, Florence to Livorno.

That’s over 12 hours of travel with multiple transportation providers, and when combined, the overall price of tickets averages $120.

Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia have not yet decided on an official launch date for the much-anticipated Switzerland-Tuscany service, but we know the launch is already set to take place in 2026, so we’ll still need to wait a little longer until then.

A Woman Boarding A Train In Europe

Either way, that’s great news already for train enthusiasts, who are eager to swap the cumbersome baggage rules between different airlines and strict airport regulations for stress-free boarding, no extra charge for heavy luggage, and scenic views along the way.

How About Flying From Switzerland To Tuscany?

If you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, the flight itself may take only over an hour from takeoff to landing, but let’s not forget to factor in the two hours required at the airport for check-in and finding your gate, and commuting from the airport to city center when arriving at your destination.

Realistically, you’re looking at a total of 5 to 6 hours of traveling and travel-related activities.

flying and traveling, view from airplane window on the wing on sunset time

Meanwhile, the total uninterrupted driving distance between Zurich and Florence is 369 miles, translatable to around 6h30 on the road––considering a train can cover that distance at a higher speed, it’s not hard to see how going the railway way might be more appealing.

On top of the Zurich-Tuscany route, the Swiss Federal Railways have announced trains from the Swiss metropolis to Milan and Venice are also coming, and even a Rome route is on the cards.

Why Should These 3 Cities Be On Your Europe Itinerary?

Zurich
view of the city skyline in zurich switzerland with fraumunster church

More than a global hotspot for finance, Zurich is a cultural center backed by the majestic Swiss Alps, and lying at the north end of a turquoise Lake Zurich, a seriously underrated summer destination if crowding at the Mediterranean gets a bit much this year.

It is best known for its Altstadt (Old Town), where pedestrian-friendly lanes travel uphill, lined with storied edifices and raclette restaurants, as well as for its waterfront promenades, most notably the Limmatquai, following the course of a swan-navigated Limmat River.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Zurich while getting your daily exercise in, taking an e-bike tour along its picture-perfect alleys and squares bordered by laid-back cafes and Lake Zurich itself is a must, from only $21.58.

Florence
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

The Renaissance capital of Europe, Florence straddles a fast-flowing Arno River, with its striking-red Brunelleschi Dome, the pinnacle of the marble-clad cathedral, rising high above an ocher-colored maze of medieval alleys.

The cathedral itself, or Duomo, its adjacent Baptistery and the sole-standing belfry, are easily three of Florence’s best-known landmarks, though other gems like Ponte Vecchio, a stone bridge that’s retained its medieval shops, and the 13th century House of Dante drawing in millions of visitors.

If you love art, Florence is definitely the place to be: its Galleria dell’Accademia hosts Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David’, and if you have some spare time to pay the Uffizi Gallery a visit, you will bear witness to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’.

Livorno
Nuovo Venezia Canal In Livorno, Tuscany Coast Of Italy

A little-known fact for most is that Tuscany is not an inland region of Italy: while its cypress-tree-strewn, winding roads and idyllic countryside are gorgeous, the Tuscan Coast may even rival Cinque Terre, Amalfi, and the like in beauty, and Livorno is living proof of it:

A stunning port city protected by harbor side forts and filled with stately piazze and Renaissance-era monuments; we’d argue this is one of Italy’s unsung cultural gems: and the best part? Very few foreign tourists around, unlike Florence!

Three of our must-sees include Venezia Nuovo, evocative of Venice with its pastel-colored houses and footbridge-spanned canals, the checkerboard-paved Terrazza Mascagni, a promenade offering views of the Mediterranean, and the imposing Fortezza Vechia, built in the 16th century.

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Thailand’s Secret Island: This Turquoise Paradise Boasts Crowd-Free Beaches And Lavish Resorts

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Add Thailand to the list for overtourism. Europe may hog the spotlight with their global gripes demanding to have their beloved hometowns back, but Thailand is no stranger to busy streets and jam-packed beaches either.

Bangkok is and always will be a bustling city, but what may be surprising is the fact Phuket was recently crowned the most overcrowded tourist destination in the world.

Aerial view of Koh Kood's turquoise waters and lush canopy

The good news is Thailand is home to well over 1,000 islands, but there’s one in particular ready to embrace more tourists – and you’ve probably never heard of it.

While Koh Samui has also been thrown into the mix of no-go destinations, Koh Kood is the perfect alternative for crowd-free beaches and lavish resorts.

Plus, CNN and Thrillist just featured this turquoise paradise as one of Thailand’s most breathtaking beaches to avoid the crowds.

Reaching Koh Kood

You might be thinking to yourself, “where in the world is Koh Kood?”. Don’t worry; it’s not a treacherous journey.

Wooden pier above Koh Kood's crystalline waters

While it’s certainly not as easily connected as Phuket or Koh Samui, if it was, it could easily have the same overtourism problems as Thailand’s most popular islands.

But, with no airport and few ferry lines, Koh Kood has proudly held on to its ‘hidden gem’ status, a feat not easily done in this day and age of TikTokers and Instagrammers seemingly turning over every stone.

Like most adventures in Thailand, they start in Bangkok. From here, you’ll need to make your way to Trat, ideally by bus or by a quick flight (only served by Bangkok Airways).

Of course, you could also make a pit stop in Pattaya, Thailand’s revamped beach city, also embracing more tourists.

Travelers boarding Boonsiri catamaran

Any way you slice it, the stopping point is Trat, where you’ll hop aboard a couple of ferry or speedboat options or Boonsiri’s high-speed catamaran.

All are a straight shot to Koh Kood’s virtually untouched shores, so pristine it won’t seem real.

But first, Thai is a tough language. Koh Kood is also known as Koh Kut, so be mindful when choosing your transportation.

Koh Kood’s Stunning Nature: Visit One Of Thailand’s Prettiest Beaches

Thrillist just unveiled the ‘Best beaches in Thailand’, including one drop-dead gorgeous beach illuminating Koh Kood’s gleaming coasts.

Flowing waterfall in Koh Kood, Thailand

Standing in good company between Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi, among other lesser-known islands, sits Koh Kood’s Tha Pho Beach.

Here, you’ll find a real-life dream for pure serenity and some of the most photo-worthy shores in all of Thailand.

Thrillist highlights the beach’s soft ‘white sand’, ‘tranquil turquoise waters’, and a ‘thriving underwater ecosystem’ boasting an array of wildlife from barracudas to sea turtles, so prepare to go snorkeling!

While you’ll surely want to stick around Tra Pho a while soaking up every second you can, Koh Kood offers a multitude of jaw-dropping beaches to enjoy – many lined with swings and hammocks.

Tourist swinging on isolated beach in Koh Kood

Don’t sleep on the island’s lush jungles either, home to numerous flowing waterfalls crashing down into serene swimming holes.

If you time it right, you can have a private oasis in the middle of the jungle since tourists aren’t exactly flocking to Koh Kood like, say, Phuket.

Another hidden gem is what’s known as the Makka Tree. This 500-year-old tree is one of the most popular landmarks on the island for photo ops.

Who Needs Phuket When You Have Koh Kood’s Lavish Resorts?

Resort lounge chairs overlooking bay of Koh Kood

Phuket may top many-a bucket lists around the globe, but there are plenty of postcard-perfect beaches to splurge on ritzy resorts across Thailand.

Koh Kood may be off the radar for most, but the plus side is there are already many resorts to choose from to cap off an epic vacation.

You may need to scrounge your sofa for leftover change to scrape up enough dough to book a room at Koh Kood’s nicest resort, 5-star Soneva Kiri, running upwards of $1,500 per night.

However, there are many other grand stays along some of Thailand’s most scenic shores, like the easy-to-remember Koh Kood Resort or Tinkerbell Resort.

Beachside dinner at Koh Kood resort

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 resorts in Koh Kood right now: (based on travelers’ ratings)

  1. High Season Pool Villa & Spa
  2. Shantaa Koh Kood
  3. Soneva Kiri
  4. Koh Kood Beach Resort
  5. Tolani Resort Koh Kood

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Experience Cultural Delights & Affordable Luxury In The Southwest’s Most Underrated City

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If you’re over mainstream news (and who wouldn’t be by now?), then there’s one remarkable city that always seems to slip through the cracks as more than just a pass-through city.

Chances are, if you’ve ever taken a road trip on I-10, then you’ve passed through one of the Southwest’s top hidden gems, yet nearly 700,000 people call it home.

Socorro Mission in El Paso

Largely ignored even by its own state, with locals commonly mislabelling it as “Mexico” and misinformed characterizations since it’s lined by “the wall”, fellow Texans and general travelers have long been missing out on the cultural delights and affordable luxury of El Paso.

Yes, El Paso – the one often portrayed as a run-down desert town and unsafe hub for illegal migrant crossings.

As a former resident, I can attest that, yes, there are occasional border issues, but one small sub-section of a city shouldn’t represent the masses when there’s astounding nature, prideful, friendly locals, and an ever-changing downtown district beginning to buzz again.

The Forgotten City Of Texas

El Paso skyline at twilight

Despite breaking tourism records in 2023, El Paso still flies well under the radar except when talking heads spew negative depictions of what’s actually an awesome city to visit.

Even if you haven’t brushed up on Rosetta Stone lessons lately, you can probably surmise El Paso translates to “The Pass” in English, and that’s largely how El Paso has been visited – just a stayover on to somewhere else.

But El Paso deserves to be your next weekend getaway, at the very least. If you enjoy phenomenal Mexican food ranging from classic hole-in-the-walls and cart vendors to high-end Michelin-worthy eateries, El Paso has you covered, and it exudes authenticity, unlike that other record-breaking Mexican-influenced city.

Rolled tacos at Elemi in El Paso

No offense, San Antonio, but El Paso’s food is unmatched, and one hike in the Franklin Mountains puts your “river” to shame.

Despite many Texans pretending the Lone Star State’s southwest tip doesn’t exist, popular Texas publication Texas Monthly had the huevos to recognize two El Paso restaurants with the best tacos in the state:

Of course, indulging in local cuisine is great way to experience any destination, this is only a tidbit of El Paso’s cultural delights.

Not Just Margs & Tacos: Discover Historic Neighborhoods & Important Landmarks

San Elizario Presidio Chapel

You’ll find every legitimate Mexican dish under the sun in El Paso, with a special emphasis on Southwestern and Chihuahua influence, given the close proximity to Ciudad Juarez.

Texan and Mexican history blend timelines, and there’s no better place to experience the best of both worlds than a plate served in El Paso, but to witness the history itself is another story, and you can do that too.

One overlooked gem, even for locals, is in the next town over, Socorro. Here, you’ll find the El Paso Mission Trail home to an immaculately preserved glimpse of the past, with stunning historic Missions playing a significant role in a former trade route spanning from Mexico City to Santa Fe.

Sunset Heights mural in El Paso

Make sure to check out all 3 missions, each with their own unique relevance:

  • Ysleta Mission
  • Socorro Mission
  • San Elizario Presidio

In El Paso proper, the beauty of exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods is you never know what you’ll find.

Check out Sunset Heights, Manhattan Heights and my old stomping grounds, Segundo Barrio, for rows of streets oozing timeless charm and hidden gems like my favorite restaurant you’d otherwise never know about, Jalisco Cafe (only open on weekends).

Free Public Transit & Affordable Luxury

El Paso trolley passing street mural showcasing local heritage

Downtown has continued to undergo a mass transformation since the pandemic’s ghost town vibes.

As WinterFest recently transformed downtown into a desert’s version of a winter wonderland, there are also many new bars, restaurants, cafes, and the city’s first-ever capsule hotel, breathing new life into formerly barren streets.

Getting around in El Paso’s splendid winter weather is easy, but if you plan to visit in the scorching summer, you may want to take advantage of the city’s free Streetcar connecting downtown to the high West Side.

Downtown is likely where you’ll want to make your base no matter the season. With a plethora of upscale hotels and rooftops with sweeping views, you’ll be shocked by how nice El Paso really can be – a far cry from its reputation as a bland desert town.

Plaza Theater and Plaza Hotel in El Paso

My favorite is The Plaza Pioneer Hotel (commonly referred to as “The Plaza”), recently awarded a Michelin Key and can be booked in the low $100s.

These 5 hotels offer affordable luxury in downtown El Paso: (under $150 per night)

  • Hotel Paso Del Norte (check out the European-esque Dome Bar)
  • The Plaza Pioneer Hotel
  • DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown
  • Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown
  • Aloft El Paso Downtown
Dome Bar at El Paso's Paso Del Norte Hotel

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Delta Launches 2 New Nonstop Flights To Popular Caribbean Hotspots

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2025 is already shaping up to be an incredible year in travel with new flight routes and abundant affordable travel options.  

And if Detroit Metro Airport is a convenient airport for you then we have even more good news. Delta has singled out this U.S. airport as the departure point for 2 new nonstop flights to popular Caribbean destinations.  

Beautiful beach in Nassau

So where can you go? And that all important question, how much will it cost? 

Here’s what you need to know:  

New Flights To Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Delta is launching new Saturday flights from Detroit Metro Airport to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. These flights will launch on May 10 and are currently scheduled to operate until August 2.  

We love the convenience of Saturday flights and the joy of spending a full week in the sun.  

Plane flying into Punta Cana airport

So how much do these flights cost? I looked at flight prices for soon after the flights’ launch in mid-May. Flying out on May 17 and returning on May 24 would cost $724 for a round-trip flight.  

This route has an outbound flight time of 4 hours 19 minutes and an inbound flight time of 4 hours 50 minutes.  

This price is based on a basic economy class ticket, which means you can’t select your seats and that the flight is non-changeable.

Aerial view of a beach in Punta Cana

New Flights To Nassau, Bahamas  

Delta isn’t content with just one new Caribbean flight route. They’re also launching new flights from Delta Metro Airport to Nassau in the Bahamas (landing at Lynden Pindling International Airport).  

If you want to escape to paradise this winter, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Delta has just relaunched a weekly nonstop route between the two destinations. These flights are available now and are scheduled to run until April 12.  

Nassau International Airport, Bahamas

This is the only nonstop flight route between these two cities, making the Bahamas more accessible than ever for those living in or around the metro Detroit area.  

So how much would these flights set you back? I looked at flights flying out on February 8 and returning on February 15. These would cost $768 for a roundtrip flight.  

This route has an outbound flight time of 3 hours 29 minutes and an inbound flight time of 3 hours 34 minutes.  

aerial view of Nassau

Just like the sample route above, this price is based on a basic economy class ticket which means you can’t select your seats and that the flight is non-changeable. To upgrade to a main cabin ticket would cost $848 (or an additional $80 per person).  

Benefits of a main cabin ticket include the ability to select and change your seat and cancel your ticket for full credit if needed.  

Exploring A Caribbean Island Paradise  

The flight prices to visit both Punta Cana and Nassau from Detroit are relatively similar, but which island paradise is right for you?  

Couple Sitting On A Swing On A Beach In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Both offer incredible beaches. In Punta Cana, you’ll find powdery white sand beaches that stretch for miles. Juanillo Beach and Arena Gorda Beach are considered two of the best in the resort.  

Nassau also boasts stunning white sand beaches that look like the front of a postcard! Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach are considered the best in this resort.  

Both Nassau and Punta Cana are also great spots for scuba diving, but strong currents in Punta Cana mean the diving here can sometimes be unreliable. Meanwhile, Nassau is known for its shark encounters.  

Nurse-sharks-in-Compass-Cay-Exumas-Bahamas

Locations such as Shark Wall, Shark Arena, and Shark Runway (the clues in the name!) are the best spots for diving with sharks in Nassau. Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas offers Nassau’s best shark diving experiences. These cost $242 per person.  

If you have one eye on your budget, then it’s worth noting that Punta Cana tends to be more affordable than Nassau. Like-for-like hotels are cheaper in Punta Cana, and everyday expenses such as restaurants and experiences are cheaper than in Nassau too.  

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost (per person) in Punta Cana is $174, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $228. But of course, these costs can vary wildly depending on the standard of accommodation you choose, as well as what you plan to see and do on your trip.  

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6 Reasons Why This Beach Destination Is The Most Popular In The Caribbean This Winter

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They did it! For the first time in recorded history, the sun-drenched paradise that is the Dominican Republic has recorded its 11th million annual visitor in 2024, over a million more than in 2023.

Needless to say, the surge in arrivals has been led by a wide margin by Punta Cana, the leading resort town on the easternmost tip of the island and every American’s go-to destination in winter––that is, if they’re not going to Cancun.

If you’re wondering how Punta Cana keeps building on its popularity year after year, to the point it’s arguably the number one destination in the Caribbean this winter, here are 6 reasons why:

Couple Sitting On A Swing On A Beach In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Cheap Flights From America

The excellent flight connectivity plays a huge part in Punta Cana’s popularity with Americans: no matter where you live Stateside, you’re likely to be a short 1-2 hour drive away from an airport that offers flights to the resort hotspot.

If that does not apply, your regional airport is surely connected to one of the 20 larger hubs hosting Punta Cana flights.

These include major airports like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL), and Miami (MIA), with airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier, among many more, selling tickets from only $85, as seen on Kayak.

Aerial View Of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Picture-Perfect Beaches

Then there’s the fact Punta Cana is home to some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the Caribbean.

Lying adjacent to Playa Bavaro, in the eastern Dominican Republic, it forms the wider Costa del Coco, or Coconut Coast, a stretch of coastline strewn with palm-tree-dotted white sands and bordered by gin-colored seas.

The area is literally packed with swimming sites catering to a diverse audience:

The peaceful Playa Blanca has laid-back restaurants, plenty of room to lie in the sun, and serene waters; are you a surfer and water sports enthusiast? Macao Beach is the place to be, with its tube-shaped waves and youthful atmosphere.

Woman on a beach in Punta Cana

Now, if you love Cancun’s Hotel Zone for the buzzing shopping scene and nightlife, and you’d like to check out Punta Cana’s version of it this way, Carretera Cabeza de Toro runs parallel to a well-frequented beach, and it’s lined with shops and seafood restaurants.

Pick Your All-Inclusive!

It isn’t a Caribbean vacation if there isn’t some pampering involved.

Similarly to other leisure destinations in the turquoise sea, Punta Cana boasts a high concentration of luxury resorts with a wide range of prices, whether you’re simply looking for somewhere comfortable enough to sleep and within walking distance of the beach or an all-inclusive.

Aerial View Of A Resort In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Image Courtesy Of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa

For the former, Aventura Villas Los Carales is a great alternative to the pricier resorts, with overnight rates of $154 for a Deluxe Suite with ocean views, an outdoor pool for all guests, and 9 restaurants in the premises of the accommodation.

If all-inclusive’s your way to travel, the award-winning Royalton CHIC Punta Cana is a solid pick, with a private beach, 7 restaurants on-site, a lagoon-style pool, and spa facilities––not to mention all of the endless food and sumptuous breakfast buffet for $390-a-night.

Other 5 incredible hotels in Punta Cana include:

Smiling Woman In A Resort Pool

Dominican Culture

Besides living it up in luxurious resorts, immersing themselves in Dominican culture is just as appealing to tourists.

While Punta Cana is not necessarily great for sightseeing, serving primarily as a beach destination, there’s nothing stopping you from using it as a base to explore other parts of Hispaniola island:

The overlooked capital, Santo Domingo, is a colonial-era gem and the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas, distinguished by a UNESCO-protected historic center, 16th-century fortifications, and ornate churches.

Tourist woman appreciating the beauty of the colonial city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

This day tour of Santo Domingo leaving from Punta Cana is the easiest and safest way to discover the historically-significant city, from $75.

Alternatively, you can visit a monkey sanctuary in the Dominican jungle, as well as plantation fields dating back to the period of colonial rule ($95), take a catamaran ferry to unspoiled Saona Island ($97), or enjoy a food sampling tour in Punta Cana itself (for only $8).

Great Food All Around

Dominican Food Platter Served In The Dominican Republic

Though not as widely popular in America as Mexican or Cuban, Dominican food is just as delicious as their Caribbean counterparts, and Punta Cana has its fair share of amazing restaurants, both in and outside resort premises.

Don’t leave without trying Bandera Dominican (Dominican Flag), the national dish, combining white rice, beans, and stewed chicken, beef or pork, sancocho, the meat-heavy Caribbean stew, and any of the lemon-sprayed, freshly-caught fish.

Venturing outside your hotel?

Some of the top-rated restaurants in town are La Tiendita, a 4.5-star-reviewed steakhouse, La Yola, a Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion serving delicious lobster risotto, and Jellyfish Beach Restaurant, famous for their fillet mignon.

View Of A Food Platter In The Dominican Republic

Punta Cana Resorts Are Safe For Tourists

Last but certainly not least, Punta Cana is a low-risk destination for Americans vacationing abroad: between the luxury resorts and their crime-free beaches and the well-surveilled downtown, violent crime affecting visitors in this part of the island is almost unheard-of.

That being said, you shouldn’t lower your guard if venturing out of your resort: make sure your valuables are kept in a hotel safe, and only take out your phone to take pictures if the surroundings feel safe enough.

Other parts of the Dominican Republic may be less safe than Punta Cana’s resort strip, such as Santo Domingo, where petty crime and even violent crime occur at higher rates.

For that reason, you’re advised to refer to the official U.S. travel advice.

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