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Marriott Bonvoy Offers Properties For Every Type Of Family Traveler — Here Are 3 To Try

Sometimes traveling with your family or young children in tow requires a different set of needs from your hotel. For example, if staying on budget is important, you may value free parking more than room service. And on the other hand, if you're looking to splurge on spa or babysitting services, you'll find yourself looking for accommodations with those amenities instead.

Thankfully, Marriott Bonvoy has a property to suit every family's needs, thanks to a portfolio that encompasses over 30 brands with more than 8,500 hotels and resorts across nearly 140 countries. From budget-friendly properties with in-room kitchens to high-end luxury resorts with every amenity imaginable, you're certain to find one to make your next family vacation a memorable one.

And of course, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points at these locations to save money — or earn points toward a future stay.

Here are three Marriott Bonvoy hotels to consider for your next family trip.

Budget-friendly: Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown MARRIOTT BONVOY

The Residence Inn brand of hotels offers complimentary breakfast, kitchens and spacious guest rooms. Families can save money or avoid hectic restaurant dining by cooking in their hotel room, and the larger floor plans provide much-needed space for multiple people to sprawl out.

And if you're planning a trip to our nation's capital, consider the Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown, an all-suite, pet-friendly property that features on-site laundry and a fitness center.

You're just a few blocks from the White House and close to other major attractions, such as the Smithsonian museums.

Related: The perfect 1-day field trip in Washington, DC, for travelers of all ages

Redeem free nights at the Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown starting at 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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Premium: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass DEAN STEVENSON/MARRIOTT BONVOY

Wild Horse Pass is a tourist destination near Phoenix and is a perfect gateway to many of the area's destinations and attractions — and that's where you'll find the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.

The property is a reflection of the local Indigenous community, with architecture, art and design inspired by the heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Kai, the resort's AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant (the only one in Arizona), features a locally inspired menu curated to create a memorable culinary experience for guests. You can also indulge in a treatment at Aji Spa, which blends contemporary luxury with the traditional healing practices of local tribes.

And thankfully, travelers have plenty of time to enjoy these amenities thanks to the array of family-friendly activities to keep kids entertained.

The Adventure Club offers daily, seasonal activities for all ages, like movie nights, crafts and nature walks.

Young travelers ages 6-12 can enjoy Quail Kids Day Camp, offering a five- or seven-hour custom day camp along with amenities like an indoor rock climbing wall. Parents can even request an evening camp if they want to enjoy a quiet dinner alone.

The property also hosts a daily "Land of the Mustangs" experience, allowing guests to enjoy a meet-and-greet photo-op with a wrangler and mustang while learning more about these magnificent creatures and life on a ranch.

Related: Road tripping from Phoenix? Here are 6 destinations to set your sights on

When it's time to escape the heat, families can head for the resort's pool area, featuring a waterslide inspired by the ancient Casa Grande ruins as well as a shallow children's pool, all with magnificent views of the picturesque desert. Aside from Kai, travelers can look forward to multiple other dining outlets or indulge in room service — which is perfect to enjoy on your balcony or patio (a feature in all guest rooms).

Redeem free nights at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass starting at 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, and enjoy complimentary self-parking (valet parking is available for an additional $22 per night).

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes MARRIOTT BONVOY

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a perfect blend of family-friendly offerings and luxury amenities. Occupying 500 acres of beautiful land (including 11 lakes), the hotel is centrally located to Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World and features a variety of accommodations — including luxury residences that can accommodate up to 10 guests. There's even a working farm on the grounds of the resort, including gardens, apiaries and a chicken coop.

And there are plenty of on-site activities to enjoy as well.

Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando

Your kids will love the on-property water park, featuring a lazy river, exhilarating waterslides and a splash cove ideal for the youngest travelers. Families can splurge for a luxury cabana rental along the tranquil lagoon pool, part of the $30 million renovation in 2021 that also overhauled the hotel's guest rooms and club lounge.

Experiences to be had at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes include Arrow's Edge Archery Experience, allowing guests of all experience levels to try their hand at the ancient sport. You can also view local wildlife on a sunrise safari, book a guided eco-tour of the headwaters of the Florida Everglades in a canoe or kayak, and experience the majesty of the falcon in the interactive falconry experience.

Other amenities include a spa, 24-hour room service, turndown service and an on-property, championship-level golf course designed by Greg Norman. There are over a dozen dining options to choose from, including the Michelin-starred steakhouse Knife & Spoon. Kids will especially enjoy Knife Burger, where they can dine on burgers and shakes.

And finally, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes also features the brand's signature Ritz Kids program. Options include a full or half-day program and Kids Night Out, and while you must reserve a spot for your children in advance, you may find it hard to tear them away at pickup time.

Redeem free nights at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes starting at 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Bottom line

With more than 30 brands in its portfolio, Marriott has a hotel for every traveler's needs, including family travelers.

If you're budget-conscious, consider a stay at a Residence Inn or TownePlace Suites, where you'll enjoy complimentary breakfast and additional space to spread out. When you're in need of more luxury, check out The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties, where you can enjoy fine dining, on-site spas and other high-end amenities. And lastly, if you're somewhere in between, try a Sheraton, Westin or Marriott property that has a little bit of everything for you and your family's needs.

Ready to plan your next family getaway? Click here to explore Marriott properties around the world.

A 'tough' Decision: When It's Time To Say Goodbye To A Family Pet

John Dow, shown with Lola and his daughter Sophie and wife Marley McDonald-Dow, says the Valley bulldog was part of the family. (Submitted by Marley McDonald-Dow)

Lola loved chasing bubbles in the backyard. But in the end, the Valley bulldog would only sit and watch them float by before bursting on their own.

Put a hard-boiled egg in her dish and she'd just sniff it and hobble away, showing no interest in eating even her favourite treat.

She was lethargic, losing a lot of weight.

Eleven months after she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, her owner knew he was facing the heartbreaking but inevitable decision to put his dog down.

"It was the right decision," said Charlottetown resident John Dow. "She could hardly walk, but even though she was not sharp, you know, she looked at you with her big brown eyes… and then again, you just look at her walking and she could barely put one paw in front of the other. So it was tough."

It's never easy to say goodbye to a cherished family pet, said Dr. Stewart Higginbotham, a vet at the Charlottetown Veterinary Clinic.

The decision is more clear-cut if the animal has suffered a serious sudden illness such as a twisted stomach or a bleed in the abdomen, and emergency care is not possible to stop the immediate suffering.

Dr. Stewart Higginbotham says euthanasia should be performed by a veterinarian to ensure the animal dies peacefully and without complication. (Shane Ross/CBC)

Higginbotham said the decision becomes more nuanced when the pet has a slower, chronic disease such as progressive organ failure or age-related mobility and cognitive issues. That's when vets have the discussion about the pet's quality of life.

Has it stopped eating on its own, even with medication? Is it constantly nauseated, throwing up or having diarrhea? Is it in pain that can't be managed effectively?

"We also want owners to focus on more subtle changes of, say, how their pet's acting at home," Higginbotham said.

If they're not wanting to play, if they're not finding joy in any of the things that they used to enjoy, it can be time to start thinking about a peaceful end for them.— Dr. Stewart Higginbotham

"They're becoming more reclusive. If they're not wanting to play, if they're not finding joy in any of the things that they used to enjoy, it can be time to start thinking about a peaceful end for them."

According to P.E.I.'s Animal Welfare Act, it is not illegal for pet owners to perform euthanasia on their animals themselves — providing they have training, experience or knowledge of the correct procedures and perform them in accordance with the humane standards outlined in the act.

Teddy, playing in the snow with his owner Pamela Large Moran, had a pacemaker put in about two years ago. (Submitted by Pamela Large Moran)

However, Higginbotham said euthanasia should be left to a veterinarian if possible, to make sure nothing goes wrong.

"The way that we perform euthanasia is using anesthetic medications, which relax the animals and then stop their heart and brain function in a non-painful, peaceful way compared to any procedures at home [that] would not be pleasant or good for the animal," he said.

"Most of us would be very happy to discuss things with you and help you come up with a plan for how you as a family or you as a person will decide when it's time — with no judgment, just helping you do what's best for your animal."

'Very, very peaceful'

Pamela Large Moran took her 13-year-old cocker spaniel Teddy to Higginbotham in November after the dog started to deteriorate quickly. Teddy had cheated death two years before when he had a pacemaker put in, but now he was dealing with a tumour on his spleen and kidney.

Large Moran had hoped he would at least make it through the Christmas season with the family. But soon he would eat nothing but ice cubes and chicken broth, and they were feeding him protein through a syringe.

I never imagined that I would want to be in the room, but it was actually very, very peaceful.— Pamela Large Moran

"When we started to see him going downhill, we just really made a point to be home, to be with him a lot," Large Moran said.

"I often got down on the floor with him on his big bed and just cuddled him. And you know, he sat on my husband's knee in the recliner chair watching TV… He knew we were there."

When it became clear Teddy wasn't going to get better, they took him to be euthanized. From a private room at the vet clinic, they called their sons on a video chat so that the whole family could say goodbye.

Teddy loved being on the water, even going for rides on a Sea-Doo. (Submitted by Pamela Large Moran)

Higginbotham and the other vets made them all feel at ease, Large Moran said. Then Teddy received his injection.

"I never imagined that I would want to be in the room, but it was actually very, very peaceful," she said. "We were talking to Teddy. He was sitting on my husband's knee just how we often, you know, did in his bed."

The last decision

There's one more decision for pet owners after euthanasia. They can take the animal's remains with them, or have them cremated. Large Moran chose to bury Teddy's body with his favourite toy near their cottage on P.E.I.'s North Shore, where he liked to fetch sticks thrown out into the water and ride on the Sea-Doo.

The family has decided they will get another dog some day, while cherishing their memories with Teddy.

Dow is still unsure, though. This is the first time his family has been without a pet in their home for about 19 years, and they're still getting used to life without Lola.

"She'd run to us when we came home. She'd always like to go for a walk. She loved playing with the summer bubbles," he said. "She was a family member."

Tropical Beaches? Good Drinks? Kids Clubs? These All-inclusive Mexican Resorts Have It All

From Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, great Mexico all-inclusive resorts are all about making your favorite family vacation ideas a reality. White sand beaches? Check. Delicious cuisine and tropical drinks? Check. Fun kids clubs, massive water parks, and luxurious spa services? Check, check, check. And to top it all off, Mexico's top all-inclusive resorts are almost uniformly easy to get to with direct flights from points all across the United States.

My picks for this year's best all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico put an emphasis on safe destinations, plentiful activities for everyone from toddlers to teens, and a variety of price points that should put a Mexico family vacation within reach of many different budgets. Here's where to go for your all-inclusive Mexico resort vacation with the kids.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 25 Great Family Vacation Spots in the USA

1. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

At the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Cancun's Hotel Zone, you can have your cake and eat it too with both adults-only and family-friendly resort experiences. Your big debate: Visit the expansive outdoor pools or the private beach? For families, the resort's Roxity Kids Club has daily activities for ages four to 12, and the Rockaway Bay water park is one of the country's best with nine slides for children and six high-speed slides for teens and grownups.

The family section is called "Hacienda," and the adults-only area of this Mexican all-inclusive resort is ambitiously named "Heaven." It includes the Hard Rock signature Rock Spa with 75 spa treatment rooms and a variety of spa services, four restaurants, and seven bars and lounges, including a premium service nightclub. Snorkeling and kayaking are other fun options for all ages at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

More about Hard Rock Hotels and Resorts:2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts

Like its sister resort in Punta Cana, Playa del Carmen's Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive beach resort designed with kids and families in mind. It's just 30 minutes from the Cancun international airport, so getting there is a breeze with younger kids, and the centerpiece attraction is a massive six-acre outdoor water park called AquaNick that's so big you'll want to plan on visiting multiple times during your resort stay.

MAKE MEMORIES: 28 best places to go with kids in 2024

The fun doesn't stop there at this all-inclusive Mexico resort, though. There's also interactive game shows (think "Slime Time Live" where your family can compete against other guests in front of a live audience), character breakfasts, and plenty of Nick-themed dining options. Adults will love the spa facilities and two swim-up bars, not to mention the fact that every room has a pristine ocean view and its own infinity pool. And while your family may never want to leave the resort, you can arrange day trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, and other popular attractions right from the hotel lobby.

More about Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts:3. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya

Thanks to its indoor-outdoor design and unspoiled surroundings, breathtaking sea views and refreshing breezes greet you from the moment you arrive at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya. A section of the resort designed for those with youngsters in tow affords a sense of exclusivity, with an oceanfront splash pool and mini-water park, swimming pool, giant outdoor jungle gym, and dream-worthy kids club all just steps away from family-friendly rooms (which have lots of connecting options to maximize space).

In the mood for a splurge? Whether you want to treat the family to a fancy dinner or have a romantic date at a Michelin Star-caliber restaurant or spa, you can enjoy the added convenience of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya's location right next to the five-star Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. From family fun to date nights (your children will be happy in the kids club or teen club inside the Family Zone), the all-inclusive Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya makes for memorable vacations far removed from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist areas.

More about Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya:4. Barceló Maya Grand Resort

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort

Actually six resorts in one, the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Grand Resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya comprises the all-suite AAA Four-Diamond Barceló Maya Palace, Barceló Maya Tropical, Barceló Maya Colonial, Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, and the all-suite adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera. Combined, there are 27 restaurants, 24 bars, 14 pools, three theaters, three water parks, a 33,000-square-foot spa (including a kid's spa with specialized spa treatments), and a bowling alley. When you need to catch your breath, relax by the water on the resort's mile-long white sand beach.

More about Barceló All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico and Beyond:5. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

You know a resort is family-friendly when there's a Baby Concierge package that comes with a travel crib, stroller, baby seat, baby bath, and just about anything else on your baby packing list for travel (think bottle warmers and a menu of baby foods). And at Grand Velas, there's also a kids club for children ages six to 12 and a place for teens ages 13 to 17 to meet up too. Babysitting services are also available.

With so many entertainment options for the kids, parents have plenty of opportunity to enjoy some guilt-free down time at the spa or on the beach. And this all-inclusive Mexico resort for families also has five restaurants (AAA four-diamond rated) and a 24-hour personal concierge (essentially a butler) who will make excursion recommendations for your family and take care of dinner reservations, notifying all restaurants of dietary needs and restrictions. No wonder many people consider the Grand Velas resort chain among the best all-inclusive beach resorts in the world!

More about Grand Velas All-Inclusive Resorts:6. Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa

Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa

The Family Selection at the five-star beachfront Mexico all-inclusive Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa is like a hotel inside of a hotel, catering to families with personalized services and premium accommodations, private check-in and check-out, a personal Family Host assistant throughout the stay, a welcome kit for children, and preferential restaurant reservations. You can make it ultra-luxurious with the Family Selection Ambassador Suite, which offers even more room, more luxuries, and more comfort.

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa has a kids clubs and programming for all ages, including a baby club and nursery for ages one to three; a two-level mini club for ages four to 12 equipped with a movie area, swings and a trampoline, organized activities, and supervised visits to the Splash pool; and a junior club for tweens and teens with everything from a gaming room to a recording studio. Tennis lovers will enjoy the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre on property.

More about Grand Palladium All-Inclusive Resorts:7. Club Med Cancun Yucatan

Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Club Med Cancun

What makes Club Med Cancun one of the best Mexico all-inclusive resorts for families? Well, it starts with the water sports options, including sailing, scuba diving, and water games. Then there are the three private beachfront spaces, more than any other resort in Cancun. Feeling adventurous? Activities here include everything from a flying trapeze to archery. And if your vacation dreams are more chill then you can opt for a private oceanfront massage spa service right on the beach.

Club Med's Amazing Family Program, including in the all-inclusive rate, offers weekly programming that emphasizes together time and creating shared memories between parents, kids, and even grandparents on multigenerational vacations. Depending on the week's activities, that could mean anything from life-sized board games and family story time to beginner yoga, treasure hunts, and pickleball.

When you or your kids need some time apart, Club Med kids clubs are just the ticket: Baby Club Med (four to 23 months), Petit Club Med (two to three years old), Mini Club Med (four to 10 years), Club Med Teens (11 to 17 years old) give kids a place to play and hang out with peers. Specially designed activities tailored to tweens (11 to 13) and teens (14 to 17) also set Club Med Cancun apart.

More about Club Med All-Inclusive Resorts:8. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Three themes prevail at this Mexico all-inclusive resort: culinary, adventure, and relaxation. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun's vast selection of amenities (think pillow choice options and a bottle of tequila or mezcal in every room) and activities (like Spanish language and cooking classes, bike tours through the downtown area, and cultural experiences for younger guests at the drop-off kids club) offer big fun for multigenerational family vacations.

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When you stay, you also have access to restaurants and dinner shows at other Royal Resorts in the Riviera Maya. Keep the action going with tennis, Zumba, table tennis, dance contests, bingo, and dominoes. Another plus: The resort is close to cenotes and snorkeling spots, including the world's second largest coral reef (a quick drive from Grand Residences).

More about Grand Residences All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico and Beyond:9. Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Margaritaville Island Reserve

The oceanfront Margaritaville Island Reserve in Puerto Morelos (near Cancun) combines all the amenities of a world-class Mexico all-inclusive resort with Margaritaville's famously relaxed vibe. There's a fully outfitted fitness center, and activities like stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba clinics, cooking and cocktail classes, dance lessons, yoga, Aqua Fit, beach soccer, and volleyball abound. Beach parties, karaoke nights, and flip-flop olympics are also popular.

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Particularly appealing to families, the Parakeets kids club at Margaritaville Island Reserve has supervised daily activities for children ages four to 12 years old, which on any given day might include cooking classes, mad lab experiments, piñata making, dancing, pajama parties, and movie nights.

10. Playa Viva

Petatlan, Mexico

Playa Viva by AVABLUE

If mega hotels aren't your thing, consider the family-friendly and dog-friendly Playa Viva Mexico all-inclusive resort, located on its own private beach along Mexico's Pacific Coast. At this boutique all-inclusive, kids can boogie board, make sandcastles, and visit the on-site farm and garden to feed the pigs or collect eggs for breakfast. The entire family will enjoy horseback riding on the beach, kayaking in a lagoon, and learning to surf or snorkel at nearby reefs. Parents can begin the day with complimentary morning yoga.

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Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains and has 200 acres of nature preserve, including a turtle sanctuary where you can watch baby turtles get released into the ocean. When you're ready to relax, a variety of spa services await—as do cooking lessons, shore fishing, and hiking trails. Nearby excursions include snorkeling, visits to a local farm, shopping, a Temazcal sweat lodge, and more. Meals, snacks, and most beverages are included.

11. The Black Bass Lodge

Punta Abreojos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Black Bass Lodge

Baja California Sur's Black Bass is the place to go for an off-the-grid Mexico all-inclusive experience (Photo: Black Bass Lodge)

Looking for an off-the-grid Mexico all-inclusive experience? Tiny Black Bass Lodge might be the property for you. Book this beachfront villa in Baja California Sur (it sleeps up to 15 guests with four private rooms) and you can literally have the place to yourselves. Stays include a private chef, all meals, and cleaning service.

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This little resort is ideal for whale watching, hiking, biking, horseback riding, remote fishing, surfing, exploring tide pools, and enjoying walks along the beach. A private yoga instructor is available upon request, too.

12. Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Viva Maya by Wyndham

At Viva Maya by Wyndham, kids ages four to 12 have their own pool, sand box, swings, and endless activities, not to mention extended hours from 7:00 a.M. To 10:00 p.M. At the kids club. And when the whole family wants to hang out together, there's dancing, trapeze, cooking lessons, oceanfront pools, paddle boarding, water aerobics, climbing wall, ceramic painting, kayaking, windsurfing, and tennis, among many other activities.

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The resort has connecting rooms for large families, and cribs are available upon request. You'll have no worries about mealtime, either, as there are a variety of restaurants with many options for kids. When you're ready to venture beyond the resort, downtown Playa del Carmen is just a short lift away.

Another popular nearby attraction is Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park that offers the opportunity to swim in underground rivers, float in lagoons, see exotic animals in their natural habitats, snorkel in cenotes, browse through a botanical garden, or visit a cool coral reef aquarium. Other options include snorkeling with dolphins or a visit to the famous pyramids at Chichen Itza.

More about Wyndham Resorts Beyond Mexico:13. Hilton Cancun, an All Inclusive Resort

Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hilton Cancun

With its sheer variety of family-friendly amenities that will keep the kiddos entertained around the clock, you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave Hilton Cancun. Two outdoor pools, including one next to the children's splash pool and water playground; an indoor kids' and teens' club; outdoor jungle gym; a variety of activities centered around the Mayan culture and natural environment; and evening entertainment ranging from live performances to poolside glow parties are only some of the many family-friendly highlights.

At the end of a jam-packed day, dedicated family rooms with two bedrooms ensure the whole gang sleeps comfortably. Similar to sister property Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya (also all-inclusive), this resort is next to one of the brand's five-star hotels (Waldorf Astoria Cancun), which expands the options for those who want to treat themselves to a high-end restaurant or spa treatment.

13 great all-inclusive Mexico resorts for families first appeared on FamilyVacationist.Com.

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