News

Japan is cheap

Many of my friends and family members have been going to Japan lately. They are all agog saying that their trips to Japan are so cheap. The reason for this is the steep depreciation of the Japanese yen. This makes everything from the Michelin-starred meals to luxury cosmetics a steal for tourists. But while visitors are reveling in the bargain bonanza, Japanese finance officials, importers and international investors are grappling with the...

Nicky Zimmermann Shares Her Guide to Sydney

From ocean pools to antique shops, here’s where the Australian designer likes to visit whenever she’s back home.

Vacation time: the 12 best and 12 worst destinations for LGBTQ travelers

Heritage buses are just the ticket for web gallery

Graham Croucher explains why classic buses have been a life-long obsession.

Summer hours are a perk small businesses can offer to workers to boost morale

NEW YORK (AP) — With summer having gotten off to a scorching start, workers across the country may be dreaming of a seaside escape or cutting out early to watch a movie in an air-conditioned theater. For some, that can be a reality. Business owners have found that offering summer hours – a reduced schedule on Fridays, usually between Memorial Day and Labor Day — can be a way to boost employee morale. Workers are able to deal with summer...

Back to the future: The Centro de Turismo Intramuros opens

A new creative cauldron, the enchanting Centro de Turismo Intramuros, opened its doors recently, to the delight of Manila’s culture and history fans. Conceptualized by the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, the Center is intended to be a traveler’s very first portal to the Walled City, a nucleus that will give a glimpse of the Philippines’ historic pa...

The perks of being MoCAF

Three years in, you wouldn’t say MoCAF, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, is an institution; rather, it’s an evolving organism that’s flexible enough to shift directions and parameters. And it still skews more towards younger artists and buyers. “We think it would be a great thing if our audiences grew with us, and vice versa,” says MoCAF c...

What Is Mobile Passport Control, and Is It Right for You?

What is Mobile Passport Control and is it right for you? Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of using the travel app.

First Lady back from 3-day UAE visit

MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Marcos on Sunday shared on social media her trip to the United Arab Emirates, where she is on a supposed three-day working visit to explore areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. In an instagram post, Mrs. Marcos said the Philippine delegation and the UAE government tackled areas where they could enhance cooperation, such as culture, arts and heritage. “Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint...

Oslo could become a top travel destination after an unconventional but hilarious tourism ad goes viral

A tourism campaign ad for Norway that is full of "Norwegian self-irony" has gained millions of views. But will it bring in more visitors?

Glastonbury reveller leaves Brits howling after waving 'Henry Hoover on stick'

People will spend months planning what iconic meme will be on their flag at Glastonbury - but one Brit opted to put a Henry Hoover on the end of their pole instead

Aussie books a guest house, but left stunned by unexpected visitor

An Aussie has has been left stunned after booking a room at a guesthouse and receiving unexpected visitors.

Italy's most beguiling towns and villages

Italy is a land of exceptional beauty. Blessed with an astonishingly varied landscape that encompasses snow-capped mountains, rolling pastureland, crystalline lakes, and a vast salt-laced coastline, Italy really is a land of contrast. Lending the country character is a collection of towns and villages noted for their singular locations and architectural splendor. And they are yours to explore! However, be wary of the issue of overcrowding. The city of Venice has recently announced that they will be charging an entry fee to tourists starting in 2023 to combat this very problem. The small city is interlaced with canals and narrow streets, beautiful to behold but easily overwhelmed by the millions of tourists that visit each year. Venice is the first city in the world to take this controversial step: “We are pioneers, the first city in the world to apply a measure that could be revolutionary,” said Simone Venturini, the Venice tourism chief. He hopes that the entry fee for tourists will help to offset the over-tourism that has been negatively impacting the city for years. Why not visit one of Italy's many other towns and villages instead? Click through and discover the country's most beguiling destinations.

An annual solo trip reminds me of who I am outside being a mom. Sometimes, I feel guilty for spending the time and money, but it's worth it.

I take an annual trip by myself to reconnect with my identity outside of being a mom. Sometimes I feel guilty, but it worth the time and money.

‘Lowkey quarrying?’: Content creator’s beach sand collection draws flak

An online post about taking home sands from Philippine beaches opened conversations about preservation of sands in tourist destinations. A Reddit user on Saturday shared a screengrab of a post of a content creator flaunting the bottles of different sands she has taken home from her travels. “How to display… that’s my problem… and soon, […]

Furious families brand £40 British balloon festival 'absolute shambles with no balloons'

The Wales Balloon Festival has been taking place in Carmarthen across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but some angry visitors have been left fuming at the event over what they consider a lack of balloons...

Agoda shares top five international city destinations for the first half of 2024

SINGAPORE, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tokyo emerged as the most popular international city destination for the first half of 2024, according to digital travel platform Agoda. The travel insights further reveal the popularity of Bangkok, Osaka, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur, as destinations that follow behind Tokyo to round out the top five. Top Five International Destinations of the First Half of 2024 - Agoda 1 Tokyo 2 Bangkok 3 Osaka 4 Seoul 5...

US to offer Boeing 'sweetheart deal', lawyer says

The deal includes a fine, three years of probation and safety audits, according to a lawyer representing the victims of two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes

I spent $38,000 to take my toy poodle on a private jet to Japan. I want to plan a trip for my other dogs next.

It was the toy poodle's second trip to Japan this year. The first one was on a commercial airline and added up to $10,100.

The last time we traveled as a family of 6, we spent $6000. I refuse to make the same mistake this summer.

We are spending all summer locally because it's too expensive to travel. We plan free local activities, or pick a theme for the kids to explore.

The inland harbour of the real ships of the Fens

Cargo ships have been sailing down the River Nene and into the inland Port of Wisbech for centuries

Americans and Japanese take far less time off — but Europeans say they're more 'vacation deprived'

Some 84% of Germans and 69% of French workers said they feel "vacation deprived" even though they take the most days off work, according to an Expedia study.

I stayed in Britain's cheapest hotel for £16 a night - I'd go again

George Redfern, 21, from Wirral, Merseyside, opted to stay at the Coco Beach Hotel in Blackpool, Lancashire earlier this month in spite of its lowly two-star rating on Booking.com.

Hotel Inspector star slammed over scathing 1-word description of hotel workers

My Hotel Nightmare's hospitality expert Alex Polizzi riled viewers with her comments

Why a guide has been slammed over videos promoting Blue Mountains

An adventure guide has been accused of promoting a dangerous walking trail at one of Australia's most popular tourist hotspots, located west of Sydney.

China, Kazakhstan upgrade tourism cooperation

BEIJING, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: The opening ceremony of the Kazakhstan Year of Tourism in China in 2024 was recently held in Beijing. China and Kazakhstan will hold a series of splendid activities throughout the year of tourism, which include art performances and tourism forums. Kazakhstan boasts abundant tourism resources, such as the Shymbulak Ski Resort, Lake Kaindy, Charyn Canyon, the Korgalzhyn State...

Travel warning as Severn bridge and tunnel to shut

Commuters and tourists warned as busiest routes between Wales and England to close for upgrade work.

AirAsia offers flights as low as P15 until July 7

Get your 2025 travel plans started because there's another seat sale for you. Local budget airline AirAsia announced that they are offering fares to select domestic and international destinations for as low as P15 when they fly from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Those coming from Manila can enjoy P15 one-way base fares to Kalibo, Iloilo, Roxas City, Pue...

Charge foreign British Museum visitors and share Elgin Marbles, former boss says

Charge foreign British Museum visitors and share Elgin Marbles, former boss says - Sir Mark Jones said that ‘some of the buildings are in a poor state’ and money is needed to repair the institution.

Festival-goers spend more than £200 on food alone at events like Glastonbury, study shows

A study of 1,000 adults who have camped at a festival revealed almost four hours will be spent queuing for food during the event, with £42 typically spent every day

Travel misery as nine days of London tram strike action begins ahead of Wimbledon

Travel misery as nine days of London tram strike action begins ahead of Wimbledon - Maintenance worker members begin action on eve of tennis tournament

Sofitel hotel closes; Union to push fight

MANILA, Philippines — The landmark Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila officially shuts down on Monday after 46 years amid safety concerns and an escalating labor dispute. The hotel, last managed by the multinational tourism company Accor SA under its Sofitel brand, bid farewell on its Facebook, thanking guests for memories that “have left an indelible mark on our hearts.” The property, owned by the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS), was...

The ride's over! Killer blow for £3.5bn 'British Disneyland' theme park in Kent as developers put land up for sale

Dubbed 'British Disneyland', the site of the £3.5billion theme park is located on 535 acres of former industrial land on the Swanscombe Peninsula near Dartford, Kent.

At 192 Jonathan the tortoise is the world's oldest living land animal

Sheraton Celebrates the Opening of its 100th Hotel in Greater China with the Debut of Sheraton Lanzhou Anning

The new hotel made its debut in the city of the Yellow River with refreshing design, embodying the brand spirit of "The World's Gathering Place" with vibrant energy LANZHOU, China, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, today announced the opening of Sheraton Lanzhou Anning in Lanzhou of Gansu province. The opening also marks the 100th Sheraton Hotel in...

Deal reached in WestJet strike but travel disruptions still expected for Canadian airline

TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s second largest airline, WestJet, has reached a deal with its mechanics to end a strike that had disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers over the Canada Day long weekend. WestJet said late Sunday there will still be flight disruptions in the week ahead as its planes are brought back into service. In its own news release, the Airplane Mechanics Fraternal Association urged its members to return to work...

Indonesia is not just about Bali

Bali is often described as the "Land of the Gods" and the "soul" of Indonesia. It is popular for its looming volcanoes, lush rice fields, beautiful art pieces, and amazing traditional dances and performances. But there is more to Indonesia than Bali, as there are other stunning wonders in this country inhabited by over 250 million citizens. Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, who is also accredited to the Republic...

Picturesque mountain town becomes hotspot for America's migrant boom

A picturesque Montana city has become an unexpected hotspot for America's migrant boom, sparking a backlash from a group of hard-right residents.

WestJet cancels flights after mechanics strike

TORONTO — Canada's second largest airline, WestJet, said it canceled 407 flights affecting 49,000 passengers after the maintenance workers union announced it went on strike. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said its members started to strike Friday (Saturday) evening because the airline's "unwillingness to negotiate with the union" made it inevitable. The surprise strike affecting international and domestic flights came after the...

Documentary recalls one of the worst plane crashes ever

Is it possible to have a holiday abroad for just £100 - in TOTAL? Yes it is! And here's how I did it... from a £9.99 flight to Europe's 'most underrated' city to 68p beer

Chelsea Dickenson, 34, from Wrexham, flew with Wizz Air to the capital of Albania, with her £100 budget covering not just the flights, but accommodation, food and activities.

Nine Amazon travel essentials to buy before your next holiday or trip away

We've compiled a handy list of must-have travel products from Amazon that the majority of people will need

Plus-sized TikTok star ranks UK airlines from best to worst on comfort for larger passengers, with verdicts on British Airways, Tui, Ryanair and easyJet

Becky Price, who posts airline reviews on her TikTok channel under the username @xBeckyPricex, rated each of the four airlines on comfort, seat size, width of aisle and more...

Brit family launch urgent missing persons appeal after man fails to return from holiday

The family of Sam Kennedy have asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as the man did not return from his holiday in Krakow and has been missing since June 27

Pupils help attract kittiwakes to tower

The tower in Gateshead contains artificial nests designed to attract breeding kittiwakes.

Embarking on a Sustainable Journey with Hi-MO X6 in Nakagawa Village- One of "the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan"

NAGANO, Japan, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned as one of "the most beautiful villages in Japan", the quaint Nakagawa village is home to LONGi Hi-MO X6 solar panels, shining atop the Nakagawa Shopping Center Ciao. The union of solar power and tourism is setting an eco-friendly future, as the village transitions towards facilities energized by renewable resources. ( Picture from BIG・INTEC Co., Ltd.) Nakagawa Shopping Center Ciao, a unique...

Instant karma as man kicks hotel door before walking up to reception

A man was caught on camera kicking in the door to a Marriott hotel. The video shows him shattering the glass with punches before kicking the door multiple times.

4 States Retirees Are Moving to in 2024 That Aren’t Arizona or Florida

While states such as Arizona and Florida come to mind when it comes to where retirees choose to move, other states across the country are also attracting seniors for a variety of reasons. Indeed,...

How to make your outdoor space more private

With the warmer weather, it's natural that we wish to enjoy our outdoor spaces. What we don't appreciate, however, are the prying eyes of neighbors and strangers alike. Making sure your patio, balcony, or backyard has enough privacy is key to creating a relaxing outdoor space. Whether you live in a dense urban area, the suburbs with neighbors on the other side of the fence, or even in a more secluded area in the countryside, your outdoor space should feel like an undisturbed oasis. So, how do you create your own hidden sanctuary? From plants to privacy screens and outdoor curtains, click on for a range of ideas that can help you out!

Travel chaos as major airline cancels more than 800 flights

Tens of thousands of passengers were left stranded and scrambling for answers after a major airline canceled hundreds of flights over the weekend.