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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 9:26:49 GMT
The best hotels in the DolomitesNortheastern Italy's charming mountain region is home to some extraordinary properties South Tyrol is a land of dramatic landscapes characterised by jagged snowcapped peaks, dense woodlands, Alpine meadows and soft valleys home to charming villages such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ortisei and Brixen. This Italian region preserves an ancient allure deeply rooted in Alpine traditions and a commitment to sustainability. It’s a Narnia-esque landscape that treasures natural wonders from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and the Marmolada Glacier: it comes as no surprise that the Dolomites were proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their unparalleled beauty and attraction for adventurers and travellers alike. From dreamy retreats to cosy townhouses, these are the best hotels in the Dolomites for your next escape. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-hotels-dolomites?19 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 9:46:03 GMT
91255 91356 91450 91494 91596 Palermo – Charisma, chaos and an enduring connection to the past in SicilyThe chaos, swagger and temperamental charm of this underrated city have the power to cast a hypnotic spell The Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi occupies two sides of a piazza, as well as several adjoining streets, deep in the heart of the Kalsa quarter of Palermo. When I rang the bell, a uniformed butler opened the colossal door and ushered me up a double staircase past the stone bowls of water in which, had I been arriving at night sometime in the 18th century, I could extinguish my torch. At the top, the Principessa Carine Vanni Calvello Mantegna di Gangi was waiting to guide me round one of Italy’s grandest palaces. www.cntraveller.com/article/palermo-sicily#14 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 9:48:20 GMT
The best spas in Europe Restart, relax and reboot at one of these European spas A Europe spa break is a great way to physically and emotionally reboot – often through a customised combination of hi-tech health tests by expert doctors, feel-good massages and a refined diet, all in a stunning back-to-nature setting. Of course, finding the best spa really depends on what you're looking for – do you want a retreat, where you can really get away from it all, or would you rather a chic spa housed in a hotel, where you can float in and out of your treatments with ease? Whether for cutting-edge treatments that tackle a specific issue such as insomnia or stress, or a cosseting retreat that rebalances and energises, this is our pick of the top game-changing spas in Europe that really deliver on wellness. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-spas-europe#1 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 9:51:46 GMT
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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 9:56:04 GMT
Tourist tax: These are the destinations you’ll have to pay to enterBeware of these hidden costs – these are all of the destinations due to impose tourist tax The concept of tourist tax isn’t a new one. City tax has long been the norm for many countries in Europe such as Greece, Spain and Germany, and hotel tax is standard across many destinations, including US states. The impact of Covid on the travel industry was severe – hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues closed, people that relied on tourism for their livelihoods suddenly faced huge losses, and money that the government relied on for development and maintenance was depleted. As a result, while travel continues to normalise post-pandemic, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to boost economies and reinvigorate locals. Below, we take a look at what exactly tourist tax is, and which countries are introducing the measure for 2024. www.cntraveller.com/article/tourist-tax-the-destinations-youll-have-to-pay-to-enter#14 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 24, 2024 10:00:58 GMT
How Belgium became coolThe ultimate guide to the underrated country's stylish stays, fashionable spots, chocolatiers and design districts Oftentimes overlooked for its larger and louder European neighbours, Belgium is an unassuming powerhouse of cosmopolitan ‘cool’ in more ways than most travellers realise. From design to dance, art to architecture, fashion to fine dining, cultural life in this once-modest country is today attracting a new wave of global ‘cool hunters’, eager to uncover what this little-explored nation has been keeping quiet. As Belgian furniture designer Bieke Casteleyn explains, “Belgium is a nation accustomed to its own unique wonders. Cities like Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, adorned with splendid old architecture, serve as rich sources of inspiration for cultural creation”. To add to this, Belgium’s dual French/Flemish identity imparts a touch of surrealist humour to the mix: French Belgians are seen as more attached to traditional values, and Flemish Belgians as more out-there experimental. What’s more, younger Belgians are proudly celebrating their unique position at the crossroads between northern and southern Europe – embodying both the paired-back innovative spirit of Scandinavia, with the exuberant flair of France and Italy. All these seemingly opposite perspectives feed off each other, creating a unique blended sense of ‘Belgian cool’ that’s like no other in Europe today, tying traditional ways of living to radically progressive invention. www.cntraveller.com/article/how-belgium-became-cool#21 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 26, 2024 9:36:04 GMT
12 of the best cities to visit in ItalyThe dreamiest cities to plan your next Italian escape around Paring Italy down to 12 cities isn’t easy. There are hundreds, and each is as distinctive as it is enthralling, embodying its singular sense of place through its territory, history, architecture, culture, surroundings, cuisine and wine. This list of the best cities in Italy combines some classics with under-appreciated gems. It shouldn’t be considered exhaustive; it’s more of a starting point for the uninitiated, a helpful guidance for anyone looking to expand their Italian horizons. www.cntraveller.com/article/best-cities-to-visit-in-italy?22 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 26, 2024 9:44:14 GMT
The best hotels in Lake ComoThe most astonishing hotels to bookmark for a knockout Lake Como getaway Few can resist the distinctive magic that radiants from Italy's grandest lake. Virgil called Como “the greatest lake”, and Pliny the Younger had a villa here where he said the porch was “always like spring.” Once home to the gilded palaces of princes, bishops and painters, it is now the playground of the world's rich (the fictional Roy family from Succession tells you everything you need to know) and famous (George Clooney has owned a villa here for over 20 years). Many of the historic villas lining the lake remain private abodes, while those that have been converted into hotels are revered as some of the grandest in the world. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/hotels-lake-como-italy16 January 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 26, 2024 9:53:24 GMT
London’s iconic BT Tower is being turned into a hotelThe BT Tower will be turned into a new London hotel as part of a £275 million deal Looking across London’s legendary skyline, there are a few buildings you can easily pick out: The Shard, 30 St Mary Axe (better known as The Gherkin) and The Fenchurch Building (e.g. The Walkie-Talkie), to name a few. Set further back from the river, the BT Tower stands proudly in London’s Fitzrovia, a vast Lego-block building towering high above the lush grounds and canals of Regent’s Park. www.cntraveller.com/article/londons-iconic-bt-tower-is-being-turned-into-a-hotel#22 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Feb 29, 2024 9:43:20 GMT
The best pubs in the CotswoldsThese are the prettiest countryside boozers for the ultimate slap-up Sunday roast for a post-stroll pint This picture-postcard patch of the country is certainly no stranger to a good pub. After a winding ramble over the hills, we can’t imagine anything better than a well-deserved feast in one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. It might be a tad overwhelming when most of them share somewhat similar monikers (The Swan, The Bull, The Bell… the list goes on), and each village quickly blends into the next, but we’ve done the hard work and rounded up the very best pubs you need to visit below. This picture-postcard patch of the country is certainly no stranger to a good pub. After a winding ramble over the hills, we can’t imagine anything better than a well-deserved feast in one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. It might be a tad overwhelming when most of them share somewhat similar monikers (The Swan, The Bull, The Bell… the list goes on), and each village quickly blends into the next, but we’ve done the hard work and rounded up the very best pubs you need to visit below. www.cntraveller.com/article/best-pubs-in-the-cotswolds?27 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 1, 2024 7:08:45 GMT
Sabbione, the most beautiful medieval village with stone houses in Switzerland Sabbione is a hidden gem that offers an insight into the rural life and culture of Switzerland. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sabbione is a small village in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland, located in the district of Leventina, near the border with Italy. It has a population of about 50 people and is known for its traditional stone houses and picturesque mountain views. Sabbione is so charming because it has preserved its historical and cultural heritage. The village has a small church dedicated to Saint Martin dating from the 14th century and frescoes from the 15th and 16th. The church is also the starting point of a pilgrimage route that leads to the nearby sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. Another reason why Sabbione is so attractive is that it offers a variety of natural attractions. The village is surrounded by forests, meadows and streams that create a peaceful and relaxing environment. The most impressive natural feature of Sabbione is the Sabbione Waterfall, which is a 40-meter cascade that flows into the River Brenno. The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail that leads from the village through a forest and a bridge. The trail is about 2 kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes. www.youtube.com/watch?v=b220Byp-xPc ~ 14:34 ~ 2023 Nov 28 ~ 503K Views ~ Switzerland ~ www.youtube.com/@travel-Worldwide/videos
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Post by Owen on Mar 1, 2024 8:42:15 GMT
The best Courchevel hotels
For the chicest of French ski resorts, book in at one of these top addresses in Courchevel 1850 Impeccably groomed piste, multi-level skiing with access to 600 km of Trois Vallees slopes and more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other ski resort in the world, Courchevel may attract a mixed crowd, but they tend to have one thing in common: wealth. This is a French ski resort with more designer boutiques than boulangeries and one that invests €40 million a year to ensure its piste, lifts and layout stay one step ahead of competing resorts. Comprising four different villages at various altitudes, it’s 1850 (the highest) that sparkles with the flawless clarity of the diamonds lining its vitrines in town. With all the foodie fanfare, the Fendi ski suits and the Champagne-fuelled capers of a fortunate few, it’s easy to forget the main event (you won’t be the first). Courchevel’s skiing is first-class, with a vast squiggle of diverse runs and off-pistes to ski for every level and weather whim. These are, typically, drawn up via mid-morning vin chaud pit stops then lobster, raclette or tartiflette lunches, with cruisy blues home to saunas and fireside hot chocolate. For those not jetting into the Altiport, the mountain road snakes past vast snow-laden chalets, their drives heated to ward off the snow and faint ski tracks leading to inconspicuous boot room doors. Interspersed among these hefty chalets-meet-Daschas are a handful of the best ski hotels in Europe, ranging from modern Bond-villainesque marvels to high-altitude family piles, all riffing on the Savoie style to various degrees, all incredibly expensive. www.cntraveller.com/article/courchevel-hotels?16 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 2, 2024 4:05:17 GMT
March 2024 Horoscope: Expected the Unexpected on Trips This Month Professional astrologer Steph Koyfman reads your monthly horoscope—and spells out how it may shape your travels. Your March 2024 horoscope reflects a month that is broken up into three parts: the confusing part, the less-than-satisfying part, and the part where everything changes. www.cntraveler.com/march-2024-horoscope#27 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 2, 2024 4:08:53 GMT
Destinations for Spring Travel That Are Actually AffordableIncluding spots in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. It's that time of year when our bodies and minds begin screaming for a vacation, unleashing a deep desire to defrost from the winter chill and all the burdens that come with it. While we'd argue there's never a bad time of the year to book that plane ticket—spring 2024 is looking like an especially good one. That's because airfares are becoming much more affordable compared to last year; average airfares for March are down 3% compared to 2023, and April airline tickets are 8% cheaper than last year, according to data from travel search site Kayak. While airfares are down across the board, some destinations offer a better deal than others. So, we asked travel search and booking sites for their latest intel on destinations where airfares are dropping for March and April. Whether you’re craving a beach getaway or you’re in need of a city visit to soak up art and culture, there’s an affordable spring destination for you. Here are seven destinations—both international and domestic—you can visit this spring without blowing your travel budget, according to the latest data. From US and Canadian urban hubs to coastal getaways in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, the results might surprise you. www.cntraveler.com/story/affordable-spring-travel-destinations#1 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 3, 2024 6:50:45 GMT
A Special Flight Aboard Australia’s Newest Jet: Qantas A220 m.youtube.com/watch?v=x0TAbVVoqxc ~ 13:24 ~ Sam Chui ~ 2024 March 2 ~ 117K Views ~ m.youtube.com/@samchui/videosQantas operated a special charter flight from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock) on its new Airbus A220. I was onboard to experience the new aircraft and for the first time, visited the Australian outback. The first Qantaslink A220, featuring the artwork of Maringka Baker. The aircraft is named after the original artwork, Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa (the creation story of the two sisters). The aircraft spent two weeks in the paint shop where a striking Aboriginal paint scheme was applied, making this aircraft the sixth to join Qantas’s Flying Art Series since Wunala Dreaming. The Qantaslink A220 has 10 Business Class and 127 Economy Class seats. It was an incredible quiet takeoff out of Sydney with the graduate changing scenery and landscape from green to red enroute. Uluru was very hot with temperature of 44 degrees Celsius. The approach to Uluru was strikingly beautiful with orange earth colors and a lot of bush vegetation. We also saw Kata Tjuṯa from a distance. After landing, a special aboriginal dance and ceremony was held at the brand new aircraft. In the evening, we were treated to an amazing sunset and drone show called ‘Wintjiri Wiru’ by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. The next day, I saw the sunrise over Uluru and did a walk around it before departing back. It was my first time seeing Australia’s outback despite living in Sydney for 14 years. To end the video, enjoy an air-to-air video of Australia’s newest jet in the country setting.
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Post by Owen on Mar 4, 2024 9:06:55 GMT
Win the ultimate foodie staycation at Raymond Blanc OBE's Le Manoir aux Quat’SaisonsOne lucky reader and their guest will be dining on the freshest produce and bedding down in the Oxfordshire countryside Condé Nast Traveller and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons are giving away the ultimate Oxfordshire staycation. The prize includes a two-night stay for a winner and one guest, breakfast on both mornings and supper on one evening, a glass of Champagne before dinner, a garden tour, and a contribution towards return UK rail travel. www.cntraveller.com/article/le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons-competition?29 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 6, 2024 5:13:50 GMT
The Best Places to Travel in May, from the Cyclades to ZambiaGet ahead of the summer travel madness without sacrificing great weather. A comprehensive list of the best places to travel in May would be incredibly long. This month is one of our favorite times to roam the world because the weather is usually ideal no matter where you go—whether in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern, and the crowds are much thinner than during the summer months when most families and their kids are off for holidays. Plus, its position between spring break and summer vacation makes for a nice window of time begging to be filled with a trip. But where to go? Whether you want to experience some of America’s best under-the-radar cities, soak up the sun in Sicily, or even squeeze in a safari in Zambia, these are a short selection of the best places to travel in May. (And if you want to get ahead of the game, here's a list of the best places to travel in June and July, as well.) www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-to-travel-may?5 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 7, 2024 0:31:21 GMT
The Best Art Exhibits in New York City Right NowThe Whitney Biennial, Beatrix Potter, and so much more. As a frigid winter gives way to March’s unpredictable—and often, relentless—showers, New York City’s museums are offering folks indoor reprieves in the form of a slew of stellar art programs. From the Whitney Biennial 2024, which starting March 20 will occupy several floors of the storied institution, to smaller exhibits dealing in augmented-reality sculptures and artificiality, there’s something for every kind of art lover. Read on for our pick of the best, most interesting art exhibits in New York City for the month of March. www.cntraveler.com/story/art-exhibits-nyc?5 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 7, 2024 5:17:01 GMT
100 Years Ago in Photos: A Look Back at 1924A century ago, regular radio broadcasts were on the rise, and people began tuning in to entertainment and news from around the world. Paris hosted the 1924 Summer Olympics, advancements in aviation were being made on several fronts, automobiles were becoming more prevalent (and dangerous), and prohibition in the U.S. was still in full swing. Students were using tablets made of slate, and “computers” were human beings that operated calculating machines. Below are a handful of images of some of the events and sights around the world in the year 1924. HINTS: View this page full screen. Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→. www.theatlantic.com/photo/2024/03/1924-in-photos-100-years-ago/677638/
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Post by Owen on Mar 11, 2024 8:49:14 GMT
Why do we always cry on planes?Ever teared up on a long-haul flight? This is why If you’ve ever settled in for a long-haul flight and begun watching a movie only to find yourself sobbing after the opening credits, you’re not alone –it’s an occurrence that many travellers have experienced. “I always cry on planes,” says Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveller’s digital editor. “No matter what kind of headspace I’m in if I’m watching a movie with any sentimental or emotional theme, it’s only a matter of time before the tears start falling. On my last long-haul flight, I watched Aftersun and thought I might die from holding in the sobs.” Amber Port, audience growth manager for Condé Nast Traveller, agrees. “I watched Past Lives in the cinema, and while I was moved, I didn’t cry – but then I rewatched it on the plane and was silently sobbing by the end of it. I’m not sure what changed, but something did.” As it turns out, there are scientific reasons behind this emotional phenomenon. “The reasons why we cry are varied and complex, and the act of crying is a psychological and physical process,” chartered psychologist Dr Jo Perkins tells us. “So it’s perhaps not surprising that people report being more prone to crying on planes, given the many pressures that we experience both psychologically and physically ahead of and during a flight.” www.cntraveller.com/article/why-do-we-always-cry-on-planes?7 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 12, 2024 10:31:11 GMT
You can sleep over in the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral this World Book Day Airbnb is offering a one-night treat for bookworms – all for just £7 It’s World Book Day on Thursday 7 March, and Airbnb is celebrating with an exciting opportunity for voracious readers. For one night only, guests can book a stay inside the Hidden Library of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Best of all? It’ll cost you just £7. “The Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral’s is truly a haven for book-lovers seeking the ultimate literary escape," says Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s general manager of northern Europe. "Whether you’re a bookworm, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience in London, we are thrilled to open up the doors to the library of your dreams, and one of the most iconic buildings in the world.” www.cntraveller.com/article/hidden-library-st-pauls-cathedral-world-book-day-airbnb?5 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 17, 2024 8:41:32 GMT
The best hotels in ViennaThese are the hotels to look to when planning a trip to the revived Austrian city, from grand classics to new addresses Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/vienna-hotels-best?28 February 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 17, 2024 8:44:57 GMT
The best hotels in the Lake DistrictWhere to stay in the UK’s favourite National Park Brilliant hotels in the Lake District are relatively few and far between – which makes the destination all the more of an adventure, and this list all the more valuable. A trip to the Lakes is all about walking, swimming and these days, eating. From one of the most-talked-about restaurants in the country with bedrooms upstairs, to an action-packed hotel perfect for families; these are the only Lake District hotels you need to have on your radar. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-hotels-lake-district#6 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 17, 2024 8:49:01 GMT
The most beautiful villages in the UK and IrelandCriss-cross your way around the UK and you will stumble upon the most coveted of villages. These are the places that strike the perfect balance between impossibly pretty yet somehow not-too-chocolate-boxy. From sleepy Somerset hideaways to pretty Hebridean treasures, these are the most beautiful villages to visit in the UK and Ireland. Read more about these secret spots. Now watch our video on London's best neighbourhoods youtu.be/oEHO9N_5i6I. www.cntraveller.com/video/watch/the-most-beautiful-villages-in-the-uk-and-ireland
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Post by Owen on Mar 17, 2024 9:07:36 GMT
The top 10 countries in the world for life-work balance One study has ranked the the working culture of the 60 highest GDP nations around the world – how does your home country compare? Stressed about your office commute? Burnt out from long weeks at your desk? Maybe a move is on the cards. Remote, a global HR platform used by some of the world’s largest brands, has studied the working culture of the 60 highest GDP nations around the world, to highlight countries that seemingly get it right when it comes to a healthy life-work balance. While you’re more likely to see the term styled as ‘work-life balance’, the stylistic choice here reflects Remote’s view that this is a miscalculation – “the attitude should be life first, work second”. Remote’s study factors in statutory annual leave, minimum statutory sick pay percentage, paid maternity leave and payment rate, minimum wage, healthcare system, happiness index, average hours worked per week, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Below are the 10 countries in the world right now that strike the balance perfectly. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/top-countries-in-world-for-life-work-balance#
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Post by Owen on Mar 18, 2024 8:51:52 GMT
The 10 least stressful airports in Europe Europe's most stress-free places to travel from It’s a consensus that holidays begin at the airport. Once you’ve gone through security, offloaded your luggage and started to question how early it is too early to have a drink – that’s when your brain has officially decided it is now in the holiday timezone. No airport is perfect – long queues, busy terminals and delays are what we’ve come to expect – but airports with decent food offerings, proximity to the city centre and cheap car parking help create a less stressful environment for entering into holiday mode. www.cntraveller.com/article/least-stressful-airports-europe?11 March 2024
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Post by Owen on Mar 22, 2024 9:44:29 GMT
The best UK city breaks to take in 2024Enjoy a getaway with history, culture and fantastic food with our pick of the 13 best city breaks in the UK, edited by Rick Jordan So many places to visit in the UK, so little time. For a quick trip, we've rounded up the best UK city breaks to take in 2024, in no particular order, as selected by the editors of Condé Nast Traveller. Thankfully, the UK is flecked with diverse cities packed with world-class museums, some of the world's best restaurants and bars, cute bakeries, beautiful parks and gorgeous shops. Think weekenders in Edinburgh for incredible food and a serious culture hit; short hops to quirky Bristol or honey-hued Bath; or fast-paced overnight stays in gritty Birmingham or artsy Manchester. Below, we've also recommended the Traveller team's places to bed down while on one of our 13 favourite UK city breaks – to make planning your next jaunt away as simple as possible. Now you just have to decide which to do first. www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-city-breaks-uk
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Post by Owen on Mar 22, 2024 9:52:36 GMT
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Post by Owen on Mar 23, 2024 4:35:52 GMT
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Post by Owen on Mar 24, 2024 9:12:32 GMT
15 of the best pubs in DublinThe finest places for a pint in the Irish capital It’s only right that Dublin, that most gregarious of cities, is the undisputed standard-bearer for the humble pub. And while St Patrick’s Day is an excuse for the rest of the world to don green hats and bark at anyone who’ll listen about their distant Irish heritage, it’s also a reminder that everybody should sample Dublin’s pub culture at least once in their life. From nursing a quiet afternoon pint on an old mahogany counter to enjoying the rowdy hum of an evening trad music session, there’s a different character to each Dublin pub experience. And though the city offers some magnificent restaurants, museums and galleries, its beating lyrical heart is found at the bar. Here are a few of Dublin’s best watering holes: www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-pubs-dublin?15 March 2024
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