Discerning travellers are looking to stay away for longer periods of time with the increase of remote jobs  means making working while abroad easier than even before. The beauty to home swapping is you can do this without incurring expensive accommodation fees. This concept gives you a home abroad while you offer up your own in exchange for weeks or even months at a time. As travel expenses keep rising, home swapping offers a budget-friendly option instead of pricey hotels or Airbnbs. While the idea of couch surfing and house exchanges isn’t new, modern platforms are giving it a fresh twist. One such platform, Kindred, allows members to earn credits for each night they swap homes. With $15 million in funding, Kindred is expanding across the US and Europe, boasting over 10,000 homes in 50 cities. Members pay only a cleaning and service fee for their stays, with the accommodation itself being free. Alternatively, travellers can bypass membership fees by turning to TikTok. Gen Z is leading the charge on social media, using trending tags like #houseswap and #homeswap, inspired by the movie “The Holiday.” These tags have amassed millions of views, as users showcase their homes, connect with like-minded peers for swaps, and share their adventures.

In a New York Times piece that went viral, a flight attendant revealed a dozen rules on proper travel etiquette. Kristie Koerbel exposed her biggest pet peeves as a flight attendant, including when passengers fail to flush the toilet. She also revealed who has the right to the middle armrests and whether swapping seats is required. What’s the proper way to handle seating issues? When it comes to seating inquiries, Koerbel recommended travellers chat with gate agents before boarding. The agents have access to the plane’s seating arrangements and are able to accommodate families. She added that once on board, it is not required to agree to a seat change. Can I take my shoes off? Comfort is key to a stress-free flight, which means that passengers might be eager to take off their shoes, sit back and relax. Koerbel reassured travellers that they can take off their shoes on flights but urged them to not go as far as taking off their socks. While insisting passengers should keep their feet directly in front of them and on the floor, she warned that travellers should slide their shoes back on when heading to the bathroom. Who has the right to an armrest and how can I stop a chatty neighbour? Travellers don’t always get to choose who they sit by on a plane, which can lead to unpleasant experiences if proper flying etiquette isn’t followed. Armrests tend to serve as a divider between each passenger, but they have sparked debate on who has the right to them. When it comes to the middle armrest, the traveller sitting in the middle seat automatically gets dibs on both in exchange for being squished in the middle of two people during a potentially lengthy flight, Koerbel wrote. As for how to stop a neighbour from talking, sliding on headphones tends to do the trick! What If I forget my headphones? A flight without headphones can be dreadful, but Koerbel insisted passengers should refrain from chatting over FaceTime, watching a movie, or listening to music without earbuds. And yes, that includes children too. What is the best way to handle kids on a flight? Koerbel wrote that children should be extensively looked after. She begged parents to be cautious of what they hand to their children and urged them to pick up after them. She added that dealing with a disruptive child can be tricky and advised passengers to always chat with a parent rather than a toddler, or even a teenager. ‘A nice way to approach this is to ask the parents calmly, and with a smile if they realize their child is kicking your seat. Then say it’s bothersome; is there any way you can you make the child stop?’ she wrote in The New York Times article. What is the best way to recline my seat? While Koerbel reassures fliers that everyone can recline their seat, she warned them to be cautious of those sitting behind them. ‘Before reclining, peek behind you and see what the situation is, and nicely ask if that person minds,’ she wrote. Koerbel shared that rushing to recline can lead to the spillage of drinks and damage to electronics. These common incidents have often led to physical arguments, according to the flight attendant. Do I have to swap seats? No. While Koerbel admits that this is an unpopular opinion, she advises travellers that they do not have to swap seats they paid for – even if someone asks nicely. ‘No, you do not have to switch with someone who asks you. If you have paid extra for your seat, or even if it is just an inconvenience, you can kindly say no. ‘If it is advantageous, like trading a middle seat for a window seat, or you are happy to help, please go ahead and swap.’ What bags can go in the overhead bins? Koerbel urged passengers to remember that their largest carry-on item is supposed to be stored in an overhead bin while smaller items go under their seat. Since the bins are first-come, first-serve, Koerbel insisted travellers should respect the unspoken rule and not remove the baggage of other passengers in an attempt to fit their own. ‘Sliding bags to maximize space is fine but save the complex puzzle solving for the flight attendant,’ Koerbel wrote in The New York Times. Do I have to flush the toilet? One of Koerbel’s biggest flight pet peeves is when she has to flush other people’s waste. ‘If you can’t find the button, please look for it: I guarantee it’s there. On every airplane,’ she wrote.

A new ranking has revealed which popular stag and hen do spots in America provide the best value for money as Brits look to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. And while Las Vegas remains the ultimate choice for those looking to get away before their big day, many are put off by visiting Sin City and would prefer to visit the alternative destinations highlighted in the study. The ranking, created by digital marketers Searchbloom, awarded the most popular party cities a score out of ten based on how their entertainment value, social scene, and accommodation options compare to the average daily cost of a trip. Entertainment value looks at visitor reviews and ratings for top attractions and stereotypical activities typical for a pre-wedding celebration – including wine tastings, spa visits, live shows, beer tours, golf courses, and shopping malls. The social scene considers the variety and visitor ratings of fine dining establishments, bars, and clubs in each city, as well as the average times each destination is Googled each month, which indicates how lively a night out may be. Accommodation evaluates the number of Airbnbs and hotels available for a weekly stay in the summer months – and the proportion of them that are highly rated. And when each category is compared to the average daily cost of a visit – based on a midrange hotel room, a restaurant meal, a taxi fare, and at least two alcoholic drinks – it’s Chicago that reigns supreme when Las Vegas is out of the picture. Chicago achieved a perfect score of 9.9 out of ten, largely thanks to its nightlife, as it was the overall top performer in the social scene category. The city has 145 fine dining restaurants – more than one in ten of which are rated five stars or up (11%) – and 112 bars, with a fifth rated highly (20%). It also closely follows Vegas regarding Google search popularity, with 624k average monthly searches. Chicago also has the second-best Airbnbs, with one-third 33% rated guest favourites, while 85% of visitor reviews for top attractions carried an ‘excellent’ rating. It also performed well for affordability, with the daily costs amounting to an average of £162.31 – 17% lower than the average across all analysed cities (£196.65 daily). Following as the second-best stag or hen do destination is Milwaulkee, which was awarded a score of 9.84 out of ten. It’s also considerably cheaper than Chicago, with a daily cost of £137.97 – nearly a third (30%) below the average. The state also scored highly in the social scene category, with Milwaulkee boasting 22 fine dining establishments and 44 bars – 18% and 16% of which were top-rated among visitors, respectively – as well as 415k monthly Google searches. Milwaukee also scored highly for accommodation availability, with half of the Airbnbs available for a week this summer considered ‘guest favourites’, while 16% of hotels that accommodate group bookings were rated ‘superb’ on booking.com. In third is New York City, scoring 9.83 out of ten. However, those visiting the Big Apple may need to budget better, as it has a higher daily cost of £189.97. The city was the highest scorer overall for entertainment value, as it’s home to 921 spas, 606 landmarks, and 65 live performances. There are 487 fine dining restaurants and 205 bars – 17% of which are rated five stars by visitors. Orlando is fourth and was the top performer for accommodation options of all cities analysed in the study. There are a vast 1,000 Airbnbs available for a large party booking this summer, with more than two-fifths (45%) considered guest favourites. There are also 42 bars and 79 fine dining restaurants, 58 sights and landmarks, 148 spas, and 34 golf courses to keep groomsmen and the bridal party occupied. Houston rounds out the top five destinations, scoring 9.79 out of ten. The city costs an average of £95.48 to visit each day and proves among the most-Googled destinations, with an average of 992k monthly searches. The ten best stag and hen do destinations, aside from Las Vegas Speaking on the findings, Cody Jensen, CEO and Founder of  Searchbloom , said: “When deciding where to host your stag or hen do, there are plenty of things to weigh up – including the activities you want to do, the nightlife, the restaurant options, the accommodation options, and most importantly for some, the cost. “Not everyone will have the same budget when attending a pre-wedding event, so prioritizing the cost as a key factor ensures that all invitees feel considered and avoids anybody feeling uncomfortable if they’re unable to participate in activities. This is especially important if you feel unsatisfied with some aspects of the trip, so this ranking gives you a good idea of where’s really worth the money.” On the other end of the scale, the hen or stag do destinations that provide the worst value for money came out as  Palm Springs  and  St. Louis.  Despite Palm Springs’s top attraction carrying an excellent rating across 73% of reviews, bridal parties will struggle to find activities to fill their trip, as there are just four shopping malls, one wine tasting, and seven live performances. St. Louis also has a limited availability of the analysed activities, with two beer tours, just 50 restaurants, and 38 bars to choose from. And of the nine Airbnbs available for a group booking one week this summer, none are considered guest favourites.  Overall, the typical stag or hen do attendee can expect to spend around £189.59 per day on their trip, or the equivalent of £758.36 for a long weekend, which doesn’t account for the cost of activities, flights, or more than two alcoholic drinks. The priciest destination to visit of those analysed is  Palm Springs,  with a daily cost of £423.97, while the most affordable was  Houston,  at £95.70 a day.

My sister and I have memories of being dragged to museums by our well meaning parents in New York City when we were kids. One particular trek around the Natural History Museum that lasted six hours may have left us with mild PTSD, or at least created an aversion to bringing my own children to museums. A trip to Barcelona last summer changed this. Determined to see the Banksy exhibit in the MoCo museum, I employed a few tricks that would impress even Mary Poppins. Eat First: It’s a good idea to grab a snack ahead of on any museum adventure, especially when you’ve got little ones in tow. Even if you have plans for a proper meal later on, munching on a light snack, particularly something with carbs, can prevent energy levels from plummeting too quickly. Don’t aim to see it all: Gone are the days when I thought museum visits meant speed-walking through every exhibit, scrutinizing each display with a furrowed brow. These days, I’ve come to appreciate that I can spend an entire visit fixated on just one painting. Shifting my focus from breadth to depth has truly enhanced my museum experiences. My aim isn’t to conquer a museum; it’s to engage with what captivates or challenges me. I’ve instilled this mindset in my own kids as well. Let your child take the reins of your camera phone : If your little one starts to lose interest or grow restless, hand over your phone camera to redirect their attention. They can snap photos of whatever catches their eye, or you can set them fun challenges. For instance, snap a pic of a piece of art you’d love to hang in your room, or hunt down the quirkiest face in the gallery. How about capturing three artworks that prominently feature the colour green? Spill the artist tea : Nothing grabs a teenager’s attention quite like the juiciest tidbits about an artist’s life. Humanising the creators breathes life into their work, so take a moment to brush up on some interesting anecdotes before your visit and share them along the way. Banksy’s origin story as a secret street artist captured my son’s imagination at the MoCo. Pack paper and pencils : There’s always a moment when someone needs a break to rest their legs. That’s the perfect time to pull out a sketchbook and some pencils. What you draw doesn’t really matter. It could be a response to a painting, a quick sketch of a sculpture, or just some doodling amidst the masterpieces of doodlers past. Game time! Here are a few ideas: Pick out the outfit from an artwork that you’d rock and the one you’d absolutely steer clear of. Hunt for the most “interesting” painting/sculpture/photograph/etc. and debate why it deserves to be banished from the premises. Lastly, no pressure—make it enjoyable! There’s no need to stay too long or attempt to hit multiple museums in a day. Treat yourselves and the kiddos to a sweet treat afterward, and chat about the experience as though it were pure fun, not a chore endured. And if museums just aren’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine! Spend your time doing what you love and pass that passion on to the little ones in your life.

Perhaps more familiar to many for singing about FEAR of the Dark, or the FLIGHT of Icarus , legendary heavy metal singer Bruce Dickinson has recently opened up about the Fear of FLYING; not his, but how people can cope with flight anxiety and/or Aerophobia/Aviophobia. While this may seem completely random to many, the Iron Maiden lead singer has, for some time, been a qualified pilot – even, for a period, being a full commercial pilot (for former UK charter airline Astraeus , for which he also served as marketing manager). In a rare non-music related interview, last week, Dickinson – who joined Iron Maiden for their breakthrough The Number of the Beast album in 1982, left the band in 1993 and returned in 2000, remaining to date – spoke about his love of flying and how those who fear it can cope, with Swedish radio station Rockklassiker , with the chat being picked up by online rock music news service Blabbermouth.net . Curiously, not once did he mention any significance to The Number of the Seat you may be sitting in in parallel to any uneasiness you may be experiencing when flying. Dickinson said: “Loads of people are nervous flyers — for perfectly valid reasons, because if you’re a nervous flyer, you’re a nervous flyer. There’s nothing to be ashamed about. It’s just that flying is a part of the modern world. “So, there are ways of trying to cope with it and deal with it and mitigate it and, in some cases, just eliminate it altogether. It just depends on what it is you’re frightened of and how frightened you are and what steps you take to treat it, as it were. And mostly it’s about just experience and education. “There are lots of really great courses, fear-of-flying courses, that are run often by airlines. British Airways  do a very good one, which involves going into simulators and going into a mock-up airplane and having people explain exactly what that noise is, and why they do this, and why they do that, and why you have to raise your window shades, and why you have to clear all the crap away from your feet, and what happens when the oxygen masks drop — all that stuff. “Because it’s not explained, really. It’s just, like, ‘Hey, do this, do this, do this.’ But people ask, ‘Why?’ My wife is always, like, ‘Why do I have to raise my window blind when we take off and [are] landing?’ And I said, ‘Because if there was a problem and the airplane was on fire, how would you know which side not to get out of if you can’t see out through the window? ‘So you could jump into a burning engine out of the emergency chute if you can’t see what’s outside; you can’t see a hazard or anything else like that.” “So it’s just common sense stuff that you don’t think through. And that sounds really gruesome, but the point is that all of these things have come about because there have been accidents where hundreds of deaths could have been prevented by very simple precautions that have just ended up being part of the safety demo.” “There was a terrible accident recently where a 787 landed on top of a — it was a Coast Guard airplane, I believe. I think it was — I’m gonna say it was Japan [or] it was Korea. But anyway, it was in the Far East. And, it was a 787 [that] landed on top of it. [January’s incident at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, where a Japan Airlines plane collided, while landing, with a Japan Coast Guard De Havilland plane; with all of the larger plane’s passengers and crew surviving, but 5 of the 6 on board the De Havilland craft dying]. It shouldn’t have been on the runway, but it was. And the airplane basically just burnt to the ground. Everybody survived that crash and got out, which is a testament to great training, no panic, and great, great crew training. So, there’s some great stories of when it all goes right. And let’s face it: air travel is still incredibly safe — way safer than getting in your motor car.” Options Open to Sufferers in Ireland: Aer Lingus Fearless Flyers Programme (Dublin Airport) Fear of Flying Ireland (National Flight Centre, Westin Airport, Leixlip, Co Kildare – Boeing 737 Simulator + Clinical Psychologist session) FlyFearless Ireland AFTA.ie (Atlantic Flight Training Academy) (Cork Airport + satellite bases at Shannon and Waterford)

TikTok feeds showing budget-friendly alternatives are climbing at a tremendous rate with 5.9 billion views under #dupe. This phenomenon has particularly captivated the beauty world, offering not only makeup substitutes but also pocket-friendly options to beloved items like the Dyson Airwrap. Now, this trend has entered the world of travel, courtesy of Expedia’s latest forecast for 2024. Travellers are gravitating towards slightly unconventional yet often more budget-friendly destinations worldwide. Enter the destination dupe. For instance, if you’re envisioning a romantic holiday next year, consider the allure of the Greek island of Paros instead of the beautiful but very crowded Santorini. Opting for a city break? Consider exploring Palermo, Sicily’s capital, instead of hotspot Lisbon, or trading the bustling streets of London for the charisma of Liverpool. For longer-haul travellers, there are equally interesting alternatives to the obvious, such as opting for Perth over Sydney to, or venturing to Taipei instead of Seoul for a unique experience in Taiwan. Expedia has observed a significant rise in searches for destination dupes in the past year, with considerable spikes in flight inquiries for these lesser known spots. In the interest of getting in on the action before they become overrun with tourists, here are 5 of the best dupes to book now. Paros – Destination Dupe for Santorini Paros is a spot with secluded bays and the most delicious seafood. It’s also gained a reputation for being one of the friendliest of the Greek islands. You can enjoy the azure beauty of the Aegean as much here as you could in Santorini! Where to Stay? Stay in Naoussa for a great mix of dining, nightlife, shopping, and good beach access.  Andiparos  or  Chrissi Akti provides an idyllic beach escape at a slow pace. Stay in  Livadia  to explore natural wonders, like nearby Kolymbithres Beach and Paros Park. Opt to stay in a fishing village like  PisoLivad i, Aliki , or Drios  – for authentic Greek hospitality, wonderful food, and great beaches. Parikia and Naoussa are best if you’re not renting a car. Liverpool – Destination Dupe for London Everyone loves London, but don’t overlook Liverpool in the north-west of England. Famously, this is the hometown of The Beatles, and the cultural legacy is alive and well in the city today. Liverpudlians are known for their warmth and down to earth charm! Where to Stay? The majority of Liverpool’s best hotels – ranging from luxurious chains to quirky boutique hotels – are sprinkled across the City Centre, Ropewalks, Liverpool Docks, Baltic Triangle, and the Georgian Quarter. In spite of its size, Liverpool is surprisingly walkable, with good public transportation connections to neighbourhoods further away, Palermo – Destination Dupe for Lisbon In the inspiration stakes, you can’t beat Sicily’s capital, Palermo . Dramatic scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for a heady mix of grand design and irresistible grittiness. Where to stay? La Kalsa is one of the four districts that make up Palermo ’s old town and the most extensive. It’s located near the port and its intoxicating mix of cultures and influences makes it incredibly picturesque and one of the coolest places to stay in Palermo. Quebec City – Destination Dupe for Geneva Set your sights further afield than Switzerland and head for Quebec City in Canada, full of cobbled streets and architectural masterpieces (the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Where to Stay? Old Quebec has a European vibe. Historic buildings, stone houses, cobbled streets and a fairy tale-like castle is essentially what Old Quebec is made of. Memphis – Destination Dupe for Nashville The beat of blues music on Beale Street, the sweet scent of smoky pork ribs, the lure of fascinating history: Memphis has got it all for an authentic trip through American history. Where to Stay? The most convenient place to stay is Downtown, with a decent spread of luxury hotels and reasonably-priced chains. There are cheaper options in  South Memphis  near Graceland but both areas can get a little rowdy at night-time.

Bucket list breaks to Iceland have never been more popular. And, as recent seismic activity has shown, nature can sometimes upset our travel plans. But this is where the expertise of a local DMC such as Obeo Travel can make all the difference. With the Blue Lagoon opening, closing and opening again (it is currently closed) the benefit of using a local DMC such as Obeo Travel has been invaluable to customers who were taken care of by being rebooked into alternative spas or lagoons on the Island. Obeo Travel DMC is represented by Alan Sparlings ASM Ireland and here are some tips Alan gave when considering a summer or winter break to Iceland Plan early: Iceland is increasingly popular, it’s not only the well located hotels that get booked up early, but we recently see that tours & excursion are too! Iceland should not be seen simply as a “city break” where you just book the flight and hotel and then “wing it” when you arrive. We guarantee you’ll be disappointed seeing all the best tours are sold out. I have witnessed this myself first hand where I met members of the public wondering around Reykjavik and had plans to do tours but they were already full. By planning early Obeo can assure you to get the best possible activity experiences, with the best vehicles & guides. Trust the locals: As Iceland increases in popularity; the global media, influencers and “word of mouth” increases. There is tremendous misinformation out there. With a country like Iceland it’s best to trust the locals, as we know our dramatic country and what to expect all year round. We have seen so many tourists hire a car to travel around Iceland during winter time. Please don’t do that – talk to us and we will recommend the smart option. Don’t be fooled by reading somewhere, or hearing something, that a visitor once experienced: it might certainly be a different situation for you during your travel time. Book with experts: We cannot stress this point enough. As everyone knows, Iceland is dramatic. It’s not only the harsh weather conditions, but also our unpredictable volcanic eruptions! If you book online, whenever a situation in Iceland arises, you’ll be left to your own devices with a simple refund. Nobody comes to Iceland for a refund – considering you’re already spending a lot on flights & accommodation. Booking with a trusted local expert provides that extra care, ensuring you’ll get the best out of Iceland. When things go wrong, a trusted partner will not just cancel and refund you, but will turn tours around and ensure that your client gest the best out of your stay and more! Drink the tap water: Do NOT spend money on bought water. Bring your water bottle and fill it up literally everywhere in Iceland. The tap water is the freshest, tastiest water in the world. Use duty free: Everyone knows Iceland isn’t cheap. So, upon arrival in Keflavik, take advantage of duty free (Iceland isn’t in the EU). Hotels offer empty minibars, expecting you to bring some of your own booze! Happy Hour: Download the app “appy hour” to quickly see which places offer happy hour at which time. Take advantage of such offers to save on your travel budget Bring snacks: For your full-day tours, bring with you some light snacks as the days can be long, and while tours make a stop to allow you to buy lunch, you might feel a bit peckish during the day. This can also save on your expenses. Stop by a local grocery store like Bonus and buy some snacks for your stay. Don’t exchange abroad: With the Icelandic Krona being a rather unreliable currency, we highly recommend you do not exchange your money into ISK in your respective home country. The exchange rate you’d get is likely unfavourable. You can use debit/credit cards everywhere in Iceland so cash isn’t even needed, if you prefer cash we recommend to use the ATMs at the airport upon arrival. Get advice: While we certainly say that you should do the top 3 things while in Iceland: Northern Lights (winter), Golden Circle and a Lagoon, bear in mind that Iceland has SO MUCH MORE to offer. Don’t let that opportunity past you, and get some advice from a trusted expert. There are countless adventures available to enjoy in Iceland, so be sure to not miss out on a great once-in-a-lifetime experience because you didn’t get the right advice Visit our agent hub: On our website Home – ASM Ireland – Direct Channel to the Travel Trade (asm-ireland.ie) we have an AGENT HUB crammed full of material you can use to promote Iceland with Obeo Travel. Don’t have the password, send Alan a message on the chat bot on their website and he will give you access.

A new study reveals that Edinburgh Castle is the most Instagrammable destination in Scotland, with a total of 723,165 posts featuring its hashtag.  Private Tours Scotland analyzed Instagram data for 30 popular Scottish tourist destinations, to uncover which have been tagged the most on the platform by users.  Edinburgh Castle takes the crown as the most Instagrammable spot in Scotland, with an impressive 723,165 posts using the hashtag, #edinburghcastle. Standing on Castle Rock in the country’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. The castle holds the oldest Crown jewels in Britain, The Honours of Scotland, making this spot a must-see destination for visitors in the capital. An adult ticket costs £19.50 ($24.84) to visit and it is open for visitors from 9:30 to 18:00 every day during the summer period.  Closely following in second place is Glencoe , with 607,634 posts featuring the hashtag #glencoe. Located within Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were formed over millennia of shifting glaciers and volcanic eruptions, making it a perfect destination for explorers.  The third most Instagrammable destination in Scotland is Loch Lomond , with 596,965 posts using the hashtag, #lochlomond. This beautiful freshwater loch crosses the Highland Boundary Fault and is surrounded by charming villages, rolling countryside and hills. There is also access to the water for those seeking activities such as paddle boarding, open water swimming and kayaking.   The world-famous Loch Ness ranks fourth, with 527,939 posts featuring its hashtag on the social media platform. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. Take a visit to Loch Ness to find out if a monster really does lurk in the deep…  In fifth place is Cairngorms National Park , with a total of 331,923 Instagram posts using its hashtag. Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park, with breath-taking landscapes including the wild mountains, heather moorlands, forests, and the wetlands and rivers which wind through the flood plains.  Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh takes the sixth spot, with 305,598 posts using its hashtag. As the highest point of Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano that sits 251 metres above sea level, giving a spectacular view of the city. Access is free for visitors and is open all year round.  Following in seventh place is Scotland’s largest mountain, Ben Nevis , with a total of 276,055 posts featuring its hashtag. The legendary peak of Ben Nevis towers above glistening lochans and deep glacial valleys, with two main walking routes depending on your hiking experience. For those wanting to take the gondola, an adult day pass will cost £24.95 ($31.73).  The Isle of Arran is the eighth most Instagrammable spot, with 149,863 posts. This island has an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, luscious forests, and stunning beaches to suit all visitors.  In ninth place is Eilean Donan Castle , with a total of 108,495 hastagged Instagram posts. One of the most recognised castles in Scotland, this iconic monument overlooks the Isle of Skye, where three sea-lochs meet, and is surrounded by the forested mountains of Kintail. An adult ticket costs £12 ($15.25) to visit this truly beautiful destination.  Completing the ten most Instagrammable destinations in Scotland is Stirling Castle, with 92,983 posts using its hashtag. Once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens, Stirling Castle offers fascinating exhibitions and beautiful gardens to explore at your leisure. Access to the castle is priced at £16.50 ($20.96) for an adult ticket.  Struan Baird, Co-founder of Private Tours Scotland, commented on the findings: “Discovering the most Instagrammable destinations in Scotland offers a unique insight into the country’s most popular and picture-perfect spots for tourists. “From spectacular lochs and mountains to fascinating castles rich with history, this data showcases the appreciation of Scotland’s beauty from tourists and locals, hopefully providing inspiration for your next trip.”

Travel Times Editor Emer Roche joined Dee Burdock (American Holidays) , Donna Kenny (Tour America) , and Tony Lane (Visit USA) Stateside, to savour the best on offer in Boston and beyond. The gang arrived into Logan Airport on Sunday evening and made their way straight to Boston Harbour for a city cruise aboard Seaport Elite II . It was an extremely warm welcome from the Meet Boston team, kicking off the pre-FAM ahead of the Discover New England summit in New Hampshire .  The following day was bright and clear. A perfect day to walk around Beantown . There’s been a lot of talk about ‘walkable cities’ over the past few years but Boston is the real deal in this regard.  Starting with a stroll through Boston Common , the group paused to look at the bronze statue commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King . Titled ‘The Embrace’ , it’s a 20 foot tall sculpture of arms locked in a hug, the pose borrowed from the famous photograph of the couple when MLK won the Nobel Prize in 1964.  A quick dash through the beautiful Boston Public Library was followed by the Boston Observation Deck , giving  360 degree views of the city from atop one of the highest buildings in New England . As it was such a clear day, it was possible to see as far south as Weymouth and beyond.  A quick uber brought the group to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, this space was originally the artist’s home but is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of art and textiles. The sunlit garden is full of exotic plants and flowers. Fascinatingly, 13 paintings were stolen during an art heist in 1990 and the crime remains unsolved. The  FBI is still investigating leads while the museum is offering a 10 million dollar reward for leads to recovering the pieces! After a dash down Newbury Street the group enjoyed a seafood lunch in the Banks Fish House on Stuart Street . You can’t visit Boston without eating a lobster (lob-stah!) and 11 out of the 12 members of the group went with the ubiquitous option! Fresh lobster meat doused in butter and lemon on a brioche roll, it was delicious. The group then took time for a cocktail reception in the Raffles Hotel – the first of the chain in the US. The beautiful hotel in the historic Back Bay area is elegantly curated to feel like an opulent residence. The timing of the reception was outstanding as it coincided with the solar eclipse 2024, thanks to Tony who had brought proper eclipse glasses from Ireland the group got to experience the stunning sight from the rooftop of the hotel.  The evening ended in the Boston Public Market where the group was treated to various samples of different local food. Stacy Thornton and Kerri Cronin spoke on behalf of Meet Boston, thanking  all attendees and suppliers.

Travel experts have warned holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with local rules, regarding photographing and selfies, before travelling – highlighting 7 international locations where selfies are definitely NOT ALLOWED. New York  Although it’s one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the world, the state has made it illegal to take a selfie with any of the big cats who are homed at zoos, carnivals and circuses. This ban was introduced to protect residents and tourists, after a social media trend saw a rise in ‘tiger selfies’.  Tower of London The precious crown jewels are kept under high security at the Jewel House in the Tower of London, with over 100 CCTV cameras and guards round the clock watching out for people trying to sneak a selfie. Inside the Jewel House taking photos or videos with these royal gems is strictly forbidden as it’s seen as a security risk.  France  Garoupe beach in southern France banned holiday-makers from taking selfies during the busy season in the middle of summer. This law was introduced to stop people from bragging about their holiday – with the beach authorities wanting Garoupe to be a haven to enjoy in the moment, rather than showing off on social media.  Saudi Arabia The government has introduced a ban for those on the pilgrimage to Mecca after selfies being taken on the holy journey have been seen as disrespectful. Reports state that taking these selfies is a tourist attraction taking away from the tranquillity required for these acts of worship.  Spain  Selfies are banned during the annual Running of the Bulls event held in Pamplona, Spain to stop visitors putting their lives in danger at the controversial occasion. Those trying to take a selfie with the bulls could be subject to hefty fines of €3000.  Japan  Across the West Japan Railway Company, selfies taken with a selfie stick have been banned. The law was introduced after the company issued a warning to travellers that the overhead wiring may cause electrocution, even if the selfie stick doesn’t touch the wires.  California Similar to New York, the state of California in America has banned selfies being taken in the Lake Tahoe region. This law was introduced amid fears of safety for visitors given the high percentage of wild bears in the area and worries that people were getting dangerously close to the animals.

The good folk at Dubai Tours & Tickets have taken a deep dive into Instagram searches for top luxury hotels and its analysis has come up with the top 50 most instagrammable – in terms of hashtagged by influencers and search results – and sought after stays in the world. Here is the top 10: 1. Burj Al Arab – Dubai The most Instagrammable hotel in the world is the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, with over 2.5 million posts featuring the hotel’s Instagram hashtag. Built on its own man-made island, the hotel has 198 exclusive suites with a dedicated 24-hour butler service. To put into perspective how Instagrammable the Burj Al Arab is, the hotel is being posted on Instagram 2,869% more than Claridge’s in London, which ranked tenth out of the top 10 most Instagrammable hotels worldwide.    2. Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai ranks second, with the hashtag featuring on 673,000 posts across Instagram. The 1,544-room ocean-themed resort is situated on Dubai’s Palm Island, and staying there includes free access to the world’s largest waterpark, the Aquaventure Waterpark.    3. Soneva Jani – Maldives The Soneva Jani in the Maldives is in third place, with over 423,000 hashtagged posts. The low-density luxury resort consists of 51 over-water villas and seven island residences. It is only accessible by seaplane from Velana International Airport, 166 km away, or by speedboat from Kunfunadhoo Island.   4. Villa d’Este, Lake Como – Italy The luxurious Villa d’Este in Italy is in fourth place with 201,000 Instagram hashtagged posts. The hotel was once a royal residence during the 16th century and is situated on 25 acres of gardens with views of Lake Como.    5. Bellagio, Las Vegas – US In fifth place is the Bellagio, Las Vegas , with over 187,000 posts dedicated to the hotel’s Instagram hashtag. The hotel includes the Fountains of Bellagio, which is synchronised with music lights and has 1,200 water jets that shoot water up to 460 feet high.   6. Beverly Hills Hotel, California – US Beverly Hills Hotel in California is in sixth place, with over 143,000 Instagram posts featuring the hotel’s hashtag. The hotel has 210 guest rooms, suites, and 23 bungalows. According to their website, it is often associated with the Hollywood elite, such as film stars, rock stars, and celebrities.   7. Giraffe Manor – Kenya Ranking seventh place is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, with117,000 posts dedicated to the hotel on Instagram. Giraffe Manor is home to a herd of Rothschild giraffes. It is part of a breeding programme due to the species of giraffe once being highly endangered. Staying here provides the opportunity to feed and take pictures with the giraffes.    8. Ritz, Paris – France In eighth place is the Ritz in Paris, with over 97,100 Instagram posts featuring the hotel hashtag. The Ritz has 142 rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, three bars and three restaurants, including the Espadon, which has been awarded two Michelin stars.    9. Marina Bay Sands Hotel – Singapore Coming in closely behind at number nine is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore, with over 96,900 hashtagged posts on Instagram. The two exclusive Chairman Suites are 629 square metres each, equivalent to the size of over two tennis courts, making them one of the largest suites in Singapore.   10. Claridge’s, London – UK Rounding off the list in tenth place is Claridge’s in London, with 84,300 Instagram posts with the hotel hashtag. Christmas at Claridge’s in 2023 had Louis Vuitton design their Christmas tree. Other famous designers who have designed their Christmas trees over the years include Jimmy Choo, Dior, Christian Louboutin and Karl Lagerfeld.    A spokesperson for Dubai Tours & Tickets said: “The top 10 most Instagrammable hotels in the world offer a glimpse into the ultimate social media hotspots. Topping the list is the iconic Burj al Arab in Dubai, with its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, views of the Arabian Gulf, luxury suites, and world-class amenities. This makes it a magnet for Instagrammers seeking to capture photos of a luxury lifestyle.”

Turkish Airlines has unveiled a new line-up of memorabilia for its Champions League exhibition at its flagship Istanbul Business Lounge . Turkish Airlines is the first official airline partner of the UEFA Champions League. The must-see memorabilia has been given a fresh line-up thanks to the new  ‘Starry Journey’ exhibit at Istanbul Airport, allowing passengers a unique experience to relive iconic moments from the tournament.  Following the success of last year’s exhibit, launched in March 2023 to celebrate the flag carrier’s role as the airline partner of the UEFA Champions League, the new display showcases iconic items from the European teams with the most appearances in Champions League history. Football fans can marvel at the 33 jerseys, 33 match balls, and two pairs of football boots, representing 33 iconic teams from Germany, England, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Türkiye. The unique exhibit also features signed shirts from football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Luis Suárez, and Robert Lewandowski.  Other noteworthy items include boots worn by Ricardo Kaká and Francesco Totti, along with signed match balls from renowned clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea, and AC Milan. In 2023, the exhibit marked a journey that started in İstanbul back in 2005 and made a historic return to the city almost two decades later. This year, Turkish Airlines is paying homage to the most iconic teams in Champions League history, setting the stage for a historic final in London this summer. The exhibit is open for visitors to Turkish Airlines’ Business Class lounge until the UEFA Champions League final, which will take place on 1 June 2024 at Wembley Stadium in London. More than 80,000 passengers a month pass through Turkish Airlines’ Business Lounge as they transit through its Istanbul hub.  Passengers can watch the special edition of the flag carrier’s animated series “The Starry Journey’s”, with its  eighth episode  dedicated to showcasing the new theme. The episode features guests of fan favourite football app ‘honor 433’ and the world-renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.