Aer Lingus has officially announced its new direct route from Dublin to Las Vegas, significantly expanding its North American route network. Starting on Friday, October 25, just ahead of the October mid-term break, travellers will have the opportunity to head for (direct) adventures to Las Vegas. Aer Lingus will operate flights to Las Vegas three times per week—on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—using a widebody Airbus A330-300. This service will run until April 29, 2025, covering the next Easter mid-term break. For travellers looking for a tailor-made trip, Sunway Holidays offers fantastic packages that eliminate the hassle of finding flights and hotels: FLY DIRECT FROM DUBLIN TO LAS VEGAS NO MORE STOP-OFFS! HIT THE JACKPOT WITH THESE OFFERS: 14TH NOVEMBER: 3-Star Excalibur from €789 per person4-Star MGM Grand from €995 per person 5-Star Aria from €1,169 per person 12TH DECEMBER: 3-Star Excalibur from €775 per person4-Star New York New York from €985 per person5-Star Caesar’s Palace from €1,265 per personAll packages include: Direct flights 5 nights’ accommodation Call their experts now at (01) 2311858 to book your dream trip!

Searches for ‘Tenniscore’ have increased by 345% globally over the past 30 days Polos are staging a comeback; elevate your style with a retro jumper or opt for a more casual chic look by pairing them with denim jeans and a leather jacket Explore a spectrum of colours within this trend, ranging from timeless classics like white to more lively and dynamic shades such as vibrant tennis ball green Going into summer 2024, the spotlight gleams on the trend of centre-court chic, as sports and athleisure wield their influence over the fashion scene. Google Trends reports a staggering surge of 345% in global searches for ‘tenniscore’ over the past month, showcasing an undeniable fascination with the fusion of sports and style. According to Pinterest Trends, the online need for ‘tennis outfits’ has skyrocketed by 228% across Great Britain and Ireland in the last year, alongside an 80% uptick in interest for ‘sporty outfits’. This surge in athletic-inspired fashion coincides with the release of The Challengers (2024), a cinematic triumph that raked in a remarkable $15 million during its debut weekend. Adding to its allure was the unforgettable press tour featuring none other than fashion luminary Zendaya. Commanding attention with her exquisite choice of attire, Zendaya entered the red carpet adorned in tennis-themed dresses, footwear, and more, solidifying her status as a true trendsetter. Here, plus-sized fashion experts, Zizzi Fashion examine how people can channel this tennis-inspired fashion trend, whether they want to look like their favourite athlete on the court or actress on the big screen.  Sporting a pleated skirt Pleated skirts are the epitome of tennis-themed fashion. The iconic skirts are worn by professional tennis players every year, whether they’re slaying at the French Open or Wimbledon. This year, however, pleated skirts have left the tennis court and made their way onto the catwalk.   Lacoste’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection at Paris Fashion Week was the perfect example of ‘tenniscore’ breaking into the fashion world. The collection had multiple tennis-inspired outfits, including mini and mid-length pleated skirts in hues of green, brown and black.  It’s safe to say that pleated skirts will be out in full force this summer. There are countless ways to sport a pleated skirt, including pairing them alongside cowboy boots, graphic t-shirts or denim jackets. They’re a versatile tennis-themed trend that can be moulded to each person’s individual style.   Chic tennis dresses Tennis dresses are made for the court. Although, if this year has made one thing clear, it’s that the short and sweet ensemble also belongs on the red carpet, dominating this summer’s ‘tenniscore’ fashion trend.   Zendaya wore multiple dresses on The Challengers (2024) press tour. In Rome, the actress turned heads in a silver plunging tennis dress. The pleated bottom and striped detailing were iconic nods to this season’s trend.   Tennis dresses can also be styled casually. Pairing tennis dresses with boots, denim jackets, trainers and pull-over jumpers can create an effortless, casual look for summer.  The iconic polo shirt   Polo shirts are an iconic, versatile piece of clothing. The collared shirts have made waves in multiple fashion trends throughout history, from 90s mod-style polo shirts to this year’s preppy trend revival – and they’re back for ‘tenniscore’ 2024.   Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection featured numerous polo shirts. The brand’s models sported classic navy blue shirts and an oversized, striped shirt in brown. Both styles are unisex and can be worn by anyone with a taste for tennis-inspired clothing.  Plus, there’s no “right” way to wear a polo shirt. To channel classic court-centre chic, people can wear fitted polo shirts layered with a retro jumper tied around their shoulders, paying homage to Princess Diana’s timeless style in the 90s.   However, there are other, more casual ways to style polo shirts. Hayley Bieber, for example, looked effortlessly chic in a striped polo shirt paired with baggy denim jeans and an oversized leather jacket, as pictured in 2023. This casual take is an easy way to embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer.  A spokesperson at Zizzi Fashion has commented:   “There’s no doubt that ‘tenniscore’ is this summer’s most in-demand fashion trend. To embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer, remember to wear each item in whichever way feels comfortable and natural. For example, people can wear pleated skirts alongside other athleisure, although they will also style well with everyday clothing, like knitwear and this season’s trending trainers. In short, ‘tenniscore’ is individual to the person and can be moulded to fit their style, just like any fashion trend. Centre-court colours Last, but certainly not least, is centre-court colours. White is undoubtedly the number one colour for this year’s tennis-inspired fashion. Whether someone sports a tennis dress or a polo shirt, all-white outfits embody the elegance and class of the sport.   Although, this year’s ‘tenniscore’ fashion trend also embraces brighter, bolder colours. Zendaya wore multiple green-coloured outfits on The Challengers (2024) press tour, including a tennis ball green gown that stunned at the film’s afterparty. If that doesn’t scream ‘tenniscore’, nothing will.   Don’t stop at green, though. In addition to embracing centre-court colours, people can wear tennis-inspired fits in a range of hues. Think pink tennis skirts, brown polo shirts and more – the list goes on and on and on.

International media and restaurant industry professionals from all over the Nordics head to Helsinki in the coming days as the city prepares to host one the world’s most prestigious restaurant events, the MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony. The event, which takes place on May 27th at Helsinki’s Savoy Theatre, comes at a time when Helsinki continues to strengthen its profile as a culinary destination, preparing for a summer filled with food-themed events. Visitors will be able to sample the city’s rich culinary culture by enjoying food and drinks at the many restaurants participating in the Feast Helsinki food weeks and by watching the award ceremony live at a viewing grandstand. This is the first time the ceremony will be held in Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. During the weekend leading up to the ceremony, the Feast Helsinki food event, kicking off on May 24th, gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the city’s top restaurants, which will be extending their opening hours on Sunday and Monday. Feast Helsinki, a major joint effort by the restaurant, tourism and event sectors in the region, will then continue until June 16th, highlighting the vibrant food scene in Helsinki by putting on over 100 events. Feast Helsinki is a highlight of a food-themed year, during which the city will see more than 450 events in total. “Gastronomy plays a vital role when people decide where to travel. It is important that Helsinki has culinary experiences to offer for the visitors year round” comments Anu Syrmä , Brand, Marketing and Communications Director, Helsinki Partners . Helsinki’s growing culinary reputation The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony , hosted by the city in cooperation with Visit Finland , as well as the Finnish food and drink industry firms of Fazer, The Helsinki Distilling Company, Kespro and Valio Aimo, gathers the Nordic region’s top chefs and other industry professionals at the Savoy Theatre and the City Hall on Monday evening. The MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries publication highlights exceptional food in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, and the MICHELIN stars awarded at the ceremony are the most coveted and respected recognition of excellence in the restaurant industry. In addition to them, other awards, such as the MICHELIN Green Stars , awarded to restaurants that offer first-class environmentally friendly and sustainable dining experiences, will be presented at the reveal. The event is expected to attract hundreds of restaurant industry professionals and international media representatives to Helsinki. ”We are thrilled and honoured to host the upcoming MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony next week. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and showcase our excellent offerings and unique culinary scene to our quests. Helsinki undoubtedly deserves its spot on the gastronomic map”, says Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director, City of Helsinki. The 2023 edition of the Nordic Guide contained a total of 271 restaurants, 81 of which were rated with one, two or three stars. Five of Finland’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants are located in Helsinki. Finnjävel Salonki, Olo, Demo and Grön hold one star, while Palace is rated as Finland’s only two-star restaurant. Kaskis in the southwest coastal city of Turku and Vår in the southern city of Porvoo have one star each, with Vår also boasting a MICHELIN Green Star. In addition, three restaurants in Helsinki – Natura, Nolla and Grön – currently hold a Green Star. Food is an important tourist attraction factor for the whole of Finland, and Helsinki plays an important role as the country’s largest city and capital. Over the past decade, its food scene has seen a rapid transformation, for which the MICHELIN stars and the opportunity to host the ceremony are a welcome indication. Finland got its first MICHELIN-star restaurant – Palace – in 1987, after which the amount of top-rated restaurants has been steadily growing.

Some people travel to unwind, while others seek new destinations and adventures. Recently, a rising number of travellers are hitting the road to embrace and enhance their sexual well-being. In other words, an increasing number of individuals are travelling to improve their sexual experiences. Industry experts are calling this burgeoning trend “sexual wellness,” and it’s striking a chord with open-minded travellers. Numerous hotels and resorts across the globe are offering promotions and packages tailored to these sexually adventurous travellers. Some independent travel companies have introduced specialised getaway programmes aimed at helping individuals reconnect with their sexual selves. The Global Wellness Institute forecasted that global wellness tourism would grow into a $1.4 trillion industry by 2027. Sexual wellness programmes have been gaining significant momentum. Condé Nast Traveller highlighted sexual wellness as one of its top travel trends for 2024. Suzannah Weiss , a sex educator and author of   “Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject,” which will be published in June, suggests that increasing numbers of travellers are seeking these types of trips to address tension and dissatisfaction in their sex lives. Many people, she explained, are stressed by work or parenting responsibilities and fall into ruts, losing the intimate connection they once shared. Making time and space to reconnect can pay huge dividends, she says. “A lot of couples struggle in their sex lives because their nervous systems are in fight or flight due to the demands of work and parenting,” said Weiss, who also is a sexologist at BedBible.com . “Vacation is a great way to sexually reconnect.” The majority of retreats which cater to this are based in the United States, one retreat leading the charge is Miraval Arizona , an exclusive resort and spa near Tucson, Arizona. At Miraval Arizona, sexuality educator Lyndi Rivers offers three distinct programmes focused on sexual wellness—two for both men and women, and one specifically for women. The latest addition, titled “Optimise Your Sex Life,” aims to help participants understand what motivates their partners regarding sex. Rivers explained that the class enhances communication and equips “students” with skills they can practice both at the hotel and at home. The other co-ed class teaches participants how to improve their connection with themselves, while the women-only class explores the specifics of how the female body experiences spontaneous and responsive desire. All group classes are priced at $125 per person.

Having come of age during the pandemic and enticed by the allure of distant destinations showcased on social media, members of Gen Z are spending significantly more on travel than any previous generation. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is seeking more meaningful travel experiences. They aim to broaden their perspectives with international travel, with Italy, Japan, and Greece ranking highly as preferred destinations. Additionally, they use the benefits of travel to enhance their mental health and emotional well-being, prioritize cultural experiences over partying, and seek out unique, curated activities tailored to their interests. A study from IBS Software late last year highlighted the high interest among Gen Z and millennials in using travel advisors. The results of this new survey reveal some of the reasons why Gen Z travellers are prime potential clients. Advisors wanting to attract this demographic should consider joining or expanding their presence on TikTok, where 88% of respondents follow at least one travel influencer. Emphasising sustainability is another effective strategy, as younger clients are keen on reducing their carbon footprint while traveling. Despite relying heavily on social media for inspiration, Gen Z values authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The average Gen Zer spends 9 hours and 36 minutes online daily, much of it on social media. Travelling to improve mental health is a priority: An overwhelming majority (93%) of respondents believe that travel experiences can positively impact emotional well-being. Turning to TikTok for travel inspiration is a trend: TikTok is Gen Z’s favorite social media platform and the top site for video-centric travel inspiration. Prioritising sustainability is important: As a climate-conscious generation, 50% of Gen Z respondents prioritize booking with companies that have strong green credentials, and more than half actively engage with eco-friendly organizations at their destinations. Partying is out: According to StudentUniverse , Gen Z drinks 20%AU less alcohol than millennials and prefers sightseeing and cultural experiences over clubbing and heavy drinking while on vacation. Domestic destinations are less favoured: Gen Z prioritises international travels over domestic trips to broaden their horizons. Mainstream itineraries are out: Over one-fifth of respondents use artificial intelligence for personalised travel recommendations and comb TikTok to find hidden gems in popular destinations, areas where advisors could provide significant assistance.

Revolut , the global financial app with more than 40 million customers worldwide, has together with Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus unveiled the most sought-after destinations booked by Irish holidaymakers for Summer 2024 (July and August). In January, Revolut formally announced that Aer Lingus had adopted Revolut Pay , providing a one-click checkout for its customers. It was Revolut’s first foray into the airline industry, with the global financial app looking to move further into the travel space after becoming Ireland’s first financial institution to offer eSIMs to its more than 2.7 million customers back in March. Popular sunny destinations Spain, Portugal, France, and the Canary Islands all featured in the top 10 destinations for holidaymakers, while longer haul trips to US cities New York, Chicago, Boston, and Orlando were all booked prevalently by Revolut customers. For city breaks, Paris has proved particularly popular with Irish jetsetters — with many using their Revolut account to book flights to Charles De Gaulle, likely to experience this summer’s Olympic Games in the French capital. Adjusted for user growth, there was a more than 22% rise (YoY increase) in the amount of Aer Lingus flights booked through Revolut Pay or with a Revolut card in Q1 2024 versus Q1 2023 — the most popular quarter of the year for booking travel, according to the airline. Following the airline’s commitment to providing a secure and seamless one-click checkout, on average, it now takes an Aer Lingus customer less than 10 seconds to pay for a flight with Revolut Pay. Alex Codina, General Manager — Merchant Acquiring, said: “It’s been brilliant to see how Revolut Pay’s simplified checkout experience has helped so many more Aer Lingus customers book their dream destination, in what we expect to be a record-breaking travel season for Revolut users. Wherever our customers are jetting off this summer, our range of useful travel features, such as currency exchange, airport lounges, travel insurance, and eSIMs, will help people to spend like a local and travel in style, avoiding costly bank charges or unexpected data roaming fees — and it all starts by booking flights with Revolut Pay.” Since its soft launch in late November 2023, Aer Lingus reported a 277% increase in Revolut Pay transactions when comparing both December 2023 and January 2024 (MoM increase). Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, added: “At Aer Lingus, we know that our customers love to seek out new destinations, as well as visiting firm favourites like Spain and Portugal. For summer 2024, we’re offering Aer Lingus customers a wide range of choice as we operate the largest ever North American network, including the commencement of new services from Dublin to Minneapolis St. Paul and Denver, as well as an expanded European leisure network. We’re also hugely excited to be launching an exciting new route to Las Vegas later this year, giving holidaymakers an incredible new winter travel destination to consider. Aer Lingus is proud to have become the first airline in the world to offer Revolut Pay as a payment option, which offers customers a seamless one-click check-out experience.”

Staying in a cave hotel had been on my bucket list for years, so in 2020 (just before covid) I was privileged to get to stay in one. Myself and my friend stayed in the fabulous 5* Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa in the ancient city of Matera a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also the third oldest city in the world! My mother always says ” You can’t put a price on an experience” , and I am inclined to agree with her on this one. So much so, I apply her words to a lot of my travel experiences. Cave hotels offer a unique and captivating experience, combining luxury with the natural beauty of the caves. These hotels provide modern amenities while preserving the rugged charm of the cave environment. They’re most popular in areas with unique geological features such as Matera in Italy and Cappadocia in Turkey. Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa offers all the amenities one would expect to find in modern accommodation, including plush bedding, sleek bathrooms, and in-room technology. It feature an on-site restaurant serving up delicious local cuisine made with fresh seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also has an outdoor area in a private courtyard. All the rooms in the property face out into the ancient city of Matera offering breath taking views of the city. The wellness centre of Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa is a journey through time where you can relax in the beautiful heated swimming pool, set in the natural rock. It has to be seen to be believed. For me, the most magical aspect of staying in the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa in Matera was the sense of history that fills every corner. My imagination ran riot, taking me back to what it must have been like to live here 7,000 years before. As I drift off to sleep surrounded by the coolness of the stone walls, you can’t help but feel connected to generations of people who called these caves home over the centuries. If staying in a cave hotel is not on your bucket list, I’d highly recommend adding it. FYI there are no bats living in the cave hotels! It’s a unique experience and as the very famous writer & novelist Mark Twain very eloquently said “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

As the UK festival season kicks off with news of the ‘rainiest UK summer in 100 years’, it’s not too late to seek out sun-filled festivities in bucket-list locations around the world. From Australia’s biggest light celebration, to jazz in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and pickles in Pittsburgh, below are 13 once-in-a-lifetime events to book now. Uncover the magic of Vivid Sydney 2024 – Sydney, New South Wales ( 24 May – 15 June) Vivid Sydney  has returned to the city, fusing art, innovation, and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, and musicians of our time. Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music, and ideas, including outdoor immersive light installations and projections across iconic buildings and attractions, performances by local and international musicians, and an ideas exchange forum featuring public talks and debates with leading creative thinkers. Last year’s program included the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere and, new for 2023, Vivid Food.  sydney.com Celebrate 45 years of the Aspen Music Festival and School – Aspen, Colorado, USA (26 June – 18 August) Founded back in 1949, the  Aspen Music Festival and School  is viewed as one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in North America, famous for its concerts, musical training programmes and over 400 classical music events and opera performances throughout the year. During the summer, hundreds of events are scheduled over eight-weeks, including orchestra concerts, chamber music, operas and classes, with the 75th year set to feature celebrations on all 53 nights of the season.  aspenchamber.org Dance through the streets at Capitol Hill Block Party – Seattle, Washington, USA (19-21 July) Celebrating Seattle’s coolest neighbourhood,  Capitol Hill Block Party  has 100 local and national acts performing at bars, outdoor stages and restaurants in the area. Known for creating the world’s most influential musicians, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Seattle is the city for music fanatics and Capitol Hill is where the newest and best in the industry can be found. This year’s headliners will include Still Woozy and Kaytranada.  visitseattle.org Discover new sounds at Denver’s Underground Music Showcase – Denver, Colorado, USA (26-28 July) Denver Underground Music Showcase  is the perfect place to experience The Mile High City’s exploding music scene. Denver’s largest, multi-day music festival will once again return to South Broadway and feature over 700 artists from the Colorado region. Expected to draw over 10,000 music lovers every day, the experience is committed to discovery and community whilst also challenging the conventional norms of profit-driven music festivals.  denver.org Celebrate 30 years of Vail Jazz Party – Vail, Colorado, USA (30 August-1 September) Marking its 30th anniversary this Labour Day weekend,  Vail Jazz Party  will return better than ever to acknowledge the founders, instructors, all-stars and musicians who have brought nothing but joy to audiences for 30 years. The Vail Jazz Party features an array of headliners that join together to play in group performances, with multi-artist jam sessions and inspiring multimedia tributes to jazz legends. The festival aims to perpetuate jazz music whilst expanding the audience for the genre by presenting entertaining and educational live performances, and providing jazz education to youth, whilst assisting in the development of aspiring musicians.  colorado.com Tihany’s enchanting Lavender Festival returns to Lake Balaton – Tihany, Hungary (21-30 June) Experience the enchanting Lavender Festival in Tihany, Hungary, as Lake Balaton’s shores transform into a lilac paradise. A day visit during June 21st to 30th is an absolute must. Visitors can immerse themselves in a week-long extravaganza of lavender-themed events, including guided tours and hands-on experiences like harvesting and distillation. Guests can indulge in lavender-infused delights and explore Tihany’s cultural heritage, from the Benedictine Abbey to scenic hikes along peninsular trails.  visithungary.com Immerse in Japanese history and tradition at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival – Niigata Prefecture, Japan (2-3 August) Nagaoka Fireworks Festival  takes place along the Shinano River near Ote Bridge from 2-3 August. One of the most significant of its kind in Japan, the festival first started as a way to mourn the damage of WWII and look ahead to the reconstruction of the city. Since then, the spectacular yet emotional firework show has become a celebration of the spirit of Japan. During the festival, the streets are also lined with smaller parades and processions which visitors can watch.  japan.travel/en/uk Fly a colourful kite at Washington State International Kite Festival – Long Beach Peninsula, Washington, USA (21-27 August)  Enjoy world-class kite flying and competitions against the epic backdrop of Washington’sLong Beach Peninsula at the week-long  International Kite Festival . Watch as flyers from around the world convene to wow spectators with choreographed movements and kite battles. Attendees will also be able to learn some kite tricks themselves, and design their own kites, with awards for the best creations up for grabs.  stateofwatourism.com Explore American Indian heritage at the Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival – Flagstaff, Arizona, USA (24-25 August) The only festival of its kind in Northern Arizona, the  Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival  showcases a mix of contemporary and traditional artwork created by talented Hopi artists. Visitors can catch traditional Hopi dance performances throughout the day. Organised by the Hopi Arts and Education Association (HAEA), the festival seeks to bridge together the City of Flagstaff and its surrounding communities, with the aim to learn from each other through unity, happiness and stewardship of the earth. The HAEA supports educational and artistic opportunities for the Hopi community.   visitarizona.com Enjoy epic early morning views at the Great Reno Balloon Race – Reno, Nevada, USA (6-8 September)  Since it began in 1982, the Great Reno Balloon Race has grown from just 20 hot air balloons to a world-renowned event featuring nearly 100 balloons lifting off from Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. Across three days in September, this annual event sees a rainbow of hot air balloons rise above Reno in the early mornings and is visible from vantages all around the city. Many spectators remain in their pyjamas to enjoy the early morning spectacle sitting atop blankets and camp chairs.  travelnevada.com Take in Chile’s charm at Fiestas Patrias (18-19 September) This annual nationwide celebration, held in September, offers a unique glimpse into Chile’s rich heritage through lively music, traditional dances like the cueca, and mouthwatering cuisine such as empanadas and asado. The festival serves as a testament to Chilean pride and unity, with colourful parades and dazzling fireworks honouring the nation’s independence. By participating in the festivities, visitors can connect with the warmth and hospitality of the Chilean people while witnessing firsthand the passion that defines this historic event.  chile.travel/en Test your Taste Buds at Picklesburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA  (18-21 July) Did you know, Americans consume 26 billion pickles a year, which equals nine pounds of pickles per person? Every year, Pittsburgh transforms into the pickle capital of the world to celebrate its annual  Picklesburgh Festival . Travellers have every opportunity to taste the pickle with over 100 vendors tempting visitors with pickle cocktails, pickle beer and even pickle-flavoured ice cream. Activities include pickle juice drinking contests, live music, cooking demonstrations, workshops and demonstrations, and pickle-themed merchandise. Free to attend, the event takes place in Downtown Pittsburgh.  visitpittsburgh.com Taste farm fresh produce at Farm-to-Fork Festival – Sacramento, California, USA (5-21 September)  California’s Capital city celebrates the region’s food and agriculture with the annual  Farm-to-Fork Festival , honouring the people who bring delicious food and drinks to tables across the city every day. This highly anticipated festival, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country, will return to Sacramento’s Capitol Mall combining fresh food, local beers and wines, cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits, a concert series and more. Farm-to-Fork Festival vendor applications and concert headliners will be announced in the summer.  visitsacramento.com Get sipping at Lodi Grape Festival – Lodi, California, USA (12-15 September) Whilst the city of Lodi in California has become a trendy wine-tasting destination, its family-oriented grape festival has been a beloved tradition since 1937. Originally started to celebrate the grape harvest, this September event invites visitors to sip peppery Zinfandels and sweet Pinot Grigios inside the Grape Pavilion while kids enjoy petting goats and watching turkey races. Be sure to check out the stunning mosaic-style murals made entirely out of grapes.  visitcalifornia.com Celebrate a unique Naples tradition at the annual Stone Crab Festival – Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades (26-27 October) Join in the celebration of a unique Naples tradition in Florida’s Paradise Coast with the annual  Stone Crab Festival . Taking place at several locations on the  Old Naples Waterfront , the festival kicks off with the ceremonial “Cracking of the Claw” at  Pincher’s  restaurant. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids’ activities and an abundance of stone crab claws and other seafood throughout the weekend. During the festival, visitors can take advantage of special rates on cruises aboard the  Naples Princess yacht  and Miss Naples sailing catamaran at  Port of Naples Marina . Many hotels, attractions and restaurants will also be offering  special deals  during this time.   paradisecoast.com Relax at the Zen Altitude Festival – Méribel, France  (11-12 July ) Zen Altitude  returns to Méribel in July 2024 for two days of relaxation and well-being in the fresh open air. Choose from outdoor yoga sessions, contemplative walks, dynamic hikes and healthy gourmet cooking workshops. The festival allows visitors to reconnect with nature and unwind in  breath-taking mountain surroundings.  meribel.net/en

With a 40-meter-long ladder stretching 790 meters above the fjord in the Norwegian village of Loen, “Stigull” is one of this summer’s new big attractions in Fjord Norway. “ It looks like people are floating in thin air,” s ays initiator Per Helge Bø. With a 40-meter-long ladder stretching 790 meters above the fjord in the Norwegian village of Loen, “Stigull” is one of this summer’s new big attractions in Fjord Norway. “ It looks like people are floating in thin air,” s ays initiator Per Helge Bø. “Stigull” opened in Loen in Nordfjord on May 31 and is the latest addition to the popular  Via Ferrata  Loen. To reach the 120 steps, you must first climb the initial part of the scenic route towards the top of Mount Hoven. “Stigull is built to make the Via Ferrata facility in Loen more complete, and it is the first of its kind in Norway. With 120 steps and a slope of 45 degrees, this is a long ladder to the sky by international standards. The location offers an incredible view of the fjord landscape,” says Per Helge Bø, the initiator at Loen Active. The renowned Austrian company HZI has built the ladder, which is part of Route 2, located just east of the  Loen Skylift  cable car. The Via Ferrata is connected with both a  zipline  and a suspension bridge, as well as climbing routes of varying difficulty levels. “This is an adventure-filled experience for all climbing enthusiasts. The ladder has a relatively low difficulty level but feels very airy, so the sense of accomplishment is great when climbing this stage. It actually looks like people are floating in thin air,” Bø continues. From the top of Mount Hoven, a fantastic view awaits, as well as a  restaurant  and shop connected to the cable car. “This new installation emphasizes our ongoing commitment to offering unique and exciting experiences in spectacular surroundings. We encourage all adventure seekers to try Stigull and get a truly unique fjord experience,” concludes Bø. Via Ferrata Loen is a spectacular climbing route designed for anyone with moderate physical fitness. It can be undertaken both as a guided tour and as an individual tour without a guide for the experienced. Find more information here:   website .

Northern Lights Escape 6 Days | Travel to Iceland and experience its astounding natural features From EUR €1,990 Gurgling hot springs, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes alive and extinct, Europe’s biggest glacier – Iceland, where adventures a la naturale await. Discover the raw natural beauty of this spectacular Nordic wonderland on a 6-day trip that will have you stalking close to epic glacial sheaths, feeling the icy spray of the Gullfoss waterfall and becoming acquainted with the culture and cuisine of an Arctic island outpost unlike any other. Trip Overview: Summer Pyrenees Family Holiday with teenagers 8 Days | Get off the beaten track on this exciting family holiday in the Pyrenees From EUR €654 Challenge the family to an unforgettable week of adrenaline-fuelled activities with this active Pyrenees trip. From Soldeu, head out around Andorra trying fun new experiences along the way. Get the pulse racing on hiking and cycling adventures, then spend a wet and wild afternoon whitewater rafting. Take advantage of the location and explore nearby hamlets on horseback or go fishing in the local lakes. This is sure to be an inspiring week, enjoying Andorra’s adventure playground as a family. Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik 8 Days | Explore Croatia’s stunning coastline from Split to Dubrovnik From EUR €1,458 Become immersed in Croatia’s natural beauty while sailing the stunning Adriatic coast. Mix lazy days of swimming and beach going with time spent exploring medieval fortresses, sitting in lively restaurants, wandering cobbled streets and hiking to ancient ruins. Wind down in the evening and fall asleep onboard the boat, being lulled to sleep by the sound of lapping waves. For more details on offers, go to Best Small Group Tours & Adventure Travel | Intrepid Travel IE

Returning from your holiday can leave your hair feeling like it needs a vacation of its own. From pre-wash to post-wash, these hair care solutions provide the ultimate DIY routine to rescue your locks this summer. After enjoying some well-deserved relaxation on your holiday, you come back feeling rested and glowing. However, the holiday blues can quickly set in if you return to hair that feels frazzled and lacklustre. The post-sun hair struggle is all too common – battling humidity, the aftermath of relentless heat styling, and frequent exposure to chlorine, salt, and UV rays can take a toll on your strands. It’s no surprise if you find your hair robbed of shine, frizzy, and plagued by split ends. Nuxe After-Sun Hair and Body Shampoo This cleansing shampoo resets your holiday hair with its sulphate-free formula, removing salt, chlorine, sand, and sunscreen residue. It leaves your hair soft and hydrated, while Nuxe’s sunshine scent helps keep the post-holiday blues away. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask This ultra-hydrating mask revitalises frazzled hair in just five minutes. Its rich formula provides deep conditioning for even the thickest and driest locks. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, it nourishes strands, restoring elasticity and shine. Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Oil Rejuvenate brittle locks with this nourishing hair oil. Its omega-rich blend of cassis seed, argan, and jasmine oils penetrates each strand, restoring shine without leaving a greasy residue. The oil’s protective formula strengthens hair, helping it withstand UV rays, pollutants, and heat styling. Kérastase Symbiose Intense Revitalising Mask If sun exposure leaves you with a flaky scalp, try this high-performance hair mask. Applied from root to tip on towel-dried hair, it deeply cleanses and nourishes the scalp while detangling and hydrating the lengths. The result is ultra-shiny hair with a salon-worthy finish Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hydrating and Detangling Leave-In Conditioner Originating from the sunny climate of Bali, this brand knows how to care for holiday hair. This leave-in conditioner combats frizz and dryness without needing to rinse. Its blend of coconut, avocado oil, and rice protein targets dullness and enhances shine. Divine!

June 2024…//  With longer, brighter days upon us,  IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts  has unveiled spectacular offers to welcome in summer and celebrate World Gin Day and Father’s Day on 8th and 16th June 2024. The group’s resort-based residences in Costa del Sol and Scotland are going all out this June and offer guests the best of both worlds: the independence of self-catering accommodation and the best-in-class hotel facilities, in two of the best Spanish and UK destinations. World Gin Day- 8th June 2024 Gin enthusiasts looking to celebrate World Gin Day need look no further than  Wyndham Duchally Estate  in Scotland, where guests can take part in an immersive distillery experience at the hotel’s onsite distillery. Guided by a knowledgeable in-house distiller, guests are invited to create their own personalised gin to take home and learn about the distilling process from start to finish. To mark World Gin Day, Wyndham Duchally Estate is also offering a  15%  discount on all Gatehouse Gin products from  7th to 9th June . This gives guests the chance to buy the hotel’s signature gin, crafted at the estate’s own distillery with locally sourced botanicals. In Spain,  Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol  is celebrating World Gin Day with the opening of a new Gin Bar on  7th June , on the terrace of the hotel’s Grand Lounge. Remaining open throughout the summer, the Gin Bar offers picturesque views of the San Diego Suites pool and the stunning sea, providing the perfect setting for guests to enjoy a carefully curated selection of gin-based drinks in the sun or unwind with a post-dinner cocktail. Father’s Day- 16th June 2024 With Father’s Day fast approaching, families looking to treat the dads or father figures in their lives and enjoy some much-needed quality time together can take advantage of IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts’ special offers in the UK and Spain. In Scotland,  Wyndham Duchally Estate  will be treating fathers and their families to high tea with a twist on Sunday 16th June. Guests can look forward to pies, mini burgers, and mini fish and chips, accompanied by a pint of beer (or a non-alcoholic alternative). Priced at £27.50 per person, This distinctive take on the classic afternoon tea will be served on an elegant tea stand and complemented by live entertainment, for an extra-special day for all the family. In Spain,  Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol  is offering fathers a generous 50% discount on lunch or dinner for tables of three or four. For larger families, of at least five, dads will dine for free, ensuring a day filled with cherished memories with fathers feeling extra-appreciated.