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Philippines

Pandemic Trends and Pop Culture From Southeast Asia

Have your travel plans been canceled due to this global health crisis? There is no need to worry because we are bringing you to Southeast Asia! This region is known for its rich cultures, tropical climate, and good food. Relevant to this colorful culture is the people’s taste in quarantine trends.

Everyone has been staying home during the quarantine period due to the global pandemic. The Southeast Asian region is no exception. To ward off cabin fever, respective individuals have come up with fresh ideas that have trended online. These trends have served as entertainment for the people during the quarantine period. What are these pop culture trends during this pandemic?

Southeast Asian Quarantine Trends

Several trends have popped up since the start of the quarantine period in Southeast Asia. To curb your appetite for travel, let us enlighten you with what the people from the Southeastern region have been up to during the past year.

TikTok is probably the most popular quarantine trend to have happened in 2020. Several viral videos have circulated online due to influencers and even ordinary people who have introduced quirky ideas to the Internet. This includes a variety of new drink recipes and even various types of haircuts. TikTok, with all the dance crazes and everything in between, is an online platform that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Having online parties or “e-parties” has also been popular for the past year. With COVID-19 restrictions being implemented, especially in the Philippines, citizens have been left with no choice but to have bridal showers, weddings, and birthday celebrations virtually.

The famous dalgona coffee was also seen on everyone’s Instagram stories. The recipe originated on the popular digital platform, TikTok. Dalgona coffee, along with making sourdough and other baked goods, had a good run at the start of the quarantine period.

Apart from cutting bangs, people have been preoccupied with a wide range of online trends to try out. What does this mean for the state of the people?

Happiness During Lockdown

This pandemic has been affecting many of us in the physical, emotional, and mental sense. We have been trying to stay occupied with the many online trends simply to ward off cabin fever and to stay sane while locked inside our homes. Have these trends worked their magic?

Thanks to the several online sensations and trends we have been witnessing, they have positively affected our mental health, according to experts. Specifically referring to TikTok as a platform, it has helped users take care of their mental health by maintaining interaction and somehow staying physically active due to the numerous dance crazes on the said platform.

Similarly, social media has also played a big role in keeping ourselves happy or at least mentally stable. Despite the negative news around the globe now and then, using social media to interact and stay connected with friends and family is still a major factor in keeping ourselves mentally healthy.

Despite what others may think about the use of the Internet, the online community still serves a good purpose no matter how we look at it. The online community’s positive effects all boils down to how a person uses the platforms. Social media is merely a tool for interaction. It is neither good nor bad.

In line with this, social media has allowed us to be exposed to different cultures even merely through a screen. How can this benefit us?

Online Exposure to Different Cultures

Online culture has been bringing people closer than ever before. We are exposed to a variety of cultures easily. Communicating with people from all over the globe has never been easier.

Without the advent of modern technology, the face of the COVID-19 pandemic will be completely different. People all over the world will be suffering in many ways due to the lack of interaction while isolating themselves from the outside world. It can also go the other way wherein people will not be isolating because of the lack of proper information dissemination about the global pandemic.

Online culture has not just been a tool for our mental health during the pandemic, but it has also been a means for survival. Information is crucial in this day and age. The pandemic would have been far worse without the digital technology that we have today.

Being exposed to a variety of cultures online is a good way to stay connected to the world despite being physically isolated from one another. Quarantine trends may not be in your usual taste, but they can help you deal with negative emotions. Express yourself while staying safe at home. Jump on the bandwagon whenever you can. Joining in the fun will make this pandemic worthwhile.

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Algeria

Spending a Luxury Weekend in London for Less

Would you believe us if we told you that you could enjoy one of the best views of London from the top of a carpark?

For most of us, last year presented absolutely no opportunities for travel. Thankfully, that’s behind us now, so if you’re used to a jet-set lifestyle, you can cautiously look forward to making some holiday plans again. Anyway, if you’re local to the UK then you won’t have to go too far for this itinerary! London has so much to offer in terms of luxury, but it also has a few best-kept secrets that feel exclusive, but are totally purse-friendly. Here’s our guide to the best of London for a budget-free break, or a cheap and cheerful weekend.

Sotheby’s, New Bond Street

It seems only sensible to start this luxury weekend in the heart of everything that is luxury, Mayfair. Sotheby’s auction houses are responsible for making some of the biggest art and artifact sales in history, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a budget. Bidding in an auction is a bucket list wish for many, so if you’re here for the high-budget option, then get ready to spend some cash! Back in 2012 a sketch by Raphael sold here for just shy of £30 million. Luckily, if you don’t have millions to spend then you can still attend the pre-auction gallery beforehand, absolutely free. You won’t be able to take any of it home with you, but you can put your hard-earned money towards a mansion, or four, instead.

Park Lane Casino, Park Lane

For those who have £1000 burning a hole in their pocket, you can’t find a more exclusive casino experience than at the Park Lane Club. You’ll have to pay that £1000 to settle the eye-watering membership fee at this private club, but hey, it’s a no-budget weekend! Once inside you’ll enjoy spacious, high ceilinged rooms, dripping with glittering crystal chandeliers. The gaming areas are covered in plush velvets and dark wood. Whilst at first glance around it may seem as though champagne is the only drink on the menu, you’ve actually got a full menu available 24 hours a day. You’ll find plenty of champagne of course, but also Dorset crab and langoustine salad, or black truffle risotto, at 3 AM if you require it!

The Rose & Crown, Old Park Lane

If the thought of a £1000 membership fee nearly made you choke on your lunch, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a budget option just around the corner that’s just as much fun. The Rose & Crown is a historic pub situated a stone’s throw from The Park Lane Club. Occupying its site for 400 years, although the pub now has all the mod-cons, stepping through the front door still feels like stepping back in time. They aren’t open 24 hours a day, but you can still grab yourself a relatively late-night steak and kidney pudding, with a pint of ale to wash it all down. The added bonus is that you’ll have enough change from £20 to try your luck at the casino, an online one that is. If you’re looking for a way to make that change stretch further then Vegas Slots Online lists all of the new online casinos in the UK which will match your deposit, or give you free spins if you’re a new sign up. If you get that fiver doubled then you could be having all the fun of the casino for a much smaller bit of your budget.

The London Eye, South Bank

Whilst you might not immediately think of the London Eye as a luxury destination, bear with us here. If you’ve got a budget to blow then the people behind the best view in London have organized an experience to excite you. For £250 per couple, you can book out a pod for yourself and enjoy the best view of London, accompanied by an experienced sommelier and plenty of champagne. You’ll spend an hour rotating and being served historic wines, champagnes, and appetizers, pretty exclusive. If you don’t want to spend £250 on the experience then you can book in advance, share your pod and pay just £27 each. You’ll get exactly the same view as everybody else and you can feel pretty smug about that! Alternatively…

Frank’s Cafe, Rye Lane

If you don’t want to pay a penny for your view, then you can get a phenomenal one at Frank’s Cafe. This unassuming cafe is situated at the top of a ten-story carpark in Peckham, which doesn’t sound particularly salubrious but just you wait until the sun starts to set. Better still, you can enjoy seriously reasonably priced tapas and sip on a glass of wine that didn’t cost you £125. Whilst London has plenty for the luxury customer, if you know where to look, it has some seriously tempting options for the bougie bargain hunter too.

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Travel

Live a happening trip in New Orleans! Here’s How!

“Every time I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine, I look right into the heart of good old New Orleans. It has given me something to live for.”

  • Louis Armstrong

Beginning a New Year in New Orleans is totally different from the rest of the world. While the world is about to end up the holiday season and get back to their work, New Orleans still keeps their party spirits on throughout January.

New Orleans celebrates the entire January with exotic festivals and events filling colors of happiness in the air. On an official note, the ceremonies or carnivals begin on January 6. Due to the global pandemic circumstances, the festivals may seem a bit different from the previous years, but the celebration mode will still be at the peak.

If you are planning to step outside your home, roam the world’s most exotic city, then make up your mind, surf through these exceptional things to do in New Orleans, and get ready to live a January full of dreams. So, without wasting any more time, let’s explore a string of things to do New Orleans and find out how you can make new memories here. Get a note of it, check with your travel planner, book your tickets, and get ready to experience something exceptional.

Welcome New Year with WWOZ – It’s the time when you step into the new year, welcome the new happy vibes, and enjoy the beauty of New Orleans at its best. This city plans for a perfectly lit event with WWOZ adding more to your party spirit. You can be a part of the New Year’s Eve party performances from Irma Thomas, Aaron Neville, and other local artists who have been keeping the audience glued to their performances for years. Usually, this celebration lasts for a day only but don’t feel bad as there are some other interesting events on the way.

Here, WWOZ studio organizes a 3 days classic performance program with music festivals going on throughout the city, especially in and around the WWOZ studio. During this time, millions of travelers visit this spot to visualize and be a part of this major celebration.

Relish live music with the Krewe from Red Beans – One of the best things about New Orleans is that it never gets extremely cold here. Therefore, people love to relish outdoor live music with patrons singing and involving people to enjoy it. Due to the pandemic, you may see people wearing a mask and maintaining distance from each other, but that won’t ruin the true fun of being there and enjoying surreal music. It features the famous series named Amigos de Samba, Zony Mash Beer Project, and Jose Fermin & Merengue 4 to keep people entertained throughout the time.

Buy and enjoy king cake – The official date for Mardi Gras is January 6, and it’s the time when you get to have the best cakes and other delectable treats in the city. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to go for the king cake, which comes with a lot of flavors and everything you would have wished to see in your dream cake. As it is a seasonal cake, you won’t find it anywhere throughout the year.

The famous yoga celebration – People in New Orleans are quite concerned about their health and physique. Therefore, most of them go for yoga classes. And in no time, New Orleans has had The Ohm Well (a Yoga studio) letting people find a way towards fitness.

The bottom line –

New Orleans offers a lot of opportunities to enjoy your quality time. All you need is to do some homework, learn about the different events or carnivals happening, and step outside for it now. If you have ever visited New Orleans before this, you may get to see some unexpected changes this year due to the global pandemic. So, brace yourself accordingly.

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France

Travel Bucket List: Places to Go and Things to Do After the Pandemic

Thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, many of our travel plans came to a screeching halt. For many, traveling for leisure will surely be a sentimental event once the virus dies and the nations of the world open up again. If you’re a sojourner who loves visiting new places and exploring different countries and cultures, here are some places to go and activities to do to add to your post-pandemic travel bucket list.

Join a year-long dig or volunteer for humanitarian organizations.

If you’re interested in archeology and paleontology, there are plenty of institutions that accept volunteers for paleontological digsand excavations.Many of these programs don’t require specific educational attainments; they just need people who are willing to literally get on the ground and work with their hands. In exchange for sweat and a tuition fee, volunteers will receive hands-on education from experts, as well as the privilege of being part of some of the world’s most important discoveries.

You can also consider going on a volunteer trip with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and World Vision, who are always at the forefront of extending help to the most neglected and marginalized people in developing countries. What better way to celebrate the end of the pandemic, your health, and your relative privilege than by spending your resources helping the most vulnerable in the world?

Go on a faith-centered vacation.

After what has been a challenging few years, everyone deserves to take the time to process the collective grief and trauma we all went through. No matter your faith, consider going on a trip that will allow you to re-shape and re-connect with your spirituality. If you’re Catholic, consider visiting the Vatican to hear mass from the Pope himself. If you’re Buddhist, volunteer as an English teacher for monks, or work in a monastery. If you’re Christian, go on a tour of Jerusalem and re-traced Jesus’ steps to give life to the pages of the New Testament.

You can take the time to do some meditative or mindful Christianity too. If you’re Muslim, consider going to Mecca as your first order of business when the pandemic is over. If you’re non-religious, go on a hike on the United States’ most stunning national parks to commune with nature and re-connect with yourself.

If you can plan and make concessions in your financial life to be able to afford this trip, do so. You deserve to heal after the pain and devastation the pandemic and recession brought, and going on a faith-centered trip can help you gain some semblance of wholeness.

Visit the locations of your favorite TV shows and movies.

If all you did for leisure during the pandemic was binge-watch the most popular TV shows and movies, consider it your mission to save up enough money to visit the most stunning locations you saw on your screen. If you enjoyed some Korean dramas, list down the places from those shows that you want to visit next.

If you loved historical TV shows that were filmed in the United Kingdom, explore how you can save up enough to fly to those locations and see them in real life. Adding this goal to your travel bucket list can give you something to look forward to when you find yourself being bored watching the same movies and TV shows at home.

Attend a concert or a music festival.

Being able to see our favorite artists live was one of the things COVID-19 stole from us. When all this is over, consider saving up enough money to be able to go to some of the most well-loved music festivals, likeGlastonbury, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland. Let our post-pandemic world finally be the push you need to see what all the fuss is about. You never know – you might end up falling in love with amusical act you have never listened to before.

The only way for COVID-19 to die a natural death is if we all do our part in wearing our masks, staying home, keeping a safe distance from others when we’re out, and keeping our hands clean and sanitized. The roll-out of vaccines all over the world will be crucial, but we don’t need to wait for everyone to be vaccinated before we take this virus seriously.

This pandemic will endand our unity and kindness towards others will be key to that.If we do our part now, we might be able to finally put a stop to this virus, and allow the world to move freely once again.

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Sustainablility

Tips For Enjoying Luxurious Travel Sustainably

Luxurious travel is something we all crave in this day and age, especially after the pandemic forced so many of us to stay indoors for the biggest portion of last year. However, since the world is in a different state than a few decades ago, it’s important to be invested and pay attention to environmental issues. The environment is in danger due to the man-made effects of global warming, which means that each one of us should do something to rectify the situation. Travelling is often a big source of pollution, but luckily, it’s possible to make your trips sustainable, even if you opt for a luxurious variant. So here are some tips that will help you enjoy your luxurious trip while keeping it sustainable.

Research the destination

The first step toward having an enjoyable and green trip is to research the destination beforehand. Being aware of the local sensibilities and customs will help you fit in without being culturally disrespectful. Plus, when you learn something before the trip, you’ll also be more culturally mindful toward locals, which is what they often appreciate the most. In case they speak a different language, then learning a few phrases in their local language will reflect your good intentions and goodwill. When you decide to learn about the place before the trip, you’re actually showcasing your willingness to learn about different cultures, which is a great asset to have if you want to be an eco-conscious traveller.

Find eco-friendly accommodation

Not all types of accommodation are the same, so if you’re someone who cares about the environment, then staying at eco-friendly accommodation is definitely a good step in the right direction. Nowadays, more and more places are adapting to this environment, in order to mitigate the consequences of pollution and extravagant consumption. So if you’re staying in a hotel, then make sure that it’s focused on sustainability, rehabilitation and preservation of local wildlife. Other efforts might include replanting trees, ethical waste disposal and investing in energy-efficient solutions.

Be careful when visiting the beaches

Going to the beach is one of the most pleasurable and enjoyable pastimes. However, it’s crucial to do behave your best when visiting the beach. That means picking up the garbage, no shell collecting and using eco-friendly sunscreen. But, the clothes you wear are also important, therefore, opting for the best sustainable swimwear is also a nice way to make your beach trip more eco-friendly than usual. Also, staying away from single-use plastic items will surely positively contribute to the whole experience. In case you’re travelling with kids, investing in quality-made and eco-friendly beach toys is also a great idea.

Focus on helping the local economy

Whether it’s about eating at local eateries or shopping from small business owners, focusing on boosting the local economy is one of the best ways to make your trip more sustainable. Opting to buy locally-made products will directly benefit any local community, so if you want to buy some souvenirs or presents, it’s always better to do so from local sellers than from big stores owned by corporate chains. If you want to enhance your local experience by hiring a tour guide, then be sure to hire a local who’s often more knowledgeable and experienced.

Conclusion

Enjoying a luxurious holiday is something you definitely deserve, but making it more eco-friendly is a sure way to make this world a better place. The tips mentioned in this article will definitely help you get started. Just remember to pack lightly, buy from local businesses, respect the local culture and wildlife and learn a bit about your location prior to the trip. All of that will help you create a perfectly luxurious, yet eco-friendly travel experience.

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Australia

Souvenirs to Buy from Australia for Your Loved Ones Back Home

Your suitcase to Australia will need a little space so you will have room for gifts for your favourite folks back home. To make sure that your gifts really hit the mark, remember to focus on the iconography of Australia, such as the animal life, natural beauty, and architecture.

Beautiful Beaches

The coastal cities of Australia offer visitors the chance to enjoy remarkable skies and gorgeous temperatures. While traveling, consider stopping and sending postcards from the western shore, featuring photos of Perth beaches. When you get back home, have friends over for a glass of Swan Valley Wine while you show off your photos. Also check out boat harbours like Hillarys Boat harbour that offer a range of activities and experiences unique to the region.

Amazing Architecture

During your stop in Sydney, you’ll need plenty of photos and postcards of the Opera House. For gifts for friends and family back home, stop by Haigh’s Chocolates and load up on treats for your favourite folks. The Australian Wine Centre will have great ideas both for making the best selection and to get your products home safely.

For easily portability, be sure to check out one of the many jewellery stores featuring opals. The opal is the national gemstone of Australia and the variety of colours available is astonishing. From small stones in pendants too large, faceted pieces with custom cuts, you’ll be thrilled with what you can find in the many jewellery stores in the coastal cities. Another great choice if you’re looking for jewellery is pearls. Not only can you find Australian pearls all over the country, but you can harvest your own in Perth at the Peal Harvest.

Once you get those in the mail, treat yourself to an Akubra hat. You’ll also want to stop and enjoy Sydney rock oysters, some tiger prawns, and a glass of wine from the Megalong Valley.

Beautiful Tradition

The history of Aboriginal art in Australia stretches back approximately 80,000 years. Over the generations, there are many shapes that have come to symbolise people in unity, such as the lines of upside down “u” shapes. Each “u” represents a person.

Other artistic techniques include long lines of dots in overlapping parallel lines, as well as circles surrounded by the upside down “u”. The colours of Aboriginal Australian art are as varied as the remarkable landscape. The modern Aboriginal art of Australia is produced and designed to be shared with the world in the Aboriginal gifts created by artists from all across Australia and the Torres Straits. From mugs to journals, you can share your Australian experience with those you love.

Historically, Aboriginal art also included string art and a great deal of handmade jewelry. Both men and women have adorned themselves over time with feather, shells, bones and small stones. Finally, look for woven pieces of Aboriginal art to take back home to share. The materials have advanced, but the ancient skills are still creating items of great beauty.

Each region of Australia has its own flavour and offers many options for souvenir choice to share with friends and family back home. From food to hats to jewellery to Aboriginal art, you can find items that will suit all your folks back home.

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Culture

The Best Places to Get ‘Carried’ Away in New York with Sex and the City Reunion Confirmed

“And Just Like That…” the next chapter of Sex and the City is on the horizon. Did anyone else feel like the city of New York was always the fifth character in [most of] our beloved series? Although the girls did head off to Mexico and Abu Dhabi in the films, it’s hard to imagine them – with their designer bags, bustling lives, and magenta Cosmopolitan cocktails in hand, living anywhere else.

Whether it was the fictional ‘Raw’ or very much so real and iconic Tao restaurant, the cast frequented some of the most see-and-be-seen restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations New York City has to offer. Some places were included in the series because of their stature in the New York City scene, while others soon became hot spots soon after the episode in which they were included aired.

Now, whether you’re excited about the series reboot or you can’t bear the city without Samantha, it’s certainly got us in the mood to plan a trip to the glittering metropolis and walk in the Manolos of our favourite girls.

Explore the Best Bits of the Big Apple with a Real New Yorker

We’re not exactly sure when we will be able to travel again but we’re certainly not against planning a prospective trip with the girls for a wild weekend away in New York City.

Start in Manhattan, jump on the subway to Fifth Avenue and meet Nya, a knowledgeable and gregarious New Yorker, who will guide you around the city exploring the skyscrapers and landmarks including Wall Street, Harlem and Central Park – that’s what “dreams are made of”, after all.

Remember, “don’t settle for less than butterflies” on your private experience. ToursByLocals enriches the travel experience with 4,800 expert local guides leading tours in 190 countries. The six-hour New York City Wonders Private Tour, is priced at £474 per tour (for up to ten people). The tour is fully customisable which means you could visit all the filming hotspots in West Village and SoHo. You may even spot Sarah Jessica Parker herself as she lives her everyday life in NYC, close to where the main filming took place.

Stay Smack Bang in the Middle of Manhattan for the True Sex and the City Experience

Stay in the city centre at the EVEN Hotel, located in Midtown East, to feel the beating heart of the city. This hotel is moments away from Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building and the New York Public Library; “the classic New York landmark that housed all the great love stories.”

Hopefully things work out better for you on your future visit than at Carrie’s wedding; travellers can visit the scene of the tragic dumping and re-live the moment where Carrie bashes him over the head with her wedding flowers on the street. What’s a post-COVID trip if it’s not indulging in the drama?!

The exclusive membership-only club for city breakers, Bidroom, offers a four-night stay at the four-star EVEN Hotel from £688 per person – based on two people sharing the Wellness Suite. Book with Bidroom and receive free cancellation, and no pre-payment. Based on 03 May check-in.

The Top Cocktail Bars in New York City for that Perfect Cosmo

If you’re a Sex and the City fan, do you drink any cocktail that isn’t a Cosmopolitan? With the series reboot soon to hit our screens, free online recommendations and social travel app TWISPER is providing its community’s favourite cocktail bars in the Big Apple where you just might find Carrie and the girls enjoying tipples and reminiscing (in extreme detail) over their latest romantic pursuits… Of course, we’d have to wait a little longer before being able to indulge in one but it’s never a bad thing to plan.

Apotheke

Recognised as one of the “best speakeasies in the US” by Architectural Digest, Apotheke is known for having bartenders at the top of their game. The bar is hard to find, which adds to its air of exclusivity – and the drinks menu is truly world class, having been inspired by the European history of apothecary. Apotheke combines subtle luxury with quirky touches and is a favourite NYC spot among the TWISPER community.

the blond

Located in exclusive Howard Street, the blond provides guests with a relaxing yet stylish ambience with its dark woods, subdued colours, low lighting and gold accents. Its rotating cocktail lists are tailored to celebrate seasonal flavours and the bar also offers light bar-bites to accompany its drinks menu. Think of it as the spot Carrie and co. would head to post-event to mingle and relax.

NoMad Bar

Award-winning Bar Director Leo Robitschek has created a drinks programme with something for all tastes at NoMad Bar. With the list including cocktails crafted with rare spirits, as well as a range of extensive sought-after beers and wines, this bar is a favourite among the TWISPER community and located close to the famous Empire State Building so can easily be your post night-view watering hole.

Dicover Trendy New Districts That Might Feature in the Reboot

The city is the scene for adventures – if you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha and although a lot has changed since the first episode aired (including a key character, sob), it’s possible to get an idea of the life they’d lead in modern-day Manhattan.

HolidayPirates recommends the characters move on from only Cosmos and sip their way through the cocktail list at the likes of Le Bain and Boom Boom Room at The Standard, perfectly situated on the High Line for the new revival. The trendy Meatpacking district would be their new stomping ground – an interesting notion, considering it was only just beginning to emerge as an up and coming spot in teh series.

HolidayPirates offers a five-night stay at the three-star Pod Times Square hotel, well located in Midtown, priced from only £385 per person, including return flights from Inverness with a stopover in Amsterdam (London & Manchester departures also available). The trip is ATOL protected.

Take a Day Trip and Relive Summer in the Hamptons – Like Carrie and the Girls

Remember in the second season, when the four ladies head to The Hamptons for the summer? No trip to New York would be complete without a day or weekend trip to the playground of the wealthy. Get there in just an hour and a half away with ToursByLocals and enjoy a private tour of local beaches, yacht clubs, cafes and boutique shops, thanks to your personal driver.

Take a ferry to idyllic Shelter Island and then onto the North Fork with its small towns, vineyards and twenty-nine wineries to explore. Raise a toast to the next instalment of Sex and the City – long may the girl power, friendship and fabulous outfits continue!

Enjoy your fully customisable Hamptons & Long Island Wineries Private Tour, priced at £688 per tour (for up to six people).

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Adventures

Feel The Fear, Do The Things

What are you afraid of?

Whatever you’re afraid of, it’s time to face it. Have you ever achieved something you thought was impossible? Think about it, how long did it take you to learn to walk? How long did it take you to ride a bike? Or roller skate without falling and getting gravel under the skin of your hands? But was it worth it?

Let’s look at some of the things you could be excited about, instead of sitting there wishing you had more to life.

Skiing/ Snowboarding

If you’re afraid of heights, speed, and failure… this is the one for you.

As well as the pure adrenaline you experience from becoming a mountain dolphin on the slopes, the social scene in the snow is something else. Most of the time it’ll be blue skies and as you’re already wrapped up against the cold, partying outside just works. Whether you choose skiing or snowboarding, the mountain air is the best cure for a hangover!

If it’s the cost of a snow holiday that puts you off, don’t be afraid of cheaper resorts like Bansko and Borovets in Bulgaria. You can easily get a week for under £400. Like a lot of European resort countries, Bulgaria gets a big dump in either the second or third week of March so take advantage of the low end of season prices. If you can afford better, make sure you head straight over to Canada for some time in Banff or Jasper where the slopes are never-ending just like the parties.

You could visit any of the Scottish resorts to learn but if you want to be ready before the season starts grab some lessons at any of the below. Just prepare for falls, failures, and hanging off button lifts crying into your goggles. See that bit as a right of passage, you’ll get past it.

Book lessons at: The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead. Chill Factore, Manchester. Snowdome, Tamworth. Snow Factor, Glasgow. Snozone, Milton Keynes and Castleford.

Wild Swimming

If you’re afraid of water, the cold, and the law… this is the one for you.

Wild Swimming is our privilege as human beings and I believe we have as much right to it as breathing the air. Yet, we’re afraid that someone will come rushing along to tell us to get out of the water! The Outdoor Swimming Society tells us that “In Scotland, swimmers have a clear right to swim which goes alongside their right to roam. This means you can swim freely in open spaces. The law about swimming outdoors is unclear in England and Wales. Until the law is clarified, as long as you are not trespassing, then you can swim in most public places and open spaces.”

So can you swim wild? Yes. You can swim in rivers and lakes as long as you don’t have to trespass on someone else’s land to get there. Watch out for reservoirs owned by water companies, they’re not there for you to swim in, but they do often allow it. I always look out for a ‘no swimming’ sign, normally there if it’s privately owned (then don’t swim) or it’s there for your safety. If it’s for safety, as a beginner, please stay clear and find somewhere safer.

If you’re still unsure about where you can do wild swimming, find a quiet bit of water (not in the middle of the local park!) and just do it. It’s not easy to find ‘swim spots’ online because people like to keep them to themselves. I found a little bank on the river near where I live that looked like an easy starting point so I just went for it. After a couple of months, I discovered more and more people jumping in from that very spot. Just go for it, take it slow, and make sure you’re safe… but just do it!

Get excited about it and start your journey by following as many wild swimmers on Instagram as you can. They all tend to offer safety advice to beginners and sometimes they give away the location of a safe spot to swim. Here are a few to start you off: Swimthejewels, Wildswimwomen, Suzannaswims, Theoutdoorswimmingsociety, Weswimwild, and Wildwelshswimmer.

Climbing/ Bouldering

If you’re afraid of heights, falling, and your own athletic ability… this is the one for you.

Remember when everyone started doing pole because it basically made you toned all over? Well that’s what climbing is like! You’re literally pulling yourself up and pushing up from your feet, which means your arms, back, abs, and butt are getting a work out.

You don’t need to worry about the height, in a bouldering centre the walls aren’t that high and if you fall you land on a soft surface. Climbing (indoors or outdoors) is where they strap on a rope and shit gets serious. Either way, you need to get over it and do it.

In terms of getting started, it’s one of those activities where you’ll need a pal at first. So ask around and see if anyone goes or has been before, if not just call the centre and ask for an intro lesson. Each ‘route’ up is colour coded, so you just need to be made familiar with the colours you should be aiming for with your hands and feet. Plus they can teach you the etiquette and some techniques.

The good thing about climbing is that everyone had to start somewhere. People won’t look at you and think ‘Wow, they’re really bad at this’. They’re more likely to think you’re just like them, and they may even offer you some tips. A climbing wall is a really friendly place, you’ll see groups of people cheering each other on and so you can be as social or as solo as you want.

There are loads all over the UK, if you still feel nervous, just give them a call and say that to them. You will not be judged, if anything, they’ll be impressed that you’re brave enough to face your fears.

Surfing

If you’re afraid of water, falling, and not being in control… this is the one for you.

Dear reader, for me, this is the one that got away. I will forever be pissed off at myself for my own negativity with surfing.

Take heed and learn from my mistake. The first time you ever get on a board, make sure you are with a professional and that you are there for a lesson. That professional will know not to head straight into hurricane Bertha (you can tell I’m very bitter about my first surfing experience), and they can not only offer you the skills knowledge to do it but they will help you adjust as you go on.

So yes, I’m still afraid of falling off my board and being swept up under the sea, but I need to face my fear and try again. Imagine the feeling of being carried along by the waves, knowing that you look like the coolest person on the beach, and having worked out that whole time without realising. It’s the sunshine skin, the salty hair, and that feeling of working with nature that attracts me, so as soon as I can I will try again. Being a snowboarder I thought I’d be a natural. Idiot.

Most beach towns in the UK will have surfing lessons available from anywhere in Cornwall and up to Scarborough in England, Dunbar and St Andrews in Scotland, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia (Adventure Parc!) in Wales, and plenty of places in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

So, what are you going to do first. Be brave, just do it, and tag us in your adventures along the way.

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Becoming the Next Bill Bryson: Publish Your Travel Book This Year

So, you’ve satisfied your wanderlust and decided to write a book about it. Much as you want to, however, you’re finding yourself sharing the fate of many wannabe writers. You can’t get past the eagle-eyed gatekeepers of the best publishing houses out there.

The predicament is actually more common than you think. Experts detail about 81% or 200 million Americans want to publish their own book but very few know how much does it cost to publish a book.

The truth is getting your book published isn’t just about the writing process. It’s a business decision. That’s why widening your perspective should bid you well. Below are five essentials to help you take a step towards becoming the next Bill Bryson and make your travel book a reality this 2021.

Know Your Onions

In whatever you do, knowing the basics is very important. You have to know what you are doing every step of the way. You can’t keep guessing and taking chances. There always has to be a level of certainty when you start.

Find out the publishing rules. What does it take to write a book and get it published? Find out the estimated budget if you are getting the book published. That way you are ready for whatever comes your way on the journey of publishing your book.

For example, if you will be printing the book, getting an International Standard Book Number will be important. Well, that will cost you to shed about$125.Start here.

Choose a Suitable Travel Genre

Next, choose a suitable genre for your travel book. This comes with due diligence.

What would you want to achieve with your travel book? Is it going to be a memoir of your travels? Is it going to be a science-fiction fantasy based on your travels? Funny howJ. K. Rowling, the multi-millionaire author, hatched her idea for Harry Potter while traveling on a train.

Moreover, you might want to check the kind of travel books people are into so you know what would be profitable. This is a business strategy when writing your book.

Choose a Catchy Topic

The golden rule is coming up with a catchy topic to draw the readers’ attention. Without a catchy topic, a lot of work would have to be done when marketing. So, just make things easier for yourself and your publishers and go for a topic or topics that will tickle everyone’s fancy.

Once the topic is ready, then start writing. Writing may not be as easy as it seems. You need to gather your thoughts, create a seamless outline, and the discipline to put time into your work.

Hire an Editor

Once your manuscript is ready, it will need editing. Send a copy of your manuscript to an editor. You may think you don’t need one but think of an editor as your mirror. Without one, you could be way over your head, and you wouldn’t know it.

The editor will not only check for grammar and syntax, he will also make sure your book has a good flow and easily comprehensible.

Some people opt for beta readers, and they are pretty good. Getting the perspective of a third party provides fresh insight. Listen to all they have to say, and then make necessary changes you are okay with.

Get Published

The last stage is publishing your book. It may sound crazy but there are two ways to go about it. There’s traditional publishing and then self-publishing.

Traditional publishing gets you knocking at the gates of the big publishing houses. It has its perks when you get the approval; you’d be working with the big boys. These people have the experience and the machinery to make you the next New York Times bestseller.

But self-publishing book printing serviceshave their merits, too.For one, it’s faster. Plus, it’s not as expensive and stressful as going for traditional publishing. Even better, you’re given complete creative control, from book cover aesthetics down to the last word. And best of all, you don’t get rejected. Your copy is printed as you want it.

Of course, publishing a travel book isn’t an assurance you’ll get your audience to like it. However, it’s a start.

Take note. Even the great Bill Bryson had to find his way. He worked in a psychiatric ward in Great Britain, then found a wife and became a journalist writing from America.

It’s his humorous way of writing for a British newspaper about his repatriation to the US that got him an audience. And the travel books followed thereafter.

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Moving to San Francisco? Here Are 6 Things You Should Know

Are you thinking about moving to San Francisco? The greatest city in California and maybe even the world, San Francisco has a lot to offer. Sure, it’s a little on the small side and famously expensive, but it’s also a vibrant cultural center, filled to the brim with interesting people, rich history, amazing architecture, and beautiful views.

Anyway, size is a matter of perspective. If you’re coming from cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, SF will seem small, but if you’re coming from a small town, it will seem larger than life.

The best way to get to know San Francisco is to live here, but moving is always nerve-wracking because you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into. On that note, here are six things you should know before moving to “The Golden City.”

Not Everyone Works in Tech or Wants to Talk About Tech 24/7

Many people think of San Francisco as synonymous with Silicon Valley. First of all, Silicon Valley is about an hour’s drive south of San Francisco proper. That’s where you’ll see all the Patagonia-clad techies that want to change the world.

San Francisco is much more diverse than that. For example, it has a strong art scene with renowned theater companies, a wide assortment of visual arts, and inspiring music. This city has a long history as a national art hub. For decades, artists from all over the country have flocked here to work with each other and share their ideas.

You might actually find that trying to talk about tech with anyone you meet might get you into awkward situations. Many residents feel some animosity towards the tech industry in the area for inflating their living costs.

The Housing Market

Although the ongoing pandemic has had a softening effect on SF’s rental market, the median price for a one-bedroom apartment is still not exactly cheap at over $3,000. However, you can still get cheap apartments in san fransisco ca, just take a look here for example. But in general, the rumors are true. San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to live in the world.

Most neighborhoods are well above the national average in terms of real estate prices, and the slightly cheaper ones… let’s just say they’re cheaper for several good reasons. Before you move here, you might want to do some research online to find some decent apartments with equally decent housemates. Chances are you won’t be able to afford living alone. Many of the one-bedroom apartments we mentioned earlier tend to have more than one bed.

It’s also important to pick a neighborhood you like. If it’s possible, see if you can live with a friend for a week or two to see what it’s like. Neighborhoods vary not only in terms of rent and general atmosphere, but even the weather is different. San Francisco is full of microclimates.

On a more positive note, because of SF rent control laws, some of the older units protect the renters from any drastic increases in rent. Stay alert and if you hear even a whisper of someone with a rent-controlled apartment, buy them a drink and become their new best friend because they might want a roommate.

The Architecture Is Amazing

The Painted Ladies may be San Francisco’s most iconic example of picturesque architecture, but it’s by no means the only one. The city is full of charming Victorian architecture details like scalloped roof shingles and windows with decorative trim.

Not only that, but as we mentioned before, San Francisco is full of both techies and artists, so you’ll find great art not just in the galleries on Geary Street but also on the sides of buildings all throughout the city.

San Francisco Will Get You in Great Shape

Because traffic is a nightmare. Not everybody can live without a car, but if you want to move to SF, you should know that cars are really not the best way to get from point A to point B. The streets are perpetually congested, and a good parking spot is more precious than gold. The residents of SF have more cars than available parking spaces, without considering all the tourists who visit San Francisco. About a third of SF workers commute by car, and many of the traffic congestions you see result from people looking for parking.

If you have to use your car, you have quite a few San Francisco monthly parking options you can use to search for your preferred location, compare lots and book a spot.

Since we already talked about the high rents in this city, don’t be surprised if parking is not included. Moreover, there are a lot of parking restrictions, so many of the residents who own cars will use Uber or Lyft. You also have the option of using transit, but you can expect some delays.

Since SF is quite small, most people will use bikes and scooters, or they’ll walk. But this is where it gets interesting because of the hills. If you’re not used to walking, that’s ok, because it won’t take long until you have calves of steel.

The Weather Is Interesting

When most people think of California, they think of sunny weather and wearing shorts, but San Francisco is special. You will have to become an expert at layering your clothes. Neglecting this aspect would be like leaving your house without a wallet—the temperature changes throughout the day and, as we mentioned before, from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Don’t expect tropical weather, but rather chilly breezes and lots of fog. In fact, summer is the foggiest time of the year, but in September and October, the fog lifts, and you can enjoy the sunshine in more than 200 parks.

Foodie Paradise

Ok, San Francisco is expensive, the weather is confusing, and it’s hard to get around by car. But if you like food you’ve come to the right place! Even better, from all the hills you’ll be climbing, you don’t have to worry so much about calories. Whatever you like, whether it’s greasy comfort food, fresh, organic, vegan, or trendy, you’ll find it here.

SF is well-known for being open to diversity in all aspects of life, so the cuisine is incredibly eclectic. You can enjoy culinary masterpieces from dozens of nations.

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