There’s a reason why, when you ask most people who’ve never visited the country, foreign tourists go straight for the capital when it comes to the UK. Exploring the vibrant cities outside London reveals a rich tapestry of culture, history, and experiences waiting to be discovered. It’s a truly iconic and historic city and there is a huge amount to do. It’s a great place to visit but there is so much more the UK has to offer than just London.

There are dozens of incredible cities in the UK that offer everything from grand history to world-class culture. So, here are a few UK cities that are just as fascinating as London for foreign tourists who might otherwise not have considered anywhere but the capital as a legitimate vacation destination.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an absolutely beautiful city and is the second most visited city in the UK. It is also one that has preserved its history extremely well. It’s filled with great food, culture and history and Edinburgh Castle is perhaps one of the most well-preserved pieces of historic architecture in the world. If you want to experience the city at its best, meanwhile, consider visiting during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you are a fan of comedy, then you’ll probably have the time of your life.

Brighton

Located on the southern coast of the UK just an hour’s drive or train journey from London is the seaside city of Brighton. While Blackpool might be the UK seaside jewel of the North, Brighton is much more forgiving when it comes to foreign tourists. There’s a real multicultural atmosphere in the city and if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community it’s essentially the pride capital of the country.

Southampton

A couple of hours from Brighton on the South-Western coast is Southampton, the city from which most UK cruise ships sail. While there is a lot to keep the typical tourist occupied in Southampton, you can take a short train journey from Southampton to Winchester and explore a side of the UK that appeals to foreigners. With the cobbled streets and beautiful cathedral, it has absolutely everything to offer regarding things to do and historic scenery.

York

If you want to venture further north, York is a beautiful city that captures the old-time feel of what the city will have been like decades ago. From the small, cobbled streets to the beautiful architecture and walls around the perimeter of the city overall, it’s a beautiful place swimming in history. If you’re lucky enough to visit around December, it also boasts one of Europe’s most idyllic Christmas markets.

Liverpool

If you’re a fan of pop music then you’re almost certainly a fan of The Beatles and for any fan of the Fab Four, Liverpool represents something of a holy grail. From the famous Cavern Club where the band earned their stripes to the various locations that inspired their hundreds of classic songs, you could comfortably spend a whole week exploring the city and still not see it all.

If you’re captivated by London’s luxuries, why not extend your journey beyond the capital? Explore the elegance of London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square and then venture into the charming cities outside London for a truly enriching travel experience.

Whether you’re preparing for a long trip abroad, a winding road journey, or lots of beach adventures, you might be wondering what jewelry to pack, what to leave behind, and how to pack it. If you ask us, jewelry is a must-pack for a trip.

But you might want to stop packing for a moment and consider whether it’s safe to bring your most valuable items with you. Taking extra care is essential when traveling with jewelry. Whether you’re flying to another state or another continent with jewelry, it’s important to keep it safe, so it doesn’t get broken or stolen

You should only throw your favorite jewelry in your suitcase without a second thought. Even if you are packing at the last minute, you still have time to make sure your jewelry is safe. You likely already have things around the house that could be used to make a jewelry travel case.

We’ll give you tips on how to pack and move your jewelry so that it doesn’t cause any trouble.

Things to Bring and Leave at Home

No matter where you go or how long you stay away, remember that a vacation is a respite from your normal routine and worries. The general guideline for leisure travel is to avoid bringing anything you would be concerned about losing. It’s advisable to leave valuables at home unless they’re essential to your attire for a particular trip occasion or have a high monetary or emotional significance.

However, this does not imply that all jewelry should be left at home. Thefts of jewelry are a big business. In the 20 years between 2002 and 2021, jewelry companies in the United States lost a total of $2.2 billion due to crimes. Be extra careful about what you choose to pack with you. A trip is a perfect opportunity to add inexpensive basics to your jewelry collection and accessorize.

Most of the time, stick with a few neutral accessories that go with many different ensembles, such as little hoop or stud earrings, a small pendant, and a chain-link bracelet. Add a couple of wacky statement pieces as well, though. They will dress up even your most casual vacation attire. Additionally, since you only wear inexpensive jewelry, you probably have the money to be fashionable.

The Precious Wedding Ring

What about your engagement ring and wedding band? Wedding rings are often made with precious and semi-precious gemstones, and you cannot afford to lose them. It’s frequently advisable to leave your engagement ring at home and simply wear your more understated wedding band, depending on your destination and activities. (If your wedding band is more extravagant or flashy, do the opposite.)

According to a report by FMI, nearly 85% of all gemstone sales come from jewelry and ornaments, most of which are rings with gemstones on them. This is mostly because people are done with the basic rings and have jumped on the bandwagon of customization.

Gems and jewelry that are made to order have become popular in recent years. This is giving players in the gemstones market high-potential growth opportunities. Considering this, you want to avoid taking a risk with something so precious.

Make sure you either leave it in a safe spot at home or travel, being very careful. Do not wear the engagement ring if you are going out in the wild, and there is a chance that it will slip off. If you haven’t already, now is a good opportunity to set up jewelry insurance for any expensive jewelry you do decide to bring on your trip.

How to Travel with Jewels

You’ve chosen the jewelry you’ll bring after considering your travel itinerary. Maybe you’ve spread out all of your bangles and necklaces on your bed, and they’re starting to tangle. How will they ever get everything to your destination tidy, clean, and untangled?

Take into account these strategies when bringing jewelry on vacation.

Jewelry travel case: If you travel regularly, it can be wise to spend money on a jewelry travel case. (These are also referred to as jewelry rollers or travel organizers.) A good travel jewelry bag doesn’t have to be expensive; it just needs to have compartments to keep your particular jewelry pieces organized and free from tangles and scratches.

Drinking straws: To prevent necklace chains from tangling, thread one end through each straw before fastening the clasp. To keep your necklaces secure, put all the straws in a toothbrush holder. Do you additionally wear one or more bulky necklaces with your outfit? Use a toilet paper tube and carry out the same procedure.

Index cards: To keep earrings organized and simple to locate, poke holes through the index card with a safety pin, insert the earrings, and then secure the backs. The card should be wrapped in a towel before being packed with the rest of your jewelry.

Buttons: Using buttons, you may keep earring sets together when traveling and at home. One pair of earrings can be threaded through each button’s hole, and larger buttons should be used. The buttons you intend to bring should be placed in a small ziplock bag or wrapped in a little fabric when packing for a vacation for increased security.

Small plastic bags: You know those little, sealable plastic packets you frequently receive with cheap jewelry? Save them in case you need to pack your jewels in them. Silver jewelry is the most tarnish-prone. Keep silver earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings properly arranged and not touching one another in a well-ventilated area.

Place one piece of jewelry in each bag to keep everything orderly and free of tangling. Place a larger ziplock bag for transport after placing all the small plastic bags inside it. Check your neighborhood craft shop if you still need to get tiny plastic bags. Even simpler, simply open the pantry in your kitchen and take out several zip lock bags that are the size of snack bags.

Bonus Trick: Individual jewelry items should be packed in discarded prescription pill bottles, which should then be placed in a larger ziplock bag. If you have young children, you probably have a collection of small, sealed plastic bowls or snack cups. These are ideal for keeping bulkier bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, as well as a collection of button earring sets wrapped in a little cloth.

The last few things to follow as a rule of thumb, pack your jewelry in your carry-on bag if you’re flying. Bags that are checked have a substantially higher likelihood of going missing. Also, remember that you are on vacation to unwind, have fun, and escape from your routine. Go minimal on jewelry to have maximum fun.

With the development of technology and better living standards, the United States has experienced a shift in population in some major cities. Families and young people are moving to cities flourishing with better neighborhoods and exploration sites, such as Orlando, Florida.

There is a statistic according to Ofirio that these cities are also appealing to real estate investors because they attract buyers with their affordable cost of living, high employment levels, and moderate housing costs. This article ranks the top ten cities that are growing rapidly and are great for families, young people, and retirees.

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is our top one fastest growing city. Its metro area includes developing cities such as Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Round Rock, which have contributed numerously to the many benefits enjoyed by the community.

Metro area population: 2,173,810

Median housing cost: $546,000

Median household income: $110,300

Queen Creek, Arizona

The second fastest-growing city on our list comes from the southeast of Phoenix, named after an eye-catching creek in that area. The city of Queen Creek is famously known for its firmly-held culture of agricultural activities. Its fertile soil allows the cultivation of various crops, thus attracting many agricultural activities in the area.

Population: 66,346

Median housing cost:$651,000

Median household income: $111,743

San Francisco bay area

From an economic viewpoint, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the fastest-developing cities in the United States. The Bay Area is famous for its advanced technology industry, which comprises companies like Zoom. These companies have greatly contributed to the development of this area and have helped it secure a major spot as one of the fastest-growing cities.

Population: 3,318,000

Median housing cost: $1,250,000

Median household income: $167,663

Orlando, Florida

The city of Orlando, Florida, is popularly known for its amazing theme parks and Walt Disney World. The city also has two water parks, Typhoon and Blizzard Beach, which appeal to tourists and create park-related jobs. With industries such as healthcare, education, real estate, and finance booming, employment has increased.

Population: 2,038,000

Median housing cost: $385,000

Median household income: $55,183

McKinney, Texas

McKinney is another city in Texas that has shown tremendous growth over the past few years. The city is great for retirees and families, especially because of its safe neighborhoods, thriving school systems, and amazing parks. With quick access to Dallas and the town’s amenities, it is no surprise that McKenney is growing at a rapid pace.

Population: 208,960

Median housing cost: $495,000

Median household income: $113,806

North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston is another city that has grown rapidly in the past year. This tremendous growth is attributed to a steady economy, an increase in population, and an increase in employment of 0.7% over the past year. According to experts, the city is projected to grow by 10% in population by the year 2030. During the same duration, the rate of employment in North Charleston is expected to grow by 40%.

Population: 117,472

Median housing cost: $292,195

Median household income: $52,264

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City makes a list as the 7th fastest-growing city in the United States. The state of Utah is generally a great place to live because of the appealing climate and outdoor activities. Located in the northern part of Utah, Salt Lake City attracts many people, especially outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers fun outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and fishing. The city is a great place to settle down, and many people are rushing to buy homes in this neighborhood.

Population: 200,472

Median housing cost: $529,200

Median household income: $65,880

Seattle, Washington

When the pandemic hit, many cities faced a decrease in population as people fled to other towns. In Seattle, it was the opposite. During 2021, the city kept growing, and by July 2022, it had shown an increase of 2.2% in the population. Its growing population, the active housing market, and tech companies and corporate organizations are some factors that have put Seattle on the map.

Population: 3,489,000

Median housing cost: $811,300

Median household income: $120,907

Irvine, California

According to the U.S. Census, Irvine has shown exceptional population growth. Its wide job market, thanks to its growing infrastructure and businesses such as Taco Bell and Broadcom, among others, has attracted plenty of families to the area. Its intelligent educational systems and top universities, such as Chapman University and the University of California, Irvine, are some of the key things that have made the city so reputable.

Population: 328,284

Median housing cost: $1,300,000

Median household income: $108,318

Fort Myers, Florida

Located in southwest Florida, Fort Myers is another city that has shown significant growth over the last year. U.S. Census data shows that the city’s population has grown by 7%. The amazing weather, welcoming locals, and access to the west coast of Florida are some of the reasons why people move to and settle in Fort Myers.

Population: 92, 245

Median housing cost: $380,000

Median household income: $71,739

In conclusion, the fastest-growing urban areas are clearly in the West. Many of the fastest-growing cities in the United States may be found in Texas and Arizona.

“You only live once.” This mantra reminds people to live their lives to the fullest.

Aside from appreciating the little things, living a full life also means trying activities you don’t usually engage in at least once in your lifetime.

If you’re just about to write down the things you want to do before you kick the proverbial bucket, you may want to pause for a moment and think about Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A multipurpose hub at the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this 9.7-square-mile island houses some of the best theme parks that offer one-of-a-kind rides and attractions.

If it’s your first time reading about this place, this article will show you the top eight Yas Island must-visit attractions you should consider adding to your bucket list.

Yas Waterworld: Jebel Drop

Yas Waterworld is a leading tourist destination in Abu Dhabi offering a unique waterpark experience inspired by the country’s pearl diving legacy.

In this part of Yas Island, you’ll find several attractions considered bucket-list-worthy, including Jebel Drop, the highest waterslide in the waterpark.

This attraction offers the most scenic view of the entire park. Of course, that’s just the beginning of an unforgettably wild experience.

Standing on a ten-story-high platform, guests are in for a spine-tingling experience as they begin a quick, heart-racing descent through one of two solo speed slides.

Yas Waterworld: Liwa Loop

Most people consider long waterslides the highlight of water parks. But Yas Waterworld is different.

Besides having an unparalleled height, some attractions offer something extra unique. Liwa Loop is an excellent example.

The first freefall drop slide in the Arab region, this water slide offers adrenaline-pumping action by letting guests fall through a disappearing floor. The ride is nothing short of exhilarating, thanks to the high-intensity looping action, which definitely counts as a once-in-a-lifetime experience (unless you’re brave enough to go through it multiple times, of course).

Ferrari World: Formula Rossa

After over a decade, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi still holds the record for housing the fastest roller coaster on Earth.

Running at a top speed of 149 miles per hour (mph) within 4.9 seconds, Formula Rossa can zip through the track as fast as the golden eagle flies through the sky. This is also thanks to the ride’s state-of-the-art hydraulic launch system.

Upon reaching its climax, the roller coaster lets riders experience up to 4.8 G-force.

As if that’s not enough, the ride shoots into a 170-foot climb before dropping into a sharp left turn before the coaster goes up again. After it descends once more, it goes into a tight right turn, leading into another sharp left to complete the most intense figure eight in the world.

Ferrari World: Driving Experience

Ferrari World has many famous attractions besides Formula Rossa. In terms of bucket-list-worthy experiences, the Ferrari Driving Experience definitely makes the cut.

As the name suggests, it offers fans a chance to drive a luxurious Ferrari car around Abu Dhabi.

You can choose from among the available world-famous luxury car models and ride with trained Ferrari drivers, some of whom have racing experience.

To help you capture your time here, you’ll also be given digital pictures of the drive recorded on a GoPro. You can get them saved on a flash disk and printed with a carbon fiber jacket frame.

If you choose to add this experience to your bucket list, be sure to arrive ahead of time so you can attend the mandatory briefing session before the drive. And don’t forget to bring your driver’s license or driving permit.

Warner Bros. World: Justice League: Warworld Attacks

Have you ever dreamt about saving the world someday? If you answer on the affirmative, a trip to Warner Bros. World will be the perfect experience to complete your bucket list.

Bring out your inner hero and get a chance to fight evil in Justice League: Warworld Attacks.

In this trackless and motion-based ride, you can enjoy multiple immersive media scenes showing Earth’s mightiest superheroes as they face Mongul and his extraterrestrial army.

No other attraction will let you experience what it’s like to work alongside Superman, Wonder Woman, and Cyborg to save the world.

If you’re unlikely to get a chance to do it in real life, then now is your chance to get the next best thing.

Pro Tip: If you’re going with your girlfriends, time your trip right around the park’s scheduled ladies’ day in Abu Dhabi. During this event, powerful women in the DC Universe dominate the spotlight, while female guests get exclusive access to the park.

Warner Bros. World: Batman: Knight Flight

Considered one of the most innovative attractions in Warner Bros. World, Batman: Knight Flight is a dark ride system that uses a next-generation robotic arm that takes guests on an intense flight over Gotham City.

As soon as you enter, you’ll be recruited for a special job by none other than the Dark Knight himself. The mission? To catch the Joker and stop him from wreaking havoc while riding Wayne Tech’s new crime-fighting aircraft, the Drone Wing.

CLYMB: Flight Chamber

CLYMB Abu Dhabi is an adventure hub with two record-breaking attractions: the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and the largest indoor skydiving chamber.

Opened in November 2019, this popular destination for thrill-seekers promised to bring guests to new heights. Interestingly, CLYMB delivered in both the figurative and literal sense.

Hailed as the biggest of its kind on the planet, the skydiving wind tunnel boasts a whopping 32 feet by 104 feet size – astounding when compared to the 14-foot height of the average wind tunnel.

Besides its size, CLYMB’s flight chamber also offers an unforgettable adventure with four times more flight power, thanks to the 16 fans (vs. four in most flight chambers).

CLYMB: The SUMMYT

CLYMB Abu Dhabi also houses The SUMMYT – a towering indoor wall climbing structure that scales an unprecedented height of 138 feet.

This record-breaking attraction designed for climbing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers also comes with 13 unique climbing routes. Each of them offers an experience that not only burns calories but also ensures you have an unforgettable time here.

Live Like There’s No Tomorrow

You only live once. What better way to show your gratitude for every day you wake up than by trying out things you can only experience at least once in your lifetime?

Complete your bucket list with these experiences on Yas Island and live like there’s no tomorrow.

Getting away for a weekend or longer is appealing in the colder months of the year. Any kind of getaway will be beneficial, but there is something special about a rural getaway in the winter months. This post will look at how you can prepare for this type of trip and why it might be the perfect time of the year to escape to a rural destination.

How to Prepare

To prepare for a rural getaway, you will want to get everything booked in advance so that everything is taken care of. You will also want to make sure that your car is in the best possible condition as you do not want to break down and be stranded in a rural destination! This is why it is a good idea to get a basic car service completed in advance of your trip, which will improve the condition of your car and resolve any issues that the car has. In terms of packing, you will want clothing that will help you to manage the cold and waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear to enjoy wintery walks.

So, what are the benefits of a rural getaway?

Escape Urban Life

If you live in a town or city, there is something nice about escaping urban life even if it is just for a weekend. With fewer people around, you will feel like you have more space to breathe and think, which can be helpful for recharging your batteries and reducing stress.

Enjoy Simplicity

Similarly, you will find that life can be a lot more simple and straightforward in rural areas. These are areas where people lead lives that are more simple and natural compared to major cities and this can be revitalizing. Additionally, you will notice the importance of community in rural areas and this can be refreshing compared to busier areas where people often will not give each other the time of day.

Connect With Nature

A rural getaway also allows you to spend time in nature and this is proven to enrich your life in a few ways. You have endless options for rural areas with outstanding natural beauty in the UK and spending time exploring nature even in the colder months can give you a mental health boost and allows you to discover the great beauty that the UK has to offer.

These are a few of the main benefits of a rural getaway, which can be the perfect tonic at this time of the year. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to rural getaways in the UK with many beautiful and welcoming places to visit, but you also need to make sure that you are well-prepared for this type of trip before you set off.

As we get closer to summer, most people will place traveling and vacations at the forefront of their minds. Being able to take some time off work to relax is necessary to allow your body to recharge. One of the most enjoyable activities is exploring various features that nature has to offer on land. While this is exciting, it becomes even more enjoyable if you use a campervan to facilitate your travel since it provides more enjoyment and freedom.

Even though there are numerous benefits you can enjoy from traveling in a campervan, it becomes challenging if you do not own one. However, do not worry; you can book motorhomes online Tasmania from LeisureRent at very affordable prices. Continue scrolling to discover the benefits you will enjoy from hiring a campervan for your family holiday.

Easier Than Setting a Tent at Each Place You Stop

Provided you have a campsite, hiring a campervan will allow you to enjoy the ease of arrival and a home away from home. Usually, if you are utilizing traditional camping, you will be required to spend significant time unpacking your car and setting up your tent. A campervan makes this way easier as the only setup that will be necessary is connecting electricity and filling up the water supply. Thus, this will enhance your experience making it more beautiful and memorable.

Flexibility to Go Wherever You Want

This is one of the most significant benefits a campervan will provide as you can move wherever you want and on your own time. While there might be some limits based on availability at campsites, a campervan can facilitate the perfect basis for your travel. You can make as many stopovers as possible while on a campervan, unlike when you are using a bus or train. If you value privacy, a campervan is your ideal vehicle to travel in during your trip.

More Storage Space

One of the most challenging decisions when traveling is what to pack and what not to. This is a common problem, especially for ladies. For instance, if you are traveling in summer when most days are hot, you cannot assume that all days will be hot. Therefore, you must carry some warm clothes for cold days. However, if you are staying in a hotel, you might be limited in the clothes you can take. Campervans offer a lot of space. Thus you can bring anything you want.

Ability to Self-Cater

Even though one of the exciting traveling moments includes trying out new dishes, it can sometimes be challenging when you do not like the food. Fortunately, traveling in a campervan allows you to carry your own cooking ingredients to prepare healthy meals in addition to the new dishes you try out. Also, you might travel to places with no restaurants or fast-food stalls, making cooking essential.

Nevertheless, if you do not want to cook, you can always ask your driver to drive you to a nice place to have a meal.

Let me take you down the rabbit hole, through the cobbled streets of one of England’s oldest cities, where you’ll be met by an unassuming building that holds the secrets of The Vices York.

A stay at The Vices York will make you feel like you are stepping into Milan with their directly imported, innovative smart technology that adorns each suite. This sanctuary is filled with the owner’s super quirky and fun personalities. The two co-founders, Daniel and Moreno, are a match made in heaven. Daniel is a trained chef and sommelier and Moreno is from Rome where he discovered his love for art and design. A quirky duo who have admirable attention to detail which is showcased so elegantly throughout the property.

The stand-out feature of this particular location is its building, housed inside an old Victorian police station; like much of York, it is brimming with history in every crevice.

Breakfast was to die for, carefully curated and stunning in delivery. I could not get enough, and every mouthful was a pure delight.

My night was spent in the luxurious second suite – there are only three suites in total – which proves the exceptional attention to detail each one carries.

Described by The Vices York as “A contemporary and playful concept, with an undertone of feminine authority”, I personally couldn’t describe a suite more befitting of my personality.

With my very own bathroom oasis which came with a plentiful offering of not only an Aquaelite shower but also a double circular bath; it was the idyllic setting to unwind and switch off and catch up on the latest episode of Real Housewives on my iPad! To add to this suite’s incredible offering, I also had my own private dressing room, complimentary fresh coffee, fruits and pastries, as well as parking – which is a big must for any city getaway.

If you’re searching for fine dining, then you’re in luck – their immaculate restaurant concept served by Chef Luke Sanderson invites you to taste a six-course set journey that will whisk you away onto a taste fairytale.

What’s more, you can indulge the mixologists at the on-site cocktail bar or book a tour of their wine library, where you can sample and discover a variety of specially sourced champagnes and fine Italian wines.

The founders, Daniel Curro and Moreno Carbone, have crafted an exquisite addition to York’s already stunning grandeur.

I simply cannot wait to revisit The Vices York experience their unique dinner experiences, and get lost in their traditional architecture that graciously moulds with their contemporary design.

This is York’s true hidden gem.

If you want to Explore Italy right in the heart of York, you’re in luck as they are hosting an exclusive Wine Tasting event hosted by sommelier at The Vices York.

Co-founder of The Vices York and professional sommelier, Daniel Curro, will stage a luxury wine tasting event on Sunday 11th December from 4pm – 6.30pm. This forms part of a series of wine tastings, which will guide guests through an exploration into Italian wine from different regions.

Photography by : Olivia Brabbs Photography.