The 5th of April 2024 will mark 30 years since the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. As the birthplace of the band, Seattle is a spiritual destination for fans wanting to pay their respects to the king of grunge. Below are seven ways fans can play homage to the icon in 2024. The Crocodile In the 90s, The Crocodile was the hot spot for every grunge band and fan up and down the country. Supporting aspiring artists such as Green Day, The Strokes, and Nirvana, these walls have seen some of the most iconic shows in music history. Nestled in Belltown and a must-visit for every music fan, the venue relocated a few years ago, however, it is still an unparalleled, independent music sanctuary for artists and fans alike against the backdrop of Seattle’s music legacy. Nirvana last performed at the club on 4 October 1992 and was dubbed as a “secret opening act”. Central Saloon Central Saloon is said to be the “birthplace of grunge” with the likes of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden performing at the venue in the 80s. In the same decade, popular grunge label Sub Pop Records was born. Inspiring an unpolished and unapologetic sound, Central was the performance venue for many of Sub Pop’s bands. On April 16th 1988, Nirvana played their first home show at the venue. Consequently, founders of Sub Pop, Jonathan Poneman and Bruce Pavitt saw them perform for the first time. A relationship formed and the label would go on to release the band’s debut album. Viretta Park As he has no grave, a popular spot for fans to pay their respects is in Seattle’s Viretta Park, which borders the house where Kurt once resided with Courtney Love. The park has become a memorial for Cobain with two benches marked with messages from fans. The park is an opportunity for fans to remember where they were when headlines broke. Screwdriver Bar Nicknamed “Rock N Roll Utopia”, Screwdriver Bar was once a rehearsal space for Nirvana between the release of Bleach and Nevermind. After deciding to not renew their lease, the space sat empty until a group of friends decided to turn it into a bar where customers could drink and enjoy music. The dimly lit basement serves beer & cocktails, with a rock ‘n’ roll jukebox and pinball machines to make guests feel at home. Linda’s Tavern Opening earlier that year, Linda’s Tavern was one of Cobain’s old haunts and would be regularly visited by the grunge star. Also known as the “grunge Cheers”, this laid-back bar was the last place he was seen in public before his death. Today, fans can head to the cowboy themed tavern and sit in the booth where Cobain was last seen. The Edgewater Hotel The Edgewater Hotel has had numerous rock ‘n’ roll royalty come through its doors, including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Nirvana was no stranger to the historic hotel, with one of Kurt Cobain’s final interviews being held on a guest room balcony in August 1933. Guests can stay in one of the rock star themed suites – The Pearl Jam Suite is a popular request featuring grunge décor, a guitar, amplifier and record player. Museum of Pop Culture As the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix to name a few, Seattle’s music heritage is world-renowned. The eclectic music scene is no better appreciated than at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Designed by Frank Gehry, the eccentric, colourful building is said to represent the energy and fluidity of music. Inside, there are permanent exhibitions on the aforementioned musicians, a guitar gallery displaying instruments by artists such as Slash and Dave Grohl, and a sound lab where visitors can make their own music. Fans can play tribute at ‘Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses’ – a permanent exhibit offering an intimate look at the band’s past, with more than 200 rare artefacts, photographs, and oral histories. For more information, please visit: https://visitseattle.org/ .

The series that everyone was talking about is filmed in some stunning locations. Now season three is being shot and the question on everybody’s lips was ‘Where are they filming White Lotus Season 3’? While cast and production were keeping their cards close to their chests, some internet sleuths discovered that the destination is Thailand, specifically in Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. Speculation initially focused on Japan as the far-flung destination of choice after Hawaii in the first season and Italy in the second, but Thailand was finally confirmed in January. Scenes will mostly take place at an ultra luxurious Four Seasons hotel, rebranded under ‘White Lotus’ for the show, just like the first two seasons. The first season of the award winning show was filmed at the  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea as filming took place in 2020, the crew was under strict COVID-19 guidelines. Rooms at the luxury property begin at approximately €1,000 per night and include the spa, three pools, 81 cabanas, water sports, and snorkelling. It’s beside the beautiful Wailea Beach, which is also featured on the show. In the tv show, the rooms are painted in print, wild colours, whereas in real-life the décor is much more muted. In season two, the location moves to Sicily to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina . Overlooking the Ionian Sea, including views of the beautiful Greek theatre, the Teatro Antico di Taormina as well as the active volcano Mount Etna, this stunning hotel has hosted Hollywood royalty such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. The Four Seasons chain took over in 2020. Season 2 was also filmed at  Lumina Studios close to Rome and on location in Sicily. Noto, a south-eastern town famous for its Baroque architecture, was featured in a quick girls’ trip for Daphne and Harper. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui   where production is currently happening is perched on the Gulf of Siam. This beachy resort is extremely secluded, with prime diving and snorkelling and supreme desert island vibes. Private yachts can be chartered, and there’s also a spa amid the coconut groves. The new cast includes actors Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter) and Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education), plus Natasha Rothwell, who played beauty therapist Belinda in the first series. We can’t wait to see it and soak up the gorgeous travel inspiration and soapy story-lines!

If you haven’t heard of the ‘soft travel’ trend yet, chances are you’ll spot it soon. It taps into a lot of social media’s ‘soft life’ vibes – which originated in Nigeria and was made popular by African-American women long before it made its mark on TikTok, with #softlife racking up 228.5k posts and counting – where leaning into a less stressful, more enriched life is the goal. But what does soft travel really mean, and why is it becoming popular? There was a time when the goal of any holiday was simple – to relax and unwind. Does soft travel take us back to this? There are crossovers with slow travel, which is all about slowing down, taking a green approach, and being more mindful. To do this authentically, holidaymakers should stay in one area for a long duration, immerse themselves in local customs, and support local businesses. While ‘soft travel’ also encourages tourists to be environmentally conscious, opting to use public transport, cycling, or walking if they stay in one place for a longer period. ‘Soft travel’ has become an extension of this as most of us experience burnout during our day-to-day lives and want to fully immerse ourselves and relax when on holiday to improve our mental health.

Thessaloniki, or affectionately known as Niki, is Greece’s second-largest city and the bustling heart of the Macedonia region. While it might not always be in the spotlight, this exciting destination offers a blend of culture, nightlife, and coastal beauty that’s hard to match. This underrated city needs to be on your travel list in 2024. With Ryanair offering flights as low as €19.99 on April 6, jetting off to this sun-soaked paradise is more accessible than ever. Just under four hours from Dublin, you can find yourself immersed in a city where the spring temperatures hover around a comfortable 23-25°C. Find accommodation options here . Niki’s allure extends beyond its picturesque coastlines. It’s a city that never sleeps, boasting a nightlife scene that’s as diverse as it is lively. From Valaoritou Street’s cool nightclubs to the intimate charm of Malt n’ Jazz’s live music, there’s something for everyone who likes to kick back on holidays. For those seeking daytime relaxation, Niki’s beaches are gorgeous- white sands and crystal-clear waters. Whether it’s the bustling Asprovalta Beach or the serene Perrea Beach, you can unwind on a Greek beach. But Niki isn’t just about parties and beaches; it’s a city steeped in history and interesting architecture. Culture vultures can explore iconic landmarks like the White Tower and the Arch of Galerius. And if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on day trips to Mount Olympus or the Pozar Thermal Baths . So, why not break away from the obvious and discover the underrated allure of Thessaloniki? With its blend of sun, culture, and affordability, it’s a trip that packs a punch!

Seasickness is a major concern for first-time cruise passengers. Many passengers are reluctant to book a cruise due to the fear of feeling ill. However, there are many ways to combat seasickness.  Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise  explains everything there is to know, and also how to prevent it. What exactly is seasickness? Seasickness is a type of motion sickness which can make you feel dizzy and sick due to the movements of a boat or ship. It is caused by repeated movements when travelling.  It occurs when your brain can’t make sense of information sent from your eyes, ears and body. The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell. What are the symptoms of seasickness? Dizziness Sleepiness Headaches Nausea and vomiting Excessive sweating or cold sweats Loss of appetite  How can you alleviate seasickness on a cruise ship?  Iglu Cruise’s Dave Mills has some suggestions: 1. Get some seasickness tablets or patches from a pharmacy  Whilst chewable, non-drowsy tablets are often a popular option (especially for kids), there is a variety of over-the-counter options available for preventing and treating sickness. Travel sickness patches are another available option, which can be prescribed by a GP. These can be applied behind the ear and slowly release medication into your body to correct some of the chemical imbalances caused by motion sickness. You’ll also find versions which offer relief for up to 24 hours and are very affordable. For further advice on which is the best option for you, speak to your GP or pharmacist. 2. Choose a shorter cruise If you’re worried about feeling seasick, why not try a shorter cruise? Shorter cruises can range from anywhere from one night up to five. A weekend getaway could be the perfect option for you. You could also try booking a shorter cruise as a tester, to see how you feel before you book a longer-stay trip.  3. Sail on a bigger ship  One of the benefits of sailing on a bigger ship is that you won’t feel the motions as easily. With so many top cruise lines producing bigger ships each year, it’s easy to opt for larger cruise ships which use state-of-the-art technology and stabilisers.  These stabilisers are submersed beneath the ship to prevent the side-to-side rocking that you may experience out at sea, ensuring guests enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey. 4. Pick a cabin in the middle of the ship Similar to the middle of a seesaw, cabins located in the middle of a cruise ship won’t feel the motions as intensely as those located at the bow or stern.  Choosing a lower deck is also better for those who experience seasickness, as the movements don’t feel as intense.  Speaking to a travel agent before you book is a great way to ensure you can find the right cabin for you. Just mention you would like to feel as little motion on the ship as possible, and trained professionals will be able to offer guidance in picking the best cabin.  5. Choose itineraries with fewer sea days With so many itineraries to choose from around the world, there’s bound to be a cruise holiday to suit you. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for an itinerary with fewer days out to sea, and more time spent in port.  While a Transatlantic cruise is certainly an unforgettable experience, you may find the extended time at sea is too much for your seasickness. Instead, go for something like a Mediterranean island hopping cruise where you’ll be in port almost every single day or in calmer waters. Article Credit to:   https://www.iglucruise.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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