Whether you love her or loathe her, there’s no denying that Taylor Swift has taken the world by storm. While on her global Eras Tour, she released her latest work: The Tortured Poets Department and The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, a double album released two hours apart. True to her style, she weaves heartache and longing into her lyrics, mentioning several real-life locations from New York to London. Here, we explore five destinations highlighted in the album: The Black Dog, London “ The Black Dog” is not only the 17th track on the double album but also a London pub where Swifties flocked following the album’s release. In the song, Taylor Swift alludes to someone—speculated to be Joe Alwyn or Matty Healy—frequenting the bar with lyrics like, “And your location, you forgot to turn it off / And so I watch as you walk / Into some bar called The Black Dog.” On the release day, April 19, The Black Dog offered the first 100 customers a free half pint of lager if they quoted a lyric from the song. Since then, the pub’s Instagram following has soared, and they’ve launched merchandise including shirts, totes, hats, and mugs. Fans have also noted the addition of a Taylor Swift-themed ‘Swiftburger’ to the menu. Chelsea Hotel, New York In the title track, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift references Manhattan’s iconic Chelsea Hotel, a historic 12-story building known for hosting artists, writers, and socialites since the late 19th century. With lyrics like, “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith / This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots,” Swift suggests their romance is far from legendary, depicting it as immature. The rest of the song delves into her disillusionment with a past relationship, rumoured to be with actor Joe Alwyn. The Lake in Central Park, New York In “The Bolter,” the 29th track on her 31-track double album, Swift references Central Park. She addresses being labelled a ‘bolter,’ someone who gets scared and flees from relationships. She sings about the early, enchanting days of a romance, illustrated by renting rowboats on Central Park Lake, with lyrics like, “When it’s all roses, portrait poses / Central Park Lake in tiny rowboats / What a charming Saturday.” Hampstead Heath, London In her previous album, Lover, Swift sang about walking through Camden Market and Shoreditch. In her latest album, it’s, “So Long, London.” This emotional ballad lists possible reasons that led to the end of a relationship. With the lyrics, “I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath,” she reflects on being left behind by a former lover at Hampstead Heath. Destin, Florida In collaboration with British alternative band Florence + The Machine, “Florida!!!” mentions the city of Destin, known for its stunning white sand beaches, emerald green water, and reputation as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.’ The lyrics mention people having to work their whole life “For a time-share down in Destin.”

The Marks and Spencer travel beauty bag has landed! Which means it’s time to start dreaming of holidays, pina colada and coconut scents. The value bag of treats is a top seller each year because it includes the perfect amount of travel-sized haircare, skincare, and fragrances you need for a two-week trip or more. It features some of the best brands Marks and Spencer offers, including REN, Dr. Paw Paw, PIXI, This Works, and more. Now is the perfect time to get one, as it costs just €40 but is valued at an impressive €200. This beauty bag helps you to travel lightly and keep space for more bikinis, sarongs and other essentials. So what is the loot?! The bag contains 12 products—six full-size items and six travel minis . Included are: Fresh Elements Hydrate Overnight Moisture Cream (50ml) Floral Street Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum (10ml) Supersize REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic (100ml) L’Occitane Verbena Shower Gel (250ml) This Works Perfect Legs Body Butter (200ml) Colour Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer (50ml) Ultrasun Face SPF50+ (25ml) Clinique Moisture SurgeTM 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator (50ml) Dr Paw Paw SPF Lip Balm (8ml) Pixi Lip Lift Max (2.7g) Formula Ultimate Sleep Cream (15ml) Marks and Spencer Discover Sunrise Eau de Toilette (30ml) The bag goes on sale today, May 16th , so ladies get yours while stocks last. The beauty bag itself is a chic mesh number which can be reused long after the products are finished!

Choosing the right outfit for a flight involves balancing comfort, the weather at your destination, and navigating airport security smoothly. Despite various opinions within our team, it’s clear that personal style plays a significant role in these decisions. What one person considers the perfect travel attire might be another’s fashion faux pas. Here we List our Top Suggestions: No Denim! Enduring hours in a confined seat is no time for your stomach to struggle against a rigid denim waistband. Instead opt for trousers with drawstring or elasticated waists for a comfortable yet stylish alternative. Choose designs in lightweight fabrics such as cotton, or consider cosying up in fleece joggers for a long-haul flight. Swap Dungarees for a Matching Set Dungarees might provide a laid-back, cohesive look, but their one-piece design can become a hassle during mid-flight bathroom breaks. The possibility of a strap touching the floor or even the toilet makes them less practical. Instead, consider a matching set, which maintains an effortless, coordinated appearance without the inconvenience of needing to partially undress in the restroom. No Laces or High-Top Converse While trainers, boots, and Birkenstocks are great for vacations, they can be a hassle at the airport since you’ll likely need to remove them during security checks. Trainers require you to stop and tie laces, and wearing Birkenstocks often means awkwardly tiptoeing to avoid dirty feet. Additionally, trainers are impractical on long flights due to foot swelling, making you want to take them off anyway. Instead, pack your trainers or Birkenstocks in your carry-on (use a packing cube with rolled-up socks) and choose a sturdy pair of flat slip-on shoes like ballet flats, mules, or loafers for the flight. Say Goodbye to the Claw Clip for your Flight Claw clips may be a stylish and easy way to pull your hair up, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable when you lean back against a headrest. For maximum comfort, opt for a high, loose bun secured with a soft scrunchie. Dark Colours Instead of White Spills and stains are almost inevitable during a flight, whether it’s a coffee mishap or a squished chocolate. To avoid ruining your outfit, steer clear of bright whites and dry-clean-only garments. Instead, choose darker colours and easy-to-wash fabrics for a more practical and travel-friendly wardrobe. Moisturise Instead of Makeup While a bit of mascara or blush is fine, wearing a full face of foundation on a flight can be detrimental due to the dehydrating effects of recirculated air. If you arrive at the airport with heavy makeup, it’s best to remove it with a cleanser and then apply moisturiser and sunscreen before boarding. Don’t forget to pack travel sized cosmetics and creams, such as those in the Marks and Spencer summer bag. Reviewed here: The Marks and Spencer €40 Summer Beauty Bag, Which is Perfect for Travelling is Back and Worth €200 – Travel Times

Summer holidays and soaring temperatures are fast approaching, and Mars Ireland wants to help dog-owners – new and old – to travel safely with their pets in the summer months. Keep the following expert tips and advice in mind and you can keep your four-legged friend cool and comfortable on the go! Katrine Grytter, Corporate Affairs Director, Mars Multisales North Europe says: “Whether you’re holidaying in the city or on the coast, our goal is for pets to enjoy the summer holidays just as much as their owners.  The sunny and warm summer days are lovely, but can pose some challenges for our four-legged friends. A few important tips include protecting your dog from extreme heat, never leaving your dog in the car alone and making sure your dog is on a leash near hot barbecues or outdoor grills.” From hydration hacks to staying sun-smart, our vet-approved tips will ensure that both you and your dog can enjoy summer trips without breaking a sweat. Dog guide for the summer Ensure hydration and shade.  Make sure your dog has fresh water to drink. Be sun-smart and stay in the shade – this applies to both humans and animals! This helps avoid your dog overheating and suffering a heat stroke. Avoid hot pavement.  Paved streets can get really hot in summer, and may burn your pet’s paws. Try to walk your dog on the grass or go out for walks when the temperature is cooler. Protect your dog against insect bites.  Use insect repellent to protect your dog against insects and tics. Check your dog for tics regularly, and remove them as soon as you spot them. Don’t leave your dog alone in the car.  Never leave your dog in the car alone in summer – even with windows open. The inside temperature of a car can rise quickly which can lead to a heat stroke even death. Exercise and activities.  You should always make sure your dog gets enough exercise, but in the summer make sure to avoid the hottest times of the day. Mornings and evenings are best for walks and play. Cooling off.  In case it gets really warm, make sure your dog can cool off by paddling in a pool or a lake – or give your dog a shower in the garden with a garden hose. If you take your dog to the beach or lakeside, take care not to let your dog access waters affected with algal bloom. In certain cases, algal blooms and related scums can be harmful to dogs and other animals. Even small amounts can make your dog really sick. Also, consider placing some ice packs under a blanket in their bed so they can cool off inside. Protect your dog from sunburn.  Yes, even dogs can get sunburn. Take care to protect sensitive areas such as the nose and ears. The best way is to avoid exposure to strong, direct sunlight. Keep an eye on your pet outdoors.  Summer is for picnics and BBQs, but keep watch over your dog around them – some food items can be harmful or even lethal to your dog, and hot BBQs can cause burns. Stay vigilant.  Keep an extra eye on your dog in the summer, especially if your pet seems tired or shows signs of heat stress. Contact your vet if needed. Plan your travels.  If you’re planning to take your dog abroad, make sure the dog has all the necessary vaccinations. Research your mode of transport and destination to ensure you know all the rules and regulations that apply to dogs. Extra tip:  Look for pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and cafes when travelling with your dog. CESAR®, part of the Mars family of brands, has partnered with TripAdvisor to introduce a new category in the annual Travellers’ Choice Hotel Awards.  Best Pet-Friendly Hotels  reflect consumer demand and recent travel trends, and award hotels where furry friends are given the same attention and care as their owners. See the world’s top 25 Best of the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels  here .

Waiting for a bus wouldn’t be nearly as tedious if you could lounge on a comfy sofa. Surprisingly, in northern Thailand, there’s a bus stop where travellers can relax under a woven roof while taking in views of lush paddy fields. In Konagi, Japan, passengers can wait in a watermelon-shaped shelter inspired by Cinderella’s iconic pumpkin carriage. In the Shetlands, you’ll find a bus stop designed like a living room, complete with an armchair and a coffee table. This isn’t the only extraordinary bus shelter out there – around the globe, there are various whimsical stops that make waiting for public transport a unique experience. For instance, in Unst, home to the UK’s northernmost bus shelter, passengers can enjoy a quirky setup featuring a writing desk, a selection of books, a cosy throw, and even a television. Some bus stops may sacrifice comfort, but they compensate with striking designs, such as the giant robot-shaped shelter in Russia. A dreamy bus stop, located on the small island of Shodoshima, was designed by Japanese architect Yo Shimada. Overlooking a beautiful green valley, it is designed to look like water lilies on a pond, with the pads of these lilies made of 90 steel discs. In California, the City of Ventura’s Public Art Program, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, commissioned a new bus shelter in 2002. American architect Dennis Oppenheim designed Bus-Home, a concrete and metal structure representing a bus that transforms into a house.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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