Quinta do Lago, situated in the heart of the Algarve, is delighted to introduce its summer line up for guests to soak up the excitement of Germany’s UEFA Euro 2024 as well as the Paris Olympics 2024 . Alongside the returning Football Escapes camps, Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant will be showing live games from 14th June – 14th July. Guests can gather their friends and enjoy big screens, cold beers and burgers at Dano’s. As summer heats up the Paris Olympics will host over 10,000 athletes from 206 countries, with non-stop action from 24th July – 11th August, guests can bask in the glory of victory at Dano’s with all live sport, highlights and news on the big screens.  For the first time, The Campus will also be hosting alfresco workouts with live DJ’s throughout June. Football Escapes, and the events at Dano’s take place at Quinta do Lago’s multi-sports hub, The Campus , renowned as one of Europe’s prestigious sporting destinations for training, recovery, and rehabilitation. In this environment, groups can try something new, immerse themselves in a sporting atmosphere and enjoy this summer’s live sporting events. Live DJ Mornings – Mondays and Friday in June on First Floor terrace from 9:30-11:30 Guests are invited to workout alfresco to a live DJ set that will invigorate their Monday and Friday mornings, enhancing their exercise routines with a spring in their step and a groove in their body, thanks to the melodic beats. At 9:30 the class is core conditioning and strength and at 10:30 the class is a power workout. Bookings cost 20 EUR for members and 30 EUR for non-members. UEFA Euro 2024 – 14th June – 14th July from 12:00-00:00 at Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant From June 14th to July 14th, 2024, all eyes will be on the football action in Germany, and there is no better venue to watch it live than at Dano’s. As the three-time champions, Germany, host the 17th European Championship, the excitement will commence with an electrifying match: Germany vs. Scotland at 20:00 on 14th June. With big screens, cold beers, delicious food, and an atmosphere that rivals the stadium, Dano’s stands as the ultimate viewing destination. Paris Olympics 2024 – 24th July – 11th August from 12:00-00:00 at Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant From July 24th to August 11th, Paris will be the epicentre of athletic excellence, hosting 10,500 athletes from 206 countries competing in 329 medal events across 32 sports. This period promises non-stop action and unforgettable moments. Dano’s invites sports enthusiasts to experience the Olympic Games in an exciting atmosphere, with big screens and delicious menus. Guests can enjoy live matches, highlights, and up-to-the-minute news, ensuring they won’t miss a moment of the excitement. Guests are encouraged to cheer, celebrate, and share in the camaraderie and memories that define the Olympics. Dano’s will serve as the ultimate Olympic headquarters! Soccer Camp with Football Escapes England’s international players and football icons – Joleon Lescott and Shane Long – are set to visit The Campus , offering children an unparalleled football experience during the 2024 school holidays. Collaborating with Football Escapes, these well-known former footballers will mentor young players, covering the intricacies of dribbling, shooting, and the dynamics of organised matches. There are two camps this summer,  each consisting of three-hour daily sessions across a week. Participants will receive a comprehensive kit comprising a shirt, shorts, and socks, along with a medal upon completion of the week-long course. Joleon Lescott, former professional football player and coach comments ahead of his August camps: “I’m thrilled to return to The Campus in Quinta do Lago with Football Escapes. Last summer provided a valuable experience for all participants, including myself. The children gain and improve skills while collaborating with a fantastic team of coaches. Each day, they enhance their game with enthusiasm, wearing big smiles on their faces – that’s what it’s all about. I’m eagerly anticipating more enjoyable moments on the field during this upcoming visit.” Shane Long’s football camp with Football Escapes is taking place at Quinta do Lago from 5th – 9th August Joleon Lescott’s football camp with Football Escapes is taking place at Quinta do Lago from 12th – 16th August  | 19th – 23rd August Football Escapes Camps prices start from 625 EUR / £550 per week for children aged 5-15 years old. For more information please visit: https://www.quintadolago.com/en/events/soccer-camp/

20% off June / July flights Ryanair, today (13 June) launched a 24-hr flash sale with 20% off June / July flights. This limited time sale, kicking off Thursday (13 June) for 24hrs only, offers a selection of destinations across Ryanair’s 250+ routes. With plenty of sunny beaches to relax on, beautiful hiking hot spots to explore, and historic cities to immerse yourself in, you’re just a few clicks away from your next flight, thanks to Ryanair. “Ryanair’s flash sale is back with 20% off June / July flights for 24hrs only. This special summer sale is available to book now until midnight tonight (Thurs, 13 June), with plenty of sun, sea, adventure, and city break destinations across Ryanair’s industry leading network just waiting to be explored,” said Jade Kirwan, Ryanair Head of Comms. Whether you’re seeking the sun and the sand, or a new destination to explore and enjoy including Madrid, Milan, Cologne, Berlin, Barcelona and or Nice; head to Ryanair.com now to book your next trip.

Nicknamed ‘KidsBURGH’ due to its diverse and ever-growing selection of attractions and experiences for children, the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region re-launches its free KidsBURGH® 2024 Passport in time for summer. An initiative to spotlight Pittsburgh’s iconic family-friendly attractions throughout the city and beyond, the mobile-exclusive pass is available to use until 26 August 2024 and allows visitors to earn prizes when checking in at participating attractions and provides access to passholder-only deals and discounts redeemable at select locations. Eliminating the need to download an app, the pass is accessible via visitpittsburgh.com/kidsburgh by entering your contact information and sent directly to a mobile device via text and email. Upon arrival of participating attractions, ensure the GPS tracker is on to “check in” and present the pass to a member of staff to redeem available discounts. Key attractions offering discounts as part of the pass include: ● Carnegie Museum of Natural History – One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and among the top natural history museums in the country with areas devoted to many different topics, including birds, minerals and gems, mammals, the arctic, and dinosaurs complete with an excavation area to dig for bones. ● Carnegie Science Center – From four floors of exhibits and live science demos to 50 interactive activities, visitors are invited to explore distant galaxies in one of the nation’s most advanced Planetariums and tour a real Cold War submarine. ● Idlewild & SoakZone – An amusement park located just outside the city in the Laurel Highlands and offering visitors classic amusement rides, a complete waterpark, live entertainment and unique attractions, including Story Book Forest. ● Kennywood – Located southeast of the city, enjoy a unique mix of modern thrills and classic rides, including seven roller coasters and a 12-ride Kiddieland in this 120 year old amusement park. Recent additions include Thomas Town™ and Steelers Country. ● Moonshot Museum – Offering an unprecedented opportunity to get up close and behind the scenes of the 21st century space industry, this is a museum like no other. One where visitors can watch the real-time assembly of lunar spacecraft in Astrobotic’s clean room lab and explore interactive space exhibits from engineering a rover to designing a mission patch. ● Mr. Messado’s School of Magic – Bringing a fresh new take on the age-old art of prestidigitation, superstar magician Mr. Messado performs a 60-minute spectacular, full of stunning magic, hilarious comedy, and interactive wonder. (ages 8+) ● Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – Providing 65 acres of outdoor gardens and woodlands to explore, family adventures include David Rogers’ Big Bugs + Pollinators exhibit of larger-than-life sculptures of pollinators and insects. ● Senator John Heinz History Center – With six floors of exciting exhibits and activities, the Heinz History Center is the perfect place to learn of Pittsburgh’s historic roots. Explore the Neighborhood of Make-Believe featuring the original set and puppets from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Design Pop Art, construct bridges, and more in the interactive Discovery Place, or slide down the “Liberty Tube” in the museum’s Kidsburgh exhibit. For more information about KidsBURGH® head to Explore Only in Pittsburgh family-friendly attractions all summer long! | Visit Pittsburgh

Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometers making it the third largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore It is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 400 meters (1,300 feet), and spans an area of about 146 square kilometers (56 square miles). I visited this amazing destination in June two years ago and was blown away by it’s beauty. Lake Comois more than just a lake . It is breathtakingly beautiful, the water is so clear it mirrors the surrounding landscapes, it features lush gardens and charming architecture. Because of how it’s situated, surrounded by the Alps, and it’s unique Y-shape one can experience panoramic view from various angles. There are lakes, mountains, beautiful towns and villages to explore, each one more beautiful than the next. I’ve listed the few I managed to visit during my stay there. (1) Como – The elegant town of Como is the primary and commercial centre of Lake Como and is the perfect starting point to explore the many locations around the Lake. (2) Varenna – A small picturesque village lying on a promontory along the eastern bank of Lake Como . We stayed in Varenna for three nights and had the most wonderful time. From here, we were able to explore the surrounding towns and villages. The distance between towns are such that you can visit at least 3/4 local villages by local transportation (bus or ferry). Varenna is a very pretty town, in fact I’d go as far to say it was my favourite. There are numerous restaurants and cafes situated in a small circular cove overlooking the pristine waters. It is so relaxing to just sit there whilst sipping a glass or wine or enjoying a home made gelato and watching the colourful tiny boats bobbing up and down, waiting to experience the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s a truly spectacular experience, one I will hold in my memory forever. (2) Bellagio – There are few places as romantic as Lake Como , and even fewer lakeside towns as charming as Bellagio . Bellagio , also known as ‘ The Pearl of the lake ‘ is considered to be one of the best towns in Lake Como . It’s the most photogenic town on the lake. Filled with quaint artisan boutiques as well as beautiful stepped terraces, you can easily enjoy an afternoon taking in the sights. Be sure to bring a power bank with you, because I guarantee you’re going to need it. We didn’t get to spend enough time here so I’ve added it to my list of places I need to return to! (3) Lenno , Laglio & Menaggio – The lands of stunning villas owned by the rich and wealthy. i.e.. RichardBranson , Madonna , Donatella Versace , George Clooney , to name but a few, the list is endless! A great place to enjoy some celeb spotting and if you’re lucky you might even get a photo or two. The best way to see Lake Como is by boat, you can do a regular boat trip or you can hire a boat, or take the local ferries, it’s up to you. There are a number of ferries to choose from depending on the town you want to visit. Regardless of how you decide to explore, a tour of the Lake is a must, especially if you want to see the spectacular villas that are not visible from the streets. Apart from the stunning mountain scenery and the lush green landscape, there are so many beautiful villas to be seen. These villas in Lake Como are some of the most beautiful destinations in all of Italy. Some of them are open to the public for a small fee and are accessible by foot or taxiboat. We visited the well known Villa del Balbianello which was used as a filming location for Star Wars Episode ll in 2002 and again for James Bond Casino Royale in 2006. This villa is without doubt one of the most spectacular villas to be seen and offers guests unique and unmatched views of Italy’s most mesmerising lake. Villa del Balbianello will leave you breathless, thanks to its beautiful terraced gardens and picturesque structure. It’s a definite must see if you plan on visiting Lake Como . Each villa has it own unique charm and atmosphere, more often than not, they are surrounded by vast parks and magnificent botanical gardens. Lake Como is easily reached by train from Milan. We flew into Milan-Malpensa airport then took the non stop train to Milan Central Station which took approximately 35 minutes then the fast train to Lake Como another 45 minutes depending on which town you plan on staying in. There are lots of accommodation options to choose from. Luxury hotels and Airbnb are plentiful as are B&Bs just be sure to book well in advance. I would definitely recommend visiting in June, there are plenty of tourists but without the stifling crowds of July and August. Lake Como is not just a picture perfect destination, it’s a journey into a world where natural beauty and rich history converge. If you’ve yet to experience this Italian gem, now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether you’re drawn to its tranquil waters, the stunning mountains or just the Italian way of life, Lake Como promises a trip unlike any other.

Over 53,000 pets set sail on the Irish Sea in 2024. Eager for a paw-some adventure they’ll never ‘furget’, more than 53,000 pets and their loyal owners have crossed the Irish Sea with Stena Line this year. The Swedish-owned ferry company’s pet friendly travel options when travelling to Britain, Ireland and France include pet cabins, a Pet Lounge onboard Stena Superfast when travelling on the Belfast – Cairnryan route and the option to leave your pet in the car, in kennels or dog lodges during the journey. In 2023, 99,389 pets set sail with Stena Line across its Irish Sea route but already in 2024, 53,019 pets have taken advantage of the impressive pet facilities onboard Stena Line’s Irish Sea fleet. This year, the Belfast to Cairnryan Stena Superfast service is proving to be the most popular for pet travel with 22,480 pets taking advantage of its dedicated pet lounge and outside exercise area. Stena Line’s pet cabins — available on the Belfast – Liverpool, Dublin – Holyhead, Rosslare – Fishguard and Rosslare – Cherbourg routes — are also going down a treat with pets, with 30,539 pets travelling across these routes in the first six months of 2024. And, with the busy summer season now in full swing, Stena Line Travel Commercial Manager Irish Sea, Orla Noonan said Stena Line’s pet-friendly facilities have proved a hit with the whole family. She said: “We’re incredibly pleased with how our pet-friendly travel options are performing. We are a nation of pet lovers and Stena Line knows just how important our pets are to our passengers. “Your holiday starts the second you set foot onboard and our dedicated and pre-bookable spaces allow entire families to travel together. There is no longer any need to worry about kennel fees or how your best friend is being cared for. “Stena Line is the best choice for pet travel on the Irish Sea, our pet offering is constantly improving and is proving to be a resounding success.” Guests can prebook the Pet Lounge from only €24 per pet or, where applicable, a pet-friendly cabin from only €60 per cabin (maximum two pets per booking). All passengers who wish to travel with their pet in the pet lounge or cabin must pre-book in advance of travel and ensure all necessary vaccinations and documentation is up to date. For more information and to book your next trip visit  www.stenaline.co.uk .

Travel Solo, Not Alone with Uwalk.ie Picture it: after a long day of trekking, your feet are tender, your stomach growls, and you’re buzzing from the snippets of light banter and deep insight you’veCa shared on various encounters throughout the day.  To say you’re thirsty would be a savage understatement.  But the final destination of the day is creeping above the horizon, where a cosy taberna awaits, offering glasses of world-class wine for €2.50. It may be a crisp white from the Basque Country or a robust Rioja, maybe a tart, invigorating Alberiño, or a mystery ‘vino del pueblo’, produced a few hundred yards from where you will drink it.  It doesn’t really matter which you go for each day… It’s highly likely to be the best glass of wine you’ve ever had.  Such is the savour with which walkers on the Camino experience each hard-earned pour, and that’s both because of the steps which have preceded it, and the wealth of fantastic wine available in this unique region. The Camino de Santiago offers a delightful variety of local wines as you walk through different regions. Here’s a quick rundown of the wines you can enjoy along the way: Irouléguy Region (Basque Country, France):  Known for its rosés and reds similar to Madiran. Notable producers include Domaine Abotia, Domaine Ameztia, and Domaine Arretxea. Navarra Region:  Famous for its quality rosés and full-bodied reds, stemming from a rich viticulture history dating back to Roman times. País Vasco:  This Basque locale on the Camino Norte produces light, zesty white wines with a slight fizz, typically lower in alcohol but still rich in flavor. La Rioja Region:  Renowned for Tempranillo wines, often blended with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. This region is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering some of the best wines in Spain. Ribera del Duero:  Located in Castilla y León, this region produces highly sought-after red wines, predominantly from Tempranillo grapes. Ribeira Sacra:  Known for its stunning landscapes and hardy vines, this region produces elegant red wines like Mencia, Merenzao and Brancellao. Alto Douro:  In Northern Portugal and one of the world’s oldest wine regions, famous for Port wine but also offering high-quality reds and whites. Rías Baixas (Western Galicia):  Specializes in Albariño, a light, fresh, and aromatic white wine that has gained international fame. These wines not only enhance your journey but are also a window into the rich cultural heritage of each region. Uwalk offer Self Guided Walking Holidays on the French and Portuguese Ways along the Camino de Santiago. Speak with their expert team to help you plan your next Camino adventure and choose the right route to suit you.  ‘Travel Solo Not Alone’ Group Camino Walk- Camino Frances Final Stage 7 Nights from €749 per person Walkers on the Camino Frances Final Stage package will traverse undulating Galician landscapes, from the historic city of Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, while enjoying the unique camaraderie found only along this sacred route. Departs:  August 12th availability (Call Uwalk.ie for more departure dates) Package includes:  7 Nights Accommodation, Meet & Greet on Arrival, Local Guide Briefing, Daily Baggage Transfers, Walking Notes & Passport, Daily Breakfast, Emergency Support Not Included:  Flights, Travel Insurance View Offer Here For reservations or more information contact: 0818 333 990 or email info@uwalk.ie Uwalk.ie

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel introduces four new experiences designed to immerse guests in the city’s vibrant culture. Marking Avani’s recent debut in Germany, Avani Frankfurt City hotel has crafted these experiences to capture the spirit of electronic music and celebrate Frankfurt’s storied past as a global techno hub. From art classes and walking tours to water bike rides and mixology lessons, this new series invites guests to explore the city, all set to a pulsating electronic soundtrack. The Techno Painting Workshop offers guests an immersive experience focused on unleashing artistic creativity. Presented in collaboration with Entkorkte Kunst, the class includes guidance from a professional artist who provides tips and insights into Frankfurt’s lively electronic music scene. Accompanied by a funky techno soundtrack, guests can learn a series of painting techniques while enjoying drinks and snacks from The Pantry, the hotel’s lively mezzanine bar. The Techno Painting Workshop starts from €59 per person. The hotel has introduced a Silent Techno Walking Tour where guests can explore eight key city locations, including the Alte Oper and the newly opened Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM). This unique experience, in collaboration with “street disco” experts  Hushbeats , integrates expertly guided sightseeing with an electronic soundtrack played through headphones. It promises to immerse participants in the vibrant pulse of the city’s music scene, blending cultural exploration with dynamic musical immersion. The Silent Techno Walking Tour starts from €29.99 per person. In addition, adventurous guests can take to the water on a special tour designed by Waterbike Germany. During this mesmerising journey along the River Main, guests can admire Frankfurt’s iconic landmarks while enjoying an upbeat playlist. The Waterbike Tour provides a scenic adventure that offers panoramic views from a different perspective, blending the city’s historical charm with its vibrant contemporary atmosphere. The Waterbike Tour starts from €69 per person. In the evenings, mixology maestros can head to the hotel bar to learn the art of smoked cocktails. Created in collaboration with events specialists,  Fullu Events & More , this innovative workshop invites guests to delve into the art of mixology and craft their own concoctions infused with smoky flavours. The session is set to a carefully curated soundtrack that traces the evolution of electronic music, enhancing the sensory experience and providing a dynamic backdrop to the evening. The Cocktail Workshop starts from €99 per person. For more information and to book, please visit  www.avanihotels.com/en/frankfurt-city , email  frankfurtcity@avani-hotels.com  or call +49 69 9288 590.

In a major shake-up of the quarterly rankings of the world’s most powerful passports, an unprecedented six countries share the top spot for the most sought-after travel documents in 2024. Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain can now access an impressive 194 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival – the highest number recorded since the Henley Passport Index began tracking global travel freedoms 19 years ago. This index is curated by the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, utilising exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Historically, Japan and Singapore have held the No.1 position for the past five years, but the new ranking represents a significant rise for Europe. Finland and Sweden, alongside South Korea, claim second place with visa-free access to 193 destinations, while Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands are in third place with access to 192 destinations. Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom are positioned at No. 4, followed by Greece, Malta, and Switzerland at No. 5. Australia and New Zealand have improved their standings to No. 6, along with Czechia and Poland. The United States and Canada are tied in seventh place with Hungary, offering visa-free access to 188 destinations. The United Arab Emirates has seen the most significant climb over the past decade, adding 106 destinations since 2014, and now holds the 11th position. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the passport index, remarked that although the general trend over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom, the disparity between the top and bottom of the index is more pronounced than ever. “The average number of destinations travellers can access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024,” said Kaelin. “However, the top-ranked countries can travel to 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which ranks at the bottom with access to just 28 countries.” Syria follows with visa-free access to 29 destinations, Iraq can access 31, and Pakistan 34. Henley & Partners’ list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports based on the access they provide. Arton Capital’s Passport Index, which considers the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories (Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Kosovo, the Palestinian territories, and the Vatican), is updated in real-time throughout the year by monitoring government portals. It serves as a tool “for people who travel, providing accurate, simple-to-access information for their travel needs,” as stated by Arton Capital’s founder Armand Arton to CNN in 2022. Arton’s Global Passport Power Rank 2024 places the United Arab Emirates at the top, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 180. The second place is held by five European countries: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland occupy the third spot, while the UK and the US rank 5th and 6th respectively. Arton Capital’s 2023 summary highlighted the increase in global mobility gains by regional hubs such as Hong Kong, Macao, and Monaco, and identified Albania as its “rising star” due to increased demand for its workforce, making it easier for Albanians to live and work abroad. The world’s most powerful passports for 2024: 194 destinations: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain 193 destinations: Finland, South Korea, Sweden 192 destinations: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands 191 destinations: Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom 190 destinations: Greece, Malta, Switzerland 189 destinations: Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland 188 destinations: Canada, Hungary, United States 187 destinations: Estonia, Lithuania 186 destinations: Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia 185 destinations: Iceland

Ever , a real-life restaurant in Chicago, is overseen by the fictional Chef Terry (played by Olivia Coleman) in the TV show The Bear . In the series, Cousin Richie (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach ), transforms from a gruff waiter to a fine dining superstar in the front of house. [SPOILER ALER!T] At the end of season three, Chef Terry closes Ever. This highlights the impact of The Bear , a fictional television show that captures the essence of the restaurant industry more accurately and relatably than any previous food-related fiction. The show is cherished by restaurant industry workers, the chefs it venerates, and casual food enthusiasts alike. So realistic is the depiction, that the owners of Ever were understandably concerned that the show’s realistic depiction of Chicago’s food scene might lead viewers and potential diners to mistakenly believe that Ever is closing in reality. Last season, viewers were brought on tours of many real-life Chicago eateries. This season, however, primarily takes place on the tense and claustrophobic set of the titular fictional restaurant, offering fewer chances to explore Chicago’s dining scene. There are notable exceptions, particularly the memorable montage that opens episode two, “Next.” This sequence includes shout-outs to sausage-making plants, coffee roasteries, tortillerias, chocolate factories, and seafood markets, highlighting some of Chicago’s oldest, most resilient, and working-class-friendly establishments. Schneider Deli, River North Opened last summer in River North, Schneider is a relative newcomer that aspires to cover both prominent forms of American Ashkenazi cuisine: bagels, smoked and cured fish, and various cream cheese spreads, as well as deli, with staples like matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches. Lou Mitchell’s Downtown The century old Greek diner in downtown Chicago is a landmark because it’s the “first stop” on Route 66. The diner is known for its large portions, making the platonic ideal versions of the diner cuisine mainstays it helped popularize, and giving away free milk duds or donut holes, and orange slices. The Original Pancake House, Various locations A small chain in the city with three locations, Original Pancake House doesn’t suffer any false modesty, billing its cinnamon apple pancake “The World’s Greatest” and its offerings “some of the finest breakfast food in the business”. Alexander’s Restaurant Various locations Another generational small chain of Greek delis, bought out by its Ecuadorian chef and his family five years ago. Sydney and her dad, played by the great Robert Townsend, visit the uncredited diner in season two, but here it finally gets its shout out. The biscuits and gravy look sick. Firecakes Donuts Various locations A four location franchise of donut shops that also makes in-house ice cream. Firecakes is currently featuring a limited edition donut collection inspired by The Bear. Tortello West Town This Italian restaurant in West Town also serves as a retail pasta shop selling a wide variety of handmade pastas, and hosts pasta making classes. Jim’s Original Various locations One of Chicago’s famed, long standing Polish sausage stands that has been around in one form or another for 80 years. There is dubious parentage but Jim’s is certainly one of the originators of the famed Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich: a one-third pound griddled sausage, topped with sweet grilled onions, yellow mustard, and hot sport peppers.

Fancy going someplace that gets more than 300 days of sunshine per year? Why not visit Albania, also known as the Maldives of Europe. I’m just back from a quick visit to this beautiful country. Although it was only a day trip, I’ve already added it to my list of places I need to return to. Albania is a pretty small country with a population of approximately 2.8 million. It’s a largely mountainous region and is known for it’s rich biodiversity, with numerous national parks and protected areas and distinct natural beauty, which include, beaches, mountains and historical sites. Because of these, tourism is a rapidly growing sector. Albania has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Greek , Roman , Byzantine and Italian cultures and lots more. While Albania is still considered a developing country, it’s making huge improvements each year to attract tourists. Because of it’s close proximity to Corfu (Greece) it’s easily accessible to visit. The coastal city of Saranda can be reached in less than one hour by Hydrofoil from the port in Corfu (Greece) We took the early morning ferry across so we could explore this beautiful city and I’m so glad we did. It was everything we imagined and more. Saranda is a stunning coastal city where you can enjoy the sun, sea, sand and history. It’s a great place for discovering the natural wonders of the Albanian Riviera . Blue Eye Spring and Nature Reserve, Butrint National Park and the Ksamil Islands are all within a stones throw of Saranda and because of its close proximity to Greece and burgeoning port it has solidified Saranda as a gateway to Albania. There is plenty to see and do when visiting Saranda. Enjoy a stroll along the coastal boulevard, take a hike up to Lekirsi Castle overlooking the beaches of Ksamil (Maldives of Europe) or a walk through the ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint . You could easily spend a few days here as Saranda has something for everyone, beach, party, culture etc… We decided to visit The Blue Eye , (A water spring and natural phenomenon) a place where stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity coexist in harmony. The park offers a unique adventure through waterfalls, ancient forests, crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. Discovered by travellers and scientists in the 19th century The Blue Eye is believed to be over 50 meters deep which is the source of its unique blue colour. Legend has it that the ancient warriors who drank from it’s waters gained strength and courage before battles. I drank from it, and trust me it was refreshing fresh spring water. In fact, I too gained strength for the climb back down!! The park is well serviced with toilets and restaurants serving tasty snacks and drinks. We ordered three glasses of wine and a sprite and the total cost was seven euro fifty cent. There is also a souvenir shop selling trinkets and all things blue eyed. We spent a total of three hours exploring the park and even dipped our feet into the icy cold waters. Officially, as the signs indicate, you’re not allowed to swim, but you still see people jumping into the glacier cold water. At 10*C it’s baltic and it stays at that all year round so dipping our feet in was a nice way to cool down from the 34*C we were experiencing at the time. Albania is cheap to say the least, you just need to know where to look and how to bargain. We took a taxi from the port in Saranda to The Blue Eye (40 minutes drive) the first guy we approached wanted €120 for a wait and return trip so we said we’d think about it and headed off for a coffee and a croissant. When we came back we approached another guy and haggled with him for the same trip and got it for €85 for the three of us. We were happy to pay it as it meant we were under no pressure to seek out a return taxi and were guaranteed to get back to the port in plenty of time for the ferry back to Corfu . On the return the guy dropped us at a nearby beach where we got to spend a couple of hours before returning to the port. I look forward to returning to this country and exploring more of it before it becomes too touristy and more expensive. Overall, we found the Albanian people to be warm and hospitable with a strong desire to assist and ensure your experience is a good one. In my experience, the tourist potential of the coast and mountain areas of Albania is exceptional, if you haven’t visited yet, put it on your list!!

Shopping hauls, endless advertisements, 10-step skincare routines: social media and overconsumption often go hand in hand. But every once in a while, users try to break the cycle. The latest attempt has been dubbed ‘underconsumption core’, where TikTokers are promoting the concept of only buying what you need and using it until it’s finished or thoroughly worn out. This includes wearing the same pair of runners for years, using every last bit of a skin cream before buying a new one, storing glass jars to reuse later, and upcycling clothes or furniture. These acts might seem pedestrian, but for people more involved on social media, it is a refreshing change from the usual pressure to amass huge collections of unused make-up or enough clothes to fill a store. A traveller might take this approach by investing in good luggage that lasts for years, avoiding the temptation of flashy, cheap alternatives that fall apart quickly. Instead of constantly buying new suitcases, they choose durable, high-quality options that stand the test of time and miles travelled. Trends away from excessive consumerism Underconsumption core comes on the heels of last year’s ‘deinfluencer’ trend, where instead of promoting every freebie sent to them, content creators got real with followers about whether the products were worth their hard-earned cash. Some TikTok commenters have pointed out that the practice of underconsumption being promoted is ‘standard’ consumption, especially for low-income families. Some view posting underconsumption core videos as a brag that the respective social media user considers themselves above following trends, rather than a genuine altruistic effort to do their bit in improving global conditions and encouraging others to do the same. Other participants misinterpret the trend and inadvertently promote unsustainable behaviour by throwing out products before they have been fully used up. Commenting on the trend, one Tiktok user, Kathryn Kellogg said, ‘ I love that under consumption core is trending right now! Which is really just normal life’. Additionally, underconsumption core isn’t always presented as a more affordable alternative to overconsumption. Instead, many TikTokers have folded it under ‘luxury minimalism,’ focusing on expensive designer products in their downsized collection of goods, reasoning that ‘better quality’ i tems last longer. For the savvy traveller, this might mean choosing high-quality luggage and travel gear that, while potentially more expensive upfront, proves to be a cost-effective and sustainable choice in the long run.

Elon Musk and the giants of big tech might have us believe that everyone is eager to embrace every new technological advancement, envisioning a world where people communicate through ChatGBT while soaring through the metaverse, never putting down the latest iPhone. However, this is not the whole truth. People often tire of this constant bombardment of technology. From swapping a Kindle for a paperback book to favouring a record player over AirPods, savvy minimalists are choosing the charm of the old over the allure of the new. Enter the disposable camera. Since 2019, sales of disposable cameras have been steadily increasing. Fujifilm notes a “sudden organic resurgence” in their popularity, particularly among Gen Z consumers, many of whom were born after the disposable camera’s initial rise to fame. The perception of Zoomers as phone-addicted lost causes is unfair and inaccurate. Many, particularly those too young to remember a time before smartphones, find disposable cameras intriguing and enchanting. For them, the appearance of a disposable camera is an event, a novelty that captures the imagination. Disposable cameras first hit the market in the mid-1980s and dominated for about 15 years. If you remember, you know: They were light, relatively cheap, and low-stakes. After finishing a roll of film (usually 24 or 27 pictures), you’d drop off the camera at a photo shop or chemist to get them developed. The results were often a mixed bag, especially when the photographers were intoxicated, dealing with imperfect lighting, or forgot to use the flash. Thumbs frequently intruded on picture corners, sometimes accidentally cropping out parts of subjects. Even the best images wouldn’t meet today’s high-quality standards. They had a soft-focus quality, capturing moments in a good-but-not-great way. Phone cameras have become, for certain tastes, a little too good—unforgiving and unflattering. The pictures posted, likely edited and filtered, have an undeniable artifice. Everyone knows that’s not what anyone looks like in real life. Disposable camera pictures carry an air of legitimacy. They feel more authentic than digital images. Another issue with phone cameras is that they’re part of your phone—a portal to every text, call, email, breaking-news alert, store, game, and social media platform. As long as your phone is with you, you are never fully present. And let’s not forget the most compelling reason for the disposable camera’s resurgence: “Everyone looks better on film.” Gen Z photographers also seem to value the connection disposable cameras provide to older generations who used these cameras when they were new. Using disposable cameras when travelling can enhance the experience by capturing moments in a way that feels genuine and disconnected from the incessant buzz of modern technology.