Grace Beard Time Out Profile (original) (raw)
Grace Beard is Time Out’s travel editor, based in north London. She joined Time Out as deputy travel editor in November 2022 after nearly a decade in travel media.
She covers shifting travel trends, underexplored places, overtourism and everything in between. Outside of work, she’s trying to write a book, which may or may not ever materialise. The rest of the time, you can almost always find her sitting on the hill in Ally Pally or doing the Parkland Walk for the hundredth time.
Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.
Articles (59)
The humble brunch is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of the modern age. Breakfast is too early to really get stuck into, while eating eggs and downing buckets of coffee at lunchtime seems odd. Brunch, then, is the one true morning-ish meal, especially if it incorporates pancakes, bacon and those aforementioned eggs – or a totally vegan take on proceedings like at LD's at The Black Heart in Camden or WAVE in Hackney. London is particularly well stocked with places to indulge in the famous breakfast/lunch hybrid. Let us guide you to the best restaurants in town for a fabulous brunch in our city, from a traditional full english to innovative twists on the majestic meal, such as a bacon bao brunch. And it’s not just a weekend treat; some of these spots serve brunch every single day. RECOMMENDED: Like unlimited fizz with your fry-up? Here are the best bottomless brunches in London. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. Want to brunch for less? Check out the awesome selection at Time Out Offers.
10 hacks to help you find a room to rent in London – from Londoners old and new
I’ve lived in this city for four years and have lived in four different properties in that time. A London baby, I know – but still long enough to have learned a thing or two about the capital’s treacherous rental market. My first London home was a strange-smelling shoebox above an agave bar on Kingsland Road. The second? A recently renovated Victorian townhouse with a garden which a former flatmate snagged for bargain rates during the pandemic (we begrudgingly moved out when the landlord raised rent by a sweet 60 percent). Fast forward through a month at an ex’s and now I’m living in a shared house in a decent area, paying below average rent with an (actually!) nice landlord. Hell, it’s not perfect, but I could be doing a lot worse. The art of finding a good room to rent in the capital is an art you’ll slowly learn to master – often because you won’t have much other choice. Those horror stories about evil landlords, bidding wars, impossible flatmate interviews and viewing queues down the street? Not to scare you, but there’s some truth in them. RECOMMENDED: 23 things you should know before moving to LondonLondoners on their subletting horror storiesInside the murky world of property guardianships There is, of course, the bog-standard advice you shouldn’t overlook when searching for a room: don’t rent somewhere with mould (it probably won’t go away), always do the viewing in person, and don’t take that flat on the other side of the river to your pals (you won’t make the jo
18 day trips from London to escape the city
As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the city, like many Londoners, I’m also partial to the odd weekend getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. In fact, for the sake of my own sanity and that of those I love, I try not to go longer than two months at a time without venturing outside of the M25, if only for a wee day trip to somewhere with some greenery and/or a bit of coastline. So after more than a decade living in London, I’ve done my fair share of exploring its outskirts – as have the native and adopted Londoners that comprise my colleagues on Time Out London’s editorial team. Together, we’ve come up with a cracking list of our favourite day trip destinations near London. There’s something for everyone here, from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside. And we’ve included some recommendations for quaint little pubs, ace restaurants and our favourite things to do at each destination on the list – all of which are close enough to the city that you can get there and back in one sweet day. Feeling a little tense after being cooped up in the concrete jungle for too long? Here’s everything you need to start planning your next getaway. RECOMMENDED:✨The best day trips from London👪 The best family day trips from London☀️ The best weekend trips from London🏘️ The best Airbnbs near London🌳 The best quirky Airbnbs in the UK This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For m
The 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world
In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool. From formerly overlooked sub
Where is hot in October? Europe and around the world
For those of us who live in the northern Hemisphere, October tends to be a time of chai lattes, pumpkin carving and donning a couple of extra layers. The temperature is easing, leaves are littering our streets, and the long evenings of summer are starting to draw in – so it sounds like a pretty good opportunity to get away for one last hit of vitamin D, right? There are plenty of holiday destinations in Europe which continue to have glowing, summer-like weather throughout October, ideal for whether you’re planning a half-term getaway or a weekend break. And for those prepared to go long-haul, destinations in North Africa, South America and Asia are standing ready to lavish us with nice weather, too. So, here’s our handpicked list of the best places to travel that are still hot in October. RECOMMENDED:☀️The best places to travel throughout the year🗺️The world’s most underrated travel destinations🏖️The most beautiful beaches in the world India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.
23 things you should know before moving to London
I moved to this city in the deep, dark depths of the pandemic. My first flat was, obviously, awful. The landlord was dodgy (shock). It was full of mould. The shower was next to the kitchen and had no door. Still, though, I look back on those days fondly. One rare sunny afternoon we climbed out of my flatmate’s window to sit on the roof, drinking homemade Bloody Marys and blasting the Bad Boy Chiller Crew from a box speaker into the sticky, polluted air of Kingsland Road. We got quite a few glares from passers-by, but also a fair amount of smiles. Whether you’re moving here for study, work, family, or another reason, your first months in London will be challenging, but you’ll probably look back on them with such fogged-up rose-tinted glasses it will hardly matter anyway. Use this time to meet as many new people as you can and to make mistakes. Be broke, go to M&M world (don’t actually), get lost on the tube. That said, there are some things I wish I’d known before coming here. Hindsight is a blessing, as they say. But we’re not gatekeepers, so we asked Time Out staff to share their top tricks and tips for anyone moving to the capital. Some of these folks have been born and bred here. Others are adopted Londoners, like you might well be one day. Listen up, take note, and good luck.
The 18 most beautiful places in Europe, by travel writers who’ve seen them all
Europe is not lacking in jaw-dropping beauty, but how do you choose its top spots? Its home to seven Wonders of the World, for one thing, as well as 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and even that doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the incredible things you can find across the continent. But even if we can’t list every single one, we can list our favourites. To put together this list, we asked our editorial staff team and travel writers based in Sweden, Greece and more for the most beautiful things they’d ever seen in Europe. The result? Stories of taking boats out on Germany’s hidden lakes, climbing up to vast sand dunes in France and afternoons spent strolling Art Nouveau streets in Latvia. From solitary islands to packed ski resorts, here are the most beautiful places in Europe, picked by us. RECOMMENDED:🌤️ The most beautiful places in the world🌃 The best city breaks in Europe🏖️ The best beaches in Europe🌊 The best places to ‘coolcation’ in Europe Ella Doyle is Time Out’s guides editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
With more than 3,000 parks and open spaces, London is one of the world’s greenest cities – and that means this marvellous city has one for every occasion. And we really, really mean that. Whether you’re looking for a pristine picnic patch, a scruffy footie field, a serene sunbathing spot or an all-action sports park, London has it covered. Like a lot of people who have spent their twenties in this city, I’ve bounced between countless flat shares in various different neighbourhoods over my eleven years here, and it’s really made me realise two things; firstly, that wherever you are in London, you’re never that far from some gorgeous greenery. And secondly, there are few greater pleasures to be had in this city than clocking off work and making a beeline for your favourite park on the first properly hot day of the summer, armed with a football, a novel, or just a couple of ice cold tinnies and some picky bits from the nearest offy. Bliss, right? Here’s our lowdown on the major parks in London, so you can plan your next session in the sun. RECOMMENDED: the full guide to outdoor London, including amazing local parks and secluded secret gardens
The best new European sleeper trains we can’t wait to ride in 2025
Whether you’re a fully-fledged railfan or just a traveller who loves convenience, 2024 has been an unmatched year when it comes to new night services. Countries throughout Europe, in bids to make travelling more planet-friendly and affordable, have launched countless sleeper routes this year, meaning most of us now have plenty of motivation to swap flights for night trains on our next trip. In other words, sleeper trains are back, baby, and at Time Out, we’re here for it. With the option to hop on a train, journey thousands of miles and wake up in your destination (hopefully with enough energy to go out and explore), night services are kind of ideal scenarios, right? And luckily, you’ve got us train afficionados on hand to point you in the right direction. So, pack your bag, embark your cabin and settle in – here are the most exciting sleeper trains we can’t wait to ride in 2025. RECOMMENDED:🌤️The most scenic railway journeys in Europe🗺️The ultimate Interrail itinerary for Europe🚂The most beautiful European train journeys from London🚞The best train journeys in the world At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The 17 best hotels in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the world’s best cities, no doubt about it. And as a tourism capital, it’s no surpise that it’s stuffed full of beautiful hotels, from 18th century canal houses to converted bridge keepers’ houses and seriously high-grade hotels. So if you’re looking for a tip-top place to bed down after a day out exploring the city’s best museums, attractions and coffee shops, you’ve come to the right place. From the city centre through to De Negen Straatjes, here are the best hotels in Amsterdam right now. Updated June 2024: We’ve just added three hotels to this list, in time for summer, including the Hoxton’s second outpost in the city. See our brand-new reviews below... RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam📍 Where to stay in Amsterdam 📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
From the Alps in the north to the tip of Italy’s toe – plus its assorted islands – there’s a bewildering range of places to stay in this utterly enchanting country. Not surprisingly, in a land with such a long and fascinating history, it’s not too difficult to find hotels in converted Renaissance palaces, medieval towers and rustic farmhouses. Add to the rich mix some profound regional differences from north to south – in everything from architecture to food, culture and things to do – and you’ve got a country that hugely rewards those willing (and wealthy enough) to do a 21st-century style grand tour of its glorious span. We’ve picked some of the most outstanding hotels and resorts to help you do just that, and experience the trip of a lifetime.
The best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun
Lisbon is the city for aesthetes. Or rather, it’s the city for anyone who has ever accidentally walked into a lamppost, fallen down the curb or tripped over thin air trying to take the perfect shot of urban beauty. From massive monasteries to those gorgeous rambling streets and – oh! – the interiors of the churches, this city is a visual feast and then some. So where better to find somewhere equally lavish and artfully decked out to stay in than the Portuguese capital? When so many of a city’s hotels are, quite literally, named after palaces, you know you’re onto a winner when it comes to luxury accommodation options. We’ve rounded up a long-ish list of our favourites, including some longtime faves and a few characterful newbies. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in LisbonThe best Airbnbs in LisbonThe best boutique hotels in Lisbon Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Listings and reviews (7)
For most Londoners, Alexandra Park is synonymous with Alexandra Palace or ‘Ally Pally’, the Grade II-listed music venue that sits atop the park’s hill and hosts the annual unruly World Darts Championship. But the surrounding parkland is vast – 196 acres, no less – and drop-dead beautiful no matter the season. I’ve spent many summer days steering a giant unicorn around the boating lake, crunching through carpets of yellow leaves on the tree-lined avenues in autumn, and sledding down the hill (when we get enough snow) in winter. And, of course, that panoramic city view is there to admire year-round.
Amsterdam has its share of historic hotels, but none can boast the legacy of the Doelen. The oldest hotel in the Dutch capital and a designated national heritage site, it’s here in the old banquet hall that Rembrandt’s The Night Watch – one of the world’s most famous paintings – was first displayed, way back in the seventeenth century. While you’ll now find it hanging a ten-minute tram ride away in the Rijksmuseum, a copy of the original is still proudly displayed in the hotel’s Rembrandt Suite. The entire hotel is modelled after the Dutch master, notably so in the on-site restaurant Omber, where the crockery, menus and even the flowers are all the same shade of deep orangey-brown (apparently Rembrandt’s favourite colour to paint with). The food, we’re told, is influenced by seventeenth-century Dutch flavours, which mostly translates to a lot of pickling and smoking (in other words, delicious). The lobby could do with a hint of the restaurant’s dark-toned moodiness. It’s almost garishly opulent, coldly lit by a huge crystal chandelier, with ornate gold swirls bordering the walls and enormous vases of flowers, which look somehow a bit stiff and staged. But the rooms and suites are much less stuffy. Our canal-facing suite was the perfect mix of understated and sophisticated, simply decorated with quality furniture, complete with a plush king-sized bed. The best bit? The huge marble-floored bathroom with his-and-hers sinks and a free-standing tub. The Doelen was taken over by
I arrived at Mama Shelter from the beach – sand in my shoes, covered in sun lotion, hair stringy with seawater – and found myself sharing the lift with an impeccably dressed group ascending to the rooftop for sundowners. Not that anyone gave a damn, because anything goes here, the only Portuguese outpost of Mama Shelter’s brand of playful boutique hotels strung across the continent. It’s as cheeky as its sister venues (sex toys for sale in the lobby, superhero masks on the lampshades, a pretty extensive adult film menu on the telly), but with little Portuguese flourishes to remind you where you are – the forest green tile-clad exterior, a Remodelado tram mural in the lift, ocean-wave carpets in the bedrooms, marine-themed decor in the restaurant and locally-made arts and crafts dotted all over the place. But, let’s be real, you’re not about to forget you’re slap-bang in the heart of Lisbon. Mama Shelter is just off the lively central thoroughfare of Avenida da Liberdade, and in the other direction you have the boutiques and bars of Príncipe Real – honestly, take any route from the hotel’s corner doors and you’re in for a great walk. Before (or after) you go, though, stick around for a cocktail on Mama’s rooftop or a meal at Mama’s restaurant. Much like its outposts in London, Bordeaux and elsewhere, Mama Shelter is a neighbourhood attraction in its own right. If the queue’s anything to go by, the rooftop is the place to be at sunset, with an unbeatable view over the city’s
Did you know you can go on safari in Kent? It turns out you can, and it’s actually really, really good. Hundreds of creatures roam the grounds of this 600-acre resort, from Big Five beasts to howler monkeys and bush dogs. Outside of the main wildlife park, safaris trundle guests up the slopes of the reserve to meet giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more. And the whole thing looks out over charming countryside right down to the Kent coast. While Port Lympne makes for a perfect day trip, an overnight stay is where the magic happens. We camped out in the brand-new Lookout Bubble – and when I say ‘camped’, I mean we slept under the stars in the most luxurious transparent dome you’ve ever seen, complete with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, seating area, surround sound speakers and a massive, comfy bed. It’s an experience hard to top, waking up to the sounds of animals and getting to explore the reserve before it officially opens for the day (in your very own golf buggy, no less). The Lookout Bubble is right next to the lion’s den, and we were lucky enough to spend an uninterrupted half hour watching the big cats pacing the grounds before anybody else came along. The bubble’s only downfall? Our stay took place over a warm weekend, and the trapped heat in the dome made spending time inside of it almost unbearable during the day (thank God for the spacious terrace). Conversely, temperatures dropped drastically in the dome when the sun went down, but nothing jumping into bed (or the
Catching sight of My Arbor for the first time is an experience that can’t be overstated. First of all, you’ve already arrived in the impossibly beautiful, straight-from-a-fairytale town of Bressanone, and done the winding drive up green slopes where all you can hear is the faint tinkle of a cowbell. Now you’re in the trees, looking up at a wooden cuboid that seems precariously perched on the skinny trunks of the surrounding pines. My Arbor lives every bit upto its self-billed ‘tree hotel’ title. Inside, you’re hit with a tremendous view over the tree-blanketed South Tyrolean mountains from the hotel restaurant’s sweeping terrace. Above you, thick wooden branches hang like a chandelier. Even the reception desk is made up of two gigantic trunks. Our suite (we stayed in the ‘nest’) is appropriately wood-panelled, with a balcony and window nook overlooking the valley and hills. You could stay in your nook all day watching mountain peaks get swallowed by clouds, but you’re much better off donning your robe and taking the lift down to the spa, where you can drink in all those views from a hydrotherapy infinity pool. By far the pièce de résistance, Spa Arboris is a maze of pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation zones spread across the hotel’s lower levels. After a morning hike (we went alone, but the hotel offers guided hikes, forest bathing and all sorts of other activities to guests), I spent an afternoon cocooned in calm here, swimming the length of the indoor-outdoor heated
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
It’s fair to expect any spa hotel in Leamington Spa, a Warwickshire town with a long history of harbouring bath houses built around its natural saline springs, to be worth its salt. Nineteenth-century Midlanders in need of some R&R would come to Leamington in search of ‘the cure’ to any number of ailments. Despite rapid development, today the town remains a go-to for weekenders in search of a reviving getaway – and they could do a lot worse than opting for Mallory Court, a palatial yet cosy country manor house and spa on the outskirts of town. Surrounded by endless countryside, we explored the vast grounds before dinner, strolling past manicured lawns, a rose garden bursting with blooms, a chef’s garden full of herbs and vegetables and an apiary. When the British summertime brought its inevitable drizzle, we were relaxing in the heated, bubbling outdoor vitality pool, so no complaints there. Completing the spa’s offerings is a Finnish-style sauna, small but ideal if you manage to get it to yourself or your group. The indoor pool with attached jacuzzi managed to be that perfect, just-right temperature, and felt like silk to swim in. The spa experience fell down for us slightly when we couldn’t get the indoor steam room to be as hot or steamy as we’d have liked, but that could’ve easily been our own oversight. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to treatment options. I opted for the full-body exfoliation (perfect) while my guest went for the drift away massage. She spoke a
Derren Brown: ‘Showman’ review
Way back in 2009, during Derren Brown’s televised event ‘How to Control the Nation’, a friend of mine claimed she’d been subliminally controlled and that she was physically unable to stand up from her seat. Being teenagers, and apparently raging cynics, we all took the piss out of her relentlessly. After watching his latest live extravaganza ‘Showman’, I have to apologise to my mate. Perhaps it was a trick of the light; perhaps I’ve become much more receptive to subliminal suggestion as I’ve aged: however he did it, Brown got me. I can sincerely say that, despite my best efforts to remain a skeptic, a good five to ten seconds were completely erased from my memory. Without stating the obvious, if you’ve only ever seen Derren Brown on the telly, only in person do you really experience how hypnotic he is. There’s an excitable, almost unruly audience at the Apollo on opening night, but it doesn’t take much for them to become puppets at the end of the illusionist’s string. Brown’s unwavering poise and trademark gallows humour carry a show that swings – often very suddenly – on the pendulum between playful and sobering, heartfelt and horrifying. The show’s tricks lean on these polarities. One minute there’s a circus-like atmosphere, with balloon-popping games, giant teddy bears and clever card tricks; but before you know it, Brown can rapidly turn the mood on its head. Without giving too much away, it’s the moments of solemn hush that will stay with you after the show, rather tha
News (50)
Where are the fires in Portugal? Latest travel advice as wildfires rage
Nearly a month after wildfires blazed on the Portuguese island of Madeira, more fires have broken out in mainland Portugal. Seven people have reportedly died in the fires, which were spreading between the northern district of Aveiro and Porto last week. Understandably, those with a trip booked might be worried about whether visiting Portugal right now is safe. Here’s everything we know so far about the fires and the latest advice for UK and US travellers. Where are the fires in Portugal? The fires began to spread in the northern and central regions of Portugal on Monday September 16, leading to several towns being evacuated. The north-western Aveiro district saw the worst of the blaze, with fires reaching the outskirts of the town of Albergaria-a-Velha. A portion of the highway connecting Porto and Lisbon was been closed off, and several train lines in the north of the country were suspended. Around 5,300 firefighters were tackling the blaze at one point. Has Porto or the Algarve been impacted by the fires? The fires are not impacting southern Portugal, so the Algarve has not been affected. However, Porto is much closer to the affected region, and the main highway between the city and Lisbon was been closed. Also, according to the Guardian, wildfires in the Aveiro district and in Porto have led to dozens of houses being destroyed and more local road closures. What started the fires? Despite a wet and rainy start to the summer season, meaning fewer recorded wildfires acros
Where are the floods in Europe? Latest travel advice and Storm Boris map
This summer in Europe has been characterised by extreme weather, with blistering heatwaves in Greece and storms in Switzerland, Italy and France in July alone. Now, parts of central Europe including Poland, Czechia and Slovakia have been engulfed by extreme floods after a month’s worth of rain fell in just 24 hours over the weekend. Storm Boris has led to road closures, power outages and up to 24 deaths so far. The storm is now impacting northern Italy, with the country’s meteorological service issuing alerts. So, here’s everything you need to know about travelling to the affected regions and how to help. Where’s the flooding in Europe? Storm Boris has caused catastrophic damage across countries in Eastern and Central Europe, including Poland, Romania, Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia. The worst-affected areas include the border between Poland and Czechia, as well as Austria and Romania. In Austria, the region surrounding Vienna has been declared a disaster zone, while people have drowned in Poland and Romania. An entire Polish city of 44,000 was evacuated, and several people have been reported missing in Czechia. Hundreds of houses have been destroyed. As of Thursday September 19, the storm has now reached Italy, with the meteorological service issuing warnings for the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lazio. Storm Boris map Where is Storm Boris? Here are the countries worst affected by the flooding. Image: Time Out Is it safe to travel? The UK government has issued w
A swish new sleeper train is now running to the Italian capital
Train aficionados, listen up. Austrian rail operator ÖBB has launched not one, but two brand new sleeper routes to the Italian capital this week. The new routes, which will shuttle passengers from Vienna and Munich to Rome, kicked off this week to coincide with the launch of ÖBB’s brand-new (and very swish) Nightjet trains. These new trains represent a huge upgrade to ÖBB’s overnight fleet, with enhanced comfort and privacy for rail travellers. So what can you expect? The new trains feature seven cars, including two seating cars, three couchette cars and two sleeping cars. Among the upgraded features is free wifi, more space for luggage, more charging sockets and ‘mobile phone-permeable windows’. Sounds pretty fancy, right? You can read more about the new trains and the other routes they’ll be running on here. At the launch of the Vienna-Rome service on September 10, ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä called the new-generation trains ‘a game-changer for night train travel in Europe’, according to Railtech. ‘It brings a huge leap in comfort and also offers significantly more privacy for our travellers,’ Matthä continued. Vienna is fast becoming Europe’s night train capital, with more sleeper train connections than any other EU capital. Prices for the Vienna-Rome service on the new-generation Nightjet trains start at €34.90 for a seated carriage, €54.90 per person for a bed in a four-person couchette (solo travellers can pay the same price for a mini cabin with the advance Sparschiene tic
Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now? Latest travel advice following sixth eruption
Iceland is a popular travel destination thanks to its unique natural landscapes, hot springs and the opportunity to witness the elusive Northern Lights. It’s typically regarded as a super safe place for travellers and expats – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to natural disasters. A volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula has erupted for the sixth time since December, with a new fissure opening at 9.29pm local time on August 22 after a series of earthquakes and days of pressure build-up. Understandably, those with trips booked to Iceland might wonder whether visiting the country is safe. This is everything we know about travelling to Iceland right now. Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Despite Thursday’s eruption, neither the UK Foreign Office nor the US Department of State are recommending against travel – though the former has warned against travelling near the affected region. Given the eruptions have been going on for months now, scientists say the geological system could be active for decades, maybe even centuries. However, it’s being constantly monitored, and in response to the eruptions local authorities have constructed barriers to redirect lava flows away from essential infrastructure, such as the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon, according to the Guardian. Where was the volcanic eruption in Iceland? Since December 2023, a long-dormant volcano just north of Grindavík, a town in the Reykjanes Peninsula, has been erupting. This is the sixth instance.
You will soon have to start paying to visit the EU
Non-EU citizens travelling to or through the bloc: your trips are soon going to get just that little bit more expensive. From mid-2025, anyone travelling on passports from several countries around the world between the ages of 18 and 70 will have to pay €7 (£6, $7.50) to enter or transit through any EU country. A new visa system for visiting EU countries called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to come into force. When it’s launched next year, visitors will need an official ETIAS visa waiver in order to keep visiting European countries. It will be required for trips of up to 90 days (if you want to stay longer, you’ll need another visa entirely) for both tourists and business travellers, and will need to be obtained at least 96 hours before departure. And while this might all sound quite complicated (and spenny), it isn’t as bad as it sounds. The fee doesn’t have to be paid every time you enter an EU country. The waiver lasts for three years, so you only have to get a new one either once it runs out or if you get a new passport. While the requirement for Brits to use the ETIAS visa waiver system is a consequence of Brexit, it also applies to passport-holders of plenty of other countries around the world. From the USA and Canada to Brazil, Japan and Australia, a grand total of 60 countries are eligible. You can see a full list of ETIAS countries here. So when exactly will the ETIAS system come into effect? Initially, it was supposed to be
The star-studded lineup for the Olympics opening ceremony has finally been revealed
Listen up: the best-kept secret of the Paris 2024 Olympics has just been revealed. After months of suspense and speculation, French newspaper Le Parisien has unveiled the first artists on the opening ceremony lineup, who will take to the stage this Friday, July 26. RECOMMENDED:Everything you need to know about the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesParis 2024 Olympics opening ceremony: start time, date, performersWhere to watch the Olympics in ParisWhat to watch at the Olympics this weekend: full schedule and highlightsThe best Olympics movies to get you in the Olympic spirit The opening ceremony is orchestrated by renowned stage director Thomas Jolly, who has invited a stellar cast of local and international stars to celebrate the rich history and diversity of French musical culture. So what are the big names on the lineup? We can reveal that Aya Nakamura, France’s most listened-to singer, will be performing a Charles Aznavour classic, accompanied by the Republican Guard. Queen of ballads Céline Dion will serenade with a song by Édith Piaf, and American pop sensation Lady Gaga will also be performing. A feast of French musical talent will take to the stage. In terms of collaborations, expect a duet between pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet, a B2B set featuring singer Philippe Katerine and drummer Cerrone, and an intriguingly ‘original’ collaboration between opera singer Marina Viotti and eco-metal band Gojira. Parisian rapper Rim'K, from hip hop band 113, will also m
Paris 2024 Olympic torch relay: route and bearers as Snoop Dogg confirmed for final stage
Olympic fever has officially started to take over – especially if you’re lucky enough to be in the French capital, where the Olympic torch is currently en route to its final destination. And it looks like the torch relay in Paris, which will be part of the opening ceremony schedule, is set to be a properly star-studded celebration. Eager to know where the flame is heading next? Here’s everything we know about the Paris 2024 Olympic torch relay, from the final torch bearers to the expected route. RECOMMENDED:Everything you need to know about the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesParis 2024 Olympics opening ceremony: start time, date, performersWhere to watch the Olympics in ParisWhat to watch at the Olympics this weekend: full schedule and highlights Where did the Olympic torch start? The Olympic torch started its journey on April 16, in a ceremony held at the site of the original Olympic Games: ancient Olympia, Greece. After an 11-day relay in Greece the torch travelled from Athens to Marseille in France. The Paralympic torch will be lit in Stoke Mandeville, England, at the end of August. It’ll then cross the Channel to continue its journey in France. Paris 2024 Olympic torch bearers A whopping 11,000 torch bearers, ranging from sportspeople to ordinary French citizens, have been tasked with carrying the Olympic flame this year. The torch travelled through France’s 64 territories before landing in Paris on July 14. A star-studded cast has been selected to carry the torch on its final
Is it safe to travel to Rhodes right now? The latest advice after another earthquake in Greece
After being hit by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake on June 12, the Greek island of Rhodes has this morning been rocked by another tremor, at a magnitude of 4.7. This second earthquake is the latest in a string of natural disasters and climate-related extreme weather events in Greece and the Mediterranean. Last month, parts of Greece are scorching in a 43C heatwave – the earliest heatwave the country has ever seen – leading to tourist attractions including the Acropolis closing in Athens. Nearby Cyprus has seen a wildfire break out around the city of Paphos. Since then, fires have also spread on the islands if Kos, Chios and Crete, and last summer, wildfires on Rhodes led to evacuations last summer. Understandably, those with trips booked to Rhodes might be wondering if it’s safe to travel to the island following the second earthquake. Here’s what we know so far. Is it safe to travel to Rhodes in Greece? Yes. There are no reports from local media on this just yet, but based on the minimal damage that was suffered after last month’s earthquake, the impact is hopefully not extensive. Flights continued to run after June’s 4.8 magnitude earthquake, and no advice against travelling to Greece was issued at the time. Where was impacted by the earthquake? While tremors were felt in Rhodes, the earthquake’s epicentre was detected 25km north of the island. Tremors were also felt in Türkiye. What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip? As the UK Foreign Office has not officially advised
With its tropical temperatures, palm tree-lined beaches and unbelievably blue waters, the Caribbean is a paradise for travellers. However, the region is currently experiencing an extraordinarily intense hurricane season, with conditions made more extreme by the climate emergency. Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday July 1 on Carriacou, an island part of Grenada, and has caused significant destruction and led to the deaths of at least seven people so far. Colin McCarthy, an extreme weather scientist, posted on X (fka Twitter): ‘Hurricane Beryl has just become the first June category four Atlantic hurricane in history. We have never seen such a strong hurricane this early in the season.’ A category four storm means that ‘catastrophic’ levels of damage are predicted, including severe damage to buildings and trees alongside power outages which could last for weeks. So, if you have a trip booked to the Caribbean, here is everything you need to know about how the hurricane might affect your trip. Where is Hurricane Beryl right now? As of 7am on Thursday July 4, the hurricane is moving towards the Cayman Islands after causing significant damage in Jamaica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, destroying buildings and cutting off power and water supplies. The death toll of the storm is now at seven people. Where is Hurricane Beryl’s path heading? Hurricane Beryl is hurtling towards the Cayman Islands and should make landfall there this evening. While the storm will weaken
Should I cancel my holiday to Switzerland? What the storms in Europe mean for your trip
Areas of northeast France, northern Italy and southern Switzerland were battered by storms and torrential rain over the weekend, causing landslides and flooding that have reportedly left seven people dead. The storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events across Europe, with destinations like Greece and Türkiye seeing searing temperatures and wildfires. Understandably, those with a trip booked to Switzerland and the other affected areas might wonder whether it’s safe to travel. Here’s what we know so far about travelling to the region. Where are the storms in Europe? The south of Switzerland has been severely impacted by the storm, with torrential rain triggering a landslide in the southeastern canton of Ticino and the river Rhone overflowing in several areas in Valais in the southwest. Several hundred people have reportedly been evacuated from Valais. In France, storms have killed three people in the northeastern Aube region. Multiple destinations in northern Italy have been impacted by the extreme weather, including the northern town of Noasca, which faced severe floods as the nearby Noaschetta river burst its banks. Torrential rain has pummelled Lake Garda, Emilia-Romagna and Parma, sweeping cars away and leaving streets underwater. Are airlines still flying to Switzerland and the affected regions? There haven’t been any reports of flight cancellations and airlines are still flying to Switzerland and the affected regions. What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
This European capital is officially the world’s most liveable city in 2024
Vienna is not only one of the world’s best cities for culture – home to classical music, the grand Imperial Palace of Hofburg and world-class museums – but it’s also a pretty decent place to live. For the third year running, the Austrian capital has come out on top in The Global Liveability Index. The annual report, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit, analyses the liveability of 173 cities globally to create the ranking. What exactly makes a city liveable? Put simply, a liveable city is one with good-quality living conditions, which can mean everything from the availability of housing and the level of petty crime to the quality of the roads. The Global Liveability Index factored in all that and more in their analysis, looking into 30 factors across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Vienna got perfect scores in all but one category (culture and environment). In fact, Western Europe fared very well overall, with Copenhagen and Zürich coming second and third respectively. Geneva came in fifth, drawing with Calgary. Both Canada and Switzerland had two cities in the top ten. These are the top 10 most liveable cities in the world 1. Vienna2. Copenhagen3. Zürich4. Melbourne5. Calgary 6. = Geneva7. Sydney8. = Vancouver9. Osaka10. = Auckland Want to read more about the world’s most (and least) liveable cities? You can download the full report on the EIU website here. Did you see that this city is set to ove
Alemanha e Dinamarca vão ficar ligadas por um túnel subaquático
É impressão nossa, ou os projectos de transporte estão mesmo a ficar mais ambiciosos? Primeiro, houve a notícia de que a ponte entre a Sicília e o continente italiano poderia realmente avançar. Depois, a de que um túnel subaquático pode vir a ligar a Europa a África até 2030. E, na semana passada, foi concluída a primeira parte de um outro túnel subaquático – desta vez entre a Dinamarca e a Alemanha. É isso mesmo: em breve, será possível viajar entre a Escandinávia e a Europa Central através de um novo túnel subaquático. A ligação do Cinturão de Fehmarn está em construção. Quando esta chegar ao fim, será o maior túnel imerso do mundo, com 18 quilómetros de extensão através do Mar Báltico. Actualmente, a única forma de viajar entre os dois países é através de um ferry de 45 minutos, mas esse tempo de viagem será drasticamente reduzido assim que o túnel estiver concluído: terá uma auto-estrada de duas faixas e uma linha ferroviária dupla, permitindo a passagem tanto de carros como de comboios. Conduzir levará dez minutos, a viagem de comboio demorará apenas sete. O túnel será concluído em partes, e uma delas já está pronta. A secção de 217 metros foi inaugurada pelo rei da Dinamarca a 17 de Junho e será em breve submersa no Mar Báltico. The first #tunnel element of the Fehmarnbelt link between #Denmark and #Germany has been completed - Congratulations to all those involved!The #EU #CEFTransport programme is supporting the project with over €1 billion.#EUGreenDeal pic.twitter.c