
Pope aims to restore 'body and spirit' during vacation that brings a pontiff back to Castel Gandolfo
Leo bid farewell to Rome during his Sunday noon blessing, saying he was taking a 'brief period of rest.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Vogue
9 hours ago
- Vogue
Where Vogue Editors Are Traveling This Summer—And What They're Packing
The temperatures are sweltering; the air conditioning is blasting to arctic levels. That can only mean one thing: it's time to book a vacation and get out of here. This summer is taking team Vogue from the hilly streets of San Francisco to the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. But before the only agenda for the day involves lazy lunches by the sea, there's the little matter of the packing list—and if your own plans could use some organizing, why not use our editors' vacation essentials as your guide? Vogue Editors' Top Vacation Essentials: From versatile travel shoes to beauty must-haves and endless swimsuits, the contents of our suitcases translate to a wide array of travel plans. (And if all you need is some holiday outfit inspiration, you'll find that here, too.) Here's where our editors are headed this summer, plus, all the staples they're bringing with them: Chloe Malle, editor, Every summer I go to the same place, my family's home in the Southwest of France. This makes it easy to pack for because I know exactly what to expect and what to bring. This year an addition will be my Meta Ray-Ban sunglasses which I have become obsessed with for taking photos of my kids. I'll also wear these perfect Gap Row-dupes as water shoes wading into Le Lot river. Gap jelly ballet flats $50 GAP Ray-Ban Skyler glasses Libby Page, executive director, shopping This summer, I am traveling to Portugal for a Surf & Yoga retreat so I'll need practical but chic (always!) pieces that can see me from day to night, surf to beach! I want swim that is protective and functional but not too technical, and relaxed bohemian pieces that still embrace my minimalistic aesthetic. Talia Abbas, associate shopping director It's not summer for me unless I spend some portion of it uninterrupted by the beach, but instead of the annual pilgrimage home to Calabria, my partner and I have decided to switch things up this August: I'll be trading in mozzarella for feta and the Tyrrhenian Sea for the Aegean. After many crowdsourced recommendations, we've settled on visiting the islands of Sifnos and Serifos. I'll likely be in a swimsuit the majority of the day, so dinnertime will be for getting dressed up—silky pants, flip-flops, and easy tanks are what I have in mind, plus a few great accessories to complete the look. Less is more! Faithfull the Brand Kassia + Bebe striped bikini $230 NET-A-PORTER Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1983C $555 KHAITE Liam Hess, senior lifestyle editor I'm planning a trip to Corsica in September with some friends, and the sum total of my plans are to swim in the sea, catch up on my reading, and eat lots of grilled fish. In my dream world, I'd be taking the Loewe puzzle fold tote in raffia to schlep to and from the beach. It wouldn't be a French seaside getaway without a jazzy Jacquemus shirt (I'm very into this poisson print) and I'll be packing Darrow Farr's Corsica-set thriller The Bombshell to lend to a friend—I read it earlier this year and it was part of the reason I was so desperate to visit this summer... Darrow Farr The Bombshell $30 BOOKSHOP Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping I'm going back to Greece this August to see my parents in Athens before going to my best friend's house in Skiathos—the uniform for which is essentially just swimwear, so I'm bringing all my go-tos from Etam and some linen trousers for the ferry. Lately I've been trying to trick myself into writing more in my free time by amassing a slightly mad amount of beautiful notebooks in the hope that they inspire productivity; this green marbled one is at the top of my list. (My one piece of advice for anyone visiting Greece in the summer: bring a handheld fan for the heat or you will suffer!) Alexandra Ditch, associate producer I am so excited to be traveling along the French Riviera this summer with my mom and sister—the ultimate girls trip! We're planning to fly into Nice, and are hoping to stay at Hôtel du Couvent before jumping to a few other Airbnbs and hotels along the coast. We aren't taking off until mid-August, but mentally, I'm already packing. I can't wait to wear this Posse linen vest and capri leggings by Dôen. I'll top off the look with my Sézane basket bag and nautical Anni Lu earrings. Hannah Jackson, fashion writer My college friends and I are linking up in San Francisco this summer to celebrate graduations, new jobs, and other various milestones. While we definitely won't be walking the Golden Gate Bridge, I imagine we'll still be getting our steps in, so I'll be packing comfortable walking shoes (I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a pair of Adidas Taekwondos) and my favorite La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen. I love my trips to SF, but I'm also not-so-secretly trying to lure my friends out East, so perhaps a BonBon gift box will help show them what they're missing. And, to keep me entertained on my six-hour flight home, I'll bring a paperback—I've been on an Eve Babitz kick recently, so maybe I'll finally dig into Black Swans. Kiana Murden, senior beauty writer, shopping I'm planning to stay local this summer. My friends are calling it a 'NYC Summer'—prioritizing exploring the Big Apple in its best season, since we're usually jetting off to Europe or the Caribbean. So until my proper vacation in September, I'll be planning day trips upstate and weekend jaunts out East, always sure to pack my essentials: a good flip-flop, my Uniqlo white T-shirt, a scalp serum to keep my hair healthy, and my travel pill organizer in the hopes that I'll actually take my daily supplements. Fred Sahai, associate producer This summer, I'm meeting my mom in Saint Paul de Vence, and stopping in Paris and Marseille beforehand. I know Paris gets really hot during this time so I'm really just packing light clothes. I'll be bringing a lot of Réalisation Par dresses, because they're so easy to throw on and always make me feel feminine and put-together. The Leila in the Aura print in particular is a summer staple of mine because the red polka-dot pattern requires minimal accessorizing and looks great with a tan. I'll also be walking a ton, so my Repetto Camilles will be coming with me—they're strangely comfortable for a heeled ballet shoe, and go with pretty much anything. For the beach, I've been eyeing a few basket bags and think I'm going to get this one to lug around all my essentials. And of course, I'll be bringing many Gimaguas bikinis, because they make my favorite swimwear.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Stockholm seeing a huge increase in Canadian travellers in July: Skyscanner trending destination
Entering the height of summer travel, Canadians are looking to Sweden for their July vacations. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 79 per cent month-over-month increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to Stockholm. From the inviting Swedish culture to a large number of museums, shopping destinations and it's picturesque scenery, Stockholm is one of the most endearing cities to travel to. And July is a particularly perfect time to enjoy the Swedish capital. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner Stockholm is a city that has both historical charm, while also and leaning into modern design. Additionally, summer temperatures are staying at a particularly comfortable level for many visitors in July. "With long daylight hours and temperatures sitting comfortably in the low 20s, July is an ideal time to explore Stockholm's island-dotted cityscape," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. "The Swedish capital is at its most lively this time of year, with locals and visitors flocking to open-air cafes, waterfront parks, and music festivals that make the most of the sunshine." "The pastel buildings of Gamla Stan, the city's Old Town, feel like a storybook come to life, while neighbourhoods like Södermalm showcase the minimalist architecture and thoughtful urban planning that Scandinavian cities are known for. Every corner offers a contrast between old-world character and contemporary style, creating a rich visual experience for visitors." Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Stockholm in July can currently be found for as low as $961. Flights from Vancouver to Stockholm currently start at $1,180, or $1,004 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner To really get into the Swedish culture, travellers should participate in a Swedish fika, where you take a break with a coffee and sweet treat, engage in conversation and have a bit of a pause in the day. "No visit to Stockholm is complete without slowing down for a fika," Lindsay stated. "Many cafés in Stockholm offer an authentic fika experience, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a local tradition while soaking up the laid-back summer atmosphere." There are so many great cafés in Stockholm, but Komet is particularly delicious, so is Stora bageriet. For museum lovers, Stockholm has a lot to offer, including some unique experiences like the ABBA museum. "It's a great stop for anyone who grew up with their music or just wants a lively activity between exploring the city's historic sites," Lindsay highlighted. "The exhibits are playful and well-curated, making it an easy highlight for both families and solo travellers." There is also the Junibacken museum featuring everything Pippi Longstocking and the Vasa museum with a preserved 17th-century warship. Stockholm has some incredible shopping, so as you're biking through the city or taking a stroll through Kungsträdgården, make sure to take a look in some local shops. Stockholm is home to the popular brands like Acne Studios, Filippa K and the accessories brand Liffner. For beauty lovers, Cow Parfymeri has a great collection of makeup, skincare, hair and other beauty products that are hard or impossible to find in Canada, while the Swedish brand L:a Bruket makes the best lip balms you will ever try. Of course, you need to try Swedish meatballs when you travel to Sweden, and Meatballs For the People in Stockholm is a great choice, with a variety of different options to choose from. Hotel Frantz is a great option for a stay in Stockholm, from its location to the incredibly aesthetic rooms, it's sure to be a hit. The building's history goes back to 1647 and the most recent renovation really preserved the historic features of the property, but that also means there isn't an elevator to get to your room. The hotel's restaurant is certainly worth trying, specifically the morning breakfast buffet is one of the best you'll ever have, including cardamom buns, cakes, local cheeses and breads. The Grand Hôtel in Stockholm will provide the true five star hotel experience, overlooking Stockholm's old town. The property also features a luxurious spa and fitness area, and you can take in the beautiful waterfront view at the Veranda restaurant. The NOFO Hotel is a particularly chic property, located in the Södermalm area of Stockholm. The interior is inspired by travel memories from owners Marie and Glenn Tammemägi, and there is a beautiful courtyard and a popular wine bar at the hotel. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Getting to Europe is cheaper this summer — but everything costs more when you're there
A last-minute summer flight to London or Rome costs less than it did a year ago, but the good news ends at the customs checkpoint. U.S. travelers to the U.K. and Europe are finding their dollars don't go as far as they did just months ago. Exchange rates haven't been kind to Americans abroad this year. The dollar index — which tracks the greenback against a handful of other major currencies — has plunged 10.3% so far this year, its worst half-year performance since 1973, largely due to President Donald Trump's ongoing global trade war. While some analysts expect a partial rebound later this month, €1 now buys only about $0.85 today, versus $0.93 a year ago. In Britain, £1 fetches some $0.73, about 6 cents less than in early July 2024. Some of the currency swings have been quite recent. A ticket to a London play that cost £100, or about $135, at the beginning of June would cost $137 now. A three-night Barcelona hotel bill of €850, about $965 a month ago, will set you back $1,002 today. Fortunately, cheaper airfares are cushioning the blow. Tickets to Europe and Asia are down 10% and 13%, respectively, since last year at this time and have returned to pre-pandemic pricing, according to the booking platform Hopper. And travel experts at recently found some of the lowest-ever deals for certain flights to Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Dublin this fall. Many consumers appear to be taking advantage of bargain tickets. Even as international travelers pull back on visiting the U.S., Americans are venturing abroad. Travel volumes among U.S. citizens returning home at major airports' passport control were up about 2% over the 28 days through June 21 since the same period a year ago, according to Tourism Economics, a market research firm. While budget considerations are affecting who's deciding to vacation abroad and how to spend when they do, consumer finance experts and travel industry analysts say broader economic uncertainty is playing a bigger role. 'If you're going to cancel an international trip, it's not going to be because of the dollar,' said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. 'It's going to be because you're worried about getting laid off, you're worried about geopolitical issues, or don't have the money saved up and the only way to pay for it is to put it on the credit card and finance it at 20% interest.' For any travelers with heartburn over the weaker dollar, McBride noted that it 'still compares pretty favorably to levels we saw in 2021, and it's still better than pretty much anytime between 2003 and 2014.' Indeed, Tourism Economics found travel spending by U.S. residents abroad rose 8.6% in the first four months of the year from the same period a year earlier. 'This indicates continued U.S. outbound demand,' the firm said. While the economy and household finances always influence travel demand, 'today those factors are looking to have more of a negative impact than positive one,' said Nicki Zink, deputy head of industry analysis at the market research firm Morning Consult. In the group's recent survey, 31% of consumers said both the state of the U.S. economy and personal financial pressures are reducing their interest in leisure travel in the next three months, 'higher than any other factor we survey about,' said Zink. For its own part, the tourism market research firm Future Partners found 47% of American travelers are likely to venture abroad in the next 12 months, but 35% said uncertainty around U.S. policy changes had already caused them to reconsider or delay those plans. And in a NerdWallet survey last month, 11% of consumers said they'd scrapped international travel plans this year over global relations or economic uncertainty. Plenty of Americans are still packing their passports, though. Millennials, for example, 'are increasingly considering international destinations, despite the higher cost compared with domestic trips,' said Zink, adding that interest in destinations across South and Central America, the Caribbean and northern Europe have risen this year. Wealthy travelers are also still traveling with gusto, extending a trend that has intensified since the recovery from the pandemic. 'Our affluent clients are still going after those bucket-list adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,' said Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of the New Jersey-based agency Stepping Out Travel Services. 'While they're definitely keeping an eye on the headlines, they typically won't change plans unless a destination really becomes unstable.' Migliaccio acknowledged she has seen some subtle shifts lately, with some clients asking to trim flight costs or deciding to skip a stop to keep things more efficient. 'It's not so much 'I can't go' as it is, 'How can I make this work for me?'' she said. 'People are being strategic, spending where it matters most, and opting for curated experiences over excess.' This article was originally published on