Latest news with #JennaStevens
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo
AS a child, I spent my holidays crammed in a campervan while in rainy Wales, or at a budget kids club at a Spanish resort. But as an adult, I've realised that everything my parents loved about holidays, are nothing like my trips now as a grown up Gen Z. Advertisement 8 Kids clubs and pool games made hotel resorts seem exciting as a kid. But now I'm in my twenties, I avoid at all costs Credit: AFP 8 You'll find me at a local restaurant over a buffet hotel Credit: Jenna Stevens That the all-inclusive life is suddenly not so appealing, the buffet food becomes same-y, you're bored out of your mind at bingo, and actually that kids pool looks quite grimy. Now we've gotten old enough to plan our own travels, Gen-Z are choosing holidays nothing like those loved by our parents. Adrenaline over All-Inclusives My Grandad's favourite thing to do is help himself to a buffet-style breakfast in But Gen-Z travellers like me are ditching the plastic wristbands and relaxing resorts for Advertisement Read more on Sun Club I prefer I remember getting strapped into my harness on the edge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. My heart was hammering, as I waited for the wind to pick up so I could run off the cliff edge. When I texted my Dad a pic of me dangling 6,500 feet in the air, I think he nearly passed out. Advertisement Most read in News Travel But after years of travelling, I've gotten used to lounging by the pool - I need something exhilarating . And it turns out I'm not alone - 78 per cent of I survived flying down a hill on the world's longest zipline 8 Geared up and ready to run off the edge of a cliff! Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 The views over Lake Thun in Switzerland were stunning at 6,500 feet Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement 'I remember getting catapulted across a waterfall in Canada ," says fellow Gen-Z Sun Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding. "At first my parents couldn't believe I did stuff like this - but now they've had to get used to it!" Hostels over Hotels One hot, stuffy room. Twenty creaky bunkbeds. One guy snoring so loud it shakes the entire building. I've had my stuff stolen, showered with a frog, and shared a room with a woman in L.A. who smuggled in her Advertisement Sounds like a holiday from hell to my parents - but I'll always pick a hostel bed over a Why? Because always the start of a crazy story. They make unforgettable memories. My Mum still thinks hostels are dirty, dingy and full of weirdos. But you just don't get those One survey showed that 75 per cent of Gen-Z and young millennials have stayed in Advertisement So I know I'm not the only one who thinks it's worth trading comfort for chaos. 8 Samesun Ocean Beach is one of the coolest hostels I've stayed in - they even run beach yoga classes and rent out snorkel gear Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 I'd take a bunk bed over a king-size any day Credit: Jenna Stevens Double beds, Advertisement I've met people from all over the world in hostel kitchens, bonded over instant noodles at 3am, and ended up on spontaneous trips I never planned. And if you haven't brushed your teeth in a bathroom next to a stranger being sick - have you even been travelling? Plus, you can actually get some really My favourite London hostel Clink261 costs me as little as £18 a night, plus I've stayed in the centre of Paris for just £20 with Advertisement TikTok advice over Tours My parents' idea of the perfect holiday is ticking off the sights from a tour bus, and eating at the top-reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor. I couldn't think of anything worse. Tour buses and tourist traps are a nightmare. I couldn't imagine queuing for hours just to climb the TikTok gives you all the best free spots to admire it from! Advertisement 8 I learned the best spots to view the tower from on TikTok Credit: Jenna Stevens Similarly, I didn't care for the top-rated restaurants in Rome. I paid half the price of the fancy restaurant bill to make my own Why follow an old guidebook when social media is packed with real people sharing their favourite finds? Advertisement That's how I found the pasta class - it was half the price of a meal out for two, and way more fun. In fact, 97 per cent of Gen-Z use So ditch the travel agents and package holidays - try chasing the chaos and culture you can't find in a brochure. 8 Learning to make fettuccine turned dinner into its own activity Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo
Exchanging sunbeds for skydives and beach hols for backpacking - my holidays couldn't be more different to those my parents enjoy. GO BOOM All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS a child, I spent my holidays crammed in a campervan while in rainy Wales, or at a budget kids club at a Spanish resort. But as an adult, I've realised that everything my parents loved about holidays, are nothing like my trips now as a grown up Gen Z. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Kids clubs and pool games made hotel resorts seem exciting as a kid. But now I'm in my twenties, I avoid at all costs Credit: AFP 8 You'll find me at a local restaurant over a buffet hotel Credit: Jenna Stevens That the all-inclusive life is suddenly not so appealing, the buffet food becomes same-y, you're bored out of your mind at bingo, and actually that kids pool looks quite grimy. Now we've gotten old enough to plan our own travels, Gen-Z are choosing holidays nothing like those loved by our parents. Adrenaline over All-Inclusives My Grandad's favourite thing to do is help himself to a buffet-style breakfast in Benidorm, before setting himself up on a sun-lounger with a good newspaper. But Gen-Z travellers like me are ditching the plastic wristbands and relaxing resorts for high-adrenaline adventure. I prefer paragliding to poolside lounging, and backpacking to beach holidays. I remember getting strapped into my harness on the edge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. My heart was hammering, as I waited for the wind to pick up so I could run off the cliff edge. When I texted my Dad a pic of me dangling 6,500 feet in the air, I think he nearly passed out. But after years of travelling, I've gotten used to lounging by the pool - I need something exhilarating. And it turns out I'm not alone - 78 per cent of Gen-Z travellers like me want to try more exciting outdoor activities abroad. I survived flying down a hill on the world's longest zipline 8 Geared up and ready to run off the edge of a cliff! Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 The views over Lake Thun in Switzerland were stunning at 6,500 feet Credit: Jenna Stevens 'I remember getting catapulted across a waterfall in Canada," says fellow Gen-Z Sun Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding. "At first my parents couldn't believe I did stuff like this - but now they've had to get used to it!" Hostels over Hotels One hot, stuffy room. Twenty creaky bunkbeds. One guy snoring so loud it shakes the entire building. I've had my stuff stolen, showered with a frog, and shared a room with a woman in L.A. who smuggled in her Jack Russell. Sounds like a holiday from hell to my parents - but I'll always pick a hostel bed over a plush hotel room. Why? Because hostels are always the start of a crazy story. They make unforgettable memories. My Mum still thinks hostels are dirty, dingy and full of weirdos. But you just don't get those wild experiences in a hotel. One survey showed that 75 per cent of Gen-Z and young millennials have stayed in shared accommodation on their travels. So I know I'm not the only one who thinks it's worth trading comfort for chaos. 8 Samesun Ocean Beach is one of the coolest hostels I've stayed in - they even run beach yoga classes and rent out snorkel gear Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 I'd take a bunk bed over a king-size any day Credit: Jenna Stevens Double beds, minibars and flatscreens are boring. I've met people from all over the world in hostel kitchens, bonded over instant noodles at 3am, and ended up on spontaneous trips I never planned. And if you haven't brushed your teeth in a bathroom next to a stranger being sick - have you even been travelling? Plus, you can actually get some really nice hostel stays for cheap. My favourite London hostel Clink261 costs me as little as £18 a night, plus I've stayed in the centre of Paris for just £20 with Generator Hostels. TikTok advice over Tours My parents' idea of the perfect holiday is ticking off the sights from a tour bus, and eating at the top-reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor. I couldn't think of anything worse. Gen-Z travellers like me are obsessed with chasing cheap food, hanging out with the locals, and steering clear of crowds. Tour buses and tourist traps are a nightmare. I couldn't imagine queuing for hours just to climb the Eiffel Tower - especially when TikTok gives you all the best free spots to admire it from! 8 I learned the best spots to view the tower from on TikTok Credit: Jenna Stevens Similarly, I didn't care for the top-rated restaurants in Rome. I paid half the price of the fancy restaurant bill to make my own pasta with a class from Get Your Guide. (£30 to learn from the best? Absolute steal in my eyes). Why follow an old guidebook when social media is packed with real people sharing their favourite finds? That's how I found the pasta class - it was half the price of a meal out for two, and way more fun. In fact, 97 per cent of Gen-Z use social media as their main source of inspiration - and I have to say, it's served me pretty well in finding the best secret spots abroad. So ditch the travel agents and package holidays - try chasing the chaos and culture you can't find in a brochure.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Five of the top UK food festivals this summer from Glastonbury-like music line ups to garlic cocktails
For a long weekend in August, one scenic festival hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs FESTIVAL SEASON Five of the top UK food festivals this summer from Glastonbury-like music line ups to garlic cocktails FESTIVAL season is in full swing, but it's not all muddy mosh pits, trampled tents and loo queues. We're taking a look at the kind of festivals we can all get behind – serving up the very best in food and drink. Jenna Stevens picks five of her favourites. GARLIC FESTIVAL, ISLE OF WIGHT 5 Garlic Festival on the Isle of Wight has entertainment in abundance Credit: Supplied Bring the family, your appetite, and be ready to 'eat, drink and stink' at this unique food festival. Held annually since 1983, the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is the island's biggest summer show. Step into the garlic marquee to taste Britain's most potent garlic in all its glory, from classic garlic bread to black garlic Bloody Marys. Entertainment is in abundance — think live music, arts and crafts, dog shows, falconry and BMX stunts to keep the entire family happy. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS SUMMER TIME I'm a TUI travel agent - the cheaper country that you should visit over Spain Take the kids to Camp Garlic for parachutes and Punch and Judy, or watch this year's Garlic Queen crowned with a tiara made from, you guessed it, garlic! GO: The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, August 16-17. Adult day ticket: £14.50. Children: £7.50. See SMOKE AND FIRE FESTIVAL, ASCOT/MALDON 5 Smoke and Fire Festival promises to be the ultimate BBQ party Credit: Supplied This promises the ultimate BBQ party. If you're into all things grilled and smoked, you'll be spoilt for choice at this festival firing up in Ascot, Berkshire, and Maldon, Essex. Entertainment ranges from hot wings-eating contests to the World Butcher Wars — the ultimate high-steaks showdown where chefs and butchers chop their way to the championship. There are plenty of vendors offering succulent smoked meats or choose to chill out in the taco and tequila zone. With kids zones, family entertainment, and music from chart-toppers Toploader, Brit pop band Dodgy and tributes Blurd and Shoasis, it's a sizzling summer day out for the whole family. GO: Ascot, July 5-6; Maldon, August 16-17. Adults from £47.12. Kids £7.86. Under-fives go free. See BRISTOL CIDER WEEK 5 Join the King Street takeover for a Bristolian block party, or stroll through the bustling Cider Maker's Market Credit: Supplied The cider capital of the UK, Bristol will be celebrating with a week of toasts, trails and tastings across the city. The festival kicks off aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain with a grand opening party featuring eight top-ups for your cup, and the celebrations continue all week long. Join the King Street takeover for a Bristolian block party, or stroll through the bustling Cider Maker's Market. Learn about the fermentation of fizz at the Cider Salon, and discover its range of 90 perry and cider concoctions alongside charcuterie. Follow the city's cider trail, tasting local creations in a city-wide celebration dubbed 'the Oktoberfest of cider'. GO: Bristol, July 25-August 3. Tickets for each event sold separately. See THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL, BIRMINGHAM 5 After 34 years in London, the 2025 Great British Beer Festival is moving to Birmingham Credit: Supplied Hosted annually by the Campaign for Real Ale, the countdown is on for the 2025 Great British Beer Festival. After a 34-year stint in London, the legendary event will be serving up pints at Birmingham's NEC this August. Offering the best in cask ales and craft beers, it boasts more than 900 beverages to tempt the taste buds. Celebrating the very best in both British and international beer, this festival will also host the crowning of the Champion Beer of Britain. Get stuck into interactive tastings with a packed sampling schedule, then test your aim with shuffleboard and golf simulators between sips. As the sun sets, the festival turns up the volume with live music, with performances from the likes of Bootleg Blondie. GO: Birmingham NEC, August 5-9. General admission from £9.50 to £16. Deals on group tickets: five for four. For more details see THE BIG FEASTIVAL, COTSWOLDS 5 The Big Festival hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs Credit: Supplied This food and music festival has people waiting for the line-up to drop like it's Glastonbury. Previous years have seen the likes of Fatboy Slim and Lewis Capaldi take the main stage at the mega event held on the farm of former Blur bassist, Alex James. For a long weekend in August, this scenic Cotswolds farm hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs. This year Nelly Furtado, Faithless and Raymond Blanc make headline appearances. Expect the very best in street food — everything from cookie dough buckets to Naanstop chicken curries. Drop into live kitchen demos and cookery classes, in among celeb DJ sets and dance classes with Oti Mabuse. The Big Feastival truly takes the food festival to another level with camping and glamping options, and a glamorous woodland spa. GO: Cotswolds, August 22-24. Adult day tickets from £93.50. Under-fives go free. For more details see
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Five of the top UK food festivals this summer from Glastonbury-like music line ups to garlic cocktails
FESTIVAL season is in full swing, but it's not all muddy mosh pits, trampled tents and loo queues. We're taking a look at the kind of festivals we can all get behind – serving up the very best in food and drink. Jenna Stevens picks five of her favourites. GARLIC FESTIVAL, ISLE OF WIGHT Bring the family, your appetite, and be ready to 'eat, drink and stink' at this unique food festival. Held annually since 1983, the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is the island's biggest summer show. Step into the garlic marquee to taste Britain's most potent garlic in all its glory, from classic garlic bread to black garlic Bloody Marys. Entertainment is in abundance — think live music, arts and crafts, dog shows, falconry and BMX stunts to keep the entire family happy. Take the kids to Camp Garlic for parachutes and Punch and Judy, or watch this year's Garlic Queen crowned with a tiara made from, you guessed it, garlic! GO: The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, August 16-17. Adult day ticket: £14.50. Children: £7.50. See SMOKE AND FIRE FESTIVAL, ASCOT/MALDON 5 This promises the ultimate BBQ party. If you're into all things grilled and smoked, you'll be spoilt for choice at this festival firing up in Ascot, Berkshire, and Maldon, Essex. Entertainment ranges from hot wings-eating contests to the World Butcher Wars — the ultimate high-steaks showdown where chefs and butchers chop their way to the championship. There are plenty of vendors offering succulent smoked meats or choose to chill out in the taco and tequila zone. With kids zones, family entertainment, and music from chart-toppers Toploader, Brit pop band Dodgy and tributes Blurd and Shoasis, it's a sizzling summer day out for the whole family. GO: Ascot, July 5-6; Maldon, August 16-17. Adults from £47.12. Kids £7.86. Under-fives go free. See BRISTOL CIDER WEEK 5 The cider capital of the UK, Bristol will be celebrating with a week of toasts, trails and tastings across the city. The festival kicks off aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain with a grand opening party featuring eight top-ups for your cup, and the celebrations continue all week long. Join the King Street takeover for a Bristolian block party, or stroll through the bustling Cider Maker's Market. Learn about the fermentation of fizz at the Cider Salon, and discover its range of 90 perry and cider concoctions alongside charcuterie. Follow the city's cider trail, tasting local creations in a city-wide celebration dubbed 'the Oktoberfest of cider'. GO: Bristol, July 25-August 3. Tickets for each event sold separately. See THE GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL, BIRMINGHAM 5 Hosted annually by the Campaign for Real Ale, the countdown is on for the 2025 Great British Beer Festival. After a 34-year stint in London, the legendary event will be serving up pints at Birmingham's NEC this August. Offering the best in cask ales and craft beers, it boasts more than 900 beverages to tempt the taste buds. Celebrating the very best in both British and international beer, this festival will also host the crowning of the Champion Beer of Britain. Get stuck into interactive tastings with a packed sampling schedule, then test your aim with shuffleboard and golf simulators between sips. As the sun sets, the festival turns up the volume with live music, with performances from the likes of Bootleg Blondie. GO: Birmingham NEC, August 5-9. General admission from £9.50 to £16. Deals on group tickets: five for four. For more details see THE BIG FEASTIVAL, COTSWOLDS 5 This food and music festival has people waiting for the line-up to drop like it's Glastonbury. Previous years have seen the likes of Fatboy Slim and Lewis Capaldi take the main stage at the mega event held on the farm of former Blur bassist, Alex James. For a long weekend in August, this scenic Cotswolds farm hosts world-famous musicians and Michelin-starred chefs. This year Nelly Furtado, Faithless and Raymond Blanc make headline appearances. Expect the very best in street food — everything from cookie dough buckets to Naanstop chicken curries. Drop into live kitchen demos and cookery classes, in among celeb DJ sets and dance classes with Oti Mabuse. The Big Feastival truly takes the food festival to another level with camping and glamping options, and a glamorous woodland spa.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
I lived in the US for 3 months – the 12 bizarre things I noticed as a Brit from drive-through weddings to VIP service
AFTER spending three months in the States, I came home with a suitcase full of souvenirs, sugary cereal, and a whole load of culture shock. I had been living in Santa Rosa, 12 A trip to Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood - there was plenty to do on the weekends in California Credit: Jenna Stevens Back when I boarded my 11 hour flight from It was my first trip to the states - and whilst I knew that After a summer of settling in, there was loads that left me baffled and bursting to tell people back home my weird encounters. Here's the 12 strangest things I noticed from my time in Read more on US Toilet door gaps One thing I just couldn't get over was the giant gaps in public toilet cubicles. I'm talking wide open spaces above and below the Sometimes the gaps were so big you could see someone's shoes, shins, and even their knees through the stall. Going to the loo in a public place felt less like a private moment and more like a public stage. Most read in News Travel 12 Saloon style doors for toilets? Not quite what I was expecting Credit: Getty Huge portions for smallish prices No need to worry about being charged a ridiculous price for a tiny serving - here, everything comes massive. In America, a small drink from McDonald's is 89 per cent bigger than in the UK, and a cup of Big Gulp fizz can hold up to a whopping 1.9 litres. The overlooked Florida winter sun destination with theme parks and historic cigar neighbourhood 12 Fellow Sun Travel reporter Cyann couldn't believe her eyes when this 'meal for one' was placed in front of her Credit: Cyann Fielding 12 Big Gulp fizzy drinks come in giant cup sizes at 7-Eleven shops across the US Credit: Alamy I couldn't believe my eyes when I ordered a 'Bigger Plate' at Panda Express - it looked like enough to feed a family for under $12. And if you decide to 'supersize' anything, best of luck. At least you'll have your dinners for the entire week ahead sorted. Insane public parks When I think of a In California, a walk in the park would have you stumbling across In America, the local park isn't just for walking your dog - it can be an entire day out for the whole family. 12 Picnics in the park were my favourite way to spend a day off Credit: Jenna Stevens Needing a car to cross the road Here in the UK, pretty much everywhere is walkable. In the US? Not so much. I quickly learned that American cities just aren't built for pedestrians. Pavements are rare, crossings are few, and ' But things got pretty ridiculous one day when my friends and I had to order an Uber just to cross the road to McDonald's. Tipping culture madness We all know that I knew heading over to America that if I go out to eat, I should But what I didn't expect was that tipping culture doesn't just apply to restaurants. Taxi drivers, baristas, bartenders, hairdressers, even bus drivers - I soon found out that everyone expects you to leave a tip. As a Brit, I couldn't bear the thought of coming off as rude. So I kept forking over my dollars. So if you're planning a trip to the states - be sure to budget your tips for more than just meals! 12 I really didn't expect to have to tip for my coffee Credit: Getty Over-the-top customer service Walking into any American restaurant, I felt like a VIP. Hospitality is taken to the next level in America - before you've even sat down, you know your waiter's name and your drink is on the way. Sometimes the servers were so friendly that it actually creeped me out a bit. There's only so many times someone can ask "is everything perfect for you?" with a big grin on their face before you start to get a little weirded out. Nonetheless, it's hard to complain when you feel like you're being treated like royalty every time you order a burger. Everyone's your best friend Us Brits are known for our small talk and for being stand-offish. An American stranger will strike up a conversation with you in a lift like they've known you for years. People chatted to me in shops, queues, streets, even out on a run. Americans really are just that friendly - once you get over the initial "are they talking to me?", it's actually quite refreshing. Drive-through everything In America, if there's a way to do something without getting out of the car, they've made it possible. Drive-thrus aren't just for fast food anymore - it's coffee, pharmacies, banks and even weddings. It's all about convenience - something Americans have mastered the art of. It all seems a bit over-the-top at first, but when you actually find yourself in a hurry, those drive-thru cash machines can be a life-saver. 12 I knew fast food drive-thrus were popular, but my mind was blown when I saw a drive-thru pharmacy Credit: Getty 12 Yes - drive-thru weddings are a real thing in Las Vegas Credit: Getty Overly-customised coffee Ordering Head to somewhere like Dunkin , and it's a whole different ball game. If there's one thing Americans love, it's customising their coffee. Waiting in line for my cappuccino, I'd often overhear requests for something like a venti iced swirl decaf caramel oat latte with a quarter cup of creamer, and eight pumps of sugar-free vanilla. These coffees often looked and tasted more like Leave the British-isms at home You probably wouldn't expect to read this on a list about travels in America, but brace yourself for the language barrier. You're going to need to swap takeaways for takeouts, crisps for chips, chips for fries, taps for faucets and rubbish for trash. When I was working at a traditional When I tried to say things in British English, they'd simply look at me confused. By the end of the summer, I was basically fluent in Needing a jumper even in a heatwave I've never been to Antarctica before, but I have experienced American AC - so does that count? Just when you've gotten used to the scorching heat, you'll walk into a store or shopping mall and get hit with a blast of freezing cold air. Forget packing light - if you're heading to America in the summertime, you'll still need to bring a hoodie or two for your trip to Target. 12 My regular takeout meal: a Double-Double from In-N-Out with animal style-fries Credit: Jenna Stevens 12 My first ever trip to Target (I was glad to have chosen a long-sleeve top) Credit: Jenna Stevens American flags everywhere I think I can count the amount of times I've seen the Union Jack out and about on one hand - Jubilees, The Olympics, and maybe once or twice when watching In America, patriotic pride is next-level. From front gardens, schools and sports games to shirts, cars and bars - the American flag is truly everywhere. I even saw the The stars and stripes are a truly iconic symbol, and are just as much a part of the scenery as the pickup trucks and neon fast food signs. 12 A large American flag decorated the entrance of the local mall Credit: Jenna Stevens 12 An actual picture I took at Summer Camp. Why have one flag when you could have two? Credit: Jenna Stevens
