Latest news with #LonelyPlanet
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to visit beautiful 12-mile Spanish island without crowds of tourists
As anti-tourism protests take over popular tourist hotspots this summer, those looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path where they can avoid the crowds may want to try out this small Spanish island If soft, sandy beaches and serenity are your idea of the perfect summer holiday, then Ibiza's more laidback sister Formentera, could be the ideal getaway for you. Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, but it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and has everything that Majorca and Ibiza has to offer - yet is much quieter. The island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there's not much to do there apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sandy beaches. You can't fly there directly and you'll need to fly into Ibiza to reach it, but then you're only a half-hour boat ride away from a much more serene island - particularly in high season. Like Ibiza, it gets busier than usual in July and August so if you're looking for peace and quiet then the shoulder season of May to June or September to October might be better for you. Once there you can explore beautiful beaches like Ses Illetes, Platja de Migjorn and Cala Saona and enjoy water sports like snorkelling and kayaking. The island's jewel in the crown is Platja Illetes, a pristine beach with white sand and turquoise waters - named one of the world's best beaches by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 guide. Platja Illetes is, according to Lonely Planet, "as close a vision of the Caribbean (minus the coconut trees) as you could imagine in Europe". The beach is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area brimming with flora and wildlife, such as flamingos and rare birds. What makes the island seem so serene is that it's largely car-free, making cycling and walking the perfect ways to explore its hidden coves, rugged cliffs and quaint villages. You can also visit the lighthouses of La Mola and Cap de Barbaria and discover charming villages like Sant Francesc Xavier as well as the stone circle at Ca Na Costa. The island is known for its independent boutiques and artisan markets and you can buy local crafts and produce at La Mola Market. And although the island does get busier in the summer months - it never feels as hectic as other parts of the Balearics - Formentera is home to around 11,389 residents compared to the 159,180 inhabitants of its neighbour, Ibiza. But you can still enjoy a night out albeit at a slightly slower pace. Formentera's nightlife adopts a more subdued tempo, with its limited yet vibrant clubs and bars designed in the spirit of Ibiza's legendary scene, including hotspots such as Rigatoni Club Formentera and Pachacha.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside underrated country with £2 pints and £36 flights from UK airports
Travel guide Lonely Planet has listed this EU country as the perfect destination for those seeking 'sun, sand and seafood' and it resembles the pricier and luxurious Maldives Given the unpredictable British weather, it's no surprise that many of us opt to fly abroad for a summer holiday where sunshine is more or less a guarantee. Spain and Greece have long been favourite holiday destinations for Brits, but recently there's been an increase in anti-tourism sentiment, with locals protesting against mass tourism. These popular spots have also become pricier, leading holidaymakers to look for alternatives. Lonely Planet has recently revealed a list of "unexpected summer holiday spots in Europe", perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and discover something new. The Albanian Riviera features on the list, described as a coastal region that "remains a treat for those in search of sun, sand and seafood". While it may not be the hidden gem it once was - it's been likened to the Maldives on social media, boosting its popularity - it remains a top choice for a budget beach holiday, reports the Manchester Evening News. The travel experts at HelloSafe also named Albania the best place to visit in 2025. According to the company: "Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money." The company's research suggests that the best months to visit Albania are between May and September when the skies are sunniest, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August. Airbnb also confirms that searches for Durrës, Albania are 'booming' for summer 2025 travel as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations - aka " White Isle dupes". Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget. Saranda, a bustling resort, has become a party hotspot, but quieter resorts like Himara are just up the coast, offering something for everyone. Lonely Planet commented: "In summer, you're guaranteed sun, balmy water and hot weather; unsurprisingly, loungers and beach umbrellas are at a premium but you can still seek out peaceful patches of sand at spots such as Palasa, Borsh, pebbly Bunec and the islands off Ksamil. ". They also suggest "boat trips to isolated beaches at the end of the Karaburuni Peninsula" and exploring ancient ruins at Butrint. Not only does Albania offer stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, but it's also budget-friendly compared to more tourist-dense destinations. Numbeo, a cost of living website, revealed in 2024 that a pint in Saranda is 250 Albanian Lek – just £2.17 A three-course meal for two at a modest eatery will only cost you 5,000 Lek – about £43. The quickest route to the Albanian Riviera is by catching a ferry from Corfu to Saranda, with the journey taking roughly 30 minutes. Skyscanner lists direct flights from Manchester Airport to Corfu in July starting at a bargain £36 one way, though this price doesn't include baggage or seat selection. Return flights start from around £35 in July.
Business Upturn
13 hours ago
- Business Upturn
RadioHub launches Exploring Ireland tourism podcast – showcasing Ireland's top attractions & hidden gems
EXPLORING IRELAND PODCAST – TOURISM PODCAST SHOWCASING THE BEST OF IRELAND FOR INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC VISITORS Featuring award winning travel expert Fionn Davenport, writer of the Lonely Planet guide to Dublin Dublin, Leinster , June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RadioHub, a Dublin-based podcast production company, has announced the launch of Exploring Ireland , a new travel and tourism podcast designed to inspire and inform both international and domestic visitors. Featuring acclaimed travel writer Fionn Davenport—renowned for authoring the Lonely Planet guide to Dublin—the podcast offers expert insights, local stories, and insider tips to help listeners uncover Ireland's most iconic attractions and hidden gems. Exploring Ireland podcast – Ann Marie Walsh & Daragh O' Sullivan in RadioHub's studio in Dublin No more googling where to go and how to get there – 'Exploring Ireland' has all the travel advice you'll need for a vist to Ireland! Fionn Davenport, the award winning Irish travel writer and broadcaster who literally wrote the book about Dublin for Lonely Planet, gives his expert knowledge along with podcast host Dan McDermott and local guides Ann Marie Walsh and Daragh O' Sullivan. They discuss culture, history, how to get around with top tips on the best places to dine, stay and visit. Listen wherever you get your podcasts including Spotify, and Apple. Exploring Ireland episode highlights include Dublin – Must Visit Attractions features the Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle as well as top pubs to visit, hidden gems and foodie destinations. Nearly 7 million international and 2 million domestic visitors come to Dublin annually, making the first episode of 'Exploring Ireland' a must-listen for any prospective tourists to Dublin. Co Clare- a county brimming with iconic destinations including the Burren, the Wild Atlantic Way and the most visited natural attraction in Ireland the Cliffs of Moher. Hear why millions of visitors include Co Clare in their itinerary and tips on the best local food and beverages to try in the region and must-visit instagrammable destinations. Kerry's Must Visit Attractions explores the rugged beauty of Kerry – with special guest hotelier Francis Brennan who provides valuable local insights on top places to visit. Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael all feature with Fionn Davenport's expert tips on hidden gems to help visitors plan a memorable trip to this iconic Irish destination. Ireland's oldest city Waterford is full of inspiration for a visit to the county including Mount Congreve Gardens, House of Waterford Crystal and the family friendly Greenway – not to mention miles of glorious beaches! Guests include Clare Busher O'Sullivan of Visit Waterford and Cliona Purcell, the head curator of Waterford Treasures Museums who share their most loved destinations for any visitor to the city and county. The Belfast episode is the ultimate guide to this vibrant city – home to landmarks like the Game of Thrones tour, the Titanic Quarter and the Ulster Museum. Hear insights into top places to visit, food and drink hotspots, and accommodation options with Fionn top recommendations. In future episodes, 'Exploring Ireland' will showcase the best attractions nationwide including Ireland's Ancient East, Galway, the hidden heartlands, Donegal, Kilkenny and the Wild Atlantic Way. Subscribe to the mailing list here. 'Exploring Ireland' is a production of RadioHub, creators of bespoke podcasts and audio based in Dublin. Listen wherever you get your podcasts including Spotify, and Apple. FacebookInstagram X/ Twitter
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Billboards across Canada thank fans for cheering on Oilers during Stanley Cup run
A billboard in Ottawa thanking fans for cheering for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The City of Edmonton's tourism arm has paid for billboards in Canada's six other National Hockey League cities to thank fans for supporting the Oilers during the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final this month. Explore Edmonton is behind the campaign in Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal thanking those cities and cheekily adding they won't tell their own teams. It also highlights Edmonton is in global travel guide Lonely Planet's Top 10 best-in-travel list. 'We want the rest of Canada to know we are an amazing place to travel to, this summer in particular,' Michelle Fowler, Explore Edmonton's interim director of marketing accounts, told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday. 'We know travel trends are showing more Canadians are travelling domestically so we wanted to take advantage of this and have them plan their itineraries, come to our site and get excited to travel to Edmonton.' Each city saw between five and 10 such billboards. Explore Edmonton also placed billboards in Florida during the Oilers' Stanley Cup Final appearance. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa
Montreal Gazette
a day ago
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Timing couldn't be better for Canada Strong Pass
Op Eds When I was in school, the holy grail of graduation was a Eurail Pass. In 1990, the fabled Youthpass bought two months of unlimited train travel for US$500. The idea of exploring 17 countries on a shoestring budget loomed large in our imaginations. All you needed was a Lonely Planet guide and a maple leaf prominently sewn on your backpack. Recent cohorts have come of age with a mixed bag of social isolation and missed milestones. It may not be possible to make up for those lost experiences, but there's no better way to build new memories than through the magic of travel. Unfortunately for young travellers, European capitals may no longer be the welcoming hosts they once were. In several cities this month, fed-up residents protested overtourism by squirting tourists with water guns. On the sunny side, we have infinitely varied opportunities to explore right here at home. The new Canada Strong Pass, which launched last week, offers free admission to a vast network of national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The deal, running until Sept. 2, is open to Canadians and foreign visitors. The pass has more deals just for youth on Via Rail, with discounts on economy fares for young adults 18 to 24 and free rides for those under 18 accompanied by an adult, plus discounts at museums and galleries. The simplest ideas are often the best. There's no physical pass or pre-registration; you just show up and claim your discount. Free travel for minors will make family vacations more accessible. Meanwhile, young adults can plan horizon-broadening experiences that don't include a hostile encounter with a Super Soaker. A tremendous sense of pride and possibility comes with exploring our own country from coast to coast to coast. Eight years ago, Canadians responded enthusiastically when Parks Canada waived fees at all national parks for the country's 150th anniversary. Similarly, the new pass couldn't be better timed. Canadians have shown impressive solidarity in response to U.S. tariff aggression and taunts about annexation. We've been ghosting our neighbour like a creepy date. Mirroring the trajectory of democratic norms, travel to the U.S. has declined for five straight months, with cross-border return car trips down a whopping 38 per cent in May, compared with a year ago. The push to keep travel local also resonates with the patriotic overtones of other buy-Canadian messaging. In a public service campaign for the Pro Canada Project, which hit the airwaves in February, homegrown talents from Hayley Wickenheiser to Peter Mansbridge advise listeners to 'shop as if your country depends on it.' As families embark on their summer getaways, hockey season may be over, but Canadians are keeping their elbows up. Canada Strong offers another motto for the times, perhaps with a little more gravitas. It conveys a country prepared to defend itself from military or economic aggression; proud, not perfect; and definitely not broken. It also resonates for what it's not. It's Canada Strong, not Canada First, a slogan that always jangled against our reputation as polite and unassuming. Parallels to the current bout of America First isolationism didn't sit well, nor did echoes of ugly precursors from the first half of the 20th century. Canadian travellers once relied on the maple leaf to save us from the disdain reserved for Americans abroad, who — fairly or otherwise — often have been perceived as brash and culturally ignorant. Now, as then, the maple leaf is a powerful reminder of our distinct strength and love of country.
