Latest news with #explore
UAE Moments
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♐ Sagittarius Daily Horoscope for July 16, 2025
Your curiosity is in overdrive today — ride the wave, but don't forget to land. July 16 is handing you a big cosmic permission slip to explore, question, and dream out loud. Your Sag soul is craving adventure, even if it's just a mental escape during your lunch break. The challenge? Keeping one foot on the ground while your head reaches for the stars. Career: You're brimming with bold ideas, but try not to pitch ten things at once. Focus on one wild idea and back it up with action. Someone influential might be paying attention — don't miss the chance to impress with both vision and follow-through. Love: Single Sags, someone from a totally different background could spark your interest — stay open-minded. Coupled Sags, your partner may not be vibing with your need for space today, so reassure them it's about self-discovery, not detachment. Body: Your energy feels scattered. A grounding activity (like yoga, hiking, or even walking barefoot in grass) could help pull you back into your body. Hydration is also key — don't skip water in your hunt for iced coffee. Mental Health: Your brain is buzzing with possibilities, which is great — but it can lead to overwhelm. Journal your thoughts to clear mental clutter. You'll be surprised at what patterns emerge when you slow down enough to listen.
CBS News
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Scavenger hunt that began as side project now has thousands exploring San Francisco
What started as a side project between a few friends looking for a break from their tech jobs has grown into a citywide scavenger hunt drawing thousands across San Francisco. The event, called "Pursuit," began last year when Athena Leong and her friend Danielle Egan decided they wanted to create something that encouraged people to explore the city more intentionally. "We really wanted a project that helps people get out and go explore the city," said Leong, one of the co-creators of the event. Launched with flyers in neighborhoods like South Park, the scavenger hunt began as a small experiment among 15 friends. But interest quickly spread. Now, the pair expects thousands to participate in this year's edition, which follows a scout-inspired theme. Participants earn digital "badges" by completing challenges that unfold over the course of a month. "I think it's so common for us to go from point A to point B between work and home," Leong said. "But, you know, there's so much out there. Everyone should go explore." Participants sign up by texting a number provided by the organizers. After a confirmation message, they receive a link to a digital portal on the day the hunt begins. From there, players can track their progress and earn patches by completing various missions around the city. "This year's theme is scout-themed," Leong explained. "So you win different patches for completing different missions, and they drop over the course of the month." Despite holding onto their full-time jobs in tech, Leong and Egan have poured hours of their free time into planning the event, something they say is well worth it. "There's a lot of beauty, a lot of history, that's embedded in our surroundings," Leong said. "Like in the buildings that we see. In little things that we don't realize, and I think it just makes life so much more wonderful when we are connected to our surroundings." For the duo, the project is more than just a scavenger hunt, it's a reminder that a little curiosity and a little connection can go a long way. Those interested in participating can join anytime between now and early August by simply texting 415-888-9518.
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This City Was Just Named No. 1 in the World—and It Has Cobblestone Streets, World-class Food, and a Thriving Arts Scene
The top cities in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are those that truly have it all—phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, electric dining scenes, and world-class vibes that simply don't quit. While no two of these winning cities are alike, each of them has a distinctive, one-of-a-kind essence. Voters, it seems, are most enthusiastic about those sorts of places that demand attention by virtue of their magnetism. Many of the biggest names on this list will be familiar to global travelers, but a few of this year's favorites may come as a surprise. It's proof that, when it comes to seeing the world's greatest cities, there's always more to explore. View of San Miguel de Allende's famous Cathedral. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below: Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Respondents in this year's survey were particularly enthused about Asia: of the top 10 cities on the list, seven are on that continent. Latin America also rated highly, home to not only the best city in the world but also five other laureates. Again and again, voters talked about these top-tier cities as having 'everything you want,' and being multi-faceted destinations worthy of visiting over and over. 'Value' was another keyword, with effusive praise for those places that delivered bang for a buck, wherever they happened to be around the world. Important categories such as nightlife, dining, and hotels were, of course, on the minds of voters. More surprisingly, readers also put heavy emphasis on proximity to ancient history: places such as Cuzco, Peru (No. 10); Agra, India (No. 20); and Mérida, Mexico (No. 25) made this year's list thanks in part to their reputations as the gateways to ancient marvels and archeological treasures. But one city in Mexico came out on top, for the second year in a row. There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi. — T+L Reader 1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Colorful buildings of San Miguel de Allende. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure This year's top city is a longtime favorite of T+L readers, who praise its distinctive cultural milieu and affordability. 'There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi,' said one reader. Respondents also praised the many attractions, including centrally located museums, botanical gardens, and shopping boutiques. Others pointed to a busy calendar of noteworthy annual events such as the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival, and a dynamic art scene as other impressive attributes of this city in the Guanajuato state. One voter even took it to the next level by saying, 'I would love to move there.' WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.33 2. Chiang Mai, Thailand Visitors at a temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure The historic northern city in Thailand, T+L's destination of the year, draws millions of visitors with its unparalleled combination of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature. 'There's a charming 'street culture' and I loved the street food,' said one fan of the city. 'The people are super cordial,' noted another. Chiang Mai's excellent luxury hotels are another reason it continues to rate among voters. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.94 3. Tokyo Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan. Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure A megacity unlike any other, Tokyo charmed readers with its abundance of world-class attractions. 'It's one of the most friendly, clean, and fun cities in the world, with tons of cultural activities and great food for everyone,' said one reader. 'You get a great value for your money,' this voter added. Others raved about 'the interesting mix of old and new,' as well as the excellent shopping, specifically in the Shinjuku neighborhood. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.39 4. Bangkok Visitors exploring The Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand. Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure The buzzy capital of Thailand is 'the most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting city,' raved one voter, summing up the sentiment that this global city packed with excellent attractions truly has it all: food, shopping, culture, history, and nightlife. 'It has everything you want—and everything you didn't know you'd want,' said another visitor. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.34 5. Jaipur, India A busy plaza in Jaipur, India. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure A must-see destination and the capital of Rajasthan, the so-called Pink City is one of India's most enchanting, thanks to opulent hotels—including The Oberoi Rajvilas, which is on this year's list—world-class shopping, and a vibrant culture. Reader Score: 91.33 6. Hoi An, Vietnam A temple in Hoi An, Vietnam. Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure This riverside city is renowned for its network of canals and the distinctive architecture in its Ancient Town, which is marked by 'a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures,' according to UNESCO. Wandering and photographing the picturesque streets is without a doubt one of the biggest draws, but visitors also enjoy the city's many cafés, nightlife spots, and shopping boutiques. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.00 7. Mexico City An outdoor market in downtown Mexico City. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure What more can be said about Mexico's dynamic and delectable capital, home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, incredible museums, millennia of history, fabulous hotels, and urban parks to rival any in London or Paris, New York or Sydney? Its legendary Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.86 8. Kyoto The Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan,.A more-than 1,000-year-old city, Kyoto continues to impress voters with its breathtaking beauty, ethereal food, and fabulous selection of high-end hotels. If the sakura season crowds of springtime are a concern, consider a visit in summer, when festivals of all sorts fill the ancient streets with vibrant parades and traditional ceremonies. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.61 9. Ubud, Bali A temple in Ubud, Bali. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure This alluring destination in the uplands of Bali remains a favorite for its contemplative vibes, proximity to nature, and an ever-growing number of wellness-minded hotels and resorts, such as the recently opened Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, that offer peace and solitude on an island that's become synonymous with chasing the good life. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.48 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World 24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico 10. Cuzco, Peru A busy plaza in Cuzco, Peru. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure Readers had their heads in the clouds for this high-altitude city that's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With top-end accommodations and countless shopping and dining options, it's something of a cosmopolitan oasis in the Andes, and the jumping off point for the luxurious Belmond trains, Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.33 11. Florence View of Florence from it's famous Duomo. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure The top-rated city in Italy—and Europe— this year, this locus of the Renaissance remains a must-see thanks to its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David and Boticelli's Birth of Venus. Superlative shopping and a wide selection of quality hotels, including a Four Seasons and a St. Regis, help burnish Florence's reputation. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.08 12. Seville, Spain Seville, Spain's Plaza de Espana. Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure The capital city of perpetually sunny, endlessly fascinating Andalusia, Seville offers visitors a window on thousands of years of history. Once a Roman settlement, it was for centuries under Moorish rule, the echoes of which can be seen in some of its UNESCO-protected architectural marvels, including its cathedral and famed Alcázar Palace. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.49 13. Granada, Spain White buildings in Granada, Spain's cityscape. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure Also in southern Spain, Granada is, like Seville, a bastion of architectural and historical wonders, chief among them the Alhambra palace, one of the world's most incredible fortresses. But that's not all: the city's pleasant year-round climate and excellent restaurants and bars make it a top choice of voters in search of a sybaritic European escape. Reader Score: 89.48 14. Istanbul The exterior of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure Situated at the crossroads of world history, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in both Europe and Asia. It's also easier than ever to get to: Istanbul Airport has flights to more than 300 destinations and was voted the best international airport in the world by T+L readers this year. An ever-growing number of high-end hotels, including the Peninsula Istanbul, are also upping the city's appeal. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.47 15. Siem Reap, Cambodia Young monks explore ruins in Siem Reap. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure Siem Reap has recently added a $1.1-billion international airport that has turned this city into a regional hub for anyone interested in exploring not just Cambodia but wider Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the city's fabulous hotels, including the Park Hyatt and boutique Jaya House River Park, continue to impress. Reader Score: 89.27 16. Mumbai A street scene in Mumbai, India. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure The second of three India entries on this list, this financial and cultural capital is among the world's most influential mega-cities, as it's often credited for many trends in fashion, design, food, and art. Readers also love its marvelous hotels, including those operated by luxury brands Oberoi and Taj, and the cosmopolitan buzz of its cafes and restaurants. Reader Score: 89.17 17. Cape Town Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Seaside serenity and rising cultural cache collide in this ever-evolving hub at the southern edge of Africa. At times thought of as an add-on for safari travelers, Cape Town is increasingly a must-visit in its own right, with a tremendous amount to do, including spotting penguins on Boulders Beach and the hike to the summit of Lion's Head. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.98 18. Rome People visiting a park in Rome, Italy. Lorrin Cousino/Travel + Leisure The self-declared capital of the world, it's unlike anywhere else thanks to a mind spinning mashup of ancient glory and contemporary cool. Of particular note in 2025 are the celebrations of Jubilee, a once-every-25-years occasion that brings together Catholics from around the world, an event taking on extra significance after the April death of Pope Francis. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.91 19. Santa Fe, New Mexico Downtown Santa Fe, Mexico at dusk. Voted the best city in the United States—and the only U.S. city to make the world's list this year—this state capital set high in the Sangre de Christo Mountains also ranks among the world's most enticing urban destinations. In pre-Columbian times, the area was inhabited by Pueblo peoples; today's Santa Fe was founded in the early 1600s, and its history as a Spanish Colonial outpost continues to influence the city's architecture, culture, and cuisine. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.80 20. Agra, India People enjoying a park in Agra, India. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure Home to more than 1.5 million people, Agra is globally renowned for the Taj Mahal, the UNESCO-protected, jaw-droppingly beautiful Mughal mausoleum complex from the 17th century whose silhouette is instantly recognizable. The city's other attractions, including the Red Fort, are also top of mind for survey respondents. Reader Score: 88.44 21. Oaxaca A colorful street in Oaxaca, Mexico. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure One of the most in-demand Mexican cities of the moment, Oaxaca is a dream destination for anyone enthusiastic about cuisine, as it's rightly regarded as one of the world's preeminent culinary capitals. It's also gaining renown for over-the-top Day of the Dead celebrations and other cultural festivals throughout the year that fill the city's streets with colorful performances. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.42 22. Mendoza, Argentina View of Mendoza, Argentina's skyline. Not on this list last year, Mendoza ascended to the best of the best on the back of its reputation as a neighbor to one of South America's top wine regions, with fabulous hotels that compliment all the malbec that's made in the hills surrounding the city. Also worth noting is Mendoza's increasing profile as an adventure tourism hub, with easy access to the Andes, excellent cycling routes, and rafting opportunities close at hand. Reader Score: 88.41 23. Siena, Italy The cityscape of Siena, Italy. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure Like its Tuscan neighbor of Florence, Siena is a Renaissance gem that's filled with artistic treasures. Though it did not appear on the list of best cities in 2024, this beautiful place, with its walkable core and countless bars and restaurants, is one of several to ascend this year's list thanks to its deep history—including the centuries-old Palio di Siena event. Reader Score: 88.33 24. Porto, Portugal View of buildings along the water in Porto, Portugal. Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure The place that gave the fortified wine its name, riverside Porto continues to impress voters with its wine-soaked culture, which is best experienced at WOW, a museum-and-dining complex that illuminates the history of viticulture in this part of Portugal. Notably, Porto also continues to outrank Lisbon, often thought of as one of Europe's prettiest cities. Reader Score: 88.24 25. Mérida, Mexico Aerial view of Merida, Mexico's cathedral. Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure Consistently described as one of Mexico's most 'vibey' cities, historic Mérida is a haven for artists, collectors, and other creatives who frequent the galleries, villas, and restaurants of this inland Yucatecan metropolis. Proximity to prominent Mayan archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, a 90-minute drive away, is another point in its favor. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.15
CTV News
02-07-2025
- CTV News
Vacation Week: Trending destinations
Ottawa Watch Lorraine Simpson tells us about some great adventure travel destinations you can check out this summer if you're looking to book a last-minute getaway!
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Find Your Breakthrough Marketing Channel: Explore Then Exploit
Find your breakthrough marketing channel: explore then exploit You have an insane work ethic and that's dangerous. You're perfectly capable of going into hiding and executing on your ideas without coming up for air. But stop. Where marketing is concerned, this isn't the way. Most founders do marketing wrong when the right way is simple. With every channel, think of yourself as either exploring or exploiting. Exploring to see what works before you fully commit; exploiting to double down and give it all you've got. Don't absent-mindedly dabble in new channels while half-heartedly maintaining old ones. I've watched entrepreneurs burn through marketing budgets straddling strategies. They throw money at Facebook ads one month, switch to LinkedIn outreach the next, then decide content marketing is the answer. They either don't stick with anything long enough to know if it works. Or worse, they stick with something that isn't working for too long, just because it's familiar. So many mistakes, and only one solution. Explore intentionally. Then stop what isn't working, and double down on what is. Understanding the explore or exploit framework for marketing success Smart marketers explore systematically until they find winning combinations, then exploit those wins until returns drop. They test, measure, and scale based on data. Exploration feels uncomfortable because nothing works perfectly. But it's essential. Run small tests across multiple channels: Google Ads, organic social, email campaigns, partnerships. Each test teaches you something about your market. Maybe LinkedIn posts get engagement but no leads. Perhaps webinars attract the wrong audience. It's not failing if you're learning. Set exploration budgets and timelines before you start. Give each channel 30-60 days and enough budget for meaningful results. Track everything: cost per lead, conversion rates, customer lifetime value. When a channel shows promise, run a bigger test to confirm. Most founders quit during exploration because they expect immediate wins. The winners understand exploration is an investment in finding your predictable revenue engine. When you've found an outperforming channel that delivers quality leads at acceptable costs, exploit it. But it's not just a case of throwing all your cash into it. Not just yet. Test different ad copy, landing pages, and targeting options. Improve conversion rates at every step. Scale spending gradually while maintaining efficiency metrics. Watch your numbers closely during exploitation. Set clear thresholds for cost per acquisition and return on ad spend, time or effort. When metrics slip, investigate immediately. Maybe the market's saturated, competition increased, or your message wore out. Don't cling to dying channels. Even proven strategies expire. Your cheese moves constantly. Extract maximum value before moving back to exploration mode. Staying in exploration too long means failing to capitalize on profitable channels. Exploiting too early means scaling losing campaigns or overlooking opportunities. Most founders make emotional decisions, but data should drive your choices. If three channels show similar promise after testing, pick just one to exploit first. Create clear triggers for mode switching. Move from explore to exploit when you find a channel delivering leads in line with your target cost per acquisition. Switch back to exploration when your best channel's performance drops 30% despite optimization efforts. Some founders never leave exploration mode because they're addicted to novelty. Others exploit dead channels because change feels risky. Random testing wastes money. So start with your ideal customer profile. Where do they spend time online? What problems keep them awake? What solutions have they already tried? Use their feedback to prioritize channels and write messaging that resonates. Your customers are telling you what they want. Document every test. Most platforms will give you the key metrics, but to compare, you need a master spreadsheet. Track channel, budget, timeline, messages tested, and results. Review patterns monthly. Maybe video content consistently outperforms text across channels. Perhaps testimonials beat feature-focused messaging. These insights compound over time. Soon you'll spot winning combinations faster because you understand what your market responds to. Balance both modes for sustainable growth Markets change. Platforms evolve. Customer behaviors shift. Companies that stop exploring eventually watch others in their field eat their lunch. Those that never exploit struggle to grow. Know when to search and when to scale. Don't fail trying both simultaneously, achieving neither. Pick your mode. Set clear criteria for switching. Execute with focus until data tells you otherwise. Marketing is a system to explore with purpose and exploit with discipline. Let's get going.
