Latest news with #vacations

News.com.au
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Inside Royal family's most scandalous vacation spots
Like anyone else, the royals love to let loose on a glitzy getaway. The British royal family's vacations are typically kept private. But over the years, their go-to destinations have made headlines. It turns out they don't just go to Balmoral, their Scottish estate, to reflect and spend time with loved ones. 'There have been many incidents of royal recreations which have raised eyebrows in the past,' Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital. 'In the 1950s, Prince Philip regularly went on sailing trips to New Guinea, Ceylon and Malaysia for three months at a time, allegedly with female secretaries, leaving the queen alone in London.' 'Balmoral was always the official favourite for the royals and the queen chose [to spend] her last days there,' he shared. '[But] there were many [past] stories of girls rushing up to [the former Prince] Charles in skimpy bikinis when he was a bachelor visiting Australia.' The game Royal kids are forbidden to play Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams pointed out Prince Harry's escapades in Sin City are still legendary. 'Prince Harry's naked cavorting in Las Vegas was the perfect advertisement for the city – 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,'' Mr Fitzwilliams said. '[The city] reportedly benefited from the publicity enormously.' Harry wrote about his 2012 trip to Las Vegas in his explosive 2023 memoir 'Spare,' Vanity Fair reported. According to the Duke of Sussex, after a night of gambling and boozing, his pals invited a group of 'dodgy' women to his luxurious suite. 'I suggested we up the stakes,' Harry wrote, as quoted by the outlet. 'How about a game of strip pool? Enthusiastic cheers. Ten minutes later I was the big loser, reduced to my skivvies. 'Then I lost my skivvies. It was harmless, silly, or so I thought.' The photos from the night were posted on TMZ. And while Harry was expecting his father King Charles to reprimand him, he was 'gentle, even bemused.' 'He felt for me, he said he'd been there, though he'd never been naked on a front page,' Harry wrote. 'Actually, that was untrue. When I was about eight-years-old, a German newspaper had published naked photos of him, taken with a telephoto lens while he was holidaying in France.' But several royal experts agreed Harry wasn't the royal family's most well-known for escapades across the pond – it was the late queen's younger sister, Princess Margaret. Her lady-in-waiting's husband, Lord Colin Tennant, spent vast amounts of his fortune on transforming Mustique, a tiny island in the Caribbean, into a party resort for the rich and famous. He gifted Margaret a 10-acre plot of land on the island. 'Princess Margaret's scandalous affair with 'toy boy' turned wannabe disco star Roddy Llewellyn also unfolded on Mustique,' Vanity Fair reported. 'In 1976, photos of the couple frolicking on Mustique (Llewellyn wearing Union Jack swimming trunks) were published in The News of the World, hastening Margaret's separation from equally unfaithful husband Antony Armstrong-Jones.' Over the years, other royals have found themselves in hot water. Vanity Fair reported the 'most notorious vacation mishap in modern royal history' took place in 1992. Sarah, Duchess of York, who had separated from Prince Andrew, was soaking up the sun in St. Tropez with her beau, financier John Bryan. It was there where paparazzi snapped photos of Bryan sucking on her toes while she sunbathed topless. Sarah and Andrew's divorce was finalised in 1996. 'Recently, there haven't been any scandals,' British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. 'But back in 2012 … the topless photo scandal involving Kate Middleton … was considered in such poor taste that the media has stayed away from such [stories] in general.' In 2012, the French magazine Closer and the local newspaper La Provence published photos taken with telephoto lenses of the future Princess of Wales sunbathing topless with Prince William at a chateau in France, Glamour magazine reported. According to the outlet, the couple sued and were later awarded $US118,000 ($A179,000) in damages by a French court. While the royal family's vacations don't always take place during the steamy season, they are known for letting their hair down when duty doesn't call. According to Vanity Fair, the Prince and Princess of Wales, now parents of three young children, also enjoy embarking on family trips to Mustique, the Isles of Scilly, the ski resort of Courchevel in France, as well as Jordan, where Kate spent a part of her childhood. 'By all accounts, Prince William and Catherine are such upstanding royals that they simply aren't involved in any scandals,' Ms Fordwich added. For William and Harry, Africa has been a destination for love. Prince William proposed to Kate in Kenya in 2010. Harry and his then-girlfriend, Meghan Markle, travelled to his beloved Botswana in 2017. 'I gave her my best Botswana pitch,' Harry wrote in 'Spare,' as quoted by Vanity Fair. 'Birthplace of all humankind. Most sparsely populated nation on Earth. True Garden of Eden, with 40 per cent of the land given over to nature. 'Plus, the largest number of elephants of any nation on Earth. 'Above all, it was the place where I'd found myself, where I always re-found myself, where I always felt close to – magic? 'If she was interested in magic, she should come with me, experience it with me.' Since the couple tied the knot in 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly vacationed in Costa Rica, Canouan in the Caribbean, as well as Elton John's home in Nice. 'We look forward to hearing how they vacation in their reported holiday home in Portugal,' said Mr Fitzwilliams. Harry is said to have bittersweet memories of the south of France. In July 1997, his mother, Princess Diana, was photographed in St. Tropez on the Jonikal, Mohamed Al-Fayed's yacht. A month later, the Princess of Wales died from injuries she sustained in a Paris car crash at age 36. According to the outlet, Diana was known to use her getaway during the last year of her life to bargain with paparazzi, who were eager to take photos of her in stylish swimsuits. It's been said that Diana wanted to show the public that she was free after her divorce from Charles was finalised in 1996. 'There was much laughter, horseplay, the norm whenever Mummy and Willy and I were together, though even more so on that holiday,' Harry recalled in 'Spare,' as quoted by the outlet. 'Everything about that trip to St. Tropez was heaven. The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling.' In recent years, Charles appears to be focusing on cost. While he still maintains his late mother's tradition of spending his summers in Balmoral, Buckingham Palace announced that the king will end 156 years of service for the Royal Train. The palace noted it costs too much to operate and would need a significant upgrade for more advanced rail systems. 'It is a pity this did not happen in the 1990s,' Mr Fitzwilliams said. 'The Royal Yacht Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997, should have been saved … It was famously used for the royal family's summer holiday when Queen Elizabeth could relax at her beloved Balmoral. 'This became a rite of passage for members of the royal family.' 'A royal favourite was the Britannia,' chimed Mr Turner. 'It was one of the few times the queen was seen to shed a tear when it was decommissioned due to cutbacks in finances.'


The Independent
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Six of the most unique Airbnbs in the US revealed, from a missile launch site to a giant shoe
Feel your vacations have been missing the OMG factor recently? Then check out these six incredibly unique U.S. Airbnbs. There's an out-of-this-world flying saucer-shaped house, a five-story abode in the form of a giant shoe — even a rental inside a former ballistic missile launch center. Or perhaps you'd prefer the curvy home where there's barely a straight line in sight? Whichever one you choose, just remember to take a break from snapping photos to enjoy your leisure time there. 'Magic Fairy Tale Escape', Austin, Texas A stay at this property, called the Bloomhouse and set in the hills of West Austin, will be a 'vacation from the real world of right angles and ticky tacky boxes', say the hosts. That's because, aside from the sliding back doors, there isn't a single straight line or corner in the entire Texas structure. The listing describes the abode, located in a wooded valley, as "part Willy Wonka, part Big Lebowski ' — think Jackie Treehorn — 'and totally unlike anywhere else". What do guests think? They're generally wowed. Reviewer Courtney, from Baton Rouge in Louisiana, said: "What a unique, incredible stay we had here. My three daughters and I loved every square inch of this home. The views were incredible, and the home was well stocked with everything needed for a comfortable stay, plus more." Meanwhile, Katherine from Boulder, Colorado, describes the rental as a "delightful, rare gem", where "every surface is custom". Sleeps four. Cost per night from around $420. Airbnb Shoe House, Hellam Township, York County, Pennsylvania It's a property with sole — a whole lotta sole! The Haines Shoe House, modeled after a work boot, was built by "Shoe Wizard" Mahlon Haines in 1948 to promote his shoe stores. Mahlon requested the design by handing a work boot to an architect and saying, "Build me a house like this," according to Today, it's a worthy entry in the Airbnb OMG portfolio. The five-story abode features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen/dinette and a recreation room. Airbnb reviewer Gregory from Thomasville, Pennsylvania, said: "My wife and I live locally and we decided to stay at the Shoe House for our wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time. "I have driven past this landmark all my life and never dreamed that someday I would stay there. "It's beautifully and thoughtfully decorated with wonderful artifacts and a history of the Shoe House mixed in." Sleeps six. Cost per night from around $450. Airbnb Nuclear missile silo, Roswell, New Mexico A stay here will launch you into the depths of Cold War history, with the Roswell rental being the former upper level of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch control center. The 1,250-sq-ft space, above the owner's living quarters on the lower level, comes complete with numerous books and displays showing the early days of the ICBM program, and the price includes a three-hour tour. The complex includes a utility tunnel leading to a nuclear missile silo nearly 180 feet deep and guests are free to explore as they wish, and are encouraged to take photos and video. The hosts say: "Please remember that this is an unforgettable experience. We want you to walk away with fabulous memories." Reviewer Lilly, from New Mexico, said: "We were so shocked at the size of the silo, and all the thoughtful and cool details in the bunker." Sleeps four. Cost per night from around $600. Airbnb Spaceship house, Brush Prairie, State of Washington There's no danger for budding Will Robinsons at this one-of-a-kind vacation pad — but there is a robot. With a design inspired by the "Jupiter 2" spaceship from the 1960s Lost in Space TV series, this is a rental that can be described as out of this world without fear of contradiction. Climb aboard and you'll discover there's a 60s-style spacecraft theme throughout, with glowing control panels, silvery pillars and angular chairs. Lawrence, from Seattle, commented: "The spaceship interior is roomy and full of great lighting effects, music options, control panels, coffee maker, fridge, kids' costumes, big cutout Robot from Lost in Space, Wi-Fi, and more." Reviewer Hallie was similarly thrilled, writing: "This was such a unique place to stay. The UFO was so much fun to explore. 'The lights, the themed games, and music (and using the 'old' stereo with tapes and CDs) was delightful. It really was like transporting to another world!" Sleeps eight. Cost per night from around $150. Airbnb The House of Pi, Whitingham, Vermont Part loading dock, part quirky rental, this 34-foot-high container home overlooks a southern Vermont lake and comes with private mooring. The home is spread across eight shipping containers, with guests sleeping in three master bedrooms that have "amazing panoramic views". What's more, a daily hot breakfast and lunch are included. Reviewer Jennifer, from Los Angeles, kicked off her review with "wow, core memories were made here", adding: "The house is gorgeous, very modern but thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural surroundings." She was particularly impressed with the "unreal" shower, which had "all the advantages of an outdoor shower - fireflies, sunsets, treehouse vibe - with the comforts of a luxury spa". Sleeps six. Cost per night from around $480. Airbnb Conestoga Wagon, Sandy Valley Ranch, near Las Vegas Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, this rustic wagon rental could be just the ticket for some respite from Sin City's bustling dazzle. The wagon comes with electricity and outlets, a mini fridge, a toaster oven and a picnic table and firepit, while hot showers are available at the ranch house. Want to turn up the Wild West vibe to maximum? The ranch offers activities including "cowboy for a day", horse rides, cattle drives, and rodeos. Reviewer Adam said: "This is our second stay at Sandy Valley Ranch and both have been extremely memorable and enjoyable experiences. 'It is a beautiful ranch with friendly hosts."


CBC
11-07-2025
- CBC
To cross the border or not? People on Windsor's riverfront weigh in
Though many Canadians have chosen to boycott U.S. vacations and trips, some of the country's border cities have a different relationship with our closest neighbour. CBC's Josiah Sinanan checked in with visitors and locals on Windsor's waterfront about visiting a country that's just a stone's throw away.


Bloomberg
04-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Paul: Indian Wealthy Class is Growing Travel Market
The luxury travel category is booming, with hotels, airlines and the industry chasing so-called aspirational holidaymakers, who're prepared to splurge on vacations. Demand is being driven by increasing wealth in emerging markets, especially in India. Priya Paul, chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, which operates a chain of luxury boutique hotels in India, is hoping to capitalise on this trend, saying that she plans to 'double' the number of properties offered by the company over the next five years. Paul spoke to Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World Travel Holdings Ranked in Top 20 of Travel Weekly's 2025 Travel Agency Power List
Annual survey includes the largest, most successful retailers in the industry WAKEFIELD, Mass., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry powerhouse World Travel Holdings announces it ranked #16 in Travel Weekly's 2025 Power List of the industry's top retail travel agencies. The Power List is the definitive annual ranking of the travel industry's top-selling retail agencies based on 2024 performance. "Being recognized on this list year after year is truly an honor," said Co-CEO for World Travel Holdings, Jeff Tolkin. "This achievement is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved with our company – our employees, suppliers, and all our customers, including our Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchise owners, their associates, partner brands, and those who book their vacations directly with us. My brother Brad and I extend our heartfelt thanks to each person who contributes to our company's success." Privately held World Travel Holdings, owned by Co-Chairmen/Co-CEOs Brad and Jeff Tolkin, operates more than 35 travel brands which includes three in the United Kingdom, a top-rated travel agency franchise and the company is also the cruise vertical for a vast portfolio of private-label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. Its Dream Vacations franchise provides owners live and virtual training opportunities, robust marketing assets, a dedicated Business Development Manager, support services and more. Each year, the franchisor fully funds $4 million in exclusive promotions, national branding, and marketing programs to help its network of travel advisors grow their business. As it relates to its private label partners, corporations outsource their cruise and villa verticals to World Travel Holdings due to its size, which maximizes buying power and value creation for their customers, its technology, which is purpose built to handle private label accounts, and its customer centric reservations and operations. In 2024, some of the company's noteworthy developments include: Made a multimillion-dollar technology investment in its franchise brands Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. Redesigned Dream Vacations/CruiseOne's website home page with an easy-to-use content management tool for its advisors. Launched a cruise vertical with Southwest Airlines. Introduced a marketing tool in Resort for a Day's portal, making it easier for advisors to access and share promotional assets on social media. Villas of Distinction expanded its marketing and increased personnel dedicated to supporting its agency partners. This year's list features 70 companies, each of which recorded at least $125 million in gross travel sales — an increase from the $110 million threshold in last year's Power List— highlighting the continued growth and concentration of influence among the industry's most successful players. To qualify for the 2025 Power List, agencies were required to report a minimum of $125 million in gross travel sales in 2024. Sales are defined as gross value of travel products sold worldwide, whether for leisure or corporate purposes, where the agency is the agent of record. Additionally, at least 15% of sales must have been generated within the U.S. For a complete list visit About World Travel HoldingsWorld Travel Holdings is the nation's largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of nearly 40 diverse brands. In addition to owning some of the largest brands distributing cruises, villas, resort vacations, car rentals, resort day passes and luxury travel services, World Travel Holdings has a vast portfolio of private-label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and is consistently recognized as an industry leader in employee engagement and work-at-home employment. Its global presence includes operating multiple cruise brands in the United Kingdom. World Travel Holdings has offices in Wakefield, Mass.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and Chorley, England. For more information, visit Media Contact:Angie RanckDirector of Public Relations & Corporate Communicationsmedia@ 1-877-958-7447 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE World Travel Holdings Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data