Latest news with #weekendgetaway
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Beautiful UK getaways you shouldn't miss this summer
At Independent Travel we know that some of the best breaks can be found right on your doorstep, so in this week's TravelSmart the team is exploring the very best of the UK. Assistant Travel Editor Emilee Tombs suggests Rye for a romantic weekend getaway and shares the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula, while Travel Writer Amelia Neath reveals why Newcastle makes the perfect UK city break. Plus, where to find beautiful beaches and unique hikes in Scotland. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
Condé Nast Traveler
7 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Istria, Croatia's Picturesque Peninsula
Istria—with its sleepy fishing villages, azure waters, and verdant hills of truffle, olive, and vine—is still, miraculously, under the radar. Straddling both Mediterranean and Balkan identity, this pointed peninsula makes for not only a perfect Tuscan rival, but for a softer, more refined counterpart to the tourist-soaked Dalmatian coast. Luckily, a raft of new flight routes from UK airports have pushed open the floodgates, as have a new wave of design-forward hotels, farm-to-fork restaurants, and coastal hideaways. Put simply, Istria is now very much a contender for a worthy weekend getaway for those based in Europe or a tack-on to a longer Balkans jaunt, though bear in mind that such isolated, abundant beauty comes at a slight cost in terms of public transport infrastructure (more on how to get around below). The small scale and easy roads of the region mean that a typical Istrian day can kick off with some truffle hunting among the inland hills of Motovun, or Buzet, before twisting into a lunchtime snorkel down along the craggy coasts. By sunset, you're in the quaint old towns of Rovinj, or Porec, sipping crisp Malvazija and wondering where on earth the day went. Somehow, this place has managed to stay simultaneously refined, yet wild; relaxed, yet always on the move, boasting more cyclists than seagulls, and as many outdoors enthusiasts as there are cashmere clad couples on catamarans. FAQ: What's the best way to get to Istria? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron While there are no direct flights from the US to Pula, it's easily reached via a connection through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or London. From there, regional carriers like Croatia Airlines operate short flights directly into Pula Airport. Likewise, easyJet has expanded its Croatian reach, with returns from Pula to London starting from around $64 per person. For those happy to pair the trip with a scenic drive, Venice Marco Polo Airport—served by direct flights from New York, Boston, and Chicago—is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from the Istrian border, making it a popular entry point for international travelers, and an ace roadtrip en route. What's the best way to get around Istria? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron With the region's dual geography of coast and grove, a rental car is must, with providers like Kayak offering up a Croat car for as little as $43 a day. In terms of pick-up points, Pula Airport is the most convenient choice if flying directly, and boasts several international hire desks. As above, if landing in Italy, many travellers opt to grab a car in Venice, or Trieste, and drive over the border into Croatia. This route offers sweeping sea views, and drops you directly into Istria's hilltop villages, and vineyards—a no brainer. Monte is the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Croatia. Mateja Vrcković A sun-drenched table set for a multi-course tasting at Monte. Maja Danica Pečanić Where to eat in Istria Istria has long been associated with gastronomy of the purest kind, with a deep, quasi-religious focus on the purity of olives, grapes, and the ever-elusive truffle. It's not surprising then, that the entire region is littered with high-quality eateries, from Michelin stars to local taverns (referred to as konobas) all offering a slice of the landscape in one place. The highest concentration of superstar eats is in and around the fashionable fishing town of Rovinj, home to Croatia's first Michelin-starred restaurant, Monte. However, for a more casual bite, head to Puntulina, built into the cliff-face, so close to the spray that the Adriatic anchovies may as well jump straight out of the sea and onto the plate. Set within the Grand Park Hotel, Cap Aureo is world-class fine dining with a difference. In chef Jeffrey Vella's dishes, flavor and seasonality are king (such as his life-affirming cauliflower 'three-ways' appetizer), with welcome flair and understated theatrics. At Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant in Rovinj, modern Croatian cuisine is elevated to an art form, served with precision and flair. Mario Kucera/Grand Park Hotel Rovinj A little further south, in the placid olive groves of Bale, Villa Meneghetti's restaurant offers a local menu, gleaned from their own groves and garden, cooked up by 28-year-old wunderkind Ante Miletic. Dishes dance between truffle-topped fuži pastas, Lim Bay oysters, or whatever is budding in the abundant kitchen garden that day. Heading north into the fairytale hill towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, and more, easier offerings can be found in one of the many roadside konobas, with Konoba Stari Podrum's convivial garden and open grill well worth popping the hazard lights on for. It's worth remembering that, for Istrians, wine is almost as big a deal as olive oil—and rightly so. In recent years, both have been cleaning up international awards, and none more so than those of historic winery Kozlović, whose über modern, panoramic tasting room embodies the region's forward thinking approach, playfully poking out into the ancient, flowing vineyards, and cream fields of Buje. Sunseekers flock to the turquoise waters and rocky charm of Hawaii Beach in Pula, Croatia—a tucked-away cove that's anything but secret in summer. Devgnor/Getty Where to play in Istria The joy of Istria is reveling in the mash-up of coast and countryside—and when it comes to play, the place manages to be both relaxed and elemental. Inland, take a dog walk with a difference, at the family run Prodan Tartufi, whose expert snouts (and three generations of human equivalents!) will lead you through the wild, misty hills of Buzet—a town locals say has more truffle dogs than people. It's worth remembering that nobody leaves Istria without having tasted truffles a hundred ways, from scrambled eggs to ice cream. Beyond hills of so-called 'Black Gold' there's also a handful of serene swimming lakes and waterfalls, such as local spot Zarečki Krov, which is well worth the drive for a lazy lunch.
Independent Singapore
07-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Singaporeans, read this before your first Johor Bahru road trip! — 10 "must-know" travel tips to save your time, sanity, and moolah
SINGAPORE: So, you're finally doing it! You've got the Spotify playlist, the fuel topped up, the snacks packed, and your travel kakis ready to cross the Causeway. Whether it's for cheaper groceries, a long-overdue massage, or a full-blown makan marathon, Johor Bahru (JB) is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward weekend escape. However, before you hit the accelerator on your first JB road trip, hold up — crossing the border comes with its own unspoken rules. It's familiar but foreign, convenient but chaotic, and if you're not prepared, that quick getaway could soon turn into a slow-motion meltdown. So here are 10 must-know travel tips we got from TripZilla to help you cruise through JB like a seasoned pro — without losing your cool, your cash, or your sense of humour. 🚦1. Time your border-crossing like a Ninja Peak hour at the checkpoint can feel like the entire population of Singapore (SG) decided to cross the border with you. Weekends and public holidays? Guaranteed human traffic jam! If you want to avoid getting stuck in a car park that masquerades as a checkpoint, plan your trip around the rush hour. Cross before 8:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Photo: Freepik/ (for illustration purposes only) Weekday mornings are your best bet for a smooth entry. Use the One Motoring website or the Beat the Jam app to track live traffic. It's a game-changer. Really! 📲 2. Download the right apps — it'll be your digital survival kit JB may be just across the Causeway, but the way things work there is its own universe. First, install Grab — it's JB's go-to for rides and food delivery. Google Maps still rules for navigation, and if you want to avoid getting fleeced on exchange rates, sign up for YouTrip or Revolut — both let you spend in ringgit with competitive rates. See also Financial Support to Parents in SG: A Tradition or Obligation? Depositphotos/Piter2121 If you're crossing from the SG side, the MyICA Mobile app lets you generate a QR code for faster clearance. Just don't forget your physical passport. No app can replace that. 💵 3. Card works in JB, but cash is still king Many JB shops now accept cards, but cash-only zones still thrive, especially at hawker stalls, traditional bakeries, and pasar malams (night markets). Bring around RM100 to RM200 per person per day — that's roughly S$30 to S$60. Depositphotos/ You probably won't spend it all unless you go full TikTok foodie mode, but it's good to have on hand, and here's a tip: Change your money in SG, not in JB. Rates here are usually more favourable. 🚕 4. Skip the cab, book a Grab Once you exit JB Customs, you'll be swarmed by taxi uncles offering rides to KSL, Mid Valley, and beyond. Their prices? Let's just say your wallet won't thank you. Photo: Freepik/pressphoto Book a Grab. It's safer, more transparent, and usually cheaper. Additionally, you can avoid awkward negotiations in broken Malay or Singlish, which often turn into some kind of a pricing guessing game. 🛍️ 5. Malls aren't all within walking distance Yes, City Square Mall is right next to JB Sentral and linked to the checkpoint. That's the exception, not the rule. Malls like KSL City, Mid Valley Southkey, Paradigm Mall, and IKEA Tebrau are all a short drive away. Photo: (for illustration purposes only) Plot your stops by area to avoid zig-zagging across JB in Grabs. Unless you enjoy watching your fuel or fare slowly disappear. 📶 6. Watch your phone roaming settings like a hawk One second, you're happily scrolling through JB café menus; the next, you're racking up a surprise S$70 roaming bill because your phone decided to stay loyal to an SG telco. Photo: Freepik/mego-studio JB signal zones can be tricky, especially at places like KSL, where your phone might hop back and forth across networks. Either lock your network to a Malaysian telco, buy a local SIM/eSIM, or stick to WiFi. Your next Singtel or StarHub bill will thank you for it. 🧴 7. Pack the essentials you can't live without Pharmacies in JB, such as Watsons, Guardian, BIG Pharmacy, and CARiNG, stock a wide variety but don't expect to find your exact go-to products. The version of your skincare, contact lens solution, or medication may be entirely different or missing altogether. Depositphotos/9nong If you're sensitive to certain brands, bring your own. Nothing ruins a chill road trip like a breakout because you tried a mysterious lotion named 'Whitening Magic Aqua Glow XXX+++.' 📅 8. Book ahead for popular spots, especially on weekends JB isn't a secret. Singaporeans pour in every weekend, so if you're thinking of squeezing in, make a reservation. Depositphotos/ChinaImages Don't assume you can 'just walk in.' You'll end up spending more time queuing than relaxing. DM, call, or book online to lock in your spot. 🍢 9. Try the food — but don't gamble with your stomach JB's street food scene may be a wonderland and all, but if your stomach is more 'atas' (high class) than adventurous, then take it slow. Photo: Freepik/freepik (for illustration purposes only) Avoid undercooked food, lukewarm soups, and mystery skewers from pasar malam stalls. You may hit JB food, but just make sure it doesn't hit back. 🕙 10. JB malls sleep in — plan accordingly If you're accustomed to SG malls opening at 10 a.m. sharp, JB says, 'Relax, lah.' Most open after 10:30 a.m., with some shops only springing to life around 11 a.m. Depositphotos/makidotvn If you're across the border early, spend some time with a leisurely breakfast, a massage, or a grocery run before diving into retail therapy. Rushing from the checkpoint to a mall that's still closed isn't the vibe. ✅ Final word before you roll out JB is the closest thing to a vacation without boarding a plane. It's affordable, accessible, and familiar — yet just foreign enough to feel like a proper escape. That said, the smoother your prep, the more enjoyable your trip. Photo: Freepik/jcomp Keep an eye on your belongings, don't flash your valuables, and be cautious after dark, especially if you're travelling solo. Most of JB is safe by day, and with the right planning, you'll be cruising, shopping, and makan-ing like a regular in no time. And if you just want to relax and unwind at the beach while you enjoy the feel of the sunset breeze, check out the Sun, sea, and stunning stays: Johor's ultimate 2025 beach resort getaways
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Cancels Family Getaway After Brother Mocks Her Generosity. Then He Asks Her for Money
After saving up to treat her family to a special weekend getaway, a young woman canceled the trip when her older brother mocked her motives and belittled her generosity in front of everyone The family was left disappointed by the canceled plans, but tensions rose further when the same brother who ridiculed her later came to her for financial help Standing her ground despite family pressure to "be the bigger person," she refused his request, sparking a conversation about respect, boundaries and the true meaning of generosityA woman is turning to the Reddit community for support after a heartfelt family gesture took an unexpected turn. At just 19, she began working full-time before college and used her savings to plan a special weekend cabin getaway for her family, covering all the expenses herself. 'I paid for everything and was excited to spend time with them, especially since I don't usually get to do something big like this,' she shares in her post, highlighting how much the trip meant to her. But things took a sour turn at a family dinner just one week before the big event. Her older brother, 24, started making jokes at her expense, accusing her of 'trying to buy everyone's love' and 'showing off with bakery money.' His girlfriend joined in the laughter, leaving her feeling embarrassed and hurt in front of the people she cares about most. 'I just sat there embarrassed,' she admits. After dinner, she confronted her brother and told him his words hurt, but he dismissed her feelings, and told her she was being dramatic. So she made the decision to cancel the trip. 'I didn't want to spend a weekend being made fun of for trying to do something kind,' she explains, standing by her choice even as her parents expressed disappointment. Her brother, however, didn't see it the same way and told everyone she 'ruined the trip for no reason.' This only added to her frustration, as she felt misunderstood and unfairly blamed for trying to set boundaries. Time passed, and the situation took another twist when her brother, after making poor financial choices, came to her for help. He apologized, but she questioned the sincerity of his words, feeling the timing was 'super convenient.' She decided to say no to his request for money, leading to more tension within the family. 'Now he's calling me selfish and got my parents pressuring me to 'be the bigger person,'' she reveals. Turning to Reddit, she asks, 'Am I overreacting for standing my ground? I didn't ask to be treated like a joke.' The community has responded with overwhelming support, validating her feelings and encouraging her to prioritize her own well-being. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. One commenter reminds her, 'Your money, your rules. You aren't an ATM, and respect isn't bought, it's earned.' Echoing the pain of being ridiculed for her efforts, the poster replied, 'Right?? And it's my hard earned money that's supposed to pay [for] the getaway. It just hurts me that he had to make fun of it." Another voice in the thread offers wisdom: 'You're absolutely right, respect can't be bought, it has to be earned. Setting boundaries and knowing your worth is key to any healthy relationship.' Read the original article on People
CNET
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNET
These 10 Fixes Might Finally Solve Your Awful Cell Signal Issues
Summer road trips are all about freedom, keeping the windows down, playlists up, and adventure ahead. But nothing kills the vibe faster than hitting a dead zone with no signal. Suddenly your GPS freezes, your music cuts out, and you're stuck with no way to reroute, stream, or even call for help if something goes wrong. Whether you're crossing state lines or just heading off the beaten path for the weekend, staying connected is more important than ever. Luckily, you don't need a tech overhaul or a brand-new phone to fix bad reception. A few quick tricks can help boost your signal, no matter if you're using an iPhone or Android. From adjusting your phone's settings to switching up where you place it in your car, these hacks are easy to try, and they might just save your trip. Whether you're doing some routine phone maintenance or you're stuck in an emergency, there are multiple ways to improve your reception on an iPhone or Android phone, no matter what type of phone plan you're on. It might even come down to something as simple as toggling Airplane mode. To go from dropped calls to full bars, here's what you need to know. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:01 / Duration 8:02 Loaded : 2.50% 0:01 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 8:01 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Note: Although software across different iPhone models is relatively the same, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other Android phones may have different software versions, so certain settings and where they are located might differ depending on device. For more, check out how you can use Google Maps when you're offline and how you can maybe fix your internet when it's down. To improve your cellphone service, try these steps first The settings on your phone can help you get better cell service, but there are other tricks for improving your reception without even touching your phone's software. Move yourself so that there are no obstructions between your phone and any cell towers outside . That might involve stepping away from metal objects or concrete walls, which both kill reception. Instead, get to a window or go outside if possible. . That might involve stepping away from metal objects or concrete walls, which both kill reception. Instead, get to a window or go outside if possible. Remove your phone case . It doesn't hurt to remove whatever case you have on your phone, especially if it's thick, so that the phone's antenna isn't blocked by anything and can get a better signal. . It doesn't hurt to remove whatever case you have on your phone, especially if it's thick, so that the phone's antenna isn't blocked by anything and can get a better signal. Make sure your phone is charged. Searching for and connecting to a stronger signal drains power, so if your phone battery is already low on charge, you may have a difficult time getting good service. Some phone cases cause more signal disruption than others. David Carnoy/CNET Always start by turning Airplane mode on and off Turning your phone's connection off and then back on is the quickest and easiest way to try and fix your signal woes. If you're moving around from one location to another, toggling Airplane mode restarts the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular network modems, which forces them to find the best signal in the area. Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen -- to access the Quick Settings panel -- and then tap the Airplane mode icon. Wait for your phone to completely disconnect from its Wi-Fi and cellular connections. It doesn't happen instantly, so give it a good 15 seconds before you tap on the Airplane mode icon again. iPhone: On the iPhone, you can access Airplane mode from the Control Center, but that varies depending on which iPhone model you have. On the iPhone X and later, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center. On older iPhone models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Then tap the Airplane mode icon, which will turn orange when it's enabled. Again, wait up to 15 seconds before turning it off. Left: Airplane mode on your iPhone. Right: Airplane mode on an Android. Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET If Airplane mode doesn't work, restart your phone Our phones are miniature computers, and just like computers, sometimes you can fix issues like network connection by simply restarting them. Android: Hold down the power button, or the power button and the volume down key (depending on your Android phone), until the on-screen menu shows up, and then tap Restart. If your phone doesn't offer a restart option, you can simply tap Power Off to shut down your device, and then boot it back up with the power button. iPhone: On the iPhone X and older models, hold down the sleep/wake button and either one of the volume buttons and then swipe right on the power slider to turn off the device. Wait until it fully turns off, then press down on the sleep/wake button to turn it back on. Alternatively, you can do a force reset on your iPhone: Press the volume up button, followed by the volume down button and then press and hold the side button. Keep holding it in, after your phone's screen goes black and until you see the Apple logo appear again. If your iPhone has a home button, hold down the sleep/wake button until the power slider is displayed and then drag the slider to the right. Once the device is turned off, press and hold the sleep/wake button until you see the Apple logo. Left: Restarting an Android phone. Right: Powering off an iPhone. Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET Older phone? Take your SIM card out Another troubleshooting step that might help is to remove your SIM card, if your phone has one, and then place it back in with the phone turned on. If the SIM card is dirty, clean it. If it has any physical defects, you may need to replace it. You'll need a SIM card tool -- usually included in your phone's box -- or an unfolded paper clip or sewing needle to get the SIM tray out of your phone. All phones: Remove the SIM card, check to see if it's damaged and positioned in the SIM tray correctly, then put it back in your phone. eSIM: For phones with an eSIM -- that is, an embedded electronic SIM in your phone -- there's nothing for you to remove. The best you can do is restart your phone. Removing and putting your SIM card back into your phone takes just a couple of seconds. Jason Cipriani/CNET Check your carrier settings (and update your software) Mobile carriers frequently send out carrier settings updates to help improve connectivity for calls, data and messages on their network. Although this feature is available on all iPhone models, it's not universal on Android, so you might not find carrier settings if you don't have a supported phone. iPhone: Carrier updates should just appear, and you can update from the pop-up message that appears. To force your iPhone to check for a carrier settings update, go to Settings > General > About on your phone. If an update is available, you'll be prompted to install it. Android: As mentioned before, not all Android phones have carrier settings, so you'll have to open the Settings app and type in "carrier settings" to find any possible updates. On supported Pixels, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap the gear next to your carrier name and then tap Carrier settings versions. Left: iOS carrier settings. Right: Android carrier settings. Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET Reset your phone's network settings Sometimes all you need is a clean slate to fix an annoying connectivity issue. Refreshing your phone's network settings is one way to do that. But be forewarned, resetting your network settings will also reset any saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN connections and custom APN settings for those on carriers that require additional setup. Android: In the Settings app, search for "reset" or more specifically "reset network settings" and tap on the setting. On the Pixel, the setting is called Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. After you reset your network settings, remember to reconnect your phone to your home and work Wi-Fi networks. iPhone: Go to Settings > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network settings. The next page will warn you that resetting your network settings will reset your settings for Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth. Tap Reset Network Settings and your phone will restart. Resetting network settings should be one of the last troubleshooting steps you try. Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET Contact your phone carrier Sometimes unexpected signal issues can be traced back to problems with your wireless carrier. A cell tower could be down, or the tower's fiber optic cable could have been cut, causing an outage. For consistent problems connecting to or staying connected to a cellular or data network, it's possible your carrier's coverage doesn't extend well into your neighborhood. Other times, a newfound signal issue can be due to a defect with your phone or a SIM card that's gone bad. Contacting your carrier to begin troubleshooting after you've tried these fixes is the next best step to resolving your spotty signal. Sometimes contacting your carrier is the only way to get signal issues resolved. Angela Lang/CNET If all else fails, try a signal booster to improve cell reception If after going through all of our troubleshooting steps, including talking to your carrier to go over your options, you're still struggling to keep a good signal -- try a booster. A signal booster receives the same cellular signal your carrier uses, then amplifies it just enough to provide coverage in a room or your entire house. The big downside here is the cost. Wilson has three different boosters designed for home use, ranging in price from $349 for single room coverage to $999 to cover your entire home. To be clear, we haven't specifically tested these models. Wilson offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty should you have any trouble with its products.
