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Nearly nine million British adults are still unable to swim, research reveals

Nearly nine million British adults are still unable to swim, research reveals

Yahoo12 hours ago

Nearly nine million British adults are still unable to swim, research reveals. A study of 2,000 adults found 17 per cent have no swimming ability whatsoever, 33 per cent don't feel confident in the water, and 42 per cent will only brave the shallow end. The research was commissioned by easyJet holidays to launch Swim School[ https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/swim-school] – an initiative offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK ahead of the summer holidays. The programme has been developed in partnership with Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean, national swim provider Better, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK. Tom Dean, who has spoken to Parliament about water safety, said: 'As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to basic swimming competencies. Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet Holidays, said: 'We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe's favourite destinations. 'We're thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim."

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This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know
This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know

Forbes

time38 minutes ago

  • Forbes

This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know

A digital nomad gazes out over Lake Bled at sunrise—one of Slovenia's most iconic destinations. With a new digital nomad visa launching this November, remote workers can now live and work in this storybook setting for up to a year. getty Dreaming of living in Europe while working remotely? Slovenia—one of Europe's most underrated and affordable destinations—is about to make that dream a reality at a time when digital nomadism is gaining serious global traction. Starting this November, Slovenia is expected to launch its first-ever digital nomad visa, giving remote workers a new way to live and work in the heart of Europe. The new program will allow remote workers to live in Slovenia for up to 12 months while working for foreign employers or clients. The move will put Slovenia on the fast-growing list of forward-thinking countries creating digital nomad visas designed to attract remote workers who can live in and contribute to their local economies. More than 60 countries now offer some version of a digital nomad visa. For Americans craving a European lifestyle—but without the bureaucracy of long-term residency or citizenship—this visa offers an exciting new option, according to Cepee Tabibian, founder of She Hit Refresh and author of the book, I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe . 'This is great news,' Tabibian told me in an interview. 'Central Europe doesn't really offer digital nomad visas—Hungary is currently the only one—so Slovenia launching this is a big deal.' Slovenia's New Digital Nomad Visa: The Basics According to a global immigration alert from EY (a division of Ernst & Young), the visa is expected to go into effect on November 21, 2025. Remote workers will be eligible to apply for a non-renewable, one-year residence permit, provided they work for companies based outside Slovenia. Freelancers, self-employed professionals and consultants offering services to clients abroad also qualify for the program. Slovenia is launching a new digital nomad visa—and seaside towns like Piran are poised to become Europe's next remote work havens. getty This flexibility makes the program especially appealing to entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and digital creatives whose work transcends borders. Applicants will need a valid passport, health insurance and proof of sufficient funds—reportedly at least twice the country's average monthly net salary. According to other sources, family members can join digital nomad visa holders, but they too must have income from employers outside Slovenia. While the visa is not renewable, remote workers can reapply after spending six months outside Slovenia. Unlike programs in Spain, Portugal or Greece, Slovenia's digital nomad visa is non-renewable and doesn't lead to long-term residency or citizenship. But it offers a lower cost of living and fewer crowds—plus easy access to those other destinations. Hungary is currently the only other Central European country offering a similar permit. Beyond the paperwork and policy details, what truly makes this visa exciting is the country itself—and what it offers digital nomads. Why Slovenia Could Be The Next Digital Nomad Hotspot Slovenia—a small Alpine country set between Italy and Austria—may not be as well-known as its famous neighbors. And that's part of the appeal. 'We've recommended Slovenia for retirees for years and are excited about the prospect for nomads,' Jen Barnett, founder of Expatsi—which helps Americans find places to live abroad—told me in an interview. Slovenia's capital city, Ljubljana, is a charming hub for remote workers—with its walkable Old Town, thriving café culture and easy access to nature. getty For remote workers, the draw is clear. Cities like Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj and Koper are building infrastructure to support remote workers, with coworking hubs, fast Wi-Fi and a welcoming community of expats and digital nomads. It's one of the cleanest, safest, most scenic and most environmentally conscious countries in Europe, with natural beauty and a slower pace of life. 'Slovenia is ranked in the top 10% of countries in the world for safety and natural beauty according to the Legatum Prosperity Index, and nearly as highly for healthcare,' says Barnett. You'll find everything from Alpine peaks and medieval towns to pristine lakes and even a stretch of Adriatic coastline. 'While many Americans are moving to the Mediterranean for the sun and coast, Slovenia offers a unique opportunity to live in an alpine region and enjoy mountains, lakes, and access to the many countries that surround it: Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia,' says Tabibian. 'We could easily see Slovenia becoming the next Portugal, and it's especially perfect for families from the Pacific Northwest who'd like to maintain their active lifestyles,' says Barnett. The weather is great—'The country itself is green and stunning, and high temps never exceed 86 degrees,' says Tabibian. It's also budget-friendly, especially compared to the U.S. and most of Western Europe. 'The cost of living is about half of what you spend in the United States, and there are seven international schools in the capital for families with kids,' says Barnett. 'It's more affordable than most of Western Europe, in some places up to 50% less,' says Tabibian. Its capital of Ljubljana is less expensive than other European capitals—but go beyond and you'll save even more. According to International Living, cities like Maribor, Škofja Loka and Koper, you can rent a one-bedroom for as low as $375 to $600 a month. Restaurants are also affordable, and groceries are fresh and reasonably priced—much lower than what you'd pay in neighboring countries. Public transportation is another big plus. Slovenia's efficient, low-cost public transportation network makes it easy to explore the country—and the region—with minimal hassle and without owning a car. And when you're ready for a weekend getaway, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia are all just a few hours away. Things To Keep In Mind As idyllic as it sounds, this visa isn't for everyone. Unlike countries that offer a path to permanent residency through investment or long-term stays, Slovenia is not (yet) courting expats looking to settle down permanently. 'It's just for 12 months and non-renewable,' says Tabibian. Strolling through Ljubljana's Old Town, where sidewalk cafés, boutiques and cobblestone streets create the perfect setting for a digital nomad lifestyle. getty And Slovenia's tax laws can be complex, particularly for freelancers or business owners considering a deeper financial footprint in the country. Still, for those who are craving a change of scenery—and want to test out European life without a long-term commitment—Slovenia may be just the place. 'It's still a fantastic way to live in Europe for a year and scout other countries for a longer-term move,' says Tabibian. So whether you're chasing mountain views, slower living or simply a smart, affordable base in Europe, Slovenia's digital nomad visa is a compelling new option. While official details are still rolling out, one thing is clear: Slovenia is ready to welcome a new wave of remote workers—passport in one hand, laptop in the other and a whole new lifestyle ahead. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Argentina To Launch New Citizenship Program: Here's What You Need To Know By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less) By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Quit Your Job And Live Abroad: 11 Places So Affordable You Might Not Need To Work By Laura Begley Bloom

Monaco DMO expands e-learning platform
Monaco DMO expands e-learning platform

Travel Weekly

time2 hours ago

  • Travel Weekly

Monaco DMO expands e-learning platform

The Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority has launched the latest chapter in its Monaco Expert e-learning platform: Incredible Itineraries. A comprehensive online training program designed for travel advisors and tourism professionals, the platform offers interactive modules covering everything from Monaco's luxury hotels and events to its culture and exclusive experiences. By completing the program, participants earn a Monaco Expert certification and accrue curated itinerary templates; pacing strategies for blending luxury, culture and leisure; insider tips on exclusive experiences; and inspiration from seasoned Monaco travel professionals. Advisors can access the module by signing up and creating a profile at the Monaco Expert website.

Couple marry at Glastonbury with cake they brought
Couple marry at Glastonbury with cake they brought

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Couple marry at Glastonbury with cake they brought

A couple who got married at Glastonbury transported a wedding cake made by the bride nearly 250 miles (402km) to the ceremony. Charles and Charlie Shires, from Harrogate, had a "spiritual" hand-tying wedding in the festival's Healing Field on Thursday morning. A celebrant conducted the ceremony, which the couple attended after spending the night in a glamping site. Mrs Shires, 31, a baker, had a "blow-dry bus" to get her hair styled in, and after the wedding they partied in the BBC Introducing tent. "It was a brilliant day," said Mrs Shires. "I make birthday and wedding cakes for a living and I usually make buttercream, but I wanted a challenge to see if a white chocolate ganache would melt. "It survived!" The couple were joined by 15 friends who also got festival tickets for the occasion, but have planned "another wedding do closer to home" in the next few months to legalise their marriage. Mrs Shires, who has been to four previous Glastonbury festivals, wore old, comfy boots while Mr Shires, an aerial surveyor who has also been to the festival six times before, wore his walking boots. He said he "sadly" lost his jacket in a field. "It was the only thing we lost!" he said. The cake was kept in the couple's tent and fridges in the glamping site before it was taken to the Healing Field. The newlyweds have now returned to their "normal lives" in Harrogate and are likely to officially marry at a registry office later this year. Mrs Shires added that her wedding dress was "ruined, muddy and stained". Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North Glastonbury's best bits: Capaldi's comeback, celebrity sightings and lots of spoons

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