Latest news with #&Beyond
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Edinburgh YouTuber tests out how long £50 lasts in the city's pubs
An Edinburgh YouTuber has tested out how budget friendly the capital is - by stretching £50 out in the city's pubs. Michael, who runs the account Edinburgh & Beyond, wanted to see if it was possible to have a day of drinking on a budget. Setting off at around 1pm, Michael and his friend stop off at Platform 5 at Haymarket - spending £11 on two pints of Tennent's. They also visit The Haymarket Bar, The Fox and Faun, The Ghillie Dhu, Mathers, and Scotts. Between the two of them, they spend £91.80 by 7.30pm - meaning Michael spent £45.40, leaving only £4.60 of his budget, on eight drinks. READ MORE: Devastated Edinburgh restaurant owners in heartfelt note to diners over closure READ MORE: Hungry Edinburgh customers in huge queue as new burger joint opens in Southside His last, and ninth, drink was poured in The Auld Hundred - taking him just over the budget. Posting to YouTube, Michael said: "Day drinking in Edinburgh on a budget, is Edinburgh affordable? "How long can £50 last? We are on a mission to find out if Edinburgh is affordable or if it is too expensive. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Edinburgh is known for its bar and pubs, so we head to the capital to go on a bar crawl and see how long our money will last." Closing off the clip, Michael added: "So, £50 each - we basically went over but only by £3. "We've been out for about eight hours. It's been a good day." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. One follower commented: "Nice Michael great vlog, interesting seeing the beers prices changes from pub to pub!" Another added: "A great little video that." A third posted: "Well done sir...A day on the lash! Great viewing."
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
The Age
27-05-2025
- The Age
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
Time Business News
22-05-2025
- Time Business News
Why Combine Kenya & Tanzania for a Luxury Safari Tours
A luxury safari is more than just a vacation—it's an immersive experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. While Kenya and Tanzania each offer exceptional safari experiences on their own, combining these two East African destinations elevates the journey to extraordinary heights. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of the Masai Mara, a dual-country safari provides diversity, exclusivity, and a deeper connection to Africa's wild heart. Kenya and Tanzania are home to some of the most iconic wildlife reserves in the world. A combined safari allows travelers to witness the Great Migration, one of nature's most spectacular events. The migration follows a cyclical route between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara, offering different perspectives of this awe-inspiring phenomenon. In Tanzania, the Serengeti's vast grasslands host millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, while Kenya's Mara River crossings provide dramatic predator-prey interactions. Beyond the migration, both countries boast rich biodiversity. Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is a natural sanctuary for the Big Five, while Kenya's Amboseli National Park offers breathtaking views of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Combining these destinations ensures a well-rounded wildlife experience, from big cats to rare bird species. Luxury safari tours in Tanzania and Kenya are designed for discerning travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity. High-end lodges and tented camps in both countries provide world-class amenities, private game drives, and personalized service. In Tanzania, properties like Singita Grumeti and &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge redefine opulence with private butlers and gourmet dining under the stars. Kenya's Angama Mara and Segera Retreat offer equally lavish experiences, blending contemporary elegance with untamed wilderness. A combined itinerary allows guests to enjoy the best of both countries' luxury offerings. Private conservancies in Kenya, such as Ol Pejeta and Lewa, provide intimate wildlife encounters away from crowds, while Tanzania's Selous and Ruaha National Parks offer off-the-beaten-path adventures in remote, untouched landscapes. East Africa's cultural heritage is as captivating as its wildlife. Kenya's Maasai communities are renowned for their vibrant traditions, and luxury safaris often include visits to local villages, where travelers can learn about ancient customs and crafts. Tanzania, meanwhile, is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, whose hunter-gatherer lifestyles offer a fascinating glimpse into humanity's past. Combining Kenya and Tanzania ensures a richer cultural experience. Guests can engage with Maasai warriors in Kenya's Laikipia region before meeting the semi-nomadic Barabaig people near Tanzania's Lake Eyasi. These interactions add depth to the journey, creating meaningful connections beyond the typical tourist experience. The landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania are strikingly diverse. Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes, such as Nakuru and Naivasha, attract flocks of flamingos, while Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, dominates Tanzania's skyline, while Kenya's Aberdare Range offers misty forests teeming with wildlife. A dual-country safari lets travelers explore these contrasting environments seamlessly. From the golden savannas of the Masai Mara to the dense forests of Tanzania's Mahale Mountains, where chimpanzees roam, the variety ensures every day brings a new adventure. After days of thrilling game drives, unwinding on the pristine shores of Zanzibar Beach is the ultimate luxury. This Tanzanian archipelago, with its turquoise waters and powdery white sands, is the perfect complement to a safari. High-end resorts like Mnemba Island and The Residence Zanzibar offer private villas, spa treatments, and world-class diving. Including Zanzibar in a Kenya-Tanzania itinerary transforms the trip into a holistic escape, blending adrenaline-pumping safaris with serene beach relaxation. Whether snorkeling in coral reefs or savoring fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, Zanzibar provides an idyllic conclusion to an unforgettable journey. Luxury safari operators specialize in seamless cross-border itineraries, handling visas, flights, and transfers with precision. Chartered flights between Kenya's and Tanzania's premier parks minimize travel time, maximizing time in the wild. Expert guides, with deep knowledge of both countries, enhance the experience with insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and hidden gems. Combining Kenya and Tanzania for a luxury safari tour offers the best of East Africa—diverse wildlife, exclusive lodges, rich cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether tracking the Great Migration, exploring off-the-beaten-path reserves, or relaxing on Zanzibar's shores, this dual-country adventure ensures a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For travelers seeking the pinnacle of safari luxury, Kenya and Tanzania together deliver an unparalleled journey into the wild. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Finextra
08-05-2025
- Business
- Finextra
How will new regulation impact US payments innovation?
0 This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community. This is an excerpt from The Future of US Digital Payments 2025: ACH & Beyond. While rules and regulations are the bedrock of financial services and payments, organisations across the US digital payments landscape must prioritise innovation, transaction quality, opportunity and financial reward at the same time as compliance in order to remain relevant and competitive. In November 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalised a rule to supervise the largest nonbank companies that offer digital funds transfer and payment wallet applications. At the time, the intention was to ensure companies handling over 50 million transactions every year follow federal law in the same way that large banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions that are already supervised by the CFPB are. Then CFPB director Rohit Chopra said: 'Digital payments have gone from novelty to necessity and our oversight must reflect this reality. The rule will help to protect consumer privacy, guard against fraud, and prevent illegal account closures.' A future of deregulation could be riskier than is currently known Levelling the playing field in this way has long been perceived as beneficial for both technology firms, financial institutions and most importantly, their customers. As the CFPB says: 'Supervision can prevent harm by detecting problems early. Supervision also is an important tool for the CFPB to assess risks that can emerge rapidly in this market, including from outages and other issues that could lead to millions of consumers losing access to their funds.' However, in March 2025, the House of Representatives passed a Congressional Review Act resolution overturning the CFPB rule after the organisation itself was also called into question shortly after President Trump returned to office. In the Financial Technology Association's (FTA) view, the rule 'was overreaching and duplicative as payment companies are already regulated at the state and federal levels. As the Senate has already passed the resolution, S.J. Res 28 now heads to the President's desk for his signature.' The rhetoric of deregulation that continues to infiltrate conversations about financial services may have more risks than is currently understood. Florence School of Banking and Finance and professor of financial stability, Thorsten Beck and financial economist at Bayes Business School at City St George's, University of London, Vasso Ioannidou, explored this in a Politico article. 'During his first term in the White House, US President Donald Trump rolled back key safeguards on regional banks. The result? A wave of high-profile failures in 2023 – most notably Silicon Valley Bank. Now, in his second term, Trump is going even further, not only gutting regulations but moving to place independent financial watchdogs under direct White House control.' Regulation shifting from serving the public could threaten financial safeguards. Without oversight, 'others may feel forced to follow, unwilling to leave their banks at a disadvantage. The outcome? A weakened global financial system, more vulnerable to bubbles, crises and costly government bailouts.' Striking the balance between private and public sectors will be necessary for US payments Balancing innovation and regulation in the US payments sector is not a new challenge, and with the accelerated development of the fintech evolution, a balance must be found between what works with both the public and private sectors. For the success of the future of digital payments in the US amid potential incoming deregulation, rigid checklists may not be the way forward. Regulators could focus on outcomes and risk-based approaches, allowing financial institutions to innovate while still aligning with consumer protection, privacy and financial stability. In addition to this, regulatory sandboxes have proven to work in other countries and in states like Arizona and Utah; a national sandbox with federal coordination across agencies such as the CFPB, OCC, Federal Reserve and the SEC could be the solution that US payments requires. It is evident that change needs to occur, but the capacity in which it should, is what still needs to be considered. What does the industry think of the future of regulation? Alongside this, updating regulation has been long called for, particularly because more were written before real-time payments, APIs or stablecoins, for that matter. Modern risks and technologies must be considered by regulators, and this is where the US is not unique in their falling behind. Technology can also be leveraged to automate compliance, so that payments firms can stay innovative and compliant, while also cutting down friction and cost when partnering with RegTech companies. For the US payments industry in 2025 and beyond, innovation can and must be prioritised. In conversation with Finextra, Renata Caine, general manager and senior vice president, embedded finance, Green Dot, made clear that 'firms should look to our regulators and the rules and regulations they implement as guardrails and guidelines that ensure our innovations are working for the customer, not against them.' When speaking to Finextra, Taira Hall, Citizens' head of payments echoed Caine's sentiment and said that the 'payments landscape is a complex ecosystem that requires organisations to be proactive in their strategy, especially as it relates to risk and compliance, in order to drive tangible success.' They went on to say that regulatory requirements should be reviewed at the start of every innovation cycle. 'By integrating these requirements from the start, and leveraging the necessary teams through the product lifecycle, organisations have the ability to limit risk and other roadblocks.'
