Latest news with #DesertDays
Courier-Mail
26-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Earlier this year I boarded the beautiful Celestyal Journey for a voyage around the Arabian Gulf. Kicking off in Doha where we shopped the souqs, the seven-day Desert Days itinerary taking in the likes of Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi quickly became one of my favourite cruises of all time. Back in Sydney, I told everyone within earshot: with its warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes and glorious cuisine, the Arabian Gulf (aka the Persian Gulf) is going to be the hottest destination for cruising in 2025. Then the bombings began and now I'm reminded of the time I told my computer studies teacher back in the early '90s that computers were never really going to catch on so I didn't need to attend class, thank you. I'm devastated by what's going on in the Middle East, and humanity (or perhaps the lack of it) is my chief concern. I also can't help but wonder what it means for my travel plans. Looking at my inbox, I can see I'm far from alone, with countless emails from others panicking about upcoming trips to Europe (particularly those connecting via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi). Travellers due to travel to or transit through the Middle East have been warned of likely disruptions. We know that disruptions for flights anywhere near the region are significant and ongoing, with many airlines cancelling or rerouting flights, being forced to turn back or announcing long delays, and the situation is changing minute by minute. The Australian government, however, has issued a travel warning via Smartraveller advising that 'the security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region, as well as the potential for terrorist attacks.' So what does this mean for you? Resist that knee-jerk reaction to cancel your holiday, advises Dean Long, CEO of Australian Travel Industry Association. 'You may lose your right to a full refund or rebooking,' he says. 'If the airline cancels, you are entitled to those protections under Australian Consumer Law.' Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the major airports in the Middle East region. Airlines and ATIA-accredited travel agents are prioritising support for passengers flying in the next 72 hours and progressively contacting those whose flights are impacted, he adds. For anyone else who has had their flight plans changed, or can no longer travel, your best bet is to first contact your airline and accommodation providers to explore refunds or credit options, says Natalie Ball, managing director of Compare Travel Insurance. 'Given the current escalation, major airlines should offer cash refunds or flight credits if your flight is cancelled,' she says. 'Some accommodation providers may offer flexible cancellations or rescheduling options, but this will depend on the terms and conditions that apply to your booking.' Some flights to Dubai - the busiest airport in the Middle East - have been delayed and rerouted. No satisfaction? Your next step is to contact your insurer. Remember, too, that government warnings affect insurance coverage. 'Given that parts of the Middle East – including Israel – are now at a Level 4, ie 'do not travel', insurers generally can't offer cover for claims related to that destination. This includes cancellations, disruptions, or medical emergencies related to the conflict,' Ball adds. 'There's also the risk that those who travel against such warnings may face limited or no consular assistance during emergencies, so consider these factors carefully before making any travel decisions.' Stay in contact with your travel providers in the lead-up to your trip, and keep an eye on for updates on the latest advice on your intended destination. Originally published as Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EDC Weekend Desert Days hits Sin City with Ultra Load
Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village Las Vegas is set to get ultra fabulous this EDC Weekend as Ultra Load: The Gay Village takes over the scene with a splashy, high-energy twist on the traditionally straight Electric Daisy Carnival festivities. From May 16 to 18, LGBTQ+ partygoers and their allies will flock to Alexis Park All Suite Resort for Desert Days' bold new vision of festival inclusivity, and it's promising to be the queer day-party playground we never knew we were missing – until now. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village Imagine it: 3,000 beautiful humans, glittering poolside under the Vegas sun, moving to the beats of internationally known DJs and rising stars, all while soaking in the vibes of a community that lives loud and proud. That's what Ultra Load is serving—along with all-gay service staff, fierce VIP experiences, and activations from queer-owned businesses that will keep things extra all weekend long. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days The festivities kick off Friday, May 16, and they're diving in headfirst with DJs Brad Lee and Nick Stracener bringing their signature heat to the pool decks, followed by Jungle Room shake-ups with Derek Monteiro and Sam Gee. Saturday, May 17 keeps the momentum alive with legends Erik Vilar and Hector Fonseca turning the pool into a dance sanctuary, while inside, host Joshua Flores and DJ Jon Klaft transform Jungle Room into Otter Pop Las Vegas—sure to be a cheeky, wild highlight of the weekend. Then, as the sun begins to set on Sunday, May 18, the vibes soar with Dawna Montell, Dustin, and Kipnotik heating up the pool, before DJs Janky and Sammy Taylor bring the party home inside Jungle Room. It's a lineup that's as diverse, dynamic, and delightfully queer as the crowd it's meant to move. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village While EDC Weekend is already known as North America's largest electronic dance music festival, what it hasn't had—until now—is a daytime space that truly honors and embraces the LGBTQ+ community. Ultra Load: The Gay Village is stepping in to fill that void, offering a safe, sexy, and seriously fun environment where self-expression reigns supreme and queer joy is front and center. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village And it's not just about dancing (though there'll be plenty of that). The Alexis Park venue will be decked out to the nines, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, all-day eats and drinks, and tons of chill-meets-thrill options like VIP cabanas, plush lounge chairs, and exclusive tables for those who like their party with a side of pampering. Whether you're living your best life poolside or tearing up the dancefloor indoors, there's a spot for everyone. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village Discounted tickets for Nevada residents (just flash that valid ID). Special hotel rates are available for those extending the party from May 13 to 20. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village Ultra Load: The Gay Village is more than a party—it's a vibe, a movement, and potentially a new Vegas institution in the making. Organizers are already setting the stage for it to become a staple of the city's EDC lineup, and with its perfect mix of music, community, and over-the-top fabulousness, there's no doubt it'll be a magnet for LGBTQ+ revelers from all over the globe. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village Ready to get Ultra Loaded? Tickets are available now at but don't wait—this is one Vegas takeover you won't want to miss. You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at Courtesy Desert Days EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village You can learn more about Desert Days Ultra Load: The Gay Village at
