Latest news with #GetYourGuide
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Taylor Swift owns her music catalog following masters controversy with Scooter Braun
Taylor Swift owns her music catalog following masters controversy with Scooter Braun Show Caption Hide Caption Taylor Swift-inspired walking tour in New York City Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West checks out the GetYourGuide 90-minute NYC walking tour through Soho and West Village. Entertain This "All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me." With that statement, Taylor Swift really has become the chairman of her own board. The superstar posted a lengthy letter on her website detailing that every aspect of her career including videos, concert films, art, photography and unreleased materials is under her control. Swift credited Shamrock Capital, the private equity firm that purchased the master rights to Swift's first six albums from Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings in 2020, for giving her the opportunity to purchase every aspect of her career work. According to a source close to contract negotiations, there was no outside party who "encouraged" the sale and any rumored price range reported is "highly inaccurate." In her post, Swift also commented on the delayed release of "Reputation (Taylor's Version)" and said she hasn't yet rerecorded a quarter of it and "there will be a time for the unreleased vault tracks to hatch." This story is developing.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Cyprus Travel Guide: Explore The Best Of The Island's Culture, Beaches, And Divided History
Ruins of ancient temple Kourion . near Limassol, Cyprus Cyprus is a fascinating country to visit for many reasons, including the fact that although a member of the European Union, it has been a divided island since the Turkish invasion in 1974. As a result, there's a green line (a UN-controlled buffer zone) dividing the island and running through Nicosia, the country's capital. The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized, mostly Greek Cypriot) controls the south, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, controls the north. Despite the green line, locals and tourists alike are able to freely cross from one side to the other by going through various checkpoints. Visitors are able to enjoy both cultures and will notice that Greek and Turkish Cypriots get along just fine, in contrast to the official political impasse. Panoramic views of Nicosia, Cyprus In the north, Nicosia, the largest city, is a must visit even if you're staying in the south. A guided walk around the last divided capital of Europe, with Get Your Guide explores both the Greek and Turkish sides of the divided city (don't forget your passport). And on the Greek side, for art lovers, Nimac in a former power station, is the island's oldest and largest Contemporary Art Centre. And also a real delight is 11 Parthenon, the home of Andre Zivanari, director of Point Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia. The beautiful Modernist private home is a treasure trove of artworks by regional artists and has temporary exhibitions too, open Fridays and by appointment. Limassol promenade or embankment at sunset. Limassol in the south is a good base for exploring beaches and historical sites. Stay in the lively Old Town near the old port, the heart of Limassol. The cobbled streets are filled with small shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. There's a castle, which is now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and another must-visit area is the Turkish quarter with its 16th-century Grand Mosque. The amphitheater at Kourion, Cyprus, dating back to the 13th century BCE Just outside of Limassol, for anyone even remotely interested in ancient history, a visit to ancient Kourion is essential. A walk through the vast UNESCO-listed archaeological site is thrilling. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is one of Cyprus' most significant ancient city-kingdoms, where you can still see a Greco-Roman amphitheater, intricate Roman mosaics and early Christian basilica. Go just before sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. Aerial view of coastline and landmark big white chalk rock at Governor's beach, Limassol, Cyprus. There are plenty of lovely beaches in Cyprus but Governor's Beach, about 30 minutes from Limassol, feels somewhat undiscovered. Instead of going to the larger Governor's Beach, try the petite, secluded, sandy beach in a sheltered cove nearby. Vima Art Fair, Cyprus If you're visiting in the spring, Vima contemporary art fair in Limassol is a brilliant way to discover Cypriot galleries and artists as well as art from the surrounding region. The first edition, this May, featured 27 galleries with works ranging from €800-€80,000. PSI Foundation, in a former Carob factory, is a modernist gem. The PSI Foundation is currently showing an exhibition by Tekton Technical Bureau, celebrating the pioneering work of engineer Andreas Papadopoulos and architect Phoebus Polydorides. And behind discreet black curtains, the gallery opens onto a cavernous space with a commissioned video installation, Aftermath by British artist Matt Collishaw. The mesmerizing work immerses viewers in a dystopian underwater world, weaving together themes of technological transformation and environmental decay through the use of artificial intelligence and signifies a dynamic bridge between the past and the future. A solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou at Eins gallery, Limassol eins Gallery, in Limassol's old town, has regular contemporary art exhibitions in a space tucked away but well worth making the effort to find. Currently on until July is a solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou, whose work reflects on memory, place and the passage of time through sculpture, installation and drawing. Alexandros Diogenous and Limassol Art Walks founded the non-profit organization Pylon Art & Culture to show regional contemporary art and new ways of contemplating it. Their current show is Newcomers by Cypriot Maria Loizidou (until 14 September 2025) at the Minerva Hotel in Platres. For clubbing, head to Sousami Club in Limassol, owned by the Dj duo of Acidfox and Picadillis. The pair also organise the biggest annual music festival on the island, ABR festival. The Old Port, Limassol, Cyprus The Old Port Hotel is a cosy, independent 3-star hotel, right in the center of the historic old town and across from the pretty harbor and a long seaside promenade. The small boutique hotel has 23 air conditioned rooms, some with balconies. Another good choice of small hotels is S Paul Hotel in a listed two storey stone building, also in the historical city center of Limassol. The building dates back to the 18th century and was used as the Town Hall of Limassol in the beginning of the 19 th century. The hotel has 22 unique guest rooms. Larger and fancier is the 5-star Amara with 207 chic rooms with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Jam, the laid back restaurant attached to the Old Port Hotel, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunches and dinner. Ousio kitchen, also in the old town, is a cute bistro using locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the oven baked prawns, with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fermented peppers and falafel with quinoa blended with beetroot, lemon, coriander, cold pressed olive oil, served with roasted vegetables. Poly offers 'Greek soul food' including delicious prawn wraps, chicken gyros, local seabass tartare, and greek salad. Volta Wine Bar is great for small plates accompanied by Greek and Cypriot wines.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Your Next Airbnb May Include Room Service and Tamale-Making
For 17 years, Airbnb has taken on the hotel industry, and now, 2 billion guests later, the company is upping the competition. In a recent announcement, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company will offer the kinds of services typically found at hotels, including room service, spa treatments and personal training, all bookable on Airbnb's redesigned app. Other services could include meals prepared by professional chefs, and salon treatments like hair, nails and makeup. The company is also reimagining Airbnb Experiences, its service that offers tours and events hosted by experts, to emphasize authentic cultural, culinary, sports and wellness activities run by locals. Offerings are available in 650 cities, including a tour of the recently restored Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris with Axelle Ponsonnet, one of the architects who restored the cathedral after it partially burned down in 2019. A ramen-making master class in Tokyo with chef Saburo Ishigoka and a lucha libre training experience with a professional wrestler in Mexico City are among other new experiences. 'Airbnb is currently used as a noun and a verb, and it means a place to stay,' Chesky said in a recent interview. 'The question we then asked was what if you could Airbnb more than an Airbnb and essentially monetize the biggest asset in your life, which is probably not your home but your time, passion and skill set.' The company tested the idea when it launched Airbnb Experiences in 2016, but faced issues over quality and reliability. Mitch Bach, CEO and co-founder of Trip School, an independent organization that trains tour guides, said the main issue with the original rollout was that the experience providers, though deeply embedded in their local culture, lacked the professionalism of trained tour guides. Your Next Airbnb May Include Room Service and Tamale-Making Airbnb 'purposefully eschewed tourist attractions, which is the bread and butter of a marketplace like GetYourGuide or Viator,' Bach said. 'I think their bet was that around that brand and the genius of Airbnb's position in the market, they could organically scale this, but they found very clearly that they couldn't.' In the reboot, Airbnb said it is focusing on quality and professionalism, with rigorous, ongoing vetting of tour providers' 'expertise, reputation and authenticity.' Chesky said that the new product is still uniquely 'Airbnb.' 'We are finding the most interesting people in the world and designing new experiences,' he said, citing the Notre Dame tour as an example of using an expert outside of the travel industry to offer a unique lens. In some cities, Airbnb is launching a line of experiences that it calls 'originals,' designed specifically for the company. These include pastry-making with French Bastards Bakery chef Raphaelle Elbaz in Paris, or playing beach volleyball at Rio de Janeiro's Leblon Beach with Olympian Carol Solberg. The company is also teaming up with celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Sabrina Carpenter to host dancing and glamour sessions. Airbnb said that many users found the company's earlier experiences too expensive. At an average price of $65 per person, the new experiences are more affordable, Airbnb said, and are easier to organize. With the new app, users will be able to book homes, experiences and services in one place. Once the bookings are confirmed, a new 'trip mode' allows guests to view and edit their itineraries. There is also a social component that allows people to see and interact with people booked on the same experience. 'I've always believed that Airbnb was destined to do more than just provide a place to stay,' Chesky said. —NYT
Condé Nast Traveler
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Sunset Views and Starry Nights: A Dreamy Trip to Los Angeles Inspired by La La Land
Outdoor Experiences Golden hour hits different in LA, especially when you're seeing the city from all of its best angles. On the Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Helicopter Tour, take in aerial views of iconic neighborhoods, celebrity mansions, and views that stretch from the mountains to the ocean—all while listening to entertaining commentary from your pilot. Have a little romantic interlude at Echo Park Lake: Swan Pedal Boat Rental. Glide across the man-made lake—which was built in 1868 and initially used as a reservoir for drinking water—in a swan-shaped boat. From the water you'll experience a truly unique way to score views of the LA skyline. If you're ready for a little wind in your hair, head to the coast for an E-bike Tour of Hermosa Beach & Other Beach Cities. Cruise along the water on an electric bike, and explore the picturesque communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach. Your guide will tell stories of the area and take you to spots with cinematic lore like Hermosa Beach Pier and the legendary Lighthouse Cafe—two of the locations where La La Land was filmed. LA isn't just a backdrop—it's a feeling. Maybe you won't break into song on a freeway overpass or lock eyes with a jazz pianist across a crowded room, but this city still knows how to set the scene for something magical. With GetYourGuide, you can find the experiences that make you feel like you're in your own modern-day movie—camera not required, but definitely encouraged.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Secrets of Notre Dame restoration among travel experiences money actually can buy
Years ago, the concept of sightseeing formed the foundation for most holidays. But a new generation of travellers now seeks to experience destinations in a different way. Being actively engaged with a place undoubtedly creates more lasting memories and stories to be shared with friends and family back at home. Booking platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator reported a 165 per cent growth in experience bookings between 2021-2024, overtaking traditional sightseeing tour growth which was only 37 per cent. Meanwhile, global travel network Virtuoso reports that 77 per cent of people regard curiosity and exploration as driving factors when planning their trips. The latest operator to offer immersive experiences is accommodation rental platform Airbnb. Last week, co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky launched a series of unique experiences designed to offer a different perspective on destinations around the world. Speaking at a glitzy event in LA, he said: 'We're changing travel again. This is about exploring a city with those who know it best.' Among the 22,000 experiences available in 650 cities around the world are a cookery class with a ramen master in Tokyo and the chance to get in the ring with a real-life luchador wrestler in Mexico City. Elsewhere you can learn the art of cake decoration at the LA bakery loved by Reese Witherspoon and Barbra Streisand, indulge in private farm-to-table dining in Barcelona, or enjoy a game of volleyball with a Brazilian Olympian on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The holiday rental giant – founded in 2007 by three friends who rented out an air mattress in their San Francisco apartment – has made good use of its pulling power to pull in help from a few A-listers. Another of the listed 'experiences' is the opportunity to hang out with singing sensation Sabrina Carpenter. The unifying theme for all tours is authenticity. More than half of Brits rank this as one of the most important factors when booking a tour on holiday, findings from a survey by Airbnb suggest. The world of credible guiding has come on leaps and bounds since the dreary days of 'copy-and-paste' walking tours based on facts lifted straight from Wikipedia. Here are a few of the top one-of-a-kind experiences to book from Airbnb's new collection. Secrets of an Icon The world watched in horror in the spring of 2019 as one of Paris' most beautiful and cherished buildings was engulfed in flames. Now, after several painstaking years, Notre Dame has risen from the ashes and one of the people who played a part in its rebirth is now leading one of Airbnb's most exciting new original experiences. With a background in design and historic preservation, one of the project's architects promises to share her unique insight into the cathedral's challenging restoration during this 90-minute tour. From £71pp. Alone with Michelangelo Filled with baroque beauty and renaissance splendour, the Vatican is home to some of the world's greatest cultural treasures. Chief amongst them is Michelangelo's masterpiece: the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Rome-based company LivTours offers the rare privilege of witnessing the heavenly art without any crowds as part of a special guided tour held before the galleries open to the public. But with prices starting at around £420 per person, such a treat doesn't come cheap. From £420pp. Time for tea Listen in as a former butler to the Royal Family lifts the lid on royal protocol over a spot of afternoon tea at a fancy spot just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. Led by an expert in etiquette, who spent years serving King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as the late Queen Elizabeth II, guests learn how to make proper introductions, which piece of cutlery to use and how to sip tea correctly. Tuition is peppered with wonderful stories about the Royals which you won't hear anywhere else. From £135pp.
