Latest news with #Madagascar
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
27 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit Before They Get Too Popular, According to Travel Advisors
Travelers crave the opportunity to get away from the crowds, immerse themselves in local culture, and be the first to visit a place before it gets too popular. We asked our A-list travel advisors to share their favorite under-the-radar destinations before they become overly touristed. "Sardinia is where Italians go to escape the hustle and bustle, and it's easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and wild landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard. Big luxury resorts are just starting to appear, so travelers should experience the island's laid-back charm before it gets too crowded." — Angela Adto Tepper, AZA Luxury Travel "The Baja California peninsula in Mexico has activities for all travelers, including the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, the whale mating grounds of Laguna San Ignacio, and magical towns like La Paz, Todos Santos, and Loreto. The exceptional wines and cuisine of the north are a closely-held secret among southern Californians, but new luxury hotels like Banyan Tree are drawing attention." — Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico A pack of lemurs in Madagascar. Yann Guichaoua-Photos/Getty Images "Madagascar can now be reached via Dubai, Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, while new luxury lodges like Voaara and Miavana means greater comfort. The country is home to a plethora of unique cultures, distinctive flora like giant baobab trees, and lemurs which are as cute and furry as you imagine. " — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah "Gargano, in northern Puglia, is Italy's most overlooked coastline. Take a boat along the incredible faraglioni (rock formations), taste incredible southern Italian cuisine in the small towns, and visit the countryside for hiking and swimming. Don't skip Monte Sant'Angelo, which is said to have been visited by the Archangel Michael. " — Zoe Shapiro, Stellavision Travel Apple orchards in Asturias, Spain. "Asturias in northern Spain is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, the region boasts lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and cute villages. The region is renowned for its food and unique cider, served with a traditional pouring technique. With new high-speed trains and new flights, accessing this captivating area has never been easier." — Nigel Hack, Madrid & Beyond "The Southern Highlands, just south of Sydney, is largely undiscovered by international visitors—yet the region provides a rich diversity of experiences. Hike to hidden waterfalls, tour historic townships, meet local winemakers, hunt for truffles, spot kangaroos, and more. Fabulous new boutique hotels like Osborn House and Moss Manor entice visitors to stay a little longer. " — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings "Mongolia offers a blend of vast, pristine nature and unique cultural experiences, such as horseback riding with golden eagle hunters. It also boasts a growing fashion scene, highlighted by Michel & Amazonka, the brand that made headlines for its costumes at the Paris Olympics." — Undraa Buyannemekh, Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camel Lodge Driving in Bolivia's salt flats. Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure "Bolivia has an amazing diversity of ecosystems, including the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni; the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; and the Amazon River. The local culture is diverse, with a large Indigenous population whose traditions and languages are deeply integrated into everyday life." — Carola Fresno, Timbuktu Travel "The Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand's South Island is rarely visited by foreign travelers. That means uncrowded mountain hikes, biking trails, horse riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, and stargazing. Luxury lodge Flockhill Station has 36,000 acres to explore, while direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch (just 90 minutes from Craigieburn Valley) have made the region easier to get to." — Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings "Antarctica is an exciting frontier with glacier hikes, emperor penguin encounters, helicopter rides, and futuristic basecamps featuring outer space-inspired pods and chef-prepared meals. Tour companies like White Desert, Ultima Antarctica, and Antarctica21 offer access via aircraft or smaller ships with under 100 passengers. " — Ruchi Harnal, Harnal Travel "Tangier and, more broadly, northern Morocco, are wonderful up-and-coming destinations to visit. Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on the Mediterranean and La Fiermontina Ocean on the Atlantic Coast offer world-class accommodations so travelers can explore the area in comfort. " — Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel Elephants in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park. jacques"Mozambique has transformed Gorongosa National Park, once a conflict-ravaged landscape, into a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors can experience it through game drives, night safaris, waterfall hikes, and rare pangolin conservation encounters. Accommodations like the luxurious Muzimu Lodge and intimate Chicari Camp offer premium comfort and privacy deep within this reborn wilderness." — Karin Jones, Artisans of Safari "Abruzzo is where Italy's raw beauty comes alive. Gran Sasso National Park has trails that weave through medieval villages, crumbling castles, and valleys where wild horses still roam. On the Costa dei Trabocchi, wooden fishing platforms stretch into the sea, serving up the freshest catch in the most atmospheric setting imaginable. The Tirino, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, is perfect for kayaking." — Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario - Discover Your Italy "The Japanese city of Onimichi is experiencing an uptick, though it remains off the tourist circuit. The pioneer is Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, who recently opened Azumi Setoda, a 22-room ryokan (Japanese inn) on the island of Ikuchijima. Visit extraordinary cliffside temples offering cinematic views, eat delicious food including ramen and pastries, island-hop via ferry or private boat, and explore the serene landscape by bicycle." — Mark Lakin, The Legacy Untold Travel "Slovenia is quietly rising in popularity, with fairytale lakes like Bled, charming coastal towns like Piran, and a storybook capital, Ljubljana. What's truly special is the variety of activities offered in such a compact area. Alpine adventures, wine tasting, wellness retreats, and the Adriatic Sea are all within a couple of hours' drive. " — Laura Asilis, Travelwise Kotor, Montenegro. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure "Montenegro has the drama of the Amalfi Coast, the heritage of Croatia, and the laid-back charm of the Mediterranean—all without the crowds. Spend the morning exploring medieval towns like Kotor and the afternoon sailing through seemingly untouched bays. Luxury hotels are beginning to quietly move in, but it still feels like a secret." — Dasha Westerfield, River Oaks Travel "Albania's stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea rival the Amalfi Coast (minus the crowds), while charming mountain villages like Theth offer untouched beauty. The food scene is wildly underrated. Think fresh seafood, homemade rakia, and farm-to-table everything. What makes it really special, though, is the warmth of the people." — Kristin Winkaffe, Winkaffe Global Travel "Nafplio is the kind of spot Athenians escape to for the weekend, but it's still flying under the radar for international travelers. Located just two hours from Athens, it has neoclassical mansions, cobblestone streets, and Venetian fortresses perched above the sea. If you've already done Santorini and Mykonos and are craving something more authentic, this is it." — Desiree Norman, Onēra "The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is full of beautiful culture, rich history, and welcoming people. As the easternmost part of the country, it's full of stunning landscapes and beautiful cities like St. John's that are still relatively tucked away. " — Marc Telio, Entree Canada Wat Xieng Thong temple in Luang Prabang, Laos. Preto_perola/Getty Images "Laos, situated between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, has beautiful landscapes full of mountains, waterfalls, and caves. And its cities—including Luang Prabang, Thakhek, Savannaket, and Pakse—are full of outstanding Laotian restaurants and French boulangeries." — Bob Preston, GlobeBley "Milos is on the brink of becoming Greece's next 'It' island. For now, its lunar-like coastlines, secret coves, and authentic Cycladic spirit are beautifully unspoiled. Multiple high-end properties are being built, so now's the time to experience the raw, serene glory before the secret is out." — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips "Visit the Pacific coast of Colombia for humpback whale watching before it becomes more popular. The pristine area offers unforgettable natural encounters amid untouched beaches framed by lush jungle landscapes. Its remoteness and rich biodiversity promise a deeply immersive experience." — Boris Seckovic, Amakuna Travel "From the awe-inspiring Pyramids to the timeless Nile, Egypt combines deep history with modern comfort. The number of travelers has been low in recent years, providing an opportunity to fully absorb these iconic sites before they become bustling hotspots again. It's a rare and fleeting moment in one of the world's oldest civilizations. " — Chris Bazos, Travelous Northern lights over Nuuk, Greenland. Vadim_Nefedov/Getty Images "First-time visitors to Greenland find themselves moved by the vibrant Inuit culture, spectacular landscapes, and the special charm that comes from being hard to reach. That sense of remoteness might erode after the recent introduction of direct flights from the U.S., but Greenland isn't the next Iceland—it's a different place entirely." — Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips "Uganda is emerging as an exciting destination that blends unique wildlife and top-tier accommodations. The opening of Erebero Hills in 2026 exemplifies this trend, offering luxury amid breathtaking mountains and forests. Additionally, the upcoming Gorilla Forest Lodge is set to further elevate Uganda's appeal to luxury travelers." — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours "Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has a fascinating architectural blend of New Khmer modern, Art Deco and French Colonial. The style of the city is one of East and West, old and new, classic and casual. And since the average age of Cambodians is just over 25 years old, the city feels incredibly youthful and forward-thinking. It's a hopeful place. " — Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest, in Bhutan. "Bhutan is one of the last truly untouched destinations, where culture, spirituality, and sustainability aren't curated for tourists—they're lived daily. The country's 'high-value, low-Impact' tourism model aims to protect its sacred heritage. And with high-class lodges like Six Senses, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora blending seamlessly into the Himalayan landscape, visitors can experience transformational moments without sacrificing comfort." — Jason Oshiokpekhai, Global Travel Collection
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Rock star offers support to Scots brothers rowing across Pacific
A world-famous rock star has offered his support to three brothers who are attempting to row across the Pacific in record-time. Michael Balzary – better known by his stage name, Flea – is the bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, and is the latest celebrity to back Scottish brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean. On Sunday, the brothers marked 100 days of their non-stop, unsupported row from Peru to Australia in a bid to raise money for clean water projects in Madagascar. The entire trip will be around 9,000 miles, and the Macleans are expected to complete their challenge within the next 20-30 days. Celebrities including actor Mark Wahlberg, rugby star Blair Kinghorn, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and actor and comedian Greg Hemphill have also backed the brothers. Ahead of the 100-day mark, Flea spoke with the brothers via a podcast, where they bonded over the challenge and revealed how living with your brothers or bandmates can lead to difficulties. Flea, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, said: 'For us … (the Chili Peppers) we were together and touring for 10 years before we started becoming a really popular band and really making money. 'Without those 10 years, if that would have happened in the beginning, we would have fallen apart right away. 'I think it's really rare … Like, if you hear about a young artist that puts out their first record and they're a big success — very, very rarely do they continue on having a career that works. Something about just paying your dues. 'Like you already rode across the Atlantic (the brothers completed this voyage in 2019). But I'm sure before you did that, you did a million little trips where you learned how to do it. Learned what it is to be stuck on a boat with each other for months. 'There's days when we f***ing hate each other. And that's when it's really hard. When you can live together and everyone's getting along, it's this magical thing — you're this travelling entity and it's all love.' The brothers' 28ft (8.5m) carbon fibre boat, Rose Emily, is named in memory of their late sister. It has no engine and no sail and the brothers are powering their way across the ocean in two-hour shifts. They left Peru in March on a mission to reach Australia and raise £1 million for clean water projects. While speaking with Flea, Lachlan spoke of how he was washed overboard during a violent storm. Lachlan, who turned 27 while rowing the Pacific, said he was 'lucky' to be attached to his boat by a safety line during 40mph (64kmh) winds and 6m (20ft) waves last week. He was dragged along behind the craft before his brother Ewan, 33, was able to help him to scramble back on board. Flea also spoke about what drives him to keep performing after more than four decades with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He said: 'There's definitely times when I'm running on fumes and I've got nothing. We've been doing this for 43 years or something. And you know, our performance is really physical. I try to stay in the best shape I can. But for me, emotionally, the whole thing is, I'm doing this to be of service. 'I like money as much as the next person, but like a long time ago, I could have retired. I could be eating papayas, taking bong hits on the beach somewhere, you know? 'It's a job to bring joy to people through music. And when I stay in that mindset … because there are so many nights where I'm sitting in a hotel room and it's like, 'I don't wanna get up'. 'I don't wanna go face 50,000 people in the stadium and play a concert. But it's time to go. And it's like, OK, it's not about me. I feel like shit, I'm tired, I got the flu, whatever's going on with me — I'm heartbroken, my wife left me, whatever's going on — but it's like, I have to let go of my life completely and do it. 'Be there for the people. Be there for my bandmates. And be there to honour the tradition of music.' Jamie commented: 'We've got a beautiful sunrise, we're sipping coffees out of baby beakers, and we're chatting to Flea. Doesn't get much better.' They also swapped food stories, as the Macleans shared tales of freeze-dried meals prepped in Jamie's old school kitchen, while Flea reflected on years of bad roadside burgers. 'For years and years, we toured in a van, sitting up all through the night, driving through the night for like six months on end,' he said. 'You kind of start feeling like a caged animal, just eating shitty food … roadside truck stop food, whatever you can get. 'You always pull into town after a show, you're starving and there's just nothing to eat … but now we have it good. We eat like kings.' The podcast, Dinner with the Macleans, is available on Spotify, and YouTube. The brothers have raised around £218,000 so far. To donate, click here.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rock star offers support to Scots brothers rowing across Pacific
A world-famous rock star has offered his support to three brothers who are attempting to row across the Pacific in record-time. Michael Balzary – better known by his stage name, Flea – is the bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, and is the latest celebrity to back Scottish brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean. On Sunday, the brothers marked 100 days of their non-stop, unsupported row from Peru to Australia in a bid to raise money for clean water projects in Madagascar. The entire trip will be around 9,000 miles, and the Macleans are expected to complete their challenge within the next 20-30 days. Celebrities including actor Mark Wahlberg, rugby star Blair Kinghorn, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and actor and comedian Greg Hemphill have also backed the brothers. Ahead of the 100-day mark, Flea spoke with the brothers via a podcast, where they bonded over the challenge and revealed how living with your brothers or bandmates can lead to difficulties. Flea, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, said: 'For us … (the Chili Peppers) we were together and touring for 10 years before we started becoming a really popular band and really making money. 'Without those 10 years, if that would have happened in the beginning, we would have fallen apart right away. 'I think it's really rare … Like, if you hear about a young artist that puts out their first record and they're a big success — very, very rarely do they continue on having a career that works. Something about just paying your dues. 'Like you already rode across the Atlantic (the brothers completed this voyage in 2019). But I'm sure before you did that, you did a million little trips where you learned how to do it. Learned what it is to be stuck on a boat with each other for months. 'There's days when we f***ing hate each other. And that's when it's really hard. When you can live together and everyone's getting along, it's this magical thing — you're this travelling entity and it's all love.' The brothers' 28ft (8.5m) carbon fibre boat, Rose Emily, is named in memory of their late sister. It has no engine and no sail and the brothers are powering their way across the ocean in two-hour shifts. They left Peru in March on a mission to reach Australia and raise £1 million for clean water projects. While speaking with Flea, Lachlan spoke of how he was washed overboard during a violent storm. Lachlan, who turned 27 while rowing the Pacific, said he was 'lucky' to be attached to his boat by a safety line during 40mph (64kmh) winds and 6m (20ft) waves last week. He was dragged along behind the craft before his brother Ewan, 33, was able to help him to scramble back on board. Flea also spoke about what drives him to keep performing after more than four decades with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He said: 'There's definitely times when I'm running on fumes and I've got nothing. We've been doing this for 43 years or something. And you know, our performance is really physical. I try to stay in the best shape I can. But for me, emotionally, the whole thing is, I'm doing this to be of service. 'I like money as much as the next person, but like a long time ago, I could have retired. I could be eating papayas, taking bong hits on the beach somewhere, you know? 'It's a job to bring joy to people through music. And when I stay in that mindset … because there are so many nights where I'm sitting in a hotel room and it's like, 'I don't wanna get up'. 'I don't wanna go face 50,000 people in the stadium and play a concert. But it's time to go. And it's like, OK, it's not about me. I feel like shit, I'm tired, I got the flu, whatever's going on with me — I'm heartbroken, my wife left me, whatever's going on — but it's like, I have to let go of my life completely and do it. 'Be there for the people. Be there for my bandmates. And be there to honour the tradition of music.' Jamie commented: 'We've got a beautiful sunrise, we're sipping coffees out of baby beakers, and we're chatting to Flea. Doesn't get much better.' They also swapped food stories, as the Macleans shared tales of freeze-dried meals prepped in Jamie's old school kitchen, while Flea reflected on years of bad roadside burgers. 'For years and years, we toured in a van, sitting up all through the night, driving through the night for like six months on end,' he said. 'You kind of start feeling like a caged animal, just eating shitty food … roadside truck stop food, whatever you can get. 'You always pull into town after a show, you're starving and there's just nothing to eat … but now we have it good. We eat like kings.' The podcast, Dinner with the Macleans, is available on Spotify, and YouTube. The brothers have raised around £218,000 so far. To donate, click here.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Kidzooona Safari boosts children's confidence via interactive play
These days, children's physical activities are not limited to open fields or outdoor spaces as indoor playgrounds can also serve as fun places to explore, particularly when designed to stimulate movement, imagination and courage. 20 Jul 2025 02:00pm The indoor playground, inspired by the animated film 'Madagascar' and created for children aged two and above, features 16 interactive zones, including a vertical slider and a Tarzan trail. - Bernama photo NILA - Every child has a unique personality, but if given the right space, encouragement and opportunities to interact and play from an early age, they can develop their potential, especially in shaping how they think, act and communicate. These days, children's physical activities are not limited to open fields or outdoor spaces as indoor playgrounds can also serve as fun places to explore, particularly when designed to stimulate movement, imagination and courage. The indoor playground helps boost children's confidence as many of the activities are sensory-based, one of them being the chatting segment during the 'Wau Chat' session. - Bernama photo This is the concept behind Kidzooona Safari at AEON Mall in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, which caters to the needs of active children. AEON Fantasy Malaysia general manager of operations Muhammad Hakmi Yahya said the indoor playground, inspired by the animated film 'Madagascar' and created for children aged two and above, features 16 interactive zones, including a vertical slider and a Tarzan trail. "We specifically designed it for children who have high energy levels because we understand that Malaysian children are very active. So, our concept really fits the Malaysian market,' he said when met by Bernama during the launch of Kidzooona Safari yesterday. Preschool teacher Fazillah Mohd Salleh said she was thrilled to see the changes in the behaviour of her pupils, especially those who are usually passive in class, while at Kidzooona Safari. "I noticed my less active pupils became more enthusiastic once they arrived here. Not only that, their social skills improved because they were able to interact with other children who came to play here. It indirectly helps develop their social-emotional and cognitive growth,' she said. The indoor playground helps boost children's confidence as many of the activities are sensory-based, one of them being the chatting segment during the 'Wau Chat' session. - Bernama photo Fazillah added that the indoor playground helps boost children's confidence as many of the activities are sensory-based, one of them being the chatting segment during the 'Wau Chat' session. "There may be parents who rarely bring their children out, so they're not used to socialising with others. But when such children come to a place like this (Kidzooona Safari), they feel happy and confident enough to jump and play freely because no one is scolding them,' she said, encouraging parents to expose their children to such activities. Actress Farah Nadia Zainal Abidin, 35, better known as Nad Zainal, said interactive playgrounds like this are her top choice as they offer a safer and more comfortable environment for young children. The mother of three added that the cleanliness of indoor playgrounds and the presence of staff to supervise the children are also key reasons she chooses to bring her children to such recreational centres. "I usually prefer indoor places because I don't have to worry about the heat or rain. The kids can play freely, staff are monitoring them and as parents, we can just relax or watch from a distance,' she said. The celebrity added that this type of environment is also an ideal space for children to socialise and build self-confidence in a healthy way, without relying on gadgets. "I definitely limit gadget use at home. So, places like this give them the opportunity to socialise in a more fun and active way,' she said.- BERNAMA More Like This
New York Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Beware of ‘Swiper,' a Fox at Grand Teton Park With a Penchant for Footwear
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, known for its majestic mountain vistas and rich flora and fauna, has recently added another distinction of sorts: A wily fox there has been surreptitiously relieving campers of their shoes. 'Wanted for grand theft footwear,' the National Park Service announced with a poster featuring an illustration of a fox gripping a sneaker in its teeth. 'Crimes: Stealing left shoes (they taste better), flip-flops and campers' pride.' The whimsical wanted poster, which branded the fox the Sneaker Snatcher, the Midnight Mismatcher and Swiper the Fox, was part of the park's initial effort to warn campers that parkgoers' shoes had been vanishing. An accompanying poster stapled to a pole near the Lizard Creek Campground tallied 19 stolen pieces of footwear and suggested that the culprit was still on the prowl: '0 days since last fox/shoe incident.' But last week, as the tally of purloined footwear rose to 32, Grand Teton posted a video to Instagram scolding campers for intentionally leaving out their footwear as offerings for the thieving fox — 'just in case he visits.' In the video — set to audio of a scene from the 2008 animated movie 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa' — a would-be camper leaves a pair of hiking boots outside a tent and the Sneaker Snatcher, played by a stuffed and mounted fox, thanks them for the sacrifice. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
