Latest news with #budgettravel
.jpeg%3Ftrim%3D0%2C2%2C0%2C1%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
U.S city tops Time Out ranking of the 20 best places in the world for nightlife
Las Vegas has suffered a drop in visitor numbers recently, with " ridiculous prices" to blame. But there's more than one reason to go against the grain and book a vacation there. For one, we revealed insider tips for enjoying Sin City on a budget, from the best-value hotels to book to a pro tip for getting a discount after you've checked in. Secondly, it's just been crowned the global nightlife capital. It tops Time Out's 20-strong ranking of the best cities in the world for nightlife for 2025. The list was compiled by a survey of 18,500 people around the world, who were asked about nightlife and going out in their city. Each city was ranked according to how locals rated the quality and affordability of the nightlife scene, from clubbing to entertainment, coupled with the thoughts of Time Out city editors, and arts and culture writers. Las Vegas is lauded by Time Out for its DJ-oriented raves and hidden speakeasies. Las Vegas expert Ryan Slattery says: "Nightlife in Las Vegas famously centres around top DJs spinning EDM or hip hop in enormous resort nightclubs. "But in recent years, there's been a shift to a more low-key nightlife venue: the cocktail bar." He continues: "Many of these cocktail lounges – Stray Pirate, Doberman and Nocturno, to name a few – can be found in the city's thriving Arts District, a walkable downtown neighborhood of vintage shops, breweries and restaurants. "Vegas also has a slew of tiki bars and dozens of speakeasies; spots hidden inside a working barbershop, behind a bookcase of a Mamak stall at Resorts World or in the basement of the Mob Museum. There's even one called The Lock that you crawl into through a safe door." Second place in the ranking goes to Madrid, "home to an incredibly diverse nightlife scene with outstanding bars and clubs". In third place is Paris, which Time Out acknowledges is expensive, but declares that going out there is "worth every penny". The guide adds: "Parisian nightlife is going through a new golden age right now with Queer collectives like La Créole, Divin0 and Le Bunker lighting up the city with joyous, inclusive and intersectional parties where dancehall, perreo and afrobeats ring out, proving that techno no longer has a monopoly on the dancefloor." World's Best Cities for Nightlife in 2025 Las Vegas Madrid Paris Shanghai Berlin Melbourne Brighton Mexico City Dubai Mumbai Cape Town Warsaw Bangkok Lagos Cairo Riyadh Amsterdam Medellin Marrakech Athens
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
10 travel tips and essentials for your 2025 summer getaway
ANYONE itching to get away on their next trip, now is a great time to look around, because there are endless deals for families, couples and solo travel seekers to enjoy this summer. We've rounded up some of the best travel offers, attractions, travel essentials and day-out discounts to make the most of the holiday season, without blowing your budget. There are plenty of ways to enjoy incredible experiences for less, and we've selected some of the top travel products, destinations, and brands to unlock brilliant savings. With so many options to choose from, planning a memorable trip has never been easier. Check out our top travel picks below. 1. Ubigi Sign up for a free Ubigi account and get a 500MB worldwide data plan If you're heading on a sunny holiday abroad this year, a travel eSIM is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to stay connected. Ubigi is a hassle-free data-only eSIM letting you avoid typical carrier roaming charges, SIM swaps, or patchy public Wi-Fi to deal with. With Ubigi, you get instant mobile data in over 200 destinations with 5G speeds in 60+ countries and unlimited data plans in more than 50. Right now, you can get a FREE 500MB worldwide data plan instantly. All you have to do is create a free Ubigi account, plus you'll also get 10% off your first purchase. Setup your eSIM and your data plan will be ready to activate when you need it, and you can always top up easily anytime with the free Ubigi app. Sign up for free today and claim your 500MB data plan, plus 10% off your first purchase – both applied automatically after registration. 2. Tootbus London 10 Book now and get 40% off by using the code: CHECKLIST40 BUY HERE Looking for a day out that the whole family will love? The Tootbus London Discovery Tour is perfect for little ones, parents, and grandparents alike. Formerly The Original Tour, Tootbus has been delighting visitors in the capital since 1951 and is now the world's first low-emissions sightseeing bus company. Right now, you can save 40% off tickets with code: CHECKLIST40 at checkout. This experience allows you to hop on and off at your own pace, seeing London's most famous landmarks from 4 metres high on an open-top bus. Make a full day of it exploring the capital's must-see sights. For families with little ones, choose the Tootbus Kids Tour for a quick 45-minute tour with live, entertaining guides and child-friendly all ages. 3. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik 10 Visit the website to plan your stay at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik BUY HERE Those after a luxury holiday, get ready to discover timeless elegance at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. The historic five-star hotel is perfectly positioned at the gates of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-protected Old Town, and it's an ideal holiday destination full of exploration. First opened in 1897 and beautifully reimagined in 2005 as Croatia's first Hilton, this landmark property blends period charm with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy panoramic sea and city views, refined service, and easy access to Dubrovnik's cultural treasures and sun-soaked beaches. The hotel features two stylish dining venues, a health club with an indoor pool beneath a glass dome and much more. 4. Titanic Exhibition Book your tickets now For an educational day out the whole family can enjoy, nautical fans can step aboard and experience the history and story of the world's most famous ship. The Titanic Exhibition is touring locations across the UK, offering a fascinating and immersive experience, so visitors have the chance to discover genuine artefacts from the Titanic, props, costumes, and set pieces from the iconic blockbuster film. Through captivating displays, recreated rooms, and moving personal stories, you'll get a unique glimpse into life on board the ill-fated ship, from its luxurious first-class cabins to the working conditions below deck. Perfect for history enthusiasts, film lovers, and families alike, the exhibition will visit: Manchester (31st July – 24th August) Exeter (15th – 31st October) Aberdeen (28th March – 12th April 2026) More dates and locations will be announced soon. 5. Bottega Shop Now BUY HERE Summer calls for a raised glass, and if your drink of choice is Prosecco, there's nothing better than Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC Brut. Boasting its bright straw-yellow sparkle and lively bubbles, this elegant Prosecco is a little bit of sparkling sunshine in a glass. Fans can expect fruity, floral notes of apple, pear, citrus, and delicate white flowers. It's the perfect partner for sun-drenched aperitifs, patio dinners, or poolside parties. More than just good looks and great taste, Bottega Gold is made with passion and care, using highly selected grapes and a meticulous production process. Even the iconic gold bottle uses eco-friendly, water-based varnish and a back label made from recycled ocean plastics. 6. Raffya 10 Get 15% off when you sign up for the newsletter BUY HERE Raffya is where boho-inspired style meets timeless, soulful fashion. Dreamt up in the UK and brought to life by travels through Balinese markets, Indian bazaars, and Morocco, Raffya's collections fuse captivating prints from across the globe with ancient heritage techniques. From easy-breezy dresses to beautifully embroidered skirts, every item is made to feel effortless and special. These pieces are designed to transcend seasons and generations. Loved by the likes of This Morning stylists Claire Hall and Nina Ambrose, and also seen on Lucy Mecklenburgh. Raffya's all-seasons boho fashion is made for women and kids with wanderlust in mind. Standouts from the collection include the Mirella Smocked Waist Skirt, Arabella Embroidered Dress, and the Diamond Plait Neck Maxi Dress. Save 15% off your purchase by signing up for the brand's newsletter. 7. Holiday Claims Bureau Visit the website or call 0303 003 4702 to find out START YOUR CLAIM A dream holiday can quickly turn stressful if you suffer an injury or illness abroad, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. If you've been involved in an accident abroad, the experts at Holiday Claims Bureau are on hand to help you make a successful holiday accident claim. Boasting specialists in travel-related injury claims, their team advises holidaymakers to act fast. Whether it happens in a hotel, swimming pool, car, cruise ship, or on a flight, their experienced legal team manages cases on a no-win, no-fee basis and supports you every step of the way. 8. Sparty 10 Book your experience BUY HERE Looking for a nightlife experience you'll never forget? Sparty is Budapest's legendary thermal bath party, where every Saturday (11 months a year, excluding January), the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath transforms into an electric open-air party space. The show fuses music, light and laser shows, and thermal spa culture in one incredible night out. Launched in 1994, Sparty set out to reimagine Hungary's famous bath traditions for a global audience. Now, over 1 million guests later, it's one of Europe's most iconic bucket-list experiences. Thrill seekers can expect live DJ sets, immersive projection mapping by local visual artists, and dazzling performances from Hungarian acrobats. 9. Light Art Museum 10 Book your tickets If you're heading to Budapest this summer, add the Light Art Museum to your must-visit list. It's one of the first museums in the world dedicated entirely to light-based art; the groundbreaking space celebrates the meeting point of art, science, and technology. Here, you'll discover an extraordinary collection of projection mapping, video installations, light sculptures, immersive displays and interactive works. All artworks explore the endless ways light can shape space, emotion, and perception. The exhibition blurs the line between imagination and reality, offering a fascinating look at how artists use light to create unique sensory experiences. This is a modern museum experience unlike anything else in Europe — a must-visit for anyone looking to see contemporary culture from a fresh perspective. 10. Lyons Holiday Park Book your family escape at Lyons Holiday Parks BUY HERE If you're looking for a fun-filled family break by the coast or countryside, Lyons Holiday Parks has you covered. With over 20 parks across North Wales, Snowdonia, and Cumbria, this family-run brand has been creating unforgettable getaways for over 100 years. Close to top attractions like Llandudno, Rhyl, Snowdonia, and the Lake District, it's a brilliant base for exploring. Breaks start from just £99 (with a £50 deposit), making it perfect for families on any budget. Whether it's a seaside adventure, countryside escape, or pet-friendly stay, Lyons offers everything from caravan holidays and luxury lodges to glamping pods and touring pitches. While you're there, you can enjoy free entertainment passes, on-site restaurants and bars, lively kids' clubs, and direct beach access at selected parks.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fans shocked as rock star worth £111m is seen queuing for Ryanair flight
FANS have been left totally shocked after spotting a rock star worth £111m queuing for a Ryanair flight. Not only was this Irish superstar seen about to board a budget flight, but he told a fan: "I don't spend millions on luxury travel." 5 5 5 5 Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof, 73, was the superstar flying with budget airline Ryanair - despite his $150m net worth (£111m). The Live Aid founder was seen by a fan as he waited at the check-in queue for his flight. Seen with his bandmates at Venice's Marco Polo airport, Bob was waiting to board his plane to London, as per reports. One onlooker saw Bob waiting in line and noted how he had queued with regular members of the public who were also flying, for an hour. Fellow passenger Jay Curtis, 39, saw Bob as he was waiting to board the plane. As well as seeing him in line, he also saw him enjoying a croissant and a coffee whilst waiting for his flight, believed to be to London, on Friday afternoon. Speaking to BristolLive, Mr Curtis explained how he had been travelling around Italy and was flying home from Marco Polo Airport in Venice. "There was quite a long queue at the Ryanair check-in, and Bob Geldof was there with the Boomtown Rats," he told the paper. "I had a selfie with him in the line but saw him twice again. "He was sat in a cafe after security about three or four tables away from me, having a coffee and a croissant. Watch as Bob Geldof 'leaks' The One Show secret live on air - leaving viewers 'feeling lied to' "I was just surprised; the guy's worth $150m and he's queuing with everyone else." He then explained how he was "quite shocked" and noted how he "was not priority or anything". Mr Curtis went on to say how Bob and his band "didn't even pay to fast-track security or anything". Mr Curtis, who is a travel influencer, spoke to Bob and asked him: "Why are you flying Ryanair?" I don't spend money on luxury travel. Bob Geldof to fellow plane passenger Bob replied: "I don't spend money on luxury travel." The traveller then explained how his flight to Bristol from Venice was £47. "So he's probably not spent much more than that on his flight," he added. The Irish rocker is widely recognised for his activism and charity work. In 1984, he teamed up with Midge Ure to found the charity supergroup Band Aid to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. Bob and Midge went on to organise the charity super-concert Live Aid the following year and the Live 8 concerts in 2005. 5
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bob Geldof takes Ryanair flight, tells passenger: 'I don't spend on luxury travel
Multi-millionaire Bob Geldof was spotted flying budget with Ryanair from Venice to the UK, saying he doesn't spend on luxury travel. Despite being worth an estimated £111m, Geldof queued with other passengers without using any fast-track or VIP services. A fellow traveller, Jay Curtis, took a selfie with him and later saw him quietly enjoying a coffee and croissant before the flight. Geldof mentioned he had recently played with the Boomtown Rats at a blues festival in Venice.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
More Americans Are Taking A Road Trip This Summer. But Can They Afford It?
Americans are taking more road trips than ever. Here's what it means for you. getty The Great American road trip is back. But it's not the free-spending adventure it used to be. Americans are hitting the highway like never before – Enterprise Mobility reports a record 60 percent of Americans plan on traveling via personal or rental vehicle to their summer destination – but the classic joyride is overshadowed by economic anxiety. This summer is about dodging financial potholes and enduring screensaver-worthy traffic. "The summer road trip offers people the opportunity to explore the country with the flexibility and freedom to go where they want, when they want," says Bridget Long, senior vice president of North American operations for Enterprise Mobility. "Freedom and flexibility are key – and why many are turning to road trips this summer." Here are some of the key trends shaping the 2025 summer road trip: Less is more. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip. No more restaurants. The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout. The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout. Millennials are the most frugal. Of those cutting back on expenses to afford their summer trip, Millennials (75 percent) are more cost-conscious than Gen X (60 percent) or Baby Boomers (48 percent). Other research corroborates Enterprise's findings. For example, a Credit Karma survey also suggests frugality is "in" this summer: 58 percent of Americans are scaling back travel spending, and 56 percent are choosing cheaper options like camping or visiting national parks. "With interest rates still relatively high, and overall macroeconomic conditions evolving, people are making some common-sense adjustments to their travel plans this year," says financial analyst Jay Abella. No question about it, travel is getting more expensive. And travelers have the sticker-shock stories to prove it. Consider Joel Silverstone's recent family roadtrip, which quickly turned pricey. "Nineteen dollar virgin margaritas and $20 chips with bad guacamole," he recalls. "That just kills your vacation." Time to fly? Nope, says Ruth Jennifer Cruz, a tech entrepreneur who crunched numbers. "After years of flight delays and airport chaos, people want predictable travel," she says. "Plus, the cost savings are substantial – even with gas prices, family road trips cost 60 to 70 percent less than flying." Americans are nostalgic for road trips "The road trip renaissance of 2025 reflects something more profound," explains Susan Sherren, owner of Couture Trips. "It's a nation slowing down long enough to appreciate what we have, to understand where we came from, and to create meaningful connections with both places and people." Sherren was surprised when her 85-year-old mother nixed an opportunity to visit Paris in favor of a road trip to see Lincoln's Springfield and the Oregon Trail. It's not all nostalgia. Staying home just feels safer. Jackie Mondelli, Squaremouth's chief marketing officer, cites her company's data: 34 percent of travelers under 40 feel more anxious about flying. "This also feels like a continuation of a trend that started during COVID, when people turned to RVs and road trips to reduce the risk of exposure," she says. "Since then, many have discovered they enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling by car." The control factor is huge, says seasoned road tripper and pro organizer Stephanie Deininger. "People want to explore their own country, not just fly over it," she says. "There's a growing desire to get to know your own state, your own region, your own neighbors. I think this will continue as people crave in-person connection." What does the 2025 road trip look like? Enterprise's data suggests Americans — in addition to saving money and avoiding air travel — are interested in culinary and cultural escapes. It found 50 percent of those surveyed said that their dream holiday includes a combination of relaxing and sightseeing activities, and 46 percent said they are looking to enjoy local food. There may be no better reason to take a road trip. The United States has some of the most diverse cuisine on the planet, from lobster rolls in Maine to Tex-Mex in the Southwest. You can plan your entire trip around food (and it is definitely worth it). And there's plenty to see. Shari Margolin, a travel advisor, just completed an epic road trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. "National parks offer stunning beauty, affordability, and memorable vacation experiences," she says. Most American road trips will take place in July, according to Enterprise. And people are going big. "We've found roominess – the need for extra space – and a large trunk to be two of the top desired features of a rental for summer travelers," notes Long, the Enterprise executive. She says 47 percent of respondents to her survey planned to rent an SUV, and 37 percent are opting for a roomy sedan. How to take a successful 2025 road trip Want to actually enjoy your 2025 road trip? Steal these pro tips: Pack like a pro — and plan ahead. That's the advice of travel advisor Stacie Vinson. On a recent road trip with her toddler, her cooler burst open in the middle of a road trip and she lost her child's water bottle. "I didn't have a backup, and there wasn't a general store in sight for miles," she says. "Needless to say, my toddler threw a tantrum." Her advice: pack carefully — and make sure you have a backup for important items, just in case. Insure the journey: Mondelli notes a surge in road trip policies, which cover breakdowns, rental car damage, even luggage stolen from your car. "You get peace of mind," she says. Cut lodging costs. One way you can do it is by skipping the vacation rental platforms and booking directly with an owner. "Airbnb and take around 20 percent in booking commission fees out of the price," says Rebecca Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, a direct booking site. And one more thing. Be prepared for anything . The summer road trip is unpredictable. There's no easy way to tell how your summer road trip will be affected by politics, safety, gas prices or the expected crowds. And a reality check: Not everyone will be successful at saving money. Americans are set to spend an average of $2,867 per household this summer, according to a recent survey by Allianz Partners — that's a slight increase from last year. The road trippers I talked to for this story say they're proceeding with caution. They're planning their trips carefully, watching their bottom line, and expecting the unexpected. That's always a good idea, but perhaps never more than during the summer of 2025.
