Latest news with #souvenirs
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
National Games ticketing to start in August for Hong Kong, 3 months before event
Tickets for the National Games will be available in Hong Kong from August, three months ahead of the event, to synchronise with sales in Macau and on mainland China, the head of the local coordination office has said. Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office, said on Tuesday that the tickets would be sold on a unified platform to ensure easier management. 'We are preparing to sell souvenirs from July, and in August, tickets will go on sale in the three places at the same time,' Yeung told a radio programme. Further details would be announced in due course, he said. Ticket sales will open about three months before the 13-day top national sports event starts on November 9. It will be held in Hong Kong, Macau and parts of Guangdong province. This year's Games mark the first time Hong Kong has co-hosted the event. The city will hold eight of the 34 sporting contests, including the men's under-22 basketball, track cycling, fencing, golf, men's handball, rugby sevens, the triathlon and beach volleyball. Asked whether the launch of ticket sales was too close to the start of the Games, Yeung said a similar arrangement was done in the past.
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Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Packing Hack Lets Me Shop My Way Through Europe Without Paying for Extra Bags
I think I've nailed traveling light to a T. I only bring the bare essentials and try to find items that are multifunctional or can be used for more than one activity (such as versatile sandals that look good while sightseeing but can also conquer hiking trails). However, I must confess: I really only pack lightly on my way into a city and not when I return home, because hand to heart: I love to shop. No matter how many times I visit a city overseas, whether it's Madrid, Rome, or Zurich, which I have popped into more than a dozen times each, I always return home with far too many souvenirs and gifts. While you may scoff at the thought of yet another tourist who buys snow globes and porcelain mugs, I tend to gravitate towards food gifts—artisan sardines from Spain, chocolate from Geneva, and even mustard from Berlin. As you can imagine, packing my suitcase when returning home after a trip abroad can be an issue, but I have a nifty trick: I always bring an extra bag with me, and my go-to is the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at The Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag is my must-bring item whenever I travel. It's not only lightweight but can also be squished and folded into barely nothing when packed. When you need it (like filling it up with Haribo candy from Germany), you can whip it out, and voila—you have another bag that can act as your carry-on or second checked bag. I've tried many different styles and designs when testing out my 'duffel bag' theory, but nothing beats the Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag. It isn't your average duffel bag that you bring to the gym. In its own right, you can use it as your primary luggage, too. The recycled nylon material is incredibly durable and can withstand all the bumps, scratches, and tosses of being transported by airport staff. It's super easy to clean as well—simply wipe the exterior with a wet cloth to keep it looking brand new. On my last trip to Crans-Montana, Switzerland, having a bag that could be easily cleaned was crucial after hiking, running, and cycling in the muddy woods. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at For travellers who like to move around easily and hands-free, the Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag can also convert into a backpack. Equipped with secure and stable straps on one side, you can hoist the Allpa onto your back and move freely. On my last trip to Indonesia, this feature was handy during a volcanic eruption evacuation. Rather than dragging my luggage with wheels and fighting through crowds, I simply placed the duffel on my back and ran to the taxi rank to jump on a boat. I appreciated the straps, but if you don't want the extra weight, you can remove the backpack harness altogether. Like most Cotopaxi bags, the Allpa Getaway comes with added security, including multiple zippers and handy zippered pockets to keep your documents and other important items safe. There are also additional exterior compartments, which I appreciated on my last trip to Berlin. Making my way from the airport via the train station and walking to the Adlon Kempinski, I liked having the additional exterior pockets, so I could easily reach into the bag while it was still on my back and grab anything I needed. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at As a second piece of luggage to hold all my souvenirs, the duffel bag continues to shine and impress me each time I travel with it. One of the greatest benefits is the ability to pack it up when not in use. The Allpa Getaway Duffel is a hefty 70-liter bag, but it can be rolled up like a puffer jacket into a simple, little packing cube. Other perks include the key clip, which I dangle my wallet with extra cash for emergencies, but there are also multiple grab handles. If you've ever overloaded your duffel bag with too much, you may probably agree with me that handles beyond just the two straps in the middle are important when cradling a duffel bag efficiently. While I love the 70-liter bag, there are different sizes to suit everyone's needs—the 55-liter and even 100-liter bags come in a lot of cool colors, but I've limited myself to the medium-sized bag to tame my shopping habits. Reviewers, however, have shared their love for all three sizes. One Cotopaxi reviewer called it a 'very cool bag' because it could hold so much, adding, 'I really love this bag and plan on also getting my husband one. It's great for a few days of quick, little trips or camping.' Another reviewer said the bag was perfect for their trip to Tanzania. Meanwhile, an additional shopper praised the 55-liter version as the 'best bag ever,' saying it 'fit the perfect amount of stuff for a two-week trip to Morocco.' It makes me wonder: Should I get the 55-liter bag as well? Someone, please stop me. Keep scrolling for even more tough, travel-ready duffel bags from Osprey, The North Face, Yeti, and more—all available at Amazon. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Makkah Markets Open their Doors as Pilgrims Prepare to Depart
As pilgrims near the completion of their Hajj rituals, many have begun spending their remaining time visiting Makkah's renowned markets. Major shopping centers and popular marketplaces are preparing to receive large crowds of pilgrims from around the world. With their departure approaching, many are eager to buy gifts and keepsakes for their families and friends, items that serve as tangible memories of their time in the holy city. Asharq Al-Awsat took a tour through the markets of the Al-Aziziyah neighborhood, a central area situated between the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. Its prime location makes it a preferred hub for Hajj groups and delegations, which has resulted in crowded markets and bustling currency exchange offices. Ahmed Al-Jaafari, a shopkeeper in one of Al-Aziziyah's stores, welcomed his customers with warmth and hospitality. He shared that the most sought-after souvenirs include prayer beads (subha), prayer rugs, miniature models of holy landmarks, decorative engravings, gold jewelry, rings, dates, Qurans with translations, and locally made perfumes. Hajj Muwafaq Mohammed, dressed in traditional attire from southern Baghdad, told Asharq Al-Awsat that he made a point of visiting the markets early to buy useful items and meaningful keepsakes. 'I've traveled to many countries and always explore local markets,' he said, 'but in Makkah, I'm especially captivated by each item and souvenir, as they carry the scent and soul of this sacred place.' At a currency exchange center on Al-Aziziyah Street, lined with hotels accommodating pilgrims from across the globe, long queues formed as visitors in colorful traditional clothing exchanged their foreign currencies for Saudi riyals. The scene reflected the cultural diversity of the global Muslim community and the excitement of those preparing for a final shopping experience before departing. Currency exchange offices throughout Makkah are seeing a steady stream of visitors, many coming from nearby hotels and accommodations. Ayman Al-Mohammedi, an employee at one of the Al-Aziziyah exchange centers, explained that they are equipped to handle over 60 foreign currencies. 'Pilgrims arrive with money from their home countries and look to exchange it for Saudi riyals,' he said. 'The Hajj season significantly boosts activity in the currency exchange sector.' He added that Makkah's currency exchange centers increased their preparedness well in advance of the Hajj season, enhancing their capacity to provide efficient services for buying, selling, and trading foreign currencies across the city.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Airline passenger has checked bag rejected for surprising reason
An airplane passenger has shared the unusual reason their bag was unable to be checked in at the airport. On a Reddit thread, the traveller revealed that while boarding a flight in the US they encountered a rarely heard of scenario. The tourist was told that the bag they wanted to check into the hold was simply 'too light' to check in. Posting in the 'r/delta' Reddit forum, the flight passenger entitled the post: 'My checked bag was rejected for being underweight'. He then went on to explain that the holdall, a spare duffel bag that he used to accommodate souvenirs, was deemed not heavy enough to warrant going in the hold. The flyer explained what ensued, saying: 'Imagine my surprise when the agent said I couldn't check my fluffy bag because it didn't weigh enough. Is this the bizarro luggage counter?' The post continued with the passenger explaining that he was advised to take the bag on to the plane as a 'third carry-on' - but he admitted he was reluctant to do that in case the bag was refused at the gate. The solution? He decided to bulk up the bag with weightier items so it would eventually go in the hold. Others on the Reddit thread explained their theories on why it might have been turned down at check-in. One wrote: 'Might have been too lightweight and flexible to make it through the sorting machines and various belts to get from the bag check conveyor to the plane.' Another speculated that a too-light bag 'could easily be blown from the belt or from the cart.' And plenty agreed that the passenger had made the right move by not trying to board with three carry-on bags: 'Gate agents lately are super strict. Trying to get three obvious bags past them would most likely not work.' At one US airport last week, an unusual 'package' raised eyebrows after a child managed to ride the airport carousel. A two-year-old took a trip on top of Newark Liberty International Airport's baggage conveyer belt after slipping behind a ticketing counter without his parents noticing. The tot then climbed onto the ankle-high conveyer belt where passengers leave their luggage before boarding their flights. The incident occurred inside Terminal A on Wednesday, May 28th, as the child's mother was attempting to re-book a flight on Jet-Blue Airlines. The toddler rode the conveyor belt down to the checked baggage room on the lower level of the airport. Port Authority officers responded to the incident and located the child. Port Authority Police PBA President Frank Conti told Pix11 that the responding officers jumped on the conveyor belt to track down the toddler. 'The two cops were able to move fast into the system,' he told the outlet. Which was vital.' 'There was a split in the belts,' he explained. 'One officer went toward one direction, one toward the other direction.'
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Old Casino Souvenirs - How Valuable Are They
Get answers at the World's Largest Casino Collectibles Show. 'The annual CCA show is a wonderful opportunity to have old casino treasures and souvenirs of any kind evaluated by those in the know.'— Casino Collectibles Assocation LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2025 / / -- For years people have collected casino souvenirs of all kinds - chips, tokens, or any of the hundreds of items casinos branded for promotional purposes. Some surface from time-to-time in attics, catch-all drawers and estates, prompting the owner to wonder if they may have become valuable. Now there's a wonderful opportunity to have these treasures evaluated by those in the know. Dozens of dealers of casino memorabilia will be on hand for just that service at the World's Largest Casino Chip and Collectibles exhibition, Thursday thru Saturday, June 12-14, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. People can bring their memento collection to the 32nd annual Casino Collectibles Assocation show to learn a little history the item(s) and a range of value – not an appraisal – from the casino collectibles world. If interested, many dealers are in the market to buy casino collectibles. More About the Show The Casino Collectibles Association 's annual show is open to the public and is a must-see event for anybody who is fascinated by gaming history. The show features the greatest single-location collection of iconic artifacts and mementos that bring casino history, and memories, to life. Many are symbols of past gaming grandeur that are gone or becoming rare; souvenirs from when the casinos wanted customers to pocket their branded keepsakes as reminders of a memorable experience. Things like gaming chips of all denominations, gaming tokens, dice, slot cards, playing cards, matchbooks, ashtrays, menus, dinnerware, swizzle sticks, casino photos, post cards, signs, table felt – just about anything a casino could put its name on. Over 40 worldwide dealers will be on hand to offer attendees the unique opportunity to examine, buy, sell, or trade casino collectibles. Concurrent to the Show, as part of the Casino Collectibles Association's 501 (c) 3 educational requirement, the club hosts four educational seminars which are offered to the public free of charge. A live auction of hundreds of casino chips and other casino memorabilia is also offered at no charge to show attendees. These bonus activities are held in adjacent meeting rooms at the South Point Hotel and Casino. A complete show schedule is available at the club's website. The exposition is the annual educational effort of the Casino Collectibles Association, a non-profit club with hundreds of members who passionately share the hobby of collecting and preserving the past. Show hours are June 12, 10 AM – 5 PM (admission $10), June 13, 9 AM – Noon (admission $5), and admission is free from Noon to 4 PM June 13 and from 9 AM until 4 PM on June 14. Admission is free every day for First Responders, Active Military, and all casino employees with appropriate ID. Location is Exhibit Hall D at the South Point Hotel Casino, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada. BRAD SMITH Casino Collectibles Association +1 740-244-7445 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
