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Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
The overlooked city crowned cheapest for a summer holiday revealed - with £2 pints and cheap flights from the UK
For travellers craving a summer escape that won't burn a hole through their pockets, one overlooked city has emerged as Europe's top budget-friendly destination. According to a new study, Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, outshines 69 other European cities for affordability, in line with combining low costs with an abundance of cultural and historical attractions. The research, which compared the average cost of hotels, meals, drinks, transport, and the number of free attractions, found that a weekend stay costs just £136 - significantly cheaper that major tourist cities such as Paris and Rome. In Tbilisi, a pint of local beer is just £1.64, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs less than £33. Budget diners can even two lunchtime meals for around £16.50 without compromising on quality and flavour. In Tbilisi, visitors can find a range of hotels to suit different budgets, with options from hostels to more upscale hotels. Budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and budget hotels, can be booked for as low as £7-£30 per night on KAYAK and Skyscanner, while mid-range hotels can range from £50 to £200 per night, according to the research carried out by luggage storage company Bounce. The capital's food, drink and accommodation are not only reasonably priced, but it also boasts a range of free culture-rich experiences. Tourists can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (pictured) - one of the largest religious buildings in the world - free of charge Tourists can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi - one of the largest religious buildings in the world - free of charge. Its iconic gold dome and landscaped gardens make it a favourite for architecture fans, photographers or those who want an impressive selfie for their Instagram. Another free must-see is the Bridge of Peace, a futuristic pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River, which glistens at night with thousands of sparkling LED lights. Georgia's diverse and distinctive cuisine is also a highlight, especially for fans of hearty dishes that incorporate a range of fresh herbs and spices. Visitors are urged to try Khachapuri, a cheesy, doughy dish often described as 'Georgian pizza,' as reported by the Mirror. Khinkali, Georgia's iconic dumplings, are also a must-try, characterised by their distinctive shape and a twisted dough 'crown' at the top. The meat-filled dumplings are known for their juicy broth inside, which you slurp out before eating the rest of the dumpling. Transportation in Tbilisi is surprisingly inexpensive, with a 1km taxi ride costing about the same as a pint, while fares for public transport are even cheaper - averaging just 27p. Transportation in Tbilisi is surprisingly inexpensive, with a 1km taxi ride costing about the same as a pint, while fares for public transport are even cheaper - averaging just 27p Meanwhile, a recent study put Prague at the top of the list of destinations that promise the best nightlife, with factors such as food and drink prices, safety and venue density per square kilometer - making bar crawls easier - all considered. The study by Casinova revealed the top ten party destinations in Europe ahead of this summer and found that the Czech capital won hands down. Already established as a popular stag party destination thanks to low-cost flights from destinations across Europe - with flights from around £25 - the city has worked hard to make its nightlife a more sophisticated affair in recent years. Prices for a tipple
Grazia USA
17-07-2025
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Retreat: The EVE Hotel, Sydney
Photo: Supplied When it comes to escaping the UAE heat during summer, the first destination which is the go-to is, naturally, the balmy climes of Europe – namely the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, Bodrum or perhaps a cityscape in the form of Paris, London or, if you're going slightly further afield, New York City. But what about looking to the East of the region? Specifically, southeast towards Australia. As a bucket list destination for many, the country's biggest city, Sydney, is arguably the gateway to the country for many. With a population of over five million, the coastal Australian city has everything from a buzzing cosmopolitan centre to being home to over 100 beaches, as well as being a major cultural hub. In fact, it ranked number five on the global survey for the best cities in the world for culture in 2025 by Time Out – and it was the only Australian city to rank on the list. In recent years, post the pandemic, there's been a huge investment in both the culture and hospitality sectors in the city, with approximately $279 million USD investments in the hotel sector alone in 2025 so far, according to reports, which includes a huge rise in boutique and independent hotels. Perhaps one of the most notable recent hotel openings, tucked into the vibrant heart of Sydney's inner-city Redfern district, is The EVE Hotel. Opened in late 2024, the boutique bolthole has already earned a cult following among in-the-know aesthetes, drawn to its art-filled interiors, sultry rooftop and irreverent personality. A love letter to the creative pulse of Sydney, if you will. From the moment you step through its bronze-framed glass doors, you're immersed in a sensory world that blurs design, culture and comfort, complete with moody lighting, terrazzo floors, and local artworks curated with gallery-level taste. If its Brisbane counterpart, The Calile, which opened its doors in 2018 and has been on the World's 50 Best Hotels list for two years running, is anything to go by, The EVE could very well be on its way to many incoming global accolades. The 102 rooms are equal parts sleek and soulful. Expect high ceilings, curvaceous furniture, Aesop amenities, and thoughtful tech touches that whisper luxury without trying too hard. But what truly sets The EVE apart is its connection to Sydney's cultural lifeblood. The hotel shares a postcode with artist-run spaces, buzzy wine bars, design-forward boutiques and even GRAZIA editor-approved brand Aje's head offices, which give the neighbourhood its enriching character. That's not all, the hotel is also complete with a rooftop pool, which gives a West Hollywood, Los Angeles vibe with its terracotta accents and lush sunbeds. By way of gastronomy, the Greek restaurant Olympus, located in the hotel, is a chic location for drinks and small bites at the bar, or just next door, Island Radio, is an eclectic spot for casual dining and indulging in Southeast Asian street food. The EVE is a hotel that will leave you falling a little bit in love with the city's grit and glamour, and marks the perfect place for the start of a bucket list trip in Australia.
Condé Nast Traveler
11-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
A Town-by-Town Guide to Summer in the Hamptons
Every summer, New Yorkers flock eastward in search of the best towns with sea breezes, sandy shores, and a slower pace. Enter: the Hamptons, a stretch of Long Island's East End that feels worlds away from New York City (though a conservative estimate is a three-hour drive from Manhattan). And while yes, the Hamptons are widely known for being a vacationland for the city's richest residents, we're here to prove that's only part of the story—and there plenty of options for travelers of all kinds. Whether it be laid-back days in Amagansett, designer shopping in Bridgehampton, or catching a wave in Montauk, you'll find an ideal pocket with natural beauty and lots to do—no matter your style of summer escape. This guide takes you on a walk through the Hamptons' most beloved hamlets, beach towns, and hidden gems, with insights on the best dishes, hotels and Airbnbs, and places to see while you're there. Read on for an ultimate roadmap to the East End of New York State, compiled by two native New Yorkers who return to the North and South Fork each summer. Here's how to live out your summer dreams in towns that do laid-back luxury just right. FAQ: When is the best time to visit the Hamptons? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron While summer is obviously when the magic happens, we'd be remiss not to mention some more specifics here. If your goal is to chill, visit during the week if you can, or even on a Sunday. Fridays and Saturdays will consistently be the busiest—and look out for holiday weekend crowds, in particular. That doesn't mean you should shy away from the weekends entirely—just be strategic, and think before you book. If you're thinking of visiting in the off-season, do it. (Just note you'll probably need a car, as transportation options like Uber become sparser, and you'll want to look online to be sure you're headed to places that haven't closed for the off-season.) The North Fork is full of wonderful wineries and vineyards, while Water Mill and neighboring towns have pumpkin patches, seasonal sweet treats, cider tastings, and all the other fall festivities you could dream of. Keep in mind, too, that as seasons have started shifting, September is still a warm month, and even October is full of crisp, pleasant weather. How do I get to the Hamptons from NYC? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from NYC's Penn Station or Grand Central Station and transfer at Jamaica Station (a few trains have a direct option from Penn Station throughout the summer, too). Rent a car: This is a great, reliable option if you plan to drive between towns. Take the Hampton Jitney from Manhattan or the Queens Airport Connection stop in Fresh Meadows (tickets are cheaper when you buy in advance, rather than day-of). Poolside at Seven Beach Lane, a conveniently located hotel in Westhampton Liz Clayman/Seven Beach Lane Westhampton Best for: A low-key weekend in an up-and-coming town The westernmost of the bunch, Westhampton has sometimes been thought of as less luxurious than its fellow Hamptons towns. Let us debunk this myth once and for all, though, because Westhampton has gotten a serious glow-up in the past two years, with new hotels, new restaurants, and even a new giant windmill popping up in the center of town. Last summer saw the opening of Seven Beach Lane, a boutique hotel perfectly situated between the beach and town, and this summer, Three Ducks, an old motel turned chic stay, is making headlines, part of a new wave of Hamptons motels making a statement post-renovation. It seems like people are finally catching on to the fact that being the closest to the city is actually worth bragging about. Start your day at Doza Yoga in town for a hot summer flow, but make sure you book in advance as classes fill up pretty quickly on the weekends. For food and drink, stick with morning classics like family-run Goldberg's (not to be confused with the chain throughout the rest of the Hamptons), for bagels, or Beach Bakery for a pastry (get the croissant jelly roll), but try out newbies like Flora and The Ivy for dinner. Shock Ice Cream and Kaleidescoops will satisfy your sweet-tooth for dessert, and rest assured that you can shamelessly stroll around in your sweats in this neck of the woods. Our favorite Westhampton nightcap is a sunset stroll on Roger's Beach (read: there's no party scene, but it probably won't bother you), which is free to the public after 5 p.m. And if it's still light out post-walk, drive along Dune Road to sneak a peek at some absolutely stunning houses nestled between the beach and bay. Where to stay in Westhampton:
Condé Nast Traveler
10-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Most Exciting Hotel Openings of Summer 2025
Who wants fussy summer plans? Not us. Luckily, this season's most exciting hotel openings are all about low-lift escapes with maximum payoff. We're talking easily accessed spots where you can commune with the great outdoors and beat the heat back home—no passport required—all in a weekend's time (if you must). For example, there's a freshly reborn Ojai classic just ninety minutes from Los Angeles. In Connecticut, a beloved Mystic hideaway adds a luxe new building that's ideal for getting your New England coastal fix. And there's even an intriguing new addition to one of the South's most iconic (and perhaps infamous?) beach towns. Whether you have your sights set on the mountains, the coasts, or the city, these new stays make for the perfect low-key summer escape. Happy travels. Moses Berkson/Hotel El Roblar Hotel El Roblar — Ojai, California Where it's located: Right on Ojai Avenue, with views of the Topatopa Mountains, and just steps from all the best health food cafés and crystal shops. Why we're excited: Established in 1919, Ojai's longest-standing hotel is getting a new lease on life. Previously, it was an all-inclusive, adults-only spa hotel since the 1970's that closed after the Thomas fire in 2017 and never reopened—until now. A new team of hoteliers including Eric Goode, Ramon Shamshiri, Jeremy McBride and Warner Ebbink have turned a new page in the property's history. The design preserves much of the original building's Spanish Revival roots, with a Mission-style arched entryway, stone fireplaces, and Monterey furniture. The 50-room hotel features three new dining outlets, all helmed by chef Brandon Boudet of Little Doms in LA: Condor Bar, a modern Mexican restaurant; an intimate Snug Bar in the lobby; and a guests-only cafe for breakfast and lunch. There is a lovely walled garden at the hotel's heart, complete with a serene pool area for guests. For maximum Ojai vibes, book one of the rooms with a terrace—there's nothing more Ojai than taking in those famed 'pink moment' sunsets from the privacy of your own slice of paradise.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Zawya
Cairo top budget spot for Kuwaitis this summer: Wego
Wego, a leading travel app, has revealed the most popular and budget-friendly short-haul destinations for Kuwaiti travellers seeking a quick summer escape. Cairo remains the most sought-after global destination for Kuwaiti travellers, combining cultural richness and accessibility. Other popular destinations include Amman, Istanbul, Baku, and Tbilisi, each offering unique attractions. Arrivals in these cities have remained stable or declined, with Baku and Tbilisi experiencing double-digit drops in average fares compared to last year's summer. Istanbul saw a decline of 8.28% year-on-year, while Amman fares slightly edged down slightly. Wego's travel tips for affordable summer weekends include comparing flexible dates, setting fare alerts, bundling bookings, booking in advance, and traveling light. By combining flights and hotels in a single booking, travellers can unlock exclusive discounts and added convenience. Securing flights 3-4 weeks ahead can help lock in lower fares before peak demand drives prices higher. Packing only hand luggage helps avoid extra fees, as many low-cost carriers offer attractive weekend fares but charge for checked baggage. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
