Airbnb bans one-night New Year’s Eve bookings across the world in bid to stop properties being used for ‘disruptive parties’ The anti-party restrictions are in effect in 11 countries, from the U.S to the UK The heightened rules are being rolled out following a successful trial last year Airbnb’s NYE defences have been activated over … Read more
We’re told we are heading to the sorting office to deliver some festive letters. But when Sparkle the elf pushes open the door to the log cabin, surrounded by fir trees and lashings of snow, it’s the man himself who greets us – the real Father Christmas. From a front-of-a-festive-card perspective, he looks very convincing. … Read more
The Inspector calls at a hotel in a ‘magnificent’ building that’s perfectly placed for exploring York’s highlights… but he complains that it feels ‘dull and corporate’ The Inspector checks into The Grand hotel, which lies near York train station The building it occupies was once home to the North Eastern Railway Company Remember, he pays … Read more
An ex-footballer whose emotional reaction to winning a £1m lottery jackpot went viral quit his building job to travel the world with his partner. Terry Kennedy, 29, was a teammate of England star Harry Maguire at Sheffield United before being forced into early retirement due to a knee injury in 2016. But after scooping the … Read more
The Stellenbosch/Franschhoek region of South Africa is ideal for viticulture. It’s where you’ll find the Leeu Estate, where husband-and-wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux (above, with their children) make wine There’s no contest. Australia’s Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and Mornington Peninsula, Napa Valley in the USA, Marlborough in New Zealand — all spectacular but no match … Read more
Money’s tight but yearning for a little luxury? Why a trip back in time on the lavish Belmond British Pullman train is just the ticket for a feel-good daycation Ben Douglas climbs aboard the Belmond train for a festive round-trip from London Victoria to Oxford He says that the train, the sister train to the … Read more
Some of the hottest destinations for Britons for 2023 have been revealed, with the shortlist including Madeira, Melbourne, Jacksonville and Minneapolis. According to a study by a flight comparison website, Madeira and Melbourne are next year’s two ‘best-value destinations’ as return economy flights from the UK have dropped 22 per cent and 19 per cent … Read more
Pictured: The world’s highest ATM, churning out cash from a staggering altitude of 15,300ft in the snowcapped mountains of Pakistan The record-breaking ATM sits on the Khunjerab Pass by the border with China Operated by the National Bank of Pakistan, the ATM is solar and wind-powered It’s used by guards working at the border and tourists … Read more
Yule be dazzled in festive New York: The ultimate guide to Christmas shopping in the Big Apple (and where to stay for complimentary hot chocolate and ‘Santa letter’ stationery) Plenty of tour firms can arrange mini-break packages for Christmas shopping Don’t miss the iconic window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and more Browse the … Read more
Lora McLaughlin Peterson has shared a handy step-by-step guide to bringing pets into an aircraft cabin A TikTok influencer has revealed a handy hack for bringing pet pooches into an aircraft cabin. If you buy your dog an airline ticket, you can place the animal in a ventilated pet carrier (which also accommodates cats) that slots … Read more