2+ hour, 29+ min ago (365+ words) Architect-built cabins and a sauna blend seamlessly into the High Weald landscape and make the most of its magnificent views I sat stock-still on a bench fashioned from a fallen silver birch, scanning the woods for a sudden movement or a flash of blue. Deer and kingfisher visit this secluded copse and its stream, and I hoped to spot at least one of them. There was a rustle in the undergrowth, but it was only a more familiar winter visitor: a cheery robin. It was a chilly day for wildlife-watching, but that didn't matter to me " I was inside a sizzling sauna, gazing out of a large picture window. In fact, I'was soon sweating so much, I nipped out to the icy-cold shower to cool off. The next time I overheated, I braved a plunge in the cold-water tub. "It…...

2+ hour, 38+ min ago (976+ words) Published 30 November 2025 LOT Polish Airlines has officially joined the race to Santa's hometown. From 27 November 2025, the Polish flag carrier is operating new direct flights from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, giving Central and Eastern European families a fresh way to reach the Arctic Circle " and potentially bring down the cost of a once'in'a'lifetime Lapland holiday. [1] The new Warsaw'Rovaniemi route is LOT Polish Airlines' first scheduled connection to Finnish Lapland and currently its only regular service to any airport in Finland. [2] Key details of the route: According to LOT's own press office and timetable announcements, flight LO477 leaves Warsaw at 11:35, with the return flight LO478 departing Rovaniemi at 16:50, giving passengers almost a full final day in Lapland before heading home. [5] Finland's airport operator Finavia describes the link as the first ever scheduled winter route between Poland and Rovaniemi, underlining its…...

4+ hour, 7+ min ago (603+ words) With an increasing number of foreign tourists visiting China, the sight of foreign nationals dressed in Hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese clothing, at scenic spots across the country has become a captivating cultural phenomenon. "This is a must-do if you ever come to China. I will have these pictures forever. How incredible," Savano said excitedly in her China vlog. Just like Savano, more and more foreigners are embracing this brand-new way to get immersed in the Chinese culture, sharing their pictures on social media platforms. By June, the #Hanfu hashtag on TikTok had amassed nearly 300,000 videos, fueling a global fascination with traditional Chinese fashion. Adjacent to the Forbidden City, the Wangfu Century Plaza has become a popular destination for tourists who want to wear traditional Chinese costumes, put on makeup and have a hairdo. The building now houses hundreds…...

6+ hour ago (1238+ words) Tenerife has become synonymous with fly-and-flop holidays and cheap winter getaways. Zero judgement here: we've always got time for a no-frills escape. For some, though, it means that the largest of the Canary Islands has been dubbed, rather unfairly, as a one-trick pony destination with all-inclusive cocktails, full English breakfasts, karaoke, and nothing more. But from pristine beaches to authentic, locally-run restaurants, there's a lot more to this volcanic island than you might think. And there's never been a better time to venture off Tenerife's beaten path, as the Canaries has just landed on Fodor's "no' travel list for 2026. Earlier this month, Metro spoke to local experts, who shared their favourite under-the-radar spots for those planning to enjoy some Tenerife winter sun " without the crowds. They might make you reconsider what you think you know about one of the UK's…...

12+ hour, 41+ min ago (419+ words) Study explores how design, interactivity, and presence in non-immersive VR influence learning, enjoyment, and motivation to visit Research Corner | A partnership between Macau Business and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) The study, led by Penny Wan, Don Wu, Zhanyue Zhang, and Alan Cheng, surveyed 335 participants who explored the Hong Kong Railway Museum resorting to an online guided tour. The researchers applied the Stimulus'Organism'Response (S'O'R) model, coupled with an aesthetics framework, focusing on three design elements: interface design, interactivity, and presence. Their findings showed that both design aesthetics (such as color, layout, and harmony of the interface) and presence (the sense of "being there) significantly boosted the perception participants had of the VR tour's utilitarian value (usefulness for learning and planning) and its hedonic value (fun and enjoyment). Consequently, these led to positive attitudes toward VR. Surprisingly, interactivity, here considered…...

13+ hour, 57+ min ago (609+ words) Lisbon has pulled off a festive surprise this year, storming its way into the ranks of Europe's most beloved Christmas destinations. Wonderland Lisboa has officially been named one of the Top 5 Christmas markets in Europe for 2026, according to the influential travel platform European Best Destinations (EBD) " a remarkable achievement for a market making its very first appearance in the continental competition. Even more striking is the company it finished ahead of. Established heavyweights such as Vienna, Cologne, Dresden and Paris, long associated with classic European Christmas traditions, were left behind as Lisbon secured its place among the continent's festive elite. The result underlines Lisbon's growing status as a winter city break favourite and highlights how quickly the Portuguese capital's holiday-season offering has captured the attention of European travellers. This was the first year Wonderland Lisboa had ever taken part in…...

14+ hour, 29+ min ago (616+ words) LIVE the alpine dream in a national park, says writer Siobhan Ludlow. The Yorkshire Dales is the perfect destination for great views and tranquility. Can't make it to the Alps this season? Soak up views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park from the cosy Swiss Ski Station Pod at Catgill Farm instead. This beaut is decked out with cute alpine touches and comes complete with a ski-lift gondola to sip tipples and snuggle up in, a wood-fired hot tub and a three-in-one fire pit/barbecue/pizza oven. Lap up more lush countryside vistas from the master bed, while kids will love the bunks. Read More on Travel WAIL OF A TIME I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands Tiny 'Bali of Europe' town with stunning beaches, "3 cocktails and "20 flights From spring, Cat's Kitchen serves up frothy…...

14+ hour, 30+ min ago (504+ words) Domestic pilgrimages have seen runway growth in the past year, and the year-end is likely to be no different, said industry executives. Notably, a growing number of younger, or Gen Z, travellers are also heading to these destinations for experiencing spirituality, among other activities....

15+ hour, 34+ min ago (788+ words) PARIS " Paris" Louvre museum has approved a ticket hike from 22 to 32 euros ($25 to $37) for non-European visitors from January to help finance an overhaul of the building whose degradation has been exposed by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist. The measure comes as other major cultural sites across the country, including the Palace of Versailles, are considering similar moves to bring extra money needed for costly maintenance and renovation. The Louvre ticketing changes come as part of a decade-long plan to modernize the museum. Security breaches that allowed the 88 million-euro ($102 million) theft highlighted the urgency of the situation. On Friday, a suspect in the Louvre robbery was handed preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, the Paris prosecutor said Friday, meaning all four alleged members of the team caught on camera stealing the jewels are in custody. From…...

18+ hour, 25+ min ago (320+ words) Overtourism in a town known as the Venice of the Cotswolds may have "reached breaking point" as residents say visitors are now "fed up" with the crammed experience. About 100 locals aired their concerns about tourism in Bourton-on-the-Water at a meeting on Thursday with leaders from Gloucester County Council and Cotswold District Council. Bourton Residents' Voice, a local group that organised the meeting, said it was not against tourism but wanted to achieve a level that was sustainable for the village. One resident told the meeting at Bourton Baptist Church that visitors seem "fed up" and "massively disillusioned". "They are not happy with the experience," he said. "It's starting to turn. Perhaps we've reached the breaking point this summer." One woman, who has lived in Bourton-on-the-Water all her life, said the number of visitors had never been so high, according to…...