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Summer in Menorca is an experience in itself. The Island’s many coves and beaches show off their most idyllic side. Incredible sunsets, night life, arts and crafts markets, the hustle and bustle of the streets, and a packed cultural programme define summer in Menorca. The perfect base for this? The 4-Star Zafiro Hotel. Summer in Menorca is an experience in itself. The Island’s many coves and beaches show off their most idyllic side. Incredible sunsets, night life, arts and crafts markets, the hustle and bustle of the streets, and a packed cultural programme define summer in Menorca. The perfect base for this? The 4-Star Zafiro Hotel. Charming Ciutadella – Zafiro’s Perfect Location Zafiro is just 8km from Ciutadella , the old capital of Menorca, and the central location of the hotel allows you to discover all the magical attractions in the city and its surroundings at your own pace. During our stay, we were impressed with Ciutadella’s huge historic quarter full of churches, palaces and pretty squares. There is plenty to see, from the Gothic cathedral , built in the thirteenth century on the site of a mosque; Sant Nicolau Castle , dating from the eighteenth century; Plaça des Born and Plaça de s’Esplanada , and the small wharf. The  Port of Ciutadella  is also one of the most charming on the island with dozens of docked boats and numerous restaurants awaiting diners eager to sample the region’s delicacies. Of course, an island wouldn’t be an island without its coastline, and Ciutadella boasts one that brightened up our stay. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean can be enjoyed at small coves alongside residential areas such as Cala Morell, Santandria, Cala Blanca, Cala’n Bosch and Son Xoriguer. Or, you can seek out more unspoilt areas, such as Cala’n Turqueta, Son Saura, Es Talaier, Macarelleta, Macarella, La Vall and El Pilar. Spain’s Best Family Hotel ZafiroMenorca has been regularly recognized as one of Spain’s Best Family Hotels , and we can vouch! It is home to 172 spacious apartments that are ideal for families – each more than 40 square meters, equipped with kitchens and with capacity for up to four people. Our room was beautifully designed in soothing, neutral tones, and I believe that the stylish apartments will charm one and all. What really sets Zafiro apart is their luxurious range of rooms. They offer suites with private gardens, or swim-up suites that have a private terrace and exclusive access to the pool, so you can relax in the hotel’s carefree island vibe. From Pools to Playgrounds The  Zafiro Menorca Hotel  provides everything you need to enjoy the relaxation and fun you and your family deserve! There are pools, playgrounds, sports, and organized activities for your family all in a beautiful, quiet space integrated with its natural environment on Menorca. Zafiro boasts several different types of pools, both indoor and outdoor. Main pool : Something that you will always find at Zafiro Hotels is a choice of pools so you can enjoy the sun and the water whenever you wish, with a giant “Wet Bubble” in the center of the pool open to all ages. Swim-up pools:  Spectacular pools with direct access from the ground-floor rooms. Kids’ pool with a pirate ship:  A pool for the little ones where they will slide down the fantastic slides all day long. Guaranteed fun for the youngest members of the family! Indoor pool  and jacuzzi , a place to recharge your batteries and relax. This pool is open and heated in May and October. For the Little Ones Zafiro Hotels also cares about their younger guests, and some of their facilities are designed especially for them. You can discover an extensive activity program in the hotel Mini Club with workshops, games and a playground (bouncy castle and slide included!) where they can spend hours having fun. Zafiro also have an entertainment team with their own mascot, Yzzy , and are always on hand to organise sports, arts and crafts and other group activities. All while you lounge and recharge in the sun. Feeling Sporty? Zafiro provide fantastic facilities and exclusive services for you to play your favourite sports while on holiday! They have a dedicated leisure programme that can help you find activities and things to do in Ciutadella . The hotel has a well-equipped gym, with plenty of treadmills and classes with monitors, so you can keep up with your workout routine or try something new! A stroll around Ciutadella is also the perfect way to get moving, and there are plenty of activities both at the port and in town. The Food While the gym facilities are fantastic, what’s even better is the food. Zafiro promises flavour and originality in every bite, and delivers! The hotel has several different gastronomic choices, from buffets to bars. The Caprice Buffet is designed for you to enjoy the best cuisine. You can try different dishes every day at different theme stations, enjoy live show cooking of delicious dishes freshly prepared by Zafiro’s best chefs especially for you. La Palapa Pool Bar , a stylish bistro that is the perfect place for snacks, ice-creams and lunch. Open from May to September, La Palapa offers simple, tasty and freshly-made à la carte meals and a special menu for children, all just a few metres from the pool! If you get the most out of your holidays, Babalu Bar-Cafe is the perfect place for you. Relax in the afternoon with your favourite drinks, snacks and the most delicious cocktails in a unique setting. In the evening there are often entertainment shows, so you can sip, snack and watch. Zafiro All Inclusive What better way to vacation than to go all-in? Zafiro prides themselves in their unique all inclusive food offering . They promise innovation, produce of the highest quality and, their star ingredient: a lot of love. Their gastronomy features diversity and creativity, coming together in a fusion of incomparable flavours. Usually, international and Spanish based meals are served, but there are several à la carte restaurants (some requiring reservations) where you can dine. Our favourite was the El Pórtico Restaurant , which served us the finest Italian cuisine with pasta, meat and fish dishes as the stars of the show. One of the most enjoyable features of our stay at the Zafiro were the live cooking shows, where Zafiro’s chefs prepare your dish to order right before your eyes! They also prepare themed dinners twice a week from different cuisines, Mallorcan, Mediterranean, Asian or Latin. If you love a good buffet and are wondering what the kids can eat, Zafiro have a family-friendly food offering at each buffet. There are different areas for salads, cheeses, pasta, bread, desserts, all which we took advantage of and loved. They offer exquisitely prepared dishes or the ingredients so that you can prepare any dish you want, all according to your personal preferences. Kids have a special corner where colour, flavour and fun combine to create a correct and healthy diet. The buffet invites guests to decorate their own dishes to feel like a magnificent chef, which helps if you’ve got any picky eaters! Getting There Getting There Ryanair flies twice weekly from Dublin, and flights are also available with Sunway TUI and AerLingus  from Cork and Belfast. From the Menorca airport, it’s a 54km drive to Zafiro . The Ciutadella port is just a 10 minute walk away, too.

Hello! My name is Katie and I’m the new Head of Content and Media with the ITTN group- and this website you’re on right now is my new baby (so cute). I thought I would ‘pop on’ (as the influencers say) to tell you a little bit about me so you can get to know me over the coming weeks, months and hopefully years! So, let’s start at the very beginning: I was born in Dublin with wanderlust coursing through my veins, I dreamt of mountains, busy cities and big open spaces and my parents were restaurant owners. That was my childhood. When I was a teenager, I was naïve enough to think that I could be the next J.K Rowling one day, so I pursued that into early adulthood, and I have a degree in English Literature with Film Studies to show for it. In the tumultuous time between graduating college (and realizing my degree made me only 2% less unemployable than if I hadn’t ever gone to UCD at all), I found my real love: travelling. Having worked in my parents’ restaurant every weekend for seven years and saving up all my Communion and Confirmation money- I started travelling. Being broke enough anyway, I sought out ways to get out of Ireland whilst also earning money. And here’s where the journey begins. Firstly, I worked outside Paris as one of those friendly Eurocamp couriers who leads you by bicycle to your mobile home. That job was a lot more cleaning toilets and making beds than was advertised, but it was one hell of a summer. The following year, I became a manager of a smaller campsite in Carole, Italy. The following season I headed off to Pennsylvania on a J1 visa. A recruiter had mistaken my ‘Film Studies’ on my CV as ‘able to operate a 15k drone and twenty-thousand-dollar worth video equipment and editing software’. So, there I found myself just outside Allenstown, leading two other people in a camera department I knew less than nothing about. I learned two lessons here- firstly, I can teach myself to do just about anything, and always say ‘yes’ and just figure it out later (I did, and I did a good job). My wanderlust expanded then to a three-month group tour for under 25s to South East Asia, a six-month sprint working in a bar in Amsterdam, back to Annecy (France) for another Eurocamp season and then a three month solo-backpacking adventure back to Thailand. It was this sprint in Thailand, Malaysia and Kyoto (Japan) that I began to develop and work in social media in the hospitality industry, and I realized that somewhere I had garnered a really good idea for graphic design, marketing and social media generally. After all my travels, and my pockets emptied, I came back to Ireland in 2017 and thought- ‘I know what I’ll do, I’ll just start a travel agency! How hard could that be?’ WELL. If you’ve ever owned a travel agency, then you know the pain of the Commission for Aviation Regulation and their many thousand rules. I was laughed out of the room by them (hi Gavin), the only solicitor who specialised in travel trade, three separate accountancy firms, two insurers, and at least a dozen real travel agents who told me it wasn’t worth my time (they were right, all forgiven). Through many panic attacks and enough tears to fill the Liffey, I clawed my first travel agent license through with a borrowed cash (!) bond and began operating in 2018. Capture Travel specialized in group travel for student groups, staff tours, mystery groups and escorted wine tours. Things were slow at the start (and there were more tears) but eventually, with no help from anybody, I reached my sales goals by the end of 2019 and things were going just swimmingly . But then, sneaking up on the oblivious world was a wet rat (or something- wet market? Bat?) in China that was about to change all of our lives. I’m not going to even begin to tell you about the tears then. Not because I thought my business was going down the drain, (‘two weeks to stop the spread’ was alive and well at that time) but all the refunds that had to go out that unravelled my 2019 sales goals within a week. Cancellation, refund, cancellation, cancellation, refund, refund. Anyway, I’ll fast forward through the pain. What happened then was- I decided to help other women who were starting businesses at that time and found out loads of other women want to do the same thing. That’s when I founded my second business, Mentor Her- a worldwide platform connecting female Mentors and Mentees, in entrepreneurship, corporate careers and self-development. From there, I started developing marketing strategies that really worked. Mentor Her went viral quickly, with videos amassing 100k+ views and five totally viral videos with over a million likes each. Then, I started helping with other people’s businesses, and their websites- working in the hospitality industry under the Port House brand, writing press releases that got my business into Forbes and others into the Irish Times, Independent, and others, alongside radio spots. Over the last few years, I’ve loved the marketing and the growth, but my heart was calling out for travel once again. Which brings me to a well-timed email to Ms. Sharon Jordan who gave me this baby (Travel Times) to look after and the other baby (Travel2Ireland) to mind and I’m so excited to start this new year with a fabulous team!

When you think of Copenhagen, sandy beaches and swimmable harbours is probably not what comes to mind, but did you know that the Danish capital actually beats well-known coastal cities like Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro? When you think of Copenhagen, sandy beaches and swimmable harbours is probably not what comes to mind, but did you know that the Danish capital actually beats well-known coastal cities like Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro? Copenhagen’s unique swimming spots make it a dream destination for swimmers, with many public spots both clean and beautiful – perfect for a summers’ dip. Here are the top five swimming spots that should be on every swimmer’s itinerary when visiting Copenhagen! Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is an urban oasis located in the heart of Copenhagen. This iconic harbour bath features five swimming pools, including a children’s pool, a diving pool, and a lap pool. With stunning views of the city skyline and ample sunbathing space, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors. The water is impeccably clean, thanks to rigorous water quality standards, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely swim or a fun day out with the family. For those looking for a more traditional beach experience, Svanemølle Beach offers a sandy shoreline and a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Østerbro district, this beach is ideal for a summer swim and sunbathing. The shallow waters make it a safe spot for families with children, while the deeper areas are perfect for more experienced swimmers. Additionally, the beach is equipped with amenities such as changing rooms, toilets, and a lifeguard service during the summer months. Amager Beach Park is a vast 4.6-kilometer-long beach area that caters to all kinds of water activities. Located on the island of Amager, this beach park features lagoons, sand dunes, and grassy areas, providing a versatile environment for swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts. The calm and clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the park’s extensive facilities, including picnic areas, cafes, and rental shops for kayaks and paddleboards, make it a complete day-out destination. Ofelia Plads , situated near the Royal Danish Playhouse, offers a unique swimming experience in the city center. This contemporary public space features a floating platform where swimmers can enjoy a dip in the clean waters of the Copenhagen harbor. The minimalist design and urban setting provide a chic backdrop for a refreshing swim. It’s also a popular spot for cultural events and performances! Kalvebod Bølge, or Kalvebod Wave, is a waterfront promenade and swimming area located on the Kalvebod Brygge waterfront. The area has sunbathing spots, kayak rentals, and even spaces for urban gardening. With a mix of recreational and relaxing options, Kalvebod Bølge is an excellent spot for those who want to combine swimming with a bit of urban exploration. Copenhagen’s commitment to clean and accessible waterways has transformed the city into a swimmer’s paradise. Pack your swimsuit and dive into the waters of this city gem!

Go Croatia Sail, the specialist small ship cruise operator, is offering spectacular four and five-day sailing cruises across the Adriatic Sea between Split and Dubrovnik for groups looking to make memories that will last a lifetime. The desirable setting matched with Go Croatia Sail’s impressive value for money, bespoke itineraries and contemporary onboard facilities, means guests have everything they need whilst being immersed in 360 degrees of stunning Croatian scenery. Prices start from just €450 per person for four days on one of the Classic Plus boats , whilst other additional costs apply for open bar drinks package and excursions. Trips are categorized through age groups, so you can enjoy an excursion with groups ranging from 18-35yrs, 30-49yrs or mixed ages (10-69yrs). Cruise Options Go Croatia Sail offers two fantastic short cruise options and guests can choose to enjoy either a four-day sail starting in Split and then docking at Makarska, Mljet Island (or Sipan Island) and ending in Dubrovnik or a five-day sail beginning in Dubrovnik, ending in Split and stopping off at Korcula Island and Hvar Island along the way. Each day the boat will anchor off the coast to give guests a great opportunity to enjoy a swim in the calm clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Flexibility for group trips is one of the most impressive perks of Go Croatia Sail , ensuring that guest stays are as bespoke as possible for everyone onboard, and a stress-free trip of a lifetime is a given. Providing the boat has been booked exclusively for a group of 16 or more the dedicated Go Croatia Sail team can work with guests to ensure the itinerary is as adventurous or laid back as they want it to be and represents their interests perfectly. In addition, the team can also support with planning optional activities or excursions, at an additional cost, for times off board the boat. Whether guests are seeking the best nightlife hotspots, a relaxing afternoon at Bamboodu Spa in Dubrovnik or wine tasting at Korcula Island, the team can plan ahead to make sure there are plenty of ways for the group to experience Croatia in style. Offering excellent value for money in comparison to a regular hotel stay, the trips include accommodation onboard for every night as well as half board meals with a delicious breakfast and lunch provided each day. There is also an optional BBQ dinner on one of the evenings, for an additional cost, serving delicious local produce. All cabins include an ensuite shower room, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.   Go Croatia Sail offer an impressive range of boat categories to suit groups of all sizes, depending on your group’s price point and priorities. The  Classic Plus can hold a maximum of 36 guests whilst Premier , featuring a diving platform and spacious salon and rear seating area, can accommodate up to 40 guests. The  Premier Plus , in addition to Premier features, also has a jacuzzi to add a further contemporary feel. The boat can host up to 36 people. The top range boat ,  Superior , contains all the mentioned features along with an extra-large sun deck for additional space, comfort and convenience, also bookable for up to 36 guests. For more information and to book, visit:  www.gocroatiasail.com .

Riviera Travel has added a new Italian escorted tour to its 2025 programme, with an eight-day Tuscany, Florence and Siena holiday on sale now! The tour includes stays and excursions across Florence, Siena and Pisa, together with smaller towns and medieval villages like Lucca and San Gimignano. These locations house some of the world’s finest artistic treasures, with two guided tours including beautiful Florence and medieval Sienna, four visits including San Gimignano (often described as one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages; and lunch at one of Tuscany’s rural family owned farms, known as ‘agriturismos’), Pisa, Lucca and Uffizi – you will experience all the delights that Florence and Tuscany have to offer! Highlights Guided sightseeing tour of the city of Florence, the ‘Pearl of the Renaissance’ A reserved timed visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art galleries – entrance fees included Guided tour of Siena, one of the finest medieval cities Visit San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most beautiful hilltop villages Visit Lucca and Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower and its amazing cathedral Experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside Stay in Florence and enchanting Tuscany Will Sarson, product director at Riviera Travel, said: “This charming eight-day escorted tour is the perfect combination of visits to world-famous sights and smaller, hidden gems. We pride ourselves on offering authentic, memorable holidays, and this new tour is the ideal way to discover a beautiful part of Italy, with everything taken care of.” Departures are available from April to October 2025, and prices start from €2035pp – for more information or to book, visit  rivieratravel.ie .

As Paris gears up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, more than 200 chefs will have to prepare over 13 million meals. The base for this huge operation? The world’s biggest restaurant, in the Cité du Cinéma film studio complex in Saint-Denis. Located near the Olympic Village, the restaurant is set to become a landmark of Parisian hospitality. Covering an area of over 10,000 square meters, it will surpass existing records for dining establishments in terms of size and capacity. The restaurant is designed to accommodate more than 5,000 athletes at any given time, and this colossal venue will feature a variety of dining sections. The Summer Olympics will have to feed over 15,000 international athletes from 208 territories and nations – making it a huge task. 200 cooks are ready to prepare more than 40,000 meals a day to keep everyone well-fed and most importantly, fueled. These meals will be served both in the Olympic Village restaurant and at the 14 competition sites throughout the city. The Cité du Cinéma film studio complex in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, will be the centre of this foodie-heaven. Here, athletes will have access to six main areas devoted to French, Asian, Afro-Caribbean and world cuisine, with 500 different recipes catering to a wide variety of tastes. Menus were prepared in collaboration with former French sailor and bronze medalist  Hélène Defrance  (now a nutritionist), who focused her expertise on helping deliver “an overall pleasurable, nourishing offering that would satisfy any type of diner,” she said. She paid close attention to the quality and transparency of the ingredients, but also the flavours and aesthetic appeal of the recipes. A strict  quality charter  also governed the food at the Paris Olympics. It was developed over the course of four years of work with the goal of halving the carbon footprint of meals produced during the Games, as compared to London 2012. As a result, a quarter of all ingredients will be sourced in a 250km radius from Paris, and 20% will be certified organic. All meat, milk and eggs will be from France, and a third of the food will be plant-based. Two hundred water, juice and soda fountains have been installed in the Olympic Village, and only reusable cups and crockery will be offered. Chefs will also have help from Charles Guilloy, Executive Chef of the Olympic and Paralympic Village – the “chef des chefs” – for the duration of the Games. The recipes in place have been in the works for months, which was a huge challenge in of itself, as every athlete of every sport has different nutritional and portion size requirements. That being said, the meals prepared aren’t just your typical buffet spoonful – these are intricately crafted meals both gorgeous in presentation and taste. His signature dish takes full advantage of local lentils! Guilloy transformed the greenery into a lentil dal and paired with creamy Icelandic skyr. The dal is then seasoned with lime and coriander, then topped with a crispy corn tuile (a French baked wafer), making it a dish delicious and nutritious! Alongside Guilloy, superstar chefs Amandine Chaignot, Alexandre Mazzia and Akrame Benallal have all developed a signature dish marrying the best in French tradition and local ingredients with an eye towards the nutritional needs of the world’s top athletes. For many athletes, this will be their first time in France. The chefs have been hard at work to “show them what they can do”. The worlds biggest restaurant looks like it will be serving the worlds most nutritious and tastiest meals!

Imagine exploring the world with your family while being part of a supportive, like-minded community. This is the essence of the Travelling Village, a revolutionary concept designed for parents with kids who crave adventure without sacrificing stability and camaraderie! What is the Travelling Village? The Travelling Village is an intentional community where families travel together for four months, sharing experiences, resources, and support. It’s more than just a travel group; it’s a mobile village that fosters deep connections among its members, offering both freedom, and what’s important to family life – structure. The first village experiment consisted of about 21 families (70 people) moving across 3 destinations in 4 months. How Does it Work? Families join the Travelling Village with the intention of creating a supportive community, and the ability to see the world. Here’s a look into the inner workings: Community Contribution : Each family contributes to a communal fund, which covers local fixers, communal meals, and events. This financial transparency ensures that everyone knows where their money goes and fosters a sense of shared responsibility. For the first village, this was a cost of around €2765. Workgroups : Essential to the village’s functioning, workgroups handle various tasks, from finance and infrastructure to communal meals and emergency situations. These groups ensure smooth operations and give everyone a role to play. Workgroup consist of 3 to 6 people, with one moderator who is the overall responsible. Communal Meals : Twice a week, families gather for communal meals, a cornerstone of village life. 99% of the time these communal meals have people split out in smaller groups. The communal meals works as a sort of community glue. It’s the one thing that is always in the calendar, where every gets together and get the chance to reconnect. Village Meetings : Regular meetings provide a platform for families to discuss challenges, offer support, and make decisions collectively. This democratic approach ensures that everyone’s voice is heard. In larger groups, this is key for stability and structure. Education and Childcare : Tailored to the needs of travelling families, the village offers flexible education and childcare solutions, making it easier for parents to balance work, travel, and family time. Why Join the Traveling Village? The Travelling Village isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about transforming the way you live and travel. By joining, families gain: Community : Build lasting friendships and a network of support. Adventure : Explore the world without the usual stressors of solo family travel. Growth : Learn more about yourselves and each other, fostering personal and collective growth. Intentionality : Experience a lifestyle that encourages conscious living and decision-making. A Transformative Experience Joining the Travelling Village is a commitment to an intense yet rewarding adventure. It’s designed for families who want to explore the world while being part of a community that values diversity, freedom, and shared experiences. The aim of the Travelling Village is for members to eventually return home, and carry with them new perspectives and deeper connections, hoping that it leads people to “more conscious lifestyle choices in the future”. Interested in joining or learning more? The first village experiment has ended, but you can visit the Travelling Village website for detailed information on how to become part of this innovative travel community in the future.

As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to ensure that you’re thoroughly looking after your hair this summer. Warm temperatures and humid conditions can make your hair more susceptible to damage, so as well as protecting your skin from the sun, it’s also crucial to be mindful of your hair care over the next few months.   Rising temperatures can cause hair to become frizzy, damaged, and discoloured. To prevent any lasting damage this summer, experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha , have created a guide on how to protect your hair during the warm months ahead.   Don’t skip the conditioner  Hydration is essential over the next few months to prevent your hair from becoming dry and damaged. As the temperatures rise, the warm weather can strip away the hair’s natural moisture, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re not skipping out the conditioner in your hair-care routine.   Deep conditioning treatments can prevent the hair from looking dried out and will defend against any breakage, keeping your hair sufficiently hydrated this summer.   Try out a hydrating hair mask  Hair masks can also boost your hair’s hydration, making them an essential part of your summer hair care routine. It’s advised that a hydrating hair mask should be used around once a week during the warmer weather to prevent dry and brittle hair.   The products contain restorative ingredients and should be applied directly after shampooing for maximum benefits. When using your hair mask, generously apply the product from the roots to the tips and focus on gently massaging it into your scalp. Once applied, leave the hair mask on for about 3-5 minutes before rinsing as usual.   For very dehydrated hair, you can leave the product on longer, around 10-15 minutes. However, it’s important not to leave the product on overnight with wet hair as this can result in oily-looking hair.   Hair masks work to strengthen and hydrate hair, reducing the appearance of frizz. Because of this, it’s worth trying one out this summer if the product isn’t already part of your hair-care routine.   Avoid daily hair washes  While it’s incredibly tempting to wash your hair after a long day in the sun, experts recommend that you resist this urge over the next few months. Washing your hair daily over the summer can strip it of natural oils, making it extra dry.   Because of this, your hair will become more susceptible to damage and breakage, such as split ends. As the sun is already drying out your hair enough this summer, experts advise you to wash your hair every other day during the warmer months ahead.   Use sun-protecting products  It’s not just your skin that needs protecting this summer; intense UV rays can also significantly damage your hair and scalp.   A badly sunburnt scalp can result in typical symptoms of sun poisoning, such as headaches and nausea. To prevent this, it is essential to use scalp suncream when working on your tan over the next few months. Wearing a hat in the warm weather will also effectively protect your hair and scalp from any nasty sun damage.   After-sun shampoo products are also essential to pack with you on holiday this summer. The products contain UV filters, which aid rehydration after sun exposure, making them a necessary part of your summer hair-care routine.   Various UV sprays are also hugely beneficial to try out this summer. The leave-in product protects hair from harmful sun exposure, maintaining healthy-looking hair in warmer weather.   Ditch the straighteners  Over the next few months, it’s heavily advised to ditch the heated styling tools and embrace your natural hair type.   Hair straighteners and curling irons can apply extra stress to hair during summer, resulting in split ends and dry-looking hair. After being out in the sun all day, heated appliances exemplify sun damage, so opting for natural styling techniques over the warmer months ahead is better.   Protect your hair before heading off for a swim  While there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the pool to cool down, chlorine and salt water can cause significant hair damage. Saltwater can cause your hair to become incredibly dry, while the chlorine chemicals place your hair at risk of becoming discoloured.   To prevent these risks, it is recommended to wash your hair in cool, fresh water before and after swimming. Pre-soaking your hair reduces the amount of chlorine or saltwater it absorbs. Applying water directly after swimming also helps to rehydrate the hair as quickly as possible, which is essential after swimming in the sea.   It’s also advised to try out a conditioning hair spray after swimming. This helps restore moisture to your hair, preventing split ends and breakage. You can also make your own conditioner spray at home by mixing fresh water with your daily conditioner, which works to restore healthy-looking hair as soon as possible.   Invest in a silk pillowcase  As the humidity rises, it’s natural for your hair to start feeling slightly frizzy. However, to keep the frizz under control, experts recommend using a silk pillowcase at night. Silk absorbs less moisture than other materials, preventing your hair from becoming dehydrated.  Sleeping on a silk pillowcase at night can effectively reduce frizz, resulting in smoother and softer-looking hair. The product is also hugely beneficial for your skin, making it a worthwhile investment for the summer.   Looking after your hair in the warmer months ahead is hugely important if you want to reduce the appearance of frizz and brittle-looking hair. It’s time to start making conscious decisions about protecting your hair against harsh UV rays.   Prioritising your hair care routine this summer is essential, as it’s not just your skin that can be affected by sun damage in the warmer months ahead. It’s also important not to underestimate the importance of staying hydrated during the warmer weather, as not drinking enough water can create weak and brittle hair.   Actively drinking more water and investing in products to rehydrate your hair are great ways to start on your hair care journey this summer! This information was provided by experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha.

Beat the crowdsand soak up some sun this September with Sunway Holidays! 7 nights in Kos, Morocco and Costa Brava await, for less than €350pp – flights included! Kos – 7 Night Breaks from €330 What Kos lacks in area it more than makes up for in Wow factor! Whatever point on the compass you follow you’ll find an amazing experience waiting for you. If you’re looking to party well all the stories are true, Kos rocks! Especially in the South of the island. This is where to go to see the sunset and sunrise at the same party! If you’re looking to chill and find your inner Zen well, the North is beckoning. Long sandy beaches, tranquil hideaways. This is the place to retreat and recharge. Nature lovers go East! Rugged and rural but within easy reach of historic Kos town this is the ideal spot for walkers and hikers. And in the West you get the real taste of Greece, the authentic Kos. A time capsule of how things used to be. Kos packs a pint sized punch when it comes to value for your money. Prices are per person, and include return flights and accommodation, based on 2 sharing. Visit Sunway.ie for more information! Morocco – 7 Night Breaks from €317   Irish people love to go to Morocco for the culture, food, beaches, sports and shopping. This North African nation is synonymous with golden beaches, buzzing cities, vibrant souks and active sports. However, you can also trek the Sahara, surf on an idyllic beach or trek the Atlas Mountains. There is so much to see and experience in this budget destination. It’s the perfect year-round holiday. Day time temperatures are up in the mid-20s most of the winter, and still hitting the 30s all through the autumn making Morocco a go-to place for a blast of sun, sea and surf just as it starts getting cold in Ireland. Morocco’s sandy coastline is actually 1,200 miles (nearly 2,000 km) long. The beaches themselves are stunning and line the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts with fascinating seaside towns and numerous idyllic stretches of golden sands. Eat lots of seafood when on the coast and enjoy the relaxed vibes of the lazy surf towns. Prices are per person, and include return flights and accommodation, based on 2 sharing. Visit Sunway.ie for more information! Costa Brava – 7 Night Breaks from €329 The Costa Brava is located in the province of Girona in Catalonia, only two and a half hours flying time from Dublin! It’s an area of stunning natural beauty, ancient history and heritage and exciting culture. Add in over 300km of coastline varying from long sandy beaches to hidden coves and you have all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday experience. There is something for everyone in The Costa Brava so you really will be spoilt for choice. Explore the cobbled streets of medieval Girona before heading out into the wine-tasting region of Emporda, Kayak your way down the coast before taking an e-bike tour of the Catalan countryside. Sample the more simple pleasures of life in one of the many Costa Brava villages such as Cadaques or Begur. Culture Vultures can visit the home town of Salvador Dali in Port Lligat and the Dali Museum in Figueres. Prices are per person, and include return flights and accommodation, based on 2 sharing. Visit Sunway.ie for more information!

Up to 25% off European flights Fares to North America from €199 each way as part of a return trip Offer is live from July 12 th  – July 18 th European offer is valid for travel from July 20th to September 30th, 2024 North American offer is valid for travel from August 1st to October 6th. Aer Lingus has today announced fare offers with significant savings on flights to Europe and North America. This special offer is live from today, July 12th through to July 18th. Passengers can enjoy up to 25% off flights to popular European destinations, valid for travel from July 20th to September 30th, 2024. Whether it’s the golden beaches in Faro, the Olympic games in Paris, the stunning Santorini sunsets, the vibrant nightlife in Palma, or exploring the Côte d’Azur in Nice. Those looking further afield now have 19 North American routes to choose from, including the vibrant cities of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle, each offering some of the best culture and entertainment in the world. Fare offers to North America start from €199 each way as part of a return trip including taxes and charges and are valid for travel from August 1 st  to October 6 th . As always, customers flying to North America with Aer Lingus will enjoy complimentary meals and drinks, endless hours of in-flight entertainment and US Customs and Border pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon airport. For more information on the Aer Lingus sale, please visit  www.aerlingus.com .

Food markets and dining halls have been a staple of European culture for centuries. While vendors have been selling delicacies on the streets since the days of Ancient Greece, the ornate covered markets and grand food halls we know today are a 19th-century phenomenon.  These culinary institutions, from London’s Borough Market to Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market, have become sources of municipal pride, as well as a cultural melting pot where international cuisines from the cities’ immigrant communities take centre stage. They are also a vital part of Europe’s food and drinks industry, which turned over €1.1 trillion in 2023.  But which of the continent’s great food halls and street food markets are the best? To find out,  Radical Storage  analysed more than 300,000 Google reviews and almost 1,100 establishments to determine which markets have the nicest food and offer the best value for money.  London is Europe’s best city for food markets To work out which European city has the best food markets, Radical Storage analysed all cities that have at least five food markets. They then created a simple index which takes into account the average Google Reviews rating of all markets within the city and the number of markets in total. With a combined score of 8.36, London takes the crown as Europe’s best food market city. With 33 markets and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the British capital stands above all others. It’s no secret that London is a world-renowned food destination, with the city’s distinct international culture playing host to cuisine from across the UK and all over the world. Its food and market halls are also essential visits in their own right, from trendy upscale Camden to the city’s oldest space – Borough Market. Locals and tourists alike love London’s food markets, giving them an average rating of 4.5 stars. Two hidden gem markets help it stand above the rest. Islington’s Junction Market and Southwark’s Tabard Street Market – both rated at 4.7 stars – embody London’s independent street food scene. The best cities in Europe for food markets Four Spanish cities – Madrid (index rating 7.25), Barcelona (6.56), Zaragoza (4.86) and Valencia (4.59) – all feature in the top 10, making Spain a must-visit destination if you’re looking for great street food.  The country’s capital Madrid is another of Europe’s great foodie destinations with a thriving culinary scene that offers up the best of Spanish cooking. Yet hidden gem Understreet Market (4.8 star Google rating) appears to be the pick of the bunch with its variety of home-grown classics and globally-inspired food vendors.

The new  Wilderness Mokete  luxury tented camp has opened in the famed Mababe wilderness area on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, offering an unparalleled safari experience in Botswana. Spanning over 50,000 hectares of private concession land, the Wilderness area in Mababe teems with game, and is a haven for serious safari enthusiasts seeking once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Africa’s wild. Mababe is a prime wildlife destination in Botswana, offering uncharted territory that remains a sanctuary of natural splendour. This pioneering new camp is solely accessible through Wilderness, and was designed by reMORPHED Arch & Design architects, with interiors by Michele Throssell Interiors. It represents a captivating fusion of architectural innovation and environmental respect. In keeping with our ethos, the considered approach is truly immersive and intentionally minimalist, ensuring the lightest possible footprint. Wilderness Mokete follows a design narrative which intricately blends traditional textiles and a neutral colour palette, paying homage to the surrounding bush, using contemporary forms and contrasting use of materials to create a harmonious cultural tapestry. It features nine en-suite canvas tents and a communal tented lounge area, linked by wooden walkways at ground level. Luxurious interiors and modern amenities, including inverter air conditioning and Wi-Fi in all bedrooms, complete the experience and ensure guests want for nothing during their stay. One of the standout features of Mokete’s tented suites is the retractable roof in the bedrooms, allowing guests to stargaze at night. Integrating this feature into the bedroom design at Mokete was an inspired choice that truly sets this camp apart. It offers guests a one-of-a-kind African night-time experience, immersing them in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Out-of-camp Experience Focus While the camp will offer an extraordinary stay with warm hospitality and a unique African-fusion menu, the focus is on the out-of-camp experience. Unusually, lions often spend the daylight hours on the hunt in Mababe, taking down buffaloes in and around the marsh, with hyenas in clans of up to 60 seen competing with them. With no other commercial properties in the area, guests can choose to stay out on drives as long as they wish. Here, time is dictated by nature, not the clock. Mababe Mababe is an area of tremendous ecological significance, made up of three key habitats: grassland, wetlands and mopane woodland. It harbours a marsh which fills in the summer season, creating a wetland of some 2,600 hectares, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife in search of this precious life source, and vital habitat for numerous bird species. Herds of buffalo in the thousands, the largest gathering in Africa, alongside abundant predators and massive elephant herds (occasionally accompanied by migrating zebras), all converge on the Mababe Marsh. Aptly named “Mokete” (meaning “feast”), the camp embodies an abundance of wildlife, varied landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Mokete guests will encounter truly remarkable vistas, unlike any other wilderness areas in northern Botswana. Sustainability Standing as a beacon of sustainability, the camp is fully off-grid, utilising exclusively renewable PV energy systems. Passive design principles, including maximised natural ventilation, wide overhangs for shade, and a layered roof system further mitigate the camp’s environmental impact, while enhancing guest comfort, inviting nature in and blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Working closely with the Mababe community, Wilderness is thrilled to include this beautiful part of the country in its luxury safari circuit. Residents will benefit from employment opportunities, and future initiatives will ensure that the community partners also share in the advantages of this development. For more information on Mokete, visit wildernessdestinations.com.