Holiday & Travel https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/table/news/lifestyle/holiday-travel/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:56:38 +0000 The Phoenix Newspaper UK | Latest news in UK | Positive news | Inspiring The Next Generation en-gb How to have a stellar summer in the Snowy Mountains https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/how-to-have-a-stellar-summer-in-the-snowy-mountains https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/how-to-have-a-stellar-summer-in-the-snowy-mountains

There's something majestic about the transformation of the New South Wales  Snowy Mountains — around five hours southwest of Sydney — into an adventure playground each spring and summer when the warm weather reveals hidden trails, wildflowers and longer days.

Whether you're into hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, here's how to explore the picturesque mountains and where to refuel afterwards as the new season brings fresh adventures. 

Step into natural beauty: Immerse yourself in spectacular alpine scenery while exploring the region by foot.  Choose from dozens of tracks where you can be wowed by waterfalls, learn about the region's history, or challenge yourself on a hike through Kosciuszko National Park.

This is one of the largest national parks in the state, and is home to Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m). Bask in the achievement of scaling the continent's highest peak as you soak up the views from the summit. From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of the walkway to the mountain's summit.

Challenge yourself on this day hike, with plenty of uplifting views along the way. Get a buzz traversing Australia's highest suspension bridge (1627m above sea level) on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk, which makes up part of the Snowies Alpine Walk stretching for 56km from Guthega Village to Bullocks Flat. You'll wander through wildflower meadows, wild landscapes and snow gum forests.

Explore on two wheels: Feel invigorated by the cool mountain air on your cheeks as you navigate the Snowy Mountains on a mountain biking adventure.

Enjoy a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area on the Cascade Hut Trail, a remote path that twists through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers. A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the 10km one-way trail is great for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.

Hire a mountain bike (or road bike) in a number of Snowy Mountain towns, including CoomaJindabyne and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, which has 18km of mountain biking trails on its doorstep. The resort can also arrange a shuttle to Thredbo for bikers keen to tackle the Thredbo Valley Track; it's a scenic 17km ride back to the resort, or 37km if you follow the recent extension of the track to the Thredbo Valley picnic area. Or get your adrenaline pumping in the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of cross-country and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering superb views over Australia's highest peaks and alpine lakes.

Discover trails for every experience level, from a kids-only area to chairlift-accessed gravity trails, plus two-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics daily, for those looking to fine-tune their skills.

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Holiday & Travel Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:07:15 +0000
Sandals Resorts helps travellers “Hint the Caribbean” for the gift they really want this holiday season: A Vacation! https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/sandals-resorts-helps-travellers-hint-the-caribbean-for-the-gift-they-really-want-this-holiday-season-a-vacation https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/sandals-resorts-helps-travellers-hint-the-caribbean-for-the-gift-they-really-want-this-holiday-season-a-vacation

Sandals Resorts is helping couples drop the perfect holiday hints with "Hint the Caribbean," inspired by survey data revealing that many partners struggle to give – and receive – the gifts they truly want.

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Holiday & Travel Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:41:19 +0000
Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica reopens https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/sandals-and-beaches-resorts-in-jamaica-reopens https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/sandals-and-beaches-resorts-in-jamaica-reopens

Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive resort company, have reopened five of their Jamaica properties, marking a major step forward for tourism on the island.

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Holiday & Travel Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:29:30 +0000
Oman: Where authentic Arabia meets modern luxury https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/oman-where-authentic-arabia-meets-modern-luxury https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/oman-where-authentic-arabia-meets-modern-luxury

From the shimmering shores of Muscat to the windswept dunes of Wahiba Sands and the breathtaking heights of Jabal Akhdar, the #OmanDiscoveryEdit educational fam trip explored a destination ready to impress even the most seasoned planner.

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Holiday & Travel Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:30:54 +0000
New cycling, tea and tasting experiences launch in Shizuoka https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/new-cycling-tea-and-tasting-experiences-launch-in-shizuoka https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/new-cycling-tea-and-tasting-experiences-launch-in-shizuoka

Shizuoka, just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, is welcoming visitors with a host of new experiences that spotlight its scenery, flavours and culture.

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Holiday & Travel Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:47:54 +0000
The must-see family destination this Christmas at LEGO House https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/the-must-see-family-destination-this-christmas-at-lego-house https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/the-must-see-family-destination-this-christmas-at-lego-house

This holiday season, LEGO House invites guests to ‘Come Home for the Holidays’ - where the joy of play, creativity, and togetherness fills every corner of the Home of the Brick.

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Holiday & Travel Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:39:11 +0000
Jet2 announces launch of flights and holidays to Egypt from Birmingham Airport https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/jet2-announces-launch-of-flights-and-holidays-to-egypt-from-birmingham-airport https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/jet2-announces-launch-of-flights-and-holidays-to-egypt-from-birmingham-airport

Jet2 has revealed more exciting news for customers today, by announcing the launch of flights and holidays to Egypt from Birmingham Airport, as well as a special offer on holidays to celebrate the arrival of the new destination.

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Holiday & Travel Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:46:36 +0000
MoBay set for December 15 reopening – says Bartlett https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/mobay-set-for-december-15-reopening-%E2%80%93-says-bartlett https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/mobay-set-for-december-15-reopening-%E2%80%93-says-bartlett

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, wrapped up a recent Tourism Recovery Tour of Montego Bay with news that, despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa last month, the destination area is on target to officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025.

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Holiday & Travel Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:50:38 +0000
Amsterdam tightens the screws on “nuisance tourism” ahead of Christmas market rush https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/amsterdam-tightens-the-screws-on-nuisance-tourism-ahead-of-christmas-market-rush https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/amsterdam-tightens-the-screws-on-nuisance-tourism-ahead-of-christmas-market-rush

The Netherlands’ leading city of Amsterdam is once again making headlines for its rigorous approach to managing over-tourism.

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Holiday & Travel Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:47:52 +0000
Travel expert shares how UK workers can turn 25 days of annual leave into 57 days off in 2026 https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/travel-expert-shares-how-uk-workers-can-turn-25-days-of-annual-leave-into-57-days-off-in-2026 https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/travel-expert-shares-how-uk-workers-can-turn-25-days-of-annual-leave-into-57-days-off-in-2026

A UK travel expert has outlined how employees can nearly triple their time off work in 2026, simply by booking annual leave strategically around bank holidays and weekends.

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Holiday & Travel Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:56:48 +0000
Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley joins Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/mount-pleasant-in-the-hunter-valley-joins-ultimate-winery-experiences-australia https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/mount-pleasant-in-the-hunter-valley-joins-ultimate-winery-experiences-australia

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia has welcomed Mount Pleasant Wines in New South Wales' Hunter Valley to its hand-selected wine tourism collective.

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Holiday & Travel Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:20:46 +0000
Paying in instalments could save travellers hundreds - Travel expert explains why! https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/paying-in-instalments-could-save-travellers-hundreds-travel-expert-explains-why https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/paying-in-instalments-could-save-travellers-hundreds-travel-expert-explains-why

A leading travel expert says paying for flights in instalments could actually save travellers money, even before you factor in the flexibility.

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Holiday & Travel Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:40:50 +0000
Holiday break offering the thrill of Formula One https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/holiday-break-offering-the-thrill-of-formula-one https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/holiday-break-offering-the-thrill-of-formula-one

Will Lewis Hamilton be victorious for the tenth time, will Lando Norris maintain his winning streak, or will George Russell push it to the limit?

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Holiday & Travel Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:16:54 +0000
Caribbean leaders to convene for CTO Caribbean Weekend in Miami https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/caribbean-leaders-to-convene-for-cto-caribbean-weekend-in-miami https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/caribbean-leaders-to-convene-for-cto-caribbean-weekend-in-miami

The CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) will host Caribbean Weekend in Miami 2025, a milestone four-day gathering that brings together tourism ministers, directors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the region December 4–8, 2025, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

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Holiday & Travel Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:38:55 +0000
Puerto Rico launches global branding campaign to boost visitor spending https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/puerto-rico-launches-global-branding-campaign-to-boost-visitor-spending https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/puerto-rico-launches-global-branding-campaign-to-boost-visitor-spending

Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s official destination marketing organization, launched a new global branding campaign focused on lifestyle, culture and gastronomic tourism.

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Holiday & Travel Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:12:55 +0000
VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025 winners announced https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/visitenglands-visitor-attraction-accolades-for-2024-2025-winners-announced https://www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/visitenglands-visitor-attraction-accolades-for-2024-2025-winners-announced

VisitEngland has today (12 November) named the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025, recognising excellence within the visitor attraction sector. 

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Holiday & Travel Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:08:25 +0000