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Every single one of us has a friend who appears to spend more time travelling than anything else.

Whether it's last-minute holidays to the Algarve, extended trips to south-east Asia or prolonged periods backpacking down under, this person has an acute case of wanderlust.

They're either in the middle of a trip or planning their next one, and that actually makes them very easy to buy for, because there is always some handy gadget or accessory which they'll appreciate on their next jaunt abroad.

Why not take your pick from these…

 

 

 

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With the Christmas season  just around the colour, and the days of sandals and sun cream all but a distant memory, it's high time we start planning those last minute winter getaways. 

Whether you've got a few days of annual leave still left to use, or you just fancy weekend break, there are plenty of gorgeous destinations across Europe just waitng to be explored. 

From the ice caves of Reykjavik to the beer gardens of Munich, here's our top five picks. 

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Often described as a "small city with a big soul," the world's most northerly capital packs an impressive amount of culture into it's 103,000 square kilometres. 

It's breathtaking landscape and bustling city-centre create a uniquely satisfying atmosphere that keep tourists coming back year and year. 

Whether you're exploring the blue ice caves, gazing at the Northern Lights, or taking a dip in one of the island nation's natural hot springs, the Icelandic capital is bursting with attractions that simply won't be found in any other country. 

2. Zagreb, Croatia

When people think of Croatia, there are a few things that spring to mind (summer holidays, Game of Thrones etc. etc.), none of which have anything to do with winter holidays. 

However, that could all be about to change, because Zagreb's Christmas markets have been voted the Best in Europe for two years running. 

During the advent season, the city's streets come alive with colour, lights and music, with celebrations waiting around every corner. 

But don't be fooled by the country's mild summer climate. Temperatures in the Croatian capital can drop to as low as 1 degrees during the winter months. 

3. Munich, Germany

No winter gateway list would be complete without a visit to the home of traditional Christmas market – and while there are tonnes of German cities worth visiting this year, Munich offer visitors a unique, (and often less crowded) festive experience. 

Highlights include The Tollwood Winter Festival, which combines a traditional market atmosphere with a much more modern look into the German arts and crafts scene. 

With hundreds of Mediterranean-style street cafes, Mitteleuropa beer halls and must-see museums dotted around Germany's unofficial southern capital, visitors are never short of things to do. 

4. Krakow, Poland 

While Krakow remains a popular tourist destination all year round, it's fairytale streets and medieval market square really come alive in the winter months. 

Snow-covered horse carriages and glowing Christmas markets transform the city into one of Europe's most picturesque winter wonderlands. 

Sample the best of Polish cusine (think warm stews and fried potato cakes), or take in the rich history, before heading out to see what the city's nightlife has to offer. 

Just remember to wrap up warm. Temperatures often drop as low as -3 degrees in December, meaning you'll need to pack all the winter woollies you can get your hands on. 

5. Rovaniemi, Finland

Commonly known as the official home of Santa Clause himself, this small Finnish city offers the ultimate festive experience for Christmas lovers of all ages. 

Whether you're enjoying the Northern Lights over a cosy campfire or taking a stroll around the city's streets (which FYI, have been designed in the shape of a reindeer's head), this hub of northern culture is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing yet action-packed break. 

Oh, and did we mention they throw one hell of a New Year's Eve Party

 

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Bad news for anxious flyers – scientists have predicted that serious flight turbulence will increase threefold by 2050.

Researchers at the University of Reading believe climate change is to blame for the dramatic increase.

The group tested their theory by using supercomputer simulations and found that popular flight paths will be the worst affected with turbulence over the North Atlantic set to rise by 180 per cent, Europe 160 per cent and North America 110 per cent.

The type of turbulence researcher looked at (clear air turbulence) does not threaten to bring down planes – though it can cause injury to passengers and crew.

Professor Paul Williams, the study's lead researcher, said: “This problem is only going to worsen as the climate continues to change.

“Our study highlights the need to develop improved turbulence forecasts, which could reduce the risk of injuries to passengers and lower the cost of turbulence to airlines.”

What's more, the cost of flying is expected to increase as a result of climate change, with transatlantic flights expected to take longer due to changes in the temperature-controlled plane mechanisms.

So basically, get all your travelling out of the way now, because we are all probably going to be too poor and scared to do it in a few years.

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We can all admit that we fell in love with mermaids when we first watched Ariel swimming around with Sebastian under the sea.

The Little Mermaid inspired many Halloween and fancy dress costumes, but since then, a mermaid has taken on a new iridescent lease of life.

With every beauty brand creating mermaid makeup brushed and every high street store creating mermaid-style accessories, it's safe to say the mermaid trend is staying put. 

 

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With pretty hues of pink and purple, we all go wild for anything with 'mermaid' in front of it now; mermaid lattes, mermaid shimmer, and even mermaid toast.

You'd think we had enough of it by now, right?

Well, not so, because we are currently freaking out about this mermaid cafe in Thailand.

The Mermaid Island Cafe is a dreamy dessert shop in Pathum Thani, and is embellished with mermaid scales on its walls, and even The Little Mermaid characters.

Oh, and they also give you a mermaid tail to wear while dining in the restaurant – casual.

And it's not only the decor that is inspired by the magical sea creatures; the menu is also kitted out with mermaid cupcakes, cheese cakes, waffles, smoothies and coffee.

BRB, getting our mermaid tail on.

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Dublin Airport look set to introduce new 'e-gates' in an effort to enhance security and speed up immigration queues.

The electronic border control gates will allow passengers travelling on biometric passports and Irish passport cards to pass through security by scanning their document and having their photo taken.

According to reports, the twenty new gates (10 in Terminal One and 10 in Terminal Two), will be up and running by the end of 2017.

A small number of e-gates were previously in operation on a trail basis in Terminal One, however, these were removed in May of this year over a reported maintenance row.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan today confirmed the signing of a contract for the supply and installation of the new gates.

Welcoming the move, Minister Flanagan said, “Following a very thorough pilot programme and competitive tender, I believe that we’ve found a solution that matches our goals and requirements. We look forward to working with Vision-Box, through the award of this framework agreement.”

The introduction of e-Gates will greatly enhance our immigration controls, including our border security, while at the same time providing an improved passenger experience through self-service and speedier passage through the immigration process.”   

Dublin airport immigration services processed a record 13.8 million arriving passengers in 2016 and it is hoped the introduction of an electronic system will dramatically cut waiting times.

If successful, the new gates will be rolled out to other ports of entry.

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Let's be honest, since the advent of social media, public declarations of love have begun to wear a little thin.

Look, we're really pleased for you, but constantly using social media to reinforce just how much you love your SO can get a little wearisome, and dare we say it, dubious.

And yet, despite this, we're still die-hard romantics at heart which is why we're so taken by a recent heartfelt declaration of love which can be found in the dedication pages of Kyle James' book.

The writer, whose book Not Afraid to Fall details the worldwide journey he embarked upon with his girlfriend Ashley, contains a dedication which has literally moved us to tears at SHEmazing HQ today.

Outlining the circumstances which led to the couple's decision to up sticks and travel the world together, he wrote in a recent piece for Cosmopolitan: "In 2015, my girlfriend Ashley and I quit our 9-to-5 jobs and bought one-way tickets from our home in Denver to New York, and from New York to Paris."

"We spent the next 114 days trekking across 15 countries and 38 cities, alone but together."

"Before we left, we'd been dating — in love — for about three years and we'd fallen into routines," he admits.

Kyle goes on to explain that upon returning home he chose to write a book of their experience, and after receiving the first hard copy he took his girlfriend on a hike through the Appalachian Mountains, and asked her to read the dedication.

Ladies, we're gonna prime you here;  this dedication may leave you gruffly wiping tears from your face while promising yourself that your own life-changing journey is just around the corner.

Not Afraid of the Fall – Kyle James from Kyle James on Vimeo.

"Without your push, we never would have fallen," Kyle wrote in his dedication. "You always dreamed of travelling the world."

"When we began dating, it was all you talked about. You told me how you couldn’t wait to get out of this small college town, how you couldn’t wait to experience life through a different lens."

Kyle goes on to explain that he encouraged Ashley to wait until they were both established in their careers, and while Ashley agreed, her dream to travel was a permanent fixture in their lives.

"Each year at midnight, as we toasted our cheap Champagne and kissed softly to the background noise of cheering New Year’s Eve patrons, you asked me to travel the world with you.," remembers Kyle.

"You asked me to take you to romantic corners of Prague and intimate islands in Thailand. You asked me to spend miserable sunburned nights with you in Italy and long days under beach cabanas in the Greek Isles. Each year you asked me and each year I gave you a reason why we should wait."

Kyle then went on to explain that after securing what he considered his 'dream job', he suddenly realised the role wasn't for him and abruptly made the decision to chase Ashley's dreams with her.

"You sat me down on the couch, looked me in the eye, and told me you had a great idea," he wrote. "I was afraid to leave the comfort of our lives in Denver but waking up to your smiling face every morning, eager to explore, assured me that everything was going to be OK."

Together, Ashley and Kyle travelled all over the world, and revealed that their adventure confirmed what he already knew.

"Ash, you are the wind to my sails and the ink to my pen. No matter where I go or what I do, the only thing I am sure of is that I want you by my side," he told her.

"Every cliff I jump off, every moped I crash, every morning after a night of food poisoning, every Mediterranean sunset, I want you by my side. I never want to stop exploring with you, Ash."

Kyle finished the moving dedication with the words; "Will you marry me?"

And we're dead.

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Pre-flight pints could soon be a thing of the past as authorities in the Balearic Islands seek a ban on the sale of alcohol on board planes and in airports.

Tourism executives in Ibiza and Magaluf have asked the European Union to implement stricter rules when in comes to the consumption of alcohol while flying in an effort to battle anti-social tourism.

Pilar Carbonell, Head of Tourism for the islands, wrote in a statement:  "We ask the central government and the European commission to ban the consumption of alcoholic drinks on flights and in airports."

"The aim of the measure is to improve passenger security and also that of security forces in planes and airports in our islands, who are often faced with drunk passengers."

However, it's not yet clear whether the local authorities are seeking to ban drink on all EU flights or just those destined for the Balearic Islands.

According to reports, holiday makers at Dublin airport were not in favour of the strict rule.

"I only misbehave when I don't have a drink," said one.

Another frustrated flyer told Newstalk radio:  "Sure you have to have a drink when you are going on your holidays."

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Anyone who is scared of flying will know that no matter how many 'reassuring' statistics you hear about air travel, they don't amount to much when you're desperately gripping your armrest before take-off.

Acknowledging this, US Captain Ron Nielsen has provided nervous flyers with two simple (and practical) techniques to alleviate stress during air travel.

Appearing on the Today Show on NBC, the pilot firstly focussed his attention on take-off and urged the passenger to use their own body to calm themselves.

As the plane makes its way down the runway, you should tense your muscles, hunch your shoulders, clench your fists, cross your legs and clench your jaw. 

Then as the plane takes off, hold the pose before releasing after approximately 30 seconds.

By physically relaxing your body, you will releases stress hormones namely cortisol and adrenalin and will automatically feel calmer.

And when it comes to turbulence?

Distract yourself by writing your name with the wrong hand repeatedly as this will focus your attention elsewhere thereby distracting you from the disturbance.

Dare we say it, these actually sound like they'll work.

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Thinking of making the move to Canada this year?

Well, now's your chance to secure that dream job before you even step foot on the plane.

USIT are hosting a job fair on August 14 in their branch on Aston Quay, where a world class hotel group will be looking to hire for their ski-resort based in Whistler.

Situated just north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Whistler is home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America.

And with activities like snowboarding, tobagganing and ski jumping on offer, this picturesque town is the perfect place to spend a winter abroad.

Interviews will be held for cooks, baristas, receptionists, servers and ski attendants (to name just a few) and there will be an opportunity for potential employees to secure their contract on the same day.

The fair will allow interested Irish passport holders or anyone who possesses or qualifies for a two year IEC visa to be guaranteed an interview for a winter hotel job.

Contracts begin in November 2017, and range from 6 to 24 months.

Some employees may receive access to nearby affordable accommodation in Canada and discounts on ski and leisure passes. 

Interested applicants can secure their guaranteed interview slots by joining the Work in Canada programme with USIT. For more information see their website www.usit.ie.

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We've all fanaticized about heading off to Canada for the trip of a lifetime, but those international flights can be seriously pricey. 

WOW Air are here to help.

The budget Icelandic airline have announced flights from Ireland to Canada for a measly €150 each way to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. 

 

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All flights have stopovers in Reykjavik, and the final destinations include Toronto and Montreal.

'Canada’s 150th birthday celebration falls on 1 July, Canada Day, which marks the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1867 which united the three separate colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,' said WOW in a statement.

'Ireland ranks 11th in the world for Canadian work permits and 27th for residency permits.'

 

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So if you've been planning on moving abroad or just heading over to see family, now would be the time to book.

The offer is valid is valid from today on various flights from Cork and Dublin airports. 

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Us Irish can be quite picky when it comes to travelling.

According to the latest national survey by Red C for Travel Counsellors Ireland, there's a few things that we just can't live without on holiday.

There's also a few things we wish we could have…

1. The Celeb

When it comes to a travel companion, Irish comedian Graham Norton won the top spot, with the majority of participants choosing him as a holiday BFF.

However, the funnyman proved to be more popular with women, with 50 per cent of them choosing him as a holiday companion compared to only one in three men.

Kim Kardashian was also a popular choice, but more so with males as 18 per cent chose her as their sun buddy, compared to only four per cent of females.

The SHEmazing gals however would love Kimmy K as a holiday BFF (imagine all the secrets she'd tell us!).

Next in line was chart-topper Adele, with 27 per cent of the vote over all, while one in five people chose Michael Fassbender to head away with them.

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2. The Beverage

When we head away on holiday, it's safe to say they only thing on our minds is relaxing with a tasty cocktail.

But it looks like the rest of the population can't live without one certain beverage, and it's far from boozy.

You can probably guess what the beverage of choice is, right? *Drumroll* it's tea!

One in ten people surveyed said that they need some Irish tea on holiday, and many pack it along with their sun lotion!

Tea Poured in White Ceramic Cup

3. The Essentials

So, one of the essentials we need on holiday is our smartphones (because we all need that perfect Instagram picture, right?).

One in three said having their phones with them is a priority when travelling, however, they're more important to single people, with 40 per cent of singletons saying they could not part with their phones, compared to only 25 per cent of married people.

The survey also revealed 31 per cent of Irish people prefer having a tailor-made holiday, while 21 per cent said it was more important to have a holiday financially protected.

hand, iphone, macro

How do you like your holiday? 

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For those of you who have been using the same luggage since you were a kid – we think it's time for something different.

Say goodbye to those heavy, dull and nearly-broken suitcases, and say hello to these fabulous pieces from Parfois.

With fun and colourful cartoon exteriors, we think these pieces are possibly the cutest things we've seen around town (and are hardy enough to fit the kitchen sink into!).

La Maison Trolley €69.99

PARFOIS Stickers Trolley €69.99

Stickers Backpack €29.99

If you fancy grabbing one of these gorgeous pieces, Parfois has stores in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Pavilions Shopping Centre, Dublin; Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick; Mahon Point, Cork and T1 Dublin Airport or visit its online store here.

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