Best hotels in Santorini 2024, reviewed by a travel expert

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead morePerhaps Greece’s most compelling image is that of blue-domed churches looking out to sea from picturesque cliff-side perches. Though similar architecture occurs elsewhere in the Cyclades, these postcard-perfect churches are Santorini’s signature. The difference here is that they’re clinging to the rim of a massive volcano. Its sweeping, sea-filled crater gives Santorini its sense of magic, propelling the isle onto many a bucket list.Beyond iconic views, Santorini appeals for its wines produced on the island’s gentler slopes, particularly in the south. This is also where you’ll find the ruins of ancient Akrotiri: a town smothered in falling ash when the volcano erupted over 3,000 years ago. The cataclysmic event forever changed Santorini’s geography, bequeathing it its one-of-a-kind scenery.Santorini’s most in-demand hotels are found along the crater, with their most expensive rooms dug into the cliffs. From caverns to luxurious suites and beach hotels elsewhere on the island, this is our pick of Santorini’s best hotels.The best hotels in SantoriniAt a glance1. Canaves EnaFor picture-perfect views, stay at Canaves Ena

Naturalization Ceremony Welcomes New U.S. Citizens At Museum Of Science And Industry

Science and Health

This story was originally published by Borderless Magazine. Sign up for its newsletter to learn the latest about Chicago’s immigrant communities. CHICAGO — After a long process of paperwork, studying and waiting, Gideon Amponsah finally became a U.S. citizen. Originally from Ghana, the law student was grateful and eager for the opportunity to help the country in any way possible.“I hope to serve the country as much as possible in any capacity that comes my way,” he said. “It could be jury duty. It could be running for office someday.”Amponsah was among nearly 150 people from 56 countries who were naturalized during a Friday morning ceremony at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park.@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 320px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 90px;}}@media ( min-width: 970px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 90px;}}
Dr. Chevy Humphrey, the museum’s president and CEO, gave the opening remarks, commending new citizens for completing their courageous and arduous journey.“Those of you who are taking this final step in your journey to citizenship represent the embodiment of this dream that transcends borders and brings together individuals from all corners of the world today,” she said.New American citizens give the Oath of Allegiance during the Naturalization Ceremony at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Dec. 13, 2024. Credit: Oscar Gomez/Borderless MagazineU.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Chief Judge Virgina Kendall of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois joined Humphrey.During the ceremony, speakers reflected on their own families’ immigration stories and congratulated candidates on their similar feats. The ceremony celebrated the journey for some, who spoke about the pride they feel as new Americans.New citizens gathered with their families after the ceremony in the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.” The exhibit, a staple at the museum since 1942, featured more than 50 Christmas trees decorated to reflect different cultures and holiday traditions from around the world.In her remarks, Humphrey announced that each new citizen would receive a free museum membership for a year, hoping they explore the museum’s resources.“It is fitting for this naturalization because you don’t lose your culture, and who you are, and where you came from,” she said. “You’re actually celebrating it in this incredible, free country.”Throughout the ceremony, some came to tears, overwhelmed with emotions after a long journey to citizenship.“I’m so happy and excited,” a new citizen named Yeong Ju Jo said. “Now, I want to devote my life to the Church, God and my neighbors.”

The UK’s ‘quietest airport’ with stress-free travel and hardly any queues

Travel

Passengers can avoid the typical stress of flying from a busy airport (Picture: Getty Images)
Airports are associated with chaos — frantic security queues, long queues and mind-numbing delays.
However, one UK airport is setting itself apart, so much so that travellers have declared it ‘stress-free’.
Cardiff Airport is quickly developing a reputation as a ‘simple’ and ‘convenient’ departure point for mile-high journeys. Covering approximately 1,280 acres, the airport has a single terminal that handles domestic and international flights.
Although it’s the largest airport in Wales, it’s still smaller than many of the UK’s major airports in terms of size and passenger volume — meaning passengers can avoid the typical stress of flying from a busier airport.
One passenger took to TikTok to document her journey from the airport. The user, @tc_gem, wrote: ‘Pov… Cardiff is still the quietest airport I have ever flown from.’
And, based on the video that captures a practically empty duty-free, it’s easy to see why.
Another TikTok user, @teedaphn, wrote: ‘Pov, you go to Cardiff airport to avoid all the queues.’
She revealed a queue-free security line and added: ‘We literally got through so fast.’
Reviews on Trust Pilot are similar, too. One user wrote: ‘First time flying from Cardiff as it’s normally cheaper for us to fly from Bristol or Birmingham but will consider paying slightly extra to fly from Cardiff for future holidays.
‘Very simple, quick and easy check-in, no queues for security due to the limited amount of flights daily, plenty of space in the airport.’
Another wrote: ‘Love this airport, stress-free. I flew from Cardiff to Dublin and back with a toddler and everything about the airport experience was easy, quick and convenient. No queuing and no delays. Definitely planning on using Cardiff airport whenever possible from now on.’

One user added: ‘Lovely airport, pleasant check-in, good facilities, friendly staff, can’t fault it.’

Cardiff Airport features a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights (Picture: Shutterstock/Ceri Breeze)
Cardiff Airport has also been updating its technology over the past couple of years.
Passengers will now be able to pass through security without having to take their 100ml liquids or electronics out of their hand luggage.

The next-generation security scanners are now fully operational on the site, meaning the screening process should be even quicker in time for Christmas.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Arrow
MORE: UK train company brings in airline-style luggage restrictions for Christmas
Arrow
MORE: European Union EES visa scheme explained for UK travellers — entry fee, launch date, and more
Arrow
MORE: British Airways axes all flights from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi forcing customers to rebook

The Getaway
Fuel your wanderlust with travel deals, guides and inspiration.

The UK’s ‘quietest airport’ with stress-free travel and hardly any queues

Travel

Passengers can avoid the typical stress of flying from a busy airport (Picture: Getty Images)
Airports are associated with chaos — frantic security queues, long queues and mind-numbing delays.
However, one UK airport is setting itself apart, so much so that travellers have declared it ‘stress-free’.
Cardiff Airport is quickly developing a reputation as a ‘simple’ and ‘convenient’ departure point for mile-high journeys. Covering approximately 1,280 acres, the airport has a single terminal that handles domestic and international flights.
Although it’s the largest airport in Wales, it’s still smaller than many of the UK’s major airports in terms of size and passenger volume — meaning passengers can avoid the typical stress of flying from a busier airport.
One passenger took to TikTok to document her journey from the airport. The user, @tc_gem, wrote: ‘Pov… Cardiff is still the quietest airport I have ever flown from.’
And, based on the video that captures a practically empty duty-free, it’s easy to see why.
Another TikTok user, @teedaphn, wrote: ‘Pov, you go to Cardiff airport to avoid all the queues.’
She revealed a queue-free security line and added: ‘We literally got through so fast.’
Reviews on Trust Pilot are similar, too. One user wrote: ‘First time flying from Cardiff as it’s normally cheaper for us to fly from Bristol or Birmingham but will consider paying slightly extra to fly from Cardiff for future holidays.
‘Very simple, quick and easy check-in, no queues for security due to the limited amount of flights daily, plenty of space in the airport.’
Another wrote: ‘Love this airport, stress-free. I flew from Cardiff to Dublin and back with a toddler and everything about the airport experience was easy, quick and convenient. No queuing and no delays. Definitely planning on using Cardiff airport whenever possible from now on.’

One user added: ‘Lovely airport, pleasant check-in, good facilities, friendly staff, can’t fault it.’

Cardiff Airport features a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights (Picture: Shutterstock/Ceri Breeze)
Cardiff Airport has also been updating its technology over the past couple of years.
Passengers will now be able to pass through security without having to take their 100ml liquids or electronics out of their hand luggage.

The next-generation security scanners are now fully operational on the site, meaning the screening process should be even quicker in time for Christmas.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Arrow
MORE: UK train company brings in airline-style luggage restrictions for Christmas
Arrow
MORE: European Union EES visa scheme explained for UK travellers — entry fee, launch date, and more
Arrow
MORE: British Airways axes all flights from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi forcing customers to rebook

The Getaway
Fuel your wanderlust with travel deals, guides and inspiration.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to Collaborate on Fusion, Materials and Hydrogen Science & Technology

Science and Health

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Breadcrumb Trail LinksGlobeNewswireAuthor of the article:GlobeNewswirePublished Dec 20, 2024  •  4 minute readDr. Darren Radford, Dr. Steve Bushby and Dr. Ian Castillo from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories meet with Dr. Klaus Hesch from KIT during his recent visit to the Chalk River Laboratories. GNWArticle contentCHALK RIVER, Ontario, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany’s premier research institution, to pursue collaborative research related to fusion, materials characterization and hydrogen science and technology. With shared scientific missions to address national priorities in clean energy and environmental sciences, the agreement serves as a framework through which the national research organizations can collaborate in areas of mutual interest, leveraging their individual resources, facilities, and expertise.Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O’Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world’s leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O’Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world’s leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentAccording to terms of the agreement, the organizations will explore collaborative research projects in fields that include tritium analytics, tritium barriers and surface analysis, tritium fuel cycle optimization, characterization and metallurgy of irradiated materials, and hydrogen safety. Working together, the organizations hope to realize important progress in the advancement of these fields of research and others, which are priorities to both country’s domestic clean energy research programs.“CNL is a world leader in nuclear science and technology, including hydrogen. We are now working to re-establish ourselves in fusion, which is yielding some very exciting commercial opportunities, and drawing the attention of other leading research organizations who share our goals in clean energy,” commented Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology. “With the signing of this agreement with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, a leading German research institution that has complementary capabilities, CNL continues to expand its network and pursue even more ambitious collaborative research. By working together, I think we can help to accelerate these promising fields of study and contribute to much-needed progress in clean energy.”Top StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content“With fusion taking momentum all around the world, Germany investing substantial amounts to promote the cooperation between National Labs and private actors in the field, and KIT being at the centre of fusion technologies and materials development in Germany and in Europe, it is quite straightforward for us to engage in an international cooperation that offers plenty of opportunities for world-leading developments, e.g., in the fusion fuel cycle, hydrogen, and materials areas,” said Dr. Klaus Hesch, Head of KIT´s Fusion Programme. “CNL´s tritium expertise derived from decades of scientifically-technically accompanying and enabling the operation of the CANDU reactors perfectly complements the experience we have acquired in our Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe with regard to tritium handling and processing for fusion. There is interest to extend the cooperation both towards other fusion companies as well as to the European Fusion Programme.”CNL has decades of experience and expertise in materials characterization, hydrogen production, safety and storage, and tritium research, among other related fields of research. The Chalk River campus is also home to a state-of-the-art Tritium Facility and a Hydrogen Isotopes Technology Laboratory, as well as a rapidly growing fusion energy program. Not only did CNL recently announce the expansion of two of its flagship clean energy programs to include fusion – its advanced reactor siting program and the Canadian Nuclear Research Initiative (CNRI) – but CNL also invested $10 million into General Fusion, an international leader in commercial fusion energy. This is in addition to the launch of a new joint venture with Kyoto Fusioneering known as Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC), which is moving forward with a globally unique test facility available to industry to test and refine their unique processes.Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentAll of these projects, programs and resources are complemented by those at KIT, which serves as one of the largest science institutions in Europe, with over 5,000 people conducting research on a broad range of disciplines, from natural sciences to engineering. KIT is also home to research centers that focus on problems of fundamental importance to the existence and further development of society, and on key issues resulting from the striving for knowledge, which includes climate and environment, energy, materials in technical and life sciences, and elementary particle and astroparticle physics, among others. With the agreement now serving as a framework to facilitate collaborative research activities, both organizations believe that it could also act as a first step towards a broader relationship that expands into other fields of research.If you’d like to learn more about CNL or its projects in clean energy and environmental sciences, please visit www.cnl.ca. For more information on KIT and its programs of work, please visit www.kit.edu.About CNL Advertisement 5Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentAs Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.About KITBeing “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.To learn more about KIT, please visit www.kit.edu.CNL Contact:Philip KompassDirector, Corporate [email protected] photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2147c02c-0c21-421c-8a37-e6f279aeb3eaArticle contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the Conversation Featured Local Savings

Famed podcaster Kara Swisher pitching ‘long-shot’ bid to buy Washington Post from Jeff Bezos

Technology

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreTech podcaster Kara Swisher told Axios this week that she is attempting to round up a group of wealthy investors to put together a bid to purchase The Washington Post amid its ongoing turmoil under Jeff Bezos’ ownership.Even though Bezos has not expressed any willingness or interest in selling the paper, Swisher believes that the ultra-rich Amazon founder will look to unload the Post due to the compounding headaches swirling around the outlet – many of which lie at the mega-billionaire’s feet.Swisher, the host of popular podcasts Pivot and On with Kara Swisher, began her career working in the Post’s mailroom. She eventually became one of the most influential tech journalists in the industry, moving on to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She ultimately launched the Recode website, which was acquired by Vox Media in 2015. Since then, she was named editor-at-large at New York magazine and joined CNN as an on-air contributor.Due to her deep connections in Silicon Valley and her star status at Vox Media, Swisher believes that she can drum up enough capital to convince Bezos to dump the paper. In her opinion, he’d eventually want to unload it not just because of the recent difficulties surrounding the Post but also because his financial interests conflict with owning the paper.“The Post can do better,” she told Axios. “It’s so maddening to see what’s happening. … Why not me? Why not any of us?”Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chairman of Amazon and owner of the Washington Post, speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit. Kara Swisher is pitching a bid to purchase the Post from Bezos.

Kara Swisher Rallies Billionaire Friends as ‘Long Shot’ Bid to Purchase Washington Post from Jeff Bezos: Report

Technology

AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke
Former Washington Post journalist Kara Swisher is quietly lining up her wealthy friends for what she admits is a long-shot effort: buying the newspaper she used to work for.
Though the paper’s current owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has shown no sign of entertaining a sale, Swisher is convinced he may one day want out — and she hopes to be ready when that moment arrives.
As Swisher sees it, the Post is at a crossroads. She told Axios: “The Post can do better. It’s so maddening to see what’s happening… Why not me? Why not any of us?”
Her plan, reportedly discussed with a former banking associate, involves assembling a consortium of well-heeled, civic-minded investors who would reinvigorate the storied newspaper while charting a fresh path toward digital sustainability.
This ambition is rooted in Swisher’s past employment with the Post. She started out in its mailroom, later became one of its earliest tech reporters, and then moved on to the Wall Street Journal, where she cemented her reputation as a pioneering Silicon Valley chronicler.
Over the years, Swisher has watched the Post struggle with internal management issues and wrestle with the broader challenges facing the media industry. She believes Bezos’s other interests — from aerospace ventures to a vast portfolio of personal and financial endeavors — leave insufficient room for the level of focus the Post deserves.
Several observers in media circles have noted Swisher’s interest in spearheading a bid that journalist Oliver Darcy first reported in his newsletter Status.
Now, conversations with potential backers have begun, though there are no guarantees. Should the paper hit the market, there would likely be an intense bidding war, attracting private equity powerhouses and rival billionaires.
“Hopefully not Elon,” Swisher said, “though he seems pretty busy these days being President (Not) Elect.”

The Best Gifts for Avid Readers (That Aren’t Books)

Arts & Culture, Books

We may earn a commission from links on this page.Some people read for pleasure, some people read for work, some people read for school, but no matter what the goal is, there are lots of avid readers out there who find themselves tucked away at night with a book. It might seem like common sense to gift them more books, but choosing something they’ll enjoy can be tricky. You’re better off getting the reader in your life some of these useful gadgets to make the time they spend engaging with their hobby even better.
Best tech gifts for readers
Obviously, an e-reader is always a great gift—and they’re surprisingly inexpensive. The new Kindle Paperwhite is on sale right now for $134.99 (regularly $159.99) and even comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited so your reader has access to all the books they want. It’s got a larger screen, is super thin, and has anti-glare technology, so it’s an upgrade if they already have an older version.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

$134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00

Shop Now

Shop Now

$134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00

Or—and hear me out—consider the Paperwhite Kids. Sure, it can be for kids—or it can be for adults. It’s a great machine that’s on sale right now. The 16 GB Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids is $149.99 (regularly $189.99), the lowest price it’s ever been, according to price-tracking tools. The kiddie Kindle comes with a free case, saving you about $30, an ad-free experience that saves $20, six months of an Amazon Kindle Kids + subscription that’s usually $36, and a two-year warranty that lasts twice as long as the warranty on the regular version. You can toggle off the kid-safe mode easily, though that will bring ads back to the home screen.
Of course, there’s cool reader-focused tech out there that goes beyond e-readers. Book lights, for instance, make great stocking stuffers because they’re small, useful, and a little nostalgic. I’ve always loved using these at night so I don’t overwhelm myself with too much overhead light, plus they’re inexpensive enough to justify bringing everywhere at under $15.
I also usually recommend the Scanmarker Pal for students, since it can translate words on paper into a bunch of other languages, but it’s also useful for anyone who wants to hear their written works read aloud. It’s $149, it’s light and portable, plus your reader can connect bluetooth headphones to it so it can be used in public.
Other cool gifts for book lovers
I’ll admit I don’t own this yet, but it’s on my Christmas list this year: A reading pillow ($56.99). I love reading in bed or on the couch, but I also love resting my elbows on something, so this pillow that sits across the lap and provides sturdy space to hold a book (or laptop) plus your arms is genius to me.

cooloo8 Lap Desk with Cushion

$56.99 at Amazon

Get Deal

Get Deal

$56.99 at Amazon

You can also get a similar version that is a lap desk with an attached tablet holder for anyone who prefers an e-reader. It’s $45.98.
For something more personalized, I love the idea of book stamps or embossing machines. You can custom-order them with the reader’s name, so they stamp or emboss “From the library of…” on their treasured copies. A stamp is $19.95 while an embosser is $24.99. Personalized gifts are always a hit and this one is really thoughtful.