Category Archives: Travel

Local football supporters travel over 1,000 miles for dementia charity

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowA football supporters group has raised thousands of pounds for charity this December after travelling over 1,000 miles by foot and bike.A cheque for £5,664 was presented to the founder of Memory Action Group – a Wakefield charity which supports people with dementia – at the Official Liverpool Supporters Club (OLSC) West Yorkshire group’s Christmas social on Sunday, December 8, at Liversedge Cricket Club.The Wakefield organisation had been selected as this year’s charity by the group, and its members collectively travelled over 1,000 miles by foot or bike earlier in the year. Paul Shaw, an OLSC member, said the chosen charity was a personal choice for the group’s members this year. Members of the OLSC West Yorkshire group completed a walk from Wakefield to Liversedge to raise money for its chosen charity this year – Memory Action Group Wakefield. Photo: Paul ShawHe said: “We felt that we could make a real difference here and the fact that a number of our members have had their lives impacted upon by dementia meant that this felt a little personal to us all.”Last year, the group raised £8,500 for the men’s mental health charity, Andy’s Man Club, through a bike ride from Manchester to Cleckheaton and a walk from Huddersfield to Liversedge. “It is to the credit of everyone that year on year they give up their valuable time to support others that are in need,” he added.The fundraising events this year included around 40 members walking from Wakefield to the cricket club, as well as five who completed a round trip by bike from Liversedge to Standedge Tunnel.Simon Plimley presenting the cheque on behalf of the OLSC group to Jan Archibald, founder of Memory Action Group Wakefield, and Chris Sykes. Photo: Paul ShawThe group also raised money for other charities this Christmas, including £350 for Wakefield Hospice, £350 for the Cleckheaton Christmas Elves, and £200 for the Jubilee Project Huddersfield, which supports homeless people.The cheque was presented to Jan Archibald, who set up the dementia support group in 2018 to provide twice-weekly drop-in sessions for those living with dementia and their carers.The group is run by a handful of volunteers and relies on donations to fund its services. Jan has previously said the group is trying to save up money to relocate to bigger premises and enhance its services.More information about the charity can be found on its website.Continue Reading

All Shall Be Well: A Time For Travel And Journey

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By The Rev. Lynn M. FinneganAssociate RectorThe Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith
“Safe travels.” “Text when you get there.” These are the text messages my family sends whenever one of us is traveling, either on a plane or a long car ride. The message is literal: we are hoping and praying that the travel goes smoothly, with no cancelled flights or road construction or accidents.
Compare this to the sentiment those of you who have walked the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route, are familiar with: Buen Camino. “Buen Camino” is a wish and a prayer that travels go safely, but it also means more. It is a prayer that the person you are greeting has a good journey. Going on a journey implies more than moving from Point A to Point B. It implies a richness, a deepness, a significance to the trip that can be physical, yes, but is also often spiritual. Journeys take time and deliberation. Journeys are not intended to be rushed. Journeys involve the opportunity to ponder and reflect.
Our biblical story of the birth of Christ involves both travel and a journey. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, had to travel from their hometown of Nazareth to the town of Bethlehem for a census. The census required that families return to their city of origin to be counted, and Bethlehem was where Joseph had his roots. I am sure this was NOT welcome news to Mary, nine months pregnant! It is estimated traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, by foot (there may or may not have been a donkey involved; scripture doesn’t say), for a woman in her third trimester would have taken about a week. I envision Mary’s mom anxiously packing up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (or the first century Palestinian equivalent) and telling them, “Safe travels.”
Mary and Joseph, however, were also on a journey. Both of them received unexpected and downright frightening news that turned their lives upside down. Neither had any idea what lie ahead. Both heard God calling them to take a risk, to trust, to have faith. And both accepted. Luke’s gospel notes that following the birth of Jesus and the visit by the shepherds that Mary “pondered all these things in her heart.” I am confident that on that laborious trip to Bethlehem both Mary and Joseph were doing some pondering. Not only pondering about how their lives would change with an infant in the house, as all expectant parents do, but reflecting on God’s love in their lives.
This time of year, there’s a lot of traveling going on. Maybe you are among those who will pack up the car or jump on a plane to be with family and friends during the holidays. I wish you safe travels. Whether you are traveling or staying in place, Christmas is also a good time for pondering the journey you are on. How will the celebration of the birth of Jesus be part of your journey? Merry Christmas! May the light of Christ accompany you on your travels AND your journey.

All Shall Be Well: A Time For Travel And Journey

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By The Rev. Lynn M. FinneganAssociate RectorThe Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith
“Safe travels.” “Text when you get there.” These are the text messages my family sends whenever one of us is traveling, either on a plane or a long car ride. The message is literal: we are hoping and praying that the travel goes smoothly, with no cancelled flights or road construction or accidents.
Compare this to the sentiment those of you who have walked the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route, are familiar with: Buen Camino. “Buen Camino” is a wish and a prayer that travels go safely, but it also means more. It is a prayer that the person you are greeting has a good journey. Going on a journey implies more than moving from Point A to Point B. It implies a richness, a deepness, a significance to the trip that can be physical, yes, but is also often spiritual. Journeys take time and deliberation. Journeys are not intended to be rushed. Journeys involve the opportunity to ponder and reflect.
Our biblical story of the birth of Christ involves both travel and a journey. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, had to travel from their hometown of Nazareth to the town of Bethlehem for a census. The census required that families return to their city of origin to be counted, and Bethlehem was where Joseph had his roots. I am sure this was NOT welcome news to Mary, nine months pregnant! It is estimated traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, by foot (there may or may not have been a donkey involved; scripture doesn’t say), for a woman in her third trimester would have taken about a week. I envision Mary’s mom anxiously packing up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (or the first century Palestinian equivalent) and telling them, “Safe travels.”
Mary and Joseph, however, were also on a journey. Both of them received unexpected and downright frightening news that turned their lives upside down. Neither had any idea what lie ahead. Both heard God calling them to take a risk, to trust, to have faith. And both accepted. Luke’s gospel notes that following the birth of Jesus and the visit by the shepherds that Mary “pondered all these things in her heart.” I am confident that on that laborious trip to Bethlehem both Mary and Joseph were doing some pondering. Not only pondering about how their lives would change with an infant in the house, as all expectant parents do, but reflecting on God’s love in their lives.
This time of year, there’s a lot of traveling going on. Maybe you are among those who will pack up the car or jump on a plane to be with family and friends during the holidays. I wish you safe travels. Whether you are traveling or staying in place, Christmas is also a good time for pondering the journey you are on. How will the celebration of the birth of Jesus be part of your journey? Merry Christmas! May the light of Christ accompany you on your travels AND your journey.

At least 10 are killed as a small plane crashes into a Brazilian town popular with tourists

A small plane crashed into a Brazilian town that is popular with tourists on Sunday, killing several people, local officials said.
Eduardo Leite, governor of Rio Grande do Sul state, said in a statement on X that no passenger survived the crash in Gramado town, and that the plane had capacity to carry nine passengers. Authorities did not immediately say how many passengers or crew were on board.
Brazil’s Civil Defense Agency said the plane hit the chimney of a home and then the second floor of a building before crashing into a shop in a residential neighborhood. More than a dozen people who were on the ground were taken to hospitals with injuries including smoke inhalation.
Gramado is in the Serra Gaucha mountains and is popular with Brazilian tourists who enjoy the cool weather, hiking spots and traditional architecture.

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Culture & Tourism Minister inspects Tourism Promotion Council work

[Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:05:48 +0300] Sana’a – Saba:The Culture and Tourism Minister, Dr. Ali Al-Yafei, and his deputy, Abdullah Al-Washli, inspected on Sunday the workflow at the Tourism Promotion Council (TPC).
During the visit, the Minister of Culture met with the Council’s leaders, during which a handover took place between the former Executive Director of the Council, Jarallah Fadel, and the current Acting Executive Director, Abdullah Al-Washli.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Yafei pointed out the importance of concerted efforts and teamwork to achieve success and improve the level of services. He expressed hope to cooperate with the Acting Executive Director and make his work a success.
He praised the role of the former Executive Director and his efforts during the past period in the success of the Council’s activities. At the same time, he praised the role of the current Acting Executive Director, and his confidence in his ability to overcome all challenges and fulfill his mandate.

Ross-shire figures wish for transport, housing and tourism in 2025

At a time of year when many take stock and look ahead to the year to come, IONA MACDONALD asks some well-known faces about their hopes for 2025 Dingwall Academy headteacher Karen Cormack with Fin Graham, a Paralympic gold medallist who lives at one end of the Peffery Way. Picture: Callum Mackay. Dingwall Academy headteacher,…

Tax was one of the hottest travel trends of 2024

In Barcelona, they were attacked with water pistols.In Seoul, they were forced off the streets at night time.In Maui, fishing lines were cast where they swim.And in Fujikawaguchiko, their photos were ruined by a 20-metre blockade.Sufficed to say, tourists were not-so-welcome at some destinations in 2024.In Barcelona, where more than 12 million visitors arrived in 2023, protesters shoot water guns at tourists.

Tax was one of the hottest travel trends of 2024

In Barcelona, they were attacked with water pistols.In Seoul, they were forced off the streets at night time.In Maui, fishing lines were cast where they swim.And in Fujikawaguchiko, their photos were ruined by a 20-metre blockade.Sufficed to say, tourists were not-so-welcome at some destinations in 2024.In Barcelona, where more than 12 million visitors arrived in 2023, protesters shoot water guns at tourists.

Fears new tourist levy in Scotland could have hugely ‘negative consequences’

One UK tourism hotspot is hoping to introduce a new controversial levy for visitors – but one group has now highlighted the “significant negative consequences” that could follow.Scotland has long been a popular destination for staycationers and visitors from around the globe alike, drawn by its beautiful landscape and historic attractions.With growing local discontent at the hoards of visitors descending on regions including the famous Scottish Highlands, however, local authorities have come under pressure to roll out tourism tax schemes – but not everyone’s convinced they’re the right way to tackle rising numbers.The Highland Council became the third local authority in the country to float the idea of a visitor levy this year – proposing extra costs for overnight stays in the area, which is home to Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye.The Scottish Government passed legislation allowing councils to charge an extra tax on holidaymakers staying in overnight accommodation in the spring, with Glasgow and Edinburgh also set to consult on the charges, which could be enforced from 2026.Now the suggestion has attracted criticism from voices in the Highlands’ hospitality and business sector, with some concerned that Scotland’s existing tourist market would buckle under the strain of new financial pressure on visitors.The Inverness, Lochaber and Caithness chambers of commerce and the Cairngorms Business Partnership have called on the council to backpedal on the introduction of a 5% tariff on overnight stays in the Highlands in a joint statement pointing to the “significant negative consequences” of the move.The area is already facing “numerous challenges”, they argued, including a “fragile economic climate” and “competitive disadvantage” thanks to its remote location.Acknowleding that the Highland tourism economy is “vital to the region’s economy and provides significant employment opportunities”, they criticised the specific percentage-based charging model proposed by the council, suggesting that a “simpler, fixed-fee model” would be more effective. “We understand that change is needed for the tourism industry and are very happy to explore all options with relevant stakeholders,” the statement added.”We believe that a well-considered and carefully implemented approach to tourism development is crucial for the long-term success of the Highlands.”Figures from Highland Council show an annual tourist footfall of over six million, spanning day-trippers, hotel stayers and cruise passengers.Countries around the world have introduced new tourism taxes for 2025 following protests against overtourism in regions including the Balearic and Canary Islands.Brits travelling to Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Paris and Grand Canaria will have to shell out some extra pounds to enjoy a trip abroad next year, while a proposed Welsh tourist levy could also come into effect in 2027 at the earliest.Schemes are already in place in Venice, which introduced a £4.13 tax for visits during the peak season this year, Barcelona and Amsterdam, which recently increased its fee on overnight stays from 7% to 12.5%.

Fears new tourist levy in Scotland could have hugely ‘negative consequences’

One UK tourism hotspot is hoping to introduce a new controversial levy for visitors – but one group has now highlighted the “significant negative consequences” that could follow.Scotland has long been a popular destination for staycationers and visitors from around the globe alike, drawn by its beautiful landscape and historic attractions.With growing local discontent at the hoards of visitors descending on regions including the famous Scottish Highlands, however, local authorities have come under pressure to roll out tourism tax schemes – but not everyone’s convinced they’re the right way to tackle rising numbers.The Highland Council became the third local authority in the country to float the idea of a visitor levy this year – proposing extra costs for overnight stays in the area, which is home to Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye.The Scottish Government passed legislation allowing councils to charge an extra tax on holidaymakers staying in overnight accommodation in the spring, with Glasgow and Edinburgh also set to consult on the charges, which could be enforced from 2026.Now the suggestion has attracted criticism from voices in the Highlands’ hospitality and business sector, with some concerned that Scotland’s existing tourist market would buckle under the strain of new financial pressure on visitors.The Inverness, Lochaber and Caithness chambers of commerce and the Cairngorms Business Partnership have called on the council to backpedal on the introduction of a 5% tariff on overnight stays in the Highlands in a joint statement pointing to the “significant negative consequences” of the move.The area is already facing “numerous challenges”, they argued, including a “fragile economic climate” and “competitive disadvantage” thanks to its remote location.Acknowleding that the Highland tourism economy is “vital to the region’s economy and provides significant employment opportunities”, they criticised the specific percentage-based charging model proposed by the council, suggesting that a “simpler, fixed-fee model” would be more effective. “We understand that change is needed for the tourism industry and are very happy to explore all options with relevant stakeholders,” the statement added.”We believe that a well-considered and carefully implemented approach to tourism development is crucial for the long-term success of the Highlands.”Figures from Highland Council show an annual tourist footfall of over six million, spanning day-trippers, hotel stayers and cruise passengers.Countries around the world have introduced new tourism taxes for 2025 following protests against overtourism in regions including the Balearic and Canary Islands.Brits travelling to Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Paris and Grand Canaria will have to shell out some extra pounds to enjoy a trip abroad next year, while a proposed Welsh tourist levy could also come into effect in 2027 at the earliest.Schemes are already in place in Venice, which introduced a £4.13 tax for visits during the peak season this year, Barcelona and Amsterdam, which recently increased its fee on overnight stays from 7% to 12.5%.