Holiday & Travel

This fall, take a break in Kissimmee where thrills await around every corner, festive traditions take center stage, and home never feels too far away. While the crowds calm and the weather cools, here are all the fear-inducing adventures, family-friendly happenings, and newest additions coming this season to sunny Kissimmee.

Halloween Happenings

Only treats await at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, taking place select nights from Aug. 17 - Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom Park. This happy haunting is full of special sweets, grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment, and Disney Characters in their spookiest garbs. This year's special-ticket event will feature a few surprises, as special lighting and effects give a new spin to the Mad Tea Party and a new soundtrack and special effects transform Space Mountain. Plus, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular show at Cinderella Castle will return— just in time for the film's 25th anniversary.

Scream through scenes from classic horror movies and cringe-worthy TV shows, and even original concepts, at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. Taking place select nights from Sept. 14 - Nov. 3, the world's premier Halloween event will spotlight horrors of the '80s, including a haunted house inspired by Netflix's sci-fi thriller “Stranger Things.” In its 28th year, the event will feature scare zones, live shows, access to some of the resort's most popular attractions, and 10 haunted houses—more than ever before.

Weekends from Sept. 22 - Oct. 28, enjoy an ocean of Halloween fun for the whole family at SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular. During this daytime event meet everyone's favorite Sesame Street friends and whimsical sea creatures, enjoy spectacularly spooky live shows, and trick-or-treat throughout the park.

For friendly Halloween hijinks head to LEGOLAND Florida Resort for Brick or Treat, select nights Oct. 6-31. This spooky, and a little kooky, event features trick-or-treating, seasonal Halloween shows, giant LEGO models, special meet-and-greets with LEGO Halloween characters, and a special firework spectacular.

A ghoulish good time awaits at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center during Goblins & Giggles Getaway Weekends. During select weekends in October, the resort will offer plenty of Halloween fun and frights for the whole family.

Brighton's vibrant streets provide a huge range of amazing places to explore.

There are the family friendly arcades, beaches and museums, the Brighton pier, which has been a favourite attraction in the seaside resort since the Victorian era and the towering i360 providing a panoramic view across the county and the hustle and bustle of Brighton city centre.

One great way to uncover the hidden secrets of all these locations and have a lot of fun at the same time is with a self-guided Treasure Trail.

Designed for all ages from six to 106, there are 3 Treasure Trails to choose from in Brighton with exciting locations like 'Brighton Lanes & North Laine', 'Brighton Seafront' and 'Brighton Cultural Quarter'.

Explore the Brighton seafront on the Treasure Hunt Trail taking in the Palace Pier. Solve the whodunit on a Murder Mystery Trail in the Cultural quarter from the Pavilion Gardens and through the Regency heritage sights of the City or crack the code and complete the Spy Mission Trail which takes you through the Lanes – the arty, funky side of Brighton following the bustling grid of streets.

Jade Mountain resort is the number one hotel in St. Lucia, according to readers of the influential Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine, which also placed its sister hotel Anse Chastanet in the top five on the island.

According to the magazine's 2018 World's Best Awards, the renowned resorts took the first and third place, respectively, on the island of St. Lucia, and second and sixth spots, respectively, in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas category. Additionally, Jade Mountain was ranked among the Top 100 Hotels in the World.

Respected travel editor Jacqueline Gifford explained that every year for the World's Best Awards survey T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe - to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food and overall value.

This year's list spans 12 countries and territories, including St. Bart's, Aruba, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Anguilla. "But St. Lucia took home the most winning hotels," she explained, five to be exact, including honeymoon mainstays Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet Resort, whose open-air rooms wowed visitors. "The service, private beach, and views were incredible," remarked one honeymooner of Jade Mountain, which sits higher up on the hill from Anse Chastanet. "We hope to go back for our 10th anniversary."

"We would like to extend special thanks to Travel + Leisure's readers who have once again recognized that small, luxury, sustainability and top St. Lucian service make a formidable combination," said Karolin Troubetzkoy, the resorts' executive director, who recently recognized her own team for their consistent pursuit of excellence in the hospitality industry.

Troubetzkoy congratulated St. Lucian hotels Ladera Resort, Cap Maison and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina for making the Top 25 list as well as Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla for taking the top spot in the region.

Jade Mountain was named number 56 in the world while Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, in Indonesia ranked in first place.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has celebrated the first anniversary of its service to Manchester Airport, after operating the route for just over a year.

Following the success of the route, Oman Air started operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Manchester-Muscat service as of 1 July. The Dreamliner offers guests travelling from Manchester more space and equally more comfort, whilst onboard. Oman Air’s outstanding aircraft provides state of the art in-flight entertainment systems, individual seatback screens, audio and video on demand and live satellite TV.

To mark the celebration, Oman Air UK management including Kelpesh Patel, Oman Air Interim Country Manager, and Feysal Nagi Oman Air District Sales Manager as well as key members of Manchester Airport held celebrations at the Oman Air gate. The festivities also marked Manchester Airport’s 80th anniversary.

Guests were welcomed to branded cupcakes, entertainment and balloons. Speeches were made by Kelpesh Patel (Oman Air) and Nicola McMullen (Manchester Airport) before flight WY106 headed to Muscat’s award-winning passenger terminal.

With the route operating for over a year, the Manchester service connects business and leisure travellers from the region to a myriad of destinations. This includes the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Indian subcontinent providing guests with more choice and easy connections, via the airline’s hub in Muscat.

Julian Carr, Aviation Director for Manchester Airport, said: “It’s fantastic to see Oman Air celebrating their one year anniversary at the airport.  Their flights to Muscat and their connections beyond to Africa, Asia and India have proved hugely popular with 22million people in our catchment area.  We’re looking forward to working with them to build on their successful first year.”

Kelpesh Patel, Interim Country Manager UK & Ireland, Oman Air, said: “Oman Air has had a fantastic year flying on the Manchester-Muscat service and we couldn’t be happier with the support Manchester Airport has shown to Oman Air. I look forward to cementing our partnership with Manchester Airport, and working together to further establish Oman as one of the airline’s key destinations from the North of England.”

Oman Air is currently undergoing an exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 62 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022. Oman Air’s fleet currently consists of four Boeing 787-8, three 787-9 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 21 Boeing 737-800, four Embraer 175s, and three Boeing 737 MAX.  By the end of 2018 Oman Air will have taken delivery of five new MAX aircraft and three 787-9s. By 2022, Oman Air’s total fleet size is expected to be around 70.

The 105th Tour De France kicks off this weekend and is one of the most gruelling sporting events in the world, covering more than 2,000 miles through France. However, you don't have to be an elite athlete to cycle through this wonderful country. AmaWaterways offer plenty of opportunities for guests to explore on two wheels and are currently offering savings of 25% off selected Summer 2018 itineraries - meaning keen cyclists can explore for less.

AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to add a fleet of bicycles on their European Ships, enabling guests to independently explore the historic Normandy coast, the rolling hills and vast vineyards of Bordeaux or picture-perfect landscapes of Provence.

For a more structured day, complimentary cycling excursions are offered to suit a range of fitness levels. Favourites include cycling past fairy tale chateaux in the Gironde Estuary, following in the footsteps of the Santiago Pilgrims & exploring the Saint Emilion and Pomerol vineyards.

Back on-board, guests can cool off in the whirlpool, enjoy a massage or simply relax and watch the world go by – while the ship transports them to their next cycling adventure.

The Eden Project will be hosting the ultimate space adventure holiday this summer (July 21 to September 2) starring a mission to Mars, mini-golf on Mercury and a daring slide down the surface of a moon.

Expedition Space is an all-new programme of intergalactic activities taking place across Eden throughout the school summer holidays with plenty to do in all weathers.

Everyone will have the chance to go on an extra-terrestrial holiday of a lifetime including planet-hopping, meeting alien friends and enjoying out-of-this-world fun such as moon buggy driving and a mind-blowing new virtual reality experience.

A big highlight will be Mission to Mars, where space explorers can climb aboard a rocket and blast into orbit while enjoying spectacular views of the Moon en-route.

The journey takes off from the Stage and will showcase the wonders of our stars and galaxies before culminating in a dramatic landing on the Red Planet.

Passengers can see the majesty of Mars and find out from a resident Martian expert what it would be like to live in this barren landscape.

The planet-hopping continues with a bucket list of activities including mini-golf on the cratered surface of Mercury, caving on Saturn's rocky moon Titan, and a lunar driving test on a Renault Zoe slot-car buggy. These activities will all take place in Eden's Arena, Orchard and outdoor gardens.

Thrill-seekers of all ages can bump, bounce and whizz down the icy slopes of Jupiter's smallest moon Europa on a daring slide located on the Arena hillside.

Back on Earth, in a new family show, visitors will be able to 'meet a local' in the form of a friendly alien who will give everyone the lowdown on space travel.

There will be daily space storytelling by Eden narrators and space-themed entertainment shows in the Mediterranean Biome.

A bespoke new virtual reality experience will take intrepid visitors on a thrilling trip across the fiery surface of Venus. Participants wearing headsets will have their real-life steps tracked and replicated in both virtual and augmented experiences while they traverse the planet's volcanic surface.

Gordon Seabright, Chief Executive of the Eden Project, said: “We're so excited to be launching our all-new adventure programme Expedition Space at Eden this summer.

“If you've ever wondered what it would be like to go on holiday to space, then climb aboard our Mission to Mars, try your hand at golf on Mercury or whizz down our huge slope from Jupiter.

“Expedition Space is going to be a fabulous celebration of our solar system with extra-terrestrial activities taking place throughout Eden - including in our stunning outdoor gardens - to suit sunny days, rainy days and every kind of space traveller.”

All activities, with the exception of the virtual reality experience, are included in the standard admission price. The virtual reality experience will cost £5 per person. For more details or to buy tickets, see www.edenproject.com.

Expedition Space is part of Invisible Worlds, a major new permanent exhibition that reveals the world beyond our senses. Its centrepiece in Eden's Core building is ∞ Blue (Infinity Blue), a spectacular new 8.5m sculpture that blows vapour rings.

This summer, holiday makers can take advantage of a new promotion from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

Launching this week and running until 30 September, the Summer of Discovery is the island's biggest and most interactive summer promotion ever. A prize draw of £7,500 is up for grabs for anyone visiting Saint Lucia this season. 25 iconic sites and attractions have been chosen and to enter, holidaymakers need to capture a selfie at one of the locations.

Tropical sun seekers can also save up to 60% on their holiday accommodation in Saint Lucia. With 12 tour operators taking part, including Tropical Sky, Trailfinders, LetsGo2, Caribtours, Elegant Resorts, The Villa Collection, Inspiring Travel Company, The Holiday Place, Tropic Breeze, Caribbean Warehouse, BestAtTravel and Luxury Holidays Direct, there is a range of holidays on offer to suit all budgets and tastes.

To participate in the Summer of Discovery prize draw, visitors must follow @travelsaintlucia on their Instagram and Facebook feeds; visit a minimum of five out of the 25 locations and capture a selfie at each location. The photos must be posted with the hashtag #summerofdiscovery, plus the hashtag for each location. Finally, they need to tag @travelsaintlucia in the photo. One of the selfies must be at the property where the guest is staying. For every location-based selfie posted beyond the five minimum, participants will receive an additional entry in the prize-draw.

In addition, the promotion features the new “Holiday Travel Guarantee.” The “Holiday Travel Guarantee” has been adopted by a number of properties on island and means that booked guests will not forfeit their trip as a result of adverse weather but be allowed to defer their holiday to a later date.

Getting to Saint Lucia is easy with daily direct flights available from London Gatwick Airport and from Manchester in the winter. Saint Lucia is the ideal choice for couples, families and groups looking for a tropical sun getaway. Holiday makers can visit the iconic twin peaks, the Pitons; soak in the soothing Sulphur Springs mud baths or jump around the Splash Island Water Park, the Caribbean's first open-water sports park.

The True Blue Bay Boutique resort in Grenada has launched the True Sleep Wellness Retreat to help people to wind down from their busy lives and the demands of a hyper connected world to achieve deep, restful sleep. The retreat, running from 10 to 17 October, encompasses exercise, diet and healing delivered through yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Feng Shui and healthy eating.

The retreats will be led by yoga therapist, Malaika Brooks- Smith-Lowe; yoga teacher, May Fakhre; and Master Level Feng Shui Consultant, Wendy Yawching.

Morning yoga and meditation sessions at the resort's Sankalpa yoga studio provide a gentle start to the day. No previous experience of yoga or meditation is required.

Breakfast is followed by a series of informative workshops. The Ayurveda workshop explores the ancient Indian healing system and how herbal treatments, diet, and yogic breathing can help people to unwind, quiet the mind and fall into a deep rejuvenating night's sleep.

Wendy Yawching will advise on how to create the ideal environment to encourage a good night's sleep using the ancient Chinese principles of Feng Shui.

The retreat also includes a look at how food and drink can improve the quality of sleep. The herbal tea workshop taps into Grenada's traditional practice of using 'bush' teas made using indigenous herbs to promote good health and cure ailments. And bush teas will be served as bedtime drinks.

A rituals workshop will help participants create a bedtime routine that can be followed once they get back home.

In the afternoons there is plenty of time for a well-earned siesta or relaxation at True Blue Bay. Away from the resort there is plenty to see and do in Grenada, including many cocoa plantations and chocolate factories, the spice market or the House of Chocolate in the capital St George's or lush, unspoilt nature.

Caribbean Airlines has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the Caribbean region, by its strong support of Caribbean Week in New York, as the “official Caribbean Carrier of Caribbean Week 2018.” Caribbean Week (#CaribbeanWeekNewYork2018, #CWNY18) is organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the regional tourism development agency, and takes place 3-8 June.

“We are pleased that Caribbean Airlines has partnered with us in support of Caribbean Week New York,” said Sylma Brown, Director, CTO-USA. Brown added: “With the air carrier’s reputation for warm, friendly and superior service, Caribbean Airlines truly embodies the attributes that make the region so desirable and inviting.”

“Caribbean Airlines is delighted to once again partner with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for Caribbean Week New York,” said Dionne Ligoure, head of corporate communications, Caribbean Airlines. “This event is a staple in our programme of activities and is of great significance as we continue to strategically promote tourism in the region through our Hello Caribbean campaign, as well as our recently launched Caribbean Explorer fare and our Caribbean Plus economy product ensuring that our passengers have seamless connectivity to enjoy the beautiful destinations and cultural events throughout the Caribbean.”

Launched in Sept 2006, Caribbean Airlines operates more than 600 weekly flights to 18 destinations in the Caribbean and North and South America. The fleet is comprised of Boeing 737-800 and ATR72-600 aircraft. Jointly owned by the people of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, and with an operational base in Jamaica, Caribbean Airlines employs more than 1,600 people. The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is recognized as an IATA Operational Safety Audit qualified airline.

Caribbean Week New York 2018 will have a special feel this year as the Big Apple’s 8.5 million residents get a taste of the re-energising and rejuvenating power of Caribbean wellness. During the week-long event (3-8 June), the wellness theme will be incorporated into many activities, including a trade show and educational forum for travel agents on how to sell the Caribbean as a wellness destination. Registration details for all events can be found at https://www.caribbeanweek.com/events/.

With Father’s Day around the corner on 17th June, challenge your Dad to an afternoon at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. After all, doesn’t he deserve more than just socks this Father’s Day?

Get the whole family involved as teams of eight are lead around the maze’s four themed zones: Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic, by a charismatic Maze Master (Tip: Befriending them early on is a wise move if you want to beat Dad and gain their insider knowledge).

Inside each zone are different challenges: skill, physical, mental and mystery for the competitive Dad and it’s up to each team captain to decide who takes on which challenge.

Whether your Father loves a bit of Richard Ayoade, you’re looking for an antidote to the usual boring voucher or if you know Dad’s a sucker for a challenge, then this is the ideal Father’s Day gift.

The whole experience is deliciously daft and hilariously funny, not only will Dad be crawling and running, he will be sliding his way around the maze with the ultimate goal of winning crystals to bag a spot on the coveted leader board!

Qatar Airways has launched an exciting new on-board dining experience for its Premium customers, starting with its European routes. The new concepts include newly-designed tableware, in-flight dining menus, cutlery and chinaware that are specially crafted to meet travellers’ high expectations and elevate their experience on board the airline’s award-winning aircraft.

Qatar Airways has also put a greater focus on featuring regional influences within the menu design process, which now sees the inclusion of new signature dishes to the in-flight menu based on route destinations, such as the offering of porcini and truffle risotto on Italian sectors. Traditionally prepared Arabic main dishes such as kabsa, biryani and flame-grilled meats, which offer a taste of the Middle East, will feature as a choice option across most routes.

New signature warm desserts will be introduced to passengers in the Business Class cabin, in addition to a luxurious afternoon tea experience on board selected routes. Attention to detail has been given to every new concept, from the mini condiment grinders dispensing ground black peppercorns and Himalayan pink salt, to tableware such as the linen-lined bread baskets that house a freshly baked trio of bread.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is thrilled to introduce a whole new on-board dining experience that will push the boundaries of Premium travel for our esteemed passengers. Every new concept was designed and produced with the highest attention to detail and quality, to meet the exacting standards of our passengers.

“Qatar Airways is collaborating closely with local farms and suppliers to produce products for our specific needs, promoting a ‘farm-to-table’ approach. Our in-flight dining menus are designed to align with the four seasons, better incorporating the use of locally-grown produce and tapping into authentic foods of local provenance delivering the very highest international standards.”

The national carrier of the State of Qatar has recognised the emerging trend of its travellers being more aware of their dietary needs and expressing interests in healthier food options. Qatar Airways supports its customers’ desires and will now feature lighter options, such as fresh crisp salads, woodland berries, warm breakfast oatmeal and more. Healthier drink options such as “cold pressed” juice with great flavour combinations will also be available on selected menus to revitalise during a long flight.

The airline has also improved its indulgent treats, including an enhanced caviar service offering for First Class passengers, which is perfectly accompanied with a Balik-style salmon and showcased on a bespoke crystal plate.

Qatar Airways launched a highly-successful pre-select dining option last year, whereby passengers travelling in First and Business Class are able to pre-select one main course from the à la carte on-board menu as far as 14 days in advance and up to 24 hours before take-off. This is in addition to the existing Dine-on-Demand service already available for valued First and Business Class passengers. The pre-select service enables First and Business Class passengers to now enjoy even more choice and freedom to create their own personalised dining experience while travelling on selected long-haul flights from Doha.

To pre-select a meal, passengers simply need to log into ‘My Trips’ on the Qatar Airways website and choose from the seasonal menu available on their flight. Meals can also be ordered through the Qatar Airways mobile app.

The Pre-Select Dining option complements the airline’s award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite, which offers an unparalleled level of luxury and privacy on board a Business Class cabin. First and Business Class passengers can now board their flight in the comfort and knowledge that their pre-selected dish is reserved and waiting for them whenever they are ready to dine, giving them more time to relax and enjoy the airline’s superior on-board entertainment and amenities.

As well as enjoying unrivalled five-star service, premium customers can also be pampered with amenities from world-class brands such as BRIC’S, Nappa Dori, Monte Vibiano and The White Company. Meanwhile all passengers have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, which offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Situated in the South Pacific between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, the population of about 550,000 is predominantly Melanesian but includes other smaller groups. Exotic local customs and traditions remain a very important part of life for Solomon Islanders.

The Solomon Islands tourism industry registered for the first Quarter 2018 a 29 percent increase of visitor arrivals over the same period in 2017.

What is it about the Solomon Islands. Here is the answer perhaps:

Visit the villages in the outer islands and step back in time. Experience life much as it was a hundred years ago. No electricity, no internet, no running water supply, no shops, few roads. And no noise – except for the sound of the waves!

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago of 992 tropical islands and atolls, scattered in a gentle curve. They comprise two major parallel island chains extending some 1800 kilometers from the Shortland Islands in the west to Tikopia and Anuta in the east.

The islands and waters are still a little known pristine paradise. They are particularly special for their remarkable biodiversity, containing thousands of different plant and animal species, especially the marine life. Many species are known only to the Solomons.

Tourism figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) this week show international visitation for the increased from 4881 to 6296 with January, February and March all showing positive growth – respectively, plus 33 per cent, plus 13.5 per cent and plus 36.3 per cent.

Australian visitor arrivals continued to dominate, the 2195 figure recorded for Q1 a 17.6 per cent increase over the 1867 result achieved in 2017 and representing 34.8 per cent of all international visitation.

A strong New Zealand result saw arrivals increase from 301 to 356, an 18.3 per cent increase, in the process firmly cementing the country in place as the second largest source of visitation.

Papua New Guinea and the US maintained their third and fourth positions, increasing 39.3 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively.

If you’re on a quest to find your Zen, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience has released exclusive, limited-availability tickets to yoga classes in both its Manchester and London attractions to help you feel calm, cool and focused this summer.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is encouraging all to wave goodbye to the gruelling gym and try something new that still keeps you active in a cool setting. From only £25 per person, book into one of its unique classes, only available on the 16th, 23rd and 30th June, and find your inner peace whilst having a giggle with your friends at the same time.

Crystals are commonly used in meditation to channel energy, promote healing and to feel connected – what better crystal for the job than the iconic crystal dome?

Classes commence at 8am and will leave you feeling that little bit smug that you’ve started off your day right. You’ll even receive a souvenir Crystal Maze crystal (retail price of £10.00) to prove it to your friends and family.

With only 40 places per class, experience a full 60 minutes of tranquillity and peace taught by yoga industry professionals in the unique setting of the iconic Crystal Maze dome.

Experienced yoga instructor and head of yoga at London-based studio ‘FLY LDN’, Fiona Clark, comments: “I am so passionate about the importance of letting yourself relax in today’s hectic world. I’m incredibly excited to be leading the Crystal Maze LIVE yoga class in London as everyone can benefit from a little R&R.

“I’ll be leading the attendees through the most popular class at my studio. This is a 60-minute vinyasa flow style session accompanied by upbeat tunes, followed by a breath-lead practice that is suitable for everyone from first timers to regular practitioners.

“After starting with a gentle warm-up, we’ll move into a mellow flow to target all areas of the body with some balances to challenge the body and mind. The class will finish with a series of vital stretches before a final deep relaxation to leave you feeling completely and utterly blissed out.”

Psst…before you get lost in the bliss, we’d advise arriving early to make sure you have time to snap that all important picture for the ‘gram to make your followers envious. We guarantee that with the setting of the iconic crystal dome, and on-trend art of finding your inner zen you will seriously be upping your insta-game.