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Things to remember when booking a group tour

When it comes to travelling abroad, many people opt to take part in a group tour to get the most out of their holiday. However, there are always a few logistics to iron out before you book your trip, because running into issues on a tour can make or break your vacation. Thankfully, travel expert Dilvin Yasa has shared her go to tips for getting the most out of your group tour. Budget accordingly When planning your group tour, budgeting is one of the most important factors, as these trips are rarely all-inclusive. Dilvin Yasa told <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/things-first-timers-get-wrong-on-group-tours/61fa10d2-ce80-40bb-ab92-9008b3d9296d">9Travel</a> it’s important to “read the itinerary carefully before you book and add up all the exclusions until you arrive at your 'real figure'.” Extra costs on a group tour could include lunches, dinners, attractions and additional activities, so make sure you factor these potential costs in. Know your geography Yasa advised against skipping between different destinations, as strict time constraints could prevent you from partaking in back to back tours. “If the itinerary doesn't list distances or time between destinations, hit up Google Maps to get an idea of how long you're expected to be in transit during each leg of the tour.” Don’t arrive at the last minute The travel expert said if you’re heading on a group tour, don’t leave it until the day the tour departs to arrive at your destination. “The last thing you want is to miss a connecting flight or hit any other sort of delay that could see you miss the first or two of the tour you've paid for,” Yasa said. “Aim to arrive the day before at the very latest and give yourself a little extra free time at the tail end as well - just in case.” Keep some cash on hand While most of your tour should already be paid for before you depart, you should always be prepared for extra expenses. Especially when travelling to more remote locations, or if you’re visiting smaller food vendors or markets, you shouldn’t assume everywhere will take card payments. Yasa said, “Make sure you have local currency on you at all times and you're good to go.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after on-stage Trump comment

Jack Black has cancelled the rest of Tenacious D's Australia and New Zealand tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass’s on-stage joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was widely condemned. Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday on stage at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Sunday night, just hours after Trump was fired upon at a rally Pennsylvania, when Black presented him with a cake and asked for his birthday wish. “Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied. The moment was captured and posted to TikTok where it quickly went viral, even attracting attention from radio shock jock <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/kyle-slaps-comedy-legends-with-lifetime-ban-for-twisted-trump-joke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Sandilands</a>, who proposed Tenacious D receive a lifetime ban from touring in Australia. Since the moment garnered online attention, Kyle Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, with rep Michael Greene telling <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/16/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-dropped-talent-agency-trump-shooting-comment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">TMZ</a> they have parted ways due to the incident. In the hours after the show, Jack Black took to Instagram where he shocked fans by announcing the rest of their tour would be cancelled, as the joke prompted a falling out between the two bandmates. “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in a statement. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.” Gass has since apologised for the joke, saying, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake." “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement." “I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.” Image credits: Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock Editorial/TikTok

Music

King Charles and Queen Camilla's Australia tour confirmed

King Charles and Queen Camilla are officially coming to Australia! Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday morning that the monarch and his wife will embark on their first royal tour of Australia as King and Queen in October, with stops including New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. They will also visit Samoa, where they will attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This marks the first time a reigning monarch has visited since the late Queen Elizabeth's trip in 2011. However, Charles and Camilla will not be visiting New Zealand based on the advice of doctors, according to the Palace. "The King's doctors have advised that such an extended programme should be avoided at this time, to prioritise His Majesty's continued recovery," a Palace spokesperson said. "In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only," the spokesperson continued. "Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding." Charles' programme in both Australia and Samoa will also "be subject to doctors' advice", and his itinerary may also change according to his health. The royals are expected to spend six days in Australia, before heading to Samoa for the meeting. The last time the couple visited Australia was in 2018, when Charles was still a prince. Image: The Royal Family Instagram

International Travel

Cyndi Lauper announces farewell tour

Cyndi Lauper is saying goodbye to fans after announcing that her upcoming US tour will also be her last. The music legend, who turns 71 later this month, will go on a 23-date tour of the US and Canada in October. The announcement of her tour titled Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: The Farewell Tour, sent fans into a frenzy on social media, as they begged her to extend her last tour to more countries. “Farewell tour? Nooo,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “I’m so happy and so incredibly sad. I know you have worked your booty off since the very early 80s and you are due for a darn good rest but I just cannot imagine not seeing you all the time,” another added. “I hate farewells and I am so thankful I grew up when your music was always on the radio!” a third wrote. Fans hoped that the singer would hold a similar farewell tour to fellow pop diva Cher, who went on a 326-date farewell tour from 2002 to 2005. Cher has since performed two more world tours and two separate Las Vegas residences, making it a total of 430 concerts since her announcement. Lauper has not yet spoken publicly about what exactly this “farewell” means in terms of whether she is retiring from touring or the music industry altogether. The singer last visited Australia in March 2023, when she was a support act for Rod Stewart. In the 1980s she had 10 top 20 hits, including scoring a number one spot for her solo debut single Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial

Music

10 questions you must ask before booking a tour

A tour can be a memorable experience, for the right and wrong reasons. Here are 10 questions you must ask yourself before booking one on your next holiday. 1. Are there minimum or maximum group sizes? This applies for two reasons. Firstly, you need to decide how many people you’d like to travel with. Small group tours will have no more than a dozen or so while larger tours could be up to 50. The size will drastically impact your tour experience, affecting everything from the mode of transport to the type of meals. Secondly, you need to know if there’s a minimum group size needed for the tour to run. If you’re the only one who books you may find it cancelled. 2. What is your cancellation/refund policy? As a rule of thumb, you should ask this question about any kind of travel you book before you hand over your cash. With a tour, make sure you find out their policies around inclement weather, too few passengers or if you need to cancel. And as always, travel insurance is your best friend. 3. Are you available for support throughout? One of the good things about travelling with a tour is that you’ll have the services of at least one guide. It’s also good to know if the tour office itself is available for assistance when you’re on the road. This comes in handy if you have to make changes, get sick or are unhappy with the experience. 4. Do you have any reviews I can read? If you can’t find the tour company on TripAdvisor or a similar review site, ask the company if they have any testimonials from previous customers. Before you make your final decision, it’s nice to know what other people have said about the tour and its style. 5. What experience/qualifications do the guides have? Many tour companies now pride themselves on using locals or people who have lived in a country for many years to guide tours. You don’t want to be stuck with someone who just reads from a guidebook – you can do that yourself for half the price. Find out what they know before you go. 6. How active is it? There is a huge spectrum when it comes to tours, ranging from coach journeys with very little walking to active treks where you cover hard ground every day. Make sure you find out exactly what will be involved and if that suits your abilities and fitness level. And be realistic – you and the tour group will suffer otherwise. 7. What is the demographic? You don’t want to get stuck on a tour with a bunch of 25 year olds who are just looking for the pub. Most people prefer to travel with people around their own age and in similar demographics (such as solo travellers, seniors, families etc), so make sure you find out who is likely to be in your group before you book. 8. Is everything included or will I have to pay for extras? You should be able to get a detailed break down of exactly what is – and what isn’t – included in the price. What looked like a good deal can quickly become very expensive if you have to pay for day excursions, admission fees, alcohol or other surprises. 9. How much time do you spend in each place? Are you looking to tick many famous sites off your list or do you want to have the time to immerse yourself in a destination? When you’re looking at an itinerary, ask questions about how long you will actually be spending at each place to ensure that you get enough time to really enjoy it. 10. Will I get any free time on my own? After many days as part of a group, it’s nice to have some time on your own. You can explore sites that aren’t on your itinerary, try a new restaurant or just have a well deserved nap. Find out how rigid the schedules are and if there will be some time to do your own thing. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

8 signs you should be booking a group tour

Not sure if you should take a tour or go it alone? These are the times you’re going to want that expert on hand. 1. When you’re on a really tight schedule A tour will help you squeeze in as much as possible in a very short time. It will plan out a sensible itinerary with no backtracking or wasted journeys and will give you a realistic idea of how much you can fit in for a day. Plus you won’t have to puzzle out public transport for yourself. 2. When you’re feeling nervous Arriving in a new place can be scary sometimes, so having someone to walk you through it will make all the difference. If a city has a reputation for being unsafe or if it’s just your first time in a foreign country, a tour will give you a great worry-free introduction. 3. When there’s a big language barrier We’re lucky in that much of the world speaks English, so we can usually muddle our way around. But in some countries you’ll find there’s a significant language barrier, so having a native speaker is going to make all the difference. 4. When you want to meet some locals This might sound counterintuitive, but an organised tour can be one of the best ways to meet some locals. First of all, your guide is likely to be local and can introduce you to their hometown. Secondly, it’s daunting to walk into a crowded bar or cool café when you don’t know anyone. A guide can smooth the way and ensure you don’t get stuck in tourist traps. 5. When it’s really busy If you don’t fancy joining the huge line outside a popular museum or waiting hours for tickets, a tour could be the way to go. They can often organise private or after hours visits, get special passes to cut the line or take you to areas that are off limits to the general public. 6. When it’s the law Want to visit North Korea? You’re going to need to join a tour. Some governments have restrictions in place that mean foreign tourists can only visit when accompanied by a registered tour guide and independent travel is simply not an option. 7. When you’re doing something really adventurous Trekking, white water rafting, canyoning or safaris – for safety reasons you’re going to need to join a tour. These kinds of activities can be dangerous, so you don’t want to be risking them on your own. A tour or private guide will show you the best way to get your heart pumping. 8. When you’re going right off the grid Places like Antarctica, the Arctic, remote corners of Africa or tricky countries like Russia are best done on a tour. Often the logistics of simply getting there are impossible for the independent traveller or you will need help navigating the complex visa process. In these instances, it’s a relief to put yourself in someone else’s hands and just concentrate on having fun. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Taylor Swift kicks off the Eras tour in sensational style

Excitement was high for music icon Taylor Swift’s Eras tour since the very first announcement. And while controversy may have reared its head early on - Ticketmaster ran into a great deal of trouble trying to handle the masses of fans and alleged bots trying to secure tickets to the show, and that wasn’t even to mention the “dynamic pricing” debacle. The tour marked Taylor’s first since 2018, and features some of her biggest - and favourite - tracks from over the course of her illustrious music career … so far. In fact, for the first show of the tour, the 12-time Grammy award winner (and 46-time nominated artist) performed an astounding 44 tracks, for a total of over three hours. A typical stadium show will run for just under two, and average at around 20 songs. While some were surprised by the runtime, others barely batted an eyelid after months of speculation over what “a journey through the musical eras of [Taylor Swift’s] career” could entail. And from the moment people knew it was coming, the tour was set to break records. Taylor wasted no time with opening night, which became “the most attended female concert in US history”. The record was previously held by Madonna, who had held onto that bragging right for 36 years from her 1987 Anaheim Stadium show. And Taylor’s fans - affectionately known as Swifties - are well aware, their idol does nothing without careful planning and care. Album releases are often scattered with Easter Eggs for her most devoted followers to pick apart, and everything means something. So it came as no surprise when Taylor split her show into 10 distinct sections, each inspired by one of her albums. However, none of these were chronological, leaving even the most devoted fans to guess which they were going to hear next. The entire stage transformed with each new era - from the lighting to the props, videos playing behind Taylor and her dancers, and a mesmerising swim along the catwalk, everything was planned out well in advance to wow her audience. And in true Taylor fashion, her style on the night reflected this effort too, with the star embarking on no less than 16 spectacular outfit changes to honour each of her beloved albums. Images: Getty, @taylorswift @kevinmazur @kevincwinter / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Tragedy strikes Ed Sheeran tour

Ed Sheeran’s touring partner and co-writer has suffered a major loss with the news of his teenage son’s sudden death. Ben Kweller, who opened for Sheeran on his 2019 tour, revealed his 16-year-old son, Dorian, was killed overnight. "There's no way that I can be typing this but I am….," Kweller began in a heartbreaking <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNSgQ5uXzd/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tribute shared on Instagram</a>. "Our son, Dorian Zev Kweller, was killed last night. He was only 16 and he was a true legend. Kindest, gentle soul, a friend to all. If you knew him, you know.” Kweller did not share any more information about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, instead, he wrote about the short but brilliant life the 16-year-old aspiring musician lived. "We'll never get over him as long as we're here on earth. Please keep his spirit alive with your memories and the music he made: @reallyzev," the proud dad shared. "Dorian Zev wrote and recorded songs every day. A true poet from the day he started speaking. Only a few of his recordings were released but he was on a path and excited about his journey. He had so many plans!!! His first gig was in two weeks, at SXSW.” In the post, the grieving father also shared his last text message exchange with his son. "We're in complete shock and don't know what the future holds. Lizzy, Judah, and I have no idea how to deal with this disaster. Thank you for your prayers and support and we apologize if we are slow to respond to messages. 💔” Sheeran, who is currently touring Australia, counts Kweller as one of his good friends. In 2018, when the musician married his childhood sweetheart Cherry Seaborn in a secret ceremony, Kweller was one of the few invited and also performed at their wedding ceremony. Kweller also co-wrote Sheeran’s hit song Collide. Image credit: Instagram

News

Readers respond: If you could resurrect one dead singer for a farewell tour, who would it be?

Most people have fond memories of seeing their favourite artists live in concert, but there are some musicians who passed too soon before they could be appreciated on stage. We asked our readers who they would resurrect for one final farewell tour, and the responses were overwhelming. Here's what they said. Gina Colbert - Omg could only ever be Elvis, God bless. Suzanne Stovel - So many to choose from, John Lennon, George Harrison, Freddy Mercury, Gord Downey, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Helen Reddy, Patsy Cline, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin. I would go to any one of their concerts. So many great singers have passed. Therese Mcdonnell - John Lennon. He deserves sometime with his family. Robyn Burton - Roy Orbison. Dawn Dominick - Freddie Mercury and George Michael. Donna Zwerus - Quite a few singers sadly gone too soon, probably Elvis, others that have already been mentioned. Bobby Darrin, Eva Cassidy, John Denver David Bowie to add to the list. All fabulous singers. Gail Catchlove - John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. Can’t just leave it at one. Wendy Sartori - Gene Pitney, Luciano Pavarotti and Billy Thorpe. Sukirti Gupta - Chester Bennington in a heartbeat. Lynette Bentley - John Denver. Loved his work. Nola Clarke - Michael Jackson. John Davies - George Harrison in a heartbeat. Pauline Whitling - Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Aretha Franklin. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Stay the night in Dolly Parton’s tour bus

Dolly Parton fans can now enjoy an eye-opening insight into the country music icon’s life, with her ‘Suite 1986’ tour bus available to rent for just $USD 10,000 ($AUD 14,570 or $NZD 16,110) for two nights. The tour bus, which was Parton’s “personal sanctuary” for more than 13 years, comes complete with closets still containing her old wigs and clothes and is described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for fans to experience the “ultimate behind-the-scenes Dolly Parton experience”, according to the <a href="https://www.dollywood.com/resort/accommodations/dolly-tour-bus-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. Now residing permanently at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the bus itself sleeps up to two guests and comes with a guest room in the resort which can fit an additional four people. The package also includes VIP dining for four guests. “Designed by Dolly and her sisters, the motorcoach offers a unique glimpse into Dolly’s life on the road,” the website reads. “Guests will stay in Dolly’s most recent personal sanctuary, a place during the last 15 years where she wrote dozens of songs and worked on a number of hit projects that have continued to confirm her status as an international superstar.” Parton lived on the bus from late 2008 to March 2022, travelling roughly 360,000 around America on her various tours. Her “home away from home” was where she wrote some of her most famous songs, including her albums Backwoods Barbie and Nine to Five the Musical. Having spent so much time on the coach, it’s not surprising that Parton made it more than your standard motorcoach, with various customisations including installing electric doors, a full-size refrigerator, and a spacious bath tub, as well as removing bunk beds to make room for her sprawling closet and wig cabinet. Parton even had hand-painted murals added to the walls, which include depictions of “wayfaring wanderers, wagons and crystall balls” according to the website. “Jewel-toned fabrics and décor blend seamlessly with the overall theming that Dolly envisioned and brought to life.” In line with Parton’s wholesome and giving nature, a portion of profits from every stay will be donated to The Dollywood Foundation, a non-profit foundation that funds scholarships, awards, and other non-profit organisations like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Images: @dollyparton (Instagram) / Dollywood

Real Estate

Review: Feel like a tourist in your own city at Sydney’s Opera House Tours

Sydney’s harbour wouldn’t be complete without it, but the history and interiors of the Sydney Opera House aren’t as well known - which is where the Sydney Opera House Tours and Sunset at the House tours come in. Throughout June, Sunset at the House gives you a chance to explore and witness the stunning harbour views during the golden hour. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/20220616_163853-scaled.jpg" alt="" /> Image: Author The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 people, making for an intimate experience as you make your way from the steps outside all the way to the Joan Sutherland Theatre near the building’s peak, then back down again to the Western Foyers and Colonnade, taking in the history of the Opera House along the way. But before you step inside, the tour’s first stop is on the steps outside, where you can view the iconic sails and the Aztec-inspired stairs designed to represent stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into something more spiritual (at least, that’s what our tour guide said). Once inside, you’ll be treated to an immersive digital experience projected onto the ceiling above you, showcasing some of the highlights of the Concert Hall’s past performances. The tour couldn’t be any more timely either, with the Concert Hall preparing to open its doors in July after being closed for two years of renewal works. If art, architecture, history, or even acoustics technology intrigues you, you’ll be sure to find the tour to be a fascinating insight into the Opera House’s story and the work that goes into putting on its calendar of shows and performances, made all the more compelling by the engaging tour guides. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/20220616_171614-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" /> Image: Author Rounding out the tour with some nibbles and a glass of bubbles next to Portside Sydney, one of the Opera House’s harbourside eateries, is a nice touch that gives you the chance to enjoy views of the Harbour Bridge and its surrounds as day turns to night. Though tickets for Sunset at the House have already sold out, the Opera House will be running daily tours - without the canapes and sunset drinks - at 11.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 3.30pm until August 31. From September, tours will depart at 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm Sunday to Friday, with three tours on Saturdays at 9am, 10.30am and 12.30pm. The hour-long tours are free for children under five, with adult tickets costing $43 and $33 for conession holders. To book your tickets, head to the Opera House <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit-us/tours-and-experiences/english-tour.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. Image: Sydney Opera House

Domestic Travel

A regal tour like no other: New Zealand locations with a nod to royalty

From Queen streets and Queen’s parks to the entire town of Queenstown (which was named after Queen Victoria), there are a host of spots named after New Zealand’s head of state that deserve a look-see on your next visit. It isn’t just the Queen who has a Kiwi namesake either, with Albert Town, near Wānaka, named after Queen Victoria’s husband and the town of Alexandra being named after her daughter-in-law. But many of these date all the way back to the Victorian era and places named after the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, are more select. According to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/queens-birthday-new-zealand-locations-with-a-nod-to-royalty/R7YE2WY5GEJYJEBGTY56HWMTAM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>, this list of royally-inspired locations has dwindled to make way for new developments and because of natural disasters. Of those that remain, here’s a list of spots well-worth visiting. Parks galore Queen Elizabeth has been the inspiration for two parks that should be on your royal travel bucket list: one in Masterton and the other on the Kāpiti Coast. Stretching over 638 hectares, Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast was opened by the monarch during her first royal visit, months after her coronation in 1953. It boasts a vast expanse of beaches, dunes, wetland and farmland, includes a large holiday park and an ancient pā site (a Māori hill fort). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Queen Elizabeth Park features beaches, wetlands, and more, spread across 638 hectares. Image: Greater Wellington Regional Council Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park, on the other hand, was founded during Queen Victoria’s reign and later renamed. The park is known as one of the best and most child-friendly parks in the country, with a castle-like playground, flying fox, BMX track, steam-powered miniature train and pedal-boat rides on the lake. It also includes a deer enclosure accessed by a swing bridge across the Waipoua River. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Masterton’s park boasts one of the country’s most child-friendly parks, and even houses an deer enclosure.Image: Destination Wairarapa Recreation and sports After Christchurch’s Queen Elizabeth II park - built to host the 1974 Commonwealth Games - had its stadium and pool complex damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Taiora QEII Recreation and Sports Centre was built in its stead. The big draw for the park is its aquatic centre, with its hydroslide for big kids and its play pool for tiny swimmers, and its spa, sauna and steam room. Image: Destination Wairarapa / Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Take in the views this month at Sydney Opera House’s sunset tours

The sails of the Sydney Opera House are an icon in Sydney's skyline, and now you can explore the building itself - thanks to a new series or sunset tours running through June. Sunset at the House is part of the NSW government's Culture Up Late initiative, offering an intimate tour of the landmarks halls and foyer spaces. Starting at 4pm, you'll get to go behind the scenes of the World Heritage-listed site during golden hour - the prime time to snap some photos of the stunning waterside views - and round out the afternoon with canapes and a drink. “There is no better way to step inside the Opera House and learn more about how the building comes to life,” Nicola Brandon, the Sydney Opera House General Manager of Tours, Retail and Projects, said. Sunset at the House is a wonderful experience where people can enjoy the Opera House at a time when it’s buzzing with energy. Guests will be awed by the beauty of a stunning harbour sunset, with delicious canapés and drinks served to them at Portside or the Joan Sutherland Theatre’s northern balcony, two of our finest locations,” Tickets cost just $20 - half the price of a standard Opera House Tour - and are available to purchase for select dates from June 3-29 <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit-us/tours-and-experiences/sunset-at-the-house.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Supplied

Domestic Travel

Take an art-filled tour of Auckland from anywhere in the world

There’s a new way to explore Auckland that combines public art and marine conservation - and you don’t even have to be in the country to experience it. The <a href="https://whaletales2022.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale Tales</a> project, launched by WWF-New Zealand, consists of 80 Brig Broos (large) and 80 Pēpi (mini) whale tail sculptures located throughout Auckland’s public spaces which can be explored in-person and via a virtual trail. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaydQJQlp-x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaydQJQlp-x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by WWF Whale Tales 2022 (@whaletales2022)</a> </div> </blockquote> Each sculpture has been designed by artists from across New Zealand and comes with a story, accessed via the Whale Tales app, about the artist and what each artwork represents. The trail stretches from Pukekohe across to the Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands. It was conceptualised to “capture the hearts of kiwis, near and far,” and catalyse “positive action to protect Bryde’s whales and restore our ocean’s health”, according to a <a href="https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2202/S00427/wwf-whale-tales-goes-global-with-a-one-of-a-kind-virtual-trail.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement </a>from WWF-NZ. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZycvJyJTNd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZycvJyJTNd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kate Hursthouse | NZ Artist (@katehursthouse)</a> </div> </blockquote> WWF-NZ chief executive Livia Esterhazy said Bryde’s whales are vulnerable to plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, climate change, and other human activities. “Bryde’s whales are an indicator of ocean health. If our whale populations are healthy and thriving, it is a sign our ocean is also healthy and thriving,” Ms Esterhazy <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300500961/whale-tales-auckland-art-project-sheds-light-on-plight-of-brydes-whales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. The tales will be on display for 12 weeks, during which time there will also be light shows on the harbour bridge, seminars, and the launch of Hauraki Broo, a children’s book about the importance of conserving marine life. At the end of the display, the Big Broos sculptures will then be auctioned off to raise funds for WWF-NZ, while the Pēpi sculptures will be returned to the schools that made them. “So not only can you own an incredible piece of art, but the funds raised will go to support WWF’s vital work to protect our ocean and marine species, like the Hauraki Gulf’s national critically-endangered resident Bryde’s whale,” Ms Esterhazy said. To view the virtual tour, head <a href="http://trail.whaletales2022.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: @whaletales2022 (Instagram)

Domestic Travel

Centenarian's priceless reaction to virtual tour of childhood town

A 100-year-old grandmother has broken down in tears while exploring her hometown in Armenia through the use of a virtual reality headset. The woman, who now lives in the US, became emotional while using VR to take a tour around her hometown of Vagharshapat - something she never thought she would do again. Upon seeing the Etchmiadzin Cathedral that she used to visit as a child, she was hit by a wave of emotion and started to tear up. The woman's granddaughter, Michelle, captured the heart-warming moment and shared it on TikTok, where it racked up over three million views in just a few days. Michelle captioned the video, "Showing my 100-year-old Armenian grandma the Etchmiadzin Cathedral in virtual reality," that shows her grandmother, whom they call Nene. <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2F7034663525347953967&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40shmellywelly%2Fvideo%2F7034663525347953967%3Flang%3Den%26is_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" scrolling="no" title="tiktok embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> <div class="embed">Nene dons the extravagant VR headset while her family members instruct her to look around, as they follow what she is seeing on their own screen.</div> Suddenly, Nene becomes emotional, as someone behind the camera asks, "Why are you crying?" "It's so beautiful," she responds, attempting to wipe away her tears with a tissue. The breathtaking Etchmiadzin Cathedral is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world, and a shrine for Armenian Christians. The comments on Michelle's video were flooded by people praising the sweet gesture, as one person said, "This is what VR should be used for." Another commenter noted, "She went from a time when televisions didn't exist to VR in her living room. Protect and love this sweet woman." Image credits: TikTok @shmellywelly

Technology

Prince Charles and Camilla to embark on first royal tour since 2019

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are preparing to head off on their first royal tour in almost two years, Clarence House has announced. Charles and Camilla will visit Jordan and Egypt from November 16 to 19 as representatives of the Queen and the British government. It is the first royal tour to take place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (as opposed to brief visits). The couple will visit holy sites and attend interfaith events aimed at promoting tolerance between different religions. Climate change and the importance of girls’ education will also be highlighted during the visit, which will take place after the COP26 summit in Glasgow next week, and which the couple will also be attending. Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Kate will also be attending the historic climate summit. While visiting Jordan and Egypt, Prince Charles will take part in conversations about the value of religious freedom and respect for other people’s beliefs, subjects of particular importance in countries that are home to holy sites for Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other religions. Charles has previously warned against the dangers of religious persecution and extremism, including to Christian communities in the Middle East. Jordan’s role in taking in so many refugees, including Palestinians and Syrians, in a region that has faced much conflict will be recognised, and Camilla will see work in Jordan that is being done by Queen Rania to keep girls in school and protect vulnerable children and mothers. In addition to visits to historic sites such as the city of Alexandria, there will be a focus on the importance of teaching crafts skills necessary to maintain and preserve such sites. The tour will also include a showcase of the monuments built for a far more ancient royal dynasty, with a reception overlooking the Pyramids of Giza. Charles last visited Jordan in 2015, and Camilla in 2013. The couple last visited Egypt in 2006. Image: Jacob King-WPA Pool/Getty Images

International Travel

Caves in northern Greece are being showcased by a robot tour guide

A new tour guide in Greece is attracting tourists from all over the world, but for a very unusual reason. Persephone has been welcoming tourists to the Alistrati Cave in northern Greece since mid-July, but not all of the visitors are coming to see the caves. Persephone is the world’s first robot tour guide inside a cave, which covers the first 150 metres of the tour that is open to the public, before a human guide takes over. The robot can give its part of the tour in 33 languages and interact with visitors at a basic level in three languages. It can also answer most questions, but only in the Greek language. The robot’s name comes from an ancient Greek myth, where it was said that in a nearby plain that Pluto — the god of the underworld who was also known as Hades — abducted Persephone, with the consent of her father Zeus, to take her as his wife. Nikos Kartalis, the scientific director for the Alistrati site, said the idea of creating a robot guide came to him when he saw one on TV guiding visitors at an art gallery. Nikos said the robot finally became a reality after getting funding, with the build of the machine costing AUD$139,000. "We already have a 70 per cent increase in visitors compared to last year since we started using" the robot, says Kartalis. "People are enthusiastic, especially the children, and people who had visited in the past are coming back to see the robot guide." "It is something unprecedented for them, to have the ability to interact with their robot by asking it questions and the robot answering them," he said. The caves have been a regular tourist spot since they opened to visitors in 1998, with people coming from all over the world to explore the three million year old site. Image credit: YouTube

Travel Trouble

Take a virtual tour of New York’s brand new Legoland

The first theme park to open in the Northeast United States in 40 years pays homage to a beloved toy. Legoland New York opened its doors to the public last week, with seven different lands for kids and adults to explore. The opening comes as a sign of relief for the state and industry that have both been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic took a devastating toll on New York, and as we make our comeback, the new Legoland New York Resort in Orange County is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that this state has always been known for,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-full-opening-theme-park-legolandr-new-york-resort-orange-county" target="_blank">Governor Andrew Cuomo said</a> in a statement on Friday. “This is historic,” Cuomo said. “This is the first new theme park in the Northeast United States in 40 years.” The theme park features 50 rides stretched out across 520 acres. Built in Goshen, a village in Orange County, the theme park is roughly 95 kilometres from Manhattan. Reservations are required and the park uses a cashless system for tickets, games, food and other services. Images: legoland.newyork / Instagram

International Travel

French President slapped in the face during public tour

French President Emmanuel Macron has been hit in the face by a man during a visit to a small town in southeast France. The French president was greeting the public waiting for him behind barriers in the town of Tain-I'Hermitage on Tuesday after he paid a visit to a high school that is training students to work in hotels and restaurants. The man, who was dressed in a khaki T-shirt, shouted "Down with Macronia" ("A Bas La Macronie") and slapped Macron on the left side of his face. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841726/screen-shot-2021-06-09-at-104013-am.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/eadb9b4a921046b68d1a2f3ab7846532" /> He was also heard screaming "Montjoie Saint Denis", the battle cry of the French army when the country was still a monarchy. A bodyguard, who was standing right behind Macron, raised a hand to defend the president, but was a little too late in stopping the slap. Two of Macron's security detail tacked the man to the ground, while another took Macron away. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Macron?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Macron</a> se fait gifler en direct de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tain</a> <a href="https://t.co/tsXdByo22U">pic.twitter.com/tsXdByo22U</a> — ⚜️ (@AlexpLille) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexpLille/status/1402237903376367627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote> A video posted on Twitter showed the president returning a few seconds later to continue shaking hands with onlookers. The local mayor, Xavier Angeli, told franceinfo radio that Macron urged his security to "leave him, leave him" as the offender was being held to the ground. French news broadcaster BFMTV said police detained two people - the man suspected of slapping Macron and another man who filmed the video. Macron has not commented on the incident.

News

Queen looks back on special tour with Prince Philip: “I treasure my many memories”

Queen Elizabeth has opened up about her fond memories with Prince Philip from their trip to Ireland over a decade ago. The royal recalled the 2011 tour that they had set on to pay tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland. The monarch said the milestone was "a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland". "This anniversary reminds us of our complex history," she said in a statement. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841072/philip-queen.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/656ed3331a824823a1057336ccf60d4c" /> She added that it provided "an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity". The monarch also mentioned how the trip to Northern Ireland was special for her husband and herself. "I look back with fondness on the visit Prince Philip and I paid to Ireland, ten years ago this month," she said. "I treasure my many memories, and the spirit of goodwill I saw at first hand." Northern Ireland was officially founded on May 3, 1921. The Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011 was the first by a British monarch since 1911. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841070/philip-queen-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/137ed183085446428eabe4bdb1f2862b" /> The Queen said that political progress and processes of peace were "rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division". "Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she added. "Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process. "May this be our guiding thread in the coming years."

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Take a virtual tour of New York’s brand new Legoland

French President slapped in the face during public tour

Queen looks back on special tour with Prince Philip: “I treasure my many memories”