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London’s Connaught Bar top the Best Bar’s List of 2020

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The Connaught Bar wins the Best Bar of 2020 title despite the unstable condition of the times. Nevertheless, it was forced to close its doors again.

The Connaught Bar has been named the Best Bar of 2020. This comes after England had to declare a 4-week lockdown to halt the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country. Thus, the exclusive bar had to close its doors to awaiting customers even when it merely reopened in mid-September.

Picking the best bar of the year was altered, as well. Last year’s event was a stand-up gig at London’s famous Roadhouse. Journalists and the industry’s known personalities gathered for the celebration, complete with typical soiree of sorts. 2020’s version, however, was completely different as everyone who had a say had to make do with today’s new normal meeting place, Zoom.

In spite of the hugely diminished revelry, Connaught’s Agostino Perrone and the whole bar’s team of employees are extremely pleased with their victory.  “It’s the achievement we’ve been looking for,” gushes Perrone.

Already considered a Mayfair institution, the Connaught Hotel opened its doors to the public way back in 1815 with the former name, Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel. Its 1920s-style bar is also an impressive experience.

The Connaught bar has been a consistent feature in the past 11 year’s Best Bars lists, although it is only this year that it was able to get the most yearned for topmost title. Maura Milia, the bar’s assistant manager shares that consistency and quality have been the guiding principles of the establishment. These could be deciphered when ordering the best bar’s iconic martini—a drink that can still be ordered via takeaway.

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted the hospitality industry this year. All over the world, various bars and hotels needed to close particularly during the early months of the crisis. Due to the need to stop the exponential spread of the disease, physical distancing and quarantine procedures were put in place. For months, bars and other similar businesses had to shift to takeaway service and crowds were discouraged from mingling about.

Giorgio Bargiani, the best bar’s senior mixologist praises the Connaught Hotel for its unrelenting support as employees and customers had to connect via the internet, replacing the age-old routine of in-house service. Perrone looks forward to next year as he hopes that the gradual easing of lockdowns will permit them to reopen once more. “Recognition is always an injection of energy, an injection of creativity,” he asserts.

The World’s Best Bar Academy is populated by 540 bar experts coming from all over the world. They are equally halved by gender, as well. Judging occurred between January 2019 until March 2020, abruptly curtailed by the unprecedented onset of the pandemic. Voting happened earlier in July.

The Best Bar title was fought over by New York and London, although Asia had its representatives with 4 of Singapore’s bars appearing in the top 15 list. “We’re looking at a whole lot of options, because we think that 50 Best has an important role to play in promoting the hospitality sector in what are very challenging times. The precise way we do that is going to keep evolving,” posits William Drew, 50 Best’s director of content explains.

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Destinations

Hidden Gems: Beautiful European Vacation Spots With Almost No Tourists

Vacations are a wonderful thing, aren’t they? Sleeping in, rolling out of your plush hotel bed, exploring new places and trying new food, and all on your own time. Unless you happen to travel to a tourist-heavy destination, that is. 

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Some of the most beautiful places in the world become muddled with tourists which can really put a damper on your trip. Just try getting a photo of the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China without a horde of sightseers photobombing your picture. On top of that, more tourists mean longer lines and higher prices.

We’ve got some good news for you though. There are plenty of gorgeous destinations around the globe that are just waiting to be explored. Although these cities are often overlooked by travelers they have plenty to offer. From peaceful, romantic getaways to cultural and culinary excursions, these vacation spots have a little something to fit anyone’s tastes.

 

Debrecen, Hungary

When it comes to beautiful Hungarian destinations, Budapest is at the top of the list. Hungary’s capital city is jam-packed with so much famous art, rich history, and impressive architecture it’s no wonder they get all the tourist attention.

A little over 100 miles east of Budapest lies Hungary’s former capital, Debrecen. Although it’s it Hungary’s second-largest city, the tourist traffic remains remarkably low. Don’t let that fool you though. From the city’s Kossuth tér, home of the incredible Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika, to the quaint shops and cafes in the Old Town, Debrecen has something for everyone.

 

Bern, Switzerland

Although it is the capital of Switzerland, travelers often just pass through Bern on their way to Zurich for a culture-packed getaway or Geneva for a ski trip in the Alps. There’s plenty to do and see in Bern, however.

When the temperatures rise in the summer, follow the locals down to the River Aere to cool off. There you can enjoy swimming, rafting, and paddleboarding in the warm Swiss sun.

Other things worth a visit include a hike to the top of the Gurten where you get to experience a picturesque view of the entire old city, Altstadt. Or if it’s a more relaxing vibe you’re in search of, take a stroll through the Museum of Fine Arts where rare works by Picasso and Paul Klee can be found.

 

Trondheim, Norway

Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim, sits right on the edge of the fjord of the same name. Despite its size and the deceptively colorful structures lining the waterway, Trondheim has a population less than 200,000 people, making it a quiet, yet beautiful, vacation destination that is easy to navigate.

Aside from the vibrant, glistening scene found at the harbor of the city’s natural fjord, there is some lovely architecture to be discovered. One of the most famous is the stunning gothic church, Nidaros Cathedral which was built over the burial site of King Olav II, who became the patron saint of Norway.

For the ale-hounds out there or anyone who likes good times with good company, Trondheim also has several excellent microbreweries. If a pub crawl is your type of thing, we recommend starting at Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri.

 

Orange, France

When you think of France chances are, the first thing that comes to mind is Paris. Perhaps Nice or Lyon are on the list and deservedly so. These cities are full of wonderful food, culture, and breathtaking architecture. There’s plenty more to see in France than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower though.

About 30 miles north of Avignon and it’s famous Papal Palace, sits the city of Orange. With significantly less tourist traffic, Orange is much easier to navigate than larger cities making it a wonderfully relaxed vacation spot.

Some of the city’s main attractions include the Orange Museum, set in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, and the towering Roman Theater, which was built in the first century C.E. Both are well worth a visit.

 

Ankara, Turkey

As far as Turkish cityscapes go, Istanbul typically gets all the attention. With its rich history serving as a focal point of several ancient empires, and so many historical remnants from cultures past, it’s no wonder Istanbul takes all the credit.

This city formerly known as Constantinople is not the only place deserving of a visit. Turkey’s capital city, Ankara is filled with art, history, and architecture minus all the tourists blocking the views.

Key stops include Antikabir the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of the Republic of Turkey and the Museum of the War of Independence. The Kocatepe and Hacı Bayram Mosques are also a must-see while in Ankara.


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Save Hundreds On Your Next Disneyland Trip With These Simple Tricks

It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a […]

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It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a steep one at that.

Tickets alone will run you over $100 a piece and on top of that, there are other things to account for like travel, lodging, food, and of course souvenirs. All these expenses adding up can really put a damper on your budget. 

Luckily for you, We’ve put together a list of tricks for saving money and getting the most out of your vacation!

 

1. Pack Smart

Unexpected factors like variable weather conditions can cause unnecessary expenses during your trip. So make sure you check the forecast for your destination so you don’t end up overpaying for last minute necessities like sunscreen, sweatshirts, or umbrellas. If you’re planning on enjoying the water rides, grab a poncho from the dollar store instead of paying $15 for one at the park.

 

2. Make A DIY Autograph Book

One of the best things about Disneyland is meeting your favorite characters and getting their autograph. It’s just another one of the many layers that make up a truly magical experience. What’s not so magical, however, is paying for all those odds and ends like the little notebooks dubbed “Autograph Books” sold at many places throughout the park.

 

They’ll run you between $15 and $20 each. It may not seem like much but it’s the little things like this that start to drain your budget, especially if you have a large family. Luckily you can make your own for less than $5. Just grab a notebook or journal from the dollar store and customize it with some markers, stickers, and glitter.

 

3. Use Shuttle Services

If you’re starting to see a theme here then you might have guessed that parking at the Happiest Place on Earth might leave you feeling a little deflated. Standard parking will cost you $25 and if you’re looking to get a head start with a spot near the entrance you’ll be forking over $50.

 

If you’ll be staying in the Anaheim area you’re in luck! Anaheim Resort Transportation offers day passes with lines running to Disneyland and they only cost $5.50 for adults and $2 for kids. And don’t forget to check with your hotel’s concierge as many properties near the park offer complimentary shuttle services.

 

4. Bring Your Own Stroller/Wheelchair

If you’re traveling with really little ones, and especially if your vacation is going to span several days, you’ll definitely want to bring a stroller. Of course, Disney thought of that too! You can rent one of their strollers for $15 a day. The same goes for wheelchairs. The park offers manual wheelchair rentals for $12 with a $100 deposit.

So don’t forget to bring your own strollers and wheelchairs. Your wallet will thank you.

 

5. Pack Your Own Snacks

As with anything else the Magic Kingdom has to offer, the food inside the park, though delicious, is not cheap. An average meal will cost between $20 and $25. Not to mention the inevitable snacks along the way like popcorn, churros, and cotton candy.

 

Sure, delicious treats are part of the fun of a vacation but you can lighten some of the strain on your budget by bringing your own snacks and eating breakfast before you hit the park. Disneyland and Disney World both allow you to bring in outside food and beverages (with some limitations) and most hotels in the area offer complimentary breakfast. Otherwise, book a room with a fridge so you can pack some cereal and milk or other easily prepared meals.

 

6. Book During The Offseason & Pick Value Days

Let’s be honest, Disneyland is always full of people but you can plan your trip around the park’s busiest times to avoid massive crowds and endless lines. Save on everything from lodging to airfare by visiting between mid-January through mid-March, mid-April through mid-May, or mid-September through mid-November – avoiding Halloween, of course. 

You can save even more by booking well in advance and checking for “value days” on the park’s calendar. Picking these dates for your vacation will save you $45 per ticket.

 

7. Bring Your Kids Before They Turn 3

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to plan your trip early, we’ve got one for you. Children under three get into both Disney Parks absolutely free. That will save you a whopping $140 at Disneyland and $124 at Walt Disney World. You can use those savings for some sweet souvenirs, closer parking, an upgraded hotel room, or a better flight.

 

8. Pick Up An Annual Pass

If you’re a serious Disney fan you may want to consider investing in an annual pass. They will cost you a bit up front but they pay for themselves within just a handful of visits. An annual pass gives you admission to both parks at Disneyland and all four parks at Walt Disney World. Not to mention the other perks pass holders get like standard parking and 20% off select merchandise and dining. 

 

 


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Destinations

Traveling To Japan To Have A Sip Of Teacup Pig

We’ve seen cafes full of cats and guinea pigs… now the teacup pigs want to be a part of the fun.

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     Back in 1998, the world’s very first cat cafe – Cat Flower Garden – opened in Taipei (Taiwan). It was the ideal concept that allowed young city workers to unwind after a hectic day in the downtown office and for those who lived in nearby apartments that were unable to have pets of their own but sought companionship. Slowly but surely, the fascinating concept made its way to Japan where the idea instantly surged in popularity.

     As of 2015, there are over cat cafes in Tokyo alone. Since the advent of the cat cafe, several similar businesses have popped up since then, yoga with baby goats and a cafe with guinea pigs being just two. Even then, humans can also mingle with dogs, owls, and even hedgehogs while grabbing a bite to eat or while sipping their coffees. Nonetheless, the decision to bring the smaller, warm, and fuzzy friends closer to the people seems to be working out for everyone. Cats are adoptable, small businesses are gaining followers and patrons, and nearby locals are enjoying the benefits of the very temporary but very real “pet rental” business. As long as safe practices are put in place for customers and animals alike, this seems to be a perfect situation. 

 

Cu(t)e the Next Trend

     Yet another animal-focused cafe has recently opened up in Tokyo. This time, customers have the opportunity to have a cuddle with mini-pigs! A spokesperson for Mipig has mentioned that some of their pigs can actually fit into a teacup – thus real teacup pigs! The founders of the cafe explained, “We would like Japanese people to feel more familiar with the animal and eventually become a beloved member of the family.” While their invitation to adopt is legitimate, travelers should be aware that these are simply very young pigs. In other words, these pigs of no-specific breed, will eventually grow up and gain much weight. Still, until that growth spurt occurs, locals and visitors alike are absolutely enjoying the experience. One visitor mentioned to a CNN affiliate that “Their noses feel cool, but the bodies are so warm. How cute!” As we’ve personally not had any interaction with a pig (or mini-pig for that matter), we would be incredibly down to play around with several tiny piglets! 

No word on if you can feed them, people, food but we’re sure we can all partake in caring for these cute little guys.


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