South Africa: SAPS Beefs Up Measures This Festive Season

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has beefed up their pro-active measures by introducing the Safer Season Campaign.

The campaign has seen highly visible, multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams deployed to conduct regular vehicle and foot patrols, roadblocks, cordon and search operations and the tracing of wanted suspects.

However, despite these measures, the SAPS have advised communities to follow these safety tips and assist law enforcement agencies.

"The fight against crime is everyone's responsibility and we appeal to the community to join hands with us and together we can enjoy a crime free and safer festive season," the SAPS said on Thursday.

The safety tips to follow are:

Residential places

House keys should never be left lying around or kept dangling on the outside of doors. They should be kept in a safe place and out of sight.

Owners to park their vehicles in the garages (if they have one). Even if the vehicle is parked in the garage, make sure that the garage doors and vehicle is locked and that the vehicle's alarm is activated.

Take note and be observant of any bushy or vacant area near your house as most of the time, criminals will hide stolen items in the bush and return later to fetch it.

Never leave valuable items (laptops, cell phones) lying around before retiring for the night.

Do not ignore the irritating bark of the dogs. Housebreakers will rarely enter through the front door of a house so dogs will alert you to exactly where they are. Phone police immediately if there is any suspicious or unusual activity.

Stolen goods

Do not buy any stolen goods. If you buy stolen goods, more victims will suffer because buying goods obtained in this manner motivates criminals to repeat their actions. Receiving stolen goods is punishable by law.

Reject any goods you suspect could have been stolen and report the matter to the police on Crime Stop 08600 10111.

ATMs

Avoid isolated ATMs and using an ATM late at night. Never give your card or pin number to anyone for any reason - not even a bank official, security personnel or a police officer. Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. If you are distracted by someone while you are attempting to make a transaction, cancel your transaction immediately.

Avoid making huge cash withdrawals or carrying a large amount of money as this draws criminals' attention to you.

Those with stockvels or social club groups are urged not to make withdrawals of their savings but rather go inside the bank and request them to help you transfer the beneficiaries' share to their bank accounts.

During the holiday season, shopping centres and the CBD will be buzzing with people doing their Christmas shopping. Make sure that your handbag is close to your body and clutched tightly. Never put the wallet in the back pocket of your jeans/pants.

Conceal your Cellphone when you are in a public place and do not get tricked into lending your Cellphone to someone to make a call.

Be alert for con-artists and scams. Be careful when buying goods from the internet, always make sure the websites are the real deal as advertised.

Children

Parents need to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.

Do not leave children unattended. Always make sure when they are at the malls or shopping centres, they have adult supervision. Remember that if a child is missing, there is NO waiting period to report that person as missing. Time is of the essence so it should be done immediately.

Parents please NEVER let your children swim in the pool/dams or rivers alone and unsupervised.

Children who cannot swim should never be allowed in the water. An appeal is made to adults not to enter the water whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Hi-Jacking/Hitchhikers

Ensure that your vehicle is always in running condition with good tyres (including a spare wheel) and has enough fuel for your planned trip. Know your destination and the directions to it and be alert if you get lost. Never, ever pick up hitchhikers as most criminals pose as hitchhikers only to hijack, rob and/or even hurt or kill you.

Police has warned people, especially women, not to hitchhike as this can be very dangerous. You do not know the person giving you a lift and by accepting a lift you are placing your life in danger.

Road safety

Do not speed. Stick to the road speed. Do not text or speak on your cell phone while driving. Stop and rest frequently. Wear safety belts. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Adhere to all the road rules. Do not drink and drive. Do not overload your vehicle. Be an example of good driving. Be alert today and alive tomorrow.

SAPS has warned that those who break the law will face the full might of the judicial system.

Source: South Africa: SAPS Beefs Up Measures This Festive Season

Modi Travelled To 14 International Destinations In 2017 And All You Did Was Stare Outside The Window

The Indian Prime Minister is a little bit of a globe-trotter, alleviating the ennui of managing a country of 1.3 billion people, more often than not. Looking back at the theatrical performance of the man who's put India on the world map, we are now going to see how much he travelled and to what all places.

Also read: This Pic Of Justin Trudeau 'Narrowly Escaping' PM Modi Is Giving People The Feels!

Modi's travel diaries first came to everyone's notice in the initial year of his rule, when media couldn't help but compare it to the former Indian PM, Dr Manmohan Singh. While Singh visited a total of 27 countries during his first three years, Modi visited nearly double the number, a total of 49 countries in a similar time span.

Here's a brief account of Modi's trips in 2017:

1 Sri Lanka: 11 – 12 May

reuters

As the first trip of 2017, Modi visited Sri Lanka to mark the UN Vesak Day, the most important in the Buddhist calendar. This trip came 158 days after his last trip. The event was held in Colombo from May 12 to 14.

2 Germany: 29-30 May

Soon after Sri Lanka, Modi headed to Germany followed by Spain, Russia and France. This trip was done to initiate bilateral relations and seek investment. In the six-day long trip, Modi's first leg included a brief visit to Germany where he met Chancellor Angela Merkel to chart out a future roadmap of cooperation with a focus on trading and investment.

3 Spain: 30–31 May

reuters

In over three decades, Modi became the first PM to visit Spain in an official capacity. There he met the President of Spain, Mariano Rajoy to boost bilateral trade activities.

4 Russia: 31 May–2 June

In the third leg of the same trip had Modi meeting the Russian PM Vladimir Putin for the 18th India-Russia Annual Summit. He even talked about Yoga at the meeting and urged Russia to participate in the worldwide celebration of Yoga day.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi Is The Second Most - Tweeted World Leader After US President Donald Trump!

5 France: 2–3 June

 

reuters

He visited France to further strengthen the ties it already had with the country for years. There, he discussed the possible solution for terrorism and the means to fight climate change by protecting the earth and its natural resources as per the Paris Agreement. This was his third visit to France.

6 Kazakhstan: 8–9 June

 

reuters

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan was utterly delighted to host the Indian PM over the two-day summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This one was yet another bilateral push for the betterment of ongoing operations. Modi even took it to Facebook to express his gratitude and how good India was doing at the event "On the completion of this meeting, India will become a full Member of the SCO upon which SCO will represent over 40 percent of humanity and nearly 20 percent of global GDP."

7. Portugal: 24 June

reuters

Another state visit by Modi, Portugal was the first leg of his three-nation tour during which he held talks with his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa to boost bilateral ties. He briefly addressed various joint initiatives and decisions at the meet. 

8. US: 25–26 June

 

FP

Indubitably, this trip was a great establishment of personal equation among the two leaders and a treat for the world to see. Not only did he meet Donald Trump, but also top American CEOs of global giants, including Apple, Microsoft and Google. He further discussed maritime security, data sharing, and terrorism and how they can combat it together etc.

9. Netherlands: 27 June

DC

Even though just for a day, Modi's visit to the Netherlands was quite a successful affair. He has even gifted a bicycle from the Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mark Rutte. This was the last destination of his three-nation tour of Portugal, the US and the Netherlands. He also addressed the Indian community there.

10. Israel: 4–6 July

timesofisrael

Modi broke another record this year and became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. During the three-day visit, he met Benjamin Netanyahu. The trip was further popularized by his meeting with the young Moshe Holtzberg, the kid who survived the 26/11 terror attacks.

11. Germany: 7–8 July

This time for the G-20 Summit, for the second time in one year, Modi visited Germany. In his meeting, he met Merkel to seek some help in handling economic offenders. He further discussed issues with respective country leaders to strengthen ties.

12. China: 3–5 September

 

aljazeera

The chances of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) countries producing pertinent resolutions became week with the escalating tension between India and China. However, after India and China agreed to disengage their troops from the site of the standoff on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan, Modi agreed to visit China in Xiamen. On the margins of this summit, bilateral talks were held between the two leaders.

13. Myanmar: 6–7 September

Reuters

On his way back from the BRICS Summit in China, Modi made a stopover at Myanmar before coming back to India. This was his first bilateral visit to our neighbouring country. The meeting between him and the leaders of Myanmar was a hot pick for the world as it happened amid the ongoing tension of 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims crisis.

14. Philippines: 12–14 November

 

Reuters

The last trip of 2017 was to the Philippines, where our PM attended the 12th East Asia Summit along with leaders from 17 other countries. It's the same meet that gave birth to many memes, especially the one with the weird handshake.

Also read: The Turkish Modi Stamp Is From 2015 G20 Summit, It Was Issued Along With 32 Other World Leaders

Wrapping up 2017 with 14 'Official Trips', Modi will soon be heading to UAE, China, Argentina, South Africa, Singapore and Sri Lanka as part of his 2018's agenda. All of this combined, he nearly spent a month travelling across the world. What did you do? 

Source: Modi Travelled To 14 International Destinations In 2017 And All You Did Was Stare Outside The Window

7 healthy destinations to add to your 2018 travel bucket list

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Vacation used to be thought of as a time to indulge—think never-ending piña coladas and laying vertically on a lounge chair for 99 percent of the trip. But in 2018, prepare to spend your precious PTO days in a more active, adventurous way. Expect curated excursions with wholesome food, physical activity, and mindfulness being top priority (not to mention stunning surroundings and plenty of time to unplug).

So where *exactly* will experience seekers be collecting Instagram-worthy photos and stamps in their passports next year? Naturally, not all destinations are created equal. But luckily, plenty of places stack up.

Here, 7 spots where getaways are guaranteed to have you living your best—and most wellness-packed—life.

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Photo: Stocksy/Peter Wey St. George, Utah

It's likely you've never heard of this city in southwest Utah (nestled near the Arizona border), but you should. It's actually a spectacularly beautiful, up-and-coming, health-and-wellness hub. Snow Canyon State Park nearby has dunes and red sandstone cliffs to explore, and a day trip to Zion National Park (pictured above) can provide even more epic vistas and adventure. Plus, right in town there are cactus gardens to wander, mountain bikes to ride, and canyons and coves to hike on foot. The recent opening of Amira Resort, a wellness retreat with both traditional spa treatments, as well as shamanic-inspired therapies, yoga, meditation, guided hiking, and life coaching, is now bringing even more attention to this special place. Red Mountain Resort also offers comprehensive wellness experiences comprising healthy meals, lectures, paddle board yoga, hiker's massages, and more.

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Photo: Unsplash/Megan Lewis Tofino, Canada

Already the site of wellness retreats (and we predict even more in the future as people discover this idyllic Eden), Tofino is known as the "end of the road" for its place on the edge of Vancouver Island. A surf paradise with plenty of remote beaches, it's also home to stunning mountains to climb, geothermal pools and lakes (like the stunning Moraine Lake seen here) in which to soak, waterfalls to seek out, and best of all, spotty cell reception so you have no choice but to disconnect. The delicious-and-healthy fare offered in this tiny town is oftentimes curated by young, innovative chefs who forage for the best, freshest ingredients for their dishes. (And definitely don't miss a meal at acclaimed hyperlocal Wolf in the Fog.) Of course, there's yoga as well, a spa using local nutrient-rich seaweed in exhaustively relaxing treatments, and more than enough opportunities to be mindful.

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Photo: Stocksy/Thomas Pickard Ikaria, Greece

You don't have to take our word for it that the small island of Ikaria, in the Aegean Sea, is one of the healthiest places on the planet. It's a fact. It's one of five Blue Zone regions where people historically live the longest, healthiest lives (like Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula). Life on Ikaria is slow, which is part of the appeal. There are more than 150 varieties of antioxidant-rich wild greens growing on the island, and you can eat them in fresh, vibrant Greek salads daily. Tea made from wild local herbs that reportedly lower blood pressure and decrease risk of dementia and heart disease is another addiction on the island, and the mountain landscape provides countless opportunities to burn those glutes. There are also rivers, lakes, forests, and waterfalls within the 99 square miles for hiking, climbing, and surfing. If you're lucky, you may experience a village feast known as panygiria, at which locals sing, dance, and eat all night in gratitude to the saints.

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Photo: Unsplash/Tim Johnson Cape Town, South Africa

Only Cape Town can challenge Los Angeles or New York City when it comes to yoga studios per capita, and it definitely wins out on epic mountaintop vistas. The notoriously healthful, outdoors-living citizens of South Africa's southernmost city are always up for a sweaty flow, or an equally drenching hike up Table Mountain or Lion's Head by sunset. Beyond that, it's easy to find superfood pancakes and vegan burgers on charcoal buns. Organic markets, naturopaths, energy healers, over-the-top spas, and stand-up paddle board-yoga classes are standard fare. Need more convincing? Remember the US dollar goes far—very far.

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Photo: Stocksy/Image Supply Co. Byron Bay, Australia

Hippie vibes and crystals are just a few hallmarks of this charming town on the northern end of New South Wales, Australia, where everything and everyone—from the wide, empty beaches to the locals—is gorgeous. There's surfing and yoga, of course, but also a slew of health-minded and plant-based eateries (check out Folk Byron Bay and Harvest Cafe) serving more than the ubiquitous Aussie staple of avocado toast. Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, with its labyrinth and Buddha walk, is a magical journey to take, as is a dip in the healing, softening, merlot-colored tea tree lake just south of town. You'll suffer no shortage of transformative spa experiences, thanks to a handful of top-notch favorites (Comma, Sulis, and Osprey to just name a few). Even the constant stream of live music thanks to buskers and established venues seems to add to the Zen vibes here.

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Photo: Unsplash/Jenna Day Malibu, California

The birthplace of surfing in America—this 21-mile-long stretch of coastline north of Los Angeles—is also an attractive proposition when it comes to getting away to take some quality "me" time. The dreamy new boutique Surfrider Hotel Malibu (just across the street from one of the most iconic surf breaks), with its custom-shaped boards and rooftop serving all organic, sustainable fare, is an ideal place to base yourself. Plus, its in-touch owners might just share insider deets on locals-only waterfall hikes.) If surfing's not your thing, grab a stand-up paddle board and meditate in offshore as dolphins and maybe even humpback whales play nearby. Fitness studios, spas, and ultra-healthy bone broth and smoothie shops also abound in this beach mecca that's coming into its own.

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Photo: Stocksy/Laura Austin Todos Santos, Mexico

You don't have to look hard to find yoga and wellness retreats—often with surfing thrown in for good measure—in the vicinity of this town, designated as a "pueblo magico," or magic town for its natural beauty, cultural riches, and historical relevance. On the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula, in the foothills of mountains, there are many ways to be out in nature, as well as benefit from its bounty—in the form of nourishing comida (food) that is oftentimes grown or caught right there. Not only are there indigenous healers, naturopaths, and nutritionists seemingly always around, but yoga and meditation classes, plus, intuitive spa therapists ready to work magic on your body and soul. Rancho Pescadero, a favorite resort, is even stepping up its game with expanded wellness and spa facilities in 2018.

Now that you know where you want to go, pack like a wellness pro with these must-have stay healthy essentials. And if you want to book another killer vacay, check out the Well+Good retreat in Palm Springs in March 2018.

Source: 7 healthy destinations to add to your 2018 travel bucket list

Bali remains most popular destination for Middle Eastern tourists

Bali remains the most popular destination for Middle Eastern tourists visiting Indonesia, a Tourism Ministry official said on Sunday.

"After Bali, other popular destinations include Jakarta, Bandung and Bogor in West Java and, lately, Lombok," said the ministry's department head of tourism trips and promotion for Europe, the Middle East, United States and Africa, Rita Sofia, as quoted by Antara news agency in Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday.

The ministry is actively promoting Indonesian tourism in five countries in the Middle East, namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. According to Rita, it was also targeting countries that hosted many expats, such as Bahrain and UAE.

"Besides promoting [Indonesian destinations] to these countries' citizens, many expats in Bahrain and UAE are also attracted to vacationing in Indonesia," she said.

Read also: Bali among top three destinations for Australian travelers: Official

Rita added that the ministry also continued to cooperate with the Visit Indonesia Tourism Office (VITO), which served as the tourism industry's representative abroad. Established in 2005 in three countries, VITO currently has offices in 13 countries.

The ministry, in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Manama, hosted the "Indonesia Tourism Gala Dinner" on Sunday, which was attended by travel agents, operators and officials from ASEAN embassies in Bahrain.

According to the ministry's data, up to 12.02 million foreigners visited Indonesia last year, including from Singapore (1.47 million), China (1.45 million), Malaysia (1.225 million) and Australia (1.198 million). Meanwhile, the number of tourists from the Middle East was still small, with Saudi Arabia contributing 186,654 visitors, Egypt 14,325 and UAE 8,220.

Meanwhile, KBRI Manama data revealed that the number of tourists from Bahrain in 2016 reached 1,641 people and that by October this year the figure had reached 2,470 people from a total of 1.5 million citizens. (kes)

Source: Bali remains most popular destination for Middle Eastern tourists

Winter sun destinations: 10 top trips

Best for beach lovers: Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Lying just off the coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the kind of place backpackers used to congratulate themselves on finding. But for those of us who don't have the luxury of taking a gap year, tour operator Tui has just launched the first direct flights from the UK this winter, bringing this remote island within an 11.5 hour flight on the 787 Dreamliner. Expect powdery white palm-fringed sands, clear warm waters and excellent diving. Spend a week at the Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, perched on the edge of Bai Dai Beach, with idyllic views of the Gulf of Thailand from almost every angle.• £859pp all-inclusive at Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, including return flights, with Tui

Best for peace and quiet: Cyprus Modus Vivendi

The island of Cyprus has one of the mildest winters in the Med and – if you stay away from the big resorts which seem a bit forlorn in low season – there is much to offer independent travellers, from Byzantine churches to ancient mountain villages. In the hamlet of Psematismenos, Modus Vivendi's one-bed apartments make a good low-key base: a collection of six stone cottages set around a small pool and flower-filled terrace. Interiors are rustic with stone-flagged floors and beamed ceilings. The coast is 3km away and the bright lights of Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia within a 30-minute drive.• From £80 a night at Modus Vivendi though i-escape. Flights to Larnaca cost from £69 return with easyJet

Best for value: Sri Lanka Stilt fishermen on the beach at Galle, Sri Lanka. Photograph: Alamy

If the slick five-star resorts of the Seychelles and Maldives are beyond your budget, consider Sri Lanka – same white-sand beaches and clear Indian Ocean waters, but for a fraction of the price. At Thalpe Bungalows, a short tuk-tuk ride from the historic fortress city of Galle, you can stay in one of three immaculate and spacious one-bedroom cottages set around a swimming pool. The friendly owners are on hand to give recommendations and Dalawella beach is a short walk away. Delicious home-cooked breakfasts and evening meals are available on request and the nearby beach resort of Unawatuna has wonderful, cheap places to eat.• From £71 a night at Thalpe Bungalows. Flights to Colombo from £748 return with Sri Lankan Airlines

Best for culture: Valletta, Malta Photograph: Alamy

Europe's hottest winter sun destination is Valletta – and not just because it gets more sunshine hours than any other city on the continent. The city will take up the mantle of European Capital of Culture next year, giving it a chance to showcase its beautiful Baroque architecture in a year-long programme of events, the highlight of which will be the opening of a new national art gallery, Muza. For a stylish pied-a-terre kitted out with midcentury flair, check out the apartments offered by Valletta Vintage. There are five self-catering flats each sleeping two.• From £58 a night at Valletta Vintage through i-escape. Flights to Malta cost from £82 return with BA

Best for food lovers: Paternoster, South Africa The small village of Paternoster with fishing skiffs pulled up on to the beach. Photograph: Alamy

Cape Town is the undisputed culinary capital of South Africa, but for something a little less frenetic and altogether more charming, head two hours up the coast to Paternoster. This little seaside village of whitewashed fisherman's cottages has been making waves in gastronomic circles for its selection of first-class restaurants. Don't let the sleepy ambience fool you – you'll have to book weeks in advance to bag a table at Wolfgat for the celebrated seven-course tasting menu, and Capetonians think nothing of making a 200-mile round-trip for the Asian-influenced seafood dishes and ocean views at Gaaitjie.• A nine-night self-drive trip combining Cape Town, Paternoster and the wineries of Franschhoek costs from £2,125pp, including BA flights, with Rainbow Tours

Best for families: Lanzarote The beach at Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. Photograph: Alamy

With a flying time of just 4.5 hours and temperatures averaging a balmy 20C, Lanzarote is a great winter sun destination for families – and nobody caters for them better than Lanzarote Retreats , which has an ever-expanding portfolio of quirky accommodation, ranging from yurts to fisherman's cottages, in the island's less touristy corners. The latest addition is the Eco Cabin, a traditional Canarian stone building which has been converted into cosy accommodation for up to five. Guests can enjoy a private gated garden, a solar-heated pool, trampoline and play area at the Finca de Arrieta, and even the option of "off-grid" living. There's also a raft of baby and toddler kit available on request. The helpful owners can arrange babysitting and recently introduced a meal delivery service in partnership with a local deli.• From £1,100 for four nights at Lanzarote Retreats for up to five people. Flights to Lanzarote from £44 with Ryanair

Best for off the beaten track: Jericoacoara, Brazil Two women ride a board down a sand dune at Dunas Tatajuba, just outside Jericoacoara. Photograph: Alamy

In 2004, Lonely Planet voted Jericoacoara the best beach in the world, but until now only the most dedicated travellers got to find out if this was true since the village had no road access. Paradise hunters had to endure a lengthy five-hour transfer from the nearest city, Fortaleza, by car, then 4x4 or boat. But that's all set to change this winter with the launch of direct scheduled flights from São Paulo into Jericoacoara's newly built airport. Many locals and "Jeri" devotees will despair that this could threaten the laid-back character of this fishing village-turned-windsurfing hangout, so if the white powder beaches, vivid blue lagoons and towering sand dunes of northern Brazil have been on your travel wish-list for a while, it's advisable to go sooner rather than later. Stay at Pousada Carcará, a friendly guest house which has hammocks, a small pool and bar.• From £97 a night at Pousada Carcará. Flights to São Paulo with BA cost from £743 and from São Paul o to Jericoacoara cost from £232 with Gol; or TAP Air Portugal flies from London to Fortaleza, via Lisbon, from around £700 return

Best for activities: Taghazout, Morocco A surfer and a camel share the beach at Taghazout, Morocco. Photograph: Tim E White/Getty Images

The fishing village of Taghazout on Morocco's Atlantic coast is something of a well-kept secret among surfers, but the opening of two boutique hotels in the past 12 months looks certain to broaden its appeal. Laid-back Amouage on the ocean front offers inclusive surf and yoga packages (from £714pp per week). Enjoy an early-morning vinyasa flow on their rooftop yoga garden and relax in their infinity pool. There's also the hippy-chic Munga Guesthouse with driftwood furniture, hammocks and a rooftop sushi restaurant. Surf lessons, horse and camel riding, fishing and golf can all be booked locally.• From £336pp a week at Amouage with Surf Maroc and from £32 a night at Munga Guesthouse. Flights to Agadir from £52 return with easyJet

Best for recharging the batteries: the Algarve, Portugal Praia da Marinha, Algarve. Photograph: Alamy

It might be better known for its pile 'em high package resorts and sprawling golf courses, but the Algarve is making in-roads into the "wellness" sector, with a handful of high-end resorts offering off-season retreats to revitalise mind, body and soul. You'll pay more for your treatments and accommodation than you would in the Far East, but this is offset by cheaper flights and no jetlag. Epic Sana, a five-star beach-front hotel, with top-notch spa and fitness facilities, runs regular retreat weeks in the winter.• A five-night mindfulness retreat at Epic Sana costs from £1,675pp, including flight with Health and Fitness Travel, which offers other, more affordable wellbeing breaks to Portugal

Best for nightlife and shopping: Jaffa, Israel The Old Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv, is now used as a fishing harbour and tourist attraction. Photograph: Alamy

The historic port district of Jaffa has evolved into one of Tel Aviv's most exciting neighbourhoods with cool bars and cafés springing up in the narrow streets around the Shuk Hapishpeshim flea market. Next year two swanky hotels are opening: the Setai, with a rooftop pool, and the W Tel Aviv-Jaffa, in a restored Ottoman-era convent. In the meantime, book a balcony room at the Market House Hotel, Jaffa's original hip hotel. Its happy hour will set you up for a night clubbing in Israel's party capital.• From £177 at Market House Hotel. Flights to Tel Aviv cost from £125 return with easyJet

Source: Winter sun destinations: 10 top trips

Seychelles Makes 'Cool List' of Destinations by National Geographic Traveller Magazine

Seychelles has made the list of coolest destinations for National Geographic Traveller magazine.

The UK edition of the travel magazine published by the National Geographic Society in the United States has listed Seychelles as number 14 on the 'Cool List.' The magazine also highlighted the upcoming launch of British Airways' direct flights to the island nation in March of 2018.

The chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Francis, said, "British Airways' direct flight as of March 2018 has indeed created quite a buzz in the UK."

Francis added that the listing is yet another testament that "Seychelles is not only seen as this aspiring faraway and must-see destination, but it will soon be only one stop away from this market, which will certainly redefine how British holidaymakers view Seychelles as a destination."

The National Geographic Traveller describes the 18 destinations as "the coolest haunts, the hippest hangouts, the bucket list breaks and the enthralling escapes."

According to the magazine, the 18 destinations which are set to make it big in 2018 range from the cities of Bristol in the United Kingdom and Buenos Aires in Argentina to countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore.

The destinations have been carefully selected by the National Geographic Traveller's team of editors and writers.

"It's a tempting route -- a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flying twice weekly, with a 10-hour flight and four-hour time difference prompting tour operator Scott Dunn to talk of long weekends in the Indian Ocean," wrote the National Geographic Traveller, which is recommending a longer stay to its readers.

It also highlighted Seychelles' warm clear azure waters, dreamy white sandy beaches like Anse Source d'Argent recently named one of the World's 50 Best Beaches, lush tropical vegetation, otherworldly rock formations and excursion ranging from jungle zip lines to an up-close encounter giant land tortoises.

The Seychelles Tourism Board office in the UK said that although it is unlikely that many people will choose Seychelles for long weekend trips, the direct flights from the UK and the buzz it has created will undoubtedly encourage more British visitors to consider the island destination when planning their 2018 holidays.

According to the figures of the National Bureau of Statistics, the UK & Northern Ireland market has sent 20,634 visitors to the archipelago in the western Indian Ocean up to December 3 this year. Around 17,649 visited Seychelles for the same period in 2016.

The 'Cool List 2018' is also featured in the January/February 2018 issue of the travel magazine, which went on sale on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

National Geographic Traveller was launched in the UK in December 2010. It is now well established as a major player in consumer travel publications, emerging as the winner of the Best Consumer Holiday Magazine category, at the British Travel Awards, for two consecutive years -- 2014 and 2015.

Source: Seychelles Makes 'Cool List' of Destinations by National Geographic Traveller Magazine

Ethiopian dispatches all-female crew to man historic intra-Africa flight

Ethiopian Airlines is set to make history with an all-female crew for a trip within African. The Ethiopia national carrier has announced that the special crew will man a flight heading to Nigeria.

The entire team managing the flight will comprise women, from the pilots and cabin crew to in flight ramp operations as well as flight dispatchers on the ground.

The December 16 flight from the capital Addis Ababa will head to Lagos, the commercial capital of Africa's most populous nation.

This flight shows us that if women get equal opportunities and work hard, I'm sure they can achieve whatever they want in all fields including the aviation industry.

"This flight shows us that if women get equal opportunities and work hard, I'm sure they can achieve whatever they want in all fields including the aviation industry," one employee said.

December 2015: History for Ethiopian as it dispatches all-female operated flight

But Ethiopian has a history in offering all-female flights. In late 2015, a similar crew flew passengers from Addis Ababa to the Thai capital, Bangkok.

At the time, Captain Amsale Gualu and co-pilot, Selam Tesfaye were handed the task of flying the crew and passengers. The historic nature of the mission lit up the face of Tesfaye who said she was happy to be part of the feat. 'Its a legendary day for Ethiopian Airlines,' she stressed.

About Ethiopian Airlines

They are the first operators on the continent to take delivery of the Boeing 787-9 dreamliner. The airline currently flies to over 50 African cities in what is the largest network by a national carrier.

Two major decisions made recently by the carrier include switching fully to digital processes in its operations and also the provision of free Wi-Fi access for travellers using its main hub, the Bole International Airport in the capital Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian – a member of the Star Alliance group in its seven decades of operation has become one of the continent's leading carriers in terms of efficiency and operational success.

They command the lion's share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 95 international destinations across five continents.

Source: Ethiopian dispatches all-female crew to man historic intra-Africa flight