price

Turkiye awaiting price proposal for possible Eurofighter jet purchase, Turkish source says – Middle East Monitor

Turkiye is waiting for a price proposal for the possible acquisition of Eurofighter jets after submitting a list outlining its technical needs to Britain’s Defence Ministry, a Turkish Defence Ministry source said today according to Reuters.

The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by companies Airbus AIR.PA, BAE Systems BAES.L and Leonardo LDOF.MI.

Ankara has been in talks with Britain and Spain to purchase 40 Typhoons and Germany took a step toward clearing the deal after initially being opposed to it.

“The […] document, prepared within the scope of the procurement of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft, was sent to the British Ministry of Defence and the relevant company,” the source told a briefing in Ankara.

“We expect the price offer to reach us in the coming days.”

READ: Germany reconsiders Turkiye’s request to purchase Eurofighter

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American visits ‘Wales’ most stunning coastline’ but is floored by price of ice cream

An American tourist visited Pembrokeshire, Wales, for the first time, and despite saying it moved her in a way that was hard to describe, she will ‘never forget’ the price of her ice cream

Cara
Cara opted for a salted caramel ice cream but it was unfortunately gone in a flash (Image: Youtube/The Magic Geekdom)

An American tourist famed for exploring different parts of the UK went to Pembrokeshire for the first time – before calling it ‘Wales’ most stunning coastline’.

Cara is the face of The Magic Geekdom YouTube channel where she has 76,500 followers and she started her recent vlog with the words: “I am spending a few days in Pembrokeshire. I have never been here before but I have heard a lot of great things about it. I just got to Tenby and immediately saw this view – it is stunning isn’t it.”

The travel guru also said it was her first time by the seaside in the UK and she was struck by how colourful and beautiful the surroundings were, especially the brightly painted buildings. And after taking in the views while sitting on a beach and listening to the waves, the tourist decided to buy an ice cream. This took her to The Stowaway in Tenby which is in the arches of an old boat store in one of the most iconic harbours in Wales.

And praising her refreshing sweet treat, Cara enthused: “I couldn’t resist getting a salted caramel ice cream cone.”

Giving it a try, she added: “Oh my god… that is so good. That is probably the best ice cream I have had over here. It is really good.”

Cara
This ended up being ice cream number two (Image: Youtube/The Magic Geekdom)

However, the camera then cut to a few moments later, and it showed Cara holding an ice cream cone without any ice cream in it.

Laughing, she said: “Well, I was trying to take a picture of my ice cream cone, and a seagull stole the whole damn scoop of ice cream!”

Given it was so tasty, Cara returned to the shop, and decided to eat it inside this time to avoid another theft, meaning she ate one ice cream for the price of two.

She said: “My £4 ice cream became an £8 ice cream because I paid the bird tax but it was worth every penny. If you come here and want ice cream, definitely go to Stowaway, that place was amazing.”

Cara stayed in an AirBnb western-themed pod overlooking the countryside and day two of her trip saw her visit Pembroke Castle – and she described it as “fricking beautiful”.

Cara
She often spoke about the stunning views by the coastline (Image: Youtube/The Magic Geekdom)

The content creator also went to St Davids Cathedral and she said it was “so magnificent” before explaining how hearing the choir practising inside added to the “magic of the place”.

Making another observation, she added: “I love how quiet it is here this morning. There are a lot of people out and about but it is just very peaceful.

“Sometimes a place just moves you in a way that you don’t even know how to describe. It is hard to find words for and I think that’s what’s happening here. It is just so tranquil, just a good vibe.”

Cara also embarked on a boat tour from Martin’s Haven to Skomer Island where she witnessed puffins up close and she said it was one of the most memorable highlights from all her trips to the UK.

Summing up her stay, she said: “I have had an amazing time in Pembrokeshire. I have done a lot of firsts like that incredible puffin boat tour I just did. I had my first seagull steal food with my ice cream, I will never forget that.”

Skrinkle Haven Beach at the Pembrokeshire coast
Skrinkle Haven Beach at the Pembrokeshire coast (Image: Getty)

She added: “I cannot wait to come back. I have had an incredible time.”

After posting the video on YouTube, which you can watch in full here, one person replied: “Hello from the Welsh American Channel. We Americans of Welsh descent are very proud of our heritage, modern Wales, and its rich language. Thank you for the video. Cymru am byth!”

Another said: “Wales is an amazing place to live and visit.”

A third went with: “Wales is a beautiful country and people are friendly, love and respect from Scotland.”

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Climate crisis causing food price spikes around the world, scientists say | Climate Crisis News

Report finds extreme climate events linked to price hikes for rice, corn, cocoa, coffee, potatoes and other food items.

South Korean cabbage, Australian lettuce, Japanese rice, Brazilian coffee and Ghanaian cocoa are among the many foods that have been hit by price hikes following extreme climate events since 2022, a team of international scientists has found.

The research released on Monday cites, among other examples, a 280 percent spike in global cocoa prices in April 2024, following a heatwave in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, and a 300 percent jump in lettuce prices in Australia after floods in 2022.

In the vast majority of cases, the increase in prices came soon after heatwaves, including a 70 percent increase in cabbage prices in South Korea in September 2024, a 48 percent increase in rice prices in Japan in September 2024, and an 81 percent increase in potato prices in India in early 2024.

Other price increases were linked to drought, such as a 2023 drought in Brazil that preceded a 55 percent increase in global coffee prices the following year, and a 2022 drought in Ethiopia that came before overall food prices there increased by 40 percent in 2023.

The research, published by six European research organisations along with the European Central Bank, was released before the United Nations Food Systems Summit, which will be co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 27 to July 29.

a farmer in a field next to cracked dry earth
Hasan Basri, a 55-year-old farmer, pulls out his rice that failed to be harvested due to a prolonged drought in Aceh Besar, Indonesia, on July 31, 2024 [Riska Munawarah/Reuters]

“Until we get to net zero emissions extreme weather will only get worse, but it’s already damaging crops and pushing up the price of food all over the world,” the report’s lead author, Maximillian Kotz, from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, said in a press release.

“People are noticing, with rising food prices number two on the list of climate impacts they see in their lives, second only to extreme heat itself,” Kotz added, noting that low-income families are often the most affected when “the price of food shoots up”.

The report comes as the cost of living, including food affordability, has been a key issue for many voters heading to elections around the world in recent years, including in Japan, where the price of rice was on many voters’ minds as they headed to the polls this weekend.

Grocery prices were also key election issues in the United States and the United Kingdom in 2024 and in Argentina in 2023.

a man walks past shrivelled cabbages on top of a mountain
Kim Si-Gap, the head of the High-Altitude Cabbage and Radish Producers’ Association, walks around his kimchi cabbage field at the Anbandeogi village in Gangneung, South Korea, on August 22, 2024 [Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters]

“In the UK, climate change added £360 [$482] to the average household food bill across 2022 and 2023 alone,” one of the report’s co-authors, Amber Sawyer, from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said in a press release.

“Last year, the UK had its third worst arable harvest on record, and England its second worst, following extreme rainfall that scientists said was made worse by climate change,” she added.

Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), governments have committed to cutting the global emissions that are driving the climate crisis by 2.6 percent from 2019 to 2030.

However, these commitments fall well short of the reductions scientists say are needed to stay within reach of a Paris Agreement target to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to deliver a landmark advisory opinion on states’ legal obligations to address climate change on Wednesday, in a case brought by Vanuatu and backed by many Global South countries.

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Football gossip: Man City set price for McAtee

Manchester City set price for James McAtee, Leeds United want to raise funds for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Manchester United want two more signings.

Manchester City have set their price at £35m for midfielder James McAtee, 22, with interest from clubs such as West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt. (The Telegraph – subscription), external

Real Madrid are happy to wait it out to sign France and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, 26, on a free next summer but may offer a low bid in this transfer window. (Football Insider), external

A nine-figure Saudi contract for Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, 25, has been taken off the of the table for now but could be available again in 2026. (AS – in Spanish), external

Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Arsenal defender William Saliba, 24. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Leeds United want a bidding war to ensue for Spanish forward Mateo Joseph, 21, in the hope they can raise funds for a move to sign Brazil and Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz, 24. (The Sun), external

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants to bring in two more signings this transfer window. (The Mirror), external

United have also put in a bid for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, and hope they can persuade him to join them rather than Arsenal. (A Bola – in Portuguese), external

And they have had their interest in Italian forward Francesco Pio Esposito turned down by Inter Milan back in January. (Football Italia – in Italian), external

Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo has completed his medical for Manchester United, bringing his move from Brentford closer. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Tottenham are willing to pay the asking price for Ukraine and Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi, 22. (Caught Offside), external

Nottingham Forest are the front runners to sign midfielder Jacob Ramsey, 24, from Aston Villa. (Football Insider), external

Sunderland have pulled out of a £17.5m deal to bring in 26-year-old French forward Armand Lauriente from Italian club Sassuolo. (Northern Echo), external

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Netflix earnings surged last quarter. Thank ‘Squid Game,’ price hikes and advertising

Thanks to popular shows like “Squid Game,” plus price hikes and growing advertising revenues, Netflix on Thursday reported strong growth in the second quarter, beating analysts’ expectations.

The Los Gatos-based streamer’s revenue rose 16% to $11.1 billion, while the company’s net income increased 46% to $3.1 billion compared to a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected about $11 billion in revenue and $3 billion in profit.

Wall Street analysts have long deemed Netflix the winner of the streaming wars. The company no longer gives quarterly updates on how many customers it has, last revealing it had more than 301 million subscribers in 2024. But there’s still pressure on Netflix to continue to show financial growth, as the company aims to attract more advertising dollars and subscribers around the world.

Many analysts believe that Netflix’s future sales boost will come from its advertising business, which began in November 2022. The streamer is expected to generate $2.07 billion in ad revenue this year in the United States, which is estimated to climb to nearly $3 billion in 2027, according to research firm Emarketer.

“They’re seeing some substantial revenue and they are also getting a lot of people to sign up or switch to the ad supported tier,” said Paul Verna, a principal analyst at Emarketer.

Netflix said it expects total revenue in to grow 17% in the third quarter. The company increased its full-year 2025 revenue forecast, estimating that it will generate $44.8 billion to $45.2 billion. That’s up from the range of $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion that it previously projected.

In May, Netflix said its cheaper plan with ads reaches more than 94 million monthly active users, indicating that its version with commercials is gaining traction as other services follow a similar strategy.

“We continue to make progress building our ads business and still expect to roughly double ads revenue in 2025,” Netflix said in its letter to shareholders.

Earlier this year Netflix raised prices on most of its subscription plans in the U.S. Its cheapest plan with ads went up $1 to $7.99 a month. Netflix said the response to its recent price adjustments has been “broadly in line with our expectations.”

Netflix continues to face competition from other streaming services globally and entertainment companies like YouTube and TikTok that also take up significant amount of watch time among consumers.

During the second quarter, Netflix released popular programs including Korean animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” drama “Sirens” and the third season of “Squid Game.”

“Squid Game’s” third season, which premiered late last month, was the most watched series in 93 countries during its debut week and broke a record for the most views for a show in its first three days on Netflix, a boon for a streaming service that thrives on capturing the attention of audiences worldwide by releasing must-watch programs.

“These are positive initiatives and they’re the quality of the content that shows the uniqueness of it,” said Melissa Otto, head of research at S&P Global Visible Alpha, on shows like “Squid Game” Season 3. “These are all things that pull the users in and make them want to subscribe to Netflix or watch Netflix content.”

Netflix also has received critical acclaim for its programming, noting it has received 120 Primetime Emmy nominations for shows including the limited series drama “Adolescence” and comedy-drama series “Nobody Wants This.”

Netflix stock closed at $1,274.17 on Thursday, up about 2%.

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Peacock increases subscription price by $3 a month

NBCUniversal’s Peacock is rolling out a $3-a-month price hike for most streaming customers.

Beginning July 23, Peacock Premium will cost $10.99 a month, up from the current $7.99 fee, the company announced Thursday. The Premium Plus option will jump to $16.99 a month, up from $13.99.

Customers can pay $109.99 for an annual plan of Peacock Premium or $169.99 a year for its Premium Plus option.

Peacock is not the first streaming service to raise its fees as the cost of sports and other programming escalates.

Netflix raised its price on most plans in January, with its commercial-free standard plan increasing $2.50 a month to $17.99.

Media companies have been ratcheting up the fees as they struggle to transition from highly profitable but declining business models, including a heavy reliance on pay-TV distribution fees.

This spring, the share of viewers watching programs on streaming services eclipsed viewership of linear channels as traditional television companies increasingly focus on their streaming products.

Comcast-owned NBCUniversal has lost billions of dollars building its Peacock streaming service, which launched five years ago. The payoff remains elusive as the service lags Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and others in terms of subscriber counts and audience share.

Depending on billing cycles, some current Peacock subscribers will see the increases in their bills around Aug. 22.  

NBCUniversal said it would test a new Peacock “Select” tier, which will feature current seasons of NBC and Bravo shows and library titles for the former Peacock Premium price of $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year.

The company touted its programming including “Love Island USA.”

In the television season that begins in September, Peacock will have “Sunday Night Football,” NBA, WNBA, Premier League, Big Ten and the FIFA World Cup soccer championships in Spanish. It will also broadcast the Super Bowl and Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics in February 2026.

Surges in pricing come as consumers have faced several years of inflation and economic uncertainty. People who ditched their pricey cable bundles in favor of cheaper streaming services have found their total monthly subscriptions can add up quickly.

Staff writer Wendy Lee contributed to this report.

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ASML sees share price drop as Trump’s tariffs darken outlook

Published on
16/07/2025 – 10:18 GMT+2

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Supplier of chipmaking equipment ASML retracted its growth forecast for the coming year on Wednesday, sending shares down around 7% in morning trading in Amsterdam.

“The level of uncertainty is increasing, mostly due to macroeconomic and geopolitical considerations. And that includes, of course, tariffs,” said CEO Christophe Fouquet. “Therefore, while we still prepare for growth in 2026, we cannot confirm it at this stage.”

The warning came despite the fact that the Dutch firm saw sales and bookings rise above analysts’ expectations during the second quarter.

Sales rose 23% to €7.7 billion, while net bookings came in at €5.5bn. Net income was at €2.3bn.

For the third-quarter, ASML predicted net sales between €7.4bn and €7.9bn, falling short of estimates, and a gross margin between 50% and 52%.

The firm also forecast 15% revenue growth for the year ahead.

A boom in artificial intelligence is fuelling demand for ASML’s semiconductor-making machines, which are needed to power AI technologies.

Last week, chipmaker Nvidia — a firm that relies on ASML products — became the first company in the world to reach a market value of $4 trillion.

So far, the extent to which ASML will be affected by US tariffs and retaliatory duties is unclear. Semiconductors are currently exempt from Trump’s duties although it’s not yet known whether chipmaking machines will receive the same leniency.

Easing tensions between the US and China are also helping Nvidia, which in turn bodes well for ASML. On Tuesday, Nvidia said it would start selling its H20 AI chip in China again after the Trump administration relaxed export restrictions. The move is a U-turn for the government, which in April banned sales of the chip to China, linked to concerns that the technology could be used for military purposes.

ASML also faces restrictions on sending certain advanced products to China. There has been no suggestion that these measures, imposed by the Dutch government, will be lifted.

“ASML cites the macroeconomic environment and tariffs having an impact on the orders. More specifically, it is more likely uncertainty from China, memory capex uncertainty and the struggles at Intel and Samsung that are more likely to be hampering things,” said Ben Barringer, global technology analyst at Quilter Cheviot.

Intel and Samsung, two ASML customers, are facing financial headwinds, with the latter reporting its first fall in profit in around two years last week.

Barringer continued: “Ultimately, this is a speed bump for what remains a high-quality company. It still has a big backlog so growth should still pull through”.

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Tesla launches Model Y in India with elevated price tag amid high tariffs | Elon Musk News

The EV maker also opened its first showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Tesla has launched its Model Y in India for about $70,000, a significant markup relative to its other major markets, reflecting the country’s high tariffs on electric vehicle imports, which CEO Elon Musk has long criticised.

The electric carmaker announced the price on Tuesday.

Deliveries are estimated to start from the third quarter, the US automaker is targeting a niche electric vehicle segment in India that accounts for just 4 percent of overall sales in the world’s third-largest car market.

It will compete mainly with German luxury giants such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and South Korea’s Kia rather than domestic mass-market EV players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra Auto.

On Tuesday, Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai and began taking Model Y orders on its website, marking its long-awaited entry into the market where Musk once had plans to open a factory.

For now, Tesla will import cars into a country where tariffs and related duties can exceed 100 percent, driving up the price for consumers.

Tesla’s Model Y rear-wheel drive is priced at about $70,000 (6 million rupees), while its Model Y long-range rear-wheel drive costs roughly $79,000 (6.8 million rupees), according to the website.

Tariff pressures

The prices include the tariff and additional levies imposed by the state. There was no breakdown of the price on the website and Reuters could not immediately ascertain the listing price.

They compare with a starting price from $44,990 in the US, $36,700 (263,500 yuan) in China, and $53,700 (45,970 euros) in Germany.

At the media-only event at the showroom, Tesla displayed two Model Y cars made in China and its supercharger, which it will install at eight different locations in Mumbai and in and around New Delhi, where it is also expected to open its next showroom.

“We are here to create the ecosystem, to invest in the necessary infrastructure, including the charging infrastructure,” Isabel Fan, a regional director at Tesla, said at the launch event.

“We are building from 0 to 100. It will take time to cover the whole country.”

Grappling with excess capacity in global factories and declining sales, Tesla has adopted a strategy of selling imported vehicles in India, despite the duties and levies.

The US EV maker has long lobbied India for lower import tariffs on cars, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s officials remain in talks with US President Donald Trump’s administration to lower the levies under a bilateral trade deal.

Tesla’s US factories also do not currently make the right-hand drive vehicles that are used in India.

Although India’s road infrastructure has improved, traffic discipline – like lane driving – is still rudimentary, EV chargers are far and few and stray animals, including cattle, and potholes on the road are a big hurdle, even in cities.

“In the future, we wish to see R&D and manufacturing done in India, and I am sure at an appropriate stage, Tesla will think about it,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters outside the new Tesla outlet.

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‘I went to Disneyland Paris and was floored by the price I paid for bubbles’

Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett took her toddler to Disneyland, Paris, and didn’t expect that she’d have to fork out so much cash for some bubbles

Journalist Samantha Bartlett at Disneyland, Paris
I recently took my toddler to Disneyland, Paris(Image: Samantha Bartlett)

Taking your child to Disneyland, Paris, is something most parent dreams of when they have kids. However, if you’re planning to take your little one to Disney anytime soon, then I suggest you start saving up for the trip now.

Of course, we all know the accessories on sale at Disneyland aren’t going to be cheap, but I was left a little startled by just how expensive a few things were when I went there with my toddler last week. Getting prepared, I ordered us some mouse ears online before we went there as I knew my three-year-old would want some and they would be expensive in the theme park. However, when I went to pack, I had completely misplaced his ears – something I knew would be a costly mistake.

Of course, as soon as we started walking up to the park and he saw everyone wearing mouse ears, he had to have some. I offered him mine but then when he saw the other sparkly versions on sale, he decided he wanted to pick his own. These will set you back €25 (£22) each, so they don’t come cheap – especially if you have more than one child.

He was happy with his ears, however once he saw some other kids with the Disney bubbles he just had to have those too. He is madly into Spider-Man at the moment and had his heart set on those bubbles, which were again another €25, plus another €2 (£1.70) for a bubble refill.

My little one had his heart set on the Spider-Man bubbles(Image: Samantha Bartlett)

As he chomped his way through an €8 (£7) popcorn and a €4.50 (£4) ice cream, things were starting to add up.

It was then onto lunch and my little one and his dad had hotdogs, which were €10 (£9) each and then €3.59 (£3) for fries and a €3.49 50cl drink. Meanwhile, I opted for a vegan chilli, which was €8 (£7), but was very tasty.

We also treated ourselves to some chocolate-covered waffles later in the day, which I think were around €5 (£4.30) each.

The only other thing we spent out on were some fast passes for one of the rides. You can pay €90 (£80) to get you on all of the rides quicker, however we didn’t bother with that, considering our toddler couldn’t go on everything and that’s nearly the same price our ticket cost. Instead, you can also buy individual fast track passes for a ride of your choice, which we did for Orbitron, which cost us €5 (£4.30) for both adults.

A Disney ice cream will set you back €4.50 (£4) (Image: Samantha Bartlett)

So all in all, we did spend quite a lot, however, having only one child, it did make things a bit cheaper. I didn’t actually know that Disneyland also allows you to bring in your own food into the park, so if you’re prepared, you might want to pack lunch and snacks if you want to save a bit of cash there.

Those who are planning to take a toddler may want to do what we did and take them just before their third birthday as they get in for free up until they’re three. My little man managed to stay awake the whole time we were there from 10:30am to 6:30pm at night and enjoy himself on the rides, but if he was any younger I do think he would have struggled a bit with the long day and would have had to have a nap.

As well as Disneyland, he also travelled on the Eurostar free, which they can do up until they’re four.

So am I a bit sore about paying £22 for bubbles? Well yes, it wasn’t ideal. But to be fair, they made his day and brought him joy, and as parents, we know that’s priceless!

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Beautiful UK beach is Spanish resort dupe but locals say this comes at a price

Woolacombe in North Devon is a popular holiday destination for tourists, who flock to the sandy beach in the summer time. But locals say it’s a different story in the winter.

seagulls over the beach
This beach is a stunning spot(Image: Abigail Neep)

Woolacombe, located off the A316 in North Devon, isn’t the most straightforward destination to reach. It requires careful navigation along narrow, winding country lanes bordered by towering hedges, where oncoming traffic can prove challenging.

However, the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The initial panorama that greets you is merely the beginning of this magical experience. The view is simply stunning and stands apart from any other location.

Multiple car parks sit at the village’s base, with the two most popular ones charging £12 per day. Whilst this may appear costly, they’re positioned directly beside the shoreline, reports Devon Live.

One pair, Ben and Teagan, currently on holiday in North Devon, believe Woolacombe offers everything visitors could want.

“Everything you need is just down the road. Once you’ve parked, you don’t need to leave all day. It’s very small roads to get here, I can imagine it can be an issue because of all the traffic,” said Ben.

The shoreline and surrounding territory at Woolacombe initially belonged to the Chichester family in 1133. Stanley Parkin subsequently acquired Woolacombe alongside its neighbouring village Mortehoe.

His son, Ray Parkin, a village native, assumed the chairman role in 1995 and advanced the Parkin Estates company until his death in 2021.

Today, substantial investment, both financially and in terms of effort, ensures Woolacombe remains remarkably pristine with thoughtfully designed amenities. The beach, the first in North Devon to be awarded the European Blue Flag, has now been recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s top beaches.

the beach
The beach is well looked after by Parkin Estate(Image: Abigail Neep)

Lynn and Karl, who travelled from Stafford, commented: “It’s just a beautiful beach, you have to travel a long way to find a beach like this.”

John, a tourist from Berkshire, shared: “This is my first visit, we’re staying in North Devon in Ilfracombe. It’s a beautiful beach, the north coast is a bit grey on sand, it’s nice to see some gold.”

The beach is divided into two sections, one permitting dogs and the other not. Parkin Estates are making excellent use of the three-mile stretch of beach.

“I love how one side of the beach doesn’t allow dogs, there’s so much space so it makes sense to do that,” remarked one holidaymaker.

“There’s so much room on the beach and so there’s space to sit. It’s not overwhelming,” added Teagan.

Woolacombe boasts a variety of amenities including pubs, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities such as mini golf. There are also surf hire facilities and very ‘tourist style’ shops reminiscent of those found in Europe. The single road running through the village contributes to its European vibe.

tourist stalls on the beach
Their tourist style shops make it feel like a beach resort(Image: Abigail Neep)

During summer months, Woolacombe gives you that Spanish beach resort sensation, yet when winter arrives, the place becomes remarkably tranquil. Will, an Ilfracombe resident employed at Steve’s Surf Hire on the seafront, explained that rainy weather leaves visitors with virtually no activities.

“It’s not nice when it’s raining, no-one comes down except dog walkers who come and have a look but then they just go,” said Will.

Louise, his colleague at the same establishment, shared this view but noted that residents take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.

“In the winter, it’s a ghost town, the majority of pubs shut in the winter too. It’s quiet because it’s a seaside town. There’s just shops, which are closed in the winter,” she said.

“Locals make use of that, to come in the winter because there’s nobody here.”

A brief stroll from the shoreline leads to a family-run eatery called The Captain’s Table. The venue has built its reputation on hearty breakfasts whilst offering an array of seafood-based lunches and evening meals.

The Captain's Table restaurant
The Captain’s Table(Image: Abigail Neep)

Patrons can also order sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes, all sourced locally in Devon.

General Manager Nigel expressed his delight in welcoming both tourists and residents to the establishment, highlighting how they witness entire family lineages returning year after year.

“We have new customers but also regulars. We get some that only come here for two weeks of the year, but we know them and we quite often know what they’ll be having,” he said.

“We see generations of people coming in. We have grandparents whose parents brought them, they bring their children, who bring their children.”

Woolacombe beach boasts an excellent reputation for surfing, and its reef break delivers some fantastic waves, catering to both experienced and novice surfers.

The beach features numerous surf schools and may have inspired the name of The Surf Takeaway, a mobile food outlet positioned directly on the beach.

Paul and Teddy, who launched their business within the past year, commend the beach for its pristine condition and express their desire to serve some of Devon’s finest produce.

The view from the beach
The view from the beach(Image: Abigail Neep)

“Parkin Estates keep [the beach] immaculate, it’s clean, they look after it which is a big commitment,” Teddy said. “People come to Devon because they want a pasty, we have links with local suppliers and we choose the best pasties, they might not be as cheap, but it’s what we prefer.”

A holiday in Woolacombe is enchanting, though several tourists expressed concern about one particular issue.

One tourist remarked: “There are seagulls everywhere, they have the tendency to steal food.

Another, Maisie, said: “I hate them I do, it literally landed on a kid’s head to get his food. I heard someone shouting that their finger was bitten by a seagull!

Tourists can hire one of 70 beach huts along the shoreline. Parkin Estates construct a sandbank during the summer months at the rear of the beach where the huts are located. There’s a five per cent reduction available for those booking more than seven days, which includes two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and windbreak. Their vibrant colours make a striking statement at the rear of the beach.

Local residents and workers in Woolacombe describe it as a wonderful place to call home, praising its beauty and declaring “you can’t get a better place.”

Yet, the surge in tourism at Woolacombe is raising concerns amongst some locals.

Will explained: “Everything is expensive in Woolacombe, people aren’t down for as long as they normally would be. A lot of people are moving out of Woolacombe, rich people move here, live here for a month and then rent their place out to holiday makers.”

Will at Steve's Surf Hire
Will at Steve’s Surf Hire(Image: Abigail Neep)

Louise added: “People stay for three or four days instead of for the whole week.”

Despite these issues, tourists absolutely love Woolacombe and insist it’s completely worth any minor hassles.

Ellie and Nathan, holidaying from Essex, shared their thoughts: “We’re staying in Ilfracombe and came to Woolacombe for the day. The parking is expensive, but totally worth it,” Nathan remarked.

Ellie chimed in: “It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been, there’s loads of facilities, nice places for lunch.

Their youngsters, Jasper and Sam, were absolutely delighted. Jasper exclaimed: “[The beach] is so big, we had a race, and I won!”

Sam boasted: “We’re going in the sea later, and I’m not even going to wear a wetsuit. “.

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Palm Springs hotels have big summer deals — if you can face the heat

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Summer is here, and with it comes the annual desire to pack up and unplug somewhere, anywhere, else. But sandy beaches, far-flung tropical locales and mountain escapes often come with throngs of tourists and inflated pricing.

Then there’s Palm Springs, where crowds empty out in the summer and luxury hotel prices dip to year-round lows. Before you shrug off summer in the desert, consider this: The Coachella Valley is picturesque all year, most restaurants have wide-open availability and keeping cool is easy when all you do is bop between the pool and blissful A/C.

And unlike pricey beachfront resorts, the best hotels around Palm Springs are charging a fraction of their typical nightly rate. Five-star spots like the Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage or the Parker Palm Springs, for example, have dropped prices, and some properties, like the atmospheric Casa Cody, host seasonal activities like dive-in movies after dark.

The pricing below is accurate as of publishing but may change at any time. Prices also may not include additional charges, like resort fees. Most deals are available throughout September, but check the fine print and be aware of minimum stay and age requirements.

Whether for a week or quick weekend jaunt, the desert beckons, and in the weeks and months to come, it won’t cost as much as usual.

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Ryanair passenger buys coffee and croissant on flight and is floored when he sees price

A man issued his honest thoughts about his flight with low-cost airline Ryanair, after being left staggered by the price of a coffee and ham and cheese croissant

Ryanair flight
A man was shocked by the prices of some of the airline’s food

A YouTuber has been left shocked by the prices of Ryanair‘s breakfast items on board. Johnny G opted to travel with the low-cost airline from Sofia to Varna in Bulgaria, after hearing complaints about some its services. Before delving into his review, he told his subscribers: “Today I made it my mission to fly with Ryanair and see for myself how bad this airline really is.”

Once settled onto the plane, Johnny, from Switzerland, said he found the cabin “very basic” as he expected, and wasn’t a fan of the seats. Yet, what truly caught him off guard was the pricing of the airline’s refreshments. Presenting the menu to his viewers, a Lavazza coffee was listed at a cost of €3.15 (£2.72), while croissants and breakfast rolls were priced between €3.25 (£2.81) and €6 (£5.19).

Johnny chose to purchase a ham and cheese croissant, which cost €5.75 (just under £5) alongside a coffee during his 2023 flight. Sharing his thoughts, he said: “For a coffee and a croissant, I pay more than for the flight itself.”

What also left him stunned was how nice the coffee actually tasted, compared to others he’s tasted on flights. He added: “To be fair, I’ve probably never had such good coffee on a plane, but it takes me a while to figure out how this wicked cup works.”

After his flight came to an end, he shared his verdict, adding: “Although Ryanair certainly has its imperfections, I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone says.

Ryanair flight
A man was shocked by the prices of some of the airline’s food

“You can’t spend pennies and expect gold for it. The crew were friendly, the plane was in good condition and the flight was on time.”

Since Johnny’s experience, inflation has prompted Ryanair to increase their prices. A Lavazza coffee is now €3.75 (£3.25), while a ham and cheese croissant €6 (£5.19).

To some, these prices might appear steep, but keep in mind that only hot beverages served by Ryanair are allowed on flights.

Ryanair’s clear policy states: “You must not take hot drinks on the plane, or drink your own alcohol when on the plane.”

Passengers are however welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board, as long as it does not exceed the hand-luggage weight limit.

In a recent announcement, Ryanair shared plans to expand their “personal bag” allowance by a sizeable 20 per cent, in line with new EU standards for hand luggage.

Under the changes, passengers will be allowed to carry on a bag with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, without any additional fees.

The bag must weigh under 10kg and it has to fit “under the seat in front you.”

These amendments are expected to come into force in the next coming weeks.

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Brits heading on Spain and Portugal holidays this summer face huge price hikes

Brits heading to the likes of Spain, Egypt and Portugal for their summer holidays could find they’re paying pay hundreds of pounds more this year

Millions of Brits are gearing-up for their week (or two) in the sun
Millions of Brits are gearing-up for their week (or two) in the sun(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Families have seen some holiday prices to top hotspots rocket by nearly quarter this summer, research has revealed.

The jump means travellers looking forward to their break abroad risk having to shell out hundreds of pounds more than last year.

Analysis by the website TravelSupermarket for the BBC revealed big price rises in a host of destinations popular with Brits. The data compared all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing this August with a year ago.

Prices to Cyprus have leapt 23%, from an average £950 per person to £1,166. The cost of a week away to Egypt has soared by a fifth – almost £200 each – from £980 to £1,176. Jetting to top getaway Spain has risen by 9%, or from £835 to £913 And a typical week away to Portugal will cost £972 per person this summer, against £936 last year.

Taking a break in Cyprus will cost an average £215 per person more than last summer
Taking a break in Cyprus will cost an average £215 per person more than last summer(Image: Getty)

READ MORE: Man visits every country in Europe – and one ‘dull’ place was the absolute worst

For those looking further afield, the analysis found the United Arab Emirates has seen the steepest price rise overall. A week away now costs an average £1,525 per person, up 26% – or £300 – from £1,210 per person in 2024.

Chris Webber, head of deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Like most things, family summer holidays have become more expensive over the past 12 months — and our data backs that up. We’ve seen price rises of between 4% and 26% across popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and Portugal. These increases are likely tied to rising fuel prices driving up flight costs, along with hotel expenses rising due to energy costs – which in turn pushes up food and drink costs for all-inclusive packages.”

It is not all bad, with some destinations actually cheaper this year. For instance, a week in Italy will cost an average £1,128 per person this summer, or £137 less than a year ago. Tunisia is also around £30 better value, at an average £763.

Prices to Dubai in the UAE have surged by more than a quarter since summer 2024
Prices to Dubai in the UAE have surged by more than a quarter since summer 2024(Image: Getty Images)

READ MORE: ‘Entitled dad asks to swap plane seats for son – but his reason wasn’t valid enough’

And while accommodation and flights may have risen, other holiday costs have come down.

Research published last month by the Post Office found Brits planning foreign holidays will be quids in thanks to the pound’s strength. Sterling has shot up against a host of currencies – in some cases, by a lot. For instance, the pound’s 30% rise against the Turkish lira in the past year means holidaymakers jetting there will have £116 more to spend for every £500.

In many cases, car rental prices have also fallen. A study by iCarhireinsurance.com last month revealed that the average cost of a week’s car hire this summer is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310).

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

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Woman buys beer and tapas in Benidorm bar and price leaves her floored

A British expat proved just how far a fiver can get you in Benidorm after finding a ‘hidden gem’ in the Old Town where you can fill up on beer and tapas without breaking the bank

Michelle Baker
Michelle Baker has lived in Benidorm for over 40 years (Image: Benidormforever)

A British woman who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years found a “hidden gem” bar – and the price of beer and tapas was “outstanding”.

Michelle Baker used to run a newspaper in the holiday hotspot for two decades and she now shares valuable information on her Benidormforever Facebook page. And it was here that the mum, who has raised her children in Spain, revealed her latest find. After strolling through the Old Town, Michelle discovered Rumbo Bar, which she said has been there since 1968, and was recently taken over by Juani and Nico.

Writing on her page, she said: “Regular followers know I’m a HUGE supporter of the small bars, and in the Old Town yesterday I stumbled across this little gem; Bar Rumbo.”

She added: “Realising their location is just off the busy square that overlooks the little Mal Pas beach is slightly hidden, the couple have put their heart and soul into making their pet friendly pub as welcoming as possible, with quirky decoration, a selection of board games and they’ve some outstanding offers too.”

Michelle Baker
Michelle outside Bar Rumbo in Benidorm’s Old Town (Image: Benidormforever)

And as for the incredible prices, Michelle explained how a beer and two tapas cost just €4.90 (approx £4). A glass of wine meanwhile is just €2.20 while a coffee is priced at €1.50. For something fancier, the owners also sell two cocktails for €10.

Michelle pointed out that the air conditioned space provided a “peaceful escape” from the raucous part of Benidorm.

Explaining why she was keen on highlighting it, she said: “I love to point out the hidden places in the hope more of you will support them before they are all swallowed up by the big boys; your choice to pop in for a round or two of drinks makes all the difference to their day and it shows in their eagerness to please their customers.”

Speaking to Michelle during her pleasant visit, Juani joked that he had no music playing in the bar, but being a musician, he sometimes sings to customers.

Rumbo Bar
This is what spending under a fiver gets you in Benidorm (Image: Benidormforever)

He added: “What we really want is for people to feel welcome and meet new friends and they do. Once they find us they come back night after night.”

After posting on her page, one person replied: “In all the years visiting Benidorm I have never seen this bar and we always stay and eat, drink in the old town. I will certainly be looking for it next time we visit.”

Another said: “We used to live above the Rumbo bar it’s a lovely little bar I know the original owner and his son who took over. Miss living in the old town such good memories.”

A third went with: “I don’t want to be in a bar full of English people I know that sounds bad but it’s how I like to spend my time when over in old town.”

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Price Of Protection: Inside The Global High-Stakes Response To Tariff Turmoil

To find out how companies are coping with rising trade tensions and currency volatility, we asked our writers across key regions—Southeast Asia, Japan, India, and the United States—to speak with manufacturers and exporters on the ground.

The picture that emerged is one of caution, adaptation—and, above all, unpredictability. While some companies declined to comment or requested anonymity, others offered a window into how they’re navigating the volatility.

A few, including firms both outside and within the US, pointed to short-term advantages. But most described a landscape where contingency planning, hedging, and “wait-and-see” strategies have become the norm.

No one claimed to be immune. And all agreed on one thing: the situation is fluid, and it could change again—quickly.


Salamander Associates CEO Bill Padfield has been closely monitoring the ripple effects of US trade policy across Southeast Asia.  

Padfield argues that the tariffs promulgated by the Trump administration have generated enormous hesitation in the business community. “First the pause button goes on; capital investment is halted, hiring is halted,” he adds.

In Southeast Asia’s technology manufacturing sectors, steel is a critical component. “Tech manufacturers often have steel in products,” Padfield says. “For Singapore, we have a 10% tariff, so life goes on—except what if we need steel?”

If a company’s product contains 40% steel, the ambiguity is paralyzing, he adds. “[The manufacturer] has no idea at this point how to calculate and adjust, so he cannot safely procure or price his product.” Padfield also warns of a broader, looming concern: “And so far, tariffs have been on physical products. What about services and capital flows? Will services be included and if so when … this is a grim worry for Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.”

Gary Dugan, CEO of the CIO Office of Milltrust’s East West Private Wealth, sees a clear shift underway. 

“Business leaders are actively seeking non-US solutions for customers and suppliers for their future growth. The US may be the largest economy in the world but now it is fast becoming one of the most unreliable.”

Simple risk mitigation for a company is now “how do I reduce my exposure to US policy making?” Encouraged by talk of new free trade zones elsewhere in the world, companies are actively exploring new manufacturing bases such as the Middle East, where there is an abundance of support from the governments in the form of ultra-low taxes, land, workers, and top-class logistics.

Vietnam

As the US considers reimposing steep tariffs on Asian imports, business leaders in Vietnam are watching closely. From M&A advisors to food exporters, the proposed trade shifts under the Trump administration could reshape everything from pricing strategies to regional market priorities. Nguyen Dung Yoong, CEO of advisory firm Ideainvest; Ignas Petrusis, founder of Saigon Fruits; and other company executives, share how they’re preparing their businesses—and their partners—for a more protectionist US trade environment.

Nguyen Dung Yoong, founder and CEO Ideainvest

Nguyen Dung Yoong, founder and CEO Ideainvest
Nguyen Dung Yoong, founder and CEO Ideainvest

Global Finance: How is your company reacting to Trump’s tariff plans?

Nguyen Dung Yoon: Ideainvest, while not a direct exporter, works closely with a network of SMEs across Vietnam and Southeast Asia—many of whom are active in electronics, agri-processing, light manufacturing, and textile garment. The Trump-era tariffs have added volatility and margin pressure to these sectors, and further escalation would intensify the challenge.

GF: Are you finding solutions to the tariff challenges?

Yoon: To support our partners, we’re piloting an AI-based platform that assesses SME resilience across financial, operational, and customer dimensions—enabling targeted interventions such as supplier diversification or contract restructuring. This gives us a real-time view of tariff exposure across our ecosystem.

GF: Will expanding to other markets be essential if the proposed tariffs come in full force?

Yoon: If reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam are imposed, we expect upward pressure on wholesale and consumer pricing. That said, we see strong opportunities in APAC—particularly in Japan, South Korea, and India—and are advising our partners to deepen these opportunities.

Ignas Petrusis, founder of food export-import company Saigon Fruits

GF: Have the Trump tariffs had a material impact on Saigon Fruits’ business partners?

Petrusis: At first, contracts with importers in America came on short hold as soon as the tariffs were announced. Later, once Vietnam and America agreed on a “90-day break,” demand and inquiries triple-folded. So far, we’re optimistic about the negotiations. It would be difficult to shift production elsewhere because we’d need to move our food technologists, equipment, and allocate new managers. That would cost us much more in terms of cost, time, and effort. It’s easier to simply “split the cost” between the importer in the US and our company, Saigon Fruits.

Ignas Petrusis, founder Saigon Fruits
Ignas Petrusis, founder Saigon Fruits

GF: What happens to wholesale/retail prices if the proposed 46% reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam come into effect?

Petrusis: Supposedly, export prices should—in my humble opinion—drop a little bit to relieve the burden on the customers.

GF: How significant will APAC be as a buyer of Saigon Fruits’ affiliates’ products going forward?

Petrusis: Some countries like Thailand and Cambodia have similar climate zones and product variety. As for highly advanced economies like Japan, China, or Korea—we’ve seen steady and growing export volumes to those destinations. Nevertheless, we’re also seeing growing demand in countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and others in the Middle East. They could be a promising new market for our products.

GF: What is the mood among food exporters in Vietnam right now? Is there any optimism?

Petrusis: Vietnam wasn’t the only country affected by the tariffs. For instance, if Cambodia or China were to receive higher tariffs after the final negotiations, it would boost Vietnam’s competitiveness in terms of cost base for the importer. At least among our colleagues, partners, and suppliers, the mood is optimistic—many believe exports will keep rising. Furthermore, Vietnam has at least 16 active Free Trade Agreements, including the ones with Europe, South American, and Middle East countries. It is truly a showcase of good negotiation skills and win-win thinking implementation from the Vietnamese side.

Bruno Jaspaert, CEO of Belgium-based DEEP C Industrial Zones

As Vietnam prepares for the potential return of steep US tariffs under the second Trump administration, industrial real estate leaders like DEEP C are keeping a close eye on the ripple effects. The company, which operates five eco-industrial parks across Haiphong City and Quang Ninh Province, is one of Vietnam’s largest zone developers.

GF: Have the Trump tariffs had a material impact on DEEP C’s business?

Bruno Jaspaert: So far, there has been no impact as zero projects have been delayed or canceled so far. Initially, there was concern that some investors might reconsider their plans. However, an assessment of all companies slated to acquire land in DEEP C industrial zones across Hai Phong and Quang Ninh this year revealed that none of these projects will be postponed or aborted. This indicates that companies which have committed to investing are currently sticking to their plans, which is a positive sign.

Bruno Jaspaert, CEO at DEEP C Industrial Zones
Bruno Jaspaert, CEO at DEEP C Industrial Zones

GF: Have DEEP C’s customers formulated a strategy to mitigate tariff impact?

Jaspaert: We generally see two distinct groups. One group says it’s too difficult to predict future events and chooses to continue with their plans, confident that their current strategy is the best course of action for now. The other group expresses uncertainty due to market volatility and unknown future measures the US will take, opting to wait before committing. This second group currently represents the minority; the majority of companies are proceeding with their strategies.

GF: Is there likely to be an impact on DEEP C’s customers’ wholesale/retail prices if the proposed reciprocal tariffs on Cambodia come into effect?

Jaspaert: Most of DEEP C’s customers are focused on manufacturing of goods that do not focus on the US as the main market. The segments that are hit worst are typical low-margin markets, such as furniture, sport goods, garments, and textiles—of which we have none with Washington, D.C.

GF: How significant will markets outside the USi.e., APAC, Europe or Canadabe as a buyer of your customers’ products in the domestic industry going forward?

Jaspaert: The US stands for 300 million consumers. The TAM (total addressable market) for the consumer in Asia is worth $4 billion. If tariffs make the US a prohibitive market, companies will adapt and lean toward other markets or aim for more intra-Asian trade.

GF: What is the general mood among exporters in Vietnam right now?

Jaspaert: Except for the heaviest hit markets, most distributors are sticking to a “wait-and-see” approach. Companies cannot change their strategies overnight and definitely not every 90 days. Rather than diving in, they are awaiting the final call before making strategic adjustments. Those companies that are hit badly are currently running at full speed to export the most to benefit from the current 10%.


Indian companies are also weighing the ripple effects on global supply chains, trade relationships, and cost structures. From tech consulting to textiles and industrial manufacturing, Global Finance spoke to two India-based executives on how policy shifts may reshape sourcing decisions and create new market opportunities.

Deepak Jajoo, Delaplex Limited CFO

“While services are currently not subject to tariffs, we provide technology and consulting services to a broad range of US-based industries such as energy, warehousing, logistics, etc. The primary impact of such policy changes is likely to be on manufacturing and physical goods. Since the policy details are yet to be finalized, we believe the changes will not have a major effect on the IT industry at this stage.”

Sabu Jacob, Chairman and Managing Director of Kitex Group


“The US has paused [some] tariffs, leaving some uncertainty for buyers about where to source their products, but even if these tariffs take effect, India will still be the most affordable option for buyers.” 

Sabu Jacob, Kitex Group’s Chairman and Managing Director


Jacob explained that India’s trade relationship with the US is more balanced compared to countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. “India doesn’t just export to the US—it also imports heavily from them. This makes India a valuable trade partner, and the US is looking for more such balanced relationships.”  The tariff situation could also push businesses to explore new markets. For instance, the recent India-UK free trade agreement allows 99% of Indian goods to enter the UK duty-free, covering almost all trade between the two nations. “A similar free trade agreement with the EU could open even bigger opportunities for India’s economy.”

David Semaya, Executive Chairman and Representative Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd., says Japanese companies are taking a “wait-and-see” approach as tariff negotiations between the US and Japan remain unresolved.

“Regarding the mutual tariffs imposed by the United States, many Japanese companies are currently assessing the situation. Following the US-UK agreement, both the US and Chinese governments have agreed to reduce the additional tariffs they imposed on each other by 115%. As a result, the US will lower its tariffs from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce theirs from 125% to 10%. Since negotiations between the US and Japan are ongoing, and the outcome is still uncertain, Japanese companies are choosing not to finalize any strategies at this moment and are responding according to the present state of negotiations.

“The financial markets have reacted significantly, in terms of stocks, bonds, and currencies, since the mutual tariffs were announced. It is reported that some institutional investors, including hedge funds, have incurred losses. On the other hand, individual investors engaged in practices such as dollar-cost averaging seem to have navigated the situation successfully. Focusing on long-term investments appears to be crucial during these times.”


Tony Sage, Critical Metals Corp. CEO

Tony Sage, CEO at Critical Metals Corp.
Tony Sage, CEO at Critical Metals Corp.

“For Critical Metals, and the critical minerals space more broadly—tariffs are no stranger to us. We’ve been in our own mini trade war with China for some time now, which really ramped up when they banned their own exports of key rare earths, including gallium, last year. Critical Metals views the push to build a domestic supply chain for critical materials in the US and the West as a positive tailwind for our business. It aligns with our longstanding vision to develop key assets that can help the West reduce its reliance on foreign countries. Our Tanbreez asset in Greenland, a 4.7 billion ton resource, is one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits, and it’s expected to be key in reducing the West’s reliance on China for rare earths.

“It’s also worth noting that the US’s domestic rare earth and critical minerals industry is still in its infancy—the US excluded rare earth elements from the tariff program because the country must rely so heavily on other sources right now. Tariffs may draw more attention to US producers, but what we feel is really going to move the needle is funding and strategic partnerships with US-focused companies to operationalize rare earth mines and refining capacity in the US as quickly as possible. Seeking relief for rare earth export restrictions isn’t enough, we believe the US government needs to back Western developers and help establish refining capacity in particular.

“As we’ve consistently maintained since our founding, securing critical minerals is a non-partisan national security imperative. Our assets provide exactly what policymakers across the political spectrum are seeking—reliable, high-quality resources in politically stable jurisdictions.”

Jeet Basi, President and Executive Chairman of Tactical Resources Corp.

“At Tactical Resources, we see measures to promote the building of domestic supply chains for the United States as a tailwind. We are focused on American assets for American rare earth production and American rare earth supply to support the production of semiconductors, electric vehicles, advanced robotics, and most importantly, national defense. Tariffs are just one tactic, as its broader and bigger than that. While there is economic uncertainty, we are benefiting from a broader geopolitical interest in securing critical mineral supplies in the US. This demand is stemming from both the federal government and the private sector, and we believe that’s only going to increase.

“The bottom line is that China has a substantial lead in the rare earths sector, and the US is racing to catch up. China currently controls roughly 90% of global rare earth production, despite accounting for only about one-third of global deposits. Tactical Resources is planning to change that with our Peak Project, which is one of the only REE hard rock direct-leach-extractable projects in the world, and is located southeast of El Paso, Texas. But tariffs won’t be enough for the US to build an integrated domestic supply chain of rare earths. The industry needs capital, price stability, streamlined permitting processes (efforts are underway for this aspect), and to establish refining capacity as quickly as possible.”

Cassandra (Gluyas) Cummings, CEO at Thomas Instrumentation Inc.

Cassandra (Gluyas) Cummings, CEO at Thomas Instrumentation Inc.
Cassandra (Gluyas) Cummings, CEO at Thomas Instrumentation Inc.

“The Trump administration’s policies are helping our business. For years we couldn’t compete with foreign pricing, but having tariffs in place at least have US companies taking another look at US manufacturing. They are sometimes still choosing to stay with their foreign manufacturers, but for years, we couldn’t even get a conversation started as everyone just assumed US manufacturing would be too expensive. It doesn’t have to be, and we can be fairly competitive in some areas.

“The tariffs aren’t affecting our supply chains too badly. It has increased some costs of our raw materials like the higher-end electronic chips that are only manufactured overseas. That said, it’s fairly small, and we do keep decent in stock inventory for our major customers. Our profit margins are very low, so we inevitably have to pass along any additional tariff charges to the customers. We are doing our best to identify US or lower tariff region alternatives where the cost makes sense. It’s just about being flexible, which we all learned to do during the global parts shortage of 2021.”

Heather Perry, CEO of Klatch Coffee

“The short story is that some of our costs are going up, immediately, but the longer, more detailed story is that those increased costs are causing us to evaluate our sourcing, importing, and roasting strategies. We need to be smarter to remain competitive in the current environment while still delivering great specialty coffee.

“Other than a very small amount of coffee produced primarily in Hawaii, the United States has essentially no domestic coffee industry. To meet the demand for total US coffee consumption, it’s almost entirely imported. That means there isn’t much of a domestic market to protect using a tariff strategy as a disincentive to foreign imports—and we can’t simply stop importing coffee, no matter what tariffs might be put in place.

“Coffee was already becoming more expensive to source prior to the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, with a pretty substantial run-up in prices occurring in the fall of 2024, which accelerated further this spring. A new baseline 10% tariff under the Trump Administration on all imports impacts us on every imported coffee, and in addition to the new 10% baseline, even higher tariffs (in some cases, much higher) were announced for some coffee producing countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. While some of these have since been paused or delayed.


“Uncertainty around the exact details on any specific day are creating some challenges to plan and predict our future costs.”

Heather Perry, CEO of Klatch Coffee


“Our direct-trade model has insulated us somewhat from supply disruptions. Whenever possible, we source directly from coffee producers, leveraging relationships that go back decades in some cases. This results in fewer stops along the supply chain, helping us to control costs. Because we import, store, and roast our own coffee, we can elect to draw down existing stock instead of replacing it at current (higher) market prices, but eventually, we have to replenish our inventory, and that might happen during a time when new tariffs are applied.

“After a very long period of absorbing increases in our costs to import coffee, we raised prices on some coffees on June 1st of this year—about 10 cents per cup of brewed coffee on average—but we’re still selling the same amount of coffee, and at this time, can’t attribute a decline in foot traffic or sales to price increases.”

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‘I’ve wanted this Shark fan for a while and Prime Day sale price is very tempting’

With more hot weather on the horizon I’ve finally taken the plunge and bought this snazzy Shark fan that’s heavily discounted for Amazon Prime Day

The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless fan
The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless fan(Image: SHARK . GETTY)

I’ve had my eye on this Shark fan for a while. It’s become one of those products, you know the ones where you look at something once then it feels like it’s constantly popping up on your social media feed tempting you forevermore.

The Shark FlexBreeze TableMate has been on sale at £99.99 for a while, which has really caught my attention. But now even more has been shaved off the price as Amazon launches its Prime Day Deals, knocking another £10 off and leaving it at a super enticing £89.99 – 40% off the £149.99 RRP.

It’s such a good deal that I’ve finally bitten the bullet and ordered it. Amazon’s price is currently even cheaper than direct from Shark where the fan will set you back £99.99. It’s significantly more expensive at Currys where it’s priced at £149.99.

Read more: ‘Biggest ever’ teeth whitening sale beats Amazon Prime Day with 50% off

Read more: ‘I sleep with this fan on every night and it’s incredible in a heatwave’

I’m one of those people who’s always too hot at the best of times. Where others are reaching for the thermostat I’m normally just right, and, as such, I love a good fan, especially over summer.

I already have two fans that I rate very highly. One is the Challenge White Pedestal and Desk Fan (£70 at Argos), that’s super impressive when you turn it up. So much so I’ve used it in some capacity almost every night since I’ve bought it.

Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless Fan

Shark FlexBreeze Fan

£149.99

£89.99

Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Shark’s popular FlexBreeze fan has £60 off

The fan is a bit cheaper than some of the more premium options but still really packs a punch when you need cooling down. If you have a bit more budget to spend, I also have the Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan. Sold for £199.99 at both High Street TV and £199 at Amazon, (you can read the full review here).

It has all manner of fancy features and High Street TV says it’s a fan that “does it all” and it’s hard to disagree. But what those two don’t have is a battery function. I spend a lot of my spare time doing DIY or playing with my son (not at the same time!) as such, I’m often sweltering outdoors in the recent heatwave temperatures, but can’t be bothered going to the effort of setting up an extension lead and plugging in one of the fans.

Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan
Midea SmartAir Cool and Purify Bladeless Fan(Image: Sam Jones)

That’s where the Shark FlexBreeze TableMate is going to be excellent. Its portability means it can simply be unplugged and run off the battery, making it ideal for those looking for a cooling breeze on the go. Shark says the fan can run for up to 24 hours on the battery, though that’s on the lowest speed setting.

When ramped up the fan covers “up to 20 meters”, while it’s UV and rain resistant, making it suitable for use outdoors. Other features include five fan speeds, 180 degrees of side-to-side oscillation, and a 55° tilt to keep the air circulating at the desired angle.

Of the buyers who’ve delved in to date, the fan has averaged 4.5 stars out of 5. One of the delighted reviewers said: “This is by far the best fan I have ever had! We have a heatwave right now and I normally can’t sleep, but not this year! Slept all the way through and didn’t hear the fan yet I was cool all night. Only wish I’d found this sooner.”

Shark FlexBreeze TableMate Cordless Fan
The fan has a remote control for easy adjustment(Image: Amazon)

One of the few less positive reviews highlighted a potential issue: “When using this fan as a plug in it’s brilliant and I’m very happy with it in every way, but when using it on battery which is fully charged and on 2nd lowest setting the battery doesn’t last long.”

Despite this another buyer was very happy: “I did consider another leading brand but decided on Shark. This for me has been a really good choice. This fan is fairly expensive but the build quality is plain to see and it works really well.

“It is so versatile being able to run on mains and battery I can take it anywhere, it even has a remote control. I would recommend this fan to anyone even my friends.”

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Contributor: We still rely on gasoline. Why is California adding to the cost and the pollution?

California is a state of contradictions. We lead the nation in environmental regulation, tout our clean energy goals with pride and champion a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. Yet despite this green image, our economy — and daily life — still very much run on oil and gas.

Fossil fuels account for roughly 8% of California’s $3 trillion economy — but that’s the first 8%. “If you don’t get that first 8%,” I tell my students, “You don’t get the rest of our economy.” Oil powers everything from trucks to tractors to construction equipment. Without it, you can’t build roads or bridges or get goods to grocery stores. Without refined petroleum products, you don’t make cement, steel, plastics or even the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles.

Despite these realities, California energy policy is leading to the dismantling of the critical infrastructure that supports this essential system. Our state has lost more than 30 refineries in the last few decades. We are now down to just nine major gasoline-producing facilities, and two more are scheduled to close in the coming months, Phillips 66 in Los Angeles and Valero in the Bay Area. Those two plants represent 284,000 barrels of daily production and account for nearly 18% of the state’s total refining capacity.

California sits atop one of the largest untapped reserves in the world, the Monterey Shale. But because of policy and regulation, we import most of our oil — including from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Guyana and Ecuador. California has also imported oil from Russia and Venezuela. Ironically, we have among the world’s cleanest refining standards, but we import fuel from places with lower environmental and labor protections.

All of this is enabled by a supply chain that’s more vulnerable than most realize. We have no major pipelines bringing oil to California. We rely on ships — many from Asia — that take 30 to 40 days to deliver fuel. These foreign tankers pollute at staggering rates. Stunningly, because that pollution happens over international waters, it doesn’t get counted by the California Air Resources Board. Closing a refinery in California and importing more fuel causes a net increase in pollution. And adding to our reliance on foreign oil is risky when global instability is rising.

This isn’t just a self-inflicted energy crisis in the making. It’s also a national security issue.

Military bases in California, Nevada and Arizona depend heavily on in-state refineries for specialized aviation fuel and other petroleum products essential to operations. As refineries shut down, the supply chain narrows, increasing reliance on imports from Asia and elsewhere. These gaps create unacceptable logistical and strategic risks for U.S. military readiness in the western states.

And remember, there are estimated to be hundreds of millions of barrels of accessible oil under our feet. Yet we’ve built an energy model that depends on importing foreign oil and, now, a growing dependency on foreign-supplied gasoline.

This isn’t just unsustainable. It’s also borderline irresponsible.

California’s energy transition is inevitable — but how we get there matters. We can’t pretend fossil fuels are already gone. We still need them for the economy, for mobility, for national security and for the working people who can’t afford a $60,000 electric vehicle or a solar roof.

We have the tools, talent and resources to lead a responsible energy transition, one that leverages our in-state production, balances environmental stewardship with economic pragmatism and protects our most vulnerable communities along the way.

But we have to be honest about where we are. And right now, fossil fuels still power the Golden State.

Especially because of coming refinery rules and a new tax taking effect in July, Californians are set to pay the highest gas prices in the nation. Our prices are inflated by a web of taxes, fees and boutique regulations that has grown thicker and more expensive over time. Even if oil dropped to $0 per barrel and refining were free, Californians would still be paying about $1.82 a gallon at the pump — $1.64 of that from state taxes and fees, plus 18 cents in federal gas tax.

According to CalTrans, Californians drive about 1,200 miles a month. If you’re a working-class Californian and gas goes up 50 cents per gallon, that adds about $500 in annual fuel costs. And because you pay for that with after-tax dollars, you’d need to earn at least an extra $750 just to cover it.

That matters to a construction worker commuting 60 miles a day in a pickup truck. It matters to a single mom cleaning homes across the city or a physical therapist driving to house calls. Most of these people can’t easily trade in their vehicles for Teslas and dodge gasoline hikes. Consumer analysis as noted in CalMatters indicates that the majority of EVs are bought by higher-income Californians living in areas such as Atherton, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Mountain View.

The people hit hardest by rising gasoline prices are the ones least able to afford alternatives. For most Californians, there is no viable mass transit available. People are just stuck spending more and more of their income on the gas-powered vehicles their lives depend on. Our state’s policies punish people for not being able to adapt quickly enough to a green future that’s not yet built. It’s a regressive tax masquerading as environmental action.

Until California realistically bridges the gap between aspirational climate goals and equitable policy execution, the state’s lofty environmental vision will continue to rest uneasily on the shoulders of its most vulnerable.

The new state excise tax adding about 2 cents a gallon went into effect July 1, and CARB is pushing for a new low-carbon fuel standard that could add and potentially major costs to the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel. No one knows exactly how much — not even the board proposing the rules.

At a recent Assembly oversight hearing, CARB officials were asked if they analyzed their regulations for consumer impacts. Their answer: We don’t calculate that. The room went silent. It was a stunning admission — regulators pushing policy without running the math.

No wonder we’re seeing an exodus of working families. By layering new and unclear costs on top of an already overstretched system, CARB and other regulators are creating what could become a self-inflicted economic shock.

And for what? Not environmental progress. California will be forced to source more and more fuel from overseas — at greater environmental and economic cost. By relying on polluting sources and carbon-intensive shipping, we’ve simply outsourced our emissions to other countries. California is not reducing emissions. We are exporting them.

If this sounds reckless, it is. But more than that, it’s unjust.

These policies are not burdening the wealthy. They’re crushing the working class. They’re forcing families to choose between gas and groceries, between job access and housing stability. They’re also outsourcing jobs overseas.

And they’re being implemented by unelected bureaucrats who, by their own admission in testimony before California lawmakers, haven’t calculated the real-world impact.

The people of California deserve better than this. They deserve honesty, transparency and policy grounded in economic realism, not ideological fantasy and environmental dogma. If recent and coming changes become a tipping point, it won’t be because of some unpredictable global event. It will be because we chose not to look before we leaped.

The path forward demands a pause, a recalibration and a return to common sense. Otherwise, this summer could mark not just another price hike — but the day we began losing control of our energy future.

Michael A. Mische is an associate professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business. A former KPMG principal, he is the author of eight books on business and strategy.

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Staggering price of a pint at Black Sabbath’s gig – as fans slam ‘laughable’ fees

BLACK Sabbath fans were left stunned by sky-high prices at Villa Park – with a pint setting punters back up to £8 during the legendary band’s final hometown gig.

The Back to the Beginning supershow, held at Aston Villa’s stadium in Birmingham, marks Ozzy Osbourne’s last ever live performance – and the first time the full band have played together in two decades.

LONDON - NOVEMBER 16: Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Terry Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath pose backstage at the live final of the UK Music Hall Of Fame 2005, the culmination of the two-week Channel 4 series looking at 1950's-1990's popular music, at Alexandra Palace on November 16, 2005 in London, England. Acts are selected by a panel of over 60 artists, journalists, broadcasters and executives, with artists including Alanis Morissette, The Pretenders and Slash paying tribute to their fellow musical artists at the event. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)

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Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Terry Butler and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
Alamy Live News. 3BP0W0N Villa Park, Aston, Birmingham July 5th 2025. Black Sabbath fans arrive at Villa park as they wait in long queues to access the Aston Villa football ground. - Metal Mania has taken over the grounds around Aston Villa Football Club as Black Sabbath are set to perform their final ever performance at the Midlands football stadium today, July 5 2025. Thousands from all over the world have travelled to Birmingham to see the Heavy Metal band at Villa Park. Lodge Road, close to the stadium is also where lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne grew up. Credit: British News and Media/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.

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Black Sabbath fans arrived at Villa Park, queuing in long lines to enter the stadium – but for many, the bar and food prices were nearly as jaw-dropping as the music itself
Alamy Live News. 3BP0W2J Villa Park, Aston, Birmingham July 5th 2025. Black Sabbath fans arrive at Villa park as they wait in long queues to access the Aston Villa football ground. - Metal Mania has taken over the grounds around Aston Villa Football Club as Black Sabbath are set to perform their final ever performance at the Midlands football stadium today, July 5 2025. Thousands from all over the world have travelled to Birmingham to see the Heavy Metal band at Villa Park. Lodge Road, close to the stadium is also where lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne grew up. Credit: British News and Media/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.

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Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4. A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half

But for many fans, the bar and food prices were almost as jaw-dropping as the music.

Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4.

A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half.

Cocktail fans after something stronger had to fork out £13 for a draught Rum Punch – while even a bottle of water cost £3.50.

In the Doug Ellis stand, the prices were just as steep – with a Carlsberg Pilsner priced at £6.50, a glass of wine for £7, and both a gin and tonic and a vodka lemonade costing £7.50 each.

And it wasn’t just the drinks that had fans digging deep.

Food options were limited and pricey too – with a sausage roll setting you back £5, a steaky pasty £6.50, and Yardbirds chicken and chips costing a whopping £15.

Even the basics weren’t cheap – a can of Coke was £3.50, a bar of chocolate £2.50, and a bag of Walkers crisps £2.20.

Fancy a hot drink? That’s £3.95 for a tea and £4.50 for an espresso.

Fans weren’t impressed.

Some took to social media to vent their frustration, saying the prices were “festival-level rip-offs” and that it “left a bad taste before the music even started”.

One gig-goer told us: “I knew it’d be expensive but £8 for a pint and £7 for chips? That’s taking the Mick.”

Another said: “You expect a bit of markup, but this is madness.

Ozzy’s not the only one going out with a bang – so is my bank account.”

The backlash over food and drink prices follows recent criticism surrounding the cost of VIP meet-and-greet packages with Ozzy Osbourne, set to take place during his upcoming appearance at Comic Con Midlands.

Fans are being charged £666 for the ‘Ultimate Sin’ VIP package – which includes a group photo with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. But only two people are allowed per photo (except under-5s).

Want an autograph? That’ll cost extra.

Ozzy will sign a book for £225, or a poster, album or toy for £375. And if you want him to sign your guitar or mic?

That’ll be £750 – bringing the total package cost to £1,416.

Fan backlash has been fierce. One wrote: “Laughable prices, genuinely laughable.”

Another joked: “Time to start selling me kidney.”

While fans might be fuming over costs, the buzz inside Villa Park is electric.

This is a historic night – the last time Birmingham’s own heavy metal gods will share the stage in their hometown.

Ozzy, who’s battled serious health issues in recent years, admitted he won’t be performing a full set.

He said: “We’re only playing a couple of songs each.

“I don’t want people thinking ‘we’re getting ripped off’, because it’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample.”

He added: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”

The Back to the Beginning festival line-up is packed with legends, including Metallica, Slayer and Pantera – all joining in to celebrate Black Sabbath’s final bow.

Fans from across the UK – and some flying in from overseas – have packed out the stadium to say one last goodbye to the band that helped invent heavy metal.

UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 01:  NEC BIRMINGHAM  Photo of BLACK SABBATH and Ozzy OSBOURNE, performing live onstage with Black Sabbath on Ozzfest tour, wearing Black Sabbath t-shirt  (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)

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Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4. A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half
FILE - Singer Ozzy Osbourne performs during halftime of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

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Backlash over pricey pints comes after criticism of Ozzy’s £666 VIP packages

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Fearne Cotton helps travellers uncover lesser-known Ibiza ‘for same price as a club entry’

Fearne Cotton is enjoying the single life – and unearthing a refreshingly different side to party Island Ibiza – and we’ve tried and tested it just for you….

Fearne Cotton doing yoga in Ibiza
Fearne gets her zen on with GetYourGuide in Ibiza

Most of us have jetted off to Ibiza for a holiday to remember (and some cracking stories to bring home) – or at least had pals heading to the famous White Isle for some serious clubbing, probably followed by quite the hangover the following morning as they languish poolside.

But TV presenter and former radio DJ Fearn Cotton is hoping to open travellers’ eyes to a very different side to beautiful Ibiza – an island she’s loved and visited each year for a long time now – which you can sample in less than a day. The perfect, chilled-out accompaniment to any holiday to the party hotspot.

Fearne cotton in red swimsuit on boat
The former radio DJ looked radiant during her boat trip

The 43-year-old mum-of-two, who is positively glowing and clearly enjoying the single life following her recently split from ex-husband Jesse Woods after 10 years of marriage, wants travellers to the party island to think about alternative days out when they’re there, as research reveals that over a third of British travellers would actually avoid bars and clubs while visiting the beloved Spanish island.

As gorgeous Fearne says “Trust me, we’ve all had some Ibiza experiences we can’t quite remember. That’s why I’m back to experience another side of the White Isle with GetYourGuide. And I promise you, I won’t forget it.”

Having now followed in the star’s footsteps, we can confirm that yes, it absolutely is possible to hit up Ushuaia Ibiza for a superstar DJ set one day, and find yourself indulging in a spot of yoga in a magically unspoilt location the next. In fact, it’s a must.

Enter Ibiza: Unplugged wellness experiences – a genius collaboration between Happy Place founder Ferne and GetYourGuide which, at a remarkably reasonable 40 euros – a price which would just about get you into one of Ibiza’s top clubs, you can step away from the madness for a day and try something refreshingly different.

Fearne and local guide in ibiza
Local guide Pablo is a fountain of knowledge on everything from the best clubs to the best secret covers

The experience, which is a half-day itinerary, includes a beautiful sunrise hike, a boat trip (or a relaxing ‘snooze cruise’ as Fearne puts it) with a stop off for swimming in the most crystal clear waters you’ll ever experience, where the views across the Formentera are nothing short of spectacular, a yoga class in the cool pine forest overlooking a secluded cove and a zen-inducing sound bath. Heaven..

During our escape to the sun-soaked isle, where we also sampled the chic vibes of 5 star hotel The Mondrian Ibiza, perched above the stunning turquoise waters of Cala Llonga, we tested out Fearne’s lush itinerary ourselves. And yes, we can tell you, it’s the perfect anecdote to the buzzing party spots, even if you’re ready to hit the town the next day.

Kicking off with an easy to moderate hike – which sets off at around 6am so you’re not trekking in baking temperatures, takes you up the mountain to a spot where you have a stunning view of tiny uninhabited island Es Vedrà at sunrise. Perfect golden light for the Gram, if you really must!

Fearnw Cotton on hike in ibiza
The sunrise hike offers views like no other, as Fearne discovered

A tiny, rocky island which stands at roughly 400 metres high, Es Vedrà is seen as a mystical location by locals and travellers alike – one that’s associated with a magnetic, positive energy which many, sceptics included, have said pulls them back to the island, time and again.

It’s with this stunning view that GetYourGuide travellers can then settle in under a beautiful sun-dappled pines to indulge in some yoga with a brilliant local teacher. Ours was incredible, she located exactly where my back problems lay and offered me a mini-massage, as we attempted our downward dogs.

That’s another thing – like the hike, the yoga session is perfect for beginners and pros alike. Everything can be done at your own pace – with the help of hunky guide Pablo Leonard, co-founder of travel company Into The Island.

Pablo is more than happy to chat about life on Ibiza, throw in some local restaurant recommendations (we visited Monkey Ibiza with its outdoor pools and boho food-to-table Aubergine with its beautiful garden on his recommendation and both get our vote). Hell, he’ll even rustle you up a nifty mango-based sangria during your boat-trip, if you play your cards right.

Fearne doing yoga move on mountain in Ibiza
Fearne shares her best secret spots on the curated experience

Wellness advocate Fearne, who admits Ibiza is her ‘happy place’, says:: ‘I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the island’s energy and people. There’s something truly magical about this place and however hectic my life gets, a trip here will always bring me back to myself.

“Over the last two decades I’ve discovered the best secret spots for sunrise hikes, chilly dips and soulful yoga sessions. And this summer I’m going to let you in on some of my hidden gems.

“With GetYourGuide I’ve curated the perfect way to unplug and spend a chilled day in Ibiza, guided by true experts that know the island like the back of their hand. And the best thing about it? It’s all for the price of a club entry. So treat yourself to a night off!”

And mental health advocate Fearne’s love of a more low-key vibe on occasion seems to be reflected in the habits of a whole lot of discerning holidaymakers these days.

According to a survey by GetYourGuide and YouGov, around 1 in 30 British travellers avoid clubbing and hangovers – to make sure they’re getting the greatest benefit out of their holiday activities.

Fearne cotton on a boat in ibiza
It’s not hard to see why Ibiza is Fearne’s happy place

It would seem it’s also the hefty price of drinks (32%) and club entry (32%) which are putting more than a third of club-loving British from hitting the clubs when abroad – with British travellers three times more likely to pick a holiday because it has a well-known spa (13%) as opposed to a banging nightclub (4%).

After experiencing GetYourGuide ambassador Fearne’s carefully curated Ibiza activities for ourselves we are converted to the idea that you can go wild one night, find your inner zen and take in some jaw-dropping scenery the next. Ibiza, you’re a special place. We will be back…

Ibiza Unplugged is running on selected dates throughout August, and has been co-created with trusted GetYourGuide partner, Into The Island.

Bookings are live now for ‘Ibiza: Unplugged’ on the GetYourGuide website and app www.getyourguide.com– available on a first-come-first-serve basis on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd August 2025.

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