The Residence is a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a private luxury apartment than an aircraft seat
‘The Residence’ experience on Ethihad(Image: Ethihad)
While most of us are accustomed to shelling out less than £100 for a Ryanair flight, the world’s wealthiest individuals enjoy an entirely different level of air travel. There are your run-of-the-mill flights, and then there are those that become legendary tales.
One ticket stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to sky-high luxury, so opulent that it makes business class seem pedestrian. Picture this: your own personal flat soaring thousands of feet in the sky, complete with a private living room, separate bedroom, mid-flight shower facilities, and a personal butler at your beck and call.
Throw in some customised gourmet dining — think succulent steak instead of microwaved pasta — access to a lounge before take-off, and even Armani pyjamas to slip into when you’re ready to hit the hay.
The price tag is enough to make most of us choke on our peanuts. If you fancy flying like the crème de la crème, you’ll be paying a pretty penny. You’ll need to cough up as much as £50,000 for “The Residence” experience aboard one of Etihad Airways’ A380s, reports the Express.
The bedroom in The Residence is kitted out with a double bed(Image: Etihad Airways via Getty Images)
“The Residence” is far from your average cabin. It’s a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a swanky private flat than an aeroplane seat. Etihad describes it as a “bespoke journey above the clouds”.
The service is just as lavish. Each guest has a personal butler, trained at the prestigious Savoy Butler Academy in London, to handle everything from meal service to unpacking luggage to keeping your champagne glass brimming.
Whilst the luxurious service isn’t offered on every route, The Residence operates from the UK, primarily on journeys to New York or Abu Dhabi.
The luxury experience is only on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The premium travel experience commences well before boarding, featuring a bespoke airport welcome and dedicated escort to guarantee a smooth airport journey.
Whilst most passengers switch their devices to flight mode, those travelling in The Residence can access complimentary onboard Wi-Fi with unlimited data.
The second room of your airborne suite is the sleeping quarters, featuring a generous double bed to guarantee you reach your destination fully refreshed. Cabin crew will serve meals at your convenience, including a special breakfast in bed arrangement if desired.
The suite even has a private bathroom with onboard shower(Image: Getty)
Experiencing one of the services from London to Abu Dhabi, travel vlogger Walk With Me Tim shared his thoughts on YouTube. He commented: “Wow, what an experience from start to finish. The service is impeccable. The food, I cannot fault. They walked me to where I got my case, and then escorted me to where I got my car.
“They took my case the whole way there. I didn’t even have to get it off the belt. That bedroom, though, as something else, the whole thing was an experience, I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
A YouTuber who is originally from the UK moved to Dubai for two years to “avoid paying tax” – but he returned home saying there were “more cons than pros” to living in the city
14:15, 11 Sep 2025Updated 14:29, 11 Sep 2025
A Brit has revealed how he returned to the UK after discovering a major problem with Dubai (Image: Michael Lee via Getty Images)
A British YouTuber who relocated to Dubai has packed up and returned to the UK after two years, citing one significant issue with life in the Gulf state.
YouTuber Charlie Morgan initially moved to Dubai to “avoid paying tax”, but returned home to Britain earlier this year after concluding there were “more cons than pros” to living in the city.
He revealed that “the real primary reason” he decided to abandon his Dubai lifestyle. He said: “It’s impossible to emotionally unpack.”
Many Brits have moved to Dubai in recent years(Image: Marius Gomes via Getty Images)
He continued: “Living in Dubai feels like you’re on holiday or in an Airbnb because in order for you to have a healthy life, you need to have people that you love and you need to have a social life and you need to have a love life, a family life.”
Charlie identified one crucial weakness of the city: “The issue with Dubai is everyone plans to leave. It’s a revolving door of a city which means that people come and people leave. And 90%, 95% of the people that I knew in Dubai did not plan on staying there for the long term.”
Charlie said he had originally been attracted to the difference in Dubai’s taxation rules(Image: Nikada via Getty Images)
While Charlie highlighted one specific disadvantage of living in the sun-drenched climate of Dubai, there are also numerous other considerations that British expats recommend weighing up when relocating to the Middle Eastern nation. The first thing Brits will notice when they step foot in Dubai is the drastic change in temperature.
In the scorching months of July and August, it’s not unusual for temperatures to rocket past 40C, while during the cooler months of November and December, it can still linger around the mid-20s.
Despite significant differences in climate, taxation, and culture between Dubai and the UK, the UAE city has become an increasingly appealing option for Brits seeking a new life abroad.
Dubai boasts an impressive skyline(Image: Captured Blinks Photography via Getty Images)
Recent estimates show a massive surge in the number of UK nationals moving to Dubai in recent years.
In 2021, it’s estimated that 30,000 Brits packed their bags for Dubai, with that figure rising to 35,000 a year later, and hitting 40,000 in 2023. It’s thought that a whopping 240,000 Brits now call the UAE city home.
Two major digital platforms — YouTube and Hulu + Live TV — have agreed to carry C-SPAN two months after the nonprofit organization made a public plea for wider distribution.
Changing industry economics have taken a toll on C-SPAN, prompting the U.S. Senate to urge streaming companies to begin offering customers the privately funded television service, which has provided nonpartisan gavel-to-gavel television coverage of congressional hearings and roll call votes for decades.
“All television providers, including streaming services, should make delivery of C-SPAN a priority so Americans can watch Congress in action, in real time,” senators said in their June resolution.
On Wednesday, C-SPAN announced separate distribution agreements with YouTube and Hulu + Live TV.
The agreements expand “access to C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of U.S. government for millions of subscribers nationwide, further strengthening the network’s role as an indispensable source of public affairs programming,” C-SPAN said in a statement.
C-SPAN stands for Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network. It relies heavily on revenue generated from license fees paid by cable, satellite and other multi-TV channel operators. But as the number of traditional pay-TV homes continues to shrink, C-SPAN found itself running a troubling financial deficit.
Last year, C-SPAN collected $46.3 million in revenue, a 37% decline from $73 million in 2015. That’s largely because C-SPAN and other basic cable channels were available in more than 100 million homes 10 years ago.
Since then, the number of homes has been cut nearly in half.
The three C-SPAN channels — C-SPAN, C-SPAN2 and C-SPAN3 — will be added to YouTube TV’s base package of channels this fall, the companies said. The channels will also run on the main YouTube video platform.
In addition, Google-owned YouTube will sponsor the network’s coverage of “America 250” — the celebrations to mark the nation’s founding two and a half centuries ago.
“For nearly half a century, C-SPAN has partnered with cable and satellite providers who recognize the value of our important public service,” C-SPAN Chief Executive Sam Feist said in a statement. “We now look forward to working closely with YouTube to bring C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of the democratic process to millions more Americans.”
Earlier this summer, Feist told The Times that C-SPAN should be able to close its budget gap if YouTube TV and Walt Disney Co.’s Hulu + Live TV would carry its feeds.
Around 20 million households subscribe to such online subscription platforms, known as virtual multichannel video program distributors, which stream broadcast and cable channels.
Times staff writer Stephen Battaglio contributed to this report.
KSI became a huge hit as a stand-in on the most recent seriesCredit: ITV
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Simon Cowell with his son Eric who helped him choose the new BGT judgeCredit: simoncowell/Instagram
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Bruno Tonioli quit over his commitments on Dancing With The StarsCredit: ITV
Music mogul Simon was then convinced to give guest judge KSI, 32, a permanent spot on the panel by his little boy who’s a huge fan of the influencer.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Simon’s been friends with Bruno for over 35 years and loved working with him on BGT.
“It was really tough knowing he had to let Bruno go because they couldn’t get the filming dates to work out with his commitments on Dancing with the Stars.
“Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving and loves to get the opinion of his young son.
“Eric was a big influence for Simon in choosing Bruno’s replacement. He’s obsessed with him and adores him, KSI is Eric’s favourite influencer.
“Plus, he’s been such a hit as a guest judge and Simon recognises they need to keep the show different by moving forward to keep attracting the younger audience.
“Bruno was popular with the grannies, but KSI is for the youngsters.
“KSI has a huge social media presence and Simon knows how important it is to keep the show more modern.”
After being confirmed as the new full-time judge, music artist and boxer KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.
Watch the shock moment KSI is grabbed by his CROTCH by Britain’s Got Talent act as YouTube star is left speechless
“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent.
“I’m full of energy, ready to go, and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”
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Bruno is leaving the BGT panelCredit: ITV
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New judge KSI has already shown that he has a real gift for spotting talentCredit: ITV
DEONTAY WILDER has welcomed a fight with Jake Paul – in a bid to dish out a “reality check”.
Wilder has become the latest champion of the past linked with a bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
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Deontay Wilder is open to fighting Jake PaulCredit: Getty
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Jake Paul has been linked with a number of ex-championsCredit: AFP
And while it so far remains just another possibility on the table – Wilder is ready to come to the table for that lucrative conversation.
He told Brian Mazique: “Nothing has been presented to us, at the moment it’s not real, but if it came my way of course I’m 100 per cent taking it.
“He’s been doing his thing in the business although it’s not the traditional way, it’s not the logic way of how a fighter comes up or how he gains stardom and fame and fortune.
“Unfortunately, it’s a more brutal road than that. Some of these guys never, ever in their lifetime see $50,000, let alone $100,000 or $1million or $2million.
“It just doesn’t go like that. That module of how it is, it’s not like that. But it’s the wave of what young people are looking to or what they like.
“Unfortunately, people try and go off the vote of popularity. What’s going on, what’s popular, what can make them money.
“Money makes the world go round and everybody is trying to make that dollar – no matter what skill you’ve got if you can generate a crowd that generates to asses in seats that generates money.
“So all of this is a cycle that’s used and here it is you’ve got a guy that’s been doing good in generating money and putting asses in seats although he’s selective in how he fights and who he fights, I would say.”
Paul moved up to heavyweight in November when Mike Tyson controversially made a comeback aged 58.
And despite the scrutiny surrounding the showdown – over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix to watch Tyson lose over eight shorter rounds of two minutes.
Dillon Danis calls out Jake Paul after slamming ‘joke’ Gervonta Davis fight and says rival is ‘stealing people’s money’
Paul, 28, then returned in June to beat ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, over ten rounds to earn himself a No14 cruiserweight rank in the WBA.
The American – whose only loss in 13 fights came to Tommy Fury in 2023 – soon after entered shock talks to fight Anthony Joshua.
And two-time heavyweight champ AJ looked to be nearing a deal to face Paul next year.
Three London-born friends have been vlogging their travels to their parents homelands to represent their cultures authentically – now they plan to take their channel to the next level
Abu Finiin, Kayum Miah and Zak Hajjaj travelled to each other’s homelands for their YouTube series Kids of the Colony
A trio of British friends have been flipping the YouTube travel genre on its head by visiting their immigrant parents’ homelands – now, in a bid to make their travels their full time job, they’re planning to release “the best series yet” and it’s set to come out in early September.
While Bangladesh, Morocco and the self-declared republic of Somaliland are not the most frequented destinations for travel vloggers, for London-born, Abu Finiin, Kayum Miah and Zak Hajjaj, they saw an opportunity to learn about themselves and each other – as well as show their ancestral cultures through a non-Western lens.
The friends, who are looking to make the transition into full-time vloggers, spoke on their channel name’s origin: “Kids of the Colony”. As the child of Somali immigrants, Abu, who was studying at Oxford University, wanted to explore the ex-colonial countries he and his friends came from. Kayum is from Bangladesh and Zak is of English and Moroccan descent.
Kids of the Colony wanted to represent their parents’ homelands through a non-Western lens
Abu tells The Mirror: “I wanted a name like ‘children of immigrants’. Kids of the Colony had that ring to it.” He attempted to pitch the idea to several media production companies but it was ultimately rejected. They were told it was because their idea “only normally works with celebrities”.
So, with no major budget or studio behind them, the trio gathered some friends and set off to Bangladesh to begin the series. They travelled through the streets of Dhaka and met Kayum’s grandfather, who insists he’s 120 years old.
From there, their chatty vlog style, immersive film and core message captured over 100K viewers. Their channel now has almost 30K subscribers and their social media videos rack up hundreds of thousands of views.
‘The experience humbled me’
The trio have since visited Morocco, where Zak’s father is from, and Somaliland, involving themselves in everyday life: from getting local jobs to playing football with the local kids. Zak shares: “We gathered lots of locals kids in the football team each. I can’t speak the language and neither can Kayum, but we were still trying to teach the kids.”
Witnessing life in Somaliland was a humbling experience
One of Abu’s favourite experiences was when travelling to Somaliland and he, Kayum and Zak were working on top of a water truck delivering water to different houses – when they bumped into his grandmother. “We hadn’t seen her on this trip and the first thing she saw was just us three on top of a water truck in overalls and she was like, ‘what the hell?’” he jokes.
Their travels also gave them the chance to reflect on their own lives. A memory which stands out to Kayum was visiting one of Somaliland’s games cafes. “We went to one that was in not such a nice area and they had PS2s and the lights were barely working and there were power cuts,” he says.
“It [gave me] humility…I appreciate growing up [in the UK] gave me a lot of opportunities that a lot of people that don’t have from birth. Even things such as having a game console that I have at home that I barely play that these guys would love to.”
‘We’re helping people explore their identities’
Abu says these experiences stand out because they show how unscripted their videos are. The Somaliland series was mainly filmed in a one-mile radius to keep its “true and authentic” representation of the culture. He says: “For me, it was always about also creating a space for second generation immigrants to explore their identities.”
The impact of the series has been monumental with it gaining a large audience and positive reactions from viewers. Abu mentions how “touching” it was “because [he] never had that representation growing up.” And so was honoured to be able to provide that representation for others.
Abu, Zak and Kayum got involved in the local communities they visited
The Bangladesh series received “so much support from the Bengali community”, as did the Somaliland series with the Somali community. Abu says: “There were parents messaging me saying I’ve got something to show my kids, to show them where they’re from”.
‘We keep it super authentic –this is what life is like‘
Aside from exploring different cultures they also gained knowledge in film production and “that was a big learning curve as well in terms of producing a show.”
Their hope that viewers can get out of their videos is that they want “children of immigrants” like them to “be proud of [their] heritage” Abu highlights that they wanted “to create a show” where “kids can see their country in a positive light and be like, ‘Okay, yeah, that’s where I’m from'”.
He adds: “I hope people get that sense of pride from that, a sense of representation, a sense of belonging” understanding “the identity of your parents being from one place but you being from a completely different culture and just navigating that balance.”
Zak, Abu and Kayum travelling through Dhaka, Bangladesh
Kayum agrees on their series showcasing “an unbiased opinion” on their countries as they do not have “a great media representation” so they want to show the objective view. Abu adds: “When we do our travels, we don’t go to fancy restaurants or we don’t stay in hotels. We keep it super authentic because we want people to see, this is what life is like.”
The outreach of their videos have reached the likes of NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving who follows them on Instagram. They mention Complex posting them and former footballer and media personality, Ian Wright liking one of their videos.
For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.
‘We’re doing the craziest things that no one has ever done’
The group explains how they aim to expand their content but still keep it authentic. They share how they recently filmed their Albania series and claim that it is “the best series yet.” From their previous travels they improved what they learnt and made this series have it all: “the relatability, it was natural, free-flowing, spontaneous and [they] introduced some challenges as well.”
When asked whether there are more new elements they are incorporating into the series, Abu says: “We’re just doing the craziest things that no one has ever done. And I just don’t see other YouTubers doing it because I just think they’ve got too much money and too comfortable in their lives to take the risk.”
Kids of the Colony are planning a countdown series where they travel across the UK
They provide little information about their next series which will follow the boys as they travel across the UK. “It’s a countdown series where we travel across the UK. And the way it will be different is that it will be extremely interactive.” People will be dictating their journey across the country,” Abu shares.
They will be posting everyday on their travels, “letting people know what city [they’re] in” and whoever they come across will have the chance to express what they’d like the trio to do. This is something original that they have never done and are due to set off on their travels later this month.
Finally, they were asked what one word or sentence they would use to describe their content. Abu says, for him it was “reimagining travel.” Kayum also keeps it short and sweet with, “action-packed” and finally Zak shares that their content is “authentic and chaotic at the same time, we go out there, nothing’s fake or planned…it’s all action-packed, but it’s all authentic from ourselves”
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Millions of YouTube TV customers were spared an interruption of Fox News, Fox sports and local coverage after the two entertainment companies reached a 11th-hour truce following weeks of negotiations.
The two sides agreed Wednesday to continue talks to resolve their differences over distribution deal terms, pausing the threat of a channel blackout days before the start of the college football and NFL seasons.
The announcement came minutes before the 2 p.m. Pacific deadline. Neither company wanted to let a contract squabble disrupt some of their viewers’ favorite shows.
Fox News has a popular lineup with “The Five,” “Special Report with Bret Baier” and “Hannity.” Without a deal, sports fans could have missed out on Friday night’s Auburn-Baylor football game, Saturday’s high-profile contest between Texas and Ohio State and three regional Major League Baseball games airing on Fox.
In addition, Fox’s NFL season kicks off on Sept. 7, giving the two sides added motivation to find a resolution.
“We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement,” YouTube said in a Wednesday afternoon blog post. “We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress.”
YouTube has about 10 million customers for its television service, making it the third largest pay-TV distributor in the U.S.
This is a developing story.
The dispute hinged on programming fees YouTube TV pays for Fox News, the Fox broadcast network, Fox-owned stations, including KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles, Fox Business, FS1 and the Big 10 Network.
Rupert Murdoch’s company relies heavily on the strength of Fox News — which ranked as the nation’s top-rated linear network in July — and its broadcast network that boasts big-name sports to maintain its programming fees.
Distribution fee disputes have become increasingly common amid a shift in economics.
Programmers, including Fox, have long counted on distribution fees paid by TV distributors that sell the channel bundles to consumers. But that source of revenue is under threat as viewers migrate to Netflix, Disney+ and other streamers — shrinking the pool of pay-TV subscribers.
“Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive,” YouTube said late Monday in a blog post when tensions ran high. “Our priority is to reach a deal that reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”
For its part, Fox said it was “proposing a fair, comprehensive deal to continue our relationship with YouTube TV.” It accused Google of using its leverage to try to extract unfair terms.
YouTube TV has been gaining subscribers at a time when others are losing them, giving the tech company increased market muscle. YouTube’s popular bundle — it also offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package of out-of-market games — has cut into the business of legacy pay-TV providers.
Nielsen ranks YouTube, including its video service, as the largest television distributor in the U.S. by share of viewership. In a Tuesday report, Nielsen said that YouTube captured 13.4% of all TV viewing in July, the sixth consecutive month the company has claimed the top spot.
Walt Disney Co. came in second that month with 9.4% of the audience.
Last year, YouTube generated $54.2 billion in revenue, second only to Disney, according to research firm MoffettNathanson. The analysts estimated that fast-growing YouTube TV would reach 10 million subscribers this year. That slightly trails Charter, which operates the Spectrum service, and Comcast.
About 10 million YouTube TV subscribers could lose access to Fox News and Fox Corp. channels that broadcast sports in a fee dispute that comes just days before the start of college football.
The Google-owned television service notified customers that Fox-owned channels, including Fox Business and local stations such as KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles, may be dropped from their program line-ups as soon as Wednesday afternoon if the two sides fail to reach a new distribution pact.
YouTube TV viewers would be without “The Five” and other Fox News programs. Sports fans could miss out on Friday night’s Auburn-Baylor football game and Saturday’s high-profile contest between Texas and Ohio State, along with three regional Major League Baseball games.
A prolonged blackout could interrupt the start of Fox’s NFL season that begins on Sept. 7.
“Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive,” YouTube said late Monday in a blog post. “Our priority is to reach a deal that reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”
The dust-up comes as YouTube TV has become one of the most formidable television providers.
Earlier this year, Nielsen ranked YouTube, including its video service, as the largest television distributor in the U.S. by share of viewership. YouTube’s popular bundle — it also offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package of out-of-market games — has dramatically cut into the business of legacy pay-TV providers, including Charter Spectrum, DirecTV and Dish Networks.
“While Fox remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with Google’s YouTube TV, we are disappointed that Google continually exploits its outsized influence by proposing terms that are out of step with the marketplace,” Fox said in a statement, adding the dispute could force its channels to go dark “unless Google engages in a meaningful way soon.”
Last year, YouTube generated $54.2 billion in revenue, second only to the Walt Disney Co., according to the MoffettNathanson research firm. The analysts estimated that fast-growing YouTube TV would reach 10 million subscribers this year. That slightly trails Charter, which operates the Spectrum service, and Comcast. YouTube TV has eclipsed the once powerhouse satellite TV service providers.
Disputes between programmers and pay-TV providers have become increasingly common in recent years amid a weakening of television economics. The high cost of sports rights has become a major rub for pay-TV distributors who have been asked to pay higher fees to mitigate the loss of subscribers.
Last year, DirecTV customers lost access to Walt Disney Co. channels, including ESPN, for nearly two weeks.
The battle was costly. DirecTV acknowledged that thousands of subscribers fled — many to YouTube TV — during the blackout. Viewers who wanted to watch the U.S. Open tennis tournament, college football, “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” were upset by the outage.
In 2023, a separate dispute led to Disney channels going dark on Spectrum.
YouTube said Monday that it was “working diligently with the team at Fox to reach an agreement.”
Should the channels go dark, the company will provide customers with a $10 credit. YouTube said customers could also sign up for Rupert Murdoch’s television company’s new streaming service, Fox One, which costs $20 a month.
EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wolters, who runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World, explained that he felt compelled to provide “honest” advice to travellers after seeing numerous “misleading” blogs and videos
Mark Wolters runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World(Image: Wolters World/YouTube)
He explained that he was driven to create his videos after noticing many “misleading” blogs and felt it “wasn’t right” for families to “waste their hard earned vacation time”. He previously shared the “least friendly” country he’s visited for tourists. But, in an exclusive interview, he had no hesitation in naming his five favourite countries by continent.
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro city view with Christ the Redeemer Statue(Image: Pintai Suchachaisri via Getty Images)
Mark explained: “My favorite place to visit in South America is Brazil. I lived there and have family there and it is just such a wonderful place with the food, the nature, and the crazy fun times you can have there.”
Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the world’s biggest democracies. It boasts diverse landscapes including the Amazon, the world’s largest jungle, and is synonymous with world-class football, being the home of Pelé.
The nation boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, featuring a staggering 600 mammal species. Rio de Janeiro (pictured above) ranks among its most sought-after tourist hotspots.
France
Paris cityscape with Eiffel Tower in the distance (Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Mark revealed: “In Europe, it is a toss up between France and Italy. They both have great food and if you speak a bit of the local language you can make so many friends there. So I can never pass up going to either of them.”
Famous for its cuisine and culture, France stands as a significant force globally and maintains membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). Located in Western Europe, it shares borders with Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain.
Boasting legendary sites including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, France serves as a European cultural capital and an enormously popular holiday destination.
Italy
Buildings reflected along the Grand Canal in Venice(Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)
A major attraction for visitors and amongst Mark’s top picks, Italy represents another country celebrated for its gastronomy and heritage. Many of history’s most famous artistic figures originated from Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio.
This Southern European country also houses some of the globe’s most recognised monuments, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. Beyond the capital, Rome, holidaymakers flock to other remarkable destinations like the stunning cities of Venice and Florence.
Rwanda
Mount Karisimbi in Musanze, Rwanda(Image: Ari Beser via Getty Images)
Mark explained: “In Africa we love visiting Rwanda. It was such an incredible adventure when we visited the first time. We fell in love with it.”
Rwanda, a landlocked nation in East Africa, is known as the “land of a thousand hills”. It’s a small yet densely populated country that borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Home to the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, Rwanda boasts rainforests, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and even the endangered mountain gorilla.
China
The Great Wall of China(Image: zhaojiankang via Getty Images)
Mark said: “In Asia, I think my wife would say Japan, but I loved teaching and traveling in China. So much history and so much food!
China, one of the world’s most populous nations and a leading industrial powerhouse, has a rich history spanning 4,000 years. The modern People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 following the Communist Revolution.
Tourists flock to see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Not to mention, it’s famously home to the Giant Panda.
The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and has been a central part of the continent’s history for centuries, as well as being a popular spot for cruisers
The mighty Danube flows through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Its impressive length makes it Europe’s second-largest river, surpassed only by Russia’s Volga.
The Danube originates in the Black Forest in southern Germany, then flows southeast, ending in the Black Sea, on the border of Europe and Asia. It serves as a backdrop to four capital cities – Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade – and its vast drainage basin extends into nine additional nations.
The river doesn’t merely flow through these capitals; it has played a crucial role in their development, offering a natural defence system and a reliable water supply that has fostered their growth over the years. As reported by the Times of India, the Danube has been a vital trade artery for Europe, reports the Express.
Budapest sits on the Danube(Image: Getty)
It connects to the Main-Danube Canal, linking goods to both the Rhine and the North Sea. This connection allows goods to traverse from the North Sea to the Black Sea via this expansive waterway.
The waterway also provides energy for households in Romania and Serbia through the Iron Gate Dam. It has additionally become a cultural icon thanks to Johann Strauss’s “The Blue Danube” waltz, which went on to inspire countless composers, poets and artists.
Throughout history the waterway served as a major frontier for the Roman Empire. Fortresses, strongholds and kingdoms sprang up along its shores over the centuries.
The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe(Image: Getty)
It has now developed into an economic powerhouse overseen by the Danube Commission. The body was established to provide nations with access and secure passage along the river’s channels.
Beyond being a commercial centre, the Danube has now gained popularity with cruise passengers. In a YouTube video, Mark Soberman from the Digitalroamads said: “Most often you’re talking seven to eight days overall.
“The Danube is the grand capitals route, you’ve got these incredible cities, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and you’ve got these hidden gems as well.”
Mark says numerous travellers frequently encounter a tough choice between cruising the Rhine or the Danube. He explained: “The Rhine [has] castles, vineyards, little storybook towns, it’s a different experience.
“If you want the castles, vineyards, and want to pull straight up into town, that’s probably going to be the Rhine. But for other people, it’s like, ‘No, I want classic European cities like Budapest’, which is incredible to sail into, and Vienna, which has incredible architecture and things to see.”
Stars from two of the biggest shows of the century are going head-to-head in an upcoming thriller on Sky
Sky has just released a brand new trailer for its upcoming thriller series, Atomic, starring some very recognisable names from the world of TV.
The gripping new footage released this Thursday (14th August) promises plenty of action and jaw-dropping twists and turns throughout this high-stakes chase across North Africa and the Middle East.
Game of Thrones icon Alfie Allen leads the series as a drug smuggler who gets mixed up with wanderer JJ, played by Star Trek: Discovery’s Shazad Latif.
When they find themselves inadvertently trafficking some valuable and volatile cargo, their mission catches the attention of worldwide enforcers who will stop at nothing to take them down.
The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley heads up their opposition as Cassie Elliott, who’s determined to bring them in after falsely connecting them to dangerous elements.
Two unlikely friends get swept up in a high-stakes mission(Image: SKY)
An official synopsis reads: “When the path of free-spirited drug smuggler Max (Allen) collides with JJ (Latif), an enigmatic outsider on the run, an unlikely friendship is formed.
“They’re swept into a chaotic, high-stakes mission they never signed up for— trafficking highly enriched uranium across North Africa and the Middle East, with the CIA, MI6, and a global web of opposing forces closing in fast.
“Leading the charge for the CIA is highly skilled scientist and a Non-Official Cover (NOC) officer Cassie Elliott (Wiley).
The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley has got them on the run(Image: SKY)
“Convinced Max and JJ are in league with violent extremists, her relentless pursuit puts them all on a collision course revealing that nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an ulterior motive.
“The pair find themselves on a wild road trip, confronting covert operatives, an internationally funded cartel, and ultimately their own pasts.
“What starts as a bid for survival slowly becomes something more: a reluctant partnership, a shot at redemption, and one hell of a ride.”
Atomic is shaping up to be one of Sky’s biggest shows of the year and is set to cap off the summer with a bang.
The must-watch thriller is hitting Sky at the end of the summer(Image: SKY)
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A BELOVED car garage with hundreds of thousands of fans has been forced to close its doors.
The garage is shutting down after nearly six years, after its famous owner battled with “rising costs”.
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An iconic garage is sadly closing its doors after six yearsCredit: facebook/BerrowMotors
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Joe Betty runs the popular Shifting Motors YouTube channelCredit: instagram/shifting_metal
Joe Betty first set up his famous garage Berrow Motors in 2020, in the sleepy town of Burnham-on-Sea.
During that time, he slowly built up his customer base and started posting videos about motors online – quickly racking up millions of views.
His YouTube channel Shifting Metal takes viewers behind the scenes of his high-flying lifestyle, as he buys and trades luxury vehicles including Porsches, BMWs and Jaguars.
However, after becoming one of the most famous motor influencers in Britain, Joe has been forced to close the garage which helped launch his career.
The petrolhead and influencer says that rising costs are to blame for the sudden closure of Berrow Motors.
He said: “We’ve had nearly six fantastic years here.
“We’ve won awards, gained over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and raised over £30,000 for local causes — but have decided now is the time to move on.”
“The cost of running a business is constantly rising and has certainly played a part in my decision, but I also wish to focus more time on fundraising and other business ventures.”
He added: “I want to thank all of our wonderful customers for their business over the last few years and of course the team members who made Berrow Motors what it was.
“I really hope another motor trader takes over the site and makes a success of it – you couldn’t ask for better landlords than the Welland family.”
Fans flooded the comments section on Shifting Metal’s social media, as Joe broke the news.
One wrote: “sorry to hear that the business is closing down. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future”
Others said they would miss Joe’s hilarious challenges that he would set himself on YouTube.
In one video, he flipped a coin to set the price of a luxury land rover and, in another, he bought and sold a Mercedes C63 for an eyewatering £35,000.
After letting go of the garage, Joe says that he is going to be focusing on producing even more “car-centric” content online.
The news comes as even major car brands struggle to stay afloat.
Nissan has been forced to accelerate the closure of two of its factories in Mexico, as it slashes its number of global factories from 17 to 10.
The crisis-hit brand has been battling rising debt, which it is hoping to remedy through its Re:Nissan plan.
A YouTuber who says he has travelled to every country has revealed how he had to spend thousands going to one place after the task of getting a Visa proved exceptionally difficult
Drew has travelled to every country in the world(Image: Drew Binsky/YouTube)
A YouTuber who claims to have travelled to “all 197 countries in the world” has revealed which nation was the toughest to obtain a visa for. In recent years, American travel vlogger Drew Binsky has built up a following of over five millions subscribers and millions of views as he documents his travels across all corners of the globe.
He went on to disclose that it was Libya in North Africa that was the hardest to enter, he said that the “whole process was so confusing” and that it gave him “so much anxiety”.
Drew has over five million subscribers on YouTube(Image: Drew Binsky/YouTube)
Saying that they don’t grant tourist visas, he said that if you do want to visit for a holiday then you will have to opt for a business visa.
In order to get the business visa, he said that he had two options, either to go to the Libyan embassy in Washington, DC, USA or take a trip to Rome, Italy. Having opted for the latter, he chose to pay $500 (£375.72) to shorten his wait for the visa from a maximum of 14 days to a shorter period that ended up being five business days.
After finally making it to Libya for a three-day break, he said that the entire expedition, with the visa and his flights to Rome included, set him back by nearly $5,000 (£3,756.97).
The travel vlogger explained how difficult it was to get a visa for the country(Image: Drew Binsky/YouTube)
While forking out the huge amount for the trip, he said: “That’s just part of the process, if you want to visit every country that’s what you have to do for Libya, all the land borders are closed you have to fly in and have to get it that way and it takes forever, and it’s annoying.”
Despite the eye-watering cost for such a short visit, he said that he was “super happy” to have made the “awesome” trip.
While there are four different types of visa available, the two that Drew referenced were a tourist/visitor and a business visa.
The whole trip to Libya set him back $5,000 (£3,756.97)(Image: Drew Binsky/YouTube)
Although the rules differ depending on which country you’re travelling too, a visitor visa grants people to temporarily visit a country for tourism, visiting family and friends, and some other activities that are also allowed.
However, a business visa differs somewhat in that foreign nationals must be visiting in order to carry out business activities including going to meetings or conferences. The exact rules on what constitutes as business activities can vary from country to country.
Stéphane Jouin, who moved to the UK nine years ago, shared the revelation in a video for his YouTube channel, ‘A French guy in England’, which showcases the two nations’ “cultural quirks”
Stéphane Jouin left his life in France behind and moved to the UK nine years ago (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
A French expat living in the UK has named a particular aspect of British culture that’s left him “amazed”. Stéphane Jouin, who swapped France for the UK nine years ago, divulged his findings on his YouTube channel ‘A French guy in England‘, which delves into the “cultural quirks” of both countries.
In his video, ‘6 Things I Really Appreciate as a French Guy in England’, Stéphane shared his observations from nearly a decade in Britain, touching on aspects such as our politeness and tendency to be “merciful”.
Among these UK insights, he highlighted his admiration for the British propensity for kindness, a trait he finds “amazing” and notes is even promoted by companies and organisations here. Stéphane expressed: “Number two is that people tend to be kind.”
He elaborated: “I’m actually amazed that people are generally ready to help. For example, if you’re stranded with your car on the road, and your bonnet is open – they call it ‘hood’ in the USA – they will come to ask you if you are okay, if you need any help. I find this amazing.”
Stéphane added that acts of kindness are “part of everyday life here.” He also pointed out that the UK is home to many charities that support people suffering from health issues.
Stéphane explained how an expression of this quality is encouraged (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
He pointed out that British firms and groups are known for rallying people to join events they organise to raise money for charitable causes.
On the flip side, in May, a Brit living in France took to TikTok to share five reasons why life across the Channel is “better.” The expat, known as Alex or “It’s moi” on the platform, presented her “household edition” of insights.
First up was the revelation that people in France tend not to have their washing machines in the kitchen, instead opting for the bathroom or elsewhere, meaning you “don’t have the eyesore or the noise” in the kitchen.
But there’s more; Alex also highlighted the convenience of having plug sockets in the bathroom, “square-shaped” pillows for extra headroom, and shutters on every window.
Alex said: “You don’t have to worry about blackout blinds or blackout curtains if you want to make the room dark. You just close the shutters, which is absolutely fantastic when you have children.”
Stéphane revealed some of the observations he’d made in his years in Britain (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Finally, Alex claimed that a “lot of the houses around here” tended to be detached rather than semi-detached. She said they didn’t have to worry about any “potential noise problems” from neighbours.
However, not everyone saw things the same way, with one commenting: “I’d hate to have a washing machine in my bathroom.”
Another said: “How is square pillows better? Isn’t plugs in the bathroom dangerous?”
Some did agree with the TikToker, with one claiming that once you try using a square pillow, there’s “no going back”.
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
Liam McInerney Content Editor
13:25, 21 Jul 2025
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.”
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”.
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 (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.”
Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook addresses the 2025 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in Cupertino, Calif., on June 9, during which the iOS 26 operating system was announced. File Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA
July 19 (UPI) — YouTube influencer Jon Prosser allegedly violated Apple’s intellectual property rights by illegally accessing and releasing trade secrets regarding the tech firm’s iOS 26 operating system before its launch.
Prosser and co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti allegedly misappropriated trade secrets and violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Apple says in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for Northern California.
Apple revealed its iOS 26 operating system on June 9 during its Worldwide Developers Conference but says Prosser released important details two months earlier.
Prosser’s YouTube channel, “Front Page Tech,” commonly predicts tech launches of consumer goods, including popular Apple products.
Apple says he and Ramacciotti schemed to “break into an Apple development iPhone, steal Apple’s trade secrets and profit from the theft,” Wired reported on Friday.
“Prosser, working with defendant Michael Ramacciotti, improperly accessed and disclosed Apple’s highly confidential, unreleased software designs, including details regarding the unreleased iOS 19 operating system, which is now known as iOS 26, for Apple mobile devices,” Apple says in the lawsuit.
Apple accuses the pair of conspiring to break into Apple employee Ethan Lipnik’s development iPhone to obtain Apple’s trade secrets. Lipnik worked for Apple from 2023 to 2025, when he was terminated by Apple over the leak, Business Insider reported.
The tech firm says it received an anonymous tip on April 4 that accuses either Prosser or Ramacciotti, who shared housing with Lipnik, of engaging the Apple employee in a FaceTime call that discussed the pending iOS 26 release.
The unreleased operating system at the time was known as iOS 19 among Apple employees.
The anonymous tip says Prosser obtained details on the unreleased operating system’s lock screen, home screen, app animations and app interfaces.
It also says Prosser had video from the FaceTime call that shows the operating system’s unique interface.
Apple claims Prosser learned Ramacciotti needed money and roomed with Lipnik, who worked on the unreleased operating system.
Prosser and Ramacciotti “jointly planned to access Apple’s confidential and trade secret information through Mr. Lipnik’s Apple-owned development iPhone,” Apple says.
The tech firm also says Lipnik provided it with an audio message from Ramacciotti that alleges he used location tracking to learn when Lipnik would be gone for an extended period.
Apple says the message indicates Ramacciotti acquired Lipnik’s passcode and “broke into his development iPhone,” which Lipnik did not properly secure in accordance with company policy.
“As he detailed in the audio message, Mr. Ramacciotti made a video call to Mr. Prosser and ‘showed [the] iOS’ on the development iPhone,” Apple claims.
“He demonstrated several features and applications, disclosing details of the unreleased iOS 19 operating system,” Apple says.
Prosser denies Apple’s claims against him.
“This is not how the situation played out on my end,” Prosser said in an X post on Thursday.
“I did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone,” Prosser continued. “I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained.”
Prosser said he is “looking forward to speaking with Apple on this.”
Apple says it suffered financial losses exceeding $5,000 over a one-year period and seeks monetary and punitive damages in amounts to be proven at trial, plus interest.
It also seeks injunctive relief to cease Prosser and Ramacciotti’s alleged release of Apple’s trade secrets to third parties without written consent and to return or help Apple to locate and destroy any trade secrets that might remain under their control.
EXCLUSIVE: Six months ago, Mark Danby left the UK behind for the warmer climes of Spain, uprooting his life and switching for Manilva, but noticed a certain “contrast” between the two nations
Mark Danby left the UK behind to seek out the sunnier climes of Spain (Image: Tapas Guy/YouTube)
A man has claimed Spain is “20 years or so behind the UK” in a specific aspect. Mark Danby from Stockport, Greater Manchester, decided to shake things up and moved to sunny Spain six months ago, making his new home in Manilva, part of Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
Enjoying his new life under the Spanish sun, Mark has encountered some hurdles, previously opening up about the challenges of the local visa system.
As an IT professional by day and the ‘Tapas Guy‘ on YouTube, he made his move via the digital nomad visa, aimed at those working remotely for companies overseas or as self-employed.
Despite the benefits, it seems that slow bureaucratic processes can be a universal headache, with Mark noting that “everything takes so long”. This may stem from a stark “contrast” between life in Spain compared to the UK.
Mark was struck by the “biggest culture shock” following his move abroad, which he shared in an online video. He pointed out how Spain appears to trail “about 20 years or so behind the UK” in terms of technology adoption.
A view of ‘Puerto de la Duquesa’ yachts and boats docked in Manilva(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
He explained: “And I describe it as being Spain being about 20 years or so behind the UK in kind of technology. Everything takes so long. They don’t go for electronic systems. They like their pieces of paper; that is the biggest shock.
“They are paper pushers; they’re pen pushers. Everything is paper, like when you go for your…your sort of your visa applications or your… as I’m now waiting for my TIE card, which is my foreign residency card, everything is paper processed.”
Mark highlighted that he is in the throes of waiting for his card and revealed they’ve “already kind of accepted it”. He described the bureaucratic process where applicants must go to a police station to hand in paperwork and have their fingerprints taken, and the individual produces the card
He added with a hint of frustration: “If they had a little printer machine by them, they could just press a button and print it out, but oh no. You know, it has to go through the paper process and it has to..”
Mark elaborated on the nature of the procedure: “You know, it can take another…you have to sort of make another appointment to go back. Everything’s booked up solid and, you know, I’ve still not got it. Everything takes a long time, a very, very long time.”
Mark works in IT but also shares Spain-related content on his YouTube channel(Image: Mark Danby/YouTube)
A TIE card refers to a Spanish Foreign Identity Card (or tarjeta de identidad de extranjero in Spanish). It allows people to prove their legal status as a foreigner in Spain and is required by people with a visa that lets them stay for longer than six months.
Spain complies with Schengen zone rules, which stipulate particular passport criteria and allow individuals to roam freely across the zone visa-free for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day timeframe.
For more Spanish travel advice, visit the GOV website here.
Mike Swigunski, an “eight-figure entrepreneur” and TEDx speaker, has visited more than 100 countries and has named his top five – and one is a “fairy tale city”
Mike described one as not only a “feast for the eyes” but also the palate(Image: Getty Images)
A globe-trotting entrepreneur who’s visited over 100 countries has revealed his top five favourite destinations — including one he describes as a “fairy tale city.” Mike Swigunski, an “eight-figure entrepreneur” and TEDx speaker with extensive travel experience, posed an intriguing question to his 5,000-plus YouTube followers.
He asked where they’d choose if restricted to visiting just five countries for the rest of their lives — a “fun” mental exercise he’d previously explored with several mates.
He then revealed his personal favourites, with selections stretching from the Americas through Europe and extending to Asia.
His choices included a country “full of pristine beaches” and a more unexpected choice offering “just about every landscape imaginable”.
Mike explained that Thailand would be high on his list(Image: Getty Images)
Thailand
Mike said: “One of my favourite countries in the world is full of pristine beaches, has some of the best food of any country I’ve ever been to, and costs a fraction of the price — even 13 times cheaper than the United States.”
He explained that Thailand would be high on his list, citing the “great” climate, the cost of living, the “super high quality” of food, and accommodation that’s available for a “fraction of the price.”
When it comes to local attractions, Mike said he’s a fan of the beaches, forests, the country’s “super rich” history, and — once again — the food.
Mike described Prague as a “fairy tale city” with well-preserved medieval architecture(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Czech Republic
Mike said: “One of my favourite countries — and more importantly, favourite cities — is actually the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen in my life.”
He was describing Prague, the Czech capital. He portrayed it as a “fairy tale city” featuring well-preserved medieval architecture and specifically praised the “iconic” Charles Bridge.
Mike also lavished praise on other regions of the country, including the historic town of Český Krumlov. Regarding cuisine, he enjoys Czech goulash and svíčková (a beef dish served in a creamy sauce).
Italy
Mike said: “Another one of my favourite countries is good at just about everything — from food, drinks, culture, history, experiences. They have great beaches, beautiful mountains, and an amazing transport system.”
He spoke about his extensive travels across “50 different cities and locations” in Italy over a span of 15 years, highlighting the ancient ruins of Rome, the iconic canals of Venice, and the breathtaking Renaissance art found in Florence.
He praised Italy as a visual and culinary delight, lauding its “world-renowned” wines, cheeses, pasta, and pizzas, and noted how each region offers a unique taste of Italian culture.
The YouTuber was particularly fond of Georgia(Image: Getty)
Georgia
He was equally enthusiastic about Georgia, describing it as a country with “just about every landscape imaginable” and calling it a “hidden gem” rich in history, with warm people and “stunning” vistas.
He singled out Georgian delicacies such as khachapuri, a cheese-stuffed bread, and khinkali, meat-filled dumplings, as culinary highlights.
USA
Finally, he selected his home country, the US, as one of the nations he’d choose if he were only allowed five to visit for the rest of his life, mentioning that it’s where he has “so many” friends and family members.
He explained that he cherishes his time in the US because he can spend time with some of his “favourite people” in the world, adding that having the US on his list is “absolutely essential.”
The Map That Leads to You will hit Prime Video UK this summer and has already sent fans of the novel into a frenzy over the tearjerker trailer
KJ Apa, famed for his role as Archie Andrews in Riverdale, is unrecognisable in the newly released trailer for a captivating romance film set to premiere on Prime Video next month.
Adapted from JP Monninger’s novel, the film introduces us to Heather Mulgrew, portrayed by Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline, a young traveller whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Apa’s enigmatic character, Jack, during her European holiday.
Heather, who’s on a quest for self-discovery before embarking on her career in New York City, finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance with Jack, a man tracing his grandfather’s footsteps through a journal.
Their journey ignites a passionate affair as they traverse the picturesque landscapes of Spain, Portugal, and Italy, hinting that their connection might be more than a fleeting summer romance.
Yet, as they delve deeper into their relationship, complexities arise, forcing Heather to choose between her ambitions and what could be the love of her life, reports the Express.
The Riverdale and Outer Banks stars unite for this weepy romance(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
KJ Apa portrays a mysterious traveller following his father’s journals(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
The official synopsis teases: “This chance encounter sparks an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
“As their connection deepens, secrets, life choices, and hidden truths will test their bond-and change Heather’s life in ways she never imagined.”
Riverdale enthusiasts who’ve lost touch with Apa’s breakthrough series may do a double-take upon seeing the Kiwi actor in this new persona.
Ditching Archie’s iconic red locks for a tousled darker mane and sporting some stubble, Apa also sheds the American accent, fully immersing himself in this fresh character.
The forthcoming drama flick, helmed by the director of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Lasse Hallström, will feature Sofia Wylie from The School for Good and Evil and Ozark’s Madison Thompson as Heather’s closest friends.
A trip of a lifetime turns into a love story for the ages in this new Prime Video Original(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
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TV lovers can get 30 days’ free access to binge tantalising TV like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Rings of Power by signing up to Amazon Prime. Just remember to cancel at the end and you won’t be charged.
Orlando Norman and Josh Lucas are also set to appear, with the latter known to Yellowstone enthusiasts for his portrayal of a young John Dutton, originally played by Kevin Costner.
With the trailer dropping this Tuesday (15th July), The Map That Leads to You is already stirring excitement among fans, who are bracing themselves for an emotional journey when it hits screens in just over a month.
One eager YouTube user responded: “I’m so beyond excited to finally be able to watch this movie.”
Another fan gushed: “The movie looks so beautiful, I can’t wait to see this!!!!!”
A third person shared their enthusiasm: “I’ve missed movies with this vibe, literally so excited.”
The Archie Andrews star takes on a very different look for his latest role(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Viewers should have tissues at the ready(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Meanwhile, a devotee of the source material confessed on X (formerly Twitter): “Guys who haven’t read the map that leads to you don’t get why we’re already sobbing.”
An additional comment came with a caution: “Iv read the book and so I tried to prepare myself but as soon as I saw the trailer and that single tear falling down heathers face I fear I will NEVERR be fully prepared.”
They continued: “I’ll prob be sobbing in a fetal position for days on end after watching it.”
Prime Video might just have one of the biggest tear-jerkers of the year lined up for viewers this summer, promising a poignant European adventure with Heather and Jack.
The Map That Leads to You premieres Wednesday, 20th August on Prime Video.
