Riots have erupted throughout England and Northern Ireland over the past week in the wake of the killing of three children in a small town near Liverpool.A 17-year-old attacked the children with a knife while they attended a dance class. In addition to three dead, eight other kids were wounded in the incident, per media reports.While the alleged perpetrator was born and raised in Britain, rumors had initially circulated on social media that the individual was an immigrant. Since then, more than 400 people have been arrested in connection with violent riots taking place and the U.K.’s National Police Chiefs’ Council has implemented a “united and robust policing response” throughout the country.The riots in the country started in Southport, England, but have since spread to Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Belfast, London, and other locations. Media reports have also indicated that the protestors have expressed anti-immigration and Islamophobic sentiments during the riots. Amid these protests, the media has released images of police in riot gear and backdrops of smoke and fire. And now, a flurry of countries have begun issuing travel advisories for the U.K. In an update issued as of August 5, Australia is recommending that its citizens “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling to the United Kingdom. “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence,” says the Australia advisory. “Monitor the media for information and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities.” Additionally, the UAE, Nigeria, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia have issued new U.K. travel warnings amid the spate of violence.While the United States has not yet released its own updated advisory for the U.K., American travelers may naturally be wondering whether it’s safe to visit at the moment.
First-timers guide to snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
25.07.2024 - 14:48 / lonelyplanet.com
Jul 24, 2024 • 9 min read
A ribbon of color and life providing a habitat for more than 9000 marine species, the Great Barrier Reef is an Australian icon. Despite increasing threats to its survival, the world’s largest living organism – stretching along the Queensland coast for over 2300km (1429 miles) – continues to dazzle visitors with its surreal underwater scenery from tip to tail.
The sultry northern Queensland city of Cairns is the most famous gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of other access points and an ever-increasing number of ways to experience this World Heritage-listed wonder and its 2900 individual reefs. Plan your first visit with Lonely Planet’s ultimate guide.
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is generally from June to November.
From December to March, northern Queensland (north of Townsville) has its wet season, bringing oppressive heat, abundant rainfall and the occasional cyclone – but you will find bargains on reef tours and accommodation. Stinger (jellyfish) season is between November and May, with Lycra stinger suits provided to snorkelers and divers for protection.
However, anytime is generally good to visit the Whitsundays (usually accessed from Airlie Beach) and the southern Great Barrier Reef (from Great Keppel Island near Yeppoon, south to Lady Elliot Island). Nature’s calendar is useful for timing your trip, with key events including the whale migration (during the winter months of June to October), turtle nesting and hatching (November to April, which is spring to autumn time in Australia) and coral spawning (a few days per year between November and December). Manta rays are particularly abundant around Lady Elliot Island in the Australian winter.
You can experience the Great Barrier Reef in as little as half a day from most land-based hubs along Queensland's coast, but you’ll need a full day to experience the outer reef, home to more impressive diving and snorkeling spots.
Liveaboard dive boats visit the most spectacular reefs; most depart from Cairns and run for one to seven nights.
Further south, sailing trips in the Whitsundays are another popular way to experience the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Standard trips run for two nights/three days and include snorkeling stops and optional introductory dives.
It’s possible to stay on many of the reef’s 1050 islands and coral cays. Wake up with the reef on your doorstep at an island-resort base such as Lizard Island (accessed by plane from Cairns), Green or Fitzroy Island (accessed by boat or ferry from Cairns), the Whitsundays (fly to Hamilton Island or take a ferry from Airlie Beach), Heron or Wilson Island (accessed by barge from Gladstone) or Lady Elliot Island (accessed by plane from
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WESTERN AIR TO BEGIN DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND AND FORT LAUDERDALE
Western Air, The Bahamas based commercial airline announces the launch of daily, direct flights between Freeport, Grand Bahama and Fort Lauderdale Florida. The highly anticipated route begins Thursday, August 22, 2024 and will mark the airline’s second route connecting South Florida with the islands of The Bahamas. With a brief flight time of approximately 25 minutes, Western Air’s direct flights will offer both frequency and easy accessibility for Grand Bahama and South Florida residents seeking to enjoy a close, affordable getaway. Free checked bags are included up to 40 lbs.
How We Pulled It Off: A Joyful Fiji Wedding in the Yasawa Islands
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