The UNESCO-listed city of Ravenna, in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna, has released a series of events to celebrate the 700^th anniversary of the death of Supreme Poet, Dante. The festive programme, which includes e-bike tours, exhibitions and the brand new ‘Dante’s Train’, will take place until January 2022, giving visitors a great reason to travel to Emilia Romagna when it is safe to do so.

Ravenna, also known as the “city of mosaics” due to its exquisite collection of Byzantine montages, is a treasure chest of art, history and culture - with eight UNESCO historic buildings. Dante found Ravenna to be the ideal place to complete the Divine Comedy and, as the home of his tombstone, the city has been preserving the poet’s memory for seven centuries after his death in 1321. Dante’s 700^th anniversary programme is mainly taking place in Ravenna, located just one hour away from Emilia Romagna’s capital city of Bologna.

Cultural programme: Top 5 events

Ravenna is dedicating this year in a rich programme of events to commemorate the life of Dante, one the world’s most famous poets. This features exhibitions, readings and tours that will allow future visitors to immerse themselves in what once was the life of Dante. Some events taking place in the second half of 2021 include:

E-Trek The Divine Comedy trail - Running until 30^th September 2021

An adventurous three-day e-bike tour following a mystical footpath of towns referred in Dante’s iconic Divine Comedy masterpiece, allowing visitors to distinctively explore between Ravenna and Faenza as-well as being able to take in some of Emilia Romagna’s stunning scenery, including; the sweeping medieval hillside village of Bertinoro and the first-fortified city of Terra del Sole, renowned to have been an ideal Renaissance destination. 

Treno Di Dante (Dante’s Train) - Running until 10^th October 2021

This new historical project allows passengers to step onboard a special train to enjoy a slow yet exhilarating ride between the two cities which defined the life of Dante – Florence to Ravenna. Stopping off at several picturesque locations along the way, including Brisighella and Faenza, passengers will have the chance to freely enter an array of museums and monuments throughout the journey included within the ticket price. Tickets costs £47 (round-trip) and £25 single ticket).

Silent Play For Dante - Running until 25^th December 2021

An exclusive project that transports guests on an immersive guided tour within the city of Ravenna, the location in which Dante’s symbolic remains lie. Accompanied by the screenplay by La Piccionaia, Theater Production Center, guests are offered a poetic and engaging theatrical experience whilst soaking up key memories connected to the poet, his comedy and fortune.

L’ora che volge il disìo - Running until 31^st December 2021

The free and open to all event hosted ‘within the hour that turns the disìo’ (between 5-6pm) captures an important moment around the greatest poet of Italian literatures’ tomb. To commemorate his 700 years, a reading of the Divine Comedy which can be presented in any language, will showcase his vital works and allowing guests to gather, listen in, reflect and honour the works of Dante. 

Virtual exhibition: Un’Epopea POP - Running until 9^th January 2022

For those who may want to join in on Dante’s celebrations virtually, the Ravenna Art Museum (MAR) has created an online exhibition called Un’Epopea POP. The showcase, curated by Giuseppe Antonelli, will run until 9 January 2022 and will allow viewers to be virtually transported into the MAR Museum to experience a selection of contemporary art by Giorgia Salerno, along with a mix of testimonies dedicated to the life of the Supreme Poet.

Not only does the city keep Dante Alighieri’s presence alive, Ravenna is the perfect place for travellers to explore and unwind. Nestled a few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea and boasting an array of gastronomic delights, awe-inspiring nature and a wide-range of activities to relish – Ravenna has something for everyone to admire, right in the heart of Italy’s off the beaten track gem, Emilia Romagna.

The award-winning Comfort Suites Paradise Island hotel has extended its successful “4th Night Free” promotion through November 15, 2021, offering travellers an affordable, convenient Caribbean getaway.

On May 1, 2021, the government of The Bahamas amended travel restrictions to permit visitors traveling to the archipelago from other countries who are fully vaccinated and have passed the two-week immunity period to be exempt from the COVID-19 testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel. Comfort Suites Paradise Island has also followed suit.

“All fully vaccinated guests staying at Comfort Suites Paradise Island will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 test, and may instead present their vaccination card,” reported Yasmine Mills-Strachan, Director of Sales of the 223-room property, while pointing out that some vaccines require two doses to be effective against the coronavirus while others require a single dose.

“As more people gain access to COVID-19 vaccinations, we look forward to a healthy and robust return of traditional summer travel patterns,” noted Mills-Strachan, who added that Comfort Suites Paradise Island continues to focus on providing exceptional value, convenience and Bahamian hospitality to every guest.

The popular, family-friendly hotel’s current “4th Night Free” promotion, which was launched in tandem with the property’s reopening at the end of 2020, offers guests a fourth night free, excluding taxes and fees, with three paid room nights.

The promotion also entitles guests to a food and beverage credit per room that can be used at Crusoe’s Restaurant, Bamboo Lobby Bar and Splash Pool Bar. A stay of three paid nights entitles guests to a $100 food and beverage credit, four or five nights entitles guests to a food and beverage credit of $150, and for a stay of six nights or more, the food and beverage credit increases to $200.

Adding to the appeal of the award-winning property, Comfort Suites Paradise Island offers many family-friendly amenities, including complimentary use of the facilities at neighboring Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, including Aquaventure and pool and beach access. A daily complimentary hot à la carte breakfast is available for all guests. Advanced booking is required to receive access to Atlantis Aquaventure.

“Comfort Suites is making it easier and more appealing than ever to visit us,” stated Mills-Strachan. “We are very excited to offer this special promotion and to welcome new and returning guests to their home away from home.”

Comfort Suites Paradise Island, which is consistently awarded high marks from users of leading travel websites such as TripAdvisor, continues to offer value-added amenities such as free Wi-Fi and free parking. A significant feature of the hotel is its Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free program. Children aged 11 and under stay free (in a room with a parent) and also eat free with a parent at Crusoe’s Restaurant, which offers signature entrées daily featuring local seafood and international favourites.

A new study has revealed that Bradford is the most profitable city in the UK to be an Airbnb host. The research by international payment experts RationalFX on 27 major British cities analysed data from AirDNA and ONS to find which UK city offers the best combination of low property prices and high revenue from renting out via Airbnb.

It revealed that it would take just nine years to pay off the median house price in Bradford (£135,000) based on the average monthly revenue of £1,229 an Airbnb in the city generates. As a result the Yorkshire city tops the list, offering the best combination of low property prices and high revenue.

Swansea came in second, with an average of £1,100 in Airbnb revenue taking 10 years to pay off the city’s median property price, which is £143,500. In addition a high occupancy rate of 62% over the past 12 months makes the popular Welsh beach city highly cost effective for hosts. 

During the pandemic there has been a sharp rise in the interest in staycations instead of overseas holidays. Research in 2020 found that 42.7% of people would rather enjoy a staycation compared to 24.7% of people voting to go abroad. 

In addition property investors could also to take advantage of the government’s stamp duty exemption for the first £250,000 of a property, which is available until September. Out of the 27 cities in the analysis, 18 have a median house price below £250,000.

Stoke-On-Trent was the third most profitable city to be an Airbnb host. With a monthly revenue rate of £1,030, it would take 12 years to pay off the city’s median property price of £151,000. 

Bradford has the highest occupancy rate per year (83%), followed by Brighton with 71%, and Bournemouth and Plymouth both on 70%.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for RationalFX said: “The demand for staycations has risen dramatically in the last year amid the pandemic, showing that the private holiday rental business is an area of interest for investment. With the easing of restrictions in the UK, it will be interesting to see how UK Airbnb bookings compete with the option of foreign holidays.”

Top five best cities to be an Airbnb host, by RationalFX

The study found that Brighton ranks top for monthly revenue, with properties in the city generating an average £1,649 each month. However, it also has the third highest median house price on the list at £367,500, meaning it would take more than 18 years to cover the cost of the property. As a result, the popular staycation destination ranks 14th overall on the list.

Holiday makers can expect to pay on average £142 per night for a stay in a London Airbnb, the country’s priciest city, compared to £63 a night in Sunderland, the lowest rate in the UK. However, the capital ranks as one of the least profitable areas to be an Airbnb host. 

London has 37,000 active rentals, making it the city with the most Airbnbs in the UK. This is more than seven times higher than Edinburgh, the city with the second highest active rentals of 5,350. 

Despite the high number of rentals, London ranks 26th out of the 27 cities for profitability. It has a significantly higher median house price than the rest of the UK, coming in at £475,000, and only ranks 11th for Airbnb revenue, with the average property generating £1,011.

Leicester is the 10th largest city in the UK, but it has just 455 active rentals - the third fewest on the list, along with 33% occupancy rate per year, the lowest of all cities measured. With the lowest monthly income of £600 and a median property price of £218,000, it would take an average Airbnb host in the city 30 years to pay off a property. The East Midlands city ranks third from last on the list. 

Luton ranks as the least profitable city to buy an Airbnb in the UK. It would take a host 42 years to earn the money covering the cost of their property. The Airbnbs in the city have an occupancy rate of 48% and the median house price is £375,000 - behind only London in the study.

The analysis was conducted by RationalFX, which is one of Europe’s leading international payment providers, helping businesses and individuals to streamline their bank-to-bank transfers with smart global payment solutions. 

Top five worst cities to be an Airbnb host, by RationalFX

Passengers thinking of returning to buses as Covid restrictions lift will be able to save money on fares following a new agreement with operators. Some fares will now be the lowest they have been in more than a decade.

Bus operators and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) have agreed to reduce the n-bus multi-operator fares across the board – ranging from a 60p saving on a day ticket to £140 on the 52-week fare – from Monday 19 July.

The nbus day fare is now £4.20 the same price as it was in 2012.  While the last time a one-week nbus ticket was as low as £15.80 was 2008.

Those working flexibly following the pandemic can benefit from multi-day offers – including £38 for ten days.  Swift is the West Midlands version of London’s Oyster card and was used by customers to pay for more than 50 million journeys during 2019.

The nbus tickets are purchased using the region’s popular Swift travel card – available to buy from shops or online.

The agreement on n-bus brings fares across the region in line with those recently announced by the largest operator National Express West Midlands and means that those hopping between operators will share the same great value fares – starting from £4.20 for an adult nbus day ticket.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “The region’s bus operators have worked hard with TfWM to improve services, convenience and better value for passengers through initiatives such as low fare zones, live timetable apps and half-price travel for 16-18 year olds.

“As a result pre-pandemic we were starting to see this work paying off with the numbers of paying passengers starting to rise. Now, as we look to encourage people to get back on the bus the operators have got together to cut fares.

“We now have the lowest fares in the country at the same time as we are investing millions in infrastructure and services – such as the Sprint rapid bus route, the redeveloped interchanges at Dudley and Perry Barr, the refurbished Pool Meadow Bus Station and the All-Electric Bus City in Coventry.”

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council said: “Bus is the most popular form of public transport in the region, relied upon by many.

“As the region opens up we want people to return to public transport, rather than take the car and add to traffic on our streets, therefore it is great to see that the operators are cutting prices to make it even more attractive and better value for passengers.

“For our part at TfWM we are investing in our bus infrastructure, such as developing new routes such as Sprint, currently under construction, and the planned cross-city bus route linking Birmingham and the Black Country with more reliable services.”

Transport operators have stepped up cleaning on buses, trains and trams, as well as at stations and facilities across the network to help keep passengers and staff safe. Passengers are also expected to continue wearing face coverings when using public transport.

The introduction of lower fares comes as the WMCA ramps up the Open for Business Safely campaign to support those businesses, especially those in the hospitality and tourism sectors, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

The campaign highlights safety measures taken by firms including bus companies keeping up their strict covid cleaning regimes to give people the confidence to use them safely.

For a full rundown on the fares and information on where to buy Swift visit as well as the latest Covid 19 travel advice visit the TfWM website.

With holidays abroad off the cards for many this summer the National Trust is encouraging everyone to get back to basics and enjoy a summer filled with simple, sensory pleasures.  

The unmistakable smell of freshly cut grass, the reassuring sight of blue and sunny skies, the first glimpse of the sea, the tickle of grass between your toes. Nothing comes close to summer at home – and it’s finally here. National Trust gardens and parklands are popping with colour, woodlands are alive with chirping birds, meadows are swaying in the breeze, lakes are glistening, and brooks are babbling.  

What’s more, over 100 National Trust places, will be encouraging everyone to experience these simple, sensory pleasures with their summer activity programme ‘Get Set Go’.  Thanks to funding from Sport England, visitors will be able to have a go at over 20 different activities; such as ‘go barefoot’, ‘make a splash’, ‘work together’– to stretch those lockdown legs – to explore and get outdoors together – and to connect with nature.  

A range of downloadable activities will also be available online, for everyone to enjoy – with simple ideas for making the most of summer in the garden, the local park or even (whisper it), for rainy days spent indoors.  

Here’s the National Trust’s pick of the best places to enjoy in the West Midlands this summer:

Herefordshire

Berrington Hall

Your next adventure in nature is waiting for you this summer at Berrington Hall. Run wild in the natural play area, build a den in the parkland, stop for a picnic by the lake and tuck into your favourite ice cream from the Stables cafe.

Brockhampton Estate

This summer, explore woodlands, streams and orchards, taking inspiration from the National Trust’s '50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾' activities. Families can enjoy the newly planted orchards, where there’s space to run and play – rumour has it a rather magnificent tug boat will be setting sail there in August. Brockhampton is also taking part in the Summer of Play with Sport England, so families can get active and reconnect with nature in the orchards surrounding the manor house.

Croft Castle and Parkland

From the wild woodlands to picnics in the vibrant cottage gardens, your summer holiday isn’t complete without a family day out at Croft Castle. It’s the perfect backdrop on a lovely balmy summer’s day with plenty of space to play and lots to see and do. Croft is also taking part in the Summer of Play with Sport England, so families can run wild in the newly recreated natural play area which will be open once again this summer holiday.

The Weir Garden

Nothing beats a sunny day by the River Wye in the school holidays. Head to The Weir Garden to play and relax as you soak up the warm, summer sunshine. Spot birds and play hide and seek – the garden is your oyster, just waiting to be explored. The Weir is also taking part in the Summer of Play with Sport England, so families can run, jump and play throughout the garden this holiday.

Shropshire

Attingham

Get ready for a summer of fun and adventure at Attingham. Bring the family and enjoy being active outdoors surrounded by the sights and sounds of summer. Feel the grass beneath your feet and the sun on your face as you run free in the Field of Play, have a go at a new sport or activity, or follow the family trail. Take the opportunity to find out more about the ‘below stairs’ at Attingham with the basement of the mansion open for ‘Servants’ Home: Putting on a Country House Party’ in early summer, and from early August discover a new story in the mansion.

Benthall Hall

At Benthall you can play traditional family games outdoors, roll out your picnic blanket on the lawn and enjoy views across the parkland. How many times can you roll down the hill in the garden?

Carding Mill Valley

Dip your toes in the stream and enjoy your lunch in the great outdoors. Follow a nature themed ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ family trail to discover more about the wildlife, people and plants that call the Shropshire Hills home.

Dudmaston

Create your own adventures at Dudmaston this summer. Follow the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ summer family trail for nature themed fun in the outdoors. Roll down the hill in the garden, play pooh sticks in the dingle and watch out for wildlife on the water.  Bring your bikes and cycle the Explorer trail in Comer Woods. There's outdoor games and activities in the meadow too.

Sunnycroft

Wish you were here? Take a ‘day trip’ on a great British summer holiday day out at Sunnycroft this July and August, inspired by the Lander family’s seaside holidays in the UK during the 1900s. The team are bringing some of the best bits of being by the seaside to ‘Sunnycroft on Sea’. Take a promenade around the garden, enjoy a game of badminton, skittles or croquet and settle into a deckchair or laying out your picnic blanket on the lawn. Families will enjoy a dig in our sandpits, and taking aim with the child sized archery set.

Staffordshire

Biddulph Grange Garden

Get active with the Sport England partnership and enjoy games and activities on the tennis lawn this summer. Stroll through the Woodland Walk to discover the woodland play area, delight in the Dahlia display and pause to feed the fish in the lily pond.

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Follow the free, self-guided family trail for summer fun on the Edge. Build dens in the woods, track wild animals and go on a nature walk at night. On a quiet, clear night you'll see a sky full of stars and maybe some nocturnal creatures too.

Shugborough Estate

Shugborough is a fabulous spot for trying out some of the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Roll down the hill underneath Hadrian’s Arch, find the best bridge in the Midlands for Pooh sticks or build a den in the Explorers’ Wood play area. There’s lots of space for picnics and walks to explore for two and four legs.

Warwickshire

Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley’s lakeside walk is a great place for families to enjoy some dappled shade and spot wildlife such as geese, ducks, moorhens and heron. Listen out for the resident woodpecker too. Around the estate you’ll also find lots of great spots for simple outdoor activities like balancing on felled logs and finding natural materials for den building. Have a look at the National Trust’s list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ for inspiration for more outdoor activities.

Charlecote Park

Picnic on the paddock by the river this summer and take a lazy stroll through the parkland. You might even spot a young fawn in the sanctuary. Get stuck into the conservation stations over the summer holidays. Learn about how the Charlecote team look after the plant life and wildlife across the parkland. Activities will change over the summer holidays so keep popping back for more outdoor fun.

Coughton Court

Visitors to Coughton can enjoy a range of summer activities on their visit, from walks around the award-winning gardens, to enjoying a picnic with views across the parkland. Visitors can head up to Timm’s Grove and explore the wood – a great place to listen out for wildlife – or take a longer walk through the Warwickshire countryside to the 14th-century Kinwarton Dovecote.

Packwood

Visitors to Packwood can enjoy a range of summer activities on their visit, including exploring the estate with one of the walks which are great for all the family, including dogs. The lake at Packwood is a great place for spotting geese, swans and moorhens, whilst listening out for smaller birds and spying sheep in the neighbouring fields. The Welly Walk is a great trail for all weathers with felled trees and logs for balancing, materials for den building and lots of opportunities to have a go at some of the National Trust’s nature themed ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities.

Upton House and Gardens

Take a walk through the seasons at The Seed that Grew the Tree nature poetry exhibition, showcasing the artwork of award-winning children’s book illustrator Frann Preston-Gannon. There’s an exquisite nature scene and poem for every month of the year, from foxes in winter snow to otters and oystercatchers in summer. Follow the family trail and write your own poem inspired by the nature and wildlife you can discover at Upton.

West Midlands

Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Wightwick’s barefoot walk will be up and running again this summer thanks to a grant from Sport England. There is a family activity pack to try and the woodland play area has fully re-opened with an ice-cream kiosk on busy days.

Worcestershire

Croome

Families will be able to enjoy a range of self-led activities on their explorations around the park, inspired by the National Trusts list of ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11¾’.

The Firs

Enjoy a sensory experience in the cottage garden, wander through the daisy walk, or pause for a picnic in the Sound Garden and have lunch with the birds.

Hanbury Hall and Gardens

Come and take pleasure in the 'Simple Joys' of life which start with Hanbury’s summer art exhibition, or have some 'throwback fun' by playing nostalgic children’s games like Hide and Seek, Granny's Footsteps, I Spy, Simon Says and many more. You can even have a game on the National Trust’s only bowling green.

Despite the Balearic Islands being downgraded to amber in yesterday’s traffic light update, Spain remains the most popular summer 2021 destination for Brits.

The latest booking figures from leading independent travel company, Travel Counsellors, show that 31% of all new holiday bookings made were for Spanish destinations. Summer bookings to Spain have progressively increased over the last few weeks, boosted by the addition of the Balearics to the government’s green watchlist on 24 June. 

Travel Counsellors has also seen a rising interest in Greece and expects this to continue. Some 20% of all new summer 2021 bookings made last week (w/c 5 July) were for Greek destinations, increasingly significantly over the last few weeks. Barbados, the UAE and USA are leading the bookings for winter 2021/22; while USA, Spain and the UK are the most popular destinations for summer 2022, according to last week’s new booking figures.

Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director at Travel Counsellors, says: “Despite the Balearics being moved off the green travel list, we have experienced a considerable increase in summer bookings to two of Brits’ favourite destinations: Spain and Greece. The upsurge was clearly apparent after last week’s announcement of the removal of quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

“We expect other popular destinations, such as Croatia, now moved to the green list, to follow the booking trend we have seen with Spain and Greece, as Britons seem more confidence than ever in booking late summer holidays this year.” Travel Counsellors has almost 1,500 experts across the UK who offer support, local expertise and reassurance from ‘inspiration to destination’. 

For more inspiration on the next destination, you can take a look at Travel Counsellors postcard film, written and performed by the poet, Tony Walsh.