Good Game RTE

24/02/2022

Russia invades Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine early Thursday, and forces have entered the country from three sides. Follow here for the latest updates.

20/02/2022

'Insensitive' Van Gogh souvenirs removed from sale amid backlash

A London art gallery has removed some souvenirs relating to Vincent Van Gogh from its gift shop after they were branded insensitive and considered to be making light of the topic of mental health.

17/02/2022

Glowing clouds surround an exploded star in NASA mission's stunning first image

NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer has shared its very first images of Cassiopeia A, a famous supernova remnant from a star that exploded. Glowing purple gas clouds can be seen around the star's remains.

01/12/2021

The rule of thumb in the airline industry is to travel in the morning to avoid delays. It's also more convenient to arrive at your destination during daylight, to take advantage of activities upon landing. This travel agent writes on Reddit, "I have had people book packages online only to find out they don't arrive at their destination until late, so the whole first day is wasted." Though this may be unavoidable with some destinations, it's a crucial element to starting your vacation off on the right foot.

01/12/2021

It's a no-brainer to research attractions in advance, but don't forget to look at the timing too (including holiday hours). "Take special note of days when museums are closed. Don't plan to be in a city for only one day to see a special exhibit and find out later that it is closed that day," says Ball. She learned this the hard way when she was in Prague. "The only day we had was a Saturday," says Ball. "What I really wanted to see were the Jewish sites, and they are closed on Saturday, their holy day."

01/12/2021

"After you settle on a destination, make sure you find out when it's peak season and plan your trip before or after that time," says Richter. Peak travel times are typically predictable, like spring break, holidays, and summer months. The influx of visitors forces prices to increase during these times, thus traveling in the shoulder season allows for a cheaper and less-crowded getaway.

01/12/2021

If you have an extra case for sunglasses, it can be a nifty way to keep track of your power cords. Travel agent Rachelle Rayner says, "Avoid a tangled mess in your bag by rolling up your phone charger and placing it inside the case."

01/12/2021

Whether it's an amenity pair from a previous hotel stay, or a cheap pair from the drugstore, Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach, recommends wearing slippers on the plane for comfort and sanitation. "If your feet swell during the flight, you'll still be comfortable, and you can walk down the aisle of the plane with something on your feet."

01/12/2021

Another helpful tip is to "buy a very colorful and flat passport holder that is easy to find in a flash." Kim Parizek from Boutique Travel Advisors carries a pink one, which allows her to spot the passport in her carry-on amidst the chaos of customs or security.

01/12/2021

On the topic of lost luggage—no one ever thinks it will happen to them. But even if you don't have a tight connection, a number of factors can cause your bag to get delayed. Amina Dearmon, owner and travel advisor at Perspectives Travel, suggests printing a copy of your itinerary and packing it on top of your checked luggage, so airlines can easily return it to you. "If you're only in your first destination for a day or two, the airline will know where you're headed next and [send] your bag to your new location," says Dearmon.

01/12/2021

If you're checking luggage, be sure to pack a change of clothes or a versatile outfit in your carry-on (including undergarments and socks). Travel agent Kalyn Franke says, "If your luggage gets lost and takes a while to get to you, you'll be so grateful that you've got a change of clothes ready to go."

01/12/2021

Once you've found your dream hotel, be sure to read the fine print. From booking fees, to daily hotel resort fees, cancellation fees, and a number of other hidden costs, you can end up paying more than you bargained for. "These hidden hotel resort fees are designed to confuse consumers and distort the actual price," says Erika Richter, spokeswoman for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). "Sometimes they're called 'facility fees;' make sure you ask before you book."