A BRIT who has travelled the world always takes this £5 item in her hand luggage as its useful for cold planes and hotel rooms.

Jewellery designer Kiki McDonough colourful gemstone earrings, rings and bracelets, are a big favourite with the Royal Family.

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Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, wears her earrings, as did Princess Diana.

The first piece of jewellery Kiki made, a pair of earrings, is now on display at the Victoria and Albert museum in London.

When Kiki isn’t in her home in Battersea or in her Chelsea store, she travels the world either for work and sourcing gemstones or for pleasure.

So far this year she been to the US, Nepal and India and also went off to Barbados for a beach holiday with her girlfriends.

Kiki thinks all airports are “ghastly” but she finds comfort by relaxing in her seat, wearing comfortable trousers, a fleece and socks and reading “a really good” book.

She is loyal to British Airways so she can pile up the points and since the pandemic, travels with only a carry-on.

In that carry-on though is always a hot water bottle, she says is essential for tolerating the air-conditioning in her hotel room.

Kiki also revealed the very unusual item which has travelled all around the world with her – a pebble.

She told Bloomberg: “When I was 6 I found a beautiful, very individual-looking pebble on Southwold beach, Suffolk, where we used to go for our holidays.

“It is a pretty pale shade of pink, and it has streaks of a darker shade of scarlet running across it.

“At the time it reminded me so vividly of those deliciously sickly raspberry ripple ice creams.

“I started to carry it with me all the time.

“It has travelled all around the world with me, and I really do think it brings me good luck.

“Little did I know at age 6, I would go on to become an expert in gemstones.”

Kiki also advised on what to do once you have arrived at your destination.

She said: “First of all, [I find out] where the spa is. Secondly, where I can eat, and thirdly, how far the beach is located.”

Kiki also recommends travelling solo as it can be highly rewarding.

She said: “When I first got divorced, I thought, oh my goodness, I might easily be traveling on my own for the rest of my life, and I might not meet somebody else, so let’s see how that works.

“So I took myself off on a tiger safari to India. I met wildlife photographers Jonathan and Angie Scott.

“They have won endless awards. They taught me so much about what it really is like to live and work, out in the wilderness – they live in the Maasai Mara, and they know everything there is to know about the wildlife and the culture there.

“Fifteen years later, we are still in regular contact, and I avidly follow what they are up to, supporting their conservation initiatives as often as I can.”

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A FREQUENT flyer has slammed a window seat passenger for getting up way too much during a long overnight flight.

The flyer, who was on a nine-hour flight to Istanbul from New York City, revealed her annoying experience.

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She revealed she had booked an aisle seat and during the overnight flight, the window seat passenger woke her up six times – all within short durations.

The annoyed flyer said she was trying to sleep on the flight but failed to even shut her eyes for a few minutes as her fellow passenger would wake her up – without an emergency.

She said: ” [The passenger] would go to the lavatories, then 30 minutes later he’d go grab something from his stored bag, then less than an hour later he’d get up to stretch his legs, then he’d get up again to go chit-chat with his buddy. 

“Throughout this whole ordeal, I was trying to sleep. 

“Why do you have to make my red-eye flight an exponentially more dreadful experience than it already is?”

The flyer said she is happy to make way for another passenger if it is a washroom emergency, but asked others “not to be an a******* about it”.

“Of course, there are some very sensible exceptions, as I’m not a tyrant,” she said.

“If you have to use the plane’s bathroom, you’re more than welcome to wake your aisle neighbour up and ask them to let you pass through. Just don’t be an a******* about it.”

She also gave some advice to other passengers, saying it is best to use the washroom after meals as everyone gets up around that time.

The flyer added: “The lights will be going off soon after that and people will likely try and go to sleep, so it’s best if you get up before then.

“Just let your sleepy neighbour know and be polite about it.”

It comes after a passenger suggested those sitting in the aisle seat should remain alert and awake for the entire flight.

The only exception, according to the passenger, is if the flight is a long-haul journey of seven hours or more.

The reasoning is to ensure that middle and window seat passengers can access the loo, get served by the flight attendants, and evacuate quickly in an emergency.

The Reddit user wrote: “A person sitting in an aisle seat on a plane should not be allowed to sleep.”

“There are some exceptions and those would probably be on any flight longer than seven hours.

“But anything shorter than that, you should not be sleeping. What if the middle or window passenger needs the bathroom, or if the flight attendant needs to hand them something – You’ll be in the way.”

The most sought-after seats on a plane have been revealed in a survey of 3,100 US travellers by Upgraded Points.

It revealed the top choices for those looking to make the most of their flight experience.

Out of the 737-800 airplane seats, five emerged as clear favourites, with seat 1A topping the list.

This prime spot, located right at the front of the plane, was preferred by 5.96 per cent of travellers due to its extra legroom and easy access to the exit.

This makes it the ultimate choice for those who like to stretch out and be the first off the plane.

Other favourites included seats 7F, 7A, 1F and 7C, with similar perks like extra space and fewer disturbances.

Whether you’re a window-gazer, an aisle-snoozer, or a middle-seat armrest warrior, one thing’s for sure—everyone’s got their own rules when it comes to flying.

So next time you’re on a plane, be sure to choose your seat wisely, and maybe think twice before dozing off in that aisle seat.

As well as celebrating these extraordinary great apes on 19^th August, International Orangutan Day, it’s important to raise awareness about the need to raise funds to support the challenges facing one of our closest animal relatives. This day highlights the urgent need to protect these remarkable creatures and their rapidly disappearing habitats. But what can we do to help?

As well as fundraising, doing good for others brings a profound sense of fulfilment and joy that goes beyond financial contributions. The feel-good factor of helping others reinforces a sense of purpose and community, reminding us that our actions, no matter how small, can lead to positive change.

But why does doing good boost health and wellbeing? Helping others provides bursts of euphoria called “the helper’s high” from dopamine and endorphins, which are released in the brain and increase immunity antibodies, so doing good is officially good for you.

We have some great opportunities for you to boost your wellbeing by embracing the feel-good factor with our fundraising events, The Rainforest Run on 22^nd September or our Charity Abseil on 5^th October.

On-screen, Steven Cree is known for his extensive range of roles across television, film, and stage, as Ian Murray in the popular worldwide hit Outlander and blockbusters such as Terminator: Dark Fate. But beyond the backlot, Steven is a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry and among environmental advocates for his support of conservation initiatives. Following his successful Sky Dive for International Animal Rescue in 2023, and along with our IAR Costa Rica Team and many others across the UK, Steven is now lacing up his running shoes for a new and meaningful challenge and will head up ‘Team Orangutan’ and participate in The Rainforest Run.

Talking about the event, Steven said:

“I am proud to be running in support of International Animal Rescue. Not only do they save animals from suffering, but they also rehabilitate and release them back into the wild and work to protect their precious natural habitats. Their vision is a world where humans and animals coexist in sustainable ecosystems. Their mission is to build awareness and implement effective systems such that habitats and animals are protected.”

When asked about his ‘why’ for participating in the Rainforest Run, Steven said:

“The Rainforest Run is a brilliant way for anyone to start running for a good cause, as participants can run, jog, or walk a 5k or 10k distance, all while raising vital funds. Together, we can make a difference. It’s a £10/$13 sign-up fee, and you can run as little or as far as you like, making it a brilliant event for all the family. And, as a virtual run, you can run where and when it suits you. The feel-good factor you’ll get from taking part is worth the small sign-up fee alone,” added Steven You can sponsor Steven and Team Orangutan here https://www.justgiving.com/team/or

Along with the Rainforest Run, in October, adventurers will have the unique opportunity to abseil 85 meters down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower.

As we celebrate the feelgood factor of fundraising for International Orangutan Day, it’s good to remember that orangutans share an incredible 97% of their DNA with humans, earning them the name “orangutan,” which means “forest person” in Malay—a reflection of their human-like qualities. As the largest tree-dwelling mammals, their arm span can reach up to seven feet.

Participating in fundraising efforts on this day not only contributes to their conservation but also provides a rewarding feel-good factor, knowing that you’re directly helping to preserve these incredible creatures and their homes for future generations.

For more information about our Feel Good Factor Fundraising Events and how you can participate, visit https://bit.ly/FeelGoodFundraisingForIAR

EVER considered detouring en route to your holiday?

Lesser-known regions close to popular destinations are well worth a visit.

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And they are the next hottest trend, according to travel firm Expedia’s Unpack 2025 report on where holidaymakers want to go next year.

We’re all about getting more bang for our buck when it comes to getaways.

So if you’re travelling to one of these cities in 2025, why not add on a detour?

Sophie Swietochowski shares her top picks.

Destination: Cancun, Mexico
Detour: Cozumel

IF you are visiting Cancun, it would feel almost criminal not to hop over to Cozumel.

This tiny island just off Playa del Carmen has a rich biodiversity, home to tropical plants and white sands, while its surrounding waters are teeming with coral reefs and colourful fish.

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The best place to see starfish is Playa El Cielo, where the crystal clear waters mean the sea creatures are easy to spot.

Regular ferries operate from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, with fares from around $17 for the fast, 20-minute ferry.

STAY: The bright and airy Westin Cozumel, with its own beach, is ideal for those wanting to get stuck into the wildlife scene.

It has snorkel gear available to catch some great aquatic sights.

Rooms from £158 per night. See hotels.com.

Destination: Los Angeles, USA
Detour: Santa Barbara

THOSE in the know often say they prefer the laid-back, seaside city of Santa Barbara to the buzz of Los Angeles, on the California coast – that’s partly why the A-listers love it.

Perhaps it’s the more mellow, Hamptons-like atmosphere or the tropical beach sunsets.

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Look out for dolphins on the horizon (you can book a sunset catamaran tour, $65pp, at sbsail.com).

It’s one hour 30 minutes by car from LA, or you can catch a train, which takes more than two hours.

You’ll be sipping local wines from the nearby hills in no time.

STAY: In a quiet patch on West Beach, Brisas Del Mar Inn At The Beach has a Mediterranean vibe, with terracotta terraces surrounded by climbing vines – there are bikes to rent, too.

Rooms cost from £194 per night. See expedia.co.uk.

Destination: Paris, France
Detour: Reims

A 46-MINUTE train ride from Paris’ Gare de L’Est, Reims is often called the city of ­Champagne.

Yet despite the famous fizz’s pricey reputation, you won’t need to splash the cash when you get here.

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Drink in the sights of the ­towering cathedral before ­drinking in the bubbles – the Pommery champagne house has self-guided tours of its ­cellars, along with tastings, for around £22.50 (see ­champagne-booking.com/en).

STAY: The Hotel Continental, a former 19th century mansion, is centrally located and home to a spa with infra-red sauna, bucket showers and massage booths.

Rooms cost from £122 per night. See hotels.com.

Destination: Barcelona, Spain
Detour: Girona

FROM Barcelona, you can jump on the train and venture 40 minutes north to Girona.

The city has become known for the remarkable rise of its football club – but there’s so much more to it than that.

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Its old town is a maze of narrow streets, framed by Roman and Gothic architecture that ooze history.

The same could be said for its 12th century Arabic baths, built in a temple-like structure, that can still be visited today.

This region is famous for its Catalonian cuisine, so sample as much as you can – Txalaka does great tapas, with bites from €5.50.

STAY: The central and chic Bypillow Erba has comfy Scandi-style rooms from £59 per night. See bypillow.com.

Destination: Milan, Italy
Detour: Brescia

WITH its four prominent squares – one Roman, one Medieval, one Renaissance and one Modern – the cultural city of Brescia pairs perfectly with a trip to fashionable Milan.

Sitting at the foot of mountains in northern Italy, just over 30 minutes from Milan by train, Brescia is crammed with fascinating architecture and petite art galleries.

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Swing by one of the quaint bars and order a pirlo, a traditional aperitivo, made of still wine, Campari, sparkling water and a wedge of orange.

STAY: The boutique Locanda Delle Mercanzie was once a medieval palazzo and has buckets of character.

It’s a short walk from landmarks like Piazza della Loggia and Brescia Castle.

Rooms cost from £81 per night. See expedia.co.uk.

Embargoed 22 August 2024 00:01 TUI Group is being urged to end the sale and promotion of tours and activities where captive dolphins are used for entertainment in an open letter signed by celebrities including Alesha Dixon, Bella Ramsey, Deborah Meaden, Evanna Lynch, Gail Porter, Joanna Lumley, Jane Fallon, Mark Watson, Sarah Jane Morris, Richa Moorjani and Rou Reynolds, on behalf of World Animal Protection.

Dolphins are highly intelligent, powerful marine predators that, in their natural environment, swim and hunt across vast swathes of the oceans. Bottlenose dolphins can swim 100km in a day, and some species cover much more.  But confined to tiny, barren, concrete tanks thousands of times smaller than their natural space, exposed to infection and chemicals and often drugged to cope with captivity – they sadly can only swim a few metres at a time in any direction. The anxiety and stress can cause them to self-mutilate and become aggressive – all in the name of entertainment and profit. 

There are over 3000 dolphins held captive across the globe, TUI Group are profiting from the suffering of at least 400 of them at around 25 entertainment venues where they are deprived of almost all their natural behaviours.

Alesha Dixon, singer, author & TV personality, “TUI you are the last major tour operator in the UK selling tickets to dolphin entertainment. Dolphins are not entertainers they are sentient wild animals. Enough is enough. Join the other tour operators and stop profiting from this cruelty.”

Deborah Meaden, businessperson and TV personality, “I really can’t believe in this day and age we still have to point out the cruelty. Do the right thing TUI and do as your competitors have done and stop selling tickets to these cruel and exploitative attractions.”

Evanna Lynch, Actor and World Animal Protection Global Ambassador, “It is truly shameful that TUI is still choosing to take part in such an obviously cruel and outdated practice as captive dolphin ‘entertainment’. TUI it’s time to do the right thing and stop putting profit over animal welfare.”

Richa Moorjani, Actor and World Animal Protection Global Ambassador, “It’s deeply disappointing to see TUI still promoting dolphin performances. These intelligent creatures deserve to live in their natural habitats, not confined for human amusement. It’s time to end this cruelty and make compassionate choices.”

TUI Group are urged to join the ever-increasing movement of travel companies, governments and tourists who are saying no to cruel captive dolphin entertainment, but the travel giant continues to put profit over animal welfare.   

• In March 2024 easyJet holidays announced that they would not sell tickets to any captive wildlife attractions including captive cetacean venues 

• A few days later, Jet2holidays announced that they would stop selling captive dolphin venues 

• Virgin Holidays, Expedia Group, Booking.com and Airbnb have all long since committed to never selling tickets for these cruel and exploitative attractions 

• Canada and France, Brussels and New South Wales have all banned the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity 

• Dutch travel association ANVR and South Africa’s SATSA state that captive cetacean entertainment is unacceptable in their guidelines for their member organisations  

• Strict regulations in the UK mean there have been no cetaceans in captivity for over 30 years 

Tricia Croasdell, World Animal Protection, CEO said, “The longer that influential companies like TUI Group continue promoting and selling tickets to captive dolphin entertainment, the worse the problem becomes. Selling tickets to such venues means more whales and dolphins are being bred into environments where they will never be able to thrive or carry out their natural behaviours. TUI has said that they know it is controversial and that more of their customers would rather see wild animals in the wild, so why are they stalling on this? The only reason can be profit and it is inexcusable for a multi-million-pound company to put profit before compassion.

“We need to make this the last generation of dolphins in captivity, and we need companies like TUI Group to stop propping up the industry before that can happen.”

Join the movement to call on TUI Group to end the sale and promotion of venues that use dolphins for entertainment, so that we can ensure this is the last generation of dolphins in captivity.   

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Notes to Editor

• To read the full letter please click here

• Earlier this month World Animal Protection were joined by 14 other animal welfare organisations in a protest outside TUI Group’s Berlin HQ presenting a combined petition of 350,000 signatures from the general public who see the huge role TUI Group plays in perpetuating this cruel and outdated form of entertainment – which means a lifetime of these intelligent wild animals confined to tiny barren tanks performing circus tricks for food.