friends and family travel

Interval International now offers you the convenience of booking resort accommodations for friends and family online, virtually anytime at Friends&Family . You can purchase accommodations at hundreds of resorts in popular destinations worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a breezy beachfront in the Caribbean, a scenic view high in the mountains of Europe or North America, or the family fun of Orlando, vacation condominium rentals provide you with spacious, comfortable surroundings that help make your stay unforgettable.

Accommodations are priced per unit (not per person) for an entire week – a tremendous value, and often lower than the cost of a hotel stay. Plus, you'll enjoy amenities unavailable in most hotel rooms – all designed to offer you with a "home away from home!”

To book a resort accommodation, you must be a minimum of 21 years old. Please be aware that resort accommodations purchased through the Friends and Family program are non-refundable, and may not be resold. All purchases are subject to the terms and conditions agreed to upon booking your resort accommodations. Such terms and conditions are also stated on your confirmation. Prices may vary when booking outside of this internal Website.

The Complete Guide to Group Travel

By Stephanie Wu

The paella was a breaking point. I was in the middle of the most complicated group trip I’d ever planned—13 people, flying in from six different cities, all gathering in a seven-bedroom villa in Andalucia . We were there, ostensibly, on a joint 30th-birthday trip, a group vacation we’d been planning for years . As high school classmates, some of us had known each other for decades, and the group had grown to include significant others and even a not-yet-announced pregnancy.

It would have been an ambitious trip no matter how many people were attending. We had chosen Spain as a middle ground between North America and East Asia, where my friends and I had scattered after college graduation. We were basing ourselves in Ronda, but rented several cars and planned day trips to see the bigger cities—Seville, Granada, Cordoba. But, inevitably, the dreamy idea of bringing us together for a milestone trip took on a life of its own: destination suggestions ranged from Croatia to Marrakech , and a total of 26 people were invited at some point. And I was wrangling it all— finding a villa , planning activities, making restaurant reservations, confirming the rental cars , and generally making sure it all went smoothly. Thankfully, I had some help: a villa specialist , plus a subset of friends I could count on for strong opinions and quick decisions. I took on this role naturally—and my friends were great about checking in to see if I needed any organizational help whatsoever. But generally, it was up to me to shape the flow of the trip while accommodating every travel personality, from super-planner to totally blasé.

Like every group vacation I’ve ever been on, our Spain trip had its ups and downs. On the first night, my head spinning while trying to keep track of a group text chain that had lost all sense of reason, I found myself struggling to keep my eyes open. Even though I was seeing my friends for the first time in a while, enjoying a home-cooked, multi-course meal as we shared exciting news (A new job! An international move! That pregnancy!), all I wanted to do was lie down after a very long travel day of planes, trains, and cars. On day two, I came downstairs to a breakfast spread of eggs, cheese, meats, and bread (there’s nothing like traveling with someone who likes to wake up early and prepare breakfast), and proceeded to try and block out the morning noise—questions about what to wear, what to bring, where the chargers were—way too much before I'd had my morning caffeine.

I hung back a bit that day during the group tour, scanning the crowd to make sure all my friends were having fun. Did they like the tour guide we had booked? Were they tired and jet lagged? Was the lunch reservation at an appropriate time? That night at dinner, a random spot we found within walking distance of our villa, I was happy to let someone else take the lead in ordering for the group, since the menu was only printed in Spanish. And then, the next night, we were so excited when our paella was delivered. It was in a massive pan the size of my wingspan, and took two people to carry. The saffron-infused aroma was coming through the aluminum sheets, and we were all crowded around the stove, awaiting the big reveal—until we uncovered the aluminum and realized they hadn’t seen my note about dietary restrictions, and my friends with shellfish sensitivities would be eating leftovers instead.

At its best, travel has a way of making every daily anxiety feel absolutely insignificant. And at its worst, even the tiniest mishaps, like the wrong ingredients in the paella, feel like the end of the world. This is even more the case on group trips, when you’re dealing with people of different ages, needs, and activity levels, or traveling with a group of friends of friends, where you’re close with some and not quite as comfortable with others. When you’re trying to accommodate everyone’s travel wishes, but somehow end up pleasing nobody. And of course, that moment when you realize you’re going to need a vacation to recover from this vacation.

That’s not to say that I didn’t have a great time in Spain. When I look back, I think about the one night we picked to be our joint birthday dinner. We were all gathered around restaurant table, 13 of us trying to blow the candles out together, each dissolving into giggles at different times. And of the one day we smartly split up into smaller groups—one group exploring the town, the other hanging by the pool—and then gathered together at night to share the highlights of our day. And how our long car rides led to long conversations, which was a way for me to really get to know my friend’s significant other—something that would have been nearly impossible otherwise, as they live in Toronto and we only see them a few times a year.

It always takes a few days for me to settle into vacation mode, but this time around, I had the added stress of worrying about everything that could go wrong, when a group of people who became friends at 18 meet again to travel together a dozen years later. I needed those moments of joy, of spontaneous laughter, of lounging around in silence, to be reminded of why we were all together in the first place—and why a few years earlier, we had known that we needed to prioritize setting aside time in our schedules to find a week that worked for all of us.

I think about how, during the vacation, we fantasized about what the next reunion would look like. Would we alternate continents? Would we take a cruise? Would we bring partners and kids along for our 40th birthday trip? At one point, someone brought up making it an annual trip —but the panicked look on my face might have nipped that suggestion in the bud immediately.

By Todd Plummer

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Steph Koyfman

Group travel requires a herculean amount of coordination and compromise. But there’s something about having a group of people in the same place at the same time that can give every trip that once-in-a-lifetime feeling—an adrenaline rush that I only get when I’m traveling. I got to see a new side of my friends, who I haven’t lived in the same city as since I was 18—how some woke up early to check in at the office, how others were unflappable through hours of traffic and confusing driving directions, and how the parents-to-be soaked up the last few months before they became a family of three. That’s the magic of a group trip—you get to see your travel companions out of their daily element, in their vacation selves. And, if you can manage to stay calm throughout the planning process, the truth is, that’s often our best selves.

Why we built this guide

Group trips don’t all have to be stressful before they get good. If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve been tasked to be the planner, at least in some part, for an upcoming trip. Here at Condé Nast Traveler , we embrace group travel in all forms, from big family vacations to a core group of friends that always travels together to traveling alone in a larger group. And we put this package together to help you take care of the big things—from where to stay and how to save money with points and miles —to the little ones, like how one app can change the group travel game.

We’re also letting you in on our best-kept secret, for when it’s time to throw your hands up and let the travel gods take over: Book a cruise . It’s what I did for my recent bachelorette party, where we paid just over $300 per person for 3 nights in the Caribbean, unlimited food and drinks, and endless entertainment. Okay, there was still a little planning, but it was limited to where we’d eat lunch on port day and whether we had brought enough sunscreen for our kayaking trip. As the de facto planner, I never had to think about signing a bill , or making sure everybody was entertained. I simply soaked it all in as my friends congregated in various combinations and got to know each other in vacation mode. It was the best gift I could have given myself—second to this guide, of course.

Four golden rules for every group trip

If you’re dealing with noncommittal guests, make everyone pay a deposit.

Don’t overschedule: plan the days as loosely as possible.

Come together for at least one meal a day.

Yes, everyone must download Splitwise.

How to plan a multi-generation family trip

6 Rules for Planning a Surprise Vacation

Everything you need to know to surprise your loved ones with a vacation, from a creative reveal to an itinerary that works.

Why I Actually Really Love My Massive Family Vacations

One good tip: You don't have to be together every. single. second.

18 Summers: The Ultimate Guide to Not Wasting a Single Vacation With Your Kids

How to make every year count.

The Complete Guide to Family Travel

Vacation ideas, flying tips, gear we're obsessed with, and true stories from very honest parents.

My Partner and I Never Have Sex on Trips Anymore

It's possible to prioritize intimacy even when you're traveling with a group.

How to plan a trip with friends

9 Spring Break Destinations for Grown-Ups

Why should college kids have all the fun?

My Travel Companion Has Anxiety. How Can I Help?

Tips to make the trip comfortable for everyone.

We’re All Overlooking the Easiest Group Trip Ever: The Cruise

A stress-free way to visit multiple destinations, eat great food, and even—gasp—find time to relax? Sign us up.

In Defense of Taking the Same Group Trip Over and Over Again

Sometimes the perfect trip is the one you’ve already taken.

This Home-Share Network Is Designed Specifically for Women

Golightly wants women to feel safer in home-shares.

Tips for traveling in a large group

For Black Travelers, Group Trips Provide a Way to Connect

A rising number of Black group trips are fulfilling needs that the rest of the industry ignores. 

This App Solved My Biggest Problem With Group Travel

Splitwise makes all my group trips go smoothly.

Everything You Need to Plan Crowd-Pleasing Meals for Your Group Trip

You're going to need to take a break from eating out at some point.

Where to Look When You Need a Group Trip Space That's Not an Airbnb or a Hotel

Find the answer to all your group work trips and bachelorette party dilemmas.

How to Save Money on a Group Trip Using Credit Card Points and Miles

It takes a bit of planning, but the savings are worth it.

How to Plan a Successful Group Trip: Travelogue Podcast

Without breaking the bank, breaking off friendships, or wasting vacation days.

Confessions of a Group Tour Guide

Taking groups of Americans through Italy was a true education in human nature.

How to Go on Vacation With Your Coworkers

Curious what it's like to hit the beach with your colleagues?

Where to stay with a group

12 Beautiful Lake Houses You Can Rent on Airbnb

From extra-long docks to A-frames, these stellar lake houses are good for every season.

A Dreamy Desert Retreat Near Arizona's Saguaro National Park

A Southwestern-inspired five-room home in the middle of the desert.

13 Best Airbnbs With Private Pools You'll Never Want to Leave

From Cabo to Cape Town, we'd rent these Airbnbs just for the pools.

The Coolest Treehouse Airbnbs You Can Rent Around the World

For your next Swiss Family Robinson–inspired vacation.

Best Airbnbs for Massive Family Reunions

Whether you're the Hawaii, Disney World, or Grand Canyon type.

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Savings for IHG Friends and Family

Friends & family rate bookings are only available via the web..

Share in our love of travel and save with IHG Friends and Family Rate. Whether you're visiting loved ones, exploring a new destination or returning to a favorite spot. With hotels across the globe, you will find an IHG hotel virtually anywhere your plans take you.

Our Friends and Family Rate discount gives you even more reason to travel.

The process is quick and simple.

• Sign into your IHG One Rewards account (not a member, join here .)
• Search our properties above
• Book your hotel room for your requested dates

Terms and Conditions

The Friends & Family Rate is available to friends and family of all full-time and part-time employees of all IHG companies, IHG hotel owners or managers, and IHG franchisees, who are 18 years of age or older and are over the age of majority of their residence (“Participants”) only. The Friends & Family Rate is available at participating IHG hotels for room bookings only and not for packages or other components, but is eligible to earn IHG One Rewards points. Reservations must be booked through a Participant’s URL on the Friends & Family Promotion reservation website. The Friends & Family rate is subject to availability and may be changed without prior notice; may not be booked by travel agents; and are not commissionable. All room reservations are subject to each hotel’s standard room reservation and cancellation policies and procedures. Maximum of seven (7) nights and five (5) rooms per stay. Rate requires a first night deposit that is refundable if cancelled in accordance with the hotel's cancel policy. For California hotels only, deposit is refundable if cancelled within 24 hours after the reservation is confirmed and if the reservation is made 72 hours or more before the time of check-in. All Friends & Family Rate bookings will be subject to applicable taxes, fees, and other standard service charges. The Friends & Family Rate for each hotel will be determined independently by each hotel and will vary with hotel locations/occupancy and blackout dates. The Friends & Family Rate Program may be terminated at any time without prior notice.

How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

If you know somebody who works for an airline, you've probably heard them talking about their flight benefits. One of the perks of working for an airline is "free" travel to anywhere that carrier or its partners fly, but there are plenty of conditions.

Traveling for Free as an Airline Employee

The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets.

Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred to as "non-revenue passengers." In other words, the carrier isn't making any money off them, so they're prioritized below the lowest paying revenue passenger (including those traveling on award tickets). Most airline employees also fly standby, so they won't know if they're going to make it on a flight until after everyone else has made it on board. With unpopular routes, there shouldn't be any trouble, but if they're traveling on international flights to cities that the airline only serves once each day, and the flight is full, they'll have to try again. If they have prepaid accommodations or tours, standby travel can actually end up being very costly.

Even with their benefits, the taxes and fees alone—which include security fees, international fees, and fuel surcharges—can total hundreds of dollars on an international itinerary. And while their total travel costs are lower most of the time, they hardly get to fly for free.

The good news for employees is that in certain situations, any seat may be up for grabs. If there's a first class or business class seat that hasn't been sold, they may end up getting to sit there for the same "price" as traveling in economy, or for a little extra. Of course, there's no guarantee, and even passengers using upgrade certificates or miles to move up to the next cabin have a higher priority.

Discount Travel for Friends and Family of Airline Employees

Sometimes friends and family can get in on the "non-revenue passenger" travel. Each airline has different policies and procedures for an employee's "non-revenue" guest, ranging from buddy passes to full-out booking options. Here are the policies of four major airlines in the U.S. 

American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel. Those who wish to travel business class or above must pay an additional fee, based on their itinerary. Fees for premium domestic travel inside the United States are based on distance, while international premium cabin travel is a flat fee based on the destination.

What about friends or companions that aren't parents, spouses, or children? Qualifying American Airlines employees are allocated a certain number of "buddy passes" each year. Buddy pass travelers receive lower boarding priority than American employees on vacation, other employees and eligible travelers, retirees and parents. 

Lastly, American Airlines employees can opt to buy full price tickets, to which a 20 percent employee discount is applied; this ensures an assigned seat and is considered a full fare ticket.

Delta Buddy Pass Policies

Much like American, Delta employees get to extend their travel privileges to friends and family. However, how it applies is a different policy than their Dallas-based counterpart. 

After successfully working for Delta for 30 days, employees are allowed to use their free travel benefits to see the world. Additionally, spouses, minor-dependent children up to 19 years old (or 23 for full-time students) and parents may also receive reduced-rate travel. That doesn't extend to everyone: non-dependent children, travel companions, extended families, and guests are only eligible for reduced-rate travel.

When flying on a Delta buddy pass or as part of an airline program, everyone is boarded on a standby basis. If there is room available after all other passengers have been accounted for, then the benefit flyers can board. According to the employee benefit page, domestic flights are "free" but travels to international destinations are subject to government and airport fees. 

Southwest Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Even though it's open seating, Southwest Airlines passengers are allowed to snag open seats on flights as part of their benefits package.

Employees receive free, unlimited travel privileges and can offer their Southwest travel benefits to their eligible dependents: spouses or committed registered partner, eligible dependent children 19 or younger (24 if they are full-time students), and parents. While Southwest has agreements with other airlines for benefits, traveling "non-revenue" is not always a free experience, as fees can apply based on the carrier and destination. 

Southwest employees also have the benefits of "SWAG Points." When employees are recognized for their good work or take part in incentive programs, they can earn points that can be exchanged for buddy passes, frequent flyer points, or event tickets. 

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

At United, employees still get to hand out buddy passes to their friends and family, but the scope is very limited. According to the airline, employees and their families may receive travel privileges which include discounted rates and unlimited standby travel. 

What does the program actually look like? A bulletin from the Association of Flight Attendants outlines the program in detail. Employees must select their friends eligible for "non-revenue" travel in December for the next year. After the deadline passes, no friends can be added to their list. Employees can also elect to receive 12 buddy passes every year to distribute among friends.

What kind of pass also matters at United. Enrolled friends traveling with the employee, retiree, or their spouse are given the highest boarding priority, while those flying alone on a buddy pass are given the lowest priority.

What to Know About Buddy Pass Travel

Friends of airline employees get to fly for a cheap price if room is available—sounds like a good deal, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as having your airline employed friend book a ticket, passing the TSA checkpoint , and going on vacation. 

As noted above, flyers on a buddy pass are the lowest passengers on the standby list. If their flight is just about full, there's a good chance they won't make it on board. Buddy pass passengers are usually only permitted to fly in coach, but the policies vary by airline.

In addition, buddy pass flyers are considered representatives of the airline, no matter how old they are. As a result, they must adhere to a strict dress code, which often includes business-casual dress standards. If they do not meet these strict criteria, they may be denied boarding with no sources of repayment.

The Worst Times to Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger

Using free or buddy pass travel is a terrible idea during peak times, such as:

• The Sunday after Thanksgiving
• Holiday weeks (Christmas week, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
• Any time that there's inclement weather , like the winter months

If a flight is canceled, all of the displaced passengers will be accommodated on the next scheduled flight. If it's full, they'll end up on the standby list above non-revenue passengers. As an example: If a plane that holds 250 passengers isn't permitted to fly, that could mean 250 people ahead of you on the list (although that's an extreme example).

"Non-revenue" travel can be quite rewarding, but it's important to remember that you may end up not flying that day, or you could be stranded in a city that you weren't planning to visit. If that happens, you're on the hook for meals and hotel rooms—the airline won't help at all. Before you ask your friend for help and try your hand as a "non-revenue" flyer, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of every situation. In some situations, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket instead of flying on a buddy pass.

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75 Best Quotes About Traveling With Friends

Because your epic adventures together call for the perfect saying.

It’s no secret that traveling can open your eyes to new experiences, cultures and perspectives. What can make those memorable journeys even better? A companion, of course! Traveling with friends can enhance trips in unimaginable ways. For starters, they can be your personal photographer when selfies won’t suffice. That’s what friends are for, right ?

Exploring the world together can create enlightening experiences that you will look back on for years to come. But, before you embark on your next adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best traveling with friends quotes to get you excited about the trips that you have yet to take.

From short and sweet to deep and meaningful, these quotes will boost your anticipation for your future travels. If you’ve taken trips together in the past, these travel quotes can help you reflect and reminisce. Text them in your special group chat or post as captions on Instagram . Regardless of how you share them, these quotes and messages are sure to resonate with your travel buddies.

No matter if you’re going with one friend or a group of your closest buds, traveling with friends presents an opportunity to strengthen bonds while having fun. So, pack your bags and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

• “ Sharing adventures means enjoying them 100% more .” – Anonymous
• “ There are no strangers in this world, only friends I haven’t met yet. ” – William Butler Yeats
• “Friends make everything better, vacations included! ” — Anonymous
• “ A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face .” – Maya Angelou
• “ Traveling with a friend is like stepping into a storybook adventure together.” – Unknown
• “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Travel far, travel wide, but always travel with a friend by your side. ” – Unknown
• “ Just as the stars shine brighter in the night sky, so do friendships glow stronger amidst the wonders of the world discovered together .” – Unknown
• “ As the road stretches out before us, I’m grateful for the company of my best friend, knowing that no matter where we end up, the journey together is what truly matters. ” – Unknown
• “ No matter where our journey takes us, friendship will always be our guiding light. ” —Anonymous
• “ I can speak to my soul only when the two of us are off exploring deserts or cities or mountains or roads. ” – Paulo Coelho
• “Good company on a journey makes the way seem shorter.” — Izaak Walton
• “A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.” — Unknown
• “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.” — Tim Cahill
• “No adventure is complete without you by my side.” — Unknown
• “Friends that travel together, stay together.” — Unknown
• “It doesn’t matter where you’re going — it’s who you go with that makes it fun!” — Unknown
• “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.” — Winnie The Pooh.
• “Life was meant for great adventures and close friends." — Unknown
• “You can pack for every occasion, but a good friend will always be the best thing you could bring!” — Unknown
• "We all have that one friend who is either on a road-trip or planning a road-trip or thinking about a road-trip or talking to people who are on road-trip or posting quotes about road-trip." — Crestless Wave
• “It’s the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey.” — Unknown
• “You never know where life will take you, but it will always be better with friends.” —Unknown
• “We are all travelers in the wilderness of the world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
• “The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.” — Unknown
• “Wherever it is you may be, it is your friends who make your world.” — Chris Bradford
• ​​“When traveling life’s journey, it’s good to have a friend’s hand to hold on to.” — Unknown
• “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb
• “A good trip is an even better one with your bestie.” — Unknown
• “The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends” —Shirley MacLaine
• “Embarking on new adventures is a million times better with close pals.” — Unknown
• “Life was meant for great adventures and close friends.” —Unknown
• “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” —Mark Twain
• “Adventure awaits — all you need is your best buddy to make it a reality.” — Unknown

• “Life is a beach, enjoy the waves.” — Unknown
• “Frozen drinks are better with friends.” — Unknown
• “With friends by your side, every journey becomes an opportunity to discover the beauty of the world and the depths of your bond.” — Unknown
• “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” — Zig Ziglar
• “On the road, strangers become friends, sharing stories and laughter, creating bonds that last beyond the journey.” — Unknown
• “ The best way to travel is to always pack light, with the exception of a friend . ” —Anonymous
• " If you want to have fun, bring a friend.” — Unknown
• “ Nothing makes the journey more enjoyable than a friend who can make you laugh.” — Unknown
• “ I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within .” —Lillian Smith
• “ In the tapestry of life, friends are the threads that weave together our most cherished travel stories .” – Unknown
• “ May your travels be filled with the magic of friendship, the wonder of new experiences, and the warmth of shared memories that last a lifetime .” —Unknown
• " T raveling the world is great, but nothing tops going around the world with a friend ." —Unknown
• “ The beach and my besties are all I need to have a good time." —Unknown
• "Travel memories we make alone may fade, but those made with friends will last a lifetime." — Unknown
• “Away is a place where it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about the moments you share.” —Unknown
• “Just grab a friend and take a ride, together upon the open road.” —The Goofy Movie
• Life is about doing things that don’t suck with people who don’t suck.” —Unknown
• “I would like to travel the world with you twice. Once, to see the world. Twice, to see the way you see the world.” —Unknown
• “Everyone needs this friend that calls and says, “Get dressed, we’re going on an adventure.” —Unknown
• “Getting to know new people and gaining new friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So, conquer your fears and get out there.” —Tony Clark
• “Traveling with friends is always better.” —Unknown
• “No road is long with good company.” —Turkish proverb
• "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." —Anais Nin
• "In life, it’s not where you go – it’s who you travel with.” — Charles M. Schulz
• “Exploring new places is always sweeter with your favorite people.” — Unknown
• “Getting lost with you is a risk I’m always willing to take.”— Unknown
• “As with any journey, whom you travel with is more important than the destination.” —Unknown
• “At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.” —Shanti
• “May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” — Trenton Lee Stewart
• “I get a friend to travel with me… I need somebody to bring me back to who I am. It’s hard to be alone.” —Leonardo DiCaprio
• “Travel should make friendships stronger and memories sweeter.” —Unknown
• “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” —Ernest Hemingway
• “Sometimes all you need is a great friend and a tank of gas.” — Thelma & Louise
• “One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.” —Edith Wharton
• “We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.” — Paul Coelho
• “Sometimes all you need is a great friend and thirst for adventure.” —Unknown
• “Nothing makes a good trip more memorable than experiencing it with your best friends.” —Unknown
• “Traveling with a pal can be the foundation for a lifelong friendship.” —Unknown
• “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories.” —Unknown
• “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.” —Unknown
• “Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”— Richard Bach

Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping , Woman’s Day , People , Parade , BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears. 

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Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem

Spend an unforgettable holiday at Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem, a beachfront hotel in Recife. Spacious, comfortable rooms for couples, singles and families, with office options. All with A/C and free WIFI. Mangabeiras restaurant serves breakfast with tapioca and cakes, lunch and dinner offering local and international cuisine. Pool with pool bar, gym and meeting rooms for social and work events;

Pullman Lima San Isidro

Pullman Lima San Isidro unites people to share unexpected experiences. A multifaceted, culture-filled place set up for peace of mind and superior comfort, carefully tailored to each guest. This hotel has 250 rooms and suites, 6 meeting rooms, a restaurant and bar called Residente, an outdoor terrace, a private lounge, a lobby bar, gym, sauna and a pool strategically located in the center of the space.

Novotel Ottawa City Centre

Novotel Ottawa City Centre is a trendy full-service 4-star hotel set in the heart of Downtown Ottawa. Just five minutes' walk from the fashionable Byward Market district and the Rideau Canal, a short walk to the Parliament and across the street from the Rideau Shopping Centre - the leading shopping destination in the city which holds the only Uniqlo store in Ottawa. The Novotel Ottawa is perfectly situated across from the Shaw Centre (Ottawa Convention Centre) and a short walk to the University of Ottawa.

ibis Cancun Centro

ibis Cancun Centro, in the city's largest business district, is just steps from Las Americas shopping center, 15 minutes from the airport, and 10 minutes from Cancun's crystal-clear waters. Offering 190 modern, comfortable rooms, ibis Kitchen Lounge restaurant, daily breakfast buffet, bar with 24/7 snack service. Free WiFi, parking and facilities for those with special needs. 100% smoke-free

Novotel Miami Brickell

Discover a tranquil retreat two blocks from the heart of the Financial District at Novotel Miami Brickell, one of the best hotels in Brickell Miami. Featuring a lobby design inspired by the city's beachfront culture and colors, our contemporary Downtown Miami hotel is adjacent to Simpson Park, a preserved swath of hardwood forest. Sweeping views of the tree canopy, framed by skyscrapers and sparkling Biscayne Bay, give our rooftop pool and bar the feel of a tropical resort.

How Families Can Afford to Travel (Without a Trust Fund)

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Our family of four manages to travel together five to six times a year. Last year this included trips to Costa Rica , Chicago , Hawaii , Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, Kenya , and a Southwest RV road trip. When most people hear about these adventures, they assume we're rich. However, as a middle-class family without a trust fund to lean on, that is far from the truth. Here are seven ways we can afford to travel without a trust fund -- and how your family can, too.

1. Have a Dedicated Vacation Savings Account

What's that phrase, "If you don't see it, you won't miss it"? We have an agreed upon amount of money that goes directly into our vacation savings account each month. Having that separation from your regular savings account or checking account makes a huge difference. You'll always know what you can and cannot afford when it comes to travel based on what you have in this account or how much will be in there when your trip arrives.

2. Be Willing to Sacrifice and Have Strict Budgets

Let's be real: A dedicated vacation savings account means nothing if you don't have the funds to deposit into it. Frequent travel as a middle-class family takes a lot of sacrifice. Since we prioritize travel, we made significant changes to our lifestyle to have the money to put into our dedicated vacation savings account. Our family decided to give up cable, limit our eating out budget to $100/month, use Groupon to purchase fun things for us to do as a family and more. You know your budget better than anyone, as well as what you're willing to give up. Whether that's your daily Starbucks coffee, designer clothing, hair and nail appointments, or watching movies in the theater versus Netflix, you'll need to decide what works best for you.

3. Use Credit Card Bonuses and Miles for Flights and Hotels

At least one of our trips each year is covered directly by miles earned from credit card sign-up bonuses . When the Chase Sapphire Reserve first came out years ago, we were able to get 100,000 bonus points, which equaled to $1,500 in travel. (TPG currently values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents, or $2,000 if you utilize transfer partners.) (The card is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.). We coupled that with a flight deal and were able to cover all four of our plane tickets to Thailand plus two nights of hotel accommodations with that one bonus. Many credit cards have a minimum spend of $1,000 to $3,000 in the first 90 days, which is easy to meet as a family of four. To meet the minimum spend, we put our gas, groceries, day care and other expenses on the card and pay it off in full before the month ends.

While we do make exceptions when it is really worth it (like the Sapphire Reserve), usually we prefer credit cards without an annual fee to avoid any additional expenses. Whenever we do get a card with an annual fee, because the bonus is just too good to pass up, we often downgrade the card to a no annual fee option after we've used our miles and before paying the fee at the first anniversary. This way, there is no negative impact on our credit, as opposed to canceling the card outright.

Here are some current card offers that currently have welcome bonuses of 100,000 points and up!

4. Be Flexible With Travel Dates and Destinations

Instead of choosing where you want to travel with specific dates, be flexible. Our family travels strictly based on flight deals. So instead of saying we're going to Amsterdam in June, we see what deals are available in June and book those instead, or look for the cheapest time to travel to Amsterdam if we are set on a destination.

Traveling this way has saved us a lot of money. We've purchased round-trip tickets to Denver for $60, Brazil for $314 and Aruba for $175 -- just by allowing flight deals to dictate when or where we travel. There are flight deals throughout the year, so even if you have school-aged kids and don't want them to miss school, you'll have plenty of options. In August 2017, we flew to Amsterdam for $200 round-trip each, thanks to a $400 flight deal on Delta coupled with using some miles to reduce the cost.

Another opportunity to explore are the reduced mileage awards that American Airlines offers its cobranded credit card holders to different destinations each month saving you between 1,000 and 7,500 miles per round-trip award ticket (depending on the route and the type of cobranded credit card you have).

5. Book Hotels With Free Breakfast and/or Kitchens

When using your points to book hotels , book those with free breakfast and/or kitchens. (Here's a list of the best hotel chains for families , according to Mommy Points.) Hotels that provide free breakfast and/or happy hour snacks in the evenings will save you a lot of cash. The same goes for hotels with kitchens, allowing you to cook some meals in your hotel . In pricy locations, it can cost close to $100 to take a family of four out for a full dinner, so think about all the money you'll save.

6. Travel With Friends and Family

Traveling with friends and family can significantly reduce the cost of travel. Renting a vacation home or Airbnb and splitting the cost among multiple households can save a lot. On our family trip to Hawaii, hotels were running $1,400 per week. Instead, we booked a two-bedroom vacation rental with my parents for $1,400 total. Since we split the cost, our final bill was just $700.

7. Book Cruises With Kids Sail Free Promotions

Cruising is already a vacation that most families find affordable since your accommodations, most food and nonalcoholic drinks and entertainment are all included in the fare. To make it even cheaper, we only book cruises with "kids sail free" or "third and/or fourth guest sail free" promotions. All the major cruise lines offer these deals and instead of paying full price for your kids, you'll just pay taxes and gratuities.

Sometimes you can increase your savings further by looking for one-way repositioning cruises that happen certain times of the year. And of course, be sure you are earning as many points or cash back as possible when you book the cruise.

Bottom Line

With some advance planning and leveraging fare sales and miles and points, our family is able to travel extensively while living on a budget, and decidedly without a trust fund. We're proud to make it a priority to introduce the world to our kids and make special memories with them as we travel the globe .

Monet Hambrick is the mom and writer behind The Traveling Child blog where she shares tips on traveling with kids and how to afford travel as a family. Her motto is "if kids live there, kids can visit" and she and her husband have taken their 2 and 4 year old to 21 countries on six continents. You can follow along their family adventures on Instagram .

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How to See Kenya Like a Pro

Travelers in search of wide-open spaces and incredible wildlife are making a beeline for Kenya. Here's how to do the trip right, according to experts.

For a Couple

For a family, for a group of friends.

MIA COLLIS/COURTESY OF SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

“Demand for Kenya is up 37 percent since 2019,” says Jack Ezon , a travel advisor and cofounder of Embark Beyond. One reason the country has become a go-to? An increased number of flights on Kenya Airways, which is part of SkyTeam. Other carriers that offer good one-stop connectivity from the U.S. are Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

If you're planning a trip, there's lots to consider: which region will have the experiences you're after? What's the wildlife watching like? And what do you need to pack?

To help decode the best itineraries for every type of traveler, T+L asked three experts on the A-List for their advice on how to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, whether you're traveling with a partner, the kids, or a group of friends. Here are three itineraries crafted by the pros to consider.

Itinerary by Leora Rothschild of Rothschild Safaris .

Courtesy of Giraffe Manor

Land in Nairobi, where a meet-and-greet service will speed you through the airport, then make for Giraffe Manor , “which is famous for close encounters with its resident herd,” Rothschild says. After breakfast the next morning at the 12-room hotel, which also has a pool and spa, you’ll set out for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s animal orphanage, where rescued elephants are rehabilitated, and a visit to the home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa .

VICKI JAURON/BABYLON AND BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES

From Nairobi, it’s a short flight west to the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve, for a few nights at Kicheche Valley Camp , a six-tent retreat where, as Rothschild puts it, “birds take flight and animals casually saunter by.” Game drives can be arranged, but she recommends spending time on guided walks, as well as a night in a comfortable yet basic “fly camp,” with dinner and breakfast served alfresco. “It’s the perfect way to gain a true understanding of the bush,” Rothschild notes. She also recommends an early morning hot-air balloon flight over the Mara, complete with champagne breakfast on touchdown.

From Naboisho you’ll fly back to Nairobi, then onward to Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a preserve managed by the Indigenous Samburu people of northern Kenya. Rothschild likes Sarara Camp because “each of the six spacious tents has stunning views of the Matthews Range — and of a waterhole that attracts a good variety of game.” Guests can also learn more about Indigenous culture on a guided visit to a Samburu manyatta, or homestead.

Departing Sarara, hop aboard a half-day helicopter adventure that will take you 80 miles west to the crater of Mount Silali, before continuing through the Suguta Valley, “where the landscape is constantly changing, with desolate salt pans, lava flows, crocodile pools, and colorful hoodoos,” Rothschild says. You’ll have a chance to splash in the waters of Lake Turkana before heading to the unpretentious yet chic Sirikoi in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, for game drives and excursions like horseback riding and visits to nearby communities.

Courtesy of Richard’s Camp

Round out the trip with a stay at Segera Retreat on the Laikipia Plateau between the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya. Rothschild advises at least one night in the “one-of-a-kind Nay Palad Bird Nest, perched amid the treetops on a river teeming with wildlife.” On your final morning, there’s typically time for one last game drive before your flight back to Nairobi and your journey home.

Itinerary by Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys .

Courtesy of Manzili House

Fly in to Nairobi, where you’ll have meet-and-greet service on arrival and a private transfer to Manzili House , “a six-bedroom boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Karen with beautiful architecture inspired by the island of Lamu,” Gordon says. The next day, you’ll have a private driver for a day of touring, with visits to the Sheldrick animal orphanage or perhaps the Nairobi National Museum, with its displays on the evolution of humanity in the Great Rift Valley, as well as Kenya’s colonial period.

From the capital, you’ll fly north to Lewa, which Gordon says “is considered a model for community-based wildlife-conservation efforts in Africa, not only protecting animals but also contributing to the socioeconomic development of the surrounding communities.” For those traveling with kids, she recommends a family cottage at Lewa Wilderness , a classic lodge that offers game drives, bush walks, and horseback rides.

PAUL & PAVEENA MCKENZIE/GETTY IMAGES

From Lewa, you’ll fly by private charter to Kalepo Camp , a retreat on nearly 400,000 acres in the Matthews Range that hosts only one group of up to 10 guests at a time. The four-tent property is, Gordon says, “the perfect location for exploring the many draws of Kenya’s ‘Big North,’ from Samburu villages to soaring mountains, as well as incredible elephants.” Between bush walks and visits to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Gordon says, you can also squeeze in a helicopter sightseeing flight through the Suguta Valley to Lake Turkana.

The adventure continues in the Masai Mara, at Richard’s River Camp, a small outpost in the Mara North Conservancy that has among its seven accommodations a pair of family-friendly tents, one of which has room for up to eight. This is a prime spot for the Big Five, including a pride of lions that calls the area home, plus “giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and a rich array of birds,” Gordon says. (From July to September, the Great Migration runs through this stretch of Kenya, too.) The camp can also arrange for hot-air balloon rides, visits to Masai communities, and meals out in the bush for a final hurrah before your flight back to Nairobi.

Itinerary by Daniel Saperstein of Hippo Creek Safaris .

“We’re seeing a growing market in small-group travel, say two to five couples traveling together,” says Saperstein, who devised this itinerary with a group of four in mind. He recommends starting with a stay at Giraffe Manor, in Nairobi. The next morning, it’s onward to Namunyak, and Reteti House , a sibling property to Sarara Camp. “It offers a more private experience for families and small groups, with four en-suite bedrooms for up to 10 people. You’ll be here exclusively, with a full team — including a private chef and guide — who will look after you throughout your stay.” Saperstein also suggests a helicopter flight to the summit of a nearby mountain, for dinner and a night spent under the stars in a mobile fly camp.

Courtesy of Segera Retreat

From Namunyak, Saperstein recommends a private charter onward to Laikipia and Segera Retreat, with the group staying in the private Villa Segera , a two-bedroom suite with a private pool. “The wildlife is thriving here, with endemic species such as reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra found regularly,” he says of the game you’ll likely encounter. Like Rothschild, Saperstein says the Nay Palad Bird Nest suite is a must for one night, “with its open-air roof that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness.”

Courtesy of Great Plains/Mara Plains Camp

You’ll depart Segera on a private charter to the Masai Mara, where your group will post up at the two-bedroom Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains , a Relais & Châteaux camp operated by Great Plains Conservation that’s located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. You’ll have your own game drive vehicle for explorations in the surrounding bush, and forays into the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve can also be arranged, particularly during Great Migration season. Saperstein recommends at least one private hot-air balloon flight for your group, capped with a champagne toast.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “Two Epic Kenya Adventures."

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A Gentleman in Moscow Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

By amor towles.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

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Goodbyes - “An Ambassador”

Towles writes, “ ‘Tis a funny thing, reflected the Count as he stood ready to abandon his suite. For the earliest age, we must learn to say goodbye to friends and family. We see our parents and siblings off at the station ; we visit cousins, attend schools, join the regiment; we marry, or travel abroad. It is part of the human experience that we are constantly gripping a good fellow by the shoulders and wishing him well, taking comfort from the notion that we will hear a word of him soon.” The count’s reflection suggests that goodbyes are inevitable in life: separations from life are expected, for they are part of the progression of life. Communicating with loved ones is imperative in connecting with them after unavoidable partings.

Sadness - “An Appointment”

Towles observes, "Montaigne quotes an array of unimpeachable authorities from the Golden Age who confirmed conclusively that sadness is an emotion best shared." Montaigne’s predominant ideology in the meditation is that human beings should unburden themselves by sharing with others the things which elicit their sadness. Confronting sadness by oneself is cumbersome. Quoting the authorities serves to strengthen Montaigne’s ideology.

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Study Guide for A Gentleman in Moscow

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About friends & family travel.

Friends & Family Travel is an online travel agency based in London, UK that specialises in tailored holiday packages, flights, hotels, and trip planning for our valued customers.

Founded in 2023 by a team of travel enthusiasts, our mission is to take the stress out of travel by providing exceptional customer service and carefully crafted vacations to destinations around the world.

Sundays have always been a “sacred” day for Eva Longoria.

Growing up in Texas, the Golden Globe-nominated actor would go to Sunday Mass with her family before heading to one of her favorite restaurants, Luby’s , where she’d order a fried fish platter with mashed potatoes, corn, buttery dinner rolls and as much soda as she wanted.

“I would still order that today,” she says. “It was such a Sunday treat.”

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

After more than a decade, the “ Desperate Housewives ” star is making her grand return to the small screen in “ Land of Women ,” which premiered this month on Apple TV+. Longoria plays New York socialite Gala, who’s forced to flee her comfortable life after discovering that her husband is on the run from some dangerous criminals. To hide, Longoria’s character brings her teenage daughter (Victoria Bazúa) and aging mother (Carmen Maura) along with her to Spain’s dreamy wine country. The endearing, bilingual dramedy marks Longoria’s first time acting in Spanish.

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“It feels like TV is so gloom and it gives me so much anxiety,” says Longoria, who is also an executive producer on the show. “Every series is about a dystopian future, the world is going to end, an asteroid is coming or everybody is a zombie and I’m just like, ‘ Ugh !’ I just want to escape. I want to have blue skies. I want to look at a show and say, ‘I want to go there.’ That’s what this show is.”

Although Longoria typically avoids leaving her house on Sundays — which she calls “dormingos,” meaning “sleepy Sundays” in Spanish — she concocted her ideal day in L.A. for us, which she’d spend with her husband, José “Pepe” Bastón, and 6-year-old son, Santiago, whom she calls “Santi.”

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

‘Land of Women’ is a lovely and satisfying escape with Eva Longoria and Carmen Maura

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7 a.m.: Cook ‘first’ breakfast for my son

I usually make my son his first breakfast at home because he wakes up and gets hungry. He likes boiled eggs. When I was young, I wouldn’t eat egg yolks. I don’t know where he got this from, but he also doesn’t like egg yolks. Then he’ll have some turkey sausage. I’ll always have some refried beans and fresh flour tortillas [on hand] because I make them for the week. Then we’ll lay in bed and watch a movie.

9 a.m.: A ‘bougie’ second breakfast at the Polo Lounge

On Sundays, we like to take my son to the Polo Lounge because he’s bougie. My son is very bougie. He likes the pancakes there, so Sunday mornings, we like to just wander into the Polo Lounge and get our son some silver dollar pancakes. I like the cappuccinos there. They also have a great avocado toast — that sounds boring. They have really good huevos rancheros as well, which my husband really likes.

10:30 a.m.: Pick up BBQ essentials

After breakfast, we’d stop by Jayde’s Market to pick up the food I’ll be cooking that afternoon. Jayde’s is a local market that has everything I need, including my tequila brand, Casa De l Sol . I can pop in, grab what I need and get back to my Sunday.

11 a.m.: Work out , then hop into the pool

Usually Santi will go into the pool and Pepe and I will go work out, even on a Sunday ’cause Sunday is so lazy, we can work out whenever we want. Our gym is right in front of the pool so we watch him as we work out, then we’ll join him right after.

The sun is out and grilling season is here. This is how we do it in L.A.

Japanese yakitori. Middle Eastern kebab. Argentine and Chilean asados. Thai satays. Korean barbecue. All contribute to the great cacophony of how we cook with fire in Los Angeles.

June 22, 2023

12:30 p.m.: Sunday BBQ with family and friends

Then I usually start prepping a barbecue at home. I always make Sunday barbecues. Our friends and all of the kids come over and they hang out in the pool. That’s definitely our tradition. We always grill so it’s usually rib-eyes, burgers, hot dogs or sausage links. Then I’ll make a salad — most of the time it’s potato salad — and we’ll make tacos out of all the meat. We’ll grill chicken and rib-eye. We always make tortillas and I always make guacamole. I have my Siete chips , the green ones, which are a must in our house. We usually graze a buffet I set out. Nobody leaves. It goes into night and then I end up cooking dinner as well.

7 p.m.: Dinner at Petit Trois

Once everybody is gone, we’ll put Santi to bed. We do bath time, books and then we usually lay with him until he falls asleep. Then we’ll catch a bite at Petit Trois in the Valley. Ugh, it’s my favorite. I like the chicken liver mousse, the mussels and also a nice glass of wine. Their menu is seasonal so it’s always different. Usually if we get the mussels, we’ll have the white wine, but if we have a steak, we’ll have a nice Bordeaux.

Sometimes it’s a toss-up between Petit Trois and Wally’s in Beverly Hills. [Wally’s has] great lentils, baked brie cheese inside bread topped with truffles, truffle pizza, an amazing bone marrow dish that is to die for and amazing charcuterie and cheese. They also have great cocktails. I like to get a Fogliano, a Negroni with prosecco. Of course, they have a great wine list. At Wally’s, you can have one glass of a really good bottle; you don’t have to buy the bottle.

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After decades of anonymity on vitamin store shelves, magnesium is taking a star turn in L.A.’s wellness community. Here’s what it can — and can’t — do for you.

March 6, 2024

9 p.m.: Tea and TV before bed

We’ll come back and Pepe and I will both take our magnesium tea. We’ll drink it in bed. He likes to watch things to go to bed, so he’ll put on a series or a movie, and then he’s out within two minutes. Then I’m stuck, addicted to some random series.

More to Read

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Paul Scheer

June 21, 2024

In ‘Land of Women,’ Eva Longoria leads a desperate trio on the run in Spain’s wine country

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Nancy Silverton

June 7, 2024

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Kailyn Brown is a lifestyle reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she worked as a staff writer for Los Angeles Magazine and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. When she’s not penning an article, she’s DJing at events and parties around the city.

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Postdoctoral researcher Dae Young Bae awarded inaugural Anuj Khandelwal Memorial Travel Award

Dr. Dae Young Bae, a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Liviu Mirica's research group at Illinois, has received the inaugural Anuj Khandelwal Memorial Travel Award.

The Anuj Khandelwal Memorial Fund was established in 2019 in memory of Anuj Khandelwal, who was a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of chemistry Prof. Martin Burke from 2016 until Khandelwal's tragic passing in 2017. Created by his friends and family, the fund supports the Anuj Khandelwal Memorial Travel Award, which provides conference travel funding for postdoctoral researchers in the Department of Chemistry.

Dae Young, who has never attended an in-person national conference in the U.S., will use this award to travel to the Fall American Chemical Society National Meeting in San Francisco in August 2023. 

Dae Young joined the Mirica research group in 2021. He received his PhD from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea, working in the group of Prof. Eunsung Lee on the nitrogen fixation by transition metal complexes with a highly sterically demanding triphenolate amine ligand.

In the Mirica group, Dae Young’s main contributions are in the area of organometallic, especially for C-C and C-heteroatom bond formation reactions.

Mirica said Dae Young has been an essential member of the research group. He added that he is one of the top postdoctoral scholars he has ever had in his research group and among the top 10 percent of students and postdoctoral scholars he has worked with during his academic training at Caltech, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. Mirica said Dae Young is first author on a detailed mechanistic study that will be submitted for publication very soon and has made significant contributions to a recently published work on C–H bonds and is first author on another manuscript that will be submitted soon describing an extensive set of computational studies that Dae Young has just completed.

Mirica said Dae Young has been very productive, showing great motivation to complete assigned projects and well-written manuscript drafts and has also demonstrated great resilience in attacking difficult scientific problems.

"Dae Young is a very strong, independent researcher with a great scientific curiosity and incredible work ethic. Moreover, Dae Young is extremely knowledgeable and served as an excellent mentor for graduate students and undergraduates, always willing to help everyone in the lab with any questions they may have, suggesting that he will be an excellent teacher and research mentor," Mirica said.

Jay Slater's family holds on to hope - as online sleuths travel to Tenerife in hunt for missing British teen

The 19-year-old had been on holiday with some friends in Tenerife when he went missing on 17 June after attending a music festival.

North of England correspondent @ShingiMararike

Monday 24 June 2024 19:45, UK

More than a week on from Jay Slater's disappearance, his dad Warren is still doing everything he can in the effort to help find his son.

He is holding on to hope, even as the situation becomes increasingly desperate.

This morning in the town of Santiago del Teide on the outskirts of the national park where Jay went missing, Warren was surrounded by a group of family friends , all armed with posters covered in Jay's face, asking anyone with information to alert the police.

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The group are convinced that a blurry screenshot of some CCTV footage is a key piece of information, telling journalists it shows Jay in the town square, 10 hours after his phone was last located.

The Spanish police have not confirmed the sighting and beneath Warren's hope is frustration too.

He told us some officers had been "brilliant", but that there had also been a lack of communication from others.

"They could be doing everything but if they are doing [something], they're not telling us what they're doing, if you understand what I'm saying," he said.

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The image of Warren at points tearful, and surrounded by cameras, is a snapshot of the interest and speculation that has surrounded this case.

That press attention on the ground in Tenerife is dwarfed by an online storm of conspiracy and debate that has even seen a group of Britons come to Tenerife, taking themselves up to the arid, treacherous landscape where emergency services have so far failed to find the bricklayer from Lancashire.

Read more: What we know about the search - one week on 'Picture being painted of Jay Slater is just not true'

In Santiago del Teide we meet one of those people, Paul Arnott, who has been sharing clips of his own search effort on social media, including TikTok. "I heard on the internet, but they needed help," he said.

"I was following the story and I wasn't planning to come out, but as soon as I heard they needed help, that's when I came out," said Mr Arnott, 29, from Bedfordshire.

He added: "It's a search and rescue, but the more people are involved the better it's going to be."

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While people like Paul defy official advice to try and help, the formal search at the scene which last week saw drones, sniffer dogs and helicopters deployed, seems to be getting smaller.

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Today a handful of officers stood and surveyed the area, clearly not much closer to resolving this strange case.

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Russia warns it can take unspecified measures in response to US drone flights over Black Sea

Associated Press

Russia's defense minister ordered officials to prepare a “response” to U.S. drone flights over the Black Sea, the ministry said Friday, in an apparent warning that Moscow may take forceful action to ward off the American reconnaissance aircraft.

The Russian Defense Ministry noted a recent “increased intensity” of U.S. drones over the Black Sea, saying they “conduct intelligence and targeting for precision weapons supplied to the Ukrainian military by Western countries for strikes on Russian facilities.”

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“It shows an increased involvement of the U.S. and other NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine on the side of the Kyiv regime,” the ministry said in a statement.

It noted that “such flights significantly increase the probability of incidents involving Russian military aircraft, which increases the risk of direct confrontation between the alliance and the Russian Federation.”

“NATO members will bear responsibility for that,” it added.

The ministry said that Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has directed the General Staff to “make proposals on measures of operative response to provocations.”

Washington and Moscow have clashed before over the issue. In March 2023 , a Russian Su-27 fighter jet damaged a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, causing it to crash into the Black Sea. It was the first direct clash between Russian and U.S. forces since the Cold War.

A repeat of such a confrontation could further fuel tensions over the war in Ukraine .

The Pentagon and U.S. European Command said after the incident that two Russian Su-27 aircraft dumped fuel on the MQ-9, which was conducting a routine surveillance mission over the Black Sea in international airspace.

The Russian Defense Ministry said then that the U.S. drone was flying near the Russian border and intruded into an area that was declared off-limits by Russian authorities.

Russia has declared broad areas near Crimea off-limits to flights. Ever since Russia's 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea and long before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow accused U.S. surveillance planes of flying too close to its borders while ignoring the notices issued by Russia.

Friday's Russian statement follows a Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol over the weekend with U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, which killed four and injured about 150, according to Russian authorities.

Russian officials have claimed that the U.S. was directly involved in the attack by providing intelligence and targeting and warned to take retaliatory measures.

Also Friday, the Belarusian military said it has beefed up its forces along Ukraine’s northern border in response to what it described as security threats.

The Belarusian Defense Ministry said that it has deployed multiple rocket launchers in an unspecified section of the 1,084-kilometer (700-mile) border.

Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has close ties with Russia and allowed Moscow to use his country’s territory to invade Ukraine in February 2022.

The Belarusian announcement came after the country’s border agency claimed its troops downed a Ukrainian drone that flew across the border to gather intelligence.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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