This Week in the World: Week 14

Hello again! Hope those of you who celebrate Easter had a nice holiday weekend. I took yesterday off to celebrate my birthday and to enjoy the sunshine, some of my favorite treats and time with my friends. It was a really sweet day and I feel so thankful for the people in my life!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 14.

TRAVEL NEWS + INSPIRATION:

• The CDC says that vaccinated people can travel safely again!

• 5 things we know about flying this summer.

• 9 of the best places to retire in Europe.

• The Lourve just put its entire collection online.

• Restaurant scenes have changed everywhere because of COVID. Here are the best new restaurant openings in London this year to visit next time you visit!

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE LISTEN: This podcast on how to be a better listener was…a good listen.

• FAVORITE FIND: This map shows the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.

• FAVORITE READ: I loved THIS INTERVIEW with Holly McKinlay from the World Wildlife Fund where she shares about her mission to create big scale solutions to save our planet, how roses and rosé have got her through COVID-19 and why ‘It’s ok not to be ok” is something we can all learn from.

MISCELLANEOUS

• I start tennis lessons next week, so I enjoyed THIS VIDEO on some techniques you can practice… even if you’re playing solo!

• A recent landmark report claims that the UK is no longer a country where the “system is deliberately rigged against ethnic minorities”, but this has been largely criticized by many who feel it does not address structural issues.

• Nine destinations that should be on every cheese-lover's bucket list.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 13

Hello again! It’s a “pour another cup of coffee” morning over here, as the UK finally sprung forward to begin Daylight Savings last night (we’re two weeks behind the US). I’m very pleased that it will be light out until 7:30pm tonight (and pretty soon it will be light until after 9pm here! I love British summertime!) We have some gorgeous weather ahead, which is great because starting tomorrow we’re allowed to have picnics outdoors with up to 6 people from other households! And pretty soon (April 12th) our shops can reopen and we’ll be allowed to dine outdoors at restaurants… I can hardly wait!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 13.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION:

• Want to go to Europe this summer? Here are your options.

• Why I remain hopeful about the future of travel.

• Craving a bit of culture? Here’s how to make the ultimate Japanese comfort food: udon noodles.

• Travelers are sitting on more than $10 billion in airline credits — here’s what do to do before they expire.

AROUND THE WORLD:

• New Zealand parliament passed a new law this week that allows couples who have a miscarriage or stillbirth to be eligible for paid bereavement leave. I think Jacinda is so great and appreciate so many of the policies she has implemented over the years!

• These two reporters write about gun violence in America as their full-time jobs (and have been doing so for over a decade). I enjoyed this piece they wrote on why everything about America’s gun debate is wrong.

• I am highly sensitive when it comes to animals so I had to take a break before I could finish… but Netflix’s ‘Seaspiracy’ is going to change your thoughts on seafood forever. I know how much we all love food, but I believe it really is so important for all of us to be more mindful consumers (reducing the amount of meat we eat can have a huge impact on the planet... and there are tons of delicious vegetarian options!) But beyond our diet alone, all of us have a responsibility to use as little plastic as we can. As I saw it put “we don’t need a handful of people living zero-waste or vegan lifestyles perfectly… we need millions of people imperfectly making some effort.”

• London sprung forward last night (our Daylight Savings begins 2 weeks after the US). Here’s what happens to Big Ben when the clocks all change.

• Here’s a simple explanation of what happened at the Suez Canal.

• I saw my friend Rebecca share that Paris will be the first to commit to staging a climate-positive Olympic and Paralympic games when they host in 2024. Very excited to see this!

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE LISTEN: All men need to play a part in ending violence against women, and this podcast highlights what that can and should look like.

• FAVORITE FIND: Speaking of violence against women, I ordered a Birdie Personal Alarm to keep on my keychain to feel a bit safer whenever I’m walking alone. You can use code BLONDEATLAS at checkout to save 10%.

• FAVORITE SAVES: A few Instagram posts I loved and saved this week are HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE AND HERE.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 12

Hello again, and thanks for joining me to read another issue of “This Week in the World”. It is officially spring (as of yesterday) and London’s blooms are out in full force! It’s certainly made my walks more enjoyable when unassuming corners suddenly look like this. This change in seasons is ushering in a lot of planning for the brighter days ahead (I know I’m starting to make my own travel plans…including an Atlas Adventure announcement coming soon!) I also mentioned last week that I’ve seen a surge in travel planning inquiries, so be sure to contact me for a consult (more HERE) or watch my online courses if you’re in need of some assistance.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 12.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• Did you just get vaccinated? Here are 5 tips to plan your first ‘vaxication’

• Data Shows a Summer Travel Surge Is Coming. Will Airfares Surge, Too?

• Work From Abroad in These 15 Countries Welcoming Long-Term American Travelers

• Are you starting to make plans for future travel? Make sure to check out my online courses for a lot of helpful information to help you get started with destinations like Rome, Paris, Amalfi Coast, Greece, London, the south of France, the Italian Riviera, Amsterdam, Ireland, Portugal and more.

• 17 of the prettiest villages in Greece

• These Organizations Are Working With Communities to Make Tourism More Sustainable

• Do you have a fear of flying? Here is how science and psychology can help you overcome it.

AROUND THE WORLD

• Spain to launch trial of four day work week

• 22 Fantastic London Music Festivals Happening In Summer 2021

• 7 Lessons Learned From the Happiest Country in the World

• These 9 Luxury Train Routes in Europe Feel Straight Out of an Old Movie

MISCELLANEOUS

• I used to be a terrible sleeper until I regularly started taking these daily drops before bed (they are currently 22% off, and another 15% off if you're a new customer and use code BLONDEATLAS at checkout!)

• 7 Concrete Ways to Do Your Part for the Asian American Community Right Now

• 7 People Making Sustainability and Social Justice a Priority in Science, Wine, Tourism, and Beyond

• I am excited to listen to some episodes from this list of “The 14 best podcasts to listen to in 2021” on my walk this week!

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney