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KAYAK REVEALS ITS CHEAPEST AND QUIETEST DAYS TO FLY OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD 2024

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KAYAK’s Travel Check-In: Christmas and New Year 2024 reveals average flight prices are 28% cheaper on 31st December when flying outside of EuropeNew Year’s Eve is also the quietest departure date for travel outside of EuropeFlights to Santa Claus’ Village Rovaniemi, Finland have better savings in 2024 than anywhere else – a staggering 22% cheaper than 2023

LONDON, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — From Buenos Aires to Singapore, Brits looking for cheaper long-haul flights outside of Europe this festive period could save up to 28% on average by leaving on 31st December compared to other departure dates, according to new research.

The Travel Check In: Christmas and New Year 2024 released by KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, analysed roundtrip economy domestic, European and long-haul flights on KAYAK.co.uk across the Christmas and New Year holiday period (defined as 14 December 2024 – 06 January 2025) to help jet-setting Brits time their journeys in a cost-effective way.

BEST TIME TO BOOK AND TRAVEL

Long-haul flights (outside Europe)

For Brits who would like to fly undisturbed and in peace, New Year’s Eve is their best bet as it’s set to be the quietest and currently most affordable day to take off over the festive period for long-haul travel according to KAYAK data.

For travellers looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of a packed airport, they should avoid flying on 20th December, as it’s predicted to be the busiest day. Not only that, but flying on that day will cost the same travellers a hefty premium as flights are coming in at 24% more expensive on average compared to other departure days during the festive period.

And, unless Brits coming back are willing to fly home on Boxing Day when prices drop by 24% on average compared to other festive departure dates, they could face a steep rise in air fares as long-haul flights on 4th January 2025 typically rise by 30% more than other dates during this period, due to school holidays and work return dates.

European flights

Whether it’s checking out the Christmas market in Berlin or admiring the Notre-Dame Christmas Tree in Paris, for trips within Europe, search data reveals the best date to head out is 16th December, where travellers can save on average 22% on plane tickets, against other days during this period. On the flip side, flying on 28th December will cost a pretty penny, with flights coming up 21% higher on average. 

And passengers travelling to Europe who hope to breeze through the airport should mark 15th December as the day to travel as it’s looking to be the quietest day to fly, whilst carefully avoiding 21st December as it’s predicted to be the top crowd magnet.

Domestic flights

Travellers venturing home to see loved ones across all areas of the UK could score big on savings with flights 11% cheaper on 30th December over any other calendar date this festive period. But, keep an eye on 20th December, when bank accounts might feel the squeeze as they rise 19%, compared to other festive dates.

For a chilled airport vibe, opt to fly on 29th December, when search data suggests terminals are set to be the quietest. If travelling on 21st December is a non-negotiable, then be prepared for the festive frenzy and expect the airport to be buzzing.

BEST AND WORST VALUE DATES TO DEPART FROM THE UK THIS FESTIVE PERIOD

Destination type

KAYAK’s best value departure date

Savings vs average day

KAYAK’s worst value departure date

Spendings vs average day

Domestic

30th December 2024

-11 %

20th December 2024

+19 %

Europe

16th December 2024

-22 %

28th December 2024

+21 %

International outside Europe

31st December 2024

-28 %

20th December 2024

+24 %

BIGGEST PRICE DROPS FOR 2024’S FESTIVE PERIOD VS 2023

The expert’s insights also reveal that average flight prices during this period are expected to be 3% cheaper at £826 on average, down from an average £851 last year, meaning Brits can put their savings towards an extra meal or tipple during their festive getaway.

To help further with savings, KAYAK’s data from last year reveals its optimum time to book flights over the festive period. The data revealed that Brits found a better-value flight price booking two months in advance, saving 8% on flights within the UK and 4% to Europe, in comparison to booking at another time. For long-haul flights outside Europe, booking at the end of November saved travellers 7% on average, compared to those booking earlier or later.

So, where should Brits looking for a cheaper winter escape head to in 2024? For those looking for a white Christmas, Rovaniemi, in Lapland, Finland could be the place to go. Flights to the home of the iconic Santa Claus Village have dropped more in price this year than any other destination, with a return trip to currently cost £390 on average – a saving of 22% compared to 2023.

Other destinations that have seen big reductions in flight costs this festive season include Prague (-20%), Christchurch (-18%), Brisbane (-17%), and Edinburgh (-16%).

KAYAK’S TOP 10 BIGGEST PRICE DROPS, BASED ON SAVINGS COMPARED TO 2023

Rank

Destination

Average return trip price 2023

Average return trip price 2024

Price change 2024 vs 2023

1

Rovaniemi, Finland

£497

£390

-22 %

2

Prague, Czech Republic

£169

£136

-20 %

3

Christchurch, New Zealand

£1,898

£1,550

-18 %

4

Brisbane, Australia

£1,814

£1,512

-17 %

5

Edinburgh, Scotland

£113

£94

-16 %

9

New Delhi, India

£839

£723

-14 %

9

Singapore, Singapore

£1,101

£950

-14 %

9

Buenos Aires, Argentina

£1,339

£1,156

-14 %

9

Paris, France

£139

£120

-14 %

10

Hyderabad, India

£862

£748

-13 %

Rachel Mumford, KAYAK UK Travel Expert, commented: “While it can be lovely travelling during Christmas and New Year, there are some considerations, to avoid adding to an already rather expensive time of year. Flexibility with your departure and return dates can lower your airfare, and help you avoid longer travel times.

“If you want to travel but aren’t sure where, check out KAYAK’s explore page. You can find a destination to suit everyone’s taste, but most importantly their budget too.”

Notes to Editors

About KAYAK

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of searches on our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, accommodation, car rental and holiday package. We also support business travellers with our corporate travel solution.

KAYAK Data Methodology: 

Based on an analysis of return economy flight searches made on KAYAK.co.uk and associated brands between 14-06-2024 and 14-09-2024 for flights for departure from any UK airport between 14-12-2024 and 06-01-2025, defined as the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Year-on-year data is based on the comparison to the same search and travel periods in the previous years. All flight prices mentioned are average prices for economy, return tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.

Contact: kayak@ready10.media 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kayak-reveals-its-cheapest-and-quietest-days-to-fly-over-the-festive-period-2024-302288464.html

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Monster Energy’s UNLEASHED Podcast Welcomes UFC Reporter Nina Drama

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Monster Energy proudly presents UFC reporter and internet sensation Nina Drama on Episode 413 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney podcast.

CORONA, Calif., Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Social Media Powerhouse With 11 Million Followers Joins Episode 413 of Sports and Pop Culture Podcast.

“I think the MMA community is one of the most brutal and hardest communities to be part of. You just have to be prepared and wrap your head around it.” – Nina Drama

The MMA reporting phenomenon is here! Monster Energy proudly presents UFC reporter and internet sensation Nina Drama on Episode 413 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney podcast. Known for her viral interviews and comedic takes on MMA, Drama’s work has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing an impressive 11 million combined followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Born Nina-Marie Daniele in Pelham, New York, Drama has taken the world of mixed martial arts by storm and carved a unique path in the MMA world with her unorthodox interviews that unveil the lighter, more human side of even the toughest fighters.

Reflecting on her path to success, Drama shared on UNLEASHED: “Growing up, I was super quiet and introverted. As I got older, I had to learn to be like everyone else. And I was super focused on not being the weird one of the group every time. But then I came to embrace the weirdness of being an only child and doing things a little bit differently. I don’t know how to be anyone else but myself. And now I’m here!”

Catch the full conversation with Nina Drama, whose humor and authenticity have broken barriers in a male-dominated sport and have UFC stars dropping their guard on Episode 413 of UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney Fueled by Monster Energy. The new podcast is streaming now on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

Drama’s ability to connect with UFC stars like Jon Jones, Sean Strickland, and Alex Pereira has made her a fan favorite across multiple platforms. And audiences can’t get enough: Boasting a social media following amounting to millions of hungry viewers, Drama keeps the hits coming with original content live from behind the scenes at milestone UFC events. The secret to her lighting fast rise to fame? Listen closely as the talented interviewer becomes the interviewee – only on UNLEASHED!

Hear the full story in conversation with podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and artist and model Brittney Palmer. Follow the link to tune in here.

Before becoming an MMA sensation, Drama enjoyed a successful modeling career but found it unfulfilling.

“One thing I always wanted to do is interview fighters, but I didn’t know how. I had modeled for 12 years, but it was not fulfilling. It just felt really vapid after a while, and there wasn’t anything satiating about it anymore,” said Drama, adding: “I was done with the industry and did not want to be a part of it anymore.”

During the pandemic, she pivoted, creating comedy skits that resonated with audiences and set the stage for her breakout in MMA reporting.

“I love MMA. I grew up doing karate, and my mom was a martial artist. I went to a boxing gym. This is what I wanted to do, but how do you change from modeling to comedy content to MMA content?”

The transition into MMA was far from easy. Asked how she initially gained acceptance (as a woman) in the hard-boiled world of fight sports, Drama offered: “My audience was like, what the hell are you doing? But they stayed! And once I got into the MMA community, it was an interesting crossover. I was like, how do I take MMA and turn it into comedy so that everybody can absorb it, not just the niche MMA demographic?”

Despite challenges breaking into the MMA community, Drama persisted, turning skeptics into loyal fans with her humorous and relatable content. Her offbeat sparring sessions with fighters and behind-the-scenes exclusives have become instant classics, raking in millions of views and solidifying her status as a social media powerhouse. Today, she commands 4.2 million followers on TikTok, 2.7 million followers on Instagram, and 1.3 million YouTube subscribers.

Drama was recently honored as MMA Personality of the Year for her innovative approach to MMA reporting. This accolade cements her status as a prominent figure in the fight sports community and highlights the significant influence of her humorous yet profoundly insightful interviews with both UFC champions and emerging talents.

Has the fame made her job behind the microphone easier? “Every day is a struggle. Good and bad, I love it all. I think the MMA community is one of the most brutal and hardest communities to be part of. You just have to be prepared and wrap your head around it,” said Drama on UNLEASHED.

Want the full scoop on the UFC’s rising backstage reporter? Catch the entire episode by visiting the landing page for Episode 413 of UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney featuring Nina Drama.

Regular episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and are joined by painter and model Brittney Palmer. Together, the three hosts possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.

Download photos for editorial use.

The UNLEASHED with The Dingo, Danny, and Brittney Podcast is here to celebrate the personalities behind the Monster Energy lifestyle. With each episode dedicated to a unique guest or topic, listeners learn about living on the edge and advancing the state of the art in the world of high-energy sports as well as music, games, and pop culture from individuals at the top of their game. More than a drink, Monster Energy is a way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers, and fans – and the podcast is an extension of this unique DNA.

For more on Monster Energy and the UNLEASHED Podcast, visit http://www.monsterenergy.com. Also,Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for exclusive content and athlete features.

About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.

Media Contact

Kimberly Paige Dresser, Indie Agency, Inc., (949) 300-5546, kim.dresser@indiepragency.com, https://www.indiepragency.com

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SOURCE Monster Energy

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Cathay United Bank Launches First “Taiwan Premium Health Check-Up & Accommodation” Package for Affluent Cambodian Customers

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TAIPEI, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With over a decade of experience in developing the Cambodian market, Cathay United Bank has recently expanded its corporate and consumer banking services in Cambodia, aligning with the Cathay Financial Holdings’ strategic development goals. To enhance services for its affluent credit and debit cardholders, Cathay United Bank Cambodia (CUBC) has partnered with Visa, a leading payment technology company, in a first-ever collaboration. This collaboration features the Cathay Healthcare Management Dun-Nan Center and the Madison Taipei Hotel—a boutique hotel under Cathay Hospitality Management—offering Cambodian cardholders access to professional medical services in Taiwan, along with a luxurious and relaxing experience through its premium health check package. This package is available from now until December 15, 2025.

CUBC President Kevin Yeh emphasized that Cathay United Bank has over a decade of experience in Cambodia’s credit card industry and was the first bank in the country to issue the Visa Infinite Card. From 2023 to the present, the top 2% of cardholders have contributed an impressive 45% of CUBC’s total card transaction volume.

The demand for premium medical services among high-end Cambodian customers has grown significantly in recent years, with many opting to travel overseas for medical treatments and health checks each year. Popular destinations include Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan. According to the 2024 edition of the CEOWORLD Magazine Health Care Index, Taiwan has been ranked as the country with the world’s best healthcare system. To cater to its high-end customers, CUBC has leveraged the Cathay Group’s healthcare and hospitality resources to offer a luxurious healthcare holiday. In addition to premium health checks, customers will enjoy dedicated services such as a personal butler at Madison Taipei Hotel, chauffeur service, etc., offering them an opportunity to experience the timeless charm of Taiwan.

CUBC Visa Infinite cardholders who book the premium health check package are eligible for a 3% rebate on transactions made at department stores or restaurants in Taiwan until May 31, 2025. Furthermore, they can redeem 100% of their CashPoint for health checks and accommodation expenses until December 31, 2025. With CUBC’s Visa Infinite card, customers can enjoy exclusive, upscale services in style.

Table: CUBC Premium Health Check in Taiwan Package (12/16/2024-12/15/2025). Please refer to the official website:  www.cathaybk.com.kh/personal/card-promotions

Health Check

A comprehensive checkup at Dun-Nan Healthcare Center 
Limited to 2 individuals per day. The health check includes MRI of seven regions, 640-slice CT Cardiac CTA, brain and carotid MRA, low-dose lung CT, cardiovascular examinations, DXA whole-body fat analysis, optical coherence tomography, etc.

 

Accommodation

Madison Taipei Hotel
Renowned for its subtle luxury and understated elegance, Madison Taipei Hotel is a boutique hotel under Cathay Hospitality Management. The hotel has been recommended by the Michelin Guide Taipei, earned distinctions at the World Luxury Hotel Awards for three consecutive years, and was ranked among the top 25 of Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. 

Madison Taipei Hotel offers customers the dedicated services of British-style butler service. In addition to exclusive accommodation offers, this delightful package also includes a chauffeur to drive customers to their premium health check.

 

CUBC Visa Infinite Card

 

Until May 31, 2025:Customers can enjoy a 3% rebate on transactions made at department stores and restaurants in Taiwan Until December 31, 2025:100% of CashPoint can be redeemed for health check and accommodation expenses.

 

 

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SOURCE Cathay United Bank

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2025 Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship Returns With New Benchmark Of US$1.5 Million Purse

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Women pro golfers in top 100 among competitors in 2nd annual tournamentDefending champion Haruka Kawasaki of Japan sets sights on back-to-back titlesComeback in Taiwan for former World No. 1 Jiyai Shin of South KoreaFoxconn-sponsored Chia-Yen Wu, hometown favorite, spotlighted for 2nd year

TAIPEI, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA), in collaboration with title sponsor Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), is thrilled to announce the 2025 Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship. In its second edition, top women pro golfers will compete for a record-breaking total purse of US$1.5 million, marking a 50% increase from last year and setting a new benchmark for the TLPGA Tour.

The multi-day tournament will take place February 27 to March 2 at the Orient Golf & Country Club in Taiwan, where the event was inaugurated in 2024. For the first time, the TLPGA-sanctioned tournament will feature international live broadcast coverage, airing in Japan on Sky A, alongside VL Sports and Sportcast Sports in Taiwan.

World-Class Competition

The 2025 Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship sets itself apart with its exceptional ranking points, substantial prize money, and elite sportsmanship. Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics manufacturing service provider and as the title sponsor, is honored to drive the TLPGA Tour’s international presence and competitive growth.

Aim High. Swing Brilliantly.

The 2025 Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship has attracted over 140 international players since registration opened in December 2024, showcasing the tournament’s growing prestige. Leading the field are defending champion Haruka Kawasaki of Japan, and last year’s runner-up Yu-Sang Hou of Taiwan. Foxconn-sponsored rising star Chia-Yen Wu, the 20-year-old currently ranked among the top three in Taiwan, will compete for the second year.

Adding to the excitement, former World No. 1 Jiyai Shin of South Korea will make her highly anticipated return to Taiwan after seven years, entering as a top contender following her recent triumph at the ISPS Handa Australian Open. This year’s match is set to feature over ten elite players ranked among the world’s top 100. Following the impressive performances by Japanese players last year, the 2025 Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship will see more than 15 players from the JLPGA Tour competing for the championship trophy. The final player roster will be announced on 17 January 2025.

About TLPGA here.

About Foxconn here.

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SOURCE Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship

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