Vail Mountain, the world’s premier alpine destination, is redefining winter travel with an extraordinary blend of sport, culture, and entertainment for the 2025/26 winter season. More than 50 live music events will span the mountain and the villages, featuring headline performances by GRAMMY-nominated duo Sofi Tukker (Dec. 13 at Ford Park) and EDM icon Dillon Francis (Jan. 9 at Chasing Rabbits). This season kicks off with Stoke Sessions (Nov. 14–Dec. 5), featuring Blu DeTiger, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, The Runaway Groms, and American Authors in Vail Village, and Après at the Amp (April 10–11) rounds out a season of sound, snow, and celebration.

Virgin Australia has become the first Australian airline to welcome pets in the cabin on flights between Melbourne, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The “Pets in Cabin” service will now allow small dogs and cats to travel with their owners for an additional fee of  $149 (£73) per animal.

Pets must travel in an approved, soft-sided, leak-proof carrier with absorbent mats inside and remain stowed under the seat for the entire flight duration.

The Pets in Cabin service will initially launch as a trial until 30 January 2026 in order for the airline to gather important feedback from customers. Virgin Australia plans on expanding the service to all eligible domestic flights by late next year.

There is a limit of four pets weighing under eight kilograms that will be permitted with passengers on each of the eligible flights.

Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said:

“I’m thrilled to see Virgin Australia once again rewriting the rule book of aviation. Allowing pets to travel in the cabin speaks to Virgin Australia’s spirit of doing things differently and I can’t wait to see the joy this new service brings to travellers and their four-legged companions.

Guests travelling with pets will be seated in window seats in two designated rows only (seats 18A and 18F and 20A and 20F). Pets will not be permitted to be stowed under any other seat on the aircraft.

There are stipulations: pets must be up to date with vaccinations before travel n accordance with food standards regulations, pets are not permitted in any food and beverage service areas, including Virgin Australia Lounges.

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WHAT

Simple Things is Bristol’s independent, multi-venue celebration of forward-thinking music and culture. Curated by Crack Magazine, Team Love, and Bristol Beacon, it returns for its 11th edition this November, transforming the city into a hub of experimental sounds, live performances, and late-night energy.

The week-long programme includes stand-alone shows from Autechre, John Maus, and Daniel Avery, culminating in a full-day city takeover on Saturday, 8 November. Across venues large and small, the festival offers a chance to experience the next generation of artists before they hit the wider radar — from Bristol’s underground innovators to international trailblazers.

This year’s line-up also features TAKKUUK, a Bicep-scored audio-visual film exploring Arctic life and climate, screened at the newly reopened Bristol Megascreen.

WHERE

Bristol’s city centre provides the perfect backdrop — from the grand spaces of Bristol Beacon to intimate clubs and warehouse venues scattered through Stokes Croft and the Old City. The festival’s footprint encourages exploration: music blends seamlessly with the cafés, bars, and independent spirit that define Bristol’s creative scene.

WHEN

4–9 November 2025, with the main festival day on Saturday, 8 November.

WHY

Simple Things offers an unfiltered glimpse into Bristol’s artistic core — a place where you can catch bold new sounds, meet an audience that lives for discovery, and feel the city’s cultural energy up close. It’s part festival, part adventure through one of the UK’s most dynamic creative cities.

GETTING THERE

Bristol is easily reached by train from London Paddington in under two hours, or by car via the M4 or M5. The city centre is walkable and well-served by public transport, making venue-hopping straightforward. Bristol Airport also offers direct flights from most major UK and European cities.

WHERE TO STAY

Stay in the heart of the action at The Bristol (part of The Doyle Collection), perfectly positioned on the harbourside with sleek rooms and a great restaurant. Other popular choices include Artist Residence Bristol, with its boutique charm and bar buzz, and Moxy Bristol, a short walk from several festival venues.

WHAT YOU’LL PAY

Tickets for the main Saturday festival start at around £55, with separate tickets available for individual midweek shows.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable shoes, curiosity, and an open mind — you’ll be crossing venues, discovering new artists, and seeing Bristol at its boldest.

CAN’T MAKE IT?

Stay tuned – The Travel Magazine will be on the ground bringing you the sounds, the scenes, and the serendipitous discoveries that make Bristol one of Europe’s most inventive small cities. 

More info and tickets: simplethingsfestival.co.uk

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Honestly, I’m surprised it’s still available