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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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The World's Coolest Party Tours, Beer Trips & Festival Tours !

Combine your love of travel and a good party and enjoy the ultimate party holiday on our incredible festival and party tours through Europe, Australia and Asia. Thirsty Swagman takes you to the best party & festival destinations and beer trips with zero boring sightseeing!

At Thirsty Swagman we believe that relaxing with a beer (or any drink for that matter) is one of the great pleasures of life and the best way to make new friends and meet the locals.

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In the first place, we aim to turn your events either big or small, into unforgettable occasions uniquely. To enumerate; We provide rental for weddings and corporate events , Party Bus may also be hired for any happy event like a birthday celebration , bachelorette party , or even a night out , likewise turn it into an incredible adventure in addition to this we simultaneously provide transport for Other Events such as Funeral also. Above all there’s nothing better than putting on your best dress and traveling in a shiny, luxurious, and comfortable Party bus together with your friends for instance. Looking for the best Party Bus rental in Sunnyvale, Plaza del Rey, San Miguel, , Nimitz, Heritage District, Lowlanders, Wrightmont Corners additionally in surrounding localities, look no further get in touch with Falcon Tour travel and get amazed straightaway by our huge fleet of top-notch vehicles unlike any other that will make you the center of attention immediately, wherever you go. On the other hand, You may find a plethora of Party Bus services in Sunnyvale, Plaza del Rey, San Miguel, , Nimitz, Heritage District, Lowlanders, Wrightmont Corners, surrounding localities! However, in essence what sets us apart from others particularly are our highly professional, courteous, and truly trustworthy chauffeurs. To summarize, staff is trained to meet your needs alongside going beyond your expectations besides providing the best customer service at the same time. Therefore, if you have a big day coming ahead, or you’re planning a party with your friends to celebrate some time off from work significantly then book a ride with Falcon Tour Travel in any event correspondingly.

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Smallest Party Bus can hold up to 12 people and costs about $120 to $280 per hour on the other hand if you have a bigger crowd? 14-15 passenger party bus rental Sunnyvale prices vary from $150 per hour from Monday to Thursday and $185 per hour on Friday and weekends. Furthermore Bigger Limo Buses can hold 16 to 60 passengers and are priced around $199 to $350 per hour. In like manner Stretch Limo cost starts from $145 to $225 per hour. Not to mention, Bus prices for Weddings Parties are based on Wedding Packages which are for a minimum of 3 hours , Whereas Prom Packages are charged per person for 5 or 6 hours.

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Party Bus Rental Long Beach City offers a vast range of Party buses to suit your all kinds of transportation requests. We’re having 20 , 30 , 40 , and as well as 50 passenger party buses  in this case depending on your group size. Motor Coaches can take up to 45-52 passengers, Alternatively for smaller groups below 30 passengers we have mini bus and shuttle bus besides vans.  Including but not limited to Party Buses serving Plaza del Rey, San Miguel, , Nimitz, Heritage District, Lowlanders, Wrightmont Corners and nearby areas. Book our affordable party bus Sunnyvale for your event, we will assist you right from the first call! note* All Our Party Buses Are Non Smoking.

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• Wedding Transportation -Have to plan a wedding in Sunnyvale? Meanwhile, select the right vehicles for the Bride/Groom Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Shuttle for Guests from Hotel to Reception & Venue.
• Prom and Homecoming Dances – Without a Doubt one of the most exciting events in ones early life when you get to travel with your peers to a prom night to arrive in style and steal the show absolutely with our Stretch Limo or prom party buses .
• Birthdays – Plan the ultimate bash for yourself or your loved ones. Choose the desired vehicle as per your request.
• Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties – If you want to go bar hop or a night out with your friends we will make that special night smooth and flowing so you can relax and have all the fun.
• Sports Events – Want to go for a sporting event? Basketball, Football or Baseball game with your crew apart from this you can  Hire a Stretch limo or party bus in Sunnyvale for a concert likewise.

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Our Focus is on providing quality service with affordability in fact but to let you know, Sunnyvale party bus rates are calculated on such factors owing to: The type of vehicle, total duration of the hire, no. of passengers, One-way or Round Trip. Each request is different for this reason we have made some packages for certain types of events to choose from! The Pricing can either be calculated online with our reservation system also you may call us & our reservation specialist will assist you with it furthermore.

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What are the best things to do when in Sunnyvale? Listed a few popular spots here additionally.

• California’s Great America – California’s Great America is an amusement park located in Santa Clara, California. It offers a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
• Winchester Mystery House – The Winchester Mystery House is a historic mansion located in San Jose, California. It was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester, the heir to the Winchester rifle fortune.
• Baylands Park – Baylands Park is a scenic recreational area located in Sunnyvale, California, within the heart of Silicon Valley.
• Computer History Museum – The Computer History Museum is a renowned institution located in Mountain View, California, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing and its impact on society.
• Other interesting spots in Sunnyvale – Frequently visited place listed here, Particularly in the area!

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Travis Kelce Joins Taylor Swift on Stage for Surprise ‘Eras Tour’ Appearance and Literally Sweeps Her Off Her Feet

Gracie Abrams also joined Swift for a surprise duet of their song 'Us' in the weekend's third and final London show.

By Michaela Zee

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Taylor Swift performed at the third and final night of the Eras tour ‘s London stop on Sunday evening, during which a surprise guest joined her on stage: her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce .

Kelce, dressed in a tailcoat and top hat, literally swept the pop star off her feet during the “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” transition of Swift’s show at Wembley Stadium. He then performed a short routine alongside Swift’s dancers, who were wearing the same attire as Kelce.

🚨| TRAVIS KELCE'S FULL SURPRISE APPEARANCE FOR "I CAN DO IT WITH A BROKEN HEART" AT TODAY'S SHOW! #LONDONTSTHEERASTOUR pic.twitter.com/NxWKlOes4g — The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) June 23, 2024

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Taylor and Gracie singing ‘us’ for the first time ever #LondonTSTheErastour pic.twitter.com/6BflReRvZE — The Eras Tour (@TSTheErasTour) June 23, 2024

After Abrams’ departure, Swift then did the other surprise song of the night, an acoustic version of the “1989” favorite “Out of the Woods,” which was briefly mashed up at the end with another track from that album, “Clean.”

Although he didn’t count as an official special guest, Paul McCartney became a trending topic on X when he was spotted and filmed dancing to “But Daddy I Love Him!” on the floor of the arena.

🚨| Paul McCartney having the time of his life dancing along to "But Daddy I Love Him" as Taylor Swift performs live at today's show! #LondonTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/GhOzaA88Mi — The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) June 23, 2024

Sunday night marks the last of three shows at Wembley Stadium, though Swift will return to Wembley Stadium in August for five more shows to end the European leg of the Eras tour.

At her first London show on Friday night, Swift  took a selfie with Prince William , who celebrated his 42nd birthday at the concert alongside children George and Charlotte.

In a  post on X , Grant said: “Dear @taylorswift13, You have an incredible show, an amazing and v hospitable team and excellent if gigantic boyfriend (#tequilashots.). Thanks so much from one ageing London boy, wife and thrilled 8 year old #halfgirlhalfbracelet.”

Travis Kelce picking Taylor up and joining her onstage as part of the I Can Do It With A Broken Heart transition! 😭🤍🏹 #LONDONTSTHEERASTOUR pic.twitter.com/efhSH4zNI9 — Taylor Swift Updates (@SwiftNYC) June 23, 2024

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Will Taylor Swift have a 4th of July Party in RI? Here's why there probably won't be one

It's unlikely pop sensation Taylor Swift will be at her Watch Hill home for a Fourth of July bash this year.

Because while it seemed like she was everywhere this past year, as far as we know, the Mastermind singer hasn't yet mastered being in two places at once.

This year, on July 4 Swift will be performing on her "Eras" tour . She will be playing her first night at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, just one of the three shows she is scheduled for in Amsterdam. She's playing in Dublin June 28-30 and in Zürich July 9-10.

If she's coming to Rhode Island this July around the Fourth of July, she'll have to come in one of those gaps.

Taylor Swift's Fourth of July Rhode Island celebrations

The "Lover" singer-songwriter has frequently celebrated Fourth of July with a celebration at her Rhode Island home. These parties tend to feature notable members of Swift's iconic entourage like Selena Gomez and the Haim sisters .

Last year, Swift returned to her tradition of having celebrity-filled bashes on Independence Day after taking several years away from the practice.

That party appeared to be an intimate affair among Swift and her friends. Gomez and the Haim sisters attended as well as Nashville stylist Ashley Avignone and the singer's brother's reported girlfriend Sydney Ness .

Other pictures from that year's party showed the crew sharing some drinks, sharing a red, white and blue popsicle, and singing karaoke.

Her parties a decade or so ago had the likes of then-boyfriend Tom Hiddleston as well as Gigi Hadid ,  Karlie Kloss and  Cara Delevingne as attendees.

From the years of 2017 to 2022, she took a break from hosting after having the parties be so publicized for the three years she had been throwing parties, from 2013 to 2016.

Taylor Swift's neighbors: Some of these you know. Some you won't. 10 celebrities with homes in Rhode Island

Taylor Swift's house in Rhode Island

Dubbed the “Holiday House,”  the Watch Hill mansion was bought by Swift in 2013 , complete with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a past that ties it to the Standard Oil fortune. The songwriter spun the story of the house’s past — and the divorcee who lived there, Rebekah Harkness — into the song  "Great American Dynasty ” in her eighth studio album, "Folklore."  

Katie Landeck contributed to the reporting of this story.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].

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How Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Pulled Off His Eras Stage Debut in London (Exclusive)

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After Travis Kelce joined Taylor Swift onstage at the Eras Tour in London on Sunday night , fans immediately began to ask questions about how the surprise appearance came together. Luckily, ET has got the answers.

On Monday, a person close to the couple shared that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the "So High School" singer, both 34, have long been planning to get Travis up onstage for a performance and that the stars finally aligned over the weekend at Wembley Stadium.

A source tells ET, "Taylor and Travis have recently discussed Travis making an appearance onstage at the Eras tour, when timing was right, and they finally made it happen. Travis was so excited to support Taylor onstage, and Taylor couldn't be happier to feature him, especially during such a fun, pivotal scene in the show."

Travis' on-stage cameo came during The Tortured Poets Department  era as Swift transitions from a dress to a two-piece outfit thanks to her backup dancers. Travis -- wearing a black tuxedo and top hat to match Taylor's other dancers -- carried his girlfriend of roughly a year onstage and stood by as her two other dancers stripped her of her dress while he stood back and smiled. 

The source tells ET that while Travis' appearance was manicured to perfection -- including one sweet moment where he pretended to apply makeup to Taylor's face before she began singing "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" -- he only had a few hours to get it together. 

The source adds, "Travis only had one night of rehearsal, the evening before he performed onstage, and didn't miss a beat. Taylor was beaming from ear to ear as Travis took on the dapper role. The two are hoping he can make a cameo again in the future."

For those who have followed Travis and Taylor's love story, it's no surprise that he was able to pull off the top-notch performance without a hitch as he has devoted countless hours to watching her shows around the world, including Australia, Paris, Kansas City -- where it all started -- and, most recently, three consecutive shows in London. 

One video posted on Sunday evening shows No. 87 -- who Taylor has lovingly referred to  as "the guy on the Chiefs"  -- standing in the pit at the end of the third and final London show, performing her choreography to "Karma," which is the very last song of the concert. 

After the show had ended, Travis and Taylor were seen adorably holding hands and walking out of Wembley Stadium before jumping in a getaway car and heading off to party it up in the U.K. capital. The duo visited Chiltern Firehouse around midnight and celebrated three sold-out shows with friends, including  Ellie Goulding ,  Phoebe Waller-Bridge ,  Sophie Turner  and her boyfriend,  Peregrine Pearson , who also attended the concert . 

On Monday, Taylor also  took to Instagram  to reflect on her three-show run and thanked the fans and friends -- some 240,000 in total over the weekend -- who came out to support and rock with her for the show. 

"Wembley Stadium round one was so surreal. Looking out into crowds of 90,000 fans each night and hearing that VOLUME… Those were some of the loudest crowds I’ve ever heard," Taylor wrote. "Acoustic sections went OFF. I got to sing 'Castles Crumbling' with @yelyahwilliams for the first time - hadn't performed with her since 2011 and man my heart was just so full of love for her and our friendship. Then the impossibly gifted and wonderful @gracieabrams came and surprised the crowd with the first performance of our song 'us.'"

She also acknowledged her football star boyfriend's Eras Tour debut, shouting him out individually and tagging him in a photo dump. 

"And I'm still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav's Eras Tour debut 🥰 Never going to forget these shows. Can't wait to do it 5 more times in August. Up next: Dublin!!" she wrote.

That post came just two days after she and Travis went Instagram official on Friday when she shared a selfie featuring her, Travis, Prince William, Princess George and Princess Charlotte --  who attended the concert on the future king's birthday . 

"Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start 🇬🇧🇺🇸🤝 @princeandprincessofwales," she captioned the photo. 

In May,  a source told ET  that Travis and Taylor -- who began their love story last year -- have family and friends suspicious of an engagement. 

"Taylor and Travis are doing amazing, and their loved ones see an engagement coming sooner than later," the source said. "They make a great match and there's no question about that."

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RELATED CONTENT: 

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: A Complete Relationship Timeline

Taylor Swift Is 'Still Swooning' Over Travis Kelce's Eras Stage Debut

Travis Kelce Joins Taylor Swift Onstage at Night 3 of London Eras Tour

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Step Out for After-Party in London With Sophie Turner and More

Taylor swift partied with boyfriend travis kelce, as well as friends sophie turner and ellie goulding, as she celebrated the end of her first london leg of the eras tour..

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are saying so long, London—for now.

In fact, the couple wrapped up the final night of the  Eras Tour 's first London leg with a star-studded party on June 23. After the "Fortnight" singer's  sold-out show at Wembley Stadium , where Travis  made a surprise appearance on stage , she and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end partied into the early morning hours with a bevy of friends.

Looking so high school, the pair held hands as they exited The Chiltern Firehouse. Proving that he knows more than just how to ball, Travis made sure to get the car door and helped his girlfriend inside.

For the late-night outing, Taylor donned a colorful crochet mini-dress paired with pastel yellow wedge heels.

Travis was also feeling the embroidery vibe, rocking a cream-colored knitted polo with matching pants. He completed his casual look—which was a far departure from the three-piece tuxedo and top hat he wore during his Eras Tour cameo —with a denim Louis Vuitton bucket hat and white sneakers.

But they weren't the only duo making it a date night, as  Sophie Turner  brought along her boyfriend  Peregrine Pearson . Other stars at the bash included  Ellie Goulding .

And clearly, everyone was  still in a lavender haze over the eventful night . As Taylor  noted in a June 24 Instagram post , "I'm still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav's Eras Tour debut."

"Never going to forget these shows," she continued. "Can't wait to do it 5 more times in August. Up next: Dublin!!"

The Grammy winner is slated to also hit the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria this not-so-cruel summer before returning to London in August. Her Eras Tour  will come to a close  in Canada this December.

"This has definitely been an exhausting, all-encompassing, but most joyful, most rewarding, most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my life," she recently shared of the tour, adding that the end "feels so far away from now."

For now, keep reading to see Taylor and Travis in London.

London Lovers

Taylor Swift celebrate the end of the first London leg of her sold-out Eras Tour at an after-party with Travis Kelce June 23.

Lavender Haze

The couple partied all night long at The Chiltern Firehouse, leaving the members-only club during the early morning hours.

It's Nice to Have Friends

Joining the couple were Sophie Turner and her boyfriend Peregrine Pearson , who the Game of Thrones actress started dating late last year after her breakup with estranged husband Joe Jonas .

It's Time to Go

Also at the after-party? Ellie Goulding , who had attended Taylor's sold-out show at Wembley Stadium that night.

So High School

Travis and Taylor held hands as they left the club.

Sweeter Than Fiction

The outing came hours after Travis made his Eras Tour debut onstage.

This Is Him Trying

The Kansas City Chiefs' surprise appearance took place during the Tortured Poets Department section of the show, with Travis helping the Grammy winner change costumes in between "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" and "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart."

Long Story Short

"I’m still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav’s Eras Tour debut," Taylor wrote on Instagram following her boyfriend's cameo. "Never going to forget these shows."

In addition to appearing on stage, Travis was in the crowd at all three of Taylor's London shows.

During the first night of her London shows, the singer gave a nod to her boyfriend by striking an archer pose similar to the gesture Travis makes after scoring a touchdown.

The Story of Us

Travis and Taylor also went Instagram official during the opening night of her London show, posing in a selfie with Prince William and his kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte .

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Inside Taylor Swift and 'Confident and Fun' Travis Kelce's Epic Wembley Weekend: Source (Exclusive)

From a royal selfie to hitting the stage together, the couple was riding high this past weekend as Swift performed three sold-out shows in London

Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty 

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were feeling "So High School" this weekend in London.

After breaking the internet with a very royal selfie , the couple caused jaws to drop around the world on Sunday, June 23, when the Chiefs tight end, 34, made a surprise appearance onstage during Swift's third show at Wembley Stadium.

" Travis has been busy working and attending events in the U.S. and was thrilled he could join her in London. They loved being onstage together," says a source. "He is confident and fun, and it was one of her tour highlights."

Kelce attended his first London show on Friday, June 20, alongside his brother Jason Kelce and wife Kylie , as well as Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek, Leslie Mann , Cara Delevingne and more.

The following night Kelce was back in the VIP tent, where he was seen dancing and singing along with Tom Cruise, Greta Gerwig , Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and more.

After the concert, Hugh Grant gave Swift, 34, a shoutout on X, writing, "Dear @taylorswift13. You have an incredible show, an amazing and v hospitable team," wrote the actor, who then gave a nod to the singer's " excellent if gigantic boyfriend."

Swift celebrated the epic night — which also saw Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte shaking it off in a private suite — the next day with an Instagram hard launch to end them all.

"Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start," she captioned a selfie taken backstage with the royals and her football player beau.

But the fun wasn't over. On Swift's third night at Wembley, Kelce — matching her backup dancers in a tux and top hat — shocked fans by sneaking onstage near the end of the superstar's Tortured Poets Department set and participating in a skit before she launched into "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart."

The athlete went all-out for the bit, playfully shaking Swift and urging her to "wake up" as he carried her across the stage, where he dusted her face with a brush.

CH/SplashNews

After the show, the couple — who have been dating since late last summer — celebrated Swift's big night with friends until the early morning hours at celebrity hotspot Chiltern Firehouse.

On Monday, June 24, Swift posted an Instagram carousel rounding up her headline-making run of shows, which also included her performing "Castles Crumbling" with Hayley Williams and "Us" with Gracie Abrams for the first time.

"And I'm still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav's Eras Tour debut," she wrote, adding a heart-face emoji.

Swift will next be seen onstage on Friday in Dublin, where she's set to play three sold-out shows at Aviva Stadium.

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These Stunning Caribbean Caves Were Just Named One of the World’s Top Attractions by Tripadvisor

The Cayman Crystal Caves formed millions of years ago.

Marc Guitard/Getty Images

The Cayman Islands have long lured visitors to its luxurious beaches and tropical forests. But in recent years, travelers have started going underground — literally — to the Cayman Crystal Caves , which was just named one of the top attractions in the world in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards , announced this week.

Located on the Grand Cayman Island’s Northside, the attraction opened in 2016, with 1.5-hour guided tours leading visitors through a tropical forest and three caves. Formed millions of years ago, the caves were once underwater, as proven by fossilized shells and other signs of sea life. The slow work of Mother Nature, carving out the caves drip-by-drip with rainwater on the limestone has created stunning crystal-like stalagmites and stalagtites, giving the caverns an otherworldly feel.

The tour goes through an open-ceiling cave, a root one, and perhaps the most stunning, a lake cave, illuminated with lights . There’s also a chance to spot balsam trees, air plants, and even parrots and bats in the surrounding forests. For an even more unique adventure, there's also the Dusk to Dark Evening Bat Tour , where bats fly directly over your head and away into the sunset. 

While the caves had long been there, it wasn’t until the late businessman Christian Sorensen came to the area in the 1990s to survey the caves that the idea of opening them up to the public began. After all, his father Ole Sorensen had developed Barbados’ Harrison’s Cave, and the younger Sorensen thought he might be able to recreate its success in the Cayman Islands.

According to local reports, he spent 1997 to 2011 buying land and building infrastructure for the Cayman Crystal Caves. He finally began work on the exhibit in 2012 and opened it to the public in March 2016.

Now amassing more than 2,700 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, the Cayman Crystal Caves are the only Caribbean site to make the top 25 list, earning the No. 5 spot, after far more well-known attractions: New York City's Empire State Building in first , Paris' Eiffel Tower in second, Amsterdam's Anne Frank House in third, and Barcelona's Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in fourth. 

“This attraction was the highlight of our vacation,” one recent visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, also commenting on the tour guide’s knowledge mixed with a sense of humor. “The three caves were breathtaking and I would highly recommend this attraction if you're spending time on the island!”

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How to Party (Without Regrets)

Forty-three highly sociable people, from Ivy Getty to Rufus Wainwright, offer tips on how to be a stellar guest and a gracious host. Read this before you say yes to the next invitation.

By George Gurley and Carson Griffith

As the summertime social whirl was about to begin, we asked dozens of socially adept people — socialites, artists, designers, restaurateurs, party planners — to weigh in on how to be the kind of guest who gets invited back and how to be a gracious host.

Their advice addresses all aspects of party-going and party-throwing, from dealing with the jitters that may go with preparing for a social event to saying a proper goodbye at night’s end.

We've divided their counsel into eight chapters: Getting Ready ; Entering the Space ; How to Converse ; Party Etiquette ; Hot Topics ; Drinking, Gummies, Etc. ; Houseguests ; and When the Party’s Over .

(Interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.)

Getting Ready

For guests and hosts alike, it’s a good idea to develop the right mind-set before the party gets started, our interviewees said.

Lang Phipps , copywriter

You want to feel happy to see people. If there’s some anxiety about it, you have to get into your “people mode” and out of “yourself mode,” which may require changing the channel in your psyche a little bit. You have to put on that social facade.

Kate Upton, center, with the art adviser Illa Gaunt at a party hosted by Rebecca Gardner.

William Laird/Houses & Parties

Rebecca Gardner , event planner, interior designer

When you accept an invitation, you have an obligation to bring something. You can be the most beautiful person at the party who brings glamour. You can be the person who brings an expensive wine. Or you can bring a sprinkle — which means you sprinkle joy or wit or personality to a party. You have to bring something .

Sarah Harrelson, left, with the businesswoman Jen Rubio at a party in March.

Jason Sean Weiss

Sarah Harrelson , editor in chief of Cultured magazine

If you’re going to go, go . Do not plan to leave the party early. If you have to leave early, I say do not come. And don’t ask who else is coming. That is rude .

Alex Hitz , chef, author

Bring a sense of humor. Bring positive energy. That anecdote of yours? Cut it by 98 percent, practice it in front of the mirror, and in six months you can bring it to the party.

If you get dressed for a party, make an effort. You honor your host by making an effort. You don’t show up in Uggs and a neck doughnut.

Ariel Arce , bar and restaurant owner, caviar entrepreneur

Take a Genius beforehand. It’s a fantastic edible, with THC and caffeine, so you’re chatty but a little loose.

Larry Milstein , entrepreneur

Eat beforehand. You aren’t distracted about what’s being served or chasing down a tray of mini hot dogs, letting you focus on the most important thing: connecting with people.

Maneesh Goyal , bar and restaurant owner

There are certain things that will irk the host. One is when you ask the question that should never be asked: “What should I bring?” Instead, you should say, “I’m already planning on bringing some Champagne and wine. What else should I bring?” Or don’t even ask and just show up with something!

Wes Gordon , creative director

Remember, no matter how nervous you may feel as a guest, the hosts are most likely more nervous and stressed. As the guest, you have the easier job.

Entering the Space

The very start of a party can be its own special challenge. Our interviewees had advice on how to step into the arena.

Lizzi Bickford Meadow , brand strategist

Smile! It’s as simple as that. Walk into a room with a friendly demeanor. If you don’t know the host, find them and introduce yourself.

Tefi Pessoa , pop culture commentator, online content creator

I decide that everyone in the room already likes me before I even enter said room.

Daisy Prince , journalist

There’s a New Yorker cartoon my parents used to have in our kitchen. It was just a picture of a bunch of people standing in suits and dresses. They’re all having what looks like a very adult conversation, and the bubble above the newcomer is: “Yikes, grown-ups.” I think there’s always a little “yikes, grown-ups” for all of us. So just settle for a minute and then go to the hostess, because your duty, as a guest, is certainly to say hello.

Kristy Hurt , headhunter, career coach

Make three connections. You don’t have to meet every single person, but go into the party and meet three people. Ten words or less. Elevator pitch.

Kendall Werts , talent agency co-founder

Don’t forget to laugh. It’s about your eyes and your smile. Nobody wants to work to bring you out of your sad-sack shell!

Jorn Weisbrodt

Rufus Wainwright , singer-songwriter

You have to be athletic and work the room. Separate from your partner. Both of you should cover each side.

Harry Hurt III , journalist

When working a room, it’s best to obey the 30-second rule: Say hello, talk, and quickly move on.

Blue Carreon/Figue

Liz Lange , designer, owner, Grey Gardens estate, East Hampton, N.Y.

You don’t want the person you’re speaking with to think you want to move onto someone else “better.” But you don’t want to spend the evening sequestered in the corner with just one person. After a few minutes, it’s polite to excuse yourself by saying you want to refresh your drink.

Athena Calderone , interior designer

Some of my earliest friends in New York remember me as a wallflower. I was so nervous when people would ask me “What do you do?” That was a scary question, because I had yet to define the answer. These feelings can affect your presence in a space. I think it’s important to show up anyway and be who you are.

Jennifer Gilbert pours the wine.

Jennifer Gilbert , event planner

Stop bringing candles to people’s homes. We all know they’re regifted. There are only so many candles any house can take!

Kyle Hotchkiss Carone , hospitality executive

I hate that move of pretending it’s the first time you’ve met someone, because you’re worried the other person won’t remember you. It’s: “Nice to see you.” Not: “Nice to meet you.” Always!

Krista Schlueter for The New York Times

Molly Jong-Fast , writer, political commentator

Even if you forget who somebody is, pretend you remember them, because people hate it when you forget them. Just pretend you remember people, even if you don’t, because it’s just kind. One thing I’ve noticed is that people in New York sometimes pretend not to know you, even if they do, whereas people in D.C. pretend to know you, even if they don’t.

Gary Jackson

Bronson van Wyck , event planner, author

The best way to make a bad impression is to complain. You may think you’re bonding with another guest by complaining, but that’s a cheap bond. You’re not adding anything when you say something like, “Can you believe how long it took to get here?”

Impana Srikantappa , investment executive

Relax. Everything is going to be fine. If you operate with the mind-set of “everything is going to be fine,” then everything is going to be fine. But if you stress out, then everything is going to stress you out.

How to Converse

It seems to come down to listening and asking questions — and resisting the temptation to make it all about you.

Laila Gohar , culinary artist

I have this theory that dinner guests fall into two different categories: “characters” and “glues.” Characters are big personalities, the life of the party. They are conversation-starters. Glues are good listeners. They’re soft-spoken and hold conversations together. You need the right balance. Too many characters will start competing for attention. Too much glue and things can get boring. When I put together a guest list, I think of it like casting a movie.

Susan Gutfreund , socialite

A good dinner party is where you mix people up. You mix them up, and you pray it’s going to work like a horse race — you pray it’ll go down to the end, to the wire.

Josh Flagg , real estate agent, TV personality, author

If somebody’s having a bad day, I get it. And if you make it the topic of conversation for the entire dinner party, that’s fine — you just won’t be invited again.

Bronson van Wyck

This is one of the top three things a great guest can do for a host: Figure out the person who knows the fewest people or is the most socially awkward, and go talk to them for five minutes. They’re there because the host cares about them, presumably. And the host wants this person to have a nice time. You can help make that happen!

Max Tucci , restaurateur

A good guest is someone who shows up authentically and doesn’t try to be someone else. Name-dropping, being affected, social-climbing — leave all that at the door.

Sara Ruffin Costello , hotel designer, advice columnist

I have a friend who talks a lot . People are excusing themselves to go to the bathroom when they get stuck with her. Try listening. When in doubt, try David Sedaris’s bizarre conversational icebreakers. “How long have you known your dentist?” You have to have a certain personality to pull that off.

A party is not a therapy session. No one wants to hear your problems at a party. There’s the terrible renovation story that no one wants to hear. And no one wants to know what’s wrong with you physically. They’ll call you a bore. Tell a joke or two. Tell everyone they look great.

Steven Badius, a friend of Kyle Hotchkiss Carone, is captured mid-party.

Kyle Hotchkiss Carone

There is a specific skill that is probably just charisma, but it’s when you know how to meet the energy of the person or group you are chatting with. I hate being asked very specific questions. Tell me a story. If it’s interesting, I’ll tell you one back. And around and around we’ll go.

Kendall Werts

“Real Housewives” is always a good source of conversation, because these people aren’t real, but they remind you of people in your own lives. You can’t go wrong talking about scandals and celebrities. I hear a lot of things out there on the streets. People love to hear about that. It’s very Truman Capote. People want to drink the tea.

Party Etiquette

Smartphones, social media, food, footwear and punctuality were topics that came up when our interviews touched on party don’ts.

Maneesh Goyal

Never show up early, because the host is always frantic and needs that last half-hour.

Show up 15 minutes late. Even the best host or hostess appreciates that grace period. It’s beyond priceless.

Jennifer Gilbert

Don’t go walking into somebody’s house and automatically think you can smoke. Ask. And don’t bother the host in the kitchen.

Romilly Newman , chef, food stylist, social media personality

Don’t bring a guest to a seated dinner. People just say, “Oh, can I bring my amazing friend?” And it’ll be 20 minutes before.

Raul Tovar/Houses & Parties

Rebecca Gardner

Please don’t ask people to take off their shoes when entering your apartment. It’s rude.

Romilly Newman

When you invite people into your home, you need to let go. You can’t be like, “You can’t touch this” and “You have to take your shoes off” and “If you spill something, you are in trouble.” Hosting is letting your guests enjoy themselves.

Do not tell your host what you can or cannot eat. Your host is not an airline or a short-order kitchen.

For hosts, don’t assume people are not allergic to things. Ask if there are any food allergies from the beginning. Emily Post would never have said that, but in the climate we’re in today, it can change the whole night.

Susan Gutfreund

You have to be responsible. This one is a vegetarian, which is a new thing in today’s world, versus the old days, where you just served a meal. Today, you have to be very aware — vegetarian, vegan, all these things. And you do the best you can.

As a hostess, always have something vegan, because the whole world is funny about food now. There should be a gluten-free, dairy-free vegan option, because if people don’t tell you beforehand, you’re like, “Here’s some lettuce.” They’re sitting there with an empty plate, and you feel terrible.

Max Tucci and the model Fatou Jobe celebrate their birthday, Feb. 14, at Delmonico’s, one of his New York restaurants.

If you’re going to have a sit-down, I love name cards. Now, my trick for name cards is to write the name on both sides, so if someone’s sitting at the table and doesn’t know the other person, they can read the name.

Rufus Wainwright

In Europe, it’s very gauche at a dinner party to sit next to your husband. You have to sit with somebody else. They never seat married people together.

Lela Rose , fashion designer

I never sit spouses together. You see your spouse all the time.

There is nothing worse than a guest who is on their phone. Always being on your phone, or only talking to one person the entire time, is the worst.

Larry Milstein

The best decision I made when hosting a milestone birthday was asking people to stow away their phones upon arrival. It changed the entire dynamic of the evening. As the meme goes, “Not a cellphone in sight, just people living in the moment.”

Lizzi Bickford Meadow

Posting from an event can be tricky. If it’s a private gathering, I think it’s nice to ask the host if they’re OK with you posting. They may want to keep it just that — private!

More friends of Kyle Hotchkiss Carone. From left, Paloma Sandoval, Elsie Richter and Whitney Peak.

I think it’s strange to Instagram someone else’s home. I’m not sure why; it just feels wrong.

Zibby Owens , media executive, bookstore owner

If you’re in someone’s house, don’t go secretly snooping around and posting photos. Also, take cues from the host. If they’re posting pictures, by all means post back. But never post somebody’s children. Unless you ask first, don’t even take their picture.

Molly Jong-Fast

It’s bad guesting to immediately call gossip pages after a party. That’s called bad guesting.

In a time of political polarization and war, are some things off-limits? The answers varied.

Yana Paskova for The New York Times

Harry Hurt III

Do not discuss politics, religion, or pornography, all of which are quite similar.

No! Everything is fair game! I don’t believe in the old rule of no politics, no religion, no money, no sex. It’s all fair game.

Elise Taylor , senior writer, Vogue

I do believe no one’s mind is being changed over a cheese plate at a cocktail party.

Gosh, I don’t think you can avoid certain topics in 2024. I think the world would be a better place if more people of different viewpoints broke bread and shared a glass of wine and talked about things.

Lang Phipps, in the green shirt, sits with Francis Hauert, left, Doris Hauert, middle, and Jana Platina, right, during a festive meal in New Hampshire in 2010.

Lang Phipps

It’s just tacky to talk politics when it’s so divisive.

Plum Sykes , journalist, novelist, socialite

I think we are in a time of perhaps the most geopolitical instability I have seen in my lifetime — it would be odd to avoid such subjects. I recently sat next to a wildly well-informed media baron and asked him for his views on Trump, Biden, Ukraine and Putin, and I had a fascinating dinner. Ask people their views, be interested in others, and you will get invited back over and over.

Julie Reiner , bar owner

Talking politics these days can shut down a good party. I think knowing your audience will help you decipher whether or not any topic is OK.

Karsten Moran for The New York Times

I had a dinner maybe a month and a half ago, and I invited a diverse group. It started with the whole can-you-believe-what’s-going-on-with-college-campuses type of thing. And it got so heated that somebody threw their drink across the table, looked at me and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t sit here if these are your friends,” and stormed out.

It was a woman who stormed out. She threw the contents of the drink — she didn’t throw the glass, but she threw the wine on him. It was white wine, luckily.

Ken Fulk , designer

The old adage says to avoid discussing politics or religion at a party, but politics are so all-consuming right now. It’s crucial to be thoughtful. The art of civil discourse appears to be lost, and I think it’s time to resurrect that.

I was at a dinner party the other night with my husband, and he brought up what was going on in Israel with some Israelis. It got heated. It didn’t end in agreement, but they were able to be civil afterward, and I was impressed by that. I do think we actually live in an age where you should at least address some of the things that are happening. Don’t expect to solve anything — but we can’t ignore it, obviously.

Sara Ruffin Costello

I think you want to avoid talking about actually having sex with your husband. Nobody wants to hear that. I don’t even want to hear Giselle talking about that.

Houseguests

There is someone in the spare bedroom for an extended stay. Maybe that someone is you. What now?

Emma Gwyther , brand consultancy executive

Arriving with an appropriate host gift is a nice way to start. And I wouldn’t extend or shorten your trip without prior notice, because your hosts are blocking out their calendar.

Do things without being asked. Do the dishes. Take out the trash. Don’t leave hair in the sink.

Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet for The New York Times

You can be cute. But don’t think you’re décor. Never show up empty-handed. Bring a bottle — vodka or tequila or white wine. Nothing worse than a bottle of red wine that spills. Offer to help make breakfast.

Sedi Sithebe , event planner

When you’re staying at someone’s house, don’t use it as a hotel. And don’t sleep in. I can’t stand when people sleep in, in my house! And don’t leave your bed unmade. Fill the fridge. Unload the dishes. And make sure the matriarch of the family is happy. That is the way you get invited back.

Elise Taylor

The worst houseguests are high-maintenance. Figure out how to get there without bombarding the host with texts. I assure you, your transportation quandaries can be solved via Google.

Nikki Haskell at a birthday party she gave for Andy Warhol at the home of the art collector Richard Weisman, center.

Nikki Haskell , socialite

Houseguests cannot bring guests. Those are the ones who burn a hole in the duvet and steal the car.

Patricia Altschul , “Southern Charm” cast member, socialite

A houseguest should never appear with an animal or an extra person, unless they have arranged it beforehand. They should never be demanding, messy or sleep with the hostess’s husband or wife.

Drinking, Gummies, Etc.

Our interviewees had thoughts on how to survive a party — with or without drugs or alcohol.

Drink your drink of choice, but never over-drink. Do that on a bar crawl with your best homies, but never do that at someone’s home.

Amy Sacco , nightlife impresario

Manage your cocktails. Manage your edibles.

Hunter McRae for The New York Times

Patricia Altschul

Here in the South, the topic of when to say when is not something that one has to consider. My favorite quote is from Dorothy Parker: “I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three, I’m under the table. After four, I’m under my host.”

But if someone has had too much to drink, I usually offer to help them get home and call them a car. They usually don’t realize I’m also pushing them out the door. I once had a guest who had too much to drink. He said goodbye, and I thought he had left. The next morning, the butler discovered him passed out on the dog bed!

Joey Wolffer

Joey Wölffer , co-owner, Wölffer Estate Vineyard

I know exactly how much alcohol I can have before I am not presenting myself well. I like people having fun, but slurring? You are not coming back, if you’re a slurrer. At a certain age, too, you just can’t do that anymore. The drug thing is not my thing, so I don’t get the mushroom party thing.

What gets you invited back is mushrooms. Bringing them. What doesn’t get you invited back is also bringing mushrooms. So that can go both ways.

Follow your host’s lead. If they want to have a wild night, they’re probably hoping you will partake along with them. But if they’re not a weed smoker, now’s not the time to break out the pen.

I’m amazed at how, when I was using a lot of drugs and drinking a lot, how I really believed that everybody was doing it. And once I stopped, I was like, No, I was kind of the only one.

Athena Calderone

I am team gummies as long as it’s giggly and not too slippery. Ha ha ha! I mean, we’ve all had those nights when someone else has had to put us to bed. So, no judgment.

When the Party’s Over

How do you leave gracefully? And what about the dishes?

The entrepreneur Hugo Renaudin, the actor and model Evan Mock, and Kendall Werts at a party in New York.

Never say goodbye. Send a text the day after.

I tend to say goodbye discreetly. I am an admitted homebody and one of the first to leave, so I don’t want to bring the mood down.

Ivy Mix , bar owner, bartender, author

I personally think saying goodbye is important. Especially to the host. But if you can’t find them, or if slipping out the door is the only way to get out, then a text saying goodbye should do. No matter what, I always send a text thanking the host and saying how nice the evening was. That goes a long, long way.

Ivy Getty , socialite, model

I’m the biggest believer in Irish exits. I think that if you tell people you are leaving, it’s kind of disappointing, so why would you tell them? It raises this whole point of “You’re leaving?” And it pauses the whole vibe.

Hugs and kisses and all of that is great. But I’m a fan of the French exit. If somebody just disappears without a word, I think that that’s totally fine.

One of the most fabulous things that my husband and I have experienced is, we were at dinner with Bette Midler, and she insists on doing the dishes, wherever she is, at her house, or at somebody else’s house. “I’m doing the dishes!” She needs to do the dishes. That’s probably one of the reasons she’s so successful — she knows she could do dishes, if she had to.

To get invited back, there is the art of the thank you. If it comes too soon, like when you’re in someone’s driveway, it doesn’t seem considered. A text is fine, but something handwritten is beautiful.

This is a huge new thing in New York, where people no longer thank. I’m old enough and spoiled enough that, if I make an effort to give a dinner party and invite you, I hope you will acknowledge it. It’s just old-fashioned manners. When you’re invited, and you accept, you thank .

If you had a good time, even if it’s a week later, call and say, “Just thinking of you today, thank you again for a beautiful evening.” Or put that on a card with a stamp and throw it in the mail. It’s lovely to get something like that. Handwritten cards are wonderful.

We’re not in the handwritten note days anymore, but send something afterward, a thank-you note, a follow-up. And don’t use the word “can’t,” as in, “I can’t wait to see you again.” No! Make it: “I look forward to seeing you again.” Something that evokes that positive energy into the next step.

The actor George Hahn with Molly Jong-Fast at a recent party in New York for the author Salman Rushdie.

Amir Hamja/The New York Times

Texts are fine.

My mother had an expression: “The queen leaves before the footman.” Meaning: Do not be the last person to leave a party!

As the hostess, I expect everyone to leave at the designated time. If they don’t, I have several foolproof ways of dealing with stragglers. First, I turn off the music. Then I walk around with a candle snuffer in hand, gradually extinguishing the candles. Finally, I start picking up the glasses, even the ones people are still drinking from.

Once the room is dark and the alcohol has stopped flowing, most guests get the message. But there’s always someone who foolishly believes you want the party to go on all night. That’s when I say, “Do you need me to call you a car?”

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A first-time guide to Mykonos

Jun 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Mykonos is known as a party island, but there's plenty more to see and do © Getty Images

Mykonos is the party animal of the Cycladic islands, Greece’s answer to Ibiza, with sun-seekers flocking to the beach clubs by day and bass lines pounding through its superclubs until dawn. But there’s more to Mykonos than the dazzling sand and insatiable revelers.

Spend a little time on  Mykonos  to discover the quiet charm of the Cycladic maze of Hora , the pleasure of traveling the backcountry roads and a dining scene to rival the other Greek islands .

When should I go to Mykonos?

Peak travel time to Mykonos is June to September, so hotel prices are at their highest, and the beaches, restaurants and nightclubs are packed. Summer is party time, with free concerts and events taking place as part of the summer-long Culture Festival, not to mention Xlsior in August, a five-day clubbing festival that attracts some 30,000 gay revelers. Shoulder season (April to early June, late September and October) is arguably a more pleasant time to visit. You get the beaches minus the crowds, and accommodation prices are lower.

In winter, it may be too cold for sunbathing and swimming, but bonuses include empty beaches and plenty of bargain accommodations. Many Mykonos residents rent out their houses in summer and return during the low season, so lots of restaurants stay open year-round. However, winter can bring fierce storms and ferries to other Greek islands are limited.

How much time should I spend on Mykonos?

Ideally, you'd need about four days but you could enjoy it in two. Spend the first day on a beach, explore the shops, restaurants and bars of Little Venice in the late afternoon and on the second day, catch a boat to the sacred island of Delos. With an extra few days you can search out some of Mykonos' further flung and less crowded beaches such as Agios Sostis.

How do I get to Mykonos?

Throughout the year, frequent ferries connect Mykonos with Athens ’ ports of Rafina and Piraeus, as well as the neighboring islands of Tinos , Serifos  and Andros . In high season, high-speed catamarans link Mykonos with numerous other Cycladic islands, including Santorini and Paros . Check OpenSeas  for timetables. Mykonos Airport has year-round flights to Athens and Thessaloniki , as well as to European destinations during high and shoulder seasons. It’s easy to rent a car, moped or ATV from one of Mykonos’ many rental companies, and bus services around the island are reasonably frequent.

Is it easy to get around Mykonos?

Public buses between Hora, the New Port (2km north of Hora, where ferries dock), the airport and south coast beaches run regularly all summer. They are the best way to get around the island. They serve almost every beach and one-way fares range between €1.40 and €2.30. The beaches can also be reached with a 2WD rental car. Except for the main road along the island's spine, access roads to the beaches – even the famous one – can be extremely narrow. You won't find Uber here but taxis are plentiful. The best way to get around is by boat, and reasonably priced water taxis run between the New and Old Ports as well as the major southern beaches. You can get an all-day water taxi pass for €20.

Best beaches on Mykonos

Whether you’re looking for a tiny, secluded cove lapped by cerulean waters or a wide stretch of sugar-white sand covered with sun worshippers, Mykonos has a beach to suit your needs. The island boasts 25 beaches, and they’re justifiably Mykonos' biggest natural attraction. Partygoers should look no further than Paradise or Super Paradise, dominated by eponymous beach clubs.  Paraga and Psarou are other favorites for beach parties. Popular with families,  Elia is Mykonos’ longest sweep of white sand, while Platys Gialos and Kalafatis are particularly good for water sports.

On the north coast, Panormos and Agios Sostis receive a fraction of visitors of the southern beaches and have naturist-friendly sections. Pebbled Myrsine and Fokos ' coves, reachable via rutted tracks off the northeast coast, offer seclusion and refuge from the crowds. In the southwest, Ornos bustles with dozens of seafront restaurants, while secluded Agios Ioannis is a good spot for windsurfing.

Top things to do on Mykonos

• Diving:  Mykonos has plenty of walls, caves and wrecks to entice beginners and advanced divers alike. Diving operators are based on Paradise Beach, Lia Beach and Kalafatis Beach. The most reputable outfits include Mykonos Diving Center  and GoDive Mykonos .
• Historical sites:  Mykonos is the gateway to the sacred island of Delos , the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Aphrodite, a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. Daily boat trips depart from the pier in Hora.
• Mountain biking:  Mykonos island has a hilly interior, quiet backcountry roads, tranquil villages and several practically deserted beaches along the north coast. Yummy Pedals tailors guided mountain-biking tours of the island to suit your skill level.
• Sunset watching:  Prime spots for watching the greatest free show on earth include the bars of Little Venice in Hora, Kato Mili (a classic quartet of windmills on a hillock overlooking Little Venice) and Agios Ioannis beach.
• Swimming:  Mykonos doesn’t lack places to take a plunge, from infinity pools at top hotels and private plunge pools to 25 beautiful sandy beaches that fringe the island.
• Water sports:  Head to the Windsurf Centre Mykonos on Kalafatis Beach for lessons, or try your hand at adrenaline-packed activities such as flyboarding, wakeboarding and wakeskating with Elia Watersports on the eponymous beach.  

My favorite thing to do on Mykonos

Explore the tiny capital Hora (aka Mykonos Town). It's Mykonos’ second-biggest attraction, after the beaches. You can lose yourself for hours in the enchanting warren of narrow pedestrian streets bedecked with bougainvillea and lined with picture-perfect, tiny churches, restaurants and boutiques. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos  is well worth your while, as is the informative  Aegean Maritime Museum .

The shopping in Mykonos is excellent. For art, check out Mavrogenous Street. Greek designers line Matogliani, while Little Venice is great for casual fashion, jewelry and sovenirs. Hora’s other delights include an appealing open-air cinema, Cine Manto , and a smattering of quirky art galleries, such as Rarity Gallery and  Art and Soul. The island’s hilly interior is dotted with small traditional villages, quite a contrast to the merry bustle of the coast. Swing by the only other settlement of any size in Mykonos, Ano Mera, and have a look at its pretty, whitewashed Tourliani Monastery , just off the taverna-lined main square.

Best nightlife in Mykonos

How much money do i need for mykonos.

Mykonos is one of the most expensive Greek islands, particularly when it comes to food, alcohol and accommodation. You can keep costs down by avoiding the beach clubs and dining at local markets. Keep an eye out for early afternoon lunch deals at low-key, traditional tavernas. Stock up on local fresh produce like tomatoes, feta cheese, eggplant, zucchini, watermelon, peaches, nectarines and cherries at mini markets and cook at home. If you travel off-season, you'll see a significant decrease in accommodation costs. 

• Mid-range hotel:  €80 - €150 per night off-peak; €180 - €300 per night in summer
• Contemporary hostels:  €30 - €90 per night
• Beach club admission: From €25
• Dinner:  €22 - €40 per person
• Casual lunch:  €10 for a gyro
• Cup of coffee:  €3 
• Cocktail:  €16 - €25
• Bottle of local wine:  €8 - €10 in supermarket; €12 for house wine in restaurant
• Bottle of beer:  €1 - €3 in supermarket; €5 in bar
• Taxi from airport:  €15 - €20 to Fabrika Square in Chora

This article was first published Aug 9, 2019 and updated Jun 25, 2024.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I went to the little-known Paris street party that’s even bigger than Notting Hill Carnival

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‘No sleep, bus, club, another club, another club.’

Anyone who has ever been on TikTok will know they’re the words of Lady Gaga, in an audio clip that has been stitched, shared and liked across the platform.

And, after a weekend in Paris for Fête de la Musique (which translates to World Music Day), I feel like I can now relate to the songstress.

I had no idea what to expect from the festival as I hoped on the 7am  Eurostar  to Gare du Nord from St Pancras International last week.

Friends who have been to Fête de la Musique compared it to Notting Hill Carnival in London – both music based events that take over the city streets.

However, this French party is much bigger, dominating the entire city – and in fact, much of the country.

I’ve been to Paris multiple times in the past, but never for the festival, so I went to check it out.

What is Fête de la Musique?

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The celebration is held every year on summer solstice, June 21, and takes place all over France.

While Notting Hill Carnival is rooted in Caribbean traditions, celebrating heritage and contributions of the Afro-Caribbean community, Fête de la Musique focuses on the music culture in France.

Set up by the then minister of culture, it was first celebrated in Paris in 1982 with the goal of bringing people together through music.

Ever since, the festival has become an international phenomenon, marked on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries.

What the festival looks like In Paris

As I come to witness, tens of thousands of people pour onto the streets of Paris – many in club wear, others still in suits after coming straight from work.

Celebrations in some areas of the city begin as early as 10am, continuing until the sun rises almost 24 hours later.

Famous landmarks, like Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, boulevards, parks and public spaces are transformed into open-air stages for musicians – and there is something for everyone.

From jazz gigs by the Seine to classical performances in historic cathedrals, there is an experience for both locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy.

All concerts are free to the public, though sometimes ticketed, and all performers donate their time free of charge.

While there are many random buskers to entertain the crowds, household names like Yamê, Matt Pokora and Fally Ipupa took over the stages.

International DJ Stephy Diab also made an appearance right outside a well-known Lebanese restaurant.

Despite how popular Fête de la Musique is among Parisians though, it’s notparticularly publicised to tourists, making it harder to track down the best parties – so I draft in some experts.

An insider’s perspective

I have recruited my friends Ahmed and Thea, my favourite Parisian couple, to be my tour guides for Fête de la Musique. I have no idea what to expect, so I’m entirely at their mercy.

While I wait for them to finish work, I join the Grailed x Boiler Room pop-up at 23 rue du Sentier near Strasbourg Saint-Denis metro station.

The London-based club promoter curates DJ sets for the celebration every year, bringing in a trendy, young crowd.

But the whole point of the day is to party outside – if the weather allows it. Ahmed and Thea finally pick me up and we catch up over a few cocktails at Paolina Bar, a few streets over from the Boiler Room pop-up.

Strolling past streets lined with dancing crowds, we then set off to Le Syndicat, a 15-minute walk from Paolina Bar. The crowds start to grow bigger and louder as we approach.

Le Syndicat is a nondescript Parisian speakeasy, which is a regular on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

DJs have set up their decks and speakers outside, filling the air with beats – a mix of electronic, hip-hop and anything in between.

Bartenders – normally serving a wicked mix of cocktails in specialised glasses – are now pouring alcohol without measuring, straight into takeaway cups.

I am just one espresso martini down, but there is no time to dawdle. Next on the list is Sürpriz Kebab – yes, a kebab shop – just a few minutes away.

There is another DJ set just outside this legendary institution, apparently known for throwing one of the best parties during Fête de la Musique.

Cocktails are just a few euros, sold next to the DJ booth on the street. Instead of cheap, low-quality drinks, the bartender takes his time and makes me a strong Moscow Mule that keeps me going for awhile.

People are dancing on the street. Some are tucking into greasy chips and meat. Everyone is super friendly.

It is as spontaneous as I had imagined. I swiftly lose track of time and by sunset, we are on our way to Canal Saint-Martin. It is a 20-minute walk from Sürpriz, but the crowds make the journey much longer.

We arrive at the banks of the Seine, which are jampacked full of people. Music is being blasted from all directions, and I can see a girl dancing on the roof of a car parked nearby.

It is chaotic in the best way. Every bar and restaurant has its own gig; there is a DJ playing house, but I can also hear a crowd chanting Gloria Gaynor’s I will survive – but the football version.

Wine and beer are free-flowing. There are little hot dog stands and pop-up bars dotted down the banks, and my oh my, the queues are long.

I can overhear people who did not know each other until a few minutes ago now chatting about the Paris Olympic Games, and then the casual culture of cheating in France.

We stay at Canal Saint-Martin for the rest of the night. Some people leave, others join, but it is just an opportunity to make more connections.

I learn that you have to make the very best of it as Fête de la Musique lasts just one night.

I dance until my feet hurt. That’s a pair of Mary Janes gone, but it is all worth it. I get home at 3.30am. I fear my poor Uber driver had to put up with my snoring in the back seat of the car.  C’est la vie .

More music at Moulin Rouge

No trip to Paris – no matter how short it is – is complete until one dips their toes into the bygone era of the city. This time it was Moulin Rouge.

Do not be confused, the show in on Boulevard de Clichy, Pigalle, is very different to Baz Luhrmann’s production.

It is the city’s most famous cabaret and by just entering the landmark building, I can understand why. There is another world of opulence and grandeur inside. It is all adorned with plush red velvet, glittering chandeliers, and intricate gold accents.

Champagne is served within seconds of me sitting down.

Though the nature of the performances are a little too old-school for me, there is certainly an appetite for them in the room. The dancers are outstanding and the choreography intricate. I can’t take my eyes off of the bedazzled costumes.

The acrobatic acts add a dynamic layer to the spectacle, and they are my favourite part of the show.

Tickets for the Moulin Rouge start from €88 per person.

Carbs galore at Boulangerie Utopie

I cannot leave Paris without a visit to Boulangerie Utopie, which makes the official best baguettefor 2024.

Named the top bakery in France in 2016 by M6 TV channel, it then emerged as a champion at Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris.

The competition honours the mastery behind the quintessential French baguette.

Xavier Netry, the talented baker behind Utopie, was crowned champion in April and was awarded 4,000 euros and the opportunity to supply baguettes president Emmanuel Macron for an entire year.

There are a few issues at play here: I am hungover, it is raining, the queue is long. But I am dedicated.

When I finally get inside, I order three (one simply has to bring the best baguette to London) and tuck in.

It is soft and light, almost sourdough like, with a crunchy coating. While I wish I have some butter and salt flakes to spread on top, I am the happiest girl alive.

It is indeed an outstanding baguette.

Finding accommodation in Paris

There have never been more options of where to stay in the city, considering the sports fever ahead of the Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to be renting their home, room or even a couch amid the flow of tourists taking over the capital.

Hotels can be expensive. And I much prefer to feel at home whenever I travel to a destination I have been to in the past, so I opt out for an Airbnb apartment with a living room and a kitchen.

I ended up choosing a charming little property on the sixth floor of a residential building situated a few minutes away from the Moulin Rouge and a 15-minute walk to the Montmartre Hill. An absolute gem.

It is one of Airbnb’s Guest Favourite listings, a highlight badge that ensures the top quality of a property.

My host Selma speaks Arabic, English, French and Spanish, and is super quick with replying to any of my queries. She also allows me to check in three hours earlier, a mark of an excellent host.

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Her home has a 4.8 rating – and may I just say this one thing – it has one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in in a long time. A gold star for Selma.

Where to stay

Gergana was a guest of Airbnb in Paris. She stayed for two nights at one of the Guest Favourite Listings, which cost €477. 

Eurostar tickets from London to Paris start from £39.

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Poilievre kicking off the summer with a campaign-style RV tour of Quebec

Conservatives hold a strong lead in the polls nationwide, but trail the bloc québécois in quebec.

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With the House of Commons adjourned for the summer, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is taking his political message on the road in a campaign-style RV trip around Quebec.

Poilievre will visit a number of Quebec ridings over the next few weeks in an RV that features a photo of himself and his family along with a "Common Sense" slogan.

Poilievre told Radio-Canada that the tour is about "listening to Quebecers" and talking to them about cost-of-living issues.

"Politicians and the federal government don't care about Quebecers now," he said in French.

"The centralist and inflationist government of Justin Trudeau costs too much. I want to lower those costs for Quebecers and share my common sense plan."

Common Sense is on a roll through Quebec to:<br><br>🪓 Axe the tax<br>🏠 Build the homes<br>💰 Fix the budget <br>🚔 Stop the crime <a href="https://t.co/qpFff3ha37">pic.twitter.com/qpFff3ha37</a> &mdash; @PierrePoilievre

Conservatives have enjoyed a strong lead in national polls recently, but surveys released this week by Abacus and Angus Reid show the Tories trailing the Bloc Québécois in Quebec.

The objective of the RV tour is to send a "strong signal" that the Conservatives have Quebec's interests "at heart," Poilievre's Quebec lieutenant Pierre Paul-Hus told the Canadian Press in a French interview.

"The image that people currently have of Pierre Poilievre is the guy who fights in the House of Commons. It's the image that is on TV that people see," Paul-Hus said. "But the man, the human who shakes hands, who chats with you, every time someone meets him and talks to him, they say, 'Wow, that's not how I saw him.'"

• With Trudeau on the ropes, Liberals contemplate the next election with hope and anxiety
• Neil Oberman, lawyer who fought against McGill encampment, to run for Poilievre's Conservatives in Mount Royal

Quebec Conservative MPs have been using their time in question period to accuse the Bloc of propping up the Liberal government. But the Conservatives also appear to be going after Liberal ridings in the province.

Poilievre held a rally in the Montreal riding of Mount Royal on Wednesday night, where he introduced Neil Oberman as the Conservative candidate  in the next election.

Oberman, a lawyer for more than 20 years, recently represented students who filed an injunction request against the McGill pro-Palestinian encampment.

The lawyer will try to win the seat away from Anthony Housefather, who has represented Mount Royal since 2015. The riding is a Liberal stronghold, held by the party since 1940.

Both the Abacus and Angus Reid surveys released this week show the Tories have a 20-point lead over the Liberals nationwide.

Some Liberals have acknowledged publicly the tough position the party is in as MPs return to their ridings for the summer.

"We're swimming into the tide. It's tough," P.E.I. MP Sean Casey told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday.

• Liberal MPs prepare to face constituents this summer in the middle of a polling slump
• Asked about low polling numbers, Trudeau says Canadians are not in 'decision mode' yet

"It's frustrating when you're swimming into the tide, but that's a function of politics, that's life. I'm not going to work any less."

When asked Wednesday if there is anything the Liberals could do to turn their polling fortunes around, Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan said "there's no magic formula."

"Just work harder and just make sure you get the word out on the work that you are doing," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CBC Journalist

Darren Major is a senior writer for CBC's Parliamentary Bureau. He can be reached via email at [email protected].

With files from The Canadian Press