Could Nicaragua Be the Next 'It' Destination?

'The dried fruit alone…' My friend Kim's eyes fluttered closed as she recalled her recent visit to a tiny resort on a private island in Nicaragua. 'It tastes like candy.'
Kim, a fashion editor whose spot-on taste dictates a good half of my clothing purchases, library holds, and video streams, now had the fix to my family's post-White Lotus spring break problem. We wanted to go to Costa Rica, following in the footsteps of seemingly everybody else we know—but given the Costa craze, the shortest flight we could find involved a nine-hour layover in Winnipeg.
A trip to Nicaragua, Costa Rica's northern neighbor, was a little more realistic. Once a magnet for intrepid backpackers and surfers who were willing to overlook the nation's political turbulence and the State Department's alarming travel advisory, Nicaragua is shaping up to be the next 'it' destination for those seeking sun and sand.
The Nicaraguan travel scene started to take flight right before the pandemic. After a few shaky years, it has caught up to where it left off—and then some. The menus are getting more intricate and delicious. The luxury experiences are getting more luxurious. Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander recently retreated to what Salman Rushdie called a 'beautiful, volcanic country' in his account of a three-week visit. So did Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Margot Robbie went there for a yoga and surfing retreat (and encountered a human foot on the beach, but that's another story).
Like electrolytes or Nutrafol, Nicaragua is one of those words that you can't stop hearing about once it lodges in your mind. 'It was a slow recovery, but we're back in the game,' Howard Caulson, the general manager of Jicaro Island Lodge, a thoroughly idyllic getaway, told me. 'Having a time out gave us a chance to up the ante. Beforehand, what we were providing was really good. Now it's even better.'

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Travel + Leisure

an hour ago

• Travel + Leisure

I'm the First Person to Travel to Every Country in the World Without Ever Getting on a Plane–How I Did It

For Travel + Leisure's column Traveling As, we're talking to travelers about what it's like to explore the world through their unique perspectives. We chatted with Thor Pedersen of Denmark, who spent nearly a decade on a single journey to 203 countries around the world, never once getting on a plane. During the project, he detailed his experience on his blog, Once Upon a Saga , and visited Red Cross offices in 192 nations as a Danish Red Cross Goodwill Ambassador. His book "The Impossible Journey" came out this spring, with a documentary by the same name on its way. Here's his story… My mother was great at instilling in me adventure and imagination as a child. I would picture I was a part of Robin Hood's gang, Ivanhoe, or Indiana Jones. When I got older, I became fascinated with proper adventures of those who had gone inside the deepest, darkest jungles and followed the longest rivers, circumnavigated the planet, found their way to the North and South Poles, and made it to the moon. Eventually, I realized I was born too late. I couldn't be the first to reach the top of Mount Everest, for example, because that was done in 1953. The great firsts were gone. I felt a bit sad, like there was nothing left for the rest of us. Then, in 2013, my dad sent me an email about extreme travelers, people who'd gone to every country in the world. I had no idea this was possible. I thought it would take a lifetime, and you'd have to be a millionaire. Back then, about 200 people had already done this, and some were in their 20s, so that was quite inspiring. But, I realized, no one had traveled to every country without flying. I was 34 and figured I was likely on a path like everyone else my age: Start a family and continue my career. But I just couldn't leave the thought, so I started planning. I bought a map and blue and red pens, and sat down with my sister to plot out the route. I wanted to start in my home of Denmark, and then cover about two-thirds of the European countries, before going over the North Atlantic, North America, Central America, South America, and then up through the Caribbean. Then, I'd come over the Atlantic and go from West Africa to North Africa, finish the rest of Europe, and then go to the Middle East. That would connect to Asia, and then down through and around Australia and the Pacific. Eventually, I had a fully formed project and funding. Thor with camels while in Ethiopia in 2017. At the time I was planning the journey, I was in a new relationship with a wonderful woman I met in 2012, and we started dating in 2013. She wanted to do the Berlin Marathon that year, so we completed that together in September, and I set my departure date on Oct. 10 at 10:10 a.m. since the four 10s had a nice ring to it. I set three cardinal rules. First, I had to be in each country a minimum of 24 hours, but I could stay as long as I wanted. Second, I couldn't return home until I reached the final country. It had to be one journey. And lastly, no flying for any reason whatsoever. So if I was evacuated in an airplane, I'd have to reset to start all over. There were also three side rules. I couldn't pay any bribes the whole way. I also had a budget of an average of $20 a day. So if I had to pay $50 or $100 for a visa, I didn't spend any money other times. The third rule was I couldn't eat McDonald's the whole way. I traveled by public transportation wherever available. The bulk of that was buses—351 in total. I took 158 trains, especially in Europe, where there's lots of connectivity. There were also taxis, shared motorcycles, mini buses, and metros. Where it was possible, I took sailboats. Ferries were also an easy way to travel. Toward the end of my project, I took lots of container ships as I was going through the Pacific. The whole experience was wild. But the funny thing is, it didn't have that kind of gravity in 2013. I thought, if I follow the rules, then there's a clear definition of what it means to visit every country without flying. But not being able to fly meant the countries all had to connect. Not getting a single visa could be an issue. If there was one country blocking me, I couldn't move forward. Thor on a train in Sri Lanka in 2023. There were many highlights. Venezuela is such a gorgeous country—I couldn't believe my eyes. There's something about the mountains, vegetation, and the size of the valleys, plus the coast and islands. I also went to Machu Picchu in the afternoon and had it to myself, since all the tours come in the morning. That was cool—standing in the mountains, seeing the clouds in between peaks, and looking at the ancient town. There was also the time I was on a container ship between Iceland and Canada during a four-day storm. The ship shook greatly for several days. It was winter and we got a report saying there was ice in the water—and we weren't far from where the Titanic sank. It was not a good situation. But at the end, a mirror-like condition hit the surface of the water, and it was just beautiful. Any time the surface broke, it was a whale or a dolphin. At night, we saw the northern lights. Four hours before we could see Canada, we could smell its forest since the wind blew pollen out east. It was incredible. When I was in the Pacific, where the water was a light turquoise blue, there was a moment the ship headed toward a huge rainbow. I was on top of the bridge and asked the officer, 'Is this normal?' He said he hadn't seen it before. But at its heart, my journey was about the people. My motto was, 'A stranger is a friend you've never met before.' Thousands of people had their hands in this project. People who would pat me on the back when I had a bad day, or give me a meal, a place to sleep, or just point me in the right direction. People would help with translations and connections. I was never alone—people around the world were helpful, funny, and generous. I knew it was going to be fun. I was going to meet people and eat great food. All that happened, but a couple of years into the project, it became challenging. I had to be in a country, whether or not I wanted it. In most countries, it wasn't a problem. But if I went to a place with armed conflict or was unable to get a visa, then the 24 hours becomes an issue. Not returning home was a tough rule. For instance, Equatorial Guinea is a beautiful little country with amazing flora and fauna. But it's also in a hard part of the world, with dictatorships and corruption. It's changed a lot since I was there in 2016. Back then, they were strict about who they wanted inside their country. It took me three months to get the visa. I went from one diplomatic mission to the next to the next, often going back to countries I had already been to and having to get visas so I could re-enter those countries just to go and get denied a visa. When I finally got the visa, the borders were shut. It was rumored there had been a coup attempt and that it had failed. I only had 30 days to enter before my visa expired, so I was desperate. I tried so many things. Three days before its expiration, I met a French expat working in Equatorial Guinea, who was able to take me inside the country. The project was estimated to take less than four years, but it ended up taking nine years, nine months, and 16 days. This meant I was in a long-distance relationship for almost a decade. My now-wife came 27 times, which corresponds with 27 different countries. (She used a plane every time.) We had our ups and downs in the first few years. She was studying to become a doctor, got her PhD, and then she started a career. When she and I were both preoccupied, and we had a great distance between each other, it was hard making a long-distance relationship work. It almost fell apart at one point, but we managed to focus on ourselves and build it up again. Then, things got really good, and I started to think, this is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I found a ring in Tanzania, with a Tanzanite stone, which is unique to the country. Depending on how you twist it, it changes its color in the light. I decided I was going to ask her to marry me on top of Mount Kenya. We started hiking with our guide, and it took two to three days to reach the peak. In my head, it was going to be like The Lion King with a beautiful sunrise and animals bowing. In reality, it got cold as we approached the top. The flowers and rocks were frozen, and there was ice and snow. At the top, there was no view—it was a complete whiteout. But I got on one knee and asked her the question, and she said yes. She almost danced all the way down the mountain. At the bottom, we had some popcorn and tea. There were even monkeys on the rooftop. I was down to the last nine countries when the global pandemic hit. I was supposed to spend four days in Hong Kong to make transit between two ships. In the beginning, the country was tightly closed. I ended up being separated from my fiancé for a year and a half. There was no way I could get her inside Hong Kong unless we were married. Then, I learned there was an agency in Utah where you can get married online. She was in Copenhagen at 10 p.m., I was in Hong Kong past midnight, and we had family and friends logging on from all over. Due to the time difference, we were not technically married on the same day. We got the paperwork, and that was good enough for Hong Kong to allow her to get a visa. She did three weeks in hotel quarantine, and then we were together. But after that, we couldn't get the paperwork past Denmark. So after I left Hong Kong, we met again in Vanuatu, a beautiful island nation in the Pacific. We just happened to meet a German who had been living there for a long time. He had a resort and arranged many weddings. So we decided to get married there. In a short span of time, we got married on the beach, had cake, and took photos. But Denmark said no for a second time, stating it wasn't a real wedding. So we finally got married in city hall in Copenhagen after I got home. It's a funny thing, we've been married three times now. Even though the journey came with smiles and laughs, I wanted out two years into the project. And I pushed for almost eight more years to complete it. The two years of the pandemic, not knowing how long it was going to be, was mentally very stressful. In the moment, I would look back, thinking about all the people I'd met, places I'd been, and things I'd learned. It was also good to look forward, like someday I'll be in Japan. But sometimes it was nightmarish. I didn't realize there would be so much paperwork involved. In some countries, securing a bus or train ticket required a marathon of paperwork. In other places, it took a couple of minutes on the phone. The longest I spent on a ship was about 10 months. Thor, in 2023 while traveling on cargo ship in Fiji. When I was on my way to my final country, the Maldives, someone sent a message saying, 'This is the last time in your life you can visit a new country.' But I love going back to countries. There's always stuff I haven't seen. It's fun to go back and see how things change. Now I'm working on Project 773, which has divided the world into more pieces, and I'm working on trying to visit 773 of them so I can be Denmark's most traveled man. I hope that from learning about my journey, people will be inspired to follow their goals. We have to fight hard for the things we hold dear and fight harder for the things we believe in. Whether you want to finish an education, learn a language, excel in playing an instrument, or a million other things, remember to fight for it. If you're unable to obtain it on your own, then expand your circle. Now, my wife and I have a daughter. We just did a 40-day RV trip across the country, traveling through 18 states and more than 6,500 miles. Hopefully, she will also learn to pursue her goals with some determination—and I hope she will travel. Actually, I hope everyone will travel and cross more borders to meet more people.

Travel + Leisure

2 hours ago

• Travel + Leisure

This East Asian City Has the Most Skyscrapers in the World—Plus Iconic Hotels and Legendary Dim Sum

See Hong Kong from above by riding the gondola up to Ngong Ping village, home to the largest Buddha statue in the city. Party the night away at the tallest rooftop bar in the world at Ozone. Take a Rolls-Royce or helicopter ride at The Peninsula. Dine on modern Cantonese cuisine and listen to 80s Canto-pop at Ho Lee Fook. Try your hand at haggling at the famous Temple Street Night Market. It's hard to imagine a place more international and metropolitan than Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a vibrant hub that sees millions of travelers every day. It's also one of the most significant financial centers in the world, and home to one of the most important commercial ports—a fact that has caused this little slice of the South China Sea to change hands between major world powers a few times in recent history. But all that change and cultural melting pot action has led to one of the most diverse, complex, and vibrant cities that you'll find in East Asia. A trip to Hong Kong is very much a choose-your-own adventure. You could eat noodles at a hawker stall or tuck into Michelin-starred dining. You could get lost in the hustle and bustle of city life or spend a quiet beach day on the outer islands. "Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart," says Virginia Chan, owner of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs, a tour operator offering guided tours of the city. "The vibrant energy is palpable. The best thing is the synergy between the East and the West, and how perfectly the old and the new marry together. Many might not realize that just 20 minutes away from the concrete jungle lies a natural oasis with beautiful hiking trails." Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Hong Kong. Scenes inside the Rosewood Hong Kong. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The Rosewood Hong Kong has large luxurious rooms, amazing views of the harbor, incredible design and artwork, as well as 11 different bars and restaurants, including one of the city's best afternoon teas at the Butterfly Room. Or you could load up on curry, samosas, or chicken tikka at the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Chaat. The Peninsula is arguably one of the most well-known and historic hotels in Hong Kong. On Christmas Day in 1941, British officials surrendered to Imperial Japanese forces in the Peninsula, ushering in four years of Japanese occupation in Hong Kong. Major historical events aside, the Peninsula is known for its distinct, East-meets-West style of luxury (if you couldn't tell by the massive stone lions and bellhops in white tunics). For those looking for a sumptuous stay in the city, there's no better place than the Peninsula, according to Chan. 'Should one wish for a real treat, they can choose to take a helicopter ride for panoramic views of the city, starting at the helipad located on the top of the Peninsula," she says. "Also, The Peninsula boasts the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce cars owned by a hotel, so Rolls-Royce airport transfers are fair game!' For those looking for a luxe option on Hong Kong Island, look no further than Mandarin Oriental. Since it opened in 1963, this hotel has been a favorite among the rich and famous, and has welcomed guests such as Eartha Kitt, Christian Dior, and, more recently, Michelle Yeoh. It's just steps away from Hong Kong's SoHo district, making it a convenient home base to explore all the shops, restaurants, and bars that the one of the city's liveliest neighborhoods has to offer. This iconic hotel recently underwent a major two-year renovation and reopened in 2023 to rave reviews. In fact, it was voted the best in the city by Travel + Leisure readers in 2024. "Regent Hong Kong's location makes it a great place to post up," said T+L editor Susmita Baral. "The Victoria Harbour waterfront means you have stunning views, easy access to museums, and can get around the city through public transit or ferries. But my biggest takeaway is that it feels like a private oasis in the bustling city." The Big Buddha in Ngong Ping village. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure A fun fact: Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world. There are many ways to admire the skyline, but taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak is the best way to see Hong Kong's iconic skyline. In fact, it's one of Chan's favorite tourist attractions. She recommends buying a ticket beforehand or using an Octopus Card to skip the line. 'Take a leisurely stroll to Lugard Road Lookout Point for a magnificent 180-degree view of the city," Chan says. Visiting Tian Tan Buddha (aka the Big Buddha) is truly one of those things where the act of getting there is just as exciting as reaching the destination. The 3.5-mile gondola ride not only has great views of Hong Kong's densely packed cityscape, but you'll also get to see the lush jungle landscapes that hug it. Spend some extra time exploring the surrounding village, the Po Lin Monastery, where you can even enjoy a lunch cooked by the local monks. Chan recommends making it a full-day trip to see the old stilt houses of nearby Tai O, a historic fishing village. This massive complex was originally constructed in the early 1860s and served as the Central Police Station until the 2000s. Over the years, new additions were added to the original building, and it would eventually also have a dormitory and a prison. These days, however, it's now used as a retail and entertainment complex, after a massive revitalization project transformed the building. Visitors can now dine, shop, and even go to the movies at Tai Kwun. Don't skip the museum, which focuses on the building's history and even has some display prison cells. This promenade runs along the harbor on Kowloon and has incredible views of Hong Kong. Here, you'll find the Avenue of the Stars, which pays tribute to famous Hong Kong film stars such as Jackie Chan, who was born in the city. You can also shop till you drop at the massive luxury malls, watch (or catch) the ferries and the junk boats along the water, and watch the twinkling lights of the skyline at night. The bustling Temple Street Night Market. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure For a unique souvenir, go treasure hunting in Hong Kong's first and last hand-painted porcelain factory. As you wander the stacked aisles, you can see employees painting new inventory. But be aware that not everything is painted on-site, so Chan suggests checking the bottom of the pieces that you're interested in to confirm its origin. No matter what you may be looking for, there's probably a street market in Hong Kong that sells it. From Goldfish Street to Flower Market, there truly is something for everyone in the city. Temple Street Night Market is a favorite for trinkets and souvenirs. If you're looking for bags or dupes in general, head to Ladies Night Market. Chan suggests Cat Street (also known as Antiques Street) for unique finds, like charms that will match your Chinese Zodiac sign. Also, don't let the 'Night Market' label fool you—most of the markets are open in the afternoon. This massive compound used to be a dormitory for married police officers, but it's now an artist residence, full of studios and shops. "[There are] lots of unique and very cool one-off stores in here and great souvenirs as well,' Chan says. Your typical souvenir shop, this is not. Gods of Desire focuses on modern, design-forward and modern gifts and has everything from locally designed clothing to Hong Kong-themed games. The Hong Kong skyline at night. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, this is the tallest rooftop bar in the world. While it's a great place to sip cocktails and enjoy small plates atop the city any day, a visit here feels particularly special on New Year's Eve, when the night sky is peppered with fireworks. If you're ready to get the party started, then head to Lan Kwai Fong, one of the city's most popular nightlife hot spots. The streets of LKF (as the locals call it) are lined with live music venues, cocktail bars, and clubs, but you'll also spot young people simply partying it up in the street. If you're looking for a more sophisticated cocktail experience, Chan suggests heading to SoHo, a neighborhood located next to LKF. This small area is packed with award-winning bars that have creative menus and excellent service. Chen especially recommends the Mexican-inspired Coa, Bar Leone, or the Savory Project. 'You'll never have to sober up or have an empty drink in hand before your next," Chan says. Dishes served at Chaat. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Eating at this Michelin-starred restaurant is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Expect elevated takes on Cantonese classics using the finest of luxury ingredients. Menu highlights include items like braised abalone, honey-glazed barbecue pork, and stuffed crab shells. Ho Lee Fook, owned by the Black Sheep hospitality group, describes itself as "a Chinese restaurant with a Hong Kong heart." Here, you'll find an elegantly decorated space (think boldly patterned wallpaper, a wall of golden maneki neko, and an open kitchen), and solid Cantonese dishes. 'The flavors are more bold and cater to those who like punchier flavors," she says. "[There's also] great cocktails and a great interior to match." You'll have no problem finding Chinese food in Hong Kong, so if you're craving something different, try Louise. This Michelin-starred French restaurant is tucked away in a heritage building and serves seasonally inspired dishes in a cozy ambiance. Indian food in Hong Kong might not sound like a must-do experience, but this restaurant located in the Rosewood Hong Kong serves truly unforgettable meals. Dishes like lobster curry and burrata palak will have you nearly licking the plate. View of a park on along the water in Hong Kong. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, meaning the summer season brings heat and humidity—and sometimes even typhoons. You'll experience the best weather if you visit between October and December, and Hong Kong rarely gets colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers can be hot and rainy, but Chan points out that it's actually a great time to find deals on flights and accommodations. The city also plays host to several huge events throughout the year, the biggest holiday naturally being Lunar New Year, which brings parades, fireworks, and Hong Kong's famous flower markets. Art Basel Hong Kong, one of the largest art shows in Asia, usually takes place in March. There are also a number of smaller, quirky festivals. Chan says her two favorites are the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition, where racers try to climb up a 46-foot-tall tower of buns, and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which takes place during the Mid-Autumn Festival. As part of the celebration, a 220-foot-tall dragon is constructed out of 12,000 sticks of incense. A plaza in Hong Kong's central neighborhood. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Hong Kong's Central neighborhood is the heart of the city and is filled with skyscrapers, intertwining malls, and bustling streets. It's also home to some of the city's most popular nightlife spots as well as major attractions like the Victoria Peak Tram. This trendy neighborhood has several award-winning bars, including Bar Leone, which holds the title of the best bar in Asia and the second-best in the world. You'll also find a ton of unique Australian coffee shops and fun eateries in the area. If you want a peek into Hong Kong's past, there's no better place to visit than Wan Chai, which seamlessly blends the past and present. In between independent boutiques and cool cafes, you'll find cultural landmarks like the Blue House, the oldest prewar tenement building in the city, and wet markets. This little village on Lantau Island was once a bustling fishing community, but is now one of the more unique destinations in the Hong Kong area. 'Tai O is called the Venice of the Orient for good reason," Chan says. 'You can go on a boat ride through the stilt houses and, if you're lucky, you'll get a glimpse of the pink dolphins that are found in Hong Kong's waters.' She also suggests trying the Chinese-style donuts at Tai O Bakery. Hong Kong International Airport (HGK) is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, about 21 miles from the heart of the city. As a major travel hub, the airport receives multiple direct flights every day from all around the world, including places like Seattle, New York, and even Dallas, thanks to a recently added Cathay Pacific route. Cathay Pacific even has a stopover program that lets passengers explore Hong Kong for a couple of days before heading to their final destination. Passengers on Hong Kong's Star Ferry. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure One of the best things about Hong Kong is its robust public transportation system. The expansive Mass Transit Railway system includes metro lines, buses, and even old-school trams. I also recommend taking the ferries, which give you incredible skyline views for less than a U.S. dollar. The best way to pay for any mode of transportation in Hong Kong is to opt for an Octopus Card. The Octopus Card is also accepted at some stores and restaurants, making it the most convenient way to pay for almost anything in Hong Kong. These can be purchased (and topped up) at the airport or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Taxis (which are red in Hong Kong) are abundant and easy to use—but keep in mind that they're metered and cash-only. Uber is available in Hong Kong, but operates in a legal gray area.

Yahoo

5 hours ago

• Yahoo

Which food and drinks are banned on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights?

When jetting off on holiday, it can be handy to have a snack and drink during the long flight. Airlines including easyJet, TUI and Ryanair offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase on board. But these can be pricey, and if you have a few passengers travelling with you, the costs can quickly mount. Thankfully, you are usually allowed to bring your own snacks onto the plane too, though some items are strictly off-limits. Different airlines have different rules, but some restrictions are universal, the ECHO reports. Here's a rundown of the foods and drinks you cannot bring on board easyJet, TUI, and other airlines: READ MORE: 'Massive loss' as police officer dies while on duty READ MORE: She told her boss about her foreign holidays - but not that they were 'paid for with his money' TUI passengers are provided with a meal and drinks on flights lasting longer than seven hours. On shorter routes, there is a trolley service with food and drinks that can be bought, though passengers may also bring their own food too. TUI suggests that these food items should be "low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold" and also states its staff cannot provide heating facilities for food apart from heating up bottles for babies. Passengers are not allowed to consume any alcohol that wasn't bought on the plane. easyJet states that passengers are more than welcome to bring their own food on board, but does add that it sells a wide range of food customers can purchase from their seats. The travel operator also asks customers to be aware of the rules surrounding bringing certain food types into the country you are flying to. Information on the easyJet website reads: "You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. There's a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard. "Different countries have different regulations about importing food and drink, so make sure you check the rules for your destination." You may take hot drinks onto easyJet flights but these must have been bought at the airport, and have a tight lid on, for safety reasons. Ryanair allows passengers to bring food and soft drinks under its "feel free" policy, although it bans hot and alcoholic drinks, advising on their website: "In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight." Meanwhile, Jet2 prohibits both hot food and beverages, with guidance from their website stating: "You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft." However, the operator adds, "we do offer a great selection of food and drinks to purchase during your flight." Travellers can't bring "items which in our reasonable opinion are unsuitable for carriage by reason of their weight, size or character or which are fragile or perishable or which may affect the safety, health or comfort of other passengers or crew, this may include hot or strong smelling foods and drinks." And it's worth remembering that no matter which airline you travel with, under new rules you cannot take any meat or dairy into the EU. This is the case even if these items are within food products such as sandwiches, and it doesn't matter if you bought them at the airport or not.