Alex Floyd-Douglass joined Time Out in October 2022, after eight years freelancing as a travel writer, photographer and content creator. Starting out life in England, Alex has travelled to many corners of the world and spent the past decade living and working in Cape Town after rediscovering her South African roots in 2013.

Alex enjoys writing about all things travel and lifestyle, shooting film and watching rugby, especially when it’s South Africa vs England – or with the kids at her non-profit organisation, Mzansi's Rugby Academy.

Contact Alex at hello@theafricanrose.com or follow her journey on African Rose Adventures

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Freelance Travel Copywriter

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Articles (414)

Where to go for alcohol delivery in NYC

Where to go for alcohol delivery in NYC

If you’re hunting for the best alcohol delivery in NYC, no worries—the options are endless. New Yorkers have mastered the art of getting everything delivered. Groceries? Dropped at your door. Flowers? Absolutely. Takeout? No problem. A cheese and charcuterie plate? You’ll be an expert host without lifting a finger. Even cleaning services can show up to your place with zero effort on your part. As for booze? No need to lug cases of beer or bottles of wine back from the shop when an app can handle the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is show your ID when they show up at the door. So if that party is more of a hit than you expected, you won’t have to worry about running out of drinks. Not with our tried-and-tested list of NYC alcohol delivery services. Cheers to that. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 18 best alternative attractions in London

The 18 best alternative attractions in London

Tired of Trafalgar Square? Already seen Buckingham Palace? It’s true that London has many wonderful landmarks, sights and attractions – but let’s face it, most of the world knows about them. And most visitors to the capital will be flocking to them. So, why not forego the over-subscribed usual suspects and check out our run-down of the quirky, the weird, the offbeat, cool and countrified? In a nutshell: these are places that are a little below-the-radar, but no less for it. They’ll have you adventuring into pockets of London that you didn’t even know were there. From a Jack the Ripper walking tour to a medieval palace, go forth and start exploring the best alternative attractions in London!   Updated May 2025: Whether you're into rock music or rom coms, there's a walking tour for you. Walk in the footsteps of move stars and musicians while snapping photos of famous locations and hearing all the best stories about the area.  RECOMMENDED: 🏙 Check out these essential sightseeing tours in London🚌 See our editor's pick for the best London bus tours  For the most up-to-date recs, check out what's on in London this week. This guide was recently updated by London-based content executive, Talia Stanton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the b
The 20 best tours and walks to explore NYC in 2025

The 20 best tours and walks to explore NYC in 2025

With so many must-see attractions in NYC, a visit to the city can be overwhelming. The best NYC tours — whether by land, sea or air — can help you make the most of your visit. Even locals will enjoy these tours and maybe learn something new (or discover a few secret NYC destinations) by taking an off-the-beaten-path tour. Choose your own adventure: walking tours, boat tours, bike tours and helicopter tours are all great ways to see the city, and the expert guides will turn you into fountains of knowledge on New York landmarks. Looking for something more specific? There are food tours, movie tours, art tours, architecture tours and more. Whatever part of NYC you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you’ll have fun while learning everything you need to know about the Big Apple – including local-approved recommendations that will really show you the best of the city.  Want to traverse a little more in 2025?  Get curious with the best non-touristy things to do in NYC  Frolic through NYC's most beautiful parks Discover the city's best lesser-known attractions Eat through the best food tours in NYC  This guide was written by Time Out New York's commercial editor, Annalise Mantz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This
The 16 best attractions in Vienna

The 16 best attractions in Vienna

What an incredible city Vienna is. Once referred to as the Capital of the World, Vienna is a place that resonates with the soul long before you arrive here, such is the power of its reputation and aura. You might feel familiar with much of the Austrian capital already, be it the glittering State Opera, the engaging museums, unbeatable coffee houses, and all the rest. Vienna is a place that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. With a roster such as this, it can be difficult to identify exactly what the best attractions in Vienna are. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, there’s so much more to this charming capital than the picture-postcard sights and bucket-list things to do. The restaurant scene is as good as any other, for a start, and a night out in Vienna is a night you won’t forget in a hurry. Updated May 2025: Classical music lovers won't want to miss this church concert centred around Vivaldi's Four Seasons. More details below!  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in ViennaThe best hotels in ViennaThe best Airbnbs in Vienna This guide was co-written by travel journalist Emma Hughes. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our edi
The 12 best boat tours in NYC in 2025

The 12 best boat tours in NYC in 2025

In all of planet Earth, there is no other skyline quite like that of New York City. Whether by air or by land, the Big Apple’s skyscrapers and landmarks are iconic. But there’s one way of touring NYC that beats out the rest, hands down—by boat.  Whether from the upper deck of a yacht or hunkered down on a speedboat, views from the harbor show NYC at its absolute finest. From the Statue of Liberty to the One World Trade Center, you can take in all the biggest sights without dealing with packed subway cars and endless traffic jams. Below are some of the best boat tours in NYC from speedboat rides to floating jazz concerts and cocktail cruises.  Updated May 2025: Looking to go big (Apple) this 4th of July? There's an NYC boat tour for that. Expect a buffet, DJ and close-up view of the fireworks.  Want more nautical things to do? These are NYC's best boat bars for sips and snacks.  How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 6 coolest walking tours in NYC

The 6 coolest walking tours in NYC

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to see as much of New York as possible in a short time, the solution might be one of Gotham's best walking tours. NYC is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot, and there's certainly no shortage of interesting sights around every corner, from awesome outdoor art to the most haunted places in NYC to beautiful NYC buildings to the most awe-inspiring New York attractions. New York natives and first-time tourists alike will discover parts of the city they’ve never seen before on the best walking tours in NYC. RECOMMENDED: đŸ—œSee our full guide to New York City tours🚹Check out the best crime tours in NYC🏹Stay in the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 18 best flower delivery services in NYC this  season

The 18 best flower delivery services in NYC this season

Sometimes the best gift of all is flowers. Whether you're staying with the fam, visiting old school friends or celebrating with your other half, a beautiful bouquet of flowers sometimes just says 'I appreciate you' so much better. From glorious poinsettias to a curated bunch of delights, we've got you covered with the best flower delivery services in NYC.  Luckily, we live in NYC in the 21st century where you can get flowers delivered straight to your door for the very next day – or in some cases, that exact same day. And it’s not just bouquets you can send to your loved one. You can get potted plants (perfect for plant fanatics), good quality chocolates, candles, and even more sent straight to their door. We’re on hand to help you make the best decision by rounding up all of the very best flower delivery services in NYC, ready for you to choose your fave. And if you're not afraid of a little long-term commitment, many of the shops included in our round-up offer a subscription model so you can keep 'em coming all year round... RECOMMENDED:Â đŸ« Check out the best chocolate deliveries in the USAOr how about the best alcohol delivery in NYC? How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in NYC. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 10 best cheap flower delivery services in the USA

The 10 best cheap flower delivery services in the USA

Whether you have two months, two weeks, or 24 hours to plan a gift (it happens!), lucky for you, there are some quick and cheap options out there for flower delivery. All you have to do is browse a website, choose from some absolutely stunning bouquets, and wait for your loved one to gush about their botanical beauties. Birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary—no matter the occasion, the following websites have pretty posies in totally affordable tiers. And you don’t even have to deliver them yourself. Happy flower shopping, friends! Here are the best cheap flower delivery services in the USA. RECOMMENDED:Â đŸ« Complete your gift with the best chocolate shops in the USA How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 21 best online flower deliveries in London

The 21 best online flower deliveries in London

How to show you care? Nothing beats a floral surprise dropped on that special someone's doorstep. If you're opting to gift a beautiful bouquet, though, just know you can’t do it half-heartedly. You can't get more 'last minute' like a bunch of petrol station peonies – and your recipient will be able to tell. Instead, brighten up their day with a handpicked arrangement from one of the million-and-one incredible florists all over London, with one million-and-one ways to get beautiful bouquets delivered the very same day, or the day after if you’re too slow (just blame delivery delays). Because we're amazing, we’ve made it even easier for you, panic-buyer or not – hey, we don't discriminate. We've scoured the city to bring you this list of the best flower deliveries in London – each one hand-picked by Time Out experts.  Why not take a look at:💐 The best same-day flower delivery in LondonđŸ·Â The best alcohol delivery services in London 🛏 Need a getaway? Here are the best Airbnbs in London How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favourites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 14 best boutique hotels in Melbourne

The 14 best boutique hotels in Melbourne

This city has countless hotels to choose from, but if you're after something a bit different, you should book a stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Melbourne. From Airstream caravans hoisted atop a rooftop car park to tiny 34-room hotels filled with kitsch lamps and furry rugs, these are the stays you'll want to write home about. We'll even reveal where all the celebs stay when they come to Melbourne...  And while you're not busy discovering all the delights of your accommodation, explore Melbourne's top activities, from a sunrise hot air balloon tour to its iconic zoo, or make the most if the city's culinary offerings by booking a table at the best places to eat in town – serving up Bankok-style boat noodles, panoramic views and everything in between.  RECOMMENDED: ✹ Check out the best fancy hotels in Melbourne💰 Melbourne's best cheap hotels for those on a budget🏠 Stay in one of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 14 best florists in Montreal for flower delivery and more

The 14 best florists in Montreal for flower delivery and more

Who doesn’t love a nice bouquet of flowers from the best florists in town – especially when you can get them delivered to your doorstep in Montreal? When you take stock of all the fabulous Montreal attractions, gorgeous terraces, and world-class restaurants – all topped with these superb flower shops – this is without a doubt a city for lovers. Florists here offer all sorts of services, including last-minute bouquet deliveries and extravagant wedding arrangements, but they can also help you find something simple to liven up your apartment too. Flower shopping has never been so easy, or so rewarding. Especially as we've rounded them all up for you – seriously, this is going to be a bloomin' breeze. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the đŸ·best romantic restaurants in Montreal This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 16 best hotels in Los Angeles for a relaxing sun-soaked stay

The 16 best hotels in Los Angeles for a relaxing sun-soaked stay

So you want to be in close proximity to L.A.’s best beaches? Or maybe within a short drive of as many must-see Los Angeles attractions as possible? Or why not both? These hotels in Los Angeles are the perfect place, and regardless of what your plans are, a trip spent exploring one of the best cities in the U.S. means you’ve got to have an equally great place to rest your head for the night.  A budget-friendly hotel is a great option for those looking for cheaper alternatives (hello, extra spending money) but—if your travel planning allows—a place as gorgeous and exciting as Los Angeles deserves to be experienced as decadently and comfortably as possible. These accommodations manage to check those marks and more—and have earned a spot in our list of the very best hotels in Los Angeles. RECOMMENDED:🏹 Check out the most unique Airbnbs in Los Angeles💰 Discover the most luxurious Airbnb rentals in Los Angeles❀ The most romantic hotels in Los Angeles This guide was written by L.A.-based writer Michael Juliano. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Listings and reviews (2)

Treehouse Hotel

Treehouse Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Treehouse Hotel is everything you could want from a sustainable yet high-end (two words not often used together) hotel in London’s busiest district. Just steps away from Regent Street and the chaos that is Oxford Circus, this 95-room treehouse-come-hotel is covered head-to-toe in recycled wood, hanging plants and plastic-free interiors throughout. From the quirky room additions – think magic 8 balls, cuckoo clocks and Paddington Bears – to the earthy perks like birdie bed throws and tree branches in the otherwise uber-modern ensuite, the Treehouse knows how to bring a vibe. And if you’re looking to dine and drink with minimal effort, there are three fantastic choices on-site. For dinner, head to Pizzeria Mozza on the ground floor for authentic Italian fare with a flair: try the cauliflower fritti from the antipasti menu. It’s next level. Wind down with a nightcap at the rooftop bar, The Nest – complete with 360-degree city views and the kind of lighting to make your Christmas tree weep. Rise and shine from your super comfy bed the next morning, and enjoy a full English with a Mexican twist at Madera; the all-day restaurant serving anything from macchiatos to mezcals. Thoughtful comforts throughout the hotel include filtered water stations on each floor, personalised messages on your in-room SmartTV, complimentary sweet treats delivered room-service style and a distinct aroma flowing through the halls reminiscent of Abercrombie&Fitch back in 2010 – in a good way. It’s wort
Lime Tree Hotel

Lime Tree Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Lime Tree Hotel serves an eclectic slice of the English countryside to the heart of London. Nestled just off the ‘prettiest street in London’ – otherwise known as Elizabeth Street – the 26-room Georgian boutique hotel offers a diverse mix of old-school accents, abstract art and wallpapers seeking a whole lot of attention. Inside the Generous Double, you’ll find tapestry curtains and dial-up radios juxtaposed with modern amenities such as a SmartTV, mood lighting and crisp white sheets on the well-sized double bed. Upon first glance, it’s easy to forget this is an ensuite until you discover the doorknob hidden among the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wallpaper – yep, it’s pretty bold. While the bathroom is petite in size, the design is clean, modern and ideal for a quick refresh in the morning before devouring one of the on-site eatery’s divine breakfasts: go for the salmon and scrambled eggs with a side of avo – it's spectacular. The Buttery is fast becoming the go-to brunch spot in Belgravia and its not-so-secret-but-equally-magical garden is everything you could want from a sunny spot for clinking mimosas at noon. The Limetree is your very own low-cost London oasis – take full advantage. Neighbourhood: Situated in sloaney Belgravia, it’s pretty surprising to learn that this cosy bolthole is a five-minute walk from the wilderness that is Victoria Station on a Monday morning. Grab a coffee at TomTom and watch the array of locals – from families and pushchairs to suits on Bori

News (2)

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a few interesting filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on categories rather than just the location. It’s pretty neat, and it means that if the only place you’re really willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can totally search for exactly that.  And now they’ve just added a few more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, brand-new listings, ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and ‘play’ properties with things like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides. As we say, pretty neat. But the search we’re finding especially interesting right now is ‘trending’ homes. These are the most viewed listings on Airbnb and we have to say it proves there actually is wisdom in the masses, on occasion. Don’t believe us? Check out these awesome pads.    The Baldy Mountain chalet overlooking Ten Mile Range, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The oceanfront beach house in Summerland, California Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Big Blue Trace in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mountainview Barn House, Woodstock, New York State Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The lakefront mansion in Indio, California   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The log cabin near Dollywood, Tennessee Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a selection of new filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on some pretty niche categories rather than just location and date range. So if the only place you’re willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can now search for exactly that. Pretty cool, eh? Well, they’ve just added even more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down the latest ‘trending’ homes and brand-new listings, as well as ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and properties with a ‘play’ element, like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides.  But the new category we’re loving most? The ‘top of the world’ filter, which shows homes that are at least 10,000 feet above sea level. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, we’ve picked some of our favourite sky-high rentals. See you halfway up the Himalayas? This architectural masterpiece in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A geocentric dome in the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This lush home on the highest coastal mountain range in the world Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A nature lodge in Nepal, with views of the Everest Region Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This spectacular villa above the clouds in Quito, Ecuador Photograph: courtesy Airbnb Pretty spectacular, right? Next thi