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This week in travel: why Nigerians claim their Guinness rivals Ireland’s, a Texan woman embracing her golden years in France, and Time Out’s newly announced must-visit foodie cities for 2025.

Culinary Capitals

A seasoned travel tip? Always leave space in your luggage—and in your appetite.

A local meal is often the highlight of exploring a new city, bringing flavor to unforgettable memories.

Helping you pick your next dining destination, Time Out has revealed its new list of the world’s top cities for food lovers.

Leading the rankings is New Orleans, famed for its fusion of French, African, Spanish, and Vietnamese flavors, offering taste-packed dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

Bangkok takes second place, a city where you can hop from elegant Michelin-starred spots like Gaggan Anand to buzzing street vendors serving incredible meals for just a few dollars.

At number three is Medellín, Colombia, celebrated for its budget-friendly foodie appeal and top-notch coffee. Cape Town, South Africa claims fourth, praised for its varied and notably fresh seafood dishes.

In fifth, Madrid is admired for its experimental and rich culinary scene, while in sixth, Mexico City continues to gain popularity among international food connoisseurs.

Lagos, Nigeria ranks seventh, with locals favoring staples like jollof rice and suya. Shanghai follows at eight, where centuries-old cooking traditions meet modern creativity.

The home of haute cuisine, Paris, earns ninth place—fittingly—thanks to its enduring gourmet legacy.

Rounding out the top ten is Jakarta, Indonesia, where rendang and a host of other bold dishes keep food lovers talking.

The rest of the top 20 includes: Marrakech (11), Lima (12), Riyadh (13), Mumbai (14), Abu Dhabi (15), Cairo (16), Porto (17), Montreal (18), Naples (19), and San José (20).

Wearing Green

Though no Irish cities made Time Out’s top 20 list, Ireland’s culinary culture remains rich and diverse. As St. Patrick’s Day draws near, consider tasting these 26 classic Irish dishes — from spicy takeaway “spice bags” to the fruit-studded bread known as barmbrack.

Of course, the standout Irish beverage is Guinness. The creamy stout has become so popular of late that UK pubs faced shortages.

Interestingly, Guinness is brewed in several countries, with Nigeria’s Lagos brewery—established in 1963—being the first abroad. The West African version is stronger, maltier, and holds a special spot in many hearts.

If there’s one drink that truly powers the Irish, though, it's tea. Barry’s is generally top pick, but Lyons and Punjana also have loyal fans.

One thing’s for certain: real tea requires a proper kettle, not a microwave. For helpful product reviews, CNN Underscored has compiled a guide to the best electric kettles for 2025.

A New Chapter in France

In search of a more fulfilling life, Janice Deerwester, a Texan in her seventies, relocated to Fontainebleau, near Paris. “Every day is a blessing here,” she tells CNN, as she embraces a charming, slower-paced life in France.

In Case You Missed It

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"White Lotus" is heading to Thailand for Season 3, drawing fresh attention to its scenic filming locations.

A group of four friends took a vacation – and then recreated a cherished photo from 35 years earlier, capturing a heartwarming moment.

Curious how planes stay safe in icy conditions? A mechanical engineer breaks down the science of aircraft de-icing.