7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Douro Valley, Portugal Wine Tasting at Quinta do Crasto
Tucked away in Portugal's Douro Valley, Quinta do Crasto offers a compelling blend of history and winemaking excellence. Situated on the Douro River's banks, this expansive 135-hectare estate has a long and storied past, with its name originating from the Latin word for "fortress." Its 74 hectares of vineyards yield a range of wines, showcased in their tasting experiences. For a modest €14.50, guests can sample five distinct wines alongside regional delicacies like cheeses and charcuterie. The winery has recently invested in its infrastructure, introducing a modern winemaking cellar and a specialized barrel storage area for premium wines. This commitment to quality, along with a carefully crafted approach to wine tourism, has earned Quinta do Crasto a reputation as a must-visit in the Douro Valley. The estate has gone a step further, providing accommodations that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the region's beauty and the winery's ethos, a unique opportunity to couple the experience with a luxurious retreat. While the area has gained some popularity, it still remains a more understated option compared to some of Portugal's more well-trodden destinations.
Nestled in the Douro Valley between Régua and Pinhão, Quinta do Crasto sprawls across a 135-hectare estate, with nearly three-quarters dedicated to vineyards. The name "Crasto" itself hints at its deep historical ties, derived from the Latin "castrum," suggesting a presence dating back to Roman times. This makes the property a fascinating mix of modern winemaking and ancient agricultural practice, with some of the vineyards boasting over three centuries of history.
Quinta do Crasto offers a range of wine tasting experiences, centered around five wines produced on the estate. Their lineup includes white and rosé, along with different expressions of red wine, such as their flagship Reserva Vinhas Velhas. For a slightly elevated experience, they also include regional delights, like cheeses and charcuterie, for around €14.50 per person. But, you'll need to plan ahead because reservations are mandatory, as the visits are confirmed directly by the team.
The estate is quite modern in terms of its production facilities. There's a brand new winemaking cellar alongside a purpose-built, cutting-edge barrel cellar for the premium wines. Additionally, they have a dedicated quality control laboratory. Guided tours also offer a peek into the winemaking process, visiting the grape reception, winemaking facilities, and the aging cellar.
Quinta do Crasto has achieved a prominent reputation within the Douro Valley wine scene, thanks to the quality of their products and the positive feedback from various wine critics. They also offer on-site lodging, letting visitors fully immerse themselves in the vineyard setting, with suites that boast views of the estate and opportunities to taste a wider range of their offerings. Beyond just the tasting, there's an educational element to the approach at Quinta do Crasto. This goes beyond the simple experience, providing guests with more in-depth information about wine production in the area. This focus on knowledge, along with the physical setting and the wines themselves, appears to make for a more complete visitor experience.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Douro Valley, Portugal Wine Tasting at Quinta do Crasto
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Chiang Mai, Thailand Luxury Stay at 137 Pillars House
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Hoi An, Vietnam Tailored Suits at Yaly Couture
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - São Miguel, Azores Thermal Springs at Furnas
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Kyoto, Japan Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Halong Bay, Vietnam Overnight Cruise on Paradise Elegance
- 7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Belfast, Northern Ireland Gin Tasting at Copeland Distillery
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Chiang Mai, Thailand Luxury Stay at 137 Pillars House
Chiang Mai, Thailand's 137 Pillars House provides a luxurious escape for discerning travelers looking for something a bit different. This boutique hotel, originally built as the East Borneo Company's headquarters in the 1880s, is a fascinating mix of history and modern luxury. The meticulously restored property retains its 19th-century charm while providing incredibly spacious suites. Each suite is filled with modern touches like large living areas and well-appointed bathrooms with sunken tubs. You'll feel like a valued guest, as the property emphasizes a warm, personalized experience that feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel.
Beyond its beautiful suites, 137 Pillars House offers gourmet cuisine, a refreshing pool for unwinding, and rejuvenating spa services. And if you're seeking the local buzz, you can stroll to Chiang Mai's vibrant Night Market in about ten minutes. Its consistent high rankings among boutique hotels in Chiang Mai highlight its success at creating an intimate atmosphere that is both exclusive and inviting. It's certainly a spot to consider for those hoping to find a bit of affordable luxury in 2024, especially if a uniquely charming hotel experience is at the top of your wish list.
Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury at the 137 Pillars House. Originally built in the late 1800s as the Borneo Company's headquarters, the hotel showcases a fascinating example of colonial-era architecture, combining elements of Thai and British design. The carefully restored building now houses 30 generously sized suites, each boasting views of the property's grounds. You'll find a mix of modern conveniences like free WiFi and a well-stocked minibar, all presented in a way that feels authentically historical.
One of the hotel's unique selling points is its emphasis on a residential atmosphere, rather than a traditional hotel feel. They aim to make you feel like a personal guest in a beautifully appointed residence, making it an intimate experience. The suites themselves are thoughtfully designed, with plenty of living space, airy verandas, and luxurious bathrooms. This focus on comfort, coupled with the intimate scale of the property, contributes to a distinctive stay. They've managed to achieve top ratings among Chiang Mai boutique hotels, with a 5-star rating and a high ranking on TripAdvisor.
Dining is an integral part of the experience. You'll find a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. The cuisine incorporates local ingredients, making it a great spot to sample some of the regional flavors, a nice contrast to the street food that's so prevalent in Chiang Mai. It's also notable that the hotel promotes the connection to the wider city with their location just a 10-minute walk from the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Market.
The hotel also offers opportunities to expand your knowledge of the region. Cooking classes are available, where you can learn some of the techniques and flavors of Thai cooking, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. This ties into a broader emphasis on wellness, which includes traditional Thai massage and herbal treatments. The hotel's design integrates local art, another aspect of local culture, into the aesthetics of the hotel grounds, providing a cultural touch that goes beyond the basics.
From a traveler’s standpoint, flights to Chiang Mai are frequently less expensive during the shoulder seasons, such as April and September, making this an attractive time for a trip. Coupled with the possibility of utilizing airline miles and points for stays at this property, you have the chance to experience a high-quality hotel in a unique location without breaking the bank. It's this potential to combine a luxury stay with strategic travel planning that makes the 137 Pillars House a noteworthy experience in the realm of affordable luxury travel.
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Hoi An, Vietnam Tailored Suits at Yaly Couture
Hoi An has become a popular destination for travelers seeking custom-made clothing, and Yaly Couture is one of the more established options for tailored suits. Founded from a small market stall by a local designer with a keen eye for style, Yaly Couture now boasts multiple locations throughout Hoi An. It stands out due to its strong focus on bespoke tailoring, employing over 300 trained craftspeople. They've developed a reputation for high quality without the exorbitant prices found in some luxury markets, although Yaly Couture itself is considered pricier than other Hoi An tailors. Their wide selection of fabrics and tailoring styles cater to a diverse clientele, giving each customer an opportunity to design something unique. While there are numerous tailors throughout Hoi An, Yaly Couture is frequently highlighted for its customer service and the quality of its work—as evident in their overwhelmingly positive online reviews. Ultimately, this business demonstrates that one can find quality tailoring with an impressive selection of styles at a reasonable price within Hoi An, though they aren't the absolute cheapest option.
Hoi An, Vietnam, particularly the Yaly Couture tailor shop, has garnered significant attention for its high-quality, custom-made suits. Yaly boasts over 300 skilled craftspeople who undergo comprehensive training, ensuring a consistent level of quality across their offerings. It's interesting to see how Yaly has grown from a small market stall run by Ms. Quynh, a local designer, into a multi-boutique operation.
What's particularly striking about Yaly is their ability to deliver stunning, individualized suits at what seems to be a very competitive price point, without sacrificing quality. They're open long hours, from 8 AM to 9:30 PM, making it easy to fit an appointment into your travel schedule, and have several locations throughout Hoi An, including on Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tran Phu, and Nguyen Duy Hieu streets. Based on customer reviews, it's quite popular among travelers who appreciate the combination of quality and excellent service. The sheer number of positive reviews, over 3,400 on platforms like Tripadvisor, with a near-perfect 98% satisfaction rate, highlights the consistently positive experience visitors have had.
While Hoi An has hundreds of tailoring shops, Yaly's reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction clearly stands out. They offer a diverse selection of fabrics and styles, catering to a wide range of tastes and needs. One aspect worth noting is that Yaly is considered to be among the more expensive tailoring options in Hoi An. However, this appears to be reflected in the focus on high-quality materials and the personalized attention to detail they provide their customers.
It's also notable that Hoi An itself has a rich history, being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds another layer to the destination, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience alongside the opportunity to update their wardrobes. The city's location and the increased availability of flights at a reasonable price also add to its appeal, making it more accessible to those looking for a tailored experience. They certainly leverage technology to ensure perfect fits for clients, a great example of blending tradition and modern approaches. Beyond suits, they offer other tailored items, expanding the options for travelers to revamp their clothes at reasonable prices. Additionally, the region's diverse culinary scene provides a range of budget-friendly dining options, making Hoi An a very intriguing and comprehensive destination for those looking to explore beyond tailored clothing.
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - São Miguel, Azores Thermal Springs at Furnas
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, boasts the alluring Furnas region, a haven for those seeking relaxation through nature's geothermal wonders. The centerpiece of this experience is Terra Nostra Park, housing the largest thermal pool in the Azores, a testament to the island's volcanic history. This unique pool, operational since 1770, captivates with its distinct reddish-brown waters, a result of the mineral-rich geothermal activity. The waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, making it an attractive spot for a wellness escape.
For a modest entrance fee of roughly €10, visitors gain access not just to the thermal pool but also to the surrounding gardens, showcasing the dramatic, volcanic landscape of the Azores. Beyond the main attraction, Furnas boasts nearly 30 visible steaming caldeiras and fumaroles, a reminder of the powerful geological forces that shape this region. This combination of relaxation and unique natural beauty makes Furnas a standout location for those seeking an affordable yet enriching travel experience. It's a perfect illustration of how to enjoy a touch of luxury while staying within a reasonable budget in 2024.
### São Miguel, Azores Thermal Springs at Furnas: A Look Beneath the Surface
1. **Volcanic Origins**: Furnas' thermal springs are a direct consequence of São Miguel's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a zone of intense geological activity. This location, one of Earth's most volcanically active, provides a fascinating natural laboratory for understanding plate tectonics and the forces shaping our planet.
2. **Cooking with Volcanoes**: The geothermal energy isn't just for relaxation. Locals have long harnessed it for cooking, with "cozido das Furnas" being a prime example. This traditional stew involves burying ingredients in the ground, where they slowly cook in volcanic steam, producing unique flavors and textures. It's a fascinating culinary application of geology.
3. **Therapeutic Waters**: The area boasts multiple thermal bath facilities, with Parque Terra Nostra being particularly popular. The water, rich in iron and sulfur, has long been believed to have therapeutic benefits, potentially easing skin ailments and joint pain. While more research is always needed, it highlights the potential of harnessing natural resources for health.
4. **Mineral Magic**: The water in Furnas isn't just warm; it's packed with an array of minerals, including lithium. Scientific studies have pointed towards lithium's potential role in mood stabilization, suggesting that a dip in Furnas might not just relax the body but potentially positively impact the mind as well. This opens up intriguing questions about the connections between geothermal features and mental well-being.
5. **Botanical Oasis**: The Furnas Valley stands out as a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous unique plant species. Its botanical gardens showcase a remarkable collection of subtropical and tropical flora, all flourishing thanks to the microclimate created by the springs. It's a reminder of how geological processes can foster unique ecological niches.
6. **Ancient Baths**: Humanity's fascination with thermal springs has roots that stretch back to Roman times and beyond. Historical accounts suggest that bathing in geothermal waters was thought to promote health and longevity. Furnas is thus part of a rich, ancient tradition of utilizing nature for health and well-being, highlighting the enduring appeal of these natural phenomena.
7. **Accessible Luxury**: Low-cost airlines are making it increasingly easier to reach the Azores, making these unique thermal experiences more accessible. It's a compelling case study in how a combination of budget-friendly travel options and unique attractions can broaden the reach of luxury experiences.
8. **The Carbon Footprint of Geothermal Activity**: The geothermal activity in Furnas releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide, a natural consequence of the processes at play. It's a reminder that while geothermal resources offer benefits, they also require thoughtful management and understanding of their environmental impact.
9. **Hydrothermal Gardens**: The springs create unique conditions that support vegetation not found elsewhere. The landscape around Furnas is strikingly lush, a testament to the interaction of geology and ecology. Even compared to other parts of Europe, the Furnas area's vegetation demonstrates the adaptability of plant life to specific environments.
10. **A Cultural Tapestry of Health**: The therapeutic practices around Furnas link to a global history of using geothermal water for wellness. It showcases how ancient customs and modern tourism can interact in fascinating ways. The unique combination of history, nature, and relaxation makes the Furnas area a captivating destination that speaks to a deeper human need to connect with our environment and its inherent healing powers.
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Kyoto, Japan Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden
Discover a touch of traditional Japanese elegance at Camellia Garden in Kyoto, a location that provides a serene tea ceremony experience. Situated close to the famous Ryoanji Temple, known for its rock garden, the tea house at Camellia Garden is over 100 years old. Its setting amidst carefully crafted gardens creates a tranquil ambiance. There are different types of tea ceremonies, including one known as the "samurai spirit" tea ceremony, where the movements are larger and more forceful.
A visit to Camellia Garden typically costs about 3,000 yen and lasts about 45 minutes. However, it's crucial to reserve your spot in advance, ideally at least a day before your preferred time. It's an experience that highlights authentic Japanese tea ceremony rituals. Easily accessed via public transportation like the Keifuku Kitano line, Camellia Garden offers a captivating glimpse into Kyoto's cultural heart. It's also a short walk to Gion, an area known for its geisha culture. You can find this hidden gem in the Higashiyama district, near some of Kyoto's popular landmarks. Overall, a visit to Camellia Garden is a relatively affordable way to experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto. It can provide a luxurious yet reasonably priced cultural experience within an affordable travel itinerary.
### Unexpected Insights into Kyoto's Tea Ceremony at Camellia Garden
1. **Ancient Ritual with Precision:** The Japanese tea ceremony, or "chanoyu," isn't simply about drinking tea. It's a meticulously crafted ritual dating back centuries, deeply embedded in Zen Buddhist philosophy. Each movement is precisely choreographed, highlighting themes of mindfulness and the fleeting nature of life.
2. **Tea's Origin:** The green tea often used in these ceremonies hails from Uji, a region in Japan renowned for its exceptional soil and climate ideal for growing high-quality tea. Research shows that Uji matcha is particularly rich in antioxidants compared to tea from other areas, giving it a prominent position in the tea ceremony.
3. **Metal Pot Chemistry:** Iron teapots are commonly used in tea ceremonies, influencing the taste of the tea. Studies suggest that brewing tea in an iron pot can introduce beneficial minerals like iron into the beverage, potentially boosting its health advantages.
4. **Temperature Control:** The temperature of the water used for matcha preparation significantly impacts both its flavor and health components. The optimal brewing temperature appears to be around 80°C (176°F), which maximizes the extraction of catechins, a type of antioxidant found in green tea.
5. **Seasonal Influence:** The specific tea used in the ceremony can change with the seasons. For instance, cherry blossom tea, or sakura, is often enjoyed in the spring. This underscores how the tea ceremony mirrors the natural world, strongly interwoven with Japanese cultural traditions.
6. **Culinary Pairings:** The sweets, called "wagashi," that accompany the tea ceremony aren't merely for taste. Their designs and colors often represent the seasons. Interestingly, studies offer insight into their nutritional value, hinting at how traditional foods can also provide health benefits.
7. **Mindful Consumption:** Research in psychology supports the notion that engaging in mindful practices, as found in a tea ceremony, can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. The practice of focusing solely on the present aligns with discoveries in the field of mindfulness.
8. **Bamboo Whisk Mechanics:** The "chasen," or bamboo whisk, used to prepare matcha is crafted with approximately 100 fine strands. Its intricate design permits the optimal frothing of the matcha, leading to the rich, creamy texture associated with high-quality matcha. It’s a testament to skilled craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
9. **Design Aesthetics and Physics:** The aesthetics of the tea room, frequently employing tatami mats and shoji screens, affect the acoustics and atmosphere. Research in the field of acoustics suggests these materials contribute to a tranquil environment, enhancing the ceremonial experience.
10. **Significance of Hospitality:** The concept of "omotenashi," or selfless hospitality, central to the tea ceremony, stresses the host's unwavering dedication to the guest's experience. Psychological interpretations suggest this fosters a stronger sense of connection, highlighting the underlying social science behind cultural practices and their impact on human interaction.
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Halong Bay, Vietnam Overnight Cruise on Paradise Elegance
Exploring Halong Bay with an overnight cruise on the Paradise Elegance provides a fantastic blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion in Vietnam. Built in 2017, it's one of the newer and more luxurious options available, showcasing modern designs and spacious cabins with private balconies for added comfort. The cruise caters to various interests with a range of activities, including kayaking through emerald waters and opportunities to learn about Vietnamese cuisine in cooking classes. The convenient daily departures from Hanoi, with a short transfer via new highway routes, make it easy to reach this all-inclusive experience. Although it claims to offer a smooth ride, those prone to seasickness might want to inquire further about its seaworthiness. While not a budget option, the Paradise Elegance potentially offers a reasonable luxury getaway within a broader travel itinerary for 2024, especially if one considers the availability of promotional discounts. It remains to be seen whether it truly delivers on the luxury aspect at the advertised price point compared to its competitors.
### Surprising Facts About Halong Bay, Vietnam Overnight Cruise on Paradise Elegance
1. **Geological Formation**: Halong Bay is a spectacular collection of over 2,000 limestone pillars and islands, sculpted over millions of years by relentless erosion and sediment deposition. It’s a textbook example of karst topography, providing a glimpse into the Earth's geological past.
2. **A Biodiversity Hotbed**: The bay's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site isn't just due to its beauty. It also shelters a remarkably diverse array of life, including over 200 fish species and a variety of mollusks. This underlines the importance of these coastal environments for supporting ecological diversity.
3. **Cultural Myths and Legends**: Halong Bay is interwoven with fascinating local folklore and history, including stories of dragons protecting the land. Understanding these myths offers a unique lens through which to view the natural landscape, revealing how cultural beliefs and geological features intertwine.
4. **Cruise Customization**: While many cruises opt for a standard overnight format, it's possible to design custom itineraries. This allows for exploring not only the well-known sights but also less visited areas. This kind of flexibility can personalize the luxury travel experience, adapting it to your interests.
5. **Varied Weather Conditions**: The bay has a tropical monsoon climate, leading to a pronounced wet and dry season. For those seeking optimal visibility, the period from May to September, during the wet season, might pose some challenges. This variation in weather necessitates planning ahead to maximize the sightseeing experience.
6. **Seafood-Centric Cuisine**: A significant aspect of the onboard experience revolves around food. Many cruises feature local seafood, reflecting the bounty of the waters. However, it's important to recognize that seasonal factors can impact the menu, so expect a change in offerings throughout the year.
7. **Night Sky Spectacle**: Halong Bay, being relatively removed from bright city lights, offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. It’s a chance to explore constellations under pristine, dark skies, adding an unusual dimension to the luxury experience of an overnight cruise.
8. **Cave Exploration Adventures**: A popular attraction for many cruises is the chance to visit caverns, like the remarkable Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). This cave features two massive chambers adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Scientific studies suggest these formations can provide a history of the area's environment and shed light on past climate shifts.
9. **Cultural Immersion in Floating Villages**: The bay also has several traditional fishing villages, where traditional methods have persisted. Visiting them can provide insights into the culture and daily life of the local communities, as well as the challenges they face in the modern world.
10. **Increased Accessibility and Affordability**: With the rise of budget-friendly airlines connecting to Hanoi, Halong Bay has become more accessible to a broader range of travelers. This makes it possible to enjoy a luxurious cruise without having to plan a long, complex, or costly trip.
7 Underrated Destinations for Affordable Luxury Living in 2024 - Belfast, Northern Ireland Gin Tasting at Copeland Distillery
Belfast, Northern Ireland, offers a unique experience for gin lovers at the Copeland Distillery, located in the coastal town of Donaghadee, a short journey from the city itself. Established in 2016, this distillery isn't solely focused on gin but also crafts rum and whiskey, providing visitors a chance to discover a diverse array of local spirits. The hour-long tasting sessions aren't just about imbibing; they also delve into local stories and legends, such as tales of smugglers and seafaring escapades that have shaped the region. If you're interested in experiencing a broader range of gin offerings, the Belfast Gin Jaunt offers a city-based exploration of Belfast's best bars, with participants able to sample seven different gins. This gin crawl concludes in the lively Cathedral Quarter, making it an engaging experience for those who enjoy bustling nightlife. These offerings—the Copeland Distillery tasting and the Gin Jaunt—collectively showcase Belfast as an overlooked destination for reasonably priced luxury experiences in 2024, proving that a touch of indulgence doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag.
### Surprising Facts about Belfast, Northern Ireland Gin Tasting at Copeland Distillery
1. **Local Botanicals**: Copeland Distillery makes a point of including locally sourced botanicals in its gin, including the unusual Holywood seaweed, which supposedly adds a distinctive, salty flavor element. This approach highlights the specific characteristics of the Northern Irish landscape.
2. **Classic Stills**: The distillery relies on traditional copper pot stills, which research has shown are better at capturing aromas during the distillation process. The shape and material of these stills impact how effectively gin captures flavors, affecting the final product.
3. **Limited Editions**: Copeland Distillery follows a small-batch production model, which means they only make a limited number of bottles in each run. This practice, besides being a quality-control measure, gives each batch a unique character, as things like weather during production can alter the final taste.
4. **Temperature Matters**: Scientific studies show that how cold or warm a gin is when you drink it greatly influences how its flavor is perceived. Tasting at temperatures between 15-18 degrees Celsius helps bring out the gin's aromatic components, which allows you to better appreciate its complexity.
5. **Molecular-Style Distillation**: Copeland utilizes techniques similar to molecular distillation to isolate certain flavors. This scientific method allows them to separate delicate components at lower temperatures. The result is the preservation of aromas, leading to a more vibrant and nuanced flavor profile.
6. **Taste Pairing Science**: Research suggests that gin, due to its botanical components, pairs well with a range of other flavors. This idea is leveraged during Copeland's tasting sessions, where garnishes and mixers are often selected to accentuate specific notes in the gin.
7. **Industry Recognition**: Copeland Distillery's gin has received recognition from industry experts, winning awards that affirm its quality. These awards are usually based on careful, blind taste tests that scrutinize different aspects like taste, aroma, and how long a gin's flavor lingers in your mouth. These distinctions underline Copeland's commitment to making a top-quality product.
8. **Gin and Health?**: While it's not conclusive, some studies suggest that gin, especially the ones that include juniper berries, could have health benefits, such as improving circulation and helping with digestion. This aspect adds an interesting dimension to the enjoyment of the spirit during tasting.
9. **Gin's Evolving Character**: Studies suggest that gin's taste profile can evolve over time after it's bottled due to interactions between the alcohol and water. This means that tasting a gin at different points in its 'life cycle' could offer diverse flavor experiences.
10. **Flying in for a Gin Experience**: The rise in low-cost airline service to Northern Ireland has made locations like Belfast more convenient for people to reach from other parts of the UK and abroad. This development allows more people to explore local distilleries and engage in niche activities like gin tasting without expensive travel costs.