Lifestyle briefs

Jan 19, 2012, 3:06 GMT

Fashion trend 2012: socks and sandals

Berlin (dpa) - It seems the cliched image of the sock and sandal clad German tourist is on its way to becoming fashionable. At least that's what German magazine Prinz is predicting will be one of the clothing statements of the year in an article entitled 'In & Out 2012.'

French fashion house Louis Vuitton has taken the taboo look on board and had its male models don socks and sandals during one of its shows, while Dior had its female models wear socks with high-heeled sandals. In the capital of fashion, Paris, the sock and sandal combination has been a popular look for months. 'A few German tourists have unknowingly become trendsetters,' writes Prinz.

Waltzing to the gate - Cairo airport introduces 'recognition music'

Cairo (dpa) - Flight number, destination and gate are usually the only announcements passengers hear at an airport. But in Cairo's international airport they get to hear an appropriate musical score as well. The Beatles are played for flights to London, a Viennese waltz for passengers going to the Austrian capital and a song by Edith Piaf is used to announce Paris bound planes. Travellers going to Frankfurt are given a few bars of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Cocktail 2012: 'Hugo' looks set to tickle drinkers' palates

Berlin (dpa) - It's fruity, fizzy and sour, and bar owner Bernhard Stoehr says the sparkling wine cocktail 'Hugo' is on its way to becoming the trend drink of the year. 'It's originally from Italy and is made from elderberry syrup, lime, mint and prosecco wine.' There is one drink that Hugo has not yet managed to push from the top of the favourites list.

'Aperol and prosecco is still the number one summer drink,' says Stoehr who is president of Germany's Barkeeper Union. A few drinks have completely fallen off drinkers' radar. 'It's a pity but flip cocktails are completely out. A flip drink is made with an egg but when there was an outbreak of salmonella a few years ago most bars dropped flips from their menus,' says Stoehr.

Slide in currency makes Tunisia an attractive destination

Tunis (dpa) - The north African country of Tunisia was rocked by its Arab Spring revolt last year and its important tourist sector was badly hit by the unrest. The Tunisian dinar fell against the major currencies and Tunisia is now a very cheap destination for holidaymakers.

The capital Tunis has some great places to enjoy meals at astonishingly low prices such as 'Essaraya' restaurant in the old city centre or in 'Le Golfe', which is right beside the sea in the suburb of Marsa. The hotel bars on the capital's Avenue de France or Avenue Habib Bourguiba are a great place to enjoy inexpensive nightlife and the feisty atmosphere of 'Café de Paris' should also not be missed by travellers.