Travel

If the new season of The Traitors has got you planning a Scotland escape, this stunning hotel in Glasgow city centre is a real treat, says Laura Mulley

A 10-minute walk from Glasgow’s Central Station in quiet, townhouse-lined Blythswood Square, you’ll find the Kimpton hotel. Here a cheery doorman welcomes you into a grand foyer complete with ornate pillars, plush seating and a glittering chandelier stretching up several floors, giving glam but elegant first impressions.

Our spacious Premier King room featured an original fireplace and bath that could be opened to look out into the bedroom, should you so wish. Complimentary soft drinks in the minibar were a nice touch, as were the little bottles of Glaswegian gin and tonic waiting on ice.

A few other unique services make the Kimpton Blythswood Square feel more like a home away from home: they’ll provide essentials such as toothbrushes and phone chargers if you’ve forgotten yours, and you can rent a handbag from Scottish luxury leather brand Strathberry for free. One new feature is the hotel’s Stay Well offering, allowing guests to borrow state-of-the-art wellness tools such as LED masks and Therabody muscle pummellers.

Where to eat in Glasgow

Kimpton Blythswood Square’s restaurant is called iasg (from the Gaelic word for ‘fish’), and as its name suggests, the fish and seafood on the menu is a real highlight. The BBQ monkfish came highly recommended and did not disappoint, while the fish and chips were the chunkiest we’d ever seen, and cooked to perfection.

Breakfast is served here too and offers an excellent continental buffet plus hearty hot dishes, including full Scottish breakfast favourites.

Outside of the hotel, we received a few recommendations from locals that are well worth checking out: Ardnamurchan for elevated Scottish classics (we loved the veggie haggis, neeps and tatties), popular pasta joint Sugo (worth the queue), and little authentic Italian cafe Sarti for delicious coffee and friendly service.

Kimpton Blythswood Square

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From £190 per night

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A stylish five-star hotel in Glasgow’s city centre with an impressive spa, top restaurant and luxury items fashion and wellness items available to borrow.

What to do in Glasgow

If you’re new to Glasgow it’s worth just spending some time wandering around its streets, admiring the striking architecture and colourful mural trail before heading up the hill to the imposing Gothic-style Necropolis. It’s no surprise that Glasgow is regularly used as a Hollywood filming location; apparently we’d just missed Tom Holland here filming scenes for the new Spider-Man movie.

Back at the hotel, Kimpton’s spa features various different hot rooms and pools, including a few even us seasoned spa-goers had never seen before: a snow room (Scotland’s first), and a cave-like dark pool, lit only by tiny LED lights in the ceiling.

Five months pregnant at the time, my therapist expertly worked into my tight muscles using oil from Scottish spa brand Ishga while still keeping me comfortable – even my bump got a gentle massage.

How much does it cost to stay at Kimpton Blythswood Square?

Rooms at Kimpton Blythswood Square start from £190 per night.

Dec. 31 (UPI) — Two African countries have announced travel bans against U.S. citizens in retaliation for President Donald Trump‘s travel bans against their own people.

The governments of Mali and Burkina Faso said on Tuesday that they were acting “in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.” They said Americans wanting to travel to their countries would see the same impositions that their citizens face in the United States. Niger’s state news agency announced a travel ban on Americans last week, though no official statement was released.

On Dec. 14, Trump announced travel bans on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. He also created new restrictions on people seeking entry from Laos and Sierra Leone, as well as those with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. There are now 19 countries on the list.

Mali’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it “regrets that such an important decision was taken without any prior consultation and in substance deplores the security grounds put forward, which contradict the actual developments on the ground, in an attempt to justify a decision whose motivation lies elsewhere.”

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are led by military juntas after recent coups, The New York Times said. Their leaders had all mostly cut ties with the United States and developed closer relations with Russia, China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

A United Nations report published on Dec. 18 said that the Sahel region — Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali — now accounts for more than half of the world’s terrorism-related deaths.

Laos and Sierra Leone were moved from partial travel restrictions to full bans. The administration put partial restrictions on 15 other countries.

The State Department ban does not affect lawful permanent residents, many existing visa holders, diplomats or athletes traveling for major sports events.

Wizz Air’s new flight opens up a whole new city break destination for Brits, and not only is it less expensive than spots such as Poland, it’s full of history, walkable, and has plenty to do

Budget airline Wizz Air recently announced six new routes from its London Luton Airport base, and one city in particular is an up-and-coming destination for Brits in 2026 thanks to its rich history and inexpensive pints.

From June 12, 2026, Brits will be able to fly from Luton to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. In addition to connecting the two cities, the new route represents the first direct flights from the UK to Armenia, adding a potential new city break to many people’s lists. Flights on Wizz Air will take just over five hours, and start at just £51.99 one way.

While technically Armenia is in West Asia, it’s often considered to be part of Eastern Europe due to its culture and history. Yerevan is already a popular city break destination among Europeans, but it is rarely visited by Brits, with only 11,000 people from the UK visiting in 2025. However, the new route may see the numbers rise in 2026.

For history fans, Yerevan is a must-visit, as it’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its rich history is encapsulated in the many different types of architecture from across the eras, including a mix of newer Soviet and contemporary designs.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered the oldest cathedral in the world, with the original church dating back to the early fourth century. It was built over a Pagan temple, as the country adopted Christianity as the state religion. Over the years has been rebuilt and reconstructed, with a range of different art and architecture styles.

The Kond District is the city’s oldest quarter, with narrow streets, stone houses, and even areas with unpaved roads. Large areas were destroyed during the Soviet era, with residents moved into modern apartment blocks, although there are attempts to reconstruct this historic area.

Yerevan is often called the Pink City, as many of the buildings have a light pink hue, which you’ll notice more in certain lights. This is because many of its older buildings were built in a local volcanic stone that has a pink tint to it. To really appreciate these buildings, head to Republic Square. It’s also home to the popular dancing fountains, which light up and play music in the evenings.

With prices going up in many European cities, Yerevan remains an inexpensive city break. According to Numbeo, which compares costs between cities, Yerevan is about 20% cheaper than Warsaw, with meals out and alcohol tending to be much cheaper than Poland. Pints in local pubs cost between £1.50 and £2, especially for Armenian beers, while a mid-range bottle of wine is about £7.

There are some great hotel deals to be found. The five-star Grand Hotel Yerevan, which has a central location near to tourist spots and a seasonal outdoor pool, has rooms from just £101 per night. Or if you’re looking for somewhere more budget-friendly, try the centrally located Erebuni Hotel Yerevan. Clean and modern, it has basic rooms for £47 a night including breakfast, and it’s set on a side street just off Republic Square.

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The city has lots of traditional Armenian restaurants serving hearty local cuisine. Try flatbreads like lavash, or dolma, which are stuffed vine leaves. If you like barbecue, look out for restaurants offering khorovats, which is meat grilled on a skewer, usually pork, beef, or lamb.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Dec. 31 (UPI) — A late-morning threat on Wednesday caused a temporary lockdown at Kansas City International Airport in Missouri that was lifted a little over an hour later.

Kansas City officials said the FBI and airport police were notified of a threat in a particular area within the airport, which was evacuated and searched, KCTV reported.

“Law Enforcement was able to determine no credible threat to the airport or those inside the terminal at this time. Once that determination was made, KCAD staff worked to resume normal operations and minimize disruptions,” city officials said in a statement.

Passengers were evacuated from the area of concern at 11 a.m. CST due to a “potential threat” in an unsecured area of the airport, according to WDAF TV.

They were let back in shortly before noon, and the airport was fully reopened by 12:30 p.m.

The nature of the threat was not announced, and the FBI is continuing to investigate the matter.

Despite the lockdown, the Federal Aviation Administration did not report any flight disruptions at the airport.

A separate threat also was investigated at the West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston on Wednesday morning, WOWK reported.

The threat was “non-credible,” and the affected terminal was not evacuated, but a local bomb squad searched the area to ensure it was safe, local officials said.

This island offers the perfect winter escape with average temperatures of 20C in January – and it’s just a four-hour flight from London

As murmurs of snow and icy conditions intensify, and the January weather settles in, it’s hardly surprising that many are dreaming of escaping to warmer climes – minus the peak-season throngs.

Those blessed with sufficient funds and holiday allowance might contemplate Cancun, but there’s a secret paradise much nearer that can be reached for a fraction of the price: an island hailed as the “Hawaii of Europe”, merely a four-hour journey from London (which is due to crash down to -3C this week).

Positioned 500km from Africa’s shores and 450km north of the Canary Islands, Madeira is renowned as Cristiano Ronaldo’s homeland – not, bewilderingly, the English sponge cake bearing the same moniker. The Portuguese island chain comprises four territories: Madeira, Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Selvagens.

It serves as a perfect winter retreat, offering average temperatures as high as 23C on the warmest January days. The Met Office reports that the archipelago typically basks in six hours of daily sunshine throughout winter. Nevertheless, weather patterns differ considerably across mountainous areas, influenced by elevation. Even during quieter months, the heavily populated isle can still appear bustling, particularly following its social media fame as a breathtaking oceanic sanctuary competing with tropical paradises.

“If you’re looking for winter sun, you won’t have much trouble finding it in Madeira in January. Daytime temperatures can be 20°C in the south below what’s called the ‘banana line’, the best place for cultivating the fruit. Yet look at the mountaintops from Funchal, and you may well see snow glittering in the sunlight. Madeirans take their first sea swims of the year, but you might want to wait a few months,” explains Responsible Travel.

Even during the quieter months, the heavily populated island can still seem busy, particularly following its social media fame as a breathtaking oceanic retreat competing with tropical hotspots, according to the Express.

As a delightful perk, Madeira operates on the UK’s timezone, meaning you won’t squander valuable time off wrestling with jet lag.

Madeira, the main island, is bursting with attractions and adventures crammed into its compact area, ideal for those seeking more than simply lounging in the sun and making their friends back home envious. Must-see experiences include trekking up Pico Ruivo, wandering through the lush gardens at Monte Palace, and visiting local wineries to discover the area’s fascinating wine-making heritage.

The island’s famous Madeira wine found its way to England during the 1800s and was traditionally served alongside lemon and almond-flavoured madeira cake – remarkably giving the dessert its name despite having no other link.

According to Visit Madeira, Ponta do Sol boasts the island’s highest annual sunshine hours. It’s described as a “place much appreciated by those seeking to enjoy sunny days on the beach or in contact with some idyllic spots in nature”.

For culture enthusiasts, Ponta do Sol Beach is unbeatable during their visit. Boasting excellent water quality and a charming setting, this compact 160-metre stretch is ideal for tranquillity seekers. Meanwhile, Madalena do Mar Beach sits nestled near dramatic rocky cliffs and is adored by swimmers. Visit Madeira explains: “This bathing resort is a combination of pebbles and black sand. It is bathed by crystal-clear waters with mild temperatures all year round, and low swell.”

In terms of how long to stay, Lonely Planet’s Austin Bush suggests: “Because Madeira’s highlights are found at all over the island, you shouldn’t plan a stay of under four days. Consider a night in Funchal to get oriented, then supplement this with stops in one or two more destinations elsewhere on the island. Dedicate a day to active pursuits, followed ideally by a day to recover on the beach. Tack on at least another two nights if you plan to hit Porto Santo, the other inhabited island that forms part of the Madeiran archipelago.”

Direct flights to Madeira operate from numerous major UK airports, including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol and Gatwick. From northern England, the journey to Madeira takes roughly four hours, compared to approximately 19 hours to reach Hawaii – which has no direct connections from the UK. Right now, there are flights from Bristol for £17, Manchester for £24 and Birmingham for £32 this January.

AN Emirates flight attendant has revealed some of her top tips for people planning a trip to Dubai – as well as little-known perks to the job.

Alessandra Piper initially worked in a corporate job in London, before being tempted to become flight crew by a friend already working for the airline.

She told Sun Travel: “The opportunity to explore different cultures while building a career in aviation was incredibly appealing, so I applied, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

She has since worked for Emirates for 11 years, where she currently serves the First Class cabin – her role for the past two and a half years.

When it comes to training, it is certainly intense.

She explained: “Emirates places strong emphasis on professional development, with a seven-and-a-half-week world-class training program at the dedicated Cabin Crew Training Academy covering safety, medical, security and hospitality skills.

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“Working in First Class allows me to provide a highly personalized experience, dedicating more time to each passenger.

“We also undergo specialized courses such as L’art du vin, Emirates’ expert wine program designed to deepen our understanding of the airline’s extensive collection, including tasting profiles, pairing principles and service techniques.”

She has since been to 87 countries and hundreds of cities – although with 140 places the airlines connects to, she has a long way to go.

Not only that, but flight crew can request specific destination to go to, and head to events sponsored by Emirates which include tennis, football and cricket.

Of course, most of the long-haul routes go via Dubai – where crew are also given fully furnished accommodation, free uniform cleaning and free transport to work.

Here are some of Alessandra’s top tips if heading to Dubai – for first timers and those on a budget.

What top tips would you give to Dubai first timers?

Dubai genuinely has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, an incredible dining scene, family-friendly attractions or world-class shopping.

I always suggest booking tickets for popular experiences in advance, as it makes the day much smoother and helps avoid queues.

With malls and attractions open late into the evening, the city offers plenty to enjoy after daylight hours, from waterfront dining to desert experiences, so you can make the most of every day you’re here.

Taxis in Dubai are abundant and affordable, so it’s easy to explore the city.

You can download the Careem or Uber app for even quicker access to taxis.

One practical tip: always carry a light jacket, even during the hotter months, as indoor spaces can be very air-conditioned.

Are there any hidden spots that tourists don’t know about but should?

Dubai’s dining scene is extraordinary.

The city is home to more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés, making it one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the world.

With so much choice, it’s worth exploring beyond the most talked-about spots.

Most high-end restaurants offer business lunch packages – a smaller menu for a very affordable price.

Sushi Samba’s business lunch is my favourite, the restaurant has a 360-degree view of The Palm.

I also love introducing visitors to Jumeirah Al Qasr.

A traditional abra ride through the hotel’s waterways offers beautiful views of the Burj Al Arab, and I usually end the visit with a meal at one of the resort’s restaurants.

Dubai Opera is also a must. Beyond opera, the venue hosts musicals, ballet, theatre and more.

And for those seeking nature, Dubai has much to offer.

You can see flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary or take a day trip to Hatta for kayaking, hiking and mountain scenery, showing an entirely different side of the UAE.

NEW UK passports are being introduced in the UK – with a very different front cover and inside look.

From this month, all new passports issued will have King Charles‘ coat of arms.

This replaces the Queen Elizabeth II coat of arms, which has been on the front for decades.

It is thought as many as 300 have already been issued in the country already.

The pages inside the passport are also getting a new look.

Four of the UK’s most famous landscapes will feature on the pages, from each of the four UK nations.

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Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway are all illustrated in watercolour across the inside pages.

But inside the passport will also be a range of new features which will make it the ‘most secure passport in history’.

Each page has a unique passport number using laser marking, while new translucent designs and holographs have also been added.

Migration and citizenship minister Mike Tapp said the redesign is “a new era in the history of the British passport”.

He added: “It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

The biggest change to the UK passport came back in 2020 when it reverted back to navy, from burgundy.

This was due to the UK leaving the EU, with the European Union wording also removed from the front.

Burgundy passports are still able to be used until they expire, although there are some rules still catching people out.

Before, up to 10 months could be rolled over from old passports to new ones, making some have as much as 10 years, 10 months on them.

However, new rules no longer allow those extra months, meaning your expiry date may be incorrect.

Thousands of Brits are thought to have been caught out by the confusing rules.

To avoid this, make sure to look at the start date and add on 10 years, to get your real expiry date.

And check the rules of the country you are visiting too – some require as many as six months left to be allowed to enter.

And here is why you should avoid certain stamps in your passport.

WITH its vast skies, golden sand and rippling dunes, the Lincolnshire coastline is brimming with brilliant beaches.

Of course, you’ve got traditional seaside towns with piers, promenades and bucket-and-spade fun, such as Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes.

These are also often the best-rated options thanks to their family-friendly touches and scenic beauty – but there’s plenty more to explore. 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, do some birdwatching or walk your dog, there’s a beach with your name on it.

You’ll also find beachside pubs, nature reserves and quirky art installations along Lincolnshire’s more than 50-mile stretch of coast.

So the hardest question on your next £9.50 Holiday will be: which beach should you visit first? 

We’ve spoken to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday near the Lincolnshire coastline to get their recommendations for the best beaches to visit.

We’ve also selected some of the county’s top-rated options and suggested our own pick of where not to miss.

So grab your buckets and spades, binoculars or swimsuit and head to one of these… 

Best for families

With its traditional English seaside feel, Mablethorpe Beach is a beautiful, Blue Flag award-winning beach.

Its soft golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see, offering endless sandcastle-building potential.

You’ve also got donkey rides on the sand, plus a fairground nearby and beachfront cafes like the highly-rated Snack Shack selling everything from fish and chips to ice cream.

There’s even a little land train that takes you up and down the coast for £2.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, says Mablethorpe is an “unbelievable” beach, especially on a sunny day, adding that it is “nice and safe” for families.

She also says not to miss the Time and Tide Bell – a sculpture on the sand with bells that are rung by the waves at high tide. “It’s great if you’re into quirky things,” she added.

Best for wave watching – or wave riding 

Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, says: “The Lincolnshire coastline is one of the UK’s most underrated beach destinations.

“Skegness used to have a reputation for being a tacky resort town, but these days it has clean, Blue Flag beaches and you can always find a quieter spot if you want.

“My personal favourite beach is Huttoft (south of Mablethorpe). It’s quieter than Skegness and Mablethorpe and is great for surfing and swimming.

“It also has a large car terrace for wave watching whatever the weather.”

There have been an increasing number of wave riders in Lincolnshire since the seventies, with Sutton on Sea, Sandilands and Huttoft, being popular surf spots, especially in winter. 

Best hidden beaches

Daniel Start is the author of Hidden Beaches Britain by Wild Things Publishing (£16.99), which features over 500 hidden coastal locations.

He recommends Anderby Creek, around ten miles north of Skegness, describing it as “a perfect hidden beach with endless golden sands backed with dunes and with very few people.”

While there, you can even check out Britain’s first official cloud-spotting station, complete with parabolic mirrors, roof-top loungers and a “cloud bar” menu. 

Best for nature lovers

Nature lovers can take their pick of beaches packed with wildlife and natural attractions in Lincolnshire.

A few miles south of Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a nature reserve right on the seafront – with more wildlife than human visitors.

Daniel Start says: “There are dunes and wildflower meadows galore at the exotically-named Gibraltar Point.

“Flocks of migrating birds also gather here – up to 10,000 dunlins at a time may break from their migration, descending from the clouds.

“The sea here is shallow but when you run out through the breakers – the huge expanse of the Wash to the south, dunes and meadows behind – you’re reminded of the immensity of nature and the vast tracts of open space still left in Britain.”

Travel north for around 40 minutes up the coast, and you’ll enter the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, a five-mile stretch of coastline from Sandilands to Chapel St Leonards.

Sandilands is a good place to start, with coastal birds to spot, weekly walks to join and a National Trust cafe to refuel in. 

Best beach with a pub

You can’t get much closer to the beach than the Admiral Benbow, which is a quirky pub right on the sand at Chapel St Leonards.

Named after the inn in the book Treasure Island, it has a fun, nautical pirate theme that extends to the outdoor seating area – located inside a wooden boat on the beach.

Sun reader John Ellis, 72, from Sheffield, has visited, and said: “It has a fun atmosphere”.

Meanwhile, head north up the coast to Sutton on Sea, where the highly-rated Beach Bar has great sea views and serves good value food, like seafood and beef wellington. 

Best for dogs

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park, said: “There’s a dog-friendly stretch of beach with free council parking that not many people know about.

“It’s at the end of Skegness – about a good five-mile stretch all the way past Ingoldmells and up to Chapel St Leonards, which is all dog-friendly all year long.

“The rest of the beaches are all restricted for dogs in the summer.”

Joanne Green, General Manager at Sunnydale Holiday Park also has a lesser-known dog-walking route to suggest.

She said: “As you come out of our park, turn left and you’re on the salt marshes, which are brilliant for walking dogs.

“People don’t tend to go there because they get to the top of the ramp and they see just salt marshes.

“But if they walk for ten minutes towards the water, there’s a stunning beach with white sand called Saltfleet.

“There are usually not many people there and you can walk all the way to Mablethorpe along the beach from here if you want.”

NEW Year’s Eve just isn’t right without fireworks, whether it’s a low-key Catherine wheel in your garden or a powerful professional pyrotechnic production.

So here’s the lowdown on the best of this year’s dazzling displays, ranging from riverside revelries in London to castle rock rockets in Edinburgh.

Where is best to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the UK?

London

London’s Thames-side New Year’s Eve fireworks display is reliably one of the UK’s most spectacular year after year.

Choreographed bursts over the London Eye and Westminster are timed to coincide with the midnight chimes of Big Ben.

Watched by huge crowds along the river, official viewing areas are ticketed.

This means a great many people choose nearby bridges, streets, bars or boats to get a glimpse of the glittering skyline.

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​Edinburgh

The Hogmanay fireworks over Edinburgh Castle are another must-see, with rockets fired from the castle rock ringing in the New Year.

The sensational spectacle is visible across much of the city, while a pulsing street party unfolds below on Princes Street.

The combination of live music, traditional Hogmanay rituals and the dramatic castle backdrop makes this one of the most atmospheric midnight moments in the whole of Europe.

​Newcastle

Newcastle’s Quayside puts on a striking New Year display over the River Tyne.

It utilises the Tyne Bridge and Glasshouse (formerly the Sage) as a spectacular stage for beautiful bursts in the sky.

There are family-friendly fireworks at 6pm, followed by the midnight main event.

​Manchester

But fear not – there’s lots of live entertainment leading up to the New Year countdown.

Cardiff​

Cardiff’s New Year 2025/26 celebrations centre around the City Hall.

Live music will be performed on a stage in front of the City Hall, so you can have a dance before the fireworks start.

There’s also the Winter Wonderland, with a big wheel​, festive drinks and traditional Welsh food.

Other great fireworks displays can be found in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Brighton Beach, ​York’s Castle Howard, Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, and Birmingham’s Centenary Square.

Can I watch New Year’s Eve fireworks on TV?

As Big Ben strikes midnight, live coverage of London’s spectacular fireworks display on the River Thames will be broadcast live on TV.

From 11.30pm, BBC One will be airing Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party.

The Boyzone legend will be joined by a host of pop and screen stars, and will even perform alongside former bandmates Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch.

Dec. 31 (UPI) — The driver of a train was killed and at least 40 passengers, including American tourists, were injured when two trains collided head-on near the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in southern Peru.

The trains operated by two different rail companies were on the same narrow-gauge line when the crash occurred at the busiest time of day, Tuesday afternoon, near Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, with no roads nearby, the BBC and El Comercio newspaper reported.

The engineer killed was an employee of Inca Rail. The other train was operated by PeruRail.

Inca Rail said in a statement Wednesday that it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of one of its team and that it was cooperating fully with investigating authorities.

Expressing “deep regret,” PeruRail said in a news update that the injured were evacuated from the crash scene in two railcars to the nearest road, about 10 miles back down the line to Piscacucho station, from where 10 ambulances transported them to hospital in Cusco.

“We deeply regret what has happened. PeruRail staff immediately provided first aid to the train driver, the train conductor and the passengers, activating emergency protocols and mobilizing medical personnel to attend to the most urgent cases.”

Those hurt included Peruvian and foreign tourists.

In a transportation alert, the U.S. Embassy in Lima confirmed that U.S. citizens were among those injured and that services along the Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes section of the railway remained suspended.

Footage and images circulating online show two wrecked locomotives in a narrow, rock-walled canyon with chaotic scenes of injured passengers on the ground as others escape from cars via the windows.

An investigation was underway with prosecutors in Cusco looking at human error and signal or mechanical failures as possible causes.

Track operator Ferrocarril Transandino said services on its 75-mile South-Eastern Cusco-Machu Picchu-Hydroelectric Plant line would be suspended “until the evacuation of passengers is complete and the trains are removed from the tracks.”

In July 2018, 15 tourists were injured when two Inca Rail and PeruRail trains were involved in a similar collision.

Tuesday’s crash comes amid ongoing wrangling over area transportation, including rivalries between bus providers who take visitors on the final leg of the journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and the price of trains from Cusco, with a round-trip ticket costing as much as $2,000.

Built around 1450, about 1.5 million visitors a year make the journey to the “lost city of the Incas” and World Heritage Site, which sits at an altitude of 8,200 feet in the Andes.

Overcrowding is a growing challenge with exploding visitor numbers in recent years, along with climate change placing more stress on infrastructure and the environment, triggering protests and feeding into political instability.

AN expert has revealed how you can plan a Cotswolds staycation without breaking the bank.

More than 23million tourists visit the Cotswolds every year, so its no surprise that includes a few celebrities along the way.

Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kamala Harris have all been spotted in recent months, while the Beckhams are known for having a house there.

But despite this, there is still a way to do it on a budget as well as away from the crowds.

Local Amanda Stecker, who founded Unique Cotswold Cottages, explained: “There’s a perception that the Cotswolds is reserved for the wealthy.

“But you can stay in charming self-catering cottages or friendly B&Bs for a fraction of the cost of high-end hotels, and still enjoy the villages, countryside, and experiences that make the area so special.

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“Even smaller towns and lesser-known attractions have a charm all of their own, and often a story you’ll remember far longer than the postcard-perfect spots.”

Here are some of her top tips.

Stay in less well-known villages

She explained that while Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are the popular spots, there are nearby villages that are just as beautiful but far more affordable.

Amanda said: “Look at towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Chipping Campden.

“These locations still offer charm and convenience but at much lower rates.”

Not only did she say this could save as much as £300 for a three-night stay, but cottages mean you can head to the nearby deli for some groceries and cook yourself, saving you even more.

Visit during shoulder season

If you try and visit the Cotswolds during the summer holidays, expect huge crowds.

The same is during school half terms as well, especially in the spring and autumn.

But the villages are just as beautiful off season, usually November, January and February.

Not only is accommodation cheaper but you won’t be stuck in queues at the car park or the cafe.

Make the most of the free attractions

Just walking through many of the villages and towns feel like they are from a postcard, which is a great free activity.

Not only that, but heritage trails and even attractions like Broadway Tower are free to visit.

The Oxford Museum, Witney Museum and Swinford Museum are just some that are free too.

Amanda advises checking some of the local stately homes which can be affordable especially with a National Trust or English Heritage membership.

Otherwise there are often farmers markets or fairs which you can explore without spending a penny.

According to Amanda, this could save as much as £50 per person during a long weekend.

Check the local transport

Many of the small villages have train stations so you can hop between many of them.

For example, try the Cotswolds Line, which runs from Oxford to Kingham, with stops in Hanborough, Finstock, Charlbury and Shipton along the way.

Otherwise bus routes connect many of them as well, saving you on expensive car parking.

Amanda suggests this could save as much a £30 a day.

Here are some of the Cotswolds pubs where you might bump into a celebrity.

And here are some other places to go away from the crowds.

EasyJet has launched a major sale that could see you save up to £400 off a package holiday, while some getaways start from as little as £187 per person with everything included

As the festivities wind down, many of us are looking ahead to the new year with plans to book our 2026 getaway.

Now could be the best time to secure your next trip, as easyJet has launched a major sale, offering up to £400 off a lengthy list of holidays. EasyJet has launched its Big Orange Sale to help travellers book those desirable destinations at a discounted rate.

Holidaymakers can save up to £400 by using a simple code on a catalogue of EasyJet holidays, from city breaks to beach escapes. The low-cost flights and package holiday group offers more than 8,000 hotels in over 100 destinations across Europe and North Africa, from Amsterdam and Prague to Gran Canaria and Marmaris.

Additionally, all of its package holidays include flights, a hotel, 23kg luggage, some transfers, and the option to secure the trip for a deposit of just £60 per person.

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Those looking to take advantage of the Big Orange Sale will need to use the code BIGSALE on the easyJet website when booking a package holiday.

This could see you save £50 on a minimum spend of £500, £100 on a minimum spend of £800, £150 on a minimum spend of £1,500, £300 on a minimum spend of £3,000 and £400 on a minimum spend of £4,000.

EasyJet has outlined some of the best holiday packages available for 2026, with some starting from as little as £184 per person. These include:

• Four nights at the 3-star Espresso City Centre in Amsterdam on a Room Only basis for £227 per person, including flights from London Southend on 1 February 2026
• Four nights at the 4-star Mamaison Residence Downtown in Prague on a Room Only basis for £231 per person, including flights from Glasgow on 8 February 2026
• Three nights at the 4-star Dream Castle Paris in Paris on a Bed and Breakfast basis for £184 per person, including flights from Liverpool on 1 March 2026
• Seven nights at the 5-star Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa in Cape Verde on an All Inclusive basis for £832 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from Manchester on 29 January 2026
• Seven nights at the 4-star Valeria Dar Atlas Resort in Marrakech on an All Inclusive basis for £435 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from Liverpool on 5 February 2026
• Seven nights at the 5-star Grand Ideal Premium Hotel in Marmaris on an All Inclusive basis for £490 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from Edinburgh on 16 April 2026
• Seven nights at the 4-star Golden Costa Salou in Salou on a Half Board basis for £415 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from Manchester on 18 April 2026
• Seven nights at the 4-star Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan Hotels in Gran Canaria on a Half Board basis for £460 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers and flights from London Gatwick on 20 April 2026
• Seven nights at the 4-star Sol Lanzarote in Lanzarote on an All Inclusive basis for £637 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers, a free child’s place and flights from Birmingham on 5 May 2026