Travel

IF you’ve ever fancied the high-life of a celebrity, you can do exactly that at this hotel, and even book it with TUI.

For a classy stay, The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is just a few streets away from the Marina Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

Tucked away behind the Atis Tirma, the hotel is a 19th century building and inside there are high ceilings and huge chandeliers.

With its grandeur, there’s not much surprise that it’s been a hideaway retreat for celebrities and even royals.

Over the years, the hotel has welcomed guests like Brad Pitt, Sir Winston Churchill and the Spanish royal family.

Most recently, The Holiday star Jude Law was staying there while he had been filming in Gran Canaria.

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While it’s a simple stay, you still have all the essentials like swimming pools.

In fact, the hotel has two pools, one outdoor tucked away in a pretty garden – and it has a sun terrace with sunbeds and parasols.

When you get thirsty or a little peckish, pop over to the outdoor bar.

Inside the spa is a heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and plenty of treatments to enjoy like sea salt and vanilla oil peels, facials and massages.

Those who booked a junior suite at the hotel can enjoy use of the infinity pool.

The hotel’s main buffet is in the Doramas restaurant, but it’s by no means basic as you can enjoy a ‘Royal Breakfast’ and watch live show-cooking.

Poemas Restaurant is the à la carte eatery serving up gourmet meals, MuXgo is a green Michelin star restaurant where guests can dine on classic Canarian dishes.

For smaller bites, there’s the Camarote snack bar as well as the Carabela bar and Alis rooftop bar – an exclusive bar with cocktail service and an infinity pool.

If you fancy a bit of entertainment while you’re there then there will be a live piano playing from Monday to Saturday and a singer on Sundays.

When it comes to activities, next door is a tennis court which guests are welcome to use at an extra cost.

Rooms range from Deluxe Double Rooms which have a neo-classical design up to the suite, which has a separate bedroom and living space as well as a bathroom with a tub and rain shower.

Packages can be on a Bed and Breakfast or Half Board basis.

You can book a stay with TUI and lowest price for a family of four during 2026 is in April where a seven night stay will cost £958pp – including flights from London Luton with easyJet.

One writer explore the quieter side of Gran Canaria…

Writer Alex Cohen explored Gran Canaria, and here’s what they discovered…

“Ain’t life Gran-d! Well it is when you’re far from the madding crowd, soaking up the silence in the middle of an island more famed for popular beach resorts.

“The south of the volcanic island has mile after mile of beaches full of hotels and holiday apartments. But we’ve come off the beaten track to explore the hidden delights.

“There are more than 300 days of sunshine a year here and you really could do something different on each of those days.

“There are almost as many different landscapes too, thanks to the microclimates of every soaring volcano, ravine and valley brought in by the trade winds.

“As we climbed up from the coast, the many faces of the second biggest of the Canary Islands showed themselves. Swirls of mist-cloaked mountains gave way to desert-like fields and green forests.

“Around one hairpin bend, it looked like the Grand Canyon, with the light disappearing down sheer cliff faces into deep rocky ravines.

“Round the next and suddenly we were in a Breaking Bad-style desert with cactus and not much else growing. Down into the next valley and we could have been in the Caribbean with palm trees guarding the lush vegetation.

“Once you get into the interior of the island there’s an array of things to do; hiking on mountain trails, village markets with local crafts, UNESCO heritage sites, laurel forests or even walking through a National Park.

“Go rock climbing around the Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve, the island’s highest point at nearly 2,000m. Or perhaps cycling — on or off-road — or visit the island’s botanical gardens, ancient cobbled villages, vineyards or the old town in the soulful and lively capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.”

For more celebrity holiday hotspots, check out the waterpark hotel where Stacey Solomon went on holiday with Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

Plus the UK hotel which attracts famous celebrity guests & makes holidaymakers ‘feel like they’re abroad’.

WANT to score big for the 2026 World Cup? Then start planning now.

Price-comparison site Skyscanner saw a 340 per cent increase in searches for flights from the UK to host nations the US, Canada and Mexico on Saturday after the draw.

Don’t panic, though, as there’s still time to bag a deal and plan the ultimate holiday.

Sophie Swietochowski has tips for booking a World Cup trip, with things to see and do in the cities where England will be competing.

Dallas, Texas

England v Croatia, June 17

IT may be a booming skyscraper city, but Dallas has managed to maintain that classic Southern charm for which Texas, the second largest state in the US, is so well known.

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Even non-footie fans may be familiar with its 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL’s Cowboys and America’s most famous cheerleading squad, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

A dedicated fan zone will take over Fair Park – a 277-acre parkland in the city centre which ­annually hosts the State Fair of Texas as well as regular festivals.

More details, including dates and activities, are yet to be revealed.

It would be a sin to visit Texas and not dine at a barbecue joint.

Cattleack Barbeque in North Dallas is one of the best, and it is featured in the Michelin guide for good reason.

Meats are scorched on oak-fired smokers and served with tangy pickles, cornbread, mac and cheese and “Granny’s coleslaw”. Go for the wagyu brisket.

If England win big, take the celebrations to Deep Ellum, the arty entertainment district known for its music venues and boisterous cocktail bars.

New York

England v Panama, June 27

IF you have never been to the Big Apple, you’re in for an ­absolute treat.

England will be taking on Panama at the MetLife Stadium, which sits just across the water from Manhattan and can be reached from Times Square in around 20 minutes by cab on a good day.

If it is your first time, you’ll want to tick off the must-sees, and the best way to do that is with a CityPass.

You can pick one up for around £100 per child and £120 per adult.

It is a rather hefty outlay, but it will save you money in the long run.

Passholders will gain entry to the Empire State Building Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History, as well as their pick of three other attractions, such as the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Booked independently, these would add up to almost £200.

The city promises to be even more buzzy than usual during the summer, thanks to a fan village that will open at the Rockefeller Center (July 4-19).

Expect interactive soccer pitches, live match viewing, musical performances and guest appearances.

And if that’s not enough, across the bridge, Jersey’s Liberty State Park will play host to the huge Fifa Fan Festival from June 11 to July 19.

Some of NYC’s most breath­taking landmarks, such as the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, will provide the backdrop to interactive experiences and concerts.

Atlanta, Georgia

IF England are successful in the initial stages and win their group, the Three Lions head to Atlanta for their first knockout match.

The Centennial Olympic Park will play host to the Fan Festival there, exactly 30 years after it welcomed the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

Elsewhere in the state capital, you can walk in the footsteps of the civil rights activist at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park.

Or uncover the secrets of Britain’s favourite fizzy drink at the World Of Coca-Cola.

The museum feaures interactive exhibits and hosts a vault that guards the secret recipe.

Mexico City

HERE’S hoping our boys battle it through to the last 16, because that means we will likely be playing in Mexico City.

What better way to celebrate a win (or drown your sorrows) than in the birthplace of tequila?

Licoreria Limantour is frequently named in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars thanks to its creative concoctions (there are classic drinks, too).

There’s likely to be more than just official fan zones — the Mexicans know how to party so come prepared.

But there’s so much more to do, including the Basilica of Guadalupe temple ruins, museums, cable cars and parks.

Boston

HOME to the world-famous Harvard University, America’s oldest public park and a vibrant harbour, the city of ­Boston has some great stories to tell from down the years.

Games will take place at the Gillette Stadium, which is being temporarily renamed the Boston Stadium for the World Cup.

It sits in the town of Foxborough, around an hour on the train from the main city of Boston, so you might want to book a stay a little farther out if you wish to save those pennies.

But make sure you don’t miss out on the delights of the city, which has an incredibly rich history.

You can learn all about it and the American Revolution on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which will guide you to 16 culturally significant sites, from museums and churches to meeting houses and burying grounds.

And why sample one Boston foodie tradition when you can do several at once?

Head to Quincy Market, a huge food hall that dates back to 1826 where you can pick up classic New England grub like clam chowder, lobster rolls and the notorious Boston cream pie.

The whereabouts and details of the fan zone are still being decided upon for this city, but you can guarantee there’ll be lots of footie-themed fun.

WHEN it comes to holidaying in the south of France, most Brits will flock to spots like Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

But for anyone wanting the beauty of the French Riviera without the crowds, then this small town might be perfect for your next break.

The beautiful Sanary-sur-Mer is in the Côte d’Azur region found between Toulon and Marseille.

It’s classically French and sees much fewer tourists than other seaside towns and cities along the Mediterranean coast.

Yet it still has everything Brits want from a French town, from food markets to pretty beaches and a relaxed Riviera vibe.

One woman who moved to the Côte d’Azur even called Sanary-sur-Mer a “lesser-known gem along France’s south coast”, when writing in Business Insider.

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She added that other locals called Sanary-sur-Mer one of the “nicest places in the area”.

The town sits around a harbour which has also been called one of France’s most beautiful ports.

Along with the harbour, there are plenty of sandy spots to take a dip into the sea and relax on the sands.

Some of the most popular beaches include Lido, Plage Dorée, and Portissol Beach.

Another attraction is the Eglise Saint Nazaire de Sanary-sur-Mer, a church with large murals just minutes from the harbour.

The Tour de Sanary, a historic tower is also a popular stop as visitors can get impressive panoramic views of the sea, harbour, and even the mountains.

The commune has lots of markets too where you can pick up food or even souvenirs.

There’s a large weekly market on Wednesdays, a daily food market and fishermen’s stalls by the front.

There’s also an artisanal night market that runs each day during the summer usually from late June to early September, from around 7.30 PM to midnight.

From Sanary-sur-Mer you can hop on a 20-minute ferry to the island of Embiez that’s described as a “nature paradise”.

It’s a car-free island which tourists can explore by foot or bike – a trek around the whole island takes between one to two and a half hours.

There’s also a tourist train which visitors can hop on and off.

For any fans of watersports, here you can try kayaking, paddleboarding and discover hidden coasts around the coastline.

The nearest major airports to Sanary-sur-Mer are Marseille Provence Airport and Toulon-Hyères Airport.

From the UK, Brits can head to Marseille Airport with flights from £23 each way – direct routes fly from London Stansted with Ryanair and London Gatwick with easyJet.

The ‘Pearl of the Riviera’ is the warmest town in the region has 300 days of sunshine and lemon festivals…

Located on the border between France and Italy, the seaside town of Menton has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Riviera” by holidaymakers.

Home to pastel-coloured buildings, quaint streets, a picturesque harbour and vast lemon groves, Menton is picture perfect.

Before officially becoming part of France in 1860, Menton had been part of Sardinia and Monaco.

In the middle of the 19^th century, Menton broke away from Monaco after heavy tax impositions were imposed on its lemon trade, which was its main industry.

Every year, the town holds a lemon festival to celebrate the production of citrus fruits in the seaside town.

Menton is the last large town on the border between France and Italy, which means there are several attractions geared towards tourists.

The largest beach in Menton is Les Sablettes Beach, which is a mixture of fine gravel and sand.

Its shallow waters are ideal for younger holidaymakers, with showers and toilets also found at the beach in the summer months.

The promenade is lined with palm trees, pergolas and water fountains, providing holidaymakers with plenty of spots to relax in the shade.

Nearby are a number of restaurants, shops and cafes like Marché Beach, which stretches from the Jean Cocteau Museum to Menton Casino.

For more in Provence, discover Europe’s ‘Grand Canyon’ that looks more like America, with huge mountains and bright blue rivers.

And on this tiny French peninsula you can spot pink flamingos in the wild – and there are barely any tourists.

ARE you dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, maybe you should be dreaming of a wet Christmas . . . and by wet, I mean a thrilling flume like no other in the UK.

OK, a waterpark doesn’t sound that festive – but for my family a visit to Splash Landings was the surprise standout of our Santa Sleepover at Alton Towers.

Yes, the Staffordshire theme park has everything for a cool yule, but nothing topped a ride on Master Blaster – at 682ft, Britain’s longest water coaster.

My gang – sons Wilf, eight, Jasper, six, and dad Simon – agreed this was the best waterslide we’d been on.

And there’s so much to pack in, from lazy rivers and play areas to the steaming Bubbly Wubbly outdoor pool.

But of course we were there for some Santa magic, and we got a sackful.

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We’d arrived promptly on the first day as we knew a Santa Sleepover comes with a busy schedule and the festive wow factor kicked in immediately, with dozens of twinkling Christmas trees on the entrance plaza.

All of CBeebies Land is open and the boys loved the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure and In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.

A theme park in December is not going to be warm and you’ll be outdoors a lot, so dress appropriately.

But not all attractions are open-air, including Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig immersive dinosaur show and Justin’s Pie-O-Matic Factory play area.
You’ll also find ample places to stop for lunch, and the coffee corner offers warming drinks.

Soon, it was our turn to queue for Father Christmas in his charming North Pole wooden grotto. Every family will get their own special time with a friendly Santa who chatted to our shy children then gave us a little present each.

Next up was pirate-themed Mutiny Bay, where the boys and their dad enjoyed wildly spinning barrels on Marauder’s Mayhem and Heave Ho! – a rocking and twisting ship.

And don’t miss Alton Towers’ own SeaLife Centre, Sharkbait Reef. It was a resounding success, with an immersive starfish exhibition and a glass tunnel where huge sharks swim around you.

Then it was time to head to the hotel, which ticked all the Christmas boxes with beautiful decor.

Our awesome Arctic Explorer room added to the atmosphere with its polar mission theme and came with a single bed each for the boys and a double for mum and dad

Via the Dragon Bar, where singers performed Christmas tunes, we headed for dinner in the Secret Garden carvery, with the yule log a big family hit.

The action never stops and next up was The Tale of Cinderella and Prince Charming panto, which left the boys transfixed.

After posting a letter to Santa it was time to snuggle up in our room, waking up to a letter each for Wilf and Jasper from Father Christmas. Pure family joy.

Before heading home after our Splash Landings blast, we grabbed a delicious lunch at the Talbot Inn just outside the park and all agreed we’d had a flume-ing fabulous festive break.

• THE overnight Alton Towers Santa Sleepover costs from £91pp and is on until December 23. For more information or to book, see altontowers.com.

January can be a great month to take a holiday as prices drop and there are plenty of destinations that are both hot and affordable.

Winter has arrived bringing with it dark, chilly and damp days. Whilst Christmas can inject some festive spirit into these dreary months, there’s still a considerable wait until spring makes its appearance.

Plenty of people will already be dreaming about their summer getaway, but if you’re unable to hold out that long, there are numerous destinations within easy reach of the UK that can deliver the sunshine you’re longing for.

January can prove to be an ideal time for travel, as holiday spots offer budget-friendly prices that allow you to kick off your new year in style.

A travel guru has highlighted four locations you can jet off to from the UK for “winter sun on a January budget”.

TikTok travel specialist Robonthebeach has revealed four of his personal top picks that Brits can escape to in the new year. He’s suggested destinations that are both warm and wallet-friendly.

As reported by the Express, Rob said: “January is one of my favourite months to book a holiday. Everyone’s skint, everyone’s cold, flights are quiet and the prices in a lot of destinations drop way lower than you’d expect.”

He examined January weather conditions, booking trends and pricing to compile his recommendations for a “warm, good value holiday next month”.

Madeira

Kicking off Rob’s suggestions are the Portuguese islands of Madeira. The four-island archipelago lies off the northwest coast of Africa and is renowned for its wine, pleasant temperatures and subtropical climate.

Rob pointed out that whilst January won’t bring scorching temperatures, visitors can still enjoy pleasant sunny conditions hovering around 19C to 20C. He described it as “one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe” and managed to find a bargain at £330 per person departing from Dublin, including flights and bed and breakfast.

Tenerife

The biggest of the Canary Islands offers consistently warm weather even during January, with temperatures reaching 22C to 23C and daily sunshine. Rob demonstrated the destination’s affordability by discovering a seven-night self-catering package from Liverpool for just £260 per person.

His personal tip was to base yourself in Costa Adeje, which he praised for being “sheltered, warm [with] loads going on”.

Sharm El Sheikh

This Egyptian resort town is celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Rob enthused: “If you want actual summer in January, this is it. You’re looking at 24C to 27C here, blue sky every single day and water that’s like a bath.”

He tracked down an all-inclusive seven-night package with flights from Luton for a mere £225 per person. “If you want heat for cheap, this is the one,” he declared.

Miami

Rob confessed this pick is his “wildcard” but insisted that with the right offer, it can still represent excellent value for a winter escape. He located seven nights at a Miami Beach hotel with indirect flights from Heathrow for £605 per person.

The travel guru remarked: “For Miami beach in January, peak sunshine season, that’s pretty nuts.” Miami’s weather sits at a balmy 25C to 27C.

A train ride to Titanic’s last stop in County Cork, Ireland

On a midsummer trip to Ireland, I saw dolphins in the Irish Sea, sunset by the Liffey, and misty views of the Galtee Mountains. The half-hour train journey to Cobh (“cove”), through Cork’s island-studded harbour, was especially lovely. As the railway crossed Lough Mahon, home to thousands of seabirds, there was water on both sides of the train. I watched oystercatchers, egrets, godwits and common terns, which nest on floating pontoons. Curlews foraged in the mudflats, and an old Martello tower stood on a wooded promontory.

Spanning one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Cork’s bridge-linked archipelago includes 20-sq-mile Great Island at the seaward end. Here you’ll find Cobh, with its colourful terrace houses, prom-side palm trees and smell of toasting soda bread. The town was the Titanic’s last port of call before its doomed voyage. Today’s Cork is a sustainable-transport trailblazer: cycle greenways run through huge reedbeds across Ballyvergan marsh and eight new railway stations are coming soon.
Phoebe Taplin

Affordable skiing in Bulgaria

“I don’t smile, I’m Bulgarian,” Yuri my ski instructor told me, “but I can make you a better skier.” By day three I had earned a “not too bad”, and my grin stretched from ear to ear.

There’s plenty to smile about in Borovets, droll instructors aside: the price for a start. A half-term ski break here is far kinder on the wallet than heading to the Alps. Borovets, in the Rila mountains, was Bulgaria’s first ski resort and has 58km of well-maintained slopes bordered by forests. To keep our energy up, we ate hot flaky banitsa (stuffed pastries), sausages cooked over an open fire, and hearty bean stews.

My teenage sons and I stayed at the no-frills Soviet-style Samokov Hotel, where I loved using the 25m pool after a day on the slopes, and they loved pushing the limits of the hearty buffet evening meals.
Ailsa Sheldon

A lakes escape in Switzerland

For a landlocked country, Switzerland is surprisingly obsessed with messing about in boats. Paddle steamers and scenic ferries are common currency on lakes Constance, Léman and Lucerne, but sailing across the unfathomably blue surfaces of lakes Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten (in the Three Lakes region, about 90 minutes by train from Geneva) this summer was a first for me. The temperatures, with the sun splitting the waters, felt Mediterranean. The late evening swims and paddleboarding did the trick too.

I hopped between Neuchâtel and Le Landeron on Lake Biel, slipping through time-warp villages on the slopes of the Jura mountains. I swam in the Zihl Canal with only kingfishers and herons for company. I drank too many glasses of chasselas white wine in Ligerz, where a wonderfully pretty church sits amid the grapevines. I discovered forgotten St Peter’s Island, home to a 12th-century monastery hotel and where Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once turned his back on the world. As I explored, I thought I’d like to do the same.
Mike MacEacheran

Watching a ‘skydance’ over Lancashire’s wetlands, UK

Martin Mere on the west Lancashire plain, once the largest lake in England, was drained by arable-avaricious lords. Mercifully, they didn’t empty it completely and the wetlands, managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, is now a precious habitat for waders and reed-loving birds. In autumn, more than 45,000 pink-footed geese roost here.

Like many who grew up in the north-west, I bypassed Martin Mere every summer, bound for Southport. Leisure time meant beach, fairs and shopping. Perhaps the area’s industrial heritage encouraged the notion that land was for turning into houses, roads and workplaces. It’s only since returning to live in the county five years ago that I have re-educated myself about its natural assets.

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to see ring ouzels, peregrines, a merlin and, greatest prize of all, hen harriers – famed for their “skydancing” and victimisation by grouse rearers – in the Forest of Bowland national landscape.

Season by season, Lancashire becomes something other than a place framed by the past. Growing up, I wondered at all the contrails; I’ll grow old gazing at the kinder, quieter patterns of nature’s aviators.
Chris Moss

A country house in the middle of Milan

Summers in Milan are, inevitably, very often hot, humid affairs. Like many Italian cities, its residents are likely to head for the sea and countryside as the temperatures rise. However, the Necchi Campiglios, a wealthy family who made their fortune manufacturing sewing machines, chose to build their perfect country house in the middle of the city.

Designed in the 1930s by Piero Portaluppi, Villa Necchi Campiglio still stands like a mirage in Italy’s second largest city, set in lush gardens with a swimming pool – a perfect little oasis to escape the heat yet on a very ordinary street. There’s much to admire inside, with chic furniture and fittings, wood panelling and marble floors, and an impressive art collection. It’s hard to imagine a nicer place to cool off as the heat of the city intensifies than the veranda overlooking the garden.
Max Benato

Walking in Kosovo’s mountains

History books provide crucial context for hiking in Kosovo, but don’t prepare you for the beauty of the mountains. I spent a week on the recently remapped Via Dinarica Kosovo in the summer. We hiked past edelweiss flowers on the border ridge with Montenegro; craggy and sheer on one side and vibrant green on the other, sloping down to pink and yellow wildflower meadows.

Choughs flew around high rocky outcrops, while brightly coloured bee-eaters perched on branches lower down. Wildlife lost to much of Europe still thrives here (bears, wolves, lynx) in a mosaic of oak and beech trees, blueberries and shrubs, deep valleys and high plateaux. Mountain lakes make for dreamy swim spots beneath the high peaks near Albania.

We stayed in secluded huts with mountain backdrops, where börek (savoury pastries) were devoured in the evenings and washed down with rakia – a homemade fruity spirit varying wildly in quality and strength.
Stuart Kenny

A peaceful village in Provence

Wiggling across France in a car groaning with kids and camping gear has become a summer tradition. This year, on our way to the Gorges du Verdon, we detoured via Cotignac and landed upon the very special South Park Lodges. Owners Stan and Wendy Kluba have spent five years restoring three wild hectares just outside the village, which are now home to two bell tents on hillside terraces among the pines (sleeps four, from £160 a night).

Everything has been so thoughtfully put together: a handbuilt kitchen under the shade of a canvas sail, an outdoor shower soundtracked by cicadas. Days were slow: walking to buy pastries at Lou Gourmandises, long lunches at Le Bistrot de Lou Calen, climbing the steep steps to explore old cave houses in the limestone cliffs above the village. But mostly the kids loved the pool and the Shetland ponies (Scotchy and Whisky), and I fell for the deep sense of peace.
Fiona Kerr

Going off the beaten track in Albania

The first stop on a family hiking holiday in Albania this summer made a lasting impression and proved that stepping off the beaten track often brings the greatest rewards. We spent two nights in Bujtina Lëpushë, a guesthouse surrounded by orchards, beehives and small farms that peter out towards the Accursed Mountains – a towering amphitheatre. Arriving at dusk, the kids (10 and 12) played with kittens on our cabin’s porch while we chatted to the owner about life in Lëpushë. Migration abroad or to cities is a problem (the local school has only one pupil), and tourism is a lifeline for anyone left behind.

Luckily, Lëpushë has a lot going for it. On the first day, we jumped off rocks into a brilliant-blue swimming spot and gorged on homemade cheese and bread at a shepherd’s stan (summer encampment). On the second, we hiked to the top of Maja e Nagvacit (2,412m) on near-deserted trails, scoffing wild blueberries along the way. Despite all this, Lëpushë receives a fraction of the visitors that nearby Theth and Vusanje welcome, because it isn’t on the popular Peaks of the Balkans hiking route.
Holly Tuppen

A lucky discovery on Spain’s Costa Tropical

A long smile of a beach braced with blocky hotels at the edge of a snowdrift of white plastic-covered greenhouses – we had no expectations of Calahonda, in Andalucía. We stopped in this former fishing village near Motril, not to be confused with the much bigger Sitio de Calahonda further west, for no other reason than it seemed the least built-up place to break a journey along Spain’s Costa Tropical.

Finding a room at the Hotel Embarcadero, we photographed the shoal of tiny boats bobbing beneath the town’s headland, swam in leagues of deep, Kool-Aid-blue water, ate fat boquerones (fried anchovies) at a simple chiringuito (beach bar), and watched elderly Spanish couples stroll languidly to dinners that were just starting as we went to bed. Back on the road the next morning, our swimsuits drying on the back seat, we agreed that sometimes the best travel plan is to have none.
Rhiannon Batten

Untouched islands in Finland

The most spectacular sunset I’ve seen this year? Whizzing back across the iridescent waters of Finland’s Lake Saimaa on a chilly afternoon in late September, as the liquefying sun and white feathers of wispy cloud interrupted vivid blue skies.

We’d gone out from our base, the Järvisydän resort, to see the most endangered seal in the world – just 530 ringed seals are estimated to live in the lake. They were shy on the afternoon we were out, their basking rocks empty, but it couldn’t have mattered less; we stopped at one island to pick chanterelle mushrooms and blueberries, and at another to follow a hiking path up to a viewpoint that looked out over dozens of untouched islets, thick with pine forest and fringed with silver-grey rocks. In winter, when the lake freezes, there are 38 miles of ice-skating trails. I can’t wait to go back.
Annabelle Thorpe

A night in Italy’s smallest town

We took each bend carefully as we descended Monte Aureo. On the final turn, Atrani appeared through a tunnel in the rock, its bridge lit up against an October night sky and its houses cascading down the cliffs towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. Roberto, our driver, said we were entering the smallest town in Italy – and the most beautiful.

The entrance to our hotel lay hidden beneath the bridge, a narrow opening leading to a maze of whitewashed steps twisting between old walls. We awoke to the sound of bells from Santa Maria Maddalena and stepped on to the balcony, where tiled roofs tapered up the cliffside and, below, the sea moved softly against the beach. A cock crowed and a single car crossed the bridge.

After breakfast, we took another tunnel, this one longer. On the far side was Amalfi, its port lively and bright, as if we had slipped through a portal and returned to another age entirely.
Vic O’Sullivan

Tasty fish in Tynemouth, UK

A handful of surfers rode the waves of the North Sea beneath a brilliant blue sky. But instead of swimsuits we were wrapped in wool jackets on this brisk January day.

Three generations of my family had come to the one-of-a-kind Riley’s Fish Shack set beneath Tynemouth’s green cliffs and the ruins of a priory and castle. We were lured by the shipping container’s chimney – a lighthouse-like beacon of smoke. Brave diners sat on the patio and on deck chairs in the sand, bundled up in blankets. We had reserved a wooden table in the cosy interior, warmed by the wood-fired grill.

I had expected fish and chips. Instead, we devoured enormous fish empanadas loaded with salsa verde; squid ragu topped with parsley mayo; roast turbot chop bathed in ancho-chilli butter, with caperberry and cucumber salad; and irresistible fresh sourdough – all sustainably served in wooden boxes with disposable wooden cutlery.

I dream of returning despite living about 1,000 miles away in Marseille. Thankfully, my cousin lives in nearby Newcastle, so I have an excuse to return.
Alexis Steinman

An unsung Northern Irish city

My latest book, Sh*tty Breaks, champions unfashionable cities and makes the case that anywhere can be enjoyable if given half the chance. The Northern Irish city of Newry is known for its shopping, being in the thick of the Troubles and former goalkeeper Pat Jennings. It’s not known for the quality of its museum, the friendliness of its people, or the staggering beauty of its countryside – but it should be.

The town hall straddles a river and is a sight for sore eyes; a bakery called The Cake Granny sits alongside a number of excellent cafes – Measured, Finegan & Son, Nine Squared. The Bridge Bar will see you through to midnight. The Canal Court hotel is a decent accommodation option in the centre, while Balance Treehouse is a rural alternative with a stargazing hammock and a hot tub.
Ben Aitken

The perfect Parisian bistro

I’m perpetually on the hunt for the best bistro in Paris and, on a spring trip this year, I think I found it. Following a cobbled backstreet en route to the inimitable Shakespeare and Company bookshop, I came upon the blue awning of a cosy restaurant named Bistro des Livres. It resembled a sunlit wine cellar, with pale stone walls, black marble-topped tables and books everywhere: patterned, leatherbound books with yellow pages piled in the window.

The menu featured vin à la ficelle – wine “by the string”, measured and charged by what you drink – along with a concise and no-nonsense list of five mains, plus a tomahawk steak, aubrac rib and veal chop for the carnivorous. Grilled bone marrow was sizzling on arrival, rock salt sparkling on its surface like diamond dust. My confit de canard was a crisp leg which fell apart into dark gleaming chunks, steam piping off the bone. But it was the chocolate pudding that brought me back for my second and third visits. Arriving at my side – lugging a casserole dish of whipped dark mousse – the waiter ladled a mountain in to my bowl; rich, smooth, and enough for four diners. When the bill came, the waiter gave my well-consumed Côtes du Rhône a cursory glance and barely charged me €10 for drinks. The meal itself came to €35. Oddly, it was quiet, so I still like to think I’ve stumbled upon a spot of magic on the Left Bank.
Monisha Rajesh

A memorable meal off Mull

To summon the ferry for Ulva – a small, community-owned island off Mull – you flick the wooden board above the slipway from white to red and Rhuri, the boatman, will chug across the narrow strait to fetch you. Unless it’s a Saturday, his day off. It was a sunny Sunday in summer when I headed over for lunch at the Boathouse, the waterfront restaurant everyone was talking about after its takeover by Banjo Beale of Designing the Hebrides, his husband and cheesemaker Ro, and farmer, baker and charcuterie-maker Sam this year.

I was early, so followed one of the island’s impossibly pretty walking trails, skirting round the coast, through ancient woodland, past a cluster of old stone barns and the Thomas Telford-designed church, before circling back for a pile of langoustines, apple-sour salad and warm brioche at a picnic table beside the sea, dogs splashing in the shallows, children skimming stones, families chatting on the rocks – wonderfully old-school and unspoilt.
Lucy Gillmore

Treasure hunting in Prague’s flea market

A waiter, recalling his grandmother’s dumplings and her kitchen’s “terrible” decor, alerted me to the existence of the u Elektry flea market. “She had the kind of stuff everyone throws out at u Elektry; nobody wants reminders of being poor under communism,” he said with a shrug.

It’s located in Prague 9, and getting there requires a lengthy-ish tram ride. The market is open 6am-2pm every Saturday and Sunday, and when I arrived mid-morning, people were already leaving, laden with items I was certain I wanted. A fee of 30 koruna (about £1) is payable at the entrance, where there are also food stalls and – because you never know – an ATM.

Hundreds of vendors had their wares – ceramics, linens, brass and mirrors, signed and framed oil paintings, nude photographs, you name it – set out over a seemingly interminable area. I had to squat, sift and search, but my heart and hands were full by the end – and low prices and cheerfully haggling locals meant my wallet wasn’t much depleted, either.
Sarah Rodrigues

Dramatic scenery and saunas on the Fife coastal path, Scotland

It’s always good to meet an old friend, even better when unexpected. There I was, strolling through the Scottish coastal village of Lower Largo, when I spotted Robinson Crusoe. I hadn’t thought about him for a while, but there he was, or at least his real-life inspiration, Alexander Selkirk. A statue of the man stands on the site of the cottage where he was born in 1676.

The joy of the Fife coastal path is like that. Unexpected pleasures abound amid picturesque villages, dramatic scenery and beaches. The 117-mile route starts in Kincardine with a few miles of post-industrial landscape that soon gives way to a more bucolic coast. Villages such as Anstruther, Crail and St Monans hold plenty of historical interest, fine old harbours, plus a few great food outlets (try the Bowhouse and the Cocoa Tree). The Elie chain walk at Kincraig Point is a particularly good section if you enjoy scrambling.

North of Cellardyke, watch for Tide Line, an art installation by Julie Brook. Apart from Crusoe, however, the real discovery was the saunas that are being installed along Fife’s many beaches.
Kevin Rushby

An art trail in a picture-perfect town in Puglia, Italy

It’s less than half an hour by train along the Adriatic coast from Bari to Monopoli, a historic town with a pretty harbour, winding alleys, a 16th-century castle and an impressive cathedral. While nearby Polignano a Mare – Insta-famous for its dramatic cliffs – felt busy, Monopoli had a laid-back vibe and a string of uncrowded beaches where local families were picnicking.

It’s worth a visit any time of year, but mine coincided with the PhEST international festival of photography and art, which uses the town and its buildings as a backdrop. Every year it runs for four months, from August to November, with a packed programme of photography, screenings, music, guided tours and talks.

We followed an artwork trail around town, some outdoors, some inside churches and the castle. We loved the Martin Parr works – some seen by looking through telescopes out to sea – and Gregg Segal’s thought-provoking images highlighting over-consumption, with people photographed lying in the rubbish they generated in a single week.
Jane Dunford

Finally finding paradise – in Pembrokeshire

Growing up, we always went south for holidays – to Dorset, or Brittany, or as far as my dad could put up with driving three children in summer without aircon. Wales never even made the shortlist. When I finally discovered Pembrokeshire in June this year, and saw how incredibly beautiful it was, I felt irrationally cross that its charms had been kept from me for so long. “Oh yes,” my parents said airily when I complained, “St Davids is lovely, isn’t it? Great cathedral.”

Not only was the cathedral indeed stunning, with an excellent, dog-friendly cafe to boot, but the countryside around it was even better, and the coastline … well, the coastline took my breath away, literally, when I tried to run it one morning after overindulging in fish, chips and gelato. Rocky cliffs, green water, wide sandy beaches and little whitewashed pubs where the locals have their own tables – why had no one told me paradise lies at the end of the A40?
Felicity Cloake

Croatia without the crowds

With Dubrovnik hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year, I was wary of contributing to overtourism. But the lure of the Med on a budget took me on a four-day break with my four-year-old to Zadar.

What I discovered was a Croatia without the crowds, a pretty walled city and lots of kid-friendly (and free) things to do. Without spending a bean, we explored the Old Town – wandering along the city walls, enjoying the Sea Organ – an experimental musical instrument on the front that plays notes as the waves move in and out of its underwater pipes – and dancing at sunset on the Greeting to the Sun installation, a 22-metre wide circle of solar panels that harness energy during the daytime, then, when night falls, create an environmentally friendly light show that keeps kids of all ages entertained.

For just a few euros, we took a ferry over to Ugljan Island, where we swam in the sea at Preko and climbed to the summit of the fort, parts of which date back to the sixth century, for views over to Italy. Then, before we left, we ventured to Vrana Lake nature park to kayak amid some of the 260 species of birds that call the place home. A perfect break for a family.
Phoebe Smith

Seafood under the pines, France

The village of Mornac-sur-Seudre in the Charente-Maritime is famous for the oysters that are cultivated in the surrounding marshes, but the dish that caught our attention was éclade de moules – mussels cooked under pine needles. We ordered ours at Le Parc des Graves, where we sat on a terrace overlooking the water. The éclade is prepared on the road outside – at a safe distance from diners. First, the mussels are arranged on a wooden platter in concentric circles, then they are covered in dry pine needles which are set on fire. The result is an ashy platter of shells that looks more like a sculpture than something edible. But the mussels are surprisingly tasty – smoky and sweet. Virtually every table was tucking into them during our visit – including small children, their faces streaked with ash. We ordered oysters too, and plates of crevettes and langoustines – but the éclade stole the show. Once we’d had our fill, we wandered up Rue du Port, past pretty blue-and-white houses, to Saint-Pierre church, known for its giant shell font, a reminder that on this coastline, shellfish are treated with near religious reverence.
Isabel Choat

Innocent fun on a Swedish island

As the ferry docked at South Koster, an island off Sweden’s south-west coast about 100 miles north of Gothenburg, it seemed I’d arrived inside a Famous Five novel. Life for the next few days was all carefree cycling down quiet lanes (cars are prohibited), splashing about in the clearest seas (where cold-water coral thrives), kayaking between the smooth granite skerries of Kosterhavet national park, and hauling up on empty beaches to picnic on (lashings of) coffee and hunks of banana bread.

The only thing missing was a Blyton-esque mystery to solve – though something was flummoxing me: where were all the people? Coastal Sweden has a curious tourism season. For five weeks in July and early August the place is heaving. Outside of that? Bliss. It was early September: the sky was blue, the berries bright, the water brisk but deliciously swimmable. With the summer crowds gone, it was like discovering my very own Treasure Island.
Sarah Baxter

Step back in time in a boutique hotel in Latvia

I discovered a beautiful 10-bedroom boutique hotel while travelling in the tranquil, lushly green region of Kurzeme in Latvia. Restored by German chef and hotelier Daniel Jahn, Kukšu Manor has spectacular interiors and a wonderful lakeside location – cranes fly overhead, storks perch on chimney-top nests, nightingales warble. But it isn’t on any booking sites so it remains something of a secret.

Every door, wall and architrave is delicately painted with 18th-century frescoes, stencils and murals. Every piece of cornicing is intricately carved. Beneath lavishly painted ceilings (my favourite was ultramarine blue scattered with golden flowers), each room is an extravagant curation of antique finery. But there’s nothing formal here: Jahn and his two labradors greet visitors like old friends.

This is a place where you can step back in time and imagine yourself as a Baltic baron. And the breakfasts are to die for: garden berries, homemade jams, marinated vegetables, forest mushrooms, local fish and meat, freshly baked bread and pancakes. All for the price of a very average British B&B.
Annabel Abbs

Wales’s answer to Land’s End

The long slender finger of the Llŷn peninsula had been beckoning me for years, but I only made it to this area of outstanding natural beauty in north Wales this year. It was love at first sight.

It probably helped that my initial encounter was with the head-turning Tŷ Coch Inn, set in a stunning little cove near Nefyn. But over the course of a few days’ walking and camping along the Wales Coast Path, there were so many other beguiling moments: the sweeping curve of Whistling Sands beach; the pod of seals lolling in a secluded bay that mimicked the outline of Wales; the kestrel hovering above a promontory; the musical lilt of people speaking Welsh.

But perhaps the standout moment was arriving, after a long day’s ramble, in the picturesque fishing village of Aberdaron at the tip of the peninsula, and settling in for a couple of pints in the sunshine outside the Ship Hotel. This was followed by crab cakes, chips and mushy peas at the Sblash fish bar around the corner. Perfect.
Andy Pietrasik

Meeting the resident cat in Norwich Cathedral

I am fond of cats. I am keen on churches. Better yet are churches with resident cats. How delightful then, on a recent visit to Norwich Cathedral, to encounter Budge. He was seated on a pew, eyes as green as The New English Hymnal, a small creature in that great ancient space.

I hadn’t meant to visit, but found myself with an hour to spare. Long enough to stroll from the bright copper font to first world war heroine Edith Cavell’s grave. Time, too, for a circuit of the cloister, sun slanting through the tracery and making the flagstones gleam.

Budge, though, was the highlight, and I learned his story. As a young cat, he roamed the pubs, but has long since left that roguish life behind. “He’s found God,” I was told. “He’s found a place he feels at home.” His day begins with morning prayer and ends with evensong. He makes a wonderful place even more wonderful. He let me stroke his back then padded off up the nave.
Peter Ross

WHO doesn’t love a Christmas market?  

But there’s so much more to love about a quick, easy train journey that promises the chance to enjoy some festive fun with continental flair and fabulous food. 

Step aboard the Eurostar from London St Pancras and just one hour and 24 minutes later you could be in Lille – then 30 minutes farther and the delights of Brussels await. 

With fares from £39 each way if booked in advance, it’s the perfect way to sprinkle some magic on your festive season. 

So Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out the cities – and their Christmas markets. 

Lisa in Lille 

WITH beautifully decorated stores in Lille’s Old Town, a fabulous Ferris Wheel in the Grand Place and a charming Christmas market on Place Rihour featuring 90 wooden chalets, Lille is a great place to hop over to for a quick festive break.

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With a compact city centre and oodles of lovely independent shops, Lille also promises hearty French fare in its traditional ‘estaminet’ restaurants to keep you fuelled. 

BEST SNACK 

COME hungry to the Christmas Market as there are endless stalls offering hearty snacks.

From baguettes to paninis and oysters, caviar and salmon as well as waffles and crepes, there’s a huge amount of choice.  

But for a French speciality, it has to be the aligot. A truly indulgent dish of ultra-creamy mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, butter, cream and gooey cheese, a generous portion costs just £8.70.  

Or perhaps go for the traditional Savoie dish of tartiflette — slices of potato with onions, bacon and reblochon cheese. 

BEST DRINK 

YOU’LL find mulled wine everywhere. This is France, after all!  

In the Christmas Market, a large cup costs seven euros but you’ll get two euros back when you return the eco-friendly cups, so a warming drink will set you back just £4.40.

At the traditional Lille estaminet restaurant, Au Vieux de la Vieille, your mulled wine comes with a shot of Amaretto on the side for a nutty alternative and costs £5.70. 

BEST VIEW 

ADMIRE the festive lights around the streets of Lille from high above on the Ferris Wheel, at the centre of the Grand Place.  

Soaring 164ft into the air in the gondolas gives you a fabulous view of the city and beyond. Book ahead to avoid the queues.  

Sunset is a perfect time to take in the views with the lights of the town and market a delight.

Prices start from £6.10 for adults and £4.40 for children. See lagrande rouedelille.com. 

For those without a head for heights, you can also get a fantastic view from the balcony of the City Hall’s Belfry — getting there involves climbing up 109 steps. 

BEST SHOPPING 

LILLE’S compact, cobbled old town is a delight for shopaholics. There are plenty of independent gift stores as well as lots of options for clothes and shoes.  

To bring back a reminder of your stay, head to the legendary Meert — famed for being one of the oldest pastry shops in the world.  

The ornate building is even more festive at Christmas and it’s the perfect place to pick up one of their signature waffles, from a recipe first invented in the 1840s.

You can also buy a huge range of cakes, chocolates and a variety of exotic tea blends. The tea room is a delight. Just be sure to book in advance. 

BEST RESTAURANT 

FOR a relaxed but sophisticated dinner with a fantastic view, head to Nu, close to the train station. This rooftop restaurant and bar is fabulously festively decorated at Christmas but it’s the food that is undoubtedly the star of the show.  

As well as a selection of tapas-style dishes starting from £7.90, there’s a host of French classics.

We enjoyed a decadent lobster dish and a delicious seared tuna finished with a cafe gourmand — where your cup comes with a selection of their best desserts.  

For truly authentic dishes from the North of France, head to Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vielle.  

Booking is essential at this tiny, historic restaurant and locals flock here for carbonnade flamande, where chunks of beef are cooked in beer and spices.  

Also amazing was the Welsh au maroilles — beer-soaked bread topped with ham and then drenched in melty maroilles cheese. Come hungry!  

BEST HOTEL  

HOTEL l’Arbre Voyageur is ideal for a weekend break — just an eight minute stroll from the train station.  

The 4H hotel has 48 rooms with comfy beds and L’Occitane toiletries.  

With two restaurants and its own patisserie, food is top notch. Rooms are from £143 per night, with breakfast. See hotelarbrevoyageur.com. 

Kara in Brussels 

WITH more than 250 stalls and chalets to browse, the Christmas Markets in Brussels are certainly an extravaganza. 

Called the Winter Wonders, this also includes the popular Ferris Wheel, an ice skating and curling rink and the huge light show in the Grand Place. 

The largest section is in Marché aux Poissons, where you will find 200 of the stalls. It runs until January 4, so you have more than enough time to fit in a quick weekend trip. 

BEST SNACK 

IF you spot a long queue, it’s most likely outside Fritland. Right next to the Christmas markets, the much-loved shop has been serving up huge portions of chips since 1978 (from £3).  

There are many sauces to choose from, with the tomatoey Dallas tasting delightfully zingy.  

If you need something sweet afterwards, the other busy spot is the stunning Maison Dandoy, where you’ll find some of the city’s best waffles.

Even with the rich Speculoos spread slathered on top, the waffles are so light they are easy to eat even on a full stomach. 

BEST DRINK 

YOU can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, or gluhwein, which can be found throughout the markets.

A glass will set you back around £4.30, although keep an extra 90p if you don’t have your own cup.  

It is the right amount of sweetness and warmth to keep you cosy in the chilly winter weather.

Not a wine fan? Most of the stalls also sell hot chocolate. 

BEST VIEW 

FOR some of the best vistas across the city, you can’t beat the Ferris Wheel.

With tickets around £8.70, the ten-minute trip is stunning both during the day and with the twinkling lights at night.  

But if you want a secret way to see the picturesque Grand Place light show without the crowds, keep an eye out for the Christmas Fairies door.  

Walk through a fairy light tunnel, up a winding staircase and past Santa to grab your spot at the window overlooking the huge tree that lights up every hour. 

Tickets from £7 per adult. See christmasfairiesbxl.com. 

BEST SHOPPING 

THE markets are great for gift shopping, from slippers and scarfs to hot sauces and toys.

One of the most unique trinkets you will spot is of the Manneken Pis — the famous peeing boy statue in Brussels.  

The mini figurine will set you back about £4.30 but is certainly one of the more unique souvenirs on offer.

Make sure to spot its other family members Jeanneke Pis, his peeing sister, and Het Zinneke, the peeing dog.  

Brussels has some other fantastic shops to explore too. Urban Therapy has the best interiors and presents, many of which are locally sourced.

And you can’t leave Belgium without some chocolates, with Chocolaterie Mary selling some amazing luxury truffles. 

BEST RESTAURANT 

IF you need a break from the bratwurst and sweets, the city is home to some amazing pizza joints. One is Nona, near the trendy Rue de Flandres.  

The pizza here is exactly what you want — light fluffy crusts, rich tomato sauce and the best cheese pull. 

If you’re travelling with fussy eaters, make a stop at Wolf, an indoor food hall with numerous restaurants around a central bar. 

BEST HOTEL  

HILTON’S Doubletree is a short walk from the centre of the city, or you can hop on the tram right outside. 

The hotel sucks you straight into Christmas as you step in, with gold decorated trees filling the lobby and a new Winter Lounge area to relax in. 

Plus it comes with that famous Doubletree cookie at check in.  

The rooms are spacious and modern, with everything from tea and coffee making facilities to complimentary Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.  

The breakfast hall itself is beautiful too, with vaulted ceilings and Art Deco chandeliers. Rooms from £131 per night. See hilton.com. 

I’VE found the best holiday park to spend the Christmas holidays at – and we’re returning as a family again this year.

My family of five has visited Haven, Butlin’s, Center Parcs and Away Resorts for a seasonal staycay in recent times, but we always end up back at our favourite.

Park Holidays‘ Broadland Sands near Great Yarmouth, is our fail-safe every year, even when none of the park facilities like the pool or the climbing wall are open in December.

But for a cosy Christmas getaway, it’s all about the accommodation for us.

With a big open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, there’s enough space (and crockery) to host a sit-down meal for a dozen people, so its ideal for hosting larger families.

It’s so much easier than trying to gather everyone together at home, hunting for extra chairs, working out how we can all fit around the table and cleaning the house before guests arrive.

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ELF YOURSELF

I stayed at the festive UK holiday park that’s a ‘better value Center Parcs’

Instead it feels like a real treat to be staying in a spotless space where everyone can chip in with the cooking without treading on anyone’s toes.

My top tip would be to bring a slow cooker or an air fryer so you’ve got a back-up plan if you can’t fit everything in the oven, especially if you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed. 

The lodges at Broadland Sands are tucked away at one end of the park and it really does feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of normal life, waking up to the sun glistening through frosty trees outside.

Next door is St Bartholomew’s, a semi-ruined church that still hosts some Sunday services.

And just up the lane is the Lodge at Woburn Farm, which offers music nights and food, so you can enjoy a party atmosphere if the mood takes you.

I like to bring a stash of cosy treats, like fluffy socks, matching PJs and hot chocolate with marshmallows so we can really make the most of our comfortable accommodation and take a bit of time to get some R&R during the festivities.

While we love our quiet Christmas away, there’s also something to be said for heading to Haven or Butlin’s for full-on family fun.

Last year we spent Twixmas at Haven’s Seashore park and had a great time, splashing in the pool and watching the panto in the entertainment venue.

But the best bit of the break was wandering along a deserted beach in the late December sunshine and cosying up in our caravan for a family film night.

The festive season is already so busy with nights out, children’s parties and end-of-term activities that we all just want a bit of peace and quiet by the time we go on our Yuletide getaway. 

That’s why going to a luxury lodge on a closed park proves perfect most years.

Happily it also tends to be the most cost-effective option.

We spent around £250 for the weekend, compared to the steep £1,400 at Center Parcs Elveden Forest or £1,060 for a seaview lodge at Haven Seashore.

Having said that, we do also enjoy an occasional seasonal staycay elsewhere, especially now so many more UK parks have opened up until the New Year.

We quite often make a cheeky midweek visit to Butlin’s, which is usually a bargain £50 for four nights.

One year, there was even a free ice-skating rink at Skegness, so it really did give my family that festive feel for next to nothing.

Now’s the perfect time to bag a bargain break to end 2025 with a bang, so get booking!

A charming town in a popular holiday destination remains a snapshot of its medieval past and rich heritage but is smaller than a football pitch with a population of just over 50

Nestled in the hills in central Istria, northwest Croatia, the tiny village of Hum has stunning views of the surrounding countryside and forests.

Legend has it that friendly giants built the town from leftover stones from the construction of other nearby villages. It is surrounded by protective medieval walls and to this day nothing has been constructed outside of them, meaning it has kept its original character.

Visitors often marvel at the diminutive size of the town, which is considered the smallest in the world, as well as soak up its ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage and traditions, while indulging in the delicious local food and brandy made from regional produce.

Although local legend says it was giants who built the town, it was first mentioned in documents from 1102 when it was then called Cholm. Count Ulrich I built the castle inside the defensive walls and the settlements were located next to the castle in the fort. In 1552, a watch tower and bell were built next to the town’s loggia (town hall) to aid with defence.

There are just two pretty, cobbled streets and the entire town measures only around 100 metres by 30. In the 2021 census, there were only 52 recorded as living there, which is quite a rise from the last census 10 years previously, when the population was 30.

It is considered a town because it has its own council and large parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – which was built in 1802 on the site of the original church. Glagolitic wall hangings are housed there, which are some of the oldest known examples of Slavic alphabets and Croatian literary culture from the Middle Ages. The museum also displays some writings from the period and there are Romanesque frescoes in the Chapel of St Jerome for visitors to see.

History buffs will also love the Glagolitic Alley, which is a path from the nearby village of Roc that leads to Hum. It is lined with large stone monuments representing the ancient Glagolitic alphabet.

Old customs are still upheld by locals, such as the Day of Hum on June 11, when the election of the town mayor takes place. Every year, local judges from the parish carve their votes into a wooden stick at the historic town hall, or Municipal Loggia.

After exploring the picturesque streets, you can recharge by indulging in some of the local dishes. Traditional cuisine is usually hearty recipes made from local ingredients, such as Istrian vegetable stew. It is a simple but comforting soup made from barley, beans, potatoes and corn. Other popular dishes include pasta made with a rich beef sauce, ombolo, which is smoked pork loin, local sausage and sauerkraut. Krostule is a favourite local dessert made from fried dough. Truffles are also abundant in the hilly area, and the nearby town of Buzet is known as the City of Truffles.

Another specialty to try is the biska, which is a type of brandy made from fermented grapes, mistletoe, and four medicinal herbs. The recipe is 2,000 years old and was first made by the Celtic druids. Every October, the Istrian Rakija Festival takes place, when visitors can sample the drink from local producers.

One event of note is the Industrial Hemp Festival, which usually takes place in August when local products including oil, flour, tea, and seeds are available. There are also tasty foods and drinks made from hemp to sample, such as cheese, cookies, crackers, bread, bread burgers, and gin.

When it comes to travelling to Hum, the best way to get there is by private car hire as public transport in Istria isn’t the most reliable. Parking is 3 euros for the whole day, so you have plenty of time to explore without having to worry. There are also some local day tours that stop off in the town. It’s a great place to rest if you’re taking advantage of one of the hiking or cycling trails in Istria.

The closest airport is Rijeka (RJK), which Ryanair runs direct flights to from London Stansted. There are also indirect routes with carriers like Lufthansa from Heathrow.

One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “Do you need a good reason to visit what is claimed to be the ‘smallest town in the world’?! This place just charmed the socks off us. We loved it here. It’s tiny (of course) but has a unique charm, as you enter through the imposing gated entrance you feel like you are being transported back in time. It doesn’t feel like much has changed here for centuries. The road up is an interesting one and you just need to keep reminding yourself it’s going to be worth it as you drive up. The back route we took was a bit hair-raising in parts!”

Airlines’ sophisticated pricing strategies mean the traditional Tuesday booking rule no longer applies, with new research showing a new day of the week offers better savings of up to 17% on international flights

The cheapest day to book a flight has been revealed, and it flies in the face of longstanding conventional wisdom.

For years, travellers were told to watch out for deals on a Tuesday, convinced it was the golden moment to book cheap flights.

But airlines’ pricing methods have become more advanced in recent years, with demand continually shifting prices. One flight can change prices several times in a single day. While the sophistication of ticket pricing models means that there is no single magic day when it comes to grabbing a bargain, there are still better – and worse – times to book flights.

Recent data from booking sites and search engines does reveal patterns worth noting. Expedia’s latest Air Hacks report, based on large amounts of global booking data, found that Sunday is now the cheapest day to book. According to its research, people who booked on Sundays saved about 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international journeys compared with booking on a Monday or Friday. That might only be a small saving on a single ticket, but it adds up for a family or group.

Airlines now change prices frequently rather than offering big sales on a single day. If a flight is selling quickly, the price may rise even if it is a Sunday or Tuesday. If it is selling slowly, it may drop on any random afternoon.

Travel experts Ski Vertigo suggest that people should pay more attention to when they are travelling and how far in advance they are booking, because those factors have a clearer impact on price. For many routes, the best time to book falls around one to three months before departure. Booking almost a year ahead is often not the cheapest option, and leaving it to the last few days can be even worse, especially for busy routes.

Skyscanner’s recent trends report tell a similar story. It suggests booking around one to three months ahead for many short-haul trips, and roughly two to six months in advance for a lot of international flights. The exact sweet spot still depends on where you are going and when, but the general pattern is clear: there is usually a broad window where prices are more reasonable, rather than one perfect date circled on a calendar.

Ski Vertigo’s advice is that booking early is “by far the most reliable method” for periods such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term, when chalets and flights fill up quickly and prices rise as seats disappear. For people who are flexible on dates and departure airports, last-minute bargains can save some money. But they warn that this is a high-risk tactic and not a sensible way to plan a family holiday that has to fit around school terms.

The day you actually fly, as opposed to booking, seems to have more impact on price. Expedia’s analysis shows that Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday stands out as a good day for international journeys. This fits with a simple pattern: when most people want to fly – such as Fridays after work and Sundays before the new week – prices tend to be higher. When demand falls, fares follow.

For anyone trying to cut costs, this means being flexible where possible. If you can move your trip by a day or two, it is worth checking what happens to the price when you switch from a Sunday to a Saturday, or from a Friday to a Thursday. Tools such as Google Flights and Skyscanner make this easy by displaying a calendar of fares and allowing you to set price alerts for specific routes. You can see at a glance which days are cheaper and get an email when the fare drops.

In the end, there is no single secret day that works for every trip. The strongest patterns are simple: avoid obvious rush times when everyone else wants to book, aim for the sensible booking window before you travel, choose quieter days to fly where you can, and use price alerts to track changes. Treated this way, the idea of the “perfect time” to book becomes a useful guide rather than a stressful guessing game – and it can help you reach your next holiday without paying more than you need to.

BOUNCING down Benidorm’s strip on an inflatable horse, a wall of 15 Popeyes hurtles past me.

Party hits blast from a DJ on stage in the packed street as a man with a dartboard painted on his face dances around two nuns on a mobility scooter.

This is Benidorm’s annual British Fancy Dress Party and it’s the most unhinged, brilliant thing I’ve ever witnessed.

Every second or third Thursday in November, Spain’s Brit-favourite resort hosts Europe’s biggest fancy-dress gathering — part Rio Carnival, part hen do on steroids — and this year it attracted 30,000 Brits for a day and night of parades, fireworks and mayhem.

But the Fancy Dress Party isn’t your average Benidorm knees-up.

Having exploded in popularity since its beginnings in the 1990s, it’s the grand finale of Benidorm’s annual November Fiestas — a week of parades, fireworks, religious and cultural celebrations, concerts and street parties that take over the city.

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On the Thursday, after days of Spanish fiestas, something magical happens: Benidorm hands the party over to the Brits.

Thousands pour on to Calle Gerona, otherwise known as Benidorm’s main strip, dressed as everything from Pink Ladies to Deadpool — filling the streets and its bars with brilliant, boozy bedlam.

As I stroll to the strip, where the parade takes place, I pass more Fred Flintstones than I can count, Scooby-Doo and a couple dressed as Pringles.

I’ve come as a cowboy – complete with my inflatable horse Benny (named after the town, naturally), who becomes a crowd favourite.

You won’t believe the number of strangers who want to give a friendly pat to a blow-up bronco.

He’s not the most impressive costume here by any means — Shrek and a gang of Tetris pieces make worthy contenders.

Kicking off with a parade of floats during the day, it’s a riot of colour, noise, and good vibes — surprisingly wholesome and always hilarious.

Strangers cheer each other on, Benidorm’s mobility scooters become floats, and grown adults dressed as eggs dance arm-in-arm with a fancy dress chicken.

This is people-watching heaven.

Pirate-themed Morgan’s Tavern, kicks off the madness and it’s here you will find some of the most fun tribute acts in Europe.

Next, it’s over to the cowboy-themed Western Saloon, where ‘Liam Gallagher’ reminds punters: “Why pay to see Oasis at Wembley when you can come to Benidorm, see me for free, and have a whole holiday cheaper?”

He has a point: the prices are a revelation.

Bottles of beer and glasses of wine are generally £1.75-£2.60, and many cocktails are two for €12 (£10.50).

Plus, entertainment in every bar, not just during the Fiesta, is free.

Head to Tapas Alley in the Old Town — a cobbled street lined with tiny, buzzing Spanish bars.

My favourite was Aupa Taberna, where I tried one of the best tortillas I’ve had in Spain, fresh fish dishes, meatballs and jugs of proper sangria. We paid around £15-£20 each with drinks.

A few steps away, La Cava Aragonesa serves outstanding pintxos — crab, salmon, olives and meats piled on crusty bread. Eight pintxos and a bottle of wine set us back around £17.50 for the table.

Pre-parade, try Jungle Bar on the beach for stacked burgers that fuelled us cowboys for hours.

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I rented a modern Airbnb in the Old Town: three bedrooms, spacious terrace and beach gear included, which cost £155pp for four of us, for four nights.

It was a ten-minute walk to the beach and 25 minutes to the strip. It’s also 45 minutes away from nearest airport, Alicante, by car — we pre-booked a taxi for four for £57.

Not only is the Old Town quieter and better value, it’s full of charming tiled streets, tapas bars and Spanish families out late.

Benidorm surprised me in every way: It’s wild. It’s loud. I’ve seen things I can never unsee.

But it’s also friendly, colourful, safe, cheap, and beautiful in parts (head to the historic Balcó de la Mediterrània for the perfect sea view pic).

I went for the madness and left plotting my costume for next year.

Me and Benny are ready for round two.

WHEN it comes to finding a holiday home to stay in, in the UK, we really are spoilt for choice – but one Cornish spot looks as if it should feature on a postcard.

North Rocks in Cornwall looks over the beach, with the property sitting on top of the cliff of Sennen Cove.

The stunning spot sleeps up to seven people across four bedrooms in total.

Inside, the house has a main lounge with views across the ocean, a snug area and a dining-slash-sun room.

In the kitchen, guests will find a Magimix Nespresso coffee machine too, for much-needed morning caffeine hits.

There is also a heated swimming pool outside, which is surrounded by neat gardens and a number of patios.

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When the sun is shining, there is even a barbeque area to cook up some burgers and hot dogs.

Guests even receive a Cornish Food hamper when they stay.

The house also has a “Mediterranean-style wellness area” according to creator Kelsey in London, with a sauna and a cold plunge.

In the evenings, when the sun goes down, guests can cosy up around a firepit too and toast marshmallows.

One guest said: “Beautiful, cosy and even more stunning in real life!”

Another added: “Absolutely phenomenal place. This beautiful home has everything and more, so much thought has been put into the guest experience.”

A four-night stay in January for seven people costs from £2,575 working out to around £91 each a night.

From the house, you can explore Sennen Cove just 200 metres away, which boasts white sands and turquoise water.

The beach was even named one of the best in Britain by Conde Nast Traveller earlier this year.

The publication said: “Most travellers visiting Cornwall for the first time will head to Land’s End, but not many of them know that just around the corner lies this breathtakingly beautiful beach.

“Sennen Cove, a mile-long stretch, has long been loved by locals, who tell tales of how mermaids used to swim up along the shoreline.

“Turns out these were just excitable dolphins, but if you’re lucky they’ll leap up and frolick on your next visit. It’s also a haven for surfers.”

The nearby village has a couple of spots to grab a bite to eat too.

For example, you could head to The Blue Lagoon Fish Bar and grab some cod or haddock and chips for around £12.

One recent visitor said: “Best cod I have ever tasted in my life, with a batter that’s crisp but melts in your mouth.”

Alternatively, you could head to Sennen Surf Lodge for a breakfast roll costing £6 or a Surf Lodge Fry with smoked bacon, sausage, tomato, sourdough toast, baked beans, mushrooms, egg and fries for £15.

One recent visitor said: “What a gem! We could not get enough of this place and I think we ended up coming here every day during our two week break.”

At Sennen Beach, visitors can explore the mile long family-friendly beach, which is just under a mile from Land’s End.

The beach also has a surf shop and the UK’s top surf school at the Sennen Surfing Centre, with lessons costing from £35 per person.

A recent beachgoer said: “Sennen Beach is absolutely stunning. The beautiful white sands and blue water look incredible.”

Another visitor added: “Walking barefoot on the beach, you can experience the unique charm of feeling both the grains of sand and the cool touch of the seawater simultaneously.

“It’s a beautiful spot where golden sands, rolling waves, and the blue sea come together in perfect harmony.”

If you are wanting to explore further afield, then head along the South West Coastal Path, which runs along Sennen Beach, through the village and over the cliffs before reaching Land’s End.

On the route you will pass Sennen Cove Lookout Point with spectacular panoramic views before reaching the Mayon Cliff Shipwreck – a German cargo ship that beached in 2003 after the chief officer fell unconscious whilst on his watch shift.

You’ll then head past Maen Cliff Castle – an ancient Iron Age fort – before reaching Goose Slade Point – a granite headland – and Dr Syntax’s Head – the most westerly point on the British mainland.

Finally, you will find the First & Last House – which gets it’s name from the fact that it is either the first or last house you will see depending on whether you are entering or leaving the UK.

Inside the historic building you can pick up some souvenirs or ice cream.

For other staycation inspiration, here are the exciting new hotels, attractions and festivals coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.

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A Christmas market in a seaside city features unique gifts, delicious food stalls and live music with traders from across the UK and Ireland. It’s a great place to find presents

A festive market is buzzing just a short stroll from where I am. I’ve already made a few visits to this Christmas spectacle and the atmosphere is truly enchanting. There’s an extensive array of stocking fillers, unique clothing at fantastic prices, and a delicious assortment of food and drink.

The city of Plymouth is aglow with twinkling lights and brimming with festive cheer. Live music fills the Piazza, featuring Christmas carols as well as rock, pop, soul and more — and traders have travelled from all corners to showcase their specialities here this December.

Market vendors have expressed their love for the “vibrant” locale, with many sellers making their first trip to the coastal city. Having frequented the Plymouth Christmas Market for a decade, I can confidently say that this December, it’s radiating a particularly sparkling energy.

Nestled between the breathtaking scenery of Dartmoor National Park, which also offers a stunning winter backdrop, and the beautiful county of Cornwall to its west, Plymouth is ideally situated, reports the Express.

Local traders Adam and Nicola Webb, who run Nicky’s Glow Beads & Gifts in the nearby Cornish town of Saltash, have set up a fantastic stall at this year’s Plymouth Christmas Market, offering top-quality Italian jumpers for sale.

I snagged a cosy red jumper for £18 from this market stall, and I’m smitten with it. But it’s not just about jumpers in every colour of the rainbow, they also offer glow bead bracelets — a charming gift that comes in various hues and glows in the dark.

Sparkling festive brooches are up for grabs at this stall for a mere £5, along with some rather unique and appealing aroma diffusers. I reckon most shoppers could unearth a thrilling gift here.

The business has been flourishing since 2014 under the care of the husband-and-wife team of Adam and Nicky, who claim that quitting their jobs to start the venture was the “best thing” they’ve ever done.

Adam and Nicky craft all the beadware, including the glow bracelets, and also peddle clothing, accessories and gifts. I’ll certainly be making a return visit to this stall before the market wraps up on December 21.

But the next stall I dropped by was equally enchanting — and the gin on offer really caught my eye. Stall holder Hamish Thoburn of Garden Libations, a Plymouth first-timer, described the city as “very vibrant” and said he’d met “lots of lovely people” at the Christmas market while trading.

He journeyed down from Wales to sell his distinctive beverages. Speaking about his gin, Hamish revealed: “Stinging nettle gin is our biggest seller, a little tart at the beginning and it goes well with sparkling water, a slice of lime and a sprig of mint to make a nettle mojito.”

Naturally, I had to sample the nettle gin. It was remarkable and unique — it would make a fantastic gift, making this stall a must-visit.

Also trading at Plymouth’s festive market for the first time is Karl Toyne, who journeyed down from Lincolnshire. His business, Aunt Annie’s Fudge, has been around since 1966, offering intriguing flavours like lemon meringue, banana swirl and Ferrero Rocher — and it’s “award winning”.

Karl revealed: “I like the city, I’ve never been this far south before, it’s my first time ever in Plymouth and it’s a nice place. I’ve been running this family business for 15 years, but Aunt Annie’s Fudge has been going for a long time.”

I also had a chat with Damien Morgan from Tam Events. He travelled from Ireland to serve hungry customers delicious bratwurst, adding a continental flair to the Christmas market.

Damien shared: “I’ve been doing this since I was 18 years old. I’m now 33, travelling around the UK doing the markets and doing these Christmas markets.

“This is our first year in Plymouth, the crowds here are exciting, we’ve seen good reviews on it and the people are just lovely — it’s a lovely seaside city too, very beautiful.”

Local lady Mary Freeman has been a trader at Plymouth Christmas Market for 12 years. Her business, M & N Freemans, serves up a scrumptious festive feast encased in a massive Yorkshire pudding, which I’ve sampled and can attest that it’s utterly heavenly, plus it’s very Christmassy.

Mary shared why she loves to trade here: “I’m local, I was born and bred in Plymouth, every year we come in and get a unit, it’s my hometown. I love the atmosphere, especially when it’s lively. This year, there’s a lot of new traders, different food and different things, so hopefully it’s the busiest yet.”

Plymouth Christmas Market is on for several more days, with the final day being Sunday, December 21, when the Armed Forces Choir from Theatre Royal Plymouth will perform from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

If you pop by, don’t forget to check out the Snow Globe, surrounded by “swirling snow and sparkling lights”. It’s an absolutely perfect spot to snap a festive photo with your family or mates.

If you want your flight experience to run as smoothly as possible, some seats are definitely better than others.

Going on a winter break is always exciting, especially if your destination is somewhere warmer and sunnier than the UK. However, no matter how far you’re travelling, the journey isn’t always smooth sailing.

We’ve all suffered the ordeal of a dreadful flight before. Whether it’s due to discomfort, fellow passengers causing a disturbance, or anything else, it can cast a shadow over your holiday before it even begins. So, to help holidaymakers kick off their trips in a positive way, I sought advice from experts on the worst place on the plane to reserve your seat – and their views were clear.

Nearly all of the experts I spoke to were unanimous in their opinion that the very last row of the plane might not be the ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful journey.

Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, warned that those who are sensitive to turbulence might want to steer clear of this area.

He pointed out: “Seats at the very back are typically less desirable. They are close to the galley and restrooms, service can be slower, food choices may be limited, and it is also the area where movement during turbulence feels strongest.”

He also hailed the importance of being organised when booking seats on a plane. While this often comes with an additional fee, if you’re anxious about securing a decent seat, then it’s likely to be money well spent, reports the Express.

The expert continued: “Thinking about your priorities in advance also makes a difference – nervous flyers will be more comfortable over the wings, those with a tight connection should choose an aisle near the front, while couples booking a row of three might secure the window and aisle, leaving the middle free for a chance at extra space.”

This was echoed by Izzy Nicholls, an experienced traveller and creator of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, who warned: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”

Unsurprisingly, the front section of the aircraft proved to be the best location for the most pleasant experience. Izzy continued: “Travellers who want a calmer journey should book seats at the front of the plane. This area is away from restrooms and heavy foot traffic, so you’ll experience fewer interruptions.

“Choosing an aisle seat here also gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and get up easily without disturbing others. Select these placements to make long flights more comfortable and reduce the effects of motion.”

Beyond comfort, the rear section of the aircraft also throws up challenges regarding luggage storage – especially problematic if you board late. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO and Co-Founder of luggage storage company Stasher, advised passengers to be strategic about their seating choices, warning: “Avoid sitting near galleys and toilets, where staff members often store their things in overhead bins, leaving less space for passenger baggage.”

He continued: “The last few rows are a concern because if you board late, the bins above you may be filled, which means you may have to store your luggage several rows away. Also, stay away from seats that are located behind bulkheads, as these spaces often have limited storage.”

Travel expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero also echoed concerns about rear seating, explaining: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually least popular unless you’re travelling in a group.”

For those seeking additional legroom, Andrea highlighted specific options whilst noting their drawbacks: “Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more space, but they come with trade-offs: fixed armrests, limited recline, or restrictions for passengers travelling with children.”

Passengers prone to motion sickness should consider a particular location, according to the expert, who recommended: “Sit over the wings. This area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so you’ll feel less turbulence compared to the back, where bumps are magnified.”

AN ‘international’ railway station has revealed its £1million refurbishment.

Harwich International train station in north-east Essex is technically international despite having no trains actually go to Europe from the station.

That’s because it is located near Harwich International Port, a major cruise and ferry terminal with a number of daily sailings to the Netherlands.

Through September, Greater Anglia carried out work on the roof of the station, as well as improving lighting, the staircases and station entrance areas.

The entire train station was also repainted.

Andrew Goodrum, from Greater Anglia, said: “These improvements make a significant difference to the overall passenger experience.

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“The station is now brighter, more modern and more welcoming, while our new energy-efficient lighting reduces our carbon footprint.”

Each year, over 100,000 journeys start or end at the station.

The station serves some local destinations such as Harwich Town and also travels to London Liverpool Street, where passengers can change and travel on to a number of other destinations including Norwich, Ipswich, Heathrow Airport and Stansted Airport.

A number of other ‘international’ stations in the UK are set to undergo upgrades.

For example, Stratford International Station may see services to Europe in the future for the first time ever.

Virgin Trains is looking to launch high-speed services through the Channel Tunnel in around 2030, competing with Eurostar.

As part of the operators’ plans, it is exploring the potential to use Stratford International to carry out these services.

Virgin Trains was given permission by the UK’s rail regulator (ORR) to use the Temple Mills depot in London – a crucial part of operating international services through the Channel Tunnel.

And they plan to connect London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International used to have international services until Eurostar suspended them in 2020.

Virgin Trains is also looking at how these stations could be used for international rail services.

Major improvements are planned for London St. Pancras as well, which is currently the only major station in the UK used for rail services to Europe.

By 2028, Eurostar wishes to double its capacity at the station, as well as improve security, border control and the main concourse in the station.

If these changes were carried out, then the hourly passenger throughput would rise from 2,000 to around 5,000.

The station is also looking to potentially move the arrivals flow to the upstairs parts of the station.

In other rail news, a world-famous English city is getting a new train station in huge £6.7billion plans.

Plus, the super modern train station in the UK that people say looks like it’s from Alien.

Spain holidays could look a little different for Brits as the country is set to introduce a strict new ban on smoking in a host of public spaces including beaches and bar terraces

Brits planning Spain holidays should take note of some strict new rules being proposed by the country’s authorities.

The Spanish government has approved new legislation which includes a ban on smoking and vaping in a wide range of outdoor spaces, including beaches and bar terraces.

There has already been a country-wide ban on smoking and vaping indoors, while a number of holiday hotspots already have fines in place for people who smoke on its beaches. Although e-cigarettes are legal to use and purchase across Spain, many beaches enforce strict no-vaping rules under local public health policies.

In Barcelona, all city beaches have been smoke- and vape-free since 2022, while various beaches across the Balearic Islands – specifically in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca – are marked as smoke-free, and that includes e-cigarettes.

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In Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, local councils have designated popular beaches as clean-air zones where vaping is banned, with on-the-spot fines for rule-breakers ranging from €30 to €2,000 (£26 to £1,730) depending on whether the culprit is a first-time offender.

Now those rules could get stricter as the Spanish government is introducing a bill to ban smoking on beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops and sports stadiums, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin. The rules would also see smoking banned in public swimming pools, stations and playgrounds, as well as events such as outdoor shows and festivals.

The rules won’t just apply to cigarettes, but also to the likes of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal products, shisha pipes and devices used to heat tobacco.

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It’s worth noting that the proposal has passed but isn’t yet formally law, and there isn’t a set date when the rules will come into force. However, Brits who are heading to Spain should check the latest travel advice for the country before they travel, as it’s expected that the rules will come into play within the coming months.

The move comes after Spain’s health ministry confirmed that tobacco claims the lives of around 140 people a day in the country, with approximately 30 per cent of cancer tumours directly linked to factors that are a result of tobacco use.

The legislation also includes a ban on advertising, sponsoring or promoting any of the products, as part of a wider effort to also deter younger generations from vaping and smoking.

Meanwhile, a citizens’ association has called for the government to go one step further and introduce protections against secondhand smoke entering homes through windows and ventilation from neighbouring properties.

If you are travelling to Spain, you may also want to double check your passport before booking a holiday. Following Brexit, UK passport holders must have passports with a “date of issue” within 10 years of their arrival date AND the document must still be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area.

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

A NEW play attraction has been approved for one of the UK’s best remote beaches.

The new £600,000 inclusive playground at Shoebury’s East Beach in Southend will have themed zones inspired by the sea.

There will be a sandpit, climbing areas and a submarine structure in the middle of the playground.

The playground will be open to all age groups and abilities and include wheelchair-accessible swings, roundabouts and sensory features.

Reports from September also revealed that the playground will feature sit-on seals and colourful fish.

There will also be a sensory boardwalk lined with new trees being planted.

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According to the Echo, Tricia Cowdrey, Green Party candidate for Shoebury, said: “One of the attractions of this playground is that it is close to a beach.

“The steps and ramps nearby have suffered extreme wear and tear, and temporary flimsy fencing is a huge safeguarding concern.

“We ask that secure fencing be erected before the playground opens and that plans for accessible beach access be expedited.”

Work is currently underway to improve access to the beach, however it might not be finished in time for the opening of the playground.

Steven Wakefield, independent councillor for Shoebury Ward, also commented on the project, claiming that it is in the “perfect place, right next to the cafés.

He added that the project will mean that East Beach is no longer a “forgotten area of Shoeburyness”.

Works on the playground could begin in spring 2026.

Initial plans for a new playground were first introduced over three years ago.

And back in the summer, Beach House Cafe opened next door to the East Beach Cafe and marked the completion of a £2million regeneration project.

A recent visitor at the Beach House said: “Love it here! Come for brunch every weekend, drive up from London. Lovely beach setting, food is fresh, tasty & lush!

Over the summer, The Telegraph also named Shoeburyness as one of the top 20 destinations in Britain for the best secret and remote beaches.

The Telegraph stated: “Just three miles from the mayhem that is Southend in summer, Shoeburyness has two Blue Flag beaches that are far less well known.

“Its East Beach is the nicest and is popular with local paddleboarders and kitesurfers, thanks to its long strand of sand.”

In other coastal news, a popular UK seaside town scraps trains to London.

Plus, Victorian seaside town ranked ‘best for short break’ gets green light for £20m revamp in 10-year upgrade.

I travelled to Lille, France to explore its charming Christmas market, but when I tried to buy French cheese to bring home, I remembered UK restrictions on dairy products from the EU

In a bid for some festive cheer, I embarked on a day trip to France to experience their Christmas market and explore the local area. Travelling via Eurostar allowed me the liberty to bring back a few souvenirs, but there was one rule that tripped me up on my return journey.

My adventure started at London St Pancras International, where I hopped on the 9:01am Eurostar heading for Lille, France, a city nestled near the Belgian border. The Eurostar whisked me to the French city in just an hour and 23 minutes, so by 11.30am, I was stepping out of the train station, ready for exploration.

I spent the day meandering through Lille’s Christmas Village, which features an enchanting enclosed market brimming with an array of gifts and scrumptious treats, along with additional festive decorations scattered around the city. Later, I strolled through the charming cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques, bakeries, coffee houses and taprooms – a testament to their close ties with Belgium.

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The day was well utilised, and after a seven-hour quick tour of Lille, I headed back to the train station to catch the 18.36 Eurostar home. But not without a detour to the local supermarket, Carrefour, conveniently situated next to the station.

Free from the baggage and liquid limitations that come with air travel, I reckoned it was the ideal chance to bring back some French treats to share with family over the festive period. After sampling some of the most delectable French cheese at the Christmas market, the rich dairy delights topped my must-buy list.

However, I then recalled an email I’d received from Eurostar prior to my journey. The correspondence bore the heading ‘Important: Temporary food entry restrictions in Great Britain’ and explained that holidaymakers visiting the EU are prohibited from bringing cheese, amongst other foodstuffs, back to the UK.

Clarifying the implications for Britons travelling to the EU, the email stated: “The UK has introduced temporary restrictions on milk, dairy products, and certain meats from the EU. This is to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease following a rising number of cases across mainland Europe.Travellers can no longer bring the following meats and animal products from the EU into Great Britain for personal use:This also includes items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats or raw meats. Please ensure you don’t take any of these products with you on your journey to London.Some exceptions apply to infant food and special food needed for medical reasons. Please check what you’re allowed to bring on GOV.UK.”

While I was thankful, remembering the email before purchasing any produce, I was slightly disappointed that I couldn’t bring back a selection of cheese for Christmas. However, I fully understood the reasons why.

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Swiftly abandoning that idea, I decided to focus on acquiring a few bottles of wine for the upcoming festive season. It seemed only fitting, given France’s renowned status as one of the world’s top wine-producing countries!

For those considering bringing home some vino, Eurostar provides guidance on their website: “We appreciate that passengers often want to bring a few bottles back from their trip and we are happy for customers to bring unopened bottles of alcohol to take on to their destination. Any passengers with large quantities will need to contact a courier service.”

They further stated: “Although you can bring alcohol with you and we serve alcohol on board, safety is our top priority. So, please drink in moderation. If you behave in an antisocial way which ruins the journey for other passengers or break any laws or by-laws, we might ask you to leave the train at the nearest station.”

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

ANOTHER airport has confirmed that it will be increasing its drop off fees – and will be the highest across the entire COUNTRY.

From January 6, 2026, London Gatwick will charge passengers being dropped off the new fee of £10.

Currently charging £7, the £3 increase (a 40 per cent jump) will apply to all drivers using the drop off zone, excluding Blue Badge holders.

The airport said it was “not a decision they took lightly”.

However, they cited reasons such as the “doubling of business rates” as one of the reasons for the increase in cost.

The airport first introduced a drop off charge in 2021, of £5, which increased to £6 in 2024.

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It was increased only earlier this year back in May to £7, with the new increase coming just six months later.

The fee is almost as much as some of the cheapest flights on offer.

Wizz Air currently has London Gatwick flights for just £13.99 while easyJet has £14.99 flights.

A Gatwick spokesperson said passengers can use the free shuttle bus if they are dropped of in the long stay car park.

They added: “We also have excellent public transport connectivity at the airport, with passengers able to connect directly with more than 120 train stations.

“Many local bus routes serve the airport 24  hours a day, seven days a week.”

It isn’t the only airport that is raising costs.

London Heathrow has confirmed that the drop off fee will increase from £6 to £7 on January 1.

The last drop off increase at London Heathrow was in December 2024, from £5 to £6.

It is also introducing a strict 10-minute drop off time, with drivers charged £80 if they go over.

And London City, the last of the London airports to allow free drop offs, will be introducing a new charge in 2026 as well.

The airport explained: “The charge will help London City meet its wider sustainability goals by reducing the number of vehicles travelling to and from the airport, supporting efforts to lower congestion, reduce emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding area.”

Around 10 per cent of passengers arrive by car, with another 14 per cent using taxis.

TRAVELLERS will soon be able to relax in a brand new airplane which is poised to take off within days.

American Airlines is set to launch its new Airbus A321XLR which has a focus on comfort.

It is due to take off on December 18.

Initially is will be a transcontinental service from New York’s JFK airport to LAX on the West Coast but the aim is to then expand to a number of transcontinental routes along with transatlantic destinations and routes to South America.

The airline aims to have 40 XLRs in service by 2030.

American’s chief commercial officer Nat Pieper told USA Today that the new aircraft is part of the carrier’s plans to make American Airlines experience more streamlined and predictable, both on the ground and in the air as well as to try to encourage return customers.

Mr Pieper said: “I don’t view it as an event in isolation. We had a coffee announcement and a champagne announcement. Now an airplane, that’s obviously bigger.

“The investments that AA’s making, not just in ’26, but really, it’s now something you’re going to see going forward.”

On board, passengers can relax in new seats in all classes of service.

In business class, the XLR features all-new lie-flat suites with doors.

However, the doors are not yet certified and will have to remain open until the Federal Aviation Administration makes its final approval for use.

The business-class cabins have one seat on each side of the aisle, so every lie-flat suite has aisle access and a window.

As a nice touch, a little drink-size tray table pops up when the seat is put in bed mode.

The new plane is also American’s first single-aisle aircraft which features international-style premium economy seating, arranged with two seats on each side of the aisle in every row.

All premium economy seats come with a footrest and a legrest, along with privacy wings set at head height.

It is similar to a domestic first-class seat and features a large in-flight entertainment screen as well as plenty of storage space.

Behind the premium economy, there are two rows which have extra legroom in economy in the exit rows and then a large cabin of traditional six-across economy seats.

The economy seats come with large in-flight entertainment screens as well as both USB-A and C ports.

All the entertainment systems in all classes allow for Bluetooth headphone connections.

Initially, the A321XLR will start on the JFK-LAX route on December 18 and then start flights from JFK to Edinburgh, Scotland, in March.

Then the planes will fly numerous transcontinental routes from both JFK and Boston-Los Angeles.

In the longer term, it is hoped American will use the planes for additional European markets as well as South American and some African destinations.

Mr Pieper said though the exact routes will be determined by customer demand.

As American’s fleet of the XLR grows, it will weigh up where is best to deploy them.

Mr Pieper said: “Guests will tell us with their wallets and with their comments and preferences where they would truly value it.”

As American increases its fleet of the A321XLR it will retire its older aircraft or move them onto less premium routes.

An exciting Sunday for Aparna Nancherla is a Sunday without much excitement. “My cortisol runs high without anything happening, so I’m trying to get it down,” she says.

Eliminating stress was part of the reason the comedian moved back to Los Angeles in 2023, after over a decade in New York City, where she wrote for “Late Night With Seth Meyers” and “Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell,” appeared in TV series like “Search Party” and burnished her stand-up comedy career.

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

“I’m a little bit of a hermit, and just wanted some more trees and a little more space,” Nancherla says.

Nancherla’s book of essays, “Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Impostor Syndrome” was also released in 2023. In it, she examined her emotionally fraught relationship with stand-up. After a break, she recently brought her understated approach back to the form and her new special, “Hopeful Potato,” is available on the comedy streaming service Dropout starting Dec. 15.

She likes to spend her Sundays mostly engaging in familiar routines, though she’ll pursue a little bit of discovery around town.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

10 a.m.: Late riser

I would like to be someone who wakes up around 7 to 8 a.m., but I am waking up probably in the 9 to 10 a.m. vicinity. I would wake earlier, but I think in a past life I was a two-toed sloth or something because I’m nocturnal and I move very slowly. It takes me a lot of time to ease into a different state of being — sleep to wake, wake to sleep. Pretty much any transition I’m bad with.

Being a stand-up doesn’t help. A lot of my job is oriented toward night, but even before comedy, something about the night called to me. It’s not necessarily the healthiest behavior, but thus far I haven’t been able to change my ways.

10:15 a.m.: Morning rituals

I’m someone who falls into doing rituals for a while, almost obsessively, until I replace them with different ones. Lately my ritual is as soon as I get up and brush my teeth and wash my face, I will put on a song and dance to it and do some stretching. I tend toward depression and anxiety, so dancing is an easy way to immediately get your endorphins and it doesn’t feel like as much of a demand as going for a jog.

It’s literally three minutes of a song and then I will try to meditate. My mom recommended doing 20 minutes of meditation, but I feel like 10 is where I’m landing. My attention span is so bad lately that it really is just me closing my eyes and composing emails that I’ll forget to send rather than attuning to some higher power.

11 a.m.: Chasing waterfalls

I’m lucky in that I live near three botanic gardens, so I really have my pick, but I got a membership to the Arboretum because I like that they have peacocks.

They also have a giant waterfall. I’m trying to form a walk where I will eventually end up there. They have a few really nice spots where you can chill out near the waterfall, so I’m probably just sitting, maybe journaling, kind of enjoying the ambience.

I don’t know if there’s a word for someone who’s in love with waterfalls, but I really like them. Apparently there is among [the cable channel] TLC’s vast array of offerings, a program where people are in love with inanimate objects, like cars and bridges, and they want a romantic, sexual relationship with these things. I just want to say that that’s not how I approach a waterfall, but I do deeply care for them as a friend.

1 p.m.: Aspiring regular

I really like Lemon Poppy Kitchen in Glassell Park. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve seen the same people, so I don’t know how many times it takes for you to become a regular, but I guess I’m an aspiring regular there. They have a scramble I really like. It’s not too crazy, it’s a Cali scramble. They also have some Eastern European-y things. They have some kind of polenta dish with eggs. It has a little bit of sauerkraut. I like what they’re doing with their brunch direction.

3 p.m.: Reading is fundamental

I’m a big books person. There are so many independent bookstores I want to mention. I really like North Figueroa Bookshop in Highland Park. They feature a bunch of independent presses.

I love Sierra Madre. It’s such a walkable neighborhood. They have a bookstore called Fables and Fancies. They have a tree inside — who doesn’t like that?

There’s also one called DYM Books & Boba in North Pasadena. The owner, Desiree [Sayarath], is so sweet. It’s not a huge bookshop, but they feature a lot of authors of color and queer authors. Then it’s got a full coffee menu, and you can add boba to pretty much anything. They have gulab jamun-flavored matcha, which I have never seen anywhere else. Gulab jamun is this Indian dessert. It’s like a rose water and cardamom flavor.

4 p.m.: Gifts for the unknown

I would love to go to a craft fair. There’s one in Pasadena called the Jackalope Art Fair that’s there periodically. I already buy things that I maybe don’t need, but I do like a craft fair because you’re making eye contact with the creator as you’re buying their thing and it feels like you’re getting extra dopamine from that.

The worst thing is that I’m like, “This will be a great gift for someone later.” I have bags of gifts for people, and I don’t know who these people are, but someday they’re going to be getting a bag of buttons.

6 p.m.: Feeding schedule

At 6, I have to feed my cats. They’re very strict about their mealtime. They eat at 6 and 6. My partner feeds them at 6 in the morning, but I feed them at 6 p.m.

They’re sisters. They’re 5 years old. They’re pretty demanding in general. They’re pretty vocal about what they want and when they need it.

6:30 p.m.: Fitness to fight depression

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of workouts at home. I’ll do a kickboxing thing or yoga Pilates. I tried to get into the gym and, I don’t know, something about the gym environment really bums me out.

I’m not like a Peloton girlie. I’m joining some of your more avant-garde platforms. I don’t think they think of themselves as avant-garde, but there’s this platform of African dance called Kukuwa these women in Africa started and I love their workouts. Then there’s free stuff. There’s Move With Nicole, which is a Pilates account on YouTube that I do a lot. I’m looking for your smaller businesses.

As I’ve gotten older, my mental health has plummeted for various reasons. I feel like exercise is one of the only things that helps regulate it to some extent, which I hate saying because when you say you’re depressed, people are like, “Just go for a walk.” And it’s not like the walk cures depression, but it does help to get some vitamin D or just be like, “Oh yeah, I have these muscles, I should probably sometimes use them.”

7 p.m.: A new dish

I don’t mind a dinner in, but I feel like given the chance, it’s always nice to eat at the restaurant. I discovered this vegan place in Highland Park that does vegan sushi that’s pretty new called Tane Vegan Izakaya. I’ve also been meaning to check out this vegetarian place in Echo Park called Men & Beasts that I keep hearing about.

I like trying a new place, but then once it works for me, I’m probably hitting that up a bunch of times. If a restaurant clicks where the food is great, the service is great, the atmosphere is great, then I’m happy to support them as much as possible.

9 p.m.: Puttering toward bed (eventually)

I’ll come home and watch something. I’m trying to scroll less on my phone, so maybe I’ll watch “The Great British Bake Off” or something that’s not too taxing on the brain.

I usually make myself a big cup of ginger tea at night because my stomach has been more temperamental as I’ve gotten older, but what usually happens is I make the big cup of tea and then I forget about it, and it kind of watches me while I scroll on my phone.

Every day, I want to be in bed by 12:30, and then it ends up being 2 a.m. and I cannot account for how that happened. I think I’m just a serial putterer, in that I putter around and I don’t know what I’m doing a lot of the time.