Travel Desk

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.

Plus, our expert picks for UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues – including free hidden gems for kids and £1.50 meals.

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.

READ MORE: All the train travel changes you need to know before Christmas 2025

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.

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.

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.

A NEW tourist attraction tucked under railway arches, is coming to the UK.

The Weir Mill development in Stockport, near Manchester, will be located under the town’s iconic railway viaduct.

The Grade-II listed mill will be transformed to feature street food pop-ups, parties, al fresco dining areas and host live music and entertainment.

In the new attraction, there will be a number of different food and drink venues including 10 new bars, restaurants and cafes.

In total, there will be 6,000sqm of outdoor space with planted areas, a riverside terrace and a courtyard at the heart of the destination.

The attraction will be split into six distinct areas: Weir Mill East, The Courtyard, Weavers Square, West Shed, The Waterfront and Wheelhouse, and finally, Chestergate and King Street West.

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At Weir Mill East there will be a rooftop terrace and cafe.

Then at The Courtyard, there will be a number of planted areas with seating as well.

Weavers Square will be the focal point of the development, sat underneath the viaduct and where the markets and pop-ups will take place.

West Shed will be an indoor space with red brick and vaulted ceilings, where people can sit with their laptop and a coffee.

The Waterfront and Wheelhouse will then be an area great for viewing the viaduct itself, with the Wheelhouse converted into a resident gym, lounge and working space.

And finally, at Chestergate and King Street West is where visitors will find most of the stores as well as the trans-pennine way cycle path running alongside this part of the site.

Many of the buildings at the development will feature the same red colour as the machinery found at the mill.

The new destination, which is set to be completed next spring, will also feature 253 homes.

Councillor Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council cabinet member for economy, skills and regeneration, said: “Our town centre regeneration is about more than building new homes, it’s about creating vibrant neighbourhoods and breathing new life into Stockport’s heritage, giving our historic buildings a future.

“While the Grade-II listed former mill is being carefully restored for residents, the new public square will create opportunities for independent businesses to thrive and for people from across the borough to come and enjoy our buzzing town centre.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see how our riverside will soon be opened up into an inviting outdoor space where communities can come together over great food, live music, and creative events from day to night.”

The first food and drink venues at the destination are set to be announced soon.

Weir Mill on the River Mersey in Stockport, dates back to 1790 when it was used as a cotton works.

During the 19th century, the importance of the mill grew as it became a key part of Stockport’s industrialisation.

In 1840, the Stockport Viaduct was then built over the mill and has since become a historic landmark.

In other tourist attraction news, the exciting new hotels, attractions and festivals coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.

Plus, the top 15 UK attractions for 2025 revealed.

A FAMOUS hotel chain known for serving free desserts every day is opening its first ever UK location.

Mövenpick Hotels has locations across multiple continents and became famous for its guests getting to eat free desserts for 60 minutes daily.

The hotel will be located at the Old Thorns Estate in Liphook, Hampshire, and is expected to open in late 2027.

Graham Dodd, VP development for UK & Ireland, premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “Bringing Mövenpick to the UK marks an important step in strengthening our premium brand portfolio and reinforcing our growth commitment for this important market.

“Mövenpick is a world-renowned brand that is recognised for its culinary excellence and environmental responsibility, which align perfectly with the expectations of UK guests.

“The Old Thorns estate provides an exceptional backdrop to introduce the brand in this incredibly important destination for Accor.”

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Mövenpick, a Swiss hospitality brand, will be running the property in Hampshire which was acquired by a Dubai-based real estate firm, Select Group, earlier this year.

Mövenpick, which is known for their wide range of ice-cream flavours, offers guests a free “dessert” for an hour every day.

Guests staying at any of the hotels can enjoy Chocolate Hour all kinds of treats such as éclairs, brownies, truffles, chocolate fountains and other snacks which change on a regular basis.

In-house chefs also host live demonstrations and experiences which include rolling truffles to icing cupcakes during the hour.

The Old Thorns Estate will be transformed into a 194-bedroom hotel and resort.

The improvements will include a championship golf course, 2,500 sq m of conference and meeting spaces, four restaurants, a wellness centre with spa, and a ballroom accommodating over 500 guests.

Renovations of the 30 acres property are expected to take place over the next two years.

Mövenpick was founded in 1948 by Swiss restaurateur Ueli Prager and has since grown into a portfolio of over 120 hotels globally in over 35 countries.

Its ice cream business was acquired by Nestlé in 2003.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts was bought by Accor 2018 and is now part of its premium brand portfolio.

The brand offers its culinary experiences in countries like Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, and many others across the world.

Israr Liaqat, group chief executive of Select Group, added: “Together with our trusted and established partner Accor, we will elevate this iconic property into a world-class resort destination, blending heritage with the sophistication of the Mövenpick brand.”

Mövenpick Hampshire – Old Thorns will join Accor’s existing portfolio of more than 5,700 hotels across 110 countries.

A Venetian masterpiece in Slovenia

Moments after stepping off the bus, I wanted to text my friend: “What have I done to you, why did you tell me to come here?” As I weaved my way through coach-party day trippers, my initial suspicions dissipated. I came to swim, but Piran offered so much more. Venetian squares provided a delicately ornate backdrop, while cobbled passageways housed bustling seafood restaurants, serving the day’s catch. The majestic Adriatic was made manageable by concrete diving platforms, fit for all ages. Naša Pekarna stocked delightfully crisp and filling böreks, and the bar/cafe Pri Starcu – owned by Patrik Ipavec, a former Slovenia international footballer – married warm hospitality with ice-cold beer and delicious early evening refreshments.
Alex

Vintage rock’n’roll, pop and soul in Berlin

A real discovery can be found in Neukölln, Berlin, if you love 1950s rock’n’roll, 1960s pop and classic soul music. A night out in Soul Cat, a 50s and 60s music bar, is a lot of fun and looks fabulous. There is a DJ who spins only vinyl records, and chairs and tables are moved to leave room for everyone to get up and dance. The bar stays open late and sometimes they have live bands. A great night out.
Richard Watkins

Lemkos culture in a Polish spa town

I crossed from Slovakia to the Polish spa town Krynica-Zdrój by bus in mid-May, too late for skiers and too early for tourists. My son arrived and we walked to the top of the ski run and then ascended a giant spiral wooden viewing platform (the Slotwiny lookout tower) that gave magnificent views over fresh green pastures and woodland stretching far into the distance. In these Beskid mountains live Lemkos – a Carpathian upland people persecuted before the last war and dispersed afterwards. We found rustic wooden benches covered in animal skins, enthusiastic folk music and robust cuisine at the excellent Karczma Łemkowska restaurant. A whole museum is devoted to prolific Lemko “naive” artist Nikifor, and the verdant central spa centre has several mineral and medicinal waters on tap – try Zuber or Słotwinka. It was a refreshing change of scene and palate, and a cultural education.
Martin

Brilliant beaches in Sardinia

My daughter booked our holiday this year in San Teodoro. I’d never heard of it. The town has three wonderful white sand beaches, and its vibrant centre was thronged every night with generations of locals eating and socialising. The world famous (and rammed) Costa Smeralda is an hour’s drive north, but San Teodoro offered a more authentic experience at a quarter of the price. Our hotel, the genteel Hotel L’Esagono, led directly to the beach and had a chic but friendly atmosphere.
Ciaran Kearney

A classic mountain railway in France

The Swallows’ Line (La Ligne des Hirondelles) is a little-known rural railway of the SNCF (French railways) tucked away in the Jura mountains, close to the Swiss border. It makes for a great day trip from Besançon, but may soon become a thing of the past, as the line from Dole (where the old town is worth a wander) to Saint-Claude (famous for hiking routes, diamonds and artisan pipe-making) is threatened with closure. The viaducts around Morez are photographic gems. Go before it’s too late.
Martin

A Baltic battleground in Finland

The Åland islands, in the Baltic, are part of Finland but culturally Swedish. The capital, Mariehamn, has a good maritime museum and some nice restaurants and it’s quite easy to get there thanks to ferries from Sweden, mainland Finland and Estonia. I found the countryside really attractive, with rocky inlets, woods and farms. At Bomarsund the ruling Russians set out rather half-heartedly to build a huge naval base in the first half of the 19th century. It was destroyed by the British and the French at the start of the Crimean war in 1854 during a naval action in which the first Victoria Cross was awarded – to a 20-year-old Irishman called Charles Davis Lucas. It’s free to explore the fort ruins but there’s a charge to enter the visitor centre.
Martin Lunnon

The only way is Essex

In July, we walked for five hours along an English coastline without seeing a soul or passing any habitation. Where were we? Essex. The Dengie peninsula is a secret world with expansive views, seals bobbing off shore, and clouds of butterflies serenaded by piping oystercatchers. The King Charles III England Coast Path meanders along the salt marsh flanking the Crouch estuary, where the skeletons of stricken vessels lie submerged. Start at 7th-century St Peter-on-the-Wall, one of the oldest churches in England, and walk into pretty Burnham-on-Crouch with its quirky houseboats, friendly pubs, museums and vineyards.
Cathy Robinson

Automotive perfection in Romania

An “unbroken grey ribbon of automotive perfection” was former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s description of the Transfăgărășan Highway. Romania’s second-highest paved mountain road (after the Transalpina) is inaccessible in winter and only opened five days before our journey in early June. Constant turns are required to conquer the steep southern section of the Carpathian mountains, but these provide excellent views, and we were able to reach the still snowy Bâlea Lake by car instead of cable car. Our journey may have been less exhilarating than Jeremy’s in his Aston Martin, but at least we took in the sights along the way including, to my great delight, five brown bears at the roadside.
Helen Jackson

Mansions and cats on an island near Istanbul

As the sun lowered in the soft July sky, two friends and I took a cheap ferry from Istanbul to the island of Büyükada. Cutting across the Sea of Marmara, urban combustion was replaced by an oceanic calm. Upon arrival, we walked in awe along mansion-lined, car-free streets, regularly stalling our meanderings to stroke one of the island’s many cats, and to gaze across the sea, back through the haze towards the distant city of 16 million people. On the ferry back at night, in high spirits, we plotted future expeditions to return to this most incredible of islands.
Will Brown

Winning tip: medieval manuscripts in France

Our Interrail trip took us to the French Alsatian town of Colmar – a history-packed, medieval, half-timbered melange of French and German culture, food and wine. Hidden in the town, behind the 14th-century Dominican church is the Dominican library. It’s free to visit and breathtaking. There are thousands of magnificent books, of which the 1,200 illuminated manuscripts are the highlight. Glorious 16th-century maps and translations of letters from Christopher Columbus are set alongside 13th-century books of psalms, Bibles and musical scores. Some documents date to the 8th century. Many are sumptuously decorated by hand in gold and brilliant ultramarine. It’s wonderful.
Wendy Holden

The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – one hotspot costs £44 for four hours

As hoards of excited gift-hunters head into town for Christmas markets this winter, new research from breakdown experts shows where drivers will pay the most to park for a short festive visit, as well as the cities where prices have risen the fastest since 2024.

The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – including cities hiking fees by 50 percent.

The breakdown recovery experts found that Leicester Square Christmas Market in London is the most expensive in the country for parking at an eye-watering £22.00 for a two-hour visit, as per The AA.

Covent Garden, Edinburgh, York and Greenwich also rank among the top ten most expensive markets to park at, with each costing over £10.00 for a two-hour stay.

York and Liverpool are the cities with the biggest parking price hikes since December 2024, each increasing fees by 50% – including a new ‘event day’ fee from York Council for 2025. Bristol, Greenwich and Birmingham also feature among the top price hikers.

One of the smaller Christmas markets, Leicester Square Christmas Market is a free entry festive pop-up in the heart of London’s West End. However, parking is not free and costs £22 for a two-hour stay.

Winter Wonderland is London’s most well-known Christmas market with over 150 rides and attractions including a free Santa’s Grotto, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink centred around the park’s bandstand. A two-hour parking stay costs £21.

Differing from traditional German-style markets, Covent Garden’s free Christmas experience is a festive takeover of the Piazza, Apple Market, and surrounding streets, and it features 300,000 lights. Parking for two hours costs £16.

Taking place across East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, Edinburgh Christmas Market is also free to enter. The market features a mix of alpine-style chalets selling Scottish artisan products and Christmas gifts. A two-hour parking ticket costs £14.

York St Nicholas’ fair is a charming, free-to-enter festive event is held in the city centre in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square and is home to 75 alpine-style chalets offering handmade crafts, seasonal food, decorations and local produce. For two hours parking costs £10.60. York Council have introduced an ‘event day’ parking charge at the Coppergate Centre car park during the 2025 markets. Prices have increased 50% for a 2-hour stay and 29% for a 4-hour stay, although after 6pm there is a flat evening rate of £4.80.

“Christmas markets are a fantastic seasonal draw, but drivers should be aware that parking charges vary dramatically by city and by car park,” says Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year. “If you’re planning a short festive trip, check the latest local parking tariffs before you go and consider public transport or park-and-ride options in city centres where parking is most expensive.”

Motorists are urged to check prices before they arrive, as many councils and car-park operators publish rates online. You should book in advance where possible using pre-booked parking as this often works out cheaper. Consider park-and-ride or outer-ring car parks- a short bus or tram ride can be cheaper and faster during peak market times.

Look for evening rates as some car parks run special evening prices that may be cheaper for market visits. Drivers are also urged to pay attention to permit or event day pricing. Markets in central locations sometimes trigger event tariffs that are higher than usual, like those in York.

This past week, my dear friend Bob and I went to Griffith Park in search of a little bit of holiday magic in the hillsides. We were looking for bright red toyon.

In the fall and winter, toyons produce iconic red berries, a signal that the temperatures are lowering around L.A. and that winter is coming.

“Though the most common name ‘toyon’ is thought to be a Spanish alteration of the plant’s Ohlone name (“totcon”), Indigenous peoples around California have given the plant many names,” according to environmental nonprofit TreePeople. “It has also more recently been referred to as ‘California holly’ or even ‘Christmas berry’ due to it’s similar appearance to English holly in the winter months.”

For many Angelenos, myself included, toyon brings about a warm sense that the winter holidays are nearing too.

“During the fall season, after several months of growing and maturity, toyon fruits change color from green to red; it’s a signal to birds and other larger animals that a meal is ready for them,” wrote Jorge Ochoa, a professor of horticulture at Long Beach City College. “It is also during the fall that the hills of Griffith Park are adorned with striking red colors reflecting the many toyon plants growing in the hills of the park.”

Although Los Angeles County is warmer in the winter and thus doesn’t produce iconic scenes of a winter wonderland, you can easily drive nearby and find it, whether it’s by hiking past toyons, frolicking in the mountain snow or, as you’ll see here, catching a cosmic light show during Hanukkah.

If L.A. is your ho-ho-home for the holidays, I hope visiting these three natural places below helps you catch the holiday spirit, regardless of how you celebrate. Let’s sleigh these trails! (I had to!)

Bright red toyon berries in Griffith Park.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. For red berry bliss: Griffith Park’s Five Points-Beacon Hill Loop

The Five Points-Beacon Hill Loop is a six-mile moderate hike past several toyon trees, laurel sumac and California black walnut (with bright yellow leaves at the moment).

Friends of Griffith Park developed that trail option as part of the Griffith Park Explorer, 15 routes along more than 50 miles of trails in L.A.’s outdoor sanctuary. As someone who has gotten lost (or just forgot where I parked) in Griffith Park more than I will readily admit, I am grateful for these efforts.

Also, the Griffith Park Explorer makes it easy to discern which trails will provide the best red berry bliss! If you’d like to determine the best trail for your physical conditioning that has toyons, you can look at iNaturalist, a citizen science app, to see where toyons grow in the park and match that with the best Explorer trail.

That’s how I identified the Beacon Hill loop. As Bob and I started our hike, I quickly spotted red berries on the hillside. We also savored the quiet that Griffith Park offers just before sunset as the hillsides become blanketed in yellow, orange and scarlet light. At Beacon Hill, I paused and took in the clear views that winter brings. I felt grateful to be here now, which, to me, evokes gratitude and joy, two essential elements of the winter holiday season.

Distance: A six-mile loop
Elevation gained: About 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Bette Davis Picnic Area

The snow-covered road to the Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest in 2024. The campground is a common spot for anyone near L.A. who wants to snowshoe and frolic in the powder.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

2. For snow-dappled trees: Buckhorn Campground trail

The Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest is a special place to me, bringing me and my family joy every season. In the winter, it is often covered in snow, as it sits above 6,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Crunching over the snow-covered road into the campground this past March — the campground is closed for camping in the winter — I was transported back into a childlike sense of wonder. The evergreen conifers towered above, like giant Christmas trees for squirrels, deer and bobcats.

The view of the snowy mountains near Mt. Hawkins from Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest on Nov. 23.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

If you celebrate Kwanzaa, Buckhorn would be a great place to visit to observe multiple of the seven principles, including unity, as you and your friends and family slog through the elements together. (Microspikes recommended!)

And if you can’t make it up to the mountains, but still want to observe Kwanzaa with community, the annual Unity Run/Walk is scheduled for Dec. 27 at Balboa Park in San Diego. Either way, you can be in a natural environment hopefully in unity with each other and nature.

Distance: Varies
Elevation gained: 300 to 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy to lower-level moderate
Accessible alternative: Large turnouts after snow along Highway 2 east of Camp Valcrest

A Perseid meteor streaks low in the sky in this 16-second exposure, as seen from White Tank campground in Joshua Tree National Park early on Aug. 12, 2024.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

3. For cosmic candlelight: Joshua Tree National Park

On Dec. 21, during the second to last night of Hanukkah (and also the start of the winter solstice), the Ursids meteor shower will peak, allowing anyone watching to see around five to 10 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.

If you’re celebrating Hanukkah, you can experience your own cosmic Festival of Lights as the sky lights up during the meteor shower at Joshua Tree National Park. I checked, and there are still several campsites available at the park on the peak night. It’s also a great place to celebrate the winter solstice, lighting a campfire (if allowed under fire restrictions) and taking in the natural elements. There are endless hiking options too.

If you want to camp closer to home, you could try Chilao Campground in Angeles National Forest for a darker sky option. (Chilao is at 5,300 elevation, and it’ll be cold. And it is sometimes closed because of snow.) To check whether it’s open, you can call the Angeles National Forest office in Acton at (661) 269-2808. The office is generally closed Wednesday and Thursday, so another option is to call the Gateway District office at (818) 899-1900.

Either way, be prepared for an awe-inspiring light show, a beautiful way to be together with the people you love (who can also keep you warm, in body and spirit).

Happy holidays to you, my dear Wilder!

3 things to do

Members of Paddle LA and OC participate in annual Christmas paddles near Long Beach, dressing in festive costumes.

(David Sanchez)

1. Paddle past pretty lights in Long Beach
Paddling LA and OC will host an evening paddle from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday through Alamitos Bay to observe holiday lights near the water. Guests are encouraged to don holiday costumes and light up their boards with good cheer. All skill levels are welcome, but paddlers need to be comfortable in the water after dark and around slow-moving boats. Register at eventbrite.com.

2. Secure Fido’s ranger badge in Calabasas
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will host its B.A.R.K. Holidays event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the King Gillette Ranch visitor center. Dogs and their owners can visit ranger-led booths and take part in a special swearing-in ceremony where pups will earn their official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. Learn more at the park’s Instagram page.

3. Hike among native plants in Sylmar
Scorpio Gardens, a queer, Latinx-owned native plant landscape design company, will host a hike along the May Canyon trail from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park in Sylmar. Guests will first be guided in mindfulness and stretching before heading onto the trail. Hike leaders will help participants with native plant identification, discussing the roles the plants play in the larger San Fernando Valley ecosystem. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Register at eventbrite.com.

The must-read

(Ruthy Kim / For The Times)

In highlighting these hikes and natural places where you can celebrate the holidays, I don’t want to seem oblivious or excessively positive. It would be a massive understatement to say it has been a hard year for L.A. “In the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed homes destroyed by fire, families broken up by ICE, skyrocketing anti-trans hate and massive layoffs across the entertainment and media industries leaving thousands in our city unemployed,” wrote Times staff writer Deborah Netburn. Amid all this devastation, it is even more important to try to find joy. That was the message Netburn heard from experts she spoke to about how to still find joy this holiday season in L.A. Joy is an essential element of our lives, refilling our tanks not only to help us survive but also to keep doing good in the world. “The purpose of oppression, hatred and discrimination is to disconnect us and dehumanize us,” said Thema Bryant, a psychologist and minister at First AME Church in Los Angeles. “It is an act of resistance to say, ‘I’m not going to give all my peace to those who are working to stress me out.’”

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

For almost 20 years, the Mojave Desert Land Trust has worked to preserve prime desert habitat, protecting more than 125,000 acres of California desert. Recently, the trust acquired 1,280 acres at the entrance to Mojave Trails National Monument, a massive swath of federal land south of Mojave National Preserve that had been suffering from illegal dumping, graffiti and more. If you’d like to help support the trust’s efforts to protect the desert, consider attending a fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Last Bookstore in Studio City. Barret Baumgart, author of “Yuck,” and Josh Jackson, author of “The Enduring Wild,” will discuss their books that underscore the importance of protecting our diverse desert landscape. Guests can imbibe free beer and buy signed books and limited-edition desert posters and tote bags. Half of sales will support the trust. 🏜️

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

A court in Germany has ruled in favour of Ryanair and issued a series of rulings against claims company Flightright, prohibiting the firm from claiming customers encounter “hurdles” when contacting the airline’s customer service

Ryanair has won a won a key court battle against a claims company that passengers turn to get compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.

The firm called Flightright encouraged flyers to use their services when taking any sort of action against the low cost airline. But now a court in Germany has ruled in favour of Ryanair and issued a series of rulings against Flightright. The court has legally prohibited Flightright from claiming that customers encounter “hurdles” when contacting the airline’s customer service.

Experts said this ruling marks a significant point in the dispute between the Irish low-cost carrier and companies specialising in enforcing compensation claims under EU Regulation 261.

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Earlier this week the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in the German city if Hamburg banned Flightright from telling passengers to ignore Ryanair entirely. Judges also ordered the company to admit it always puts a 14 percent “lawyer surcharge” on top of its advertised fee.

A huge £210,000 fine will hit every future breach of the ruling. Ryanair accused Flightright of misleading advertising and profiting from the misery of delayed travellers.

The airline says platforms like Flightright routinely take up to a whopping 40 percent of a €250 EU compensation payout meant for passengers. Ryanair’s marketing chief Dara Brady welcomed the verdict and told passengers to cut out greedy middlemen.

He said customers who go direct will receive 100 percent of their payout under EU Regulation 261.

He claimed Ryanair offered “a simple, transparent system that avoids rip-off fees”. EU rules promise €250 for delays on flights up to 1,500 kilometres and a tasty €600 for longer flights delayed more than three hours.

The verdict piled onto a list of previous legal defeats suffered by Flightright. Claims companies are controversial because they cherry-pick “easy wins” they can cash in on. They collect hefty commissions for filing paperwork while posing as consumer champions.

Industry insiders say Ryanair is less complicated than many rivals when it comes to issuing refunds. Ryanair is using this to humiliate companies that portray it as hostile to customers.

Travellers who refuse to deal with airlines directly can use Germany’s free arbitration service, which claims 80 to 90 percent success without fees. The ruling exposes the claims-industry model as a profit hunt fuelled by delay payouts, not public service.

On Flightright’s website, it claimed: “No one enjoys flight delays, but it’s important to know that you have rights! If your flight began in the EU, or landed in the EU with a European airline, you could be eligible to claim up to £520, depending on flight distance and delay length, no matter the ticket cost.

“The only conditions are that the airline must be responsible for the cause of the delay, and you must have reached the final airport in your trip with a delay of at least three hours.

JET2 has teamed up with Eurocamp to launch holiday park packages for the first time.

The new holiday park deals with Jet2holidays will launch from summer 2026.

Eurocamp – the UK’s leading European outdoor family holiday specialist – has parks across France, Italy and Croatia.

Each package includes return flights with Jet2 as well as 22kg baggage, 10kg carry-on baggage, car hire and accommodation.

In total, 32 parks have been chosen with locations ranging from pretty beaches to beautiful mountains and lakes.

The destinations can be found in the Paris area, South of France, Dordogne, Provence, Roussillon and Languedoc in France, Sardinia and Lake Garda in Italy and the Istrian Coast and Dalmatia Coast in Croatia.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

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I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

You can leave the towels and bed linen at home too, as they are also included.

There will be a range of two and three bed mobile homes to book and each site will also have entertainment and activities.

Whilst the sites do differ, a lot of them do have pools and outdoor activities to choose from.

There are also different levels of accommodation to choose depending on your budget.

The most affordable is the Classic option, which are self-catered homes on the lower end of the price scale.

However the most popular option is Comfort, one level up from this.

Or you can splash out on Premium, Premium Exclusive, Ultimate or Ultimate Plus.

These all have extras such as free WiFi, larger living areas and outdoor spaces, or private hot tubs.

Jet2 boss Steve Heapy the launch was to offer “unforgettable outdoor holidays across Europe with Jet2holidays”.

He added: “We know just how popular Eurocamp is, and we are very confident that its appeal, together with the perks of a Jet2holidays package, will mean that this new proposition is a huge success.”

Ross Matthews, chief marketing officer at Eurocamp: “For this launch, we have curated a selection of 32 standout locations from our wider European network, chosen for their quality, location and strong alignment with Jet2holidays’ routes, pairing our premium outdoor accommodation with Jet2holidays’ award-winning service and flight network.

“Together, we are introducing an exciting new way for UK holidaymakers to discover Europe’s most beautiful regions.”

Eurocamp has 400 parks in total across a number of European destinations including France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

It’s latest expansion included 16 new sites across France.

Most of the parks tend to be self-catering and families can participate in a number of activities such as swimming, sports and games.

In other holiday park news, there’s a UK holiday park that’s a ‘better value Center Parcs’ with Christmassy Blue Lagoon and kid elf uniforms.

Plus, Center Parcs confirms opening date for newest UK holiday resort – its first in nearly 15 years.

Jet2 has partnered with Eurocamp to offer package holidays to European holiday parks in France, Italy and Croatia, allowing families to easily book their flights, accommodation, and car hire in one

Jet2 has unveiled a partnership with Eurocamp, a leading European holiday park provider, allowing travellers to book package holidays with accommodation in select parks across France, Croatia, and Italy for summer 2026.

Those booking through Jet2 can opt for a variety of mobile homes for their stay, bundled into a convenient package alongside a Jet2 flight. These package holidays come with bed linen, flights with 22kg checked baggage and a 10kg hand luggage allowance, ATOL protection, and the assistance of a Eurocamp representative throughout the stay.

A standout feature of Jet2’s Eurocamp packages is the inclusion of car hire at your destination, eliminating the need for coach transfers and providing an easy means to explore during your holiday. The price of your package holiday typically includes basic car hire, but you can choose to upgrade at checkout if you wish, and there are a few different providers to choose from.

Eurocamp accommodations are tailored for families, offering a selection of self-contained units from the Classic range of mobile homes to upgraded properties boasting private terraces and garden furniture, reports the Express.

Options include two- and three-bedroom mobile homes, ensuring parents have ample space and privacy when travelling with children. Amenities include well-equipped kitchens, BBQs, WiFi, and air conditioning, depending on the chosen package.

For those seeking a touch of luxury, the highest grades of accommodation offer extras such as hotel-quality mattresses and hot tubs, guaranteeing a truly relaxing getaway.

Since Eurocamp accommodations come equipped with kitchen facilities, they can prove more budget-friendly than hotel stays. Nevertheless, if you fancy dining out, most parks feature on-site restaurants, takeaways, and other options for dining close to your mobile home.

There’s a wide selection of Eurocamps available, many boasting direct beach access or proximity to lakes and stunning mountain views. So, regardless of your chosen location, there’s typically loads to discover in the surrounding area.

Jet2 will be providing park packages across several French regions including the Dordogne and Provence areas, Lake Garda and Sardinia in Italy, plus Croatia’s Istrian Coast and Dalmatia Coast – all favourite spots for family getaways.

Within each park, you’ll discover numerous daytime activities, featuring energetic kids’ clubs and evening entertainment ranging from live performances to mini-discos. Eurocamp sites also boast swimming pools, with some having multiple pools, whilst larger parks may include waterslides and additional exciting outdoor amenities.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, commented: “The launch gives customers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable outdoor holidays across Europe with Jet2holidays, including all the benefits of booking an award-winning package holiday with the UK’s largest tour operator.

“We know just how popular Eurocamp is, and we are very confident that its appeal, together with the perks of a Jet2holidays package, will mean that this new proposition is a huge success.”

Learn more about Jet2’s Eurocamp holidays and book online for summer 2026.

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

The city is home to one of the UK’s best Christmas markets with tourists regularly visiting each year to try the food and mulled wine

The enchanting city of Bath was recently crowned the world’s most beautiful during autumn, but its charm doesn’t fade with the seasons. According to consumer watchdog Which?, it also hosts one of Britain’s top Christmas markets.

The market is a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink and countless stalls to peruse. Most stallholders hail from the South West, showcasing a wide variety of goods – from garden decorations to handcrafted wooden furniture.

Shoppers can find everything from cosy knitwear to fragrances and even gifts for their pets.

Of course, no Christmas market would be complete without a feast of food, and Bath’s market doesn’t disappoint.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with regional delicacies, festive flapjacks and more on offer, reports the Express.

But it’s not just the market that’s won accolades. Bath has been named the UK’s most picturesque city in autumn and winter by travel experts at Premier Inn.

The historic city has outshone global competitors like Chicago and Cape Town to take the top spot in worldwide beauty rankings.

Bath Abbey, rated the top local attraction by Tripadvisor, has been a sacred site for over a millennium.

Tripadvisor users have heaped praise on the abbey, with one visitor noting: “A beautiful and peaceful space to spend time.”

Another visitor shared their enthusiasm: “Visited more than once. So much to see and appreciate the history and architectural beauty.”

Whilst some tourists express frustration at being unable to swim in the Roman Baths themselves, the attraction comes alive through its captivating displays.

Amongst the intriguing artefacts housed at the Baths is a remarkable collection of curse tablets, where angry Romans etched their complaints seeking revenge from the gods before throwing them into Minerva’s Spring.

Although the ancient Baths remain closed for bathing, the Thermae Bath Spa provides adults with an indulgent spa retreat using the city’s naturally warm, mineral-enriched waters.

For anyone seeking a welcoming café, Bath features numerous comfortable venues, offering the opportunity to sample the famous ‘Bath Bun’, a sweet pastry topped with fruit and crystallised sugar.

Bath is celebrated for its impressive range of beautiful architecture, a characteristic that has secured the city’s position as a designated UNESCO site.

Tourists might spot recognisable locations throughout the city from hit programmes including Bridgerton, Poldark and The Sixth Commandment.