Travel Desk

CENTER Parcs is introducing new rules when it comes to bookings at their resorts.

The policy change means all guests will now have to pay £5 per person to reserve restaurant bookings, in a bid to to prevent no-shows.

The new rules are being introduced on all holidays from November 16.

The rule change has been praised by families who say they hope it opens up more bookings.

One customer said: “I’m glad they are bringing this back as it stops people making unnecessary reservations. 

“I’ve really struggled to book what I wanted this year whereas previous years with the deposit there has been plenty of choice.”

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Another added: “Too many people not showing up and leaving restaurants empty. This ties you in unless you can afford to lose it.”

A third former guest pointed out the policy had previously been in place at Center Parcs in recent years, and he had appreciated the chance to spread the cost of the meal.

He said: “Great news, I loved paying the deposit, once the bill came it had £25 off… felt like I was winning.”

If a guest cancels 48 hours before the time of the booking they can get their deposit back, although some people felt the notice period should be less than two days.

Center Parcs has a broad range of restaurants across its five UK villages, including Huck’s American Bar & Grill (all sites), Rajinda Pradesh (all sites), The Pancake House (all sites) and Foresters’ Inn, at Longleat and Elveden. 

It is also possible to just turn up and hope a table is available, although there are no guarantees.

Some have raised issues with the new charge, in that not all of the restaurant menus shown online have prices displayed on them.

Many are arguing they should know the cost of a meal if they were partly paying in advance. 

A commenter said: “Surely you can’t take a deposit which is non-refundable on the day/day before if you don’t publish the prices of the meals?”

Center Parcs announced on its website: “To help us provide the best possible experience for our guests and make sure our restaurants are available for as many guests as possible, all restaurant bookings now require a deposit at the time of booking. 

“This will come into effect for all breaks starting from 16th November 2026 onwards.  

“If your plans change, you can cancel more than 48 hours before your reservation, and we’ll refund your deposit in full. If you cancel within 48 hours of your reservation, the deposit is non-refundable.

“Please note that restaurant bookings have their own cancellation terms, which are different from those for activity bookings.”

Sun Travel has contacted Center Parcs for additional comment.

Other new rules have been rolled out in recent months, including the scrapping of its creche service earlier this year.

Last summer it also changed its pool opening hours from 9am to 10am, while closing at 8pm instead of 10pm.

Check in times also changed last summer, depending on your lodge time – here is everything you need to know.

A NUMBER of Ryanair passengers missed their flight this week due to more airport queue chaos.

Travellers at Copenhagen Airport became stuck in long queues on Tuesday.

The Ryanair flight was scheduled to have 179 passengers, however 54 didn’t even make it onboard.

When the flight closed for boarding, any passengers who weren’t onboard had their luggage unloaded from hold.

The delays were not due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that has been causing delays at other European airports.

Instead, they were due to a water leak.

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A spokesperson for the airport said: “The longer queues at passport control on Tuesday afternoon were caused by an extraordinary operational issue and were not related to the EES system.

“On Tuesday afternoon, an unfortunate water leak occurred in a server room connected to the passport control area in Pier E, one of the airport’s two passport control facilities.

“As a result, all passengers had to pass through passport control in Pier C for the remainder of the day.

“When half of the available passport control capacity is taken out of operation, longer waiting times are unfortunately unavoidable.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this caused our passengers.”

Sun Travel has contacted Ryanair for comment.

This is the latest in a number of incidents of passengers missing their flights in Europe recently.

However, other cases have been caused by long queues at airports due to EES.

For example, back in April, about 100 passengers were left stranded at Milan Linate Airport after their easyJet flight to Manchester left without them.

The best part of a Happy Meal is the toy that comes with your food. But now that you’re all grown up, you might be looking for a different type of treat.

In an effort to fill seats during off hours and typically slow nights, L.A.’s restaurants and bars are tempting patrons with discounted burger combos that replace toys with cocktails. It’s an adult take on a kid’s Happy Meal. These deals also address a growing concern among restaurant-goers regarding the price of dining out, a cost that has risen in recent years due to factors such as increased minimum wage, rising rents and inflated food costs.

And because it’s L.A., you can expect global interpretations of the classic comfort dish, including a Mexico City-inspired hamburguesa that’s turned a Monday industry night into a citywide destination, a New York-founded Korean restaurant serving a short-rib burger with gochujang aioli and a French-hued take with cognac sauce and optional fondue.

Treats — er, drinks — run the gamut from classic martinis and house wine to margaritas, ice-cold beer and makgeolli. Often overlapping with happy hour, be sure to take note of the specific days and hours each deal is offered.

Here are 16 burger-and-drink combos for those times your inner kid needs an adult happy meal.

BRITS heading to Europe now have to go through the new Entry/Exit System (EES), but some parents have been unclear on whether kids have to use it too.

Some families hadn’t realised that children under 12-years-old need certain biometrics taken at the border.

On ABTA, the confirmed advice reads: “People of all ages will need to go through the EES checks.

“Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, but they will need to have a facial scan taken.”

This is where the confusion lay as some parents believed their younger children were exempt from checks altogether.

Any Brit over the age of 12 is required to have both their fingerprints taken and their face scanned for registering.

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If you are heading abroad as a family, it’s important to leave extra time for EES checks as delays have been reported to be up to six hours.

Some passengers have even missed flights as a result.

Passengers returning to the UK from Athens in June were still in the airport queuing through passport control and missed their flight to London Luton.

One holidaymaker told the BBC there had been a “mega queue” at Athens International Airport.

Hundreds of people were waiting at both security and passport control and the plane was forced to leave without them.

Something else to be aware of if travelling as a parent with a different surname, as this can result in airport delays.

Tough rules at the border are in place to prevent child trafficking and parents could be asked for proof of relation.

Along with valid passports, it’s advised to keep important documents to hand, these include;

• A sealed copy of any Court Order you have permitting you to travel alone.
• A consent letter from the parent(s) or holders of parental responsibility not accompanying you.
• Your child’s birth or adoption certificate.
• Your marriage certificate or Decree Absolute if you were married to the non-accompanying parent but are no longer married.

While we can’t guarantee that it will make journeys any quicker, Sun Travel do have suggestions on how to make it a bit more bearable with kids.

The first is bring entertainment, it could be worth setting the kids up with an iPad or something that will keep them occupied.

Take advantage of the priority lane if there is one for families – usually this is for those with young children.

For more tips on how to avoid EES chaos at the airports, head here.

There are certain spots that people will want to reserve – and some they should try to avoid

People might only just be jetting off for a bit of sunshine before the schools go back in September, but others may already be planning their next getaway. Knowing a few tips when picking your seat can improve your experience on carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and TUI if you book accordingly.

It’s no secret that not all seats are made the same – with some specifically having perks like extra legroom. But most do not realise that the position of the seats can make a bigger difference than a few extra inches of wiggle room.

Depending on how you plan to spend the flight, selecting a ‘cheaper’ seat in certain spots could make your flight more enjoyable – and bring perks that money can not often buy. For example, some seats are prime spots for getting on and off the plane more quickly, while others offer great views and first call on snacks.

However, with these seat perks come some seats that customers may wish to avoid if given the option. Some may say that these can make even a short flight feel uncomfortable.

Below, we’ve had a look at some popular seat perks you can expect on Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and TUI planes. For the most part, these money-can’t-buy upgrades are often much more sought after.

Best seats for pictures

If you’re keen to document your trip from start to finish, or simply enjoy an unrivalled view above the clouds, then certain seats will be the best for you. Opting for certain sections in the front or back can give those Instagram-worthy snaps that aren’t just a shot of the metal plane wing.

When booking, pick any of the window seats in rows one to five across all of the named airlines above. These sit well forward of the engines, meaning clear glass and no heat haze will distort the look of your photos.

Best seats for getting on and off the plane

Some of these same rows will benefit from another perk of getting off the plane and starting their holiday not long after the seatbelt sign goes off. Most people caught in the middle of the cabin end up trapped until they can find an opening to leave, whereas these seat holders can usually slip straight out if they have their hand luggage ready and waiting.

There are options for the front and rear of the plane – just check before choosing that your plane has exits that it uses from the rear as some airlines may only open one. These are the rough seat areas to pick if you want to be first in line:

• easyJet: Rows 1–3 (front exit) or Rows 29–31 (Airbus A320) / Rows 38–40 (Airbus A321neo) for the back doors.
• Ryanair: Rows 1–3 (front exit) or Rows 31–33 (Boeing 737-800) / Rows 33–35 (Boeing 737 MAX 8-200) for the rear stairs.
• Jet2: Rows 1–2 (front) or Rows 31–33 (Boeing 737-800).
• TUI (Short-haul 737): Rows 1–2 (front) or Rows 31–33 (rear).

Being near the front also puts passengers as some of the first in line for meals, snacks and drinks when cabin crew make their rounds. On very short flights, sitting to close to the middle means passengers may risk missing out on refreshments entirely.

Seats you may want to avoid

Picking some of these front seats appears to offer a few perks, along with the extra legroom that often comes at a premium in the front row. But, they aren’t all perfect – and it may pay more to sit a few rows back.

Toilets are often located near the front and back of the plane, so anyone sitting in the first and last rows may face a steady queue and unavoidable smells. Some seats might also end up being windowless.

Due to the configuration of some budget planes, seats are pushed closer together than in the original layout to boost passenger capacity per flight. There are a handful of left-hand seats that are often so misaligned that people end up with a solid wall instead of a view outside.

If you have a slightly longer journey, or just want to recline and unwind as your holiday starts, be aware that some seats don’t offer this option. Aside from every Ryanair seat being locked in place, certain back-row or emergency-exit seats cannot recline either.

• easyJet A320: Avoid reclining in Rows 11 and 12 (ahead of exit Rows 12 and 13).
• Jet2 / TUI / Ryanair 737s: Avoid Rows 15 and 16 (ahead of emergency exit Rows 16 and 17).

Uber have launched stylish open-top convertible rides for newlyweds this August Bank Holiday after research claimed 72% of couples suffer from severe stress over their big day.

Travel giants Uber say many are ditching traditional country-estate weddings and instead fleeing to sleek, fast-track town hall ceremonies like pop star Dua Lipa had.

Research claims 72% of couples experience severe stress leading up to their big day and 42% have considered cancelling it completely.

Top drivers for the shift include slashing exorbitant costs (28%), keeping the vows quick and meaningful (24%), and paring down the guest list (23%).

Despite this, 72% of brides still demand an ‘iconic, internet-breaking photo moment’, while 46% worry a low-key wedding lacks that signature ‘wow’ factor.

Uber says it’s stepping in to give registry office couples the ultimate post-ceremony upgrade via rides in their open-top convertible ‘Hitch ‘n Ride’ service

Couples getting married during the August Bank Holiday are being promised a paparazzi-style entrance and exit from the registry office.

They’ll let couples step straight from their doorstep into a luxury convertible ride directly to their ceremony and onwards to their reception venue.

Uber say they’re working with ‘expert chauffeurs’ who will provide direct transport for the couple and two witnesses.

They add a chilled bottle of premium English sparkling wine will be provided for the drive between the registry and the reception.

Uber say the experience is available to couples getting hitched at registry offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Bristol, Sheffield and Leicester.

This news comes as registry office couples say cutting the traditional guest list saved them an average of £2,171 in venue and catering costs.

They say couples are opting to reallocate that budget where it actually counts, such as 28% putting it toward house deposits, while 22% are prioritising dream honeymoons.

Uber UK’s general manager, Andrew Brem, said “At Uber, we believe showing up for our riders matters, whether it’s for the everyday trip or one of life’s biggest moments.

“For couples saying ‘I do’ at their local town hall, ‘Hitch ‘n Ride makes getting to the celebration easier, while adding a little extra magic to the journey.”

‘Hitch ‘n Ride’ will run exclusively over the August Bank Holiday [August 28-31] across the UK.

Tickets will go live on www.hitchnride.co.uk at 10am on August 24 on a first-come-first-served basis.

GOING to the airport follows a strict process – check in, drop your bags off, head through security and – for many of us – get stopped for a search.

And when that inevitably happens, nine out of 10 times the reason is something that seems silly or you could have easily prevented.

And there are actually two items that we all carry that cause issues.

The first is our gadgets – whether that be a laptop, iPad or phone.

According to Which?, layering electronics can trigger a manual search.

Smiths Detections has said that layering electronics should be avoided.

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Instead, travellers should place them next to each other.

They explained: : “Where possible, avoid stacking multiple electronic devices directly on top of one another in cabin baggage. Instead, place them side by side.”

And another popular item most of us travel with – a water bottle – can also cause an issue.

Smiths Detection explained that travellers should avoid packing bottles and liquid containers near to gadgets.

They explained that they “should ideally be packed separately from electronic devices and not directly underneath or immediately adjacent to them”.

While in a lot of airports new CT scanners allow us to keep all our gadgets and liquids in our bag, these items can still be flagged.

The scanners are meant to make the security process faster, but you could still queue to have your bag manually checked.

If you are heading through an airport as a family, make sure to look out for family lanes which can help you bypass queues.

At London Luton Airport you can reserve a 30-minute window online from between four days and 60 minutes before you arrive at security to bypass the queues, for free.

Manchester Airport has a similar system but you get a 15-minute slot.

RAIN is on the way and whether you’re excited for the end of the heatwave or not, indoor play is back on the cards.

Here are some of the top indoor attractions to keep the kids occupied when bad weather strikes from indoor gaming to trampolining and soft play.

The Playhive, North Yorkshire

The Playhive at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire is one of the biggest indoor playgrounds in the UK.

Inside is everything from massive spaceships – with rocket walkways, ladders and nets – to planes and submarines.

Jungle-themed climbing walls and under-the-sea play areas are also part of the attraction – there are even toddler-friendly areas too.

Tickets to Stockeld Park start from £13.55pp.

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Activate, London

Activate is a popular immersive experience with nine different rooms filled with games.

You can have a go at dodging lasers, digital dodgeball, basketball and challenges to test reflexes.

There are four venues across London: The O2, Oxford Street, Vauxhall, Westfield White City and Islington and children have to be over six-years-old.

Tickets to Activate start from £22.95pp.

Woodlands Family Theme Park, Devon

Woodlands Family Theme Park is home to Devon‘s largest soft play.

Inside there are drop slides, ball pools, climbing tubes, obstacles even an Ice Palace.

In the Circus Drome Zone there’s even more soft play as well as a bouncy castle, rope swings and slides for kids.

Tickets to Woodlands Family Theme Park start from £12.25pp.

Play Factore, Manchester

Play Factore in Manchester has the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK as well as a laser tag arena.

Kids can enjoy a bounce on the interactive ValoJump trampolines, the zip wire and play frame which has network of tunnels, slides and obstacles.

In the Toddler Area, there are two floors of play designed for kids under the age of five.

Tickets to Play Factore in Manchester range from £3.95 to £21.95pp.

Riverside Hub, Northampton

The Riverside Hub will keep children entertained for hours with lots of different zones to explore and an enormous climbing frame with a huge beanstalk climbing wall.

There’s a Role Play Village too where kids can use their imagination to explore a make-believe world, with a cafe, shop, witch’s house and tooth fairy dentist.

Inside is also a football pitch and a dedicated zone for toddlers with ball pits and activity walls.

Tickets to the Riverside Hub start from £7.45 for adults and £12.50 for children.

Flip Out

Flip Out are family-friendly trampoline and adventure parks filled with more activities than you can imagine.

The facilities vary depending on location, but most have a whole floor of trampolines for bouncing about, as well as inflatable obstacle courses and even a Ninja playground.

Some venues also have soft play centres and ones dedicated to toddlers.

There are over 30 Flip Out venues across the UK too so one is bound to be near you – tickets start from £8.

Gravity Max

These massive entertainment venues are great for a rainy day with lots of activities to try out.

There’s electric go-karts, digital darts, street golf, karaoke, an arcade with lots of classic games and even AR bowling.

At the sports bar there are food stalls and live sporting events are shown on the TV.

There are Gravity Max venues in Liverpool, Cardiff, Yorkshire and London and tickets vary in cost depending on activities but start from £10.99.

Junkyard Golf Club

Anyone who is a fan of crazy golf should head to one of the putting venues of Junkyard Golf Club – of which there are six in the UK.

The venues are known for their uniquely designed courses which are all made from reclaimed items.

The very creative golf course themes go from Circus Fear-Ground to Polluted Paradise, 90s Garage Scrapyard and Basement Horror.

Tickets to Junkyard Golf Club start from £16.50pp.

TeamSport, Warrington

There are 38 TeamSport tracks around the UK – but the one in Warrington has the UK’s biggest indoor track at 1000 metres.

There are 22 corners and a Monaco-style tunnel split over three levels, so it will prove to be a challenge whether or not you’re a pro-driver.

Their e-karts hit speeds of 40mph and the average lap time is just over a minute – if you’re really fast you might appear on the leaderboard.

Tickets to TeamSport Warrington start from £47.66pp.

Arcade Club

Arcade Club is the perfect spot for gamers where you can return to the golden age of gaming with these classics.

From pinball machines to Astro Blaster and Pac-Man, it’s the best place for a bit of pixel nostalgia – the arcades can be found in Blackpool, Leeds and Bury.

They also have food and drink on site, offering pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and nachos at their restaurants.

Adult tickets to Arcade Club are £18 with children under 16s being able to get their game on for £10.

BEFORE I had kids, my holiday checklist was blissfully simple: how far is the pool, is it near a beach and, more importantly, how far will I have to carry four pints back from the bar?

Now I’m a dad to two kids under two, the goalposts have been shifted completely.

My checklist now demands shallow splash pools, food they’ll actually eat instead of throwing it on the floor, separate bedrooms so my wife and I don’t have to sit in the dark from 7.30pm, and enough safe green space for them to burn off every ounce of relentless energy.

And a toddler-friendly holiday starts long before you reach reception – a brilliant kids’ pool means nothing if you’ve suffered a four-hour flight delay followed by two hours trapped on a sweaty transfer coach, or if you land only to realise the nearest shop selling nappies is three towns away.

That’s why all six of these properties hit my strict travel criteria: easy UK flight links, short airport transfers and pushchair-friendly resorts packed with local supermarkets and bakeries.

Having personally stayed at all six with my own young family, these are the ones that actually deliver for babies, toddlers, and weary parents.

6. Zafiro Ca’n Picafort, Majorca

This was one of the single easiest stays I’ve managed with a toddler because it hits two absolute non-negotiables: elite pool options and hassle-free dining.

There are multiple swimming zones, including two brilliant splash pools that kept my toddler entertained for hours without us having to camp out in one noisy, crowded area all day.

The food options here are a massive win for parents too.

While the barbecue station serves up proper, high-end grilled meats for adults, the main buffet includes all the essential toddler safety nets including plain pasta and chips (when your child has rejected every new food offered to them, a familiar bowl of penne is worth more than a Michelin star).

The real insider perk here though is the low-rise apartment layout, thanks to the separate living room and a private ground-floor garden terrace.

This means you can put the kids down for bed, step outside with a glass of wine, and ACTUALLY enjoy your evening without whispering in the dark.

Ca’n Picafort itself is flat, exceptionally pushchair-friendly, and sits just a manageable 50-minute drive from Palma Airport.

I spotted a five-night, self-catering stay here from £233pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.

5. H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens, Lanzarote

Travelling with a baby often feels like managing the logistics of a small company, but H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens completely removes the heavy lifting.

You can pre-book potties, baby baths, and stair gates straight to your room, meaning half your bulky nursery gear stays at home.

The absolute highlight for us was the hotel’s specialised baby club which lets parents stay with their toddlers.

This is a game-changer for toddlers who want access to brand-new toys and soft play, but aren’t quite old enough to be dropped off with strangers.

The pools feature gentle, splashy slides rather than terrifying drops designed for teenagers, and the location in Costa Teguise is ideal.

It’s completely flat and surrounded by supermercados for emergency nappy runs.

Not only that, but it sits just a painless 20-minute transfer from Arrecife Airport – meaning you go from baggage reclaim to the poolside before a meltdown hits.

You can lock in a five-night holiday here with breakfast included from £333pp, flying direct from London Stansted on September 30.

4. Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes, Rhodes

Some massive family resorts look incredible in brochures but feel like an overcrowded theme park the second you walk through reception.

The Atlantica Mikri Poli in Kolymbia completely avoids that trap by being across five distinct swimming spots.

This includes a dedicated toddler splash park and a quiet, adult-friendly pool.

Because the resort footprint is so spread out, we could easily move between the lively waterpark sections and the quiet, shaded gardens depending on where we were in the daily nap cycle.

The top-tier insider trick at this hotel is the location of the main playground – it sits directly adjacent to the outdoor evening entertainment stage, surrounded by shaded seating.

You can sit back with a drink from the all inclusive bar while keeping direct line-of-sight on your toddlers as they burn off their final energy reserves before bed.

Transfer-wise, it’s a smooth 25-minute drive from Rhodes Airport, entirely cutting out long coach tours across the island.

I found a five-night all inclusive package from £443pp, flying direct from London Luton on September 29.

3. Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Majorca

If you want a property that makes younger children feel like the entire resort was designed specifically for them, Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is it.

Even on arrival, you will spot the soft play slide directly inside the reception lobby – a small detail that perfectly sums up the hotel’s family-first ethos.

The children’s buffet section is built at eye-level for toddlers, allowing them to actually see and choose their own food.

There’s even a dedicated fresh fruit market counter to keep things healthy.

The ultimate parent perk here is direct access to Playa de Muro beach.

The sand is powder-soft and the walk into the sea slopes so gently that the water stays ankle-deep for yards out, making it infinitely safer for paddling with a one-year-old than steep, pebbly coastlines.

The transfer from Palma takes around 50 minutes along direct main roads, dropping you straight into one of the island’s calmest family pockets.

I clocked a five-night all inclusive stay here from £563pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.

2. Mediterranean Palace Hotel, Tenerife

The Mediterranean Palace earns its spot on my shortlist purely for its world-class facilities.

Its supervised kids’ club includes a massive soft-play arena, cinema room, and dedicated baby-changing bays.

Not only that, but the outdoor splash park gives toddlers a safe way to cool off without needing to tread water in a deep pool.

This property is my absolute go-to recommendation for winter sun – the hotel sits right on the border of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, giving you direct access to miles of flat, paved seafront promenade.

My best insight for parents here is the tactical “nap walk” route.

You can wheel the pushchair straight out of the hotel gates onto a wide, traffic-free coastal path lined with cafes, pushing the buggy over smooth paving until they fall asleep, while you grab a coffee in the sun.

Best of all, Tenerife South Airport is barely a 15-minute taxi ride away.

You can book a five-night stay with breakfast included from £588pp, flying direct from Liverpool on February 1 next year.

1. Sea Club Mediterranean Resort, Majorca

If you want the freedom of a self-catering apartment combined with full resort facilities, the Sea Club is a massive win.

Instead of one sterile, towering hotel block, the accommodation is arranged in low-rise, Mediterranean-style villas spread across extensive, tree-lined gardens.

The stand-out feature for parents here though is the layout of the one-bedroom apartments.

The separate living area is properly partitioned from the main bedroom.

This means once the kids are asleep at 7:30pm, parents can make the most of the full lounge and private balcony WITH the lights on (no more hiding in the bathroom with a book).

Port d’Alcudia is exceptionally flat, packed with pharmacies and supermarkets, and features a huge, sheltered bay with crystal-clear, shallow water.

Sitting a comfortable 45-minute transfer from Palma Airport, it delivers a high-spec family break for an absolute bargain price.

I spotted a five-night self-catering stay from just £208pp, flying direct from Birmingham on September 27.

PASSENGERS are facing travel chaos today after a train caught fire.

Trains running to Gatwick are being cancelled or delayed until further notice.

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel.

A train is on fire between Balham and London Victoria, with some lines between these stations closed as a result.

The Gatwick Express account posted on X: “A train is on fire between Balham and London Victoria.

“Some lines are closed between these stations until further notice.

“Gatwick Express services will still run but may be delayed due to congestion.

“Please check your train before you travel and allow extra time to reach your destination.”

Southern Rail also warned of disruption until 3pm.

“Both slow lines between Balham and Clapham Junction are blocked until further notice.

“We will be unable to stop at Wandsworth Common or Battersea Park until further notice.

“If you are travelling to or from these stations, you will need to use an alternative route for your journey.”

In an update, it said some trains are being delayed by at least half an hour.

It’s summer in the city, the pubs are crowded, and the coast beckons. In a year that has so far brought five significant heatwaves, it is a fair description of the current holiday season.

But the same was true, too, of the much less frequent hot, dry summers of the past, including 186 years ago when Charles Dickens put pen to paper in anticipation of escaping London for the sea breeze in Broadstairs, Kent.

“There is no news in London – everybody is hurrying out of town – the two great theatres are shut up – and all the watering places are crammed with hot people,” he writes to his brother Alfred on 12 August 1840.

His letter, which is to go on public display for the first time, is one of several items of correspondence shedding light on Dickens and his holiday pursuits, from picnics on the Thames, beach showering on the Isle of Wight, and being ravaged by mosquitoes, bugs and other insects

“While Dickens rarely slowed down, he made sure to find time for holidays and days off, packing up plenty of his belongings and heading to the Kent coast or the West Country with his family,” said Emma Harper, deputy director at London’s Charles Dickens Museum, where the letters will go on display in the study where he wrote Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and The Pickwick Papers.

“While Dickens loved London, he was very happy to escape its crowded hot pubs for the cooler climes of the coast, or if he decided to break his routine by taking a spur of the moment day off, he would consider this a holiday. He would take his work on holiday with him and sometimes even brought his favourite pieces of furniture along so he could write from the chair and desk that suited him best.”

He positively gloated about his successful mission to construct an outdoor shower cubicle near his “very pretty” holiday cottage in Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight in 1849, expressing no qualms about spoiling the view for others. He writes to the printer William Bradbury: “We have made all visitors in search of the picturesque, mad, by putting up an immense wooden caravan on the beach, to shut in a noble waterfall and convert it into a shower bath! With some five hundred feet of fall. Which we take, every morning, to the unbounded astonishment of the aboriginal inhabitants.”

Of an 1851 trip on the Thames with his son Charley “and three other young Eton Shavers”, he promises that if his friend Thomas Beard joins them, he will be “armed with a hamper from Fortnum & Mason’s”. They can dine on a bank, “and if you can come, you and I will console ourselves for our antiquity, after dinner, with a trifle of tobacco and champagne”.

Dickens “relaxed energetically”, said Harper, and he loved to travel. To his biographer John Forster he writes of a 1842 trip to Italy: “I see myself in a striped shirt, moustache, blouse, red sash, straw hat, and white trousers, sitting astride a mule, and not caring for the clock, the day of the month, or the day of the week.”

Reflecting on one long excursion, he tells Beard in 1845 of “the gentlemanly vagabond I have been, for the last six or eight months – the extraordinary beds I have slept in – and the bewildering amount of fleas, mosquitoes, bugs, and other insects I have unwillingly bepastured – these things have hardly left me any leisure in my holiday, until within the last four or five weeks. During the whole of which time I have been employed, chiefly, in lying on my back on sofas, and leaning out of windows and over balconies, in a sort of mild intoxication.”

With two LA28 ticket drops done and an ever-shrinking number of Olympic seats remaining, some sports fans are looking at a possibility they hadn’t considered before: hospitality packages.

These are combined Olympic experiences — an event ticket paired with upgrades in access and perks, designed by LA28’s official hospitality provider On Location. And they’re not not bargain-basement options. The LA28 hospitality packages start at $400 and run up to $15,000 per person, sometimes more. They’re becoming more tempting to many because they give buyers access to otherwise unavailable seats, bypassing ticket draw lotteries like the one that happened in April and another that wraps up Thursday.

“It’s more than a seat. It’s a seamless way to experience one of the biggest global sporting events,” On Location President Paul Caine has said.

But sports fans have mixed opinions. Some ticket hopefuls scoff at the price tags, which are far higher than the widely promoted $28 tickets that half a million people snagged in the first locals presale. Others warmed up to the offer. In a public LA28 Facebook group, a member named Tara initially described the $1,700-per-person price for a three-hour equestrian event as “robbery” but four days later, announced their decision to “splurge.”

“Crazy expensive but I’m assured of seeing the event that I want, have great seats and food …” Tara wrote. “I know I’ll probably never go to another Olympics so hoping I walk away feeling [that] it was completely worth it and I think I will.”

So are these packages worthwhile? Nobody will know until 2028 and answers will depend on the package, your tax bracket and your level of fandom. Here’s what you get with the hospitality packages and some things to consider.

Do the packages include a ticket to the Games?

Many guests who buy hospitality packages at the 2028 Olympics will get access to lounges. Artist’s portrayal shown here.

(On Location)

Yes, and the offerings include more in-demand sports and sessions than you will find in LA28’s ticket-only sales. Packages that included tickets for artistic gymnastics, diving, swimming and beach volleyball appeared in an Aug. 19 search.

Even when stand-alone tickets are unavailable, hospitality-package tickets are often available because they are handled separately. An On Location spokesperson said that LA28 Hospitality “is the only provider that offers those coveted and exclusive front row seats, private suites, etc. … We have reserved sections in each venue for each sport for hospitality guests, ensuring they have the best vantage points of the event, and they get the best value out of their package.”

For basketball competition, the top seating categories (including most or all courtside seats) have been made available only through hospitality packages.

Veteran ticket-seekers warn, however, that consumers should always make sure they’re satisfied with locations of their hospitality-package seats.

All hospitality packages include tickets to events, their prices varying by event, supply and demand. Also, hospitality-package tickets do not count toward the limit of 12 stand-alone tickets per buyer.

As packages are unveiled and sold, available inventory on the website fluctuates — which means fans can spend a lot of time checking and rechecking.

How much more do packages cost than individual tickets?

A lot more. Seats alone at the 2028 Games can cost anywhere from $28 to north of $500, including a 24% service fee. The most affordable hospitality packages cost $400 and many cost far more.

As of Aug. 19, a hospitality-package shopper could pay $15,000 and up for one ticket to opening ceremonies (July 14, 2028) coupled with eating, drinking and hanging-out privileges in a Premium Lounge at SoFi Stadium before or during the event. (That same $15,000 would cover about eight months’ rent for the average tenant in L.A. County, according the U.S. Census data.)

For $450 and up, a fan could buy a hospitality package for the July 15 elimination round of the men’s and women’s judo competition in L.A. Convention Center Hall 2. Besides a seat, the package includes access to a shared lounge space, a welcome drink, an L.A.-inspired food item and entry to a hospitality pavilion before or after the selected session.

What’s a hospitality pavilion? What are the package tiers?

Hospitality packages for the 2028 Games include access to private lounges and pavilions. Artist’s portrayal shown here.
(On Location)

(On Location)

In the Olympic hospitality pecking order, the premium lounges beat the leisure lounges and the hospitality pavilions, which provide shared havens for followers of multiple sports.

For instance, the Valley Zone Pavilion is “a backyard-inspired oasis” near venues for 3×3 basketball, modern pentathlon, skateboarding, cycling BMX racing and cycling BMX freestyle.

The Carson Zone Pavilion is an open-air setting near the archery, track cycling, hockey, rugby sevens and tennis venues. There are similar pavilions elsewhere, including Long Beach and DTLA, for the multiple sports in those areas.

LA28 organizers say all of those pavilions will be climate-controlled or shaded, featuring “Olympic Games-inspired décor, an L.A.-inspired food item and welcome drink, and additional food and beverages available for purchase.” Those pavilions do not include direct views of each sport.

Similarly, leisure lounges often include one drink and one L.A.-inspired food item but may not have a direct view of competition. Premium lounges often do have direct views of competition and ongoing access to fancier food and drink.

For instance, package purchasers can spend $1,750 per person for seats and Premium Lounge access at the July 23 preliminary beach volleyball competition in Alamitos Beach Stadium. That Premium Lounge is expected to include a second-floor open-air terrace, “continuous food and beverage service,” priority entry and a commemorative gift. For the less-spendy Leisure Lounge version of this experience (one drink, one food item, access to a climate-controlled space at the venue), prices start at $625 per person.

A spokesperson said the LA28 On Location hospitality plan currently includes about 13 premium lounges and nine leisure lounges and hospitality pavilions.

Does that cover all the tiers?

Almost. There’s also a hospitality category that outranks all of the others: the Platinum Access packages, which often include luxury accommodations, private suites and private transport. These packages, which often run into thousands of dollars, attract many celebrities and corporate buyers who see the Games as a chance to butter up clients or reward top performers. (To see Platinum Access prices, you’ll have to sign up and wait for a response from On Location’s Platinum Access Team.)

Will more packages be added?

Yes. As with individual tickets, hospitality packages are being gradually rolled out as 2028 nears.

On July 28, for instance, On Location unveiled a “Follow My Team” package, giving fans a chance at enhanced access to their country’s men’s & women’s basketball matches, allowing big spenders to avoid the scramble for individual event tickets. The packages include games in the Group Phases and Quarterfinals. As of Aug. 19, prices for a basketball package started at $5,250 to follow the USA men’s team, $3,150 to follow the USA women’s team. (According to census figures, the median monthly income per capita in L.A. County is about $3,800.)

More hospitality packages are due to open in August for football (soccer). Hospitality package offers for badminton, cricket and rhythmic gymnastics are due later in the year.

An On Location spokesperson said the company is also putting together hospitality packages for the LA28 Paralympic Games. Stand-alone tickets for those Games also will go on sale in 2027.

Does On Location authorize people to resell hospitality packages the way they can resell tickets?

No, said a spokesperson from On Location.

Should people wait for more tickets to become available in 2027, explore the resale market, or spring for a hospitality package now?

That depends on many variables — how much you’re willing to spend, how eager/desperate you are to see a particular sport, how you feel about dealing with the resale market.

LA28 organizers have said more stand-alone tickets will become available in 2027, not through lotteries but first-come, first-served sales.

They have also authorized AXS and Eventim as the “official” marketplace for secondary (resale) tickets, beginning some time in 2027. Organizers have also said that Ticketmaster and Sports Illustrated Tickets will have “verified resale” status.

With so much unknown about availability and pricing in 2027, many have chosen to hold off on any Olympic purchases. Yet for those who can afford it, buying a hospitality package may bring peace of mind. As Tara wrote on Facebook: “I just didn’t want to wait and miss out.”

TWO earthquakes have rocked Granada, causing destruction across the region and the closure of popular attractions.

With a series of aftershocks also recorded, is it safe to travel to Spain? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where are the earthquakes in Spain?

Granada in Andalusia has been affected by multiple earthquakes in the last five days.

The first earthquake hit the region over the weekend with a magnitude of 5.0 with its epicentre in Alhendín.

On August 15, a state of emergency was declared in the southern city as parts of buildings collapsed, rocks crushed cars and residents and holidaymakers were evacuated.

The tremor was felt across Andalusia and as far as Madrid, with locals reporting shakes in Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria.

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It was then followed by a series of aftershocks.

On August 18 another powerful 4.6-magnitude earthquake hit Granada which left at least three people injured.

At the very centre of the earthquake was the small town of Gojar, a municipality around five miles south of the city of Granada.

Hotels and council buildings open to the public were forced to evacuate following the scare.

In a statement on X, the Granada City Council said: “In response to the latest seismic movements recorded in the province, the Granada City Council has agreed, as a preventive measure, to the temporary closure of all municipal buildings and facilities open to the public.”

One of the attractions that closed was parts of Alhambra, a fortress which is now a popular tourist attraction.

In Calle Navas, which is one of the most popular tourist streets in the city, bars were closed as authorities were concerned about falling debris.

Granada Cathedral remains closed while its exterior is examined.

Two 4 and 4.2-magnitude aftershocks also hit nearby Churriana de la Vega and Alhendín.

Is it safe to travel to Spain right now?

The travel advice for Spain remains unchanged. You can find all general information on the official FCDO website. 

Are flights still going to Spain?

Yes, Granada Federico Garcia Lorca Airport remains open with flights operating as scheduled.

What if I have a holiday to Spain booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Spain, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires and earthquakes.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you want to cancel your trip or holiday, it is best to contact your airline and/or holiday provider.

Companies do not have an obligation to refund bookings unless Government advice changes.

THE world’s best airlines have been revealed and one in the UK has been named No1 in Europe.

The 2026 Flyer’s Choice Awards, conducted by AirlineRatings.com, is voted on by travellers for airlines that deliver the best experience.

But when it came to the UK/Europe category, a major UK airline came out on top – British Airways.

It is the second year the airline has won the award.

The awards stated: “That’s particularly impressive in a region with such a diverse mix of airlines, from traditional flag carriers to the low-cost giants that carry millions of passengers every year.”

Lufthansa followed behind in second and KLM came third.

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Singapore Airlines was the biggest winner when it came to awards, winning a total of four titles.

The airline won the award for Preferred Economy Airline, Best Cabin Crew Service, best airline in Central and South East Asia and the Airline That Gave the Greatest Peace of Mind.

Delta Air Lines then led the way in the USA/Canada category, Emirates won in Africa and the Middle East, Qantas won in Australia and Pacific, Cathay Pacific won in North East Asia and LATAM won in South and Central America.

Other categories included Favourite Low-Cost Carrier, which was won by Vietjet Air, followed by AirAsia and then Jetstar and easyJet in third place.

Qatar Airways gained the title for the Preferred Business Class, while Emirates was voted to have the Preferred Premium Economy.

AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said: “We are incredibly fortunate to live in a world where travellers have so many airlines delivering safe, reliable and reassuring experiences.

“The continued strength of brands like Singapore Airlines and Qantas in the Peace of Mind category is a real credit to the trust they have built with passengers over many years.

“Confidence in an airline is earned over time, and these results demonstrate the value of that consistency.”

This charming town offers all the charm of the Cotswolds without the crowds

The Cotswolds might be one of Britain’s most recognisable countryside escapes, but its popularity can make a summer visit feel very different from the peaceful rural holiday many tourists picture when they visit. The area is famous for its charming villages, cobbled streets and of course, its traditional stone cottages – but this fame is a double edged sword.

It might make the area famous – but it also means that the Cotswolds are frequently swarmed by tourists. For anyone hoping to enjoy a slower-paced weekend, battling through crowds can quickly take the shine off a trip. Luckily, you don’t have to give up the quintessentially British village experience altogether.

There are plenty of gorgeous places in the UK to explore that don’t involve doing battle with crowds. In fact, one place offers all the beauty of the famous Cotswolds, including the iconic stone cottages and flower boxes – but you don’t have to spend your holiday dodging crowds.

Travel experts at Parkdean Resorts have revealed this North Yorkshire town as the perfect Cotswolds dupe.

Set in the Yorkshire Dales, it has a traditional cobbled centre surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive countryside. The village square is a natural starting point, with independent businesses and places to eat clustered around its historic streets.

It’s got all the stone cottages, the flower boxes and historic pubs just like the Cotswolds – but you won’t find it teeming with tourists. This charming village is so beautiful it was picked as the main filming location for the fictional village of Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small.

It’s Grassington in North Yorkshire – and it’s the perfect place to explore for a weekend.

The high street is packed with independent shops where you can pick up home made art and jewellery as well as delicious sweet treats and books.

Grassington is particularly appealing for tourists who want their break to combine sightseeing with walking. Rather than spending the day squeezing through a packed tourist centre, visitors can explore the village before heading out into the surrounding Dales.

If Yorkshire doesn’t tickle your fancy, the experts at Parkdean Resorts do have another destination that they think gives Cotswolds charm without the crowds.

Rye in East Sussex is another destination that rewards visitors who are prepared to look beyond the usual summer hotspots.

The town is packed with historic streets and distinctive old buildings, while independent shops and places to eat make it easy to spend a leisurely day exploring without needing a packed itinerary.

Its biggest advantage, however, could be its location.

Rye provides easy access to the Sussex coast, meaning a short break can include both an atmospheric old town and a day by the sea. Visitors can explore the historic centre in the morning before heading towards the beaches and coastline nearby.

It’s an appealing option for anyone who can’t decide between a countryside escape and a seaside break.

FANCY a last minute escape to somewhere hot and sunny?

Thankfully, you could be cocktail in-hand and toes in the sand sooner than you’d think, as there’s loads of absolute bargains on Loveholidays.

We’ve found some seriously affordable week-long breaks to glamorous resorts in Spain, Turkey, the Canary Islands and Morocco for as little as £129pp.

Here’s a roundup of the top last minute deals we found. All the deals below are for seven night stays, and include your return flights.

Costa Brava

With a speedy two hour flight and the sunshine sitting in the mid 20’s well into the autumn, Costa Brava is the perfect no-fuss pick for a sunny holiday.

Visit the resort of Tossa de Mar to see a medieval castle overlooking turquoise waters, or stay in Santa Susanna for easy access to Water World and Levante Beach.

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We found a week-long stay at Odissea Park hotel for only £229pp – this four-star stay has a sleek design, is perfect for families and is just steps from the sea.

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Costa Brava.

Bag a seven night stay at Odissea Park for £229pp in October

Dalaman, Turkey

For a great value stay on Turkey‘s gorgeous Turquoise Coast, book yourself a holiday to Dalaman.

We found a bargain break in Olu Deniz, a beach resort that is famous for its glowing blue lagoon and sports like paragliding.

The deal includes your flights plus a five star stay at Green Forest Holiday Village, a relaxing resort with sea and mountain views with its own spa.

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Dalaman.

Book a seven night stay at Green Forest Holiday Village from £369pp in September

Gran Canaria

For reliable year-round sunshine and a coastline lined with affordable resorts and friendly tapas bars, go for Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria has some incredible landscapes, too, from the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas to the volcanic rocks of Roque Nublo.

The popular resort of Puerto Rico is packed with water sports, vibrant nightlife and even dolphin-watching by the shore.

We found a deal for a stay at the stunning Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite, where their sprawling outdoor pool is framed by dramatic mountains.

Bag a seven night stay at Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite from £369pp in September

The Algarve, Portugal

The amazing Algarve is home to endless golden sand beaches, stunning sea caves and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Albufeira offers the ideal sun-soaked getaway, with a colourful, cobblestone Old Town, affordable boat trips and amazing local seafood.

We found a steal of a stay at the four star Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa in October.

This adults-only hotel sits in Albufeira’s charming Old Town, and has a rooftop infinity pool facing out to sea.

Book a seven night stay at Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa from £429pp

Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to The Algarve.

Marrakech

You only need to hop on a three and a half hour flight to soon be enjoying 30°C September sunshine in Marrakech.

Spend your days shopping in the labyrinthine of souks, wandering through lush gardens or sipping sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace.

By night, the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the place to be, filled with street performers, musicians, and the mouth-watering smell of street food.

We found a deal for a week-long stay in a comfortable Moroccan apartment for an incredible £129pp, which includes return flights.

Book a seven night stay at Locanda Residence Marrakech from £129pp in September

Plus Loveholidays have a Best Price Promise, which means that if you find the same holiday elsewhere for over £10 less than their price, they’ll refund you the difference – and pay you an extra fiver per person.

To browse more last minute holiday deals to places like France, Italy, Greece, Egypt and more, click below.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A BUDGET airline has revealed the exact date it will be cancelling its flights from a major UK airport.

EasyJet will be cancelling all its flights from Leeds Bradford Airport on January 5, 2027.

The decision follows a review conducted by the airline of its routes from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Current routes from Leeds Bradford Airport include Barcelona, Malaga, Paris, Geneva and Belfast.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the airline said: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.

“Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.

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“We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”

The airline added that customers had been contacted with bookings beyond January 5 and offered either a flight transfer or a full refund.

EasyJet first launched its flights from the airport back in 2010 and only introduced its Paris route in 2024.

If you still want to head on holiday from Leeds Bradford Airport, there are other options available.

Competitor budget airline, Ryanair, still operates to and from the airport, as well as Jet2.

Leeds Bradford Airport has also recently had a £100million glow-up with a larger terminal that has more shops, seats and lounges.

If you’re taking your little ones on a plane this summer, there are some helpful ways to feel prepared, as an easyJet pilot has shared the mistake that parents can easily make

An easyJet pilot has revealed the biggest mistake parents can make when flying with their children.

Jetting off abroad is always exciting, with the promise of touching down at that sought-after holiday destination you booked months in advance. While the flight might provide a little pre-holiday respite for many travellers, with their favourite series downloaded on Netflix or their current read in hand, it can be a whole different experience for parents.

Understandably, children can become restless on flights, particularly if they’ve set off early in the morning or late at night, and even if the journey is just a few hours. In their eyes, they’re in a compact space, unable to run around freely, in a new environment with some loud noises and a change in air pressure.

Parents can certainly have their hands full when flying with kids. But there are some nifty ways to help make the journey smoother, including being organised with what the kids need.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, easyJet Captain Matt Clutterbuck, said: “When my kids were young, we tried to be as organised as possible, having only the things we needed with us in our under seat bags and we start packing away everything but the essentials when the flight is descending so there’s less to deal with (and forget) when you get off – especially cuddly toys!”

On his own experience of seeing little jetsetters board the plane, the pilot, who is based at London Luton Airport, shared: “When I’m at work I always enjoy meeting our young travellers, so next time you fly with us, please say hello.

“Our cabin crew have Little Traveller’s logbooks so young passengers can keep a record of their travel adventures, and it’s a great way to keep kids occupied while flying. Ask for one next time you are on board, and they can ask the Captain to sign it every flight.”

The easyJet pilot also revealed the destination he’d recommend for family travel. “I think our favourite family holiday destination is Turkey,” Matt said.

“With amazing food, culture and people, we have always had a brilliant time there. It is a very family-oriented culture, and they always make a fuss of the children.”

Last month, the airline and package holiday provider partnered up with Life360, the family connection and safety app, to offer easyJet customers free Teddy Trackers when jetting off on their holidays. The aim of the scheme is to help families keep track of their children’s favourite toys via the Life360 app during their holiday, as 87% of parents said they fear their child losing a toy when travelling, while 49% said they had encountered the heartbreaking ordeal.

On the Teddy Trackers initiative, Matt shared: “I think this campaign will not only help children, but parents too. One of the biggest stresses on our holidays was making sure both kids had their cuddly toys with them. It seemed we were constantly doing a teddy roll call to make sure they hadn’t been left in a shop, on a bench or in a restaurant, and we weren’t alone because nearly 4 in 5 parents say their child’s favourite toy travels with them on most, if not every, family holiday.

“Hundreds of thousands of cuddly toys will travel on holidays this summer, so parents will have that extra peace of mind knowing that their child’s cuddly toy can be tracked, putting an end to the heartbreak of losing them. Hopefully, the Teddy Trackers offer parents extra peace of mind, helping ensure these special companions always find their way home and offer comfort to children knowing their beloved companion will be easily traceable if lost.

“The trackers are now available for free at London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast International.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A summer trip to France ‘got worse and worse’ for one family as they were greeted by a ‘radioactive’ pool, a dead rodent, poison and broken furniture at their holiday home

What was meant to be a charming holiday home in France resembled more of a ‘horror house’, as a family trip went from bad to worse during a ‘hellish’ experience.

Richard Glendenning, who hails from London, travelled to France this summer for a holiday with his wife, her parents and their eight-month-old puppy. Wanting a quieter and more authentic experience, the couple booked a 10-night stay at an ’18th-century barn, with a private pool and sauna’ through Airbnb, nestled in a rural area of Bars in Bergerac.

Before they arrived, they were aware that the holiday rental was a little rustic around the edges, but at the time, it was all part of the appeal. It was only when they turned up at the property on Monday, 27 July 2026, that they realised it was far from what they had been expecting.

“It looked like a very lovely gîte (self-catering holiday home) online, I thought it’d be charming and nice,” Rich exclusively told the Mirror. “But it was in no way indicative of how hellish the experience was.

“It was actually two buildings next to each other that were part of the same space, and when we first arrived, it was filthy. It was the messiest place, and it looked like nobody had bothered to clean it for a year or so – it was awful.”

He continued: “It was like something from a film set, where you try and make a horror house with insects, cobwebs and spiders, everywhere. In the kitchen, the ceilings were fairly low, and I walked into one of those sticky tape things, covered in flies. There were flies everywhere, alive and dead.

“The bathrooms weren’t clean, and I had to use another bedroom in the other building, but when I went in there, I found a dead rodent, a rat.

“The towels were also tiny; you could barely wrap a toddler in one, and I had a white stain on mine. We were looking around, and in one bedroom, the owners had taken the bed from the mezzanine area, so there were just really horrible mattresses on the dirty floor, like in a squat.

“I walked through one of the bedrooms that was facing the pool, and instead of a bed, there were just stacks of wood pushed against the wall.” Rich added that they had arrived a “little bit early”, which had been previously agreed, and the cleaners did later fix the bed.

However, there were more surprises waiting. “The outdoor swimming pool was a comedy green, it was like a radioactive, glowing green colour, rather than a beautiful blue,” Rich revealed. “There was also a noisy filter machine, and there was an auto-motored machine going around, so that wasn’t done either. The owner had also removed loads of furniture from around the pool that were in the photos and advertised.”

Rich and his wife also spotted a “layer of scum around the edge of the pool”.

Rich and his wife had previously confirmed with the owner that their puppy could stay at the property, and the owner had agreed before their arrival. But the accommodation became worryingly unsafe for them and their beloved pooch.

“I saw this kind of gravel or type of salt across loads of the floors, and it was even across the dining table in the house. So I asked the owner, and she said, ‘Oh, that’s poison we put down’. She knew beforehand we were bringing a puppy, so that was unbelievably dangerous,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be rustic, but we thought we’d spend more of our time outside than in the house. But there’s rustic, and then there’s filthy, broken and items missing,” Rich’s wife added.

They also discovered that what looked like a microwave was actually the kitchen’s main oven, but the couple said, “You couldn’t even fit half a pizza in.” Rich’s wife said that the oven in the other building, which they were offered to use, was “so disgusting” and had “never seen something so dirty”, so they were left without an oven for a few days before it was cleaned again.

While they were caught off guard by the state of the property, the family decided to have some lunch outdoors near the pool on their first day. A platform area had been a “major selling point” for them because of the “beautiful views with a big table under some trees”.

In true French style, they laid out a “huge spread” on the outdoor table by the pool, with wine and cheese. “We put it all on the table, and it instantly collapsed. All the food and wine, everything went everywhere and broken plates”, Rich explained.

During their stay, Rich and his wife said they were in communication with the owner and Airbnb while documenting everything. “We were complaining and telling the owner what we found,” he said.

Airbnb confirmed that it has ground rules for hosts that make clear its expectations and the standards hosts must meet. If they fail to comply, Airbnb will investigate and take action, which may include removing the property from its platform.

“The owner was very responsive and trying to help, but she kept saying that it was her last rental and she’s selling the property,” Rich’s wife said. “She had given up on the property, really.”

To help with their issues, the owner said they could use the second building “freely”. However, this only revealed more, as it was “beyond dirty and dusty” and “uninhabitable”.

The couple explained that cleaners did return to clean the main property again during their stay following the complaints, but “didn’t do what they promised to do”. Although after two to three days, the pool was “back to a blue colour”.

The owner allegedly told the couple that before their arrival, she had around five 20-year-olds staying in the property and said that they had “left the place in a complete state, broken, and that’s why the pool was green.”

When speaking to the owner about the collapsed table, Rich said that the owner nonchalantly told them, ‘Oh, just take the table from the dining room in the house out there.’ He added that the owner had also told them she’d ordered new furniture, although it “never arrived”.

They were offered relocation by Airbnb, as all bookings come with AirCover, which means Airbnb will help guests find a similar place or issue a refund in the rare event that something isn’t as expected on arrival. However, because it was the peak summer period, they had two elderly parents, and one car that didn’t fit them all, they felt it wasn’t a realistic option for them.

Rich said: “The case was closed down without us being satisfied with any outcome”. Airbnb said it is providing feedback to the customer service teams that handled the case, as it did not meet their expectations.

In another turn of events, rain began leaking through the rental’s roof. His wife explained: “It was the final night in my bedroom, and thankfully, we weren’t in that room and didn’t have any lights on, but the rain flooded through the light socket.

“It went all over the bed. I had packed everything; my suitcase was open and directly under the flood. Every single item I owned was soaking wet.

“We were meant to drive back to the UK the next morning, but everything was wet, so I was desperately trying to dry everything before leaving, but didn’t manage to.”

After the ongoing ordeal of their accommodation, Rich said: “We need a holiday after the holiday. It just got worse and worse – it was hellish.”

A spokesperson for Airbnb said in a statement: “We are disappointed to hear about this experience and how it was handled. We have reached out to the guest to provide a monetary refund for the entire cost of their stay and are investigating the host.

“We have standards and ground rules for hosts, which require listings to be clean and free of health hazards, safety hazards and secure. While these reports are rare, we investigate and take the relevant action, which can include removal of listings from Airbnb.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Locals often spot celebrity visitors such as the Mad Max star Mel Gibson and Dangerous Liaisons actor John Malkovich

Jet2Villas is offering holidaymakers a fresh way to explore Spain. The popular airline has added a new region of Spain to its Jet2Villas portfolio – in an area more and more Brits are heading to instead of Andalucia and the Canary Islands.

The area Jet2 is expanding to is popular with Hollywood film celebrities, who have been spotted in local restaurants. Stars such as Mel Gibson and John Malkovich have stayed in the region on more than one occasion – and it’s becoming increasingly popular with Brits as an alternative to spots like the Balearics.

Jet2Villas announced today that it has added Galicia to its programme for the very first time. The northern Spanish region has joined the Jet2Villas portfolio, as the Which? Recommended Provider continues to broaden its villa holiday range in response to increasing demand.

Situated on Spain’s north-west coast, Galicia is celebrated for its lush landscapes, Atlantic shoreline, beaches and fishing villages, as well as cities such as Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo. The region is also well-known for its seafood and culinary delights.

Its blend of coastline, countryside, culture and cuisine makes Galicia ideally suited to families, groups and couples seeking a more independent villa break and the opportunity to experience a different side of Spain, away from the country’s more traditional resort hotspots.

The area is steadily growing in popularity. Last year, travel journalist Simon Calder explored the region’s appeal for the Independent. He spoke to Jessica Harvey Taylor, head of press for the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, who said: “Obviously we’re well aware that the vast majority of our UK holidaymakers are still visiting our five most popular regions: Valencia, Andalucia, Catalonia, and then our islands, the Balearics and the Canaries.

“But it’s very encouraging to see that there’s increased appetite in our northern regions, namely Galicia, Asturias and the Basque country. I think there are multiple reasons. Obviously climate plays a part and not everybody wants the extreme heat that we’ve seen in recent years in the southern Med.

“But there’s much more to it than that. Increasingly, the UK public is realising that they can supplement a beach holiday with something a little bit more adventurous.”

Hollywood legend Mel Gibson, one of the biggest and best-paid actors of the 1990s, has a soft spot for Spain’s northern towns. El Pais reports that the Mad Max star has been spotted dining at a local restaurant in A Fonsagrada in Lugo, and later in Santiago de Compostela, where he took in the cathedral and stayed at the historic Hostal dos Reis Católicos. John Malkovich is a regular visitor to Ponte Maceira, Costa da Morte and A Coruña, the Spanish newspaper revealed.

In the spring of 2019, he returned once more and enjoyed a meal at restaurant Casa Salvador in A Baña alongside Spanish actress Marisa Paredes. The addition of Galicia forms part of a broader expansion which has seen Jet2Villas add more than 1,000 new properties to its portfolio for Summer 26, bringing the total number of available villas to over 4,000 across more than 52 destinations.

The airline says its villa holidays can offer travellers private pools and outdoor space, multiple bedrooms and generous shared living areas, making them ideally suited to families holidaying together, multi-generational groups and gatherings of friends. Jet2Villas has recorded its highest ever number of villa bookings for a summer season, with over 100,000 customers and counting, highlighting the enduring demand from families and groups for holidays offering the convenience of a package holiday combined with the space, privacy and flexibility of a villa break.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2, said: “We’re delighted to introduce Galicia to Jet2Villas for the first time, giving customers even more choice when it comes to villa holidays in Spain. With more than 1,000 new villas added to the collection and a record number of villa customers for Summer 26, we’re continuing to grow our programme in response to strong demand.”

The Xunta De Galicia tourist information website outlines a host of reasons why visitors might be tempted to head there. It says “Miles of coastline, fine sandy beaches, small fishing ports and outstanding gastronomy make the Rías Baixas one of the favourite destinations for travellers looking to combine nature, culture and the sea.

“A journey through the O Grove Peninsula, the Illa de Arousa or the Muros and Noia estuaries reveals sheltered coves, scenic waterfront walks and viewpoints overlooking breathtaking landscapes. After a day at the beach, there’s nothing better than enjoying fresh seafood and fish by the sea, paired with one of Galicia’s renowned wines with Designation of Origin.”

It also highlights that inland Galicia is home to the spectacular Ribeira Sacra, where the Sil and Miño rivers have carved deep canyons lined with centuries-old vineyards, historic monasteries and forests waiting to be explored.

For further information and to book, visit: www.jet2villas.com

‘Norway is a hilly country,” shrugs Glenn Roar Berge. He’s not wrong, though he is fond of an understatement. I’m in Valdres in southern Norway to explore the cycle routes that skirt the edges of Jotunheimen national park. Glenn from Jotunheimen Travel is our guide, a born-and-bred local of these mountains.

For most of our three-day ride, we’ll be following the Mjølkevegen, or Milky Way, a 155-mile (250km) route from Vinstra in the north to Gol in the south. It was developed after the second world war, when increased demand for fresh milk meant connecting the mountain farms with the towns below. While farming continues, the road has been embraced in recent years by gravel cyclists, (typically riders on drop-bar bikes favouring unpaved roads and trails), looking for a multi-day adventure far from towns and cities.

Ruten Fjellstue is a traditional inn, set up for cross-country skiing in winter, hiking and biking in summer. My trip starts here and it’s where I’ll meet my guide and group, and pick up my hired bike. It’s set high above the valley and painted falun red – the iron-oxide agricultural paint typical across Nordic countries. Berit and Arthur are the third-generation owners. I arrive late, so Arthur picks me up from Vinstra train station (about three hours north-west of Oslo) and Berit has kept a home-cooked meal warm: a generous plate of fish with potatoes, vegetables and cream sauce, followed by apple crumble.

These small inns are part of what makes cycling through the region work. At breakfast, there’s an expectation that you’ll make your own sandwiches from the buffet, with provisions laid out ready. We’re even given a reusable beeswax wrap. Cycling here is powered by sandwiches, waffles with sour cream and berry jam, and plenty of cinnamon buns – and that’s just to keep you going between meals.

Our first morning begins with a cruisy downhill run before the road turns into a rough track. A temporary road closure has sent us on to a mountainous diversion. I’ve never used drop handlebars before and it takes me a while to figure out the gears.

Silje Wilson, who works to promote the mountain hotels in the area, is also joining our group of 12 riders from across Europe. She tells me she has never ridden a gravel bike either, so I’m hopeful I’ll have company at the back, but she leads every climb and is often miles ahead. That night she reveals she has spent her summer mountain biking and lifts a large rock in her garden to build strength. “A typical Norwegian girl,” says Glenn.

While you don’t have to be a “typical” Norwegian to enjoy these trails, a certain tolerance for hills helps. As we descend towards Lake Vinstre, the Jotunheimen mountains, northern Europe’s highest range, appear ahead. There’s just a tiny road stretching into the distance; beyond it, mountains in every direction. The lake is a deep turquoise-blue, and the shores are dotted with tiny wooden farmhouses painted red or yellow, many with grass roofs for extra protection when the snow arrives.

At Lake Bygdin we stop to stretch and eat burgers at Bygdin Høifieldshotel before catching the M/B Bitihorn passenger ferry, where bikes and luggage join us on deck. The boat has been in regular service on the lake for more than a century. We sail past the peaks of Øystre Torfinnstinden and Galdebergtinden, with waterfalls tracking down the steep mountainsides to the inland fjord.

At Eidsbugarden, at the far end of the lake, we climb back on to our bikes and follow Lake Tyin towards Filefjellstuene hotel. We pedal past summer mountain dairy farms but barely see a soul. The roads are almost entirely traffic free, but the sheep are worth being wary of: twice I have to swerve at speed when one runs into the road.

We’re cycling for long days, averaging about 45 miles (75km) a day, with 1,500 metres (4,900ft) ascent, but there are gentler ways to experience the Mjølkevegen: shorter stages mean more time to explore the cosy family hotels or add in hikes, while some riders hire an ebike. Self-guiding on the main route is straightforward and well signposted; for diversions, or extra challenges, hiring a guide is advisable. I decide to lean in to taking it slowly, drinking in the spaciousness and letting the miles roll by.

At Øye, on day two, we stop to admire the steep tiered roof of the stave church, one of only 28 still standing across the country. Many Norwegian churches, including medieval stave churches, were destroyed in a wave of more than 50 arson attacks in the 90s by anti-Christian black metal bands. Øye was built towards the end of the 11th century, then replaced in 1747. During renovations in the 1930s, the old church was discovered dismantled under the floorboards for reasons lost to time, and rebuilt here by the lake.

Further along the valley, Glenn points out a steep triangular cave up high. We’re into troll territory. “Up there a big rock is starting to move,” Glenn says. “It’s being surveyed, and it will fall sometime in the next 200 years. It’s because of lang bane, the troll ‘long bones’. Trolls sleep for hundreds of years. He’s starting to wake up now. Newspapers don’t report it, but local people know that it’s the troll.”

Time to get back into the hills then, and Glenn has planned a detour from the main route. It includes what he calls “the mother of all climbs”: a long incline with dozens of switchbacks, requiring all the cinnamon-bun fuel I can muster. On the Smådalen plateau we rest among the wildflowers framed by steep peaks rising above the snow line. There are moose in this area, but our whoops on the downhills probably keep them well hidden.

On my last day, the weather turns. The Mjølkevegen sits about 800–1,300 metres above sea level, and the weather can shift quickly. We reach the bottom of the Slettefjell mountain pass in driving rain. There’s a small cafe here, so we stop for waffles and refill our water bottles. Then the only way is up, and up, and up. It’s 600 metres of elevation in just 6km. All I can do is concentrate on the next bend.

At the top, it’s flat and exposed, and the clouds have transformed the mountains again. Distances are hard to measure, and the craggy rocks? Petrified trolls. I give them a wave, and freewheel downhill for miles.

In this part of Norway, hotels are never built at the bottom of the valley. “Everyone prefers to have a view,” says Glenn. For a cyclist, this means that every day there is a final few kilometres up to the hotel. It’s tough, but it makes the arrival all the sweeter. And the best views are those you’ve earned.

The trip was provided by Jotunheimen Travel, Mountains of Norway, Innlandet Fylkeskommune and Visit Valdres. Jotunheimen Travel offers three-day self-guided cycling trips on the Mjølkevegen from NOK7,800 (£612) based on two sharing, including hotel accommodation, all meals, luggage transport, boat tickets on M/B Bitihorn, an app with directions and maps, backup support and CO2 compensation, with bike hire for an additional cost

The provided text explores the historical significance of Afghanistan’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on August 19th. It details the country’s formation in 1747 and its subsequent strategic importance as a buffer zone between the British and Russian Empires during the nineteenth century. The narrative outlines a series of military conflicts known as the Anglo-Afghan Wars, which eventually led to the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919. This agreement formally ended British oversight of Afghan foreign affairs, allowing Emir Amanullah Khan to declare full sovereignty. Ultimately, the source clarifies that the holiday commemorates freedom from foreign influence rather than traditional colonial rule, as Afghanistan was never an offi …