Travel Desk

Harry Poulton enjoyed his first steak meal in Benidorm, despite living in Spain for around 10 years, and left people completely shocked with the way he ordered his food

Moving to Spain from the UK can be quite the transition. The pub culture and food is very different from one another since us Brits will happily devour a fish and chippy, while our Spanish friends turn to paella and tapas.

One man who swapped the England for sunny Spain is Harry Poulton – and he hasn’t looked back. Harry has become quite the local where he uses his social media platform to share advice and urge travellers to avoid three ‘no go’ areas. The Brit moved to Benidorm around 10 years ago after a lads’ holiday and vowed to never return back home.

Now after sinking his teeth into the Spanish culture for a decade, Harry revealed he hasn’t had a steak since he was back in England.

British Expat Shares Top Food Recommendations in Benidorm

In a bid to find the best steakhouse in the area, he ventured to the Old Town’s back streets where he came across a glorious food option called the Entrecôte Steakhouse Salsa Café de Paris.

The Spanish restaurant opened its doors last month and serves up a variety of charcoal-grilled premium meats from Galicia, located in the northwestern region, with a signature sauce.

Speaking with his 67,300 TikTok followers, Harry said he was “on the hunt for a decent steakhouse in Benidorm” as he thinks he finally found one.

First he checked out the entire menu where he saw starters and mains with a strong selection of meats aged up to 21 days. Before his food turned up, Harry had to enjoy a bottle of Coca Cola which is when a waiter arrived.

Inside the Menu Choices at Benidorm’s Newest Steakhouse

Offering a range of meats, Harry was stunned as he said: “Oh my goodness I was not expecting this.” The waiter shared the selection of cuts, which included a 500g Ribeye steak, 1kg Ribeye on the bone, fillet steak and the Entrecôte steak, known as their sirloin.

A pork rib was also on offer, the only cut matured for 21 days. Harry didn’t hesitate in going for the Entrecôte, requesting it well done – something his fans weren’t keen on.

Then in a second clip, he gave a proper lowdown on the entire meal.

Harry confessed: “Now I’ve not had a steak in a proper long time and I’m not even sure I’ve had a steak in Benidorm.

“But here I am and I’m about to tuck into this and it looks insane. We also have a lovely side salad and they also dished up a burger in their signature sauce.”

Upon tucking in, Harry simply declared: “Wow, absolutely unbelievable.”

He added: “The meat itself is very very juicy, full of flavour, it’s been cooked to perfection and covered in their signature sauce.

“With the sauce, I’m detecting a bit of butter, pepper and I think there might be a bit of brandy as well and it’s really different, I’m really liking the taste. For me, the meat is really soft and juicy. It’s incredible.”

Harry also confessed to feeling slightly nervous about the meat as he dislikes seeing it raw or bloody, however the restaurant did a “really good job”. Once the main course was cleared away, he was presented with dessert – a Pain Perdu, a brioche soaked in milk with cinnamon then caramelised in butter and orange juice, along with a tiramisu.

Wrapping up the whole experience, Harry said: “And just like that I’ve finished the meal. It was incredible, mouth-watering.

“I think what makes this place stand out is that you get to choose the meat that is cooked which I think makes it 10x better because you know what you’re getting.

“The food was cooked very very well and the staff are friendly, the service is quick and I think the prices are reasonable. So if you’re looking for a decent steakhouse in Benidorm in the Old Town this is the place to go to.”

Social Media Reacts to Controversial Steak Order in Spain

Since he shared the clips, many people fled to the comments section to share their opinion.

One admitted: “Went here last night! And not going to lie, best steak I’ve eaten in years!” Another fumed: “Well done c’mon you’re having a laugh.”

A third pointed out: “Way too expensive.” While a fourth mentioned: “Well done? Nahhhh that’s the only thing I’m going to judge you for.” And a fifth joked: “Well done? Surprised you didn’t get kicked out?”

TOURISTS are set to be given the chance to see Stonehenge up close and free of charge for the first time in over a century.

A select number of visitors will win the opportunity to get VIP access to the iconic UK tourist attraction.

A select few visitors to Stonehenge will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime private viewing of the epic spectacle.

The prehistoric site in Wiltshire sees around 1.4 million tourists every year – but the stones are usually viewed from afar and behind a barrier.

Now, English Heritage has confirmed that a lucky number of people will be able to win special access every day in August for nothing.

Since a fee to see Stonehenge was introduced back in 1901, free entry to the inner circle of stones is usually reserved for VIPs like high profile celebrities or political figures.

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As part of the special competition, one booking will be selected at random every day to be given private access free of charge.

The chosen groups will have the privilege of seeing the stones’ “delicate carvings” and coatings of rare algae and fungi coating known as “lichen”.

Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of operations for Stonehenge, said: “Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and a bucket-list destination for millions of people across the globe – but very few people have ever experienced the monument in complete peace and quiet.

“This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand within the ancient stones with no one else around, soaking up the atmosphere and spirituality of this remarkable place,” she added.

“There’s a certain stillness and tranquility about that space. It’s sort of mind-blowing and puts you right back in touch with our ancestors.”

To be in with a chance of nabbing the daily tour, visitors must make their booking on the official English Heritage website at least 72 hours in advance, so that winners can be contacted 24 hours before the visit.

The winning booking groups will be given the private half an hour tour at 9am, before any other tourists arrive.

They will then be treated to a breakfast roll and a hot drink, before being able to go off and enjoy the attraction in their own time.

GRAB your hard hat and get ready for a brilliant family day out, with an exclusive 2-for-1 discount on tickets to Diggerland, the UK’s only construction themed park.

Families can save over £39 on tickets and enjoy a day packed with giant machines, exciting rides, and hands-on fun across four locations in Kent, Devon, Durham, and Yorkshire.

Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month — don’t miss out.

At Diggerland, visitors can get behind the controls of real construction machinery and enjoy over 20 rides and drives, with more than 100 machines to explore.

Take in the views from 50 feet high on the Skyshuttle, climb into the driver’s seat of a JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader, enjoy the twists and turns of the Spindizzy ride or take the controls of a dumper truck.

Whether it is your first visit or you are coming back for more, Diggerland offers a day out where families can get involved, try something new and make memories along the way.

After all the excitement, families can take a well-earned break at the on-site café, enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas or let the little ones explore the dedicated Little Tikes area. 

With four UK parks to choose and FREE entry for children under 90cm, Diggerland has everything families need for a memorable day out.

Get 2-for-1 tickets to Diggerland

To redeem your voucher, follow the steps below:

• Step 2: Head to Offers Hub and find the Diggerland page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at 11am on Monday, August 3.

• Step 3: Download your voucher (Max 2 people per voucher) and have it ready on your phone or printed before your visit. 

• Step 4: Choose your Diggerland Park in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire.

• Step 5: Present your voucher at the gate when purchasing tickets, alongside a valid Sun Club account and claim your voucher by Monday, October 19 to claim this offer. 

T&Cs: Voucher is available on weekends throughout September and October, plus every day during the October half-term break, until October 31, 2026.

Or you can pick up the The Sun newspaper from Saturday, August 1 and collect Sun Savers codes.

• Find the Diggerland page in the Offers section and select Start Collecting.
• Collect THREE out of eight Sun Savers codes printed in The Sun from Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8. Once you have your THREE Sun Savers codes, enter them on the Sun Savers app or website to unlock booking. Booking opens at 11am on Monday, August 3.
• Download your voucher (Max 2 people per voucher), then either show it on your phone or print it and bring it with you to you chosen Diggerland Park in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire.
• Present your voucher at the gate when purchasing tickets, alongside a valid Sun Savers account and use your voucher by Saturday, October 31.

18+ UK only. Sun Savers multiple code collect 01/08/26-08/08/26 or Sun Club subscription required. Online access required. Buy one full price standard admission ticket to get a second standard admission ticket free for the same day. Voucher must be redeemed at attractions alongside valid Sun Club/Sun Savers account. Cannot be used online or in conjunction with any other offer. Max 2 people per voucher. Tickets valid weekends in September-October and October 26-30 only. Subject to availability. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Full T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk  or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club.

Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month — don’t miss out.

Beth used Vinted to sell all her unwanted items – and thinks other UK households could also be sitting on thousands of pounds

A Brit woman sold her unwanted things to start a new life abroad. But while she loves it, she misses one unusual thing about British life in particular.

Beth Hackman made £3,000 selling her unwanted clothes on Vinted to fund her dream move to Australia. She sold more than 600 items, including unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories on the app.

The 25 year old used the funds to pay for a flight, visa and accommodation in Sydney in March this year. Now she has started a new life as a physiotherapist.

But despite loving her new life, she does miss one aspect of life on the UK high street you perhaps wouldn’t expect. She said: “I’m loving Australia because of the work-life balance. I’m working fewer hours here than in the UK and making the same salary equivalent. I miss my family so much because I’m so close with them but I message and call them every day. Other than that I miss a Tesco meal deal.”

She decided to sell most of her clothes after realising she had far too many things. Beth listed everything from gym wear and occasion dresses to her brother’s prom suit and even a pair of Alexander McQueen trainers, which sold for £200.

“I’d just accumulated too much and hated how much was generally fast fashion,” Beth, from Windsor, Berkshire, said. “Moving to Australia has been a dream for around three years.

“I actually got to the point just before I went travelling that I sold all of my shoes so I just had my gym and running trainers or a random pair of heels left. I’d say I’ve sold at least 600 items and that much was just sat in my wardrobe.”

She believes many households are sitting on hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds worth of unwanted possessions without realising it. Beth said: “I would 100% encourage people to declutter if they’re saving for a major life goal. People don’t realise how much they could make.

“I think we’re all over consumers. Some of my friends have obscene amounts of clothes. Also, I feel better buying things second hand and also recycling my own clothes on Vinted. I wear a dress once and then sell it rather than let it sit in my wardrobe.”

Beth believes many people miss out on making easy money simply because they don’t present their listings properly. She also believes detailed descriptions and quick postage make a huge difference, helping her build positive reviews that encouraged more buyers.

Beth said: “Taking good photos with a clean background is key. I also used a mannequin sometimes. Good descriptions are important. I had a postage locker on my way to work so always posted things quickly so got lots of good reviews.

“I think people initially put things up for way too much. People on Vinted want a bargain and won’t pay normal resell prices. I will always negotiate. I’d rather it be sold and out of my house and lose out on 50p than be set on prices. Although some people do take the p***.

“Photos and descriptions really matter to me as a buyer and I wouldn’t buy from someone who looks like they don’t put effort in so I make sure my posts looks better.” Beth first downloaded Vinted around five years ago, but not with the intention of making money.

Instead, she used the resale platform as a savvy shopping tool, searching for designer pieces to see how they looked on real people before buying them new. She said: “I started to use it as a platform to double check a product.

“If I wanted a dress from House of CB, I’d search it on Vinted to see how it looked on real bodies and to compare sizes. I like to think I’m clever for this. It’s basically picture reviews.”

Passengers carrying the item in their hand luggage need to be aware of restrictions

Passengers flying from a busy UK airport are being reminded to pack their bags carefully. While most flyers know there are rules around carrying liquid items in hand luggage, there’s sometimes confusion over which beauty items and toiletries count as liquids.

Heathrow Airport has a reminder for passengers online. The airport has answered various security and baggage FAQs for customers on its website. Explaining the restrictions, the airline told its customers: “Liquids, aerosols and gels can now be packed in your cabin bag and are permitted in containers up to two litres. These do not need to be removed from your cabin baggage.”

As Heathrow Airport points out, common shower items such as shaving foam and gels count as liquids. Other items commonly packed in toiletry bags, including toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, and creams, are also classed as liquids, according to the advice.

The airport explained: “We often get asked about hair gels, creams and even yoghurt”. Here is a quick checklist of what is considered a liquid and what is not:

Not considered a liquid:

• Solid lipstick
• Stick deodorant

All these items are considered liquids:

• Drinks, soup and yoghurt
• Pastes and puréed food
• Formula milk (special rules apply for breast milk)
• Shaving foam
• Toothpaste
• Roll-on deodorant
• Atomisers, sprays
• Creams
• Gels

In the FAQs, the airport added: “Duty free liquids, aerosols and gels purchased after security can be carried as hand baggage. However, these must be sealed at the time of purchase with the receipt inside a security tamper-evident bag.”

More advice is available on Gov.uk. The advice says liquids include: “All drinks, including water. Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups. Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.

“Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants. Pastes, including toothpaste. Gels, including hair and shower gel. Contact lens solution. Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.”

However, passengers can carry refillable drink containers if they are empty. These can then be refilled in the departure lounge after security, and most airports have water fountains. For example, Heathrow Airport says there are over 100 water fountains across its four terminals.

Passengers carrying liquids are advised to check travel advice with the airports they are travelling through before departure. This should include the airport they are flying from, any other airports they plan to travel through, and the airport they are flying home to.

IF YOU love theme parks and often feel like you don’t get enough time in the day to see and do everything, then you might want to listen up.

Alton Towers is extending its opening hours from Friday, August 14 to Monday, August 31.

The park will stay open until 7pm each night, which gives guests an extra hour in the park.

Mina Fattahi at Alton Towers Resort said: “More time to experience thrills is always a good thing, but the classic mistake that people make is to head straight for the big rollercoaster they see from the entrance.

“Instead, head to the rides at the back of the park first.

“You’ll beat the crowds, spend less time queueing and fit in more rides throughout the day.”

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This summer Alton Towers also has “one of its biggest summer line-ups yet” with a Minecraft experience from July 18 until August 28.

And currently day tickets to the park cost less due to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Tickets cost £34.13 per person, instead of £39 per person when bought online in advance.

Guests under 90cm still visit for free.

Sometimes visiting for a day is just not enough though, even with the additional hour.

If this applies to you, you can also book to stay at Alton Towers Resort for short breaks from £87 per person.

The offer is available for stays between July 20 and September 1 and includes a day’s access to the theme park and free kids entry to the waterpark.

You can choose between either the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel, CBeebies Land Hotel, the Woodland Lodges at the Enchanted Village, Luxury Treehouses or the Stargazing Pods.

If staying at the Alton Towers Hotel, you can book into a themed room including ones with beds that look like a bathtub, a hot air balloon or even a princess carriage.

Alternatively, if you have toddlers the CBeebies Land Hotel is a great option, with live shows, games and meet and greets with CBeebies characters.

IS there anything more traditionally British than a big double-decker bus?

The Original London Bus Tour offer tours around the capital in classic, open-top buses – and there are some major savings to be had this summer.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

Families looking for an exciting day out in London can save 25% on children’s tickets for The Original Tour’s guided Kids Tour of London, with kids under 2 going free.

The tour is the only one of its kind, as the only live guided London bus tour that is catered specifically to kids.

Families can learn all about London from an enthusiastic tour guide on a 45 minute-long trip around the city.

The route will help you tick off all the major London sights, without the faff of hopping on and off the busy underground or walking long routes that are tiresome for little legs.

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Cheap & FREE school holiday family days out including fast cars, boats & museums

Simply sit back and relax on the open-top bus, where you are guaranteed a top deck seat.

You’ll cruise past landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, the London Eye and more.

But it’s not only about ticking off all the sights.

With the child-friendly commentary from the live tour guide, you’ll learn all the hidden secrets of London and fascinating facts that will make your day out all the more interesting.

Come September, the kids will have plenty of new knowledge to impress with at school – along with those fond family memories.

As the tour is catered to families, you can expect all the comforts like room to park your pram downstairs, free Wi-Fi, plus you’re allowed to bring snacks onboard.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

The best part? You can also claim seven other freebies as part of the offer.

Your ticket also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames cruise, where you can soak up the sights from the water.

Plus you’ll get access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.

That’s three ways to see London for the price of one – all of which are kid-friendly, hassle-free and put together by experts.

That way you can put together the perfect family day out in London during the school summer holidays that won’t break the bank.

Tours depart from Charles II Street, beside His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For added flexibility during the summer holidays, you can amend up to 24 hours before departure.

You can book your ticket online or browse other bus tours by clicking the button below.

The 25% off children’s tickets deal is a limited-time offer, and runs over the school summer holidays.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

THERE are plenty of campsites around the UK, but some of them are so beautiful, it feels like they could be hundreds of miles away.

Sun Travel has teamed up with camping experts at Pitchup.com to find ones in the UK that look like they could be abroad from coastal escapes to secluded lakes.

Ardlui Holiday Home Park

The first from Pitchup.com is Ardlui Holiday Home which looks over the marina on Loch Lomond in Scotland.

With its position on the lake and mountain backdrop it doesn’t look like it belongs in the UK.

The campsite welcomes families and dogs too – the nearby Ardlui Hotel serves up homemade food and Scottish whiskies.

The site offers camping, touring pitches, lodges and its waterfront glamping pods – tent pitches start from £18 per night for two adults.

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Portmeirion Motorhome Park

Portmeirion in Wales is known for looking like an Italian village with bright coloured buildings and pretty gardens.

Staying at Portmeirion Motorhome Park, the pitch price includes entry into the village itself.

You also get complimentary use of the heated outdoor swimming pool – so on a hot day you’ll feel like you’re paddling in Italy.

The campsite has pitches for motorhomes and campervans from £65 per night for two adults.

Pencarnan Farm Caravan and Camping Site

On a bright summer‘s day, a stay at Pencarnan Farm Caravan and Camping Site on the most western tip of Pembrokeshire could look like it could be abroad.

The campsite has direct access to Porthsele Beach and has incredible views of St Georges Channel.

The sea and bay are safe for swimming, kayaking and there are plenty of rockpools to explore at low tide.

There are pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes starting from £34.80 per night for two adults.

Seaview Gorran Haven Holiday Park

Set on the Roseland Peninsula this campsite is surrounded by green fields and the Cornish blue sea.

It has a heated outdoor pool with a large patio and sunloungers that’s open to guests in the summer months.

Nearby attractions include the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project.

It has grass and hardstanding pitches which start from £50 per night for two adults.

Atlantic Beach Resort

Thanks to its enormous swimming pool and proximity to some of Cornwall’s top beaches this campsite has the potential to feel like it’s in Europe.

Found on Cornwall’s north coast, it’s within minutes of some incredible beaches from Watergate Bay to Fistral Beach and Lusty Glaze Beach.

The campsite also has plenty of facilities like a playground for kids, segway adventures, laser tag and 80 classes per week at the gym.

It has grass and hardstanding pitches as well as bell tents – rates start from £36 for two adults for two nights or £9pppn.

Portavadie Loch Fyne

Portavadie Loch Fyne sits on the shores of a loch known as the ‘Secret Coast’ on the Scottish islands

It’s less of a standard campsite and more of a spa and leisure resort and it even has a heated infinity pool that looks out over the water.

There are indoor pools too, a gym as well as cycling trails through the forest.

Electric and grass motorhome pitches start from £28 per night for two adults.

Cornish Tipi Holidays

This peaceful campsite is found in a woodland valley and sits by an on-site lake which guests can swim in or take a small boat out.

The wild camping site is remote and suitable for anyone wanting a quiet break in nature.

It’s not far from the coast either – it’s a five-minute drive away from the nearest beach.

There are a variety of pitches as well as Tipi tents which can be booked out from £192 for two adults for two nights.

In a small mountain town you may stumble across hundreds of half-built., abandoned homes that resemble castles. While this development had big dreams, the plans never came into fruition

Imagine living in your very own miniature château, a three-storey villa that had gothic-inspired architecture with turrets and balustrades that made it resemble Cinderella’s castle at Disney World.

One housing developer had this dream, and it was set to build 732 of these unusual homes in a small town not far from Istanbul. But sadly, despite many homebuyers looking to buy into this unique community, it now lies abandoned 12 years after construction began.

While the houses looked straight out of a Disney film, they were actually inspired by Istanbul landmarks including the medieval Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower from Istanbul. The name of the development, Burj Al Babas, translates as ‘tower of Babas’ in Arabic, and came from the nearby Babas thermal springs. Each castle was set to have its own pipeline to the waters to create luxurious indoor swimming pools.

But the plans didn’t stop at rows and rows of castles. If completed, lucky residents would have had access to a huge domed complex with a shopping centre, mosque, cinema, and hammam, creating an entire community in the mountains. The relatively cool weather in the area was also seen as a selling point, allowing people from nearby Middle East countries to escape the worst of the summer heat.

The castles were listed in a glossy brochure, with prices ranging from $370,000 to $530,000, about £278,500 and £400,000, a modest sum to live in your own château. But despite half the castles being sold in advance, mostly to buyers from the Gulf states, not a single moving van made it to the complex.

As soon as construction began in 2014, with the aim of finishing in four years, it started to hit several snags. Firstly, contractors complained that the disposal of rubble had breached environmental laws, and a year later, workers protested that they hadn’t been paid. Contractors soon pulled out and started the long legal process of trying to reclaim their lost wages.

Add a failed military coup and bad luck with weather, and the construction soon fell behind schedule. Sales stalled too, due to the country’s instability at the time, and the lack of cash flow soon put the developer into bankruptcy.

Not a single castle was completed as of 2022, and there are 587 half-built castles on the plot, with the exposure to the elements likely causing water damage in many of them as time goes on.

As recently as 2024, there was renewed interest in the development with the Emir of Kuwait visiting President Erdoğan, and it was reported that Burj Al Babas was discussed. The Guardian were also given a tour of the site in the same year by Adem Tekgöz, a representative of developers the Sarot Group, who claimed: “It gets cold in the winter, so we stopped construction. We’re preparing to restart next summer”.

However, as of 2026 there appears to be no trace of the Sarot Group online and still no word as to whether the project will ever be restarted, leaving a ghost town rather than a fairytale village.

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

A British tourist in the Canary Islands has captured the chaos of her hotel’s sunbed wars, but she admits that rather than being annoyed, there’s one reason why she found the whole scene ‘funny’

A Brit staying in Tenerife was unimpressed by her fellow holidaymakers after she spotted sunbed wars erupting before the hotel had even opened up the breakfast bar.

Chenaiyah Bernard, 21, from Leeds captured the video of holidaymakers rushing early in the morning to snag their favourite sunbeds, even staking their claim on parasols in an attempt to get the best spot.

She was staying in the popular resort town of Playa de las Américas, and captured the scenes from her balcony last Friday (July 24).

The primary school play worker says she was relaxing on her balcony at 7.45am, and saw a group of people hanging around the pool area, looking to nab their loungers for the day before breakfast had even opened.

Chenaiyah’s video, set to the Mario Kart theme tune, shows Brits patiently waiting around for the cleaners to finish, standing next to parasols to stake out the area they want before they can grab sunbeds for the day, reports creatorzine.com.

Chenaiyah said: “I woke up early to stand outside of my hotel room balcony and witnessed a bunch of British people all stood around the cleaners waiting for them to finish so they could then occupy a sunbed and then head off to breakfast. I doubt they will all be wanting to sunbathe at 7.45am since it’s not that warm. People began to occupy parasols with their towels, which I found funny.”

Once the pool area is open, the Brits are shown taking sunbeds out and throwing their towels over them to mark their territory, before casually strolling away.

Chenaiyah was left bemused by the scenes, which ultimately proved pointless; she claims she had no trouble finding a poolside sunbed when she went down to relax later that morning, meaning the early birds’ rush may have been completely unnecessary.

She said: “I don’t care to wake up early for a sunbed but other people can do what they want.” She added that although it didn’t seem overtly “competitive or aggressive” adding that “it was just funny watching people wake up early just to claim a sunbed way earlier than they actually will need it, and I assume some people probably want to hog the sunbeds all day and not allow people who also want to sunbathe to use one.”

Chenaiyah said she doesn’t judge those taking part in the sunbed scramble, saying: “I don’t think it’s that serious in my opinion to go downstairs that early to claim a sunbed, to have your towel sat there when you aren’t always going to be with. Like, get out of the resort and explore, but people can honestly do what they want.”

But she pointed out there was plenty to do even if you don’t sit by the pool: “People who sleep in probably aren’t bothered about claiming a sunbed at the crack of dawn and feel they have better things to do, like exploring the area or going to the beach.”

Chenaiyah’s video has since been viewed over 160,000 times on TikTok with over 5,000 likes, and it’s safe to say most of the comments were on her side. One said: “Why oh why do people do this you are on holiday for god’s sake.”

Others claimed these kinds of videos influenced the kind of breaks they’d book in future. One said: “Why would you go on this type of holiday, that’s hell.”, while another joked: “all inclusive about as much fun as an MRI scan.”

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

The picturesque town is dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ and boasts award-winning wineries

If you’re after a UK destination to visit that’s away from the usual tourist trail, look no further than this underrated town. Like many British market towns, this spot has seen businesses come and go, but it has generally remained resilient thanks to tourism and its emphasis on independent retailers.

New cafés, salons and professional services have continued to open in recent years, helping maintain a lively town centre despite the wider challenges facing UK high streets. Its high street is often described as one of the most attractive market-town high streets in Kent.

Rather than being dominated by chain stores, it has retained a strong independent character, with a broad, tree-lined layout that makes it feel more like a promenade than a conventional shopping street.

When it comes to independent shopping you’ll find boutiques, gift shops, bookshops, galleries, jewellers, delicatessens, cafés and specialist retailers alongside a handful of familiar national brands. This mix has helped the town remain a shopping destination for both locals and visitors.

Walking along the high street today, you’ll pass several historic landmarks, including St Mildred’s Church, whose origins date back to the 12th century and the 1792 Town Hall, an elegant Georgian building.

Kent town

Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Weald” by locals, the picturesque town of Tenterden in Kent is easily accessible and boasts arts and folk festivals, restaurants and award-winning wineries and historic architecture.

Although the population is only around 8,200, Tenterden serves a much wider rural area. People from dozens of surrounding villages come into town for shopping, healthcare, banking and cafés, so it often feels busier than its size would suggest.

For a relatively small place, Tenterden has a busy calendar. Annual events include:

• May Fair
• Folk Festival
• Christmas Market
• Classic car gatherings
• Steam railway events
• Food and drink festivals

Many of these take place on or around the high street, making it the perfect spot for locals and visitors to get together.

History

One of Tenterden’s most fascinating stories is its unexpected maritime past. Although the town now lies several miles inland, it was once closely connected to the sea.

During the Middle Ages, ships could sail up the River Rother to the nearby port of Small Hythe, which became an important centre for shipbuilding.

Over time, the river silted up and the coastline gradually shifted, leaving Tenterden inland.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways and an integral part of Tenterden’s character.

Stretching 17 km between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, the line takes passengers for “a nostalgic journey” through the scenic Rother Valley to view a 14th-century structure, Bodiam Castle, which is regarded as “one of the best loved and best known castles in England”.

Combining rich railway history with some of the finest countryside in Kent and East Sussex, it remains one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions.

The town is home to Chapel Down Winery, which provides tours and tastings of its award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, according to WorldAtlas. The town also regularly plays host to arts and crafts fairs and folk festivals, amongst them a free-entry community festival taking place this summer.

Tenterden is a popular base for exploring both Kent and East Sussex, and within 20 minutes, you can also reach:

• Rye
• Romney Marsh
• Bodiam Castle
• Great Dixter
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden
• Camber Sands

The Hogwarts Express has arrived in Perris, Calif.

The Southern California Railway Museum has temporarily turned into Platform 9 3⁄4 to host “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” The one-hour theater performance takes place on a moving train and features singalongs, spellcasting and House cheers. Tickets cost between $72.25 and $93.25 per passenger.

The experience is the first of its kind in the United States, said Jarrette Ireland, vice president and general manager of Colorado-based Rail Events Inc., and Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at New York-based Warner Bros. Discovery.

As of July 23, the experience sold just under 11,000 tickets in pre-sales.

The train event commences as the Harry Potter franchise’s author, J.K. Rowling, continues to draw criticism for her opposition toward transgender women. She has long been criticized for transphobic commentary on X and for funding organizations that fight to exclude trans women from public life.

In Perris, local LGBTQ+ activists urge for a boycott. Ashley Williamson, lead director of R.I.S.E. Perris Pride, said that financially supporting the experience — and anything to do with a Harry Potter trademark — funnels money to Rowling, who puts that wealth toward initiatives targeting trans rights.

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1. The cast performs with magic wands in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” 2. A passenger holds a Platform 9 3/4 ticket. 3. The Hogwarts Express conductor performs in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” (David Fouts / For The Times)

“What’s really terrifying is that influence. It’s already being felt in the United States,” Williamson said. “There’s a trans genocide happening. It’s very serious.”

Williamson, who is nonbinary and identifies under the trans umbrella, said it is “already very scary being openly queer in Perris,” where the Harry Potter experience is hosted. She, her children and other queer and trans folks in their circle have experienced hateful slurs, home vandalism and other queerphobic prejudice.

Asking the public not to purchase anything Harry Potter related, they said, is “the most we feel that we can do for our community.”

Responding to general concerns about Rowling, Wallis said, “We feel privileged to create these experiences for the fans who love the stories, and there’s a very deep fandom out there. A lot of these kids, my own included, grew up with these movies and stories, and they love to experience them in new ways.”

Warner Bros. Discovery did not respond to a request for comment about local advocacy at the time of publication.

Ireland said Rail Events “is really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience” and later clarified that it doesn’t have “a personal connection” to Rowling.

But Warner does. For instance, its new Harry Potter television series will air this Christmas.

There was no mention of Rowling during a recent preview of the train experience, which is geared toward children. Passengers travel through “Platform 9¾” and board the train, where four Hogwarts students belonging to each House greet them.

A cast member carries Fred Weasley’s Basic Blaze Box.

Passengers watch the performance in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”

“Are you a Hufflepuff?” one of the Hogwarts students asked a visitor.

For those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter universe, each House embodies a trait: courage for Gryffindor, loyalty for Hufflepuff, wisdom for Ravenclaw and ambition for Slytherin.

When the train takes off, the students make these personality differences known. The Gryffindor and Slytherin maintain a traditional rivalry, the Ravenclaw nerds out about magical history and the Hufflepuff attempts to mediate them all.

To successfully complete their journey, each student must embody a virtue that belongs to a different House. The Gryffindor must hone wisdom, the Hufflepuff courage, the Ravenclaw ambition and the Slytherin loyalty.

Throughout the ride, the students put their new traits to the test: confronting a hippogriff blocking the tracks, capturing runaway chocolate frogs and facing off a soul-sucking dementor. By the end of the journey, they overcome their House stereotypes and learn they aren’t so different from one another after all.

A dementor puppet moves through the train in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”

According to the experience’s website, the train travels along a route through the neighborhoods of Perris and starts and ends at the same place. When visitors disembark the train, they head to an area inspired by Hogsmeade, a village that sits outside Hogwarts. Here, they can purchase themed drinks, food and merchandise.

Navigating the logistics of “putting theater tech into a train” was a “real adventure,” Ireland said. Inside, TV screens replaced the overhead luggage compartments, and a strip of lights lined the carriages’ walls from front to back. Gray shades embellished with a circular “Hogwarts Express” logo covered all the windows, so visitors can’t see outside.

These elements aided the storytelling. The TVs played scenes from the Harry Potter films and helped suspend disbelief where magical creatures were involved, and the lighting system aided in spellcasting.

Streaks of light fly down the carriage in one dueling scene, and in the show’s climax, the lights go dark when a dementor — played by a hooded actor puppeteering the creature strapped to their torso — floats down the aisle.

It was the Hufflepuff who, with the help of passengers, vanquished the dementor.

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1. The cast showcases floating feathers after performing a levitation spell. 2. A cast member carries a box of chocolate frogs through the train.

“Everyone, repeat after me!” the Hufflepuff called, wand pointed at the creature. “Expecto Patronum!”

As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers. Defeated, the dementor drifted down the aisle and out of sight.

The experience will run at the Southern California Railway Museum through Sept. 27.

Ireland said future stops will be announced in the fall, with plans to expand throughout North America and, ultimately, to the United Kingdom.

RYANAIR is known for budget-friendly flights – and they’re getting even cheaper in its flash sale.

From now until 23.59 tonight there are deals to be had on its 235 routes – some fares for travel in August are as little as £14.

The cheap Ryanair flights can be booked on the website or app for this summer up until the end of October.

Some of the cheapest flights still available in August include routes from Bournemouth Airport to Edinburgh from £14.09.

Other bargain flights include ones from Edinburgh to Belfast which start from £13.79.

Over 100 routes are on sale from London Stansted including one-way flights in August to Copenhagen from £15.99.

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Also under £20 in August are flights to Fez, Carcassone, Pula, Limoges and Milan.

There are 22 routes on sale from London Luton – some of the cheapest include one-way flights to Alicante in August for as little as £19.99.

Other flights for £19.99 include routes to Majorca – the popular Balearic island with beautiful beaches.

From Manchester Airport there are 50 routes available with cheap flights through the summer into autumn.

In October, some of the cheapest flights are to Santander with one-way tickets from £15 – also you can head to Zagreb from £22 and Pisa from £18.

There are deals available from 22 airports including London Gatwick to Aberdeen, Teeside, Norwich and Leeds Bradford.

Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said: “July Pay Day means one thing – it’s time to book your next summer getaway!”

“Whether you’re dreaming of a last-minute beach escape, a sun-soaked city break, or simply need a well-deserved getaway, Ryanair’s 24-hour July pay day flash sale has you covered with fares from as little as £19.99 for travel throughout August.

“Book before 23:59 tonight (Wed, 29 Jul) on the Ryanair App.”

LET’S be honest: booking a cheap hotel is easy.

But booking a cheap hotel that previous guests actually rate is where things can get really tricky, because the lowest price very rarely equals the best value.

A bargain hotel becomes considerably less impressive the second you see reviews mentioning cold chips, paper-thin walls, and a swimming pool that was clearly photographed with a deceptive wide-angle lens.

To find the ultimate value holiday location, I’ve crunched the numbers on hotel prices across Europe’s favourite package destinations and cross-referenced them with each hotels’ average TripAdvisor ratings.

One caveat though: while the deals in this article are all brilliantly cheap, this isn’t just a list of rock-bottom prices. That’s of no use to you at all.

I’ve also factored in the volume of positive hotel reviews, the choice of properties, and what you actually get for your cash on arrival too.

I’ve ranked my final seven picks by their average score, counting down to the destination that statistically had the absolute happiest guests for the absolute best value.

7. Costa del Sol, Spain (Average Rating: 3.82/5)

The Costa del Sol has been dominating the package market for decades, and that breadth of experience really shows in the data.

Because there’s massive competition between hotels to fill beds every year, prices stay ruthlessly competitive… which is great news for you.

While its hotel’s 3.82 average score sits at the bottom of our final seven, it makes the cut because it’s a destination that is incredibly easy to get right, with massive flight capacity from across the UK keeping travel costs low.

For example, I spotted a five-night, room-only stay at the Helios Costa Tropical in Almunecar, flying from Bournemouth in September, from just £270pp.

This three-star property is completely outperforming the regional average with a staggering 4.8/5 TripAdvisor rating.

And the hotel sits right on the San Cristobal promenade, meaning you can walk straight out of breakfast and onto the sand without paying the inflated room premiums usually charged by the big chain resorts in neighbouring Nerja.

6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (Average Rating: 3.85/5)

Fuerteventura is one of the best holiday spots for making a modest holiday budget feel significantly larger.

Resorts here specialise in huge pool complexes and massive, wide beaches that never feel crowded, even during peak school holidays.

Caleta de Fuste is a top-tier shout for families due to the sheltered bays, while Costa Calma is built for world-class lounging.

You can lock in a five-night self-catering stay at the three-star R2 Higos Beach in Costa Calma, flying from London Gatwick in early September from £385pp.

This hotel even pulls in a brilliant 4.6/5 guest rating because it sidesteps the sterile, high-rise block feel of the island’s mega resorts.

The apartments also come with fully equipped, modern kitchens, with the hotel situated right next to a local market, meaning you can prep cheap breakfasts on your private terrace and keep your daily spending money completely intact. Thrifty.

5. The Algarve, Portugal (Average Rating: 3.88/5)

The Algarve tracks at a solid 3.88 average hotel score, but it’s the value in Portugal mixed with the unbelievable scenery you get for your money that earns it a spot on the board.

The dramatic golden cliffs and hidden coves make even a basic walk to the local bar look cinematic.

Albufeira provides the largest pool of cheap apartments, while Alvor and Carvoeiro handle the quieter family pace.

I dug out five nights at the Aura Village Apartments in Albufeira from just £260pp, with direct flights from London Stansted in late September.

It’s a self-catering setup at this hotel, which makes its stellar 4.7/5 review score all the more impressive.

This hotel is near-perfect for a Portuguese holiday as it offers guests a quiet, central apartment that can be used as a launchpad for the rest of the resort. 

Which means you can camp here all day, then head out in the evenings, walk a couple of streets back from the main strip and find independent tavernas hidden in the back alleys that will serve you authentic Piri-Piri chicken for half the price of the tourist traps on the front.

4. Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Average Rating: 4.00/5)

Lanzarote is the only Canary Island on our radar where hotel reviews hit a flawless 4.0 average.

Because development on the island was historically controlled by strict low-rise building laws, you get whitewashed, low-density resorts instead of towering concrete blocks.

Puerto del Carmen is the great all-rounder for value, while Costa Teguise routinely drops some of our heaviest package discounts.

One of the best-reviewed hotel loopholes I found was the Princesa Guayadeque in Puerto del Carmen, with five nights self-catering and flights from Bristol right at the end of September from £320pp.

It’s a two-star hotel, but don’t let that fool you. This spot pulls an exceptional 4.7/5 score from guests who rave about its pristine cleanliness.

And because of the hotel’s high-up position, it sits just a short, flat walk away from the main strip, giving you completely peaceful nights away from the bar noise without forcing you to budget for local taxis.

3. Costa Blanca, Spain (Average Rating: 4.07/5)

The Costa Blanca might be the most complete package bargain in Europe.

The sheer volume of hotels in hubs like Benidorm keeps prices brilliant year-round, and despite that, Costa Blanca hotels still pull in an immensely impressive 4.07/5 average rating.

If the main neon strip feels a bit too lively, nearby Albir offers a completely relaxed alternative under the shadow of the Sierra Helada cliffs.

A standout value option here is the three-star MC Amalia Apartments in Benidorm, where five nights self-catering costs just £255pp, with flights from London Gatwick in late September into early October.

The hotel has a strong 4.5/5 rating, not least because of its brilliant positioning near Levante beach.

It also sits right on the edge of the historic Old Town, meaning you can skip the commercial tourist restaurants and eat like a local at the traditional, wood-fired tapas bars hidden down the famous “Tapas Alley” for a fraction of the cost.

2. Malta (Average Rating: 4.14/5)

Malta delivers an incredible mix of excellent accommodation, historical city walls, and a massive 4.14 average review rating for hotels.

Despite the numbers, it still gets routinely overlooked by Brits who automatically type Spain or Greece into Google, meaning there is excellent value hiding in plain sight.

And if you do fancy it, I’d look around Qawra and Bugibba for the steepest discounts.

For a central base however, St Julian’s Scirocco, Affiliated by Melia is sitting at £340pp for five nights room-only, flying from London Stansted on September 25.

And the best bit: this three-star hotel cleans up with a 4.6/5 score.

This hotel even boasts a rooftop pool deck, giving you panoramic views over the local Mediterranean bays while you lounge, letting you enjoy a premium, high-end city-beach aesthetic without paying the luxury waterfront resort prices down the road.

1. Antalya, Turkey (Average Rating: 4.30/5)

Antalya takes the number one spot on my board by proving that “cheap” and “basic” do not have to live in the same sentence.

The resort has earned an exceptional 4.3 average guest rating at hotels – the highest in Europe.

And because these massive Turkish resorts are locked in a permanent race to out-spec each other with on-site waterparks, private beaches, and the very-best restaurants, the biggest people who benefit are you and me.

This deal highlights the sheer value here perfectly: five nights all inclusive at the 4-star Grand Uysal Beach & Spa Hotel in Alanya is available from just £415pp, flying from Liverpool this September.

The hotel also carries a brilliant 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor, making this deal even more of a find.

While self-catering elsewhere looks cheaper on paper, going all inclusive in Antalya is the smart holidaymaker’s move because it covers your food, drinks, snacks, and waterpark access in one single bill.

The Grand Uysal even has its own private beach that’s accessible via a private underpass, meaning you can step from the pool bar onto the sand in thirty seconds without ever navigating the main coastal road traffic. 

Easily my pick of the bunch.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

EUROPE’S highest free public viewing gallery has announced it is closed until further notice.

Horizon 22 is inside one of London‘s tallest buildings, 833 feet above ground level with sweeping views across the city.

However, anyone with tickets will have to look elsewhere as yesterday Horizon 22 announced its closure on social media.

It said: “Unfortunately, Horizon 22 will be closed until further notice. All ticket holders have been contacted.”

It continued: “Please check your email for more details. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you to Horizon 22 soon.”

It updated customers today with the news that it remains “closed until further notice”.

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And that it will “share our reopening date as soon as we can.”

Talking to Sun Travel, a spokesperson for 22 Bishopsgate explained the issue is a water leak.

The spokesperson said: “Having experienced significant water leakage in certain parts of the building, we have made the decision to close 22 Bishopsgate until we are able to fully operate all our life safety systems.

“We have informed all our occupiers and are working to rectify the issue and to reopen the building as soon as possible. 

“We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause our occupiers and visitors and would like to take this opportunity to offer our apologies.”

Horizon 22 first opened in 2023 and has been extremely popular with visitors as it’s completely free.

Tickets need to be booked in advance and are released every Monday at 10am for the next 14 days.

From the viewing platform, visitors can see London landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Gherkin.

In the meantime, other viewing platforms in the city include The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and the Sky Garden.

Both are completely free but need to be booked in advance to guarantee entry.

AN AFFORDABLE airline has delayed its flights from a major UK airport – before they’ve even taken off.

AirAsia X was due to launch flights from London Gatwick on August 27, however flights have been removed from the schedule.

The airline has said that due to “prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia” the route is now expected to launch in March 2027.

Benyamin Ismail, General Manager of AirAsia X said: “Following a thorough review of the operating environment, we have made the difficult decision to defer the commencement of our Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick services due to the prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia.

“This decision was made in view of ongoing safety and operational considerations, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew remaining our highest priority.

“It is also in line with actions taken by other carriers that have reduced or suspended operations in the region.

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“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and review the route when conditions are conducive to safe and sustainable operations.”

The route will travel between London Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stopping at Bahrain and would’ve operated four times a week and then daily from the start of November.

Flights were set to be on an Airbus A330-300, which with AirAsia X, holds between 285 and 377 passengers.

Despite being a long-haul flight, the airline has been able to make the route low-cost due to the stopover in Bahrain and choosing Gatwick Airport over London Heathrow.

The Malaysian airline already delayed the launch of the route due to conflict in the Middle East.

However, the airline said at the time that it was still focusing on growth, with specific destinations including Busan, Batam, Bahrain and London.

When flights eventually launch, British travellers will be able to head to 100 destinations across Asia through the airline’s Kuala Lumpur hub, including Japan and Sri Lanka.

The airline used to operate budget long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to London but the service stopped in 2012.

AirAsia X added that all impacted travellers will be informed and offered either a full refund or credit to be used within 730 days.

If you’re heading to the beach you may see this fun-looking activity on offer, but tourists are being warned that taking part could invalidate your insurance – and other surprising things can also see your insurer refuse to pay out

When you’re on a sunny holiday overseas, it’s likely you get more adventurous and trying some new activities or sports can look more appealing, especially after a few drinks.

But holidaymakers are being warned that taking part in a variety of activities can invalidate your travel insurance, meaning that an accident could leave you up to £80,000 out of pocket.

The travel insurance team at Quotezone.co.uk listed seven holiday activities that could interfere with your travel insurance coverage, and many of them are popular in holiday hotspots. According to its study, 36% would like to try an activity-filled holiday, and 35% said they can’t relax when they are just sunbathing, meaning lots of Brits would be tempted to try out one of these high-octane activities when bored.

Banana boats were among the activities that Quotezone cautioned Brits against. It said: “Whilst most standard travel insurance policies do include banana boats under general water sports, it’s important to do so safely. Not wearing a life jacket, being under the influence of alcohol, or going on a boat that isn’t run by a licensed operator could all result in a rejected claim should you get injured.”

Another thing to look out for on the beach is organised sports events. With the popularity of fitness breaks growing, many Brits now take part in organised sports activities as part of their holiday, but physical strain and injuries might not be covered under your travel insurance in these cases.

Water sports such as scuba diving and jet-skiing can also be risky and may need specialist cover. Some policies cover scuba activities, but only up to a certain depth, and if you don’t dive with a qualified instructor or neglect to follow local laws, you may not be covered in an accident.

Back on dry land, any activities with wheels can be a danger, from hiring a scooter or motorbike to go karting, especially if you don’t wear a helmet or follow local laws. Quad biking is another activity that’s rarely covered by standard insurance policies, but an accident can be extremely costly. A quad biking accident in Greece, for example, that includes surgery and medical repatriation could carry costs of over £80,000 for someone without adequate insurance.

Helen Rolph , travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Many Brits don’t realise that popular holiday activities like jet-skiing or quad biking could leave them thousands of pounds out of pocket if they’re not properly insured.

“Even if coverage is in place, claims can still be rejected if local safety laws are broken, the holidaymakers don’t wear a helmet or are found to be under the influence of alcohol.

“When heading abroad, people often think activities like banana boating and go karting, popular with young travellers, stag and hen parties – are included as standard, but this is rarely the case and could leave thrill-seekers at risk.”

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

The popular airline has shared a booking update for holidaymakers planning their next trip

easyJet has shared a major update for holidaymakers planning their 2027 getaway. While the 2026 summer holidays aren’t over yet, many families are looking ahead to next year. For anyone interested in booking with easyJet, there’s good news.

The airline says its ‘big seat release’ has arrived, and customers can now book seats up until September 2027. Sharing a booking update on social media, easyJet took to Facebook to share the news with passengers. The post said: “Summer 2027 has landed.”

easyJet explained: “Our Big Seat Release is here, meaning you can secure your seat up until 26th September 2027 and start counting down to your next trip.” More information on the easyJet website states: “Summer 2027 flights are now on sale, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure for the summer holidays and beyond.

“Whether you’re keen to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite destination, you can book with confidence. Secure your seats for travel between 14 June 2027 and 26 September and start counting down to your well‑earned getaway. Book now and get ready to fly.”

According to the airline’s FAQ page, autumn 2027 flights will also be released soon. Passengers planning ahead can sign up for the airline’s newsletter to find out about upcoming releases. easyJet said its ‘big seat release’ events offer the ‘chance to grab the best fares early for popular destinations.’

If 2026 is anything to go by, travellers in 2027 will be booking destinations inspired by their favourite TV shows, books, and sports. In a blog post dedicated to 2026 travel trends, easyJet said 28% of Brits have been picking destinations based on TV or film.

This could be thanks to inspiration from hit shows like The White Lotus. Sharing a tip for customers, easyJet said: “Instead of the expensive Saint-Tropez, travellers are looking at nearby Toulon or Villefranche-sur-Mer for Riviera glamour at a lower price.”

Book enthusiasts are getting in on the action, too. easyJet said: “Travellers are visiting historic towns rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retellings. Top Spots: Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway). Why: People are seeking depth and narrative meaning rather than just ‘chasing novelty’.”

Meanwhile, sports lovers are choosing destinations that offer pickleball and padel when booking active holidays. The airline shared: “Golf holidays are no longer the only game in town.

“One in 10 Brits is now playing pickleball or padel while away. The Hotspot: Spain is the global centre of Padel, with over 20,000 courts and higher participation than tennis.

“Convenience: Padel racquets are small enough to fit in hand luggage, making it an easy addition to a trip.” More information is available on the easyJet website.

HEATHROW passengers to face DECADES of higher fares as the airport is set to recoup costs of its multi-billion expansion plans.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed the UK’s biggest airport will be able to recover up to £320million that it’s spent on its third runway proposal.

The maximum airport charger per passenger will be about 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.

The higher airline charges, which will be built into the cost of flights, will last for about 20 to 25 years.

Heathrow West, a rival expansion scheme led by property billionaire Surinder Arora, has been given the go-ahead to recoup £4.1 million it spent on its plan in 2025 up to November 25, despite it not giving the go-ahead.

Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) scheme is estimated to cost £33billion, including £1.5billion to move the M25, and is expected to be fully privately financed.

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It would see Heathrow’s annual capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150million passengers.

British Airways, the largest airline at Heathrow, warned that early cost recovery by HAL would create a risk that expansion will be “unaffordable for consumers and inconsistent with a credible benefits case”, according to a CAA document.

Airlines have repeatedly complained that Heathrow has the highest charges of any airport in the world.

Tim Johnson, the CAA’s director of consumers and markets, said: “Our decision strikes a balance between supporting the delivery of benefits to consumers through timely progress on Heathrow expansion, whilst also protecting them from undue increases in costs.

“The costs Heathrow can recover are capped, independently scrutinised and subject to efficiency reviews, helping ensure that passengers only pay for efficient costs that are justified.”

A separate process will be conducted to decide arrangements for costs incurred from 2027.

Last month, the Government launched a consultation on its Heathrow expansion national policy statement, setting out the conditions needed if the project is to be given the go-ahead.

Former chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was determined to get “spades in the ground” for the third runway which is set to be built by 2035.

However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously expressed concerns over Heathrow expansion, stating the plans divert infrastructure investment “away from the North and traps it in London”.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the project will give passengers more choice while providing a “real economic boost to every region and nation of the country”.

He went on: “We have been clear from the start that unlocking the private investment that will deliver these benefits requires a supportive regulatory framework.

“We are carefully considering the CAA proposals and will make investment decisions accordingly.”

A new alert has been issued in Spain

People in Spain have received another urgent warning following a national emergency declaration earlier this week.

Thousands were forced to flee their homes as wildfires tore through sections of the country, although many have since been permitted to return. A new alert from Spain’s national weather agency, posted on X on Wednesday morning, cautions that additional fires could break out. The message, initially published in Spanish, reads: “With the new heatwave, today the fire danger will be very high or extreme in most of the country.

“Take extreme precautions.” Temperatures are forecast to reach 41C today in the central province of Toledo, where residents from nine of 11 evacuated towns were given the all-clear to return home on Tuesday.

Madrid is bracing for highs of 38C, while Zaragoza is predicted to see the mercury climb to 40C, according to the Met Office. Seville, Malaga, and Palma are expected to experience highs of 37C, 33C, and 33C, respectively.

The UK government hasn’t issued any blanket warnings for Spain, though it is advising holidaymakers to remain alert. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to urge Brits in wildfire-affected areas to “follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times; check updates from the emergency services; and call 112 if you need emergency help”.

On Tuesday, Spain’s Interior Minister urged people: “Don’t let your guard down” adding that “a spark, a moment of carelessness, or an oversight can change anything”. The FCDO guidance states: “Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas.

“Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbecue.”

Brits have been urged to make two essential passport checks before heading abroad this summer as data shows more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements

British travellers heading to France, Greece, Italy and Spain have been urged to make a crucial passport check before heading on their summer holidays as new data reveals more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements.

Brits entering the EU Schengen area must have a passport issued less than ten years before the start of the trip and have an expiry date at least three months after the return.

New data reveals that more than 705,000 UK passports currently have fewer than three months’ validity remaining, meaning travellers would be unable to board their plane.

A further 350,000 were issued more than a decade ago, meaning more than one million could fail entry requirements for some overseas destinations.

Holidaymakers have been urged to check their passports before travelling abroad in the coming months following this new analysis of HM Passport Office data from June 2026.

The 10-year rule is particularly relevant for travellers whose passports were issued before September 2018. Before then, when renewing a passport, HM Passport Office could add up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to a new one.

This means some passports may still be in date but no longer meet the Schengen entry requirements.

In total, HM Passport Office data shows that 2.37 million passports are due to expire during 2026.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case.

“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.

“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.

“Renewing a passport early could help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of holiday plans being disrupted.”

Why go now?

One of Europe’s hotspots, central Rome has increasingly come to resemble a tube station during rush hour: stifling, overpacked and claustrophobia-inducing. Last year, the Eternal City welcomed a record number of tourists, driven in part by the 2025 Vatican Jubilee – 22.9 million arrivals stayed in the city, almost 10 times the number of residents.

There is no sign of the great tourist boom slowing down, either, with local sources indicating that 2026 could steal the crown from 2025.

Yet while holidaymakers stream out of Rome’s main railway station, Termini, making a beeline towards the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia, few realise that a 20-minute walk in the opposite direction leads to one of Rome’s most overlooked quarters: San Lorenzo.

Built in the late 19th century for the working-class community, San Lorenzo carries more modern historical weight than many of its city-centre counterparts. During Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, both local residents (sanlorenzini) and the Arditi del Popolo (AdP) – an anti-fascist military group – were involved in acts of resistance.

During the little-documented 1922 battle of San Lorenzo, members of the AdP resisted squadrist incursions into the neighbourhood, forcing them to retreat under gunfire. Five months later, during the March on Rome, barricades were erected to prevent the blackshirts from entering the area. Though 13 people were killed in the unrest, fascist forces never fully controlled the neighbourhood. It became known as the red zone, symbolising its leftwing politics.

Tragedy struck again towards the end of the second world war, when allied bombing destroyed swathes of the area and killed about 1,500 sanlorenzini.

Today, the living situation in this counterculture quarter is a lot less combative. Students from nearby La Sapienza University mingle with artists, creatives and longtime residents who have remained rooted in their working-class, leftwing identity. Although it has had a cash injection, and clubhouse chains Soho House and Social Hub have opened their doors, the neighbourhood has retained much of the character that sets it apart from Rome’s increasingly crowded centre.

Where to eat and drink

Sticky menus with photos of food on them are thankfully few and far between, as are plates of carbonara for more than €10. The district’s Pizzeria Formula 1 is a rite of passage for those living in the area. The no-frills spot has served up Roman-style thin-crust pizza since 1978, specialising in classic toppings such as margherita. Its interior matches what is served: a wood-lined room with white ceilings that looks like it hasn’t been touched since its opening. Both old and young come for meals that rarely stretch beyond €10 per head.

A few minutes away is Osteria da Marcello, a family-run fixture since 1961. Before Marcello Santececca and his wife, Alessandrina, opened their doors, the premises catered largely to fagottari, diners who bought food from home and wine from the establishment. Typical Roman dishes, such as stewed tripe, deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes (carciofi alla giudia), cacio e pepe pasta, and braised oxtail are served on plates placed on paper-covered tables in a dining room retaining its indoor picnic atmosphere.

It’s not just inexpensive eateries that prevail. Nena Mercato e Cucina, run by Italian actor Cristiano Caccamo and his business partner Lorenzo Biancolella, represents a newer side of San Lorenzo: trendy without pomp. Tiled tables and plates hung on the walls lend a Spanish feel, while the menu reworks old-school Italian staples with a sprinkle of modernity, from duck fettuccine with parmesan foam to carbonara with truffles.

Those with a sweet tooth can cleanse their palates with a bona fide gelato from the aptly named Gelato San Lorenzo, which serves flavours ranging from the obscure (avocado, lemon and pepper) to classic (strawberry).

Nearby, 103-year-old chocolate factory SAID dal 1923 serves up desserts centred on chocolate. Display cabinets show off handmade pralines and truffles, and chocolate-making paraphernalia dangles from the walls, offering a reminder of the zone’s industrial past. Come autumn, the chocolatier’s rich hot chocolate is moreish enough for Augustus Gloop to want to wade in.

As dusk falls, Piazza dell’Immacolata becomes the neighbourhood’s unofficial living room, where raucous university students spill out with beers and plastic cups of wine in hand.

Wine bars are few, but it doesn’t mean they are non- existent. Hidden in plain sight is minuscule Ramnes, a wine bar where patrons and newcomers revel in conversation between sips of local wine (such as the crisp Bellone) and beverages from slightly further afield (such as velvety reds from nearby Abruzzo).

Cultural experiences

Much like central Rome, faith makes up a part of San Lorenzo’s sightseeing. The Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls was built around the tomb of the quarter’s namesake. The basilica is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and houses the relics of St Stephen. The original church was destroyed by allied bombings in 1943, with the latest facade rebuilt from the rubble.

In keeping with the religious theme, tree-lined Verano Monumental cemetery (known as Il Verano by locals) offers a place of reflection and tranquillity away from the hubbub of the area. The 83-hectare burial ground is divided into Jewish, Catholic and Protestant sections, with a monument to the victims of the first world war. The resting place of Italian acting icons Alberto Sordi, Bud Spencer and Gigi Proietti, it’s Rome’s answer to London’s Highgate cemetery.

Beyond piety, San Lorenzo’s modern spin stands out. Where central Rome is defined by frescoes, San Lorenzo is defined by street art. As in any neighbourhood, there’s a fair amount of graffiti, but then there are standout pieces such as Marina Biagini and Elisa Caracciolo’s Murale contro il Femminicidio (Mural Against Femicide, 2012-13), each of the 107 figures representing a victim of femicide from the year before. Rome-born street artist Alice Pasquini painted a block-long mural called “Welcome to San Lorenzo” along Via dei Sabelli. Street art tours are frequent.

San Lorenzo’s creative identity extends beyond the streets. It is also a key destination for contemporary art in Rome, anchored by the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory transformed into a cultural centre in the 1970s, with frequent exhibitions. Independent galleries and creative spaces also contribute to the area’s broader artistic ecosystem, including Collettivo noMade and Monti8.

Where to shop

With not a pristine Gucci bag or a sharp suit in sight, alternative, vintage clothing is high on the priority list for sanlorenzini. There are many secondhand clothes shops, such as Latini 34, where everything from boldly coloured preloved trench coats to shoes can be found. You can also find artisanal leather goods at Laboratorio Pellerossa, and handpicked garments from little-known designers across the globe at L’Anatra all’Arancia. Music-aficionados can pick up a range of vinyl from Ultrasuoni Records Roma.

Don’t miss

It’s pretty hard to miss Giardino Verano in the summer, an open-air space near Il Verano; noise and laughter can be heard throughout the quarter. The four-month-long summer festival hosts (every day until October) free concerts, an outdoor cinema and drinks and games until 2am.

Where to stay

There’s little in the way of plush hotels in San Lorenzo but Ateneo Garden Palace (doubles from €188) is set with a sizable courtyard, and offers spacious, airy rooms. Down the road, the newly opened Social Hub (doubles from €250) offers all the facilities from onsite restaurants to a rooftop pool with a bar.