Travel Desk

This source provides a brief historical overview of Peru’s journey toward independence from Spanish colonial rule. Although the nation initially remained a royalist stronghold during the early 19th-century Latin American revolutions, the article explains how external forces from Argentina and Chile intervened to help liberate the country. A major focus is placed on July 28th, 1821, the date when commander José de San Martín officially proclaimed Peru’s freedom in Lima. The text also clarifies that total victory was not finalized until 1824 after the successful Battle of Ayacucholed by Simón Bolívar. Additionally, the excerpt includes modern news headlines from July 2026, ranging from aviation safety warnings to g … 

Halfway through a ride on Universal Studio Hollywood’s new coaster, I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.

The track turned, angled so my car was completely vertical to the ground, a cliff below me. And then my ride vehicle ever so slightly started to twist, to drift as if banking around a tight curve in a video game. Straight down from me was rocky terrain, but if I looked up and beyond the tracks, I had perhaps the best view of the Valley I’ve ever seen.

Granted, it was fleeting. But I was alternately in awe and fearful of what Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was presenting before me. I held onto my lap bar, gripping it tighter as I lifted out of my seat, and I couldn’t help but smile at my predicament. I was in a mini, expertly re-created Toyota Supra, hanging over a bluff. I was soaring, the sensation of a car careening off a canyon, only here, my life, thankfully, wasn’t at risk. And I didn’t want it to end.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is intense, yes, but more important, it’s a delight. It’s a roller coaster not just full of thrills but of surprises, of wondering where and when a coaster vehicle will be spin, careen or accelerate. Every turn, twist, flip will leave you guessing. And it’s the smoothest coaster I’ve ever been on, a feeling that lends it a sense of approachability not typically found in rides of this speed and unpredictability.

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It is also a ride that will forever change the tone and tenor of Universal Studios Hollywood, a destination that just two decades ago was largely a behind-the-scenes showcase dedicated to movie-making magic. No more. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the foremost theme parks in the nation, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and now one of the strongest thrill rides in Southern California, changes that haven’t always been met with approval by the park’s neighboring Toluca Lake residents.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift surprise-opened to guests Monday afternoon. The ride is in technical rehearsals, a soft opening, more or less. That means it’s still in a testing phase and may not always be running. If getting on the coaster is a priority for you, it’s best to wait until Universal gives it a grand opening.

A look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift careening over the park’s escalators.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

The coaster — designed by Universal, manufactured by Intamin — has long been circled as the most important theme park attraction of 2026, a feat of engineering nestled on a steep hill between the park’s upper and lower lots that was 10 years in the making. Boasting 4,100 feet of track, two towering inverted loops as well as a pretzel loop and the ability to reach 72 mph through four individual launches, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is full of unique attributes, including its ability to go above and under the park’s famed escalators.

But those not attuned to coaster speak need not be overwhelmed. Know only that at times you’re upside down, at times you’re on your side, some moments you’re facing the ground, others you’re glancing at the horizon, and then you may suddenly be flipped backward. And before you have time to worry about it, you’ll be rocketing forward.

The four cars, all expertly themed to storied vehicles from the film franchise in which the coaster takes its name, can rotate 360 degrees. The choreography is sudden, but not jolting and never gratuitous. I’ve gotten motion-sick on other coasters that can rotate, ones specifically in which designers have opted to move the vehicles in time to a soundtrack, but here, the movement is cleverly attuned to the track. If we spike upward at an angle, the cars twirl as if taking off in flight. A dive downward, and we may hear braking noises as the cars lock in a side-facing position. In short, the vehicles feel forever aligned with the designed course. I rode Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift twice with no issues.

Unversal Studios’ Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift features expertly created mini cars.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

And those cars! They are not small. I’m 6-foot-2 and more than 200 pounds and I had ample leg room. And I know those bigger than I am have had no issues riding this new coaster, which seats four per vehicle. Modern coasters aren’t always known for their accessibility, but Universal has created a ride that should be accommodating for many. The ampleness of the cars, coupled with the smoothness of the track, allows Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, I believe, to alternately appease those seeking high thrills while not freaking out those who may be more coaster cautious. The goal here is fun, not to terrify.

Universal has crafted some spectacular coasters in recent years: Florida’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Stardust Racers and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, among them. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not just a worthy addition to that portfolio, but a ride that many, I bet, will declare their favorite. Universal Creative, the division of the company responsible for theme park experiences, and especially the Universal Studios Hollywood team led by Jon Corfino, have accomplished what, just 10 years ago, would have been unthinkable. A high-speed outdoor coaster, in a landlocked studio tour park? Far-fetched, at best.

But instead, it’s a reminder that theme parks are where we go to imagine the impossible.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride typically comes out every Tuesday, but we occasionally publish special editions (like this one!) when we have breaking theme park news. Make sure you’ve signed up to be the first to know.

A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.

Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.

The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.

A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.

Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.

Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.

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And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.

For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.

Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.

Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.

One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”

Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”

Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.

BOOKING a holiday in advance doesn’t necessarily pay off anymore and more Brits are leaving up until the last-minute to book a break.

loveholidays found that year-on-year bookings for holidays departing the next day are jumping 26 per cent.

The most popular destinations for these spots include Majorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Costa Blanca and Ibiza.

Sun Travel did some digging of our own, and found some of the best last-minute loveholidays breaks with some flights leaving as soon as tomorrow.

Ona Don Juan, Spain

The four-star hotel in the coastal town of Lloret de Mar is a short-flight away and there’s plenty to do from paddling in one of its three swimming pools to tennis, and trying out the games room.

There’s even an on-site nightclub for those who want to enjoy their break well into the evening and the local beach at Lloret de Mar is a short walk away.

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A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Ona Don Juan starts from £459pp – including return flights to Bournemouth departing on July 29

Cosmelenia Hotel Apartments, Cyprus

Found in Ayia Napa, this hotel is a great find for soaking up the Cypriot sunshine it also has cosy rooms, a swimming pool and food is served throughout the day.

For fans of waterparks, WaterWorld which is one of the biggest in Europe with 30 rides and attractions is a short walk away.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £519pp – including return flights to Manchester Airport from July 31 returning

Hotel Troya, Tenerife

This hotel is in Tenerife’s resort of Playa de las Américas a resort known for having beaches, nightlife and restaurants all in one place.

The Hotel Troya has three outdoor pools and a full spa with a sauna and Jacuzzi – it also has two restaurants and bars including one that’s right next to the pool.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Hotel Troya starts from £609pp – including return flights from Bristol Airport on August 1

Sol Costa Daurada, Spain

In the heart of Salou, Costa Dorada is Sol Costa Daurada which has Mediterranean-style rooms and plenty of places to eat from its buffet restaurant to poolside bar.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children with sunloungers dotted about – guests can try their hand at games like table tennis.

A four-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Sol Costa Daurada starts from £429pp – including return flights from Manchester Airport on July 29

Hotel Playa, Spain

Yet another Spain pick is to Hotel Playa in Torrevieja which is within walking distance of a local beach and rooms to suit families and couples too.

The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym, restaurant and bar – for activities, there’s the opportunity to go cycling and the hotel has live music during the evenings.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £479pp – including return flights departing Manchester Airport on July 29 and returning on August 3 to Leeds Bradford.

Hotel Matheo Villas & Suites, Crete

If you fancy splashing out on a last-minute holiday, head to Crete – the hotel is found in Malia which is a popular resort on the island.

The hotel has three swimming pools with sunlounger beds, a wellness area, and a poolside restaurant serving up Greek specialities.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £689pp – including return flights departing East Midlands Airport on July 30

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

A NEW ferry linking a quirky English seaside town with France is setting sail in just a few weeks.

The crossing will take around eight hours with each sailing limited to 12 passengers.

SailLink has teamed up with award-winning sailor Michel Desjoyeaux, who will personally skipper each journey from Shoreham to Fécamp, Normandy.

Mr Desjoyeaux, the only sailor in history to have won the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world sailing race, twice, built the wind-powered catamran from parts of other race boats that had already sailed round the world.

He hopes to prove that regular, wind–powered crossings can become a practical alternative to traditional cross-Channel ferries.

The pilot project will run from September 8-13 .

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Billed as a fishing port and religious pilgrimage site, Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueur.

The sailing itself retraces the historic voyage of Charles II, who reached Fécamp from Shoreham in 1651.

Ticket prices start from £220 for a one-way trip, with return journeys starting from £440.

Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to see Shoreham Port working with SailLink and the Port of Fécamp to offer this unique cross-Channel crossing experience.

“As global warming challenges the way we travel, wind propulsion offers a compelling alternative.”

Tickets for the pilot project go on sale on August 1.

A mum-of-three who left the UK three years ago and moved her family across the world has said the biggest reason for moving abroad was how expensive things are at home

A mum-of-three has claimed her “life is better” after taking her family across the world to escape the cost-of-living crisis. Many Brits have been feeling the pinch over the past few years, with the cost of everything from food to energy bills and petrol costs skyrocketing and leaving everyone with less money in their pockets.

But while many of us look at ways we can cut our spending by being more frugal with our food shopping or cutting back on family holidays, one mum has taken matters into her own hands – by moving somewhere more affordable. Lucy Richardson shared a video on social media in which she said rising costs were one of the biggest factors in deciding to move her family abroad for a new life.

In a video shared on TikTok, Lucy explained that she, her husband, and their three young children decided to leave the UK in 2023. They now live in Bali, Indonesia, where prices are so low that she can completely fill her moped for just £4 – and the tropical weather and gorgeous views are just a bonus.

She said in her video: “The cost of living in the UK was completely out of control, and that’s why we left. We left nearly three years ago because two full-time working parents were not enough for us to sustain the life that we had in the UK.”

Lucy revealed that she and her husband were working full-time to try and support their family and pay their rent, but were finding that they were barely getting by and described their situation as “surviving” and not “living”.

She continued: “We just felt like we were constantly chasing our tail and constantly paying stuff out. Then we had this tiny little pot left over to actually enjoy ourselves and do things that we wanted to do. Then, because there wasn’t enough money, we would put it on a credit card, and then we were in this massive circle of debt.”

The mum-of-three said she could see her family being in this cycle for years, potentially never being able to live their lives until they were retired, by which point they could be “too ill or too old” to enjoy it.

What’s more, Lucy felt like she was missing out on spending time with her three children, as they were growing up without her while she worked full-time to support them. So, the family made the decision to leave the UK and move to Bali.

She said: “It was a crazy, vicious circle that I didn’t want to be a part of. So we left. We now have a much simpler life.

“Today, we just filled up our moped for £4. The same petrol that you have in the UK, and that’s a full tank that’s going to last me for two weeks. Four quid. It’s absolutely crazy.

“Now, we have a much simpler life. We don’t have to go to a nine-to-five [job], and I get to see my kids’ childhoods. So I know what I would rather pick, and that’s why we left the UK. So many people ask, and it’s the cost of living. It was just too high.”

Many commenters on the post praised the mum for having the courage to take her family across the world for a better life, with many saying they wish they could do the same.

One person said: “Well done, you, for taking that step and leaving the UK to better your lives. We are a family of five and totally understand where you are coming from. We class ourselves as the working poor. Working but have nothing to show for it because everything goes on paying taxes and bills.”

Another added: “Agree totally, Britain is a rip off. You did right in getting out.”

A third posted: “Same here. We left six years ago for Spain and it’s so liberating. Our relatives can’t believe how much less we pay month to month here and can now appreciate why we left.”

DEVON has lots of beautiful seaside towns, but when it comes to finding one that is more peaceful than most, it can feel tricky.

Sidmouth in East Devon is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and, surprisingly, has no arcades or rides.

And soon the spot will be getting a £21million glow-up.

The multi-million pound project will focus on protecting Sidmouth’s seafront.

There will be new offshore breakwaters, a 120 metre beach groyne, flood gates and a number of repairs to existing sea walls.

Ultimately, the upgrades will help to not only protect the seafront, but homes and businesses in the area too.

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When visiting the Victorian seaside town, make sure to head to the Blue Flag-awarded beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.

Have a look at the cliffs as well, which form part of England‘s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As for the town, instead of amusement arcades, loud sports bars and dodgy street food vendors, you’ll find galleries, antiques shops, independent boutiques and tearooms.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has previously visited the town and said: “Growing up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.

“This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.

“Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.

“Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.

“They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.

“They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.”

A HISTORIC UK train station has partially reopened after a massive fire forced its closure last week.

Paignton Station in Devon sits in the heart of the town centre and acts as a gateway to one of the three towns on the English Rivera – a popular summer family holiday spot.

Last week, a fire broke out at the station causing “significant damage”.

Three boys aged 13, 15 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of arson.

Despite the damages, Great Western Railway and Network Rail have confirmed that services returned to the station from 8am.

Services to resume include between Paignton and Newton Abbot.

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However, due to a damaged platform the station cannot currently host nine carriage trains, which provide direct services between the town and London Paddington.

If you are due to travel to London, you’ll need to head to Newton Abbot or Exeter St Davids instead, for the time being.

There are also currently temporary entrances and exits at the station, as well as temporary ticketing facilities.

And the car park remains closed.

According to the BBC, Daniel Parkes from Network Rail said that they are working to restore “services as swiftly and as safely as possible”.

He added that “work to fully rebuild parts of the station will continue for some time”.

THE most beautiful buildings in the entire world have been named and one surprising estate from the UK has made the list.

However, if you want to visit the pretty British attraction book to go as soon as possible is set to close for a multi-million pound revamp.

The Barbican in London has taken second place to India‘s grand Taj Mahal as Time Out’s 26 ‘most beautiful buildings’ to see in 2026.

The free-to-visit landmark attracts over a million visitors each year and is set to undergo a huge upgrade to save it falling into disrepair.

At the estimated cost of £231million, The Barbican will upgrade its indoor rainforest in its Conservatory which is home to 1,500 species of plant.

Also included in the plans is to protect Barbican’s brutalist foyers and lakeside terrace.

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Outside in the courtyard, the pond will be revamped to stop water leaking onto the Metropolitan Line below – there will be new fountains and seating outside too.

The visitor destination is already free to visit, and this will continue once the revamp is complete.

The refurbishment project is set to start in 2028 when it will close until 2029.

The Barbican was pipped to the post by the Taj Mahal, a picture-perfect landmark in India built in the 1600s – it’s not hard to see why it got top spot.

Coming in third place was the Hallgrímskirkja in Iceland which is a church standing at 244 feet.

Not only is it a place of worship, but it has an observation tower where visitors can get incredible city views.

In Europe, other honourable mentions go to the Sagrada Familia in Spain which is very near completion after 140 years.

The outside of Gaudi’s basilica was completed in February, but there is some work still to do before it’s officially finished.

The Twist in Norway came in twelfth position and is a spectacular art gallery that is also used as a bridge.

It’s part of the Kistefos Sculpture Park and sits across the Ranselva River.

Another UK building did make the list coming in at number 21 – and it’s the Maggie’s Centre at St James’s Hospital in London.

The publication described it as having “mushroom-shaped forms grow from the floors to form the tiered roofs, and the stems are deep enough to contain loos and lifts.

“The space is decorated with mostly natural materials – think cork-topped tables, resin floors and cascading potted plants.”

Some more classic monuments and structures on the list include The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Pantheon in Italy and Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan.

Colombia‘s impressive Santuario de Las Lajas comes in at number 19.

The enormous basilica sits on a bridge over the Guáitara River – it has been a pilgrimage destination since the eighteenth century and now gets up to 900,000 visitors each year.

Here’s the full list of Time Out’s ‘world’s 26 most beautiful buildings to see in 2026’…

1. Taj Mahal, India
2. The Barbican Estate, UK
3. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland
4. Sagrada Familia, Spain
5. Museum SAN, South Korea
6. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
7. Fallingwater, USA
8. Ad-Dayr (The Monastery), Petra, Jordan
9. Fondation Louis Vuitton, France
10. Trinity College Library, Ireland
11. Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
12. The Twist, Norway
13. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran
14. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh
15. Pantheon, Italy
16. Palmenhaus at Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
17. Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam
18. Museum at Eldridge Street, USA
19. Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia
20. Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Australia
21. Maggie’s Centre (St James’s Hospital), UK
22. Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile
23. Futuna Chapel, New Zealand
24. National Holocaust Monument, Canada
25. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda
26. Enryaku-ji, Japan

BUDGET airline easyJet has just released its flights for next summer and you could grab a bargain.

EasyJet‘s Big Seat Release means travellers can now book flights up until September 26, 2027.

Travellers can choose from 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa and can fly from 22 airports.

And package holidays can be booked up to October 31, 2027.

Sun Travel looked at the current cheapest flights available and here are the best offers at the time of publication.

You could head from Newcastle to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, one-way on September 8, 2027, for £26.48.

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Alternatively, from the same airport, you could head to Nice in France for £26.48 one-way.

From Birmingham Airport, you could travel to Paris, France, on June 29 for £29.48 one-way.

Or head to Amsterdam for the same price, on June 15.

If you don’t mind spending a few more quid, there are several flights for £32.48 from the airport, including to Bordeaux on August 26, Berlin on August 30, Prague on June 16 and Geneva on September 8.

There are several flights from Manchester Airport for £32.48 one-way.

These include to Paris on June 22, to Amsterdam on September 7, to Copenhagen on June 15 and to Rennes on June 30.

For a bit of Spanish sun, you can head to Barcelona from Leeds Bradford Airport for £34.98 one-way on June 16.

Or you could head to Porto in Portugal on August 6 from Glasgow for £32.48 one-way.

If you can’t wait for a holiday until then, you can get 15 per cent off selected flights if you book by Friday, for holidays between August 1 and September 30, 2026.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Whether customers are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Mediterranean, a city break with friends or a family getaway during the school holidays, our Big Seat Release for next summer gives them the chance to get ahead and start planning.”

Unity Holidays has summer holidays under £400 across its three holiday parks but they’re giving families an opportunity to stretch their budget that little bit further

The school holidays have officially kicked off and if you’re tempted to book a last-minute holiday with the kids then you’re in luck, as there are plenty of late deals to be found.

Unity Holidays is already offering up to 25% off all summer breaks, but that’s not the only saving to be had with the holiday parks firm. For every summer break booked by September 28, 2026, Unity Holidays are offering a £100 food and drink voucher that can be used at any of the venues on site (excluding the grocery stores).

To claim the voucher, simply use the code UNITY100 when you book your staycation on unityholidays.co.uk.

There are three brilliant locations to choose from; Unity Beach in Somerset from £396, Skirlington in Yorkshire from £399, and Seven Lakes from £209. All three have undergone a major £10million transformation just in time for the summer too; we’re talking the likes of new lidos with cabanas, water parks with plenty of fun slides sure to be a hit with the kids, upgrades to bars and venues, and a host of new activities to book including archery and axe throwing.

The parks are dog-friendly too, and there are even new dog agility parks for those who want to let their fluffy friends run off plenty of energy too!

Unity Beach’s brand new lido has already been a hit since opening earlier this month, thanks to its new heated pools (including one specially designed for children), alongside its indoor pool, splash zones and slides.

Former Olympic swimmer Baroness Sharron Davies MBE was at the opening, and said at the time: “At a time when we are seeing the amount of swimming facilities in the country dwindle – we’ve lost 500 since 2010 – to have Unity Holidays investing millions in pools and lidos across the country, and creating jobs for local people, is tremendous.

“They are enabling children to gain water confidence and learn to swim, while giving families a stunning location to enjoy amazing spaces to play and relax. Our seaside towns need this injection of funds, and I was honoured to officially open the lido and water park in Brean while also seeing first-hand how impressive what a modern, 21st-century family holiday park has to offer can be.”

You can find out more about the new lido on the Unity Holidays website.

It’s not just Unity that’s got tempting food and drink offers this summer. Haven for example has a number of different deals ranging from ‘Kids eat for £1’ to ‘Two mains for £20’ at its onsite venues (you can see the full list on the Haven website), while Parkdean Resorts recently introduced all-inclusive packages at its holiday parks that include three meals a day, as well as unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee.

The change has just come into place for the peninsula, and Brits flying to the area will need to make sure their travel documents meet the new requirements, or could find themselves stranded at the airport

Budget airline easyJet has issued a warning to Brits flying on any of its four routes from the UK to a popular holiday hotspot visited by approximately 1.3million Brits every year, as new entry requirements came into force earlier this month.

In a statement, easyJet said: “From 15 July 2026, Gibraltar will align with Schengen entry requirements. If you’re travelling to Gibraltar, please check that your travel documents meet the new rules before you fly.”

The airline operates four routes from the UK to Gibraltar International Airport from Birmingham, Bristol, London-Gatwick, and Manchester. The only other airline that operates from the hub is British Airways, which has a London-Heathrow service.

The airline set out the key changes, saying: “UK visas and UK residence permits/share codes will no longer be accepted for entry to Gibraltar.” It also clarified: “Passports for travellers from non-Schengen countries (except Ireland and Cyprus) must have been issued within the last 10 years, and be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Gibraltar.”

The requirements are now aligned with what Brits can expect at the other 29 countries in the Schengen area. This means they’ll need to go through registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES). EasyJet added: “Before travelling, please make sure you have the correct documents for your journey to avoid any issues at the airport, you can check the government website.”

While Gibraltar remains a a self-governing British Overseas Territory, as of July 15 a post-Brexit deal has allowed the border with Spain to be removed, getting rid of border controls and customs checks for those passing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Historically, the border has caused hold-ups and long queues for locals as it has had to handle an average of 15,000 people passing through it each day for work, education, and social purposes.

But the change means that, while Gibraltar still has autonomy, it’s now a de facto part of the Schengen free-movement area, which is why Brits will notice a change when visiting the territory. The EES system will involve the same fingerprint and face scans as the EU requires at every airport.

The FCDO added: “On arrival at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport, you should expect two sets of checks which will satisfy entry into Gibraltar and the Schengen Area: Gibraltar entry immigration controls performed by the Gibraltar authorities and Schengen entry immigration controls performed by the Spanish authorities as the authorities of the neighbouring Schengen State

“This includes registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES) where it applies. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will also apply once it is operational. Once you have cleared these checks, you can move freely across the land border from Gibraltar into Spain and the wider Schengen Area.”

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

AN airport in the UK has issued a warning for anyone travelling there this week, due to a major road closure.

Bournemouth Airport has said passengers will need to allow extra time there due to this, with fears of disruption.

From tomorrow until July 31, Matchams Lane just beyond the Dorset airport will be closed for ‘essential maintenance’.

Passengers arriving that way by car can expect disruption from its junction with Avon Causeway and Bostwick Lane.

The road will be closed to all vehicles from 7am to 6pm on all three days.

For drivers there will be no parking and no waiting at any time on the road.

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There will be a diversion in place, but as a result, Bournemouth Airport has told passengers to allow ‘extra time’ when travelling.

BCP Council added: “These arrangements may be amended/extended should works overrun or weather conditions delay operations; restrictions may be in effect under this Notice for up to five days, and extended by a further Notice or Order.

“The Council regrets any inconvenience to the public caused by this temporary prohibition.”

This comes just one month after Bournemouth Airport hiked its costs at short-stay pick-up and drop-off charges, with some fares doubling.

Motorists who use the pick-up and drop-off zone of the car park now have to pay £8 for up to 30 minutes of parking which is an increase of £2 from last year.

Stays between 30 and 60 minutes have doubled in price, now costing £15 to park, compared to £7.50 previously, with one to four-hour parking priced at £20.

AS many as one million Brits could have invalid passports – which could see them banned from boarding their flight at the airport this summer.

New research conducted by Compare the Market has found that hundreds of thousands of passports are falling foul of two major rules.

The research analysed HM Passport Office Data in June 2026.

One of the more common mistakes is passports not having at least three months left on them.

This is required for more European countries like France and Spain, and the study found that as many as 705,904 passports in the UK don’t follow these guidelines.

Some countries require even more than this – Turkey need 150 days and Egypt needs six months – so Brits need to check how long they have left after the expiry date before booking a holiday.

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Egypt passport rule to be aware of after family banned from flight

PASS IT ON

Turkey passport rule Brits need to know about or risk being BANNED from flight

This recently caught out one family who were forced to miss their ‘dream holiday’ to Egypt because one of their passports had less than six months left on it.

Another rule that holidaymakers are still breaking is the 10-year rule, which no longer allows passports to be more than this.

Pre-Brexit rules allowed passports to carry over 10 months from the previous document, meaning passports could be 10 years and 10 months.

But those extra 10 months are no longer seen as valid, and it is thought that as many as 347,268 passports could be out of date due to this.

Anyone with a burgundy passport, issued before September 2018, are affected by this.

This has affected a number of families already this year, including one who were forced to miss her 50th birthday abroad and was lest £900 out of pocket.

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.”

The study also warned of the risk of passports being stolen or lost, with more than 422,000 reported this last year. This works out to more than 1,100 a day.

He added: “While some travel insurance policies will cover lost and stolen passports, there are specific conditions and policies vary so it’s always worth comparing different deals and checking details of your cover to ensure you get the right level of protection for your circumstances.”

If your passport is lost abroad, you will need to apply for an emergency one at the British embassy in that country. Here are some other passport rules you need to be aware of this summer to avoid holiday chaos.

Passport Rules

Everything you need to know about passports

STRIKES at an airport in Spain have started today – with passengers being told to ditch cabin bags for hand luggage to avoid the chaos.

Walkouts from multiple unions will continue across the next couple of weeks affecting baggage handling and check-in.

Palma Airport on the island of Majorca is one of the busiest in Spain during the summer season – and lots of its workers are going on strike.

The first walkouts are by those working in technical maintenance, ground equipment and airport infrastructure roles.

These are being planned by three unions, which started yesterday and will continue until July 30.

Swissport – who handle check in and boarding – is also striking today, as well as on August 1, 4 and 8.

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On these days ground staff will walk out between 7am to 12pm, then again from 7pm to 10pm.

The airport has warned passengers that today could be particularly bad as the strikes coincide at the same time.

Airlines affected by the Swissport ground handlers’ dispute include TUI.

But others could be affected too, as a statement from the airport said that “its impact will stretch beyond Swissport-handled airlines”.

While flights are yet to be cancelled, according to Qsensor, the wait time at security in Palma Airport this morning has been 26 minutes longer than average.

Passengers going to the airport during this time have been asked not to arrive too early and even ditch check-in bags for hand luggage instead.

On its website, the airport issued advice to travellers who are heading through the terminal on strike days.

• Check in online: Complete your check-in online before heading to the airport to minimise time spent in queues.

• Travel light if possible: Travelling with hand luggage only allows you to bypass potential check-in and baggage carousel delays.
• Monitor your airline’s app: Keep a close eye on text alerts or app notifications from your airline for real-time schedule updates.
• Arrive on time (but not too early): Stick to the standard arrival window recommended by your carrier (usually two to three hours before departure). Arriving half a day early can worsen airport congestion.

On the strike, a TUI spokesperson said: “We are aware of planned industrial action affecting airline operators at Palma airport.

“At this stage, we do not anticipate any disruption to our customers. However, we are working closely with our local teams and airport partners to minimise any potential impact.

“As always, we will proactively update our guests if there are any changes to their itinerary. Customers should continue to check their flight details as usual before travelling.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair told Sun Travel that it will “operate as normal” with “no impact to operations”.

easyJet also said its flights will be operating as normal.

Passengers have been issued a stark message about being caught up in airport delays

Peak travel season is here, with many Brits jetting off on their summer holidays. Thousands of holidaymakers are flocking abroad over the next few weeks.

However, this year things are looking very different if you are travelling to Europe. The new EU Entry/Exit System (ESS) was fully implemented in April, resulting in significant travel disruptions that are still continuing at many airports.

Brits have found themselves in queues lasting hours as they try to pass through the digital border system. It has even seen some travellers missing their flights, leaving their holidays in tatters.

The system is used at airport arrivals and departures in the EU and the Schengen area. Travellers have been urged to get to airports even earlier than usual so they aren’t caught up in queues, especially when returning to the UK.

Now, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has issued a stark message to anyone flying on his airline this summer. He has admitted the airline will not wait for anyone stuck in queues, and that the flight will carry on as scheduled.

While on the Telegraph’s Travel Expert podcast, host Simon Calder asked: “If I were a passenger, say at Milan Bergamo Airport, and was stuck in a mile-long queue, how long are you going to be waiting for me? And if you can’t wait for me, what are you going to do?”

Mr O’Leary replied: “Nothing. We will not wait for anybody. If you are stuck, if you are not at the boarding gate when we finish boarding, the plane is going without you.

“We are not delaying our flights for people who are stuck in passport control queues. They have to show up at the airport earlier, but they have to be at the boarding gate; otherwise, they are not flying.”

Travel expert Simon previously branded the entry and exit system a “Euro shambles”. He named Milan Malpensa, Lisbon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and Copenhagen as the airports with the “worst” delays.

Simon previously said on the podcast: “From what I have experienced, and certainly one of them is Milan Malpensa. The fingerprint stuff took an hour, and I was the first one off the EasyJet plane from Gatwick.

“Then, I went through the other terminal to check out and it took 45 minutes that time but they wanted those fingerprints again, which is absolutely not in the rules.”

He added: “I have heard terrible stories from Lisbon, other places frequently mentioned, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt.

“Both of them are huge hubs where you have got a lot of people flying from various regional airports across the UK into Paris and Frankfurt to connect.

“That’s okay if you are going intercontinental but if you are trying to connect to somewhere in Europe it is awful.”

IF you’re trying to figure out which country is the absolute cheapest for a summer getaway, you’re asking the wrong question.

After digging through thousands of our Summer 2026 bookings, the data made one thing blindingly obvious.

The biggest savings don’t come from swapping Spain for Turkey or Greece for Tunisia. They come from swapping one resort for another.

In almost every major holiday destination, there is one specific pocket quietly delivering far better value than the rest.

Sometimes it’s because it sits just a few miles outside a famous hotspot, and other times it’s simply because a place hasn’t shaken off an old reputation it no longer deserves.

The upshot is that you can bag the exact same week in the sun for a fraction of the cost just by shifting your search field a few miles down the coast.

I’ve crunched the numbers to find the cheapest resort in each of Britain’s favourite holiday spots to show you exactly where the system is breaking in our favour.

10. Hammamet, Tunisia – 18 per cent cheaper

Tunisia has quietly become the ultimate value play for guaranteed Mediterranean sunshine without the inflated price tags of Egypt or Turkey, but Hammamet is the real standout.

Our booking data has it tracking at 18 per cent cheaper than the average holiday in Tunisia, serving up massive white sand beaches and a proper, historic old town and marina that gives it way more character than a standard, purpose-built resort strip.

I spotted a seven night stay at The Russelior Hotel & Spa, flying from Gatwick in September, from £350pp on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

And the thing I love most at this property is their dedicated, ultra-quiet saltwater lagoon section hidden at the back.

It completely bypasses the noisy main freshwater pools, giving you a high-end, peaceful oasis for a rock-bottom price.

9. Praia da Luz, Portugal – 26 per cent cheaper

The Algarve is dominated by high-premium names like Albufeira and Vilamoura, which completely swallow the search traffic and explains why Praia da Luz routinely slips under the radar.

But bookings here are coming in 26 per cent cheaper than the Portugal average despite sitting on one of the prettiest, cliff-backed horseshoe bays on the coastline.

You can lock in seven nights at Oasis Beach, flying from Stansted at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from £365pp.

Because the seafront is packed with incredible independent seafood spots, saving cash on the board is a no-brainer.

The biggest perk at this complex is that the clifftop walking trail starts literally right outside the reception gates, leading you directly up to the famous Rocha Negra headland for an elite sunset view without paying the premium prices of the frontline bars.

8. Chloraka, Cyprus – 27 per cent cheaper

When people look at Cyprus, not many people know that Chloraka even exists.

The data shows it is averaging 27 per cent cheaper than the Cyprus baseline while offering the exact same sea views and Mediterranean weather.

It’s a brilliant, simple switch if you don’t mind being slightly outside the main tourist hub.

I tracked down an early autumn week at Helios Bay from £460pp.

Don’t let the 3-star rating fool you – this place has an incredibly loyal following of repeat guests, and the easy local transport right outside the hotel is a big reason why.

The main municipal bus stop sits directly outside the hotel entrance, running a direct link straight into Paphos harbor every 10 minutes for pocket change, allowing you to entirely skip expensive car rentals or daily taxi fares.

How’s that for a hack?

7. Naama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt – 28 per cent cheaper

Egypt has firmly established itself as a luxury-for-less destination, but the soaring popularity of its newest five-star resorts has started pushing average prices up.

Naama Bay completely bucks that trend, tracking at 28 per cent less than the average Egypt holiday while still putting you right in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh.

You can spend a week at Falcon Hills from £500pp, flying direct from Liverpool – and that’s all inclusive as well!

It’s a massive favorite for return visitors because it’s set back slightly from the central bustle, and this hotel even has a complimentary, on-site dive partnership.

The hotel runs a free daily shuttle to a private, sheltered coral reef section on the coast, meaning you can snorkel with incredible marine life straight from the shore without shelling out for an expensive commercial boat excursion.

6. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – 34 per cent cheaper

The Canaries are Britain’s ultimate holiday safety blanket because the weather is a safe bet all year round, but the downside is that peak-season markups can be savage.

That’s why Nuevo Horizonte is such a smart data loophole, sitting at 34 per cent cheaper than the Canary Islands average.

I found an all inclusive week at the Globales Costa Tropical, flying from Bournemouth, from £390pp.

You are paying for Fuerteventura’s legendary white beaches here rather than a flashy marble reception lobby, which is a trade I will make every single day.

And being in Fuerteventura, this hotel’s bike hire program is a massive bonus.

The hotel rents out high-spec cycles from the front desk for next to nothing, and because the coastal path running directly into neighbouring Caleta de Fuste is entirely flat, you can cruise into town for an evening out without ever paying a euro for a taxi.

5. Sarigerme, Dalaman, Turkey – 38 per cent cheaper

Turkey is always at the top of my list for sheer value, but Sarigerme is currently outperforming the market, running 38 per cent lower than the average Turkish booking.

It is infinitely calmer and more unhurried than Bodrum or Marmaris, making it the perfect spot to turn your phone off for a week.

I clocked a seven-night all inclusive break at The X Life Hotel, flying direct from Bristol, from £470pp.

Because it’s strictly an adults-only property, the vibe around the grounds is incredibly laid-back.

The hotel also has a specialised beach shuttle – they run an exclusive, free tractor-pulled shuttle wagon that shuttles guests down to their private sand lot all day, which sounds a bit quirky but is an absolute lifesaver for bypassing the intense midday Turkish heat on the sun-baked sand tracks.

4. Mgarr, Gozo, Malta – 40 per cent cheaper

Gozo is essentially Malta with the brakes tapped, and hopping on the quick local ferry drops your holiday bill by a staggering 40 per cent compared to the main island average.

Mgarr is a stunning harbour town where the water is crystal clear and the pace of life is completely relaxed.

A week at the Grand Hotel here starts from £495pp at the end of September on a room-only basis.

Booking room-only is a smart play here too, because the hotel sits directly above the active harbour, putting the island’s best independent seafood tavernas right at your feet.

And I’ve got a great tip for this hotel too: head down to the docks at 7am, because the local fishermen will sell you the catch of the day directly from their boats for pennies, and the harbour restaurants will happily grill it up for your dinner for a tiny prep fee.

Thank me later.

3. Malgrat de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain – 42 per cent cheaper

Spain will always dominate summer bookings, but Malgrat de Mar has come out as the cheapest major Spanish resort in my entire analysis, sitting at 42 per cent less than the average Spain hol.

It gives you an incredible balance of wide beaches, long promenades, and proper tapas bars that don’t fleece you for chips.

If you just want a cheap week in the sun, the Alegria Cartago Nova is hard to ignore at £205pp for seven nights, flying direct from Stansted.

The location does all the heavy lifting here, and the real insider secret is that the hotel sits just a two-minute stroll from the coastal train line, giving you a direct, traffic-free route straight into central Barcelona for less than the price of a pint.

2. Montecatini, Tuscany, Italy – 59 per cent cheaper

This was the absolute wild card of all the data I poured through.

Italy is rarely associated with budget package holidays, yet the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini came in at a mind-blowing 59 per cent cheaper than the national average.

The logic is simple: instead of paying eye-watering city-centre hotel rates in Florence or Pisa, you use this beautiful historic town as your base and commute in.

I spotted a week at the Boston Hotel from £285pp on a room-only basis.

And while you’re here, take the historic Funicolare cable car from the town centre up to Montecatini Alto.

It’s an ancient, red funicular railway that drops you into a medieval hilltop square packed with family-run trattorias where a proper plate of handmade Tuscan pasta costs a fraction of what you’d pay near the main tourist landmarks down in Florence.

1. Kavos, Corfu, Greece – 69 per cent cheaper

Across every single piece of data I analyzed for Summer 2026, Kavos delivered the biggest saving on the board, dropping an incredible 69 per cent below the average holiday anywhere in Greece.

I know the immediate reaction because Kavos has carried a rowdy party reputation for decades, but if you look past the main strip, the landscape has changed completely.

It now boasts excellent boat trips across to Paxos and some of the cheapest food and drink prices in Greece.

Take the Oula Maisonettes, where a week from Gatwick starts from just £255pp on a self-catering basis.

The property is run by a local family who harvest their own lemons directly on the grounds – perfect in a G&T, I might add.

So the insider play here is hitting up the pool bar for their homemade lemonade or evening cocktails – it’s entirely made from scratch using their own grove fruit and costs next to nothing compared to the commercial town bars.

I first went to this hotel in 2018 and it’s only grown in popularity since. Easy pick.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

“Are you mad?” says a fellow guest over dinner at our campsite. “I heard you’re here on a long-distance cycle ride with your toddlers.”

I am in Orne, a region in Normandy, with my sister Issy and our three-year-old sons, Sid and Ralph. The landscape folds around us in green-over-green – hedgerow, oak, mossy manor wall – then opens into meadows where Percheron horses graze, knee-deep in wildflowers. Deer leap from the bocage. Cidre and poiré have been pressed here since the middle ages. The villages are sandy stone, blue- and green-shuttered; roses against the boulangerie.

And yes, we are biking through it with the boys in child seats on the back, camping along the way in places found through the France Vélo Tourisme website. Over five days, we’re travelling 130km (80 miles) from Rémalard-en-Perche to Domfront, mostly along the Véloscénic – a 450km voie verte (a “greenway” car-free route) that runs from Mont-Saint-Michel to Paris – but looping off it to explore the fairytale chateaux and villages of the Perche, a historic former province. Issy is intrepid and a serious cyclist (the Lycra kind) but the best I can say is I cycle Sid to nursery, and I haven’t slept under canvas since, well, Glastonbury. So two or three hours’ cycling a day is probably enough …

Slightly rumpled from the overnight ferry to Caen from Portsmouth, we pull into Forest View, a campsite three miles south of Rémalard. Jean-Louis from the local bike hire shop is waiting with our ebikes. He’d insisted. I’d resisted: they can’t carry both a child seat and panniers so we’ll rely on Jean-Louis and a patchwork of kindly hosts to move our bags between stops. We test our bike legs on La Route Royale, an intermediate-level 25km circular route, and within an hour of leaving the campsite, climbing the hill to the pretty church of Moutiers-au-Perche for lunch, I realise Jean-Louis was right. The ebikes are the difference between a holiday and a heart attack.

The route is flat, but to really see the Perche you have to venture off it, and once you do, the land begins to roll and hills come without warning. The boys, strapped in behind us, are not light. But they are also loving it: pointing, laughing, bursting into Old MacDonald every time they see a horse, cow, tractor or sheep. It’s going so well that Issy and I are debating another few hours cycling or even a cider tasting on the way home, when a pause in the singing alerts us to the fact that both children have been lulled to sleep, heads wobbling from side to side, and so we take them back to the campsite to rest.

Graham Allen bought Forest View three years ago and built wooden camping pods especially for cyclists after watching them arrive “laden like donkeys”. Inside there’s a cosy bed and a skylight that we watch the stars through. Across the field there are hot showers. And in the informal restaurant, more like a kitchen/living room, home-cooked food at a shared table. Along France’s greenways, the number of Accueil Vélo accredited stops (accommodation for cyclists that offer breakfast, basic repair kits and help with luggage, among other things) has tripled since 2019.

After some seriously good sleep, eggs on toast and frantic sorting of stuff, we spend the next day on the Dîtes-le Avec des Fleurs loop: through the oak forest of Réno-Valdieu and past the Manoir de la Moussetière, one of the fortified manor houses typical of the Perche. Even on the open roads, there are just a handful of cars, and some steep climbs reward us with wonderful views. The freewheel back down leaves the boys shrieking with delight. At La Chapelle-Montligeon, a church rises out of the fields, and here we picnic on the bank of a lake.

Denis Hurtaud was also cycling this route when he took a detour from the greenway and stumbled on Café de la Place in the sleepy village of Courgeon. “The terrace was full of yellow flowers and there were old-fashioned oilcloths on the tables. Dappled sunlight fell across the courtyard,” he says. Over lunch, he overheard the owner say he was planning to retire and, by the end of the meal, he had decided to buy it. Today it is a bistro, village shop, bike repair station, art gallery, music venue and a lifeline to locals.

It’s Accueil Vélo-accredited too. No shower yet, but we pitch our tent in the garden and Denis has saved us some dinner. We sit at a long table in the last of the light, doves cooing in the church tower, eating chicken cooked in cider, a Perche speciality. Locals drift in and out. A neighbour’s child arrives with a plate of warm crepes for us.

The next day, we ride 8km up the greenway to Mortagne-au-Perche for the market. The queue for the season’s first strawberries goes around the block. A man turns dripping chickens on a spit. The radishes are obscenely pink, the asparagus oh so plump. At the Bar du Marché, locals drink coffee and scratch scratchcards in the sunshine. We join them. Our boys are knackered; both have absolute meltdowns and it’s hard work getting them back on the bikes, so we head directly to Carrouges, where we are to camp at the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, in an orchard behind the moated, red-brick Château de Carrouges.

The Parc is Accueil Vélo too, but the woman at the office says only five or six tents pitch up a year and we have the orchard to ourselves. Just us, a roast chicken and some baguettes, with the kids playing dinosaurs in long grass. Once Sid is snoring I pour myself a cidre – from local apples – and write. It is so quiet you can hear the flapping of birds’ wings. Then the storm comes. I’m a tent pole down (Glastonbury?) and the rain hits canvas like gravel. I lie clinging to Sid as the thunder tears the sky open above us, questioning every life choice that has led me to a walled orchard in Normandy with a small child and half a tent.

By morning, the rain has stopped. The orchard glistens. Issy emerges from the next-door tent having not slept either. We push on through the spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne to Domfront, a town on a rocky outcrop dominated by a medieval keep. The sun bursts out again and the kids race up the ruined stones. Our home for the night is the Cabane des Deux Chênes, a handbuilt cabin on stilts between two old oaks. A secret room for the children in the rafters. A Nordic bath on the terrace, a hug after the rain.

On our last morning, we stop at the Ferme de l’Yonnière, Jérôme Forget’s farm just down the road, where he makes AOP Poiré Domfront. Pear trees take decades to mature, Jerome tells us, which is why most people stopped planting them, and why poiré went out of fashion. But he has planted a thousand. Next spring, he’ll start taking cyclists, too.

Back at the cabane, Jean-Louis comes to pick us up in his van and drives us, talking in French the whole way: about the pear trees and horses and the lanes we have just cycled. The most beautiful place in the world, he says, and I don’t disagree. Against the odds, it’s been a brilliant family holiday and Issy and I are already planning to come back next summer and do the whole thing. Perhaps we are mad after all.

The trip was provided by Orne Tourism, with travel to France by Brittany Ferries. Bike hire with Les Vélos Perchés costs €35 (£30) a day. At Forest View a pod sleeping two costs from £38 per night; campsite pitches start at £25 per night. Cabane des Deux Chênes sleeps 2-4 and costs from £138 per a night.

The provided text describes the Saba Summer Festival, a vibrant annual Carnival held on the small Caribbean island of Saba each July. Unlike traditional pre-Lenten festivals, this event focuses on community celebration and welcoming home residents and students during their summer break. The source explains that the festivities include live music, street parades, and colorful costumes, with the official holiday on Monday serving as a replacement for Whit Monday. It also situates the event within the broader historical context of how European, African, and American influences merged to create unique cultural traditions across the region. Overall, the article serves as an informative guide to the history and highlights … 

One of the busiest airports in the UK is the first to introduce robotic parking for passengers meaning drivers will be able to leave their car near a terminal and head away with their keys

Gatwick Airport is set to launch a brand new parking service that will make the airport experience smoother for drivers.

The airport will be the first in the UK to introduce a robotic parking service.

The service is expected to begin from next month. Passengers will drop off their cars into dedicated garages in the airport’s South Terminal.

Then, they can head to catch their flights whilst keeping their car keys with them. Robots will then lift the cars by the tyres and move them to secure parking spots.

The process aims to make the parking process quicker for holiday goers.

The parking service, being offered with Stanley Robotics, is expected to work for around 95% of car models – but drivers with “unusual dimensions or features” should check beforehand.

Oli Bedford, Gatwick’s head of airport access, described it as a “real game-changer”, adding: “It’s quick, easy and completely hassle-free.”

While on holiday passengers will be able to keep their keys on them at all times.

On return, travellers cars will be ready and waiting for them to collect.

The drop off points will only be a short walk or bus ride away from the terminal.

Universal Studios Hollywood surprise-opened its flashy new high-speed roller coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift on Monday. After much hype and anticipation — and even some unfounded rumors that the coaster would not hit its promised summer launch — Hollywood Drift is at last ready for its close-up.

Billed as one of the most intense roller coasters in Universal Studios’ global ride portfolio, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift can reach speeds of 72 mph while taking guests through multiple inversions in vehicles that can rotate 360 degrees. It is the fastest coaster that Universal Creative, the division of the company responsible for theme park experiences, has designed.

There is some fine print.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has still not announced its official grand opening. The ride is operating in what Universal is calling “technical rehearsals.” Think of this as a soft opening.

What that means: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not guaranteed to be running if you visit the park. It’s still, for all intents and purposes, in a testing phase, and can be closed down at any time. If you’re thinking about rushing to the park to be one of its first riders, proceed with caution. Until Universal gives the coaster a proper opening — and expect some sort of gala to go with it — Hollywood Drift may not be fully operational.

Technical rehearsals help ensure that when a ride does receive a formal opening, it can operate, in theory, without any issues or prolonged downtime. My advice: Visiting a theme park is an investment, and if experiencing Hollywood Drift is vital to your day at Universal Studios, it would be safest to wait until the coaster gets its date. At this point, it should be a matter of weeks, if not days.

A view of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift when it was still in testing mode.

(Kayla Bartkowski/Los Angeles Times)

But I certainly understand that theme park FOMO.

Hollywood Drift has long been circled as the most important theme park attraction opening in North America in 2026. The ride has been about 10 years in the making, and has many unique attributes. Not the least of which is its location, as the coaster is built on a steep hill between the park’s upper and lower lots, meaning at times it will go over and under its famed escalators.

“It wouldn’t be your first choice,” says Jon Corfino, Universal Studios Hollywood’s lead creative, of the topography. “But in a way, it makes it more dynamic that we were able to do it.”

Meanwhile, the ride has also raised eyebrows among the community surrounding Universal Studios Hollywood. The park’s neighbors in the adjacent Toluca Lake neighborhood have been none too pleased with some of the rider screams that emanated from the coaster on a day of testing earlier this summer. I talked to several residents as well as Universal and representatives from Los Angeles County for a story published last week, “Fast & Furious’ coaster screams rattle quiet neighborhood: ‘Like someone is getting murdered.” Whether those concerns fade, or how that issue is ultimately resolved, will be but one of the storylines that will follow the attraction.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift on a test-run. The coaster has been the most anticipated theme park opening of 2026.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

Yet most guests will simply be concerned with how it rides. While other coasters can rotate 360 degrees, they don’t do it at this speed and through this many twists, turns and loops. And then there’s the design. Hollywood Drift puts riders in mini cars, each one heavily detailed and with unique engine and breaking noises. Of course, the ride may simply move too fast to pay attention to all that.

“It’s a high level of intensity, absolutely, for sure,” Corfino says.

Stay tuned to Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride for detailed impressions of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

This week in SoCal theme parks

A glass slide from the Medusa portrait in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is going up for auction.

(Matt Roppolo / HA.com)

• Bid on a piece of Disneyland history. I have mixed feelings on auctions involving Disneyland artifacts. And by mixed, I mean mostly negative, as they tend to inflate prices for the fans who care about the items most, and many of these treasures belong in a museum rather than someone’s private collection. But if you’ve ever wanted a mummy prop from Indiana Jones Adventure, or — gasp — an original glass slide from the Haunted Mansion’s changing Medusa portrait, now’s your chance. The Disney Experiences Auction — Rare and Remarkable Finds is part of next month’s all-things Disney fan convention D23, and is hosted by Heritage Auctions. The live auction is Aug. 16, but online bidding is open.
• A Halloween Horror Nights original. Spooky season is now just a few weeks away, and Universal Studios Hollywood’s lineup for Halloween Horror Nights is mostly set. The latest addition to the event, which begins Sept. 3, is an exciting one, as it’s a brand new haunted house not based on any existing film or television properties. The maze, Dead, Deader, Deadest, is set in a funeral home, based on a plot involving a “miracle drug” that can restore the features of the deceased without embalming. Halloween Horror Nights mastermind John Murdy revealed on socials that it connects to past original haunted houses at the park, for those deep into Halloween Horror Nights lore.
• Hope you like Kraft Mac & Cheese, Disney fans. Times Business writer Samantha Masunaga reports on a deal between the Walt Disney Co. and Kraft Heinz. As part of the agreement, more Kraft Heinz products will be available in Walt Disney Co.’s U.S.-based theme parks and on cruise ships, including Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

WITH temperatures rising around the Med, make the most of cooling sea breezes by cruising.

There are great deals to be had for a last-minute cruise getaway. Lisa Minot picks out a handful . . . 

1) Marella Cruises is a great option for those who want to sail knowing they won’t have to shell out more onboard.

Cruises include flights from regional airports, all your food, drinks, tips, charges and transfers.

Check out the Aegean Shores cruise on Marella Voyager, to combine ancient sites with top beaches. The eight-day round trip from Corfu calls at Piraeus for Athens, Kusadasi in Turkey, Crete, Santorini and Kefalonia.

Now from £1,150pp, a saving of £881pp. flying out this Friday. See tui.co.uk.

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2) Try a no-fly cruise from Southampton to a host of Mediterranean ports. MSC Virtuosa is a family-friendly ship with Formula 1 racing simulators, full-size bowling alley and award-winning kids’ clubs as well as a waterpark and a high ropes course.

Its nine-night Portugal & Spain cruise departs August 20 and calls at Brest, France; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar; and Malaga and Cadiz in Spain.

Prices are from £1,124pp including full board and entertainment. See iglucruise.com.

3) PREFER a child-free trip? Discover the delights of Northern Spain on a no-fly cruise from Southampton onboard Fred Olsen’s Borealis.

This adult-only ship offers a classic British experience with afternoon tea served daily and spaces for painting and crafting.

There is a card room for bridge tournaments and the outdoor main pool has a retractable roof.

The cruise departs August 26 and calls at Getxo where the Bilbao estuary meets the Bay of Biscay.

Then it is on to Santander with its Belle Epoque architecture and lovely beaches. Five nights’ full-board is from £775pp. See cruise.co.uk.

4) HEAD off on an all- inclusive Italian adventure on Norwegian Epic.

Fly from Southampton to Rome before sailing to Salerno, Sicily, Livorno for Florence and Villefranche-sur-Mer for Nice and Marseille before disembarking in Barcelona for your flight home.

All-inclusive starts from £969pp, leaving September 13. See cruise1st.co.uk.

5) ESCAPE the heat and enjoy a tranquil sailing to the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises.

Departing Southampton on the flagship Iona, there are calls at Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt and Haugesund as well as stunning scenic sailings along the fjords.

Iona’s wrap-around promenade deck features outdoor dining, whirlpool tubs over the side of the ship and lots of seating.

The SkyDome on the top deck has a climate- controlled indoor pool area and, at night, turns into a thrilling entertainment hub.

Seven nights’ full board is from 989pp, departing Southampton on August 1. See pocruises.com.