Travel Desk

LOCATED in the Baltic Sea is a crowd-free island with outdoor music festivals and ancient forests – and we bet you’ve never heard of it.

Hiiumaa in Estonia is an island home to several historic lighthouses and sprawling beaches.

It is Estonia’s second largest island, yet is home to less than 10,000 people.

But this led to the island, along with other West Estonia islands, joining the UNESCO biosphere programme area dubbed ‘Man and Biosphere, which means that the locals have lived sustainably alongside nature for hundreds of years.

And most of the time, the island is completely in the dark unless the moon and stars are glowing – as a result it also has no noise or light pollution.

Many people who travel to the island love it for its peace, including soothing sauna and walks in the forest.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

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

SHOW BOAT 

I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire

Naturally, being an island, the destination also has “endless beaches” according to Hiiumaa.ee, such as Tõrvanina, Luidja and Ristna.

Ristna, in particular, is loved by surfers thanks to having the biggest waves in the Baltic Sea.

This spot is also where you will find on of the island’s historic lighthouses.

Ristna Lighthouse’s tower was completed in France at the workshop of Gustave Eiffel – the same person responsible for the Eiffel Tower.

Then it was brought across to Hiiumaa in pieces and then assembled to watch over the sea and ships in the region.

The lighthouse is still operational today, but is open to visitors during the summer.

Nearby is also Kõpu lighthouse, which is one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world.

Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and see across the coastline.

If you happen to visit the island during the summer months, you can also explore The Lavender Farm, which is the northmost lavender farm in the world.

And rather unusually, it is located on the edge of a meteorite crater.

Visitors heading to the farm can see 20,000 lavender plants and the products produced using them, such as lavender jam, lavender spice and lavender micellar water.

For a longer walk in nature, then visitors can head to the ancient Kõpu Nature Reserve, which is located on the oldest part of the island.

The area has many rare plants and bird species.

The island also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year including the Ice Fish Festival in February which involves a number of winter-related activities on the ice and summer music festivals of jazz, folk and club music.

When it comes to food options, local dishes often include fish or lamb.

One top spot is IIUmeekk, which is located inside a quaint redhouse and overlooks a harbour.

Inside, dish options include sea trout with edamame beans, parsley and salted egg yolk or slow cooked porky belly, with tomato kimchi and polenta.

Make sure to check out their desserts as well, such as gingerbread tiramisu.

As for somewhere to stay, there are hotels scattered across the entire island.

For example, for £75 per night you could head to Kassari Holiday Resort which features bubble baths on the hotel’s roof terrace, access Kassari beach and family-friendly rooms.

Alternatively, you could head to Utoopia No. 9 for £70 a night.

The 19-room hotel is sat on Kirikulahe Bay and is inside a historic manor’s vodka kitchen.

The best way to get to Hiiumaa is by flying to the capital of Estonia – Tallinn.

Return flights from London in November cost from £37 and the flight takes under three hours.

From Tallinn you can either hop on another flight to Kärdla Airport, which takes 30 minutes.

Then you can jump on the ferry to Hiiumaa, which takes less than an hour.

Alternatively, you can hop on a coach from Tallinn, which takes just under four hours before catching the ferry.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

Also in Estonia is a seaside city nicknamed the ‘summer capital’ by locals – with huge sandy beach and the sea hits 33C.

Plus, there is a tiny island in Estonia with white sandy beaches that’s the most child-friendly holiday destination in the world.

When I broke into journalism years ago as a fledgling Whittier-based high school sports reporter, one of my favorite side hobbies was asking locals what made their city famous.

Downey was always an interesting test case.

Some said Downey’s claim to fame is the oldest standing McDonald’s, or the Stonewood Mall, with some students boasting the rivalry between Downey and Warren high schools. Some have also cited the title of the “Mexican Beverly Hills,” which I and colleague Gustavo Arellano have always considered more appropriate for Whittier.

What wasn’t mentioned enough about Downey, particularly among the high school-aged students I spoke with, was the city’s ties to the Space Shuttle program. It was somewhat remarkable given the city’s “Home of the Apollo” nickname.

Downey’s reputation, especially among its younger residents, may reset soon thanks to a groundbreaking this Monday to announce the latest upgrade to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, a space museum that opened in 2008.

Benjamin Dickow, the center‘s president and executive director, spoke with The Times about what to expect Monday and beyond.

What’s happening Monday?

Astronaut Garrett Reisman, former Rockwell International and Boeing employees and area dignitaries will take part in a groundbreaking for an about 40,000-square-foot expansion to the existing museum.

The museum’s centerpiece will be a 122-foot-long, 35-foot-tall Downey-made space shuttle mock-up named the “Inspiration,” which is not available yet for public display.

The event begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine, and is located at 12400 Columbia Way in Downey.

For more information, check out https://www.columbiaspacescience.org/

A rendering of the completed front entrance of the museum.

(Nadia Gonzalez, on behalf of the Columbia Memorial Space Center)

Space Center changes and expansion

Dickow said the center was in the middle of completing the first of three phases, to be finished before the L.A. Olympics.

“Once the major construction really gets going, it’s about an 18-month process,” he said, “but if something happens with the shuttle, it’s going to add some time.”

Part of the first phase began in October 2024, when the partially-covered wood and plastic model was paraded down Bellflower Boulevard from a city maintenance yard to a temporary housing unit.

The expansion, known as the Downey Space Shuttle Exhibit and Education Building, would include a new two-story, 29,000-square-foot space shuttle museum, event courtyard, STEM building and courtyard, children’s outdoor classroom, pavilion, lawn and other amenities.

The space shuttle mock-up is also undergoing a “process of rehab and refurbishment,” according to Dickow, but is in “generally great shape.”

“The main work is getting it ready for the public, where visitors will be able to enter and get a sense of what it’s like inside a space shuttle,” Dickow said.

Astronauts would typically access the flight deck, mid-deck and crew compartment through a hatch, according to Dickow.

According to renderings, guests will instead enter through a much more accessible stairwell that puts visitors inside a cargo bay.

A rendering of the space shuttle mock-up, dubbed “Inspiration,” at its place in the center of the museum expansion.

(Nadia Gonzalez, on behalf of the Columbia Memorial Space Center)

What is the mock-up and what’s its tie to Downey?

The shuttle mock-up’s history with Downey spans decades.

North American Rockwell International, now part of Boeing, built the prototype in 1972 at its Downey facility. The space shuttle became the world’s first reusable winged orbiting spaceship.

In total, 12,000 workers developed and manufactured the shuttle at the program’s peak on a sprawling 120-acre campus.

From April 12, 1981, through July 21, 2011, NASA fleets of shuttles flew 135 missions and helped build the International Space Station.

One of those shuttles — Endeavour — was hauled into the middle of its future home, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at Exposition Park, in January 2024.

That museum is also expected to be open before the Olympics.

“This is going to be something that the L.A. area will be able to show off to people from around the world and I want to make sure we’re a part of that,” Dickow said. “Downey and Southeast L.A. sometimes don’t get a lot of the spotlight and this is something that we’ll be able to put out there.”

The week’s biggest stories

Pedestrians cross the street in downtown Los Angeles under light rain on Friday.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

SoCal treads through stormy weather

Rebuilding after January fires

Opposition to immigration forces in California

A Sacramento corruption bombshell

• The federal fraud case against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff and other well-connected aides is entangled with one of California’s — and the country’s — most powerful political circles.
• Dana Williamson, who joined the governor’s office in early 2023 and departed late last year, was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of bank and tax fraud.

Explosive Epstein emails about Trump

• Donald Trump “knew about the girls” and “spent hours at my house,” Jeffrey Epstein wrote in emails.
• See what’s in the emails released by House Democrats on Wednesday.

More big stories

This week’s must-read

More great reads

For your weekend

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Going out

Staying in

L.A. Timeless

A selection of the very best reads from The Times’ 143-year archive.

Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team

Jim Rainey, staff reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
June Hsu, editorial fellow
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected]. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

A solo female backpacker boarded a sleeper bus in Cambodia only to be greeted with an awkward surprise. She shared details about the uncomfortable situation online

An Australian backpacker was left baffled during a recent journey on a sleeper bus in Cambodia when she discovered an awkward surprise waiting for her as she boarded the bus.

Budget travellers often opt for overnight bus and train journeys as they’re typically more affordable than daytime travel whilst providing accommodation for the night at no additional cost. But one solo backpack traveller was forced to question just how far she’d go to save a few quid when she realised she’d have to share a tiny double bed with a complete stranger during her recent overnight bus trip in Cambodia.

Eden Kelly, 26, from Australia turned to Instagram to document the moment she climbed aboard a bus in the South Asian nation, only to find an unexpected bedmate already settled in the bed they were meant to share.

“10.5 hrs on a sleeper bus being paired with a total stranger in a SMALL double bed,” she penned in her post’s caption.

“Literally that’s what you share with someone,” Eden explained at the beginning of her video, displaying the cramped double beds in question. “And because I’m travelling solo, I share with a random [person]. Don’t know what gender, don’t know who they are.”

You can watch the reel here if the video post above isn’t working

The following clip showed Eden revealing a man already lying in the bed, enthusiastically waving hello to the camera.

Eden was then filmed having climbed into the narrow bed alongside the stranger, sitting upright whilst he remained lying down. Eden described the situation as ‘one of the most awkward’ she’d ever experienced, laughing nervously at her predicament.

She noticed a British couple she’d met earlier on her travels were nearby, so she quickly moved to chat with them, hoping to escape the discomfort of sharing a bed with a stranger.

Returning to her bed, she discovered that her unexpected bedfellow had requested a change of beds, leaving Eden alone and somewhat disappointed.

“I’m offended, a little bit sad, but it’s fine because now I get a whole bed to myself,” Eden shared with her viewers.

Viewers were quick to share their thoughts in the comments section, with many questioning why the man from the British couple hadn’t offered to swap beds with Eden, seeing she was clearly uncomfortable.

“Why didn’t you stay with your female friend and your male friend go with a stranger?” one viewer queried.

In response, Eden explained: “Hi all, I met them (the British couple) on a tour 12 hours before getting the bus. I might’ve ended up being a girlfriend snatcher. They did not AT ALL need to offer to swap beds as I was pretty much a stranger to them too!!! Xx”.

Another viewer chimed in: “I would’ve booked 2 spots, ain’t NO WAY I’d share an overnight bus and a bed with a stranger.”

Yet, another individual countered: “If someone came to the spot next to me constantly recording, including putting me on their video. I wouldn’t feel great about that, glad he could be more comfortable somewhere else.”

WINDING my way through narrow streets, the smell of jasmine and mint tea fills the air as I pass craftsmen, locals doing their shopping and an abundance of cats.

It would have been easy to think I was in the souks of Marrakech, but I’m in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

While its Medina is not as chaotic as its Moroccan counterpart, the historic streets bustle with locals selling their wares as tourists like me squeeze through.

From traditional clothing to jewellery, perfume to sweet treats, there’s any amount of treasures to be found just as long as you’re prepared to haggle.

The Medina was built around the big mosque — nicknamed the Olive Tree Mosque due to the trees there in the 8th century ­— but it is also home to 100 smaller mosques.

While Tunisia is an Islamic country, its history and influences are vast — including Arab, Andalucian, Turkish and Berber — and are visible to see as you take in the colourful arched doorways, former palaces and humble homes.

MAGICAL FIND

I was one of the first guests on Disney’s new heroes and villain cruise ship

ISLE-DEAL

I visited the Italian island that’s prettier and cheaper than its neighbour

On a day trip from my hotel, I learned about the rich culture of Tunis and the ancient ruins of Carthage, whose most famous son Hannibal (of elephants fame) became one of history’s most celebrated generals and took on the might of the Roman Empire in the Second Punic War.

I also visted the town of Sidi Bou Said, which couldn’t be more different from the capital, despite being just a short drive away.

It could easily be mistaken for Mykonos or Santorini in Greece thanks to its pretty white buildings with their bright blue doors and windows, many with bougainvillea climbing up and creating a canopy above them.

With stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Tunis, the town has cobbled streets and a history of inspiring world-famous artists, and it’s now home to numerous galleries.

This charming and relaxed outpost is a place tourists are bound to appreciate after the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

Thankfully I also had the option of returning to my hotel — TUI Blue Palm Beach in Hammamet — to rest and recharge.

Around an hour’s drive south of Tunis, the all-inclusive hotel, which had a full refurbishment in 2024, is right on the beach.

With gardens filled with palm trees, it’s a great place to relax if all you want to do is sunbathe and swim in one of the two pools. Temperatures are still a toasty mid-20s in November and December.

It also has a large spa with four massage rooms as well as a traditional hammam, steam room and an indoor pool. It was pure bliss after a long day exploring.

But if history is your thing, then a visit to the Roman archaeological site of Oudhna is a must.

Traditional cookery class

Founded at the end of the 1st century, it is one of the largest and most important sites in Tunisia, and the Capitol is one of the largest temples in North Africa.

Visitors can also step inside the Roman amphitheatre, which had space for 16,000 spectators in its heyday and also admire the impressive Roman aqueduct that runs through the valley.

Local tour companies are also an option, with Sawa Taste of Tunisia organising more one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors.

I took part in a traditional cookery class at Villa Ma-Amoura, a stunning renovated property in the Cap Bon region.

During the class, our group made a Tunisian brunch of Mlawi — a traditional flat bread — and shakshuka, a tasty dish with tomatoes, onions, peppers, egg and spices. Delicious.

As with its culture, Tunisian food is inspired by different countries including Spain, France and Italy.

Couscous is a popular dish, with either fish or lamb, and sweet versions are also available.

That’s one thing I liked about the hotel’s buffet, it offered a good selection of local dishes each day as well as cuisines from other countries.

If you don’t want to go too far from the hotel so you’re back in time for the various buffet hours, but do want to explore a bit of the area, Hammamet is perfect.

The hotel is in the north of the town, which has become one of the country’s most popular seaside resorts, and a short taxi ride will bring you to its Medina.

Significantly smaller than the one in Tunis, it is still an impressive sight thanks to its 13th century Spanish fortress, which is on the water’s edge.

Reaching the top and heading round the fortress walls offers you views across the turquoise waters one way, and the white washed buildings the other.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

Meanwhile back on street-level, you can do a spot of shopping, enjoy a mint tea in a waterfront cafe or play spot the cat as you wander around the alleyways, and trust me, there are a lot of cute kitties to count!

As we enter the depths of winter, my sunny break at the TUI Blue Palm Beach was just the shot of Vitamin D I needed and the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure as we ventured out to explore Tunisia’s rich history and culture.

Nothing says Christmas like a festive market packed with inspiring gifts and seasonal treats, and what better way to enhance your experience than an affordable European getaway to marvel at the magic

Wandering around a Christmas market with the aroma of spiced mulled wine and wooden cabins stacked with unique gifts is part of what makes the festive season so magical. And there’s one in Europe, where it’s been dubbed the cheapest for a winter getaway.

There is a catalogue of European countries offering some of the most spectacular Christmas markets, set within their enchanting towns with mountain backdrops that could easily resemble something out of a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, some of these locations can come with a hefty price tag as costs are bumped up during the festive season, but that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice our European winter wonderland.

One European destination that offers the magic of Christmas at a bargain rate is the capital of Latvia, Riga, with direct flights starting from just £20. The city, renowned for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture, offers everything you could wish for in a festive winter break.

The biggest appeal during this time of year is their charming and traditional Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square, packed with stalls and a thriving food scene with wintery street-food dishes and Latvian cuisine. Warming mulled wines are also available, along with festive cocktails, while visitors browse the stalls of local Latvian artisans.

And it might be one of the best places for some Christmas shopping inspiration, with a selection of handcrafted gifts such as beeswax candles, gingerbread, socks, wool gloves, and creative kits to create wreaths, wall decor and acrylic dishes. Adding to the magic of the Riga Christmas Market, which runs from 28 November to 4 January , will be music from a DJ every Friday, choirs and music ensembles performing on Saturdays and folk music on Sundays.

The city, considered the ‘Art Nouveau capital of Europe’, is nothing short of captivating with its charming, colourful homes decorating the streets and its lively cultural scene. What’s more, it’s filled with shops and cosy restaurants for a traditional taste of Latvia, and its bustling Livu Square, boasting bars and nightclubs.

Another hugely appealing factor about this European city is its affordability. The annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer found that Riga is one of the most affordable European destinations for a two-night weekend Christmas market experience, compared to Copenhagen and Vienna, which have been ranked as some of the most expensive.

The Post Office revealed how much you’re likely to spend in Riga during a two-night break for two during the Christmas market season, and it’s certainly good value for money. They revealed the following prices:

• Four cups of coffee from a cafe or bar = £11.49
• Two three-course meals for two (including a bottle of wine) = £132.89
• Two return bus/train transfers from the airport to the city centre = £7.18
• Four glasses of mulled wine, punch or Glühwein at the Christmas market £14.37
• Four pieces of cake/gingerbread/stollen at Christmas market £12.57

Additionally, the Post Office found that a two-night B&B stay in Riga and direct flights or Eurostar for two would cost a total of £377.00. With everything included, this weekend getaway for two in Riga would cost £555.50 in total, or £277.75 per person.

This is in stark contrast to Copenhagen in Denmark, which was estimated to set two people back a whopping £1,056.55 for the exact same amenities as above. Or £926.41 for the same two-night trip to Vienna in Austria.

Direct return weekend flights from London Stansted to Riga start from around £87 per person, while you can snap up a mid-week return flight from around £45. Meanwhile, you can grab a flight from Leeds to Riga for as little as £20, or a return for around £42.

Additionally, direct flights from Manchester start from around £25, or £45 for a return flight. You can also fly from the East Midlands Airport (EMA), near Nottingham, from £22 to Riga, or spend around £45 on a direct return.

You can check the best flights on the Skyscanner website here.

Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas Markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year. However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip, as it varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.

“The cost of flights and accommodation will also have a significant impact on overall costs so it is doubly important for holidaymakers planning a trip to do their homework to factor in how sterling’s value, flight and hotel capacity and meal costs will affect overall costs. Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

A MAJOR UK airline has collapsed meaning all flights have been cancelled with immediate effect.

Blue Islands, based in the Channel Islands, has folded and grounded all of its aircraft.

It’s the second regional airline to cease operations in a matter of weeks after Eastern Airways also went bust on October 28.

Blue Islands announced yesterday it had stopped trading after more than two decades, and cancelled all current bookings.

Its fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft and was headquartered in Guernsey – though mainly linked Jersey with airports in England.

The airline’s website tells passengers: “We regret to inform you that Blue Islands has suspended trading effective on 14 November 2025.

“All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled.

“Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans.”

Have you been affected by the collapse? Email [email protected]

WE might be heading into winter, but looking ahead to a summer getaway for 2026 doesn’t hurt.

One airline in particular is doing exactly that and has announced that it plans to add more flights from the UK to one very popular Turkish resort.

Corendon Airlines has announced that it plans to extend lots of its summer services next year.

One of these routes from the UK heads to the Turkish resort of Antalya which is known for its family-friendly hotels and waterparks.

During the next summer season there will be daily flights to Antalya from Stansted Airport.

Matthew Carpenter, Corendon Airlines UK Country Manager said: “For 2026 we’re doubling down on the routes that have performed well for us – for example, we’ve had two flights a week to Antalya from Stansted and this will be increasing to five flights a week in the shoulder seasons and daily flights in peak season.”

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

There will also be multiple weekly flights from Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.

Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and has been nicknamed as ‘paradise on Earth‘ thanks to its beautiful beaches, mountain scenery and great weather.

In the summer months, Antalya has average highs of 33C – and it still has daily highs of 23C in November this week.

Thanks to this, Antalya is incredibly popular with Brits, around 1.5 million British tourists visited Antalya between January and October 2024.

To make it even better, the average flight time from the UK is around four and a half hours.

There are plenty of great beaches around the coast like Lara Beach, known for its fine sand and luxury resorts.

Other popular beaches include Konyaaltı Beach, which has a long pebble and sand coastline.

Patara Beach is one of Turkey‘s longest beaches, and there’s also Kaputaş Beach which is small cove between the towns of Kaş and Kalkan.

Being such a family-friendly destination, there are plenty of huge hotels with on-site waterparks, kids clubs, activities, and beach access.

One writer visited the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa which has a full-size football pitch, a golf course, seven pools and a waterpark.

Stacey Solomon even stayed at the new sister hotel called Regnum The Crown this summer which has a Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

This summer, another writer took a visit to the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya, the hotel’s design was inspired by the fateful Titanic ship.

And another destination that airline hopes to expand to is Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Corendon will increase its Heraklion capacity by 20 per cent as the popularity of the city grows for Brits.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as nightlife, historical sites like the Palace of Knossos.

If you fancy booking, Corendon Airlines has also extended its reservation system to be able to make bookings 700 days ahead of the trip.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

Turkey’s ‘best kept secret’ is a quiet seaside village that’s right by Antalya…

Just 90 minutes away from Antalya is the seaside village of Cirali.

It’s found on a quiet sea valley, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.

The village was called “one of Turkey‘s best-kept secrets” in an article in the Sunday Telegraph.

Despite not being far from Kemer and Antalya, only a few Brits seem to holiday in Cirali.

Because of its protected status as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, the seaside village doesn’t have huge all-inclusive resorts or large hotel chains.

The beach, which is a mixture of shingle and sand, is its main attraction. While metal cages mark the turtle nests, there is still plenty of space for holidaymakers.

Other facilities at the beach include several restaurants that serve a range of grilled fish and rustic stews.

Away from the beach, other activities include yoga classes, cycling routes and walking routes.

Here’s more on where Brits should visit in Turkey from a Turkish flight attendant.

Plus, check out the luxurious new 5* all-suite hotel is jewel of Turkey’s Turquoise coast, with stunning sky pool, 22 restaurants & 30 bars.

This New York hotel may be only three years old, but it has already made a name for itself as the hipster haven of the Lower East Side. It’s a celebrity favourite and after spending two nights there, I can see exactly why.

While girls’ trips are all about fun activities, chaotic nights out and days lounging on the beach, topping up your tan, or browsing shopping streets across the world, having a good base to rest your head after a long day of gallivanting has never been more important.

That’s why, on my most recent trip to New York, I made sure my best friend and I treated ourselves to a luxurious stay at the Nine Orchard hotel in Chinatown, just one subway stop away from Brooklyn, for a stay that will keep us rejuvenated between each busy day.

Online, the Nine Orchard hotel looks like an upgraded home away from home, with cosy furnishings, speakers in rooms, Brooklyn style windows perfect for people watching and tiled bathrooms you would only see on a Pinterest board. In person, it gave no less.

Upon checking in, my friend and I counted our lucky stars. We were warmly greeted in true New York fashion (no matter what people say, in my experience, the New Yorkers are far friendlier than your average Londoner, sorry!) and told us our stay included a £115 room tab to spend on the goodies left in our minibar, and a free breakfast at the connected Corner Bar restaurant which served a plate of the best French Toast I’ve ever had.

Every detail, from the speakers in the room which play a selection of calm and soothing jazz to your own music via Bluetooth, to the three showers to choose from in the bathroom that’s bigger than my UK bedroom.

Choice was the luxury we were awarded at Nine Orchard, and it’s no wonder celebrities enjoy the hotel too, having stayed during the CFDA Fashion Awards, we saw our fair share of stars ducking out of the hotel reception and bundled into Black SUVs one evening.

We also had our choice of lounge areas to relax in come evening, one room which had a grand fireplace, ideal for a late night reading session or the Swan room, an elegant space for a cocktail with a vaulted ceiling, luxurious booths, and pink Tennessee marble walls.

The Swan Room, with its vaulted ceiling, is a nod to the hotel building’s former use.

The Nine Orchard hotel was once a bank, which in some way adds to the opulent, old-world setting of the place. It’s a landmark of the iconic Lower East Side, having been awarded its status in 2009, and offered a view of the downtown skyline that would make any traveller want to emigrate in a heartbeat.

Nine Orchard may have opened its doors only in 2022, but it has quickly become Downtown New York’s go-to hipster hideaway, so much so that it earned a spot on Expedia’s 2026 Hotels of the Year list for its character and cultural edge.

Whether you’re planning a stylish weekend with friends or a romantic escape, this is a stay I’d recommend without hesitation.

Prices start from from £594.

ON the hunt for a bargain festive getaway? Forget the traditional European spots — as this year Vilnius is the place to head.

New research has revealed the capital of Lithuania is the most wallet-friendly destination for a Christmas market break, with low-cost accommodation plus ginger bread and mulled wine galore.

According to the Post Office’s annual Christmas Markets Barometer report, a two-night getaway in the historic city will set holidaymakers back significantly less than a short break in any other European destination.

The study looked at the cost of six basic holiday items in 15 countries that are popular for a festive break — to calculate where travellers would get the most bang for their buck in 2025.

These holiday items included B&B accommodation, return flights or Eurostar travel, coffees, and three-course dinners for two with wine.

It found the total cost of all of these essentials in Vilnius came to £508.94, with travel and accommodation being the leading cause for its affordability.

WEEKEND WONDERS

2 Euro city breaks perfect for a weekend of gorging on food, wine & culture

SHORT BREAK

Popular city named underrated winter city break is still 20C with £28 flights

The costing is dramatically less here than it would be in other destinations.

The study found that the city has not been affected by inflation in terms of holiday costs, with prices 0.4 per cent lower than they were in last year’s Christmas Markets Barometer.

In second place on the barometer is Riga in Latvia, which has been shown to be eight per cent more expensive than Vilnius overall, although comparatively general items, such as ginger bread or stollen at the market and a three-course meal for two, cost less.

Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “Sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip because this varies between currencies.

“The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies — five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the krona in Sweden.”

If it is mulled wine you have got your eyes on, this year’s research suggests that Bratislava in Slovakia is the best place to get enjoy it without splashing the cash.

This destination came in third place overall but had the most affordable tipples, with four glasses of mulled wine priced at £10.77, more than £7 less than it would cost in Vilnius.

Prices for all the holiday items had risen in Bratislava, in comparison to the previous year, with flights and accommodation soaring by 12.9 per cent, while meals, drinks and airport transfers have increased 8.5 per cent from 2024.

Poland has been revealed as one of the most affordable countries overall for a festive mini-break, with three cities making it into the top ten on the budget barometer.

Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow came in fourth, fifth and seventh place respectively with total holiday costs of £585.85, £588.97 and £674.17.

Despite being the most expensive of the Polish cities in general, Krakow is definitely the best place to head if you plan to load up on cake, stollen or gingerbread at the markets.

Here, it costs £10.56 on average for four portions of these sweet treats, which is less than half of what it would cost you in Warsaw (£22).

This still doesn’t compare to Stockholm, however, where visitors heading to the Christmas markets can get samples of these goodies for free.

At the other end of the scale, Copenhagen in Denmark was the priciest of all 15 destinations in the charts, with the total cost of all holiday items coming to a staggering £1,055.92 — more than double that of the cheapest spot, Vilnius.

Austrian capital Vienna was the second most expensive spot overall. However, the barometer shows that costs have fallen by 2.4 per cent since last year.

Laura Plunkett added: “Away from the Advent markets, there are tempting opportunities to shop for Christmas gift items.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

But we advise holidaymakers to think carefully before using a credit or debit card to make payments as they are likely to end up paying some extra non-sterling transaction charges.

“Instead, consider loading spending money on to a pre-paid card such as the Post Office Travel Money Card, which is widely accepted and does not incur these transaction charges.”

The airline’s website told passengers ‘We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans’

Blue Islands, the Channel Islands-based airline, has ceased operations and grounded all flights. The carrier, which employed around 100 staff, had been running services to various destinations across the British Isles and beyond for two decades.

This marks the second regional airline to collapse in less than three weeks, after Eastern Airways’ cessation of operations on 28 October. The Jersey-based operator announced on Friday it had stopped trading and cancelled all bookings.

Blue Islands, operating a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft, had its headquarters in Guernsey but chiefly linked Jersey with airports in England, including Bristol, Exeter and Southampton. From Guernsey, the airline ran flights to Southampton and an inter-island service to Jersey.

The airline’s website tells passengers: “We regret to inform you that Blue Islands has suspended trading effective on 14 November 2025. All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements. We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans.”

Thousands of passengers who have advance bookings with the carrier are urged to contact their bank or payment card provider if they booked directly. Blue Islands further stated: “For bookings made through our codeshare partner Aurigny but travelling on a Blue Islands flight, please contact Aurigny directly – some flights may still be operating. For bookings made through a travel agent or holiday company, please contact the company through whom you booked for advice and guidance.”

The Jersey government provided Blue Islands with £8.5m in funding, with a report in August 2025 showing that £7m remained unpaid.

Elaine Millar, Jersey’s minister for Treasury and Resources, voiced her dismay: “I am saddened by the announcement that Blue Islands has suspended operations, and my immediate thoughts are with the people whose jobs have been affected and the passengers whose travel will be disrupted.”

She confirmed that “For those employees based in Jersey, government support is ready and available.” She also stressed the vital nature of air links for the island and provided reassurance that backup measures were already prepared to quickly restore connections.

“Government is working with an alternative airline to ensure that Jersey has reliable and sustainable air links for the long term.” she added.

Aurigny and Loganair have confirmed they are adding additional services to their timetables to assist Blue Islands passengers. Loganair announced it was launching services from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton alongside Guernsey to Southampton from Sunday, whilst Aurigny has introduced flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes “initially until Wednesday”.

Both carriers confirmed special fares were being offered on the services to help passengers who needed to travel on any of the impacted routes.

A Loganair statement said: “We understand this will be a worrying time for those hoping to travel to and from Jersey and in response we’re starting operations from Sunday 16 November.”

An Aurigny spokesperson said the airline was “deeply saddened” about Blue Islands ceasing trading.

“Following the announcement that Blue Islands has entered administration, Aurigny is taking immediate action to assist Blue Islands customers across the Channel Islands,” the spokesperson added.

GARDEN centres are one of the quaintest places to visit on a weekend, and the oldest one in the UK dates back 70 years.

But it isn’t all about plants and afternoon tea – as it even holds festivals and epic Christmas events.

Stewarts has three garden centres around the UK; Stewarts Christchurch, Stewarts Abbey in Fareham and Stewarts Broomhill in Wimborne which is its oldest.

The business‘s founder, Edward Stewart, was inspired to create the garden centre model after seeing them in America and is credited with bringing the concept to the UK.

The beginning of the business was in 1742 when the family began its plant nursery in Dundee.

It wasn’t until later on in 1859 that the family business moved down to Dorset.

Read More on Winter Holidays

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

Stewarts Broomhill, which is the oldest of the three sites, first opened in 1955.

It’s not just your basic plants; it sells outdoor garden furniture, homeware, gifts, gardening tools, grow your own materials, and the likes of bird baths and insect houses.

They hold seasonal events too, like the upcoming Santa’s Winter Wonderland, starting on Saturday, November 22.

Families can wander through the wintry scene, check out the elves’ workshops, and Rudolph’s stable.

For the very first time, after meeting Santa, kids can explore the secret toy store and pick out a gift.

There are photo opportunities too from taking a ride in a Christmas campervan, to becoming a gingerbread man, and and elf.

Tickets to meet Santa and his elves at the Broomhill Garden Centre are £19.50 for children between 7 months and 12 years old.

Tickets for babies (0-6 months old) and adults are £3.50 each.

Each garden centre is also offering Winter Wonderland tickets for SEN sessions which will have a calmer atmosphere.

On Tripadvisor, one parent wrote: “It’s always a pleasure to visit at any time of year but at Christmas the most amazing spectacular is on hand when Santa Claus arrives exciting the youngsters of our family.”

Another added: “We went to visit Father Christmas today. It was excellent for the whole family. The Grotto was beautiful, snow was brilliant and the lights were bright and pretty. My little girl loved it.”

At certain garden centres, events are held throughout the year too.

Stewarts Broomhill Garden Centre has held events like the Primrose Festival Nursery Open Day – which demonstrates how to grow Primroses – and you got a cream tea included.

Meanwhile, the Stewarts garden centre in Christchurch, Dorset, held its own Grill Fest over the summer holiday.

Over a weekend it held barbecue demonstrations – with plenty to eat of course, live music and expert tips on how to do alfresco cooking.

There are other expert talks on how to grow trees, rewild your garden, wildlife gardening and planting bulbs properly.

tragic news

Strictly’s George Clarke reveals his mum has been diagnosed with cancer

WATCH OUT

Dark side of smart cameras and baby monitors & eerie signs someone is watching

Here’s one garden centre which is one of the fanciest in England…

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey spent her childhood at one of the biggest and fanciest garden centres in the UK…

It might not sound like the most thrilling destination for kids, but I spent my childhood exploring one of the UK’s fanciest garden centres.

Growing up in the Cotswolds, it meant my local one was the Burford Garden Centre.

It’s been open since 1975 and is still family-owned and run.

Across the 21,000sqm estate is more than just a garden centre (although that is also extremely extensive, selling everything from flowers to trees that cost as much as £7k).

There is also an on-site bookshop, as well as shops selling clothing, food and interiors, and even artwork. Expect some of the fancier brands, such as Barbour and Le Creuset on the shelves.

There are “Bulb Markets” to stock up on flowers in the spring time.

The onsite cafe and bakery is a must visit too.

The Glasshouse Cafe feels more like a chic European eatery, with wicker shades and palm trees.

Make sure to grab a giant scone – so delicious we even ordered a batch for my sister’s wedding. It even has events including stitching classes, rare book courses and fish mornings.

But my favourite time to visit is Christmas, as the exhibits are spectacular.

For more days out in the UK, check out the farm shop that’s the ‘Harrods of the North’ and is loved by Molly-Mae – with forest lodges and hot tubs.

Plus, check out the inside of the UK’s biggest garden centre with soft play, shopping village and its own tea room.

The island is just a four-and-a-half hour flight from London and offers year-round sunshine, with flowers beginning to bloom in March

Brits seeking a sun-soaked escape might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short hop from the UK and basking in a cosy 22C during winter.

Just a four-and-a-half hour jaunt from London, this Mediterranean jewel provides a much-needed respite from the UK’s current frosty, damp weather.

With sunshine all year round and flowers starting to blossom in March, Cyprus is an excellent pick for families, with plenty of family-friendly hotels on offer.

The island also boasts a variety of activities, from hiking to exploring cultural and historical sites. Winter brings fewer tourists, making it the ideal time to visit popular attractions without the long queues, reports the Express.

Party animals will be attracted to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s premier party hotspots, while those in search of relaxation can soak up the island’s 300 days of annual sunshine.

A journey into the Troodos Mountains reveals breathtaking scenery and a charming village nestled in the valley below.

In an unexpected twist, there’s a ski resort tucked away in the Troodos Mountain Range. Open from January to March, it’s situated on Mount Olympus,

Holidaymakers can drive up to the slopes, which offer several picturesque viewpoints along the way.

Nestled in the valley is the village of Omodos, teeming with restaurants serving traditional dishes – perfect after a day of mountain trekking.

The village is also home to a monastery that welcomes visitors for tours. A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is a favourite in the area and can be found on locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23).

Another must-see is Nicosia, Cyprus’ divided capital. Following the 1974 civil war, the island was split into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The border, known as the ‘green line’, runs through Nicosia, making it the world’s only divided capital city. Tourists can cross the border at several points.

Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.

A man asked ‘what would you do’ if you were faced with this situation, and many admitted they would be thrilled to find themselves sitting in this seat…

It’s always nice to have pleasant seatmates when travelling by plane. You’re in a tight space at 35,000 feet in the air, so someone polite, perhaps even sweet, is the ideal situation – especially if you’ve drawn the short straw and you’re sitting in the middle seat.

But one man asked, “What would you do” if you were flying and your seatmates were his three adorable cats.

“Sponge Cake, Donut, and Buttercream all love chin scratches!” he wrote as the caption to the adorable video, which had people desperately wanting to meet the threesome. “What would you do if you were stuck with three furbabies on a flight to Paris?” he penned over the top of the clip, which amassed almost 20,000 likes.

Then, the camera panned to Sponge Cake, Donut, and Buttercream, who were all wearing the most adorable French costumes, complete with berets and striped shirts.

One of the cats was gazing out of the window, probably wondering when their next meal was, and then the next shot saw two of the cats grooming each other, politely sitting in their seat.

In the comments, the cats were showered with praise. One woman wrote: “These sweet guys on planes are always so cute. People who get to ride with them are blessed. What fun that would be. I love them”.

Another wrote: “They are so beautiful and well-behaved. They need their own private jet”.

“I’d pay extra to sit next to them,” a cat lover admitted, and many others likely feel the same.

Somebody pointed out that they’re all “dressed beautifully,” with one Instagram user saying: “That’s the best thing ever! I’d be happy to sit next to them!”

There are different rules for different airlines as to whether you’re allowed to travel with dogs or cats in the cabin.

On the Flight Centre UK website, they explain that cats and dogs are usually the only types of animals allowed to travel on airlines, and most others are required to be shipped or freighted by road.

Usually, they warn that your pet will be placed in the cargo hold under the main cabin seating or sometimes in the front or rear of the plane, depending on the aircraft.

However, if you have a small pet, you may be able to take it on board as carry-on.

They write: “While there are currently no airlines from the UK that offer this service, it is possible on some flights in the United States and Europe, depending on the airline”.

They also note that pets are supposed to stay in their carrier at all times, but it’s important that you speak to a travel consultant beforehand so you can figure out the best course of action for you and your pets.

Diners fall silent as the haunting sound of the aulos – a double-piped wind instrument from ancient Greece – echoes through the vaulted breakfast room. The musician, Davide, wears a chiton (tunic), as do the guests; the mosaic floor, decorated vases and flicker of flames from the sconces add to the sense that we’ve stepped back in time.

This is Moyseion, a one-of-a-kind hotel-museum in the famous troglodyte city of Matera, in Basilicata, known for its sassi – cave dwellings carved into the limestone mountainside. Every detail has been carefully designed to transport visitors to Magna Graecia, as this area of southern Italy was known when it was ruled by the ancient Greeks from the 8th-6th century BC.

Escape to the Dolomite mountains in northern Italy this winter for stunning scenery and rooms with a view at this striking treehouse spa hotel

There’s certainly something magical about being in the mountains at this time of year, and if you’re looking for an upmarket alpine escape, Brixen in Italy’s Dolomites region ticks all the boxes.

South Tyrol’s oldest town, Brixen – also known as Bressanone – is a popular destination for domestic and international holidaymakers alike, who come for skiing in the winter and walking in the summer. With German as the locals’ first language, the region feels much more Austrian than Italian. It was, in fact, part of Austria-Hungary until the end of the First World War.

If you’re lucky enough to have snow when you visit, Brixen will look like a scene from a snowglobe, with medieval churches, traditional Christmas markets and a festive light and music show held throughout the small town.

Brixen is easily accessible from Bolzano, Innsbruck, Venice and Verona airports, but if the flights work for you, do try to fly via SkyAlps, South Tyrol’s very own airline, direct from London to Bolzano. The journey is a delight, and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to a golden age of aviation as you board the little propeller plane, which carries no more than 76 passengers. Drinks and snacks (many of which are local to the region) are complimentary, and you get to enjoy stunning views of the mountains as you fly over them.

My Arbor hotel

The My Arbor hotel, a few kilometres uphill from Brixen, has the wow factor as soon as you pull up to it. Perched on the side of a mountain, half of the hotel is raised up on what look like impossibly spindly stilts, as if the architect sketched a design for a treehouse after watching War Of The Worlds . The result is modern yet also completely in tune with the surrounding nature.

The ‘tree hotel’ theme continues as you step through the front door, with huge trunks hanging from the ceiling of the spacious lobby, leading onto a terrace that opens out onto views of the valley below.

The bedrooms are wood-panelled too, in a contemporary chalet-style design. The highlight is the huge daybed in the windows of the rooms, putting you right among the treetops as you lounge with your morning coffee, watching the clouds clear off the mountains in the distance. For total luxury, you can stay in one of three Treetop Suites, which have private terraces and their own whirlpool hot tubs.

The spa at My Arbor

The Spa Arboris is the star of the show at My Arbor, with two entire floors dedicated to wellness, and it’s clearly popular with guests. The first floor allows clothing and has a large indoor/outdoor pool, sauna and plenty of beds. But if you want to embrace German spa culture and leave your swimsuit and your inhibitions behind, then head down to the ‘textile-free’ floor (no one is looking, trust us), where you’ll find lots more saunas, steam rooms and an outdoor hydropool. It’s down here where ‘sauna infusions’ take place four times a day too, involving intense heat, powerful music and essential oils.

Outside, cosy heated ‘cuddle nests’ can also be booked for two-hour periods, filled with snuggly blankets and uninterrupted views.

My Arbor

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From about £225 per person, per night

Booking.com

Book here

A striking treehouse-style hotel in Italy’s beautiful South Tyrol, with stunning views, seven-course dinners and a world class spa.

The food at My Arbor

Most guests at My Arbor stay half-board, and you certainly won’t go hungry here. Dinner consists of a seven-course menu with a changing theme every night, alongside buffet salads, cheese boards and desserts. To accompany it is a huge wine list that the helpful staff are only too happy to advise on. Impressively, our waiter expertly talked us through the 600-bottle offering in English, his third language.

At breakfast you’ll find a selection of all the usual continental favourites – breads, meats, cheeses and pastries – as well as healthier options such as kefir water, freshly squeezed blueberry juice and different flavours of porridge every day.

What to do around My Arbor

The Plose ski resort and cable car is nearby, but locals tell us it’s not one of the Dolomites’ major ski destinations. Instead, most visitors come for the walking, with dozens of picturesque, well-signposted trails around the area. We visited earlier in the year, so our hiking routes felt like scenes straight out of The Sound Of Music , taking us past wildflower meadows, bleating baby goats, ancient churches and trickling streams. We don’t think it gets any more idyllic than that.

How much does it cost to stay at My Arbor?

Rooms at My Arbor start from about £225 per person, per night. SkyAlps operates flights from London Gatwick to Bolzano three times a week, from around £140 each way. Children under two travel free of charge.

Disney World and Universal have an incredible selection of rides whether you’re into thrill rides or gentler kid-friendly ones

I spent an incredible two weeks visiting both Disney World and Universal in Florida. The two parks are enormous and there’s more to do in both of them than anyone can possibly do in a fortnight.

Disney World’s scale, especially, is hard to believe. It is effectively its own city or county. It is comparable in size to San Francisco in the USA or Manchester in the UK and is twice the size of Manhattan. It has its own roads and transport system including ferries, a cable car network and 490 buses. For comparison, the entire Cardiff Bus network has 171 buses.

Around 58 million people visit Disney World every year. Estimates from the ONS indicate that there were around 42.6m inbound visits to the UK in 2024. Disney World employs 80,000 people, making it the largest employer in the state of Florida.

Universal seems small in comparison but by any other measure Universal itself is also huge. And its comparatively smaller size gives it plenty of advantages, particularly in allowing guests to “hop” easily between some parks on foot, something that’s not possible in Disney World.

Of course, both Disney World and Universal, which are both near Orlando, are about far more than rides. There are countless shows on everything from Beauty and the Beast to Indiana Jones, as well as parades, fireworks and character meets, not to mention thousands of shops. But for many people the rides take centre stage.

In two weeks, I did more than 50 of them. I was travelling with young children so I got to sample the “thrill” rides as well as those for younger children. Both are a huge part of the Disney and Universal experiences and many of the kids’ rides are just as enjoyable as the more adrenaline-pumping (and, at times, frankly insane) flagship roller coasters. So I’ve included both in the list to help you make the most of your trip, especially if you’re visiting as a family. But one ride will live in the memory more than any other. Here are my top 10 rides from both Disney World and Universal, ranked in order:

10. Ko’okiri Body Plunge – Volcano Bay, Universal

At the heart of Universal’s Volcano Bay water park is the volcano itself. And going from the top to the bottom via a 125ft drop, 70-degree fall through a dark tube is this body plunge ride. You start to realise how scary this drop is going to be during your long climb up the stairs to the top – it’s way higher than it looks. You begin the ride by climbing into a one-person pod at the top. Then, with no warning, the floor gives way and you plummet to the bottom at blistering speed, emerging into a pool at the bottom. Watch it here:

9. Avatar Flight of Passage – Animal Kingdom, Disney World

The queue for this ride is an event in itself. You pass through an “active ACE (Alpha Centauri Expeditions) research lab” complete with working experiments and a life-size Avatar in a tank before you reach the linking chamber where you have fun while linking to your avatar. This journey builds up a huge amount of anticipation for the ride itself but nothing prepares you for what is to come. You put on 3D glasses and board your own mountain banshee before embarking on a totally immersive flight. Though your seat doesn’t actually go anywhere (though it does tilt and turn to an often- terrifying degree) the ride is completely immersive and you really feel like you’re flying. It’s a Disney must-ride! Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios is a similarly brilliant experience.

8. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Epic Universe, Universal

Monsters Unchained is the marquee attraction of Dark Universe at Universal’s new Epic Universe and tells the story of Dr Victoria Frankenstein’s attempt to control Dracula in her “ultimate challenge”. Like Avatar above, the build-up to this ride is as much of an attraction as the ride itself, building suspense as you go, not least when riders are shown a model of the chair they’ll be sitting on being hurled around by an enormous robotic arm as a crazed scientist Igor raves at them on a screen. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios is a similar style of ride and just as good.

7. Haunted Mansion – Magic Kingdom, Disney World

In some ways, Haunted Mansion is a much gentler version of Monsters Unchained. There’s far less motion to the two-person Doom Buggy carriages that take you through the mansion as the disembodied voice of a ghostly host guides you through so it’s kid-friendly (though obviously there’s a major supernatural theme). The part of the ride where ghosts dance as a pianist plays is fantastic. I loved this ride, all the more so for being able to experience it with my nine-year-old daughter and five-year-old son.

6. ET Adventure – Universal Studios, Universal

There are lots of gentle-ish flying rides across the two parks and you should also try Peter Pan’s flight at Magic Kingdom. But this was the pick of the bunch for me, especially for some pretty serious childhood nostalgia vibes. You sit on a bicycle as you try to avoid chasing police and secretive forces to get ET home. It’s wonderful.

5. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – Islands of Adventure, Universal

There are lots of fantastic water rides across Disney and Universal and I could have picked any number of them here. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is superb, featuring a major and thrilling drop at the end. Pirates of the Caribbean, also at Magic Kingdom, is also fantastic, with pirates so realistic I found myself checking with fellow riders that some of them were not in fact actors. Na’vi River Journey at Epcot is stunning, with the animatronic Na’vi Shaman seen towards the end of the ride reportedly the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figure ever designed by Walt Disney Imagineering at a reported cost of $23m.

Living with the Land at Epcot is a one-of-a-kind (very) gentle educational boat ride, as are It’s a Small World at Magic Kingdom and Jungle Cruise in the same park, one of very few rides which comes with a host (Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom is another). Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure is also brilliant – and exciting.

But I’ve gone for Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Universal’s Islands of Adventure as my pick of the bunch. It’s a great white water ride without being excessive so it’s kid-friendly. And it gets you absolutely soaked.

4. Tron Lightcycle/Run – Magic Kingdom, Disney World

This exceptional ride sees riders climb aboard their very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing “programs”. Part of the ride takes place in daylight under the ride’s domed roof where you soar at speed above the park-goers on foot below, with the other half of the ride in near darkness set against thrilling screens. Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot was another futuristic contender for this spot, but the additional spinning on that roller coaster made it too much to handle and Tron was a much smoother and more enjoyable ride.

3. Fearless River – Volcano Bay, Universal

If you thought you liked a lazy river, then wait until you try the Fearless River at Universal, which my family all took to calling the “crazy river”. We went around it so many times I lost count, with the kids refusing to leave for large parts of the day, usually to my secret delight. A strong current carries you around the river as you float in large rubber rings (or just swim) at a pretty fast pace, with big, chopping waves and churning rapids adding to the adventure. Life jackets are a must for adults as well as the kids. It’s amazing.

2. Surf Pool – Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World

There are wave machines… and then there’s the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. I’d seen so many videos of this before arriving at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and wasn’t convinced it was real until I saw it with my own eyes. The Surf Pool is the centrepiece of this Disney water park and is a relatively calm and enjoyable pool for the most part. But every 90 seconds a “sonic boom” is heard sparking immediate squeals and screams of excitement at what is to come: a six-foot wave that comes surging through the pool consuming everything in its path. Some experienced lagoon-goers are able to body-surf it. Others, like me, were just battered. At one point, it knocked me into a backwards somersault. I’ve never seen anything like it.

1. Velocicoaster – Islands of Adventure, Universal

Of all the amazing rides throughout Disney World and Universal, this one stands out as the best. I’d been watching videos of it for weeks and was so nervous about riding it that I didn’t know I’d follow through with it until I was at the front of the queue and stepping on to the ride with a thumping heart.

Velocicoaster is the fastest and tallest launch coaster in Florida, launching to 70mph in 2.4 seconds. The Velocicoaster’s “top hat” is 155-feet tall, with riders plunging from its peak down an 80-degree drop. There are inversions and the “Mosasaurus roll” which inverts riders over water at 53mph to end the ride. A truly incredible experience that I will never forget. Other superb roller coasters I tried were Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the Islands of Adventure and Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. The Crush n Gusher water coaster at Typhoon Lagoon is also fantastic, as is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. For a gentler ride for younger children that’s still fun, try the Trolls Trollercoaster at Universal Studios.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is known around the world for its impressive length, but many don’t know that they can go further and enter one of the most dangerous countries on Earth

The world’s longest direct train journey takes eight days to reach its destination – and crosses into one of the world’s most secretive countries. Since June, direct passenger trains have been running from the Russian capital of Moscow all the way to North Korea’s Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-un’s hermit kingdom remains one of the most secretive – and feared – nations on Earth, with the tyrant’s iron fist seeing residents executed for the simple act of watching foreign TV.

That’s a staggering journey of 6,213 miles and makes it by far the longest train journey on Earth, according to the Guinness World Records.

A large portion of the trip uses the Trans-Siberian Railway, that runs across Russia from the capital Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east. Spanning a total of 9,288 kilometres (5,772 miles), that in itself is the longest single track in the entire world.

Passengers travelling from Russia to North Korea will travel in a specially-made carriage that is attached to the regular Trans-Siberian Railway service. Once arriving in Vladivostok, the carriage is then reattached to another train and carries on to Pyongyang.

These services were quite infrequent to begin with before being forced to grind to a total halt following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, however, the hermit kingdom has been trying to patch up its relationship with Russia, going as far as to send North Korean soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

Very few Westerners have dared to travel the full way from Moscow to Pyongyang. One group documented their trip back in 2018 and shared what the conditions on board have been like. As they boarded the train in Moscow, they explained that the dedicated Korean carriage was clear to see.

They claimed it was clear to see the train has not been kept in the best condition. “It was cold inside our compartment — no heating, maybe 10 degrees,” the travellers explained, adding that heating would not be turned on for several hours. “If it’s cold outside this period, the cars are individually heated with a coal stove, which is located in every car.

“However, individual heating requires that coal is available – and this was not the case in our North Korean sleeping car, but no problem, we had warm clothes.

“However, the water-boiler was working, so preparing tea, coffee and instant-noodles was possible.”

North Korea’s feared reputation is not without reason. The government is known to monitor all forms of communication by residents, to ensure there is no contact with the outside world. Thousands have been detained in “political prison camps” for “crimes” such as trying to flee the country or practising their religion.

Food is often withheld from the wider population, instead prioritising the elite and military. According to the UN, 10.7million, ore more than 40% of the entire population, are undernourished.

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits travelling to eight new countries after a number of recent cases of methanol poisoning were reported

Travellers are being urged to exercise extra caution while on holiday amid rising concerns about poisoning cases. Experts at MoneySuperMarket have issued new advice following the Foreign Office’s addition of eight more countries to its list of methanol warnings just last month.

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a clear, flammable liquid present in products like paint and antifreeze. However, it is sometimes also illegally added to alcoholic drinks and cocktails in bars to cut costs. This practice can be extremely dangerous, as even tiny quantities can cause severe, irreversible damage — including blindness or death — within 48 hours.

Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained: “Methanol is a type of alcohol often used in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid and is highly toxic if consumed. Early symptoms can include vomiting and drowsiness but as poisoning worsens, it may lead to abdominal pain, vertigo, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and even blindness.”

Doctors Without Borders reports that thousands of people are poisoned by methanol annually. Fatality rates often range from 20% to 40%, depending on the concentration and the amount ingested.

In light of this, Ms Hempsted said the ‘safest approach’ would be to drink from sealed bottles when abroad and never leave beverages unattended. She also urged travellers to take out travel insurance to provide cover for any possible medical emergencies.

Ms Hempsted said: “Unfortunately, even when you take every possible precaution, emergencies can still happen when you’re abroad. Travel insurance can provide cover for emergency medical expenses and hospital treatments helping to protect you from financial and additional personal stress if the worst does happen.”

She also added: “If you experience any of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, or suspect you may have consumed it, you must seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can include an antidote or dialysis, depending on how advanced the poisoning is.”

Where are the eight new warnings about methanol poisoning?

In October, the Foreign Office added new guidance on methanol poisoning to the travel pages for eight countries. This included:

1. Ecuador
2. Kenya
3. Japan
4. Mexico
5. Nigeria
6. Peru
7. Uganda
8. Russia

Previously, the Foreign Office only issued guidance on methanol poisoning in countries where British nationals had been affected. These countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji.

According to a previous Mirror report, Hamish Falconer, the minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said in October: “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late.

“That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.

“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”

For more information, visit GOV.UK here.

It’s that time of year when many people think about booking a European winter getaway to hit the snowy slopes on their skis or boards, and there’s one picturesque location that comes with a discounted price tag

Taking to the snow-covered slopes for skiing or snowboarding is a notoriously expensive getaway for anyone, particularly when you factor in equipment hire, lessons, accommodation and flights. However, one savvy savings expert has revealed the European skiing hotspot that costs just £200 per person – and that’s with everything included!

Travel expert, Chelsea, who has accumulated more than 180K followers on TikTok thanks to her holiday-saving hacks, appeared on This Morning to reveal a nifty hack that helps save hundreds of pounds when booking a desirable skiing holiday. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Chelsea explained she had just booked a three-night ski getaway to Zakopane in Poland for a mere £200.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

During the ski season, Zakopane offers miles of powdery white snow within the Tatras Mountains for a truly magnificent backdrop. The town has often been described as a “hidden gem” with inviting thermal pools after a day on the slopes and a thriving food scene.

With a budget of £200 for the “whole thing”, Chelsea said this would include a three-night trip, with flights, transfers, lessons and ski hire. Sharing further details, she said travellers can fly into Kraków and “take a two-hour bus for £7.50” to get to the resort.

Chelsea added that this particular ski resort is “fantastic for beginners and perfect for learning”, as the ski lessons and ski hire cost around £30 each per day. At various ski resorts across Europe, some lessons can cost anything from £50 to £110 a day.

Revealing how she secured this nifty deal, Chelsea explained that there’s a relatively new website called Heidi, which allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer. She added that users can also select certain filters, such as beginners, advanced, families, big ski area, apres-ski or opt for a short transfer.

After making the preferred selections, a list of bargain holiday packages will appear, allowing travellers to book, with many offering an incredible saving. This discounted cost is in stark contrast to other European ski resorts, where visitors can spend anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000 per person for a week.

Following her appearance on This Morning, Chelsea shared the clip on her TikTok account (@cheapholidayexpert) and divulged that she had shared details of the bargain ski trip after a caller had rang into the show. Chelsea wrote in the video caption: “Here, Jayne had asked where I could recommend for a cheap solo ski trip for under £500.”

She then went on to outline further details to help other holidaymakers cut costs this winter. Chelsea revealed: “Have a look on @Heidi Holidays, they’re a new ski website that lets you search ‘anywhere’ which is great when you’re on a budget, as then you can just go where the price is right!

“They do let you search for solo travellers too, but I think if you’re on your own, the best deals can come from booking it yourself, as then you can piece together exactly what you need without paying any double occupancy fees.

“I’ve done a DIY cheap ski trip before – I went to Borovets in Bulgaria last year and managed to get my flights, hotel, car hire, petrol, ski hire, lift pass, ski lessons, food and drink for £410 in total for a 3-night trip. I’ve got a full breakdown on cheapholidayexpert.com – just search for ‘Borovets’ on there and it will come up!”

Chelsea continued: “And yeah, I may have revealed that I’m attempting cheap ski again as I want to see if I can do it for even cheaper this year by heading to Zakopane in Poland!“Both Zakopane and Borovets (Bankso too!) are great for beginner skiers who don’t want to spend a fortune, but want to get a few lessons under their belt to get them on their ski journey!”