Travel Desk

From the vast sandy surf beaches of the Gower to the peaks of Eryri national park (Snowdonia), Wales has no shortage of world-class natural attractions. But we’d love to hear about some of your favourite under-the-radar discoveries, whether it be a perfect hiking or biking trail, an intriguing small museum or attraction, or just an unexpected diversion which turned into the highlight of your trip.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

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WE took three hard-boiled eggs from the hotel breakfast bar – two made it safely to the Innsbruck’s bobsled track in Austria.

The third egg sadly exploded in a runny mess in my youngest son’s pocket.

I’m pretty sure you know where this is going – the Jamaica bobsleigh team kissed a “lucky egg” before hitting the ice in Cool Runnings.

So of course we had to do the same before hopping in a four-man “taxi bob” for the craziest minute of our lives.

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it’s bobsleigh time.

Innsbruck is one of the fastest tracks on the IBSF World Cup calendar, featuring a wild 360-degree bend – one of only four in the world – and an even wilder left-right-left labyrinth section reaching up to 75mph and 4.6g.

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Let’s just say bobsleigh athletes are a special breed.

The thing is, YOU can experience it too.

A pro driver and a brake man will take two guests down the full Olympic track at a cost of €119 (£103.56) per person.

It’s all over in a minute but it’s totally worth it, a huge shot of adrenaline that’s right up there with driving a Formula 1 car.

Another really cool experience is the Innsbruck ski jump just down the road.

This time only as a spectator, the views from the Bergisel SKY restaurant at the top of the jump are incredible and you might get lucky and see some Austrian Eddie The Eagles in full flight mode.

Innsbruck was just a 30-minute train ride from our base up in the mountains in Seefeld.

This small, friendly ski town is one of my favourite places in the world.

It has five sunny slopes for all abilities, cross-country skiing tracks, ski schools, rental shops and free ski buses that take you all around the local area.

The brilliant tourist office at seefeld.com will help you find accommodation to suit your budget and suggest a lot of things to do when you’re not on the piste.

We went tobogganing at Hammermoosalm – free bus, short hike, coffee, grab a toboggan (£6.96) and go.

We also went on a torchlit walk (£12.18) through a forest in Mosern and even made full use of the outdoor heated pool at the Olympic wellness centre.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the town, plus market stalls serving locally-sourced honey glühwein and raclette (who doesn’t love melted cheese) and other traditional Austrian treats.

Taking the family on a ski holiday doesn’t need to break the bank.

We bought our ski gear from Lidl, booked easyJet flights from Manchester to Innsbruck, and grabbed lunch most days from the local supermarket.

That gave us the budget for a cheeky Radler (beer and grapefruit) half way down the Rosshuette ski run.

Then another Radler at the igloo-shaped apres-ski bar at the bottom.

My family will never forget that bobsled run, the views from the ski jump, the winter wonderland that is Seefeld, and the runny egg.

See you on the slopes?

For more inspiration on winter sports trips, here’s why Les Gets is the ultimate family snow escape.

Plus, the Balkan resort with £1 beers named most affordable ski destination in Europe.

The popular bar divides people on whether it is a good place to drink or not, so we’ve put it to the test – and found there was more to the area than just pubs

It seems to divide opinion like Marmite – to go or no go drinking in Temple Bar when in Dublin. The area is full of pubs keen to sell you drinks, especially Guinness, but at the highest prices in the city edging towards ten Euros for a pint.

On arriving in Dublin I was lucky enough to attend a connoisseurs session at the Guinness Storehouse and Morgan, our man serving us up a variety of VIP pints was clear to avoid Temple Bar.

“You don’t need to be going there,” he said, clear that it was a bit of a tourist trap. Most importantly, for him, that also meant it was not serving the best Guinness in the city. Morgan favoured pubs like The Lord Edward in the Liberties area and The Long Hall in the heart of the city centre. Over the river from Temple Bar, The Cobblestone is a great pub renowned for its traditional music too.

However Dublin tour guide Mary Phelan says whilst it should not be the only place you see in the city, there is no harm in going to Temple Bar for some drinks or at the very least a stroll. “Why not go and see it even if its just strolling the main street which brings you up towards Christ church,” she said.

Highlighting one pub on the edges if the area which is excellent and unusually named, she added: “Darkey Kelly’s is there too on Fishamble Street and bit less crowded than the rest. They do food and have some music. The Palace Bar is an original pub on Fleet St associated with writers and journalists as The Independent and The Irish Times newspapers used to be nearby.”

“There’s also the IFI (film institute)and you might like to see the area during the day. Merchants Arch brings you over Halfpenny Bridge and they also have an Icon Walk which is a wall giving you some info on writers and public figures.”

Temple Bar has been popular long before the pubs arrived. The Vikings set up camp there back in 795 AD, and the remains of their original defences can be found at Dublin Castle nearby.

The name of the area comes from British diplomat Sir William Temple who built a grand residence and gardens there in the early 1600s. After that the name stuck and so Temple Bar was born.

Officially the Temple Bar area is the square on the south bank of the River Liffey with streets shooting off in all directions and some narrow laneways taking you back out onto the river. By day it is less rowdy as Mary mentioned and there are boutiques and cafes which are busy as well as the pubs.

You also have Meeting House Square which has a stage for occasional screenings, and a weekly food market on Saturdays. It is surrounded by The National Photographic Archive and The Gallery of Photography (both free entry), and the Irish Film Institute.

But in truth it is in the nighttime the area comes to life, especially at the weekends. Temple Bar has the highest density of pubs of any area in Dublin, so there will be a buzz that many tourists will like and be happy to pay a premium for.

Live music and singalongs will be the norm and It will be lively, my message would be to also go further afield, it will be more authentic, better beer and also a lot cheaper.

For more information on visiting Dublin you can go to ireland.com

FEBRUARY seems to be flying past already, with both Valentine’s Day and the start of the school half-term holidays this week meaning lots of themed and kid-friendly events.

Whether you are in a couple or solo, you can head off to a number for Valentine’s Day-related events.

And as the kids get excited for time off school, there are activities you can take them to for free.

Together Through Art, London

From February 10 to 14, Mall Galleries in London will be hosting Together Through Art.

The exhibition aims to show work that helps keep families together when they need it the most.

Over 100 artists are part of the exhibition, including illustrator Emma Bridgewater.

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The art at the exhibition can also be purchased with any money raised going to Homes from Home, which helps families with critically ill children to stay together.

Fylde Ice Festival in Lytham, Lancashire

This Valentine’s Day, you could head to the Fylde Ice Festival.

Found in Clifton Square, the festival features ice sculptures to marvel at and visitors can test out their own ice-carving skills on the ice carving wall.

There will also be live ice carving demonstrations.

Half-term at The Harris in Preston, Lancashire

This weekend marks the first weekend of half-term for many schools across the UK.

And The Harris in Preston will be hosting a number of activities for free.

There will be chemistry sessions, Lego workshops and visits to Planetariums.

There will also be a museum and gallery trail for children over nine-years-old, which is a “creative mission designed to help them chat and look at artwork in fun new ways”.

Chain of Hope, London

Also in London, at the Saatchi Gallery from February 11 to 15, you can visit the Chain of Hope – Share your Heart exhibition.

The exhibition focuses on the connection between art, humanity and compassion.

In total, the exhibition features over 70-heart-themed artworks that have been donated to support children born with congenital heart disease.

The art is also available for purchase, with pieces by famous figures including Olivia Colman, Alison Hammond, Mel B and Shaggy.

Enchanted Realms Week at Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire

From Valentine’s Day, visitors can step into an enchanted world to meet the K-pop Demon Hunters with unicorns, a Mystic Hunters Trail and opportunity to create a heart-shaped biscuit at a Cupid’s Cookie Workshop.

You can park at Affinity Lancashire – which has 40 shops and outlets – for free and dogs are welcome too.

There’s also a free indoor soft play centre for the under five-year-olds.

London Card Show

From February 13 to 15, the London Card Show – Europe‘s biggest card event – will be at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher.

The event will have 1,000 tables with around two million cards including sports cards, retro gaming, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and more.

There will be live interviews too, unboxings, raffles and kids’ activities.

Linlithgow Family Adventure, West Lothian, Scotland

This Wednesday, February 11, between 10am and 12pm visitors can attend a hands-on outdoor session for children five-year-old and over.

During the session, you will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel as well as learn about the area’s wildlife and history.

Valentines Mingle at Dogs Trust Loughborough

Over in Loughborough, from 10am to 12pm on February 13, you can meet some of the dogs from Dogs Trust Loughborough.

The event will be full of fellow dog lovers too so a great chance to make friends with the same interest.

There will also be tea, cake and a raffle.

You can also head to a coffee morning at Dogs Trust Snetterton in Norwich on the same day between 10am to 12:30pm.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Card Making, Norwich

From 4:30pm to 6pm, on February 14, you can head to the American Library Archive in Norwich to create a 1940s inspired Valentine’s Day card.

Think love letters and vintage-style drawings.

All supplies are included and the activity is for those aged 10 and over.

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026, Manchester

This Saturday and Sunday, you can head to Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 which celebrates Hong Kong culture.

The family-friendly event has over 130 stalls and 20 live performances, with handmade decorations and games, short-film screenings and guided tours.

Birmingham Light Festival

From February 12 to 15, you can visit Birmingham Light Festival with different illuminated artworks and a number of special events.

This year marks the second year the festival has run and it will take over streets, squares and a number of public spaces in the city.

Live events include fire performances, music performed by a metal band and a silent disco.

For more things to do, here are the top 15 UK attractions for 2025.

Plus, the best-rated activities in London for families – with rooms from £18.50pp a night.

Parkdean Resorts have revealed some of the UK’s best holiday destinations and the top spot goes to a resort that’s full of beautiful beaches, independent shops and more

As Brits search for something fun to look forward to amongst the damp and drizzly that has defined the start of this year, a recent study has revealed over two-fifths (44%) are planning a UK holiday this year.

With staycations proving increasingly popular with people, Parkdean Resorts has named the seaside resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales as the best holiday destination for 2026.

Known for its excellent water quality, range of activities – including the world’s largest Elvis festival – and variety of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, this nostalgic and friendly town offers the quintessential seaside stay.

Porthcawl has seven distinctive beaches ranging from popular sandy spots to rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue Flag beaches and popular with surfers and water sport enthusiasts. Pink Bay has unique marbled pink rocks and for a more secluded, sandy option Sker beach is the one for you.

The town has something for everyone with adventure offerings at its new Watersports Centre and its renowned Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, typical seaside activities including funfair rides and ice cream on its seafront Esplande or quiet sunsets at its seafront cafes.

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On the harbour is the RNLI station and Wales’ oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, which is now a bustling waterside spot with cafes and restaurants.

And for those with a little more spring in their step and shake in their hips, Porthcawl also hosts the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival which is widely recognised as the world’s largest Elvis festival and brings tens of thousands of fans of The King and hundreds of tribute acts to the town for a weekend of competitions, shows and celebrations.

One reviewer of the festival said: “Elvis Festival Porthcawl was exactly what it said on the tin – a glorious, chaotic, slightly aft, love-in for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The town went full Elvis, the fans bought the fire and the tributes acts delivered from start to finish.”

Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, which has a holiday park in Porthcawl, said that nostalgia is playing a major part in the holiday decision making of families this year.

He said: “Nostalgia has been a key theme for 2026 already and our data suggests travel is reflecting this too. This year we’re seeing a real resurgence in some of Britain’s most loved coastal and countryside locations with travellers gravitating towards places like Porthcawl, Cayton Bay and Poole. These towns offer the perfect balance of traditional seaside charm, beautiful surroundings and easy accessibility – all key factors for people planning a staycation this year.”

He added: “For families, the best holidays are all about balance, somewhere with plenty of entertainment to keep everyone busy but relaxing enough for all to recharge. Popular seaside destinations such as Newquay, Torquay, and Porthcawl continue to be firm favourites thanks to their beaches, attractions and family-friendly activities. These locations are ideal for making memories together, whether that’s beach days, coastal walks or classic arcade fun.”

Jet2 and Ryanair have similar policies

Certain passengers flying with Ryanair and Jet2 will need an extra document to board their flights, according to similar terms and conditions published on both airlines’ websites.

NHS guidance states that most women can fly safely “well into their pregnancy, with the proper precautions such as travel insurance”. And travellers are urged to “make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.”

While airlines typically adopt similar positions regarding pregnant passengers at different stages, each carrier has its own specific guidance. For instance, beyond a particular point in pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 must provide medical documentation – or they risk being denied boarding.

Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once the 28-week mark is reached “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Its website further explains: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”

Jet2 has a similar policy, and information on its website reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).

“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”

Elsewhere, easyJet advice suggests that “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” but adds: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.

IF the bright blue waters and white sands of the Maldives are a little out of reach, then apparently you should head to Scotland instead.

The archipelago of Orkney happens to be one of Lorraine Kelly’s favourite holiday destinations, and even compared it to far-flung hotspots.

Talking to The Times, Lorraine Kelly revealed: “One of my favourite places is Orkney, where I’ve been going annually since 1985 and I still haven’t seen everything.

“It’s fascinating if you’re interested in prehistory, with Skara Brae — a stone neolithic settlement — Maeshowe tombs and wonderful ancient sites.”

She added: “I hosted the opening ceremony of the Orkney International Island Games last year and the sun shone like it was the Maldives.

“You need to pack your bikini and a balaclava. It can be sunshine in the morning and snow in the afternoon but it’s beautiful and I would live there in a heartbeat.”

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Orkney is an archipelago of around 70 islands and scattered across them are some incredible Maldives-like beaches.

Some of the top ones are Rackwick Bay on the north west of the island of Hoy.

The beach is surrounded by cliffs and heathery hills – and on the beach is fine sand and boulders.

The island of Sanday is known for extensive white sand with popular beaches including Backaskaill Bay and Whitemill Bay.

Another of the islands, Stronsay, is known for its quiet, untouched coastline with one of the standout beaches being the Sands of Rothiesholm.

Aside from beaches, there are small towns dotted around the island that can be explored too, starting with Kirkwall.

Kirkwall is the capital and of the Orkney Islands and a few years ago was declared the friendliest place in the country.

It was so friendly that locals even left their doors unlocked.

In 2023, it was voted the number one most welcoming destination by Booking.com, Kirkwall climbed from its previous second position.

When it comes to where to stay, Lorraine’s hotel of choice is the Foveran – just a few miles outside of Kirkwall.

Visitors can stay at the hotel with a bed & full Orcadian breakfast stay from £135 per night (single), or £175 (double).

A full Orcadian breakfast typically includes sausages, bacon, fried eggs, and black pudding, along with Orcadian bere bannocks (a rustic barley bread), smoked fish, and Orkney cheddar.

Each room has a TV, tea and coffee making station, free Wi-Fi and luxury Scottish Fine Soaps products in the bathrooms.

When it comes to other spots to explore, visitors often head to The Old Man of Hoy – on the island of Hoy.

The Old Man of Hoy is a 449ft sea stack made of Old Red Sandstone – it’s the UK’s tallest sea stack and a popular spot for rock climbers.

Visitors can get to Lamb Holm from one of the causeways in the Orkney islands.

Orkney is also a popular place for wildlife. And while you might not spot all the marine life that you get in the Maldives – there are some, like dolphins.

There have been over 12 species seen in Orkney over the years, like the bottlenose, white-beaked and Risso dolphins.

If you want to see them – peak viewing season is May to September.

Orkney is a prime destination for whale watching, with 90 per cent of orca sightings occurring there.

You’re likely to see lots of birds there too like puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

The island of North Ronaldsay is home to its own breed of sheep with the same name.

They live on the rocky shores and exist on a diet that is made up of seaweed – which is incredibly rare.

When it comes to getting to Orkney, you can fly directly to Orkney with Loganair – the airline has direct routes to Kirkwall from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

There are three main ferry routes to and from Orkney – NorthLink Ferries sail between Aberdeen and Kirkwall.

Here are more of the UK’s best islands that have been named, and they look more like the Caribbean and Maldives.

And here are five islands off the coast of the UK you can visit without needing your passport.

IT’S 9AM in Spain and I’ve just taken my first cold sip from a foam-topped pint of lager as the enthusiastic buzz of holidaymakers fills the airport’s departures lounge.

When in Rome… Except I’m actually west of there, in the Spanish city of Alicante, where the first international Wetherspoons has just opened its doors.

I’m one of the lucky few getting a slightly advanced preview of the boozer on opening day.

But I can already see a queue forming at the door – mainly all Brits who are excitedly posing for snaps under the large sign.

What’s not British, however, is the pub’s name: Castell de Santa Barbara, after Alicante’s glorious 9th century castle which is perched high on a hill, with impressive views of the coastline and sprawling city.

The first punter to order a Guinness is Sun reader Kelvin from Salisbury who says that the opening of the British boozer was “a nice surprise” when he turned up today. 

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“When the taxi dropped me off, I saw the Wetherspoons sign from the outside and thought: perfect. I headed straight here.”

He visits his local ‘Spoons a couple of times a month and an 11:30am pint isn’t out of the ordinary for him.”

Kelvin’s usual: “a small breakfast and a pint – easy peasy”, is on this international menu.

In fact, all the familiar favourites are, bar a few nods to stereotypical Spanish cuisine like the garlic prawns and Spanish tortilla, priced at a reasonable price of €12.45 and €4.95 respectively.

“It’s nice to get something different when you go abroad,” Kelvin says, eyeing up the European selection of beers on tap.

The man sat opposite us is sticking to the classics, though – burger and chips, washed down with a pint of lager.

Another couple, stood at the bar – admittedly not mega Wetherspoons fans, but familiar with the chain – say: “We saw the sign and said ‘we’ve got to try it’.

“We’ll definitely be telling our friends, who fly here regularly, about it”.

It would make sense that most of the faces here are British.

The pub has pitched itself in the non-Schengen area, close to the gates for UK flights to draw in the near 650,000 Brits that pass through this airport monthly.

The decision to open here feels like a wise move, especially with last year being a bumper year for UK travellers to this Spanish airport, which sits a 45-minute drive from the popular resort town of Benidorm.

Last October saw a surge of 5.9 per cent of British passengers passing through the airport compared to the same month the year before – and that number is expected to grow even more.

And what’s not to love about an airport Spoons?

It certainly feels much brighter than other airport Wetherspoons I’ve visited.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the small space with light, while candy floss, glossy tiles give it a warm atmosphere.

There’s a tea and coffee station in the corner, while behind the bar there’s not a whiff of scampi fries or walkers in sight.

These have been replaced by the European holiday favourite, Lays.

This one boasts something that all other airport Wetherspoons do not, however – an outdoor terrace, where you can catch those last glimpses of Spanish sunshine before jetting off home to drizzly England.

The only thing it’s missing is that familiar smell of well-trodden carpet and old chip fryer oil. Give it time, though.

And keep your eyes peeled for the appearance of more Wetherspoons, internationally.

Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin says: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Cheers to that.

Here is the airport Wetherspoons named the best in the UK.

The Royal Hobart Regatta is a series of aquatic competitions and displays held annually in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and is Tasmania’s oldest sporting event.

The event runs for three days, ending on the second Monday in February, and dominates the whole river for the duration of the event.

The Monday is a public holiday in southern and eastern Tasmania. The areas are South of and including Oatlands and Swansea excluding Bronte Park, Catagunya, Strathgordon, Tarraleah, Wayatinah & West Coast.

On December 1st 1838, the first Hobart Town Anniversary Regatta was held in Hobart, Tasmania to celebrate the Tasmanian Anniversary of the 17th-century European discovery of the island by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island on November 24th 1642.

COMING back from your holiday should be straightforward – but for one British couple, a recent easyJet flight turned into a nightmare.

Olly Andrews, 36, and Lucy Andrews, 32, from South East London were less than 10 minutes into their flight from Amsterdam to London Luton Airport when disaster struck.

The couple had been in the Dutch capital for a four-day mini-break to see their best friend get married.

But just after taking off to return home to London, the couple heard something ominous.

Lucy said: “I heard a massive thud and I looked at Olly and I was like what was that?

“Not only that but the air stewardesses suddenly went quite quiet at the back.

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“We were in the back seats, so we could hear everything and people started looking around in confusion.

“Then we were flying really low – we were going over the sea and I could see the wind turbines looked really close up.

“I was like something’s wrong, why are we flying so low to the sea and something just felt off.”

There was then an overhead message from the pilot to say that the plane had been hit by a bird and that they needed to return to Amsterdam Airport.

Lucy added: “[The pilot] was quite calm and said there’s nothing to worry about.

Olly said: “The pilot said we’d hopefully be landing in 10 minutes – that actually turned out to be like 25 minutes.”

Lucy continued: “I’m quite a nervous flyer, so I was like ‘oh my god’.

“You know it must be pretty bad if we had to do an emergency landing back in Amsterdam.

“The captain said it was most likely a seagull we hit.”

Despite being told to stay put, when the plane landed a collection of curious passengers flooded to the front of the plane to find out what happened.

She said: “As we got off the plane we could see there was gore and blood splattered all over the cockpit window and blood smeared everywhere.

“The pilot wouldn’t have been able to see out properly – it was everywhere.”

It became clear that the bird had hit the windscreen and then also hit other parts of the plane as blood was splattered over the tail, Lucy explained.

After getting off of the plane, the couple spent the following two and a half hours in the airport waiting for the next available flight.

During this time, there were no easyJet reps or staff around and the couple kept checking for updates via the easyJet app.

“We could only see the Gate G section and Amsterdam is a silent airport, so they didn’t announce updates.

“There was one update, but we couldn’t hear it.

“We kept refreshing the app and we couldn’t see anything, but they were giving quite regular updates such as there weren’t any sandwiches on board.

“We just wanted to go home.

The update said: “We’re sorry that we won’t be able to offer you any sandwiches on your flight today.

“We’ll still have a selection of snacks as well as hot and cold drinks on board.”

EasyJet did give all passengers a £6 voucher for food and drink at the airport though.

They also received a message to explain what had happened, saying: “There has been an additional delay because the plane that was scheduled for your flight today experienced a bird strike.

“Because the issue could not be resolved, we’ve decided to arrange a new plane to fly you to your destination today.”

EasyJet had to then send a plane from London Luton to collect the passengers and crew – although Lucy said they nearly missed it.

She explained: “We wouldn’t have got on the plane if we hadn’t seen a passenger who we recognised heading towards a gate and asked if there had been an announcement, which they had been.”

The couple then had to run through the airport to make their flight.

Lucy added: “We were really scared for other passengers because we recognised one passenger who was asleep and we had to wake them up and be like you’ve got to go the flight is here.”

Directly next to Lucy and Olly, the seats were empty despite a couple sitting there in the previous flight.

It wasn’t clear if this couple made the flight or not.

“The app updates were quite poorly handled because we really should have been given like regular updates.

Looking back on the incident, Lucy added: “It was described by easyJet as a ‘exceptional circumstance’ which I agree with, it was a freak incident and not the fault of easyJet.

“It was the fact that the updates for the flight weren’t communicated with the passengers.

“They have an app which gives updates and they chose to send us a message apologising that there would not be sandwiches served to us on the flight, but failed to tell us when the next flight actually was.

“It left several passengers in the lobby not knowing that the plane was being boarded.”

EasyJet has been contacted for comment.

In other aviation news, here’s what business class is like on one of the world’s best airlines – but the pre-flight lounge is even better.

Plus, a budget airline is scrapping six routes from Europe – including a mega-cheap UK flight.

In May 2026 my father will be turning 95 years old! We, his three children, wish to throw him a party for about 12 people. Some guests will be elderly with walkers and canes. We would love to host this on a budget and preferably either in the San Fernando Valley or on the Westside. If it really fits the bill, we would consider other parts of Los Angeles as well. Maybe a lovely patio or some sort of charming restaurant that harks back to another time that my father would enjoy.

My dad is a retired game show television producer. He loves the arts, writing, movies, comedy, sports, TV and even continues to produce entertainment shows at his senior assisted living facility. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. — Amy Greenberg

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

Happy early birthday to your dad! Ninety-five is a major feat that is definitely worth celebrating. I’ve put together a list of four restaurants with patios that I think will fit the vibe that you’re looking for.

When I think about nostalgic eateries, Casablanca in Venice is the first spot that comes to mind. Open since 1980, the old-school Mexican restaurant doubles as a shrine to the 1943 film of the same name. It offers all of the Mexican classics you’d expect (burritos, tacos and quesadillas) and even has a margarita cart. There’s an outdoor patio (which can be reserved for a fee on Thursdays or Sundays), but my colleague Amy King, Times creative director and deputy managing editor, says the vibe is much cooler inside. For special occasions, notably birthdays, the restaurant gives the celebrant a padlock to place on a gate outside of the restaurant — a callback to the Pont des Arts in Paris, a bridge where visitors used to place “love locks.”

Given that your father worked in show business, he may already be familiar with the Smoke House in Burbank, which is just minutes away from Warner Bros. Studios. With headshots of stars hanging on the walls and blood-red vinyl booths, the restaurant has been a draw for Hollywood types since the late 1940s. My colleague Christopher Reynolds, who recently went with his wife and friends who were visiting from out of town, tells me “You really feel that the restaurant has been in that location since 1949.” He also says the cheesy garlic bread is a must-try. If you’d prefer a semi-private room instead of a table in the main dining room, the minimum fee is $1,200, which will be applied to your order.

For a laidback restaurant with a backyard barbecue feel, consider Le Great Outdoor in the Bergamot Station complex in Santa Monica. The completely alfresco restaurant is adorned with picnic tables spread across two levels and dreamy string lights. Le Great Outdoor’s menu changes based on what’s available at the local farmers market and everything is cooked over a live fire. Senior food editor Danielle Dorsey notes that the restaurant has a “casual and convivial” atmosphere, making it a fun place to host a birthday party, especially on a sunny day.

Another great Westside option is Gilbert’s El Indio in Santa Monica, which has “good food and a nice patio,” King also tells me. Even “Full House” star Jodie Sweetin has given the family-owned restaurant her stamp of approval: “It’s just such a great classic California-Mexican restaurant,” she said in her Sunday Funday feature. A staffer told me that it’s best to call the restaurant to make a reservation for your party.

Your dad sounds like such an interesting and fun man, so I hope that these recommendations help you plan a great birthday party for him. If you end up checking out any of these spots, please send us a photo. We’d love to see it. Good luck with planning and, most importantly, have a wonderful time!

Passengers are best to check their train operator before heading on board

In the UK, there are several big train companies, and many are used by thousands daily for commuting, visiting family or friends, or even during a staycation. Each company has its own features. For instance, some trains have Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, while others do not.

When it comes to food and drinks, there are differences as well. Some railway companies offer catering services, but many others do not. Every train operator has its own rules about bringing your own food and drinks onboard – and there are some items you should avoid.

On National Rail’s official website, a statement reads: “Many train companies have onboard catering facilities. These can include trolley services, counter buffet services and restaurant cars. The longer the journey, the more likely that there will be food and drink available on board.”

Some train companies offer food and drink on board. Below is a list of the ones that do:

There are numerous others that don’t, however. The following train companies and services do not offer onboard catering:

• c2c
• Chiltern Railways
• Elizabeth line
• Gatwick Express
• Great Northern
• Heathrow Express
• London Northwestern Railway
• London Overground
• Merseyrail
• Northern
• South Western Railway
• Southeastern
• Southern
• Stansted Express
• Thameslink
• West Midlands Railway

According to National Rail, passengers can bring their own food onboard, and they are urged to “take care” with hot drinks. However, they should not “leave wrappers and other packaging behind”, or “get carried away” when consuming alcohol.

In a major “do not” alert, the passenger rail service says people should avoid bringing certain types of food on board. It says: “Don’t bring very smelly food on your journey – leave that wedge of Stinking Bishop at home!”

In terms of alcohol, National Rail adds: “In general, you can bring and consume alcohol on trains, except those managed by Transport for London. But some train companies will run alcohol-free services, so check before you travel. And remember, antisocial behaviour is not permitted at any time.” Scroll down below for a look at the trains that ban alcohol at certain hours and on specific routes.

The largest train companies in the UK, by network size, passenger numbers, and franchise size, include Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Great Western Railway (GWR), Northern Trains, Avanti West Coast, and ScotRail. GTR is the largest, running 22% of all passenger services in the UK, including Thameslink, Southern, and Great Northern.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)

GTR covers Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express. The railway operator doesn’t have a strict rule against certain food or drink items, but it is requested that passengers do not consume items that disturb or upset other passengers, and litter must be taken with them.

You are allowed to bring and eat your own food and drinks on Southern Railway trains. Usually, there aren’t any catering services on Southern Railway’s commuter trains, but passengers can enjoy their meals and drinks as long as they are ‘polite to others’, ‘keep the train clean’, and ‘take their rubbish with them’. You can have food and drinks, but please be ‘mindful of strong odours’. Alcohol is mostly allowed, but Southern might limit it on certain trains, like those for football games.

Regarding Thameslink trains, as there are no on-board catering services, passengers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments. However, the trainline asks passengers to avoid bringing ‘smelly, hot, or messy food’ that may disturb other passengers. Alcohol is generally allowed on Thameslink, but antisocial behaviour is not tolerated, and you may be asked to stop or leave if deemed intoxicated.

It is important to note that while London-based Thameslink services allow alcohol, other Transport for London (TfL) services do not. All of the above also applies to Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains.

Great Western Railway (GWR)

On GWR trains, you can bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol, but ‘avoid bringing food that smells really strong’. You can usually have alcohol, but ‘anti social behaviour is not allowed’, and specific, limited services may have restrictions.

Food and drink are available only on longer-distance routes operated by Intercity Express Trains. On most long-distance trips, there are snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages you can choose from. However, not all local routes have food and drink services, especially the ones between Penzance–Exeter St Davids and Exeter St Davids–Bristol/Cardiff/Gloucester/Worcester.

Usually, there is a free trolley service with snacks and drinks available at your seat on high-speed trains that run from 6am to 7.30pm. Passengers are urged to take their rubbish with them or use the bins that are available.

Northern Trains

You can usually bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on Northern Rail trains, so you can have your own snacks during the trip. But on some “dry trains,” alcohol is banned. It’s important for passengers to also be thoughtful of others by ‘not bringing strong-smelling foods’ and by ‘taking all their rubbish with them’.

A statement on the official Northern website reads: “On certain trains, we don’t allow any alcohol on board. We’ve made some of our services ‘dry trains’ because of past issues with people getting rowdy and causing trouble.

“If you’re on a ‘dry train’, our staff will ask you not to drink or hide any booze during your journey. If you’re visibly drunk or try to sneak alcohol on board, you won’t be allowed to travel and could face prosecution under railway byelaws. If you’ve got alcohol with you before you board these services, you’ll need to dispose of it before the barriers, please. No exceptions here – you won’t be able to travel with it.” The trains where you can’t bring alcohol are listed online.

Avanti West Coast (AWC)

You can bring your own food and drinks on AWC trains, but it’s best to avoid really smelly items. In Standard and Standard Premium classes, you can buy snacks and drinks from the onboard shop, and there are hot food choices too. In First Class, you get free meals and drinks, depending on the time and length of the trip. You can have alcohol, but don’t drink too much; also, some services might not allow alcohol, so it’s a good idea to check first.

ScotRail

You can bring and consume your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on ScotRail trains. Alcohol consumption is restricted, with a ban in place during certain hours. It is advised to avoid bringing very smelly food and to take your litter with you.

A statement on ScotRail explains: “Alcohol may be consumed on our trains between 10am and 9pm. Other restrictions may apply in certain circumstances, such as large sporting events or concerts, as determined by ScotRail and the British Transport Police (BTP), on a case-by-case basis. Railway Byelaw 4 (2) states that a passenger with intoxicating liquor can be prevented from entering, or be asked to leave, the railway.”

As I stand and look at a six-metre skeleton of a domestic cat named Felix, the words of Alice in Wonderland spring to mind: “Curiouser and curiouser.” The sculpture is part of a thought-provoking and enchanting exhibition at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, and this isn’t the first time I’ve felt a sense of wonder during my weekend in this lesser-known city in north-eastern France. While most of us know what to expect from a city break in, say, Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux, Metz throws up surprises at every turn.

The giant feline sculpture is the work of Italian visual artist Maurizio Cattelan (of banana-duct-taped-to-a-wall fame), whose works form part of Dimanche Sans Fin (Endless Sunday), an exhibition he has curated that brings together more than 400 works from Paris’s Centre Pompidou, which closed for a five-year renovation last October. Each piece depicts a different way the “day of rest” could be interpreted, whether it’s the innocent play of Picasso’s sculpture Little Girl Jumping Rope (1950-1954) or Max Ernst’s figure playing chess in the King Playing with the Queen (1944).

Mark Danby relocated in January 2025 to embrace the warmer climate of the Costa del Sol, settling in Manilva, a municipality in Malaga, but it’s not been without its challenges

A British man who ditched the UK for a new life in Spain has reflected on the move one year later and how he’s had to turn his life “upside down in the summer”. Originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Mark Danby relocated in January 2025 to embrace the warmer climate of the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, settling in Manilva, a municipality in Malaga.

An IT worker and content creator who shares insights about life abroad on his YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, Mark has now settled and is enjoying his new home in the sun. He admitted that he doesn’t particularly miss much about the UK, with the possible exception of the “good old English pub.”

Adapting to a new culture inevitably presents challenges, and Mark – who has previously discussed his biggest Spanish “culture shock” – has certainly faced his own. In an exclusive interview, he reflected on his “new way of life” and highlighted the necessity of embracing change when moving to Spain.

When asked to name some of the most significant challenges he has faced since moving, Mark said: “Adapting to a new routine, a new way of life; you do have to adapt, and you haven’t, I mean you have to, you’ve got no choice. And I think that is one of the biggest challenges of moving.

“And a lot of people don’t realise; I think a lot of people think that… If you are sort of moving, you just bring your life with you, and you’re just going to be living in Spain with different weather. No, it doesn’t work like that. You do have to…you change. And you know, we’re humans, and we do adapt to different changes in the environment, don’t we?

“You do really have to fully embrace it and accept the changes you have to make to your routine, particularly in the summer. I mean, it is hot. You really do have to turn your life upside down in the summer. You can’t sort of go out doing things during the day.

“You have to keep out the heat, take it steady. Life comes to a complete standstill here in Spain in the summer, and then you have to live your life in the evenings. So you do have all these changes in routines that you have to adapt to.” Back in July 2025, Mark discussed how he thought the country was “about 20 years or so behind the UK” in one particular aspect.

Having entered Spain on a digital nomad visa, which allows foreigners to live in Spain while working remotely for companies abroad or as self-employed, Mark said he discovered that some bureaucratic processes can be slow, suggesting this could be the result of a stark “contrast” between Spain and the UK.

In his response to a query about the most significant cultural shock he’d experienced, Mark highlighted in one of his videos that Spain seemed to be “about 20 years or so behind the UK” in a particular area. He said: “And I describe it as being Spain being about 20 years or so behind the UK in kind of technology. Everything takes so long. They don’t go for electronic systems. They like their pieces of paper; that is the biggest shock.

“They are paper pushers; they’re pen pushers. Everything is paper, like when you go for visa applications. I’m now waiting for my TIE card, which is my foreign residency card, everything is paper processed.” He went on to explain that, at the time, he was waiting for his card, but they’d “already kind of accepted it”.

He noted that those applying would present their documents at a police station, where they would have their fingerprints taken, and the individual would produce the card. Mark added: “If they had a little printer machine by them, they could just press a button and print it out, but oh no. You know, it has to go through the paper process.”

In further comments, he explained that you “sort of make another appointment to go back”, pointing out that “everything’s booked up solid”, and everything “takes a long time”. Despite this minor grievance, Mark previously explained that, overall, he was having an “absolutely wonderful” experience in Spain.

It’s the ultimate winter sun destination with white sand beaches, balmy temperatures and affordable food and drinks — because who doesn’t want to escape the UK’s February gloom and doom?

There’s a breathtaking island which is frequently crowned as the ‘ultimate winter sun destination’ and it’s just a four-hour direct flight from the UK.

Even better, that flight will only set you back £25 one-way.

Whilst the Canary Islands remain a perennial holiday favourite throughout the year, they’re especially alluring during this season. After all, who wouldn’t fancy escaping Britain’s dreary skies, freezing nights, and persistent February downpours?

Well, search no further for your next February getaway, because we’ve got the perfect suggestion for you.

This magnificent Spanish island, boasting spectacular scenery, pristine waters, and endless stretches of golden sandy coastline, represents the perfect retreat for anyone seeking a swift departure from Britain’s winter gloom.

As the eldest island in the chain – formed nearly 20 million years ago through fierce underwater volcanic eruptions from the Canary hotspot – Fuerteventura is genuinely awe-inspiring, reports the Express.

The archipelago’s second-largest island (trailing just behind Tenerife ) sits a mere 100 kilometres from North Africa’s shores, and features the chain’s most extensive white sand coastlines.

Regarded as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about surfing, waterskiing, and windsurfing, this captivating Spanish isle embodies the perfect blend of sunshine and adventure.

With direct flights departing from London Stansted and Luton airports on 8th February priced at just £25 at the time of writing (including one cabin bag and one handbag), holidaymakers can find themselves basking carefree in the sunshine in just four hours and 20 minutes.

The affordability doesn’t end with the airfare in Fuerteventura. A pint of beer costs a bargain £1.70 on this lively island, and better still, temperatures on Fuerteventura seldom dip below 18C or climb above 32C, establishing it as the quintessential tropical haven.

February in Fuerteventura delivers ideally mild conditions – perfect for fleeing Britain’s bitter winter. Indeed, the island enjoys approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Boasting 152 distinct beaches, including at least 50 kilometres of pristine white sand stretches and 25 kilometres of dramatic black volcanic shingle – this Canary Islands gem possesses a distinctive landscape.

Speaking of distinctiveness, Fuerteventura has another remarkable claim to fame. It’s home to one of just two surviving populations of the threatened Canarian Egyptian vulture, whilst the island itself harbours hundreds of species of rare flora and fauna.

Among Fuerteventura’s most spectacular beaches are Playa de Sotavento, Playas de Corralejo, Playas de El Cotillo, Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, and Playa de Ajuy.

The northern part of the island features predominantly untouched white sand dunes, striking volcanic landscapes and craggy coastlines, while the south offers vast stretches of white sandy beaches and secluded coves – ideal for surf fans and water sports devotees.

Playa de Sotavento emerges as amongst the island’s most unique and sought-after beaches. Located on the south-eastern coast, this extraordinary beach displays an intriguing double-shore effect during low tide.

When the sea recedes, lagoons appear between the principal beach and sandbars, forming an additional golden shore.

The Sotavento stretch is famed for its extensive white sandy beaches and sparkling azure waters, making it a favoured spot for holidaymakers.

Popular locations including Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste feature well-established holiday complexes, eateries and countless activities suitable for every generation.

Corralejo’s historic quarter radiates authentic Spanish character through its narrow streets, tapas bars and freshly-caught seafood establishments.

This lively resort additionally features the impressive Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, whilst the Calderón Hondo volcano walking route lies nearby, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The family-friendly Caleta de Fuste, boasting its upmarket harbour and traditional markets, equally merits inclusion on any Fuerteventura travel plan. El Cotillo, a delightful and vibrant fishing village celebrated for its surfing conditions and tranquil lagoon, represents another popular destination for visitors, whilst the remote Cofete Beach and the ancient Ajuy Caves are equally essential attractions.

This hidden gem is tucked away in West Lancashire with charming attractions and breathtaking views — a truly spectacular getaway.

There’s a secret treasure of a village nestled in West Lancashire which is bursting with delightful attractions and stunning views – and it absolutely deserves a spot on your 2026 travel itinerary.

Boasting a magnificent marina, charming waterfront eateries, Tudor architecture, fantastic pubs and nearby nature reserves plus animal farms – this compact village is genuinely remarkable.

Despite sitting in a prime Lancashire location – positioned where the Leeds and Liverpool Canal meets the River Douglas, Ormskirk and Preston Railway, plus the bustling A59 – it’s frequently ignored thanks to its reputation as a ‘commuter town’, which means most folk simply drive through without giving it a second glance.

Encircled by beautiful countryside and crammed with wonderful attractions, this enchanting settlement provides visitors with far more than initially apparent.

With its distinctive white-painted properties, magnificent marina panoramas, ancient waterway, and superb retail outlets, Rufford village in Lancashire stands as the ultimate destination.

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Magnificent marina

The Leeds Liverpool canal flows directly through Rufford’s centre and connects to St Mary’s Marina plus Fetler’s Wharf Marina, both offering breathtaking panoramas and peaceful waters.

Offering a scenic retreat, Fettlers Wharf Marina sits amid verdant surroundings and creates a perfect backdrop for soaking up the peace and serenity of the local area.

This dog-friendly riverside haven provides waterside dining delights for guests, whilst nature paths and picturesque lakeside strolls enhance its appeal. The well-kept walkways give visitors fantastic chances to enjoy spotting local wildlife and plant life, reports Lancs Live.

Outstanding waterside cafés

Tastebuds at the Wharf is a charming canalside café nestled beside the picturesque Fettlers Wharf Marina.

Serving up various delights such as breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, and an enticing selection of cakes and scones, during bright spring weather, guests can soak up the rays on the café’s terrace whilst savouring the tranquil marina panorama.

Another exceptional waterside establishment is The Boathouse Brasserie, which commands views across St Mary’s Marina.

Located within a

converted dairy farm, this family-operated venue launched in 2008 and delivers breathtaking perspectives over the thriving marina. The café showcases a delightful alfresco dining space facing the water, featuring its own pergola and cosy outdoor pods for diners to unwind in.

Things to do in Rufford

A trip to Rufford Old Hall is essential. This magnificent Tudor mansion and its colourful gardens have remained in National Trust custody since 1936.

It functioned as the Hesketh family home for more than five centuries before Rufford New Hall was built in Rufford Park.

Fascinatingly, legend has it that the Old Hall’s Great Hall once hosted a young William Shakespeare before his meteoric rise to stardom. Guests can also explore the Old Hall’s stunning Victorian and Edwardian gardens.

Meanwhile, Rufford New Hall was acquired by Lancashire County Council in 1920, before being converted into a pulmonary hospital for tuberculosis patients in 1926. It remains operational as a hospital to this day.

Another site worth discovering in Rufford is the Church of St Mary the Virgin, erected in 1869. This red brick Gothic-style parish church, complete with steeple, holds Grade II Listed status.

The Hesketh Arms, a three-storey property thought to date from the late 18th century, stands as another popular destination for visitors to the village.

This impressive historic inn boasts Grade II listed status and serves everything from traditional ales to pub favourites and dishes featuring seasonal ingredients.

It’s celebrated for welcoming guests with a warm, countryside-pub atmosphere from the moment they arrive, whilst the outside space proves equally delightful, featuring plenty of seating perfect for savouring a drink on summer days.

Situated mere moments from the village centre lies Mere Sands Wood – a nature reserve under the stewardship of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

Boasting 42 hectares of wildlife observation points and walking trails, plus its own visitor centre and café, it makes for an excellent destination for an outing with loved ones.

Other attractions near Rufford include the Windmill Animal Farm, which houses numerous rare breeds of exotic farm animals and boasts indoor and outdoor play areas.

The Martin Mere Wetlands Centre also makes an excellent option for a family day out. This marshland sanctuary and nature reserve carries international significance and provides year-round family-friendly attractions.

The customer praised the under-seat travel bag after using the luggage for a trip

Holidaymakers looking for budget-friendly cabin bags might like a £4 option that has the backing of an easyJet passenger. The shopper recommended the ‘amazing’ luggage to fellow travel fans in a social media post – and it could be ideal for passengers who don’t want to pay extra for bags.

According to easyJet’s website, all customers can carry one small under-seat cabin bag on their flights for free, provided it’s no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm. As such, customers could choose B&M’s Womens Under the Seat Handheld Bag, which measures L45 x W20 x H35cm.

Available in three colours, the B&M bag is currently on sale for £4, marked down from its original price of £8. The product description for the travel bag states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Handheld Bag. Suitable for most airlines.”

It also has the backing of a shopper who used the bag on a flight and then recommended it to other passengers. Replying to a Facebook post asking for easyJet bag suggestions, a shopper named Kimberley wrote: “This from B&M is amazing and only £4.

“Just took the pink one with me as a carry-on on my recent holiday and I stuffed a lot in it including laptop, heavy books etc and it’s still intact and looks new!”

For shoppers looking for something different, B&M also offers a Bordlite Womens Under the Seat Bag with Wheels, which has been reduced from £16 to £8 and comes in two different colours. It measures L45 x W20 x H36cm.

With the additional wheels, it could be better suited to passengers who prefer not to carry their bags. The product description states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Bag with Wheels. Suitable for most airlines.”

Alternatively, shoppers might like some of the suggestions shared on the same Facebook post where the B&M shopper praised the store’s luggage. For instance, another shopper highlighted Amazon’s Underseat Cabin Bag, reduced from £24.95 to £17.78, which measures ‎20 x 36 x 45 cm. The customer said: “These are great, various colours.”

The product description claims: “With a capacity of 30L, our easyjet cabin backpack is perfect for packing clothes and travel essentials for 4-7 days.

“A separate wet pocket allowing you to store wet clothes, towels, and toiletries. A 15.6″ laptop compartment and many other small pockets to keep your items well-organised.”

Shoppers should check their luggage and the size requirements for any airlines they are travelling with in advance of travel.

A UK travel company known for selling trips to Disneyland has shut down.

The UK travel company based in Glasgow, Simply Florida Travel Ltd, sold bucket list adventures to North America amongst other destinations.

Customers now face their dream holidays to destinations such as Universal Studios, New York City, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Miami being cancelled.

The company was dissolved on January 6 and ceased trading as an ATOL-protected provider on January 20.

This came after the travel agency filed to be removed from the register on October 13 last year, according to Companies House.

 The UK’s financial protection programme for British travellers, ATOL, Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme confirmed that Simply Florida Travel operated under a franchise agreement with The Travel Trust Association (TTA).

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Holiday makers who have had their plans ruined by this news have been advised to contact TTA directly to organise any refunds they may be owed.’

Simply Florida Travel Ltd’s website no longer exists, although their social media channels are still active.

The company joins a growing list of UK travel companies collapsing.

Just last month Regen Central Ltd, founded in 2011 in Hertfordshire went bust too.

The package holiday company ran packages to Italy, Bali, and Thailand, as well as the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

It is understood by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that Regen Central Ltd had no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings.

However, it did say that bookings sold as flight only, accommodation only and non-flight packages are not protected by the ATOL scheme.

Customers who booked invalid travel packages were asked to wait patiently until the agency provides information on how to submit refund claims.

There was choas on board a Wizz Air flight from Luton to Tel Aviv when a passenger started messaging someone else on board having changed their WiFi name to ‘terrorist’

Fighter jets were forced to to intercept a flight from the UK after being alerted that a passenger on board changed their WiFi name.

The planes arrived after a person reported ‘threatening messages’ were being sent to people on the Wizz Air flight from Luton, which was due to land at Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. The ‘security incident’ unfolded when crew notified security officials in Israel of a potential threat.

Authorities believe a traveller changed their WiFi account name to ‘terrorist’ and started directly messaging fellow passengers. They raised the alarm and the fighter jets were given the order to circle the skies before the plane eventually landed safely in Israel.

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The Airports Authority said: “Due to suspicion of suspicious behaviour on the plane, security forces acted according to the procedures for such a case. The incident ended. The plane landed and it was found that there was no actual incident.”

N12 News reports that this isn’t the first time those in charge at the airport have been forced to act. Three years ago, during a flight of the Turkish airline Anadolu Jet, passengers were airdropped pictures and videos of planes crashing on their mobile phones.

There is no blame on the airline, but analysis of the latest data from the Authority shows that Wizz Air had the highest number of complaints per million passengers flown, beating Ryanair to the bottom spot. In fact, the Hungarian airline romped home with the prize.

It received 10,548 customer complaints from mid-2024 to March 2025, or 918 complaints per one million passengers. That means for every customer who flew, just under 1,000 registered a complaint during that period.

In Wizz Air’s favour is the relatively low ‘complaint upheld’ rate during that time, at 47%. It paid out £1,482,183 as a consequence, or £651 per customer on average.

The airline said: “At Wizz Air, every minute matters and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Since 2024, we have made significant investments across every part of our operations, including our Customer First Compass initiative – a £12 billion framework launched in 2025 to ensure we deliver the best possible service for our customers.

“This investment is already delivering results. In 2025, our UK flight completion rate was 99.8% – one of the best in the entire industry, while our on-time performance also improved by 14.23% compared to 2024. As a result, in 2025 customer satisfaction ratio already increased by 7% point year-on-year.

“We recognise that disruption does occasionally occur, on many occasions due to factors outside of our control. We are focused on responding quickly and effectively when it does. Our automated Chatbot, Amelia AI, is available 24/7 to address most customers’ enquiries and needs.”

Meanwhile, British Airways had a far lower complaints rate (192/one million customers), but 83% were upheld. BA paid out £6,238,378 in total, or £837 per customer.

Ryanair’s complaints-per-million-customers rate was 188, with a low complaints upheld rate of 28% and an average award of £694.

The “scariest” road in Britain can be a nightmare to drive up in winter, as it has steep hairpin bends, minimal barriers, and it climbs from sea level to 2,053 feet very quickly

Britain boasts some of the world’s most spectacular countryside, but reaching its more isolated spots often means braving some genuinely hair-raising roads. The Bealach na Bà pass, nestled in the Applecross peninsula of the Scottish Highlands, is widely regarded as the most terrifying road in the entire country.

The route is renowned for its absolutely stunning vistas, where mountains, glens and sea converge in a single panorama, with mist drifting across the peaks. Yet motorists are cautioned against being distracted by the scenery – the narrow single-track road features minimal safety barriers and climbs from sea level to 2,053 feet over a remarkably short stretch.

The route includes several extremely steep hairpin turns demanding exceptionally careful driving, whilst Scotland’s notoriously wet weather only heightens the peril.

During the winter months, the road regularly closes due to snow and ice. Even when conditions are milder, it’s best left to experienced and confident motorists only.

As you initially approach the road after departing Applecross village, a prominent sign warns learner drivers, large vehicles and caravans against attempting the crossing, directing them towards a safer alternative route, reports the Express.

The road appears straightforward for the opening mile before beginning to wind as you ascend the mountainside. Sheep are frequently spotted grazing alongside certain stretches of the route.

Motorists are warned of a perilous drop just off the edge, and the wind, which reportedly becomes increasingly unsettling as you ascend, only adds to the trepidation.

The challenge of manoeuvring around tight bends, avoiding wildlife, and dealing with foggy conditions makes this journey a truly daunting one – made all the more so by the fact that turning back is virtually impossible due to the numerous twists in the road.

However, upon reaching the summit, the road levels out slightly, revealing a stunning vista of the Isle of Skye, one of the most breathtaking sights the Highlands have to offer.

On Tripadriver, Bealach na Ba Road generally receives positive reviews for its scenic beauty, but almost every review cautions that it’s a terrifying drive not suited for the faint-hearted.

One reviewer, Lesley, commented: “Scariest drive in Scotland but the most scenic. This is a wonderful drive, but one which will tax even experienced drivers.”

Another woman advised: “Road probably stunning in fine weather, but my advice is that you need to be able to see the top, and it’s not likely to be covered in cloud or mist, as this was one of the scariest drives I have ever done and it was not something I will be doing again anytime soon.”

A different user added: “Should be avoided if narrow passing places, hairpin bends and steep drops worry you. However, for those who stick with it, the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.”