First up I was impressed how small it was to fit in my suitcase, being not much bigger than a water bottle.
It is 32 per cent smaller than its standard hairdryer, being just 22cm compared to 28cm in length.
It’s also light, with a shorter 2m cord – meaning it kept my luggage weight low, as well as the added benefit of less arm ache when drying my hair.
Another tick in its favour is that it’s voltage automatically adapts to whichever country you are in, so it works in full no matter where you are.
Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer: Quickfire Q&A
How much is it? The Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer is currently £249.99.
Who’s it best for? Anyone wanting a faster hairdryer that they can still take on holiday in hand luggage.
What we loved: It was extremely fast compared to other high street hairdryers.
What we didn’t love: The price is still slightly steep.
But I was insanely impressed with how fast it dried my hair.
There are three different heats – low, medium and high – and two speed settings.
I tested it out on my just-out-the-shower hair meaning it was soaking wet.
Usually I have to let this dry for at least 20 minutes before even attempting to dry it.
I tried it on my soaking wet hair, which can easily take 20 minutes to dryIt comes with a magnetic styling concentrator too
And the Dyson on its hottest setting dried my hair almost completely in about three minutes.
Another two and it would definitely have been fully dry.
it also comes with a detachable styling concentrator which – very satisfyingly – clips on by magnet.
It made my hair feel much softer than I’d expected (often feeling pretty ratty and dry using the budget hotel hairdryers).
I wasn’t expecting to be as impressed as I was with it but it really is a gamechanger
I didn’t believe a hair dryer could actually dry hair that quickly, and while it might be a bit crazy to call it life changing, it’s something I’ve been raving about my friends to for weeks since.
Aviation sector sources told the that consumers are exercising caution(Image: skynesher via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers planning trips to Mediterranean hotspots are being met with an enticing development as airlines grapple with concerns over possible jet fuel shortages this summer.
Ticket prices on major routes to destinations across Spain, Italy and France have tumbled by double digits – and in some instances drastically – as carriers attempt to entice hesitant travellers into making bookings. Costs have declined by 10% or more on 15 sought-after routes, including flights from Heathrow Airport to Nice, Manchester to Palma, and Gatwick Airport to Barcelona.
In the most striking case, fares between Milan and Madrid have nosedived by as much as 44%, according to analysis by the Financial Times.
The unexpected price cuts arrive as airlines wrestle with a decline in bookings, with numerous travellers postponing holiday arrangements amid warnings that jet fuel supplies could face disruption following tensions related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Industry insiders say consumers are holding fire, creating a high-stakes “confidence game” as airlines cut prices aggressively to fill seats before the peak summer holiday period.
One airline boss compared the present climate to the uncertainty experienced during the Covid pandemic, cautioning there remains “a lack of visibility” over how the situation will develop.
Analysis of fares between early April and early May reveals prices dropping on more than half of the busiest routes to southern Europe, particularly to seaside destinations around the Mediterranean. Significantly for families, the steepest reductions are being witnessed on traditional summer routes, with eight of the top 50 routes recording decreases of 20% or more. In contrast, only a small number of routes have experienced similarly sharp rises.
Travel industry insiders told the FT that holidaymakers were “freezing in the headlights”, resulting in them making reservations later than normal or opting for UK getaways instead.
Research indicates one in five Britons has already switched an overseas holiday for a domestic break this year, with another fifth contemplating doing likewise.
Airlines are now being compelled to boost demand through reduced fares even as fuel expenses climb and timetables are scaled back. Approximately two million seats have already been removed globally from May timetables, reflecting both elevated costs and weaker demand.
Low-cost carriers including easyJet and Wizz Air have acknowledged that passengers are making bookings later, while also seeking to reassure travellers.
EasyJet has committed not to impose fuel surcharges on existing package reservations, while British Airways has guaranteed prices will not increase after holidays are settled.
Despite the unpredictability, industry insiders emphasise the overwhelming majority of flights are still anticipated to run. Even in a worst-case scenario, only approximately 5% to 15% of flights could be axed and passengers would probably be transferred onto alternative services.
FOUND in a small seaside town in Wales is a railway that was said to be the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine.
Talyllyn Railway is celebrating its 75th anniversary this weekend to acknowledge the day when it became a ‘world first’, not to mention that children can enjoy hopping aboard for as little as £5.
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Talyllyn Railway lets kids ride the trains for as little as £5Credit: talyllyn.co.ukThe railway was said to have inspired Thomas the Tank EngineCredit: PA
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The Talyllyn Railway in the Welsh county of Gwynedd was saved from closure in 1951 by volunteer train enthusiasts.
This was the first time in history that a railway had been taken over by volunteers, and now it’s celebrating 75 years of being ‘The World’s First Preserved Railway’.
One of the very first railway volunteers was actually children’s author Rev Wilbert Awdry who was the creator of beloved character Thomas the Tank Engine.
It’s said that Wilbert Awdry based some of his stories on his experiences while working at the railway.
One tale in one of the books is from the time when Wilbert left a colleague, the refreshment lady behind at Abergynolwyn which is at the far end of the line.
Railway historian Tim Dunn said the Talyllyn Railway had made its way into a number of Thomas the Tank Engine books.
Talyllyn Railway runs journeys from Tywyn Wharf to Nant GwernolCredit: Getty
He even called the railway the “spiritual home” of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The railway is open seasonally with train journeys throughout spring and summer.
The best part is that children can visit the Talyllyn Railway now and hop onboard for as little as £5 with a ‘Child Explorer’ ticket.
An ‘Adult Explorer’ fare starts from £29 – if you fancy reserving whole compartments this is from £155 (which seats up to six passengers).
The one-hour return journeys start from Tywyn Wharf and head to Nant Gwernol stopping in-between at Pendre, Rhydyronen, Brynglas, Dolgoch and Abergynolwyn.
There are special events throughout the year like ‘The Slate Trail’Credit: talyllyn.co.uk
You can even add an Afternoon Tea or Welsh Cream Tea Package to your experience.
On arrival at the Abergynolwyn stop, the teas are set up with fresh scones, cream and jam with a pot of fresh pot of tea or coffee – these start from an extra £6.50 per person.
On-site, the railway has a Narrow Gauge Railway Museum with a collection of items – some of which are 200 years old.
The King’s Café and Quarryman’s Caban at Tywyn Wharf Station are open for breakfast, Sunday lunches, takeaways – there’s even a licenced bar.
The railway is a favourite attraction amongst its visitors with over 1,200 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
One visitor even said: “I visited for the first time yesterday. No exaggeration, it was the best day of my life.”
The Talyllyn Railway was saved by volunteers 75 years agoCredit: Getty Images
Another added: “My wife and I took a trip to this historic railway during their Awdry Extravaganza weekend and loved it. The trip up the valley is beautiful on a sunny day.”
It holds events throughout the year too – and this weekend the railway is holding its 75th Anniversary Gala to celebrate Talyllyn Railway being saved by volunteers.
Across the weekend, special locomotives are taking to the tracks, like an overnight steam train which will return to the railway for the first time in 11 years.
Trains from various eras like the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s all the way to modern day will also be on display.
Other events include Sunset Specials which run on Wednesday and Sunday during spring bank holiday week between 6PM until 9PM for pretty views.
The ‘Railway Adventure’ event is where visitors can travel behind a historic steam locomotives. Guides explain how Talyllyn Railway got to be a world first, and delve into the early days of the Preservation Pioneers.
During ‘The Slate Trail’, passengers can experience a train journey inside a Victorian-era carriage. Tickets for these two experience start from £23.75 for children and £47.50 for adults.
The King Charles III England Coast Path, which launches officially this year, is opening up miles of previously inaccessible coastal terrain to walkers in England. We’d love to hear about your favourite coastal walks all around the UK, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Western Isles of Scotland.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins 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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If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judgingfor the competition.
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A KEEN traveller is determined to visit EVERY country that flies from his local airport – and is more than halfway there already.
Savvy jet-setter Neil Loft is attempting to tick off all 120 destinations that fly from Bristol Airport.
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Neil Loft has ticked off 86 destinations all departing from his local airportCredit: SWNSOne destination Neil visited this year was Basel in SwitzerlandCredit: Alamy
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So far, Neil has ticked off 86 locations offered by Bristol Airport, leaving him with 34 left – although he does have an advantage working as cabin crew.
But not all of his travelling is done through work. Neil also spends lots of his free time exploring the world – last year he managed to visit 21 destinations.
Neil has only upped his efforts this year visiting as many as three places in one day, which he managed to do for as little as £3.
Neil said: “It was quite straightforward, really. Without even realising, I had crossed the bridge and walked into a new country.”
On day two of his trip to Basel, Neil caught the tram to the French border, where he walked over to St Louis to enjoy a local delicacy: croque monsieur.
Neil is determined to tick off 120 destinations from Bristol AirportCredit: SWNS
Neil then returned to Basel before hopping on a tram across the border to Weil am Rhein in Germany.
There, he had a beer at a rooftop bar before heading back to his Swiss hotel.
Despite travelling to three different countries in 24 hours, the entire day trip cost him just £3 thanks to the travel pass he got on arrival in Basel.
Neil explained: “It was shockingly easy. I took a bit of time in each to have a drink and a mooch about but you could have done all three countries in two or three hours if you wanted to.”
Other spots in Europe that Neil has visited include Zurich, Vilnius, Kaunas, Almeria, Bilbao, Turkey, Innsbruck, and Bucharest.
When it comes to being savvy with flights, Neil says his jobs as a holiday rep and then cabin crew for 10 years helped.
From Basel, Neil ticked off a further two countries for £3Credit: SWNS
Through this, he knows how to get the best flight and pair them up with the hotels and transfers.
Neil added: “I am well on track to achieve [all 120 destinations]. I have only got a handful more to do.
“I have no commitments to hold me back, so I am just an intrepid traveller really.
“I have to go on my airline apps to remind myself where I am going some of the time. I just tend to see a deal and go book it.”
EUROSTAR has taken the next step to launch trains to a new European country – for the first time ever.
A new agreement has been signed between the international train operator as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and French SNCF Voyageurs.
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Direct trains to Switzerland with Eurostar could launch by the 2030sCredit: AlamyThe fastest route would be London to Basel (pictured) taking around five hoursCredit: Alamy
The journey would take about five hours from London to the city of Basel, with other cities slightly longer such as Geneva (5.5 hours) and Zurich (six hours).
London is currently the ‘no.1 flight destination’ for Switzerland, with airlines such as Swiss, British Airways and easyJet operating direct flights.
If the new direct trains go ahead, they are likely to launch by the 2030s, although a confirmed date is yet to be revealed.
Along with routes to the same destinations, they could also launch trains from Manchester and Birmingham, as well as restore routes from Ashford and Ebbsfleet.
It nearly closed in 2017, only to remain open thanks to a group of volunteers who still run it now.
One previous visitor wrote: “The atmosphere at the Lido has to be mentioned it felt like you were on holiday, everyone chatting and smiling.”
It is also called the Sunshine Coast for having some of the UK’s driest weatherCredit: AlamyThe pool will be open until August 31Credit: Google maps
During the summertime, Brightlingsea is much quieter than its neighbours such as Clacton.
However, it’s shingle beach is recognisable thanks to its line of colourful beach huts on the promenade.
One said: “Very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”
Brightlingsea is on the Sunshine Coast, which one mum said is like “going back in time to seaside holidays of the past.”
Mum Catherine Lofthouse told The Sun: “Because I was on the Sunshine Coast of Essex, which is often compared to Spain thanks to it being one of the sunniest, driest spots in the country.
“What I really loved about exploring the Essex seaside is the sheer variety of experiences on one relatively small stretch of coast, bookended by Brightlingsea in the south and Harwich in the north.”
Martin Lewis has advice for stretching your holiday money
Most holidaymakers assume using their normal bank card abroad is fine. But Martin Lewis says a simple switch to a specialist card could save you from paying an extra 2.75% to 3% on every single purchase – a hidden fee that quietly adds to your bill without you even noticing.
In a clip shared on This Morning’s official TikTok, the MoneySavingExpert founder explained how most high street banks add a “non-sterling exchange rate fee” when you spend abroad. Ignore it and a £100 purchase effectively costs you £103. Switch to one of the specialist cards he recommends, and you get the same near-perfect exchange rates the banks use – without the markup.
Martin started by explaining what happens when you spend on plastic overseas. “Your bank gets a near perfect exchange rate on the day – the same as what’s called the spot rate, the city market rates. When you spend on your card abroad though, normally the card company adds what’s called a non-Sterling exchange rate fee of between 2.75 or 3%,” he said. “So your hundred pounds worth of euros cost you £103.”
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The solution, he explained, is using specialist cards. “With the specialist cards, they don’t have that. So you get the same near perfect exchange rates that the banks or the card firms do.”
As for which cards to choose, Martin noted there are quite a lot available now. He judges them on the cashback they give you. The Barclaycard Rewards credit card is currently giving 0.25% cash back on spending in the UK and abroad. “So you get perfect exchange rate and cashback,” he said.
He added a crucial warning for anyone using a credit card: “Only do this if you’ll pay it off in full at the end of every month, or there is interest. That will credit score you to get it.”
For those who prefer a debit card or don’t want to undergo a hard credit check, Martin offered two alternatives. “The easiest one to get is the Chase card, which you can apply for without switching banks and only does a soft credit check, so it doesn’t mark your credit file, and virtually everybody can get it,” he said. It offers near-perfect exchange rates, no ATM withdrawal fees, and some cashback on UK spending.
Alternatively, for those willing to switch banks: “First Direct, if you’re willing to switch bank to it, will give you a near perfect exchange rate fee debit card and pay you £175 quid if you switch bank to it.”
A spokesperson for travel experts Lapland Famille said: “When spending abroad, choosing the right payment method makes a real difference. Specialist cards often work out far cheaper than standard bank cards. And if you’re ever asked to pay in pounds or the local currency, always choose the local currency – paying in cash locally is another good way to avoid hidden conversion fees.”
With no need to switch your main bank account for the easiest option, Martin’s advice shows that cutting the cost of spending abroad may be simpler than many travellers think – as long as you pick the right card before you go.
For centuries, outsiders have been lured to the radiant hills and valleys of Andalucía, not least the Moors of north Africa who left such an impact on the land and culture. More recently, an influx of northern European aficionados has fostered a string of seductive, small-scale guesthouses to join some idiosyncratic Spanish-owned properties. These are idyllic, tranquil settings in which to de-stress and recharge, hike, ride, cycle, cook, swim or simply stargaze – the rural skies here are blissfully free of light pollution. Nor are cultural highlights ever far away, whether in Granada, Córdoba or Seville.
Starry nights at Casa Mimi
Casa Mimi is isolated but with great access to regional highlights
Near Gérgal, in the eastern mountains bordering the Sierra de los Filabres, this Belgian-owned bed and breakfast has three charming rooms with ample outside space, views and a pool. Although isolated, it has unbeatable access to regional highlights including Europe’s only desert, which surrounds the old film studios of Tabernas; Almería’s stupendous fortress; and the wild beaches of Cabo de Gata. A lesser known lure is the Calar Alto astronomical observatory, one of Europe’s largest, perched on a nearby mountaintop, where night visits are available. Mediterranean dinners (€25) at Casa Mimi are on request and use seasonal produce, guaranteed by these former restaurateurs, Priscilla and Ben. The entire property of four bedrooms can be rented. Doubles from €70 B&B, casamimi.net
Hiking and biking from Hostal Pampaneira
Old-school Andalucía
Time-travel to old-school Andalucía in Las Alpujarras, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Almost 50 years old with local furnishings to match, this modest, 15-room family hotel overlooks the steep, whitewashed village of Pampaneira on dizzying bends high above Órgiva – an enclave for alternative lifestyles. Centuries ago, the Berbers developed farming in the area and Pampaneira’s intricate layout. The restaurant cooks hearty mountain produce in the form of stews and roasts (pork, lamb and kid goat) with vegetables from their allotment, their own olive oil and local wine. Cliff climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, guided treks and excursions to the snowy slopes of 3,479-metre Mulhacén (the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula) are all on offer for the active, while peerless Granada lies to the north. Doubles from €42, triples €50, breakfast €10, hostalpampaneira.com
Embrace nature at Casa Olea
Stargazing and gourmet dinners are on the menu at Casa Olea
This converted farmhouse hides in a stunning, secluded valley north of the delightful baroque town of Priego de Córdoba in central Andalucía. Over the years, the owners, Tim and Claire, have fine-tuned comforts and activities while upping the impressive environmental credentials. Six stylish rooms crown a restaurant with panoramic views over the river, olive groves, woods, two Moorish watch towers and a bronze age hillfort. The large pool is where to relax after self-guided hikes, cycling (bike rental and navigation app available) or birding from a hide. The coup de grâce is a gourmet dinner (€36) cooked by Claire, laced with the property’s own olive oil. And there is the opportunity to stargaze as Casa Olea is certified as a Starlight hotel. Midway between Granada and Córdoba, serious sightseeing is also on the agenda. Doubles €154 B&B (two-night minimum), casaolea.com
On top of the world at Finca Serrato
A pool with a view, near Colmenar
Hidden down a dirt road in the Montes de Málaga near Colmenar, about 50 minutes from Málaga, the finca offers three apartments and two double rooms in the farmhouse or outbuilding. All have an attractive, understated aesthetic, some with woodburning stoves, air-con, kitchen facilities and private patio. A small pool has far-reaching views. The youthful French-Spanish hosts, Zélie and Nico, prepare delicious breakfasts, snacks and tapas, sourcing local ingredients. An hour away is Antequera and the surreal rock formations of El Torcal – an entrancing setting for hikes. Doubles from €68, apartments from €77 (two-night minimum), breakfast €9, airport transfer €60, fincaserrato.com
Gourmet dining at Finca Las Encinas
Beautiful breakfast
With only three bedrooms, you could call this guesthouse intimate, but that impression changes when you’re under the pergola overlooking the pool and see a rippling sea of olive groves prized for their oil. Foodies should make a beeline here as Welsh chef Clive is passionate about Andalucían cooking, conjuring up fabulous seasonal dinners as well as cooking classes. The cosseting finca lies in a hamlet of La Subbética, a semi-mountainous region between Córdoba and Granada, with the Iznájar reservoir (for watersports) and castle just down the road. Maki, Clive’s Japanese wife and a knowledgable enthusiast of the region, accompanies guests to bodegas, olive oil mills and cultural hotspots. Cosy rooms are thoughtfully decorated, and Clive’s organic vegetable garden boosts the menu. Doubles from €80 B&B (two-night minimum), dinner €33, finca-las-encinas.com
Serenity at La Dehesa Experience
Tubular belles in the Sierra Morena
Rest up in luxury glamping style in the heart of the Sierra Morena north of Córdoba, famed for Iberian pigs snuffling acorns beneath the oak trees. Scattered over the dehesa(fertile pasture for cattle and horses) are six wooden cabins raised on platforms with one or two bedrooms, a kitchen and a plunge pool outside. An alternative is the “tubbo”, a spacious transparent tube, all the better for total immersion. Slickly designed interiors contain fridges full of Andalucían wine and local gourmet produce, binoculars, and a telescope in some suites. Here, you are on your own and totally private, although the efficient staff are always on call to deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner (€35) and even offer massages. This is the ultimate retreat for total serenity, for romance and for immersion in nature. Doubles from €189 B&B, ladehesaexperiences.com
Eclectic retreat at El Molino del Abuelo
Abuelo’s kitchen
At this transformed water mill, you will be warmly greeted by two brothers and their mother. The family project (the mill was set up by their grandfather – the abuelo) is an eco-friendly bubble in the village of Montecorto, just 20km west of Ronda. Out front unfolds the verdant Sierra de Grazalema, renowned for hiking, biking trails, birding, and sprinkled with classic pueblos blancos. Raúl and Florentino have curated an eclectic oasis of vivid colour and quirky craft and artworks – including murals by their sister. Five rooms, two pools, a shared kitchen for making snacks and a prolific garden of organic vegetables and fruit trees are all there, but number one is the gurgling stream which lulls you to sleep. Breakfasts are bountiful, so luckily yoga and bikes are options, along with tips on local sights. Doubles from €70, breakfast €7.50, adults only, elmolinodelabuelo.es
Walking wonders from Molinos de Fuenteheridos
Sierra de Aracena. Photograph: Santiago Urquijo/Getty Images
In the Sierra de Aracena of western Andalucía, near Aracena, this 17th-century flour and olive mill has been converted in contemporary style to offer 10 huge, well-appointed rooms with luxury en suites. The mill room itself is now an atmospheric common area with plentiful seating lit by Moorish lamps. Outside, extensive grounds include lush gardens, a large saltwater pool, a smaller freshwater one and a river that nourishes fig, walnut, chestnut and apple trees. It is a picture-perfect area for hikes, coupled with Aracena castle, spectacular grottos and Museo del Jamón – a 15-minute drive away, and the bars and restaurants of Fuenteheridos within walking distance. Not least, the cultural riches of Seville beckon, a 90-minute drive away. Doubles from €99, breakfast €7, molinosdefuenteheridos.com
This collection of news highlights from Occasional Digest centers on the observance of Father’s Day in Romania on May 10, 2026. While the holiday was established through the legislative efforts of an activist group known as TATA, local reports suggest it has not yet gained widespread cultural popularity. Beyond this primary feature, the source provides a snapshot of global current events, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and political developments in Belarus. Readers are also presented with diverse information such as currency exchange rates, environmental concerns regarding oil slicks, and sports commentary. Collectively, these snippets offer a broad look at internation …
Firefighters battled a fire Sunday that erupted in the early morning and remained active well into the afternoon at a downtown L.A. office supplies store.
Roughly 120 firefighters were called about 4 a.m. to the two-story building with a mezzanine at 1225 S. Hope St. near West Pico Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames. One firefighter suffered minor injuries in the battle and was hospitalized.
Firefighters transitioned from offensive to defensive mode and used a remote-suppression robot to enter the building, LAFD spokesperson Jennifer Middleton said. Arson and emergency air units also were requested.
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1.Firefighters battled a fire Sunday that erupted in the early morning and remained active well into the afternoon at a downtown L.A. office supplies store. (Kayla Bartkowski/Los Angeles Times)
The blaze was initially contained by 5:52 a.m., but the building’s contents rekindled, said LAFD Battalion Chief Peter Hsiao.
About 10 a.m., firefighters were “trying to remove paper from the building to stop it from catching on fire,” Hsiao said.
By 10:30 a.m., the building’s roof had collapsed, according to Times photographer Kayla Bartkowski, who was at the scene. Thirty minutes later, the building was again engulfed in flames.
At 1:30 p.m., firefighters were trying to contain the blaze by using a forklift and heavy machinery to pull boxes of office supplies and pallets of paper out of the building, then spraying it all down with water.
Firefighters on the roof also were spraying the fire to prevent it from spreading, she added.
A blaze was reported at about 4 a.m. in downtown L.A. at 1225 South Hope St.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
The address is associated with Bluebird Office Supplies. A voicemail left for a number listed for the business owner was not immediately returned.
No one was inside the building at the time of the blaze, Middleton said.
British Airways is understood to be looking at raising fares following a hit caused by a spike in jet fuel costs
15:43, 10 May 2026Updated 15:44, 10 May 2026
Costs are up for airlines across the world
British Airways (BA) has released a statement to passengers concerning possible price rises. The UK’s flag carrier airline shared the announcement across its social media platforms.
In a post titled ‘The British Airways Holidays Promise’, it emphasised that existing customers would not face an increase in their holiday costs if they had already made a booking, even if the airline’s operating expenses rose.
The price of aviation fuel has roughly doubled since the commencement of US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. It continues to remain elevated, despite a lull in hostilities and speculation about an end to the conflict.
It confirmed that the ‘cost of your holiday won’t change once you’ve booked your trip’. The full statement declared: “Book with confidence, whatever’s happening in the world.
“The price you book is the price you pay. Once you’ve booked your flight or holiday package, the price you’ve paid is locked in and won’t change, even if our costs increase later.
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“You can secure your holiday with a low deposit now and spread the agreed cost over time. The cost of your holiday won’t change once you’ve secured your trip.
“When you book a package with British Airways Holidays, we offer you a dedicated helpline, 24/7, in case you need assistance during your trip. All packages booked in the UK with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, giving you peace of mind from the moment you book and while you’re away.
“If your flight is cancelled, as part of a British Airways Holidays package or flight only booking, we’ll always offer you the option to rebook onto another flight or to accept a full refund under UK and EU Regulations. Your holiday is protected, so you can focus on looking forward to it.”
This follows confirmation that BA’s charges are set to increase as the airline attempts to recoup some of its financial losses. The Guardian reports the carrier has taken a €2bn (£1.7bn) hit to its finances due to soaring jet fuel costs.
The International Airlines Group (IAG) revealed its annual fuel bill is now projected to reach around €9bn, up sharply from the previously forecast €7.1bn. The group anticipates recovering roughly 60 per cent of the €2bn shortfall through ‘revenue and cost management actions’, with BA expected to shoulder the majority of the fare hikes.
It was once owned by William the Conqueror and is one of the few privately owned villages left in the UK.
‘It’s like time has stood still, like going back to 1950s Britain’ says village resident Cassandra McFarlane, who has stunning sea views from her cottage(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
The honourable John Rous has a proud smile on his face as he tells me: “The village is built on a 400ft cliff overlooking a gorgeous bay with a living community, there’s nothing else like it.”
Mr Rous inherited the privately owned village of Clovelly on the North Devon coast from his mother, Countess Mary Rous, in 1983 and has since continued to develop and preserve what is one of the UK’s most unique destinations. Clovelly was recorded in the Domesday Book in the 11th century as the property of William the Conqueror. The estate was later inherited by his wife, Matilda of Flanders, England’s first crowned queen, before being purchased in 1738 by the Hamlyn family for £9,438.
Today, Clovelly remains one of the few privately owned villages in the UK and is now owned by the Hamlyns’ descendants, the Rous family. It continues to function as a thriving community, with around 250 residents living in 80 cottages throughout the car-free village, while also being a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year.
When you arrive in Clovelly, you must pass through a visitor centre, where admission costs £10.90 for adults and £6.25 for children aged seven to 16. After taking over the estate in 1983, Mr Rous explains how there was a backlog of repair work that needed to be done. In order to pay for the work and maintain the upkeep of the village, he decided to create a visitor centre where all of the money raised would be redistributed into the village.
“We put together a plan to create the visitor centre and the money created there helps the maintenance of the whole village which is great,” Mr Rous, 75, said. “Fortunately, it all worked out financially and we’re still here today.”
After passing through the visitor centre, visitors can stroll down The Hobby Drive before reaching the cobbled High Street which leads down to Clovelly’s harbour 120m below. Cassandra McFarlane moved to the village from South East London in 2021 and now lives at the top of the High Street in a cottage she describes as “the best in the village”.
“I’ve been here around five years now and absolutely love it,” she says. “It’s like time has stood still in Clovelly, it’s like going back to 1950s Britain. Everyone talks to you, everyone’s polite, you don’t get anti-social behaviour. It’s just a blissful place to live. It’s so peaceful.”
She adds: “It’s very, very safe here. There’s no cars or noise and you have these amazing views. It’s beautiful. You go to sleep at night and hear the owls hooting and you wake up to birdsong or the village woodpecker. It’s just an idyllic place to live and visit.”
While Mr Rous has focussed on developing a tight-knit living community, he also understands the importance of tourism to keep Clovelly intact. The village attracts up to 150,000 people every year, with the majority of them visiting for just a day.
Ms Mcfarlane says: “People sometimes ask me if I get fed up with the tourists and I say: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. We’re very lucky they still want to come and see the village because all of the money they spend to get in here is reinvested in the cottages.
“But also, I meet such lovely people who visit. Most people come here for a day and arrive at 10am and are gone by 4pm. Then it’s back to just the 250 of us.”
Mr Rous adds: “We’re quite fortunate to have a number of day visitors. They arrive after 10am, enjoy the village, and then are mostly gone by 5pm. The village then returns to its sleepy self. We do have people staying in the hotels obviously but they always appreciate and respect the village.”
As well as boosting tourism numbers, the decision to charge an entrance fee to Clovelly, rather than a car park charge, has allowed for a renovation of the historic cottages. Some of the properties date back to the 15th century and require regular maintenance throughout the wetter and windier months.
The regular income has also allowed Clovelly to maintain its policy of having no second homes or absentee landlords. Mr Rous, who lives on the estate which also includes 700 acres of woodland, three large farms and a sawmill, acts as the landlord for every cottage in the village and maintains a close relationship with the tenants.
“I say to people that if you love a traffic-free area or have always wanted to live by the sea, but you can stand visitors, Clovelly will be perfect for you,” Mr Rous explains. “We advertise for the properties but do like to speak with more than one applicant to see who fits the village best.
“We have some families that have been here for generations but also have new ones coming in which is great. The older people give stability to the village while the youngsters give it vitality. It’s the best of both.”
Another feature that makes Clovelly a truly unique village is its use of sledges, which largely replaced donkeys by the 1970s, to transport groceries, laundry and furniture up and down the 400ft cobbled high street. While the sledges might seem like a gimmick to visitors, they perfectly represent how the community has adapted to modern times while preserving its 1,000-year-old past.
“Everyone has their own sledge and they go past every day. I’ve even seen someone take a grand piano down the hill! It’s truly unique,” Ms McFarlane explains.
As there are no chain supermarkets in the village, locals order their groceries to be delivered. When the delivery drivers see “Clovelly” on the address, they give the customers a 15-minute warning so they have time to head to the top of the High Street with their sledge.
Ian Roberts, the manager of The New Inn located half-way down the High Street, is one of 70 staff who are employed to work on the estate throughout the year.
“The New Inn is around 500 years old and remains steeped in history. We [the village] have been here since the days of William the Conqueror and try to keep some of that history,” the 62-year-old says. “There’s so much history in Clovelly, it’s a very unique place. Visiting here is a great opportunity for people to see real history.”
The New Inn has also benefitted from a sympathetic restoration in recent years, preserving its character and enduring charm. The hotel once hosted Charles Dickens who wrote of the cobbled streets and cliffs in “A Message to the Sea”.
Likewise, Charles Kingsley, the 19th-century novelist and poet, lived in the village as a child. After his wife visited Clovelly for the first time in 1854, he wrote: “Now that you have seen the dear old Paradise you know what was the inspiration of my life before I met you.”
“It really is unique here. Places like this are very difficult to find in the UK now,” Mr Roberts, who manages The New Inn with his wife Theresa, adds. “It’s well worth a visit and the views alone are stunning – it’s Instagramable!
“People come here to eat, sleep, rest, relax and enjoy themselves. They come here to get away from the real world and refresh themselves.”
According to the hotel manager, Clovelly can become flooded with visitors over the warmer summer months, including coach loads of day-trippers from across the UK. Two of those tourists are David, who has visited Clovelly once before, and Margaret Herbertson, who is visiting for the first time.
“We didn’t know much about Clovelly before we got here,” Margaret, 75, says. “We obviously Googled it, and did a bit of research, and it looked amazing so we thought we’d come for a visit.”
While standing at the top of the High Street, overlooking the historic 14th-century harbour, David, 78, adds: “Yes, we’ve read about the donkeys going up and down with sledges to transport items. I found that interesting. It’s just a beautiful and peaceful place. I’ve been here once before when I was younger and it doesn’t look like it’s changed much.
“Where we’re stood now overlooking the sea it’s amazing. I don’t think there are many places like it around.” Margaret adds: “It’s unique, isn’t it? What I love is how quiet it is. There’s no cars and no rush.”
While Clovelly is a tranquil fishing village with just 250 inhabitants, there is still plenty to do for visitors. As well as soaking up the sweeping coastal views out the Atlantic, visitors have access to the South West Coast Path, which includes a hike to Mouth Mill Beach.
Ms McFarlane adds: “There’s also loads to do here which people don’t always realise. You can take the ambience in, you can go for walks in the area, we’ve got a museum, we’ve got a few nice little shops, the beautiful harbour, blissful gardens.”
The Clovelly Court Gardens, located at the top of the village, are a perfect spot to relax while visitors can also learn about local history at the Fisherman’s Cottage and the Kingsley Museum and Shop. The village is also the proud host of a number of festivals every year, including the Seaweed Festival in May, the Maritime Festival in July, the Lobster and Crab Feast in August and the Herring Festival in November.
“Around 120 years ago, Clovelly was just a fishing village with a lot of fishing a little bit of tourism. Now, it’s a little bit of fishing, which I’m keen to preserve through a number of festivals like the Lobster and Crab Festival, and a lot of tourism,” Mr Rous adds.
“We’ve maintained a living community while avoiding becoming a seaside village full of holiday lets. It’s such a welcoming place and the people are so proud to be associated with the village.”
Flight FR9251 was forced to land in Toulouse with almost 200 people on board
The London Stansted to Ibiza flight was forced to land in France (stock image)
Ryanair has issued a ‘no fly’ warning following an incident in which a plane carrying nearly 200 passengers was forced to make an emergency diversion. The disruption took place aboard a flight from London Stansted to Ibiza.
Flight FR9251 was diverted to Toulouse after two passengers turned ‘abusive towards fellow passengers’. The incident unfolded on 17 May 2025, with the case only recently being settled in court.
In an online statement headed ‘Bad behaviour won’t fly’, the budget carrier said: “On May 17 2025, two passengers became abusive towards fellow passengers on a flight from London Stansted to Ibiza and failed to comply with crew instructions, forcing over 84 passengers and six crew to divert to Toulouse.
“These two disruptive passengers were found guilty, and both received suspended sentences of up to 10 months, and received a combined penalty of over 10,000 Euros.
“On May 7, 2026, Ryanair welcomed the decision by the Toulouse Criminal Court to convict these two unruly passengers. Ryanair has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take action to combat unruly passenger behavior on aircraft for the benefit of the vast majority of passengers who do not disrupt flights.”
Under the Air Navigation Order 2016, a person ‘must not enter any aircraft when drunk, or be drunk in any aircraft’. It goes on to state: “A person must not, when acting as a member of the crew of any aircraft or being carried in any aircraft for the purpose of acting as a member of the crew, be under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to impair their capacity so to act.”, reports Glasgow Live.
Addressing the incident on board, Ryanair’s Jade Kirwan said: “We welcome this decision by the Toulouse Criminal Court to convict these two disruptive passengers and sentence them with up to 10 months jail time and to pay a penalty of over €10,000.
“It is unacceptable that passengers – many of whom are heading away with family or friends to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday – suffer unnecessary disruption and reduced holiday time as a result of unruly passenger behaviour.
“Yet this was regrettably the case for passengers on this flight from Stansted to Ibiza in May last year, which was forced to divert to Toulouse as a result of two passenger’s disruptive behaviour.
“This conviction demonstrates just one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair’s zero tolerance policy, and we hope this action will deter further disruptive behaviour on flights so that passengers and crew can travel in a comfortable and respectful environment.”
Inside, you will find a double bed, bunk beds, and a kitchen equipped with a microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge
14:07, 10 May 2026Updated 14:08, 10 May 2026
James Whitehead, ops manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, where two Sea King helicopters have been converted into AirBnB holiday lets(Image: SWNS)
Two retired RAF helicopters have been transformed into stunning glamping pods – and they are already fully booked. The yellow Sea King aircrafts have found their forever homes being stationed at North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough., after long careers saving lives across the UK.
They now add to a believed four other Sea Kings which have been transformed into liveable accommodation in Britain. Their specialist interiors have been ripped out and replaced with a double bed, bunk beds, and a kitchen, equipped with a microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge.
Some parts of the cockpit – including the controls and switches – are still intact, but stunning images show how it has been reworked into a dining area.
Its sliding door acts as the main access point and when opened leads onto a gravel landing pad, with a picnic bench. The water park says the helicopters offer a “unique and “memorable” stay which were designed for couples, families to enjoy.
The helicopters were originally built for the RAF for Search and Rescue, according to North Yorkshire Water Park.
Both the ZE369 and XZ589 offered decades of service at the forefront of life-saving missions across the UK, carrying out daring rescues in all weather conditions.
The pods were available to be booked from Friday, May 1 – the first four weeks are fully booked, according to Airbnb. Prices start at £130 a night.
James Whitehead, operations manager at North Yorkshire Water Park: “We are incredibly excited to welcome the new Sea King helicopter glamping pods to our stay on-site offering.
“Both helicopters have an extraordinary history, having spent decades carrying out life-saving search and rescue missions across the UK.
“It was important to us that the original character and charm is preserved as much as possible while making them a cosy place to relax after a day of fun.”
North Yorkshire Water Park is one of the UK’s largest spanning a huge 250 acres. The outdoor adventure destination features massive inflatable aqua parks, lakes for kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.
A UNUSUAL temporary ban is being rolled out in days at a popular vacation hotspot.
The law will impact all residents, tourists, and even cruise lines.
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The mass 10-hour ban will impact all residents, tourists, and even cruise lines (stock)Credit: AlamySome Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers are outraged by the booze ban (stock)Credit: Alamy
Alcohol sales will be completely banned across all islands in the Bahamas due to the general election, officials have confirmed.
Polls open on May 12 and between the hours of 8am and 6pm, no alcohol will be available for purchase, per a government notice.
This includes even on private islands that are owned by cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean said it will be abiding by the local laws at Coco Cay, it’s private island in the Bahamas.
“Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE.
Both the Wonder of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas ships will be visiting the island on that day.
It’s beach bars Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will still be open, the cruise line confirmed, and noted that passengers will still be able to get alcohol on board the ships.
Despite this, passengers are fuming about the sudden announcement.
“We scheduled a trip with stops in the Bahamas for our 40th anniversary,” one customer wrote on X.
“We are going with 26 of our friends. Planned activities at CocoCay and Nassau.
“The general election has banned all alcohol for the two days we are there. And we find out only two days before we leave? Not a way to treat customers who cruise four times a year.”
SITTING between two eastern European countries is a place nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of Europe’.
Despite being thousands of miles from the Galapagos Islands, Lake Ohrid is often compared to the region famous for its wildlife.
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Lake Ohrid sits between North Macedonia and AlbaniaCredit: GettyThe lake is considered the ‘Galapagos of Europe’ and is surrounded by fishing villagesCredit: Alamy
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It has incredible deep blue waters and can be accessed from both parts of both North Macedonia and Albania.
The lake is considered one of the oldest in Europe with historians tracing its roots back to as far as five million years ago.
As for what you’ll find lurking in its waters, the lake is considered the ‘Galapagos of Europe’ due to the high number of species – some of which are unique to the lake.
Lake Ohrid has even been described by scientists as “a museum of living fossils.”
One of the rare creatures that you’ll only find in the lake is the Ohrid trout, otherwise known as ‘koran’.
Fishermen are often up early to catch the trout which is a delicacy in the surrounding cities, towns and villages.
Other rare animals living in and around the lake include the Balkan whip snake.
There are also eels, various endemic snails, and birds like Dalmatian pelicans.
Despite the wildlife, Lake Ohrid is safe for swimming and is very popular during the summer months.
The water can be chilly though, ranging from between 14C to 24C depending on the season.
There’s plenty of room to explore as the lake is around 19 miles long and nine miles wide, with a shoreline that stretches on for around 54 miles.
Trpejca on Lake Ohrid is considered the ‘Saint-Tropez’ of the areaCredit: AlamyVisitors can explore the lake by hiking or biking along the shoreline, or get on the water on a boat cruiseCredit: Getty
It’s also one of the deepest lakes on the continent with a maximum depth of nearly 300 metres.
Visitors can explore the lake by hiking or biking along the shoreline, or get on the water on a boat cruise.
On Tripadvisor, one visitor described Lake Ohrid as a “piece of paradise”.
Another added: “This is a beautiful part of the world that once seen, is never forgotten.”
Back on shore, Lake Ohrid is surrounded by three main towns – Ohrid and Struga in North Macedonia, and Pogradec in Albania.
Other must-visit spots around the lake include some of the pretty villages.
In North Macedonia, Trpejca is considered one of the most charming and traditional villages.
It’s even been referred to as the ‘Saint-Tropez‘ of the lake thanks to its white shingle shoreline and beautiful waterfront houses.
Other top spots include the Albanian fishing village of Lin which has stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and incredible views across the lake.
One convenient route for Brits to explore the lake is by flying into Tirana which can be done in under 30-minutes and as little as £13 with Wizz Air.
FANCY grabbing a last-minute break during May half-term? There are lots of late deals offering adventures and attractions galore.
Cruise on a fabulous liner, escape to the countryside, explore a city or bed down in a zoo. Trisha Harbord selects ten top getaways for all budgets, at home and abroad.
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FRENCH FANCY
Le Touquet is holding a British Week over half-term
OOH la la! The French seaside resort of Le Touquet will be holding a British Week from May 25 to 31.
There will be a host of activities delivered in English, such as guided horse rides, while the seven miles of coastline and dunes make Le Touquet perfect for sand-yachting.
The resort, an hour’s drive from Calais, has over 70 restaurants, for all tastes and budgets.
GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 3* ibis Styles, for two adults and two children, is from £366. See all.accor.com. Return ferry from Dover costs from £118. See irishferries.com.
We really rate the no-fly MSC voyages on super-modern VirtuosaCredit: Supplied
YOU can’t beat a cruise for having everything on tap, and we really rate the no-fly MSC voyages on super-modern Virtuosa.
Enjoy five pools, a waterpark, clubs for kids, superb shows and an indoor promenade with restaurants, bars and shops.
The ship, sailing from Southampton, also has the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, who shakes and stirs cocktails.
GO: Two nights’ full-board from May 23 costs from £265pp. Five nights from May 25, visiting four ports including Bruges and Rotterdam, costs from £541pp. See cruise.co.uk.
MINT IMPERIAL
Enjoy a luxury break at the Imperial Island Resort in PaphosCredit: Supplied
SPOIL yourself at the 5* Imperial Island Resort in Paphos, which reopened this week. Everything has been upgraded, from the rooms to the food, spa and kids’ clubs.
There are new outdoor play areas at the Cyprus hotel and numerous sports on offer.
Soak up the sun on the adjacent beach or head to Paphos Archaeological Museum and the medieval fort that overlooks the harbour.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive, based on two adults and two children sharing a superior family room, plus Gatwick flights on May 24, is from £1,072pp. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.
ITALIAN JOB
Take the kids on a cultural trip to RomeCredit: Unknown
THERE aren’t many kids who don’t like pizza, pasta and ice cream – and they can have all those on a cultural trip to Rome.
The Vatican museums, beautiful Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum amphitheatre are all must-sees.
There are also many children’s attractions, including interactive museums about everything from video games to illusions.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3* Hotel Morgana, including flights from Birmingham on May 25, costs from £469pp, based on a family of four. See jet2holidays.com.
STAR PLAYA
You won’t get bored at the Vibra Caleta Playa apartments in MenorcaCredit: Supplied
MENORCA may be one of the quieter Balearic Islands, but you won’t be bored here.
Choose from lying on the beach or going hiking, cycling or horse riding.
The 3H Vibra Caleta Playa apartments, surrounding a pool with kids’ area, all have air-con, kitchenettes and a balcony or terrace.
They are close to a sandy cove in Santandria and the historic former capital, Ciutadella.
GO: Five nights’ self-catering in a one-bed apartment for two adults and children, including flights from Gatwick on May 24, costs from £442 per person. See firstchoice.co.uk.
GO FOR ’BROKE
Enjoy a great deal at Pembrokeshire’s Ty Hotel Milford and take the kids kayakingCredit: Owen Howells
THERE’S a great deal from Pembrokeshire’s 4* Ty Hotel Milford Waterfront, with kids staying free during half-term.
The offer at the hotel, which overlooks the Milford Haven marina, runs rom May 22 to 31.
If the children love dinosaurs, be there on May 27 when Dinomania comes to town.
You can also rent kayaks from the beach activity centre, visit the maritime heritage museum, go hiking or enjoy ten-pin bowling.
GO: A family room for two adults and two children, including breakfast, is from £104. See ty-hotels.com and milfordwaterfront.co.uk.
RURAL SAVINGS
Enjoy up to 30 per cent off countryside breaks with LandalCredit: Supplied
GET back to nature with up to 30 per cent off countryside breaks with Landal, which has resorts in areas including Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northamptonshire and Scotland.
Woodland Lakes, near Thirsk, North Yorks, has indoor pool, kids’ play areas, archery, fishing and a wellness centre.
It’s close to the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales and only a half-hour drive from the historic city of York.
GO: Four nights’ self-catering in a lodge sleeping four people from May 25 costs from £639. See landal.co.uk.
PIER WE GO
Head to Great Yarmouth for an unforgettable time with the familyCredit: Unknown
IT should be a great week in Great Yarmouth, with plenty to do in the Norfolk resort.
A pantomime of The Wizard Of Oz is being performed at Britannia Pier’s theatre between May 28 and 31, and the town has a festival of circus and arts from May 28 to 30.
Stay at Richardson’s Hemsby Beach holiday park and you’ll be spoiled for family-friendly activities, too.
GO: Four nights’ self-catering in a two- bedroom chalet from May 25 costs from £419. Details at richardsonsholidayparks.co.uk and visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk.
SHOW STOPPERS
Telly favourites are appearing at Butlin’sCredit: Supplied
TELLY favourites are appearing at Butlin’s, and there are three-night late deals from £48pp. Headline acts include The Masked Singer Live and the new Maximum Pro Wrestling show.
The resorts – in Skegness, Lincs, Somerset’s Minehead and Bognor Regis in West Sussex – also boast Splash Waterworld pools with slides, unlimited fairground rides and soft-play areas for kids.
GO: Three nights for four people sharing a two-bedroom Comfort room in Minehead from May 29 costs from £192. For more information or to book, see butlins.com.
WHERE THE ART IS
Have a roaring time at Whipsnade ZooCredit: Supplied
HELP Whipsnade Zoo roar into the Guinness World Records book as one of more than 14,000 people taking part in a paint-by- numbers challenge from May 23 to 31.
The masterpiece featuring 200 animals will celebrate the 200th birthday of ZLS – the conservation charity behind the Bedfordshire zoo.
Families picking up a brush will need to register on the GWR Verify app. Stay overnight in one of the zoo’s lodges and enjoy zoo tickets, private tours, breakfast and dinner.
GO: A lodge for two adults and two children is from £520. See whipsnadezoo.org.
WHEN booking a holiday to Italy, most will head to the likes of Naples, Sicily or Rome.
But if you’re looking for a lesser-known spot that still has beautiful beaches and a unique fortress, the port city of Crotone could be one for you.
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The port city of Crotone sits in the Calabria region and is an ‘under-the-radar’ destinationCredit: GettyCapo Rizzuto is a floating fortress on the coastCredit: Alamy
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Crotone in Italy‘s region of Calabria was revealed to be one of the best ‘under-the-radar’ destinations for 2026 by Conde Nast Traveller.
It came just below Turku in Finland and Thunder Bay in Canada – but for Brits, Crotone is much easier and cheaper to get to.
The publication said: “A little lower down from Bari, on the heel of the “boot” of Italy, lies Crotone: a port city overlooking the Ionian Sea.
“Surrounded by luscious hills and littered with ancient remnants of the acropolis built in the mid-16th century, Crotone is also known for its floating fortress – Capo Rizzuto – that protrudes out on a small peninsula.”
The port city, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘pearl of Calabria’ sits on the boot of Italy in the south of the country.
The seaside spot was also once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.
Now, the city is home to around 58,000 people – meaning it’s much quieter than other popular spots like Rome which is home to millions.
As for what to do there, Crotone’s harbour is central to the city where visitors will discover a lively spot for local seafood markets and restaurants, or you can explore the history of the Old Town.
The Old Town is the spot for nightlife too, with plenty of bars and a pint can be picked up for only €3 (£2.59).
If lazing about on the beach is what you want to do, there are lots of pretty ones to see in Crotone along the Ionian coast like Le Castella and Marinella.
Further down the coast at Capo Colonna, snorkelling and diving is popular as swimmers are likely to see parrotfish, and potentially loggerhead turtles.
While it might not be the most-visited place, it is popular amongst those who have.
On Tripadvisor, one person described it as an “indescribable place, almost every year I visit and always bring people who have never seen our Calabrian beauties and it is always a discovery.”
During peak summer Crotone can be as high as 35C – ideal if you’re looking for a hot holiday.
One draw back to Crotone is that Brits can’t fly there directly – with Ryanair, you can get to Crotone by flying via airports at Milan or Bologna.
But this does keep flights affodable though – the cheapest average price of flights are around £62 return.
Here’s the full list of ‘under-the-radar’ destinations for summer…
WE’VE searched high and low to find holiday parks across the UK where you can stay this summer for the price of a cinema ticket.
And we’ve found a range of deals that ALL work out to £10 per person, per night or less.
Cleethorpes Beach resort in Lincolnshire has a space bowl flume and a lazy river to enjoyCredit: TripAdvisorSunnydale Holiday Park in Saltfleet is a relaxing site with a fishing lake and coastal walksCredit: Parkdean Resorts
In 2026, £10 barely buys you lunch – but at these holiday parks, it gets you four nights of sea air and sunshine.
And given the uncertainty over the fuel crisis caused by the Iran War, plenty of Brits are looking to stay closer to home this summer.
By making the most of current sales and saving events at holiday park companies like Haven and Parkdean Resorts, you can still lock in a staycation this summer for ridiculously cheap.
From action-packed family mega resorts to quiet coastal retreats, here’s a range of UK seaside holidays you can book in for this summer for bargain prices.
Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire – £2.88pp a night
This Haven holiday park is in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, often considered a quieter and prettier alternative to nearby Skegness, with clean beaches and traditional attractions.
The holiday park has all the typical top-quality Haven goodies, like a children’s Adventure Village, a glamorous bar and stage for live entertainment, a nine-hole golf course and a fishing lake.
Plus, this park even has its own Wetherspoons on site, so you can enjoy an affordable pint or share a cocktail pitcher among friends.
Out in the town, Cleethorpes has a large promenade lined with family-friendly activities like crazy golf, arcades, bowling and more.
One of the town’s highlights is the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, where you can enjoy a two-mile-long scenic journey with sea views in a diesel or steam train.
The train also makes a stop at the Signal Box Inn, the smallest pub on the planet! A return journey costs £5.75 per adult and £5.25 per child.
The deal
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You can bag a four-night stay from 15 June in a bronze caravan for six people for just £69 total as a Haven Hideaway package.
That works out to just £2.88 per person, per night when you split the cost between everybody.
Sunnydale Holiday Park, Saltfleet – £8.06pp a night
Craig Tara in Scotland has a massive, multi-level splash park that kids will loveCredit: Caravan Lodge Holidays
This small and peaceful holiday park is one of Parkdean’s real hidden gems. On site you’ll find a heated indoor pool, a huge fishing lake, and plenty for kids, including soft play, a kids club and an adventure playground.
The resort sits on Lincolnshire‘s coast in the seaside town of Saltfleet, where you’ll find coastal walks beside quiet marshlands and calm seas.
Once you’ve had your fill of relaxing sea air, you’ll find lots of excitement in nearby Mablethorpe, just a 15 minutes’ drive. There you will find a huge, award-winning sandy beach, plus a sand train which drops you off by a seal sanctuary, and traditional donkey rides.
The train costs £2pp each way, with under 3’s going free.
The deal
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You can book a three-night stay in a caravan for six people from 26 June for just £145 total.
That works out to just £6.04 per person, per night if six of you go.
This massive, action-packed holiday park in Ayr is perfect if you want a full-on family holiday with plenty of activities.
For starters, Splashaway Bay may be the most exciting water park of them all.
The on-site park is one of the largest in Scotland, with a water complex that spans multiple floors. There’s a multi-lane water slide, lazy river, illuminated flume slide, a giant tipping bucket, toddler pool and lots more.
When it comes to other activities, there’s plenty you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. There’s a NERF Training Camp, Crazy Pool (pool’s answer to crazy golf) and a brand new Tiger Club Show for evening entertainment.
There’s also batting cages, a climbing wall, karting, segways and archery, whilst adrenaline junkies of the family will love ‘The Jump’ and ‘The Extreme Drop’.
For food and drink, enjoy everything from Chopstix noodles to Burger King meals or Papa John’s pizza. You can even end your meals with a sweet treat from Millie’s Cookies.
If you can tear yourself away from this action-packed park, there’s a friendly farm park Heads of Ayr just 5 minutes’ drive away.
Plus, the impressive National TrustCulzean Castlewhich looks out to sea atop a dramatic cliff is 20 minutes away.
The deal
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To top it all off, you can book a holiday there for just £55 total. This deal is for a four-night stay from 1 June, for six people in an apartment.
Split between six of you, that’s just £2.29 per person, per night – the cheapest deal on this list for one of the UK’s most exciting parks!
Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, Wales – £8.94pp a night
Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park in Wales has attractions like a miniature railway and Kidwelly CastleCredit: Getty
Set on the sunny coast of Kidwelly in South Wales, Carmarthen Bay is a holiday park that comes with some seriously stunning scenery. Here you’re just steps from the vast St Ishmael beach, plus the spectacular Kidwelly Castle is only eight minutes away.
And if you take a trip into the nearby Pembrey Country Park, you can take part in activities from toboggan racing through the trees (£3.50pp) to hopping on board a miniature railway (£1.50pp).
On site, there’s a large indoor pool with a flume slide, as well as soft play, crazy golf, amusements and a multi-sports court. When it comes to food and drink, you can enjoy everything from a Costa Coffee, to late-night takeaway options like pizza and burgers.
This affordable holiday park is even cheaper if you visit as a group of adults or with children not of school age, as we’ve found a bargain deal that’ll have you catching the last of the August heat as it turns to September.
The deal
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Score a four-night deal for the price of three with a stay for four people from 31 August in an Amroth Chalet for £143 total.
That works out to just £8.94 per person, per night.
Orchards Holiday Village in Clacton-on-Sea is an ideal spot for a traditional seaside staycationCredit: Haven
This exciting holiday village in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex is perfect for sporty and outdoors-y groups – or those that just want to be close to one of the UK’s most exciting seaside piers.
This AA four-star award-winning site offers both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a golf course, archery coaching and Footgolf to name just a few of the activities.
Plus this summer is set to be even more sporty at Haven parks such as this one, with live screenings of England and Scotland football games. There’s also a Football Fun Factory event popping up across the parks, too.
Visitors can expect new Haven entertainment shows, such as the Seaside Squad adventures for older children and the Electric Nights 80’s show for grown-ups.
Drive just 17 minutes to Clacton Pier and you’ll have even more activities to dive into, with everything from classics like the Helter Skelter and Dodgems to a Jurassic Pier experience that dinosaur fans will love.
The deal
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Bag a four-night stay in a caravan that sleeps six from 15 June for just £69 total.
That works out to just £2.88 per person, per night!
Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Shanklin, Isle of Wight – £8.06pp a night
Lower Hyde Holiday Park in Shanklin has excellent entertainment and kids activitiesCredit: Pitch up
A favourite of our holiday park expert, Lower Hyde in the Isle of Wight is an all-singing, all-dancing resort.
This lively site has top-quality entertainment, including classic kids discos and costume character meets, as well as dance shows and comedy acts.
Whizz down the water flume into the outdoor pool on hot days, or warm up in the indoor pool when it gets chilly out in the evenings.
One of the top perks about this park is that it is paired with a nearby sister park, Parkdean Landguard, meaning that guests can access the facilities of both sites during their stay.
Both parks are located in Shanklin, a quaint town in the Isle of Wight with traditional thatched roof houses and a fairytale feel.
Plus, you’re not far from the sea here, either. Shanklin beach is just 4 minutes away, decorated with colourful deck chairs and beach huts, plus there’s even a Pirate-themed adventure park.
The deal
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Snap up a deal for a four-night stay in a Clam Chalet for four from 8 June for just £129.
That works out at just £8.06 per person, per night.
Kessingland Beach Holiday Park is a resort in East Anglia located directly on the beachCredit: Pitch up
Head to East Anglia for a traditional bucket-and-spade summer holiday at Parkdean’s Kessingland Beach Holiday Park.
Directly on the beach, this resort is surrounded by unspoilt nature, calm waves and soft golden sands, perfect for letting little ones roam and get used to the water.
This site makes for a great base to explore top family attractions like Pleasurewood Hills theme park, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens and the fascinating Merrivale Model Village.
Meanwhile, on site there are sports courts, an adventure playground, and a dazzling Showbar with entertainment like Starland Krazy for kids and all-ages bingo. Tuck into food like loaded fries and hot dogs at the takeaway stand, or enjoy juicy ribs and steak at the park’s new restaurant, Joe’s American Grill.
The deal
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We found a deal for a four-night stay for four people staying in a Goose Chalet from 6 July for just £160 total.
You could stay at Cleethorpes Beach Holiday Park from £2.88pp per nightCredit: HavenStay at Orchards Holiday Village in Clacton-on-Sea Essex, for £2.88pp per night this summerCredit: Breakfree Holidays
Plane etiquette can be a contentious topic but one flight attendant has shared five of the “basic” passenger habits she always “absolutely loves” to see people doing on board
08:04, 10 May 2026Updated 08:06, 10 May 2026
A flight attendant has shared her five “favourite” habits plane passengers can do while flying (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A flight attendant has shared her top five “basic” habits she “absolutely loves” to see passengers doing while flying. Plane etiquette can be a hot topic, with many passengers holding strong opinions on what’s appropriate and polite behaviour – be it whether it’s acceptable to recline your seat or not, whether you’re obligated to swap seats if asked to by a stranger with a small child, and much more.
Playing loud audio, kicking the seat of the passenger in front of you, or ignoring the instructions of the flight crew are all seen by reasonable people as unacceptable ways to act while on board. Still, some passengers are guilty of engaging in unpleasant and unwanted behaviour.
Keen to shed some light on the positives displayed by people when travelling on a plane, one flight attendant took to TikTok with a simple video showing her working behind the scenes and sorting food and drinks out while on a flight.
In overlay text written over the top of the footage, she penned: “My top five favourite things passengers do on a plane”.
In the caption, she elaborated on this and said: “Top 5 things passengers do that I absolutely love:
“1. When you take your headphones out as I walk up to your row
“Instant respect. You see me. I see you. We’re already besties.
2. When you actually pay attention during announcements
“I promise I’m not just talking to hear my own voice.
3. When you give a smile and a genuine ‘thank you’
“You have no idea how far that goes at 30,000 feet
4. When you keep your shoes on
“Especially in the lavatory. We all know that floor is not holy water.
5. When you treat the plane like it’s not your personal living room
“It’s someone’s workplace. And someone else’s ride home.”
She added: “It’s really that simple. Kindness + awareness + basic hygiene = elite passenger status.”
In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Soooo actually basics and human behaviour”.
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To which, another replied: “So sad so many people are selfish, rude and ignorant”.
A third said: “Blows my mind people don’t genuinely thank the crew when getting off a flight or after they bring you something”.
And a fourth commented: “When I’m getting off the plane and looking at people’s mess they leave, it makes me mad so I can only imagine how you feel”.
While the majority of TikTok users agreed with the flight attendant’s views, some did take issue with one point – the contentious issue of taking shoes off on a plane.
One TikTok user said: “I’m down for everything except shoes on at my seat. I’m so sorry I have to take them off”.
Another agreed: “Anymore than a four hour flight and the shoes are coming off and slippers going on”.
And someone else added: “I think shoes off is okay as long as you’re not barefoot and put them back on when you leave your seat. And if you travel a lot, nobody is listening to that nonsense – sorry. Everything else 1000%”.
Others stressed the importance of showing your appreciation to flight attendants.
This top destination combines a great European city break with stunning nature trails through parks, woodlands and historic districts
This city has hundreds of walking trails(Image: Getty)
Summer holidays are fast approaching, yet countless travellers return home feeling utterly drained, having crammed far too much into their getaway. If you’re weary of needing a break to recover from your break, perhaps it’s time to embrace the slow travel movement.
One of the finest ways to adopt slow travel is by selecting destinations that promote rest and reconnection with the natural world, making walking holidays a superb option.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise said: “Walking holidays offer flexibility and adventure, teaching travellers to enjoy the present moment and savour their travel experiences. You can still see the sights, but a more leisurely pace can offer a more rewarding trip.”
To assist travellers in striking the ideal balance, travel specialists from Iglu have put together a list of the finest European city breaks that also feature genuinely stunning walking trails.
They examined data from the outdoor app AllTrails to pinpoint cities boasting the greatest number of walking routes within a 15-minute radius of the city centre.
One of the finest spots to immerse yourself in nature while still making the most of your city break is Vienna in Austria.
Celebrated for its natural splendour, the city offers 250 walking trails and 12 official hiking routes, all readily accessible via public transport.
These 12 paths are conveniently numbered, making them simple to locate. For those seeking stunning vistas and a relaxing glass of wine, City Hiking Trail 1 is ideal. Beginning in Kahlenberg, this seven-mile route offers sweeping views of the Danube River.
The path meanders through expansive vineyards — some of which feature pop-up stalls where visitors can sample a glass.
Another favourite is City Hiking Trail 9, which threads through verdant woodlands and meadows before leading walkers along the boulevard in Leopoldstadt, where numerous cafés offer the perfect spot for a delightful snack or meal.
City Hiking Trail 5 is also highly regarded, situated in Floridsdorf. This route is beloved by locals and lies away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Stretching six miles, it showcases open fields and abundant wildlife, including deer.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “We just returned from a week in Vienna. Absolutely magical city. It looks like a city of fairy tales. I think it’s more beautiful than Paris, and Prague. Gorgeous. It’s clean and well-kept, and there is an incredible amount of beautiful architecture and art. Trip of a lifetime.”
