Travel Desk

In a darkened room in Maldon, Essex, a ship’s lantern illuminates the laundry drying on a web of ropes suspended from the ceiling. Between piles of sailing memorabilia, 86-year-old Barry Pearce is flipping through a yellowing logbook, watched by his mongrel, Winkle. It feels more like a ship’s cabin than a terrace house. Pearce is one of a handful of surviving skippers who delivered freight on the Thames by sailing barge, the flat-bottomed trading boats famous for their striking red sails that were endemic to the river’s estuary until the 1960s. He remembers the names of every vessel he worked on – Remercie, Edith May, Colonia.

In the 19th century, the ochre sails of thousands of Thames sailing barges pierced the skyline as the craft carried cargo from the Thames estuary and beyond in and out of London. Their shallow draft allowed them to snake far upriver in as little as a metre of water (bargemen would boast that they could sail anywhere there had been a heavy dew). Their ingenious rig, with sails that could be set and stowed with the help of winches, meant around 150 tonnes of cargo could be shifted by just a skipper and mate – often accompanied by a guard dog. This efficiency allowed them to outlive all other commercial sailing vessels, surviving until the 1960s, when Pearce himself took the helm.

Today, only about 30 Thames barges are still sailing, either as private homes or leisure cruisers. Two of them – Pudge and Centaur – lie like beached krakens on the oozing mud of Maldon’s Blackwater estuary. Both are owned by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, a charity run entirely by volunteers, including Pearce. Every summer, both vessels can be hired as private charters for groups of up to 12, or you can book a berth on one of their one- to three-day public sailing cruises. They also offer events such as children’s art days throughout the year.

I’m here on a scorching evening at Hythe quay to spend the weekend exploring the River Blackwater and Essex coast aboard Centaur, a barge built in 1895. Itineraries are flexible and based on passengers’ interests. For us it involves sailing up the Blackwater, a Pimm’s at Tollesbury Marina, and a swim off Shingle Point and wander around West Mersea on Mersea Island. Our motley crew consists of three trainees overseen by skipper Chris Martin, who teaches boatbuilding at vocational training organisation Circles Alternative Education.

There are also six passengers, ranging in age from 18 to 76, in five cabins, which are basic but comfortable (each has a wash basin). Although I am the only one who is not a competent sailor, Martin makes it clear that helping to handle the barge is optional.

Unwisely, given our 3am departure to catch high tide, I sink several pints with the two youngest members of Pudge’s crew in the Little Ship Club on the quay. A behemothic man wielding a squeezebox sings sea shanties as salty couples slow dance nearby. “I only know of one or two people my age who are into barging, and I find that disturbing,” yells 25-year-old Charlie Francis over strains of Bound for South Australia. “Barging was the lifeblood of the east coast. We should be proud of our heritage and celebrate the communities working to preserve it.”

After a few hours in my bunk, I make it on to deck at 4.15am. The moon is a slice of radish in a lilac sky. We’re bearing away from the wind and, having set the sails, the crew is already on their second round of tea and custard creams.

As dawn paints its peachy palette, Martin turns the great wheel. He points out Blackwater landmarks that only a local would know: the green buoy known as the Doctor, where early 20th-century fishers left spirits for the alcoholics supposedly drying out at Osea Island’s temperance resort; the pub where, as recently as 20 years ago, Martin witnessed a smuggler wordlessly deliver two dripping bags while regulars stared determinedly into their pints; the hulking trawler, Ross Revenge, which is still home to Radio Caroline, the former pirate station – another relic kept alive by volunteers of the Blackwater.

Where the river opens into the silvery sea, the wind picks up and the barge rocks gently against the tide. My eyelids are heavy and the slowness of the whole experience is working its magic on my screen-frazzled brain. Martin calls for the staysail to be unfurled, a 20-minute task that rewards the barge with another knot and a half of speed. “This life is the antithesis of the digital age’s obsession with instant gratification,” he says. “Sailing barges may not be able to teach us much about cargo any more, but they can teach us the value of slowing down, doing things with our hands and spending time in nature.”

As we make our stately, seven-knot progress, 370 sq metres of rust-red canvas billows above and fingers of salt marsh slide by. With so little distraction, the coffee tastes lip-curlingly bitter, the bacon sandwiches as saline as the deep. I settle on a coil of rope to scan the horizon for porpoises, but soon drift into sleep.

A swim from a sandbank near Tollesbury is followed by a meander through West Mersea at golden hour. Clapboard cottages framed by hollyhocks sit beside sailmakers and chandleries converted into trendy cafes. We drop anchor in the Blackwater estuary and beneath a blazing sunset tuck into lasagne on deck. I haven’t felt this present for months. It’s all such a delight I begin to feel concerned about the trust’s future. Sailing barges cost between £30,000 and £100,000 a year to keep afloat. The trip I’m on costs just £220 including meals, while the Trust’s annual membership is only £37.50.

Although the trust offers training in many of the skills needed to maintain the barges, sourcing the timber is becoming increasingly difficult – and expensive. “Centaur’s exterior planking is pitch pine from the Mississippi basin, which is incredibly durable, but has been virtually exhausted,” says Martin. “And so much of the timber trade has been replaced by plastic.”

The trust also offers free training for future skippers, including the mate on our trip, 18-year-old Ben Weldon, the son of a local shipwright. However, it typically takes 2,000 hours – or 10 years – and the dropout rate is high.

While the trust has recently been awarded £28,090 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a bid for the £4m needed to restore Centaur, it seems wrong that responsibility for keeping this thread of Britain’s maritime story from unravelling rests on so few shoulders. Sailing may be associated with privilege, but we are a seafaring nation and this inheritance belongs to all of us.

On Sunday morning, our last on board, a westerly fills the sails, and the tea-coloured Blackwater wrinkles beneath the bow as we beat our way back towards Maldon. “Lee ho,” Martin calls, showing me how to spin the wheel to help the crew tack. “So far we’ve used less than a gallon of fuel to do 50 miles. Pretty extraordinary, given that a family car does about 30 miles to the gallon.”

When I asked Pearce at the start of the trip why keeping Thames sailing barges afloat is worth the fight, he looked blank, as if such a question had never occurred to him. He showed me a pencil sketch of a barge he had drawn at the age of 15 in Greenwich, left half-finished when his skipper had poked his head through the hatch and invited him below for dinner. Now, more than 70 years later, he bends once more over that drawing as though no time has passed.

Eventually, he half-whispers: “Well, they’re just lovely, ain’t they?” He glances toward the window. Nearby, Centaur waits on the mud for the returning tide.

The trip was provided by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust. The next weekend aboard Centaur departs on 14 August, £220 for two nights’ full board; three-night trips depart on 3 September (£350 on Pudge, £320 on Centaur) and 18 September (£290 on Centaur). A variety of one-day sailings are also available
from £55 to £125pp

This article explores the historical significance of the Battle of Boyacá, a pivotal conflict that occurred in 1819 within the region then known as New Grenada. The narrative describes how Republican forces, led by prominent generals and supported by the British Legion, successfully intercepted and defeated Royalist troops at a strategic bridge. This swift military engagement was crucial for securing Bogotá and acted as the primary catalyst for Colombia’s independence from Spanish rule. Today, the site serves as a lasting national monument to South American liberation. The source also contextualizes this history within a modern news digest, highlighting the event’s enduring legacy as a public holiday.

WHAT’S better than a day out at your favourite theme park? Not having to drive home afterwards.

We’ve rounded up the top UK staycation deals across theme parks where you can stay on-site as a family from just £34.13pp.

That means waking up just steps away from your favourite coasters – and in some cases – some free fast passes and gifts bundled in, too.

Here’s our top short break deals for attractions like Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers are running a Kids Swim Free summer sale across their short breaks.

Choose between a stay at the CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers Hotel, Woodland Lodges, Luxury Treehouses, Stargazing Pods or Splash Landings – the last of which is attached to the waterpark.

DIG IT

2-4-1 tickets to unique theme park where kids drive huge diggers & real police cars

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European theme park that inspired Disneyland to open new Japan land

With your stay you’ll enjoy one day’s theme park entry, and with the summer sale, you’ll also bag free waterpark entry for kids.

In one weekend you’ll be able to tick off the new Bluey children’s coaster and take on the high-speed flumes of the huge indoor waterpark.

Book the Kids Swim Free waterpark offer with an Alton Towers short break – from £87pp

Gulliver’s Theme Park

Head to Wowcher to save up to 57% on tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Park.

The offer is valid across their locations in Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath and Warrington.

Across the parks you can take on the dizzying Gyrosaur, ride the Rocky Ridge Railway, or drop by the farm park to meet the animals.

At £12.50 per person, this Wowcher offer slashes the standard £25 ticket price in half.

Add in free parking and free admission for toddlers under 90cm, and it makes for a budget-friendly school holiday day out.

The theme park are also currently offering a save up to 40% deal on short breaks – check their website for more.

Book a day out at Gulliver’s World from £12.50pp

Chessington World of Adventures

Book in for an affordable theme park staycation at Chessington World of Adventures this summer.

Short breaks at Chessington include an overnight stay in a themed resort hotel plus one day’s theme park and zoo entry, early ride time, hotel entertainment, a buffet breakfast plus free parking.

Older kids will love thrill coasters like Vampire, while little ones can tackle rides like Chase’s Mountain Mission at the newly-opened World of Paw Patrol.

Plus with the Summer Savings scheme underway until September 1, you’ll benefit from reduced VAT prices whilst you’re away.

Book a short break at Chessington from £88.13pp

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park are also offering affordable short breaks this summer, bundling an overnight stay, breakfast, two-day theme park entry, free parking and one hour’s fast-track into one price.

Stay in the theme park’s cabins to be right in the heart of the action, or choose to stay at a nearby hotel.

Plus if you choose to stay in a themed cabin on-site, you’ll get an extra fast-track pass for one coaster per guest. You can use it five times on coasters like Colossus, Nemesis Inferno and The Swarm.

Whether you’re visiting to have a go on Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, or to to race down multi-lane rubber ring waterslides as a family, you’ll tick it all off with a staycation.

Book a short break at Thorpe Park from £34.13pp

Merlin multi-attraction tickets

Heading to London? Plan ahead by booking a multi-attraction pass and bag some savings.

You can combine a mix of Merlin attractions like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, Sea Life and more to spread across your visit to cut costs.

There’s loads of combo packages available – one example is a trip to the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life bundled at £56 per adult (down from £64) and kids’ tickets at £50.31 instead of £57.50.

If you’re visiting London from elsewhere in the UK, you’ll want to make sure you tick off several of the big attractions in one go – and these multi-attraction passes are one of the most cost-efficient ways to do so.

Browse Merlin multi-attraction passes from £51.63pp

Legoland

Immerse yourself fully in the world of Lego with a themed stay at Legoland Windsor Resort.

Short breaks include an overnight stay with hot breakfast and one day’s entry into the theme park.

Pick between an off-site hotel or a Legoland Resort Hotel – stays at the latter include a Lego-themed room, early park access, Legoland character meet and greets, a free gift for kids and free parking.

Guests also get discounts on Legoland Adventure Golf, which makes for the perfect rainy day activity if the weather decides to play up.

In the park, scan race on the Minifigure Speedway coaster, soar on the Flight of the Sky Lion, and get creative themselves in the massive playroom.

Book a short break at Legoland from £102pp

Prices correct at the time of publication.

More than a fifth of holidaymakers have fallen into tourist traps while abroad

More than a fifth of holidaymakers have fallen into tourist traps while holidaying abroad, with victims losing an average of £200.

A survey of 2,000 adults who have been on holiday abroad found a further 27 per cent have knowingly been ripped off or overcharged while on holiday.

The most common include overpriced food and drinks sold at tourist hotspots, taxi rides, hidden fees when using card machines, being charged more than locals at restaurants, and fake tour guides.

As a result, 49 per cent are now more cautious when spending money or booking activities abroad compared to five years ago.

The research was commissioned by the eSIM platform Airalo, which offers mobile data coverage in more than 200 destinations around the world.

Matteo Papa, growth director (Europe & CIS), said: “Falling victim to a tourist trap can put a dampener on, and in some cases a financial strain on, a dream holiday.

“While some traps can seem harmless at first, the costs can quickly add up and leave travellers feeling frustrated or out of pocket.

“Doing a little research before you travel, checking reviews, and staying connected while you’re on the go can help holidaymakers make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

“Being aware of the most common rip-off tactics in your destination can go a long way towards helping you enjoy a smoother, more stress-free trip.”

The study also found having reliable internet access makes 69 per cent feel safer when travelling abroad, with 21 per cent typically ‘always’ connected to the internet or mobile data when on holiday.

Almost half (46 per cent) said without internet access they wouldn’t be able to contact friends or family, while others would be unable to navigate unfamiliar areas (40 per cent), and or access tickets and bookings (29 per cent).

When it came to the top things holidaymakers worry about when going abroad, having a medical emergency or accident was at the top of the list.

However, missing flights (47 per cent), losing luggage (45 per cent), and food poisoning (38 per cent) also ranked highly.

It also emerged 52 per cent believe rip-offs in popular overseas holiday destinations are getting worse each year.

But to prevent being ripped off while on holiday, 50 per cent have avoided carrying large amounts of cash, while 37 per cent have only used licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

And 39 per cent believe younger generations are just as likely as older ones to be tricked into spending more money while on holiday abroad.

Of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, 65 per cent now think they would be confident in spotting a tourist trap before falling victim to it.

Airalo launched an activation in London, creating a ‘Tourist Trap’ featuring overpriced croissants with the price tag of €15 to warn passers-by of the bait faced on holiday.

To help holidaymakers dodge additional costs this summer, the brand is offering new users 20 per cent off sitewide data plans with the code ‘CROISSANT’, ensuring travellers stay connected and protected.

A spokesperson for the brand added: “Even seasoned travellers can be caught out when they’re unfamiliar with local customs, prices, or payment methods.

“Taking a few simple precautions before and during your trip can make a real difference, helping you feel more confident when making purchases or booking experiences.

“Ultimately, being prepared means you can spend less time worrying about unexpected costs and more time enjoying everything your destination has to offer.”

TOURIST TRAPS HOLIDAYMAKERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ABROAD:

1. Food, drinks, and merchandise sold at inflated prices because of a location’s captive audience
2. Overpriced taxi rides or taxi drivers taking deliberately longer routes to increase the fare
3. Hidden charges while eating out (e.g. paying for ‘complimentary bread’ left on the table)
4. Expensive local souvenirs which turn out to be cheaply mass-produced
5. Being charged more than a local would be in a restaurant
6. Card machines or ATMs secretly applying large hidden conversion fees
7. ‘Free’ gifts or bracelets which later require payment
8. Tour guide rip-offs (i.e. paying a premium for a low-quality tour)
9. Tourist photo scams (e.g. being charged unexpectedly for photos)
10. Paying for unsolicited ‘help’ with luggage at airports or train stations

Setting sail from Southampton, the 98-night Fred. Olsen cruise makes more than 25 stops across the continents via vibrant cities, pristine beaches and lush rainforests

Summer holiday season often means time spent soaking up the sun in the usual haunts year after year – but holidaymakers looking to embark on a getaway with more of a wow factor can take a trip around the world from the UK in 2027. Fred. Olsen’s longest cruise available to book sets sail from Southampton this January for a “once-in-a-lifetime” voyage.

The World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii is a 98-night holiday calling at over 25 ports across the continents, from Singapore to Spain to South Africa and beyond. Setting off from the port of Southampton on January 21 and not returning until April 29, this incredible trip gives passengers the chance to skip the UK winter altogether in favour of soaking up the history, culture and scenery of more than 15 countries.

Unsurprisingly, a coveted spot aboard this adults-only cruise doesn’t come cheap, with the cheapest cabins priced from £13,999 per person. However, for those lucky enough to have the cash to spare, it’s worth bearing in mind that this works out at as little as £143 per night, with travel, accommodation and full board dining all included, plus an offer of £200 credit per cabin to spend on board.

READ MORE:

The first stops on the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii are the bustling Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the breathtaking scenery of Madeira, before the soft white sands and crystal waters of the Caribbean beckon with visits to Barbados and Grenada. Any of these destinations would make a top-drawer holiday on their own – but on this cruise, they’re just the start of the three-month adventure.

The Borealis ship will then spend four days exploring the islands of Hawaii. With the volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and lush rainforests providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to this section of the trip, passengers will also have the chance to embrace the spirit of Aloha at a traditional Luau, enjoying hula, music and local cuisine.

Book the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii

From £13,999pp

Fred. Olsen

Book a cabin

This cruise sets sail from Southampton in 2027 for a 98-night journey visiting more than 25 ports across the world.

The highlights of this cruise holiday include overnight stays in Tokyo and Osaka offering up the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique history and culture. Passengers will have the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions, from tasting sake and sushi to meeting Geisha and experiencing an authentic tea ceremony.

Fred. Olsen writes of this leg of the trip: “Timed for fewer crowds and the chance to witness the beauty of the late plum blossom season (Ume), your journey through Japan allows you to explore ancient castles and temples, take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, ride the bullet train in Osaka and enjoy our maiden call into Shimizu.”

After stops in bustling Hong Kong and Singapore, passengers can relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket and Mauritius before discovering Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain. Holidaymakers can also take the chance to experience whale watching in the Canary Islands due to their year-round warm waters, completing their epic journey around the world.

Here’s the full list of destinations in order of stops on the World Cruise with Japan & Hawaii:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• Funchal, Portugal
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• St George’s, Grenada
• Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
• Colon, Panama
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Huatulco, Mexico
• Hilo, Hawaii
• Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Nawiliwili, Hawaii
• Tokyo, Japan
• Shimizu, Japan
• Nagoya, Japan
• Osaka, Japan
• Hong Kong, China
• Hiep Phuoc for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Singapore
• Phuket, Thailand
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Richards Bay, South Africa
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Jamestown, St Helena
• Praia, Cape Verde
• Las Palmas, Canary Islands
• La Coruna, Spain

Fred. Olsen writes of the epic cruise: “This journey offers once-in-a-lifetime moments, from whale watching in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii to witnessing Hong Kong’s iconic skyline illuminated by the Symphony of Lights.

“You’ll have the chance to visit Pearl Harbor, wander through Singapore’s futuristic Gardens by the Bay and experience the untamed beauty of South Africa, where you can seek out the ‘Big Five’ and admire the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.”

As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.

For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.

Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.

Back with Fred. Olsen, the cruise line has earned a rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot based on nearly 15,000 reviews, ranking it among the top-rated cruise companies operating in the UK. One passenger wrote: “We have just booked a second world cruise for 2028. We loved our previous cruises , one world, one Mediterranean on Borealis.”

They continued: “It’s a lovely ship which feels like home to us now because of the wonderful staff who can’t do enough for you. The food is great and we enjoyed so many of the facilities, shows, quizzes, the lectures, the classical recitals and the choir. Looking forward to 2028 and hope to see some of the friends we have made on past cruises.”

Another reviewer praised: “Everything was perfect! The cabin, the staff, the food were all impeccable. We’re already planning on taking their world cruise and have already booked another cruise with them in two months.”

And a third customer echoed: “Fantastic trip to and from the Antarctic on the Borealis. Excellent ship, brilliant crew and marvellous itinerary. Already really looking forward to next year’s world cruise.”

Some felt that the facilities on board had room for improvement, with one person feeding back: “The wine that was included in our freedom fare was OK but maybe a couple of choices of each varietal would have been nice.”

While a different person fed back: “Just love Fred. Olsen ships, the staff are brilliant. Food good but could be better vegetarian options.”

WHILE some people are concentrating on the summer holidays – now is actually the perfect time to book a break for shoulder season.

The months from September to November are a time for bargains, great weather (in some cases up to 28C) and fewer tourists.

Of course these are more suited to families or couples, as you will have to be travelling outside of the school holidays.

But here are some of the best we’ve rounded up, from Greece to Spain.

Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is known for bringing in hoards of tourists during the summer – there are even queues to take pictures but shoulder season sees much fewer tourists.

Stay at the Villa Livadaros which is a family-owned guesthouse in the quaint village of Karterados.

SUNNY STEALS

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HOL YES

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Each room comes with a balcony or terrace and there’s a shared pool for guests too.

A seven-night stay here from London Gatwick to Santorini from October 14-21 starts from £259pp.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is full of families during the summer holidays, and massively quietens down in shoulder season.

Most of the major waterparks are open until the end of October too as temperatures can be as high as 26C.

Holidaymakers can have a seven-night break between October 5-12 at the Club Bayar Hotel from just £239pp – and it’s all-inclusive too.

It has a full-service spa, private beach access with modern rooms – it includes return flights to London Gatwick.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Another destination known for scorching summer weather and lots of tourists in peak season is the Amalfi Coast.

But if you wait until October, there are some great deals to be had and temperatures are much milder.

A seven-night stay at the Grand Hotel Moon Valley with return flights Manchester Airport to Naples from October 13-20 starts from £375pp.

It includes bed and breakfast in an Annexe Room, the hotel also has a sun terrace and a swim up bar.

Mahdia, Tunisia

If you want to escape for winter sun, a holiday to Tunisia is a great option as even in October it has highs of up to 28C.

Mahdia is a peaceful coastal city with beaches on the Mediterranean Sea.

The three-star hotel El Mouradi Cap Mahdia sits directly on its own sandy beach with outdoor swimming pools and on-site restaurants.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Southend to Enfidha-Hammet from October 12-19 starts from £279pp – and this is all-inclusive too.

Costa Brava, Spain

Spain might not have the high summer temperatures, but it’s still sunny and certainly less busy.

You can stay on the coastal resort town of Malgrat de Mar in Catalonia which has over two miles of Blue Flag beaches.

htop Planamar is a pretty hotel close to the sandy shores with sea views and it has an outdoor swimming pool too.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Southend to Barcelona start from September 30 – October 5 starts from £235pp with half-board.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia has beautiful beaches and Old Towns all of which can be explored in mild 20C temperatures during shoulder season.

The Villas Arausana & Antonina is a pretty spot right on the beach with terraces and sunloungers looking over the coast.

It also has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar and cafe.

A seven-night stay here with return flights from London Stansted to Zadar start from September 29 – October 6 starts from £325pp.

Prices correct at the time of publication

IF YOU are going on holiday, there is one item you can’t travel without.

Well, two if you include your passport.

Finding an affordable suitcase can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

But thankfully, loads are on sale at the moment so here are the best discounted suitcases available at the moment from high street shops.

Vienna 4 Wheel Hard Shell Medium Suitcase

This hard-shell medium sized suitcase from M&S boasts four wheels making it easier to drag around the airport.

It has both side and top grab handles, as well as a zip around divider.

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It is nice and lightweight as well, weighing just 3.2kg and can store up to 70L.

As for size, it measures 67 x 45.5 x 27.5 cm.

Character Wheel Case

Looking for a kids option? Well, head to Sports Direct and pick up one of their Trunki-style character wheel cases.

Available in Elsa from Frozen, Spider-Man or Minnie Mouse, these cases are both practical and fun for kids as you can even ride on it.

Even more practical with bouncing kids, the suitcase features a hard shell helping to protect the contents of the case.

The case has four wheels and measures 48 x 31 x 25cm.

Linea Adults Open Front Hard Suitcase

This 56cm hard shell suitcase has a handy front opening pocket, to give you easy access to your essentials.

You can also get the case in medium and large for a few extra quid.

The case also has four wheels, a TSA-approved lock and is waterproof as well.

Inside the case, there is a large pocket too, ideal for separating your items out.

Slazenger Trolley Suitcase Nest 5pc

Looking for a cheap answer for the entire family? Then look no further than this five-piece suitcase set from Slazenger at Sports Direct.

These basic black soft shell suitcases have pockets for separating items out as well as handles on both top and sides.

Perfect for a family, each case even has a card name on the back to help you identify it is your bag when collecting from the luggage belt.

From smallest to largest the cases measure:

• 47 x 31 x 22cm (can be expanded to become 20 per cent bigger)
• 54 x 35.5 x 23cm (can be expanded to become 20 per cent bigger)
• 64 x 40 x 22cm
• 74 x 45 x 25cm
• 84 x 49.5 x 28cm

Rock Luggage Santiago Seagrass 2 Piece Suitcase Set

If you fancy something a little more stylish, you can opt for this two piece suitcase set, which includes a cabin bag and a large suitcase.

Each case has a combination lock and is in the colour ‘seagrass’.

The cases are also covered by a 15-year guarantee.

The cabin case measures 54 x 36 x 22cm and the large suitcase measures 74 x 45.5 x 30cm.

Constellation Skyline Hard Shell Suitcase

If you are looking for a new large suitcase, then this option is great with a hard shell, four wheels and gel grip handles.

The large case measures 76.5 x 52.5 x 29.5cm but you can also get it in a cabin size and medium size.

Featherstone 4 Wheel Hard Cabin-Size Suitcase

The cheapest on this list cost just £12 for a cabin case, which you can pick up from Argos.

This plain black, hard shell case boasts four 360-degree wheels for easy maneuvering.

It also has top and side handles.

The case measures 55 x 35 x 20.5cm and has a five-year warranty.

it Luggage Children’s Brick 4 Wheel Hard Cabin Suitcase

Another great children’s option is this it Luggage cabin suitcase.

Designed to look like a brick, the case is hard shell and has four wheels.

On the inside it splits into two packing zones and has a 10-year warranty as well.

The case is suitable for kids aged three and older and measure 46 x 29 x 21.5cm.

2 Piece Soft 2 Wheeled Luggage Set

Another set of luggage, this time from Argos, include two soft shell suitcases each with two wheels.

The cases come with a 10-year warranty and measure 54.5 x 35 x 16.5cm and 75.5 x 44.5 x 21cm.

Set of 3 Geneva 4 Wheel Soft Suitcases

Going on a big trip? Then this is the set for you.

Not one or two, but three soft shell suitcases from M&S – a cabin bag, medium suitcase and large suitcase.

All of the suitcases can be expanded and feature four wheels.

Inside there are pockets as well for separating out your stuff and on the outside of each case there is a TSA lock.

The cabin bag measures 56 x 34.5 x 24cm, the medium case measures 67 x 39.5 x 27cm and the large measures 79 x 46 x 31cm.

The cases can store 40L, 68L and 106L respectively.

MORE cheap flights to the US could soon be launching from the UK.

The airline has revealed it could be adding even more flights to some very popular cities after rise in demand after the World Cup.

Norse Atlantic Airways revealed that as a result of cutting back capacity by almost a third in July due to rising fuel prices, it could actually add more flights to its roster.

Chief executive Eivind Roald said in a statement that the airline was considering adding more flights to New York and Orlando due to a rise in demand.

It comes after the low-cost airline ran special flights to the World Cup in the US for Norway and England supporters.

New York City is famous across the globe but it is popular with Brits as it can be reached in seven hours.

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In October, a round-trip to New York City from London Gatwick starts from £327pp.

Visitors can see New York City on a budget too with its $1 pizza slices, buying a CityPass to avoiding cabs.

For more tips, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski has lots on how to save in one of the most iconic cities in the world.

Orlando is of course home to major theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

For more tips on how to do the theme parks on a budget – one reporter who has been over 40 times reveals their insider secrets.

There are also lots of other places to explore including its many neighbourhoods like Mills 50 which has Asian American and Pacific Islands influences.

Streets are cobbled and there are lots of historic houses and moss-draped oak trees.

Then there’s the Milk District with plenty of street murals and lakeside neighbourhood Winter Garden, with its clutch of museums on Plant Street.

When it comes to eating in Orlando, the city has more than 50 Michelin Guide restaurants.

Round-trips to Orlando from London Gatwick starts from £343pp.

Chief executive Eivind Roald of Norse said: “Our airline on demand strategy enables us to respond quickly to market changes.

“With fuel prices slowly trending downward and demand remaining strong, we see an opportunity to increase capacity on our own network in the coming months, which may include adding more US flights to New York and Orlando.”

What’s it like to fly with Norse Atlantic Airways?

Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, flew with Norse and revealed exactly what she thought…

“On a recent trip to Cape Town I flew with Norse – it allowed me to do the 11-hour overnight stint in Premium Economy for the same price as a rival company in Economy seats.

“To give you an idea of price, return fares for two adults and one child in premium economy cost £3,583 to Cape Town next March, while return fares in Premium Economy on a rival airline cost £5,000.

“Keen to test it out, we flew to the South African city in their posh Premium seats and returned in Basic Economy. So what do those Premium Economy seats get you on an 11-hour Norse flight? Well it starts with a priority lane at check-in.

“Norse doesn’t do online check-in – everyone checks in at the airport. And Premium passengers are given their own lane, so we waited about five minutes before dropping off our bags and getting our tickets.

“You get a small handbag, a cabin bag and a checked suitcase included in the price of a Premium ticket.

“You also get priority boarding, which I’m not normally a fan of given I have a young child who needs to let off steam before a flight, but given our seats were massive, it was worth it. 

“he chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night’s sleep. My son pretty much slept uninterrupted from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours, which is far more than I’ve ever done before in Economy on a long haul flight. 

“Crew hand over ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones for the TVs (you have to pay £5 for these in Economy). 

“Two meals are also included – I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad.

“All in all, we disembarked from the flight at 8.30am feeling so well-rested that we managed a whole day at the beach in Cape Town, followed by an evening meal.”

IF you’re still sitting on the fence about booking a late summer holiday, there’s no need to panic… just yet.

I’ve pulled the data on thousands of package holiday bookings to see exactly where still has availability this summer and, more importantly, where the biggest savings are.

And despite all the headlines about holiday prices skyrocketing, there are still massive pockets of value sitting up for grabs.

So I’ve rounded up the top ten spots where holidaymakers are consistently paying hundreds of pounds less than the summer holiday average – which, for a standard seven-night family package, comes in at £3,487.

If you want to maximise your sunshine per pound, these are the resorts that should be top of your search list – starting from £268 per person for a five-night holiday.

Albufeira, Portugal

The Algarve rarely screams cheap these days, but Albufeira continues to be a major exception to the rule, with booking data currently coming in around seven per cent cheaper than the summer average.

And despite that, you still get the stunning golden cliffs and old town character without the premium price tags found further down the coast.

This complex has three (yes, three) pool bars, and they serve up proper Portuguese piri-piri chicken baskets right to your sunbed – also saving you from paying inflated tourist rates on the main strip for lunch.

Marmaris, Turkey

Turkey is a reliable workhorse for summer value, and Marmaris is averaging 18 per cent below the overall summer booking price.

It packs in long seafront promenades, cheap dining, and mountain backdrops pretty effortlessly.

The Grand Villa Sol Apart is a property highly-rated by return guests, and my favourite feature here is the hotel’s huge pool and waterslide.

It’s just the right size to keep the kids entertained for hours, but because the pool bar is set up right beside it, you can keep a direct eye on them with a cold drink in hand without having to constantly stand up or chase them around a massive, chaotic waterpark.

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a brilliant shout for late summer because the resort is entirely built into a steep, horseshoe valley.

It completely shelters the beaches from the high-summer Atlantic winds, guaranteeing hot, calm weather every single day.

And the best bit: the data has this one sitting at 19 per cent cheaper than the summer average.

The Roslara Apartments are an absolute steal, with a clever layout featuring a stepped, hillside design, meaning that every single apartment gets a massive, private sun balcony that isn’t overlooked by your neighbours.

It essentially gives you your own premium sunbathing deck, looking down over the central pool area, for a basic budget price.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

While most people looking at Tenerife automatically head for the crowded beaches down south.

Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is where the real value sits, with bookings coming in 34 per cent below average for summer holidays.

You get an authentic Canarian city feel, volcanic black sand beaches, and much lusher, tropical scenery.

The four-star BLUESEA Costa Jardin & Spa is a certified winner in my book, with beautiful subtropical gardens that completely surround the pool.

Plus, the slides that drop right into the main outdoor pool give you a proper, family resort experience for an absolute steal during peak August.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a safe bet all year round, but Puerto del Carmen is currently throwing a massive curveball in the data, with average costs sitting 36% below the summer 2026 average.

It’s an established, reliable favourite that simply refuses to hike its rates like other resorts in the Canaries.

The Apartamentos LIVVO Oasis is a tranquil spot to stay, and is just a short stroll from the picturesque old town.

The bungalows here wrap directly around a beautifully quiet, palm-shaded courtyard, meaning you can step straight out of your patio doors and into the water without navigating sterile hotel corridors or busy lifts.

Benidorm, Costa Blanca

People love to turn their noses up at Benidorm, which is a massive mistake if you love a bargain summer holiday.

The intense competition between the hundreds of hotels here keeps the rates ruthlessly competitive, driving bookings 35 per cent below the average summer holiday price.

The Milord’s Suites are an absolute gem, sitting right on the border of the Old Town and Levante beach.

I absolutely love their rooftop sun terrace – it’s a completely quiet, adult-friendly escape from the busy streets below, and serves up panoramic views of the castle lookout point.

Calella, Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is easily one of Spain‘s most scenic, rugged coastlines, and Calella is the ultimate value gateway if you want wide, sandy beaches and a relaxed Spanish atmosphere for 41 per cent less than the summer average.

The GHT Balmes Hotel is a massive family favourite, with a specialised bike hire and outdoor adventure station.

They even provide secure storage and free local trail maps, making it incredibly easy to explore the hidden, pine-backed coves of the surrounding national park that standard tourists never manage to find.

San Antonio, Ibiza

Ibiza usually makes people think of VIP beach clubs and losing your life savings on a round of drinks, but San Antonio operates as a brilliant value loophole if you time it right.

Bookings here are looking at 43% below the seasonal average.

The Vibra San Marino Aparthotel has a beautifully sleek, minimalist look, but the standout feature is its partnership with the local sunset water taxis.

You can catch a cheap boat shuttle directly from the hotel’s private jetty straight across the bay to the iconic sunset strip, entirely cutting out expensive island taxi fares.

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Fuengirola is a brilliant all-rounder with huge beaches and cheap, direct train links straight from Malaga Airport.

And right now, it’s cleaning up on summer holidays – averaging an incredible 45 per cent cheaper than the average summer holiday.

I spotted a bargain room-only deal for the BLUESEA Miramar Fuengirola, which is within walking distance of buzzing bars, restaurants and seafront shops.

And room-only here is fine, because you’ll want to eat out in the local tapas bars anyway.

But the secret weapon at this hotel is the massive indoor heated pool and wellness zone – if you want a quick break from the intense August sun, you can retreat into a chilled, high-spec indoor spa for zero extra charge.

Cabo Blanco, Majorca

While the masses fight for sunbeds in Alcudia or Magaluf, Cabo Blanco is where the smart money lands in Majorca.

This quieter stretch of southern Majorca serves up rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views for a whopping 55 per cent less than the overall summer average.

I even managed to dig out a five-night all inclusive holiday for £353pp, at the Sun Club El Dorado.

Landing a full all-Inclusive package in Majorca during peak August for that money is borderline ridiculous.

This resort even has a private ranch and horse-riding trails integrated into the grounds, which gives the whole complex a rustic, expansive country club feel that you’d easily pay double for anywhere else on the island.

The alerts have triggered health warnings for millions of people, including tourists

Anyone going on holiday to certain parts of Europe has been issued a health warning from an NHS GP. It comes as numerous alerts have been issued in several well-known areas due to severe heat across many popular tourist destinations.

All 27 of Italy’s major cities are now under extreme heat alerts as a blistering heatwave hits Europe. The severe weather has caused temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in multiple countries, prompting health alerts for millions of people, including tourists and families going abroad during the six-week holiday.

On Thursday, Italy’s Health Ministry issued a red alert for all 27 cities in its national heat surveillance system. This marks the first time this year that the entire network has reached the highest warning level simultaneously. The red alert network spans key areas, starting in Trieste in the northeast and extending to Palermo in Sicily – including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Turin, and Bologna.

In response to this, NHS GP Dr John Akinjolire is urging travellers not to underestimate the risks. He is warning that soaring temperatures can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

The GP has shared the simple steps holidaymakers should take before and during their trip to stay safe in the heat. He’s also shared the key warning signs to watch for and how to access healthcare if they become ill while abroad.

NHS GP Dr John Akinjolire, working with travel insurance company PayingTooMuch, explained how you can avoid heatstroke when travelling during a heatwave in Europe. He said: “With temperatures reaching 40°C in parts of France, Spain and Portugal, alongside active wildfires across these countries and Greece, travellers should be aware that this is more than a typical summer heatwave.”

In an important reminder, he said: “Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for people with underlying medical conditions.” The health expert says people with heart disease, diabetes or respiratory conditions may find that high temperatures place extra strain on their health.

“If you’re travelling near the ongoing wildfires, the smoke can also worsen breathing problems, even in those who do not usually experience respiratory issues,” he warned. “Before travelling, it’s important to store temperature-sensitive medication such as insulin correctly, check air quality forecasts as well as the weather, and be aware that some medications like certain antibiotics, acne treatments and antidepressants, can increase sensitivity to the sun.”

He says staying well hydrated is important and it’s worth remembering that alcohol accelerates dehydration, so drinking more than usual in the heat can increase risk significantly. He added: “It is advisable to avoid prolonged periods in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day typically between 11am and 3pm, wearing lightweight clothing and seeking shade wherever possible can all help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.”

The NHS GP says it is important to know the difference between the two. “Heat exhaustion can usually be managed with rest, shade and fluids, but heatstroke, where the body can no longer regulate its own temperature, is a medical emergency requiring urgent attention,” he said. “Signs to watch for include confusion, a lack of sweating despite the heat, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.”

Travellers should also familiarise themselves with how healthcare works in their destination. Unlike the NHS, many European countries require patients to pay for treatment upfront before claiming costs back even if you have a GHIC.

Access to care can also vary, particularly in more remote areas such as the smaller Greek islands. Serious medical emergencies in these parts may require transfer to a larger island or the mainland.

“These risks should not discourage people from travelling, but they do highlight the importance of preparation,” the NHS GP said “Having comprehensive travel insurance that accurately reflects any pre-existing medical conditions, alongside the right medication, lightweight clothing and other essentials for extreme heat, can protect you in case you find yourself becoming unwell while abroad.”

He said anyone who will be sitting in a plane for hours should take precautions

Dr Amir Khan has urged all Brits who are about to jet off on their summer holidays to follow his advice. It revolves around how to stay healthy when on a plane, and specifically how to avoid blood clots.

The NHS warns that anyone for travelling for four hours or more – whether that is by air, car, bus, or train – is at risk of blood clots forming. Also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it happens when blood flow slows down, a blood vessel gets hurt, or your blood clots too easily.

The danger comes when a DVT breaks off and becomes lodged in your lungs, causing a blockage. This is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE), and it can be fatal.

But there are things you can do to mitigate the risk, as Dr Khan explained to co-host Cherry Healey on the No Appointment Necessary podcast. He said: “People worry about blood clots on flights, right? So you want to reduce your risk of that happening.

“Every one to two hours you should be getting up or having a little wander up and down the plane, or doing your calf movements where you’re stepping up and down on the seat—you know, while you’re sitting down. The one thing you don’t need, some people go, ‘Oh, I’m going to have some aspirin before I fly because it’ll reduce my (risk of DVT)’.

“There is no evidence it reduces your risk of a blood clot, but there is plenty of evidence it increases your risk of bleeding. So do not take aspirin if it’s not prescribed for you or not recommended to you. Don’t take it as a ‘just in case I get a blood clot’ kind of medication. It doesn’t do that.

“And then, the other big thing, what blood loves is lots of volume and fluid, so drink water. Drink lots of water on that flight.”

DVT and PE explained

According to the NHS, symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg include:

• throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
• swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
• red, blue or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
• swollen veins

Many people associate DVT symptoms showing only in your legs, but they can also happen in your arm depending on where the clot is. “Sometimes the only symptom you may have is pain in your lower tummy. This is a symptom of pelvic vein thrombosis, but this is rare,” it continues.

Anyone with suspected DVT should ask for an urgent GP appointment or ring 111. If you’re pregnant you can also call an early pregnancy unit (if you’re less than 20 weeks) or your maternity unit, if you have the phone number.

You should go to A&E or call 999 if you have DVT symptoms and feel shortness of breath and/or have chest pain. You should not drive yourself.

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

• difficulty breathing that comes on suddenly
• chest pain that’s worse when you breathe in
• coughing up blood

You should go to A&E or call 999 if:

• you have severe difficulty breathing
• you feel pain in your chest or upper back
• your heart is beating very fast
• someone has passed out

Treatment

Often, people who may have DVT or PE are given an injection of anticoagulant to stop the clot becoming larger and prevent any new clots forming.

If tests confirm you have a pulmonary embolism, you will continue with anticoagulant injections for at least five days. You will also need to take anticoagulant tablets for at least three months. Treatment and recovery is normally successful, provided DVY and PE are spotted and treated early on.

To prevent it, the NHS urges people to wear loose-fitting clothing, sit comfortably with plenty of leg room, and drink lots of water. People should also stand up regularly, move your feet and toes regularly, wear flight socks, and press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor every so often.

Other threats to health

Dr Khan also issued another warning. He said that, due to the large numbers of people flying and the places planes go, there was the risk of lots of harmful bacteria on a plane.

He urged people to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of catching a bug on a plane. He said: “When people are on planes, A) they might have been travelling from somewhere where bacteria that you’re not used to are, but B) not everybody washes their hands when they go to the toilet, and we know this, and it’s gross.

“And so they’ll be touching all the things that, you know, that little twisty thing for your tray table and all of that stuff. And if you’re touching it and then you’re eating something—which is usually why you put the table down, right?—then you could get the bacteria introduced. So I would say, yes, hand sanitiser, and do have a little alcohol wipe down.”

Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and is a world-renowned ski resort – but if you don’t visit in the summer, you’re missing out

It’s one of the most iconic destinations for skiers, sitting in the shadow of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc.

Few who have a passion for snow sports won’t have heard of the charming French town of Chamonix, which transforms into a bustling and busy winter wonderland as soon as the white flakes start falling.

Now, surely one of the best known ski resorts in the world it wasn’t until the 18th century that this legendary town truly put itself on the map – and that was down to to two Englishmen, William Windham and Richard Pococke, who while they were exploring the valley discovered the stunning Glacier des Bois.

Uttery enthralled by the huge expanse of ice they named is Mer de Glace, which translates to Sea of Ice, and after returning to London couldn’t help but praise it’s incredible beauty.

This led to a slew of visitors, flocking to see this incredible sight for themselves and the Chamonix tourist industry was born.

Certainly a sight to behold when the snow is falling but if you think Chamonix isn’t worth a visit during the summer months, you’d be sorely mistaken.

Filled with cobbled streets, pretty flowers and a fast flowing river heading straight through the centre filled with adorable shops and delicious restaurants and bars, there’s nothing better than whiling away a day strolling its streets and stopping for treats, all the while overlooked by the immense Mont Blanc.

If you visit a must-see attraction is the glacier itself, don’t worry no climbing or travelling up a mountain on the back of mule as Windham and Pococke did, you can ride there on an actual piece of history – the Montenvers Train.

First built in 1919 by the then French President Armand Fallieres, the striking little red train takes people from the heart of Chamonix to the top of Montenvers.

A rack and pinion railway – one of just five in the whole of France – you can’t help but feel you’re travelling through time on this vintage train, chugging its way up the site of the mountain.

Twenty minutes later and you’re at the top, more than 6,000 feet above sea level – that’s 2,000 feet higher than Ben Nevis – with incredible views of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grand Charmoz – it feels like you’re flying.

Stop for a hot chocolate at the top to really soak in those views and have a stroll around the viewing platforms before hopping back on the train and back into the heart of Chamonix for a very well-deserved wine next to the magical river.

Ski resorts may come into their own during the winter months but for me the real magic happens when the sun is shining and the weather is warm.

• You can book the 8-day Goldenpass, Mont Blanc & Jungfrau Express from £2,799pp. Find out more at greatrail.com.

AN 81-year old Brit was banned from boarding his Ryanair flight – after making a big passport mistake.

John Constable was due to fly to Spain from Bournemouth Airport with all of his family.

However, he was left at the airport while his entire family of 16 others went to Spain because of a ‘small tear’ on his passport.

It was then referred to Ryanair officials who refused his travel despite the family asking for ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Talking to Bournemouth Echo, John’s stepson Scott Palmer-Read said: “John freely admits his passport went through the washing machine.

“But he has been able to travel with the passport in the same condition.

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“He had only recently been accepted by British Airways, Air Canada, UK Border Force, Canadian immigration, US immigration and cruise operators without any issue.”

The family of 16 then had to make the difficult decision to travel without him to Girona but said it felt like a “piece of the puzzle was missing”.

He added that the family would “not make the conscious choice to book Ryanair ever again.”

John isn’t the first passenger to miss out on a holiday due to passport damage.

Donna Fairclough was due to fly out of Manchester Airport and was ‘heartbroken’ to miss out on an £820 holiday to Malta in January.

However, Donna was turned away from the flight by easyJet because of a sizeable tear in her passport.

The damage was across the photo page of her travel document and the size of the tear meant that she wasn’t allowed to board the flight.

A Ryanair spokesperson talking about the situation with John said: “This passenger was correctly refused travel on this flight from Bournemouth to Barcelona Girona (27 July) by the gate agent at Bournemouth Airport as his travel document was damaged (tear in the biodata page of the passport) and therefore not valid for travel.”

Advice on the government website reads:

HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• you cannot read any of your details
• any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• there are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• the cover is coming away
• there are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

A POPULAR beach destination in the UK is about to get a huge makeover.

The UK’s first seaside town – Scarborough – will soon have an upgraded train station.

Made Britain’s first seaside resort in the early 17th century after mineral waters were discovered in the town, the train station project is expected to cost millions.

Plans include upgrading the forecourt at the Grade-II listed Victorian station, with new seating, a taxi rank, drop-off areas and a pedestrian area.

There will be a new station roof too, as well as two accessible parking bays, alongside new taxi drop-off spaces.

The redevelopment is being funded by part of the £6.68million Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.

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Plans to upgrade the train station were first submitted three years ago.

Though, the proposals have changed over the years with original plans set to make the entire forecourt pedestrianised.

Parts of the train station have already been upgraded earlier this year as part of a £14million project that included upgrading the ticket office and waiting room.

The roof was also repaired to weatherproof it, including adding new glass.

One of the most recognisable parts of Scarborough Station is the clock tower which was also restored.

Trains from the station head to different destinations including Sheffield and York.

A MAJOR European airport is set for a huge, multi-billion expansion.

Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy is a major European hub with around 51million passengers travelling through the airport each year.

And now the airport has revealed plans for a €9billion (£8.48billion) project to make the airport bigger.

Plans include adding a fourth runway to the airport, as well as opening a new terminal.

The new 3,400-metre-long runway will partially replace runway one, which will be shortened by 900 metres with this area being turned into a park that is open to the public.

Other upgrades will be carried out on the taxiways, aprons and connecting roads.

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Then, the new 350,000sqm terminal will be spread across several levels, with two new boarding areas, 76 gates and an exhibition area showcasing local culture.

The new terminal will also have a number of shops, green areas and public spaces.

The money will be split between €5billion (£4.28billion) being spent on expansion and the other €4billion (£3.4billion) being spent on upgrading existing facilities.

The aim is that the airport will be able to handle up to 100million passengers a year by 2046.

The project is set to be complete by 2033, which will mark the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s death and resurrection.

According to The Financial Times, the airport’s chief executive Marco Troncone said: “If this happens, the new runway may be ready in 2033, in time, ideally, for the next iconic event . . . to mark 2,000 years after the death of Jesus Christ.”

There are several airlines that fly between the UK and the Italian capital.

For example, you could fly with Ryanair or easyJet that both offer flights from a number of regional airports.

British Airways and Wizz Air also operate flights to the city.

THE UK’s biggest hot air balloon fiesta has kicked off for its 48th year, with over 100 balloons set to descend on a major city.

Hosted over three days, this free festival celebrates the city’s heritage, with stunning displays throughout the day and night.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has kicked off with perfect blue skies, attracting approximately 500,000 people over the course of the weekend.

Beginning today, and continuing until Sunday (August 9) evening, there is a jam-packed programme of mass balloon ascents, balloon-themed displays, and food and drink.

The international festival takes place on the hills of Ashton Court Estate, a 850-acre historic park on the outskirts of Bristol city centre.

When the festival first opened in 1979, only 27 balloons took part — but now, visitors can expect to see four times that number, with balloons shaped like aliens, dragons, pandas, and more.

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The highlight of the experience is set to be the mass ascents, where over 100 hot air balloons take to the skies at dawn (around 6am) and dusk (around 6pm).

Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful lights of the hot air balloons at the evening Nightglows, where up to 25 hot air balloons set up in the main arena, before lighting up to a background of regional music.

Included in the entertainment is a thrilling display by the RAF Falcons, model planes, and the historic ballooning arena, as well as a deluxe Thatchers cider Balloon Bar.

These incredible scenes across Bristol can be enjoyed at Ashton Court Estate with a completely free admission ticket.

However, for those wanting a VIP experience, tickets to the Sky Lounge, which has a tented arena to view the mass ascents, costs £20 for children and £25 for adults.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will run from today until Sunday, August 9, with timetabled events scheduled between 6am and 9pm today and tomorrow, and until 6.15pm on Sunday.

A REGIONAL airline with flights to a number of destinations across the UK, has announced it is closing one of its bases.

Loganair has announced that it will close its Southampton Airport base at the end of October.

The closure means that flights between Southampton and Manchester and Manchester and Exeter will be cancelled.

The final flights are set to take off on August 20.

Aircraft currently at Southampton Airport will be taken to other airports, as well as the airline’s crew.

Even though the airline is closing its base at the airport, there will still be some Loganair flights.

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A spokesperson for the airline said: “Following a review of our wider network and operational setup, we have taken the difficult decision to close our Southampton operating base at the end of October.

“Southampton–Manchester and Manchester–Exeter services will operate for the final time on Thursday 20 August.

“Customers affected by these changes will be contacted directly and will be offered alternative options where available, or a refund where no suitable alternative exists.”

The airline added that the decision is also part of a wider strategic update which includes changes to operating bases.

The spokesperson added: “These decisions reflect the same disciplined, decisive approach that has driven previous improvements in Loganair’s punctuality and resilience, protecting the long-term future of the airline, our people, and the lifeline connectivity we provide to communities across our network.”

Loganair’s other bases include Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Jeff and Debb Knapp met, fell in love and got married on a cruise ship – but the cramped conditions do produce arguements

Jeff and Debb Knapp uprooted their life on land, trading it for permanent living on cruise ships. They have not been on land for a single night in more than two years and are fully booked to continue living like this until April 2028.

Despite the monthly £7,500 cost for their tiny 28 square-meter suit, the couple claim their unique lifestyle is cheaper than owning a home. Now in their mid-50s, the couple don’t stay on one ship but rather switch between different Celebrity Cruises ships with back-to-back itineraries and hopes to keep their lifestyle like this “forever”.

“Instead of cramped quarters, we see it as living in a luxury suite where our living room expands to include the entire ship, the ocean, and a new destination outside our balcony almost every single morning,” Jeff told http://creatorzine.com

“When you cross off a mortgage, rent, utilities, car payments, auto insurance, property taxes, vehicle repairs, and grocery bills, the math works out heavily in our favour. Right now, we are fully booked all the way until April 2028, and our plan is to keep doing this forever.”

In their cramped living quarters, Jeff assures no arguments get too out of hand: “Our minor disagreements usually come down to someone’s tone of voice when they are tired or hungry. A few hours of rest or a good meal quickly fixes everything.”

While their monthly costs hit an eye-watering £7,500, the couple do save some money by living on cruise ships through avoiding everyday purchases like groceries. They use the onboard doctors for day-to-day medical needs and arrange routine appointments for during port stops or breaks on land.

Travel visas and entry requirements are also tracked around their constantly changing itineraries.

Jeff said: “People constantly ask if we ever get bored but honestly, there is not even enough time in the day to do everything available to us. We have not been bored a single day since we met.”

Jeff and Debb first met by chance on the Celebrity Ascent in February 2024. They were both travelling solo when they happened to strike up a conversation at the ship’s cafe.

They discovered they both shared one vital common interest: cruises. At that time, 52-year-old Jess and 53-year-old Debb had a combined total of 90 cruises booked and many of their future itineraries were identical.

After spending numerous cruises together, Jeff decided he wanted to make their life at sea permanent and proposed on the Celebrity Beyond in April 2025. The couple legally got married in Miami that June and held a second wedding on the same ship in November.

Permanently living at sea had been Debb’s dream for decades after stepping on her first ever cruise ship in 1995. She spent nearly three decades hard at work for the Washington State government and flipping properties to achieve her dream.

Jeff, on the other hand, had avoided cruises for much of his life due to having seasickness on local ferries. The former craftsman was eventually persuaded to try a cruise and when he discovered the larger, modern ships didn’t make him ill, he was hooked on a life at sea.

Both Jeff and Debb had been teenage parents before their chance meeting, and together they have six adult children and five grandchildren. Despite their globe-trotting lifestyle, they make family time a priority with video chats and live streams, or even getting their family members to join a cruise.

The couple has also built a following online through their The Ship Show content brand, sharing the realities, costs and tips of living aboard cruise ships. But despite their unconventional home, they say the lifestyle has given them the freedom they wanted.

TRAVELLERS are facing a second day of travel headaches after a power outage brought train services across the North West and Midlands to a halt.

If you’re heading out on the rail network today (August 7), you might be wondering if your train is actually going to turn up.

While rail bosses have reassured the public that the worst of the chaos is over, there is still a hangover of delays and cancellations to navigate today.

Here is a guide to what you need to know about the current situation, ticket acceptance, and what went wrong to cause such widespread disruption.

What caused the chaos?

The delays stem from a power cut that happened at 1.40pm on Thursday afternoon.

According to SP Electricity North West, an “incident on our high voltage cable” in Harpurhey, north-east of Manchester city centre, caused a power outage that affected around 5,000 customers.

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While the electricity provider said that power was restored within 90 seconds, that brief window was enough to trigger severe rail chaos.

The outage hit more than 400 Manchester postcodes, including the Manchester Rail Operating Centre, which acts as the main control hub for the entirety of north-west England’s railways.

Network Rail also said that their backup power generators failed to activate immediately when the main grid went down.

The failure resulted in railway signals automatically switching to red for safety, bringing trains to a standstill and sparking widespread cancellations.

Network Rail has confirmed it has now launched an official investigation into why the backup system failed to kick in.

Are trains running today?

The vast majority of trains are running today (August 7), and Network Rail has confirmed that “most operators are running a full service” after signalling systems were restored on Thursday night.

Engineers then worked through the early hours of the morning to get displaced trains back to their correct depots before the start of today’s service.

But don’t assume your journey will be completely smooth sailing just yet.

Because trains and rail crews ended up in the wrong places yesterday afternoon, it may take some time for the complex daily timetable to get back into sync.

Network Rail notes that some disruption remains as “trains and crew return to their normal positions”.

According to National Rail, this residual disruption is expected to continue until at least midday today.

Can I use my train ticket on other services?

If your train is delayed or cancelled, you won’t be left completely stranded.

Various ticket restrictions have been eased by operators to help get passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible.

If you’re travelling in and around Greater Manchester, your train tickets are currently being accepted on alternative local transport.

You can use your rail ticket to hop on Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams at no extra cost to complete your journey.

Both Northern and TransPennine Express have temporarily lifted Advance Purchase and Peak restrictions, meaning anyone holding an Advance ticket today can board any available service along their booked route without having to pay an extra fee.

Operators are also accepting each other’s tickets across shared routes.

Passengers affected by cancellations can use their tickets on Northern, TransPennine Express, LNER, and East Midlands Railway trains running in the same direction.

TransPennine Express tickets are also being accepted on CrossCountry services across key eastern routes, including between Sheffield, York, and Newcastle.

Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, praised passengers for their patience following the disruption.

He said: “While some passengers may still experience disruption, we’re continuing to work closely with train operators to return services to normal as quickly as possible.

“Anyone planning to travel this morning should continue to check before they travel for the latest information.”

If you’re travelling today, use the National Rail Status and Disruptions website, or check directly with your train operator before you leave the house.

How can I get a refund?

If your travel was derailed on Thursday, you won’t lose out either.

Tickets dated for yesterday are being honoured for travel throughout today at no extra charge.

But if your plans were thrown fully into disarray by the disruption, you may be entitled to cash back.

If your train was delayed or cancelled and you chose not to travel at all, you are entitled to a full refund with no administration fee.

You will need to apply for this directly from the retailer where you bought the ticket, such as Trainline, TrainPal, or the station box office.

If you completed your journey but arrived late, you can claim compensation through the national Delay Repay scheme.

In this scenario, you must claim directly from the train operating company that ran the delayed service, rather than the ticket seller.

Claims can usually be submitted online by uploading a photo of your ticket, though paper forms are also available from station staff.

How much you receive depends on the length of the delay to your destination, rather than what time your train departed.

If you need to double-check exact arrival times to support your claim, you can look up your route on tracking websites like recenttraintimes.co.uk.

Season ticket holders are also covered and will receive a proportional refund based on the cost of their pass and the duration of the delay.

Make sure to log your claim as soon as possible, as most train companies enforce a 28-day deadline from the date of travel.

If your claim is initially turned down and you believe you’re still owed compensation, you have up to one month to submit an appeal directly to the train operator for further review.

Peter Wiles and his wife Rogelyn Caresosa had been planning to go on a holiday to Cappadocia in Turkey, but their holiday ended at Manchester Airport where Turkish Airlines stopped them from boarding

A man was left ‘questioning his sanity’ after he and his wife missed a Turkish Airlines flight.

Peter Wiles and Rogelyn Caresosa had been looking forward to a romantic getaway in Cappadocia, a region of Turkey famous for its colourful hot air balloons and multi-level subterranean cities carved out of soft volcanic ash stone over thousands of years.

The couple married in 2024, paving the way for Rogelyn to move to the UK on a spouse visa and live with her factory worker husband. Having saved up the cash for the May 2025 getaway, Peter splashed out £973.30 for flights from Manchester Airport.

Both Peter and Rogelyn were distraught when their dream getaway ended at the airport.

“My wife was devastated, we had to get a taxi home as it was late on a Sunday and the trains had finished,” Peter told the Mirror. “This whole debacle has honestly had me questioning my sanity at times!”

Peter had booked and paid for two Turkish Airlines return flights to Turkey for himself and his Filipino wife, as part of a single booking in his name, using his Tesco Bank credit card.

They encountered a small difficulty in booking. Because Rogelyn holds a UK spouse visa, her old Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card had technically expired at the end of 2024 under the UK’s switch to digital eVisas, although her actual immigration status remains valid until 2027.

Before applying for Turkey’s eVisa, Rogelyn called the Turkish Consulate, which advised her to use her BRP number rather than her UK “share code” as the “additional visa number” on the form.

However, once at Manchester Airport, a Turkish Airlines gate agent rejected this, insisting the share code should have been used instead. This is despite the eVisa printout they presented, which stated that “eVisas of other countries are NOT accepted as supporting documents.”

Ultimately, Rogelyn was denied boarding and so the couple were left at the airport, their plane leaving without them.

Peter has now been left fighting to get his money back, attempting to claim it back via his bank and Turkish Airlines. So far, he has been unsuccessful. He claims that Turkish Airlines refused to give a clear written explanation for the refusal, at various points citing a vague “issue” with the visa, then claiming the couple were a “no show”.

Following a request from Peter, Tesco Bank raised a chargeback, which the airline contested twice, before Tesco Bank ultimately dropped it. The bank accepted the airline’s “flight operated as scheduled” explanation, despite that not addressing why boarding was denied.

Peter would go on to report the incident to the Ombudsman, but she ruled against him on technical grounds: no valid Debtor-Creditor-Supplier agreement existed for the wife’s ticket because she, not Peter, was the one denied boarding.

The lengthy and frustrating process has left Peter doubting himself. “I’ve developed a complex about being misunderstood and feel I have to explain everything in detail,” he added.

A Tesco Bank spokesperson said: “We were sorry to hear about the experience Mr Wiles had when attempting to travel with his wife. After careful consideration, we concluded that his case didn’t meet the criteria for a successful Section 75 claim. He referred his claim to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which upheld our decision.”

Turkish Airlines did not respond to a request for comment.

WE ALL know you’ve been daydreaming about what you’d do with a £411million Powerball win – but what sort of holiday would you actually take?

Why not indulge the fantasy?

With the Powerball lottery prize now sitting at £411million, we’ve rounded up the most expensive holidays you could go on.

The best part? You’d still have a fair few million leftover…

Sailing trip on a private superyacht

A quick way to blow your cash is by renting a superyacht, and according to Boat International, the most expensive is the Breakthrough boat (said to be linked to Bill Gates).

It’s the world’s first hydrogen superyacht, costing a staggering €3.5million (£3million) a week to rent.

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The yacht is only a couple of years old and comes with it all including hair salons, water sports centres, full staff, 14 balconies, seven platforms with direct sea access, an 8.2-metre infinity pool with a glass bottom and an underwater lounge.

And if you are feeling generous, you can take your friends and family along too as the yacht has space for up to 30 guests.

Total cost for seven nights: £3,000,000

A stay at the world’s most expensive hotel

How about splashing out on the world’s most expensive hotel?

Found in St Lucia, you could head to the Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine which costs between $150,000 (£111,352.50) to $235,000 (£174,452.25) a night.

Moored just off the coast of St Lucia in the Caribbean Sea, you can chill out in bed watching tropical fish swim past your window.

For the price, you’ll also get a personal captain, butler and chef – who prepares a menu specifically for you and it is so exclusive that only two guests are accepted at a time. You’ll even decide on when and where the yacht travels to.

Total cost for seven nights: £1,221,165

Private Necker Island

Live like Richard Branson and rent his entire Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, which can cost up to $171,350 (£127k) a night.

The island can accommodate up to 48 adults across 24 rooms, as well as six children in a dedicated bunkroom.

You’ll get signature events during your stay including a beach BBQ night, a floating sushi kayak feast and a DJ party.

And you’ll get unlimited access to water sports.

Total cost for seven nights: £889,000

Around the world trip on a luxury cruise

Staying on the water, the Regent Seven Seas has the world’s most expensive cruise, which is an around-the world trip that costs up to $1million (£742,000).

You can stay in the fancy Regent Suite which has butlers, a heated balcony pool and unlimited spa treatments.

Across 140 days you will travel to 71 ports across 40 countries in six continents.

It even includes first class, round trip flights and all of your shore excursions.

Total cost for seven nights: £742,000

Million dollar package to Abu Dhabi

In 2008, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi offered an all-inclusive, seven-night stay – costing $1milllion (£742,000).

It includes thing like return first class flights with Etihad Airways, chauffer service and even access to a private plane.

Luxury spa treatments and gifts including pearl jewellery, perfume and Persian rugs are all included as well.

The hotel is known for its Arabian architecture including 114 mosaic-tiled domes, making it look more like a palace.

Total cost for seven nights: £742,000

Seven nights in Atlantis’ biggest suite with return first class flights

How about a very glam holiday to Dubai? The Atlantis hotel has one of the world’s most expensive hotel suites which is loved by celebs like Beyonce.

Called The Royal Mansion, it costs around £75,000 a night – so spend a week there and you’re dropping £525,000.

The suite itself spans across two levels with four bedrooms, a private infinity pool, an outdoor kitchen, a 100-year-old olive tree and even custom Louis Vuitton china. You’ll get a 24-hour butler service too as well as your own cinema.

Don’t forget your flights to Dubai – Emirates first class suites can be up to £30,000 return too.

Total cost for seven nights: £585,000

Holiday to a private island in the Maldives with return first class flights

The Maldives is a bucket list holiday but get your own private island for the week and you’ll be spending £462,000.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s Private Island is 32,000sqm and costs around £66,000 a night.

With space for 24 people, it comes with dedicated chefs, spas and Male airport flights. You can dive into five pools, chill out in a private entertainment clubhouse, sunbathe on a private white-sand beach or even indulge in a spa treatment in an over water room.

Add in your first class British Airways flights too, which can be around £11,000 return.

Total cost for seven nights: £473,000

Stay at a private Ibiza villa with a private jet

Ibiza might be a popular place for us normal folk, but its also loved by billionaires too – just with a bit more cash to splash.

Go to Sa Ferradura, a private island which costs up to $300,000 (£222,000) a week.

The island has a team of 24 staff at your service, as well as a cliffside infinity pool, lagoon-style pool with its own waterfall and a wellness spa – you don’t even need to head to a club as there is a rooftop DJ deck.

And why not charter a private jet there too? Just make sure to factor in around £20k each way.

Total cost for seven nights: £262,000

Chill out at a luxury ski holiday chalet with helicopter transfers

Throw on your skis and head to Courchevel, with a stay at Cheval Blanc’s Le Chalet in the French Alps, for as much as €230,000 (£197,000) a week.

Spread across four levels, it comes with a private butler and chef as well as a spa, pool and private cinema.

As a guest, you’d get priority access to the hotel’s Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc, the only restaurant in Courchevel to hold three Michelin stars.

It has a helipad too, so factor in private helicopter transfers around £7k return.

Total cost for seven nights: £204,000

Stay at London’s most expensive hotel with a private tour

Don’t fancy leaving the country? Just stay at The Lanesborough hotel’s exclusive Royal Suite in London for £27,000 a night.

The suite itself has Regency-style maximalist decor including original 18th century oil paints and 24-carat gold leaf detailing – you’ll also get a direct view of Buckingham Palace.

You’ll get a 24-hour butler service, as well as a private Rolls Royce transfer service.

Throw in a private VIP tour of London too, which can be up to £15,000 (including security and private showings).

Total cost for seven nights: £204,000

A NEW low-cost, no-frills travel brand has just launched offering budget breaks to Europe and beyond.

Sundeals, which is owned by the TUI Group, is aimed at holidaymakers who ‘who want great value without the faff’ with clear prices and honest opinions on holidays and hotels.

On Sundeals, there is everything from last-minute trips to all-inclusive holidays, winter sun breaks and adult-only vacations across 100 destinations.

There will be 20,000 hotels alongside a range of airline options from Ryanair to easyJet and TUI.

Looking at its ‘top cheap holiday deals’ – there are breaks to Tunisia from as little as £106pp and trips to Tenerife start from £185pp.

One cheap deal that Sun Travel found is a seven-night holiday to Marrakesh from September 2 to September 9 from £199pp.

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This is for bed and breakfast at the Riad Quodwa Marrakesh in a double room with return flights to Liverpool Airport.

This is for bed and breakfast at the Riad Lalla Khadija Moulaty & SPA in a double standard room with return flights to Newcastle Airport.

For winter sun, another break is to the Jardins de Toumana in Djerba, Tunisia from November 24 to December 1.

Staying in a Junior Suite, two adults can stay with bed and breakfast board from £277pp – including return flights to Manchester.

For short breaks, there a three-night stay at Pierre & Vacances Resort Terrazas Costa del Sol in Spain starting from £139pp.

It has an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, bar, restaurant, pretty courtyards gardens and return flights to London Luton.

For short-haul, it provides breaks to mainland Europe including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Malta.

There are far-flung holidays on the cards too with options to Thailand, Mexico, Cape Verde, Barbados, Iceland and the USA.

When it comes to sorting your holiday, you can arrange it by price ‘low to high’.

Or select to rank holidays by TripAdvisor rating to see which holidays were highly-rated by other travellers.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director for Sundeals said: “We know there is a large group of travellers who genuinely enjoy researching and planning their holidays. They’re confident, digitally savvy and like the feeling of finding a holiday, and deal, that’s right for them.

“But these travellers told us that they’re tired of spending hours going round in circles trying to compare options and work out whether they’ve truly found the right trip – a feeling that we’re calling Bookers Burnout.

“Sundeals has been designed specifically for these savvy deal hunters, helping them cut through the holiday clutter and make decisions with greater confidence.

“We’ve launched with a simple user experience focused on the core features customers told us they need most, and over time we’ll continue to introduce smart tools and innovations that make finding and evaluating holiday options even easier.”