Travel Desk

TWO airports in Europe that see thousands of passengers through their doors are set to close for major upgrades.

During this time flights will be diverted and one airport will see flights cancelled during both the summer holidays and October half-term.

The first major airport closing its doors to passengers is Almeria Airport in Spain which each year handles around 800,000 passengers.

In February 2028, it will shut for six days to upgrade its runway with all scheduled flights during that time to be cancelled.

Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia which fly out of the airport have been notified by Spain’s airports operator Aena about the closure.

There will be further disruption too as the revamp is part of a 19-month €29million (£24.8million) project to upgrade the entire airport.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

During this period there will be work at night between 10:45pm and 7:10am the following day.

Between these hours, flights could be impacted as well.

Direct routes from Almeria Airport to the UK London Southend, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford and Birmingham.

The airlines will have to reschedule flights or divert the routes.

The revamp will mark the first work on the runway in 20 years.

The second major European airport to close its doors is Charleroi Airport in Brussels which will close for almost three months.

For 11 weeks, the runway will be closed for renovation and the interior airport revamped.

Flights will be impacted between August 15 and October 31 in 2028.

It will disrupt passengers heading to Brussels during the school summer holidays and October half-term break.

Airlines that operate to and from the airport from the UK include Ryanair and Wizz Air to cities Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle.

Airlines will need to reroute their flights to different airports during that time.

The airport is the second largest in Belgium – it sees 30,000 passengers each day and around 11.2million people every year.

On the development, the airport said: “A complete refurbishment of Charleroi airport’s sole runway, together with other major infrastructure modernisation works, has been scheduled by SOWAER (the company behind the works) for the second half of 2028.”

A WIZZ AIR passenger was left in tears and nearly forced to miss her flight after a disagreement over her bag size.

Katy Hayward, 21, was at London Gatwick Airport heading for Santorini with Wizz Air when she was told she could not board her flight.

Travelling with her two friends, the group reached the gate at the airport and a member of staff pulled them to the side and informed them that their bags were too big and they would not be allowed to board the flight.

In a video shared on her TikTok account @katyhaywardd, Katy – who was in tears – passed the phone to her best friend of four years, Kelsea, 26, who explained what happened.

She said: “We have just been through the gate at Wizz Air and this woman has just screamed in our faces saying we can’t fly because we have these bags – apparently these bags are too big.”

She then turns the camera back to Katy who is showing a holdall-style bag often seen when flying on budget airlines.

Read more on travel inspo

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

Kelsea adds: “Bear in mind we bought these bags specifically for Wizz Air, we’d measured them and everything – there are people that have got bags just as big.”

The camera then pans to other passengers who have similar sized bags.

Kelsea continued: “She was screaming in Katy’s face.

“I’ve just gone up to her and said, ‘excuse me, my friend is really scared of flying, can you speak to us with a bit more respect please, we are happy to take things out of the bag, you just need to speak to her a bit more softly because she’s already anxious’.

“She started going ‘I don’t care, I don’t care’.

“She said if I don’t get out of the area, I won’t be able to fly – my heart is beating so fast.”

Kelsea went on to explain that another member of the gate team stepped in to try and calm the situation, despite the other member of staff still shouting at the group of girls.

Other members of staff nearby also did not intervene while this happened.

Several travellers can then be heard in the background of the video commenting: “That’s unfair. Disgusting. They shouldn’t do that.”

Katy told The Sun: “I think it’s also important to mention how humiliating the whole experience was.

“I was left sitting on the floor on my own having a panic attack, and my friends weren’t even allowed to come over and comfort me.

“They did not measure our bag in the bag sizer at all.”

Kelsea added a photo of the bags under the seats on the plane in the comments section.

She said: “For everyone asking, the bags WERE the right size. Bought specifically with the right measurements and measured before flying!

“Absolutely no comment from the other staff at check in, literally just this one woman at the gate!”

The bag the girls bought was from Amazon costing £13.99 and measures 40 x 30 x 20cm.

The allowance for a Wizz Air under seat bags is 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

In the end, the Katy and her friends were not made to pay for oversized bags as another employee spoke to them and let them through.

Other social media users also flooded to the comments, with one person stating: “Shocking airline. Flew with them once and they ripped my case and wouldn’t replace it! Overcharged us, will never use them again.”

Another person commented: “Every bag that went past was literally bigger than yours – horrible service!! Hope you girls are okay.”

A third person said: “Shocking airline we had problems with them flying back from Rome we had to pay €150 for our bags which were correct size also but unless we paid we weren’t getting on the flight.

“The whole manner and customer service was disgraceful first and last time we will ever fly with them.”

A Wizz Air spokesperson told Sun Travel: “Wizz Air apologises for the customer’s experience, which does not reflect the standards of service we expect all customers to receive.

“While the member of staff involved is employed by our contracted ground handling partner rather than directly by Wizz Air, we expect everyone representing the airline to follow our procedures correctly and treat customers with respect and professionalism.

“We take any suggestion that these standards have not been met very seriously and have raised this issue with the relevant ground handling partner to determine what happened and ensure it is addressed appropriately.”

Flight PD444 from Victoria International Airport in B.C. to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport did not take off on Thursday after a child passenger onboard refused to sit down

A plane-load of passengers was stranded after a child refused to do up their seatbelt.

Flight PD444 from Victoria International Airport in B.C. to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport did not take off on Thursday as a safety precaution, a spokesperson for Porter Airlines said.

The aircraft had left the terminal and was heading to the runway for departure when the flight crew became concerned about one passenger. The young child was standing in their seat and refused to buckle their seatbelt. The child’s parents and cabin crew attempted to do so on their behalf, but the young flyer would have none of it.

The unsafe situation meant the aircraft could not take off, prompting flight attendants to return to the terminal and disembark passengers. Once the child and their parents had been removed from the flight, it would’ve been too late for the plane to take off, according to a spokesperson for Porter Airlines. Therefore, the flight was cancelled.

“We apologize for the effect this had on other passengers, who were able to depart on a flight the following day,” Brad Cicero told CBC. The aircraft departed the following afternoon.

According to passengers on the flight, the child’s actions caused a “a lot of frustration”. However, passenger Aryeh Kozuch noted that the child was scared, rather than being bratty or uncontrollable.

“They just kept hiding under their seat. If they got forced into [being] strapped in, they just kind of slid out underneath,” she said.

Hillary Hertzberg argued that the airline took too long to deal with the situation. “The kid eventually got off the plane at 11.30pm so we had been on the flight for about almost an hour at that point,” she said.

According to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, if the ‘seatbelt sign’ is showing on a flight, then passengers are required to buckle up.

“It is recommended to keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight and is mandatory when the seat belt sign is illuminated (during taxi, take-off, landing, and turbulence). Ensure your belt is adjusted for a tight but comfortable fit, with the buckle accessible. If using a blanket and likely to sleep, fasten the belt over it. Remain seated with your belt fastened until the sign is switched off after landing,” its advice reads.

A similar incident unfolded several years ago on a TUI flight, from Kos to Manchester. Footage showed the moment police stormed a plane at Manchester Airport after a woman had ‘refused to put a seatbelt on her child’ on a delayed flight.

The flight was due to depart at 1.25pm but didn’t take off until almost six hours later, leaving passengers ‘exhausted’ and ‘in a terrible mood’. However, there were further delays when the pilot had to abort landing and circle over the Peak District when a passenger had refused to adhere to the illuminated seatbelt signs and buckle up her child, Manchester Evening News reported.

Porter Airlines was contacted for additional comment.

THERE is still a long way to go before kids are back at school and a major attraction is offering free kids visits this month.

Activate is a popular immersive experience and across five London sites it is offering free kids tickets throughout August.

Inside the attractions you will find nine different games including Laser which has laser beams you must dodge and Mega Grid, which tests your speed and reaction time.

There’s also Strike, which makes dodgeball digital with each team having to hit a specific glowing screen on the wall.

To get the offer, every paying adult will be able to bring one child under the age of 16 for free.

Children’s tickets usually cost from £29.50, so for a family of four you could save up to £59.50 on a single visit.

Read more on travel inspo

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

The offer is available across all peak sessions at Activate venues in London which include The O2, Oxford Street, Vauxhall, Westfield White City and Islington.

According to London TV, Richard Beese, CEO and Founder of We Do Play, which operates Activate in the UK, said: “The summer holidays are all about spending quality time together as a family, and we wanted to make it even easier for people to experience Activate.

“Our Kids Go Free offer gives families the opportunity to enjoy something active, exciting and genuinely different while making their money go further.”

Activate is open to kids over six-years-old and adults must accompany all children between six and 13.

One recent visitor commented: “Activate is a great place for those who like to be active. If you like running around to press buttons, definitely check them out!

“The wrist bands and point collection system was a nice touch too. I had a really fun time!”

If you want to keep holiday costs low, ditching the hold luggage is a good place to start – and I believe I’ve found the perfect bag for still allowing you to overpack to your heart’s content.

If you’re someone who likes to go on multiple holidays a year, you’ll know that it’s not possible to travel in luxury every time. And by luxury, I mean being able to take a 23kg hold suitcase on board with you.

It’s the same situation every time – you find cheap flights and an affordable place to stay, then by the time you’ve priced the luggage, you’re looking at an extra hundred pounds or even more. And when you factor in how much you’re going to spend on food, travel and other expenses when you’re actually on holiday, it’s just not worth it.

Most airlines allow you to take one small bag on board for free, but as an overpacker who likes to have options, I didn’t think this would ever be enough – until I tried out one specific cabin bag that’s genuinely like magic when it comes to fitting things in.

I purchased the Narwey Ryanair Cabin Bag from Amazon three years ago now and it’s safe to say it’s become my absolute travel staple. It’s been on every holiday and every night away with me, and no matter who I go with, they’re always in disbelief at how much you can cram in there.

On a recent trip to Stockholm with Norwegian Air – whose hand luggage restrictions are the same as Ryanair 30 x 40 x 20cm – I knew it was a small-bag-only situation. I’d heard horror stories about how expensive the capital city of Sweden was, so I was not keen to spend any more than absolutely necessary on travel.

We were going away for four full days, and although I’ve taken this bag on many a trip before, I always feel slightly concerned that this is the one that’s going to push it over the edge and break the zip. But it’s remained sturdy once again, even when packed to the brim.

The more you fit in the bag, the more it seems to expand, even though it looks tiny to begin with. Even when you’re coming home from your holiday, when it always feels like your belongings have expanded tenfold, packing everything up again is a breeze.

For this trip, here’s a list of everything I managed to fit in the bag, and I even had a little bit of space left over.

• Five skirts
• Five tops
• Denim jacket
• Pair of shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Handbag
• Toiletries
• Makeup
• Hairdryer
• Camera

Some may say this is excessive for three nights, but when you can fit this much in, why wouldn’t you? My only issue is that the handles are a bit tough on your hands if you’re carrying it for a while, and I feel like it would really benefit from having a longer padded strap so that you could put it over your shoulder.

I’d also say it’s probably unsuitable for longer winter trips, since these clothes tend to be a lot bigger and bulkier, so you’re not going to be able to fit as much as you would in summer.

Having said that, it’s easy to transport and place in the overhead lockers, unlike wheelie suitcases which can be a bit of a faff. It’s got a sturdy double zipper, as well as a handy zipped pocket on the side, which is ideal for storing your passport and other important things you need that you don’t want stuffed in the bag itself.

My top tip for packing this bag is to stretch out the bottom as much as possible by placing my toiletry and makeup bags on either side, as this creates a good solid base and really opens it up. This would also work with shoes or your most sturdiest items of clothing.

The longest I’ve ever been away with this bag was about six days, which I’d say is probably the limit for how much it can hold in terms of clothes. But for a long weekend, it’s just perfect.

It’s currently on sale for £11.99 on Amazon. Alternatively, if you prefer a rucksack, this Cabin Max underseat bag from ASOS is also on sale for £16.95.

Or if you’re in the market for something a bit more high-end, the Rains Small Hilo Weekend Bag also fits the Ryanair and easyJet bag restrictions, and costs £69.

ANYONE heading to two of the UK’s busiest airports are being warned of major travel disruption until the end of the day.

Trains between central London and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are are currently disrupted due to train issues.

A tunnel closure between Hayes and Harlington and Heathrow has caused problems this morning.

There are currently no Elizabeth Line trains between the west London station and Heathrow terminals 4 and 5 and there are also a number of delays on other lines heading to Paddington.

National Rail has said that the tunnel has been closed for safety reasons.

The Heathrow Express is also currently running on a reduced service, with two trains per hour from London Paddington instead of four.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

Disruption is also expected until the end of the day.

The tunnel closure is reportedly due to a water leak on the line.

Tickets are being accepted across the Piccadilly Line as well as numerous different buses.

There are two tunnels that link the airport to the main trainline, but with only one remaining open, trains have to wait at the tunnel to get in or out of the airport.

It is bad news for anyone heading to London Gatwick Airport as well, as there has been a fire beside the track causing delays to rail services between London and the South East.

The fire has caused damage to the overhead signalling cables and currently passengers are being asked to allow an extra 30 minutes for their journey to the airport.

Currently, services between London Victoria and Eastbourne are suspended along with Gatwick Express services.

Thameslink services which run between Three Bridges and Bedford are also suspended.

A Gatwick Express statement says: “You should travel on alternative Southern or Thameslink services towards your destination.

“If you’re travelling towards a different London terminal to normal, you will be able to change trains at stations along the route, such as Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport, or East Croydon, for a train towards your destination.

“Alternatively, you can use London Underground to travel between stations once you’ve arrived in the London area.”

Writer Olivia Sheed attended WorldPride Amsterdam just a week after Berlin Pride where a van drove into the crowd and hit several people

It had been a long day, but a good day. I was about to go to bed after a busy day celebrating Newcastle Pride, when I saw the news alert about the attack at Berlin Pride.

Just hours ago, I’d marched with my partner in my city and felt the joy the day brought with it. That joy was shattered when I heard the news that one person had died and 29 more were injured in a car ramming attack and subsequent stabbings.

I couldn’t quite believe it when I first read it, the terror the attendees must have felt, a day of celebration ruined by a cowardly act of violence, how to reconcile with what this could mean for Pride celebrations in years to come. Would they be scaled back to allow for increased security? Would people feel afraid to attend them in future? Would I feel fear the next time I went to Pride?

I asked myself these questions ahead of my upcoming visit to Amsterdam, where one week on from Berlin Pride, I’d be sitting along the canals of a major European city for World Pride and the famous canal parade. The Dutch city was chosen by Pride organisers to host this year’s WorldPride, as it marks 25 years since it hosted the world’s first legally recognised same-sex marriage.

However, given what had just happened in Berlin, I was aware that police and security in the city would be on high alert for another attack happening so soon after the last. This was corroborated by Mayor Femke Halsema, who said Amsterdam would take unspecified extra measures following the Berlin attack.

Despite the concerns I had, the opportunity to cover such a large event, with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the city for the WorldPride celebration throughout July and August, was one I was so excited about. I still felt a giddy anticipation as I made my way there, but I felt a cloud hanging over me as I made my way through the streets of Amsterdam, despite the assurances of additional security.

However, if there was tension among other World Pride attendees, they didn’t let themselves show it. In the lead-up to the canal parade, people went about their lives in the city. Some partied, some enjoyed the quiet canal living can afford, and some just did their best to make the weeks of World Pride the best they could.

There was a special kind of atmosphere in the city that was different from other times I’d visited. Pride flags adorned every street you walked down, with the entire city lit in rainbow colours to welcome people from across the globe for one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations.

The flags were outside (and inside) businesses, apartments, public buildings – everywhere you looked you’d struggle to avoid a shock of rainbow. 50 major buildings arranged to light up in rainbow colours at night to literally light up the city once the sun set.

As Reform councils across the UK fight as hard as they can to get Pride flags off of public buildings, including the house of the first modern lesbian Anne Lister in West Yorkshire, it was dizzying in the best of ways seeing so many up in the streets. Each one felt like a welcome, a statement of defiance, and a call to celebrate all at once.

This continued to the day of the canal parade, where the increased security was met with open arms by participants. Police boats would make their way up and down the canals as the clock ticked down to the first floats reaching our viewing area, patrolling but still waving to the crowd as they settled into their respective seats.

Then, as the first floats began to make their way down our stretch of canal, I felt the weight that had been on my shoulders for the days leading up to the event ease. I had been so worried about something bad happening that I’d forgotten what being at Pride was meant to be.

Pride started as a protest, and for many, it still is. In a world where many people keep telling us that we can be queer if we don’t shove it in their face, where some don’t like queer people because we’re perceived as “different”, to a few who believe our existence should be met with violence, simply dancing in the sunshine is a protest in itself.

And that’s what people did. An estimated 300,000 people danced on the banks of Amsterdam’s famous canals, embraced their partner, and smiled with their friends. A week on from yet another dark day in queer history was met with a bright determination that the attempts to silence would only embolden.

Throughout the day, I could barely remember a time when I wasn’t smiling. The sun was shining, people were celebrating, we felt seen, we felt joy. When people ask what Pride is about, that to me is it. We felt joy, and we were unashamed to feel it.

Just a week after an attack that made waves through the whole LGBTQI+ community, I felt honoured to see how determined people were to show pride, show that we’ve always been here, and always will be.

• Olivia attended WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 with Booking.com and stayed at the Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam.
• Through its Travel Proud programme, Booking.com is helping make inclusive stays easier to find. Travellers can identify LGBTQ+ welcoming stays through the rainbow suitcase badge or ‘Travel Proud (LGBTQ+ friendly)’ filter on Booking.com.

The 90-minute train journey south-west from Budapest to the spa town of Balatonfüred unveils a landscape that segues from gritty industrial compounds to long sweeps of golden sunflowers and fields of pale grain. The carriage is pleasingly retro, with thick velour upholstery; windows that open, awkwardly, with a stiff metal lever; and a bushy eyebrowed conductor replete with ticket machine slung over his shoulder.

But the real retromania is yet to come. Arriving at Balatonfüred station, I board a 1984 DAF bus, painted an almost audacious shade of green. From the open-air rear, I take in the view over Lake Balaton, central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea”.

A spa resort town since the late 18th century, Balatonfüred is a popular place for sailing and swimming, while the hilly countryside to the north is great for mountain bikers and hikers. It’s also home to hundreds of wineries, many of which have traditionally been difficult to access – especially without a car. The bus I’m on – the hop-on, hop-off 46° Balaton Borbusz that launched this summer – has changed all this, by taking visitors on day trips to local vineyards.

It’s the brainchild of Virág Szabó, who has spent summers in the region since childhood. “The idea first came to me when I was travelling in South Africa, on the vintage wine tram that runs between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek,” she says. “I couldn’t believe that nobody had thought to do something similar here.” The 46° moniker is a reference to the fact that this area occupies the same latitude as Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône.

She found the bus in the Netherlands and, by May this year, had signed up 22 wineries along two distinct routes – one focused on better-known growers and the other on more remote ones. Since then, seven more have joined and many more are eager to get involved. “I have three criteria. Is the wine good? Are there nice views? And is the winery able to offer some form of hospitality?” she says. Many of the wineries are family-owned and run, with no previous thought of opening up to visitors. Very little of Hungary’s wine is marketed, and only around one-third is exported. Less still has it ever been the stuff of tourism.

The bus departs Balatonfüred about every two hours from 11am, with the final drop-off at 9pm and the option to visit four wineries. Guests can either choose these in advance or pick en route – and, if the bus returns for you and two hours have flashed by before you’re ready, you can simply ask to be collected two hours later. While tourism in Hungary is booming, with Budapest the country’s primary draw, the Borbusz hopes to lure visitors further afield, offering an alternative insight into the country – and the chance to meet local people. Originally, it was planned to run only until September – but will now operate until mid-October, thanks to its early popularity.

Our first stop is Mórocz Pince (“pince” is the Hungarian for “cellar”), reached via a moderately steep, rocky path from the main road. Founded by former musician Tamás Mórocz, it produces between 4,000 and 5,000 bottles each year, with traminer and merlot rosé among its specialities. “During Soviet times, the emphasis was on quantity, for exporting to eastern bloc countries, rather than quality,” he says. “Fortunately, that’s no longer the case.”

Although just 38, Mórocz has been making wine for 15 years. “I wanted to approach it differently,” he says. “In a way that was lighthearted, irreverent and down to earth.” One way he’s achieved this is through his labels, with each vintage given a different theme. The 2025 bottles show photos, taken from family albums, of his grandfather, who introduced him to wine. “He died in 2012, so he doesn’t know he’s famous,” says Mórocz, with a smile. Over charcuterie platters on the terrace, with rows of vines and the expanse of the lake as a backdrop, it feels less like a tasting, and more like we’re drinking and chatting with friends – and the wine is delicious.

We continue on, and some of the group jump off at another winery, Balogh, just down the hill from Mórocz. But Szabó has told me about the charismatic owner of Gazdag Pince, and I’m keen to meet him, so I remain on the bus for another 15 minutes as we pass neatly combed vineyards and pretty villages. “We only make wines that we want to drink,” says Gábor Gazdag, welcoming us to his winery. “I used to play badminton, but then I got too fat, and I started worrying about being bored in retirement. I wasn’t interested in hunting, fishing or collecting stamps – but I like wine, so I bought this land. It’s a hobby for me.”

For Gazdag, this may be a way to stave off lethargy in older age; for János Fogl, at next door’s Madaras Pince, “it’s my life”. Szabó tells me that Fogl – who has been making wine since 1994 – is a genius, cross-breeding grapes to create unique varieties that shouldn’t work in this region. Shaded under a vine-tangled trellis, we start with a cherry liqueur before moving on to a dizzying selection of wines. Each time I think we’re finished, Fogl shuffles off to his cellar and produces another bottle.

Music spills from the Borbusz speakers as we travel back, picking up passengers – couples and groups of friends – from other wineries along the way. Everyone is in an unmistakably ebullient mood; this will almost certainly turn to somnolence later.

This article provides a historical overview and cultural summary of Singapore’s National Day, which is observed annually on August 9th. The text explains the nation’s journey toward sovereignty, highlighting its 1963 separation from British rule and its subsequent departure from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965. Beyond historical facts, the source describes the extensive month-long festivities that include concerts, carnivals, and various community celebrations. A significant portion of the report focuses on the National Day Parade, a massive televised event featuring military displays, musical performances, and aerial shows. Ultimately, the source serves as a guide to the patriotic traditions and milestones that define this significant holiday … 

More than 3 million Brits travel there every year

UK travellers should be prepared for the risk of strike action over the next few weeks in a popular holiday hotspot. Millions of UK holidaymakers will be travelling abroad in the weeks ahead.

And France is one spot that will be popular with Brits. More than 17 million UK people travel there every year, according to the UK Foreign Office.

Now the new threat of industrial action has broken out – and it runs throughout the remainder of the summer holiday period. EasyJet cabin crew in France could walk out in strike action expected to run until September 2. Flight attendants there have complained about rota arrangements and working conditions.

French media report that three unions representing cabin crew at EasyJet France have issued strike notice covering the period from 7 August to 2 September. They have complained of a “continuing deterioration” in working conditions, according to a joint statement released this week.

What should you do if your flight is cancelled? For those planning to travel with the airline in the coming weeks, passengers whose flights are disrupted by cancellations or delays will be given 48 hours’ notice. Simply head to the ‘Booking’ tab in the EasyJet app to access the relevant information.

Should your flight be cancelled, you can request either a refund or a ticket change directly from the airline. If the replacement departure is scheduled for the following day, EasyJet may foot the bill for a hotel and a taxi to the airport.

The airports facing strike action include Lyon, Nice, Paris Orly, Bordeaux and Paris Charles de Gaulle. A spokesperson for ⁠easyJet said the company was disappointed and had made an offer of changes to tackle their concerns. ⁠They said: “Given we have planned negotiations in September, we call on the unions to call off this ⁠counterproductive action at this important time of the year for our customers”.

French news site RTL reports that workers are denouncing what they describe as “a vicious circle that has been going on for a year now”, with the SNPNC-FO, UNAC-CFE-CGC and UNPNC-CFDT trade unions condemning “the chronic instability of timetables, last-minute changes, imposed ‘trippings’ (a series of flights over several days, ed.), particularly gruelling rotas and a total lack of protective measures”.

“The notice period has been deliberately left open to cover the entire period,” the trade unions stress, adding that “key dates” for industrial action will be confirmed “48 hours in advance”.

The unions have accused management, whom they claim to have been warning “for nearly a year”, of failing to provide “concrete and binding” solutions to their concerns. Luckily for travellers, a previous strike call at EasyJet on Easter Monday in April had only a minimal impact on air traffic.

Local media say that as France’s second-largest airline by passenger numbers after Air France, British carrier EasyJet predominantly operates short- and medium-haul routes. The airline employs several thousand staff in France, a considerable proportion of whom work as cabin crew.

Gaël Leloup, a union representative for the Union of Civil Aviation Cabin Crew (UNAC), told RTL that “scheduling instability” has gradually become “the company’s normal way of operating”: “It’s normal to change people’s schedules once, twice, three or four times in the same day. And dozens of times a month, too. You might be moved from morning to evening shifts, or sent to another base in Europe for three or four days.”

The union representatives say they are fully aware of the disruption this strike action will cause to passengers’ travel plans, with another hectic weekend of holiday traffic on the horizon. “The sad thing is that it’s our passengers who will bear the brunt of it,” laments Gaël Leloup.

But with talks between staff and management having ground to a halt, workers feel they have been left with little choice: “After a year of discussions and still no solution, we have no option but to take major industrial action.”

For its part, EasyJet’s management said this week it is urging trade unions to withdraw the strike notice. The trade unions say they remain “open to negotiation” to call off the strike notice, provided that management “puts forward clear, concrete and binding solutions”.

THERE are a few villages in the UK that give an insight into old England, let alone destinations from across the pond.

There’s a city in North Carolina that has a hint of British about it as they speak “Elizabethan English”.

Ocracoke is a village on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s coastal Outer Banks region.

It’s a 16-mile long barrier island – which is a long long sand ridge parallel to the mainland coast, separated by a shallow body of water like a bay or lagoon.

The island, considered the ‘Pearl of the Outer Banks’ is home to around 800 people of whom who have their own unique way of speaking.

One visitor described the locals’ accent as being “Elizabethan English”.

ISLE GO

Why Maldives holidays are cheaper than EVER – with crazy bargains from £1,437pp

HOLS AT HOME

UK beaches we rate BETTER than abroad – with stays from £12pp a night

Brian Carlton told the BBC: “People here just have their own way of speaking: it’s like someone took Elizabethan English, sprinkled in some Irish tones and 1700s Scottish accents, then mixed it all up with pirate slang.”

He even made a remark about being called a “dingbatter”.

The dialect is called ‘Hoi Toider’, which is a rare mix of English, Irish, and Scottish accents mixed with early maritime slang.

It’s almost only spoken on the Outer Banks islands in North Carolina.

Residents all live in the central Ocracoke Village which is also where visitors will find shops, restaurants and bars – but none that you would have seen before.

It has strict regulations about preserving its small town charm, so only independent, regional brands are allowed.

Every shop, hotel, and restaurant on the island is locally owned and operated.

Standing high in the town is its 75ft tall lighthouse which is the oldest operating light station in North Carolina.

Being an island, there are lots of beaches along a 16-mile stretch – one called Ocracoke Village Beach is one is just beyond the main town.

On Tripadvisor, one visitor called it the “Best Beach on the Outer Banks”

Another said: “Beautiful beaches on Ocracoke and always special. When you look around you on the beaches, you see and feel peace.”

Along the shore, a second beach is South Point which is a popular fishing spot and where visitors are likely to find a a Scotch Bonnet which is the rare state shell of North Carolina.

The island has rich history too as it was once a popular hideout spot for notorious pirate, Blackbeard.

The shallow waters around the island provided ideal cover and Ocracoke Inlet allowed him to trap merchant ships.

Ocracoke Island was actually the site of Blackbeard’s final battle in the 1700s.

The best way to get to the island now is also by ship, but luckily, it’s much safer.

The most frequent is the Hatteras Ferry which takes around two hours and it’s completely free.

Others involve getting a ferry from Cedar Island of the Swan Quarter.

For those wanting to fly, the airport is so small there aren’t any commercial flights.

Instead travellers will have to charter a flight, or arrive in their own plane.

MANY children may be asking if they can take their squishy toys on flights this summer, however, there are some rules to be aware of.

The toys have become a viral sensation, but they may not be allowed through security gates at certain airports.

Children may not be able to bring their favourite squishy dumpling toys on flights as they may get flagged by security.

This is because the toys, available in a variety of colours, contain gel inside.

UK airports have restrictions on the quantity of liquid, gels, and pastes that can be checked in through hand luggage, often limited to a 100ml volume.

However, a number of airports have developed new CT scanners that allow liquids up to two litres to be accepted through security.

PACK IT IN

High street suitcases now on sale from Dunelm to Argos – from £12

TAKING OFF

Major budget airline reveals plans to launch more cheap flights to top US cities

These airports currently include Belfast International, Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Heathrow.

A host of major airports, such as Luton, Stansted and Manchester still require the removal of 100ml liquids, gels and pastes from bags, and therefore would be more reluctant with squishy toys.

To see whether these dumplings would be accepted, the Department for Transport told the BBC: “No matter how adorable your squishy dumpling is, airport security rules still apply.”

The department advised passengers to check the liquid allowance at the departure airport, noting that “the safest place is in your hold luggage,” for any squishy toys.

Manchester Airport, which only allows 100ml of liquid, told the BBC that “all but very small squishy toys should be placed in the hold baggage”, with only toys with under 100ml liquid accepted through security.

But larger toys may not have the exact measurement listed on the item, meaning it’s better to bring them in hand luggage so security can estimate the size.

Gatwick Airport, which allows up to two litres in hand luggage, said they normally accept squishy dumpling toys, but the toys will be required to go through security screening.

As with anything that goes through airport security, it is important to remember if the item fails checks, it will not be allowed on the plane.

HOT, but not too hot. Relaxing, but not boring

A pool with heating and steps — and not just any old steps, they must be Roman steps.

Local food, but also margherita pizzas on tap. Culture, but not challenging.

Not too far from the sea, airport or supermarket. Not too expensive. Not many stairs . . . 

Trying to plan a three-generation family trip, I realised I wasn’t looking for a holiday home, but a unicorn.

The hunt took our family of five — our sons are a “lively” 11, nine and three — my 70-something parents and my godmother to a villa outside Cavtat in Croatia, a 15-minute drive from Dubrovnik airport (tick).

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Cavtat (pronounced Savtat, I learned after a confusing conversation with a waitress) looked lovely, but could it possibly tick all our boxes?

There were blue skies, and our gorgeous white stone villa had a heated pool, those Roman steps and enough bedrooms for the boys not to kill each other.

Add in a higgledy-piggledy garden with wild flowers and a lemon tree at the bottom of our drive — perfect for the G&Ts — and we were good to go.

After a first day splashing in the pool, we managed a pootle down to Cavtat’s main village, a ten-minute drive away.

To the whole family’s delight, you could park cheaply right on the marina, one of many practicalities we came to appreciate during this trip.

The old town lies on a pretty horseshoe bay in the middle of two small pine- forested peninsulas.

With white stone Dalmatian buildings and narrow alleyways, it looks like a mini Dubrovnik but is thankfully smaller, cheaper and significantly less crowded.

This isn’t a coincidence. Cavtat is often called “Old Dubrovnik” as it was once a prosperous Greek and Roman port which was sacked in the 7th century, sending survivors legging it to what later became Dubrovnik.

Whatever its provenance, with a smooth promenade (tick), a cluster of great-value restaurants where you could get pizza and a beer for 8 euros (tick) and a picturesque 15th century church, it was the perfect place to potter around.

The church also houses masterpieces by one of Croatia’s most famous artists, Vlaho Bukovac, who was born in Cavtat.

Bukovac’s house is just off the marina, and one day we dragged the kids inside — admittedly, largely to escape the sun.

It was a blissfully shady change of pace and with just a few rooms didn’t prompt too much whining. Easy culture? Tick.

We quickly settled into a routine: Activities in the morning, followed by naps (for both toddlers and adults) and then lazy afternoons at the villa.

By day three, we girded our loins and got up early to visit Dubrovnik and take the two-kilometre walk around the legendary city walls.

On one side of the walls, which are six metres thick in places, is the vast azure sea, while on the other you peer down into a maze of terracotta roofs, with tennis courts and allotments nestling next to incredible 15th century architecture.

It’s fair to say my three-year-old was unimpressed (despite getting the best view of all of us, riding on my poor husband’s sunburnt shoulders) but he perked up when we dived inside some of the many cool “hole in the wall” bars for a cola. Be warned, they are pricey.

If you prefer to re-energise with ice cream, Dolce Vita serves the best scoops in town. Try the dark chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut “Domino”.

While Dubrovnik deserves its reputation as a must-see, we were all happy to get back to the chilled atmosphere of Cavtat.

Its only downside as a family holiday destination? The stony beaches. But that was nothing some 5-euro watershoes couldn’t fix. When the pebbles get too much, take a boat trip to Sunj bay, allegedly the best sandy beach in Croatia.

Buckets and spades in hand, we hopped on to a speedboat stocked with beers and cans of Fanta, zooming past Dubrovnik and the most expensive villa in town, which David Beckham and Beyonce have stayed in (not together, or this would be on the front page of the paper).

When we arrived at Sunj bay, we found boats can only stop just off the shore, so the boys jumped in and waded through chest-height sea to the beach.

My poor old dad was a bit less enthusiastic. After a brief stint on the sands, we headed to the Blue Cave on nearby Kolocep Island which, as you approach, looks less like a cave and more like a crack at the base of a jagged cliff face.

Pretending to be far braver than I felt, I jumped off the boat and swam towards a gap just a few feet high, shouting for the kids to follow.

Once inside, it was well worth the claustrophobic entrance. A massive chamber opens up with a high ceiling and striking bright blue water — because the cave is lit from underneath, it filters out the red light, leaving only the blue.

Towards the end of the week, we ditched the kids and escaped on our own — just the parents. That’s the best thing about a three-generation holiday: The built-in babysitters.

A white-tableclothed dinner on the waterfront, watching the sun set, was followed by a gorgeous run to sweat out our hangovers the next morning.

The Cavtat walking trail is excellent for those into fitness, wrapping around the peninsula and deliciously shaded by the Aleppo pines.

So, how did Cavtat stack up for a three-generation holiday? My son’s verdict: 9.5/10. Apparently it lost half a point for the bracing sea water.

To be fair, a warm sea wasn’t on my checklist. 

It’s almost time for Dodger baseball. I am standing outside a hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

I could walk six blocks to Union Station and ride the free Dodger Stadium Express. I could jump into an Uber and pay about $18 for the two-mile ride.

Instead, to make that short hop to the ballpark, I am about to board a very nice bus that costs $85.

Is it worth it?

First, some background: The Japanese travel agency JTB last year signed a sponsorship agreement that makes the company the “official Japanese tourism partner” of the Dodgers. JTB sells tour packages to Japanese fans eager to make the pilgrimage to see Shohei Ohtani play.

“Some people go to Disneyland and Universal Studios,” said Masakazu Nakafuji, general manager of JTB’s New York office. “Mainly, people want to see the Dodgers for three straight days at Dodger Stadium.”

The tour packages include game tickets, hotel rooms and transportation. However, not every fan from Japan buys the entire tour package, so the company launched a shuttle service: If you get tickets and hotels on your own, we’ll sell you a VIP ride, with a bilingual guide.

“So far, our shuttle customers are 90% Japanese,” Nakafuji said. “We are going to try to expand in the English-language market.”

On the shuttle bus I rode last week, I met Tsutomu and Sayuri Ichikawa, a couple from Tokyo wearing his and hers Roki Sasaki jerseys. The Ichikawas visited in May, on a JTB tour in which they saw three Dodgers games. The couple came back to see six more Dodgers games on their own, so the shuttle offered them a familiar way to get to Dodger Stadium.

Tsutomu, left, and Sayuri Ichikawa were among those on a JTB shuttle bus for a July 30 Dodgers game against the Seattle Mariners.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

I also met a woman named Colleen and her 8-year-old son, dressed in an Ohtani jersey. Colleen, who declined to give her last name, was visiting from Chicago. She said she had searched for shuttle buses online and considered them a better option than “having to take an Uber or take public transportation at night with a child” on a first visit to Dodger Stadium.

And I met Lina Endo of Seattle, here for three games against her beloved Mariners. She attended the first two games with friends and chose to take the shuttle for the third game, since she would be alone.

“I wanted to check out the early entry too, so it makes sense from a cost perspective,” Endo said.

Ah, yes, the cost. Is the $85 worth it?

As if the Dodgers do not already charge enough for tickets, the team offers an “early entry” add-on option for most games: For anywhere from $40 to $70, depending on the game, you can get in three hours before game time, an hour before most fans. That lets you watch the Dodgers take batting practice on the field, although Ohtani rarely does, and get to the head of the line for giveaway items, stadium attractions and team stores.

The JTB tours and shuttle buses include early entry. For one fan, $45 for Dodger Stadium parking plus $40 for early entry equals $85 for a JTB shuttle.

For a family of four, though, $45 for parking plus $160 for early entry is still less than $340 for four tickets for the shuttle bus. In fairness, JTB is not focusing its shuttle service on locals.

“They are driving, right?” Nakafuji said.

The shuttle bus driver points in the direction he’s trying to go in the Dodger Stadium parking lot before a game last month.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

They might be taking the Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station, or an Uber or Lyft. If there is a sales pitch to local fans, this is it: Just how long do you want to take getting out of Dodger Stadium? The wait for the Dodger Stadium Express or a rideshare pickup, and the slog out of the stadium and along Sunset Boulevard, can be excruciating.

“It’s a headache,” Nakafuji said.

The JTB shuttles leave exactly 30 minutes after the end of the ninth inning. If you want to stay for extra innings, a fireworks show, or a drone show, you risk finding your own way back.

Sounds harsh. But, on the night I rode the shuttle bus, it took just 15 minutes to escape the parking lot and return to the hotel. If time is money, maybe the $85 is worth it.

Of course, in 15 minutes, you can walk downhill from Dodger Stadium to the Metro Chinatown station, and another five minutes to Union Station.

Still, beyond the sales of takoyaki (octopus fritters) at a Dodger Stadium concession stand and Ohtani-endorsed skin serum in the team store, here’s another economic indicator in the Shohei Ohtani Economy: a two-mile bus ride for $85.

Flights were suspended after the recent incident

Families heading to Europe for their summer holidays soon may want to read up on some updated travel advice. The Foreign Office has updated its guidance for a popular EU destination. You may want to speak with your travel provider ahead of your trip.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has changed its guidance for people traveling to Italy. The update relates to ‘Mount Etna Eruption – Flight Disruption’ and was added on Friday, August 7. Visitors to the Mediterranean country are informed: “Flights are currently affected by an ash cloud from Mount Etna. Check with your travel provider or Catania Airport before travelling.” The active volcano Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily, and is about 40km north of Catania Airport.

Plumes of ash cloud recently filled the air in the local area after an eruption of the volcano. Previous guidance on the Catania Airport website said that flights into Catania were suspended on Saturday, August 8, until 12 noon local time. Departures continued to operate as usual.

Airport update

A later update on the airport website posted on Saturday, August 8, reads: “Following the downgrade of the volcanic activity alert level from RED to ORANGE, the resumption of flight operations has been authorised with immediate effect.

“Airspace sectors are therefore back in operation and flight landing services are being gradually restored.” But the guidance also encourages customers to keep an eye out for updates.

The airport said: “However, passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.” You can read the full Foreign Office guidance on the Government website.

You can also check for any fresh updates on the Catania Airport website. Travellers heading through Bristol Airport also recently faced disruption after flights were suspended owing to a fault with the runway.

Many flights were left grounded after the problem emerged late on Friday, August 7. Flights resumed at around 8am on Saturday, August 8, once the issue was fixed.

Operations were halted late on Friday, August 7, with the airport initially expecting flights to resume at 6am on Saturday. The runway eventually reopened at around 8am.

Your rights if your flight is delayed

If your flight is delayed for whatever reason, after a certain period your airline must provide certain things to take care of you.

These include:

• Food and drink
• Communication i.e. access to phone calls and emails
• Accommodation if you are delayed overnight – and journeys between the airport and the hotel.

The company must provide support if your flight is delayed by:

• At least two hours for flights under 1,500km (such as Glasgow to Amsterdam)
• At least three hours for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (such as East Midlands to Marrakesh)
• At least four hours for flights over 3,500km (such as London to New York).

CORNWALL will be one of the best places in mainland Britain to see the solar eclipse on Wednesday.

Ahead of the big day, my husband Paul, our daughter Lexi and I headed down in search of a quiet place to stay.

We found it half an hour along the coast at Silver Sands Holiday Park in Gwendreath — small, beautifully landscaped and far enough off the beaten track to ensure some much-needed peace.

After an easy check-in, we made our way around the park to our new Signature Cove Lodge.

It occupied a corner plot and had a large private garden, with enough room for a hot tub and hammock.

The two-bedroom lodges can comfortably accommodate a family of four.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

While the mezzanine room was pretty tight for our particularly tall 12-year-old, it would be ideal for smaller children.

The lodge was full of all the mod cons you’d hope for, including a fully equipped kitchen, TVs in the master bedroom and sitting room, and super-fast wifi.

There was also a wicker hamper with scones and jam on the kitchen counter, and robes and slippers in the bathroom.

As well as the lodges, you can book a static caravan and camp.

There is also a children’s play park that is suitable for under-14s, as well as another play area for younger kids, with outdoor kitchens and a large sandpit.

We spent many hours in our hot tub, where the only sounds were the birds and the occasional laugh from the children playing.

It’s the sort of spot where you could sit out on eclipse night with a drink and not have to share the view with anyone.

And while we could have stayed there all day, it was nice to get out and explore the area.

Kennack Sands is an easy ten-minute walk through woods from the site.

It’s a lovely beach for children as it’s sandy, nicely sheltered and there are endless rock pools to explore.

And you are in safe hands there, as RNLI lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to the end of September.

We had a lovely walk and sea dip and, as the water is so warm right now, it was like being in the Mediterranean.

There are also two cafes on the beach, in case you haven’t brought your own snacks and drinks.

A 20-minute drive took us to the Lizard Peninsula, Britain’s most southerly point.

Being this far south is exactly why the area will be so well placed for the eclipse. The further south-west you are, the more the sun will disappear behind the moon.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the many gift shops and taking in the views across the English Channel.

On the way back to Silver Sands, we stopped off at Cadgwith Cove — a traditional fishing village known for its thatched cottages and crabbing boats.

Paul was happy with a pint at the Cadgwith Cove Inn while Lexi and I explored the harbour.

And after a busy day taking in the sights, we were happy to return to our lodge and enjoy the sound of silence.

Before heading home, we drove into Falmouth, which is the place to be on Wednesday.

The Royal Navy Parachute Display Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers and the Flying Comrades will all take to the air above the bay from 6pm, just as the moon covers 95 per cent of the sun.

Visitors can enjoy it all from a choice of vantage points, including Pendennis Castle, Gyllyngvase Beach and the lawns of The Falmouth Hotel.
And best of all, this display event will be free.

It’s all part of Falmouth Week, the town’s ten-day sailing festival, which runs until next Sunday.

So head down to Silver Sands this week and get a beach holiday and a once-in-a-lifetime sky show for the price of one.

UK tourists have been told common errors can lead to boosting their phone bills when they’re abroad. To avoid the travel mishap, it’s wise to do a few things before you jet off

We all look forward to going on holiday but, as well as being enjoyable, it can be expensive, which is why it’s always handy to know how you can try and save on your phone bill. After all, most of us use our phones while we’re on holiday, but there are ways to ensure we don’t come home with growing bills.

Little you may know, there are some mistakes you likely make with your phone while travelling, but if you take action hefty bills can be avoided. Some travel tips have been shared to help people out, as nobody wants to come home to mounting bills to have to deal with after an already expensive trip.

With major networks having brought back EU roaming charges, and other travel destinations sitting outside standard roaming agreements, using your handset while overseas can prove seriously expensive. Fortunately some expert advice has been shared to help people out, as people often get stung by roaming charges abroad.

Take action before you leave

“Roaming policies vary,” explained Oleksii Pimenov, mobile data and SIM expert at global data eSIM provider SIMBUSTER. “The best way to protect yourself is to check what your plan actually includes before you travel. Don’t rely on the ‘new customer’ ads.”

Oleksii pointed out that some UK plans still include EU roaming, while others charge a daily fee of up to £2.50. Beyond Europe, that charge can climb to as much as £8 per day, which adds up rapidly.

Accidents happen

The most infuriating thing about daily roaming is that on most networks, an accidental search when the hotel’s Wi-Fi drops out can trigger a full day’s roaming fee. According to the expert, ten accidental days during a fortnight adds up to £25 squandered on absolutely nothing – or £80 if you happen to be in Egypt or anywhere else beyond the EU.

With EE, out-of-plan data abroad can set you back £13.90 per gigabyte, according to Oleksii, though the cost varies depending on where you are. For context, downloading a film can eat up 2GB and streaming a live football match would gobble up even more!

“If you’re not using a travel SIM, switch off data roaming and background app refresh until you actually need them,” advised Oleksii. “It can save you more than you think.”

eSIMS may help

If your phone supports eSIMs, it’s another smart way to slash costs. Rather than shelling out for an overpriced SIM at the airport, you can download and activate an eSIM before leaving home, giving you affordable data the instant you land.

“With an eSIM, you know exactly what you’re paying upfront, and you can have everything ready before you even board the plane,” explained Oleksii.

What’s more, if you’re visiting multiple countries, you can get an eSIM that covers a whole region – Europe, for instance – rather than a single country SIM.

Preparation is key

A bit of forward planning can also make a real difference in reducing expenses. Download everything you need – maps, children’s entertainment, music – before you leave.

Hotel Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable enough for hefty downloads and, if you’ve already got everything saved on your phone or tablet, you won’t need to worry about it.

Tips for cruise lovers

Cruise and ferry passengers also need to be vigilant. Maritime mobile networks operate separately from standard roaming, and the charges can be eye-watering.

“Unless you can use the ship’s Wi-Fi, I’d always recommend switching your phone to Airplane Mode while at sea,” added Oleksii.

Extra advice

If you do replace your UK SIM for travel purposes, you risk missing vital messages, including bank verification codes or unexpected calls. By keeping your UK SIM active alongside a data eSIM, you won’t miss anything important.

And, if you travel to a specific destination frequently, whether for work or pleasure, it’s often far more sensible to get a virtual local number.

A HISTORIC tram depot that is one of the last of its kind is set to be transformed into a major tourist attraction.

Dating back to 1870, Clapton Tram Depot in East London will undergo a huge glow-up with 34 independent businesses and boutiques including photographers and artists.

Outside the depot, there are then plans to create an open courtyard area, as well as a terrace.

There is already a gym open at the site as well as a cafe-deli.

The depot is one of the last surviving Victorian horse-drawn tram hubs in London and was used to transfer Londoners between Clapton and the Moorgate area.

At the depot itself, it was once home to 600 horses, with stables on the first floor and tram tracks as well as where the tram carriages were washed on the ground floor.

Read more on travel inspo

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

The depot stopped being used in 1907 and since has been used as a World War II aircraft parts factory and a bus station.

Since 2008, it has even faced demolition twice.

The latest transformation will see historic features kept such as the original shed structures as well as bring back the tram-track details.

Sim Batth, head of property for Gilini – the team behind the transformation – said: “When we acquired Clapton Tram Depot, we were acquiring something irreplaceable, a working creative ecosystem that has survived two decades of development pressure.

“Our commitment from the outset was that any scheme had to preserve what makes this place worth saving.”

The project is expected to take between a year-and-a-half and two years to complete.

WHEN booking a holiday there are three specific factors you must consider that can completely change the cost.

Get one of them wrong and you could pay hundreds more for an almost-identical week away… however if you get all three RIGHT you’ve found what I like to call the holiday “magic equation”.

The three key ‘ingredients’ to getting the best deal are where you go, when you fly and how long you stay.

I’ve been digging through thousands of On the Beach holidays to find the best-value combination of departure date, destination and duration for every remaining holiday window before November.

I didn’t just pick whichever holiday had the lowest price, though.

My analysis also compared each option against similar holidays, prices from last year, hotel ratings, customer reviews and the number of hotels still available – and what I’ve been left with is four very specific recommendations.

There’s one for families escaping before the end of the school holidays, two for couples and families with toddlers who can travel outside term time, and one for the October half-term scramble.

So here are the four magic holiday combinations I’ve uncovered – plus a deal you can book right now for each one.

Fly to Tunisia on… August 20

If you’re still hoping to get away with school-age children this summer, August 20 is the date I’d be circling, especially for trips to Tunisia.

The best-value August combination in our analysis was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mahdia, departing on August 20 and returning on August 27.

The average price was just £698 per person – 22.6% cheaper than similar holidays and 9.2% less than people paid last year.

That’s particularly impressive because it gets you back before the end of August too, so no breaking the school holiday rules.

Mahdia itself is a bit of an under-the-radar alternative to Tunisia’s better-known resorts.

It’s a historic coastal town with a beautiful old medina and long stretches of pale sandy beach.

The sea here is often wonderfully clear and shallow, while hotels tend to be large, all-inclusive and built around keeping children occupied.

In other words: much of what families book Turkey for, but frequently at a lower price.

I found a particularly good deal at the four-star Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park from £623pp (and it’s all-inclusive).

It’s a huge beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and children’s activities, as well as a high Tripadvisor score – more than 1,900 gave it 4.2 out of five.

Tunisia deal

Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park, Mahdia

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Liverpool flights

From £623pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Egypt on… September 23

September is where holiday prices start to calm down from the summer surge.

For couples and parents with children below school age, the best-value combination was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, departing on September 23.

The average holiday cost £709 per person, which was 12.3% below the price of a comparable break.

More importantly, it was a massive 22.2% cheaper than last year – the biggest year-on-year drop of any winning combination in the data.

Nabq Bay is one of my favourite recommendations for anybody wanting a proper fly-and-flop holiday in September.

Temperatures are normally still well above 30C, so the weather stays beautifully warm and the resort is full of enormous all-inclusive hotels with private beaches, waterparks and enough swimming pools to require a map.

And Nabq Bay is especially well suited to families with toddlers.

Most of the holiday happens inside the resort, so you’re not repeatedly folding a buggy into taxis or attempting a cultural walking tour at precisely the moment somebody decides they need a nap.

My deal is at the Parrotel Aqua Park Resort is all-inclusive for £450pp when flying on September 23.

As the name rather usefully suggests, the main attraction is its enormous waterpark, but there are also several pools, restaurants, children’s facilities and a private beach area.

Egypt deal

Parrotel Aqua Park Resort, Nabq Bay

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Stansted flights

From £450pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Turkey on… October 13

October delivered the strongest overall value score from all the data I sifted through, especially when flying to Turkey.

The winning combination, by far, was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris, flying on October 13 and returning on October 20.

This is just before the half term holidays so is suited for couples or families with little kids not yet in school.

The average price was just £537 per person – that’s 21.4% cheaper than similar holidays and 11.6% below last year’s price.

Marmaris works brilliantly in October because you get the best bits without quite so much of the summer chaos.

The resort wraps around a huge bay backed by pine-covered mountains, with a long waterfront, beaches, boat trips and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants.

Daytime temperatures are typically still warm enough for the pool and beach, although evenings are cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain than during summer.

It’s also a great month for exploring. You can walk the marina without melting, take a boat along the coast or visit Marmaris Old Town without needing to stop for emergency air conditioning every ten minutes.

The deal I found is at the three-star Supreme Hotel, a simple but well-reviewed base with a pool, restaurant and a useful location for reaching the centre of Marmaris.

The best deal I found was an all-inclusive week at the Supreme Hotel from £235pp when flying October 13. At £33.57 per person, per night  – including your flights, hotel, food and drinks – that’s my standout bargain of the lot.

Turkey deal

Supreme Hotel, Marmaris

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Gatwick flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Greece on… October 25

If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that October half-term is always difficult.

Once every family in Britain needs roughly the same handful of departure dates, the chances of finding a bargain tend to disappear faster than the good flight times.

But the data did uncover one combination that stood above the rest: seven nights all-inclusive in Kardamena, Kos, departing on October 25.

The average price for a deal here was £740 per person – 13.4% cheaper than comparable half-term holidays and 13.2% below last year.

Kardamena is one of the livelier resorts on the Greek island during summer, but by late October it becomes considerably calmer.

You still have its long beach, waterfront and marina, while Kos Airport is only around a 15-minute drive away.

That short transfer here is a serious half-term advantage too – nobody wants to follow a four-hour flight with a two-hour coach tour of every other family’s hotel.

The weather is the slight gamble, as late October brings warm sunny days, but you might see some businesses closing for the season.

So, this is one where I’d choose a hotel with plenty happening on site.

Lucky for you, the deal I found does exactly that, which is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Canvas by Mitsis Family Village, for £558pp when travelling on October 25.

It’s built on a hillside overlooking the coast, with pools, waterslides, family entertainment and access to a beach below, and it scores a very impressive 4.4 out of five from almost 2,500 Tripadvisor reviews.

That’s £181.60pp below the average price uncovered by the half-term analysis, and proof that the school-holiday premium can still be beaten if you get the date, duration and destination exactly right.

Greece deal

Canvas by Mitsis Family Villas, Kos

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Bristol flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Turbulence can be a scary thing, but this is what you need to know

A Jet2 pilot has shared what turbulence is really like – and what he wishes passengers understood about it.

Reassuring people that turbulence is “normal”, Josh urged people to stay calm, and it’s nothing to panic about – a key fact he wishes more people knew. He explained in the airline’s Ask a Pilot blog that there are “a few things that’ll really help” nervous flyers stay calm and enjoy their trip, whether they’re heading on a short-haul hop or a longer flight.

But first, what is turbulence? Experts at the Flight Radar 24 explains: “Turbulence is a common yet complex weather phenomenon that affects aviation.

“Broadly speaking, it refers to irregular air movements that cause erratic changes in the altitude and/or attitude of an aircraft. Let’s take a look at the various types of turbulence, their causes, and some notable incidents they have played a part in.”

I’m scared of flying, what can I do?

Answering the question: “I’m a nervous flyer! Can you give me some tips on how to relax and enjoy the flight?” Josh set out practical ways passengers can feel more in control and less anxious in the air.

Josh explained “understanding that turbulence is completely normal” is the first step in dealing with nerves. Planes are designed and rigorously tested to cope with conditions far more severe than anything you’re likely to encounter on a routine journey.

If you are worried, “let the crew know if you’re feeling nervous. The team at Jet2 are incredibly customer-focused, and if you mention it, they’ll do everything they can to reassure you and make the journey as comfortable as possible. This might even include a cockpit visit on the ground before departure, which can really help build confidence.”

The pilot also recommends keeping yourself occupied with distractions such as music, films, podcasts or a good book. This can really help take your mind off the flight and make the time go faster.

He stressed: “Remember, flying is one of the safest forms of transport, with multiple layers of training, technology and procedures all working together to keep you safe. If you have any questions while onboard, just ask a member of our friendly crew who will gladly help you.”

What are the types of turbulence?

Flight Radar explains the types of turbulence that can range from light to extreme. However, it stresses: “Whilst turbulence can feel unsettling, especially to nervous flyers, it is important to emphasise that severe turbulence events are generally quite rare. Pilots carry out an extensive weather brief before a flight which identifies areas of known turbulence en-route, which are avoided if possible.”

Light Turbulence

Light turbulence causes slight and erratic changes in altitude and attitude of the aircraft. Passengers may feel a light strain against their seat belts. There is little or no difficulty in walking for crew members, and unsecured objects may be slightly displaced.

Moderate Turbulence

Moderate turbulence results in changes in altitude and/or attitude that are more intense than light turbulence but the aircraft remains under control at all times. Passengers feel a more definite strain against their seat belts and unsecured objects are dislodged. Walking becomes difficult for crew members.

Severe Turbulence

Severe turbulence causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, with large variations in airspeed. The aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Passengers are forced violently against their seat belts, and unsecured objects can become airborne. Walking is impossible. Severe turbulence is generally quite rare.

Extreme Turbulence

Extreme turbulence results in the aircraft being tossed about violently, making it practically impossible to control. This category of turbulence may cause structural damage to the aircraft. Severe injuries to passengers and crew are possible if they are not securely fastened. Extreme turbulence is, as named, extremely rare.

Paddleboarding the Esk in North Yorkshire

It’s early afternoon on an unusually hot and sunny Yorkshire day. I’m standing on my paddleboard on the tidal section of the River Esk, near Whitby’s New Bridge, as cars stream across. The 28-mile-long Esk is special, as it is the only major river in Yorkshire that flows directly into the North Sea.

Ahead of me is a bustling marina, the famous abbey and the West and East piers. The town is full to the brim with visitors in search of the best fish and chips, amusement arcades and tales of Dracula and Captain Cook. Later, in the autumn, goths in their finery will parade the cobbled streets.

Here on the river, however, it is tranquil. A salmon leaps from the water to my right, bubbles rise from the seaweed beneath my board, and to my left, the riverbank absorbs abandoned boats into its grassy knolls. On an evening paddle, you might spot the crews from one of the town’s three main rowing clubs (Whitby Coastal, Friendship or Fisherlads).

You can launch from the slipway at the far end of the marina back car park near Coates Marine. Arriving by train or bus, it’s a few minutes’ walk from the station. Launch about one and a half hours before high tide and head right towards the New Bridge and Ruswarp. Be mindful, this section of the river is tidal and water levels do drop.

After taking in the magnificent view, I turn and paddle towards Ruswarp, a couple of miles inland, passing under the Larpool Viaduct, which carries the 22-mile Cinder Track. Branches of willow trees droop elegantly into the water offering welcome shade. Swans glide past and Highland cattle graze nonchalantly in the fields. A couple hike the path that runs alongside the river.

I first paddled on the Esk with my young sons in 2006. Twenty years later, it still remains a peaceful, hidden gem. We hired kayaks from Ruswarp Pleasure Boats (established 1874) just above the weir, which also rents rowing boats and now paddleboards. For a £5 fee, it offers a private jetty to launch your own craft, which is ideal as access to the river is very limited along this stretch. There is free parking on the roadside here, and with the number 95 bus stop (Arriva) nearby, public transport is an option. Paddle up to Perry’s Plants garden centre at Briggswath just before Sleights and then turn back.

You’ll pass the Waterside restaurant and Whitby Wellbeing’s wild sauna along the way, so family and friends can eat, sweat or dip while you float along, letting the river carry your worries away. Afterwards, nip to Botham’s in Sleights for some Resolution tea and lovely iced lemon buns. I promise, it’ll be a grand paddleboarding day out in Yorkshire.
Jo Moseley is the author of Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain

Wild camping on the Dart in Devon

On the uplands of Dartmoor, two tributaries – the East Dart and West Dart – join beneath ancient woodland at the well-named hamlet of Dartmeet. They entwine as the River Dart, which flows for 47 miles from open moor into steep wooded valleys and passes peat bogs and tors, oak forest, market towns and rolling pasture before it runs into the sheltered waters of the south Devon coast.

Its upper reaches retain a pristine wildness that feels increasingly rare in southern England. The Dartmoor national park is criss-crossed by some of the cleanest bodies of water in the country, home to salmon, sea trout and otters, while the wooded valleys below are rich remnants of ancient temperate rainforest.

The Dart’s name is thought to derive from an old Celtic word meaning “river where oak trees grow”, and the lower banks are indeed lined with native oak trees, thick with mosses and ferns. It may be one of Britain’s smaller protected landscapes, but Dartmoor feels remarkably untamed. You can cross it on foot in a few days, yet it’s surprisingly easy to lose yourself in the rolling mists, twisting woodlands and miles of open moorland of this ethereal landscape.

It’s that sense of freedom that keeps drawing me back. I love nothing more than stuffing a tent into my rucksack and heading out on foot for a riverside camp, following the Dart and its web of streams and creeks until I find a quiet bend or grassy bank for the night. I fall asleep to the steady rush and rumble of the water and wake up early for a swim in one of its deep, crystal-clear pools before packing up and walking on.

I can roam about like this because Dartmoor is the only place in England where wild camping is legally permitted. In the national park, “backpack”, or wild camping, is allowed for one or two nights in some areas, provided you stay away from roads and settlements and leave no trace of your visit.

Sometimes, I have company on the riverbanks. I’ve huddled in bivouac bags with friends and woken totally covered in sparkling droplets of dew. I’ve camped on the water’s edge and woken in the middle of the night to what sounded like an invading army around my tent. It turned out to be a troop of scouts, arriving spectacularly late at their campsite and gamely pitching flimsy-looking tents by the light of their headlamps. And once, at dusk, I think I glimpsed the sleek head of an otter slipping into the current. But more often than not, once evening falls and I sit by the door of my tent watching the water darken, I have the Dart all to myself.
Sian Lewis

Fishing on the Dove in the Peak District

There’s a trout rising upstream from where I am standing on the bank of the River Dove in Beresford Dale, on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. I mark the spot – just beyond that overhanging tree branch – and rue the fact that it will make casting a fly without getting snagged tricky. I need to get into the river and wade over to the other bank for a clear shot. But it’s a steep drop to the water and the pools look deep in this stretch; deep enough to go over my chest waders. I walk back downstream to a spot where I can safely enter the fast-flowing river, but realise it’s going to be a long wade upstream. Too long and splashy, which will disturb any fish and scatter them. So, I get out again and walk back to where I first spotted the feeding trout. I am caught in indecision, and repeat this pattern several times before giving up on this particular quarry.

The meander at this section of the river has formed a little peninsula, and standing in the middle of it is a fishing hut, where I go to drink a coffee and consider my tactics. This isn’t any old fishing hut, however. This one is a substantial structure, built from stone, with pillars framing the door and with an inscription in Latin, “Piscatoribus Sacrum” (Sacred to all Fishermen).

In the lintel stone is a cypher of intertwined letters: CC and IW, for Charles Cotton, the poet who built this “little fishing house” on his estate in 1674, and Izaak Walton, who wrote The Compleat Angler in 1653. Cotton added “Instructions how to angle for a trout or grayling in a clear stream” to accompany the fifth edition of Walton’s book, considered to be the first technical manual of fly-fishing and one of the most reprinted books in the English language.

The River Dove is the spiritual home of fly-fishing because of Walton and Cotton, and it still holds a mythical place in fishers’ minds. As someone who grew up on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, and fished the Dove where it joins the River Trent at Newton Solney in my youth, I was well aware of the river’s special status. But, at that age, I wasn’t about to give myself the extra homework of reading a 17th-century treatise on fishing and nature. Instead, an English teacher who fished furnished me with the only line I needed to know: “you will find it one of the purest crystalline streams you have seen.”

The stretch of the Dove I’m fishing – called the Temple beat after Cotton’s fishing house – races and tumbles through a narrow tree-lined dale hemmed in by limestone crags. Near the bridge above a section known as the Pike Pool, a family is splashing and paddling in the early summer sunshine. There’s a popular 4-mile loop that starts at Hartington village, and the path is too busy with walkers to fish, so I enter the river at the bridge and wade and fish “the vale it winds through like a snake” until I spot the rising trout and stop for my coffee break.

Later that day, I lose all sense of time in the hypnotic flow of catching and releasing a series of small wild brown trout. Just beyond the fishing house, someone has carved a large hole into the base of a dead oak tree, the perfect place to sit and watch dippers skit along the banks and damselflies dance upon the surface. A little further on, a large Hereford cow is drinking from the river, framed by overhanging trees and with a verdant conical hill in the background. The scene strikes me as being a pastoral masterpiece, much like The Compleat Angler.
Andy Pietrasik

A day ticket on the Temple beat can be booked through Fishing Breaks from £65

Sourcing the Severn and Wye in mid-Wales

It will prove to be the best of hikes, and in some ways the worst. I start out early from Eisteddfa Gurig on the A44, hoping to get going while the day is cool. My plan is to visit the sources of two of Britain’s greatest rivers – the Severn and the Wye which, by a fluke of geography, lie a couple of miles apart on a mountain ridge in mid-Wales.

The path leads me up Pumlumon Fawr, a 752-metre (2,467ft) massif with magnificent views to the Irish Sea. The day is scorching hot and the bald sheep-nipped hills look only an inch of topsoil away from becoming a desert. Of the two rivers, the Severn gets the finer start in life. There is a marker post next to a deep, dark pool of water that is being squeezed from the bog. In ancient times, humans worshipped springs, but there are no garlands here, only a few sea shells carried upstream by hikers from the Bristol Channel on the 224-mile (360km) Severn Way.

A short walk downstream brings me into a deep valley where the Severn, already gathering force, bounces through ferny glades. It feels as if someone is caring for this river, determined to give it a good start in life. There is a useful car park further down the valley, but I cut away through the forest to find the origin of its twin, the Wye.

I have hopes of a dip in a mountain pool, but there are misgivings. Arguably the loveliest river in Britain, the Wye has been hitting headlines for a severe decline in water quality. Dead salmon have been found, algal blooms reported. Campaigners, however, have scored a major victory in creating a charter of rights, including the right to flow and be free of pollution. Significant authorities, including Powys and Herefordshire, have adopted it. There is hope.

The first omen is the defunct Nant Iago lead mine, a reminder that human impact on the environment is nothing new. Government statistics show that about 900 miles (1,500km) of our rivers and estuaries are still contaminated by 19th-century mines. I skirt around the old workings and walk up the valley. In the wrinkles of this hillside, the Wye has a moorland birth, a harsh ordeal. No sooner has the clean, bright water started out than it’s being crapped in by sheep and messed about by humans. Any thought of a dip in a pool, or even a sip from the source, is brutally quashed.

The moorland/forested contrast with the Severn is not unplanned: scientists have been controlling and assessing these non-identical twins since a time when flood risks and algal blooms were not issues. Whatever their conclusions, however, our expectations of rivers remain pitifully low. In 17th-century Britain, by contrast, salmon were so plentifully available for people to fish for themselves that there was little market for them.

I carry on down the Wye Valley Walk, a 136-mile route whose leaping salmon logo is looking sadly inappropriate. After a few miles, I turn west up a side stream that has a toxic reddish tint. Only a Martian would take a dip. This has become a grim trudge, but finally, up a side valley, I stumble on deep pools alive with tiny frogs. Spruce and pine have been planted. There are orchids and bog asphodels. Then, a magnificent golden-ringed dragonfly settles next to me. My spirits are restored. Maybe the Wye can bounce back. I set off for nearby Llangurig where there’s a pub, the Bluebell Inn, and a tearoom.
Kevin Rushby

Canoeing the Tay in Perthshire

The Tay is Scotland’s longest river (117 miles) and Britain’s mightiest, discharging more water than the longer Thames and Severn combined. Rising on the slopes of Ben Lui in Argyll, gathering strength from Highland burns before widening through Perthshire and eventually reaching the North Sea at Dundee.

It’s the middle stretch, from Killin to Dunkeld through Highland Perthshire, that I love best. At Killin, we’ve happily lost whole afternoons to picking wild raspberries, skimming stones and climbing trees. My boys climbed their first Munro here, Ben Lawers, when their legs were much shorter. We should have had beautiful loch views from the top, but reached the summit in cloud instead. They loved it.

Further along the banks at Lawers and Kenmore is where my sisters and I head for restorative escapes: alternating freezing loch swims with a hot tub has become our preferred form of therapy.

I’ve often walked by the river, but was curious to see it from a different angle: by canoe. Aberfeldy is a two-hour drive north from Edinburgh, so it’s an early start for me and my son Louis, 15. We’re welcomed at Beyond Adventure with coffee and a briefing, then transferred upriver with two long orange canoes and our instructor, Kevin Meldrum.

Our route begins on the River Lyon just before its confluence with the Tay. In this calm eddy, we get a quick lesson in paddling and turning the boat. Louis is 6ft-plus and I am not, which seemed a recipe for paddling in circles. Kevin keeps us right, and Louis soon learns to calmly counteract any erratic paddling on my side. We meet the Tay over a gentle rapid and begin paddling downstream. We settle into the river’s rhythm, learning to read the current and steer around camouflaged anglers patiently waiting for salmon, and spotting herons standing guard in the shadows.

The banks of the Tay are changing, thanks to the returning beaver population. We don’t spot any (they emerge at dusk), but we do see evidence of stripped bark and felled trees by the river. Paddling into a tree-lined eddy, we admire a carefully constructed beaver lodge.

We pull the canoes ashore on a little island for a picnic lunch, and as we eat our sandwiches, there’s a flash of iridescent turquoise. My first ever sighting of a kingfisher.

It’s great to be on the water with a guide who knows the river so well. At each stretch of rapids, we’re set a route, and navigate each one facing downstream, still smiling. As we return to Aberfeldy, we paddle under General Wade’s Bridge, unchanged since it was built in 1733. We’ve been on the water for three hours, but it feels all too soon when we approach the Beyond Adventure base. Reluctant to leave, we find a deep, peaty pool for a swim.

Heading home, we stop for a pizza (a teenage second lunch) and cold drinks at The Taybank in Dunkeld. Watching the Tay flow past the beer garden, I realise the river looks different to me now. Once you’ve travelled with it, it’s hard not to wonder what’s waiting around the next bend.
Ailsa Sheldon
Beyond Adventure offers half-day discovery canoeing tours from £63 adults, £47.25 children, £199.50 for a family (two adults, two children)

The provided text originates from a digital news digest that commemorates National Redemption Day by recounting the volatile political history of Liberia. It explains how the nation, originally established for freed slaves from America, suffered from long-standing friction between indigenous populations and settler descendants. The narrative focuses on the transition from the stable presidency of William Tubman to the eventual downfall of William Tolbert, whose economic failures led to civil unrest. This historical overview culminates in the violent 1980 coup d’état led by Samuel Doe, which resulted in the assassination of the president and a radical shift in government. Addition …