Travel Desk

This article from Occasional Digest explores the historical significance of April 19th, a pivotal date marking the start of Venezuela’s journey toward sovereignty. The text details how the 1810 removal of Spanish leadership in Caracas established an autonomous local government following Napoleon’s invasion of Spain. While a formal Declaration of Independence was eventually signed in July 1811, this April holiday honors the initial revolutionary momentum that predated the final victory led by Simon Bolivar. By outlining the roles of key figures like Francisco de Miranda, the source illustrates why the nation effectively recognizes two distinct milestones in its liberation from European rule. Overa … 

FLOWER power is all around me as I roll on the ground in a huge tulip field while my friend snaps away for social media.

You could be forgiven for thinking that I’m on a getaway in Holland with this rainbow of colours.

But this glorious spot that’s pretty in pink, white, purple, yellow and red is actually in West Sussex.

We’re visiting Tulleys Tulip Fest, near Crawley, which features 1.5million-plus bulbs in an eye-popping display.

Families stroll through the tulips with toddlers and couples walk dogs, soaking up the spring sunshine and gorgeous gardens.

There are prop bikes to pose on and a Ferris wheel for a view of the blooms from 33 metres up.

SEA IT

UK seaside town undergoing a £40m revamp is home to the country’s best pier 

CROWN GLORY

Pretty English town once the ‘capital of Cornwall’ where you might spot royals

Visitors aren’t afraid to lark around as they snap photos of the blooms again and again and I did my best to capture all of the 130-plus varieties on show.

Luckily my friend has brought her dog Penny, so we have another ‘model’ willing to go barking mad for pet-al pictures.

It’s easily one of the most wholesome days out I’ve had all year.

One of the best things about the fest is that it’s a family business.

The Beares have shown their love of tulips for more than four generations.

It’s all part of Tulleys’ wider collection of UK festivals, which also includes events in Hertfordshire and Warwickshire, all at full bloom until May.

I enhanced my experience by staying in a nearby hotel the night before the visit.

The five-star Alexander House & Utopia Spa in Turners Hill oozed luxury with delicious food and a giant bath in my room (there are plenty of spa treatments if you have time).

If you don’t have a car, a shuttle bus will get you from the village centre to the blooms in five minutes.

It’s easy to spend a good few hours at the festival and you can fuel up at the numerous food stalls, including one with delicious Dutch pancakes.

And if you want to add some colour to your home, there’s a flower-themed gift shop where I bagged some bulbs for my planter boxes.

Even better, I can return later this year for more fun at Tulleys’ pumpkin festival in October.

As I dusted off soil from my jeans and got ready to leave the floral feast, I caught a glimpse of a newly arrived visitor hitting the deck, twisting their body into a bizarre human pretzel just to get that perfect low-angle shot of a single red bloom.

I couldn’t help but grin.

This trip has reminded me that sometimes the best way to enjoy yourself is to tiptoe through the tulips, then roll around the flowers looking like an utter idiot.

Much of the news dominating the local restaurant scene has focused on sadness.

Two Los Angeles icons, Cole’s French Dip and Echo Park’s Taix restaurant, closed after more than 215 combined years of service.

It’s easy to be down and not necessarily want to go out.

Fortunately, our Food team, led by senior editor Danielle Dorsey, has some amazing recommendations for new favorites and old haunts that will fill your stomach and lift your spirits.

This month’s highlighted selections include locales from Altadena and Echo Park to Malibu and Westwood that the team feels are all worth your time.

Let’s take a look at a few of their selections.

Duke’s (Malibu)

The iconic restaurant along PCH was on the heels of reopening after the Pacific Palisades fire last February when heavy rain caused mudslides that led to flooding and extensive damage.

Fourteen months later, Duke’s Malibu is open with significant renovations and limited lunch and dinner menus featuring Hawaiian-influenced seafood staples such as crispy coconut shrimp, Korean sticky ribs and hula pie.

As the restaurant celebrates 30 years in operation, plans are underway for an anniversary party this summer.

(Kayla Bartkowski/Los Angeles Times)

Golden Leaf Restaurant (San Gabriel)

A Taiwanese restaurant in San Gabriel was forced to remove stinky tofu, a popular, culturally significant dish, from its menu after repeated complaints from residential neighbors and fines from the city.

City officials have encouraged Golden Leaf restaurant to install an expensive filter to address the pungent smell, though owners insist that none of their immediate shopping center neighbors have complained about the odor.

Supporters launched a Change.org petition last summer backing the preparation of the dish.

(Bill Addison / Los Angeles Times )

Hoja Blanca (Palm Springs)

If you’re heading to Coachella today, it’s worth making a detour for this weekly pop-up at a sleek Palm Springs bar.

From married couple Omar Limon and Blanca Flores Torres, with help from Omar’s brother Arnold Limon, Hoja Blanca offers a playful take on modern Mexican food with dishes such as quesabirria tacos, esquites with cauliflower and a tetela topped with pork belly, all served alongside Bryan Jimenez’s classic cocktails.

(Stella Kalinina/For The Times)

Meymuni Cafe (Rancho Park)

As war unfolds in Iran and neighboring countries, L.A.’s Persian community has found comfort and support at restaurants such as Meymuni, a modern Persian cafe that offers free tea and cookies to diners, many of whom stop by after related protests at the nearby Federal Building.

The cafe opened in 2025 with barbari bread and lavash wrap sandwiches, tahini-date shakes and chai lattes, plus a full slate of events aimed at uplifting the local Persian community.

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

NADC Burger (Westwood)

The rapidly expanding smashburger chain from Pasta Bar and Sushi by Scratch Restaurants chef Phillip Frankland Lee has opened its first L.A. location in Westwood Village, with plans to open additional locations in the city.

The signature burger at NADC — an acronym for “not a damn chance” — features two Wagyu patties, American cheese, grilled onions, jalapeños, pickles and a house sauce, with beef tallow fries and brown butter chocolate chip cookies rounding out the short menu.

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Roshona Bilash (Larchmont)

After stepping away from the kitchen for decades, Abul Ibrahim has opened a quick-service restaurant in Melrose Hill that celebrates the Bangladeshi flavors he grew up with.

Roshona Bilash, which translates to “luxurious taste,” features Bengali classics such as bone marrow nihari, rice pilafs and meats and breads cooked in a clay oven, with plans to expand with regional specialties such as seafood dishes popular along the Bangladesh coast.

Check out the full list here.

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Have a great day, from the Essential California team

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THERE’S no need to give up on booking a summer getaway just yet.

If you’ve noticed holiday prices getting steeper, we’ve got some good news, as it turns out there are plenty of affordable holiday deals you can book for this summer.

Top UK travel companies have crunched the numbers to find the short-haul holiday spots ranking the cheapest for this summer.

From Travel Supermarket to TUI and Loveholidays, insiders have shared their tips on where to look for cheap breaks.

From white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, to volcanic black sand islands that offer a natural spa setup – here’s the cheapest places to holiday abroad this summer.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has been named the most affordable destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research by Loveholidays.

The travel company analysed data for package holidays departing between 1st June and 31st August 2026, with Agadir coming out on top.

Summer holidays in Agadir averaged at just £230pp for a week away – but we found deals even cheaper.

Sun-drenched Agadir offers a six-mile-long sweep of golden sand, attracting everyone from surfers to sun-worshippers.

Choose to spend your days soaking up the 30°C heat on a lounger, strolling along the palm-lined promenade, or sipping a chilled mint tea at the glitzy marina.

For those who want a break from the beach, the Souk El Had market offers a maze of stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to handmade jewellery.

Neapolitan Riviera, Italy

If you’ve had an escape to the scenic coast of Italy on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time to book.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays in the Neapolitan Riviera have seen the biggest price drop since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

Holidays in this region have seen an average price drop of a whopping £231.53, when compared to what travellers were paying for the same trips last summer.

The Neapolitan Riviera stretches along the sun-drenched coast of Campania in Italy, from foodie-heaven Naples to sunny Sorrento.

This shimmering stretch of coastline also includes some of the country’s trendiest resorts, such as the dramatic Amalfi Coast and the pretty town of Positano.

For an underrated coastal city break, take a trip to Naples, where you can sample world-class handmade pizza in the colourful Spanish Quarter.

Gran Canaria

Holidays to the Canary Islands are one of the most affordable options for a summer holiday abroad this year.

Holiday company TUI have revealed to The Sun that “Gran Canaria comes up trumps for families due to plenty of free kids’ places still available at family resorts” this year.

Gran Canaria is a total sun-soaked paradise, famous for its endless golden sands and sparkling Atlantic waters.

The star of the show is Maspalomas, where dramatic rolling dunes meet the sea, offering beach days with spectacular surroundings.

Along the coast in Meloneras, it’s all about shopping, dining and trendy beach clubs. As the sun sets, the beachfront boardwalks come alive with the buzz of outdoor bars.

The TUI BLUE Tres Vidas lines up family-sized apartments in a prime position for beach days on the sandy shores of Bahia Feliz.

Bodrum, Turkey

If you want to book a trip to the hotspot dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, now’s the time.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays to the stylish resort of Bodrum in Turkey are also much cheaper than usual, with average prices for a summer holiday dropping by £118.30 compared to the same period last year.

This upscale seaside spot balances ancient historical sites with plenty of glam beach clubs, fancy restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars.

Explore the glittering marina by strolling its palm-lined waterfront, dipping into a seafood restaurant for lunch or jetting out on a boat trip to a nearby bay.

Plus, history buffs will love a trip to the 15th-century Bodrum Castle perched upon a rocky peninsula, or the preserved Bodrum Amphitheatre that is free to explore.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a classic summer holiday favourite, but did you know that the island offers some of the cheapest trips for adults this summer?

Holiday company TUI told us that while “Great deals can be found across all of the islands…Tenerife comes out top for adults-only trips”.

When it comes to a classic fly and flop beach holiday, Tenerife is a top contender. The crescent of Playa de las Teresitas is straight out of a holiday magazine, with golden sands dotted with palm trees and calm, shallow waters.

Playa de la Arena, on the other hand, has a natural spa-like feel with mineral-rich, volcanic black sand.

And with the temperature hovering at 28°C in the summer months, this reliable and affordable hotspot continues to shine.

The adults-only TUI BLUE Los Gigantes sits at the ocean edge, so visitors get sea views from almost every vantage point. Glass-wrapped terraces give it a contemporary look, and with wine-tasting sessions, cocktail masterclasses and cooking courses all on offer.

Cape Verde 

For those craving a white-sand beach and turquoise waters without the long-haul flight or the Caribbean price tag, Cape Verde is your answer.

Holidays to this stunning archipelago have seen a significant price drop in price, with average costs falling by £98.82 compared to the same period last year, according to Travel Supermarket.

The country’s ten islands offer miles upon miles of pristine beaches and unspoilt volcanic landscapes.

On the popular island of Sal, you can laze on the golden sands of Santa Maria Beach, or explore the colourful town behind it, packed with lively surf bars and restaurants.

And with temperatures reaching 30°C in the summer months, it’s the perfect place to escape the unpredictable British weather and soak up some sun.

Costa Dorada, Spain

Spain‘s Costa Dorada ranks as the second cheapest place to book a summer holiday this year with Loveholidays.

The travel company’s research found that a seven-night summer break this year averaged just £381pp.

This Spanish resort is ideal for anyone who wants to mix lazy beach days with action-packed family adventure.

You can spend your morning conquering the world-class rollercoasters and waterslides at PortAventura World, before retreating to the palm-lined promenade of Salou for a chilled drink.

For a dose of history, the ancient city of Tarragona is right on your doorstep. Here you can wander through a Roman amphitheatre that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya remains an affordable spot on the Turkish Riviera, offering a high-end feel for a fraction of the usual cost this year.

Summer holidays in the region are now costing £90.29 less than they did before the Iran conflict, according to Travel Supermarket.

To the east, the soft sands of Lara Beach are lined with luxury resorts, while the pebbled shores of Konyaalti on the west have clear waters backed by the impressive Bey Mountains.

With summer temperatures regularly hitting 34C, it is a paradise for those who want to tan with a view and warm waters to dive into.

Make sure to tick off Kaleiçi, where you can wander past Ottoman-era architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that lead down to the Roman harbour.

Majorca, Spain

Majorca is a firm British holiday favourite, and this year the Balearic gem is more affordable than usual.

According to Travel Supermarket, average holiday prices for the island have taken a dip of £86.28 compared to the same period last year.

This sunny Spanish island is full of variety. Lose yourself in the winding, cobblestone streets of Palma’s Old Town, overlooked by its massive Gothic cathedral, or head north to Puerto Pollensa for a more relaxed pace along its pine-lined promenade.

For nature lovers, the Drach Caves offer an otherworldly underground experience, with one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.

Of course, the real draw is the sun-soaked coastline. With summer temperatures averaging a perfect 30C, the island’s Blue Flag beaches are calling this summer.

Es Trenc is a particularly beautiful beach, with shallow waters that are almost a luminous blue.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes continues to reign as one of TUI’s most affordable Greek destinations, and the holiday company have told us that there’s “an abundance of brilliant deals still to be found” there this summer.

The UNESO-listed medieval Old Town is home to historic sites and Gothic palaces, whilst the seaside tavernas that line the coast offer a scenic spot to enjoy a cold beer or a fresh Greek salad.

When it comes to beaches, Faliraki Beach boasts three miles of soft sands and shallow, bath-warm water that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.

The resort of Ixia offers a cooling breeze that makes the 30C summer heat all the more comfortable.

In Ixia, the Lito Hotel has outdoor pools facing scenic coastal views, all just a 5-minute drive from the main town centre.

A hiker has shared the location of “one of the best places to see bluebells in the UK”, stating that it’s so unknown, “you’d never find it unless you knew it was there”

For walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, a peaceful corner in the South West of England has been hailed as “one of the best places to see bluebells in the UK”. South Devon hiker, Elise Spicer, shared insider knowledge during a recent ramble in South Brent, highlighting a spectacular woodland area.

“Hardly anyone talks about it, but tucked away in South Brent, Lady’s Wood is one of those spots you’d never really find unless you knew it was there,” she explained in a video. Accompanied by her dog, Elise went on to describe how the walk becomes “absolutely beautiful” when the bluebells are in bloom, as they are now.

She continued: “It’s only about 1.5km circular and takes about 30 minutes – so it’s perfect if you just want something short and easy, plus it’s really great for kids.”

Elise captured more footage of her surroundings as she passed beneath a viaduct arch, drawing attention to the walk’s serene clear stream and wild garlic flourishing amongst the flowers.

“It’s such a peaceful feel all the way round and there’s a little river at the start. It’s actually part of a nature reserve too, so it’s really well looked after,” she added.

Elise also noted that there’s a footpath leading directly onto Dartmoor for those wanting to venture further into the National Park.

Devon Wildlife Trust describes the location: “This small reserve acts as a gateway to the wild landscape of Dartmoor. Bluebells and dormice are the stars of our oldest nature reserve.

“A wonderful woodland lying on a gentle north facing slope above the Glaze Brook. The nature reserve holds a wonderful bluebell display each spring and is a stronghold for the hazel dormouse. This was Devon Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve and remains one of its loveliest.”

To reach it, take a minor road from South Brent towards Cheston/Wrangaton. A track leading to the reserve can be found on the right-hand side of this road, just past Glazebrook Court.

Responding to Elise on TikTok, one user enthused: “It’s beautiful, my partner used to live there, done that walk many a time.”

Another person chimed in: “Ooh gonna check this out.”

On the subject of bluebells, the RHS notes: “Woodland floors carpeted with bluebells are appreciated for their natural beauty, with many people visiting bluebell woods in mid- to late-spring.

“The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, including the brimstone, orange-tip and pearl-border fritillary. As a source of nectar in spring, bluebells are a useful addition to wildlife gardens. They can also provide good ground cover in spring and summer, particularly under deciduous trees and shrubs.”

SWEET stations in the lobby, statues of famous cartoon characters and a rip-roaring theme park right outside your bedroom window.  

This might just be the best family resort out there. 

The new Nickelodeon Hotel, which opened last year at the Land of Legends complex in Antalya, is bursting with fun. 

On top of character meet-and-greets at all times of day, there’s free gaming stations and an energetic kids’ club.  

And that’s before you even get to the splash park and heated pool, available for hotel guests only. 

My kids had watched Land of Legends being built on other family trips to Antalya over the years, and the excitement had grown on each visit. 

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PLAY TIME

I took my kids to the huge slime ‘playground’ at UK’s most famous toy store

But with Joshua and Jessica now 12 and nine, my partner Jo and I wondered if we’d missed the boat, or rollercoaster. 

We needn’t have worried, though.  

Land of Legends, which turns ten this summer, caters for all ages, tastes and daredevil levels. Designed to be a giant entertainment resort, visitors have access to hotels, shopping avenue, waterparks and, of course, a theme park in one place. 

Best of all, anyone staying in the onsite Nickelodeon Hotel can use a private entrance to access the theme park — meaning they can ride when they want, pop back for meals and drinks and then go again.  

Spongebob’s Bikini Bottom became a solid family favourite. The new indoor addition to the park features rides for all ages, including an interactive coaster where you shoot targets as you go. 

Young kids will also love the Star Trek simulator, Family Coaster and the crazy Typhoon Coaster where you go up in a lift before splashing down log flume-style. 

And once me and Josh got our big-boy pants on, we were ready for Hyper Coaster — a ride that rollercoaster enthusiasts travel across Europe to try. 

Trust me, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but I had to at least pretend I was being brave by laughing when Josh was next to me on the ascent, saying: “Dad, I think I’m going to pass out.” 

I couldn’t really hear him over my screams after that, as we plummeted, looped, corkscrewed and flew our way across the park. 

I’m not ashamed to say it took me a good 15 to 20 minutes to be able to feel my knees again. 

For a little less speed, there’s a neat Paw Patrol section of the park and Masha and the Bear area — a favourite of our children when they were toddlers so the boat ride was a lovely trip down memory lane for us all. 

On days when the Turkish heat gets too much, holidaymakers can get more thrills at the waterpark (open April to October). 

Dozens of flumes and the quite incredible Turtle Coaster, where you are propelled uphill in a boat by water jets at amazing speeds, were big hits. Although the group favourite was a rubber-ring ride — especially for Jess, as she found it hilarious that I seemed to go backwards the entire way down the steep slopes. 

As we went early in the season, it didn’t really matter what water attraction we went for first as there were no queues. 

You won’t need to splash out on food at the parks when you stay onsite, either. 

The Nickelodeon Hotel operates a “Full-Board+” concept, which means breakfast, lunch and dinner in La Spatula restaurant and all soft drinks are included.  

Alcohol is served at lunch and dinner times with meals, too. 

The food was tasty, fresh and plentiful — from the omelette station at breakfast to the grilled lamb kebabs in the evenings. 

Magic shows performed over breakfast added another element of fun and Jess was still trying to figure out just how the magician had done it by lunch. 

Most evenings, we were so tired that not even the multi-coloured, themed character rooms could have kept us awake.  

Rooms are spacious and our Dora the Explorer suite had a balcony overlooking the park, meaning the kids went to sleep dreaming of the next ride. You can request room types on different floors subject to availability, themed around Spongebob, Star Trek and Turtles. 

In-room fridges filled with glass bottles of pop, plus a pod-coffee machine and snacks in the drawer were a real bonus for the post-park chill before dinner. 

The “Club Nick” kids’ club was excellent, too, with art classes (we painted SpongeBob, obviously) and nightly dance and character shows. 

Included in longer stays is an afternoon trip to sister hotel Rixos Premium Belek, with a minibus laid on. 

Lunch out was good and it meant we could get a drink by the sea.  

This was our fifth visit to Turkey in three years and the destination never fails to impress. The locals delight at welcoming tourists and showing off their country. 

Not everything is still “cheap” here, but this part of the world definitely knows how to do value for money. 

And if you did want to spend a few more lira, the front of the hotel opens out on to the Land of Legends shopping avenue — a Las Vegas-style strip with a canal, high-end stores and evening shows all centred around a Disney-like castle. 

For a slightly more chilled vibe, there are dancing fountains scattered around the shopping district, which Jo and I enjoyed while Josh and Jess played on the PS5s and arcade games. 

I tended to avoid those because, you know, it’s hard to keep letting them win every game . . .  

Fowey, Cornwall

“Fowey is frequently overlooked for the busier and more famous Padstow, but therein lies its charm.

“Crowd free, but with all the magic of a sleepy, typically Cornish town, – great cafes whipping up homebaked treats, locals sharing weekend gossip in the quirky bookstore and, most importantly, those glorious harbour views.

“Pick up a coffee and freshly prepped sarnie from Olive Branch Cafe – the oozing eggo mayo and crispy onion one is a crowd pleaser – then wander to Fowey Old Grammar School Garden for a picnic-style lunch among the flowers and overlooking the bobbing sailboats.

“For a sitdown meal that you’ll be dreaming of for years to come, North Street Kitchen at the opposite end of the town is where to head.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Witney, Cotswolds

“The Cotswolds is always a busy place during bank holidays, but my hometown of Witney is one where you can avoid the crowds but enjoy the beautiful buildings its known for.

“There is the amazing Huffkins and Hunters Cake Company for a cuppa and a slice of cake, or hop in the queue at Sandwich de Witney for hugely overfilled baguettes.

“Kids will love Cogges Manor Farm where they can feed some of the animals, or you can practise your mug painting at The Pottery Place in town.

“Want to stay longer? I recommend the Blue Boar Inn as a cosy place to stay, or splash out on Estelle Manor just out of town – named one of the best hotels in the world.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Chester, Cheshire

“This historic Cheshire town is perfect for a Bank Holiday trip – with an intoxicating mix of beautiful architecture, history and great food and drink.

“Head to The Rows for shopping that dates back 700 years with the medieval timbered, double level shopping galleries hosting a range of brands.

“Shopaholics can get their beauty fixes at the new Harrods H beauty hall that opened in the town last month – the first outpost of the posh brand outside of London.

“Or stroll along the two miles of city walls, the most complete Roman and medieval walls in Britain that offer a unique perspective of the town.

“A new Ivy Brasserie opens its doors this April and for street food from around the globe, head to the New Chester Market.” – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset

“When you think of Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset you probably picture the Grand Pier, and that’s with good reason.

“The famous attraction is a great day out and doesn’t have to cost much either. You can swap a couple of quid for pennies and get competitive with your family on the slot machines.

“If you do want a bit more of an adrenaline rush though, the pier does have other attractions including a 300-metre indoor Glo Kart track, House of Horross and a freefall ride.

“After a fun day on the pier, make sure to walk along the two-mile beach and grab an ice cream.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

“Sometimes I like a lazy day in my homecounty over a Bank Holiday weekend, and being in Hertfordshire, Welwyn Garden City is a lovely spot for a daytrip.

“While it might be lacking in the shop department, apart from its fab John Lewis store, it certainly is thriving when it comes to cafes and restaurants along Howardsgate like Megan’s to Welwyn Coffee Lab, Postino Lounge and the Two Willows.

“One of my favourite spots is slightly out of the town. Called Tewingbury Farm, it’s primarily a hotel and wedding venue, but visitors are welcome to pop in anytime.

“I particularly rate the oven-fired pizzas which you can tuck into at the Courtyard which has outdoor fires, and games like pool and table tennis.

“In classic Easter fashion, it’s lovely to then take a stroll around the ground and farm where you’ll spot plenty of cows and pigs.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Sheringham, Norfolk

“This sprawling Victorian seaside town is a hit with families visiting the North Norfolk coast, and it’s clear to see why.

“Entire days can easily be spent on golden stretches of sand backed by beach huts, with bucket and spade in hand.

“But it’s worth pulling yourself away from the shores for a ride on the heritage steam railway, where the pretty Poppy Line runs from Sheringham to Holt.

“There’s even an Easter Eggspress egg hunt taking place onboard, costing £26 per adult and £18.20 per child with unlimited rides all day.

“Plus theatre fans will love a visit to Sheringham Little Theatre, where family-friendly productions, quiz and bingo nights fill the historic theatre with a lively buzz.

“Stroll along to Stevenson’s Fish and Chips to grab a takeaway tea and catch the sunset, and you’ve done a visit to this seaside town right.” – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

An air passenger found a handwritten note in the pocket of her seat and shared it on social media, as she admitted she “couldn’t stop smiling” after spotting it

A traveller who found an adorable note in the pocket of the seat on their flight admitted she “can’t stop smiling” after posting it online. Taking to Reddit, she shared a snap of the sweet handwritten letter from a “kid who wants to make the world a nicer place”.

“Hello, I don’t know who you are but I sat in this seat before you,” the note began. “I hope you have a good day and a good flight. However, if you are vomiting in this bag I feel for bad for you. I’m writing this message because I am a kid with a goal to make the world a nicer place”.

The child’s note proceeded to request that the “act of kindness” be passed on to create a “chain” of goodwill, meanwhile.

“So please, do an act of kindness today out of the good of your heart and tell the person to pay it forward,” it continued. “This way we can start a chain of good in this world. Have a good day.”

The note clearly struck a chord with numerous other Reddit users.

“This is absolutely adorable, that kid has an amazing goal!” one person declared. “It’s one of my goals too.”

A second exclaimed: “What a great kid! That is the most wholesome note. Hats off to the parents. The world needs more of this.”

A third individual agreed: “Very sweet. Even the kids feel that the world is rotten. Let’s all regardless of our origin heal the world. Let’s all be nice and kind, and it won’t hurt or take anything away from any of us.”

Whilst a fourth gushed: “That’s lovely and also good to see when we live in a world where there is so much selfishness and evil.”

Indeed, the note inspired others to do the same including on Reddit who shared snaps of their own similar gesture.

“Hopefully this helps someone in a bad spot at 30K feet,” they penned. “I was inspired by the internet (thanks Reddit) and wrote a letter on a Barf Bag. Hopefully someone eventually sees this and it makes someone’s day.”

They later added: “It felt really good to put positive vibes out there. Hopefully someone sees it and it brightens whatever mood they are in.”

The note comprised words of wisdom for those suffering difficult times, encouraging any readers to “hang in there”. It continued: “This sucks but will be over soon. Everyone will be able to relate to the misery you are going through. You can do it.”

WHEN Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp on the Lincolnshire coast in 1936, he wanted to provide fun and affordable breaks for the working class. 

Nearly a century on, that aim has not changed — although the park itself certainly has. 

I wonder what Billy would think if he visited the “Skeggy” branch now, with its West End-calibre shows, huge indoor waterpark and £2.5million outdoor playpark. 

During the Easter holidays, a school mum friend and I took our three kids for a three-night break at Butlin’s Skegness. 

With the resort celebrating its 90th birthday this month, I drew up an hour-by-hour spreadsheet to make sure we made the most of every opportunity. 

In just three days, we saw six shows, swam in the pool, played mini golf and laser quest, explored the soft play, spent far too many pound coins in the arcade, enjoyed arts and crafts and went to the fun fair.

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We didn’t have time for the bowling, go-karting, pottery, climbing and aerial adventure courses.  

What’s particularly incredible is that so many of these activities are included in the price of your stay. 

On our long weekend, self-catering “comfort apartments” were available from £387 for a family of four, working out at £32pp a night. 

For a decent seat at a West End production of a similar standard to the Butlin’s Masked Singer Live show, you’d already have blown the entire budget for the whole weekend break. The performances are top quality, too. 

The year-round pantomime is so hilarious it had me slapping my thigh, and the Animals and Mythical Beasts production brought tears to my son’s eyes. 

The star of the shows for us, however, was the Maximum Pro Wrestling, which included a star turn from one of the celebrity hosts, Jeff Brazier. 

Butlin’s has been investing heavily in its accommodation at Skegness. 

We stayed at one of the Maple Walk lodges that first opened in 2024. The high-end, three-bedroom properties feature sleek kitchens, outdoor decking and a wood- panelled master bedroom. 

Maple Walk has its own entrance and even housekeeping, signalling a big departure from Butlin’s main, affordable offering.

One guest even drove past me in a Porsche! 

But there are still options for everyone.

When it came to food and drink, we opted for the all-inclusive dining and drinks packages. 

The Premium Dining package costs £33.95 an adult and £19.50 a child (six to 14) per day and covers a buffet breakfast and a buffet dinner. 

The drinks package starts from an extra £25.95 an adult per day and £10.50 a child, which includes unlimited booze, soft drinks and Costa coffee.

If you think you’ll get through more than four pints of Madri beer at £6.10 each, or five glasses of house wine at £5.60 each, over the course of the afternoon and evening then it’s well worth shelling out for.  

If you don’t want to gorge at the buffet like we did every night, the DineAround package includes a buffet breakfast and then you can pick from the other on-site dining options for a two-course lunch or dinner. 

This could be pub grub at The Beachcomber Inn or classic American diner-style food. Or you can simply pay as you go. 

These days, Butlin’s really does offer something for everyone.  

BRITS love an all-inclusive from the packed buffets to drinks offerings and having everything at your fingertips.

The tough part is actually exactly which all-inclusive you want to try and if it’s worth the money, well if that’s what you’re after, then this one on the Costa del Sol is top notch.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Called Ikos Andalusia, the hotel has claimed number one spot on Time Out’s 2026 list of Europe’s top all-inclusive stays.

The resort has a whopping 451 rooms with nine swimming pools.

Expect great grub at the hotel’s nine restaurants, some of which even have Michelin-starred menus.

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Each serves up dishes from around the world, like traditional Spanish to Greek, French, Italian and Japanese food.

There’s also a classic all-inclusive buffet style restaurant, so you can’t go wrong.

They’re beautifully decorated too. Ouzo, which is its Greek restaurant, has little white pots on the ceiling and prints on the walls with views across the pool to the sea.

Chiringuito is another restaurant right on the beach and serves up traditional tapas and lots of seafood.

As for bars, there are eight including a cocktail bar and one at the side of the pool – it has an extensive wine list with over 100 local labels.

The hotel is even sat on a 420-metre beach with an adults-only section.

Other facilities include a splash pad area for younger children, football, basketball, volleyball, cycling, tennis courts and watersports.

There’s plenty for children to do at the kids’ club which is catered for children between 4-17.

The complimentary Heroes Crèche for children 6 months to three years old holds activities like games, face painting, art and dance.

There’s also Heroes Kids Club (4-11 years) and Just4Teens (12-17 years) which has lots of activities on offer from arts and crafts to sports.

There’s even a complimentary 30-minute beach childcare service for kids from four years old.

Activities for adults include wellness sessions and various fitness activities from yoga to Pilates and Zumba.

And access to watersports like canoeing, pedalos, and paddleboarding are included.

For more holidays, here are some of our favourites in Spain…

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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou

The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.

BOOK HERE

Sun Club El Dorado, Majorca

With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.

BOOK HERE

Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Benidorm

The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.

BOOK HERE

Globales Montemar, Ibiza

For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.

BOOK HERE

One rare all-inclusive perk is that all guests get a complimentary Mini Countryman to use for one day to drive out and explore the area.

When you’re out and about, make sure to use the Culture Pass provided by the hotel that gives complimentary tickets to the best local museums.

When it comes to the rooms, there is everything from garden, pool and sea views.

Or splash out on the resort’s biggest deluxe four bedroom villa, which has its own private swimming pool, garden and gym.

Guests who stay here even get a complimentary barbecue experience with a private chef.

From the hotel, guests can easily explore the bright lights of Marbella with its vibrant Puerto Banus marina, and the calmer town of Estepona.

You can book Ikos Andalusia with Jet2 Holidays as one of their ‘indulgent escapes’ – but being so indulgent, you might want to start saving now.

Its cheapest date is November 1, 2026, priced at £1,991pp for a seven-night stay – or £284.43pppn.

The hotel has top reviews though. One visitor wrote: “There is so much choice that you could visit a different pool each day if you really wanted to!”

Another said: “The meals were all incredible, as were the drinks. It truly is a magical place.”

For more on Spain, here is where you’ll find Costa del Sol’s biggest waterpark hotel with eight swimming pools.

And find out more about Estepona from A Place in the Sun’s Jasmine Harman who moved there with her family and spends evenings on the beach.

Holiday companies have predicted a surge in bookings for UK summer breaks after a jump in interest from Britons fearful of flight cancellations linked to the Iran war.

Summer bookings are expected to rise in the coming weeks amid warnings of possible jet fuel shortages and resulting cancellations by airlines across Europe.

Raoul Fraser, the chief executive of Lovat, a holiday park operator with sites across south-west England, said traffic to its website had increased after reports of jet fuel warnings last week. “It is definitely having a positive impact for us,” he said.

“Our holidays bookings are up over 30% this year. It is a little bit like Covid, when people couldn’t get away and now they just want the certainty of a nice holiday in the UK.”

The holiday resort company Butlin’s, which has sites at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, said it was seeing “strong growth for the summer school holidays”.

However, its chief executive, Jon Hendry Pickup, said many families were still booking their holidays closer to the time, due to travel uncertainty and cost pressures.

“Normally we get somewhere in the region of 15% to 20% of people booking a holiday in the last four weeks before they come. Now it is roughly double that,” he said.

Jeremy Hipkiss, the managing director of the holiday parks company Landal UK, said: “Increasingly guests are choosing destinations closer to home that are easy to reach by car or public transport, giving them greater control over their plans.”

Hipkiss said that Landal’s parks in Cornwall, Scotland and Lincolnshire were “particularly popular”.

Peter Munk, the chief executive of Willerby, a specialist caravan manufacturer based in Hull, added that the cost of living pressure was also putting people off overseas travel. Inflation, which was steady at 3% in February, is expected to increase after the Iran war drove up global energy costs.

“It’s about the reality of inflation kicking off again,” he said. “Most people still want a holiday, so it might be that they have fewer days or move closer to home and not have that dream holiday.”

Travel spending fell in March for the first time since the pandemic travel restrictions lifted in 2021, dropping by 3.3%, according to data from Barclays. Spending on travel agents fell by 4.6%, airlines by 4.1%, and public transport by 2.9%.

However, Sinead O’Connor, a travel analyst at the research company Mintel, said even with the cost of living pressures, appetite for holidays remained strong.

She said its research showed 52% of Britons surveyed planned to holiday in the UK, with 49% heading overseas.

“We expect the value of the domestic holiday market to grow by about 7% this year, reaching close to £14bn and to outpace growth in overseas travel,” she said.

The overseas travel market is forecast to grow by 4.8% this year to £64.3bn, Mintel said.

Fears are rising that the oil crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East could lead to fuel shortages in Europe this summer.

This week, the head of the global energy body warned that Europe only has six weeks’ worth of jet fuel supplies before shortages will hit.

Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency, said there would be flight cancellations if oil supplies were not restored within the coming weeks.

On Friday, the International Air Transport Association’s director general, Willie Walsh, said flights in Europe could be cancelled because of a lack of jet fuel starting from the end of May.

“Along with doing everything possible to secure alternative supply lines, it’s important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary, including for slot relief,” he added.

This month, Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, warned that Britain would be the most exposed to jet fuel shortages because it relies on Kuwait for about 25% of its supply.

Airlines around the world have already been forced to cancel some flights.

Last week, jet fuel averaged at $197.83 a barrel, according to the International Airport Transport Association, more than double the average last year.

Munk added that reports of delays at European border crossings, triggered by the EU’s new entry-exit system (EES), was also putting people off from booking overseas holidays this summer.

The airport industry has told the European Commission that the system, which requires people from the UK and other non-EU countries to submit biometric data before entering the bloc, was causing delays of up to three hours for passengers.

Last week, more than 100 passengers missed an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester because of delays triggered by EES checks.

A content creator known as Just Deano arrived to Tenerife after his EasyJet flight from Manchester Airport but said passengers caused chaos over disruption fears

A content creator said “panicked” passengers started to shove each other over fears that new travel rules would leave them queuing up for hours.

The new Entry/Exit System (TTS) travel requirement has caused chaos across several European airports — and some Brits have even missed flights because of long waiting times in countries like Spain, Portugal and Poland.

These rules require non-EU nationals, including Brits, to register their biometrics, as opposed to having their passports stamped at border control, but it has led to major disruption.

However, Just Deano, who touched down in Tenerife this week, said there was a lot of carnage from flustered travellers, despite him getting through immigration within minutes.

The Yorkshireman, who hails from Huddersfield, travelled to the popular Spanish Island from Manchester Airport via EasyJet.

And before touching down, he told his subscribers: “What you’re really interested in is probably how long it’s going to take me to get through to immigration because I’ve seen reals and posts and videos about this — and apparently it is a nightmare.

“So, this is the best flight ever video, but hopefully it don’t go wrong at the immigration.”

However, after landing, it wasn’t the queues that caused trouble, it was the passengers themselves, according to Deano.

He said: “Ok, so it’s quarter to nine now, let’s see how long it takes. Everyone is panicking over this issue. So everyone is pushing and shoving past each other. It’s chaos. Absolute chaos. But we will see how long it takes.”

The camera then cut to the next scene where Deano said: “All that fuss for nothing! It’s 20.52. That took me seven minutes from getting off the bus from the plane to getting through.

“I didn’t have to fingerprint. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve done it before. I’m not really sure but all that fuss for nothing. Seven minutes, that’s all it took. People panicking, pushing and shoving. Crazy. Absolutely crazy. We’re out and we’re good to go.

“We went to the e-gate machine. It didn’t ask for my fingerprints, probably because I have already done that in different countries. And then you went past and did the whole look at the photo, another automatic e-gate.”

EES was introduced to replace the passport stamp and it automatically checks when a person enters and exits a country in the EU.

This means Brits need to register details including fingerprints, facial images and to scan their passports on their first visit in the Schengen area.

However, after it was recently rolled out, many passengers at Tenerife South Airport claimed some of the machines failed to work with fingerprints being rejected. Others said they missed their flights because of the delays.

One disgruntled Brit wrote: “The key is to arrive three hours early so at least you are in the front of the queue when problems start.”

Another said: “Love Tenerife but HATE the airport.”

Police have even had to come in to control the chaos but Deano said he encountered no such problems during his trip to Tenerife where he is staying for one week.

After posting his video, which you can watch in full here, one person replied: “I would hate to be a Brit traveller now.”

Another said: “You did well getting through new border gates. Took me 4 hours last week getting through Barcelona. 3 non EU planes landed at similar times so had 500 people getting angry and impatient to get through.”

A third said: “You were extremely lucky to get through so quickly probably yours was the only flight landing around that time.”

Destinations loved by Brits are actually paying people to move there. If you fancy a life in the sun, you could make some extra cash while topping up your tan in Spain or Italy

Many people may dream of moving abroad, but you might not realise that some countries will actually pay you to do so. If you fancy living in the glorious sunshine, and making some money in the process, you could actually embark on the travel adventure of a lifetime by packing your bags for good.

Countries like Spain, Italy and Greece will actually pay Brits “thousands” to relocate and start a new life abroad. If you’re fed up of the weather, fancy starting a fresh chapter or simply want to move to somewhere totally different, it may be something worth considering to liven things up.

Schemes people can use were recently highlighted on TikTok by History On A Map to tell people what they need to know. It’s incredible to think you can be paid to relocate to these beautiful countries.

Italy

Italy is one country that pays people to relocate. If you fancy tucking into pasta, enjoying gorgeous wine and immersing yourself in history a little more, you can actually be paid to move here. It explained: “Regions like Calabria, Molise and Sardinia are suffering from massive depopulation.

“To revive these ghost towns, the local governments are offering between €10,000 (£8,705.50) to €30,000 (£26,116.50) to people under 40 who are willing to settle there.”

It turns out Italian regions such as Calabria, Molise and Sardinia offer financial incentives to boost declining populations in rural areas. There are reported to be schemes that offer up to €30,000 to people willing to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 to 3,000 residents.

Usually, to benefit from the scheme, applicants need to be under 40, start a business or renovate a home. There are some guidelines people need to follow to be able to benefit.

Spain

Again, towns in rural areas are looking for people to move there, such as Ponga in Asturias. The video detailed: “As part of the empty Spain initiative, the town of Ponga is offering €3,100 per person just to move there.”

According to reports, this figure is actually claimed to be between €2,971 and €3,000 per person (often reported as roughly £2,600) to new residents. However, there are additional incentives for couples and families to boost its dwindling population.

If you fancy taking the leap, the scheme requires a five-year commitment to live in the area. In other words, you need to be sure before you apply to move.

Greece

You can also move to the tiny island of Antikythera in Greece. It’s said people can be paid up to €500 per month for the first three years.

The relocation package aims to repopulate the area, providing new residents with a house, a plot of land and the monthly payments. The initiative primarily targets families and skilled professionals such as bakers, builders and farmers to support the local community.

Other options

The video also highlights that people can be paid to move to Japan. The amounts people can be paid differ, as every scheme has its own set of guidelines, and may not be as much as detailed in the video.

While people can’t be paid for simply moving to Ireland, grants are available for people who move to renovate properties on its remote offshore islands. There are all sorts of schemes people can benefit from, but it’s not as easy as packing your bags.

There are rules people need to follow to benefit, and they vary depending on where you want to apply to move. Do your research to find out more.

Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, from North Wales, booked an Airbnb abroad hoping for a great holiday. However, as soon as he arrived, things soon started to go downhill

We all enjoy escaping abroad for a spell in a different country, but sometimes holidays don’t quite unfold as we’d hoped. One traveller who recently learnt this is Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, from North Wales, who claimed he had an unexpected experience while staying at an Airbnb this year.

Ruben shared his travel ordeal as he struggled to comprehend how events unravelled. He jetted off in March for a break and to immerse himself in a different culture, but things took an unexpected turn when he encountered drama from the moment he touched down for his holiday.

This isn’t the first instance of travellers reporting problems while abroad either. Only weeks ago, tourists revealed they’d booked flights home early from a popular holiday hotspot.

Describing his recent Icelandic getaway, Ruben explained: “We landed late and arrived at our Airbnb just before midnight, expecting to warm up after travelling. However, when we opened the door, the entire property was completely pitch black with no electricity.

“It was around -5°C outside, and there was no heating in the apartment. The only heating available was two plug-in heaters, which couldn’t be used without power.

“We had to rely on our phone torches just to see inside, while our batteries were slowly draining. We tried contacting the host immediately but received no response.

“We were unable to get help that night and had to stay there without power or heating. Airbnb initially advised us to find our own hotel at that time of night and offered a 20% reimbursement, which was difficult given how late it was. We were eventually relocated the following day.”

Despite this, he acknowledged the property itself was clean upon arrival and access was simple via the key box, but he said that was where the positive experience ended. He also alleged what made matters worse was that, after this occurred, he looked at the reviews and noticed other guests had flagged similar power problems.

Ruben said he had reserved the stay roughly two months beforehand, so they had no means of knowing at the time, as the complaints were more recent. He continued: “It wasn’t how we imagined starting the trip – arriving somewhere new in the middle of the night expecting somewhere warm and safe, only to find no power in freezing conditions.

“To add to the chaos, when we were relocated to the new accommodation, we accidentally entered the wrong property as the house next door had the exact same lockbox and code. We ended up briefly walking into someone’s home by mistake before realising, which, in hindsight, was quite surreal (and luckily no one was in).

“Throughout the situation, the host remained unresponsive and most replies appeared automated. While Airbnb did eventually provide full compensation, the first 24 hours were stressful and difficult to resolve.”

If you’ve never come across Airbnb before, it’s incredibly popular. Airbnb is a worldwide online platform and app that links travellers with hosts to facilitate the rental of distinctive accommodation – from spare bedrooms to complete properties.

Established in 2008 as a peer-to-peer, short-term rental marketplace, it enables holidaymakers to discover authentic, locally-based accommodation in more than 220 countries and territories, while simultaneously allowing hosts to earn income from their properties. It provides visitors with an alternative to traditional hotel stays.

When questioned about the matter, an Airbnb spokesperson said: “We were disappointed to hear about this experience, and we’ve provided the guest with a full refund and the host has been removed from the platform. All bookings come with AirCover, meaning in the rare event something isn’t as expected on arrival for a stay, we’ll help the guest find a similar place or give them a refund.”

Bothy on Loch Torridon, Wester Ross

With its cheery, cherry-red tin roof, you can’t miss the sturdy stone bothy on the Ben Damph estate. The family-owned 5,868-hectare (14,500-acre) estate nudges up to Loch Torridon, and the bothy, constructed from the ruins of an old black house (a traditional thatched home), has views over the loch to the mountains beyond. Restored by a team of stonemasons, it has two rooms (each sleeping two) warmed by log burners. The furniture has been made from the estate’s timber by a local cabinet maker. Between the two rooms is a “sitooterie” with picture windows framing views over to Ben Alligin. There’s no electricity, but there is running water and a gas-powered hot shower next to the bothy; a compost loo is in the garden.
Sleeps 4, from £342.50 for two nights, bendamph.com

Gastropub and bunkhouse, Cairngorms national park

Squirrelled away among the trees on the banks of the River Spey and on the edge of Aviemore, the Cairngorms’ outdoor activity capital, the Old Bridge Inn is a gastropub with a handful of hip hostel rooms. The dogs-under-the-table inn has a roaring fire and is famous for its folk music sessions. By the riverside beer garden, paddle boarders, canoeists, wild swimmers and anglers make their way on to and into the river; while for climbers, hikers and mountain bikers, the forests and hills of the Rothiemurchus estate are on the doorstep. The bunkhouse has a vintage chic vibe, with seven en suite rooms and dorms and a kitchen – although if you don’t fancy cooking, head next door to the pub and tuck into Strathspey venison samosas with carrot and cumin sauce and roast hispi cabbage.
Dorm beds from £30, double rooms from £85, family rooms from £95, oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Hotel and bunkhouse perfect for exploring Glen Coe

Not much can match Glen Coe for jaw-dropping grandeur. This majestic glen is hemmed in on one side by the jagged peaks of the challenging Aonach Eagach ridge, and to the south, the buttresses of Bidean nam Bian. In 1692, one of the most infamous massacres in history took place here, government forces slaying the MacDonald clan as they slept. Today, it’s a giant outdoor playground, its bleak beauty drawing Munro-baggers, hikers and mountain-bikers. The West Highland Way also passes through the glen, with walkers bedding down in Kingshouse hotel and bunkhouse, a smart wooden hostel with charcoal-grey tin roof. The hotel’s glass-fronted restaurant gives panoramic views of the valley.
From £44 for a bunk, £54 for a bunk and breakfast, kingshousehotel.co.uk

Remote cottage on the car-free island of Ulva

Anyone who binge-watched Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel will know how picturesque the little community-owned, car-free Hebridean island-off-an-island of Ulva is. A short boat ride from Mull, it’s just 7½ miles long by 2½ miles wide. A 5-mile tramp from the pier (next to the excellent Boathouse restaurant) through dappled woodland and along a coastal track, brings you to Bearnus bothy. Perched above a beach where you can go swimming, this little off-grid cottage has been thoughtfully kitted out by Andy and Yvette Primrose, who also run the island’s hostel. Battery-operated fairy lights are strung around the bathroom – fill the old tin bath with water heated on the wood-burning stove. There are games, stacks of novels, guidebooks and maps, and Crocs and wellies to borrow for island yomps.
Sleeps 2, from £121 for a two-night stay, airbnb.co.uk

An inn with rooms and fresh seafood on the Isle of Skye

Charlie Haddock fell in love with the Stein Inn on her way to the Outer Hebrides years ago. In 2019, she packed up her life in London and moved her family to the remote Waternish peninsula to run this whitewashed waterfront hostelry dating from 1790, the oldest inn on Skye. Charlie works front of house and in the kitchen, preparing the langoustine, lobster and crab landed just a few feet from the door (her son and daughter help out in the holidays). The five rooms, all with sea views, were spruced up in 2024 with dove grey tongue and groove, burnt orange headboards and modern artworks.
From about £80 B&B, thesteininn.co.uk

Eco-hostel on Rannoch Moor

Originally a timber-clad boathouse and stables, the old-school Loch Ossian hostel was built around 1895 on the eponymous loch’s shores by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, the owner of the Corrour estate. A passionate environmentalist, in 1931 he handed the building over to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association. Today, the ivy-green and white-trimmed award-winning eco-hostel, hunkered into the windswept wilderness of Rannoch Moor, is powered by a wind turbine and solar panels. It has compost toilets, a reed bed grey-water drainage system and non-toxic, bat-friendly paint. There is no access by car; catch the train to Corrour station then hike (20 minutes) or bike in.
Beds from £25 a night, hostellingscotland.org.uk

Hotel with panoramic loch views

Sipping your morning coffee in the sleek wooden extension of the Kylesku hotel, a 19th-century coaching inn in the north-west Highlands, you can watch the fishers unload their catch on the slipway through picture windows. Right on the water’s edge, overlooking Loch Glendhu, this gourmet bolthole on the North Coast 500 route has 11 rooms – four in the modern annexe, Willie’s Hoose, next door; two with a sea loch-facing balcony. The rugged Assynt landscape is a Unesco-designated geopark, and the hotel offers a range of activities, from guided storytelling walks to sea kayaking and photography workshops.
From about £109 B&B, highlandcoasthotels.com

New architect-designed bothies in Argyll

A derelict croft was the first property to be turned into an off-grid, hillside hideaway on the Lochnell estate. It is lit by hurricane lamps, and outside there’s a wood-fired, sycamore-shaded, hose-filled vintage bath with views over the bay. Now, the Croft Collective’s next batch of bothies is about to be completed. Three architect-designed boltholes, named after birds you can spot along the shoreline – oystercatcher, curlew, kittiwake – will open in June. Just a pebble’s throw from the beach, wide-angled views over the Lynn of Lorne to the Isle of Mull in the west, and the Ardnamurchan hills and the mountains of Morvern, are framed by vast windows. Each bothy has a Japanese-style sunken bath, also with dreamy sea views, hammocks, and binoculars to scour the bay for seals, otters and eagles wheeling above.
From about £220 a night, thecroftcollective.com

Lochside conservation village, Wester Ross

On the shore of Loch Carron, Plockton is a 19th-century conservation village that’s picture-postcard pretty, with yachts bobbing in the bay and palm trees fringing the waterfront. The Plockton Inn has recently had a jaunty revamp – blowsily colourful rooms with floral feature walls, crimson chairs and navy paintwork are split between the old inn, Sorley’s House over the road and The Haven next door. After a day spent visiting nearby attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed in Scotland, tuck into creel-caught langoustine or “Plockton prawns” landed on the pier.
From about £170 B&B, highlandcoasthotels.com

Cabin with brilliant sunset views on the Isle of Lewis

Watch the sunset from your bed in this cute cabin by working coastal croft Croft 10. The smallholding is grazed by a flock of Hebridean sheep, the ground scratched by hens (farm-fresh eggs for breakfast). The wooden cabin faces west for spectacular sunsets and an ever-shifting seascape. Scour the water for whales and dolphins, and the sky for birds of prey soaring above Broad Bay. Just under 8 miles from Stornoway on the remote Hebridean isle of Lewis, it’s walking distance to the restored Shulishader Steps. Clamber down to the cove, a wild swimming spot, for a dip. Or head out along the recently completed coastal path, the Point and Sandwick Trail.
Sleeps 2, from £120 a night , hostunusual.com

A British holidaymaker has shared his experience of a trip to Benidorm, saying it was ‘everything you expect and more’ after spotting one sight out of his hotel window

Benidorm is recognised as a beloved holiday destination among Brits. In fact, roughly 800,000 to 900,000 Britons flock to the Spanish resort annually, establishing them as the largest international tourist group in the city. The coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca is known as the “Spanish Las Vegas” for its countless bars, clubs, and cabaret venues, especially clustered around the Levante district and Calle Gerona.

Benidorm attracts an incredibly varied clientele that changes considerably depending on the season and the particular area of the city. While it is famously a magnet for British “sun and sea” tourists, it is equally a prime destination for Spanish nationals and pensioners.

Holidaymaker Mattie Powell, from North Wales, recently detailed his experience of a Benidorm getaway, describing it as ‘everything you expect and more’ when he glanced out of his hotel window.

Mattie posted to his Instagram page a video showing a “traffic jam of mobility scooters” along a Benidorm path.

He captioned it: “Traffic jam of mobility scooters was not on my 2026 bingo card.”

Those who use mobility scooters are known to regularly head to Benidorm because the resort is remarkably flat and accessible, especially along its extensive beachfront promenades. This renders it an unusual holiday destination where people with limited mobility can move about independently for miles.

Numerous people were loving by the video, as it accumulated over 105,000 likes.

One person joked: “City’s safe in their hands.”

While another user quipped: “Might go there and do some British spotting.”

The post follows a recent visit to Benidorm by an American tourist who found himself baffled by one thing.

Travel enthusiast Kalani, from the US, revealed he was repeatedly quizzed about someone called ‘Charlie’ during his stay.

“I need someone to tell me about who Charlie is,” Kalani said, recounting how numerous people had approached him offering ‘Charlie’ after a night out on the Strip. It didn’t take long for his followers to set him straight, explaining that Charlie is a widely-used slang term for cocaine.

After eight years of living in London, I made the move back to Ireland shortly after turning 30 when I had to weigh up where was better to raise a family, and below is a glimpse into my experience

The year was 2017, my college (universiaty) exams in Dublin were complete and I had two ambitions — move to London and put my degree to some use by making a living as a journalist.

Part one was straightforward, given my girlfriend had already made the plunge a few months before, and the second part was achieved after I got a job at a local newspaper not too long after touching down in Gatwick.

As for why living in London was so high on my to-do list, I had been going on trips across the Irish Sea since I was a kid, predominantly to watch my childhood heroes like Robbie Keane score at the old White Hart Lane before rushing back to catch a flight to Dublin Airport hours after the final whistle.

So, the dream had been fulfilled and over the years I got a season ticket which took me to Wembley and the plush new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. When I wasn’t watching Mauricio Pochettino’s men take us agonisingly close to glory, I had become a national reporter.

However, fast forward to 2023, and suddenly the dream wasn’t what it once was.

My partner and I had had our first child — and we were living in a tiny one-bedroom flat in Greenwich, south-east London.

We loved the apartment, it was small, but we had been there for a few years. However, add a baby girl into the mix, and things were suddenly much more challenging.

Our families were both based in Ireland, so we had to make a choice — either pay more to rent somewhere bigger, while also forking out fortunes for childcare in London, or move back to Ireland.

After a memorable few years in London, where we hold so many great memories including one year of raising our daughter there, we had to move home, as so many Irish eventually do after exploring different countries in their youth.

We have now been back for a couple of years, and below are three things that I miss about the UK.

1) Public Transport

My parents live in County Meath and my partner’s parents live in County Cavan — and we now live between both of our childhood homes.

Although having free childcare on hand is a game changer (we have since had kid number two), the main thing we miss about London is the public transport.

Whatever I was doing in London, there were numerous ways I could get home again, be it the underground, the DLR, the bus, the trains or simply walking.

In Ireland, particularly if you are not living in Dublin, driving is essential.

There is no train station near me, and if I didn’t want to get stuck in traffic driving into Dublin City Centre, I would have to rely on Bus Eireann.

I have used the service three times since I’ve been back, on each occasion the bus was over 30 minutes late, and twice there was overcrowding, with some passengers being forced to stand, which was far from safe or comfortable.

Even once you get to Dublin, the public transport is incomparable to London. Frankly, any Londoners who find themselves overly complaining about things like delays or strikes, you have no idea how good you have it.

2) Sporting Events

Another miss is going to sporting events, and I now have to settle with watching Spurs on the TV, although given we now struggle to draw matches let alone win, perhaps that’s not a bad thing.

But it wasn’t just the football, it was the old pubs on Tottenham High Road, and meeting up with pals before and after the games.

Football aside, there was also Wimbledon, where you could just go and enjoy the sunshine and tennis on Henman Hill.

Another big one was martial arts. I remember seeing George Groves in Wembley Arena and also UFC London events at The O2 which was within walking distance of my flat. For years, professional boxing bouts in Ireland didn’t happen, and you may want to read about my experience at the Regency Hotel shooting to understand why.

There is plenty of sport to enjoy in Ireland, and although I’m a casual GAA and rugby fan, there’s still nothing like having Premier League action at your doorstep, and some of my favourite adventures were the away days, be it Arsenal, Fulham or Manchester United.

3) Weather

This isn’t something that can be helped, so there is little point moaning about it for long, but the weather in London compared to home is much different.

London was generally warmer and it rained less, and any rare bit of sun we get in Ireland, you will hear people firing up their lawn mowers, because everyone knows the opportunity to cut the grass is limited.

No regrets

Having said all that, you may be thinking that I regret moving back home, and still pine for my old life in London.

However, this isn’t the case, and the switch has given my family a better quality of life.

My daughter turns three next month and she is thriving — and is close to all of her grandparents who get to see her and her baby brother often. This also gives us a chance to get a break, something that wasn’t possible without family support in London.

We’ve also managed to buy our first home, something that would have been impossible for us in the English capital, where getting on the property ladder wasn’t even worth dreaming about. Having said that, there is also a huge housing crisis in Ireland, and we were one of the lucky ones.

And although I don’t have White Hart Lane on my doorstep, raising a family in Ireland is hard to beat for several reasons which I can get into another day. If we had stayed, we wouldn’t have been able to welcome a second child, who is already being brainwashed into supporting a certain London club like his sister.

Despite my concerns about the public transport and the live sport, life is now calmer. I now do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes three times a week, which has been far better for my mental and physical health than watching the club I love which is destined for the Championship.

And one thing England will never beat Ireland on is a pint of Guinness down the local.

So having said all that — Sláinte!