As a former airport employee, I attempted the viral travel hack that allows passengers to successfully get on the plane by showing up 35 minutes before boarding starts
Can you do board a flight in less than an hour?(Image: Getty Images)
Everyone loves a holiday, but going two to three hours early to the airport can lead to you waiting for hours until the departure time – and that’s not fun.
According to Hoppa, airlines advise passengers to show up at the airport at least three hours before their departing time for international flights or two hours before any domestic flights, to ensure a smooth check-in process, such as dropping off your luggage, and avoiding any potential queues in security.
Working at the airport made me realise that there’s no need to show up hours earlier at the airport. As excited as one can get to begin their holidays, the airport isn’t a place to hang out. If I can give you a tip now, it’s to make sure your electronics and liquids are packed accordingly.
But there’s a trick for those who want to skip the long waiting hours, and it’s called the ‘airport theory’ – but there’s a catch.
Earlier this year, a so-called ‘airport theory’ went viral on social media, where passengers showed up to the airport 35 minutes (or even 15 minutes on some occasions) before their flight started boarding. Yes, it works, but there’s a catch that a lot of people miss.
During my holidays in Spain, I showed up at the airport less than an hour before the flight departed. No bags to check in and a digital boarding pass, I went through security in under five minutes. Lucky me, I was familiar with the layout of the airport, and I had minutes to spare to grab a coffee before heading to the departure gate.
The catch is that this only works for those travellers who don’t have to check in any luggage. If you have a big-sized bag to send off, you must show up at the check-in counters before they close, which is usually an hour before the flight departure time.
For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.
It’s also important to note that the waiting times at the airport can vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s worth double-checking the status of your flight, as well as the distance between the security checkpoint and the gate.
Another secret from me is that if you ever show up late to the check-in counter and have a bag to drop, speak to an airline agent. In the majority of cases, the check-in agent will charge you a late drop-off fee to take your bag, which is better than leaving it behind!
Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!
Saddle up for sleigh rides, strap in for a 220-metre illuminated toboggan run, and prepare to get lost in an ice-carved maze at the Snowland theme park in Zakopane, as Poland’s winter capital sparkles up for the season. Pair a snowy walk through the Chochołowska valley with a visit to the Chochołowskie thermal baths, with outdoor pools, sauna, balneotherapy and massage treatments. Stay at the Hotel Aries, which mixes classic Alpine design with Zakopane touches (local wine and traditional dishes in the Halka restaurant, furniture and rugs by local craftspeople), and don’t miss the world’s largest snow maze and the Palace of the Snow Queen in the Snowlandia theme park, which has individual chambers sculpted from snow and ice by local artists. Doubles at Hotel Aries from £165 B&B. Zakopane is around two hours from Krakow by bus; the hotel is a 1km taxi ride from the station
Snowmobiling in Montenegro
Durmitor national park. Photograph: Shevtsovy/Getty Images
A winter adventure doesn’t have to mean hurtling downhill at breakneck speed. Montenegro’s Durmitor national park offers snowmobiling through the Sinjajevina and Bjelasica mountains, white-water rafting and snowshoeing trails. Žabljak makes an ideal base. The highest small town in the Balkans, it is surrounded by glacial lakes that freeze in winter, and Black Lake (3km away) is a famous viewing point for the park’s spectacular night sky. Cosy Hotel Soa has a wellness centre with a hammam and Finnish sauna, and a fire-lit lounge with dramatic mountain views. Doubles at Hotel Soa (hotelsoa.com)from €98 B&B. Žabljak is two and a half hours from the capital, Podgorica, by bus
Lakes and valleys in Slovenia
Kranjska Gora is close to the border with Austria. Photograph: Den Belitsky/Getty Images
Discover a different side of the Alps on a four-night break to Slovenia, which combines one night in the buzzy capital, Ljubljana, with time exploring the forested landscapes and snowy peaks of the Triglav national park, Lake Bled and the Logar Valley. The scenic train ride through the Julian Alps from Bohinj to Most na Soči, on a rocky crest overlooking the Soča and Idrica rivers, is a highlight, as is a visit to Kranjska Gora, where the fairy-lit chalets and snow-capped pines feel straight out of the Austrian Tirol. After exploring, there are two nights in the peaceful Logar Valley, latticed with hiking trails, with thermal spa treatments on offer at the Hotel Plesik. Four-night break from Untravelled Paths £974pp, B&B, including all transfers and excursions.
Trains and trekking in St Moritz, Switzerland
Visitors to St Moritz can view the countryside from the Bernina Express. Photograph: Roberto Moiola/Getty Images
It’s all glitz in St Moritz, right? Well, no: perhaps surprisingly, it is possible to enjoy the glorious landscapes of the Upper Engadine without spending a fortune. Randolins, set above the resort on the Suvretta hillside, is one of Switzerland’s snow sports hotels, offering everything from cross-country skiing and horse-drawn carriage rides to snowy hikes from the door, along with an expansive wellness centre (including an 80C Finnish sauna) and two restaurants. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the region’s spectacular mountain railways; both the Glacier and the Bernina Express – which climbs to 2,250 metres – stop at St Moritz station. Booking in advance is essential for both. Doubles at Randolins from £174 B&B. There are direct trains from Zurich to St Moritz(four hours)
Snowshoeing in the Lechtal, Austria
Snowshoeing in the Lechtal. Photograph: Ramble Worldwide
Few places can beat Austria for snowy landscapes, and there is plenty of Tirolean countryside to explore away from the busy ski resorts. This week of guided walking is tailored to take advantage of the trails that provide the best conditions on any given day, with snowshoes offering opportunities to access pristine sections unreachable in normal walking boots. Lunches are in traditional mountain Hütten (perhaps a cheesy Käsespätzlewith crispy onions, or a bowl of Gulasch) and base is the charming Hotel Grüner Baum, in the high Alpine village of Bach im Lechtal. The highlight is a torchlit evening walk, with plenty of warming Glühwein. A week’s guided walking from Ramble Worldwide, departing in January 2026, from £1,189pphalf-board, including transfers, equipment and a tour leader
Cheese caves and chateaux in Annecy, France
Château d’Annecy and the River Thiou in winter. Photograph: Olivier Puthon
Surrounded by dramatic peaks, and with a direct train connection from Paris (four hours), Annecy is that rare thing – a lake town that offers as much in winter as in summer. Boat trips run all year, while the voie verte greenway offers easy cycling and walking along the western lakeshore. Catch the bus to the Aravis mountains, where reblochon cheese is made and matured in cheese caves at the village of Manigod (guided tours available). The nearby Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is spectacular; 1,000-year-old turrets soaring up out of the forest. Stay at newly opened La Cour du 6 in the old town, with a sleek, art deco feel to the elegant rooms. Doubles at La Cour du 6 from €100
A farmstay in the Trentino, Italy
The ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio. Photograph: Andrey Omelyanchuk/Getty Images
There are just three bedrooms at Pimont Alpine Chalet, a gloriously tranquil esercizio rurale, a traditional farmstead surrounded by the rough-hewn peaks of the Adamello Brenta nature park. Days begin with an organic, locally sourced breakfast – including homemade bread, cakes and jam – in the cosy stube, which becomes a firelit lounge in the evening. The emphasis at Pimont is on slow-paced exploration. The owners are mountain guides who can accompany guests on hikes or advise on the best trails for independent walking. The nearby ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio offers ice-skating on the frozen Conca Verde lake, with dog-sledding through the surrounding forest. Doubles at Pimont Alpine Chalet from €180 B&B. The nearest station is Trento, an hour and a half away by car
Sleigh rides in Sweden
A meal being served in Gammelgården, Dalarna. Photograph: Maria Mattsson
Snow White herself wouldn’t have turned her nose up at Gammelgården; a picture-perfect cluster of restored log buildings, some dating back to the 1600s. Perched high up in the Sälen mountains, in the unspoilt Dalarna region 250 miles (400km) north-west of Stockholm, it’s the kind of place where it’s easy to settle in front of the fire and not move for days. There’s also plenty to do, with reindeer walks, dog-sledding, sleigh rides and snowmobile excursions, while back at base, a visit to the 400-year-old waffle cabin is not to be missed. Carnivores will love the evening menu, with a focus on local game (reindeer tataki or venison sirloin), but there are fish dishes and a veggie option too. Doubles at Gammelgården from £110 B&B. The nearest train station is Mora, with direct bus connections to Sälen (two hours)
Hiking and hearty mountain food in Germany
The half-timbered Seven Brothers houses of Bad Schandau on the River Elbe. Photograph: Shotshop/Alamy
Sandstone cliffs, dramatic gorges, flat-topped mesas – it’s a mystery as to why the spectacular landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in eastern Germany remain so under the radar. This self-guided walking tour through “Saxon Switzerland”, as it’s called, takes in quiet villages of timber-framed cottages and dense pine forest, cloaking the peaks that sweep up to the sandstone spires. The trip begins in the spa town of Bad Schandau, home to the spectacular, 11-metre-high Kuhstall rock gate and the beautiful Lichtenhain waterfall. En route, expect hearty lunches of Spätzle(noodles), sausage and lentil soup, and marzipan cakes, at traditional Berggasthofs(mountain inns). Five-night breaks from Walks Worldwide (walksworldwide.com) from £619half-board, including luggage transfers, GPX and walking maps. Departures between November and March
Culinary Vercors in France
A dish at Restaurant Palégrié. Photograph: Pascale Cholette
Active breaks are all very well, but sometimes a winter holiday needs nothing more than good food, great views and an indulgently comfortable place to stay. Opening for its winter season on 12 December, the lovely Hotel du Golf – a converted farmhouse in the village of Correncon, tucked away in the Vercors national park, ticks all the boxes. Its restaurant, Asterales, won a Michelin star this year, the wood-panelled bedrooms are chic and unfussy, and the hot tub, pool and sauna are a cocoon of warmth after a foray outdoors. Foodies should book a table at Palégrié, where everything is cooked over an open fire, and Le Clariant, an isolated, self-sufficient restaurant, buried deep in the Vercors forest. Doubles at Hotel du Golf(hotel-du-golf-vercors.fr) from €156 B&B. Correncon is40 minutes’ drive south of Grenoble
Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were backpacking together around Southeast Asia when they drank bootleg shots laced with methanol – and it proved tragically fatal for Simone
Bethany and Simone were on a backpacking adventure when tragedy struck(Image: Bethany Clarke / SWNS)
A woman has died after unknowingly drinking shots laced with methanol.
Bethany Clarke, 28, from Orpington, southeast London, went backpacking around Southeast Asia with her best friend, Simone White, 28, last year.
Both the women drank the bootleg alcohol, and tragically it proved fatal for Simone.
Bethany and Simone started their backpacking in Cambodia and went from there to Laos. They had spent the day tubing down the river – a popular tourist activity – before returning to their hostel for a night of drinking.
Bethany said: “We had methanol-laced shots. We had five or six each, just mixing them with Sprite.
“The next morning, we didn’t feel right, but we just assumed it was a hangover. It was strange though – unlike any hangover I’d had before.
“It felt like being drunk but in a way where you couldn’t enjoy it. Something was just off.”
Despite their condition, they continued on with their plans, heading to the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river again.
Bethany added: “We were just lying on the backs of the kayaks, too weak to paddle. Simone was being sick off one of them. Neither of us wanted to swim or eat – which, we later learned, are early signs of methanol poisoning.”
It wasn’t until hours later, after they’d boarded a bus to their next destination, that things worsened, with Bethany fainting and Simone continuing to vomit.
Eventually, they were taken to a local hospital – one that Bethany described as “very poor”.
She said: “They had no idea what was wrong, they talked about food poisoning, but we hadn’t eaten the same things. It didn’t make sense.”
Still confused and deteriorating, the women made it to a private hospital. But by then it was too late.
Bethany said: “They told me they’d do all they could to save her. She was having seizures during dialysis.”
When Simone’s condition worsened, her mother, Sue White, flew out to Laos, arriving just as her daughter was being wheeled into emergency brain surgery.
Bethany said: “Her brain had started to swell, and they had to shave her head. The surgery relieved the pressure but caused bleeding and the other side started swelling.”
The results confirming methanol poisoning wouldn’t arrive until two weeks later. By then, Simone had died.
Bethany said: “On an emotional level, it’s been a lot to process. Sometimes I still think, ‘Why don’t you reach out to Simone for that?’ and then I remember I can’t.”
Bethany has channeled her grief into campaigning for change and awareness. She said: “People still aren’t aware and don’t know the signs to look for.
“The government aren’t doing enough to educate British citizens about the signs of methanol poisoning.
“In Australia, where I live now, they have a big TikTok campaign and signs in all the airports.
“There’s a lot more work to be done in the UK – we’re behind. Anywhere there is organised crime, the opportunity exists – even in the UK.
Bethany also reckons there will be more deaths until people become more aware.”It’s highly likely we’ll see more deaths unless the UK government acts in a more radical way,” she said.
“It has to be in people’s heads – stick to canned drinks. But bottles can be more risky because the cap could have been replaced.
“Any spirits can be a risk. I say ‘steer clear, drink beer’ which rolls off the tongue.”
Just recently, the Foreign Office added eight further countries to the risk list for methanol poisoning due to risks associated with counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks.
The list already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were now included in the list following incidents.
Methanol poisoning results from methanol being added to drinks such as cocktails and spirits to up the volume and cut costs.
Signs of the poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion – and more distinctive symptoms, such as vision issues, can develop between 12 and 48 hours after consumption.
The beautiful seaside town is perfect for a winter getaway. The town has a pier, sandy beaches, a number of attractions and is famous for its crabs.
Cromer Pier is a famous landmark in the town(Image: Getty)
The summer season has come to an end, and many Brits are now setting their sights on a winter escape. While seaside towns are a hit for holidays during the balmy months, they also offer fantastic getaways during the colder, darker days.
Winter visits provide a unique ambiance, ideal for tranquil seaside strolls, snug pubs, and fewer crowds. The town of Cromer, situated 23 miles north of Norwich, has been hailed as the perfect alternative to more frequented spots like Brighton or Bournemouth.
The Norfolk Coast Path, which offers sweeping views of the rugged Norfolk coastline, is easily accessible from Cromer and is an ideal route for families to explore. The historic Grade II listed Victorian Pier, home to the world’s last end-of-pier theatre, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including a Christmas Show that always draws both locals and visitors alike, reports the Express.
Cromer is also renowned for its Cromer crab, celebrated for their sweet and flavourful meat, caught in the chalky waters off the North Norfolk coast. The town honours its unique seafood heritage with the annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival.
Within the town centre, visitors will discover numerous shops, restaurants and pubs. The 14th century St Peter and Paul church dominates the skyline, boasting Norfolk’s tallest church tower at 160 feet.
History enthusiasts frequently visit Cromer Museum, which offers captivating exhibits about the area’s past, including the Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed, known as “Britain’s Great Barrier Reef”, and the wartime story of how the Government planned to destroy the pier to prevent it being used as a landing strip by Britain’s enemies.
The town also houses a Banksy artwork that materialised on a sea wall in 2021, forming part of the elusive artist’s Great British Spraycation tour of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Referencing Cromer’s crab fishing heritage, the piece depicts hermit crabs, with one occupying a shell whilst displaying a placard reading “luxury rentals online” – believed to comment on local housing concerns. The council has protected it with resin coating against weather damage.
TripAdvisor reviews from tourists are overwhelmingly favourable, with many highlighting the town’s charm and available amenities.
GrahamN66 said: “First visit to Cromer, summer 2025. It is a gem, as it says itself! Excellent, long sandy beaches with shingle at the top. Just great, even if loads of people are using it, there is always space and it is just lovely. Amazing sunsets, facilities, all within easy walking distance – would totally recommend.”
Anglian Wanderer shared: “Cromer is one of those places I return to time and again, and it never loses its charm. The beach is as beautiful as ever, with wide stretches of sand, fascinating rock pools at low tide, and postcard-worthy sunsets.
“What I love most about Cromer is an unspoiled seaside town full of character, charm, and community. If you want fresh sea air, real coastal beauty, and a town that feels like a well-kept secret, Cromer will win your heart.”
Cutiepie19 said in: “Stayed at Hotel facing pier in Cromer. The place is beautiful. Visited its museums and church. Coffee shops are delightful. Lots of places to stop off and enjoy. Quaint little streets full of delightful independent and main street shops.
“Lots of cute food places and pubs. Very, very clean too. Gorgeous pier which is very well maintained. Beautiful prom to walk along and admire the view out to sea. Spotless beaches. Highly recommended.”
A day out at a theme park isn’t just a summer activity. Many parks will be open for Christmas-themed fun, and you’ll find fun, festive activities to suit all ages
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Theme parks such as Drayton Manor will be decked out for Christmas(Image: Drayton Manor)
Looking for a festive day out for all the family? Many theme parks will be opening their doors for the Christmas season with a range of activities for all the family. In addition to themed days out, some parks will also be offering special short breaks, with extras such as Santa visits and evening entertainment and even the chance to enjoy a festive-themed sleepover at the on-park hotels. Here’s a round-up of some of the most popular theme parks in the UK and what they’ll be offering this November and December.
Alton Towers – Magical Days Out
From £18 per person
In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers offers Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. While it’s a cheaper way to visit the park, it’s worth noting that only CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay are open, plus a couple of the bigger rides, so you don’t expect all the usual thrill rides to be available.
However, the park is set to be decked out in festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is bound to be a hit with the younger members of the family.
Families can also book a Santa Sleepover at one of the park’s on-site hotels, starting at £91 per person. This includes a one-day theme park ticket, a visit to Santa’s grotto, a traditional pantomime, and a festive dinner and entertainment for the whole family. Booking the Santa Sleepover also gives you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.
Three of Gulliver’s theme parks will be offering Christmas events: Rotherham, Milton Keynes, and Warrington, with a selection of Christmas rides and attractions open during this time. What’s available over the festive period varies by park, and some of the activities on offer include festive breakfasts, Santa’s grottos, Christmas shows, Elf workshops, and more, with a variety of packages available.
Each park will also have a Land of Lights attraction – a spectacular light trail that opens during the winter. Tickets for this attraction are sold separately and start at £13.75 per person.
Drayton Manor say they’ve unwrapped their “biggest and most magical Christmas plans ever”. The Midland-based park, which is best-known for being the home of Thomas Land, will open on selected dates from November 22 to December 31 with most of the park’s rides open.
There will also be a range of themed attractions for family days out. Fans of Elf on the Shelf can enjoy Elftoria, with the cheeky creatures taking over the park and adding a mischievous touch to your day. Children can even take part in pranking workshops and enjoy a live elf show.
Kids can visit the Castle Grotto, which will include a story-time experience with Mrs Claus and a visit to the man in red, while Thomas Land will be decked out in seasonal decorations and have festive family shows. In the evening, families can board the Twinkling Express, a gentle journey surrounded by Christmas light trails.
Paultons, perhaps most famous for being the home of Peppa Pig World, will be turning their park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates through December, visitors can visit Peppa and friends in their festive clothing, enjoy Santa’s Christmas Wish show, or enjoy festive-themed menus in the park’s cafes.
If you prefer thrill rides, the Tornado Springs are will be also be open as well as selected rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek.
Chessington’s Christmas village ticket will include a selection of the park’s rides, as well as access to the zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Visitors will be able to enjoy a Christmassy silent disco, wander through a snowy trail, and see the elves making toys in their workshop. Of course, there’s also a visit to Santa to give him your Christmas list.
Visitors can stay for longer by booking the on-site Safari or Azteca Resort Hotel, and there’s even a range of VIP experiences that can be added onto your package to create unique Christmas memories. Book an elf wake up call, with a small pre-Christmas gift for the kids, or take part in a reindeer encounter and see Santa’s helpers up close.
But the fun doesn’t stop once January comes round. Chessington now offer a themed Christmas Room, which will be a permanent fixture in their hotel year-round. No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a decorated tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate, and even a decorated Christmas parking space. It’s perfect for the Christmas obsessive in your life.
Planning ahead of time could make your holiday much, much more affordable
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
There are a variety of ways to save money on your flights(Image: Getty Images)
Regardless of whether you’re planning a quick getaway this winter or later into next summer, you will more than likely be looking for ways to save some cash. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to shave off money on your holiday is by cutting costs before you’ve even booked your flight.
A variety of things could factor into the upfront cost of your flight, such as what time you book it, what seats you get, and what time you plan on jetting off. However, more often than not, it’s always a good idea to book your flight in advance to save some cash.
Generally, it’s best to book your flight between three and nine months in advance to get the best price while also avoiding booking one last minute, as you may find your costs go up significantly.
Cheapest time to book flights
Your flight price may change significantly depending on what day of the week it is set to depart. According to data from Skyscanner, Fridays and Sundays are generally the most expensive days of the week to fly out of the country.
Meanwhile, Tuesdays are generally the cheapest day to book a flight. However, if you’re determined to have a weekend flight, it may be slightly cheaper to fly out on a Saturday instead of a Friday.
Different airport both departure and arrival
You may find that you save money signifiacntly by arriving at a different airport, generally the lesser popular one, according to Which?. This is because higher-traffic airports tend to be more expensive for arrival flights rather than smaller and quieter airports.
However, you may find that the cheaper airports will be a significantly longer distance away to your hotel than the closer, more expensive one. Overall, you should calculate how much transport to the hotel will cost you at both the different airports and compare that to how much you’ll save on your ticket to see if it’s a big enough saving to take the extra time commuting.
Avoid hidden extras
While budget airlines tend to provide a cheaper upfront ticket cost, you may find that costs will pile on from all the extras being offered, some of which you may believe were initially included in the upfront ticket price. For example, you may be charged extra for carrying any luggage that doesn’t fit under your seat – which may cost much more than you think.
While this is a common practice at airlines like Ryanair and easyJet, other airlines such as British Airways and Jet2 don’t commonly charge for cabin luggage but may have a higher upfront cost as a result.
Avoid airport rush hours
You may find that the cheapest time to depart from any given airport is in the early hours of the morning. You tend to be offered cheaper prices at this time as the airport will generally be less busy than the peak daytime hours.
Otherwise, if you’re not the type to wake up super early, you can still save some cash by departing in the later hours of the night. In fact, the industry tends to call flights heading out at this time red-eye flights and your itinerary may even have a red-eye logo which shows that your flight is heading off during this money-saving period.
Compare flights
If you want to quickly find the cheapest flight possible for any given location, it may be a good idea to use a comparison site such Skyscanner or Kayak can provide all the prices for flights heading to where you want go. Furthermore, many of these sites can allow you to add extras to help you better calculate your costs, such as adding a car hire or hotel. Many sites also allow you to add nearby airports so you can potentially save money by heading to the same area but a different, cheaper airport.
From gorgeous Getxo to the City of Love, you won’t want to come home from these mint mini-breaks
Find foodie heaven near BilbaoCredit: Supplied by PR
SPAIN – Palacio Arriluce Hotel, Getxo
Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff and fiancée Lauren found foodie heaven near Bilbao.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
THE PAD
Check in and zone out at the Palacio Arriluce
Perched on a striking cliffside overlooking the Bay of Abra in Getxo and with a beauty of an outdoor pool, this 18th-century boutique gem sits in a palatial setting and offers the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.
Craving vistas of the rolling Basque mountains? You’ve got it. Want to gaze at boats bobbing in the harbour? No problem. A city view more your vibe? It’s got that, too.
Be sure to eat breakfast – think other-worldly Spanish tortilla and Iberico ham – on the terrace to take full advantage.
Meanwhile, come dinner at Delaunay, try local specialities such as grilled kokotxas (hake chin) on stewed spider crab, £35, and Iberian pork shoulder with passionfruit, £31.
Make sure you’re there on a Thursday to join locals in Getxo for “pintxo pote”, a foodie’s dream bar crawl and Basque country tradition.
Restaurante Ixta Bide offers four pintxos (small savoury snacks) – our fave was pintxo de txaka, akin to a mini crab sandwich – and two vinos for a mere £9.
Just don’t expect to bag a seat! Wind your way up the steps of Algorta to reach Arrantzale and finish on its perfectly salted pork belly (Arrantzale.com).
While day-tripping, step into one of Bilbao’s oldest bars, Café Iruña, just a hop from Arbando metro station.
Dating back to 1903, the beautiful tiling is reason enough to visit, but coffee for just £1.75, is a big pull, too.
Or opt for a glass of the local txakoli white wine, £2.70, instead (Cafeirunabilbao.com).
DON’T MISS
The works inside Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum are, of course, breathtaking, but the building itself and its surrounding sculptures – including Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons – are worth the trip alone.
Fly to Bilbao from London Gatwick and Heathrow with Vueling from £56 return (Vueling.com).
FRANCE – Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris
Creative Director Mark Hayman and wife Margaret fell for cocktails and culture in the French capital.
Fall for cocktails and culture in the French capitalCredit: Getty Images
THE PAD
Rest easy at Hôtel Dame des ArtsCredit: LUDOVIC BALAY
This sleek bolt-hole in the city’s Latin Quarter has shaken off its Holiday Inn past to channel full Hollywood glamour.
Think rich woods, bamboo accents and pretty palms, with rooms that feel like film sets, thanks to glass dividers, velvet finishes and luxe bathrooms made for long soaks.
Downstairs, Pimpan serves up bold Franco-Mexican fusions on a leafy terrace – highlights include beef tartare with piquillos, £12.50, lamb shoulder with harissa, £25, and hibiscus-poached pear, £11.
But the real scene-stealer is the rooftop bar, where 360-degree skyline views stretch from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur – even locals come here for the vistas.
Order a Spritz del Arte (Aperol, mango liqueur, rum and prosecco), £17, or the punchy Uno Mas margarita, £14, pop on your biggest sunglasses and watch the city turn blush at sunset.
There’s also a sauna and a gym kitted out with sculptural wooden equipment for those partial to a designer workout.
EXPLORE
Explore the history of Notre-DameCredit: Getty Images
First time in Paris? Glide down the Seine aboard the Batobus – this hop-on-hop-off riverboat is a relaxing (and photogenic) way to tick off major sights like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.
For more treasure-hunting, swing by the flea market off Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a weekend haven of vintage mirrors, mid-century ceramics and nostalgic postcards.
There’s no entry fee, just bring cash and your best haggling game.
Then head to the Panthéon, a neoclassical gem where Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie lie in dramatic crypts beneath a rooftop dome offering jaw-dropping views.
Lively, retro-chic Brasserie Dubillot’s espresso martinis, £10.50, are a must, but equally good is the sausage and mash with truffle sauce, £16, steak-frites, £21, and the perfect crème brûlée, £8 (Lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-dubillot).
Craving something casual? PNY serves next-level burgers with aged beef, brioche buns and toppings like smoked cheddar and pickled jalapeños, from £11.50 (Pnyburger.com).
Or just nab a pavement perch at Café Saint-André for a croque monsieur, £10.50, a glass of sancerre, £7, and some world-class people-watching.
Double rooms at Hôtel Dame des Arts cost from £226 per night (Damedesarts.com).
Psst…
Fancy something a little more party? Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoods, with captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheel.
Suave rooms come with huge tubs, rain showers and espresso machines, from £304 per night (Rixos.com).
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoodsCredit: SuppliedThe suave rooms have captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheelCredit: SuppliedHead to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for great foodCredit: Byron Bathers Club/Instagram
Downstairs is Azure Beach Club with its large pool, pumping soundtrack, outdoor gym and private beach (Azure-beach.com/dubai).
The breakfast buffet is, in true Dubai style, eye-poppingly big – you can even blend your own fresh peanut butter.
Plus, you’re half an hour’s cab ride from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for that classic Dubai selfie – viewing platform visits cost from £37 per person (Burjkhalifa.ae).
When you’re craving a chilled day, head to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for lobster linguine, £37, and burrata pizza, £17, with excellent Whitsunday spritzes – an exquisite blend of grapefruit bitters, strawberry shrub, pink grapefruit, citrus vodka, Aperol and prosecco, £14 (Byronbathers.com).
