Travel Desk

EUROPEAN borders have been consumed by long queues recently thanks to new travel rules introduced back in April – and it’s about to get worse.

Europe‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out at the beginning of April and applies to all Brits entering Europe.

Upon your first entry to a Schengen country, you must register – which means having your photo taken as well as fingerprints.

However, this registration process has been causing long queues and delays at border control across European airports, with some travellers waiting hours and others even missing their flight.

And soon it could get much worse.

Come September 6, a flexibility allowance introduced across Europe is due to expire.

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EU member states are currently allowed to pause EES checks in “exceptional circumstances” which includes when queues get too long.

According to the EU border security agency Frontex, the flexibility won’t be renewed in September, despite industry bodies calling for it to be, reports The Times.

Countries including Greece, France, Portugal and Spain currently all switch off EES when they need to.

However, when the flexibility expires in September these countries could once again experience long queues at their airports.

At some airports, the machines even have to be shut down and turned on again when they get overwhelmed, just to get them to work.

Air France-KLM told Politico: “When lines form during the busy summer months, the system is shut off to ensure smooth transit at our hubs in Paris and Amsterdam.”

Other airports that have had problems with the technology include Brussels Airport, where the system is still not fully operational.

It comes as other issues with the new system have emerged including taking the fingerprints of elderly people.

In some cases, the new system has been unable to scan fingerprints of elderly people as they are too faded.

According to The Telegraph, one Brit who recently travelled to Majorca but when she got to the EES kiosks, her fingerprints weren’t recognised.

The woman then had to wait in a long queue of mainly families for her passport to be manually stamped.

However, anyone who cannot give fingerprints will be exempt from having to give them.

Jet2 has issued an update about customers’ free 10kg hand luggage allowance as new European Commission airline baggage regulations are set to come into force in 2027

Jet2 has updated customers ahead of sweeping new European regulations affecting hand luggage coming into force in 2027.

The European Commission’s new measures are designed to bring greater transparency to cabin baggage policies across the airline industry, making it easier for travellers to understand and compare what is included when booking flights. For many airlines, the new rules could mean significant changes to how they present baggage costs to customers — but Jet2 says it has nothing to change.

That is because, unlike a number of its rivals, Jet2 already includes a complimentary 10kg hand luggage allowance as standard for all customers, along with a personal item. The airline says this means passengers know exactly what they are getting from the moment they book, with no hidden charges or complicated add-ons to navigate.

The approach appears to resonate strongly with travellers. According to the airline, eight in ten customers say the inclusion of free hand luggage is one of the main reasons they choose to fly with Jet2.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said the new EU rules would make no practical difference to its customers, adding that the airline had long been committed to straightforward, fair pricing.

He said: “For Jet2 customers, these new rules change nothing because we have always believed in doing the right thing by customers when it comes to hand luggage. Holidaymakers should not have to pay extra or figure out complicated rules just to bring their essentials on board. We have always believed in making things simple, transparent and fair, so customers know exactly what they’re getting when they book.

“We welcome any move that helps customers better understand what is included in the price of their flight and make informed decisions when comparing airlines. It is another example of why customers continue to choose Jet2 in record numbers – because they know exactly what they’re getting when they book.”

European Parliament MEPs voted for new rules protecting customers in July. These include enhanced refund rights.

The reimbursement process is to become quicker and easier. Passengers opting for a reimbursement instead of being rerouted will receive it automatically, while passengers facing travel disruptions will receive clear instructions on how to submit a request for compensation within four days of the termination of their journey.

Air passengers will have nine months to file a compensation request, while airlines will have 30 days to pay the compensation or invoke extraordinary circumstances, explain why compensation will not be provided and refer passengers to complaint handling steps.

The new rules also include the right to carry on board, without extra cost, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack. Airlines, intermediaries and search portals will also have to display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the booking process. Airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who decide to travel without hand luggage.

The EU’s major overhaul of air passenger rights will impact UK travellers, but primarily on flights departing from European airports or when flying with EU-regulated carriers. The rules are scheduled to take full effect around mid-2027 following a 12-month transition period.

It affects many across the UK this summer

The Post Office has issued a new alert to people across the UK. It said there had been a “staggering increase of 900% in travel scams over the past 18 months”. It said this was largely driven by advances in AI and its specialists are now warning tourists of five common scams many are falling for.

Regulators have warned that £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024 alone , with opportunistic scammers taking advantage of rising last‐minute bookings and a surge in travel deals. Almost a third (30%) of adults have fallen victim to a travel scam or know someone who has, the Post Office said. To help holidaymakers protect themselves, Post Office is sharing practical tips for identifying and avoiding holiday scams.

Post Office tips to avoid scams on holiday

Unlicensed or fake tour guides

In busy, tourist hotspots, unlicensed guides will walk alongside you, offering an informal tour before demanding payment. To avoid this, always book tickets for attractions and tours through official sites, at museum kiosks or through accredited providers.

‘Are you lost?’

Being lost in a place you have never been to is normal. Locals who may initially seem friendly might offer directions or even take you to where you need to be. This usually ends in an aggressive payment demand. If you need assistance, seek help from inside a shop or cafe, consult a map or use your phone’s GPS for directions.

Friendship bracelets

Popular in major European cities, scammers place a “friendship bracelet” around your wrist under the guise of a free gift, then refuse to remove it without payment. Avoid engaging and keep walking if you are approached.

AI travel agents

Scammers are now using AI voice‐cloning technology to impersonate a travel agent or loved ones to get money. Warning signs include unnatural pauses in conversation, high‐pressure tactics, requests for immediate payment or changes to banking details. Always verify credentials through official websites, confirmed phone numbers, or multiple channels before acting.

Closed attractions

Fraudsters might claim a landmark is closed due to an event or maintenance, then divert travellers to a shop or unofficial tour where they receive a commission. Always check operating hours on the attraction’s official website, app or posted signage before altering your plans.

Adam Edinburgh, head of Post Office travel and new products, said: “The way scams work has changed from classic street cons with digital deception, from fake booking pages to AI‐cloned voices. Awareness is your first defence: pause before you pay, verify through official channels and be sceptical of unsolicited ‘help’.

“If something still goes wrong, having travel insurance protects you against theft, fraud and trip disruption, covering lost money, passports and valuables if you’re pickpocketed or scammed. If fake accommodation or missing documents leave you stranded, 24/7 assistance can help with replacements and new travel plans.”

The water off Palanga’s sandy white beach is tinged pale green – the colour of the feathery clouds of Furcellaria lumbricalis that occasionally brush against my calves. Underfoot, the Baltic seabed is ridged, the sea so clear and shallow that every ripple is visible. The water deepens very gradually – making it ideal for families. I’m quite far from the coast, but still only thigh deep, the sea still cool as I duck beneath the surface.

Elsewhere in Europe, another heatwave has prompted health warnings and school closures. But here in Lithuania, children scamper on the sand and splash in the shallows as temperatures remain, if not cool, bearable. I’ve come to explore some of the Baltic beaches – here and on the Curonian Spit – which are fast gaining popularity as the Med heats up and prices in southern Europe remain stubbornly high.

Palanga has been drawing Lithuanian holidaymakers since the wealthy Tiškevičiai family transformed it into a seaside resort in the mid-19th century. Today, there is a certain rowdy seaside vibe in parts: the central beach can get crowded and the promenade is on the kitsch side too, with many of the historic wooden buildings – demolished or damaged in the Soviet era – replaced by brash signage, entertainment venues and raucous restaurants.

Nonetheless, the main beach is reassuringly devoid of construction and characterised primarily by its distinctive 19th-century L-shaped pier, a popular sunset-catching spot. Away from the shore, you need only stroll the 100-hectare (250-acre) botanical garden, home to the 19th-century Tiškevičiai Palace and amber museum, with its thousands of prehistoric exhibits, to witness a different past. A bronze sculpture of Feliksas Tiškevičius stands just outside the park; legend has it that if you rub his foot with yours and kiss his cheek, good luck will follow.

Just a 10-minute cycle ride away from the pier, my hotel, the Gradiali (B&B doubles from €118), is another peaceful oasis. From here, a 500-metre walk through aromatic pine forest leads to an uncrowded section of Palanga beach, where €75 (£64) gets you all-day use of a curtained cabana, complete with a bottle of prosecco and a mountain of ice-cream. (I’ve paid at least double that on the Greek island of Mykonos – and that was just for the bed.)

There are other ways to get into the water around Palanga, including wakeboarding at the 313 Cable Park (from €20), about 2.5 miles (4km) from the town, or plunging into one of the 16 leisure and mineral pools at the Atostogų Parkas complex (from €30), about 4 miles away. But I’m on a mission to explore Lithuania’s more untamed side – the Curonian Spit, a protected 61-mile stretch of dense forest and Blue Flag beaches accessed only via the modern port city of Klaipėda, a half-hour drive away. Trains run to Klaipėda from the capital, Vilnius, too – and electrification of the train line next year will reduce the 205-mile journey time by 30 minutes to four hours.

With its waterfront setting, compact old town and restored castle complex, Klaipėda makes for a pleasant afternoon stop – but I’m eager to board the ferry (approximately €1.70), which has me on the spit within 10 minutes. Threaded by bike and walking trails, this narrow stretch of sand peninsula – flanked by the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other – is occupied in the south by Russia. Observation decks near the border allow glimpses of a similarly forested landscape, but one punctuated by watchtowers.

As fascinating as this off-limits area is, it’s the older stories about the spit that bewitch me. Legend has it the giant Neringa formed it by pouring sand from her apron to create a protective break between the irascible Baltic Sea and her people. The amber fragments, which still wash up on the peninsula’s beaches, are said to be the debris from an underwater amber castle, shattered in rage by the thunder god Perkūnas when Jūratė, goddess of the sea, fell in love with a mortal.

But some of the area’s most haunting tales are not mere myth. On an evening trip in a traditional flat-bottomed fishing boat from the harbour in Nida – the spit’s largest town – our skipper Aurelijus Armonavičius speaks of the vagaries of shifting sands and the 18th-century felling of forests, which led to the slow burial of 14 villages and two cemeteries on the spit. Only through the building of a sand ridge and concerted reforestation efforts has this – now Unesco-listed – landscape been preserved.

My accommodation, Hotel Nidus (B&B doubles from €119), lies between lagoon and beach, and features basic, comfortable rooms and expansive gardens. I head to the harbour for dinner at Nidos Prieplauka, watching the sunset and sampling the cold, kefir-based beetroot soup – a traditional Lithuanian dish so adored that there’s an annual springtime festival held for it in the capital.

The following day, I meet Angelina Ivanova, from Nida’s tourism centre, to bike to Vecekrugas Dune. At 67 metres (220ft) above sea level, it is the spit’s highest point: the flatness of the landscape, as well as its pine needle-strewn bike paths, make it manageable for even the least experienced cyclists. As we walk from our bikes to the peak, the ground is scarred with furrows of dark earth; the work of wild boar. Clusters of mushrooms stud the soil; foraging is a beloved Baltic activity – although the protected status of the Curonian Spit means that it is off limits in certain areas, such as the Nagliai nature reserve, about 11 miles from Nida.

The area is also a migratory path for millions of birds such as peregrine falcons and red kites. This being high summer, we see mostly gulls and cormorants. “The shoulder seasons are our busiest for twitchers,” says Angelina, as we reach the top of the dune. And, with water on both sides – at points separated by as little as 400 metres – the spit sustains not only these migratory birds, but also the fishing traditions that have traditionally shaped life here.

We continue on to Preila, about a mile away. A tiny village on the lagoon, it is home to a row of smoke-fishing shacks. “Everybody has their favourite,” says Angelina, as we peruse that day’s offerings: hers is Rimo Žuvis, owned by the parents of her schoolfriend. Eel, considered a delicacy, is the most expensive dish on the menu, but we opt for sea perch and turbot, which we eat at picnic tables overlooking the water, accompanied by bread, fresh tomatoes and cold beer. Later, we will end the day back in the sea at Nida, with the midsummer sun hanging high in the sky and temperatures still hovering pleasantly in the 20s.

The trip was provided by the Neringa, Klaipėda, Palanga and Kretinga tourism offices, with accommodation at Hotel Nidus and Hotel Gradiali

Bangladesh has officially designated August 5th as a national day of significance known as Student-People Uprising Day. This legislative decision honors the 2024 mass movement that led to the collapse of the Awami League administration and the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Categorized under the highest tier of national observances, the day will feature formal ceremonies and government participation to commemorate the historic civil unrest. The advisory council reached this conclusion during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, solidifying the date as an annual occasion for reflection on the country’s political transition. By establishing this holiday, the current leadership aims to insti … 

WHEN it comes to holidays, everyone wants as much as they can for their buck.

Well, there’s one city that has come up trumps for affordability from cheap hotels to bargain beers, and plenty of attractions to marvel at too.

Airport transfers experts at Hoppa crunched the numbers revealing Prague as the top destination for “affordability and endless things to do”.

Hoppa said: “The Czech capital takes first place because it combines affordable prices with an exceptional selection of sights and activities.”

It continued: “Its 619 budget-friendly attractions include the Prague Castle grounds and the 17th-century Waldstein Garden (and is more than twice the study average of 272 attractions).”

Hoppa calculated that a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.58, around a third below the overall average of £13.25.

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A local draught beer costs approximately £2.32, compared with an average of £4.05 across all the destinations analysed – and three-star hotels average £86.96 per night.

Sun Travel has found some breaks starting from £53 per night – including flights.

Royal Court Hotel

This hotel is a beautifully restored 19th-century building, but inside has modern bedrooms and offers a buffet breakfast every morning.

A three-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Stansted to Prague from October 12-15 starts from £159pp.

Hotel Ametyst

The 4-star hotel sits in the middle of the city and is within walking distance to plenty of bars and restaurants as well as Wenceslas Square and the Opera House.

A three-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Luton to Prague from September 15-18 starts from £179pp.

Carlton Hotel Prague

The Carlton Hotel Prague in the Zizkov neighbourhood is considered a ‘hideaway’ and is just a tram hop away from all the city’s attractions.

A four-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Stansted to Prague from October 18-22 starts from £185pp.

Assenzio Prague

Right in the heart of Prague is the 4-star Assenzio Prague – it’s inside a stunning neoclassical building with modern rooms and amenities.

A three-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Luton to Prague from November 16-23 starts from £219pp.

Royal Prague City Apartments

Less than a mile from the centre of the city, guests can lounge about in their very own apartment-style room at this hotel.

A two-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Luton to Prague from October 19-21 starts from £122pp.

Hotel Praga 1885 by Wagnerstays

This stylish boutique hotel has everything for a city stay including spacious rooms – and you can upgrade from a standard to suite room for £10.

A two-night stay at the hotel with return flights from London Luton to Prague from October 19-21 starts from £124pp.

Europe’s best-value holiday destinations for 2026…

1. Prague, Czech Republic
2. Antalya, Turkey
3. Skopje, North Macedonia
4. Belgrade, Serbia
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Budapest, Hungary
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Sofia, Bulgaria
9. Bucharest, Romania
10. Kraków, Poland

GOING away with just hand luggage seems easy until you realise all the airlines have different policies on exactly what hand luggage is allowed.

While we all know budget airlines are some of the strictest, other airlines could still catch you out with a hidden fee at the airport.

So we’ve explained everything you need to know about taking a suitcase with some of the UK’s major airlines.

Read on for the current rules for Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, British Airways, Wizz Air Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic.

Easyjet

All easyJet passengers are allowed to bring one small underseat bag per person on board for free, measuring up to 45 x 36 x 20cm and weighing up to 15kg.

Currently, if you want a cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, you’ll need to pay extra for it.

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The price for this depends on demand, the route, your flight date and the time of booking.

Though if you get to the gate and haven’t paid for a cabin bag but have one with you, you will be charged £60.

Wizz Air

Each passenger can bring onboard a small bag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm and weighing a maximum of 10kg with Wizz Air.

The bag must fit under the seat in front of you.

However, it does state on the airline’s website that you can also carry onboard a coat or blanket, mobile phone, reading material for the flight, and duty-free items for free.

But a neck pillow is not included in this, and must fit in your cabin baggage allowance.

Currently, if you want a cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 55 x 40 x 23cm, you will need to purchase this through Wizz Priority.

This will set you back between £12.85 and £89.98 during the low season and between £17.14 and £98.55 during the high season.

Ryanair

Each passenger can take a small bag on board that measures a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm.

It must fit under the seat in front of you and be a handbag, laptop bag or backpack.

If you want a cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm, then you will need to purchase this.

This will cost you between £12 and £36 at the time of booking, or between £20 and £60 when at the airport.

Jet2

All Jet2 passengers are entitled to a 10kg cabin bag, measuring a maximum of 56 x 45 x 25cm and a small under seat bag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm.

On busy flights, Jet2 may ask to put your cabin bag in hold and if your bag is too big or heavy, you could be charged £45.

TUI

On TUI flights, passengers can each take one cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20cm and a handbag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm.

If a bag exceeds the weight limit, you will be charged £60 per 15kg bag.

British Airways

With British Airways‘ basic economy fare, each passenger is entitled to one handbag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 15cm and one cabin bag measuring a maximum of 56 x 45 x 25cm.

Your handbag must fit under the seat in front of you and your cabin bag must not have any valuables, electronics or essential medicines inside it.

If your cabin luggage is too big or heavy, British Airways might put it in the hold.

Though, you will have to pay a fee for this, which is usually £65 per bag, per way.

Virgin Atlantic

With Virgin Atlantic, each passenger in economy light is allowed to have one cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 23 × 36 × 56cm as well as an underseat bag such as a handbag or small rucksack measuring a maximum of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Your under seat bag must fit under the seat in front of you and any bags that are over the allowance could get a £65 charge as well as being placed in the hold.

Festival season is well and truly here and there was one very special thing at Kendal Calling that left be utterly gobsmacked

Summer is well and truly upon us and that means one thing – the return of the festival season.

While it might be a fallow year for Glastonbury, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an entire raft of fun in fields to be had.

I was one of the lucky 40,000 people who descended on the fields of Cumbria for this year’s Kendal Calling – which gets bigger and better each year. Once again, it was a sell-out and not only that but festival goers were blessed with the most incredible weather.

I’m a Cumbrian myself so I know only too well how much it likes to rain in that particular county – the lakes in the Lake District do need their water from somewhere afterall.

There were some concerns Kendal Calling‘s organisers had a too tough a job to match 2025’s epic experience and line-up but people needn’t have worried as this year was even more spectacular.

From Vanessa Carlton and The Kooks on the open night to Two Door Cinema Club, Ash, The Coral and Scissor Sisters on the Friday, the incredible Biffy Clyro in what many are calling Kendal Calling’s best ever headline set and The Libertines on the Saturday before The Lancashire Hotpots got everyone going on hangover Sunday and the whole incredible experience was rounded out by a very on form Primal Scream and Wolf Alice – the line-up truly was something to behold.

One of the glorious things about Kendal Calling is the mish mash of activities on offer – from the stunning woodlands in Lost Eden, which transform into a magical fairytale after dark, to Tim Peaks Diner, Desert Island Disco and Chai Wallahs – this really is a festival with something else.

And this year there was a huge surprise I didn’t expect – the food. To call it varied and plentiful would be doing it a serious dis-service. From the usual burgers and pizza there was fish and chips, gyros, Yorkshire pudding wraps, pasta, BBQ, rotisserie chicken, meatballs, vegan offerings, fried chicken, poke bowls and anything else you can possibly imagine.

Don’t get me wrong, you couldn’t call it cheap but the prices were far from extortionate (although I am a London-dweller these days so I have lost all sense of what is ‘reasonable’) and everything I sampled was freshly cooked and utterly delicious.

There was even an actual sit down restaurant in the fields in the form of Ranch 76 Smokehouse, with the nicest staff you could meet and a breakfast that truly set us up for the day.

I wasn’t expecting to come back from a festival absolutely stuffed and my only regret is that four days is simply not long enough to try everything on offer.

Kendal Calling will be back next year with tickets going on sale at 10am on Tuesday.

A WEBSITE considered the eBay or Vinted for holidays allows travellers to essentially buy second-hand breaks with massive savings.

Savings can be huge, one man even saved £6,000 on a luxury cruise that he bought online.

Called Transfer Travel, the website is a place to snap up absolute bargains with savings between 40 to 70 percent.

On the flip-side, it lets users sell any part of their trip that they can no longer go from flights to hotels, accommodation or whole holidays.

Maisie Blewitt, head of commercial at Transfer Travel, told the Daily Mail: “We’ve always said we’re like Vinted for travel or eBay for travel. If you can’t go on your holiday, you can just pop them on our platform and then resell them. 

“There’s well over a thousand listings on the website at the moment, well over a thousand different people who need to kind of recoup a bit of money or sell travel plans when things change.”

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One man who spoke to The Times said that he saved £6,000 on a luxury cruise after buying it on Transfer Travel.

Jorge Paiva bagged himself a two-week cruise around Portugal, Morocco and Spain and paid just £1,500 each, which was a third of the full-price ticket.

Originally listed at £9,000 he spent £3,000 on two non-refundable tickets for a Silversea Cruise when the sellers were advised not to go on health grounds.

Another woman who was visiting the UK from the US managed to nab first-class rail tickets from London Euston to Glasgow worth £240 for £150.

You can buy the holiday as is, or try and haggle the price down even more with the ‘Make Offer’ button.

Once the holiday is bought, the platform holds the money from the buyer until the new passenger’s details have been updated for the trip.

The money is then released to the seller, and if the seller doesn’t transfer the trip within 72 hours, the buyer is given a refund.

Sun Travel has found some great deals too – some are even during the summer holidays.

One flight deal is from Manchester Airport to Split with Jet2 from August 9 to September 5 for £190 – which is almost 60 percent less than the original price.

When it comes to holidays, one summer break on offer is seven-nights in Ibiza for £1,100.

Included is a stay at Hotel Brisa between August 17-25 and return flights from Manchester.

It’s a saving of 33.49 per cent.

Currently on the website is a cruise onboard Royal Caribbean‘s Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica.

It’s for four people in a balcony cabin for six days between August 30 to September 6 at the cost of £1,711 – which is 39.47 per cent less than the original price.

For anyone who wants to go on a safari, one traveller is selling a break to Umkhanyakude in South Africa.

It’s a six-night stay for two in a Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge with all meals included and two daily game drives with professionals.

At the cost of £1,599.75, it’s 66.92 per cent off the original price.

EUROPE is full of amazing destinations, but sometimes going to the top spots means battling hoards of crowds and forking out lots of cash.

It doesn’t have to be this way though.

Instead of heading to somewhere everyone else is going, there are some great alternatives where you will be free from throngs of selfie-stick welding tourists and overpriced restaurants.

There are several spots in Rough Guide’s ‘The Most Underated Places in Europe’ book, including the following European destinations:

Swap Bordeaux for La Rochelle

The harbour town of La Rochelle in France, is rarely busy, even in the summer season.

You’ll get the same cream-hued limestone architecture found in Bordeaux as well as a thriving food scene.

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In the old town you’ll find cobbled streets and historic houses and a port boasting three medieval towers.

Instead of the crowds experienced in Bordeaux, you’ll get a more “relaxed in character” vibe in La Rochelle, according to Rough Guides.

Food tends to be cheaper in La Rochelle too.

A direct flight to La Rochelle from the UK takes just over an hour, with flights costing from £16.99 per way.

Swap Prague for Ljubljana

Dubbed “one of Europe’s most relaxed metropolises” by Rough Guides, Ljubljana is a smaller city to Prague but has no crowds.

Instead of battling shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists for a glimpse of Charles Bridge in Prague, you can head to Ljubljana’s Triple Bridge before heading to a cosy cafe.

You’ll get the same cobblestones, castle views and cheap beer in Slovenia‘s capital compared to Prague, but with the added benefit of some of Europe’s cleanest air.

It is also a great city for art fans, with a number of museums and street art. It takes about two hours to fly from the UK to Ljubljana, with flights costing from £32 a way.

Swap Munich for Stuttgart

Those heading to Munich often head to the beer halls.

But just two hours away via train, Stuttgart has lively wine taverns as well as Cannstatter Volksfest – a 17-day annual folk festival considered to be the world’s second largest beer festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest.

And if you feel like you are missing out on the BMW museum in Munich, you can head to not one, but two car museums in Stuttgart – the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

Make sure to also visit Wilhelma which is Europe’s largest zoological and botanical garden, with a number of vineyards nearby.

Similar to Munich, the city also has a vibrant central hub called Schlossplatz, where you will find the New Palace as well as loads of shops to explore.

It takes under two hours to fly from the UK to Stuttgart, with flights costing from £44 a way.

Swap Santorini for Aland Islands

Santorini is a dream destination for many of us, but with so many people heading to the destination each year, it feels a little more like another spot overwhelmed with tourists.

Instead, head to the sunniest spot in Northern Europe – the Aland Islands.

While technically part of Finland , the region is made up of 6,700 autonomous islands.

With white sand beaches just like you’d expect on Greek islands, the islands offer the ideal holiday for getting away from crowds but still getting beach days and scenic spots – but also with a cheaper price tag.

To make it even better, there are saunas and steam rooms across the islands to venture into.

And if you like to keep active, there are a ton of activities to explore including kayaking, hiking and climbing.

The capital of the islands is Mariehamn, which has wooden houses as well as the moated Kastelholm Castle.

To get to the islands, you’ll need to book a stopover flight to Mariehamn, which from the UK costs from £92 per way.

Swap the Algarve for Comporta

If you want the golden beaches of the Algarve but want to miss the bustling resorts, head to the ‘Hamptons of Portugal‘ – Comporta – which is a village on Alentejo’s Sado estuary.

Comporta is made up of seven small villages, mostly full of small fishermen’s cabanas.

Beaches are backed by pine forests and cosy tavernas where you can pick up a beer for as little as €1.50 (£1.29).

It is also a protected nature reserve with sand dunes and rice paddy fields home to flamingos and wild dolphins.

But unlike the Algarve, the pace of life is slower here and you won’t find bars full of rowdy people.

To get to Comporta, you’ll need to fly to Lisbon which costs from as little as £18 per way and then you’ll need to drive around an hour and 20 minutes to Comporta.

Swap Corfu for Ksamil

Corfu might immediately come to mind when you think of glistening turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, but you’ll also get this in Ksamil.

Known as the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil has an abundance of pretty beaches that lack the crowds found in Corfu.

Just 1.2 miles from Corfu, you’ll get similar weather as well as a number of small islands that you can even swim to.

The destination also has history to discover including public baths that date back further than the ancient Greek period.

Ksamil also lacks the bustling clubs of Corfu, so ideal for a more relaxing break – plus it is as much as 50 per cent cheaper than a holiday in Corfu.

The best way to get to Ksamil is by flying into Corfu which costs from £15 per way, and then it’s a two-hour drive to Ksamil.

Swap Capri for Procida

Often considered Capri’s smaller and quieter cousin, the tiny island of Procida sits off the coast of Naples and can easily be explored in its entirety without the crowds of Capri.

On the island’s cliffs you’ll find hidden medieval towns and fishing villages, such as Marina di Corricella, which is completely car free and has brightly coloured houses.

Another spot to visit in Procida is Terra Murata, which is the oldest walled village in the region and sits on the island’s highest point.

And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on beaches either with dark volcanic sand spots with crystal clear waters.

There are rules in place that also stop Procida from becoming overdeveloped, so instead of expensive, flashy hotels you can stay in a fisherman’s cottage.

The best way to get to Procida is by flying to Naples costing from £16 per way, and then hopping on a ferry for an hour.

Swap Stockholm for Malmo

Instead of heading to Stockholm when in Sweden, visit the country’s third-largest city – Malmo – where you’ll find hidden squares and pretty beaches.

The city is much-loved for its food including meatballs, falafel and ramen.

You can also head to a number of coffee spots and craft breweries.

Much like Stockholm, the food scene is thriving – but you’ll get cheaper prices and less crowds.

You can also tie it in with a visit to Copenhagen in Denmark, which you can easily reach with a 30-minute train ride.

Flights to Malmo take under two hours and cost as little as £21 per way.

Swap Mykonos for Pelion Peninsula

Sitting east from the Greek mainland, you’ll find the Pelion Peninsula – a vibrant region with an abundance of nature and hiking spots.

Instead of ferry loads of people heading to the beach, you’ll find quiet coves devoid of sunbeds.

You could even head to Damouchari, which was where Mamma Mia! was filmed.

Key villages to visit on the Peninsula include Makrinista with amazing views of the region, the mountainous village of Tsagarada and Millies, a traditional settlement.

And for a fraction of the cost of a Mykonos villa, you can stay in a historic stone mansion in some of these villages.

The best way to get to the Pelion Peninsula is by flying to Thessaloniki costing from £26 a way, and then driving three hours to the Peninsula.

Swap Copenhagen for Aarhus

When people think of heading to Denmark, the first choice is often Copenhagen but the country’s second city is on the up.

Aarhus – also dubbed the ‘City of Smiles’ – is known for its cobblestone streets and medieval feel.

Throughout the city you can see half-timbered houses as well as head to the Old Town Museum, which is the world’s first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture.

Crowned European Museum of the Year 2026, you can explore 75 historic buildings that have been relocated from 20 different Danish towns.

For more history, head to Denmark’s largest cathedral dating back to the 12th century and home to the largest collection of medieval frescoes in the country.

Accommodation and food in the city will set you back less than in Copenhagen while direct flights to Aarhus take under two hours and cost from £16 per way.

Video content looks seamless as DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4P delivers footage as smooth as a Hollywood film set

For years, content creators have had to switch between a lightweight pocket gimbal for wide travel shots or lug around heavy cameras and lenses to get natural background blur and cinematic portraits. Now there’s a much more agile alternative.

DJI has just done the unthinkable, bundling a dual-lens cinematic camera system into a lightweight, nimble gimbal. As it launches the Osmo Pocket 4p, it makes both wide-angle and portrait filming accessible in one device so users can forget any extra lenses or multiple cameras.

It is wider and weighs more than its older sibling, but it packs in a lot more features. Having tested it myself, I’m sure these tiny setbacks are qualities the average user will quickly forget about. Well, I certainly did.

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I was wowed by its lightweight, insanely sharp camera quality and stabilisation. I didn’t have to worry about jerkiness of my content, how quickly I was moving or speed, immediately it was easier to use than the Osmo Mobile Gimbal I’ve had since 2018, a similar model can be bought here at Argos.

The 4P features are hugely beneficial to travel content creators, daily vloggers, and even mobile creators like myself. I’ve been testing it for the last two weeks – filming product reviews, scenery captures on evening walks and pieces to camera. The biggest test was in my dad’s old VW Beetle, which I purposefully did to trial the stabilisation, fluidity, and excess surrounding noise cancellation.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4P

The Osmo Pocket 4P is a content-altering gadget for vloggers, TikTokers and even mobile news teams. The multi-purpose bundles a dual camera and gimbal in one pocketable device.

• Exceptionally smooth content that glides on screen
• 3-Axis gimbal
• Dual camera system
• Easy to navigate settings and switching formats
• Light and nimble
• The quality of the footage is noticeable straight away

• The travel pouch is too small to fit all accessories on the go
• Heavier than the Osmo Pocket 4

Where to buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P starts at £529 for the standard combo, which includes the camera, foldable light, carry pouch, handle, and cables. For the added perk of the DJI Mini Mic 2 Transmitter, Osmo Frame Tap, Mini Tripod and carrying bag, there’s the Vlog Combo for £605 – this is out of stock on DJI but is available currently at Currys.

Other retailers which stock both bundles include Amazon , Joybuy and photography shops Clifton Cameras , Park Cameras, and Camera World. Vlogging bundles are notorious for selling out – especially if they tick all camera, sound, stability, and light boxes in one buy (just look at the Canon G7X). I wouldn’t be surprised if DJI’s Pocket 4Ps are all snapped up quickly, too.

If that price is too steep, I’d buy the accessories separately. Both the light and Mini Mic 2 noticeably boosted the quality of the videos I filmed – the standout was the mic. Alternatively, and a big rival to the Osmo Pocket 4P, there is the Insta360 Luna Ultra which costs £649.

Impressive tech: Stable and fluid at the same time

I know, it being stable and fluid at the same time sounds contradictory, but the thing I was most impressed with is the stability of the gimbal, yet it’s easy to move, and the content looks seamless. This is mainly thanks to DJI’s 3-axis stabilisation and intelligent subject tracking.

It’s also effortless to do, I didn’t need to go into settings or spend ages tapping an area in focus on the screen. It did it all for me. The Active Tracking 8.0 is another handy upgrade, which keeps subjects on quick-moving scenery footage in focus and boosts the quality of content when filming solo pieces-to-camera.

Gestures are fluid, and tapping the screen keeps a desired subject in frame at all times as the camera subtly tracks it. This is what I used when filming myself in the car at 60mph; I didn’t fall out of frame once. Even while moving between 40 and 60 Mph in an old retro car (on a windy country road), the videos stayed smooth and with no jerky movements.

Of course, all of this is captured in high-end 4K with up to 240 FRPS. Photos can be taken in 4K Live too, and users can capture crystal clear detail with the 37MP camera.

A simple flick of the screen turns the device on and initiates instant filming. The same notion can be used from landscape to portrait, too. Content creators on Instagram and TikTok may be more fussed for portrait filming, again, a super easy flick of the screen back will adjust the layout – just cancel the off timer countdown.

“More typically found in high-end cinema cameras, these professional filmmaking capabilities can effortlessly handle high-contrast scenes like city nightscapes, sunsets, and backlit portraits,” as DJI explained in their launch.

However, there were times when I had to re-centre the gimbal by double-clicking the left button. This is easy to do, but it happened more than I was expecting.

Transferring content and battery boost

One of the most important things is that transferring content works really well. No one wants to be waiting hours for a video for a TikTok clip to transfer; the same applies to work clips, a YouTube Vlog, or family footage. I did this on the go; it took a matter of seconds to connect my phone to the DJI device and download the footage. All you need is the DJI app.

This was all made easier with the comfort of having a strong battery. With all the gadgets and mic attachments, there was no need for added charging. One time this was noticeable, I filmed in the car from 100% for 30 minutes nonstop, and it dropped to 60%.

Buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P here.

IMAGINE sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Barbados, or watching the sun set with a cocktail in Bali… and you paid less than £100.

The Wowcher £99 Mystery Holiday has long been an exciting way to travel, with a lucky dip of over 100 destinations.

But a mystery trip doesn’t have to only mean a city break or European destination.

You could actually land yourself an incredible long-haul holiday to places like the Caribbean and New York.

There are even hols to far-flung spots like Thailand, Japan, Costa Rica and The Bahamas available, too.

The odds of landing a long-haul holiday have now increased, with Tier 1 holiday odds up by 33% and Tier 2 odds up by 67%.

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Wowcher launches £99pp Christmas Market Mystery Holiday – with Disneyland & New York

This means that your chance of landing that once in a lifetime holiday are higher than ever.

So what are these tiers? Wowcher Mystery Holidays are split up into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.

You are assigned assigned a holiday from one of these tiers through a randomised draw.

Tier 1 offers luxury and long haul holidays while Tier 2 offers three and four night package and all inclusive holidays. Tier 3 is for two-night city or beach breaks.

Tier 1 odds are now up 33% – meaning you are more likely than ever to land a luxurious, long haul holiday.

Tier 2 odds are up 67% – meaning you are also more likely than before to land a package or all inclusive holiday.

Which holidays could I land in the draw?

Here are all the destinations split up into Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

Tier 1 Holidays (up 33%)

Seven-night, 4* hotel breaks available in:

• The Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica, St Lucia, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Cape Town, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Chicago, Washington, Calgary, Bermuda, and The Bahamas.

• Three night, 4* breaks in: New York, Toronto and Boston

• Or a five-night, 4* break in Miami.

Tier 2 Holidays (up 67%)

Four-night breaks with breakfast in:

• Venice & Lake Como, Prague & Budapest, Rome & Venice, Lisbon & Barcelona.

Three nights (varying all inclusive or B&B basis) in:

• Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Benidorm, Sicily, The Algarve, Turkey, Zante, Santorini, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete, Malta.

Plus the following special package breaks:

• 3 Night Disneyland Paris Holiday with park tickets & breakfast

• 3 Night Iceland with Northern Lights & breakfast

• 3 Night Holiday to Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan

• 3 Night Holiday to Geneva Chocolate & Cheese Train Experience

• 3 Night Rome City Break B&B with Vatican Tour & breakfast

• 3 Night Athens City Break B&B with Acropolis Tour & breakfast

Tier 3 Holidays

Two night city or beach breaks available in:

• Madeira, Vienna, Brussels, Zadar, Prague, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Bratislava, Tallinn, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Rome, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Milan, Trieste, Bari, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Agadir, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Bucharest, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa Del Sol, Malaga, Alicante, Salou, Palma, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Sicily, Malta, Katowice, Cinque Terre, Salzburg, Tirana, Rimini, Sorrento, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade, Kaunas, Wroclaw, Bilbao, Santander, Benidorm, Marseilles, Cannes, Lyon, Nantes, Nuremberg, Gdansk, Helsinki, Geneva, Brindisi, Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Corfu, Crete, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna, Sunny Beach.

Click here to book yourself a £99 Wowcher holiday.

So how does it work when you actually book one?

When you book your holiday, you get to choose the exact dates that work for you – so no need to worry about not being able to get the time off.

You also get to pick the UK region you would like to fly from, so you won’t have to trek across the country to another airport.

And if you don’t land the holiday you were hoping for? No problem.

You’ll still enjoy a two night break at minimum with return flights included, staying in at least a three-star hotel – which is well worth the money itself!

And when you’re floating along in a gondola in Venice, posing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or chilling on the beach in Barcelona for only £99…

You can’t complain, even if you do bag somewhere closer to home.

A BRAND-NEW luxury holiday resort is under construction in the Cotswolds – and it will have cabins, a natural spa and swimming pools.

The whole project is predicted to cost £24million and it’s due to open in 2027 in Langley, Oxfordshire.

CABÜ is in the process of building 51 self-catered ‘eco timber cabins‘ with wooden panels and green window detail.

Each will have either one, two or three bedrooms inside.

The high-end resort will have lots of facilities for relaxation, from large swimming pools to its natural spa with hot tubs, saunas and a plunge bucket.

The indoor swimming pool which is surrounded by loungers and huge windows.

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

Along with an outdoor pool, there will also be a shop, restaurant, two bars, an events space and a sitooterie social space.

The website says “Our Cotswolds holiday cabins are being designed for year-round stays, with plans to offer relaxing 2, 3 and 4-night breaks that balance comfort, wellbeing and nature-led experiences.”

The new site will be a short distance from popular villages in the Cotswolds like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

The resort will be the third of its kind to open in the UK.

Two others CABÜ By The Sea in St Marys Bay in Kent and CABÜ By The Lakes at Killykeen Forest Park in Ireland.

CABÜ by the Sea sits on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

Rates for two-night stays in a one bedroom studio cabin start from £375.

Two-night stays in two bedroom cabins start from £495.

Meanwhile, CABÜ by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

Rates for two-night stays in one bedroom cabins at the lakes start from €485 (£415).

Two-night stays in three bedroom cabins start from €650 (£556).

Louise Goodridge went to Butlin’s with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love

The Amalfi Coast. Paris. Venice. Butlin’s.

It’s at the last of these romantic places that Louise Goodridge met the love of her life.

The now 59-year-old went to the resort with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love.

Louise decided to head to the Minehead holiday camp through Gingerbread, which organises activities for single parents, including short breaks.

“I’d originally gone down with a friend and I hadn’t noticed him at first!” Louise said of the man who would soon take her breath away.

“It’s a really stupid story, but I had an argument over a loaf of bread with my friend. She ended up leaving me at Butlins and drove off in her car. I’d given her fuel money and everything.”

In the wake of the fallout, Louise was looking for someone to give her a lift to her home in Watford. Enter Gary, who, as luck would have it, lived ten miles away in Amersham.

“So I got left alone, with no way of getting back to Watford, which is where I was living. I had to go to the group and say, ‘Do you think anyone could give me a lift back?’ And that’s when Gary volunteered to drive me. He invited me out afterwards for a cup of tea and a piece of cake whilst we were on this trip out,” Louise explained.

“We’ve not been separated since that day.”

For the single mum, it wasn’t Gary’s appearance that initially won her over.

“I can’t say I really liked the look of him, but I liked his personality! I’m an honest person. He was funny, and we had a lot in common, so we had lots to talk about,” she said.

Louise knew she really liked Gary after their first date, on which they’d spent an entire night not doing anything other than talking and then singing through the Simon and Garfunkel catalogue. Just a handful of weeks later and they were living together.

“This year we will have been together for 34 years and we got married on our first anniversary of meeting. So we met on the 24 October 1991, and we got married on the 24 October 1992,” Louise added.

While the couple were sure of one another, others close to them weren’t so convinced.

“My mum wasn’t a huge fan of Gary. He was 10 years older. I was only 25 then, so I was 25 years old and he was 34. My grandparents also didn’t like him either. My friends were alright about it. Gary’s family were much more tolerant than mine,” Louise said.

Gary has a quicker summary of their romance.

“Well, it was a case of, ‘Oh, she looks alright.’ She looked slightly rattled on the day and I then invited her out for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. And that was it,” he said.

As to why she chose Butlin’s, Louise said: “It was cheap, and as a single parent on benefits, there’s no way I could have afforded to go on a big holiday. It was a no brainer really.”

The NHS GP and TV doctor shared advice in an episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast

NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan, has recommended that holidaymakers start taking a tablet daily one week before their departure date. The health expert offered the advice to help people tackle a common problem many face while on holiday.

The GP suggests taking the tablets to help reduce the common issue of irritation from mosquito bites. While Brits often complain about the insects during the summer population boom, they are even more common in mainland Europe, much to the frustration of holidaymakers.

Thankfully, Dr Khan has shared advice that could help anyone visiting a country where bites are likely. The NHS doctor and TV personality offered the tip during a recent episode of the No Appointment Necessary podcast. Dr Khan, who is a co-host of the show, revealed he swears by the method himself.

The doctor clarified that the trick does not prevent bites, but it can help to reduce irritation. He told viewers: “How do we protect ourselves against insect bites?

“This won’t avoid you getting bitten, but it will help you reduce all that irritation and redness. Start taking a daily antihistamine a week before you go on holiday. I do that now, and it has changed my reaction to mosquito bites.

“They’re not as bad as they were, and I’m not like just miserably itchy on holidays. So every day for a week beforehand.” He added: “Antihistamines a week before you go on holiday, and while you’re out there as well, because your whole point is managing your overimmune response, and antihistamines will help do that.”

The advice proved popular with social media users when a clip from the podcast was shared on Instagram. The video gained over 4k likes. Replying to the post, a commenter said: “True fact as we did before going to Sri Lanka last year and what a difference!!”

A similar reply said: “I’ve been doing this for a while and it works.” Another response read: “Did this going to Thailand last year and it worked a treat.” However, there were also some commenters who said they had tried the tip before without noticing a difference.

The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines. It’s also important to follow the directions when taking antihistamines.

The NHS website explains: “Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.

“They’re also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription.”

EXCLUSIVE: Not wanting to risk the blazing temperatures of Sardinia, a heatwave fatigued mum wapped her dreamy Italian holiday for a milder ‘coolcation’, and has no regrets

A mum of one has shared how she swapped Mediterranean sun for a ‘coolcation’ and why she’ll do it all over again next year.

Monica Krenner and her husband, Peter, were on the brink of booking flights to Sardinia, Italy, on what was to be their young son Lewis’s very first holiday.

However, as the blistering heat took hold, the concerned parents didn’t fancy braving the 39-degree scorcher with a three-year-old, and so had a last-minute change of heart. The fatigue of parenting during the relentless London heatwaves this summer meant she couldn’t face more sweltering temps abroad.

Monica, 57, tells the Mirror: “It was the best decision we made.” Instead of dashing to the airport, the family made the five-and-a-half-hour journey from London to St Ives, Cornwall, back in June, where the relatively mild temperatures of between 16 and 24 degrees felt much more appealing.

Explaining how she came to the decision, nutritionist Monica says that after speaking with a few friends, as well as some clients from Sardinia, she began to worry about just how hot the famously beautiful Italian island would get.

“After talking with a lot of people, searching all the weather apps, I then said, ‘I cannot imagine going there, because then we have to be indoors the whole day, because it will be too hot to go outside’.

“And for the little one, the skin is very sensitive still. He’s also not an amazing sleeper yet. Then I thought, ‘Oh my God, if it’s then hot on top because the weather, and he’s not sleeping great, I’m already tired when I’m getting there, it won’t be better when we stay somewhere where it’s too hot this summer’.”

Once in Cornwall, Monica, Peter and Lewis were able to sleep comfortably at night after spending their waking hours walking in the fresh air and exploring the breathtaking Cornish coastline.

It was little Lewis’s very first time at the beach, and although Monica joked that “the seagulls didn’t make it easy”, it proved to be a very special, memorable trip.

Monica, who is originally from Vienna, Austria, says: “It was just relaxed, and in the evening, there was a nice breeze in your face. It felt like you could really breathe properly.

“We had a few drizzles, but even that was perfect. We had a very nice spacious room, so even if we didn’t want to rush out, we could stay inside and have the windows open looking at the ocean. It was just lovely.”

Monica says that the trip “completely changed” how the family now consider their summer holidays. Going forward, they’re far more interested in exploring a different options, “rather than chasing guaranteed sunshine.”

Next year, the family intend to head off on another ‘coolcation’, and they are already planning their adventures. Currently, Monica and Peter are eyeing up trips to the coast of Denmark or Sweden, while bonny Scotland is also a top contender.

And the couple aren’t the only ones looking for a crisp getaway. During the late June heatwave, Brits searches for cool-weather city breaks surged by as much as 33 percent compared to the previous week, according to online agent Opodo. Stockholm, Geneva and Gothenburg were the most coveted spots – world’s away from sunny Spain or Italy.

With four heatwaves in the UK already this summer, many holidaymakers are longing for gentle breezes rather than piercing sunbeams. So could it be that ‘coolcations’ are the new luxury in our climate change age?

Ahead of the fast-approaching August Bank Holiday weekend, Airbnb has revealed that a number of UK destinations are seeing a surge in interest this summer, with bookings in Scarborough up by 30 per cent.

Picturesque Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, which has seen bookings soar by 29 per cent, has emerged as one of this year’s top ‘coolcation’ destinations, offering refreshing sea breezes and shady forest walks.

As for Monica, she’s noticed this trend within her own social circles and reckons it makes perfect sense, especially for parents of young children looking for an easier trip.

She explains: “People are looking for some cooler areas where they can breathe and enjoy being outside, not to cover up with 10,000 creams, and also with the little ones, not to cause them any sunburn.”

The term sunny escape has taken on a whole different meaning in recent times. Awaze, the European holiday rental brand behind cottages.com and Hoseasons, found that searches for “escape the heat” rose by 300 per cent over the last three months alone. Online searches for ‘coolcations’, they say, were up by 420 per cent.

Matthew Price, Awaze’s chief executive, notes that rising temperatures are “creating a new category of holidays”, adding that they are “increasingly seeing holidaymakers look further afield to destinations known for their cooler climate, such as Scotland, Yorkshire and the northwest of England”.

Heti Morus, Marketing Executive at StayCotswold has also picked up on this trend, telling the Mirror: “It’s no wonder ‘coolcations’ are growing in popularity here in the UK. I recently flew back from Bordeaux and saw the wildfires firsthand from the air.

“It just showed how quickly these situations can escalate, and it’s made me think twice about flying to that part of France again anytime soon. Cooler staycation destinations are certainly looking even more appealing this year.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.

In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.

The secret is simple: hotel star ratings aren’t customer review scores.

Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.

They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.

When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.

These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.

Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.

9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu

The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.

It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.

You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.

The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.

The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.

8. Osiris Ibiza, Ibiza

If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.

This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.

Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.

The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.

While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.

7. Oykun Hotel, Turkey

The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”

On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.

I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.

And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.

Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.

6. Zephyros Hotel, Santorini

Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.

The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.

At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.

At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.

5. Alfagar Village, Portugal

Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.

It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.

It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.

I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.

The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.

The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.

That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.

4. Dom Jose Beach Hotel, Portugal

The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.

You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.

While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.

Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.

You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.

3. Hotel Abrat, Ibiza

Occupying one of the best spots in Ibiza, Hotel Abrat is tucked away on the quieter, scenic northern edge of the resort near Caló des Moro beach.

Recent refurbs have left its sea-view pool deck looking like a gorgeous five-star property, backing up its strong 4.2/5 Tripadvisor score.

I found a seven-night stay here from £470pp, with direct flights from London Southend on September 30 including breakfast.

And the best thing, for me, about staying at the Abrat is the coastal walking path directly behind the gardens.

It runs along the rocky coastline to a series of pristine, hidden swimming coves where the water is crystal clear. A real hidden gem of a find.

2. Hotel Valentina, Malta

If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.

This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.

Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)

I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).

But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.

Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.

1. Velamar Boutique Hotel, Portugal

Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.

Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.

You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)

The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.

When I pulled into the parking lot near Long Beach’s F&M Bank Amphitheater with just 30 minutes until the opening of the show on a recent Friday, my heart raced.

“Do you think we’ll make it in time?” I asked my boyfriend, worried.

We were heading to Ice Cube and Mike Epps’ “Everyday’s Friday” concert and comedy show — a celebration of the cult classic “Friday” movie franchise — so a huge turnout was guaranteed. And ever since F&M Bank Amphitheater opened earlier this summer, my social media feeds have been flooded with complaints about Long Beach’s new temporary waterfront venue. Concertgoers have cited uncomfortable seating, sky-high parking rates and long shuttle wait times.

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Those comments swirled in my head as I hustled toward the shuttle pickup line near the Pike Outlets. But to my surprise and relief, a bus arrived within a few minutes. After a roughly 15-minute drive through mild traffic, we made it to the venue just in time to see Epps tease a few audience members during his opening comedy segment.

The 11,000-seat F&M Bank Amphitheater has gotten a lot of buzz in the two months it’s been open, with conversations surrounding its funding, noise concerns in the neighborhood and the purpose of the venue for the city of Long Beach. My mission was simply to see what it’s like to experience a show. The verdict? If you’re not expecting luxury and you arrive with a healthy dose of patience, it’s a treat.

Here’s a rundown, starting with getting to the amphitheater. Because the venue doesn’t have its own parking lot, the options are rideshare, the bus, e-scooters, bikes (with storage available at the venue), taking a water taxi ($5 per way) or paying $55 for reserved spaces, then taking the free shuttle.

Walking inside felt less like entering a temporary venue and more like stepping into a mini music festival. The pathway toward the security checkpoint was adorned with a bright abstract mural, hanging lights and swaying palm trees. A display of lowriders greeted us alongside a massive mural of iconic scenes from the film “Friday,” including Cube and Chris Tucker’s legendary “Dammnnnn” moment. Deeper into the grounds, fans delighted in interactive art installations — from a replica of Pinky’s Records & Discs to Craig’s front porch. Nearby were even more classic lowriders that drivers made bounce and dance for the crowd. The layout made the space feel more expansive and interactive than just watching a performance.

The spacious F&M Bank Amphitheater felt like a mini music festival with food trucks, art installations and more.

(Daniel Rojas)

Food trucks and bars were scattered throughout, serving up tacos, burgers, hot dogs and other hand-held bites. I ordered a smashburger with fries — which was decent though the line moved slowly — and paired it with a cocktail, which was moderately priced by L.A. standards ($19 for premium liquor). Grab-and-go beers and seltzers were easily accessible although I didn’t spot any refillable water stations around the venue.

And a major thing to note is the venue’s only restrooms are Porta Potties. I was instantly grateful that I’d brought hand sanitizer as there weren’t any hand-washing stations near the entrance. Fortunately, a second portable toilet area deeper inside the venue had working sinks and held up well throughout the show.

Thousands of fans attended the “Everyday’s Friday” event, which celebrated the “Friday” movie franchise.

(Daniel Rojas)

Much like shows at the Hollywood Bowl, the concert kicked off a few minutes after 7 p.m. With our burgers and margaritas in hand, my boyfriend and I nestled into our seats in the center 300 section, which gave us a clear, unobstructed view of the stage. Thanks to the tiered bleacher-style seating, almost every seat in the house offers a great vantage point. The actual seats were hard and mildly uncomfortable, but we didn’t mind this because we stood up for most of the show. Some attendees opted to hang out at one of the many picnic tables sprinkled around the venue.

By the time Houston rap legend Scarface — who’s known for his use of heavy bass — hit the stage I realized just how crisp the sound quality was. Even when we left our seats for a quick bathroom break, I could still hear the music clearly. The sound combined with lasers and immersive backdrop visuals of scenes from the films elevated the show experience.

Thanks to the tiered bleacher-style seating, almost every seat in the venue offers a great vantage point of the stage.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

It’s difficult to ignore the picturesque views of the harbor and famed Queen Mary, particularly at sunset. (On certain concert days, the Queen Mary offers free admission.) It felt like the perfect setting for a show that celebrated the beloved film, its soundtrack and most importantly West Coast hip-hop culture.

About two-thirds into Ice Cube’s set, I noticed small groups of people sneaking toward the exit. Mindful of the online horror stories about post-show delays, my boyfriend and I decided to duck out early to beat the rush. By the time we made it outside, people were already power-walking toward an expanding line. Security seemed scrambled, first directing a large crowd of us to the far side of the pickup zone, which sparked confusion and frustration, then waving us back. Unlike the Hollywood Bowl, which has fleets of shuttles ready to go, F&M Bank Amphitheater’s shuttle operation felt a bit leaner. Still, a bus arrived within 10 minutes, and despite initially driving to the wrong drop-off spot, the driver quickly course-corrected and got us back on track.

V.I.P Records, a store that helped launch the careers of artists like Snoop Dogg and Warren G, had a booth at the event.

(Daniel Rojas)

As an avid concertgoer, I enjoyed the overall experience at the F&M Amphitheater. It delivered on all the key elements I look for in a show: pristine sound, engaging visuals and a seamless entry. While the venue still has some post-show shuttle kinks to smooth out — an expected growing pain for a new space — it successfully turns a temporary layout into a lively entertainment venue that could soon evolve into a permanent “Long Beach Bowl.” For music lovers and promoters alike, that’s worth celebrating.

A FAMOUS UK train could soon be travelling from the UK to mainland Europe.

The Caledonian Sleeper, known for its overnight routes between London and Scotland, could soon head from Scotland to destinations in Europe.

Following a meeting, the train operator is now looking into opportunities for the sleeper to head abroad.

Stephen Flynn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport said of the project: “We are committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe, and I am pleased that this work is now underway.

“This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.”

Findings of the study are expected to be published later this year.

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The Caledonian Sleeper currently runs services between London Euston, Birmingham International and major destinations across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.

Routes include the Lowlander Route and the Highlander Route.

The Caledonian Sleeper operates six nights a week, with Saturday being the only day there isn’t a service.

Currently the only trains between the UK and mainland Europe are via the Eurostar and Channel Tunnel.

Eurostar’s destinations include Paris, Brussels and Rotterdam.

However, Virgin Trains is set to launch by the end of the decade, promising services to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

The company is also hoping to launch routes to Disneyland Paris, other parts of France and into Germany and Switzerland in the future.

A man was travelling home when he was offered a first class upgrade – but in a remarkable act of kindness, he gave it to a stranger sitting next to him, sparking a friendship that has lasted more than 20 years

A man has won hearts after explaining why he handed over a complimentary first-class upgrade to a complete stranger.

He recounted how he was heading back to Florida from Costa Rica after spending several weeks working overseas. Utterly shattered, he asked his company to book an aisle seat so he could stretch out his legs during the flight. But when he boarded, he found a “rather large woman” sitting in his allocated seat. He explained on Reddit: “As I checked my ticket, she explained she had sprained her ankle and would I mind sitting in the middle seat, as she was having trouble getting in and out of the seats.

“I looked at her and realised that she and I were probably the same age. I don’t normally like middle seats, but she needed the aisle seat more than I and so I said ‘sure’.”

The pair struck up a conversation and began learning about one another’s lives when, half an hour into the flight, a flight attendant approached him with a complimentary upgrade offer.

He revealed: “I thought about it for a moment and said to my seatmate, ‘Why don’t you go ahead and go up. you can use that seat more than I can’. She looked surprised and shed a tear before accepting.

“The flight attendant took her up, and then came back (with a drink) and said: ‘We’re not supposed to do that, but thank you for helping her’.

“Anyway, that was more than 20 years ago, and we still correspond from time to time. Sometimes, little acts make large impacts.”

One social media user responded: “That’s such a beautiful reminder that small kindnesses can mean the world to someone else.”

Another chimed in: “Exactly, you showed how little kindness can ripple into something much bigger, you showed love to the family that means a lot to them.

“This is the kind gesture the world need without anticipating anything in return.”

A third added: “That’s such a wholesome story. Funny how what feels small to us can mean the world to someone else. You never know the weight someone’s carrying when you decide to help. Makes me think those little choices on flights or in lines stick with people way longer than we realise.”

Yet another user shared: “Reading this hit me because I remember when I was a kid, strangers did the same so my mum could sit with me on flights.

“I never realised how huge that was until I got older. Honestly, it’s just a good reminder that kindness has a ripple effect. Now I try to do one small ‘inconvenience’ a week on purpose, kind of keeps me grounded.”

Travel chaos

It comes as a passenger sparked a debate after reclining their plane seat on a long-haul flight without first checking behind them.

Like many passengers on long journeys, they decided to get comfortable after the meal service had finished and prepared to recline their seat before trying to get some sleep.

However, what happened next was the last thing they expected. As they pushed their seat backwards, they suddenly heard somebody shouting: “Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

At first, they assumed the noise was coming from the TV show they were watching on their tablet and carried on as normal.

But moments later, a passenger sitting behind them tapped on their seat and delivered a stern warning.

The FO-backed Travel Health Pro site has completed new review and warned of new high levels of Brits returning with disease

Officials have issued a new list of countries people need to be wary of after ‘UK deaths’ caused by a disease. The Travel Health Pro site, which is backed by the UK’s Foreign Office said people need to take precautions at these 13 locations.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued new guidance this summer on how to avoid getting malaria. Travel Health Pro added: “Each year several UK travellers die from malaria after visiting malaria risk countries, with most travellers who catch malaria reporting travel to Africa.” To read the guidance click here.

2,004 imported malaria cases were reported in the UK in 2023 (returning to pre-pandemic levels), up from 1,369 in 2022

Most affected individuals had traveled to Africa, particularly11 visiting friends and relatives.

Travel Health Pro said this week it has completed a review and has now published new risk maps for the key countries:

• Belize
• Botswana
• Dominican Republic
• Eswatini
• French Guiana
• India
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Sudan

Malaria is a serious febrile illness due to infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium and is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Clinical symptoms and signs of malaria

(These symptoms and signs are taken from the UKMEAG malaria treatment guidelines.)

Non-specific symptoms of malaria:

• fever, sweats or chills
• malaise (vague discomfort)
• myalgia (muscle pain, tenderness)
• diarrhoea
• cough

Major features of severe or complicated falciparum malaria in adults:

• impaired consciousness or seizures
• renal impairment (oliguria less than 0.4 millilitre per kilogram (ml/kg) bodyweight per hour or creatinine more than 265 micromoles per litre (μmol/l))
• acidosis (pH less than 7.3)
• hypoglycaemia (less than 2.2 mmol/l)
• pulmonary oedema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• spontaneous bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation
• shock (algid malaria)
• haemoglobinuria (without G6PD deficiency)

Travel Health Pro added: “All travellers visiting areas where malaria occurs are at risk of acquiring the disease, particularly migrants to the UK who were born in malaria risk areas and return to visit friends and relatives in their country of birth. Any immunity travellers may have acquired in their country of origin wanes rapidly on migration to a country with no risk of malaria; their UK-born children will have no protection from the disease. Certain travellers are at increased risk of severe disease such as: pregnant women, those with an absent or poorly functioning spleen, children and older travellers.”

In terms of prevention it added: “Travellers should follow insect bite avoidance advice, including covering up with loosely fitting clothes, ideally long sleeves, long trousers and socks if out of doors. This helps to reduce biting mosquitoes’ access to skin.

“All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return. They should also let the health professional know they have visited a malaria risk area.

“No regimen is 100% effective, but a combination of preventive measures will give significant protection against the potentially severe consequences of malaria.

“Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication.”

For more information click here.

A UK airport has been given official approval for its planned expansion that will see it DOUBLE passengers numbers.

Its other plans include a brand-new terminal and expanding the existing one too.

London Luton Airport has now cleared all legal hurdles in order to expand in a £2.4billion project.

The initial plans were first approved by the government in April 2025.

Then on July 31, the Supreme Court declined to grant campaigners final permission to appeal – meaning the plans can go-ahead unopposed.

Now, the airport is set to build a new terminal as well as work on its existing one so that it can welcome up to 32million passengers by 2043.

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Flights will increase to 209,000 flights per year from its current average between 65,000 to 68,000.

Last year, Luton was UK’s fifth-busiest airport and saw 17.5million passengers.

The expansion will also create 11,000 new jobs at the airport, with 4,400 of those in the town itself.

Paul Kehoe, chair of Luton Rising which owns Luton Airport, called clearing it a “landmark moment”.

He said: “We are very pleased to now have the certainty we have been working towards.

“As a community-owned organisation, every passenger travelling through our airport means more investment in local people and services.”

Last year, London Luton won the award for the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline Terminal 2025′ by Skytrax.

Based on passenger satisfaction and overall experience, Luton Airport was been crowned the best terminal in the UK for budget airlines.

The airport is home to airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air.

It then welcomed airline Jet2 to the airport with 17 new routes at its start in April last year.

And throughout the month of August this year, London Luton Airport has launched free bus travel for any passenger travelling to the terminal.