Travel Desk

Harry Poulton, 24, grew tired of life in the UK and decided to move to Benidorm, Spain, after falling in love with the popular hotspot. Now, he has zero plans to ever move back to England

A young British man took the dramatic step of moving to Benidorm for good following a lads’ holiday – and has pledged never to return to the UK again.

While Great Britain offers plenty of positives, it’s not without its shortcomings. Between the famously erratic weather and the ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s increasingly understandable why some people make the leap and move abroad. Such was the experience for 24-year-old Harry Poulton, who travelled to Benidorm for the first time on a lads’ holiday and immediately knew it was going to be his future home. For Harry, one of the factors that made his choice easy was the fun lifestyle available at a far lower cost than compared to “gloomy” Britain.

The travel vlogger, originally from Brighton, had become tired of life in “gloomy” England and, aged just 18, opted to transform his circumstances by abandoning his homeland in favour of Spain.

In a TikTok clip detailing his reasoning, he admitted one of the main motivations for moving was escaping the “horrible” British weather.

The cost of living was another reason behind his choice. Daily life in the Spanish coastal resort proves considerably more affordable for Harry.

He explained: “Everything in the UK is just going up, up, up and up, and no one knows when it’s going to stop. At least here in Spain, your money travels so much further – you’ll get way more for your money here in Spain than you would in the UK, and that’s my opinion.”

Speaking to Luxury Travel Daily, Harry explained: “I don’t know why anybody would want to live in Britain. It’s cold, dreary and gloomy all the time.

“There’s no room to have fun outside of the constant boring routine and work. After I visited Benidorm, I knew that it was the place I wanted to settle down.

“It offers great weather, beautiful beaches and such a laid-back vibe. It’s the complete opposite of the UK.”

Harry is a passionate advocate for Benidorm, convinced many Britons unfairly make a “mockery” of the beloved holiday hotspot. The Spanish municipality is known and loved for its thriving hotel and live entertainment industry, its golden beaches, and impressive skyscrapers.

The town is said to receive just as many tourists from abroad as it does from Spain. He said: “Stop making a mockery of such a wonderful place. If you live here, you’ll know better than any British tourists what this country is really like.”

Harry continued: “Everyone says not to visit Benidorm, as you’ll get scammed or mugged. And that bars will rip tourists off with extortionate prices for drinks – but that’s all absolute rubbish.

“It’s crazy what Brits believe. It’s not just for party-goers or stag dos. Benidorm has so much on offer and it’s not a place you’ll regret going. There are so many haters out there that like to spread misinformation or myths, stopping people from coming here.”

He added: “It’s mad. Look at the state of the UK – all of these things happen there more than they do in Benidorm.”

Harry believes he’s considerably happier living in Spain than he ever was in Britain.

For anyone contemplating a similarly dramatic overseas move, he suggested: “Learn some basic Spanish before coming. Ensure to plan financially, too. Be prepared for some paperwork, especially since Brexit, but it’s so worth it once you’re here.”

Looking back on making such a major decision at such a young age, he added: “It’s completely transformed my life – and being so young, I’m glad I leaped now rather than later. Who wants to wake up to grey skies every day, when you can have blue ones greeting you each morning? Benidorm is paradise – anyone who says otherwise is lying.”

SPAIN

Tamarindos, Es Grau, Menorca

On Menorca’s north-east coast, Es Grau is a low-key village with a crescent of dark sand in a fan-shaped bay, behind which is the s’Albufera des Grau nature reserve. Tamarindos is actually two places: as you reach the Mediterranean, look left to see the bar, with shady tables under the trees; look right for the restaurant, with a terrace on stilts over the duck-egg-blue water.

At the bar, I go for the grilled brioche stuffed with sobrasada sausage, punchy Mahón cheese and local honey with a glass of local merluzo white wine. In the restaurant, my favourite is the paella with Menorcan red prawns, but the artichoke and seaweed version is good, too. Later on, you’ll find me back under the trees with a pomada – Xoriguer gin mixed with lemonade and crushed ice.
Paella from €26 per person
Annie Bennett

La Mar de Fondo, Playa de Frexulfe, Asturias

On one of the least developed stretches of the Spanish coast sits the stunning Playa de Frexulfe. It forms part of a protected landscape of dunes, cliffs and rare coastal flora between the fishing towns of Navia and Puerto de Vega. It’s a rare glimpse of what Spain looked like before tourism; there is virtually no development – except for the best beach bar ever.

La Mar de Fondo is a creaky wooden structure perched on a hill overlooking the near kilometre-long beach. The vibe is as laid-back and wild as the landscape. It serves food and drinks, and though I’ve never stayed for a meal, it holds a special place in my heart as the spot where I spilled out of my first sleepless night of van life. The contrast between a smelly mosquito-filled vehicle and a quiet morning coffee, watching the water sparkle through the eucalyptus trees, goes down as one of my favourite travel moments.
Meal about €30
Alyssa McMurtry

Restaurant La Isleta, La Isleta del Moro, Almería

Teetering on a rocky peninsula on the Cabo de Gata coast, jutting out into the Mediterranean, is a tiny, white-washed fishing village, La Isleta del Moro: population 200. Sleepy and remote, it shot to fame briefly in 2018 when Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in town to shoot scenes for Terminator: Dark Fate. Its few buildings are clustered on the waterfront, with Restaurant La Isleta in prime position, perched on the rocks by the jetty. Sitting on the terrace under a palm-thatched roof, you can hear the waves lapping beneath you, and watch the fishers haul their boats up the beach.

My arrival was more low-key than Arnie’s, arriving on foot while walking the coast, but the timing was perfect for a sundowner – an ice-cold beer as the sky turned Technicolor over the cliffs. As they say in these parts: I’ll be back.
Average meal €50
Lois Pryce

El Refugio, Zahara de los Atunes, Costa de la Luz

With perfectly framed views of grassy dunes, a sweep of white sand and a sapphire horizon of rippling Atlantic waves, El Refugio is an understated bar-restaurant in the village of Zahara de los Atunes. Wrapped around the simple whitewashed restaurant, a terrace shaded by an immense fig tree offers sun or shadow as well as salty breezes, which sometimes whip up wildly. Later, flamboyant sunsets paint the sky.

Food leans heavily on atun rojo (bluefin tuna), rich and buttery, the much-prized speciality of this coast ever since the Phoenicians introduced the almadraba fishing technique 3,000 years ago. Another local classic is tender, low-fat retinto steak, while salads, gazpacho and affordable Spanish wines help propel the mainly hipster clientele through long, lazy afternoons. No bookings though – El Refugio’s burgeoning popularity has led to a waiting-list system at the door.
Three-course lunch about €35, plus wine
Fiona Dunlop

FRANCE

Le Cabanon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Provence

You can smell the steaming clams and freshly baked focaccia well before you reach the bottom of the 100 steps down to Le Cabanon on the Plage du Buse. The bar-restaurant has had several management changes since I first visited a decade ago, but is always a fabulous place for a summertime drink overlooking the protected bay and headland where designer Eileen Gray built her modernist villa, E-1027, and Le Corbusier his wooden beach hut.

Le Cabanon reopened this April with a new side-hatch serving coffees, sublime gelato and goblets of Aperol spritz to beachgoers. It looks like a beachside conservatory with an open kitchen and a dozen tables upstairs on a shaded terrace. I always sit on its huge trunk of blanched driftwood to watch the cormorants, kayakers and distant super yachts.
Mains €20-30
Jon Bryant

Le Cabanon de Paulette, Marseille

Le Cabanon de Paulette is a seaside watering hole that hooks you in from the first sip. It hugs a stone wall above the Plage de l’Abricotier, a small, sandy cove, and every stool has a front-row view of the Mediterranean and nearby Frioul islands. Though trendy, the bar has a convivial vibe, and the staff exude the warmth of the south.

I recommend the fried squid, octopus salad and famous moules frites de Mamie Paulette (garlic-cream mussels named for the owner’s grandmother). Bottles of rosé mirror the blushing sky at sunset, the golden hour that bathes revellers in a gorgeous glow while being serenaded by guitars. In the distance, ferries head towards Corsica.
Meals €15-20, cash only
Alexis Steinman

Le France, Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, Loire

There’s a beach on France’s Atlantic coast that remains dear to many French people’s hearts thanks to its role in the classic 1953 Jacques Tati film, Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot. The film follows Tati’s much-loved character as he leaves chaos at every turn of his summer holiday.

I love that Monsieur Hulot is celebrated at the quiet beach with a bronze statue leaning over the railings in his characteristic hands-on-hips style. Beneath, Le France restaurant opens out on to the golden sand, with sun umbrellas and deckchairs giving it a suitably retro feel. The menu features seafood platters and moules-frites, and the service is laid-back – in keeping with the vibe of Tati’s dreamy film.
Mains from €17
Carolyn Boyd

La Cale, Blainville-sur-Mer, Normandy

France’s northern coast, with its stiff breeze and broad sandy beaches, will feel familiar to a British audience – until lunchtime rolls around. Starchy, white-tableclothed restaurants serving up elegant platters of fruit de mer are lovely things, but sometimes on holiday you just want chips on the beach. Enter La Cale, a seaside shack on Normandy’s Cotentin peninsula, where you can enjoy good French cooking with your feet literally in the sand.

It serves all the classics, including platters of oysters and pots of moules with crispy frites, plus sausages and gigots of lamb cooked on the open fire, out on a ramshackle terrace that’s all but falling into the dunes. Don’t expect formality – the owner is a character, the bathrooms rustic – and don’t miss the local ciders, or tergoule, a sweetly spiced, very Normande, rice pudding.
Average meal €20-30
Felicity Cloake

L’Oasis, Plomodiern, Brittany

I stopped off at L’Oasis by chance, but this brilliant beachside restaurant on Brittany’s wild Finistère coastline immediately went to the top of my list of favourite discoveries. A striking yellow stone manor house looks out over the Plage de Pors Ar Vag (Breton for “boat cove”), the beginning of a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach. Chilling out on a manicured lawn above the lapping waves, diners sip glasses of chilled muscadet wine or artisan cider.

At sunset, the last surfers and family holidaymakers slowly leave the beach, while the restaurant offers memorable local seafood at affordable prices. Oysters and langoustines are a must, but more surprising are the signature juicy palourde clams grilled with garlic and parsley. And the profiteroles topped with hot chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream are to-die-for.
Three-course menu €27 at lunch, €32 for dinner
John Brunton

Le Marinella, L’Île-Rousse, Corsica

There’s something deeply relaxing about sliding your toes into the sand while having a lazy lunch and drinking Corsican rosé by the sea. Le Marinella sprawls across the wide expanse of L’Île-Rousse’s beach on Corsica’s northern Balagne coast, where there’s also a lovely morning food market worth visiting. While you can sit on one of Le Marinella’s covered terraces, it’s more pleasurable to kick off your flip-flops and linger over a moreish Corsican take on tapas under the shade of a parasol.

Fried balls of brocciu cheese, saucisson, anchovy beignets and tapenade remind me that Corsican cuisine historically leans more inland than towards the sea – piracy made living on the coast too dangerous. But then along comes a bowl of mussels in a sea urchin sauce to take me firmly back to the Mediterranean and, eventually, to one of the restaurant’s sunloungers.
Tapas €22, mussels €20
Mary Novakovich

ITALY

Trattoria Da Patrizia, Naples

Trattoria Da Patrizia is easy to miss, tucked between the smarter restaurants on the peninsula of Megaride, on the Naples seafront. The plastic chairs, chequered paper tablecloths and handwritten menu disguise what I believe to be the best (in all its simplicity) seaside lunch spot in the city. One sweltering August, when most Neapolitans had decamped somewhere cooler, I found myself there almost every day seeking refuge: tomato bruschetta to start, a big bowl of spaghetti alle vongole, and a carafe of cold falanghina white wine.

After lunch, the nearby boulders that line the fringes of the promenade make for a perfect sunbed, a lazy doze in the shadow of the majestic Castel dell’Ovo, and then a dip in the sea alongside the raucous scugnizzi – Naples’ beloved street urchins – terrifying anyone who cares to watch as they jump from the footbridge into the warm shallow water of the Borgo Marinari marina.
Meal from €20
Sophia Seymour

Il Pirata, Termoli, Adriatic coast

From Termoli, capital of Italy’s south-eastern Molise region, the sandy beach stretches for miles, lined with a paved cycle track and footpath. About 15 minutes’ walk from town is a “free” beach called Il Fratino, after the plovers that nest there. The September I was there the water was clear and inviting, the sand golden and warm. But the real triumph came at lunchtime. About 100 metres up the beach, looking like an overgrown shepherd’s hut, is restaurant Il Pirata.

Staff settled us on a balcony table and proceeded to wow us with dish after memorable dish. Mussels pepata (with lemon and black pepper), great pasta (fish bolognese and masterful linguine with shrimps, lime and pistachio) and roast octopus on broccoli rabe and burrata all went beautifully with chilled local trebbiano (white wine). The meal became a family benchmark for beachside lunches. Now, “nearly as good as Il Pirata” is praise indeed.
Two courses about €25
Liz Boulter

Bar Piero, Lavagna, Liguria

It’s not Rapallo, seven miles to the north, nor Sestri Levante, five to the south. In short, it’s not chic. In Italian, Lavagna means slate, which they were quarrying in Roman times. The beach is shale, shelving steeply, but the sea is a dazzling summery blue.

Right above the sea wall, on the promenade, is Bar Piero, a kiosk with white tables under white sunshades. It serves delicious fresh brioches that tend to run out after 10am. By 11am, there’s the sound of ice being vigorously shaken for cocktails, the smell of focaccia wafting from the oven. Then all the standard Italian fare at lunch, afternoon beer and spritz, and meat sizzling in the seaside dusk, with the gentle ebb and flow of strollers along the promenade and the sun melting into sea. Hard to beat.
Panini about €6
Tim Parks

GREECE

Bardis, Loutraki Bay, Crete

The best table I know is perched over shifting Greek seas and backed by lush green hillsides. Bardis is a taverna-cum-organic farm in Loutraki Bay, western Crete (population: three families). This is where I take visitors and Greek friends alike, and all invariably leave raving about it. Husband and wife Theo and Vasiliki serve up traditional food, cooked with great technical skill. Their focus is on freshly caught fish and seafood (try the fish soup), homegrown vegetables and meat classics.

It slopes down to a pebble beach on a gulf where turtles and dolphins can be seen. Stare to sea, the source of that seafood; lie in hammocks among shade-giving trees. Go early, have breakfast, stay the day (or night by arrangement). Lounge, lunch, swim, shower. Do not leave before dinner.
Meal €25-€30
Susan Smillie

Aperanto Galazio, Varkiza, Athens

Greeks are spoilt for choice when it comes to beach cafes and tavernas – even in the capital’s seaside suburbs. Aperanto Galazio (The Big Blue – like the Luc Besson film) began as the canteen for the Varkiza Sea Sports Club (which produces Olympic athletes) and morphed into a popular, unpretentious taverna. It is perfect for sunny off-season lunches; on blustery days, the waves surge across the broad sandy bay and windsurfers speed by. It is also a breezy evening refuge in a heatwave, when tables with oil lamps are placed on the shingle and Athenians cool off in the shallows. As you sip cold beer or an iced ouzo and look out to sea, you feel you’re on an island. The food is reliable rather than gourmet, with a traditional seafood menu: filleted sardines, calamari, fresh salads and vegetables, and homemade tzatziki.
Meal with wine around €30
Sofka Zinovieff

PORTUGAL

Camaleão Beach Bar, Ilha da Armona, Algarve

There’s a fork on the boardwalk on the island of Armona, giving you the choice to head to the Atlantic beach, or to the one along the edge of the Ria Formosa. Choose the left path and you will find a bar with low chairs in the sand and views out over the dunes to the sea.

To my mind, Camaleão has one of the best beach bar locations in the world. So much so that I bought a house on this tiny island, just a five-minute walk from this very spot. It’s the place to drink ice-cold Super Bock, a caipirinha or a pick-me-up espresso martini. The music is a bit cheesy lounge-core, but when you can hear the sea and nip down to it to cool off, it’s a small price to pay. Ilha da Armona is a 15-minute ferry ride from the town of Olhão; Camaleão Beach Bar is a 20-minute walk from the ferry.
Audrey Gillan

The beautiful city has “wonderful” Roman architecture and stone houses

A new study by Sweepstakes Table examined the UK’s major cities to determine which are the easiest to explore on foot, with the beautiful city of Bath coming out on top. Scoring an impressive 99.04 on the walkability index, Bath was crowned the most pedestrian-friendly destination in the country.

The city’s key attractions are all within 1.3 miles of one another, meaning visitors can stroll between them in just 29 minutes. Highlights include the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent. One Reddit user said: “Bath is a wonderful city to walk in. I’ve lived here for two years without a car, and it’s been a pleasure.

“The University is on a hill, so some students don’t like walking up it much and tend to get the bus. The bus can get busy at peak times. You can get a scooter halfway up the hill at the moment.

“If you’re going up five days a week for 9am, it might get annoying. But overall, no, you don’t need a car, and often you’re better off without one.”

A visitor reviewing the city on Tripadvisor said: “Bath is incredibly beautiful. The atmosphere is romantic and good to spend all day getting to know the city.”

Another traveller added: “Unmissable! And if you are in London, you can make a return trip the same day and still get to know Stonehenge. The town is old, of Roman architecture, beautiful, medieval, with stone houses.”

The 10 most walkable cities in the UK

1. Bath
2. Cambridge
3. Reading
4. Portsmouth
5. Dundee
6. London
7. Bristol
8. York
9. Oxford
10. Southampton

It can be frustrating waiting for your suitcase to appear but one strategy could help you get your bags off the baggage carousel first

Airport security checks and baggage restrictions can turn holidays into a source of stress, and the anxiety only intensifies as you wait to see whether your suitcase has actually made it off the plane.

The dread of lost luggage hangs over many travellers right up until the moment they spot their bag on the carousel — and even then, there’s the worry that someone else might accidentally grab it. But there’s a straightforward trick that could see your suitcase come off the plane first, allowing you to get your holiday underway without unnecessary delays.

Guidance from Escape.com suggests checking in for your flight as late as you possibly can. The logic? Late check-ins mean your luggage gets loaded last, and in theory, should emerge first upon landing, according to Thomas Lo Sciuto, a ramp worker and gate agent at a regional US airport.

The airport worker explained: “Your best option is to be one of the last passengers to check your bags. This is because bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts.”

That said, bags aren’t solely loaded according to check-in times. Anyone who can’t stomach the idea of leaving check-in until the eleventh hour will be relieved to hear that weight is also a factor in certain circumstances, reports the Express.

SmarterTravel told HuffPost that US aviation giant Delta, which flies out of Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), sorts luggage into large and small loads to ensure proper weight distribution across the aircraft. As passengers check in their luggage, it gets sorted into “cans” – large containers that hold multiple bags and can be transported as one unit.

SmarterTravel said: “In other words, how far back your bag ends up depends on the weight of the can and the needs of the plane, not when you check it.”

Aircraft with a single aisle typically “loose-load” bags one by one rather than bundling them into cans, as is the case with wider-bodied planes. When this happens, checked bags generally go into a holding area.

Luggage gets transported to the aircraft and loaded shortly before departure, meaning its chances of being loaded first hinge on when it was checked in.

If a bag was checked in early, it could end up at the rear of the storage space, meaning it would be last onto the plane and potentially first off.

Other tactics to ensure your bags come off the carousel first upon landing include marking them as “fragile”.

News.com.au suggests this clever trick often results in your luggage being loaded onto the aircraft last and therefore unloaded first, which can significantly reduce your wait at the carousel.

That said, when opting for “fragile” stickers, travellers ought to strip off any old tags from their bags to prevent mix-ups. To make luggage stand out, opting for vibrant colours, customised tags, or securely fastened ribbons could help your bags catch your eye more easily.

The most reliable way to get out of the airport as swiftly as possible is to travel with hand luggage alone. Make certain this meets your specific airline’s requirements to avoid being forced to check your cabin bag at the gate.

A personal item, sometimes referred to as a small bag, needs to fit beneath the seat directly in front of you and typically measures no larger than 40x30x20cm.

Cabin bags are stowed in the overhead locker and can generally weigh up to 10kg, with dimensions not exceeding 56x45x25cm.

Among UK carriers, British Airways typically provides the most generous complimentary hand luggage allowance on its basic tickets.

Travellers can bring one 23kg cabin bag (56x45x25cm) and one smaller personal item (up to 40x30x15cm) without charge.

Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic similarly permit a complimentary cabin bag (10kg, 56x45x25cm) alongside a personal item.

Flights can be incredibly expensive, but this simple hack could get you free extra legroom in a bulkhead or exit row seat — just by asking one polite question at check-in

My first long-haul flight came at just three years old. When my family decided to emigrate from England to New Zealand, it meant I’d spend much of my childhood travelling between the two nations.

This is no minor journey – while people frequently complain about how far away Australia is from the UK, New Zealand is even further away.

At its quickest, the flight from London to New Zealand takes 23 hours, though depending on where your aircraft stops to refuel and the length of your stopovers, it can easily balloon to 36 hours or beyond.

As the years passed, I grew taller – and then exceptionally tall.

Now aged 31, I stand just under 6ft tall, and as a teenager, I wasn’t significantly shorter.

Attempting to squeeze myself into economy class seats became increasingly difficult with every additional inch I gained.

That’s precisely why these days, whenever I take a long-haul flight, I employ a strategy my mum taught me as an awkward, lanky pre-teen that significantly boosts my odds of securing a seat upgrade.

I must emphasise that this method doesn’t succeed every single time. Nevertheless, it does boast a fairly impressive success rate when executed properly – I’d estimate it’s worked in my favour roughly 70% of the occasions I’ve attempted it.

All you require is good manners, a friendly smile, and the confidence to handle potential disappointment. It’s simpler if you’re checking luggage, though it’s achievable without.

Whenever I check my luggage at the desk, I politely ask the staff member whether they have any bulkhead seats available or any rows with empty seats.

Even if I’m travelling without checked luggage, I’ll still join the queue and make an enquiry – frequently using the excuse of needing a physical boarding pass printed.

Being tall, I often point to my height and crack a self-deprecating joke about being squeezed into an economy class. If you’re polite and ask courteously, the results might surprise you.

I’ve been given entire rows to myself, exit row seats and bulkhead seats all at no additional charge simply because I asked politely.

This approach depends on fortune – if the aircraft is at full capacity, then it clearly won’t succeed, but occasionally flights have available seats and staff are willing to reassign you.

The crucial thing is not to become annoyed if the response is negative – always be gracious, thank the person at the desk for their time and proceed to your flight.

Without these you may be refused entry to Spain, the Foreign Office has warned

Millions of Brits flock to Spain each year, with the European country remaining a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers.

Spain’s appeal is undeniable – from its warmer weather, breathtaking coastlines and mouth-watering cuisine to its charming cities and verdant landscapes. With another hectic summer of international travel expected for 2026, we’ve looked at the entry requirements for Spain for anyone holding a UK passport. And travellers may not know they could be asked to present certain extra documents upon arrival – or face being refused entry.

According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), alongside a valid passport, UK visitors may also be required to produce a return or onward ticket and/or proof of valid travel insurance. You may additionally need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay, with the required amount varying depending on your accommodation arrangements.

Border officials may also request proof of accommodation, which could take the form of a hotel reservation or proof of address if you’re staying at a property you own. Alternatively, this might be an invitation or proof of address if staying with friends, family or a third party, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts, the FCDO adds.

As well as this, new rules introduced post-Brexit mean that Brits travelling to the Schengen Area – which includes Spain – on a UK passport may need to check their travel documents now. This is because your passport must display a ‘date of issue’ that falls within 10 years of your arrival date, and if you renewed your passport prior to October 1, 2018, it could carry a date of issue exceeding 10 years, rendering it invalid for entering the Schengen zone.

Additionally, your passport must show an ‘expiry date’ of at least 3 months beyond the day you intend to depart the Schengen Area (the expiry date need not fall within 10 years of the issue date).

This collection of news excerpts commemorates the anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s electionwhile detailing the biography and international engagements of the Catholic Church’s 267th leader. As the first American pontiff, Leo XIV is described as a Chicago-born former missionary with dual Peruvian citizenship who spent decades advocating for marginalized communities in South America. Recent reports highlight his global diplomatic influence, including high-level meetings with United States officials and a pastoral visit to Cameroon that drew massive crowds. The text also places his papacy within a contemporary 2026 landscape marked by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting economic trends. Together, these summaries provi … 

IF you are wanting a beautiful hotel stay with some fantastic classic British food, we’ve found just the place.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the Pheasant Inn.

Where is the Pheasant Inn?

The hotel is a minute’s drive from the M4 in the Berkshire Downs Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

What is the hotel like?

This 450-year-old Young’s inn was the perfect R&R for my wife and I on our way home after rainy camping in Wales.

What are the rooms like?

As we entered our room, birdsong through the window competed check with Classic it out FM humming from a Roberts radio.

Egyptian cotton linen with a Hypnos mattress, carefully curated books and minibar snacks including gourmet crisps, nuts, olives and Smarties, along with Bramley bath products, completed the welcome.

CHEAP BREAK

Hotels offering FREE stays for kids this half-term including cosy seaside spot

ROOM FOR MORE

New bargain pod hotels to come to UK with cocktail walls and £20 beds

Double rooms from £98 on a room-only basis. See thepheasant-inn.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

Head chef Santosh and his team “bring their own secrets” to the Pheasant restaurant’s “best of British” menu – and they work magic.

I dined on crayfish with Bloody Mary sauce and caper berries, rump steak then chocolate cheesecake with vanilla ice-cream, cherry hazelnut and honeycomb.

My wife enjoyed salmon pate with pickled veg, herbcrusted lamb cutlet with carrot puree, broad-bean mousse, king oyster mushroom and jus, then sticky toffee pudding.

It was a miracle we could face the banging Full English brekkie the next day.

What else is there to do there?

You may spot a jockey or three at the bar, as Lambourn is famed for its racehorse training and nearby Newbury Racecourse.

Great trekking and cycling abound, or browse antique shops at Hungerford, ride a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon Canal and venture into Marlborough.

Is it family friendly?

Families can pay an extra £15 a night for beds that sleep ages 2-14, while those under two stay for free.

They also have ‘Borrow Boxes’ in the room with activities for kids to use while there.

Is the hotel accessible?

There is wheelchair access to the restaurant and some of the rooms are on the ground floor.

You don’t have to go abroad to enjoy a day at a waterpark as the UK’s largest outdoor park has 18 slides and heaps of fun for the whole family

With its twisting maze of colourful slides that overlook the sea, Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark looks like it could be part of a Mediterranean resort.

But you don’t need to head to the airport to enjoy the resort’s 18 waterslides, heated pool, or kid-friendly splash park. You’ll find it perched on the sands of the English Riviera. Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark is set on Goodrington Sands in Paignton, Devon, a hugely popular seaside resort that often has milder weather than the rest of the UK thanks to the Riviera’s microclimate.

From twisting tyre rides to the 65ft vertical Devil’s Drop, the waterpark has a wide variety of rides to try, depending on how brave you are. The Screamer is a short yet intense slide that pushes you through like a bullet at a 60-degree angle, while Wild Kamikaze is 60-metres long and has three steep drops one after another, which is bound to get your adrenaline going.

For younger kids, there’s Shipwreck Island, a pirate-themed interactive water play zone that has seven gentle waterslides, a tipping bucket, and lots of other kid-friendly features. There’s also a 20 metre long heated swimming pool, cafés, and restaurants, so there’s everything you need for a day out.

The waterpark re-opened last weekend, and at the moment is only open for weekends. However, it’ll be open daily from 10am to 5pm during half-term, and for extended hours in July and August. You can book tickets in advance for slots from two to four hours, or all-day admission from £31 for an adult ticket.

Many visitors combine their trip to the waterpark with some time on the beach at Goodrington. This Blue Flag beach has a stretch of soft golden sand that goes on for half a mile, and its waters are clear and shallow for paddling and swimming. Its promenade is part of the popular South West Coast Path, and you’ll find stalls selling pastries and ice cream, pubs, and hotels along this stretch.

Follow the path north and you can walk along Roundham Head, a popular coastal walking spot offering spectacular views of the English Riviera and pretty parkland trails. Further on, you’ll get to Paignton Beach, another Devon destination attracts the crowds on sunny days. Take a trip to Paignton Pier for wholesome family-fun such as fairground rides, noisy amusements, and dinosaur-themed adventure golf.

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Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is another fun day out for families, and is home to over 1,600 animals including giraffes, flamingos, tigers, and gorillas, all housed in enclosures that match their natural habitat. It also features a vast colourful botanical garden with over 1,600 species of plants that change with the seasons making it an incredible place to visit year-round.

From Paignton, you can also hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and chug along the coast in a vintage train. Combine your train ride with a trip on an old-fashioned paddle steamer and you can explore the coast from dry land before heading to sea to spot sights such as waterfront castles and Agatha Christie’s former holiday home which overlooks the River Dart.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

BRITISH Airways passengers face higher fares after its parent company warned rising oil prices will add about £1.72billion to its fuel bill this year.

International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Iberia and Aer Lingus, said it expects to pass on part of the extra cost through ticket prices, with business class and other premium long-haul passengers among those most likely to be affected.

Chief executive Luis Gallego said airlines need to increase fares to help offset fuel costs, which make up about a quarter of their spending.

The rise follows disruption linked to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments.

IAG warned the crisis could deepen if the strait remains blocked, with global jet fuel supplies potentially restricted.

However, the group said it does not expect any disruption to summer fuel supplies.

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Mr Gallego said there is less jet fuel coming from the Middle East, but there are “other places with record supply” such as the US.

He said IAG has been “planning for situations like this for many years”, and has invested in its own jet fuel supply at its “main hubs”.

The company recorded a pre-tax profit of £365million during the three months to the end of March.

That was a 76.6% increase from £207million a year earlier.

The group now expects its annual fuel bill to reach £7.78billion.

Mr Gallego attributed the firm’s “strong first quarter” to “continued strong demand for our networks and airline brands”.

He added: “IAG is uniquely positioned to navigate the current headwinds created by the Middle East conflict thanks to our leading positions across diverse markets, strong brands, structurally high margins and strong balance sheet, as well as a strong track record of execution.”

IAG said about 3% of its capacity was “exposed to the Gulf region” at the start of the war on February 28, mostly with British Airways flights.

A large part of this has been redeployed, including boosting capacity at destinations where there are now fewer flights by Middle East carriers such as Bangkok, Singapore and the Maldives.

British Airways has also announced additional flights this summer on routes with higher demand for direct flights, such as India and Nairobi.

ONE year after its announcement, Paultons Park is finally set to open its new Viking-themed land in a matter of days.

Called Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, the £12million land will have its very first inverting rollercoaster, a swing ride and Middle Age themed ‘feast’ dining.

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

Paultons Park, which was voted ‘Theme Park of the Year,’ is opening its new land on May 16.

Upon its opening, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will three new rides including theme park’s first inverting rollercoaster.

The ride called Drakon, has been dubbed the ‘crown jewel of Valgard’, and is expected to be a thrilling addition to the park.

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Riders will climb a huge vertical hill before they twist and fly through the air upside down.

There will also be the swinging ride called Vild Swing, which is suitable for families.

It’s a first-of-its-kind attraction in the UK that launches riders 12metres into the air and allows them to experience a feeling of weightlessness.

Paultons Park’s Cobra coaster is being reinvented as Raven.

The ride has been called ‘a high-speed bobsleigh style coaster’ and takes riders for a very swift tour journey through the Viking world.

The Orchard Playground is a Viking-inspired area for children between three and 10 – it has a lookout tower, slides, and treehouses to climb.

At the Feasting Hall restaurant, visitors can refuel on flame-grilled chicken, tenders, burgers and salad bowls.

Children can tuck into toasties, meatball subs and chicken burgers.

For afters, there are pancakes with plenty of toppings, sundaes, milkshakes and ice cream.

In 2027, a new water experience is scheduled to open in Valgard – but little information has been released about this planned attraction.

Paultons Park is well-known for having the UK’s first Peppa Pig World and its most recent attraction Ghostly Manor opened this time last year.

Paultons Park won 10 awards at the UK Theme Park Awards – including Theme Park of the Year.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently raved about the park.

She said: “On the kids’ favourite rides, such as the Velociraptor and Cat-O-Pillar coasters, we were able to fit in about three rounds in 15 minutes.

“Ghostly Manor even won Best New Attraction at last year’s UK Theme Park awards, one of ten gongs Paultons bagged that I’ve have to agree with thanks to a number of key factors.

“These include the short queues, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless) and the attention to detail and the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike several other big theme parks.

“We spent the entire weekend outside, grinning from ear to ear. And we were blown away, in the good sense.”

A day ticket to Paultons Park is £46.75pp which includes park entry, free parking as well as entry to see the gardens, animals and character meets.

SINGAPORE Airlines is launching more flights from two UK airports to one of ‘world’s best cities.

With increased flights, it’s even easier to visit the destination that’s home to cheap Michelin star meals, trendy cafes and a futuristic nature park.

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

Singapore is often named one of the world’s best cities, and this year is no different with it coming in sixth place in the ‘World’s Best Cities’ report.

It then came in 23rd in Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 list in March.

Now, it’s even easier for Brits to explore with Singapore Airlines increasing its routes from both Manchester and London Gatwick later in the year.

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From July 13, the Manchester to Singapore services, will increase from five-times weekly to daily.

And from October 25, flights from London Gatwick will increase from 10 times a week to a twice-daily service.

In total this means Singapore Airlines will launch six daily flights in total from London, which includes the four daily services from London Heathrow.

Direct flights to Singapore from the UK take between 13 and 14 hours.

At the moment, and through next week, temperatures in Singapore have highs of 30C, in fact it’s around that temperature year round, so you are guaranteed to get some warmth no matter the month.

Being one of the world’s best cities, there’s plenty to do from exploring its impressive architecture to visiting its futuristic nature park, Gardens by the Bay.

The world-famous attraction is home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse, an indoor waterfall, and a viewing platform up high on its Supertree.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city, and here’s what she had to say.

She said: “I didn’t expect to love the city as much as I did, but I loved how safe and clean it felt compared to other major cities.”

“It’s the kind of place where you’ll never struggle to find amazing food, no matter what your budget is.

“Make sure to look up too – most buildings have living walls or rooftop gardens as strict rules mean any new structures must replace greenery they build on.”

Other must-visit spots include the neighbourhood of Joo Chiat that has been named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

It has beautiful pastel-colored Peranakan shophouses, rich Eurasian heritage, and a mix of traditional eateries and trendy cafes.

For incredible views across the skyline, one of the best free spots is at Henderson Wave Bridge, which is the highest footbridge in the city.

As for eateries and bars, some of Kara’s favourites include Keng Eng Kee which has been family-run for more than 50 years.

Or at the indoor market food hall called Hawker Chan, you can get Michelin meals for less than £5.

TWO retired RAF rescue helicopters have been transformed into luxury glamping pods.

The old aircraft have been given a new life after decades spent carrying out dramatic search-and-rescue missions across Britain.

The bright yellow Sea King helicopters are now parked at North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough.

ZE369 and XZ589 have had their specialist rescue interiors ripped out and replaced with cosy living spaces complete with a double bed, bunk beds and a mini kitchen with a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.

However, the aircraft hasn’t lost all of its original charm with some parts still preserved.

Parts of the cockpit, including the switches and controls, have been kept intact and reworked into a dining area.

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Guests enter through the original sliding helicopter door, which opens onto a gravel landing pad complete with a picnic bench.

The water park says the unusual stays are designed to offer couples and families a “unique” and “memorable” experience.

The pods only became available to book from May 1 with prices starting from around £130 a night.

The demand has already gone through the roof with the first four weeks sold out on Airbnb.

Guests will have plenty to do nearby too as the 250-acre waterpark offers inflatable aqua parks, kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming.

James Whitehead, Operations Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “Both helicopters have an extraordinary history, having spent decades carrying out life-saving search and rescue missions across the UK.

“It was important to us that the original character and charm is preserved as much as possible while making them a cosy place to relax after a day of fun.”

The money-saving guru has urged those who have paid for trips with major holiday firms and airlines to avoid the DIY approach

Martin Lewis has delivered a stark warning to anyone who has already booked a holiday for this summer – and explained why people could be making a big mistake getting flights and hotels separately. In a recent update, the money-saving guru has urged those who have paid for trips with major holiday firms and airlines, including TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways, to pay close attention.

It was suggested this week that the UK could be worst hit by jet fuel shortages because it has ‘critically low levels’ of supplies and poor refining tools, by Goldman Sachs. The giant investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a research note to clients: “The UK is the largest net importer of jet fuel in Europe, and it holds no strategic reserves, leaving commercial inventories as the primary buffer.”

During his Money Show Live on ITV, the financial expert responded to an audience member who asked: ‘If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive at the moment package holidays give you a certain as well.’ Mr Lewis explained that holidaymakers would lose their hotel booking costs if they had arranged accommodation independently from flights reserved with airlines such as Jet2, TUI, Wizz, Ryanair or easyJet – as they would not be protected under consumer regulations.

He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of. If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally if your flight went you would get everything back.”

He added: “And so actually at the moment package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.” The reason for this, he explained, stems from the fact that the hotel reservation itself remains entirely valid: “Because the point is if you lose your flight and you’ve DIY booked, there’s nothing wrong with your hotel.

“The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So, you don’t have those consumer rights.” If the accommodation provider hasn’t violated any terms, then guests might examine how they’ve paid for their booking – but that route offers no solution either. He said: “So, you would then say, ‘What about using a credit card or debit card protection?’ It won’t work because there’s nothing faulty. And that’s just giving you the same replica rights that you would have with the retailer.”

For those still seeking a solution, travel insurance may seem like the next logical port of call. Mr Lewis revealed: “So, you’ then say, ‘What about travel insurance?’ This is the bad bit. We were checking 40 travel insurance policies. Of those, only a few would have covered you for the knock-on eventuality of your flight being cancelled due to jet fuel and then your hotel costs.

“Only about three or four and most of those were package bank accounts where it’s linked to your bank account. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt at the moment. There is a big risk in those circumstances. If you’re booking, you want something with free or limited cancellation quite short before. So you could just cancel it. You should always talk to the provider.

“Government are saying there isn’t one at the moment and they’re working on consolidating flights and doing things so there won’t be one, but people’s hotel costs if they book separately and other knock-on costs are potentially at risk.”

Speaking on his ITV programme, he also cautioned that neglecting to take one vital step after booking could leave holidaymakers with absolutely nothing if their plans fall through. With the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East sparking serious worries over jet fuel supplies, Mr Lewis warned that those who book a holiday and put off arranging insurance could risk losing everything should something go wrong in the interim.

Mr Lewis emphasised that travel insurance ought to be bought the instant a holiday is booked: “The reason you do that is because half of the cover you’re paying for is in case something happens that stops you going before the trip. And if you don’t have the travel insurance place, you’ve got no cover. So, you may as well have it in place. But at this time of year when many people have already booked, I have a slight adaptation, which is this. If you’ve booked and you don’t have it yet, just get it now.

“Get it done as soon as possible.” A Money Show Live viewer named David said: “I booked flights to Australia for a family group of seven to travel in March next year. I took out insurance immediately. One of our group is now pregnant and can’t travel on the dates planned. It costs £5,000 to reschedule, which I’m happy to report the insurance covered.”

Mr Lewis also commented on the complexities facing larger groups: “Very quick aside on that, think of who you’re booking for. So, if it’s a family group and one can’t go, they’ll often cover you. But if there’s a large group of friends going, you often all get independent travel insurance. Well, then if one can’t go or and you can’t all go on the trip, it’s only the person who’s who’s got that cover. So, you’d need a group insurance policy so that if one can’t go, you all can’t go.”

Jet2 today said now people choosing a package holiday as their preferred method of booking is up 5% to 51% since February. In the same period, the number of people preferring to book through different providers has dropped by six percentage points to 20%. Those choosing ‘accommodation only’ has dropped to 2%.

The primary reasons for choosing a package holiday have remained steady, with value (36%) and ease (36%) the main drivers, however the benefit of ‘added security with one provider, ATOL/ABTA protection’ has increased by four percentage points since February to 26% the poll said.

This protection means that customers are covered should any changes happen to their bookings, including the option of receiving refunds if their travel plans are cancelled, and that those holidays are held to the highest standards when it comes to customer service, changes to bookings, and health & safety.

Jet2 has confirmed it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, for example jet fuel, assuring customers that the price they book with Jet2 is the price they will pay.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Consumers want assurance during times of uncertainty and package holidays provide that assurance. On top of all the protection that our package holidays guarantee, Jet2 is well known as being a consumer champion that goes above and beyond to look after customers. Ahead of a busy summer season, this means new and existing customers know that their well-deserved holidays are in the very best hands with us, and we are very excited about welcoming everyone onboard and taking them on their breaks.”

A NEW multi-million museum is set to open in one of the UK’s prettiest cities.

Fashion Museum Bath is currently closed, but has revealed plans to reopen in the city’s Old Post Office.

The project is being designed by architects 6a, known for projects such as MK Gallery in Milton Keynes and South London Gallery.

Set to be approved next week, inside would be an 100,000 piece collection spanning 300 years.

Along with the gallery, the Bath attraction would also have a shop and cafe inside.

Set to cost £54million, it would open by 2030 when given the go-ahead.

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Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “To get an entirely new world-class museum including improvements to the surrounding public realm for £54m will be a great achievement.”

The museum website states: “The new Museum will champion fashion’s transformative power as a global industry and expression of creativity, culture and identity.

“Our mission is to craft a ground-breaking museum that brings fashion to life for people locally and globally, helping to reshape Bath for the future.

Bath is known for being one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, and was named the world’s best place to visit by New York Times last year.

It was even named one of the best cities to visit by Time Out this year.

The new museum is part of a wider £7million Milsom Quarter Masterplan of Bath, which will also see improved streets and public spaces as well as as new creative workspaces.

This rule applies on another airline as well – and could catch some people out

Jet2 customers are being reminded of a rule the airline has that does not allow passengers to bring on board an item that is commonly available in airports. The popular airline reiterated its blanket ban for customers this week – and there are no exceptions.

Holidaymakers are advised not to bring the item with them beyond the gate leading to the aircraft. Most airlines have their own rules, which vary depending on which one you fly with, though many share the same for health and safety reasons.

Jet2 has a strict rule in place about bringing hot drinks on board, including teas, coffees and hot chocolates. The rule also applies to any hot food – even if it was purchased from a shop, cafe or restaurant in the airport terminal.

Jet2 reiterated the rule online to a passenger who asked whether they could bring a drink with them. The airline said: “You are able to bring any snacks or soft drinks on board bought in the terminal (after security).” However, it added: “Hot drinks are not permitted to be brought on board.”

People who are due to board flights will need to finish their hot food or drinks before being allowed on board. This rule applies to other airlines as well, like Ryanair, but some are more relaxed, like easyJet.

What is the reason for this Jet2 rule?

On its website, Jet2 states: “You can’t bring hot food or hot drinks onboard our planes for safety reasons.” The Jet2 ban applies only to drinks customers bring on board.

Usually, passengers can purchase a variety of hot foods, as well as teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, on board Jet2 flights. Customers must remember the payment rule that applies to all flights.

Elsewhere, certain airlines, like easyJet, will allow hot drinks bought in the airport on board. This is provided the cup has a secure lid.

In other Jet2 news, the airline announced two new routes to a ‘stunning’ island with ‘sandy beaches‘, ‘aquamarine waters’, ‘cobbled streets’ and ‘rolling hills’. The new routes follow Jet2’s claims of continued customer demand and independent travel agents booking holidays for the short hop to the island.

Jet2 has confirmed significant expansion to its Jersey programme for summer 2027, by putting two new routes and additional capacity on sale, as well as extending the season. The airline has introduced flights and holidays from Birmingham and Bristol for Summer 2027.

In addition to the new routes, extra capacity to Jersey has been added from Manchester, and the summer season to the destination has been extended. It means Jet2 will operate to Jersey right through to the end of October.

The airline has previously called for Portugal to suspend the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)

Ryanair has provided an update regarding its stance on the contentious EU entry-exit system (EES). The budget carrier has been an outspoken opponent of the new digital system, which is progressively replacing traditional passport stamps for British travellers heading to the Schengen zone.

The airline particularly highlighted the EES implementation in Portugal, which has come under fire in recent weeks. The system has been repeatedly suspended during peak periods to allow passengers to catch their flights following reports of significant delays.

“Portuguese Government needs to suspend new Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer season,” a Ryanair statement posted on Instagram declared.

“Otherwise, passengers are forced to endure excessive border control queue times at Portuguese airports.”

Uncertainty arose following suggestions that Portugal and Italy were poised to mirror Greece’s approach, which announced it had effectively halted the EES process for British nationals until summer’s end. However, neither Portugal nor Italy verified these claims.

EES explained

EES received a soft launch last October, but was scheduled to become fully operational on April 10, 2026. It requires most visitors – including Britons – from beyond the EU to register biometric information each time they enter or exit the Schengen free travel area. The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside the Schengen zone, meaning EES does not apply when travelling to either of these destinations. No action is required prior to reaching the border, and EES registration is completely free of charge.

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Reports have emerged from Italy of passengers missing their flights, prompting the UK Government to warn: “EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.”

Ryanair has previously hit out at the EES system. Branding it ‘half-baked’ earlier this month, the airline stated: “Despite knowing for over three years that EES would become fully operational from 10 April 2026, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany have failed to ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place.

“As a result, passengers are suffering long passport control queues and, in some cases, missing their flights.

“Ryanair calls on these EU Governments to suspend the rollout of the EU’s passport control Entry/Exit System (EES) until September to ensure that passengers are not needlessly forced to suffer long passport control queue delays at European airports during the peak summer season.”

Each airline has set rules about when to arrive at the airport to avoid delays – check which apply to you before you make your way to the airport this May half-term

If your family is headed abroad in May, it might be wise to pay attention to the latest airport arrival advice from airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI.

Airports are expected to be packed during the school holiday period, and with fluctuating jet fuel prices concerns, many travellers want to be extra prepared for potential delays, longer queues and last-minute schedule changes.

The rules have remained mostly the same in recent months, but some airlines have specific requirements for different types of passengers or groups.

Ryanair

Ryanair advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow enough time for check-in, bag drop and security, and also says passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Even if you’ve booked through an online travel agent, you’ll still need to verify your booking at the airport, and you’re also told to arrive at least two hours early.

EasyJet

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Passengers flying easyJet are warned on their website that airports can become especially busy during school holidays, and to allow extra time for traffic, train disruptions and queues.

The airline warns that bag drop at most UK airports closes 40 minutes before departure, although some airports and destinations may close earlier at 60 minutes. Twilight bag drop services are available the evening before flights that are scheduled for the morning.

Jet2

For Jet2, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure, or earlier, since the airline’s check-in desks generally open around two-and-a-half hours before flights.

Jet2 closes check-in desks 40 minutes before departure. Traveller are urged to check its latest travel information page at least 12 hours before flying for updates on delays or disruptions.

Like some others, the airline also offers its Twilight Check-in service at selected UK airports, allowing customers on morning flights to drop off bags the night before.

TUI

TUI’s standard check-in opens at least 2.5 hours before short- and mid-haul flights, but for long-haul flights you can check in 3.5 hours before departure.

The company warns that arriving earlier than this will not allow passengers to pass through security sooner, and that those travelling with hand luggage only and who have already checked in online can go straight to security after arriving at the airport.

For groups travelling together on the same booking, TUI advises that only one person needs to go to the bag drop with all passports, visas, boarding passes, and luggage.

For all airlines, general advice is to keep travel documents easily accessible, check flight updates online before leaving for the airport and prepare for longer queues during peak travel periods such as the May half-term.

THE new EES rules have caused chaos for Brits heading on their recent holidays with reports of three-hour long queues and even cases of missed flights.

So if you’re after an easy escape to a beautiful island with no biometric requirements, there is a European country which is hitting highs of 26C next week.

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

EES has been causing chaos across Europe in places like Lanzarote and Greece, but Cyprus doesn’t follow these new rules.

Cyprus is an EU member state, but isn’t part of the Schengen area, and so it didn’t have to enforce the new EES requirement.

In fact, Brits with a valid passport can visit the country for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

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The island itself gets over 300 days of sunshine each year and is known for having beautiful beaches – including one of the best in the world.

In the Europe list of ‘World’s Best Beaches‘, Golden Beach found on the Karpaz Peninsula in the north of the island comes in at number 30 out of 50.

The beach has 2.4 miles of sand and is known for its wild beauty and sand dunes – it’s a place where you’ll find sea turtle nesting grounds.

Some of the most popular spots in Cyprus include Limassol and Paphos.

Larnaca is another, and it’s a favourite destination of singer Peter Andre’s who has his own villa there – and knows lots of great restaurants in the area.

Talking to Sun Travel, he said: “For anyone going to Larnaca, I have three recommendations. One is a new restaurants called Theta in Perivolia which is very near the airport.

“It does Mediterranean food, but done in the style of a Dubai 5-star restaurant.

“There’s another one called Opa Souvlaki Kiti, it’s not fancy, but if you want a proper Greek kebab done the Cypriot way, go there.”

When it comes to eating and drinking out in Cyprus, you can pick up a beer from €3 (£2.59) and an inexpensive meal can start from €15 (£12.97).

With UK temperatures dropping and potential drizzle forecast for next week, you might want to consider booking a last-minute break – and there are still some great deals about.

With On The Beach, you can jet off to Paphos for an all-inclusive break from £440pp – or £63pppn.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Hylatio Tourist Village which has a sun terrace, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and entertainment nights with live music.

The site has its own restaurant and bar – and the price includes all three meals and snacks as well as flights that depart on May 11.

The complex is a short walk from the Blue Flag Pissouri Beach.

Another deal from On the Beach is at Atlantica Panthea Resort in the Larnaca region which can be booked from £455pp – or £65pppn.

Minutes from the beach, the hotel also has its own swim spots from outdoor pool to heated ones indoors.

Rooms vary from doubles to family size and suites – all with neutral decor and private balconies or terrace.

There are multiple restaurants, bars and snack spots for guests.

Flights depart London Gatwick on May 13 returning on May 20.

Peony gardens burst into colour for a short time

Lasting just eight brief weeks, the peony season is one of the most breath-taking but brief highlights of the spring diary.

This year, it’s arriving at an ideal moment, as sunnier spells begin. Bloom and Wild has identified excellent viewing spots throughout the UK where visitors can admire the stunning pink peonies in full bloom.

Peonies hold special status as a national favourite during springtime, with the flower specialists noting that people purchase them for personal enjoyment twice as frequently as any other bloom.

Penshurst Place and Gardens, Kent

Boasting one of Britain’s most spectacular peony exhibitions, this features a 100-metre-long border brimming with delicate pinks, whites and classic varieties such as Sarah Bernhardt, creating a romantic backdrop perfectly suited to a spring stroll.

The peonies generally flower from late May through to early June, though enthusiasts and Kent locals can register for Penshurst’s ‘peony alert list’ to receive notifications tracking the border’s development, informing them when early blooms appear and when peak flowering approaches.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire

Home to an impressive peony border created in partnership with Kelways Nursery, featuring approximately 70 varieties displayed as a chronological journey from early cultivars to contemporary hybrids. Visitors can explore everything from traditional herbaceous and tree peonies to numerous other varieties, celebrated for blending the finest characteristics of both in a striking array of colours.

Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcestershire

Boasting one of Britain’s largest private peony collections, these gardens offer something slightly less manicured and more evocative. Expect expansive displays, flowering trees and an air of tranquil enchantment, with specimens originally gathered by renowned horticulturists, including Ernest Wilson.

University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol

A hidden treasure for late spring flowering, providing a more secluded, intimate atmosphere. Within the Chinese Herb Garden, a dedicated peony showcase merges botanical importance with the aesthetic of traditional Suzhou gardens.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridge

Recognised for its varied and historic plant collections, including notable varieties such as Paeonia suffruticosa. A tranquil location to observe blooms closely in a more carefully arranged environment.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Sheffield

A northern gem for seasonal displays, where the Three Island Beds transform beautifully throughout spring and summer. Early bulbs transition to blush-hued peonies, alongside poppies, roses and geraniums, before late-season textures emerge.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has urged its European members to consider switching to US-made jet fuel amid rising concerns over possible shortages caused by the Iran oil crisis

European airlines should contemplate switching to US-manufactured jet fuel amid mounting worries over shortages triggered by the Iran oil crisis, a trade body has warned. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents carriers, said its European members could “ease some pressure” by altering the type of fuel they use.

Commercial aviation mainly depends on two fuel grades: Jet A-1, which is utilised across most of the world, and Jet A, which is chiefly used in North America. They are comparable, with the principal distinction being that Jet A-1 has a lower maximum freezing point, offering greater versatility on long-haul and polar routes.

Jet A is predominantly manufactured outside the Gulf, from where fuel supplies are restricted by Iran’s limitations on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. IATA’s director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, stated in a blog that using Jet A “could give airlines facing a possible shortfall in fuel supply more options”.

He proposed this could “help the industry make better use of the fuel we have” and “keep schedules intact”. He continued: “Fuel supply could come under pressure if the war in the Middle East continues.

“Using Jet A, which is produced at scale outside the Gulf, could be a practical way to help ease some pressure on existing supply chains.

“This would have to be done through a controlled transition from one approved fuel grade to another. In normal times, that flexibility might not be noticeable. But in today’s circumstances it’s critical to keeping the whole system moving.”

Mr Fox noted that airlines looking to switch from Jet A-1 to Jet A would need to implement crucial safety precautions, including accounting for the higher freezing point and ensuring crew members are fully briefed on which fuel is on board.

On Friday, British Airways’ parent company International Airlines Group cautioned that its profits would take a hit, anticipating spending approximately two billion euro (£1.72 billion) more than budgeted on fuel this year. Chief executive Luis Gallego stated that he does not believe the group will experience “any interruption for the summer” with regard to fuel supply.

A picturesque walking route in the UK with award-winning gardens and views of a breathtaking castle has been praised as being just like a ‘fairytale’

A “real-life fairytale” destination in the South of England could be just what you need. We all crave an escape from the chaos of city living every now and then, and if you’re on the hunt for somewhere in the South of England to visit that is tranquil and peaceful, then a stroll through these breathtaking castle grounds could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Getting out into nature can work wonders for both our physical and mental health, and the UK is brimming with stunning locations perfect for a leisurely walk. One particularly enchanting route, complete with magnificent gardens and awe-inspiring castle views, has recently been making waves on social media – and it’s located in the heart of West Sussex.

A Sussex-based couple, Cat and Nathan, shared the walk on their TikTok account, describing it as “a real-life fairytale” that they had no idea had been “on their doorstep” for years.

The destination in question is Arundel Castle, a beautifully restored and remodelled medieval fortress nestled in Arundel, West Sussex. It features spectacular gardens that visitors can explore at their own pace, and you can also venture inside the castle itself – or simply admire its magnificent exterior from the grounds.

Arundel Castle currently holds the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, having claimed the title back in November last year. Spanning an impressive 38 acres, the grounds are divided into a number of distinct areas, including a tropical garden, a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a kitchen garden bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables.

It’s not solely about the blooms, however, as there are numerous striking landscape features, amongst them the Earl’s Garden, complete with Italianate terraces, pergolas, and the recently refurbished Antler’s Temple.

In the caption accompanying their video, Cat and Nathan wrote: “Can’t believe this has been on our doorstep for years. Honestly, this was the most beautiful day, seeing the castle up close and walking around the grounds, just wow. I’d definitely recommend bringing a picnic on a nice summer’s day, too!”

Viewers of the couple’s footage were left speechless by the breathtaking scenery captured in the clip, with many enquiring about how to visit. Those already familiar with the castle even jokingly urged the pair to take the video down, insisting they’d rather keep their tranquil retreat to themselves.

One viewer commented: “I went last week, and I try to go every year for the tulip festival. It’s just so beautifully stunning.”

Another added: “Absolutely amazing, just peace all the way through.”

A third posted: “Wow it looks so beautiful and peaceful! I have to add it to my list of places to visit.”

Getting to Arundel Castle will depend on where you live, but if you’re coming from London, it couldn’t be easier – and it only takes a little over an hour. Head to Victoria Station and board the Southern service towards Bognor Regis, getting off at Arundel. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a leisurely 15-minute stroll from the station to the castle gates.

Admission to Arundel Castle comes at a cost, with pricing varying depending on what you’d like to experience. A combined ticket covering both the castle and its grounds will set you back £29 for adults and £13 for children. If you’d rather skip the castle itself, garden-only tickets are available at £17 for adults and £8 per child.

The castle gardens welcome visitors between 10am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Do note that the gardens are shut on Mondays, with the exception of bank holidays and throughout August, when they remain open seven days a week.