Travel Desk

IF you love a day out in a place that looks like a fairytale – put this spot on your list.

Called Chocolate Ville, the man-made village has become a popular tourist attraction with some even dubbing it the ‘Disneyland of Thailand.’

The popular attraction that’s a European-style village is just 30-minutes from the centre of Bangkok.

Although, unlike Disneyland, Chocolate Ville has no rides.

Instead, it’s an outdoor dining attraction built to resemble it’s own little village with cobbed streets and fronts designed to look like toy shops and florists.

But it is filled with restaurants with al fresco seats where diners can dig into pizza, pasta, salads, steak, and of course, Thai dishes.

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Through Chocolate Ville runs a river with waterfalls, riverboat and dotted about are ponds with capybaras.

One visitors wrote about the destination: “Chocolate Ville is a picture-perfect dining village straight out of a fairy tale! Set around a charming European-style park with cobblestone paths, pastel buildings, and a scenic lake, it offers a magical escape from Bangkok’s hustle.

“Whether you’re snapping Instagram-worthy photos by the lighthouse, strolling through flower-lined streets, or enjoying a cozy dinner under twinkling lights, every corner is full of charm.”

The makeshift village is also dressed up during certain times of the year like Halloween and Christmas.

At 5pm, costumed mascots roam the streets and perform for visitors.

In some places there are puppet shows or even parades – just like they have at Disneyland.

The biggest event in Chocolate Ville happens in the evening when there’s a huge fireworks display.

It’s not clear how much entrance to Chocolate Ville is online, but one visitor reported paying 100 thb (£2.36) for a ticket.

But this can be used in exchange for a drink, snack, souvenir, or as used as a voucher at one of the restaurants.

If you actually want thrilling rides then Thailand has some incredible parks like Siam Amazing Park.

It’s filled with rollercoasters, drop towers, log flumes and carousels.

The theme park is split into sections from Xtreme World with the tallest and fastest rides, to Adventure World, Family World, Small World and Water World – the water park.

Here’s where visitors will find the record-breaking wave pool along with signature water rides like Speed Slide and Super Spiral.

It’s a seven-storey-rainbow slide, which is the highest in Southeast Asia and was once recorded as the highest in the world.

Another popular theme park in Bangkok is Dream World which has 32 attractions.

There’s go-karting, a swinging Viking ship, bumper cars, a haunted castle, pedalos on the lake, an animal farm – and classic rollercoasters.

For theme parks closer to home, here are the 20 in the UK that you can reach by train.

Plus, this little-known theme park in England is getting two new rides this year in massive multi-million pound expansion.

IS there such a thing as too much snow?

When booking a ski holiday in Europe, you’re usually panicking there won’t be enough.

But this month, my seven-year-old son and I travelled to La Thuile, in the Aosta Valley in northern Italy, and witnessed up to half a metre of snow falling A DAY.

The resort, which is part of the Espace San Bernado area that also crosses into La Rosiere in France, is nicknamed Little Siberia thanks to its high altitude and reliable snow.

In fact, the intensity of the snowfall meant that La Thuile had a level four out of five avalanche risk when we visited, with several runs closed.

Visitors were warned against off-piste skiing — something to be taken seriously as in nearby Courmayeur two skiers died that same week as a result of a huge avalanche.

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I was concerned we should steer clear of the mountains altogether, but the resort staff couldn’t have been more reassuring.

They were clearly working 24 hours a day to make everything safe — from the comfort of my hotel room at night, I could hear the controlled explosions as they worked to stabilise the slopes.

The ski school was excellent, too. I have no idea how instructors managed to keep control of hundreds of identical kids in blizzard conditions, but they did. And my son had a wonderful time.

For me, it meant off-piste conditions on your average red run, losing sight of my skis under mounds of fresh powder.

In an entire week, I didn’t come across a single patch of hardened icy slope.

La Thuile is an intermediate skier’s paradise, with lovely wide red runs that are more like dark blues, which wind all the way down the mountain.

There are plenty of blues and blacks too, and if you fancy a trip to France, the lift pass takes you over the border into La Rosiere.

The ski passes are considerably more affordable than in most of France though.

Despite the fact that Italy is the place to be this year, thanks to the recent Winter Olympics taking place there, a ski holiday in the Italian Alps is surprisingly easier on the wallet than other European countries.

In this year’s Post Office ski report, Italy boasted several of the top ten most affordable resorts in Europe, including our pick of La Thuile.

A six-day pass cost £265 for an adult and £187 for a child in high season. Ski and boot hire cost from £79 for kids and £126 for adults.

As we had travelled with ski holiday operator Crystal, they organised all of that for us ahead of the trip, as well as my son’s ski lessons.

In fact, they planned so much that it felt a bit like holidaying with a parent.

The Crystal reps were there to greet us at the airport, at the ski shop when we collected our equipment and at the ski school every morning.

And on the return bus to the airport they even told us the number of our check-in desk.

Their app was excellent too. It told me everything, from where and when to find my airport transfer, to the kinds of non-ski activities you could get up to and the best restaurants.

Much like the lift passes, the restaurants were cheaper than many in French and Austrian resorts.

Even on the mountain, a pizza, large beer and (the gloopiest) hot chocolate cost just over £15 — and came with the best service ever in a busy tourist ski spot.

I’d forgotten quite how perfect the hospitality in Italy is, I’m convinced nowhere does it better.

Our hotel, Le Miramonti, was a historic Alpine hotel in the centre of La Thuile, a ten-minute walk from the main ski lifts.

With a spa that became part of our daily apres-ski routine, comfortable rustic bedrooms, a lounge with a roaring fire and a bar with mountain views (and a very relaxed attitude to children), it was a great place to chill at the end of a day on the slopes.

But by far its best selling point was that aforementioned hospitality. A family-owned 4* hotel where the staff put most 5* properties to shame.

But the cherry on top had to be the waiters in the restaurant, where we had breakfast and a four-course meal each evening.

Every waiter was on first-name terms with my son, exchanging Pokemon tips, drawing him goodbye artwork and slipping him extra treats.

By the end of our stay, we felt like we were part of the family.

Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, from North Wales, visited the popular destination with his partner, Amber. He admitted he wishes he knew what it was really like before visiting the hotspot

Holidays are meant to be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but sometimes the reality can be vastly different from expectations, with certain mishaps leaving travellers utterly floored. Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, recently jetted off to a sought-after travel destination hoping to bask in the sunshine and escape the daily grind.

Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out quite as smoothly as he’d anticipated, with several surprises along the way, and one particular episode left him genuinely shocked. Despite the country’s growing reputation as a trending holiday hotspot, he insists there are important warnings potential visitors should heed before booking their trip, describing the travel advice as absolutely essential.

Ruben, hailing from North Wales, recently recounted his experiences in detail. He’s far from the first traveller whose holiday has taken an unexpected turn either.

He explained: “I paid £170 each for a sunrise hot air balloon ride while in Morocco, and there’s one thing they don’t really tell you beforehand. The flight itself was smooth and the views were incredible, but the landing was something else entirely.

“The basket slammed into the ground three times before tipping over. A woman next to me hit her head, my partner did too, and I hurt my back slightly, although thankfully we were all ok.

“Afterwards, I found out that this type of hard landing can sometimes be considered ‘normal’, depending on wind conditions, but that’s not something clearly spelled out to tourists before they go up. In the air, it feels calm and controlled, so the impact comes as a real shock.”

However, this wasn’t the sole disappointment during his trip, as he revealed he encountered several other “issues” whilst there. The travel enthusiast warns that visitors really need to exercise caution when travelling to the destination.

“Seemingly friendly people approach tourists offering to ‘guide’ them near the markets ‘souk’ before demanding a lot of money,” he explained. “I fell for this myself.

“[There were] suggestions to use illegal taxi apps involving drivers who are not licensed nor vetted, and strict Moroccan currency rules which mean you can’t get dirhams in the UK before you travel, and to exchange back you must keep bank receipts etc. A lot have been caught out on this.”

For those unfamiliar with the country, Morocco is an incredibly popular African holiday destination. It attracted more than 17.4 million international tourists in 2024 alone, according to reports.

The North African nation is renowned for its easy accessibility from Europe, rich culture, varied landscapes and budget-friendly, genuine experiences. Popular destinations include locations such as Marrakech and Chefchaouen.

This may explain why Ruben was eager to visit. He travelled with his partner, Amber, earlier this month, and it was actually her suggestion to go.

Their expectations of the trip were vastly different. Nevertheless, he maintained they had an enjoyable time, though he believes travellers need to remain vigilant when visiting.

When questioned about why he chose Morocco, Ruben revealed: “It was my partner’s idea, but something I’ve always wanted to do on my bucket list too. A lot of people do it (the balloon ride) unless they’re afraid of heights.

“I wouldn’t say Morocco itself is a holiday from hell, but there are a few things people should be cautious about. It’s quite up and coming, and I think more people are starting to go there.

“Morocco is somewhere I would go back to. It’s not that Morocco is necessarily a bad place. We stayed at a hotel near the beach and all the staff were really friendly, really helpful and couldn’t do enough.

“People just need to stay safe on holiday. There are a few things you should be cautious about.”

Regarding the balloon rides, however, it’s reported they frequently involve bumpy landings. Hard landings (referred to as a “British landing” or a controlled drag) are considered normal and commonplace for hot air balloons in Morocco, particularly when wind speeds are elevated or when touching down on uneven, desert terrain.

Although they are often characterised as “crash” or bumpy landings, they can be fairly routine. It’s regarded as a safe and anticipated procedure to bring the balloon to a halt.

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It’s late March and the villagers of the Jerte valley in Extremadura, Spain’s wild west, are twitchy – as if they’re hosting a party and wondering if all the guests will show up. The event they’re waiting for is the flowering of the valley’s cherry trees, which number about two million. So far, only a handful – a variety called Royal Tioga – have dared to don their frilly spring frocks. The rest are still clutching their drab grey winter garb.

Writer Becky Ward followed the Blue Zone principles for living a healthy life on a trip to the northern region of the Italian island of Sardinia

If you’re not familiar with the world’s Blue Zones, they are regions where life expectancy is higher due to the diet and lifestyle habits of the locals. Exercise, stress management and social connections are all thought to play a part, with many residents living beyond 100 years.

One such region is in Sardinia, the Italian island often referred to as the Jewel of the Mediterranean thanks to its glorious beaches and lush landscape. The Nuoro province in the mountainous centre of the island is known for its high concentration of centenarians and was at one point home to the oldest women in the world, who lived to 113. While that record has since been surpassed, Sardinia is still a place where you can embrace a healthy lifestyle, and we headed to the 7Pines Resort in the north of the island to do exactly that.

The five-star resort has that laid-back vibe that makes you relax from the moment you arrive and are handed a welcome glass of prosecco. At its centre is a double layered pool with ambient house music playing softly in the background. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the two restaurants and the gym to give the impression of the outside flowing in.

The rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape and are decorated with natural wood and textured stone tiles, and the little extras in our deluxe room, such as complimentary flip flops and a mini freezer filled with ice to chill our drinks, made our stay here feel even more special.

Get active

We started our days with an early morning swim. As well as the main pool, there’s an adults-only pool and a sandy beach with calm waters where you can go for a dip. The resort offers an activity such as a stretch class or Pilates each morning. We were initially wary of using the gym owing to the fact that everyone can see you through the glass walls, but we quickly realised what this actually means is you have a wonderful view to accompany your workout.

Keen to stretch our legs some more, we headed out of the resort for a two-hour walk around neighbouring Baja Sardinia. Along the way – which is part roadside path and part trail – we stopped off at five beaches, ranging from small sandy coves that we had all to ourselves to the large stretch of golden sand in the heart of the resort town. Here the water is crystal clear and not too deep, and when you’re ready for refreshments there are restaurants and bars on the concourse where you can enjoy a cool drink and a snack in the sunshine.

Further afield, the Pevero Health trail is a network of paths through aromatic scrubland with viewpoints to climb to and accessible beaches. It’s a 20-minute drive from the resort and it’s worth considering car hire as taxis here are expensive.

Eat well

The breakfast buffet at 7Pines will set you up for the day. As well as the usual fresh fruit and pastries, you’ll find cooked meats, grilled vegetables and a choice of egg dishes, including Uova Frattau, a typical Sardinian dish combining traditional bread, tomato purée, pecorino cheese and a poached egg.

The poolside Spazio by Franco Pepe restaurant boldly claims to serve the world’s best pizza and you’ll find unique offerings such as the delicious Spazio Mare, a fried pizza with buffalo mozzarella, red prawn, green salad and lime. We also tried the trattoria menu here, which includes catch of the day, pasta dishes and Italy’s best (in our opinion) dessert: tiramisu.

At the fine dining restaurant Capogiro, we enjoyed the Le Nostre Storie (our stories) tasting menu, a delightful mix of theatre and flavour using fresh herbs from the resort’s kitchen garden. From the amuse bouche served on ceramic sea creatures to the delicate lobster ravioli in a crab broth, every dish was beautifully presented and made our taste buds dance.

Pamper yourself

The spa at 7Pines has five treatment rooms named after flowers and plants found on the island. They face into an open-air relaxation area from where you can also access the sauna, steam room, ice bath and experience showers. To maintain the intimate feel of the area the resort allows a maximum of five guests at a time, so you’re advised to book a time slot.

Our personalised body massage somehow managed to be both relaxing and invigorating. While we almost dozed off during the treatment as our therapist worked the tension out of our back and shoulders, we felt full of renewed energy afterwards. Other pampering treats on offer include body scrubs, facials, manicures and reflexology.

Have fun

Being social and having fun are key components of living well. The resort’s beachside bar Cone Club was closed during our visit, but has DJs and party vibes throughout the summer. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset too. Over in Baja Sardinia, Phi Club is another popular beach club during the summer months.

The swim-up bar at 7Pines attracts a crowd towards the end of the afternoons. Our favourite tipple was the Bellavista sparkling wine – a crisp and fresh Italian fizz that became our daily sundowner.

If you’re a wine lover, the hotel can organise for you to go wine tasting at a local vineyard. Capichera Vineyard is a 20-minute drive from 7Pines and offers a golf buggy tour of the estate followed by a tasting of five wines. Watersports and boat trips (half and full day) are also bookable at the concierge desk. Of course if all you want to do is lounge around on the uber comfy sunbeds, that’s perfectly okay too!

How much does it cost?

Rooms at 7Pines Resort Sardinia start from €350 per night based on two people sharing. See BA or Ryanair for flights from the UK to Olbia, which is a 30-minute drive from the resort.

Brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi’s fish and chip shop has been crowned the UK’s best takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, beating hundreds of chippies across the country

When the two brothers first opened their fish and chip shop, their ambition was to become ‘everyone’s local’ — and now they’re celebrated not just in their hometown, but across the entire country as the very best.

In what the industry hails as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood world, this modest chip shop in York claimed top honours at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. The Scrap Box was crowned the best fish and chip takeaway in the UK — a title the owners are taking in their stride.

To even be considered for the prestigious awards, those shortlisted must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, naturally, an exceptional talent for cooking mouth-watering fish and chips.

What’s impossible to overlook is that both winners, including The Scrap Box, along with four out of six commended establishments, are all rooted in Yorkshire — cementing the county’s status as the undisputed home of the great British chippy.

The takeaway’s owners, brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, stumbled upon the site — formerly a toilet block beside a layby — and immediately saw its potential.

Their vision was to create a chippy that would serve the villages surrounding York and Pocklington, as well as hungry travellers passing through on their way to the seaside.

The two co-owners of the establishment, who are also siblings, are absolutely thrilled with their accomplishment. Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

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“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The chippy, located at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, maintains a strong commitment to sustainability regarding the fish they serve.

Their website reveals the brothers made the business Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified back in 2024, enabling them to trace every piece of cod and haddock they serve right back to where it came from.

The roadside eatery has accumulated more than 200 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, with numerous satisfied customers sharing their experiences.

One recent visitor said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However, here the accolades are prominently showcased for everyone to see.

“Attracted by the great exterior mural as we passed by, we promised ourselves to come back later. A lovely, fresh-looking interior, clean. The young chap who served us was extremely pleasant. Top-notch haddock and chips – freshly cooked and not greasy at all. We eat loads of fish and chips and could tell these were excellent.”

Their eye-catching mural is impossible to miss for people driving past, featuring a striking image of a fish gliding through water, set against the city’s distinctive skyline. While it certainly entices people through the door, it’s the delicious food that ensures customers return again and again.

Other contenders in the category included The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, which secured second spot. Rounding out the top three was another Yorkshire chippy, Shaw’s Fish & Chips of Dodworth, situated in Barnsley.

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This village resort has been captivating visitors for 100 years with Italian-inspired architecture and palm trees that make you feel like you’re on a Mediterranean holiday

If you’re dreaming of an Italian escape, it turns out you needn’t venture beyond British shores, as this private village resort nestled in Wales delivers that authentic ‘la dolce vita’ experience without the eye-watering cost of flights.

Deliberately designed to evoke a slice of paradise along the Welsh coastline, Portmeirion provides the perfect retreat, boasting a wealth of dining, drinking, shopping and breathtaking natural scenery to soak up.

Every carefully considered detail within the village is crafted to conjure the feeling of a Mediterranean haven, and it has continued to draw visitors in droves ever since its establishment in the 1920s.

Guests can stay for however long suits them, whether that’s simply popping in for a leisurely day-long stroll through its immaculately designed streets, or settling in for a longer break spanning several days. Indeed, many devoted visitors opt for an annual pass, granting them unlimited access throughout the year, weather permitting.

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When did it all begin?

The stunning Portmeirion sprang from the imagination of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, whose vision was to create a development that would complement and preserve the natural splendour of its surroundings.

His creation was constructed across two distinct phases — the first running from 1926 to 1939, and the second from 1954 to 1976.

By the time the project was complete, Clough was well into his 90s, and the vast majority of the buildings had been designed and constructed by him personally, with only a handful being relocated from elsewhere.

One such feature was the Town Hall, which was transported from the Bristol Colonnade.

Throughout his work, Clough showed a distinct fondness for Italian architectural styles, leading many to speculate that the Italian coastal town of Portofino served as his inspiration.

He firmly rejected these claims, however, insisting that he merely wished to ‘capture’ the atmosphere of the Mediterranean — and it’s safe to say he delivered on that ambition.

Despite its compact size, the village boasts an impressive array of styles and hidden gems, from its Riviera-inspired townhouses to the ornamental gardens and Italian-style piazzas scattered throughout.

Central to all of this is the grand Hotel Portmeirion and its accompanying village rooms, which provide private accommodation for the approximately 200,000 visitors who flock to the village each year.

One recent guest wrote on TripAdvisor: “As if straight out of cinque terre Italy! Buildings of unusual shapes sizes and colour everywhere you looked. Magnificent it really made you feel as if you’d stepped into another world.”

Where to stay

The Hotel Portmeirion was opened by Clough in 1926 as the centrepiece of the village, serving as the catalyst for his grand vision for the surrounding development.

Within its walls lies a complete world of its own, featuring 14 elegant bedrooms alongside a fine-dining restaurant and an impressive terrace and bar space.

The four-star hotel also features an open-air swimming pool situated on the estuary lawn. Rates for a double room for one night start at approximately £328 and can incorporate breakfast and dinner packages.

The village rooms are scattered throughout Portmeirion and cater for all types of groups, with family rooms on offer and ground-floor alternatives for accessibility requirements.

Every village room is individually crafted to be distinctive whilst maintaining that Mediterranean ambience, and all benefit from the picturesque views across the Dwyryd Estuary and beyond.

With magnificence at its heart, the village is also home to its own castle, Castell Deudraeth, which serves as a four-star residence that Clough described as “the largest and most imposing single building on the Portmeirion estate”.

Those opting not to stay but still wanting to sample the glitz and glamour of the castle can choose to dine at its own brasserie. There are also self-catering cottages on offer to rent in the village, alongside a motorhome park for caravans and campers.

Eating Out

Offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the Castell Deudraeth Brasserie serves excellent food in a relaxed setting with stunning surroundings. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “A lovely traditional conservatory-style restaurant, with prompt, friendly and efficient service, a good choice on the menu, reasonable prices and very tasty food.”

They added: “We enjoyed lamb shank, plaice, and pork T-bone main courses after fine starters, with good wine choice. The Castell is an impressive Victorian-built place, with an impressive fireplace and surround in the lounge area.”

The Hotel Portmeirion’s restaurant similarly features prominently amongst favourites, boasting over 500 excellent TripAdvisor reviews. Elsewhere, Caffi Glas proves a popular dining destination, with guests particularly taken by its alfresco seating arrangement, designed to evoke an Italian piazza complete with central fountain.

The open-air dining experience proves a hit with visitors seeking that holiday atmosphere, who relish the establishment’s freshly made pizzas, pasta dishes and salads. Complementing the food are delicious wines available by the glass alongside locally sourced, traditional Welsh beers – a fitting tribute to its Welsh location.

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The world’s longest passenger train was over a mile long and passed through a stunning mountain range.

The record for the world’s longest passenger train was broken in 2022, when it reached over a mile in length and was made up of 100 carriages. The train made its way through the stunning Alps, which span countries such as Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland. The Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland made history with its 1.2-mile-long train.

It headed on the Albula-Bernina route from Preda to Bergün. The train passed through the UNESCO World Heritage site and took over an hour.

The route passes through 22 tunnels, some of which spiral through the mountains, and 48 bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct. Spectators lined the valley to watch the super-long train pass by.

CEO of Rhaetian Railway, Dr Renato Fasciati, said people from across the world flocked to watch the train. The 100-carriage train helped mark the 175th birthday of Swiss Railways.

Dr Fasciati said: “This world record attempt is a wonderful reason and a wonderful instrument for us to show the world this beautiful railway.”

During the pandemic, the company reportedly lost around 30% of its revenue. The world record attempt was done to raise awareness of the stunning train route.

The train was made up of 25 Capricorn railcars, 100 carriages, 3,000 tonnes of steel and technology. It was controlled by seven train drivers and 21 technicians across the mountain range.

Explaining how the 100-carriage train worked, Rhaetian Railway said: “The 25 trains all had to accelerate or decelerate at the same time, although only four trains each could be controlled from the same driver’s cab.

“An electric circuit ensured that all trains braked at the same time if the trains needed to slow down suddenly.

“Due to the heavy weight of the train (2,850 t without passengers), very high forces were exerted on the infrastructure and the carriages.

“A separate intercom system on the train, trained train drivers and clear instructions ensured the desired result. In addition, special software was loaded for the record-breaking train and the mechanical braking power was reduced.”

The train journey saw the railway set a Guinness World Record for the longest narrow-gauge passenger train.

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Every relevant person travelling must obtain an ETA, including babies and children

Travellers frequently face changing regulations when crossing international borders. Now, Heathrow Airport has issued a reminder about some essential new requirements now in effect.

Under the changes, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has become a legal necessity for certain people from this month. This £16 charge permits travellers to enter the UK for tourism, family visits and other purposes for up to six months.

On X, formerly Twitter, the major airport announced this week: “Starting tomorrow, 25 February, whether your final destination is the UK or are connecting via Heathrow, eligible visitors will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).

“Find out more on http://GOV.UK.” It then also stressed: “From 25 February, you can’t legally travel without an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Exemptions apply.”

Whilst most UK visitors will require an ETA or visa to enter the UK, this depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. For example, an ETA is usually necessary if you’re arriving from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and selected other countries.

Every person travelling must obtain an ETA, including babies and children. Therefore, for a family of four, you’ll probably need to pay £64 altogether, whilst a family of six will generally pay £96. Visitors may apply for an ETA on behalf of others.

Anyone holding a British or Irish passport, or who has permission to work, live, or study in the UK, won’t need an ETA. According to official Government advice, other exemptions include:

It’s important to remember that having an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Those with a criminal record or who have previously been denied entry should consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa instead.

Beyond this, the UK Government highlights exactly what can and can’t be done with an ETA. For instance, the ETA allows:

Meanwhile, these five things are not permitted with an ETA:

• Staying in the UK for longer than six months
• Doing paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Claiming public funds (benefits)
• Living in the UK through frequent or successive visits
• Marrying or registering a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership – a Marriage Visitor visa is needed

Travellers can apply for the £16 ETA online or via the UK ETA app. To complete this, they’ll need a passport, an email address, and a payment option, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

The fee is non-refundable after an application has been submitted. For further details,head to GOV.UK here.

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A major airport sparked debate around airport dress codes when it announced it wanted to become the “world’s first Crocs-free AND pyjama-free airport”, and travellers have been left divided by the X post

A major airport has ignited controversy over appropriate airport clothing with an X post declaring “We’ve had enough.” Tampa International Airport took to X (formerly Twitter ) yesterday (February 26) with an announcement claiming it aspired to become the “world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport”.

The post opened with the declaration “We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough.” before stating “The madness stops today.” The airport took aim at travellers sporting pyjamas in broad daylight, encouraging people to have a “difficult conversation” with relatives who might be guilty of such a fashion misstep, reports the Express.

While the airport went on to confirm to USA Today that the post was lighthearted, it nevertheless triggered a discussion about appropriate flying attire and whether dress codes ought to be enforced.

Its statement explained: “Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers. Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates. We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”

While airports typically don’t enforce dress codes, there have been cases where passengers have been refused boarding or removed from planes based on their attire. In 2024, two women sporting crop tops were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight leaving Los Angeles after declining to cover up with their jumpers.

In 2025, the budget carrier updated its contract of carriage, warning that travellers who are “barefoot or inadequately clothed” could face boarding refusal or removal from the aircraft. Spirit’s terms and conditions specify this includes “see-through clothing; [being] not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts”.

The airline also prohibits clothing and body art deemed “lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature” and states it may refuse boarding to passengers with “an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability”.

British airlines and airports haven’t yet introduced clothing regulations, apart from suggestions to dress comfortably, though certain airport lounges do have dress codes. No1 Lounges, which operates facilities at major hubs including London Gatwick and Heathrow, states on its website: “Yes, we have a dress code in place. We ask all our guests to wear smart-casual clothing.

“Our dress code stipulates that we reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone wearing clothing which we deem to be unsuitable. This includes themed or fancy-dress outfits, clothes with slogans that may cause offence, sports shirts, beach flip flops, vests, and clothing that exposes midriffs or upper thighs.

“Our My Lounge spaces are designed to be a little more relaxed and informal, encouraging guests to dress comfortably and express their individuality. Casual clothing, trainers, flip flops, and athleisure are welcome at My Lounge.” The policy does clarify, however, that unsuitable items such as fancy dress are still banned in these areas.

Despite its tongue-in-cheek tone, Tampa International Airport’s social media post ignited discussion about appropriate flying attire. One commenter enthused: “I love this! Let’s go back to the way it was in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!”, accompanied by vintage photographs showing impeccably dressed passengers from bygone eras.

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Another countered: “I’ll dress nice again when we’re not treated like cattle at the airport and on the plane.” While contributor questioned: “How are you even classifying clothing as pajamas to begin with? Are sweatpants, yoga pants, children wearing soft clothes pajamas?”.

Would you back dress codes at airports and on airplanes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Merlin’s annual pass offer ends this weekend where you can get a free annual pass if you book a £95 stay at the likes of Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Chessington and more

A deal where theme park fans can ‘stay for a night, play for a year’ at Merlin’s attractions across the UK ends this weekend.

Merlin Entertainment, whose attractions include Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle, LEGOLAND, and Chessington World of Adventures currently has a deal running where families who book an overnight stay on selected dates in March get a free Essential Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) for each guest, giving them 339 days of unlimited access to over 20 of its theme parks and attractions.

However, theme park fans will need to hurry as the bookings need to be completed by Sunday (March 1), so there are only a couple of days left to take advantage of the offer. Eligible stay dates include:

• LEGOLAND and Alton Towers – stays between March 14 and June 26
• Chessington – stays between March 20 and June 26
• Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle – stays between March 27 and June 26

When making a booking, simply look for a banner that says ‘Merlin Pass Included’ that indicates whether the stay is eligible for the offer. Facilities at each theme park resort vary, but many have themed accommodation, breakfast included in the price, plus two days of theme park entry included in a one-night stay. Alton Towers’ hotel guests enjoy access to a 9-hole golf course, while those staying at Chessington can enjoy access to its SEA Life Centre.

As soon as you book your stay, you’ll be emailled your Merlin Annual Passes and can start using them as soon as they are activated, even before your overnight break if you like. The Essentials tier pass offers 339 days of fun, and in addition to theme parks it includes attractions such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon.

Passholders can also access SEA Life centres across the UK, Cadbury World, Shrek’s Adventure! London and LEGOLAND’s Discovery Centres, so it’s easy to fill up the calendar in the Easter holidays and May half term without needing to pay a penny extra on entry fees.

It’s worth checking Merlin’s exclusions calendar for dates when the Essentials pass cannot be used. Restricted dates include some bank holidays and Saturdays in August. However, no dates in July are restricted, and you can still use your pass freely on other days during the six week summer holidays.

So, how much could families save? It depends on which hotel stay you book and how much you use the pass. A family of four could book a night at the Warwick Castle Hotel on May 16 for £429 and get four free passes included. Buying Merlin Essential passes would usually cost £139 each at full price, adding up to £556 for four people, so this is already a cheaper option if you’ve been considering buying the passes anyway.

Day passes to Alton Towers, as an example, cost £32 online and as much as £68 if you buy on the gates, so if you plan just a handful of theme park visits, this offer could save you hundreds over the year.

Full list of attractions where Merlin’s annual pass can be used

• Alton Towers Resort
• Chessington World Of Adventures Resort
• LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
• The London Eye
• Thorpe Park
• SEA LIFE London
• National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
• SEA LIFE Manchester
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
• SEA LIFE Brighton
• SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park
• SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
• SEA LIFE Sanctuary Hunstanton
• SEA LIFE Scarborough
• SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
• Warwick Castle
• Madame Tussauds London
• Shrek’s Adventure! London
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
• The London Dungeon
• The York Dungeon
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• Cadbury World

You can find out more at merlinannualpass.co.uk.

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IMAGINE if the Eden Project had a Disney makeover – well, one theme park in Europe achieves this and will be getting a new ride for 2026.

Terra Botanica theme park in Angers, France is often compared to the Eden Project in Cornwall due to its focus on plants.

But it also has rides…

And now the theme park has announced two new experiences for this year – Cleamolette’s tractor cabins and a new Terra Nocta show.

Cleamolette’s tractor cabins will be an immersive experience where visitors climb onboard the tractors and set off to meet Cleamolette, who is a ‘passionate inventor’.

There will be 10 tractor cabins in total, which will be able to host up to 500 people an hour.

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During the experience, visitors will get to discover Cleamolette’s botanical experiments.

The park will also have a redesigned discovery trail that sprawls across 1,200sqm.

The trail is entirely dedicated to vegetable plants and over the course of the season, visitors will be able to see more than 10,000 vegetable plants, 4,000 flowering plants, 500 perennials, 200 shrubs and 40 trees.

You might even get a glimpse at some rare species including pistachio trees, Brazilian guava trees, Japanese pickling eggplants and snake gourds.

Then, Terra Nocta – an evening event at the park with light and sound – will return from April 11 but with a new 150metre area that is an immersive water display with mist, waterfalls, sounds and lights to create the ultimate sensory experience.

This new area will allow visitors to discover aquatic biodiversity and learn about the role of water in ecosystems.

The show will also include eight performers from the National Institute of Music Hall Arts in Le Mans.

The theme park will be hosting Terra Spring Festival between March 28 and 29 as well, where attendees can see the theme park’s large plant market and meet lots of local sellers and makers.

The theme park is set to fully reopen for the 2026 season on April 4.

Connexion France previously described the park as “Cornwall’s Eden Project on steroids”, adding that it has “environmental ideas with a Disney twinkle”.

Other rides at the park include giant walnut shells, and a Canopy of Birds experience where you fly virtually through the air and a miniature land train.

You might also want to check out the Garden of Legends, where you will be greeted by a vegetable ogre as he takes you into a mysterious universe.

Other ‘lands’ at the park include a dinosaur reserve, where you can watch a 4D film where you can get behind the wheel of a Jeep and drive among dinosaurs – just like in Jurassic Park.

There are even boat trips, a greenhouse with over 100 butterflies from across the planet and a high ropes course with over 3,000sqm of netting to explore as well.

One person commented on TripAdvisor: “Great place, a bit like England’s Eden Project, only better.”

It is also cheaper than the Eden Project with tickets costing from €21 (£18.38) per adult and €17.50 (£15.32) per child.

In other theme park news, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster is set to open in the UK next month.

Plus, a top US attraction is set to open its first indoor adventure park in the UK – with 16 slides and a ‘flying’ coaster.

One UK mum who is raising her kids in Spain has shared the ‘things no one warns you about’. She shared the three big differences she’s noticed since moving her family abroad

Many people are prepared for a few culture clashes when they move abroad. However, one UK mum who is raising her kids in Spain has shared the ‘things no one warns you about’. Jodie, known as @jodiemar1ow on Instagram, shared details about her new life in Spain with her 6,400 followers on the app. In one of her latest reels, she shared the three big differences she’s noticed when it comes to raising her kids abroad.

Diving into the first issue, Jodie said it was bedtime. She explained: “Bedtimes… they just aren’t a thing. We have been to parties until 10pm, in fact Jayden had a party that was going to end at 12am.

“I actually did pick him up at 11pm because I was like he’s 6-years-old. This is so late.”

She added: “Kids are playing on the street until 11pm is just normal. Bedtimes just don’t exist. What is bedtime?”

The second issue she raised was that kids in Spain finish school at 5pm. She said: “It makes no sense to us Brits that they finish at 5pm, and for their dinner breaks they have 2.5 hours to have their food and play.

Like they have a sit down three course lunch at lunch time. If I did that, I’d be done for the day. I can not do a three-course lunch.

“People in Spain find it mad I just have a sandwich, it’s crazy.”

Jodie said that if ever kids then do after-school activities they finish even later.

The third thing the mum had noticed is that her kids are ‘definitely more Spanish’ than her.

“If you ask them they’ll say they’re Spanish-English,” she said.

“They correct me now if I say things in Spanish wrong and they’re basically fluent.

“I wasn’t prepared for all these correction and how they pronounce things [so well].”

Many people could relate to Jodie in the comments, as one person wrote: “I’m a Canadian living in Spain, so nice to meet you! The lunch is insane, haha I mean I love it for my son but I was blown away by it.”

While another added: “Taking Iyla to her friends soft play party at 5yrs I was in shock. I said, ‘I’m leaving now as Iyla has bedtime’. Everyone was looking at me weird haha.”

A third chimed in: “I’m in Alicante with a 6 month old baby and everything is baffling me already. Sensory classes for babies simply don’t exist, wild.”

However, one other person wrote: “Our school day has always finished at 2, both primary and secondary school. I think it depends on area.”

THINKING about your next holiday? Well you might want to consider the three destinations Jet2 will be flying to next year.

From next summer, Jet2 will fly to new destinations from Bournemouth and Edinburgh Airports.

There will be a route from Bournemouth to Reus, Spain and then there will be routes from Edinburgh to Pula, Croatia and to Crete, Greece.

The Reus route will operate every Sunday, from May 2 to October 31.

As for the Edinburgh to Crete route, this will operate every Wednesday, from May 5 to October 27.

The Pula route will then operate on Sundays from May 2 to October 17.

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Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Reus, Crete (Chania) and Pula are magical destinations, and we know their appeal, coupled with our award-winning customer experience, will make them much sought-after from Bournemouth and Edinburgh Airports.

“We look forward to taking holidaymakers to these new summer hotspots.”

Travellers heading to Reus can expect Modernist architecture across the city, including the Pere Mata Institute – a grand building home to a psychiatric hospital.

In fact, famous architect Antoni Gaudi – who designed the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona – was born in the city.

You can even go to the Gaudi Centre in the city, which is dedicated to the architect.

Make sure to also visit Casa Navas, which is a preserved Modernist building that is often thought to be one of the best examples of Art Nouveau in Europe.

It was built between 1901 and 1908 and inside, everything is original including the furniture, stained glass and mosaics.

For amazing views of the city and beyond, head up the 62metre Prioral Sant Pere Bell Tower.

Then for a bit of retail therapy, there is the shopping district which offers both brand names and more independent boutiques.

Over in Pula, Croatia, visitors can explore the coastal city which is well-known for its preserved Roman ruins.

These include Pula Arena – a large Roman amphitheatre that hosts concerts and festivals.

Make sure to not miss the old town as well, with the eight-metre high Triumphal Arch of Sergii and the 2,000-year-old Temple of Augustus which was dedicated to the first Roman emperor, of the same name.

Of course, thanks to the city being on the coast there are also a number of beaches.

For example, you could head to Beach Valovine which is about 15 minutes from Pula and you’ll find crystal clear waters.

One recent visitor said: “The views and scenery here were unrivaled – loved walking over the rocks at the ocean’s edge.”

And last but not least, if you choose to head to Chania, Crete in Greece, you can explore a stunning 14th century Venetian harbour and vibrant old town.

In the old harbour, which is in the heart of the city, you can explore streets lined with Venetian-era buildings and a 16th century lighthouse.

Then in the old town, you will find a variety of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek architecture with cosy cafes such as Cvajner Gallery, which is found in former bank.

Crete is full of stunning beaches and close to Chania town you can relax at Chrissi Akti, also known as the ‘Golden Beach’.

From the town it is about a 40 minute walk or a short bus ride.

The beach has golden sand as its nickname suggests and visitors can hire sunbeds and umbrellas.

There’s even a small playground for little ones.

Perhaps one of the most famous beaches to visit though, is Elafonissi Beach which is known for its pink sand.

It is an ideal spot for families due to its shallow waters and is often named among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

In other flight route news, the best airlines in the UK have been revealed – with the number one carrier having the fewest flight cancellations and free luggage for passengers.

Plus, British Airways has launched a business class sale with £500 off flights.

A number of changes have been made to passport rules since Brexit, and while most of us have got to grips with the basics, there are still things that catch holidaymakers out year after year

Since Brexit, a raft of changes have been implemented to passport regulations, and whilst the majority of us have got our heads around the basics, there are still elements that trip up holidaymakers each year.

From ensuring your passport was issued within the last ten years, to verifying you have at least three months validity on your passport when entering the EU, there are several passport checks you should carry out before booking your getaway. Now is the prime time to scrutinise your passport, as renewing it at this point in the year helps you dodge the summer rush.

Whilst you may have double-checked details such as the dates and confirmed there’s no physical damage to your passport, one aspect many people overlook is the number of blank pages they have left, particularly given today’s digital age.

A standard UK passport contains 34 pages, and typically, you receive an entry and exit stamp when you go through passport control. This practice is likely to be phased out soon for holidaymakers visiting Europe due to the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), but for the time being, you can assume most countries will continue adding their stamps.

Numerous countries have precise requirements regarding the number of blank pages needed for passport stamps. For EU nations, one to two pages is typically adequate, whilst destinations such as South Africa demand two, reports the Express.

Certain countries will also insist that the two blank pages are consecutive, as one page is used for the entry stamp, followed by one for departure.

Some nations that require visas for entry still utilise stickers, which are attached to blank pages, though these are generally being replaced by e-visas.

There are places that demand four pages, but the record belongs to Namibia, with reports that travellers can be required to present six blank pages upon arrival. Brits ought to verify requirements for their destination when organising their travels.

It’s important to note that not all pages can receive stamps. British passports contain an ‘observation page’ at the back reserved for official notes.

This may feature information about the holder’s dual nationalities or alternative names, but most often it remains empty. However, it doesn’t qualify as a blank page as it cannot be stamped.

So, what should holidaymakers do if they lack sufficient pages?

You’ll need to renew your current passport prior to your journey, as extra pages cannot be added. This means paying the standard passport renewal fee, which for an adult passport is £94.50 according to the UK government website.

If you’re a regular globetrotter, it’s worth considering a 54-page frequent traveller passport when you next apply. Whilst it costs slightly more at £107.50, it can prove more economical than renewing your passport in a couple of years simply because you’ve exhausted all the pages.

Children under 16 can also obtain a frequent traveller passport for the reduced price of £74.50. Frequent traveller passports for adults are additionally available through the one-day premium or one-week fast track services, though these cost £235 or £191 respectively.

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MAJOR airports in Spain are introducing Brit-only border control to avoid travel chaos this summer.

New EES requirements have resulted in large queues at airports for British holidaymakers.

According to local media, the Spanish operator Aena has revealed that four airports will adapt their security and border control for Brits.

These airports are in Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca.

It’s set to be put in place to ease the queues caused by new EES rules.

These will have a single access point to non-Schengen boarding zones to be used only by UK and non-EU passengers.

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There’s concern that the new EES requirement is causing delays in airports and will only grow during peak travel times, like the summer holidays.

Officials have expressed their worry that queues could be up to four hours or more.

The changes form part of Aena’s huge investment plan to its airports set to take place between 2027-2031.

These airports will use the investment ‘redesign control areas to improve passenger flow’.

They will allocate 29 per cent more space for passengers to ‘ensure smoother processing and better service quality’.

Malaga Airport could receive €1.5billion (£1.3billion) which could see it double the size of the terminal and increase capacity to handle 36million passengers each year.

Palma Airport (called Son Sant Joan) could receive €621.6million (just over £544million) for upgrades.

The investment is set to go towards the airport’s platforms, runway and taxiway pavements, taxiways, and renovation of boarding bridges.

In the case of Ibiza, the investment is set to be €229.7million (£201million), and in Menorca, the investment will reach €170.7million (£149million).

It will also include the adaptation to border control regulations to improve its efficiency.

At all four of the upgrade plans at these airports include allocated areas for Brits and non-EU passengers.

In order to fund the investment, Aena has proposed an average annual increasing its fees for airlines.

This hasn’t been well-received by the likes of Ryanair which has planned to axe over a million seats to certain Spanish routes, with some being cut down or cancelled completely.

Here’s more on the Spanish city which is getting MORE Ryanair flights after budget airline scrapped millions of seats.

And here are the cheapest destinations to fly to from six major UK airports including Spanish resorts to Greek islands.

BRITISH Airways have launched another sale and it could see you land some mega cheap business class flights.

British Airways and British Airways Holidays’ are launching a business class sale today.

Running until March 17, travellers can get savings on a number of business class flights and holiday packages.

For example, travellers can save up to £500 on Club World return flights.

Club World is British Airways’ long-haul business class and Club Europe is the airline’s short-haul business class.

If you fancy a European getaway, then in Club Europe you could get return flights to Berlin, Germany from £270 and Dublin, Ireland from £199.

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Other cheap business class flight offers include to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, from £124 each way.

And there are lots of offers on Spain flights including to Barcelona from £132 each way, Ibiza from £119 each way, Madrid from £133 each way, Palma from £156 each way and Valencia from £138 per way.

When it comes to further afield, you could head to Barbados from £1,899 and Sao Paulo from £2,899 with Club World.

Don’t want to spend that much? Then you could opt for return flights in Club World to Agadir in Morocco for £457 return.

Or you could venture off to Cairo in Egypt for £723 return.

Perhaps you want to book an entire holiday package?

Well, you could head off to Berlin in Germany for three nights, staying at INNSiDE Berlin Mitte hotel from £399 per person.

If you would rather head to Spain, you can holiday to Valencia for three nights staying at the Senator Parque Central Hotel from £399 per person.

If you want your holiday to last longer, then you could spend seven nights in Tuscany, Italy at the four-star Ilaria & Residenza Dell’Alba, costing from £589 per person, including breakfast.

For a holiday further afield, you could go to Marrakech in Morocco, staying at the Kasbah Africa Hotel for seven nights, with breakfast, costing from £808 per person.

To get any of these offers, you must book by March 17.

In other holiday deal news, thousands of new £9.50 holidays go on sale this weekend – join Sun Club for early access.

Plus, here are the most popular UK holiday park from £9.50 Hols – with beachfront pods, hot tub lodges and a surfing simulator.

A rare weather phenomenon known as calima is set to sweep across parts of Europe, hitting major holiday hotspots with ‘blood rain’ possible, leaving dramatic orange-coated scenes

Brits could be battered by ‘blood rain’ during a rare weather phenomenon set to engulf parts of Europe.

A Saharan dust cloud is set to sweep across parts of Spain and the Balearic Islands, hitting major holiday hotspots such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The phenomenon, known as Calima, is being driven by a high-altitude, isolated depression (DANA) that is transporting large amounts of sand from Morocco and Mauritania into southern Europe.

Instead of basking in the Spanish heat, tourists face the prospect of orange-tinted dust, hazy skies and reduced visibility. The Spanish weather agency, AEMET, also warned that calima “worsens air quality due to microscopic particles, which can reach the respiratory tract”.

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Holidaymakers and locals should also brace themselves for “blood rain,” which occurs when the orange dust is mixed with rain. Heavy rain has been predicted for parts of Spain, which could result in thick layers of dust engulfing the Spanish hotspots, dramatically changing the scene, leaving cars scattered with dust and murky swimming pools.

The weather is forecast to be worse in the southeast parts of Spain, along the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. The AEMET issued a weather warning on X, formerly Twitter, and said: “Very adverse weather in the Canary Islands: showers that could be very heavy, today accompanied by storms in the eastern islands; very strong wind gusts; rough seas.”

The agency noted on Sunday that the “weather is expected to improve.” The phenomenon has also brought an unusually warm air mass, with soaring temperatures up to 25C in southeastern regions and the Canary Islands, and Bilbao hitting a blistering 27C in February.

This isn’t the first time the Canary Islands have experienced a calima, including Lanzarote, which typically occurs during the winter months. The calima is a hot, oppressive wind that arises when high pressure builds over the Sahara, subsequently driving winds that carry Saharan temperatures and sand.

Explaining further, Lanzarote Information said: “During a calima, the air turns a white or even a yellow colour and you can literally smell the sand in the air from the Desert.

“Visibility is reduced, and there’s a kind of otherworldly quality to the light. Often strange insects accompany the winds – in recent years we have had locusts, ladybirds and dragonflies that arrive on the island.

“They rarely last for very long here, as there is so little for them to eat due to the desert nature of Lanzarote. Sometimes unusual birds are blown over on the wind as well, so look out for them.”

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This source provides a historical overview of the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on February 27th. The text traces the island’s colonial beginnings from the arrival of Christopher Columbusthrough centuries of Spanish governance and a subsequent era of Haitian unification. It highlights the pivotal role of the secret organization known as La Trinitaria, led by foundational figures like Juan Pablo Duarte. The narrative culminates in the 1844 revolution, marking the moment the national flag was first raised to signal sovereignty. Additionally, the document functions as a digital news digest, briefly referencing various global current events alongside this central historical commemorative  … 

A leading travel journalist who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which three are their favourite and which two they would not return to again with popular islands like Crete and Mykonos ignored

A travel writer who visited 27 Greek islands has concluded which of the islands she has visited are her favourites.

Hannah Logan, a full time travel writer, travelled the length and breadth of the islands to ascertain which they would return to and which they would avoid.

After much consideration, they identified three they’d try again and two they would skip. The three islands in question were Symi, Milos, and Skiathos.

Writing in Business Insider Hannah praised Symi because it felt “more lowkey” than other places such as Mykonos and Santorini. She described it as “the perfect place to relax”.

Meanwhile, Milos was highlighted for having “some of the most stunning beaches in Greece” with Sarakiniko Beach standing out. Hannah added: “Several tiny fishing villages also add a unique factor to this island. In some of them, traditional boathouses have been renovated into cozy, waterfront villas and hotels.”

The third island Hannah took a shine to was Skiathos which she described as “charming” with a “lively” nightlife element and some of the greatest food Hannah had experienced on her travels. Also noted was the open air screenings of Mamma Mia, as some parts of the iconic film were shot on the island.

Whilst Symi, Milos, and Skiathos were favoured by Hannah, she noted that Kos and Mykonos was not to her liking as much. She described Mykonos as “overhyped” and said she wouldn’t return to Kos because “it didn’t feel special” to her.

Hannah isn’t the only individual to comment on the beauty and majesty of some of Greece’s islands with Crete also attracting positive attention.

Recently, Elafonisi beach came second in Tripadvisor’s survey of the world’s best beaches with visitors entranced by its ‘pink sand’.

Although it was beaten by Mexico’s Isla Pasion beach, it was the highest placed in Europe in the table with users praising the area for its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.

However, the beach’s prowess has come at a cost. Despite averaging 4.4/5 across 16,000 reviews holidaymakers have been advised to time their visit right to avoid the crowds with 8am to 11am the best window of time.

Even the official page on Tripadvisor warns visitors, it said: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

“Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”

THERE’S still time to take advantage of the ‘stay for a night, play for a year’ theme park offer for huge savings.

The deal means that my family can visit theme parks and attractions like Alton Towers and Legoland all year round, plus enjoy an overnight stay and breakfast for less than it would normally cost for two annual passes.

We’re avid fans of rollercoasters and rides and last year visited Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle, so I couldn’t believe my eyes when this offer popped up.

I paid less than £250 for an overnight stay at Thorpe Park, which includes breakfast and free parking during your stay, and now have four Merlin passes that I can use all year round.

An essential pass is normally £139, so it’s a massive saving just on the passes alone.

You need to be clever about how you use the deal, which ends this weekend, to get the most for your money.

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First of all, try to find a midweek date for your theme park stay by checking out if you have a school inset day during the promotion period, which runs until June.

If you go in the school holidays or on a Saturday night, an overnight stay will invariably cost more.

Luckily we have an inset day in May, which is the perfect time to make the most of this offer.

Secondly, take a look at all the different Merlin attractions that offer accommodation, as there’s often a huge difference in room prices.

In general, I’ve found Thorpe Park to be the cheapest and Legoland or Alton Towers the most expensive.

Don’t forget to check out Warwick Castle as it’s easy to overlook that as a place that offers overnight stays and the rooms there tend to be good value for money, especially if you’re visiting with small children.

My friend found a room for her family of four for just £219.

My third tip would be to think carefully about what combination of people you’ll book for. 

We have two adults and three children in my family and if I book an overnight stay for all of us, that rules out some of the cheaper accommodation options because the camping pods at both Alton Towers and Legoland can only sleep four.

There’s more choice for a smaller family, so it could be more cost-effective to choose that, especially if some of your family won’t be available for the overnight stay anyway.

I have children at both primary and secondary schools now, so they don’t all have the same inset days.

If you go down that route, you won’t then have free passes for all your family members.

But an easy hack to sort that is to sign up for Sun Club membership, as you get two free tickets to many Merlin attractions like Chessington and Alton Towers with that.

So you can book your pair of free tickets when they are on offer with Sun Club and then use your annual passes for entry for the rest of your party on the same day.

There are a few pitfalls you need to watch out for – some dates are excluded from the essential pass, but maybe not as many as you might expect.

The 25 days you can’t use your pass mainly fall on bank holiday weekends and Saturdays in August. I was pleasantly surprised by how many dates were included.

Remember that you’ll need to pay for parking each visit as that’s not covered by the essential pass.

If you’re going to be visiting a lot, a gold pass costing £239 does include parking, so it may be worth grabbing one for a single family member to use alongside your essential passes.

Parking at Alton Towers has risen to £13 this year and the other parks aren’t far behind, so it can quickly add up if you visit multiple times over the year.

It’s not just theme parks that are covered – you get free entry to 20 attractions like Cadbury World in Birmingham, the London Eye and the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester with the pass.

One notable exception is the Alton Towers waterpark, but you do get discounted entry with your annual pass.

So don’t miss out – book before this bargain ends for a full year of family fun.

For more on theme parks, one writer went to the European theme park where you ‘travel through time’ and the rides roar past your hotel room.

And another writer spent three days at Universal’s huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip.