TRAVEL

FORGET everything you know about holiday parks – as a new age of caravans could change them entirely.

Caravan holidays have been a popular, and low cost, alternative to holidays abroad, for the last 100 years.

Yet new designs could change the design of them, with many having not changed in decades.

Welsh designer Craig Ledwards has revealed his own creations, likening to them a luxury hotel room instead.

He told local media: “Caravans haven’t changed over the past 70 years.

“They’re exactly the same style as they’ve always been – no insulation so there’s always condensation in it, smell damp, and the layout is the same.

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“But this is totally different, it’s open-plan living. It feels like you’re entering a luxury hotel room.”

Like hotels, guests can access them using key cards which are then slotted in for the electricity.

Inside are marble bathrooms and projectors in the ceiling, as well as full glass walls.

Small balconies are also part of the outdoor space, as well as a rooftop window for stargazing while inside.

He has already introduced them to north Wales last year.

He added: “It’s as far away from a static caravan as you can get – the only thing that’s the same is the size, we’ve designed it to be the same size so it can replace an old one without having to change the footprint or service connections.”

Each one, costing around £35,000 to build, is fully insulated so they can be stayed in all year round.

Not only that, but he says they have a lifespan of 50 years – much longer than standard caravans which is between 15 and 20 years.

They have been met with some skepticism, however.

Some have said that the all-glass models may not retain heat during the colder months, even if well insulated.

And a National Caravan Council spokesperson said: “New designs such as ones imported from China may appeal to a niche audience, drawn to contemporary styling and different layouts,” they said.

“But widespread appeal will depend on how well they meet the expectations of the UK holiday park market, the access to spare parts, the availability of reliable and timely after-sales service and those who are responsible for licensing their use.”

Here’s what it’s like inside the world’s most expensive caravan.

And here’s another futuristic caravan with self-driving tech.

Vienna has topped the Global Liveability Charts for three years in a row – and with return flights from the UK costing as little as £35, Austria’s capital makes the perfect affordable weekend break

A breathtaking European capital has been crowned the continent’s “best” city, and it’s just a short three-hour flight from Britain. Even better news for budget-conscious travellers – you can jet off to this stunning destination for as little as £35 return.

Vienna, the Austrian capital, has claimed the top spot in the Global Liveability Charts for three consecutive years. The city of approximately two million residents outranked popular destinations including Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva, earning top marks for its stability, cultural offerings, and excellent local infrastructure.

The city is also a cultural treasure trove, celebrated for its musical heritage, exquisite art scene, and charming coffee houses.

YouTuber Ed Chapman made the journey to discover whether it truly deserved its reputation as “the greatest city in the world”. His itinerary included the Danube Tower, which boasts Europe’s tallest slide, a round-the-clock amusement park, and the internationally renowned Cafe Central.

Situated in Vienna’s Innere Stadt district, this historic establishment once welcomed legendary figures including Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Josef Stalin. The venue earned the nickname “Chess school” due to its popularity amongst elite chess players who used it as their gaming headquarters, reports the Express.

Ed sampled beef goulash, hot chocolate, and cake during his visit. Reflecting on his meal, he remarked: “That is beautiful, what a delight, lovely and warm, great flavours. Proper hearty food.”

When asked whether Vienna deserves its crown as the world’s finest city, Ed remarked: “It’s a beautiful place. It’s lovely. Buildings are amazing, astonishing. It’s got some history knocking about. Mozart is, you know, his place is out here somewhere. There’s something to walk past. All sorts of museums.”

He continued: “I’m very impressed by this place. But is it the greatest city in the world that I’m not sure about. It’s a very, very good city. I can absolutely see why it’s been given the most livable tag in both Europe and the world. And I could absolutely imagine living here myself.”

Beyond the celebrated coffee house scene that Ed experienced in Vienna, visitors will find no shortage of attractions throughout the city. Austria’s capital boasts an array of stunning Baroque churches alongside architectural gems such as the vibrant Hundertwasserhaus and the Wiener Riesenrad, an impressive 64-metre-high Ferris wheel.

Travel expert Mark Wolter, from Wolter’s World, was full of praise for Vienna’s culinary offerings. He explained: “The cakes, the food, yeah you have your Wiener Schnitzel and your hot dogs but there’s so many great foods, pork, duck, all this food from all over the holy Roman empire, because you have Hungarian goulash or pasta from those times.”

Mark describes Austria as a “really cool” tourist destination, particularly highlighting the quality of accommodation and transport links. He noted: “Whether it’s trains, buses or trams they have this all out there, which is really cool to use as a tourist.

“The museums will have things usually in German but they’ll have cards in English to help you.”

Beyond Austria’s charming historic towns, Mark urges visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural offerings and stunning natural landscapes. “I like to tell people, if you want to get cultured come to Austria, because there’s so much of the museums, architecture and history,” Mark added.

Flight comparison site Skyscanner reveals that travelling to Vienna can be remarkably affordable, with one-way tickets from Manchester Airport starting at just £19, whilst return flights from Bristol can be snapped up for around £35.

HAMNET, the new Shakespearean film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal is thrusting this lesser-known UK county into the spotlight.

Herefordshire stood in for Stratford-upon-Avon in the new film and it’s predicted that people will soon be visiting its pretty villages over that of its popular neighbour.

The Independent called Herefordshire the ‘quiet corner of England’ and explained that the county hoping for more tourists with what they’re calling the ‘Hamnet effect’.

In 2024, cast and crew descended on a small Herefordshire village to transform it into looking like Shakespeare’s Stratford.

The hope is that the county will become popular like its neighbour – the Cotswolds which is just 25 miles down the road.

As we all know the Cotswolds is known for its charming villages with cottages built from limestone brick that sit along cobbled streets around winding rivers.

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Well, you can still get such charm in Herefordshire, and it sees much fewer visitors – around six million each year compared to the Cotswolds’ 25million.

One of Herefordshire’s villages that appeared heavily in Hamnet was Weobley, which is nicknamed a ‘black and white’ village thanks to its many half-timbered houses.

The Hollywood production transformed the village into one from the 1500s, which was done fairly easily thanks to its old buildings.

While you won’t find many shops in Weobley, there are a few places to have a bite to eat like The Green Beach Cafe, or the local Indian restaurant, Lal Bagh which has a Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Award and 375 five-star reviews.

Weobley also has two pubs, Ye Old Salutation Inn and The New Unicorn Inn.

But fans of Hamnet should head into The Wobbly Badger cafe which took centre stage for the exterior of Shakespeare’s family home in the film.

There are lots of other villages that are part of Herefordshire’s ‘black and white villages’ – and there’s even a dedicated tour route to see them.

One of the other villages in the trail is Pembridge, or Eardisland, which sits on the banks of the River Arrow – and looks similar to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Even smaller villages include Eardisley, Dilswyn, Leominster and Kingsland.

It’s not just Hamnet that was filmed in Herefordshire, as one very famous Netflix series also made its home there.

Sex Education starring Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson was filmed in Symonds Yat East, which sits in the counties of Herefordshire.

The recognisable red and white chalet where Otis and Jean live sits high above the River Wye.

It’s the UK’s fifth longest river and has an incredible backdrop of rolling green hills – and getting onto the water is one of the best ways to see it.

There are plenty of companies offering kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboard sessions for around £60 per person along the river.

Herefordshire is also well regarded for its cider production thanks to its acres of orchards that cover the countryside – it’s been made there since the 17th century.

Scattered around the county are orchards and breweries that you’re welcome to pop into.

VisitHerefordshire even has ‘Cider Circuits’ with dedicated cycling loops to see as many as possible.

If you head to Westons Cider Mill in Ledbury, you can sample the latest flavours – tours of the cider mill cost just £15 for adults.

If you go there with the family, there’s an outdoor play park with slides and tyre trails to entertain the kids.

If you need a place to stay, Gwatkin even has its own campsite with pitches from £9pppn.

Just outside Lyonshall village is the White Heron Estate where they make their own signature blackberry liqueur – British Cassis and British Framboise.

Taking a walking tour and tasting is £25pp (for groups of 10+).

For more on British villages, check out this destination with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs.

And for another Cotswolds alternative, this one is under one hour from London and is set to be a world-famous destination.

SWANSEA is getting a massive revamp and new plans for its ‘waterfront district’ have now been revealed.

Renders show off what the Swansea Civic Centre area could look like in a matter of years with plans for a saltwater lido and even a pier.

Plans created by Urban Splash, a regeneration company, include the addition of new waterfront cafes, bars, beach sports shops and even what appears to be a new pier.

Other attractions will be an aquarium and a new saltwater lido – which will be a first for the city.

The plans have been developed by Urban Splash which was appointed by Swansea Council as part of a 20‑year regeneration partnership covering key sites around the city.

The company has described the ‘waterfront district’ as being a place “where the city truly meets the beach”.

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Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “These emerging proposals for the Civic Centre mark another important chapter in Swansea’s ongoing regeneration story.

“This site has the potential to become a vibrant new focal point on our waterfront, bringing together homes, leisure, culture and public spaces in a way that complements the huge investment already transforming our city.

“By reimagining how this area can be used, we can support local jobs, boost our economy and create new opportunities for residents and visitors.

The plans are not final and have been released ahead of a public consultation at the end of the month where residents will get a chance to give feedback.

Other areas around the city set to be regenerated by Urban Splash include the Hafod Copperworks and Porth Copr.

Urban Splash initiatives, including the unveiling last autumn, of plans for a riverside site in St Thomas.

In autumn, the company revealed its plans for the riverside site in St Thomas where it plans to build a six-storey building, as well as a central green street, shared gardens and improved river walkways.

The waterfront area of Swansea isn’t the only part of the city getting a new look as revamped Castle Square is expected to be completed by late 2026.

Work began in summer 2025 to transform the square with much more usable public space along with new cafes with shaded areas for families.

There will be new water jets with mini-fountains from the paved area which will take the place of the popular water features.

On another level is a viewing platform across the square, along with a large screen showing live sporting events.

Below will be a bandstand-style stage with a large screen for public events, new seating areas and upgraded paving.

These works form a wider part of the regeneration project in Swansea costing £1billion.

For more upgrades, here are the English seaside towns and cities getting multi-million pound upgrades next year – with new rides and attractions.

Plus, this town in the UK is getting a huge new beachfront attraction costing £100million – and work has finally started.

The new Rauchmühle bridge in Innsbruck, Austria, was built close to its final location to keep disruption to a minimum. Engineers then began lifting the structure more than five metres off the ground using hydraulic presses.

A massive 1,400-tonne bridge has been transported nearly 100 metres through the heart of Innsbruck, Austria without requiring a single crane.

Austria’s state-owned railway operator, ÖBB, accomplished the feat at the weekend as part of a major overhaul of the city’s rail infrastructure. The new Rauchmühle bridge had been constructed near its ultimate destination to minimise disruption. Once completed, engineers began raising the structure more than five metres above ground level using hydraulic presses.

This phase required careful execution to maintain the bridge’s stability, reports the Express. On Sunday morning, the bridge began its slow journey. Rather than cranes, the team used heavy-duty platforms typically found at industrial facilities.

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A total of 12 units were deployed, featuring 56 axles and 112 wheels. They travelled at approximately 1-2 km/h, providing precise control as the bridge rolled into position over Hallerstraße. The structure was also rotated roughly 90 degrees before being lowered onto its new supports.

Engineers stated the approach was safer and more precise than hoisting the bridge with cranes, particularly in a densely populated urban environment. Construction on the scheme continues.

Over the coming days, teams will install bearings, complete the supports, fit railway equipment and prepare the line for reopening. Rail services between Rum and Innsbruck Central Station remain suspended until January 29, with replacement buses running instead. The new bridge replaces a metal structure that had been in service for more than 60 years. Around 270 trains crossed it every day, and a combination of heavy use and harsh Alpine weather meant it had reached the end of its technical life.

The replacement is made from concrete, offers a longer lifespan, reduces noise and should provide a smoother ride for passengers. ÖBB released several figures showing the scale of the operation:

Engineers described the relocation as one of the most complex moves carried out on an Austrian railway site in recent years. The bridge is expected to come into full use once the remaining work is completed later this month.

Meanwhile, those who wish to sample the delights of Denmark and Sweden can visit both in just one day, thanks to a striking ‘disappearing bridge’.

With many of us eyeing up quirky travel destinations this summer, this intriguing construction is a bit of a must-see. Remember, however, it has a different name depending on what side of the crossing you’re on – Øresund in Danish and Öresund in Swedish.

What’s striking about this structure is that, while it begins as a bridge, it cleverly plunges into the ocean, transforming into a tube tunnel in such a way that makes it appear as though it simply vanishes beneath the surface. Completed in 2000, following a grand opening ceremony jointly hosted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Øresund connects the two great cities of Copenhagen and Malmö.

All in all, the structure is approximately 16km in length, and cost £2.3 billion (£4.8 billion in today’s money) to build over a period of five years. Project designers opted to incorporate a tunnel over fears that a complete bridge could well interfere with radio signals from nearby Copenhagen Airport. This design also means a readily available shipping channel, whatever the weather.

More than a quarter of a century on since it was first unveiled, Øresund is regarded as a roaring success, helping to improve economic prospects for both Denmark and Sweden, and is credited with helping to build a trading region of some 4.2 million people, known on the world stage as the Øresund Region.

A recipient of the prestigious IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, Øresund is also immortalised in popular culture, being a key setting for the Swedish/Danish TV crime drama The Bridge. Seaon one, which first aired in 2011, kicked off with the discovery of a body on the bridge, located just between the two countries.

Travel enthusiast Laurie has warned cruise passengers about one common item that will be taken from you at boarding as it poses a big fire risk if you use it onboard the ship

Whilst packing may not be the most thrilling aspect of a holiday, it certainly builds anticipation as you decide what essentials to take along on your travels.

For those embarking on a cruise in particular, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the varying regulations each cruise line enforces to ensure passenger safety whilst at sea. Typically, this involves each vessel maintaining a list of forbidden items that passengers are not allowed to bring aboard.

To help fellow holidaymakers in knowing what to leave behind, travel enthusiast Laurie – who goes by ‘traveltipsbylaurie’ on Instagram where she boasts 312,000 followers – has shared her expert advice on cruise packing.

In a recent video, she highlighted one specific item that’s banned from all cruise ships and will be confiscated upon boarding due to the risks associated with it.

“Do not get kicked off your ship by doing this one travel tip for the electronics that you bring to the ship,” Laurie warned at the beginning of her clip. “Just save yourself the stress by doing this one travel tip.”

“In our room with two twin beds, there is only one outlet section on one side, so get a powerstrip that is non-surge protecting, this one’s from Amazon,” she told viewers.

In the caption accompanying her post, she clarified that standard power strip towers or extension leads won’t make it past cruise ship security as staff will seize them as soon as you board.

The reason? Their surge protection elements pose a substantial fire risk. Cruise vessels operate on different electrical systems to residential properties, and when surge protectors interact with the ship’s power network, they can trigger overheating, flip circuit breakers, and create genuine safety concerns.

That said, you’re permitted to bring aboard a “non surge protector” power strip, which typically gets the green light on cruise ships. Multi-port USB chargers (without high-voltage sockets) generally pass muster too.

But, it’s wise to double-check with your specific cruise line before you embark, so you know what the rules are beforehand.

Should your power strip be confiscated when you step onto the vessel, crew members will tag it and ensure its return when you disembark.

The comments section quickly filled with responses, as numerous people were caught off guard by this stringent cruise ship policy.

“Oh I had no idea,” one individual remarked.

Another shared: “I brought one a few years ago and it was taken right away. I got it as I exited the cruise ship. You are absolutely right!!!”.

A third person said: “Royal [Caribbean] doesn’t allow any power plugs with a cord. They are only allowing non surge protectors that plug directly in. I thought Celebrity (owned by same company) had been doing this, too.”

RYANAIR flights are about to get more expensive – after the airline reported a drop in profits.

The budget airline was fined £222million by Italian regulators for blocking travel agencies from accessing their flights.

This has since resulted in a drop of profits, with pre-tax reports of £21.2million in the three months to December – a drop of 83 per cent in the previous year.

In response fares are likely to now go up by as much as nine per cent, more than their predicted seven per cent.

With the average fare costing around £50, this means it could go up to £54.50.

However, Ryanair has said they will be appealing the Italian case, and were “confident” it would be overturned.

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The airline has scrapped millions of seats across Europe in recent months, citing high airport costs and taxes.

Across Spain, Tenerife North, Santiago and Vigo have seen all UK flights cancelled.

This leaves the city of Vigo with no direct UK flights.

For France, Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg all had their flights cut, although Bergerac flights are set to return this summer.

And all flights to and from the Azores have been axed, citing high ATC fares in Portugal.

Instead, the budget airline is launching more flights at “cheaper” destinations such as Albania and Morocco.

More than 100 new routes are being launched across the UK this year.

It comes after a public spat between Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary and Elon Musk earlier this month.

The fight broke out between the two millionaires came after O’Leary said he would not be installing Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi on Ryanair planes.

This was due the cost it would result in, with as much as $250million per year due to a “fuel drag” caused by the antennas”.

In response, Ryanair launched a “Big Idiot” seat sale, with cheap fares for £15.

Ryanair has since said they are “not ruling out” installing Starlink on planes, depending on the cost factors.

The airline – known for its no frills, low-budget style – has cited higher taxes and airport fees as the reason behind some of its schedule and route changes

Ryanair is making some big changes to its European network of routes in 2026 by exiting some airports entirely – including closing all flights to the ‘Hawaii of Europe’.

The budget-friendly airline, established in 1985, is reportedly going to close bases at various airports and quietly axe some routes at others, meaning travellers might not know which destinations are no longer available until they try to book.

Its biggest withdrawals are happening in the Azores region of Portugal – known as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ – and the Asturias region of Spain, where all flights are being stopped completely.

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The Azores closure is effective from 29 March 2026 and will affect approximately 400,000 passengers a year, leaving fewer non-stop options and creating higher average prices. The airline has cited higher airport fees and air traffic control (ATC) charges for the change.

Speaking about the removal of the Azores route, Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs, particularly on the Portuguese islands. As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from March 29, 2026, onwards and relocate this capacity to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group network across Europe.”

In addition to the full removal of services in some places, Ryanair routes will also remain closed at Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig/Halle airports in Germany and Maastricht Aachen in the Netherlands. The German market will see a reduction of almost 800,000 Ryanair seats – for the Winter 2025/2026 schedule. Other airports have already seen reductions including Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Memmingen and Frankfurt-Hahn. Ryanair has blamed air traffic control and security fees, as well as aviation taxes.

Such taxes are, partially, in place to account for the devastating climate impact of flying, which is much more polluting than travel via train.

Further changes in Ryanair services have been billed by the company as ‘capacity changes’ and have been confirmed by airport operators, regional governments and media instead of being announced by the airline itself.

These include a number of changes to various Spanish regions such as Vigo – where services with end at the start of 2026 – Santiago de Compostela – where Ryanair has closed its base ad sharply reduced its routes – Tenerife North – where services were halted in winter 25/26 and have yet to be reinstated – and Jerez and Valladolid – where operations ended in earlier cuts to Spanish regional routes that will continue into 2026.

France will also be affected, as Ryanair suspended all flights to Brive and Strasbourg in winter 25/26 and is expected to continue suspending them into 2026. A partial comeback is expected at Bergerac in summer 2026.

Even airports where Ryanair will remain will not be exempt from some route cuts. From Cork Airport in Ireland, Ryanair plans to end routes to Poznań, Gdańsk, and Rome in March 2026. In Belgium, the airline will cut around 20 routes and one million seats from Brussels and Charleroi in winter 26/27, but has warned that the reductions could start in April 2026 if higher taxes are brought in.

Passengers should also expect multiple route cuts across Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia, which will affect airports including Banja Luka, Niš, Zadar, and Rijeka.

Ryanair claims it is not giving up on popular European destinations but is simply trying to find areas where government policy and airport charges are compatible with its low-cost model.

Passenges may not be too badly impacted by the route cuts. Rival airlines such as Vueling, Binter, Iberia and Wizz Air have all stepped into the gaps left by Ryanair.

I would love to take my girlfriend out on a romantic date in L.A. There is no special occasion but instead “just because.” She loves movies, food and new experiences. She is very adventurous. She’s a horror fan but also a hopeless romantic. I want to give her a date she will never forget.— Daisy Vargas

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

Daisy, this is so sweet. It sounds like you love your girlfriend a lot. Lucky for you, there are several places around L.A. where you can give her an unforgettable experience.

Since she’s into horror films, she’d probably love Horror Row, the stretch of Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank that is densely populated with spooky, spine crawling horror-themed shops and attractions you can enjoy year round. You’ll find the terror-themed coffee shop Horror Vibes Coffee, a convenience store known as the Horror Boodega, a year-round Halloween store called Halloween Town and the Mystic Museum, which Times contributor Jess Joho calls “a perfect date spot for oddity-inclined couples” in a guide about nightmare inducing spots in L.A. The museum sells occult essentials, cursed antiques and movie merchandise. In the back of the shop, there’s an interactive maze that changes seasonally.

For movie screenings, check out the VHS (Variety Horror Screenings) Society, which hosts monthly events. The next screening, happening on Feb. 22 at Benny Boy Brewing, will be a double feature of horror romance films, “Warm Bodies” and “Lisa Frankenstein.” (Goth fashion and ‘80s-themed outfits are encouraged.) After the event, if you’re hungry, Times food writer Stephanie Breijo suggests the nearby Macheen, which sells “amazing tacos” and was featured in our 101 best restaurants list or OG taco shop Guisados.

Brain Dead Studios in the Fairfax District also hosts film screenings throughout the month, and don’t sleep on the concession stand, Breijo tells me. It’s stocked with “some of the best snacks in all of L.A.” including Burritos La Palma and La Morra Pizzeria, she says. The independent theater and retail shop is also down the street from “all the hits on Fairfax” including the new location of Genghis Cohen, Lucia, Canter’s and Badmaash,” she adds.

Chances are that at least a few of your girlfriend’s favorite movies were filmed in L.A. so here’s a date idea you can steal from my colleague Jaclyn Cosgrove. For Valentine’s Day in 2020, they took their wife to different locations around the city where scenes from films she loves were shot. “I had the shots on my phone,” Cosgrove tells me. “It was both movie-focused and romantic, and a nice adventure before the shutdown.” You can also check out this list of 12 iconic L.A. film and TV horror homes to add to your tour.

For a thrill-inducing date, consider taking your girlfriend to a rock climbing gym. In this guide, Dakota Kim writes about seven gyms, including Sender One, which has three locations around the city, all of which “make indoor climbing feel luxurious.” Or if soaring across the sky is more your jam, go on a zip lining adventure. Cosgrove recently visited Highline Adventures near Solvang, which boasts the fastest and longest zip line in the state. The third zip line on the course, which is about 2,650 feet long, can reach up to 60 mph. Make it a weekend trip.

Times entertainment and features editor Brittany Levine Beckman suggests the Santa Monica Trapeze School, which is where her husband/then boyfriend took her on a birthday date years ago. “We had a good time and it was adventurous,” she tells me. Afterward, you can take a walk along the Santa Monica Pier or the beach, then grab what food columnist and critic Jenn Harris calls “the best grilled cheese in the universe” at Pasjoli.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, so I hope these recommendations help you plan the perfect, memorable date for you and your girlfriend. The beautiful thing about love is that anything can feel romantic when you’re with the right person, so I’m sure whatever you end up doing will be amazing. Sending love. <3 <3 <3

A TRAVEL company based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire has gone bust after three decades.

Gold Crest Holidays has announced it has stopped trading with ‘immediate effect’.

The company revealed the news on its website on January 23, 2026.

It said: “After more than 30 years of creating unforgettable holidays, we are deeply saddened to announce that Gold Crest Holidays has ceased trading with immediate effect and has taken steps to enter voluntary liquidation.

“This difficult decision follows the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic changes in key partner arrangements that adversely affected our business, and a challenging trading environment with significantly rising costs.

“We are immensely grateful to our loyal customers, travel agents, suppliers, and dedicated staff for your support over the years. We are truly sorry we can no longer continue.”

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The company was known for operating coach trips to the likes of Disneyland Paris, Paris for city breaks as well as Christmas markets and sporting events.

Gold Crest Holidays received generally positive reviews on Trustpilot with 65 per cent being 5-star.

As informed by ABTA, the company has also traded as Advent, Advent Tours and Overseas Dream Weddings.

ABTA added that “all future packages have been cancelled”.

However, for customers holding tickets, these could still be valid – but to confirm this you need to contact the event organisers and organise “alternative travel and accommodation arrangements”.

Those who booked through a travel agent should talk to them about it before starting a claim.

ABTA added that customers who booked and paid the travel company by credit card should “download a credit card referral letter” and send to their credit card issuer for a refund.

“Customers who paid by any other means will need to submit a claim for a refund to ABTA by visiting the ABTA claims portal.“

It’s not the only travel company to have recently closed down, according to Companies House, Regen Central Ltd, founded in 2011 in Hertfordshire went bust on January 13, 2026.

The package holiday company ran packages to Italy, Bali, and Thailand, as well as the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Brits who have booked through the company will have to change their travel plans as the company lost its Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL).

Here’s another UK travel company that went into administration after 55 years.

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The budget airline has shared a clear message

Ryanair has issued a five-word message to passengers who perform a common habit after the plane lands in a cheeky social media video. The budget carrier is known for its no-frills services to destinations spanning Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

But Ryanair is almost equally famous for its cheeky posts across X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. And in a recent clip, the airline had something to say to those who burst into applause when the plane touches down on the tarmac.

Some like to do this every time they fly, while others may find it rather cringeworthy. What does Ryanair think? Well its message on TikTok is pretty simple.

“If you clap when we land”, the airline quipped, “we’ll clap when you leave”. Gemma Brown from Travel Republic has also shared her thoughts.

She said: “When the plane lands, avoid clapping as it can appear rude to the pilots, as though you’re undermining their skill. If you want to show some love for a job well done, you can show your appreciation at the end of the flight with a polite thank you.

“The pilot and crew will usually wait at the exit giving you an opportunity to show your gratitude.” You should also remain seated with your seatbelt firmly fastened until the aircraft has stopped completely and the seatbelt sign is switched off by cabin crew.

Make sure your phone stays in airplane mode until the flight crew confirms it’s safe to turn it off or reconnect to cellular service, and listen carefully for any announcements.

WIZZ Air could be about to enter the transatlantic market with plans to launch its first flights to America from the UK.

The budget airline currently operates as a low-cost carrier, offering flights from the UK to Europe and Africa.

However, it is now seeking approval to be able to fly in the US, applying for permission with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The application filled on January 23, 2026 cites the Open Skies agreement of 2020 which allows airlines to request access to launch flights between the UK and the US.

Little else is known about what destinations this could include, as this could depend on route access and which routes work seasonally.

However if it gets the go-ahead, popular US destinations from the UK, especially for low-cost carriers, include New York, Miami and Orlando.

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According to local media, they hope to start services as “soon as possible”.

The current longest flight operated by Wizz Air is London Gatwick to Jeddah, taking just under seven hours.

Wizz Air launched operations back in 2004, with subsidiaries including Wizz Air UK launching in 2017, and Wizz Air Malta.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was axed last year.

The airline once even offered cheap flights from the UK to the Maldives, but these were axed back in 2022.

And Wizz Air is the latest low-cost carrier to attempt cheap flights to the US from the UK.

Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic currently flies from the UK to both New York and Orlando, with return flights under £300.

However, they scrapped the London Gatwick to Miami flight route last year.

Other airlines that attempted cheap transatlantic flights included WOW Air, which went bust in 2019.

And Norwegian, while still in operation, axed all of its US-UK routes in 2019.

One airline that will never fly transatlantic routes is Ryanair.

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson previously said: “There are a couple of reasons – one is that Ryanair does 25-minute turnarounds and goes to a lot of uncongested airports in Europe, so we’re able to get extra turns on the aircraft.

“If you’re on the transatlantic route, even the major carriers can’t get an extra turn.”

He also cited the need for a business class cabin to justify the low fares of UK to US flights.

He finished by saying: “There’s no obvious part of our business model that is transferable from short-haul. Nobody has ever really cracked that yet.”

The idea for my novel came in a rush: as I walked over the Thames on the Golden Jubilee Bridge in central London, the scene at the heart of it leapt out of the deep blue dusk and clung on to me until I committed to writing it into existence.

A few months later, it became depressingly clear that the half-hour snatches of writing at the end of my working day just weren’t going to get me over the finish line.

And so I entered the world of the writing retreat. More than simply a place to write, the best are spaces that can rejuvenate even the most frazzled and blocked writers.

The first retreat I went on was self-guided: three very solitary nights in a converted chapel in Llanfrynach village, near Abergavenny, in the foothills of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Dylan Thomas was definitely on to something with his love of walking, and Wales meets a writer’s need to walk and write. I developed a routine of morning writing followed by a stroll along the damp banks of the River Usk through clouds of marsh hair moss, allowing the plot tangles to unknot themselves in the cold Welsh air. I was amazed by how much I got done in a long weekend cut off from distractions, but it was an eerie idyll and I missed having people to bounce ideas off.

Rewarding myself for reaching the hallowed 50,000-word mark and clutching a patchy story and the beginnings of a credible three-act structure, my next stop was the Urban Writers’ Retreat. I had already taken an online writing course with its founder, Charlie Haynes, and liked the supportive way she worked. So I knew I would be in safe hands for my three-night stay in the expansive Georgian farmhouse near Newton Abbot, Devon, where she hosts her retreats.

The setup was what I needed: unfettered time away from life’s admin during which I could immerse myself in the story. While my room had faded country house charm and a desk, I preferred the window seat of the drawing room, where I could look out at the gardens and farm animals as I wrote.

There were six guests and we met for meals and to talk about all things writing in the cosy kitchen. Relinquishing the mental load of meal prep in return for herb-crusted salmon, fig and mozzarella salad and homemade cake was one of the greatest pleasures, all the more enjoyable given that Charlie, who prepared much of the food herself, is a notable cook. Even had I not written a word, I would have left feeling restored.

Months later, my novel had slipped down my priority list, becoming the Google Docs equivalent of a cupboard door that was opened occasionally then crammed shut before the messy overwhelm cascaded out.

Informed by her PhD experience, Dr Rebecca Maxwell Stuart set up Acorn Writing Retreats to help writers tackle their unwieldy manuscripts. “Coming on an Acorn retreat allows writers time and opportunity to have conceptual clarity on their projects, but also leave feeling good about themselves,” she says.

Amid an expansive Loch Lomond landscape, the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha was a paradisal setting for a four-day retreat for a diverse group (fiction, academic, nonfiction) of eight writers. This was one of the most structured retreats. We started with some goal setting and sharing our objectives, and there were four writing sessions across the day, including short activities, which were brilliant for jump-starting ideas and energising my writing.

We wrote quietly, seated around a horseshoe table. Writing together is strongly encouraged for the duration of the retreat, to foster support and momentum and hold your writing gently to account. Nurture is important to Rebecca’s ethos, and there is optional meditation in the evenings and time to celebrate the small wins of the day.

Watching sunlight and shadows race along the lochside hills on our afternoon walks, it was hard not to feel hope in my project and believe my years-long work-in-progress might reach completion.

Sometimes it’s the right people at the right time that make a writing break memorable, as I found at Rewrite, a retreat for women of colour. The founder, Christina Fonthes, is an author who runs writing and wellbeing programmes in the UK, Costa Rica, Portugal and Thailand, as well as online.

The Brighton weekend retreat I chose was a refreshing opportunity to concentrate on technique. The structured writing sessions focused on helping us find our voice, then we workshopped what we had written and shared what we had developed in an open mic finale. Christina highlights the importance of connection between mind and body, and avoiding the burnout all too common for Black women. A meditative daily yoga practice brought that to life. Discussing the themes of beauty, Blackness and belonging that I explore in my novel in a safe space with other women of colour edged me closer to the final draft.

With the end of the novel in sight, I needed solitude and space to write my way to the finish. A wood cabin at Starcroft Farm, overlooking the fringes of Powdermill Wood near Battle in East Sussex, was quietly perfect.

Hannah Stuart-Leach, a historian and former travel journalist, and her husband Tom have created the most magical space where every aspect of a writer’s journey has been carefully planned out. Each bijou wood cabin has a desk area, bathroom, kitchenette and a bedroom with a stargazing skylight. There was a pagan air afoot in my cabin: a carefully curated collection of craft books, poetry and witchy tomes (including Hagitude by Sharon Blackie) filled the bookshelf. There was also a box of spells for down time, while the Green Man looked down from a print on the wall.

The nicest touch was arriving to find a gift-wrapped copy of Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy, specially chosen by the local independent Rother Books after a brief pre-trip email questionnaire.

I chose to work alone, but Starcroft Farm also arranges brilliant regular sessions with writing coaches, one-to-one or in small-group themed retreats. Tucked into the writing nook of the cabin, it was impossible not to do my best work.

I finished my novel. The sense of achievement is enormous. And while there’s no substitute for keeping your bum in the seat and getting words on to the page, having a few days of literary luxury every so often with like-minded people certainly made it more fun.

The Old Chapel in Llanfrynach is £487 for three nights. Urban Writers’ Retreat has rooms from £415 for three nights. Acorn Writing Retreats’ all-inclusive rates are £525 for three days, £675 for four (the Acorn Access Fund offers discounts for marginalised and low-income writers). Rewrite in East Sussex from £1,700 for five nights. Starcroft Farm cabins £320 for a two-night independent writing break and £750 for a four-night small-group retreat with coaching, massage and other extras (the writer was given one night’s stay for this article)

Fiona McAuslan hopes to have her debut novel published in 2027

Danny, who runs the Honest Places YouTube channel, travelled from Manchester to a European destination where he enjoyed £1 pints in his favourite pub in the world

A YouTuber journeyed 1,000 miles from Manchester purely to savour pints of his beloved beer for a mere quid. Danny, who operates the Honest Places channel, splashed out just £45 on Ryanair return flights to Prague, then spent £55 on a centrally-located hotel for two nights.

This came in at £70 less than his forthcoming London trip where he shelled out £100 on train fare and £70 for a single night’s accommodation.

Before departing from Manchester Airport, he declared to the camera: “Ryanair is the best airline. You get people crying all the time, ‘Oh, they have charged me extra for a bag.’ You know when you book it, it says all the dimensions. You know the rules. And if you are going to a European city for three days, you don’t need a 22kg suitcase.”

Danny touched down in Prague during the morning and cheerfully revealed that certain pubs open as early as 10.30am. He also informed his 108,000 subscribers that he’d visited the Czech capital numerous times previously, and therefore wouldn’t be offering tourist recommendations.

Instead, he delivered what his followers craved, heading directly to a pub on the city’s outskirts. He then shared his thoughts on the drinking culture, describing them as the “king of beers”, suggesting they drank more due to the lower prices.

He also observed: “People in there, no one’s on the phones at all. Literally everybody is just chatting to each other. Someone brought out some meat, they are all just having bread and meat, while all chatting to each other, you compare that to when you go out in the UK, you see a group of lads or a group of girls on a table, like four or five of them, and no one’s even talking to each other.

“They are all just on their phones. It is like if you are going to do that, don’t go out. It is completely different over here, it is like people actually go out to see your mates and actually have a chat with your mate, you don’t just sit there on your phone.”

Danny revealed his reason for visiting Prague was a specific watering hole called Hany Bany, which offers Happy Hour daily between 3-4pm. During this golden window, customers can get pints for just a quid.

According to Danny, they’re absolutely brilliant.

As he arrived, he enthused: “Here we go, Hany Bany, my favourite pub in the world, in all its glory. The staff are banging, the atmosphere is banging, the prices are banging.”

Turning up slightly early, he initially splashed out £2 on a Staropramen Unfiltered. He called it his go-to beer and reckoned you could down 20 without suffering a hangover.

Once Happy Hour kicked off, Danny grabbed two more pints before heading outside to savour them in the fresh, chilly air. After taking a sip, he remarked: “I tell you what, Staropramen Unfiltered, you can’t get it anywhere, you can’t get it in a pub anywhere in the UK. You can get it in bottles sometimes in Asda, but apart from that, you can’t get it anywhere. It’s a weird taste, it’s got like a hint of coriander in it, it’s well weird. If you come to Prague, get Staropramen Unfiltered.”

Following the upload of his video, titled ‘I travelled 1000 miles for a £1 pint’, which can be viewed in full here, viewers were quick to respond. One commenter noted: “It’s like a good time travel to the 80s pub wise with no phones, cheaper booze and people actually having conversations, great vid pal.”

Another pointed out the irony: “It’s absurd that just the cost of the train is the same as return flights and two nights in a hotel.”

A third viewer enthused: “I’d happily go to Prague, or most other cities in Czechia, every month if I could. Beats anywhere in the UK to be honest.”

A travel vlogger, Ruth Aisling, stayed at Fair Isle Bird Observatory between Orkney and Shetland, and revealed what it was really like inside the accommodation that only opened last year

A Scottish travel vlogger has stayed in Britain’s most isolated accommodation – and reckons it’s nothing like what you’d expect.

Ruth Aisling has been discovering her homeland on YouTube following a 12-year stint abroad. She’s just visited Fair Isle, the UK’s most remote inhabited island, nestled between Orkney and Shetland.

Though it stretches just three miles, roughly 50 people call it home, and it’s renowned as one of Europe’s premier spots for watching migratory birds journeying from Scandinavia and Iceland towards the UK and Africa.

But since last year, visitors can now spend the night at The Fair Isle Bird Observatory, and Ruth insists there’s far more to it than feathered friends.

Broadcasting from the breathtaking island, which she reckons might be her Scottish favourite, she explained: “Getting here isn’t always straightforward as the weather decides everything.

“But once you arrive it feels very different from what you might imagine. From cosy rooms and delicious food to a real sense of community, it plays a much bigger role than just somewhere to sleep.”

The lodgings welcome guests from May through October, with single rooms this year priced at £169 per night, covering all meals.

And on the subject of grub, Ruth gushed: “The food here has been absolutely incredible. I have some dietary requirements and they’ve catered for that absolutely no problem.”

She revealed that Fair Isle had no other eateries, and during her visit she tucked into the likes of homemade soups served with bread, macaroni cheese, lasagne and meals featuring fish landed by a local fisherman.

In her YouTube video, which you can watch in full here, she offered a comprehensive tour of the observatory, even popping into the bar – the island’s only watering hole – which naturally proves popular with residents.

She mentioned there was an extensive drinks menu featuring a vast array of Orkney beers.

The island can be reached by ferry or plane, and travelling by air, as Aisling did, restricts you to just 15kg of luggage.

She explained that rooms feature an ensuite bathroom and shower stocked with shampoo and body wash.

Yet the real highlight of staying at the observatory, she revealed to her 224,000 subscribers, was the stunning panorama from her window.

She enthused: “The star of the show is the view. Let me show you the view out of my window. Look at that. That is incredible. Every morning, been waking up and looking at this.

“Even though it’s called the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, you don’t need to be a bird watcher to stay here.”

This view was echoed by Steve Holgate, the observatory’s manager. He chatted with Aisling about the accommodation which boasts 20 ensuite rooms for visitors.

He said: “It’s amazing. The community is amazing. The island itself is beautiful. You can just go on and on and on. There’s so much here to do. You think it’s going to be a small place and there’s not much to do. You’ve never got time. It’s just busy all the time here.

“It’s open to all guests, general tourists, wildlife enthusiasts, birders obviously, knitters, anybody who’s got an interest in Fair Isle. All the transport links are obviously subjected to weather, but we rarely get people stuck here for very long.”

You may have heard of Fair Isle Knitting, and during Ruth’s visit, she joined knitting workshops held in a room at the observatory.

More than 350 bird species have been spotted on Fair Isle, with birdlife including Puffins, Kittiwakes and Gannets.

The Good Shepherd IV ferry accommodates 12 passengers for the two-and-a-half hour journey to Fair Isle, whilst there’s also a daily flight from Tingwall airport taking under 30 minutes.

Responding to Ruth’s latest video, one fan commented: “I love the idea of getting away from all the noise of the city to somewhere quiet and relaxing like that. It would be so good.”

Another wrote: “What a beautiful place, I would love to see all those puffins in person.”

A third person remarked: “Thanks for the tour around your accommodation, I guess this place is the center of the world for everyone on the island.”

Night shift workers often miss out on precious daylight during winter. A travel expert shares six practical tips to help boost mood and maximise time off.

The average night shift worker sees just 29 minutes of daylight on a working day during January. A poll of 2,000 workers, including 500 who work night shifts, found four in 10 night workers will go at least three days in a row without seeing any daylight in January. For 24% this makes them feel cut off from the outside world.

For this reason, more are taking proactive steps to combat the lack of winter sunlight, with 63% doing something to improve their mood, compared to 55% of day workers. These include adjusting daily routines to maximise daylight hours (26%), booking holidays to sunny destinations (22%) and taking annual leave during January (21%).

According to the research commissioned by Blue Light Card , more than half (54%) of those who have booked holidays in January claimed it was to provide an immediate mood boost to counter gloomy days.

While 33% added having a trip locked in helps them maintain motivation and energy at work when January morale is at its lowest.

Travel expert Tracey Davies who partnered with the membership card , said: “Navigating through the dark days of winter is hard for everyone, but it can be particularly trying when you work shifts.

“If your holiday allowance is a little tight, consider your shift patterns and where you could take three or four days off. The warmest parts of mainland Europe can be reached by plane in under three hours, which is very doable for a long weekend in the sun.

“Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve region both get a good six hours of proper sunshine each day.”

When asked which destination helps them get through night shifts, mainland Spain topped the list, with 34% of those workers choosing it. This was followed by the Canary Islands (31%) and Greece (30%).

But without a holiday to look forward to, 21% are unsure how to make up for the sunlight lost to night shifts. While 34% admitted they simply grin and bear it until the clocks go forward in late March.

Rebecca Clarke, head of partnerships for Blue Light Card, which estimates active members can save over £3,000 per year, added: “The problem of depleted sunlight in the winter is one we all face.

“But for some of our members who work night shifts, our research shows that it is having an effect on fatigue and motivation.

“It’s no surprise that this leads to an increased appetite to book a holiday. So we’ve made sure that we have affordable and flexible options for those members looking to boost their mood and reclaim some sunlight this January.”

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS HOLIDAY HACKS BY EXPERT TRACEY DAVIES

Escape the short days

Of course, the best way to survive the winter gloom is to fly to sunnier climates. If you can get away, even for a few days, look to southern Europe and subtropical Atlantic islands like the Canaries, Malta and Madeira, which all have reliable sunshine in January and February. Jet2 Holidays has some great deals to all these destinations, particularly in Madeira (a week from £366 per person) and Malta (from £276).

Mini-breaks to maximise annual leave

If your holiday allowance is a little tight, maybe your shifts will align to take three or four days off. The warmest parts of mainland Europe can be reached by plane in three hours, which is very doable for a long weekend in the sun. Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve region both get a good six hours of proper sunshine each day, along with temperatures hovering around 16-18 degrees.

Rota-friendly deals

It can be harder for shift workers to plan holidays in advance, but many tour operators like Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic Holidays offer some good deals for last-minute winter sun, while Blue Light Card holders can save more by applying their membership discounts on top of these offers.

UK sunshine hotspots

You don’t always have to venture too far home in search of vitamin D. According to the Met Office, the Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in Britain. On average, the island off the South Coast sees more than five hours of sunshine each day, beating Kent, Essex and Cornwall.

Guaranteed sunshine

In January and February, Orlando sees consistent temperatures in the early 20s – perfect shorts and t-shirt weather – and it’s one of the cheapest and quietest times to visit the theme parks. Blue Light card holders can also get some good last-minute deals to Caribbean destinations like Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua in February, particularly if you book midweek.

Maximise annual leave

Savvy employees everywhere can strategically use their annual leave this Easter to get 16 consecutive days off for the price of eight. Book off 30 March – 2 April and then 7–10 April and you’ll get nearly two and half weeks off, perfect for that long haul holiday.

PARENTS could be putting themselves at risk of being questioned by social services, or even the police, if they let their children go on holiday alone.

Deciding when your kids are old enough to go off and do things on their own is a tough call – and it won’t always be popular with other parents either.

TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp found this out back in 2024 after revealing that her 15-year-old son, Oscar, had gone Interrailing without adult supervision.

The property show host was visited by a social worker from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), after she mentioned her decision on social media.

Allsopp said that it had been “a huge shock” and that she had been questioned about “what safeguards were in place” for her son’s trip.

For parents hoping to avoid ending up in a similar position, there are some rules they need to follow, although generally speaking, it is more or less up to them to decide when their child is old enough.

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The UK government website states that legally, when it comes to leaving children unsupervised, there is no specific age limit.

However, it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone and that children under 16 should not be left alone overnight.

However, this is only advice and, legally, parents can only be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health“.

When it comes to travelling, the rules depend on which company your child is due to be travelling with, with different rules applying to different airlines or train operators, many of whom will offer “unaccompanied minor” services.

The UK government advises that parents will often have to book a separate ticket for this service, and will also have to fill out extra
paperwork.

They will need to provide airlines with information about the child, their parents/guardians and whoever is collecting the child at their destination.

Each airline will have their own age limits on which children can and cannot use this service, but this is generally available for kids up to 12 or 15, depending on the carrier. Parents should check before booking tickets.

Meanwhile, on the Eurostar, 12 to 15 years old can travel on their own between London and Paris, Lille or Brussels on trains departing between 6am and 5pm local time.

They must have a fully completed Eurostar unaccompanied minor form, which must be signed by their parent or legal guardian at the station in the presence of a member of the Eurostar team.

The parent or guardian must also ensure arrangements are in place for the young person to be met on arrival. 

Children under 16 cannot travel unaccompanied on direct trains between London and the Netherlands.

For Interrail tickets, children aged up to 11 must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This doesn’t have to be a family member and can be anyone over 18.

The Interrail website also states that passengers under 18 “may have limitations in travelling alone using a pass”.

Each different country in Europe has its own rules for unaccompanied children, who may need extra documents signed by their parents or guardian, authorising them to travel.

There are no EU-wide rules on the matter, with each EU country deciding their own regulations, so parents should check the embassy of their child’s destination.

So, simply put, if you’re comfortable with it, your child is legally allowed to travel on their own aged 15, like Kirsty Allsopp’s.

However, transport companies and different countries will have different rules and guidelines, so it’s best to check what those rules are and what your responsibilities are as a parent or guardian.

As long as they’re not on their own “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health” then you’re unlikely to be visited by the police or social services.

But it’s best to put some safeguarding measures in place, just to make sure you can do as much as you can to keep them safe from afar.

Meanwhile, there are also rules parents need to know if they’re travelling with their kids, if they don’t have the same surname.

And these confusing rules stopped a young child from boarding a plane for a family holiday.

Howard and Trish Davidson have found a way to go on holiday together, despite a devastating diagnosis that has change both of their lives

A couple who feared they’d never go on holiday together again have found a way to keep travelling despite a life-changing diagnosis.

Howard Davidson can still play the clarinet perfectly. In fact, last November, the retired BBC composer delivered a moving rendition of the Last Post at the Remembrance Service close to his home in Keynsham, on the outskirts of Bristol.

But much else has changed for the 76-year-old since his diagnosis with dementia during the Covid lockdown. “I love him dearly, but we can’t have a conversation anymore. I’m his conversational prompt,” explained his wife Trish, also 76.

With a history of the condition in the family, Trish says she “knew he would be diagnosed” when he began forgetting certain things. Despite that, the former charity chief remains incredibly positive. “I know how important it is to keep that brain going. I know I’ve kept him younger than was expected,” Trish said.

One way they’ve done that is by continuing to travel together. Now, travelling as a couple alone is “hugely stressful”. “He gets very anxious now. I can’t do it on my own anymore,” Trish explained.

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What they can do, and have done every year since 2022, is head on assisted trips with Dementia Adventure. The firm offers fully supported holidays for people living with dementia and their loved ones.

“We tried it very early on, in 2022. Now we’re on our fourth trip. The first time, we went to the Isle of Wight. We met up with one of the minibuses. There were no refreshments on the train, but the staff got us coffee and tea (when we arrived). They said ‘you don’t do anything now’. And we didn’t do a thing (all holiday).”

On their first holiday, Trish and Howard were part of a group made up of four couples and four guides. Howard was accompanied by either a volunteer or paid member of staff, offering Trish some much-needed respite. “Howard could look at trees and photograph leaves, which he loves doing, and I could listen to the tour guide at Osborne House. It provides us both with respite. It’s relaxed. I don’t have to worry about him.”

“The person who runs Dementia Adventure used to run five-star hotels, so we’re always going somewhere fun, doing something unique. It also means I can talk to like-minded people and have fun.” So far, activities have included glass blowing, a pantomime, and a steam train ride.

The group stays in the same accommodation, with staff on hand 24/7. “If someone started wandering in the middle of the night, they’d be there. They do all the cooking, washing up, organise games and activities. But we all have our own ensuite bedrooms,” Trish continued.

A five-day break with Dementia Adventure costs around £2,000 per person, but the firm can sometimes subsidise trips for those unable to afford the full price. Thanks to the generosity of donors and Postcode Lottery players, approximately 80% of holidays are already part-subsidised and 2026 prices are lower than 2025.

“Without Dementia Adventure, we couldn’t go away as a couple on our own. It is too stressful for me. Every day I have to say where we are and why. But Dementia Adventure is so well organised, we have a complete itinerary, they put it on the wall and discuss what we’re doing the next day,” Trish said.

Holiday guests receive a complimentary photobook of their experience, creating a tangible memory that can be shared with family and friends – something that is particularly valuable given that people living with dementia may not retain detailed memories of events.

This year Dementia Adventure has 11 trips planned, including to the majestic peaks of the Lake District’s Derwentwater and Windermere, the charming villages of the Isle of Wight, the wide open beaches of Norfolk, the dramatic landscape of the Peak District, the picturesque villages of Somerset and Devon, the cosy country pubs and dramatic moors of North Yorkshire, Cornwall’s rugged coastlines, the heather-strewn fields of Fife and the peaceful landscapes of the Wye Valley.

Dementia Adventure’s Chief Executive, Fiona Petit, said: “We are the only organisation in the UK running supported holidays exclusively for people living with dementia. For many individuals living with dementia, holidays may seem out of reach, but with the right planning and support, they needn’t be. We specialise in creating joyful holidays that bring back the possibility of travel and adventure. The opportunity to relax and enjoy the great outdoors can be priceless.”

FOR fun city breaks with bargain beers and cheap flights, check out these European destinations.

Airport transfers experts at hoppa has analysed dozens of European getaways to reveal the cheapest European getaways this winter.

Prague, Czech Republic

One of the most popular spots for budget breaks is the Czech Republic capital, Prague where the average price of a pint is £2.17.

Being the birthplace of Budweiser, Pilsner, a visit to a brewery is a great shout – or check out the new immersive beer experience called Pilsner: The Original Beer Experience.

For some culture, check out landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square.

In January you can get flights from Bristol and Stansted Airport from as little as £15 with Ryanair.

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You can also catch direct flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is a small town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria and is a very affordable place.

During the winter months, it’s a cheap skiing spot – during the summer visitors can explore the pretty Old Town or hike through the national park.

After all that hard work, sit down and get a beer which has a shockingly low average price of 90p.

To get to Bansko from the UK, you’ll have to fly to the nearest airport, Sofia.

One-way flights from both Bristol and Stansted Airport start from £16 with Ryanair. Other direct flights operate from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria has it all, culture, historical landmarks, vibrant city life and beers for an average price of £2.25.

Make sure to stop by the enormous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which dominates the city’s skyline and is a must-visit.

For more on Sofia, check out what one traveller got up to on an extreme daytrip to the city from a self-guided tour to trying tasty traditional pastries.

One-way flights from both Bristol and Stansted Airport to Sofia start from £16 with Ryanair.

Budapest, Hungary

In Hungary‘s capital you can cruise along the Danube River, walk by the huge Buda Castle or Matthias Church and get citywide views from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

If you want to relax, head to Szechenyi Baths which is one of the best and biggest spa thermal baths in Europe.

It has 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms.

Not to mention that if you fancy a drink while in Budapest, the average price of a pint is just £2.26.

In January, you can fly directly from Edinburgh to Budapest with flights with Ryanair from £15.

You can also fly directly from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, London Luton, London Stansted, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

Tirana, Albania

The capital of Albania is where you’ll find lively cafe culture, dynamic nightlife or relax in the Grand Park by the lake.

For trendy bars, head to the Blloku area where drinks won’t cost a lot – in fact the average price of a pint in Tirana is £2.28

Check out Skanderbeg Square if you like exploring historic sites, or museums like Bunk’Art.

For what you can fit into a day, read more on what these two travellers got up to in Tirana from ziplining over the mountains to a private lake and city tour.

In January you can fly directly from London Stansted from £15 with Ryanair. Or head to London Luton to fly with Wizz Air from £20.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and one of Europe’s oldest cities.

It has plenty of beautiful historical buildings like the fortress and royal palaces. Or head to Knez Mihailova Street for shops, bars and restaurants.

Sava Lake is where you can have a go at water sports as well as tennis and cycling, with restaurants and bars perched on the shore.

For what to do in Belgrade, check out what one Sun Reporter got up to when she headed to the city that’s ‘grand without the price’.

The average price of a pint in Belgrade is £2.63.

It’s easy to explore Belgrade and public transport is completely free too.

You can fly from London Luton with Wizz Air from £28 – and the flight takes just two hours 50 minutes.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava in Slovakia is fairly small for a European capital, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to do.

From gazing at the pastel coloured buildings along small cobbled roads to ducking into a cafe or restaurant, or visit Bratislava castle which looks over the Danube River.

When you get thirsty after exploring, head to get a pint which costs £2.46 on average.

You can fly directly to Bratislava from Edinburgh from £15 with Ryanair in January.

Flights from Stansted Airport operated by Ryanair, and London Luton operated by Wizz Air both start from £18.

These are the cheapest European cities to fly to this year according to the experts – with loads of flights from £15.

And for more tips, here are nine ways to visit cities on the cheap from ‘alternative’ airports to staying in business hotels.

AN organ hums, a blaze of red lights dance across the venue and an enormous ruby-red object emerges from thick fog, creeping slowly towards the front of the stage.

Outside, Paris shivers under a smattering of snow, but inside the Accor Arena an audience is hot with anticipation.

Then, Lady Gaga suddenly appears among a blur of sequin-clad dancers and theatrical fire spurts, making the 20,000-seat arena buzz with energy.

But you may be shocked to learn that none of the people immediately around me have paid to attend this sell-out gig.

I was partying in a prime section of the stadium with Gaga lovers who had bagged their tickets through the ALL Accor scheme.

And gigs by some of music’s biggest names are just one of the many perks you can pick up for free as an ALL Accor customer.

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The loyalty scheme is a points-based system directly linked to your personal spend with Accor hotels, which includes budget brands such as Ibis as well as fancier ones Sofitel and Fairmont.

When you stay at an Accor site, you’ll accumulate points which can be redeemed in a number of countries, for gigs but also hotel stays and transport, including Eurostar.

Hotel chains Hilton, Marriott and IHG have similar schemes, too, and all save you a fair whack.

Recent research from consumer watchdog Which? found nine out of ten times it’s cheaper to book a hotel as a member, instead of through online sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com.

I’ve written before about how I’m a big fan of loyalty programs, particularly when so many of us are strapped for cash.

Getting something for nothing – or just by spending what you do ordinarily – seems like a no-brainer.

Getting something for nothing – or just by spending what you do ordinarily – seems like a no-brainer

And with travellers ever savvier with their spend, hotel loyalty schemes are likely to grow and grow.

My trip to Paris could have been paid for almost entirely with ALL points.

From 15,000 points per night, ALL Accor customers can stay at the same fancy hotel as I did, the 4H Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower – where many rooms look on to the landmark.

A return Eurostar train fare from London to Paris would cost just over 13,000 ALL Accor points.

Gigs are a little more complicated to calculate, with a bidding system in place for tickets – although winning bids for concerts at the Paris Accor Stadium start at 20,000 points (around 400 euros) for two tickets.

You can earn ALL Accor points at 4,200 hotels globally – and not just by booking a stay.

Dining in an Accor hotel restaurant, booking a spa treatment and spending on your in-room TV, phone or mini bar all earn you points.

Easiest of all, if you “skip the clean”, meaning you ditch the housekeeping and towel changes for your room, you can earn up to 100 points a day.

With ALL Accor, points earned vary according to your status (Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond) and the brand you spend on.

But if you’re a loyal spender, do check out what’s on offer.

You could be stomping your feet at a Lady Gaga gig in no time.

“IT’S on your left,” I hear someone say, muffled through the water.

I spin round and barely a foot away is a beautiful greenback turtle, lazily coming up for air next to me.

Normally this would have been the highlight of my holiday.

But it was just one of the amazing, up-close animal experiences on my trip along the lesser-visited south of Costa Rica.

Despite its small size, the country holds half a million different species.

And some of the very best are found at Corcovado, the largest of Costa Rica’s 30 National Parks.

WAIL OF A TIME

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To embrace the true jungle life, I spent the night at the Wilderness Lodge, a 30-room hotel tucked into the forest with huts overlooking the ocean.

It was an adventure from the start, having to take two boats and a “limo” (a tractor with a LIMO 1 plate) to get there.

My treehouse room attracted animals aplenty, with barking howler monkeys becoming my natural alarm clock.

And on one late night walk back from the bar, I was greeted by herds of wild coatis and cheeky spider monkey babies, blinking at me through the branches.

The hotel hosts guided walks through the National Park, with guides very much recommended.

A few minutes into the tour, I was greeted by the smell of wine. Did I have one too many at the bar last night?

Thankfully not — the smell was in fact from the fermented jobo lining the path, a small pitted fruit thrown to the ground by monkeys wanting them for their leaves.

The discarded fruit also attracts another animal, which is why we bumped into a young tapir greedily gobbling them up.

With its bear-like ears, long trunk and squeaks, I wondered why there hasn’t been a Disney film about one yet.

Mind you, this was before I was told how dangerous they can be, should one decide to charge at you.

Having failed to spot some of the other much-anticipated animals in the park, such as sloths and pumas, the cooling ocean was calling my name.

I ditched my hiking boots for a life vest, and headed to nearby Isla del Caño, a biological reserve.

Leaping straight into the water, I felt like an explorer discovering a luscious island for the first time, snorkelling without a soul in sight.

I spent what felt like hours exploring the waters, watching turtles and bright blue fish nibbling the coral.

It was as we started to return to land that we spotted a mum and baby humpback whale in the distance.

We waited in bated silence as their fins broke the surface, wanting to see them leap out of the water.

Moments went by before the huge creature backflipped, showing off her stripy underbelly to our happy cries.

Almost as if she had been shy before, she continued leaping for us until my driver said we had to continue our journey back to the hotel.

But my ecstasy turned into fear that same night.

The jungle quickly reminded me how terrifying nature could be, woken at 4am by a ferocious thunderstorm that made my bed rattle.

Wandering over to breakfast bleary-eyed and wobbly-legged just a few hours later, I expected staff to be just as concerned.

But no — all I heard was “Pura Vida,” the way locals say hello, as well as meaning ‘way of life’.

Dolphins and whales

Safe to say that night was enough for me, and I needed some quieter time outside of the jungle.

Further down the coast is Kunken Lodge — an eight-villa boutique hotel overlooking the Golfo Dulce.

The gulf is often dubbed an animal nursery, where dolphins and whales come to have their babies.

And the hotel was a much calmer affair, the loud sounds of the forest replaced with silence, bar a few cawing birds.

After all that animal hunting, I was extremely glad for my massive portions of Costa Rican breakfast every day.

Plates of gallo pinto — rice and beans — alongside eggs and tortillas were always chased by fresh mango and watermelon.

And, of course, a steaming hot fresh cup of coffee from locally brewed beans.

As a caffeine enthusiast, I could hardly resist a trip to a local coffee farm.

Some of the best is found in San Vito, a town near the border of Panama with an Italian influence.

The coffee farm I visited even supplies the famous Illy instant coffee to Italy, as well as my daily cup while in the area.

I thought I would wind away my afternoon drinking cup after cup while relaxing outside.

Yet I found myself persuaded to visit a local ranch, testing out their new horse trekking tours before getting soaked climbing a waterfall.

“That’s the good thing about Costa Rica — everything is unexpected,” my guide Juan Carlos (nicknamed JC) told me later.

As I boarded my tiny plane, waving goodbye to the locals after trekking a jungle, being left fearing for my life during a thunderstorm and nearly trampled by a tapir, it was clear.

JC couldn’t be more right.

BALLYGALLY Castle is celebrating its 400th anniversary – and this charming castle hotel is full of surprises.

The 4-star hotel was originally built as a castle back in 1625 by Scottish laird James Shaw.

Now it’s the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.

From Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea to braving a swim in the Irish Sea, I explored everything Ballygally Castle Hotel has to offer.

Where is Ballygally Castle Hotel?

Ballgally Castle Hotel is in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The hotel is only a 40-minute drive from Belfast.

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County Antrim is known for its stunning Causeway Coast and Glens, meaning that there is plenty to explore right on your doorstep.

Ballygally itself is a picturesque seaside town with a sweeping sandy beach and rugged coastline.

What is the hotel like?

Ballygally Castle hotel is half historic charm, half modern luxury.

The exterior has been refurbished, but still holds many of the castle‘s original features.

Inside, the decor feels luxurious yet warm and welcoming.

Comfortable sofas by a cozy fireplace invite you to sit down and warm up, whilst the bar and lounge area offers stunning sea views.

There are plenty of quirky castle features inside the hotel, such as the original front door from 1625 decorated with the Shaw family coat of arms.

You can even visit the hotel’s Ghost Room, said to be haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw.

She is said to wander the hotel corridors at night, and many of the hotel staff have reported creepy happenings.

Game of Thrones fans will be pleased to notice that the door to the Garden Restaurant is No. 9 to the Door of Thrones series.

The ornate door is carved from trees that fell from a storm in the Dark Hedges, the iconic forest that appears in the popular program.

The ‘Doors of Thrones’ appear across Northern Ireland, giving fans a trail to explore on their visit.

You can even grab a Door of Thrones passport from the hotel to collect stamps along your journey.

Outside, the hotel boasts beautifully-kept gardens and a tranquil trout stream, where you can admire the exterior of the castle.

What are the rooms like?

There are 54 rooms to choose from at Ballygally Castle Hotel.

History fans can choose to stay in the Tower Rooms, the oldest hotel bedrooms in Northern Ireland.

Whilst those wanting something a little more luxurious can opt for the Coastal Deluxe Rooms or Antrim Suite.

I stayed in a Coastal Deluxe Room, a spacious option with calming views of Ballygally Bay.

On a clear day, you can even see the coastline of Scotland on the horizon.

The room comes with a roomy bathtub, robes, slippers, ESPA toiletries and tea and coffee amenities.

Plus the king bed with its cloud mattress and large flatscreen TV opposite made it very easy to unwind.

Superior Rooms start at £150 per night on a B&B basis.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The Garden Restaurant offers views of the castle gardens, elegant chandeliers and even a knight in armour to transport you back in time.

Here you can enjoy A La Carte dining, with mains including a local catch of the day and a delicious seafood chowder.

I opted for the slow cooked Irish beef with traditional colcannon mash, a tender dish that melted in the mouth.

I finished my evening meal with the “Taste the Island Cheese Slate” – a selection of local cheeses which paired well with a glass of house red.

With delicious options in both the Garden Restaurant and the Lounge, there’s no need to stray from the hotel to find good food.

The buffet-style breakfast at Ballygally Castle doesn’t disappoint either.

There is plenty of choice, with a variety of locally-sourced ingredients.

I particularly enjoyed the local pork sausages, potato bread and porridge served with a dash of Irish whiskey.

And if you’re here as a Game of Thrones fan, you’ve got to try the themed Afternoon Tea experience.

At £36 per person, you can enjoy sandwiches with treats such as Hodor’s pulled beef brioche and Dothraki trifle with mini dragon’s egg.

What is there to do?

There is plenty to see and do around Ballygally Castle Hotel, most of which involves exploring the nearby stunning scenery.

The castle is the perfect base to explore the Causeway Coastal Route, 115 mile journey through Northern Ireland’s breathtaking coastline.

Drive 40 minutes North to reach a beautiful National Nature Reserve, Glenariff Forest Park.

Here you can tackle a number of forest trails, or simply sit at Glenariff Teahouse to soak in the spectacular views.

I recommend wandering the “waterfall walk”, a 3km circular trail leading you past a number of enchanting waterfalls.

There are also a number of Game of Thrones filming locations to visit, including Carnlough Harbour and Cushendun Caves.

And if the Giant’s Causeway is on your bucket list, you can reach the landmark in just over an hour’s drive.

Back at the hotel, sea-swimmers can enjoy a “Sea Dip and Hot Sip”.

Guests who book this package are welcomed from their sea swim with a dry robe, hot water bottle and flask of warming hot chocolate.

This package includes your overnight stay and breakfast in the morning, and starts at £155 per person.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Ballgally Castle Hotel is family friendly, offering dedicated Family rooms and a children’s menu in both restaurants.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Ballygally Castle Hotel is accessible throughout its grounds.

It also offers two fully accessible bedrooms with wet rooms, as well as rooms with walk-in shower facilities.

Be sure to mention any specific requests when booking.