TRAVEL

BRITS could face hefty fines if caught smoking, or playing loud music at one popular holiday spot.

In some cases, the penalty could be as much as £2,500.

The area of La Laguna in Tenerife, has approved new rules banning smoking, camping, overnight stays and disruptive music on its beaches and natural swimming pools.

The announcement was made on October 7 and has been put in place to protect the coastline.

Under the new rules, beaches within the areas and natural pools are now smoke-free.

It also stops visitors from leaving rubbish behind including soap and shampoo in public showers.

Unless there’s a a special permitted event, beachgoers are banned from playing loud music or general noise that disturbs those around them.

The new rules also state that there is a ban on camping and overnight stays on the beaches.

Within the area of La Laguna, the coastal areas where these rules have been enforced include Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Jover and La Barranquera.

While there is a maximum fine of €3,000 (£2,500), it does not apply to every beach.

The amount also depends on the offence with those deemed minor having fines of €300 (£254).

In summer 2026, lots of beaches and hotels in Tenerife put rules in place to stop tourists reserving loungers and sand space with a towel.

Tourists could see their belongings confiscated and be fined up to €3,000.

It comes after strict rules were put in place across Spain for summer 2026.

Natasha Whitley has saved a huge amount compared to the costs people expect to pay

A budget traveller who has been to the Maldives four times has revealed how she spent less than £350 on one trip.

Natasha Whitley, 30, first travelled to the country in April 2024 with friend Kara, 26, for five days and tried out two islands – Thulusdhoo and Dhiffushi. Staying in cheap accommodation costing just £60 per night and a local ferry costing them just £1 to get from the airport, Natasha “loved it”.

Since then Natasha started her own business for solo travellers, Say Yes Adventures, and returned to the Maldives a further three times as part of group trips. Her most recent visit in February 2026 saw her travel solo on a new island – Fulidhoo – for three nights.

She flew from Gatwick Airport with her flights costing £800 – but it cost just £2.50 for the three-and-a-half-hour ferry trip from Malé to Fulidhoo. She stayed at a hotel costing £260 for three nights, she explored the local island and tried out local food like Maldivian fish curry while there. After paying £29 for a speedboat back from Malé, she continued on to stay at an all-inclusive resort called Niva Kuramathi Maldives – which she says was “not affordable at all but interesting to see the contrast”.

Love of travel

Natasha, a content creator from Bournemouth, Dorset, said: “I’ve always loved travel and I was lucky my parents were interested in travel. They met while travelling in the 80s, so it’s always been a part of my life and story.

“I’m a pharmacist and I worked for four years and took a career break, which was meant to be eight months – it was a big round-the-world trip to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Central America all on a budget.

“I quit my pharmacy job for a content creation summer job. I met my friend Kara the following year and put the feels out there to see if she wanted to come to the Maldives with me.

“There’s not much online about the Maldives on a budget – people know it as somewhere super expensive and a honeymoon destination. In terms of budget I think we said we’d spend around £100 per day on accommodation and activities.

“We spent less than that and spent £420 over the five or six days. You see all the resorts across from you on the local islands, which is crazy because people are paying thousands and you’re spending a fraction of the price in the same waters. Staying on local islands has saved me a lot of money.”

2026 trip

In February 2026, Natasha headed out on her fourth trip to Fulidhoo.

She said: “In the Maldives my favourite food is the Maldivian fish curry, which is usually five dollars. From that island you can do snorkelling trips and watch wild stringrays and nurse sharks from the jetty at night.

“You can snorkel off the beach as well. If you’re nervous about solo travelling just start small, don’t think big because a big six-month trip can be quite overwhelming. The best way to start is to join a group trip because you travel solo, but as soon as you arrive you’re in a group of people, so you get a bit of both”.

In total, Natasha has spent more than 100 nights in the Maldives over the last two years, which would have cost her more than £45,000. You can follow Natasha’s adventures on @travelsbytash and find out more about her group travel company Say Yes Adventures at sayyesadventures.com.

Costs for Natasha’s trip to Fulidhoo

Accommodation: £261 for 3 nights, including breakfast

Transport: £2.50 for local ferry, £30 for speedboat

Food: £7 to £10 per meal

Total cost: £344.50

Example costs for a trip to a resort

Accommodation: £2,482 for 3 nights in an overwater bungalow with private pool and full-board

Transport: £127 return speedboat from Malé

Food: £47, including shrimp pad-Thai at à-la-carte restaurant

Activities: £91, snorkelling with manta rays

Total cost: £2,747

In the early hours of 2 June 1953, guests at the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) were woken from their sleep by the sound of footsteps running down the corridor outside their rooms. The commotion was followed by gleeful shouting and the sound of champagne corks popping. A late-night telephone call to the hotel’s owner had moments earlier confirmed that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had successfully summited Mount Everest. It had taken two days for the news to travel from the Himalayas to London. Serendipitously, news of the historic achievement coincided with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II later that day.

In the days and weeks that followed, the two mountaineers were feted across the front pages of newspapers around the world. Posing awkwardly for the cameras, their beaming smiles shone out of frost-burnt faces. In the decades that followed, Tenzing Norgay’s role in the expedition was increasingly marginalised – he was a Sherpa, indigenous to the area, and the load-carrying guide, while Hillary firmly planted his ice axe in the history books.

A new film, set for release this week on Apple TV, aims to set that record straight. Tenzing, starring Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston, tracks Tenzing Norgay’s life from a young boy growing up in the Khumbu Valley to his rise as one of the most accomplished climbers within the Sherpa community, and his eventual recruitment to the 1953 British expedition to Mount Everest (known locally as Chomolungma) led by Colonel John Hunt.

The film opened the Zurich film festival last month, where its director, Australian film-maker Jennifer Peedom, told audiences: “It’s often reduced to a familiar shorthand: Hillary conquered Everest, assisted by a Sherpa. But Tenzing had more experience on Everest than anyone else on that 1953 expedition. He wasn’t just helping another man achieve his dream. He had his own dream.”

In the spring of 1952, a full year before the British expedition, Tenzing, alongside Swiss climber Raymond Lambert, came agonisingly close to reaching the summit – less than 250 metres stood between them and glory. After a storm-lashed night on the south-east ridge, and with little oxygen, they were forced to retreat, albeit having set a new altitude record.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, Hunt, having been assigned by the Joint Himalayan Committee to assemble a team of climbers, set up base camp at the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel at the foot of the Llanberis Pass. It was here they would practise their technical climbing skills and test the state-of-the-art equipment that had been designed specifically for this adventure, in particular the closed-circuit oxygen tanks that would be critical in keeping them alive in the “death zone” above 8,000m. The teams spent weeks on Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon) notorious Crib Goch ridge and on Yr Lliwedd mountain, testing the revolutionary new high-altitude boots that would replace the old leather and hobnail ones, which offered little to no protection from the freezing temperatures of Everest.

Artefacts from those pioneering days can be seen at the hotel today. A glass cabinet contains some of the summit team’s original equipment and mementoes: goggles, an ice axe, a ledger of Sherpas’ fingerprints as most could not read or write, a compass and a battered tin mug. Little has changed in the 73 years since Christopher Briggs woke his guests with those glasses of champagne. The Pen-Y-Gwryd is a time capsule; it remains in family hands, now run by Briggs’s grandsons, Nick and Rupert Pullee, who are determined to maintain the hotel’s legacy and the traditions that have made it a beloved destination for those with a penchant for adventure and late-night conversations in front of roaring fires.

“My grandfather was originally from Scarborough,” Nick says. “He was a chemist, but his shop was bombed during the war, so [in 1947] he persuaded a friend to lend him the money to buy a hotel in Wales. The building had been used to home children during the blitz and had fallen into terrible disrepair, but he somehow managed to turn it into a success.”

Briggs also started the Snowdon Club, where guests under the age of 16 who have successfully climbed the mountain take part in a small ceremony in which they are quizzed on their mountain knowledge. Those who answer correctly get to drink (lemonade) from Hillary’s pewter tankard and are awarded a sterling silver ice-axe brooch, with their name added to a book of members – a ritual that still happens today.

The Smoke Room serves as the residents’ bar, a tiny wood-panelled snug whose walls are adorned with photos of the Everest team, with Tenzing featuring prominently. In one, he’s perched in the bar drinking tea with George Band, the youngest climber on the 1953 expedition. In another, he’s on a rocky outcrop of Tryfan, another famous Snowdonia peak, with team leader Hunt.

“I was only a toddler when Tenzing last visited the hotel,” says Nick. “I remember he was incredibly kind and was constantly smiling. He used to give Rupert and myself piggybacks up the stairs. He was great friends with my grandfather, who visited him in Nepal often.”

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Built in 1810 on the bedrock that makes up the Glyderau range, the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel is also the original starting point of the Pyg track, one of the most iconic routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and today guests can walk directly from the hotel’s door to the path that snakes upwards towards Pen y Pass. The timeless interior of the hotel is devoid of TV screens or piped music, and the only concession to the 21st century appears to be the wifi.

This summer’s endless heatwaves saw sun-scorched hillwalkers cool their limbs in the natural outdoor pool in the grounds of the hotel. Fed by mountain streams, it offers unparalleled views of the hills and sweeping valley towards the mountain village of Capel Curig. The addition of an outdoor sauna and the popularity of cold-water swimming mean it’s now a year-round proposition.

The 20 rooms are all named evocatively after local peaks: Pen yr Ole Wen, Elidir Fawr, Crib Goch, Y Garn. Each is as cosy as one would expect from a rain-lashed mountain hotel: softly lit and with comfy mattresses wrapped in vintage Welsh wool blankets. In the labyrinthine corridors upstairs, you’ll discover bathrooms with Victorian roll-top tubs and Heath Robinson-esque showers. The bathroom doors are adorned with illustrations in the style of Aubrey Beardsley, and photos and artworks capturing the surrounding landscape and its mountaineering history adorn virtually every wall.

Dining at the Pen-Y-Gwryd is an event in itself: mealtimes are announced by the banging of a gong, the dining room is an unapologetic whirlwind of Axminster and silverware, and the menu features roast Welsh lamb and Welsh steak and ale pies, sticky toffee puddings or rhubarb crumble – everything you’ll need to replenish after a long mountain trek.

The ceiling of the Everest Room in the public bar has been signed by pretty much every big-name mountaineer of the past 100 years, and each corner of the building appears to have a story and artefact attached. It’s this authenticity that Nick believes gives the hotel its charm.

“I think our greatest attraction may be that things remain unchanged,” says Nick. “We have a lot of regular guests from all over the world, and for many people the opportunity to step back from the world in the wilds of Snowdonia is extremely enticing. It’s something we aim to protect and cherish.”

Rooms at the Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel range from £114 to £172 B&B; three-course dinner £49. Tenzing is on Apple TV from 16 October

FORGET Mykonos, Saint Tropez and Dubai – if you want to holiday like a celebrity, there are plenty of spots loved by A-listers in the UK.

From English seaside towns to tiny Welsh village, all of these places are loved by celebrities – and you’re likely to see them there too.

Mawgan Porth

Cornwall is sprinkled with beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, but there’s one spot in particular that has become a favourite hideaway for A-listers.

The small coastal village of Mawgan Porth is quite often less busy than other towns which is another reason why it’s drawn in celebrity names – it’s even been nicknamed Hollywood-on-Sea.

The likes of Cate Blanchett, Stanley Tucci and Jason Statham have properties in the area, while other big names have also been spotted.

Aquaman star Jason Momoa has been reportedly eyeing up a property in the town.

Other stars including Jamie Dornan and Chris Martin also reportedly have homes in the area.

The small hamlet has a pretty beach and eating spots like the Ship Inn, the New Yard Restaurant and Fat Apples Cafe.

It’s also equal distance between Newquay and Padstow – so it’s very easy to get to both seaside towns.

Cotswolds ‘Golden Triangle’

The Cotswolds is known as being an idyllic place with classic English-looking villages – some of which are the most beautiful in the world.

It attracts visitors from all over the world and is even home to celebrities, especially in three villages considered the ‘Golden Triangle‘.

One of the towns is Chipping Norton, which is where a number of famous celebs live including the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Kate Moss.

Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop is also found here.

It’s even been said that at The Chequers, which is the local pub, you might even see David Beckham enjoying a pint.

Another town in the Golden Circle is Stow-on-the-Wold which is close to where Kate Winslet reportedly owns a countryside retreat.

The third place that makes up the Golden Triangle is Burford and it’s been rumoured that Hugh Grant owns a rustic country cottage nearby.

Surprisingly, celebrities have been spotted at Burford Garden Centre, which is considered one of the fanciest in the country.

Beyonce and Jay Z were rumoured to have been spotted there before.

Southend-on-Sea

In recent years, the Essex town of Southend-on-Sea has become an unlikely hotspot for some of the UK’s best-known TV personalities.

Actress Michelle Keegan has been spotted in the area and last year, spent her first Mother’s Day as a mum at the Roslin Beach Hotel on Thorpe Bay.

The Roslin Beach Hotel has also been open to guests like Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen. Some TOWIE stars have visited too, including Frankie Essex.

Another spot in Southend that has had celebrity visitors is Leigh-on-Sea.

One local called Karen who works at the Osborne Cafe and Seafood merchant on the seafront, previously told The Sun: “We’ve had Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Prime minister Rishi – oh and Bridget Jones’ dad – Jim Broadbent.

“Jedward were down with Gemma Collins, The Hairy Bikers, Denise Welch.”

Leigh-on-Sea is the hometown of Helen Mirren, who moved there as a child.

The trendy seaside town has lots to explore like its high street filled with pubs, tearooms and cafes.

Some of the most popular spots include Ye Olde Smack, which overlooks the Thames Estuary, as well as the neighbouring The Boatyard.

Broadway is the spot for independent shops, antique stores and plenty of boutiques like Just Fox, Heatherbie of Leigh and The Magic Wardrobe.

Mumbles, Wales

This popular coastal village in Swansea is considered the gateway to the Gower Peninsula.

It’s also considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you’ll find the ruins of an old castle, a lighthouse, a promenade, and the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train.

The village is a great shopping spot, with a number of high-end shops, independent boutiques, and galleries.

The Times called the Gower Peninsula the best place to live in Wales in 2025.

So it’s no wonder that it’s drawn in some well-known celebrity faces like Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta Jones.

BRITS will get more choice of where to go on holiday next year as TUI has announced eight new routes.

These will take-off from London Gatwick to destinations from sunny Spanish cities to North African islands.

For summer 2027, TUI is adding eight new routes which will contribute to its 17 million seats and 84,000 flights planned for next year.

There will be three new routes to Spain, one of which will be to Seville which is popular for winter sun thanks to its year-round sunshine.

Even in the winter, Seville can experience highs of 18C.

The city has plenty to see like Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España which is a cobbled square with four bridges over its small river.

There are also live flamenco performances and Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey suggests heading to El Rinconcillo.

It’s the city’s oldest tapas bar which dates back to 1670 – and you can get huge glasses of wine for as little as £3.

Two other Spanish cities that TUI will fly to in summer 2027 include Santiago de Compostela and Valencia.

One of these will be to the Greek capital of Athens which was recently named the most underrated winter city break in Europe by Time Out.

The city is known for its ancient sites like the Acropolis and plenty of modern neighbourhoods too.

Travel writer Ryan Gray who visited during the winter discovered it was just as good without the hot weather – especially as it had half the crowds.

He added: “I climbed Mars Hill to catch the sunset over the city — an experience that’s usually a shoulder-to-shoulder fight in July, but in winter felt like my own private viewing platform.

Another of TUI’s new routes is to Mytilene (Lesvos) which is on the Greek island of Lesbos.

In the city, visitors can explore Mytilene Castle, stroll around Ermou Street Market and enjoy seafood at the tavernas along the waterfront.

It even has its own Statue of Liberty in the harbour.

TUI will also fly to Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily.

It sits on the northern coast of the country with both sandy and rocky beaches like Mondello Beach and Addaura.

One free attraction is San Domenico Square which is the entrance to La Vucciria a market selling things like food, jewellery and souvenirs.

TUI is also offering a direct route to Tangier in Morocco which sits along the Strait of Gibraltar.

The city itself has plenty to see including its medina, busy souks, and landmarks like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.

The city itself has a blend of cultures; African, French and Spanish.

It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain.

In the summertime, Tangier sits at around 30C so it’s warm, but still mild enough to explore.

Another route is to Djerba, a large island off Tunisia’s southeastern coast.

It has sandy beaches and for any Star Wars fans, it was the filming location for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – and there are regular tours too.

Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot, visited Djerba last year, she said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.”

The top trending travel destinations for 2027 according to Expedia – and one UK location features among the top holiday spots

The hottest holiday destinations for 2027 include South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.

The global marketplace has analysed flight and accommodation search data to pinpoint where traveller interest is soaring. Between 1 September 2025 and 27 July 2026, compared to 1 September 2024 to 27 July 2025, searches for “South Lake Tahoe” in California, USA, jumped by 195%.

The resort city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is described as ideal for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to picturesque hiking trails. Coming in second place is Hyogo in Japan, with searches climbing 95%, while Punta del Este, Uruguay secured third spot, with searches rising 65%.

The destinations form part of Expedia and Hotels.com’s “Unpack’27: The Trends in Travel” report, which details the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.

Other locations making the top 10 include Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%). Perugia, Italy (up 35%), The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (up 35%), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35%) and Chichester, UK (up 30%) also made the list.

CEO of Expedia Group Ariane Gorin said: “Travel is about creating memories, and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments.

“In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”

The report from the global marketplace also surveyed 26,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the UK, all of whom have previously been on holiday and plan to do so within the next three years.

Adults from 16 countries took part – including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.

Both the research and search data were used to determine 2027 travel trends, including the ‘2027 Destinations of the Year’, ‘Un-Adulting’, ‘Trip Snacking’, ‘Gothic Getaways’ and ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’.

‘Un-Adulting’ emerged as a standout trend, with 57% saying they are “likely” to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, a figure that climbs to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

For UK travellers in particular, these trips are all about having fun and enjoying a carefree day out (74%) and spending quality time with their partner, friends or other loved ones (64%). Escaping the pressures of everyday responsibilities (60%) also plays a significant role.

The ‘Trip Snacking’ trend has come to light as searches on Hotels.com for one-night stays between Thursday and Sunday soared by nearly 10% over the past 12 months compared to the previous year . The poll revealed that 79% of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure climbing to 83% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

The surge in popularity is driven by a desire to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49%), to mark life milestones (42%) and to enjoy a break between ‘normal’ holidays (23%).

‘Gothic Getaways’ have also emerged as a major trend, with 65% of respondents expressing a specific interest in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. Some 56% have previously chosen hotels purely for their atmosphere or aesthetic.

Amongst the 54% of UK travellers keen on booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51% favour historic hotels, castles, or properties steeped in a rich past.

Furthermore, 41% are drawn to destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural, while 40% find the dramatic architecture and striking visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels particularly appealing.

Finally, ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’ comes as searches for Monaco soared by more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there.

It also emerged that 18% have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films.

Meanwhile, 46% of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to locations featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films – rising to 58% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. On average, UK respondents said they would splash out £600 to visit a set location – rising to £629 for those with children in tow.

Gorin added: “We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”

Ryanair and Jet2 have similar policies

Passengers flying with certain airlines including Ryanair and Jet2 will need to produce an additional document in order to be allowed to board, according to the terms and conditions outlined on both carriers’ websites.

NHS guidelines state that most women can fly safely well into their pregnancy, providing they take the necessary precautions, such as securing adequate travel insurance. It is advised that travellers ensure their policy covers all potential eventualities, including pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth, and the cost of amending the return journey date should labour occur.

While each airline has its own specific guidance, their policies concerning pregnant women flying at various stages are broadly similar. For example, beyond a certain point in their pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 will be required to produce a medical document or face being refused boarding.

Ryanair

Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once a pregnancy reaches week 28 “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Further details on its website add: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”

Jet2

Jet2’s policy echoes this, and reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).

“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”

easyJet

easyJet’s guidance is comparable, noting “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” while adding: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.

Expectant mothers wishing to travel with an infant on their lap are permitted to do so.

IT might not be a traditional theme park, but Kynren – An Epic Tale of England still has plenty to shout about.

The UK’s first live action show park hosts immersive historical reenactments and its ‘The Storied Land’ has just been named a ‘European Top New Attraction’.

The accolade was given to Kynren in the 2026 Parksmania Awards.

The award is for theme parks that ‘have introduced the finest new attractions during the recently concluded season are selected’ – these include rollercoasters, dark rides, shows and special events.

Parksmania complimented ‘The Storied Lands’ for its five productions that ‘transform history, myth and nature into a full-day experience’.

The five action shows are ‘Legend of the Wear’ which is a water show performed over a lake – it’s inspired by North East folklore.

The Lost Feather is a new show where more than 250 birds fly freely in front of the audience from pelicans, to scarlet ibis, African grey crowned cranes, and birds of prey.

Land of the Vikings takes the audience through a traditional Viking village where they’ll see blacksmiths, fires, fisherwomen – and a jousting tournament.

The Trusty Seed is an equestrian show where there are plenty of daring stunts all performed on horseback.

Victorian Imaginariums is a new show which will launch in July 2027.

Here, visitors will be immersed in Victorian Britain where they’ll discover ‘winding passageways, shadowy alleys and atmospheric cobbled streets’ and meet interesting characters along the way.

There are also night shows and the Pyromusical which is an upcoming 25-minute fireworks display which will return for October 31.

If you’re keen to visit, Pyromusical is the only event until next year as the park is now closed for the season.

It will reopen on July 7 until September 11 – tickets are set to go on sale soon.

The theme park first opened in 2016, but its The Storied Lands first opened in July 2026.

One writer who visited Kynren earlier this year said: “If you love knights on horseback, Vikings fighting with flaming axes, exotic birds swooping overhead, clever aquatic acrobatics and a fireworks finale – this is the experience for you.”

She was particularly impressed by the Lost Feather and added: “This is certainly an ambitious undertaking – the sheer range of animals from ravens to cranes, from macaws to birds of prey, is unlike anything I’ve seen at other falconry shows. 

“The stunning set and the theming are quite something to behold, but what I really love is how the whole park feels at one with its surroundings, drawing on the the fields, trees and the 11 arches of the nearby viaduct.”

Anna Warnecke, Chief Executive of Kynren, said: “To receive international recognition in our very first season is a wonderful moment for everyone who has helped bring The Storied Lands to life.

“We knew when we started that we were attempting something very different. There are extraordinary theme parks across Europe, but our attractions bring the thrills and excitement of live performances directly to audiences.

“To see that recognised alongside some of the best new attractions in Europe is enormously rewarding and a real vote of confidence in what we have created here in Bishop Auckland.”

MANY parents usually spend years saving up for family holidays abroad.

But one savvy couple has managed to swap life in the UK for a full-time travel adventure – all while saving £36,000.

Back in 2023, Ruth and Steven Rowe made a decision which shocked a lot of people after “selling everything they owned” and buying a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka.

They have been globe-trotting ever since on a budget of just £30 a day, and have turned the world into a classroom for their two children Aurora, five, and Atlas, four.

Ruth, 35, and Steven, 36, said they had always dreamed of travelling full-time and, as the moment approached to put the children into a nursery, they felt the time was right.

Ruth said: “We knew those early years were precious and we wanted more time together as a family before school routines took over.”

They flogged all their belongings on Facebook Marketplace or via car boot sales and set off from the village of Eardisley, Herefordshire, with just two suitcases of clothes and a few toys.

The family has already been to 17 different countries, ticking off bucket-list destinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Indonesia.

They stay four weeks at a time in Airbnbs and have also visited the likes of Thailand, Malaysia, Cyprus, the USA, Colombia, and Peru – all while saving around £12,000 a year.

They currently have no plans to return and want to continue world-schooling in exotic locations – while spending around £2,000 a month, compared to £3,000 back in the UK, as a result of their rent and outgoings being less.

Ruth and Steven had been renting a barn conversion and had both children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had travelled extensively before having kids but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was still so much of the world they wanted the children to experience.

Ruth added: “We wanted more time with them as we know those early years are precious, so we thought, why not just do it? So we did.

“Selling everything was an exhilarating experience.

“Our car, furniture and most of our possessions all went through Facebook Marketplace and car boot sales.

“We kept only a handful of memory boxes filled with special items from the children’s early years and a few clothes.

“We set off at the start with two big suitcases, a medium and a small one – and a stroller.

“And since then we’ve downsized to just two suitcases – it is really surprising how little you really need.

“Possessions don’t make you happy, life experiences do.”

They arrived in Sri Lanka with no return ticket and no real plan beyond seeing where life took them.

Ruth added: “And we’re still travelling now. We’ve been travelling full-time ever since, slow-exploring the world as a family, while my husband runs his coaching business remotely and we embrace world-schooling on the road.

“It’s been beautiful, chaotic, challenging and incredibly freeing.”

The couple also support themselves financially via Steven’s online coaching business – which he can still run wherever they are in the world.

However, Steven revealed the lifestyle isn’t always glamorous.

He added: “We use Airbnbs mainly but I’ve been working out of little cupboards in some places – it has been challenging at times but we’re in a fortunate position.

“We aim to live off around £30 a day and we stay in places for a month at a time so I can work Monday to Friday.

“But it can vary greatly; a two-bed apartment in one country can be £800 but a smaller one in another country £1,300.”

The couple say their children are now educated through “life experiences” – be it picking up Spanish in Latin America or learning about volcanoes while hiking in Peru.

And they say giving the kids no screen time whatsoever on their travels has helped them to become more patient and creative.

Ruth added: “They are also learning counting through things like paying a tuk-tuk driver in different currencies and the first time Aurora ever wrote her name it was in sand on a beach with a stick.

“We give them no screen time at all – which I think has taught them patience on their travels and to be more creative when they are bored sitting on a bus.

“They thought the TV back home was a radio as we’d only use it for Spotify and we think that’s allowed their imagination to flourish.

“I have just seen their confidence grow so much, and of course there’s no way of really telling how they would have been at home, but they are just so open and talk to anyone – young and old.

“I will sit down and teach them some reading and phonics and writing – but we’re not rigid with it and it’s still very much about learning through playing.

“It wasn’t a case of we hated the UK – we just love the world. But I was never a fan of the cold and rain so that is something I don’t miss.

“Also, we’ve found children aren’t treated like nuisances like you find in some restaurants in the UK.

“They are welcomed in and looked after, lots of places have playgrounds too to keep them entertained; that was a big difference to the UK too.

“Sri Lanka is just the most welcoming place we’ve ever been – people would invite us to eat in their homes and absolutely loved the kids.

“Costa Rica is beautiful with all the wildlife and jungle, Guatemala is underrated – it is also an incredible place and one of our favourites.”

Ruth was also not a fan of the cold and wet British weather – but admits she misses British chocolate.

She added: “The only thing I miss is friends and family – and also British chocolate.”

Steven also believes the lifestyle has been transformational for the children.

He said: “These positive environments have brought such positive developments so far in our children. Atlas was swimming independently at two.

“This way they get one-to-one without being part of the larger school system, which we have no issue with, we just see the benefits from doing it this way.

“We make sure the children are at the centre of what we do, we always research kids’ clubs and activities wherever we stay.

“They are loving learning about all the wildlife too – we had iguanas and sloths outside our doors in Costa Rica.

“Aurora had surf lessons in Bali and will be sandboarding in the Peruvian desert; it’s magical for them.

“The children have most enjoyed all the swimming they’ve been able to do and all the wildlife has been a massive enjoyment for them too.”

Follow the couple’s travels on Instagram.

SCHOOL holidays – two words guaranteed to make any parent’s bank account start sweating.

The moment the school gates close, holiday prices normally launch straight into orbit, leaving us staring at a rainy weekend in Morecambe rather than a gloriously sunny break abroad.

But if you know where to look, you can find some mega October half term breaks without having to remortgage your house.

I’ve dug up eight cracking five-night breaks with direct return flights starting at £295pp – and every single one is in October half-term.

We’re not talking about the bottom of the barrel here either – I’ve found Spanish beach favourites, theme-park thrills, Italian lakes and Croatian coastlines, all coming in under £334 each.

So you can get a proper change of scenery for the family without dipping into your overdraft.

1. Alicante, Costa Blanca – from £295pp

If your main mission this October is keeping the kids from tearing the wallpaper off while keeping costs down, this is a strong contender.

Alannia Costa Blanca is inland near Crevillente, where October daytime highs average around 24C – warm enough for spending time outdoors without the fierce summer heat.

You’re staying in cabin-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, (a lifesaver when the little ones demand a third bowl of Weetabix at 5.30am).

And the resort has tropical pools and slides, playgrounds and an indoor pool, plus an on-site supermarket for when you inevitably run out of snacks.

This is my biggest bargain, as I found five nights self catering and direct return flights from East Midlands from £295pp.

It is a good shout for families who want plenty to do around their accommodation and the flexibility to keep some meals cheap.

2. Salou, Costa Dorada – from £297pp

Salou is a must-stay if you want options beyond staring at the same resort pool for five days.

You’ve got broad seafront promenades for a wander, big family-friendly beaches and PortAventura World nearby if you want to brave the big rides.

October daytime highs average around 22C, making it a good time for mixing exploring with beach afternoons when the sun’s out.

And my pick of hotel, Inter2 Apartments, is simple, affordable and practical.

You get kitchen facilities to keep breakfast costs down, a balcony for a quiet drink once the kids are asleep, and you’re around 500 metres from the beach and coastal path.

At £297pp for five nights self catering, including direct return flights from London Luton, it leaves a bit more in the holiday budget for ice creams and days out.

Just remember to budget separately for theme-park tickets.

(Here’s our thoughts on visiting the theme park).

3. Manilva, Costa del Sol – from £298pp

For southern Spanish warmth without staying in the thick of a busy resort, head west along the coast to Manilva.

It’s a quieter option that suits families who want to slow the pace down.

It sits right on the edge of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar, so expect great beaches without huge tourist numbers.

October daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-20s, which is comfortable weather for exploring, coastal walks and long lunches outside.

And Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol gives you spacious apartments with balconies or terraces and overlooking the water.

There are outdoor pools, a playground and a sports court, and plenty of options for transport down to the beach and exploring the surrounding area.

The five-night self-catering stay I spotted comes in at £298pp with direct return flights from East Midlands.

It makes for a super-practical option if you want room to spread out without spending a fortune on accommodation.

4. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £305pp

Lloret de Mar is an absolute staple for October half-term.

You’ve got beaches, coastal scenery and opportunities for days out, including nearby Tossa de Mar and its old town.

Plus, October daytime highs average around 23C, making this a good choice for getting out and exploring with a light jacket to hand.

Condado Apartments gives you equipped kitchens, living space to spread out and balconies.

There are also two rooftop pools, including one for children, and a sun terrace.

Having a kitchen means you aren’t forced to pay restaurant prices three times a day when the kids decide to eat two bites of dinner and declare themselves full.

With five nights on self catering and direct return flights from London Luton from £305pp.

It’s a straightforward way to keep holiday costs down while still getting a proper break.

5. Fuengirola, Costa del Sol – from £310pp

Fuengirola does the familiar Spanish family holiday incredibly well.

There are loads of beaches, a seafront prom and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee.

So you don’t need a complicated itinerary when a walk, some sand and a decent lunch can comfortably fill the day.

October daytime highs average around 23C, so there’s still a good case for eating every meal outside and enjoying the beach every day.

Las Palmeras Affiliated by FERGUS sits on the seafront promenade opposite the marina, with the beach and plenty of restaurants within easy reach.

But the real win: the hotel also has a pool and rooftop sun terrace overlooking the harbour. And it’s gorgeous.

It’s £310pp for five nights with return flights from East Midlands.

A great price and a decent hotel which I’d treat as a base for getting out and enjoying Spanish town life, rather than spending the whole holiday there.

6. Lake Garda, Italy – from £319pp

Here’s the wildcard: swap the sand for lakeside scenery in Italy.

Peschiera del Garda gives you canals, waterfront walks and plenty of opportunities for pizza and gelato, which tend to work well as encouragement when the kids have decided they’ve finished sightseeing.

Late October is a little cooler here, so you might not be out sunbathing.

But Gardaland theme park is nearby if you fancy a bigger family day out, (just make sure to check opening dates and budget separately for tickets).

Residence Eden has apartment accommodation in green surroundings outside the town centre.

Kitchen facilities make it easy to knock together a quick pasta dinner without taking tired children out to a restaurant at 8pm.

And it leaves plenty of time for trips into town and around the lake.

With five nights and direct return flights from East Midlands from £319pp, it’s a wicked alternative to the usual half-term beach break.

7. Cala Galdana, Menorca – from £315pp

Cala Galdana is a proper postcard setting.

It has a curved sandy bay backed by pine-covered surroundings, with coastal walking routes for when you fancy stretching your legs.

It’s a good choice for families who want a slower few days away.

Menorca’s October daytime highs average around 22-25C, so I’d come for beach walks and exploring, with swimming as an added bonus.

Alta Galdana is a simple budget base with a pool and sun terrace.

The bay and surrounding scenery are the main draw here, rather than a big programme of hotel entertainment.

At £315pp for five nights on room only, including direct return flights from London Luton.

It’s definitely worth a look if you’re happy heading out for meals and letting the destination do most of the entertaining.

8. Seget Donji, Croatia – from £334pp

If you fancy something totally different from the usual Spanish escape, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is well worth a look.

You’ve got Trogir nearby, Split as another option for a day out, and seaside walks around Seget.

October daytime highs around Trogir average roughly 22C, making this more of an exploring-and-long-lunches holiday than a guaranteed week of swimming.

Apartmani Medena is an apartment complex near the beach, around four kilometres from Trogir.

A seaside promenade connects it with Seget’s old fishing village, giving you an easy option for getting out for a walk.

The five-night stay I found comes in from £334pp with direct return flights from London Gatwick.

Food is extra but cheap enough around Seget, and this deal gives you a base for exploring a different stretch of Europe at a very, very reasonable half-term price.

Here are some great all-inclusive half term holidays that we’ve found for you as well.

NEW images have revealed what to expect from Paulton Park’s new holiday resort – the first ever on-site accommodation for the theme park.

Yet to be named, the £20million accommodation will have a range of lodges and cabins to choose from.

Images show lakeside and riverside lodges, treehouses and A-frame cabins.

Suites and ‘burrowed lodges’ that look like grass-covered Hobbit houses are part of the plans too.

The lodges will range from two bedrooms to four, suggesting space for as many eight guests in each.

There will be space for around 600 guests, with 129 lodges to choose from.

Suggestions of a restaurant and supermarket will also be on-site too, so guests will be able to choose from dining or self-catered.

Play areas, indoor entertainment rooms and game rooms will be there too, so there is enough for rainy days as well.

You’ll be waiting a while as they will be built in phases up until 2030.

Plans for the holiday village were first announced back in 2025.

The park’s deputy managing director James Mancey previously said: “Our vision is to deliver 129 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.

“We anticipate it will be several years before our vision for on-site accommodation is brought to fruition; however, we are committed to continually reinvesting in our attraction, providing a world-class experience for our guests, and planning for the long-term.”

In the mean time, Paulton’s Park is also opening a new water coaster called Serpent’s Curse next year.

Or you can visit the Viking-themed Valgard land, which opened back in May.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire was one of the first to visit.

She said: ” I loved Drakon – the park’s first-ever inverting coaster starts with a vertical hill and drop, followed by two great inversion flips at speeds of 44mph. 

But for all the speed, drops and twists, I never once felt nauseous – it is easily the smoothest rollercoaster I’ve ever been on and remarkably silent, none of that rattling you get on so many other coasters. 

“The second coaster, Raven, was almost scarier despite not going upside down, thanks to its high-speed bobsleigh style, which whips you round tight hairpin turns and was great fun. 

“There’s also a very cute new ‘Orchard Playground’ for kids up to the age of 10, the kind that Paultons does so well throughout the park, with treehouses, a lookout tower, net bridges and slides. 

“The rollercoaster fan next to me was right, everything felt like the extra quality that you expect of somewhere like Disney.”

THE biggest tropical waterpark in the UK will close at the end of October – and won’t reopen until 2027.

Waterworld in Staffordshire is a year-round attraction for families, thanks to its 30C temperatures.

But after the end of October half-term, Waterworld will temporarily close for upgrades to its waterpark.

It is expected to reopen early next year, although no date has been confirmed.

Visitors can enjoy the last day of thrills on Waterworld’s 30 rides and attractions on November 1 along with a live DJ.

Wayne Goodall, managing director of Waterworld Leisure Resort, said: “Our closing party is the perfect chance for visitors to make a last splash with us before we close for a short time to make exciting changes across the Aqua Park.

“At its heart, Waterworld offers families a place to spend time together, escape from everyday life and enjoy that holiday feeling, whatever the weather.

“The upgrades we have planned are set to build on that sense of fun and enhance the way we tell our story, creating a more immersive experience for our guests. We can’t wait to reveal more about the upcoming investment soon.”

He added that the Adventure Mini Golf and Adventure Mini Village will remain open.

The tropical waterpark sits at 30C even in the winter along with slides like the Space Bowl which is shaped like a UFO.

Nucleus is a popular water rollercoaster, there’s also Stormchaser and Cyclone.

The waterpark is also home to Thunderbolt, which is the UK’s first trap door drop slide.

As well as the main wave pool, there are river rapids and the Jungle House is suitable for youngsters with water cannons and the monsoon monster splash.

The bubble pools are a more relaxing spot away from the high-speed watercoasters thrills.

During the summertime, there’s an outdoor pool open to visitors too.

Of course, the waterpark is still available to book now with tickets available for £17.50 – for children under three-years-old tickets start from £7.

Away from the waterpark, there are two mini golf courses inside the resort, each with 18-holes as well as a mini Adventure Village with everything from doctors to libraries.

Both of these attractions will remain open throughout the rest of the year.

There’s also a restaurant, cafe and gift shop on-site which are also expected to remain open.

In recent years, the attraction has undergone a number of renovations.

One of the newest additions to the waterpark as well is the M Club Spa and Fitness.

In 2023, it opened its new £250,000 immersive play village, then in 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.

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Thank You Coffee’s Kabocha Squash Latte, or KSL, has garnered a cult fandom over the years. The gourmet, Asian-inspired take on the pumpkin-spice originator is made with fresh squash and house-made syrup, and it will return to the Chinatown and Anaheim locations in early November. Until then, and finding a home in the newly opened Chinatown space, are two new seasonal lattes. The cozy apple latte (pictured) is fragrant, comforting and available through November, made with a house syrup involving cold-pressed apple juice, green tea, sour plum powder, ginger, cardamom and more. It’s topped with a dash of even more sour plum powder, which gives the effect of tart green apples on the nose and tongue. The sweet corn latte, inspired by cornbread, is a sweet-savory mix of brown butter, malted milk powder, annatto seed and beyond, and can be found through October.

Everyone is going to die. Acknowledging this — and reminding oneself daily of one’s mortality — is a core tenet of Buddhist teachings. Few places make that reminder more vivid than Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the iconic Los Angeles graveyard where more than 90,000 people are buried.

Inside the Masonic Lodge on the cemetery grounds, beneath chandeliers, dozens of people search for stillness with a meditation class. In an ornate Italian Renaissance-style room, participants sit scattered across couches and cushions, cross-legged with their eyes closed. The room is silent.

For meditation teacher Nico Cary, the cemetery is an ideal backdrop for mindfulness and a lesson in impermanence. “It is quite grounding and an extension of some of the practice we do,” Cary says.

Beth Kaiserman, who regularly attends the meditation group, sees the cemetery as a chance to demystify death. “It’s accepting it as part of life. We’re coming out of our lives to come to this meditation. We’re walking by these gravestones that have been here for so long,” she says. Death, in her mind, doesn’t have to be taboo. “It is a big part of the practice to hopefully come to some level of acceptance that it’s just part of the cycle.”

Practicing meditation at Hollywood Forever is a privilege, explains Cary. The cemetery is not simply a place where people come to mourn; it is a place where relatives return to remember, honor and love those who have died.

Hollywood Forever is, quite literally, livelier than most cemeteries. The grounds are home to a colony of roughly 60 abandoned cats that has attracted a group of loyal caretakers, as well as dozens of peafowl roaming freely. The cemetery is also the final resting place of Hollywood legends, including Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland and the rock group the Ramones, where fans leave offerings. Since 2002, Cinespia has hosted outdoor screenings of iconic films at the cemetery during the summer, drawing hundreds of people to the grounds. The cemetery also hosts summer concerts.

“It feels pretty special to be somewhere, on land that’s so cared for, and that so many people come to share love, really — to remember their loved ones, to honor their ancestors,” Cary says.

For more than eight years, Insight LA has brought meditation to Hollywood Forever every Monday night, with a revolving list of teachers leading sessions in the Masonic Lodge. The class is donation-based, as is traditional in the Buddhist practice. Often, the teachers will lead a guided walking meditation through the cemetery grounds.

Insight LA, a Buddhist teaching nonprofit that was founded in 2002 by Trudy Goodman, is based in Santa Monica but also has a retreat house in Benedict Canyon for daylong events.

“We have yearlong programs. We have residential retreats. We have weekly drop-in meditation classes, and then we have the Hollywood Forever group too,” says Melissa McKay, the executive director at Insight LA.

According to McKay, the benefits of meditation are striking. “Put simply: It decreases stress, bringing calm and clarity, becoming more aware of oneself,” she says. “It decreases the negativity of the mind, self-hatred, the fears, the spiraling judgment — all of that. It increases the positive sides of our mind: our compassion, care, friendliness, clarity.”

A 2026 UC San Diego study confirms that just seven days of meditation can create molecular changes in the brain linked to stress relief, enhanced neuroplasticity and natural pain relief. The study also shows that meditation can positively affect the immune system and metabolism.

Despite the backdrop, meditation is not just about facing death, McKay says — it’s about learning how to live consciously. One participant, Jared Swanson, thinks of the meditation group as a school for emotional awareness.

“There was a moment where I realized I was in a lot of cycles — relational cycles — and wanted change,” says Swanson. He has been integrating the mindful practices into his life. “I think it’s a desire to be more responsible for my life, to be more present and responsible for my actions and choices,” he says.

Meditation nights attendees range from curious first-time visitors to seasoned veterans who have been practicing Buddhism for over two decades. Cary says the practice can benefit people regardless of their experience level.

“The intentional space to be with ourselves is so nourishing,” says Cary. “Then we practice. You add in a practice on top of that and magical things start to happen.”

Cary leads the group in 30 minutes of silence before a lesson. Participants settle into their cushions. He invites them to rock gently back and forth, a movement he calls “grandmother wisdom,” the kind of care one might offer a crying child. He poses a question for reflection: “What are you trusting right now?”

Nicki Katz, who has been attending the meditations for two years, enjoys the practice of sitting in the quiet. Last year, she attended a 10-day silent retreat, only to accidentally break her silence by excitedly greeting a bunny during a picnic. “I come back to the body and the present awareness of allowing my mind to find some sense of gratitude,” says Katz. She explains that silence also helps her become more intentional with her words.

Tonight’s lesson is on truthfulness and embodying loving kindness. Lessons vary from week to week. “Oftentimes, it’s what the teacher is feeling or what’s come up for them in their practice,” says Cary.

For Monday meditation, the teaching group has assigned the 10 paramis (spiritual virtues) of Buddhism, which explore topics like generosity, wisdom and patience. “We’ve been going into that all year, so each month is one of the paramis,” says Cary.

To begin the lesson, he reads a letter he wrote to the president at 5 years old, cautioning him of the perils of nuclear war. The letter is met with snaps and giggles, as a 5-year-old Cary warns of imminent death. “Apparently I was a peculiar child with a morbid sensibility, preoccupied with nuclear war,” he says, smiling. “It makes a lot of sense as to why I became a Buddhist.”

Cary begins to speak about the current moment and how he believes truth has become distorted and refracted in the age of social media. “Trauma is a distortion of reality,” he says. He then invites group members to consider love and kindness in their daily practice.

As the session winds down, participants spring to their feet to discuss the evening. The Masonic Lodge bursts into chatter — the silence abandoned. Tonight, the cemetery is alive.

We’ve all been there – booking a flight and hoping for a decent seat. But which spot on the plane should you avoid at all costs? I asked the experts, and they all agreed on one area to steer clear of.

Finding yourself in the wrong plane seat is a surefire way to start off a holiday with a whimper.

I recently found myself wedged next to an increasingly wound-up man on a Ryanair flight. He kept huffing, puffing and angrily texting his girlfriend until, five minutes after take-off, he erupted. “Get your elbow off me, my guy,” he shouted at the man sitting on the other side of him, who understandably looked surprised and confused.

Although shouting at strangers probably isn’t the solution, being in an uncomfortable budget airline seat, wedged between strangers on a hot summer day, is no fun. Which is why choosing the right plane seat can make a big difference to the start of your holiday. From cabin noise to limited storage, an uncomfortable spot can leave you wishing you had booked elsewhere.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

To help holidaymakers make that choice, we asked travel experts which seats they would avoid. Most pointed to the same area: the very back of the plane, and not because you’re more likely to sit next to angry passengers there. Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, said the rear of the aircraft can be particularly uncomfortable for passengers who are unsettled by turbulence.

He explained: “Seats at the very back are typically less desirable. They are close to the galley and restrooms, service can be slower, food choices may be limited, and it is also the area where movement during turbulence feels strongest.”

Nicholas recommended thinking about what matters most before choosing a seat. Although seat selection often costs extra, it may be worthwhile if comfort is a priority.

He said: “Thinking about your priorities in advance also makes a difference – nervous flyers will be more comfortable over the wings, those with a tight connection should choose an aisle near the front, while couples booking a row of three might secure the window and aisle, leaving the middle free for a chance at extra space.”

Izzy Nicholls, a travel expert and founder of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, also advised avoiding the rear of the cabin. She said: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”

For a quieter journey with fewer interruptions, Izzy recommended sitting towards the front. She explained: “Travellers who want a calmer journey should book seats at the front of the plane. This area is away from restrooms and heavy foot traffic, so you’ll experience fewer interruptions.

“Choosing an aisle seat here also gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and get up easily without disturbing others. Select these placements to make long flights more comfortable and reduce the effects of motion.”

Storage is another consideration, particularly for passengers who board late. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO and co-founder of luggage storage company Stasher, warned that overhead space near the back may be harder to find. He said: “Avoid sitting near galleys and toilets, where staff members often store their things in overhead bins, leaving less space for passenger baggage. The last few rows are a concern because if you board late, the bins above you may be filled, which means you may have to store your luggage several rows away. Also, stay away from seats that are located behind bulkheads, as these spaces often have limited storage.”

Andrea Platania from Transfeero highlighted further drawbacks of the last row, including restricted recline and noise. Andrea said: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually least popular unless you’re traveling in a group.”

Passengers looking for extra legroom could consider an exit-row or bulkhead seat, although these options come with restrictions. Andrea added: “Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more space, but they come with trade-offs: fixed armrests, limited recline, or restrictions for passengers traveling with children.”

For those concerned about turbulence or prone to motion sickness, Andrea recommended choosing a seat over the wings rather than at the back. The expert advised: “Sit over the wings. This area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so you’ll feel less turbulence compared to the back, where bumps are magnified.”

Both Puglia and the Amalfi Coast are ideal if your idea of a holiday involves spending your days wandering around pretty coastal towns, stopping for seafood and taking a dip in the Mediterranean

There is a reason the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most famous holiday destinations. The combination of dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, colourful villages and incredible Italian food makes it almost impossible not to fall in love with it. But there is also a downside to being somewhere that beautiful and well-known: everyone else wants to visit, too.

I recently travelled around southern Puglia, which sits east of Amalfi across Italy, and I found myself constantly comparing the two. Both regions have a lot in common: they’re hot, beautiful and have an unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere.

But one thing in particular sets them apart. Instead of huge crowds filling every viewpoint, I found myself in Puglia walking through quiet streets where locals were still going about their everyday lives. The region isn’t exactly a secret, with places such as Alberobello firmly on the tourist trail, but it’s still much easier to escape the crowds there.

So how else do the regions match up?

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Landscape and towns

The biggest similarity between Puglia and the Amalfi Coast is, unsurprisingly, the sea. Both destinations are ideal if your idea of a holiday involves spending your days wandering around pretty coastal towns, stopping for seafood and taking a dip in the Mediterranean.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its steep cliffs, with towns seemingly built into the mountainsides above the sea. Puglia, meanwhile, is generally much flatter. I didn’t mind losing the cliffside views as Puglia’s flatness made exploring much easier. You don’t have to spend your day navigating steep roads and packed coastal viewpoints.

Otranto is a perfect case in point. Located on the Adriatic coast, the easternmost city in Italy has scenery you might expect on the Amalfi Coast, but with a much quieter atmosphere. This fortified old town is packed with tiny streets, historic buildings and restaurants, while the seafront opens out onto bright blue water.

I never felt overwhelmed by tourists there. I could simply wander around without having to constantly dodge people or wait for a gap to take a photograph. Greek and Byzantine influences have shaped the town, as did a brutal massacre in 1480 when Ottoman forces killed hundreds of residents who refused to renounce their Christian faith. The event is still remembered at Otranto Cathedral, where the remains of the 800 martyrs are kept.

Travel a little further south and you’ll reach Alberobello, the most touristy town in Southern Puglia. Alberobello is probably the most famous destination in Puglia, thanks to its extraordinary trulli: small whitewashed stone houses with distinctive conical roofs.

There are more than 1,400 trulli in the town, and the area has UNESCO World Heritage status. It is incredibly pretty, but also extremely touristy. The main streets are packed with souvenir shops, restaurants and visitors taking photographs, so if you’re expecting to discover a completely hidden Italian village, you might be disappointed.

But I found an easy way around this. Cross the town’s valley into Rione Aia Piccola and the atmosphere changes almost immediately. This is a residential area where people still live in traditional dry-stone huts, called trulli, and the streets are noticeably quieter.

The contrast summed up my experience of Puglia: even in the places that are undeniably touristy, there’s another side to discover if you’re willing to walk a little further.

Which is cheaper?

One of the biggest advantages Puglia has over the Amalfi Coast is the price. The star-studded West Coast has a reputation for being expensive, particularly in famous towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, where accommodation and restaurants can quickly add up.

Puglia isn’t necessarily a budget destination, particularly in peak summer, but I found it much easier to eat well without spending a fortune. Otranto was particularly affordable, with filling paninis and seafood dishes for around €12 or less. On the Amalfi Coast, finding a bargain is nearly impossible. You find yourself paying a premium simply for a location and view.

The food

This is an area where Puglia and the Amalfi Coast have plenty in common. Both regions make excellent use of fresh seafood, vegetables, olive oil and wine, but they have their own specialities.

In Puglia, olive oil is everywhere, used liberally along with tomatoes, almonds, fresh root vegetables and local cheeses. One of the region’s most famous foods is orecchiette, the small ear-shaped pasta traditionally served with broccoli rabe, while burrata is another staple.

I also kept coming across focaccia barese, a soft bread topped with tomatoes and olives, as well as panzerotti, fried pockets of dough usually filled with tomato and mozzarella. Along the coast, seafood naturally features heavily, with octopus, mussels and other freshly caught fish appearing on menus.

The Amalfi Coast has its own distinctive flavours. Lemons are perhaps the biggest one. The region is famous for its large Amalfi lemons, which are used in everything from desserts and drinks to savoury dishes, while delizia al limone and limoncello are two of the most recognisable treats.

Seafood is also central to the Amalfi Coast, with dishes such as seafood scialatielli, a type of fresh pasta, and totani e patate, squid cooked with potatoes.

Which Italian destination is better?

It’s not that Puglia has made me fall out of love with the Amalfi Coast. The destination is spectacular, and there is a reason millions of people want to see those famous cliffs and colourful villages for themselves.

But after travelling around Puglia, I found myself wondering whether it might actually be the better choice for a traveller who wants a quieter, more authentic experience. If you want dramatic cliffside scenery, glamorous restaurants and famous Instagram views, Amalfi is hard to beat. But if you’re after beautiful beaches, historic coastal towns, incredible Italian food and somewhere less crowded, I’d seriously consider Puglia.

Book it

You can visit Puglia as part of Great Rail Journeys’ eight-day ‘Hidden Gems of Southern Puglia’ trip, starting from £1,799 per adult, based on double occupancy.

The price includes return flights from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Brindisi, accommodation at a four-star all-inclusive resort, all coach travel, and guided tours and excursions. You can find out more and book on greatrail.com.

Portavadie, on the banks of Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland, was originally earmarked as an oil rig, but plans fell through. Today it is a marina with holiday homes, a restaurant and bar, a gift shop, and a leisure centre with what is believed to be the biggest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland. There are also outdoor spa pools and a sauna, an indoor pool and a gym; treatments such as massages and facials are available. The facilities are powered by a woodchip biomass generator, and have views across the loch and over to the Isle of Arran.
£14 for a 90-minute swim, sauna and hot tub

Swimmers have long taken dips in the Waveney, and in 1894 an enclosed “bathing place” was dug out of the river at Beccles, a market town on the southern edge of the Broads national park. In 1959, this was replaced by an unheated riverside pool, which 50 years later became a three-pool lido. This year, the pools will be heated to 28C in winter for the first time, initially until 3 January, then, if popular, through to the end of March. The 30-metre main pool has a springboard and slide; there are also toddler and splash pools, a wood-fired sauna and a cafe. The timetable is yet to be finalised but there will be lane swimming, family fun swims and aquacise classes.
From £7.40 adults

In July, the Peak District village of Hathersage celebrated the 90th anniversary of its 30-metre outdoor pool. It was given to the village by a local philanthropist, George Lawrence, who was killed in the Sheffield blitz. The original coke boiler, which heated the water to a maximum of 20C, has been replaced with a modern renewable heating system (temperature at time of writing: 27C). It is open daily year-round – hours are reduced from November to March – with hot poolside showers, and a sauna from October. There are regular night swims with live music, and a cafe serving hot drinks and homemade food.
£8 adults

The riverside pool on King’s Meadow, Reading was fed by the Thames when it opened in 1902, originally for ladies only. It was converted to mains water in the 1950s, closed in the 70s, and finally reopened after a three-year restoration in 2017. Today, the 25-metre pool is heated to 20-24C year-round; there is a hot tub (38-40C), sauna and steam room, and a cold-water drench bucket and “ship funnel” shower. Swimmers can also book a massage. The high-end poolside restaurant opens at 9am for breakfast (homemade granola, bacon butties, Turkish-style eggs) and serves lunch and dinner daily (such as crab tagliatelle or Ibérico pork).
From £25 for a two-hour swim, sauna, steam and hot tub

The pool at Chesham Moor sports centre is believed to have begun as a deep puddle used for bathing in the 1890s. Today it is a 25-metre spring-fed lido, upgraded in 2023, with a Nasa-designed ionisation unit, which keeps chlorine levels low. It has solar panels and is heated to 27C year-round, although in very cold weather it may be a little cooler. It is open daily for a mix of lane and general swimming, plus aqua fitness sessions and swim masterclasses. There are also outdoor circuit classes and tennis courts, a nearby riverside walk, and a cafe serving hot drinks, sausage rolls, sandwiches and cake.
From £7 adults

Sea Lanes, Brighton, East Sussex

This “stepping stone to the sea” opened in 2023: a 50-metre, six-lane, beachfront swimming pool. It is heated to a minimum of 19C year-round. Coaching is available for all levels, from beginners learning to swim to open-water swimmers and triathletes. For a post-training refuel, Fika serves brunch and coffee, Wood x Coal cooks lunch and dinner over fire, and Bison Beer has 14 draught beers plus wine and cocktails. Just four miles along the seafront is Saltdean Lido, a 40-metre, crescent-shaped modernist masterpiece (built in 1938). This winter, it opens only for the month of December, when it is heated to 19C; there is also a sauna (run separately).
£11.90 adults

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Built in 1922, this 36-metre pool next to Bushy Park in south-west London is now run by a charity. It is open 365 days a year and heated to a tropical 28C. There is also a 12.5-metre learner pool, gym, fitness classes and Sundeck Cafe (porridge, soup, jacket potatoes), and regular events such as moonlight and festive swims. Londoners are spoiled for choice when it comes to heated outdoor pools – other options include London Fields Lido (50 metres, 24C), Oasis Sports Centre in central London (27.5 metres, 26C and a sauna), Charlton Lido (50 metres, 22C), Pools on the Park in Richmond (33 metres, 25C) and Park Road Lido in Crouch End (50 metres, 22-24C).

The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, opened in 1927 – swimmers over the years include a young Tom Jones. It reopened in 2015 after a £6.3m restoration, and today has three heated pools: a main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool. The pools are heated to 28C in the summer, but in winter the heat is turned down to a bracing 14-15C. These cool-water swims are avaiable at weekends from 24 October to 28 November, for ages 16 and over. There are hot outdoor and indoor showers, and heated indoor changing rooms. Some swimmers may prefer to wait for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims, when the heat is cranked back up to a steamy 28C.
£4 adults

This Victorian outdoor swimming pool opened in 1850, closed in 1990 and was almost redeveloped into flats. Instead, it was bought and restored by Arne Ringner, the businessman who later bought Thames Lido (see above), and reopened in 2008. The 24-metre pool is heated to 20-24C year-round. There is a sauna, steam room and hot tub, and a poolside restaurant and bar that runs regular supper clubs. Upcoming events include synchronised swimming shows, Christmas lunches and dinners (three courses £35/£50) and a New Year’s Eve party (£135 for a two-hour swim and five-course dinner).
From £25 for a two-hour session – swim, sauna, steam and hot tub

Faversham Pools comprises three heated outdoor pools – a 33-metre lido with three diving boards (1, 3 and 5 metres), a fun rapids pool and a toddler pool with slides – plus a 25-metre indoor pool and whirlpool bath. While the smaller pools are open only from April to September, the lido is open year-round, albeit with reduced hours from September to April (4-7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8-11am on Sundays). These winter outdoor sessions are lane swimming only, for over-16s. Tides Cafe serves warming homemade food, such as soup (perhaps Thai butternut squash or Egyptian lentil), toasties, macaroni cheese and curries.
£8.50 adults

IF you’re planning your 2027 holiday already, then you can get ahead of the curve with these 10 destinations.

A new report released by Expedia has revealed the trending hotspots for next year, which have seen a boom in searches.

Along with the soon-to-be-popular destinations, it also looked at other trends, such as set-jetting (destinations popular after being featured in films or TV shows) as well as ‘trip snacking’ which are shorter, sometimes only 24-hour, trips.

Called the Unpack ’27, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin explained: “In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.

“We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”

Here are the 10 destinations set to be big next year.

South Lake Tahoe, US

The destination that has seen the biggest jump in searches is South Lake Tahoe, up 195%.

This is one for the outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful mountain ranges and huge lake.

It is a year-round resort, meaning it is great for hiking in the summer skiing in the winter.

Brits will need to fly to the main Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, which requires a layover at another US airport.

Hyogo, Japan

Japan is on everyone’s lips right now, but ditch Tokyo and Kyoto for Hyogo.

The prefecture in the Kansai region has seen searches increase by 95%.

It’s main attraction is Himeji Castle, as well as its hot springs too and world-famous Kobe beef.

To get there, Brits can fly to Tokyo or Osaka, then hop on a domestic flight or high speed train.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Nicknamed the St Tropez or Monaco of South America, searches to Uruguay‘s Punta del Este are up 65%.

This is where the rich and the famous often visit, with luxury beach resorts lining the beach visited by celebs such as Shakira and Naomi Campbell.

While it is mainly known for its resort like, with yacht clubs, casinos and nightclubs, make sure to visit the unusual La Mano, a huge human hand sculpture from the 1980s.

Flights here from the UK will require a stopover, most likely in Madrid or Brazil.

Sedona, US

The desert city of Sedona in Arizona is also booming in popularity.

With searches up 55%, the destination is most known for its huge red rock formations, which have hundreds of walking and hiking trails.

It’s unique landscape means it was also used to film a number of movies (mainly Westerns between 1940 and 1960), leading to it’s nickname of Arizona’s Little Hollywood.

Brits wanting to visit should fly to Phoenix Airport, then rent a car to drive there.

Busan, South Korea

KPop Demon Hunters, KBeauty and new Virgin Atlantic flights from the UK – it’s safe to say Korea is having a moment.

But outside of Seoul, the city of Busan has seen searches up by 50 per cent.

The second-largest city in the country, it is known for its huge sandy beach (best seen from the Busan X the Sky observation deck on floor 100) and the huge Lotte World Adventure theme park.

To get there, fly to Seoul from the UK then take the high speed train to Busan.

Holbox, Mexico

The tiny, car-free island of Holbox has been a popular destination with backpackers wanting to get off the beaten track.

But the Mexican island has since seen a jump in searches, up 45%.

Beautiful soft sand beaches, clean blue waters and colorful streets of graffiti and cheap tacos – what more could you want?

Fly to Cancun Airport, then take a bus and a ferry to get to the island.

Perugia, Italy

The only mainland European destination to make the list, Perugia has seen searches increase by 35%.

Found on the hilltop, the Umbria capital is one for the foodies, being famous for its chocolate (and annual chocolate festival).

There is also Jazz festivals, historic fortresses and beautiful architecture to explore as well.

It is super easy to get to as well – Ryanair have direct flights from London Stansted from £20.

The Tweed, Australia

Most people won’t have heard of The Tweed in Australia,

But searches for the New South Wales region have gone up by 35%, according to Expedia.

It is known for its river trails and national parks, sharing a border with Queensland.

This makes it easier to get to, with Brits needing to fly to Sydney of Melbourne followed by an internal flight.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

The Ontario town, Niagara-on-the-Lake, has seen searches 35% up.

It is often said to be one of the region’s prettiest towns, and is where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.

Expect Victorian architecture – it was built by Brits as a military defence – and unique ice wines.

Brits need to fly to Toronto Pearson Airport, followed by a drive to get there.

Chichester, UK

Bizarrely, the English city of Chichester made the list as well.

With searches up 30, the city is known for its 1,000 year old cathedral as well as its even older 2,000 year old Roman history.

It is also the only city in West Sussex, although remains one of the UK’s smallest with just 29,000 locals.

Here are 10 other destinations set to be big next year.

Ryanair services daily direct flights on the route for just £15 but from April next year, layovers will now be required for those wanting to fly to fly from the UK to this city

Ryanair plans to cut all flights to a European airport next year. From April 2027, Europe’s biggest budget airline will no longer fly to Bremen in Germany.

This will axe around 500,000 seats. At present, Ryanair services daily flights on the route from London Stansted to Bremen for just £15. The airline’s website appears to have tickets for the final flights to Bremen scheduled for March 27, 2027.

Layovers will now be required for those wanting to fly to Bremen from the UK, as there will be no direct links after Ryanair stops providing flights on this route.

Ryanair previously announced it would be cancelling 24 routes to and from Germany, cutting 800,000 seats in total. Nine airports will be affected by the decision, affecting major cities and popular with tourist spots:

• Berlin
• Hamburg
• Memmingen
• Baden-Württemberg
• Cologne
• Frankfurt-Hahn
• Dortmund
• Dresden
• Leipzig

Earlier this year Ryanair said it will be reducing its flight schedule to and from Berlin by 50 per cent.

CEO Eddie Wilson subsequently said that Germany’s aviation market is “broken”. He also said it “needs an urgent fix.”

“As a result of these high government taxes/fees (the highest in Europe), and Lufthansa’s high-fare monopoly, German citizens/visitors now pay the highest air fares in Europe,” Mr Wilson said.

After 33 months of construction and $1.3 billion in spending, the Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal opened on Tuesday morning, with a medley of arrivals and departures in the minutes after 7 a.m.

Instead of the snug, historic facility whose Spanish Colonial Revival style dated to 1930, travelers found themselves in a sleek terminal at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, distinguished by high ceilings, contemporary art, twinkling terrazzo floors, abundant charging stations and landscaping full of cactus and succulents, along with a few “wet paint” signs. Passengers gawked at mirrored grid artwork by Glenn Kaino overhead.

“It was weird,” said Tanya Radke, 25, of Van Nuys, who was headed to Kansas City and caught off-guard by the terminal switch. “It was not what I thought was going to happen today for me.”

But looking around, the passenger called the new space a big upgrade. “It reminds me a lot of the Kansas City airport,” Radke said. “It was well overdue.”

The day’s schedule called for about 90 departures and arrivals by eight airlines, roughly the same schedule as in the previous buildings. The new terminal also has the same two runways and same number of gates — 14 — as the airport’s previous two-terminal alignment. And passengers still often board planes from the front and back, using outdoor steps from the tarmac, rather than enclosed tunnels. That practice is something travelers have long praised for its informality and efficiency.

But the new building does bring many changes. It measures about 50% larger than the two old terminals combined — about 355,000 square feet — with higher ceilings and a pair of illuminated steel sculptures by Cliff Garten flanking the main entrance.

The first departure was Alaska Flight 3401 to Santa Rosa at 7:03 a.m. with 33 passengers aboard. The first arrival: Southwest Flight 189 from Las Vegas, which landed at 7:16 a.m. with 30 passengers aboard.

“The taxi off was a little different. Instead of turning right, you turn left,” said Southwest Airlines pilot Mike Petros, who arrived at 7:31 a.m. with a planeload of passengers from Sacramento. At the start of the flight, Petros said, “We told them that we would be flying to a new terminal, so if they had anybody picking them up, let them know.”

Still, many were surprised. Airport management deployed several staffers to redirect confused travelers from the old terminals (now idle) to the new one. Anthony Bailey, 29, said he learned of the switch from an Uber driver on his way to the airport.

“So far, I’m liking it,” Bailey said of the new terminal, standing near gate 13 before catching a flight to Las Vegas. “Nice and clean. The TSA line was pretty smooth.”

While most of the six retail stores were open on Tuesday, none of the terminal’s 13 food concessions were fully operating. Two eateries were offering grab-and-go options, and airport spokesperson Mike Christensen said more options would arrive later in the day and week.

When the new terminal concessions open, dining options will include Guy Fieri’s Flavor Town, Spring Chicken, Diane’s Farm Table and Italian Market, Jones Coffee, Perry’s Joint, Poquito Mas, West Coast Smash Burgers, Massis Kabob, Starbucks, Border Grill, Jet Tila’s Asian Table, Santa Canela bakery and a bar, Pete’s Pub, with picture-window views of the runways and Verdugo Mountains.

Many travelers, including William Langlois and Annie Cerillo of Tampa, noted the shortage of eating options on Tuesday. “It’s horrible, there’s no restaurants and not enough security stations,” said Langlois, who had gone to the old terminal first and was redirected. Before this change, “this was the easiest airport,” said Cerillo.

In the new terminal, airport officials say, the walk from the entrance to the farthest gate is 1,285 feet, down from 1,600 feet now, with wider corridors and sidewalks and access to power plugs for devices from every seat. (Its many charging stations are now mostly USB-C ports, not USB.) The new terminal includes eight TSA lines, versus five in the old set-up. Baggage claim carousels have moved from outdoors to indoors.

The airport’s new parking structure includes about 2,000 spots and 310 charging ports for electric vehicles. (The airport’s total number of parking spaces is 6,637, the same as before.)

As it did before, the airport supplies shuttle bus service between the new terminal and Burbank Airport-South Train Station (which connects with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner) and the Burbank Airport-North Station at San Fernando Road and Hollywood Way.

Among many preparations for the day, Burbank airport officials staged a “passenger simulation trial” on Sept. 19, inviting 1,500 volunteers to behave like passengers in the new building, giving dozens of airport workers staffers, including TSA staffers and airline gate agents, a chance to prepare for Tuesday.

The airport, second busiest in L.A. County, was built in 1930 and is run by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. For decades it has been favored by many local travelers as a simpler, faster, quainter alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. The Burbank airport’s site in the San Fernando Valley, however, has often put its leaders at odds with residents of surrounding suburban neighborhoods. Unlike LAX, which has no flight curfew, the Burbank airport has limited operating hours — 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Before this week’s move, the aged Burbank facility didn’t meet current state seismic standards or Federal Aviation Administration design standards, which prompted repeated safety warnings. Airport officials said the new design also increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, formerly as little as 257 feet, to about 880 feet — a change that brings the airport into compliance with FAA standards.

Voters approved the Burbank airport terminal replacement project in 2016. Construction began in 2024. The airport reported about 6.2 million arriving and departing passengers in 2025, flying to and from about 30 nonstop destinations.

“It’s a beautiful building, but buildings aren’t anything without people who fill them with dedication and service,” said Tyron Hampton, president of the Burbank-Glendale Airport Authority and City Councilmember in Pasadena. He predicted that the new facility would attract not only new passengers but new businesses to the commercial corridor along Burbank’s Winona Avenue.

As Burbank unveils its new terminal, the opening of LAX’s most high-profile project — the SkyLink automated people mover (a 2.25-mile electric train route linking terminals to rail service and rental cars) has been delayed by technical and legal issues until Jan. 6 at the earliest.

“I don’t like to compare,” said Hampton when asked about LAX. “We have 14 gates. LAX has 161.”

Steve Tatham always wanted to work in theme parks. And growing up in Anaheim, some sort of career associated with Disneyland seemed readily attainable.

“Disneyland was the local business,” Tatham says. “It’s where everyone ended up when they were students and working part-time, and I was no exception.”

While in college, he got a job as a Jungle Cruise skipper, and since then, he has never looked back. Over the course of his career, Tatham has spent nearly 30 years with the Walt Disney Co., many of them in theme park design with Imagineering. More recently, Tatham worked at Universal Creative for more than a decade and was the executive creative director of Epic Universe, the company’s impressive new Florida park.

Today, Tatham is turning his focus toward the next generation of theme park designers, having recently been tapped by USC to lead the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Themed Entertainment program, which is offered out of the cinema school. The four-year program is designed to prep students for a myriad of fields — modern theme park design firms work not only on new attractions but readily contribute to museums, zoos, immersive marketing events and more.

And yet theme park designer can feel like an elusive dream job, one based on connections, mentoring or even just luck. Part of that myth was shaped by the initial Disney Imagineers, many of whom were simply making up the job as they went along. As a longtime admirer of Tatham’s work, I recently chatted with the newly crowned academic leader on how one should prep for a career in the field, hoping to demystify it just a little bit.

You don’t need to major in themed entertainment to work in theme parks

There aren’t too many universities that offer a theme park design degree. (Along with USC, Purdue offers a themed entertainment design major and the Savannah College of Art and Design has one of the best-known and longest-running programs in the country.)

But Tatham notes that when he began his career in the industry, it generally wasn’t a field accounted for by universities. And many theme park designers I meet as a reporter, whether relatively new to the industry or veterans, created their own paths into the biz.

Tatham’s own background still provides a solid template for those students looking to enter themed entertainment design, as not everyone will have the means or the ability to attend a program such as USC’s. “I wrote my own major,” he says of his time as an undergrad at UC Berkeley, where he targeted theme parks as his career goal. He majored in film design but took courses that combined theater, architecture, environmental psychology and film studies. After graduating, Tatham went to UCLA for a masters in architecture.

Architecture was a career path pushed to Tatham by longtime scenic designer Henry May, who was his advisor at Berkeley. It was an early recognition that theme park design is an offshoot of urban design, requiring principles necessary in both stagecraft and real-world planning.

Think beyond theme parks

People are hungry for themed experiences. Global theme park attendance topped 246 million in 2024, a 2.5% increase, according to the Themed Entertainment Assn., which also charted a nearly 15% growth in attendance at the world’s top 20 museums, which are often a fertile industry for theme park designers. And that says nothing of the domestic trend of smaller, more locally-focused entertainment centers (think Netflix House or Meow Wolf).

It’s why Tatham tells his USC students to think beyond a Disney or Universal creation.

“If you look in the world out there, there’s marketing firms doing pop-up retail and pop-up dining, and they are doing immersive design in museum spaces,” Tatham says. “In addition to theme parks, there are opportunities within marketing and within architecture. Students who get this interdisciplinary training, which involves coding, architecture, design, exhibition work, landscape architecture and lighting, it’s a growing field.”

The best lessons come from observing guests

Long before Tatham was designing Epic Universe, he was working as a tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood. As a film buff, he enjoyed the early-career job, but says one lesson from those days continues to stick with him.

“I would go on and on, because I love movie history, and I would be like, ‘Right here is where Jimmy Stewart worked, and Edith Head designed costumes,’” Tatham says. “They would politely listen, but then when ducks walked across, they would get excited and take pictures. People love things that are alive and immediate and happening now. People respond to what is immediate.”

The best theme park design is in conversation with guests. I think of Epic’s “How to Train Your Dragon”-inspired land and the bounty of movement found in the space via animatronic dragons (if you promise dragons, guests better see dragons!), or Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, where the curved, winding paths encourage constant discovery.

AI won’t replace great original ideas

Tatham is careful when speaking on the subject of artificial intelligence. He doesn’t want to dismiss its potential to be used as a development tool. And yet Tatham is direct when it comes to AI and creativity.

“I think there are a lot of challenges with AI. I think there are a lot of things that are scary,” he says. “But I think, ultimately, if it’s used as a tool, it can be useful to artists.”

But there are limits.

“AI is never going to come up with a great idea,” he says. “It’s just going to recombine and reconfigure and spit back to you ideas that others have had. So I think this is an opportunity for original thought to stand out even more than it has in the past.”

But the integration of smartphones remains a challenge

While Disney recently shuttered its Play Disney Parks mobile app, the park is experimenting with connectivity between the video game “Fortnite” and its attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Tatham cautions that any time a theme park invites someone to use a smartphone during their day at the park, designers are then pulling them away from the curated experience.

“The problem is when you’re in Universal or Disneyland, you’re now competing with all the opportunities that people have to explore their own entertainment,” Tatham says. “Are they going to be on Instagram or playing Solitaire online? So now you’re competing with that.”

And yet Tatham thinks there are lessons to be learned from the interactive world, as long as designers focus on real-world play. Tatham, after all, worked on what was once of my favorite Disneyland projects, the great but short-lived Legends of Frontierland. Some of those who contributed to it brought it to Knott’s Berry Farm, where it has been fine-tuned into the terrific Ghost Town Alive! The latter is a rarity in the theme park space.

Yes, it’s possible to make a decent salary

So how much can one expect to make? This isn’t an easy question to answer, as there’s only so many slots at Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative, and the theme park design industry encompasses so much more.

There are independent themed entertainment firms to marketing outposts to studios to museums to architecture companies to theaters and more. And salaries can vary greatly between the public or private sector, as well as entry level versus senior positions. Even recruiting sites have a broad range, from around $50,000 to above $200,000.

The good news, says Tatham, is there is a high ceiling. Additionally, that there is a breadth of industries to work in should help any potential graduates. “There are many different job descriptions with different salaries in the themed entertainment field,” Tatham says.

And yet he knows it’s a concern of parents.

“I want students and parents to know that it is possible to make a solid steady income in the arts and that they shouldn’t focus on a backup plan but rather on putting together a killer portfolio because there is work for those who have honed their skills,” he says. “I would tell them that they should be prepared to live in Orlando, Fla., or Glendale, Calif., and be open to international assignments. Top directors can make in excess of $250,000 a year, but they should be prepared for starting salaries similar to architecture, graphic design or similar creative fields.”

Remember why theme parks still matter

Anytime I have an opportunity to chat with someone with Tatham’s experience I want to hear their take on one question in particular, and that’s why they love theme parks and why they believe the spaces resonate with so many people. As someone charged with creating passion among the next generation of theme park designers, I was especially interested in Tatham’s response.

“If you go to a theme park, there is something for every demographic,” he says. “There are things for kids. There are things for grandparents. There are things for everyone in between. People can enjoy those times together, which was the original intent of Walt Disney. He was looking for a place while in Griffith Park where he could go do things with his daughters. He created it because it did not exist.”

For Tatham, it’s about the memories.

“If you ask people about their experience in theme parks, they will remember in great detail which parks they went to and who they were with,” he continues. “Ask them about going to the movies, they might say, ‘Sure, I went with my family, but can’t tell you what movies and who I was with.’ But they will remember those moments with theme parks. It’s a great bonding experience. That’s the reason they exist and the reason I love to create them.”

This week in SoCal theme parks

• The Griffith Park carousel will spin again. Assessments are underway to see what it will cost to once again get the Griffith Park merry-go-round spinning. Theme park fans best know it as the site that is said to have inspired Walt Disney to dream up what would become the Disneyland Resort, and it has been shuttered since 2022. Curiously, there’s also a Disney connection with the carousel today, as some of those who work at Walt Disney Imagineering are volunteering their time and efforts to restore this treasure in Griffith Park. Read my story here.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain shuts down second coaster. Six Flags is closing several rides across the U.S. and Canada — including the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia — after a man fell to his death from a roller coaster at one of its parks in Georgia. Park officials said Tuesday that the closures were out of an abundance of caution and were temporary. Times writers Hailey Branson-Potts and Fedor Zarkhin have more on this story.
• Merry Minions. Universal Studios Hollywood has unveiled its slate of holiday of programming, and returning this year are its popular “Grinchmas” offerings, including the 65-foot winding, drooping, Dr. Seuss-inspired Christmas tree. There will be meet-and-greets, including a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” as well as holiday carolers and ornament decorating. New this year will be holiday festivities in the park’s kid-focused Minion Land, complete with Minions in holiday attire. Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other areas will also be dressed for the season, beginning Nov. 21 and lasting through Jan. 3.
• A heads-up for ‘Cars’ fans. It’s the 20th anniversary of the “Cars” franchise, and those with a special affinity for the series will want to find their way to Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel and park themselves on the hotel’s second floor art gallery. That’s where the hotel is hosting an exhibit honoring the film with drawings, paintings, sculptures and behind-the-scenes footage that document how Radiator Springs Racers was brought to life. And before you go, read my story on how Route 66 inspired the film and Cars Land.
• Step into the world of ‘Dune.’ Tickets are now on sale for an immersive “Dune” exhibition in downtown L.A. that promises spectacle, as well as a bit of mystery. Step around, and potentially inside, awe-inspiring vehicles from the film, or come face-to-face with the Bene Gesserit, a group of priestesses who possess, among other things, the ability to bend the will of others. “Dune: The Experience” opens Nov. 20 and and is currently set to run through Dec. 20, although an extension is likely. Standard tickets start at $42 but there are various ticket packages available.

Ride Report

It’s always a good idea to hop on a Disneyland attraction that has been recently refurbished. It’s generally a chance to see the ride in tip-top shape. And so I was eager to get on the Disneyland Railroad on a recent trip to the park, as the dinos in the Primeval World world section of the attraction had recently been hidden behind illustrated tarps. Good news, as the dinosaurs are looking as sharp as they ever have. No real changes were made to the figures, but they’re all moving as they should, be it munching on grass, rattling out of an egg or getting ready for battle.

The theatrical lighting overall feels a little brighter, and the few digital effects — a volcano erupting in the background, for instance — are all in working order and bring an added sense of dimension to the diorama scenes. Be sure to add it to your day. The Disneyland Railroad is also a fine reminder to slow down during your Disneyland visit.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

A cinematic mystery is brewing, one that seemingly has connections to the local immersive entertainment community. What, for instance, is “Eggs in Space”? A recent sci-fi event at indie nonprofit movie theater and store Vidiots ended with the beginnings of a puzzle.

The screening appeared to be interrupted by a film that was taking control of the projectors. The film? “Eggs in Space.” As an abstract image of an egg appeared on screen, performers began walking toward the front of the theater in a transfixed, cult-like fashion.

There is, of course, no record of a film titled “Eggs in Space,” although there is a website dedicated to its disappearance. So dig in. A new alternate reality game just dropped. I have a hunch you’ll want to know where it leads.

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