TRAVEL

A travel journalist who travelled to Italy said they were nearly caught out by a rule introduced in the city of Venice to improve cleanliness

A travel journalist who visited Venice said they nearly lost £86 after breaking a rule they didn’t know about. Joey Handler, a travel journalist, spent six days in Italy travelling around the iconic European country, visiting various popular cities en route.

However, in one of their latest pieces, they admitted they had five regrets from their time in Italy which formed part of a two week trip around Europe.

Reflecting on the trip, back in October 2022, the Joey touched on how at one point in Venice they were stopped by the authorities for doing an act they thought was innocuous.

Joey said the incident occurred after she had completed a walking tour and went for some lunch. Eventually, after passing full restaurant after full restaurant she said she cut her losses and bought an ice cream before deciding to sit down.

However, it was the sitting down that was the problem. The Business Insider journalist explained: “I eventually cut my losses and stood in line for gelato before sitting on a shaded step to enjoy it.

“As I was about to take my first bite, the nearby authorities waved their hands up and down at me — a gesture I could only take to mean ‘get up’. And there I was, committing an etiquette violation that, according to the City of Venice, may result in a fine of 100 to 200 euros.”

As well as being informed by the local authorities about the rule, tourists and others can also be informed by the local government website. On this rule, they said: “Do not consume food and drink sitting on the ground, do not sit or lie down on banks and foundations, monuments, bridges, steps, puteals and high-water walkways

“Fine: 100 to 200 euros DASPO – Urban banning order (offenders will be immediately banned from the place where the offence was committed).”

This means that offenders could be fined anywhere between £86.74 and £173.48 if they’re caught. On why such rules, which include not swimming in the canals, dumping rubbish, walking around in a swimsuit, feeding pigeons and seagulls, not cycling, and not bivouacking in public areas, are in place, the local authority say is to preserve the environment.

They explained: “Current regulations enforced by the Venice City Council Municipal Police forbid certain behaviour, in order to preserve urban cleanliness and landscape, and also for reasons of safety and public hygiene.

“The violation of such regulations involves the application of administrative fines – from €25 to €500.”

This isn’t the only charge people can face if they travel to Venice with tourists als facing an entrance fee which was introduced in 2024 by the city. This fee is around €5 (£4.34) and originally applied on peak days between April and July before being expanded.

However, the new mayor of Venice Simone Venturini, has talked about the possibility of increasing this to €50 (£43.37). He told Corrier della Sera: “If today it ranges from €5 to €10, my proposal is to increase it to €30 to €50.”

Whilst move was in part a reaction to the sheer number of tourists, opponents have warned it risks not being true to the city itself. Former mayor Massimo Cacciari went further and called for the scheme to be removed altogether: “There is no other city in Italy or Europe where you have to enter with a ticket, as though it was a museum.

“It is barbarous, uncivilised and, in my opinion, against the constitution. It is simply obscene. I thought that Venturini would be more intelligent than his predecessor and would scrap the fee.”

SWIMMING with sharks in the dark and no cage? Well that is a Jaws-droppingly bold idea.

Just a couple of hours after arriving at the Sun Siyam Iru Veli resort in the Maldives, and being wowed by my over-the-water villa, I’d plunged straight into the aquatic action with an intense but exhilarating experience.

My group of five guests would be night swimming by a coral reef with nurse sharks, which are generally docile around humans.

But they are up to 10ft long and have around 75 teeth!

As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, we gathered at the dive centre to get kitted out and be briefed by guides Alex and Ammaday.

I’m an experienced snorkeller, but it took me a while to get the hang of following the group and coping with the current and waves.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

I was definitely not hanging back to avoid being first on any shark buffet.

Armed with underwater torches, we spotted colourful fish and corals before several nurse sharks swam towards us, some of which were 8ft in length. Absolutely fin-credible.

It is one of various extra-charge activities (£80pp) at the cosy five-star all-inclusive resort in Dhaalu Atoll, now with Privé Collection status after Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam rebranded to mark its 35th anniversary last year.

And now that the Foreign Office has scrapped its advice against travel to destinations such as Doha, flights to this sun-soaked hotspot will be smooth again.

The bucket-list experiences don’t end with sharks.

Another on offer at this resort is the chance to be “cast away” on a desert island, a couple of miles offshore and only accessible by speedboat.

Just us and a resort host on a 200-yards-long by 30-yards-wide sandbar surrounded by pristine sea that’s perfect for snorkelling.

Like the radio show, your Desert Island Discs-covery comes with a “luxury item” — a Japanese bento box and prosecco lunch under a sunshade to refuel you while you enjoy blissful seclusion (experience costs £158pp).

There are plenty of activities included in the price of a stay, too, including guided daytime snorkel tours of the house reef (I found Nemo) and a trip to neighbouring island Ban’didhoo, where some of the 125-villa Iru Veli’s staff live.

Most of the 600 inhabitants work in the fishing industry and our guide Altho showed us the marina where mackerel, yellowfin and bluefin tuna are landed.

To stop overfishing, only rod and line is legal.

After checking out the 17th-century coral-walled mosque, kids’ parks, outdoor gyms and a football ground financed by Sun Siyam, I nosed around a souvenir shop, a 24/7 convenience store (Maldivian WD-40, who knew?) and the small shipyard by the beach.

While there are no resorts on this local island, there is one guest house, the friendly Divhoni, with clean rooms from £55 a night B&B. It’s well worth seeing where Maldivians actually live and work.

As for the other excursions, guests staying at Iru Veli are also entitled to a complimentary sunset cruise to spot dolphins, and £77pp spa credit or scuba, if PADI certified.

All of the swimming and snorkelling requires high energy and the resort’s restaurants can certainly help with that.

Much as I liked the food at the Aqua Orange main buffet, which is included in the price of a stay (the butter chicken curry with ginger pickle was awesome), the most memorable meal was at extra-charge Japanese-themed Teppanyaki, with incredible egg juggling, groan-worthy jokes and stellar chicken, steak, lobster and yellowfin tuna from chef Irvan (set menu £108pp and veggie £71pp). No prizes for guessing where the tuna came from.

One paradise island is never enough, though, and I spent the second half of my week at Sun Siyam’s five-star Iru Fushi resort in the North Male Atoll; like Iru Veli, a 45-minute seaplane transfer from the international airport.

And no sooner had I arrived than I was leaving!

Wild horses couldn’t normally drag me away from a tropical beach, but the throbbing 200 horsepower of a four-seater white “Rolls-Royce” jet car was irresistible.

After a briefing, I was behind the wheel of the £51,000 car-boat, driving across the ocean and getting 007 vibes like the scene with the aquatic Lotus Esprit in the movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

But you don’t have to be a secret agent facing down metal-mouthed baddie Jaws to bag this showstopper.

Starting at £94 for two, you can take the jet car out (escorted by a guide on a jetski) for a thrilling 45mph blast across the ocean that you’ll be telling your mates about for months.

Add drone videos to smash it on socials.

It’s one of various extra-charge activities at the gorgeous Luxury Collection all- inclusive resort.

Others include an Insta-fave floating breakfast in your villa’s infinity pool (£108 for two with fizz).

But there’s so much already included, you can have a brilliant week without spending more than the cost of your holiday in this archipelago of 1,200 islands.

Top of your list will be the Secret Sundowners pop-up bar (alcoholic and non- alcoholic cocktails at Sun Siyam resorts are terrific), wine tasting, kayaking and SUP, guided reef snorkelling and the excellent Sax On The Beach music session.

Food is also a highlight of any Maldives getaway and Sun Siyam’s inclusive restaurants and buffet are so good, you don’t necessarily need to visit a la carte venues.

However, the prawn thermidor I had at Islander’s Grill was sensational.

As was my accommodation, an over-the-water butler-service villa larger than some flats I’ve lived in and with an infinity pool, spa bath and direct sea access.

Iru Fushi has 221 villas and you will rack up your daily steps count getting around this sizeable resort, be it to the dreamy, award-winning Thalgo spa, Fluid bar and its terrific family pool, the adults’ pool and adjacent beachfront No Mistake bar (an unmissable spot), the highly-rated (and included) curry and pan-Asian restaurants or the water sports and dive centre.

You could just lie on the blissful beaches in the Maldives — or you could also drive on the sea like Bond and swim with sharks in the dark.

The choice is Jaws . . . 

The Foreign Office has issued travel advice warning UK holidaymakers

British holidaymakers are being warned that they risk being slapped with a 500 euro fine when visiting one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe.

Millions of Brits are set to head overseas during the summer months, desperate for some sun, a change of scenery, as well as a well-deserved rest. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Government’s foreign affairs department, plays a key role in keeping UK citizens informed when travelling abroad – offering travel guidance covering more than 220 countries and territories across the globe.

In its travel advice for Italy, the FCDO cautions that “some Italian towns and cities have specific laws, and you could be fined for breaking them”. This, the FCDO noted, can include activities such as eating and drinking near major churches, historic monuments and public buildings.

It is also against the law to enter or bathe in public fountains across numerous towns and cities, including Florence and Rome, or to swim in the canals of Venice. The island of Capri is enormously popular with tourists and can be accessed by ferry from both Naples and Sorrento.

The stunning island nestled off Italy’s Amalfi Coast is celebrated for its Mediterranean charm and rich ancient heritage. However, visitors are being made aware that bringing any disposable plastic items onto the island – such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays and straws – is strictly prohibited.

Should you be caught doing so, you could face a penalty of up to 500 euros. Additional FCDO guidance regarding Italy adds: “Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities. It is illegal to buy items from unlicensed street traders. If you do, you could be stopped by the local police and fined.

“It’s illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. You could face a large fine for doing so. It’s also illegal to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.”

DRAGGING your kids away from their screens can be a never-ending battle – but I think I’ve found the solution.

Tucked away in Brean, a short walk from the sea, Unity Beach holiday park in Somerset is a hive of activity.

With everything from swimming and football to archery and axe- throwing, the caravan site will make iPads seem dull to young eyes.

I was visiting with my lads Wilf, nine, and Jasper, six, plus their dad Simon — and for the first time ever, it was a doddle finding varied entertainment that suited everybody.

While Jasper and I were sticking coins in the 2p slot machines at the Family Fun Arcade, Wilf and Simon were getting stuck into an energy-burning axe-throwing class.

Wilf had so much fun that he was still proclaiming it as his holiday highlight by the end of the trip.

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I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

The staff were excellent, too, giving him lots of tips and hyping him up as he launched the axe at the targets ahead.

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. For young footie fans inspired by the World Cup, there’s a superb football skills class with first-rate coaches.

There are also entertainer-led activities at 11am every morning at Unity Beach’s family pub, Wonky Donkey.

Jasper particularly enjoyed the Wizard’s Workshop, where he created a magic wand and cast lots of silly spells.

The swimming pool is not to be missed, either. It’s large and all one depth, which meant my youngest could swim in safety as his feet always touched the bottom.

Next to the pool, there’s a fun splash park complete with little slides, flumes and equipment, but my kids were too obsessed by the mini inflatable jet skis.

Bookable for little ones aged three to ten, these mini motors look just like the real deal, only smaller, and kids love racing each other up and down the water.

And if that’s not enough water fun for you, come the school summer holidays, families will also have access to a brand new lido and flumes.

Swimming and the site’s soft play area — which my kids were too old for but looked fun — are included in the price of a stay if you book directly with Unity Beach.

Other activities can either be pre-booked or paid for on the day.

If you prefer the beach to a pool, you won’t have to wander far to reach the shores of Brean.

It doesn’t quite have the same clear seas as Devon or Cornwall as it is situated on the Severn Estuary, but the vast golden sands are perfect for playing cricket, tennis, football or frisbee.

A word of caution, though — it is very important to read the beach’s warning signs because as the tide goes out, the sand can get rather muddy and is not safe to walk on.

When we weren’t getting stuck into mini jet ski action or playing games at the beach, our three- bedroom platinum caravan was the perfect place to unwind.

I must admit, I was expecting something a little like the scruffy caravans of my Nineties childhood, but this was smartly decorated and with a very modern feel to it.

It felt like a home away from home and the boys really loved the simplicity of evenings spent indoors gobbling up homemade pasta (the caravan has a well-equipped kitchen) followed by a night of board games.

If you don’t fancy cooking though, there are so many restaurants onsite that you could have a different dinner every night of the week.

Scoop & Swirl was a big hit for ice creams and other sweet treats, plus there are takeaway options for fish and chips, pizza and fried chicken.

Our foodie highlight was breakfast at the Wonky Donkey, where the grown-ups tucked into a huge full English while the kids wolfed down decadent waffles drizzled with maple syrup.

There’s also RJs — a restaurant that dishes up burgers, pizzas and chilli con carne with a side serving of entertainment.

From kids’ discos to energetic magic shows, there’s something on here every night of the week, so you’ll never get bored.

And to top it all off, we didn’t have one single request for the iPad.

That’s the biggest result of all, if you ask me.

CAMPING is always fun for the family, but why not throw in some beach time as well?

New research has revealed the best coastal campsites across the UK.

Money-saving experts at Idealo have ranked the best UK campsites based on several areas including the nightly pitch price and proximity to the beach – read below for the full list.

Machrihanish Holiday Park, Argyll

Coming out on top was Machrihanish Holiday Park in Argyll Scotland.

Sat on the Kintyre Peninsula, the holiday park has non-electric pitches available from £26 per night (working out to £13 each a night).

Machrihanish Beach is less than half a mile away too.

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The beach stretches on for three miles and is often said to be a good spot to go shell and sea glass hunting.

One recent visitor said: “This is a beautiful beach with stunning views across to Islay and the Paps of Jura.”

At the campsite, visitors can expect hot showers, toilets, an onsite shop and even Wi-Fi.

Your furry friend doesn’t have to be left out either as dogs can stay for free.

Beryl’s Campsite, Devon

Coming in second place is Beryl’s Campsite in Devon, which is tucked down a lane and sits on a meadow surrounded by trees.

Not too far from Beesands Beach, a pitch costs from £27 per night (or £13.50 each) per night at the campsite without an electrical hookup.

At the site visitors will find hot showers, toilets, an onsite shop and a fire pit area.

Dogs are also allowed at the site, for 50p a night.

If you are lucky enough, you might spot a deer while pitching your tent.

Beesands Beach features shingle and is backed by fields and even a freshwater lake.

The beach has previously won awards as well including a Blue Flag status.

If you fancy taking a dip in the water, it is a great spot for sailing and windsurfing.

The Hollies Leisure Resort, Suffolk

Rounding out the top three is The Hollies Leisure Resort in Kessingland, Suffolk.

A pitch at the site costs from just £23 per night (£11.50 each) without a hookup, or you can get a pitch with a hookup for £28 per night.

At the site there are also showers, Wi-Fi, a picnic area and an outdoor play area.

If you aren’t the biggest fan of pitching a tent then you could opt for one of the safari tents onsite sleeping up to four people and costing from £365 for four nights.

And Kessingland Beach is just 1.8 miles away, just south of the popular seaside town of Lowestoft.

The sand and shingle beach is backed by cliffs and sand dunes and is known for having fewer crowds than Lowestoft Beach and Southwold, which is also nearby.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 coastal campsites:

1. Machrihanish Holiday Park, Argyll
2. Beryl’s Campsite, Devon
3. The Hollies Leisure Resort, Kessingland, Suffolk
4. Llanungar Caravan and Camping, Pembrokeshire
5. Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Devon
6. Manor Farm, Norfolk
7. Beadnell Bay Camping, Northumberland Coast
8. Burnbake Forest Lodges and Campsite, Dorset
9. Watertop Farm, Antrim
10. Treveague Campsite, Cornwall

The tour operator will offer both standalone flights and package holidays to the sunny destination, which offers both beautiful beaches plus lots of cultural and historic attractions

Jet2 has announced it’s launching flights and holidays to Tunisia for summer 2027, with the airline opening bookings for holidaymakers looking to get away from May 1 to October 31 next year.

The tour operator will offer new flights from Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, and Manchester. Customers who book a package holiday will be able to choose from a range of 3 to 5-star hotels situated in the resorts of Port el Kantaoui, Skanes, Mahdia, Sousse, Yasmine Hammamet, and Hammamet.

All flights will arrive in Enfidha–Hammamet International Airport in the north of the country, close to the capital of Tunis and some of Tunisia’s most popular resorts.

Jet2’s new flight schedule will offer twice-weekly flights on Wednesday and Saturday from Birmingham and London-Stansted, plus two flights a week covering Manchester on Tuesday and Friday. East Midlands and Leeds Bradford airports will get weekly flights.

Once you arrive, there are lots of places to explore, from the vast Medina of Hammamet to the palm-tree lined seaside of Sousse. Take a day trip to the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem, full of incredible stories about the wild animals caged in its dungeons and its gladiator battles, where 30,000 spectators once cheered on its bloody spectacles.

Further south, you can discover desert landscapes and shimmering salt flats. Explore the filming locations for the original Star Wars trilogy, and visit traditional Berber cave homes carved deep into the mountains.

Visit Tunis for the day and explore the labyrinth of market stalls, mosques, and houses all found in one concentrated, slightly chaotic space. Dating back to 698, this colourful medina is now home to one-tenth of the city’s population. But if you enter, be sure to watch out for landmarks, as it’s easy to get lost within its walls.

You can also visit the Bardo National Museum, home to the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world, and artefacts found in the city of Carthage from the days when Tunisia was a major trading hub for the Ancient Mediterranean.

This announcement brings the total number of Jet2 destinations for summer 2027 to 70, and the tour operator has recently announced new services to Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, as well as Kavala in the north of Greece.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “With year-round sunshine, rich culture and fantastic sunshine, Tunisia has something for everyone and we know how immensely popular it will be.”

Fakhri Khalsi, acting UK Director at the Tunisian National Tourist Office, said: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of Jet2’s holiday and flight programmes to Tunisia starting in summer 2027. This announcement represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Tunisia’s position as a leading Mediterranean destination and reflects the growing confidence of major travel operators in our tourism offering.”

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

GREECE

Toes in the sea on Kastellorizo

Just 2km from the Lycian coast, Kastellorizo is much closer to Turkey than mainland Greece. Ferries from the Turkish beach town of Kaş, as well as Rhodes and other Dodecanese neighbours, dock at the island’s tiny harbour, lined with colourful neoclassical houses. One of them, an ochre-painted mansion with pistachio green shutters, is Hotel Mediterraneo, which is so close to the water that you can practically roll out of bed and into the sea from the ground floor suite.

Mediterraneo’s owner, Parisian architect Marie Rivalant, is one of many artists and creatives who have fallen for Kastellorizo’s sleepy charms. She took over the quayside pension 25 years ago, painting the seven bedrooms in sunny colours and layering them with rugs, cushions, antiques and artworks (if you like her bohemian style, there is a small shop at the hotel selling her finds). Breakfasts blend influences from her travels too: flaky Turkish börek pastries, Greek yogurt and freshly baked croissants, served on the terrace.
Doubles from €170 B&B, mediterraneokastellorizo.com

A shipshape foodie stay in the Dodecanese

In the 19th century, the Greek island of Symi grew wealthy on sponge-diving, shipbuilding and seafaring. This brought merchants, with silver, spices and sponges traded in a neoclassical building on the Kali Strata, a stone stairway that connects the harbour of Gialos with the upper village of Chorio.

Today that building, with its high-ceilinged historic grandeur, is The Old Markets hotel. In the bedrooms, antique maps, old globes, nautical paintings and silverware nod to its past life. There are only seven rooms and three suites spread between the old market and the neighbouring Captain’s Mansion, but the hotel has an outsized culinary reputation thanks to its rooftop tasting-menu restaurant, Agora, and huge Greek breakfast feasts of Symi orange blossom akoumia (rice doughnuts) and toasted tsoureki (sweet brioche-like bread). Like many islands, Symi is best explored by boat, bobbing from Agios Nikolaos beach to St George Bay and on to the monastery at Panormitis, before heading back to the pretty horseshoe-shaped harbour.
Doubles from £150 B&B, theoldmarkets.com

SPAIN

A ducal palace in northern Spain

Spain’s paradors – state-run hotels in heritage buildings – are windows into the country’s history, from Moorish castles to medieval monasteries. In the hilltop town of Lerma, in the Castile and León region, the imposing 17th-century Ducal Palace is now Parador de Lerma, a place where royals married, princesses were born and even Napoleon stayed (walk in Bonaparte’s footsteps in room 313).

Several works by the great poet of Spain’s Golden Age, Lope de Vega, were first performed in the central covered courtyard surrounded by colonnaded galleries. The Duke of Lerma was also one of the great collectors of his time, and the parador is lined with moody oil paintings, Flemish tapestries and works by contemporary Spanish artists. The vaulted restaurant dishes up local favourites such as roast suckling lamb and Burgos cheeses. Nearby, the Arlanza wine region turns out muscular reds – try them at Bodega Palacio de Lerma.
Doubles from €124 room-only, breakfast €22, paradores.es

A hillside retreat near Barcelona

Set above the Costa del Maresme, the romantic manor of Can Casadella is a peaceful escape from Barcelona’s summer throng and just half an hour away. Magda and Josep allow visitors to have the run of antique-filled sitting rooms, cosy library and colonnaded terraces, where a hammock swings in the breeze. Outside, the old pond has been turned into a natural swimming pool, and there are orchards of orange, lemon, fig and almond trees. Freshly squeezed orange juice is served at breakfast, alongside homemade lemon and rosemary marmalade, breads, local cheese and sausages.

The nine large doubles and twins have original tiled floors and wooden beams, some with sea views and their own terraces. It’s enough to check out of the world for a few days, but Magda can also organise cooking workshops and yoga in the garden, and recommend hikes in the Parc de la Serralada Litoral next door or the best beaches a short drive away.
Doubles from €132 room-only, breakfast €12, cancasadella.com

A colourful hideout in Andalucía

Cortijo Genesis, a reimagined farmhouse, opened its doors last summer outside the whitewashed village of Gaucín, 40 miles west of Marbella. There’s a retro, Palm Springs-esque glamour to the pink scalloped parasols and wrought iron loungers in the garden, and the interior is just as colourful: a rainbow-painted ceiling in the reading room, a yellow-tiled kitchen and five bedrooms inspired by semi-precious stones – citrine, cornaline, morganite, lapis lazuli and aventurine.

Belgian co-owner Valentina Geyer is a reiki practitioner and equine therapist, and there’s a strong wellness focus, with meditation zones, yoga and pilates retreats, reiki healing and equine coaching. Much of the food is homegrown and homemade, with eggs from their hens, honey from their beehives, and herbs, fruit and vegetables from the permaculture plot. Good fuel to explore the hiking and biking routes through the hills nearby, or simply dip in and out of the swimming pool.
Doubles from €180 B&B, cortijo-genesis.com

FRANCE

A quieter side of the Côte d’Azur

Halfway between the hip grit of Marseille and the glitz of Saint-Tropez, Hyères is one of the quieter corners of the Côte d’Azur and known as Hyères-les-Palmiers for the thousands of palm trees that grow along boulevards and gardens. Part of its sleepy charm (and why it has stayed that way) is that its old town lies not on the beach, but a couple of miles inland, looking down on the Med from a hilltop perch.

It’s here that the Lilou Hotel opened a couple of summers ago, giving a Haussmann-esque building a fashionable twist, with cream and ochre paintwork, poplar burr wood furniture and rattan touches. There’s a slip of a pool outside and the restaurant dishes up coastal plates of bouillabaisse croquettes, tuna crudo and langoustine risotto. Down on the coast, l’Almanarre beach is a beautiful curve of sand popular with kite- and windsurfers. And just offshore are the islands of Porquerolles (home to a contemporary art institute and white sand beaches) and Port-Cros (a wild and rugged nature reserve) to explore.
Doubles from €145 room-only, breakfast €22, lilouhotel.fr

A seaside spa hotel in Brittany

On the blustery Finistère coast, a 45-minute drive east of Roscoff, the Grand Hôtel des Bains in Locquirec has a timeless New England air with its shiplap panelling and jaunty stripes. The chic decor is thanks to late owner Dominique van Lier, who edited a Belgian interiors magazine and tastefully transformed what had been a stuffy spa resort. The Marine Spa is still a huge draw, with massages, magnesium therapies and beauty treatments from Breton skincare brand Thalion. There’s also a sauna, hammam and warm indoor pool with knock-out views over Baie de Morlaix.

Most bedrooms have sea views, and there are beaches to walk to either side of the hotel’s rocky promontory, from tiny coves to the sweeping sands of the Baie de Locquirec. While the look here is East Coast US, the food and service are decidedly French (oysters, roasted lobster with seaweed butter) and the hotel also owns Brasserie de la Plage on the quayside for a change from the white-tablecloth dining room.
Doubles from £198 room-only, i-escape.com

An artist’s resort in Normandy

Claude Monet painted the luminous cliffs of Étretat more than 50 times during the 1880s, capturing the ever-shifting light on the white rock faces and dramatic sea arches. There are views of those famous chalk beauties from Le Donjon Domaine Saint Clair, which is set high above the Normandy seaside resort. One of the hotel’s bedrooms is named after Monet, while others honour novelists Guy de Maupassant, who lived in Étretat for part of his childhood, and Gustave Flaubert, a frequent visitor.

Less than three hours’ drive from Paris, Étretat is a popular spot with French tourists in the summer, who flock to the Alabaster Coast for locally caught seafood at waterfront bistros and the pebble beach between the cliffs. Built in 1862, Domaine Saint Clair is an imposing castle-style house with an idiosyncratic charm: bedrooms are tucked up and down little staircases and there is an open-air Jacuzzi atop the tower. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, a petit spa and a cocktail bar, which harks back to the town’s golden age.
Doubles from €190 room-only, breakfast €25, hoteletretat.com

Basque elegance in Biarritz

With its imperial palace on the headland overlooking wetsuit-clad surfers catching the waves, Biarritz has a funny duality of belle époque grandeur and salt-crusted beachiness. But it works. A few blocks back from the beach, Hotel Saint-Julien has a similar mix of elegance and ease. The typical 19th-century Basque house, with a whitewashed facade and painted shutters, has good bones – high ceilings and original wooden floors.

More recent updates have given an easy breeziness to the 26 bedrooms, all slightly different but decorated in muted colours with vintage furniture – the top floor has views over the rooftops to the sea. There’s a homely chambre d’hôte simplicity, and the restaurant has a rotating cast of visiting chefs and pop-up residencies. Restaurant Anema (until October) serves a daily changing menu of whatever is freshest from the fish market – on balmy nights bag one of the tables on the terrace.
Doubles from €180 room-only, breakfast €19, hotel-saint-julien-biarritz.fr

Chic Cannes at less haute prices

Cannes turns on the full red-carpet sparkle for the film festival each May, but with its superyacht-filled marina and beach clubs, it is a prime people-watching spot any time of year. The French Riviera town is known for palatial institutions such as the Carlton, Hôtel Martinez and Le Majestic, but a short walk from La Croisette, the newly opened Hôtel Lepoussin gives Haussmann-style glamour at less haute prices. There’s a mid-century feel to bedrooms, with sunny yellow textiles and wide curving wooden headboards; downstairs there’s an honesty bar in the lobby and a dinky plunge pool.

Keep the costs down further by skipping the beach-club fees and head instead to the public Plage Macé or Plage de la Bocca, stocking up on a picnic from the Marché Forville first. Or nip across to the Îles de Lérins on the ferry, exploring quiet coves, coastal walking trails and the fort where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
Doubles from €135 room-only, breakfast €19, lepoussinhotel.com

PORTUGAL

A royal resort on the Portuguese Riviera

In 1870, King Luís I chose Cascais, 20 miles west of Lisbon, as his official summer residence. Aristocrats followed his lead to the Atlantic coast, building Italianate villas and ornate mansions, and turning the former fishing village into a fashionable resort. The Pergola Boutique Hotel was Cascais’s first hotel when it opened in 1985, transforming two chalets into an elegant 15-room retreat, the facade decorated with hand-painted tiles. Rooms are filled with art and antiques, and in the garden is a restaurant run by the team behind Lisbon favourite Café de São Bento.

The hotel is only a two-minute walk from the station, and arriving by train is easily the loveliest approach, with the line hugging the coast all the way from Lisbon. While Cascais still has a refined air, the coast is rugged and breezy – walk the boardwalk by the sea to neighbouring Estoril, catch a wave on the sandy stretch between Estoril and Carcavelos, or hike over cliffs to remote Praia da Ursa.
Doubles from £199 B&B, mrandmrssmith.com

Rococo grandeur in the Algarve

This incredible rose-coloured palace – now Pousada Palácio Estoi – was built in the 19th century by the Viscount of Estoi, with more than a passing nod to Versailles. Outside there are immaculate French-style gardens with clipped parterre hedges, statues and fountains, while inside is full-throttle Louis XV: ceilings frescoed with cherubim, ornate plasterwork, giant gilt mirrors and huge chandeliers. The 63 bedrooms, on the other hand, are a curious minimalist counterpoint, housed in a new wing that flanks the palace – slick and white like a visual palate cleanser from all that bling.

The extension is also home to a spa, with hammam, saunas and treatment rooms, and the restaurant dishes up Portuguese fish stew and Algarve orange tart in the old palace kitchen. From here, it’s a 20-minute drive to Faro, where boat trips depart for the lagoons, pristine beaches, birdlife and barrier islands of the Ria Formosa natural park.
Doubles from €122 B&B, pousadas.pt

ITALY

An artist’s guesthouse in Piemonte

Italian-Canadian artist Bruno Billio knows hotels – he spent 18 years as resident artist at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. But now his creativity, which spans installation, sculpture and design, comes to life in a new way at his four-bedroom guesthouse, La Giardina, which opened this spring in the hills outside Turin.

It’s a handsome conversion of a 12th-century convent, and deeply personal too, with rooms named after family members and a wedding picture of his parents in the sitting room. Billio’s sculptural installations (found objects bound in vibrant thread; porcelain figurines dipped in black rubber) and original paintings by other artists grace the guesthouse. There are views towards the tall peak of Monviso and the Alps, with vineyards and hill towns just beyond the estate’s gates.
Doubles from €140 B&B, lagiardina.com

A nonna’s house on Lake Como

Alessandro and Andrea Motti’s grandmother was born in this house in the village of Laglio on Como’s western shore, and when the brothers were little they used to play with the chickens and rabbits in the garden overlooking the water. Now they’ve turned their nonna’s old home (and the neighbouring one) into a charming bed and breakfast, Cà Spiga. All eight bedrooms have lake views, and a breakfast spread from the family’s deli, Da Luciano, is laid out on the terrace each morning. Recently they have started serving Sunday lunches in the garden too, with dishes from local bistro La Piazzetta in Cernobbio.

Alessandro is full of tips to sidestep the Como crowds. Follow his lead and drive to the beach on the northern part of the lake at Domaso, before lunch at Osteria Aquila d’Oro in the Valle del Dosso del Liro, finishing at his favourite cocktail bar, Lo Scalo in Cremia.
Doubles from €225 B&B, caspiga.it

Views to the lighthouse in Puglia

Jutting out into the Adriatic, the Gargano peninsula, the spur to Italy’s boot, is a place of dramatic white limestone cliffs and sandy beaches, rugged mountains and deep forests – a wilder, quieter alternative to southern Puglia. At its very tip, the whitewashed town of Vieste is a place Italians flock to in summer for its clear waters and medieval centre.

In a historic building overlooking the marina, Tra Cielo e Mare has just six rooms, all decked out in white and wood. Three have balconies overlooking the sea, and breakfast is served on the terrace with views towards the lighthouse, which sits on its own little island. Spiaggia del Castello, a sandy stretch framed by the huge Pizzomunno monolith is 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel. And the whole peninsula is part of the Gargano national park, which is crisscrossed with cycling and hiking trails.
Doubles from €190 B&B, welcomebeyond.com

Prices are for late June/early July and were correct at the time of going to press

WHETHER you’re slogging it to Cornwall like writer Ellie O’Mahoney, or journeying to Scotland like Editor in Chief Sinead McIntyre, find a sleepover fit for a king en route.

Living in London, we dread the long drive back from my mum’s in Cornwall – on a bad day, it can take eight hours.

So, for a half-term treat, we check into historic pub The Crown, sitting on Chertsey high street in Surrey, not far from the M3.

Tucking into pea, wild garlic and ham soup with house focaccia, £8, and pork, honey and mustard sausages with mash and greens, £16.50, soon melts away memories of roadworks and brake lights.

As does a rhubarb rosé aperitif, £11, while the kids wolf down the pub’s signature cheeseburger and fries, £9.

Delicious sticky toffee and banana pud with salted caramel ice cream, £6, almost defeats us before we stroll over to the pub’s modern extension.

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While the exterior has the air of a municipal building, our room is fab.

The bed is huge and the kids’ sofa beds are, according to my eight year old, the “comfiest in the world”.

A jar of insanely good brownies, Cadbury’s hot-choc sachets and the “borrow box” full of age-perfect reads, including Percy Jackson and Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, plus playing cards and mini Jenga, also go down a treat.

The kids even have their own TV!

The decor is anything but childish, though, with an air of 1950s university lounge, complete with a cream Roberts Radio.

The only thing to improve?

The skylight with no blind directly over the kids’ beds means we all wake up at sunrise.

French toast with mascarpone and raspberries, £10, soon hits the spot, however, and with Thorpe Park just five minutes’ drive away, there’s really no excuse not to drop in.

It’s just a good job my husband left some time after brekky before braving 80mph coaster Stealth!

Family rooms at The Crown, Chertsey, cost from £150 B&B (Crownchertsey.co.uk).

Entry to Thorpe Park for adults and kids over 1.2m costs from £32 (Thorpepark.com).

Lake District Layover: The King’s Arms, Cumbria

Half an hour off the M6, in the tranquil Lake District village of Hawkshead, this pub offers a top-notch reset on our way to Scotland.

The eight beautifully decorated bedrooms are all named after kings.

Ours, the King Charles, has a super-king-size bed, window seat and ensuite, where a drench shower and local toiletries are a welcome refresh.

Across the hall, my 15-year-old twins sprawl out in the twin King William room, digging into home-made biscuits.

The pub is as traditional as they come, and we enjoy drinks and card games before dinner, which is royally good.

All ingredients are locally sourced, so the menu changes with the seasons.

We loved the smoked haddock scotch egg with curry alioli and puffed wild rice, £12, and king scallop with kashmiri sauce, £13, while the fisherman’s pie with spinach and asparagus, £24, makes for a delicious main, as does beef cheek with confit chateau potatoes, £27.50.

The beef suet sticky toffee pud with spiced whisky sauce, £12, is also a delight.

Come morning, yoghurt, muesli, mini pastries and an incredible full English leaves us stuffed all the way to Aviemore.

Double rooms cost from £113 B&B (Kingsarmshawkshead.com).

READY to swap the school run for a family getaway?

Young’s Rooms is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a two-night family escape to The Crown in Chertsey, the ultimate home-away-from-home conveniently located near the thrills of Thorpe Park and a 20-minute drive from Chessington World of Adventures.

Forget cookie-cutter corporate rooms, The Crown in Chertsey promises comfort and personality.

Think beautifully-designed bedrooms with plenty of space for the whole crew to kick back and relax.

While grown-ups can enjoy bubble baths and honesty bars, kids will be kept occupied with their very own ‘Borrow Boxes’, brimming with books, toys, activities and games to keep the boredom at bay.

Downstairs, the pub is the heart of the action.

Whether you’re fuelling up with a hearty breakfast or tucking into a three-course feast of homemade pies and fresh seafood, it’s all about seasonal British produce that deliver on flavour.

And yes, the Sunday roasts come with bottomless Yorkshires and gravy – enough to satisfy even the hungriest little explorers!

The prize is:

• Two-night stay for a family of four at The Crown in Chertsey
• Three course meal per person, including a bottle of wine of up to £50 value for adults, and juices and soft drinks for kids (as guided by GM) on one evening
• Family breakfast before checkout on both days

Enter below and good luck!

To win, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on July 4, 2026.

For full terms and conditions, click here.

UNLIKE other English lidos, this is one you would completely miss if it you didn’t know it was there.

Burford Bridge Lido is tucked away in the grounds of the Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel just outside of Dorking.

The peaceful spot is so idyllic that some visitors have said being there makes them feel like they’re “on holiday”.

Stretching 20 metres long, it is heated between 28C-32C.

Between May and September, the pool is open seven days a week to the public who can book morning, afternoon or evening sessions.

Surrounding the lido are plenty of sun loungers, parasols and towel hire which swimmers can take advantage of.

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You can get food and drink there too which is served up from the hotel restaurant.

On offer there are pizzas, salads and burgers, there’s also a children’s menu as well as soft and alcoholic drinks.

As the lido is found on the site of the Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, guests get access to the lido included in their stay.

And over the years, it has been one of the prime selling-points of the hotel.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The gardens are a delight, particularly the heated outdoor swimming pool. That was the icing on the cake!”

Another said: “I love outdoor swimming so the amazing 27’ temperature beautiful pool below Box Hill with fab facilities and lifeguards was a treat!”

A third commented: “An unexpected gem of a hotel in an idyllic location (despite the roundabout location!) with a glorious outdoor lido, perfect for poolside lounging and exploring green Box Hill on a hot bank holiday weekend.”

Sun Travel found rooms that start from £64 per night (or £32 each).

Day pass tickets for those not staying at the hotel vary in price depending on the time.

Early bird swims (between 7-11am) start from £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children.

Mid-day swims (between 11am-3pm) and afternoon swims (3-7pm) start from £20 for adults and £10 for children.

A full day pass starts from £35 for adults and £17.50 for children with a family pass starting from £85.

For those driving, the lido has free parking for up to four hours for those with a day pass.

The outdoor pool is seasonal and will be open this summer until September 27.

THE thought of going on holiday alone may fill many with terror but if you’re struggling to find a travel companion, a solo travel specialist is the perfect solution.

Friendship Travel, which creates sociable breaks for solo travellers, offers trips across the globe, from snowboarding in France to safaris in Kenya, Nile cruises, walking tours, pottery-painting experiences and book-reading breaks.

You can even just flake out on a Caribbean beach.

I’m just back from a watercolour painting week in Olhao, a fishing town in Portugal’s Algarve region.

I have a husband and two grown-up kids who could travel with me, but none of them shares my love of art.

So a week-long retreat with budding painters, coached by an experienced artist, sounded perfect.

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It’s only a two-and-a-half hour flight from Gatwick to Faro in Portugal, so I passed the time reading Plein Air Painting With Watercolours by Grahame Booth, our tutor for the week.

As I flipped through the glossy pages of stunning step-by-step landscapes, I wondered if I would be able to paint as well as he could. Spoiler alert: I would not.

I’d been nervous about travelling alone, but flying solo was so peaceful that the only time I missed having a companion was when I had to drag my 23kg suitcase (included in the trip) off the baggage carousel.

After a 20-minute transfer, I arrived at Casa Rosa, a pretty boutique hotel on a quiet side street near the market and harbour.

It has en-suite bedrooms, plunge pool, sauna, sun terrace, and fully equipped artists’ studio.

On the first night, all the guests were due to meet over dinner in the dining room.

I had my last moment of panic before I left my room that evening, picturing myself either being an immediate outcast or swallowed up by a group of misfits.

But I was wrong on both counts.

There were ten of us, ranging in age from early 20s to mid-80s.

Eight women (including me), Jasper, a very posh elderly gentleman from Dublin, and Grahame, our tutor.

Over the wine and three-course meal (included in the price), we all bonded and shared our reasons for travelling solo.

Some, like Jasper and Kate — a cool, retired film producer from Florida who was travelling with her daughter Liz — were widowed and wanted to spend time with fellow art-lovers.

Others, like Oonagh, a glamorous ex-pat living in Portugal, and Pauline, an outgoing Irish woman who runs her own craft shop, had husbands at home who weren’t keen on painting.

Sue, one of the younger guests, runs art classes online and wanted to pick up new techniques.

It was a fun, chatty group, and as I crashed out in my enormous double bed at 10pm, sipping from the complimentary flask of herbal tea that had appeared on my bedside table, I felt I was among friends.

The week followed an easy routine.

Every morning we’d all meet at 8.30am and eat a buffet-style breakfast together at a long, sunny table outside on the terrace.

There were warm pastries, oats, local honey, cold meats and cheeses, fresh coffee and juice.

To give you an idea of the quality of the food, the jeans I wore flying over to Portugal wouldn’t button up for the journey home.

Then we’d gather up our art materials and Grahame would lead us to a variety of local beauty spots and attempt to teach us how to sketch and paint outdoors.

He is a very funny teacher, who’d regularly offer down-to-earth advice like, “If you can’t draw cars, don’t!” or, “If it looks right when it’s wet, then it’s wrong”.

We all sat behind him, watching in awe as his brush rapidly covered his paper in sloshy, brisk marks that eventually became the bustling outdoor cafe, a calm church or the fish market.

At lunchtime we were left to our own devices and I took to escaping for a Sagres (the local beer) to boost my confidence for the afternoons, when we’d paint our own pictures.

We could either paint out on the streets — where passers-by would pause next to my sketchbook and shoot confused looks between my picture and the landscape I was failing to recreate — or upstairs at the hotel’s own studio.

The three-course dinner each night featured local dishes including quiches, pork, soups and barbecued fish.

The hotel happily catered to the vegetarians and gluten-free guests, as well.

On two nights we went out as a group to a restaurant, and treated locals to a medley of Les Mis songs as we walked back to the hotel.

There was lots of free time to go shopping. Olhao is famous for its hand-made cork, ceramics and mosaics, and one day we all took a boat trip over to Culatra Island.

On the last evening, Grahame organised a critique of everyone’s work.

My nerves returned and I expected him to either set fire to my sketchbook or suggest I book myself on to Friendship Travel’s other activity holidays (pottery painting, perhaps, or book reading), but he was shockingly positive.

And then we had a riotous and boozy last dinner together, with a talent show organised by Pauline.

It’s a week I’d gladly repeat.

The service from Friendship Travel was kind and personal, and I felt supported every minute of the trip.

Mind you, it was lovely to see my husband waiting for me in arrivals — so I could finally stop dragging my own case.

A travel blogger has warned holidaymakers not to put their full address on their luggage tags, as it could open them up to luggage tag scams and holiday fraud

With summer rapidly approaching, countless Brits will be getting ready to fly off on their summer getaways. However, one travel expert is cautioning people against including their full address on their luggage.

That advice might appear contradictory to many, given traditional luggage tags typically feature space for your name, phone number, address, and even email. Yet travel blogger Mark Wolters argues that displaying your address on your suitcase could expose you to a range of scams.

Mark, who posts as Wolter’s World on YouTube, cautions that unscrupulous individuals could even exploit the address to reroute your suitcase, pinching your valuable possessions. In a YouTube video, he said: “When it comes to your bag tags, don’t put your whole address on them.

“Think about it, if you’re at baggage claim and you’re a cute young man like myself, and my address and phone number are right there, and someone goes ‘I like, that guy, I’m going to follow him to his house.’ You don’t want that.”

Mark reveals he and his family simply list their name, phone number, and email address. He continued: “If I travel, how is my home address going to help? They’re not going to send it to London, they’re going to send it back to the US.”

He went on to stress that travellers should refrain from sharing “too much information”. He also urged travellers to ensure they have a privacy flap concealing their basic details.

While this may appear over-the-top to some, he insists that anyone seeking access to your information is merely a straightforward photograph away. He warns that your private information could also be exploited for identity fraud.

If your details remain visible on your luggage, Mark cautions travellers that fraudsters can manipulate the airline into rerouting their baggage elsewhere, granting them access to your belongings.

He said: “Your bag tags have that number on there, and people can file false claims saying, ‘Here’s my bag tag number, where is it? Oh it’s not there, send it to this hotel, this address’. Then you’re out of luck.”

This prompted Mark to urge holidaymakers not to reveal excessive personal information on social media. Beyond the bag tags, he warns this can include your boarding pass or even updates while you’re away.

He explains that disclosing precise trip details essentially alerts potential thieves that your property is “wide open”. On top of this, Mark cautions tourists to be vigilant for fraudulent customer service contacts.

He points out that posting about your airline on social media can attract fake accounts messaging you, claiming they can resolve your issue if you provide your banking information. He added: “Those airlines aren’t going to ask for your credit card details in your DMs, they already have that information because you bought a ticket.”

He urges travellers to ensure they are contacting verified customer service channels.

THE sweet scent of popcorn and vanilla cupcakes wafts over me as I stroll along the shiny streets, filled with excited chatter.

It’s true what they say about Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

The mega theme park is a real-life fairytale, where pink castles and bejewelled princesses really do exist.

I was visiting for the first time, with my sister Emma-Rose.

We are both in our twenties and without children. Would we be past the ideal age?

It quickly becomes apparent that the magic isn’t just for kids.

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And with the new Toy Story 5 film released yesterday, our timing couldn’t have been better.

Simply wandering through the parks was enough to blow us away.

The resort is staggeringly huge — the same size as San Francisco — and contains four theme parks and two water parks.

The whole operation requires 80,000 staff members to make sure everything runs perfectly — and run perfectly it does.

While I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker, my sister is more of a chill-seeker, but there’s plenty for both types of holidaymakers to enjoy here.

Unsurprisingly, my favourite attraction was the newly revamped Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, often referred to by fans as the most intense ride at Disney World.

The attraction has been given a makeover for 2026, with its previous Aerosmith theme being ditched to make way for The Muppets.

Visitors are invited to hop inside a mini limo and hold on for dear life as they are propelled forward, from zero to 57mph in under three seconds, before being thrown around two loops and three inversions.

I stepped off beaming and was soon dancing along to the new Muppet-themed party in the gift shop.

Star Wars fan Emma, on the other hand, was in her element swooping past Stormtroopers on the Rise Of The Resistance attraction and unlocking the new Mandalorian and Grogu experience on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Both are must-dos for lovers of the franchise.

If you’re feeling that Toy Story nostalgia after the new movie, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has also had an upgrade and been fitted with new hand-held blaster guns and targets.

Being able to track our accumulating scores very much fuelled the sibling rivalry.

It’s not all about the rides, though, especially not for a Disney newbie like me.

Thanks to social media, I knew that the dining was a huge part of the experience for most mega fans and I’d gathered my own list of snacks that I was desperate to try.

Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzels, Mickey ice cream cookie sandwiches and cheeseburger- flavoured spring rolls (they shouldn’t work, but they really do) were all top of the pile.

And that’s before you get to the main restaurants where characters wander up to your table mid-feast.

My favourite eatery was Tusker House, an African-inspired restaurant in Animal Kingdom, where Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy visit your table and break out into dance around every 30 minutes.

Some say overstimulating, I say bring on the party.

We visited for breakfast and were treated to a huge buffet spread starring everything from shakshuka to Simba-shaped pancakes.

This place is famous for its take on French toast, which it does as South African bulkas buns slathered in icing and served like decadent bread and butter pudding.

You’ll have to resist gobbling down too much if you plan on tackling those rollercoasters straight after, though.

As for Toy Story fans, you won’t regret a visit to the Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios, where bites of beef brisket and barbecue ribs come with a side of entertainment.

Diners are treated as fellow toys by the Toy Story gang and told to freeze when they hear “Andy’s coming!”.

The fun doesn’t even end in the parks and restaurants.

Disney hotels take the fun to a whole other level.

Guests can pick between Value, Moderate and Deluxe stays, but all on-site hotels bring big benefits such as early admission into the parks.

I stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which felt like a holiday in its own right.

I was greeted by large leafy palms and a smiling ukulele player on arrival.

And I was checked in with a friendly “Aloha” and a traditional lei (flower necklace).

Dads, this is surely your cue to break out that Hawaiian shirt and sunnies.

The hotel is home to three swimming pools, a waterslide, ten bars and restaurants, plus its own white sand beach.

Rooms are very well themed — ours smelt tropical with a whiff of freshly cut flowers.

I slept beside a large painting of Disney princess Moana and received wake-up calls from Mickey Mouse — the kind of extra touches you can’t get staying off-site.

But that’s not even the best part about the Polynesian.

Here, guests can watch the famous nightly fireworks display from the beach.

One of my fondest memories of the trip was pulling up a deck chair with my sister, tucking into a Hawaiian pizza and watching the night-time show take place above the Magic Kingdom from across the water.

We’re both grown-ups, but we felt like little kids watching the colours burst across the sky.

It’s safe to say I had very high expectations for the most magical place on Earth.

Yet, somehow, Walt Disney World still managed to exceed them.

And Emma and I flew home with smiles on our faces, which still haven’t faded.

This sort of magic is priceless, no matter your age.

If you’re searching for a Sardinian city break with a difference, Cagliari has stunning Mediterranean beaches, flamingos and ancient history – and it’s just a short flight from the UK

If you’re contemplating a weekend escape this year, you’ve likely thought about one of Italy’s major destinations – timeless Rome or the enchanting cathedrals of Florence. Architecture, history, sunshine and some of the finest cuisine on the planet – Italian city breaks are difficult to surpass.

But here’s our suggestion – venture beyond the conventional and uncover something away from the masses, with even more on offer.

Roughly 220 miles from Rome sits Sardinia, and at the southern extremity the city of Cagliari is, according to my travel guide, “older than Rome”. It’s a city that combines multiple dimensions: ancient and contemporary, urban and natural, monumental and everyday.

Like Barcelona, it achieves the ideal balance between city and beach getaway. The beach, the largest stretch of sand I’ve witnessed in Europe, is merely 10 minutes drive from the centre, so you can transition from sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar in the Castello district, to barefoot walks along the shoreline.

And if you’re seeking a taste of nature, the salt flats – home to Cagliari’s flock of flamingoes – is a brief bus journey from the old town, reports OK!.

The historic core of the city is the Castello district, positioned on a limestone hill and surrounded by imposing walls. I had the privilege of exploring its delightful, narrow streets, and became captivated by the shaded piazzas and panoramic vantage points overlooking the Gulf of Angels.

While tourist favourites such as the Amalfi Coast and Rome continue to hog the limelight, Cagliari is steadily carving out a reputation as a must-visit destination — perfect for those seeking a hidden gem well away from the crowds. Here’s my ultimate itinerary.

Stay by the sea in Cagliari

You could always opt for the old town, but to truly soak up this coastal city, The MGallery Palazzo Tirso is a five-star boutique hotel tucked away in La Marina, one of Cagliari’s four historic quarters. From its rooftop terrace, you’ll be treated to stunning sea views alongside the magnificent sights of Castello.

For a holiday packed with rest and relaxation, Palazzo Tirso has everything you need, boasting a sauna, steam room, spa pool and a selection of L’Occitane-fuelled treatments. The 25-minute massage left me feeling as though I’d ascended into heaven.

The hotel also houses two restaurants: rooftop venue Cielo, offering all-day dining and aperitifs with DJs, and Terra, a genuinely gourmet spot showcasing prestigious recipes crafted by Palazzo Tirso‘s chefs.

My standout meal was at Sa Schironada, a charming little restaurant just a six-minute stroll from the Palazzo Tirso hotel. We shared a plate of traditional Sardinian bread and olive oil — which you simply can’t get enough of in Italy — and for my main, I tucked into a generous platter of mouth-wateringly delicious mussels in garlic and white wine sauce, accompanied by more Sardinian bread.

It was, needless to say, a glorious overload of carbs and seafood that left me fit to burst, but every single mouthful was absolutely worth it.

Spend a day flamingo spotting

Cagliari is extraordinary for its natural surroundings, so it’s essential you explore the Molentargius Salt Flats, where colonies of pink flamingos make their home. They’re situated within a protected park – a rare example of a lagoon ecosystem nestled inside an urban environment.

Alongside flamingos, you could also catch sight of the great white pelican, a cattle egret colony or, if you’re fortunate, the purple swamphen, with its metallic blue plumage and scarlet beak.

To enter the park, you can rent a bike for approximately €15 per day, or take a guided mini bus tour through the park, where they’ll provide a tour guide and a pair of binoculars.

Exploring the beach

Poetto Beach extends for several kilometres, and it’s among the defining features of local life. Far more than simply a beach, it’s a social hub: bustling throughout the year, where sports, relaxation, and community spirit converge.

The sheer scale of Poetto left me stunned. I’m accustomed to town beaches that are compact and pebbly, but this beach’s scenic expanse is magnificent.

From it, you also enjoy a stunning view of the Devil’s Saddle, the promontory at the precise centre of the Gulf of Angels and – according to legend – the location of the battle between good and evil. Good must have triumphed because the place is paradise.

Cocktails with a Michelin-starred chef

In an immersive cocktail experience courtesy of the Palazzo Tirso hotel, you can savour cocktail pairings crafted by Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, aka Chef Pam – who received The World’s Best Female Chef status in 2024.

Her signature creations include Caviar-Crowned Tartare, Sun-Kissed Crab, and Squid’s Midnight Dip. Bite-sized masterpieces bursting with character, these are far from ordinary bar snacks.

Every piece is carefully designed to complement the drink alongside it, transforming an evening tipple into a truly curated occasion.

For wine enthusiasts, just 35 minutes north, tucked away amongst the rolling hills of Donori, lies Tenute Maestrale, a contemporary winery surrounded by undisturbed vineyards producing superb white, rosé and red wines, with tastings of three wines and traditional snacks starting from just £28.

When to visit Sardinia’s capital

Cagliari is stunning throughout the year, particularly during summer when the beaches and bustling streets truly come alive. For a genuine festival atmosphere, The Feast of Saint Efisio takes place annually from 1st-4th May.

It’s an 80km pilgrimage from Cagliari to Nora, retracing the route of Saint Efisio’s martyrdom. Thousands of participants, adorned in traditional costumes, accompany the saint’s statue on elaborately decorated ox-drawn carts.

It ranks amongst the longest and most ancient pilgrimages in the world, with the city traversed by a procession of 2800 people in traditional dress from across Sardinia, followed by 270 horsemen of Campidano, the Militiamen and the Guardiania.

How to book your Cagliari getaway

Rooms at MGallery Palazzo Tirso begin at £240 for bed and breakfast. You can reserve directly via the hotel’s website, or via Booking.com or Expedia.

THE start of summer will officially begin tomorrow with the longest day of the year – where one UK town won’t see nightfall.

Summer solstice celebrations are set to take place across the Northern Hemisphere.

Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland islands, will see almost 19 hours of daylight tomorrow (June 21) as the Northern Hemisphere celebrates the summer solstice.

Located closer to the Arctic Circle than London, night will fall for just five hours on the UK’s most northerly town.

Residents will not experience complete dark either, as the sun will remain just below the horizon, creating an effect which residents have named “da simmer dim”.

This summer twilight means that light lingers well beyond midnight, with a light blue hue visible across the sky throughout the night.

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Lerwick, translating to “Bay of Clay”, is a busy fishing town with just 7,000 residents year-round.

Despite the summer twilight, the island only sees around 1,158 hours of sunshine – around 13 per cent – a year and August remains its warmest month with an average temperature of 14° C.

On the day of the winter solstice (December 21), the town will receive just five hours and 49 minutes of daylight.

Packed with narrow winding streets, stone cottages and prehistoric settlements, the remote location can be typically reached via ferries from Aberdeen.

The summer solstice marks the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year as well as the official start of astronomical summer.

It occurs when the earth’s axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun, with many countries marking the occasion with midsummer celebrations.

His Majesty’s Passport Office issued an update

Millions of Brits planning a summer break are being told to observe a vital passport “3-week rule” following a new alert from His Majesty’s Passport Office.

The government body says that holidaymakers should allow a minimum of three weeks for their passport application to be handled and has cautioned that certain cases may take longer if further checks are needed. The reminder arrives as families gear up to travel abroad during the busy holiday period, when demand for passport renewals typically surges.

In a message to travellers, His Majesty’s Passport Office said: “Sun, sea & stress-free travel. Apply early – UK passports usually arrive within 3 weeks (longer if checks needed).”

Official guidance confirms that standard passport applications lodged in the UK are normally processed within three weeks from when the Passport Office receives the necessary documents. Nevertheless, officials emphasise that not every application can be completed within that window.

Government guidance states: “You’ll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It may take longer than 3 weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We’ll tell you this within 3 weeks.”

The Passport Office is also cautioning Brits against booking holidays before their new passport has been delivered. Its guidance states: “Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.”

The guidance is especially important for travellers whose passport is set to run out before a planned journey.

Following Britain’s exit from the European Union, numerous European countries now insist that British passports must have been issued in the last 10 years and retain at least three months’ validity on the date of leaving the nation you’re visiting.

Travel industry specialists regularly caution that holidaymakers risk being refused boarding if their passport fails to satisfy their destination’s entry criteria.

Britons requiring a passport with greater urgency might be eligible to utilise the Passport Office’s premium services, such as the Online Premium and One Week Fast Track alternatives, though these come at a higher cost than the conventional application route.

Passport applications can be lodged online or via a paper form obtainable from Post Office branches, although paper submissions incur an extra charge.

Those who have already submitted their application can monitor its progress using the Government’s online passport tracking service.

Passport processing times.

The standard UK passport application service generally takes up to three weeks for completion. For individuals needing a passport more swiftly, the One Week Fast Track service aims to deliver a passport within seven days.

Travellers who need a passport straight away can opt for the Online Premium service, which provides a same-day appointment and passport collection. The Passport Office confirms that processing times only commence once all required documents have been received, which means any hold-ups in providing paperwork can prolong the total time needed to obtain a new passport. Further information is available here.

The mayor of Venice is proposing an increase to the city’s controversial tourist entry fee, which could see the charge rise to as much as €50 (around £43) in a bid to tackle overtourism.

Brits heading to a beloved European holiday hotspot could soon face a new £43 levy. Simone Venturini, the newly appointed mayor of Venice, is putting forward plans to significantly raise a contentious tourist charge for visitors entering the historic city.

In 2024, Venice made history as the first tourist destination to impose an entry fee, initially set at €5, approximately $4.30, on busy days spanning April to July. Additional days were subsequently added to the scheme, with the charge for last-minute visitors later rising to €10, roughly £8.60.

Politicians maintain that the levy would help alleviate overcrowding in the ancient city and would deter people from visiting during peak periods. This comes as approximately 30 million people annually are believed to flock to Venice.

Mr Venturini is now pushing to raise the entry fee to as much as €50. This, he argues, will “discourage people further from coming to Venice at certain times of the year”.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, he said: “If today it ranges from €5 to €10, my proposal is to increase it to €30 to €50.”

Critics of the initiative however claim it has made minimal impact on tourist numbers. Most visitors reportedly view it as “relatively insignificant” when weighed against the cost of a single glass of wine or a pint, reports The Telegraph.

Venice has continuously grappled with the challenge of overtourism. This comes as the city’s population has plummeted from approximately 170,000 in 1950 to roughly 48,000 today.

Visitors to Venice consistently exceed the number of locals. However, there were concerns that a hefty entrance charge might put off tourists who were deemed less affluent.

Former city mayor Massimo Cacciari went so far as to describe the fee as “barbarous”. He said: “There is no other city in Italy or Europe where you have to enter with a ticket, as though it was a museum.

“It is barbarous, uncivilised and, in my opinion, against the constitution. It is simply obscene. I thought that Venturini would be more intelligent than his predecessor and would scrap the fee.”

One business owner, however, has urged for the charge to be increased even more substantially. Jewellery shop proprietor Setrak Tokatzian suggests the city ought to be introducing a €100 levy on visitors.

Tourism expert Doug Lansky, recognised as ReThinkingTourism online, reckons the €5 charge would be unlikely to put anyone off. In a YouTube video he said: “I predicted that €5 wouldn’t have any effect.

“I mean, €5 isn’t enough to get me to choose one dinner entre over another at a restaurant, I’ve paid that much for a cappucino or a bottle of water at a concert.”

The number of British tourists visiting Malta is said to be up by around 25 per cent in 2026, with flights available from just £45

A tiny European island boasting 300 days of sunshine annually is “having a moment” with British holidaymakers. The number of tourists flying to Malta from the UK is reportedly up by around 25 percent in 2026.

The island is now reachable from 19 airports across the United Kingdom, with flights available for as little as £45. Travellers swapping grey British skies for the 17-mile long destination can look forward to temperatures of around 32C throughout the summer months.

Journalist Angela Epstein recently made the trip to the island with her husband Mark. The couple visited Sliema, on Malta’s east coast, describing the charming coastal town as the “perfect base for exploring”.

On arrival, Angela couldn’t help but observe that the “blue wink of the Mediterranean is a constant presence” around Malta. Boasting bustling shops, baroque facades, and 17th century watchtowers, Angela says the town “scores highly” for the “views alone”.

She does, however, note that Sliema may not be the ideal destination for a traditional beach holiday, with “rocky bays and outcrops” rather than the sweeping sandy shores some tourists might prefer, reports the Express.

The island does have some sandy beaches to offer. Ramla Beach, which translates as red sand, is regarded as one of the island’s most stunning stretches of coastline, with its rolling sands and crystal-blue waters.

Nestled at the foot of a lush valley and surrounded by rugged hills, Ramla Beach holds blue flag status and provides a wonderful opportunity for snorkelling, diving, or simply unwinding in the sun. The Bugibba Perched Beach, situated in the northern part of the island, is an artificial beach that has become a firm favourite amongst visitors.

Once a jagged rocky outcrop, the beach has been transformed and now boasts an array of cafes, along with all the usual amenities including sunbeds and parasols, perfect for a spot of sunbathing.

Those seeking a more culturally enriching experience can venture to Malta’s capital, Valletta, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1980. UNESCO describes the city as “inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem”.

The city is home to an impressive 320 ancient monuments within just 55ha, cementing its status as one of the most historically dense destinations on the planet. The island also boasts a collection of ancient temples, with the gantija Temples tracing their origins back to 3,600 BC.

Nestled within the Gozitan countryside, the temples are so vast that local legend once held that they were built by giants.

Eager to uncover more history, Angela made her way to Mdina, a fortified city with a heritage stretching back approximately 4,000 years. This hilltop settlement served as the island’s capital until 1530.

Dubbed the “Silent City,” its cobbled streets feel like being “transported back in time,” according to Visit Malta. The tourism website adds: “Oozing of luxury and nobility, Mdina offers visitors a most discreet insight that only a few people can experience and witness during their lifetime.”

Malta’s cobbled streets and stunning vistas have also caught the eye of Hollywood.

Blockbusters including Game of Thrones, Troy, Gladiator, and Assassin’s Creed are amongst the major productions to have used the island as a filming location.

Having explored the island herself, Angela found it “grew on her,” despite the volume of tourists. She concluded: “Given the weather, the scenery, the heritage, and the sheer breadth of things to do, Malta looks set to continue having its ‘moment’ for some time yet.”

People heading to Europe for the summer are being warned to account for additional waits

As the summer holidays near, many people will be excitedly looking forward to their big summer getaway in Europe. However, anyone heading for Spain, France, Greece and other Schengen areas have been issued a major warning from Heathrow Airport.

Taking to X, the airport’s official account warned travellers to “be aware” of the additional wait times they might face at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system’s implementation has already caused a bit of travel chaos this year with some passengers missing their flights because they were stuck in line.

The EES is meant to replace the old manual system of stamping passports when non-EU citizens enter or leave Schengen countries. The new systems logs this travel digitally using biometric details like your fingerprints.

In the long run, EES is meant to make passport control at airports smoother but currently, it is causing massive queues and wait times to travellers’ journeys. This is because it needs to register travellers with their biometric details.

The process is free and travellers don’t need to do anything different before getting to the airport. However, travellers may need to account for the delay in getting to their boarding gate or they could risk missing their flight if the queue is too long.

Official guidance on the Gov.uk website explains: “On your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.

“You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times.”

Countries in the Schengen area include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

You might also be asked to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you exit a Schengen area. Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

Some people are exempt from EES and won’t need to register. Instead they need to present their exempting documents to a border guard when they arrive at the border.

People exempt from EES include:

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys.
• People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State

THE magician counts down before throwing a deck of cards into the air and hurling a knife at me. 

Bullseye. The blade is stuck into one card on a target hanging from my neck. Ten of clubs. The card I’d picked. 

I look down from the stage at my three slack-jawed kids who’ve just had a memory that’ll last a lifetime. 

This entertainment at Parkdean’s Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth is a cheerful blast from the past for me, but it’s spellbinding for my daughter Frankie-Beau, 13, and her nine-year-old twin brothers Reggie and Teddie. 

As well as that knife-throwing magician, the feelgood fun on site includes X Factor stars Reggie ’n’ Bollie, a Taylor Swift tribute act, karaoke, bingo and stand-up comedy. 

And thanks to a £5million refurbishment, the choice of awesome activities reads like a list of kids’ birthday party options: a high and low ropes course, Bear Grylls escape rooms, an inflatable bounce park, a swimming-pool obstacle course, pottery painting, off-road rangers and an adventure playground. 

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With an array of places to eat, we don’t even switch on the hob in our comfortable, contemporary caravan. 

And the Hat-Tricks sports bar really hits the target, offering interactive darts, shuffleboard and a fantastic fairground crazy golf course. 

Not to mention a next level arcade that reminds my wife, Kayleigh, and I of the excitement we used to have as kids winning tickets for prizes. 

We’ve taken our children to Dubai, Turkey, the Netherlands and Disneyland, to name a few — but they feel they’ve hit the jackpot on this quintessential Great British caravan-park holiday here in Norfolk. 

No frills but so many thrills. 

Just five minutes down the road is the Golden Mile — a kids’ equivalent of the Las Vegas strip and the beating, buzzing, beachside heart of Great Yarmouth.

The must-visit attractions — a 50m Ferris wheel, the Sea Life centre and a circus — complement the retro coastal charm. Then, of course, there’s the Pleasure Beach amusement park, which has all the fun of the fair and then some.  

There are hordes of cafes, bars and restaurants to pick from for food. We end up finding a little gem called The Box Tree, a small bistro in the Ocean Hotel overlooking the promenade, which serves fresh food of the highest quality and is great value for money.  

They even serve our lunch on paper featuring old newspaper print, in a fun nod to the traditional way of eating fish and chips.  

From there, we hop on the gloriously old-school Choo Choo Loco road train for a short £2 ride down the coast to The Little Venetian Waterways.  

With moreish modern treats such as croffles, Venetian sodas and Biscoff ice-cream shakes, the island cafe is firmly in the 21st century. But the enchanting boating lake is a vintage voyage into the good old days. Frankie-Beau and I hire a rowing boat, while Kayleigh, Reggie and Teddie hop into a pedalo. This is fabulous family time like it used to be — no screens, no scrolling, no squabbling. 

Because we’re reminding them — and us — of the joy you can find in the little pleasures; the things we’ve seen and done but are all new and exciting to them. 

When we stroll down the dated high street of knick-knacks, our children see a lively hub of treats and toys. 

While we wonder how the old ‘upside-down house’ is still pulling in the holidaymakers, our children are gobsmacked to see AN UPSIDE-DOWN HOUSE! 

And the Golden Mile of amusements, bouncy castles and funfairs might just be the only time they’ve walked a mile without whingeing. 

Because every few steps we’re re-energised by another coastal classic: that unforgettable whiff of hot doughnuts; devouring candy floss on the pier; enjoying a horse-and-cart ride along the promenade. 

In the next decade of their lives, my kids — hopefully — will see more of the world. But I know they’ll never forget that little weekend break when their dad had a knife thrown at him in Great Yarmouth. 

Because it was, simply, magic. 

A FREE UK beach festival dubbed a “giant family playground” returns this weekend to an iconic seaside town.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the beachfront to enjoy a programme of live music and workshops.

A huge, free beach festival is set to return this weekend (June 20 to June 21) with tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend.

The First Light Festival takes place annually in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and features more than 200 performances across 24 stages.

The creative festival also offers visitors a wide-ranging programme of workshops, wellbeing sessions, crafting, dance, science, storytelling and family adventures for a fun-filled weekend.

Taking place over the summer solstice, the festival is a celebration of the first sunrise of midsummer.

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This year, visitors will be able to attend a “special Indian Sunrise raga” at dawn on Sunday, June 21.

The festival covers an expansive area of the South Beach, spreading along the seafront, promenade and nearby Kensington Gardens and East Point Pavilion.

Converting the seafront into a “giant family playground”, festival-goers will enjoy events such as dance parties, science discoveries and circus skills workshops.

There are also camping options for those looking to stay overnight, including a glamping experience in well-equipped campervans.

Visitors are able to enter the First Light Festival for free and without a ticket.

However, after 9.30 pm, any festival-goers looking to attend one of the Sundown Events happening on Saturday night after the free programme of beach events ends will need to purchase a ticket.

The festivities began on Friday, June 19, with a selection of live theatre and music events to kick off the celebrations, and there are many more activities to get involved in as the weekend progresses.

A huge Big Bang Boogie parade takes place on Saturday, June 20, starting at the East Point Pavilion at 11 am and travelling along the seafront towards the main Sunlight Stage.

Other activities include a grounded movement ring, rocketry experience, and a traditional Punch and Judy show.

Visitors can also explore a selection of dance workshops, aerial displays and even get to see objects from the Natural History Museum.

Returning for its sixth year, the festival also has a huge impact on the town itself.

Chairman of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district, Danny Steel, told the BBC that the midsummer festival was “massive” for Lowestoft.

He explained: “We get about 30,000 people come to the First Light Festival over the weekend, and if all of those people spend £35 in Lowestoft, that’s £1m extra into the Lowestoft economy.”

Chief executive officer of the First Light Festival, Genevieve Christie, said the festival is about “coming together” as a community and gives people the chance to “experience things in real life”.

The festival also aims to put Lowestoft on the map as a holiday destination.

She explained: “All of our work is about raising the profile of Lowestoft, actually as a place to come on holiday, to be a tourist.

“We’ll be looking forward to 2028, when we’ll be operating the new cultural centre in Lowestoft, and our whole idea there is to bring the spirit of the festival into the town.”

A customer claimed they had been told different things by Jet2 staff

Jet2 has stepped in to clear up confusion over its baggage policy. The update came after a query from a passenger with a group booking.

The traveller sought clarification as their reservation included two adults and a six-month-old infant. They explained: “Told we get two extra carry ons such as a buggy and travel cot that will be checked into the hold at the gate.” They mentioned they had two 22kg suitcases and recalled being informed on a previous Jet2 holiday that they were entitled to “an extra 10kg for the baby”.

According to guidance on the Jet2 website for bookings with children, passengers receive “an extra 10kg allowance for infants” and can also take “up to two items per child or infant free of charge”.

Differing messages

The customer’s query was whether the additional 10kg could be combined with one of the 22kg cases, creating a 32kg allowance. They said they had received contradictory information on this issue on their last trip with Jet2.

The passenger said: “On the way out with you we were told it’s fine to have a 32kg case (22kg + the 10kg). On the way back we were told the 10kg should be a separate small checked case.

“Please can you clarify which it is and what the rules are because on our last holiday with you we were told different things.” Jet2 responded to settle the matter: “The additional 10kg is applied to one adult’s baggage, allowing for a total of one bag at 32kg and one bag at 22kg.”

Extra items free of charge

When it comes to the two additional items you’re permitted to bring without charge, these may include:

• A collapsible pushchair, pram or buggy
• A car seat or booster seat
• A baby carrier
• A travel cot.

Each item must not exceed 32kg in weight. Should you bring any further items or anything beyond this weight limit, the standard excess baggage charges will apply.