TRAVEL

EASYJET is the latest airline to cut flights from its winter schedule in order to manage fuel costs.

The airline in total has now cut almost 1.4million seats between October 2026 and March 2027.

EasyJet usually offers around 50million flights over the winter season.

But earlier this year it announced 700,000 flights would be axed from the schedule.

And now almost another 700,000 flights have been cut with latest axing meaning it’s had a reduction of two days’ worth of flying, according to Gurufocus.

Talking to the Financial Times, chief executive Kenton Jarvis explained that easyJet would be scaling back capacity over certain months so that it could avoid paying high fuel costs.

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Since the Iran War started in February, the cost of jet fuel has almost doubled.

Kenton Jarvis added that cutting capacity is something which is happening “across all competitors” and that it’s “no surprise” given the fuel costs.

Cutting capacity means that the airline can “reduce its use of more expensive fuel”.

It comes shortly after Ryanair announced it would be axing two million seats this winter due to rising fuel costs.

In a statement, the airline said “Subject to pricing and passenger demand, Ryanair expects this one-off winter schedule cut to reduce [November 2026 – March 2027 losses] by €70 million to €100 million (£85.8million).”

The two million seats works out to as many as 13,000 flights, although which routes will be affected is yet to be confirmed.

Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary, also added that flight costs are likely to increase next year too.

Talking about 2027, Michael O’Leary said that flight prices were “only going one way”, which is “significantly upward”.

He added: “Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.”

Sun Travel has approached easyJet for comment.

Sara Baeur, a chocolatier from Montana, USA, booked a place to stay in Northern Morocco for next year’s total solar eclipse, only to be contacted by the host who had an unwelcome message for her

A family was told they’d be locked out of a rental home if they turned up, despite paying £3,400 for the property.

Solar eclipse enthusiast Sara Bauer booked a place to stay in the Moroccan resort of Marwan for the first week of August 2027, desperate to see the astrological phenomenon from the best possible spot. The northern seaside town is a perfect place to catch the eclipse, which includes an incredible eight minutes of totality – about three times longer than this summer’s.

The Montana woman booked the beachfront property and started looking forward to what’s been dubbed ‘the eclipse of the century’. However, she claims she became alarmed after receiving a message from the host, demanding that she cancel the booking. If she didn’t, she was told her family would be locked out of the home, she alleges.

After Sara gave in and cancelled the booking, she saw the same property relisted for six times the price, she claims.

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

After she was first contacted by the host, the chocolatier, who runs Chocolate Eclipse, told the Mirror: “The host of my Airbnb in Morocco is demanding that I cancel my reservation. He says he will be penalised badly if he cancels it. He said he’s selling the place before next year and didn’t realise at first that I had booked so far out. He says he will be penalised if he does the cancellation, but will if I refuse to cancel.”

Sara added: “He had said I wouldn’t have access even if I didn’t cancel.”

Concerned that she’d fly all the way to Morocco to find a locked house, Sara “caved” and accepted the cancellation request. The host told her that the property was being removed from the rental market for renovations. However, Sara later found the same property listed for the same week for £20,400 – six times more than she paid.

After being contacted by the Mirror, Airbnb deactivated the listing and penalised the host. An Airbnb spokesperson said: “Issues of this nature are rare, and where we determine misuse of our cancellation policy, hosts not only lose the income from the booking, but face consequences we apply, including fees of up to 50% of the booking cost, a block on rebooking their listing for the same dates, impact on search ranking and where warranted, suspension or deactivation of the account. Our initial handling of this report fell short of the standards we expect, and feedback will be provided to the agents. We have deactivated the listing, and have applied the relevant penalties in line with our policies on host cancellation. The guest has been offered rebooking support and a coupon as a gesture of goodwill, which has been positively received.”

Hosts who cancel Airbnb stays without a legitimate reason face a 50% fee on the reservation cost, calendar blocks that prevent them from accepting reservations during the affected dates, and potential consequences for their Superhost status and listing search ranking. Airbnb says cancellation rates have dropped 30% year over year since more deterrents were introduced in July 2023.

The huge demand for places to stay along the path of totality during next year’s solar eclipse has driven prices up sharply. Some property owners have resorted to canceling reservations in a bid to make hay while the sun shines.

THE festive season would not be complete without a trip to London’s iconic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. And this year you can experience the festive fun for FREE thanks to The Sun!

Here is your chance to grab two FREE tickets to the event, including entry to the amazing Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

We have 10,000 FREE tickets up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis, so do not miss out.

Spreading festive cheer since 2007, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, January 3. 

With more than 150 rides, attractions and magical experiences to enjoy, there is something for everyone. 

Your tickets will allow you to escape to the fantastic Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland – an enchanted world crafted from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow and brought to life in partnership with GOSH Charity. 

The adventure begins in the Darling family nursery, where you will meet Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. 

Together you will journey through the Lost Boys’ camp, cross the enchanted mermaids pool and ‘board’ the Jolly Roger. 

Fly down frozen slides and take on the fearsome Captain Hook to free Peter Pan – but be careful not to walk the plank!

Every turn will bring the story breathtakingly to life through hundreds of hand-carved sculptures, with a donation from every ticket going towards GOSH Charity.

From visits from Santa to carol singing with the Chaplaincy team, GOSH Charity brings comfort and joy to the wards, while giving more children the hope of many more Christmases to come.

And there is plenty more Christmas magic waiting to be discovered at Winter Wonderland. 

Step out of the Magical Ice Kingdom and onto the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, enjoy a drink at Hyde Park’s iconic Victorian bandstand, or get your adrenaline pumping on one of the attraction’s many rollercoasters.

Thrillseekers can enjoy a spin on the 70m Giant Wheel for views across London or brave the Real Ice Slide powered by Joybuy.

If you fancy a party, head to the Bavarian Village for live music, DJs, seasonal singalongs and authentic German food and drink. 

Or grab some stocking fillers at the Christmas Market where you can find handcrafted gifts and tempting seasonal treats.

You can also catch the new Gandeys K-pop Dragon Circus, bringing together K-pop music, dance and circus acts.

Two FREE Winter Wonderland tickets

To claim your tickets, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 a month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter.

• Step 2: Go to the Offers Hub and select the Winter Wonderland page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes.

• Step 3: Your unique booking code will appear on this page. Redeeming a code does not guarantee tickets. Click the ‘Copy’ button and then hit ‘Book’. You will be directed to the Winter Wonderland website.

• Step 4: Select your preferred date and time, then choose ‘The Sun Winter Wonderland Entry & Magical Ice Kingdom Offer’. Two tickets will be added automatically to your basket. 

• Step 5: Continue to checkout to complete your booking. You must book your tickets by Sunday, November 1.

Our tickets are available for visits between Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, December 6.

Or you can pick up the The Sun newspaper from Saturday, October 10 and collect Sun Savers codes to book your tickets. 

• Go to the Offers section, click Start Collecting on the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland page.

• Collect THREE out of five Sun Savers codes printed daily in The Sun from Saturday, October 10 to Wednesday, October 14.

• Enter your THREE Sun Savers codes on sunsavers.co.uk or scan them on the Sun Savers app.

• Click ‘Book’ from 11am Monday, October 12. If you do not see the ‘Book’ button, you will need to refresh the page or restart your app. 

• Your unique booking code will appear on this page. Redeeming a code does not guarantee tickets. Click the ‘Copy’ button and then hit ‘Book’. You will be directed to the Winter Wonderland website. 

• Enter your code in the ‘Offer code’ box, select your preferred date and time. Select two tickets on ‘The Sun Winter Wonderland Entry’. Add any paid extras you would like.  

• Continue to checkout to complete your booking. You must book your tickets by Sunday, October 25. 

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

18+ UK only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 10/10/26-14/10/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. 5,000 pairs of tickets available (7,000 off-peak, 2,000 standard & 1,000 peak) on a first come, first served basis. Subject to availability, daily allocation limits apply. Tickets available between 19/11/26 – 06/12/26. 2 tickets per person only. Non-transferable and non-refundable. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk  or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £2.99 per month for 3 months, £6.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

As new research reveals young people could spend 42% more time on their phones during the school holidays, mum of two Hannah Britt took matters into her own hands on a DIY digital detox

With half term approaching, screen time may be about to soar. In fact, young people could spend 42% more time on their phones during the summer holidays compared to term time, according to research by Vodafone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Mum of two Hannah Britt booked her family into a remote farmhouse in France for a DIY digital detox to reap the rewards of going screen-free…

I’m not going to lie, I’m completely addicted to my phone. As is my partner John. We spend our evenings scrolling social media, sending endless Reels back and forth. We work on small screens during the day, take breaks and look at our tiny screens… then watch the big screen in the living room to unwind.

Thankfully our two young children don’t have a phone, but they do both own a Kindle and are quite partial to a Peppa Pig marathon. Like many, during school holidays their screen time soars. And this is something I’m determined to change. When I read the research that young people could spend 42% more time on screens on school holidays, it gave me an idea.

Leaving the Kindles at home, I booked a remote French farmhouse on Airbnb and packed us off for a DIY digital detox. And I’m so glad I did. The stone farmhouse, in Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzieres provided the perfect backdrop for old fashioned family fun – not a telly or smartphone in sight.

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley explains. “School provides children with structure and built-in limits on screen use, and of course, once home, there are less hours in the day for screens, but once the holidays arrive, that structure disappears,” she says.

“Parents are often juggling work, childcare, and the cost of keeping kids entertained, so screens naturally become a convenient option. On top of that, digital entertainment is designed to be engaging and hard to switch off from, so it’s no surprise children gravitate towards it when they have long stretches of free time.”

So what’s the issue? “It’s not that screens are inherently ‘bad’,” says Kirsty. “In fact, they can be educational, social, and even calming at times. However, when screen time dominates, it can crowd out other important activities like active play, real-world socialising, outdoor time, and rest.

High levels of screen use are also linked to disrupted sleep, reduced concentration, and higher stress levels in both children and adults. The key issue isn’t the screen itself, but what’s being displaced when usage creeps up too high. It’s why having consistent boundaries around screen time is important, so that kids strike a healthy balance.”

But back to the Airbnb farmhouse. It was a Guest Favourite (easy to recognise as they have a special logo on the properties, and a collection of the most-loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests), and soon became a home from home.

On arrival, John and I placed our phones in a drawer, along with the children’s Kindles. Finding the TV remote, we hid it on the top shelf of a bookcase. The DIY digital detox had begun!

And soon we found there was plenty to do that didn’t involve a device. The pool, of course, provided hours of entertainment, as did the swings, hammock and garden games. With no phone to check, I found myself truly engaged the whole time, present and in-the-moment. The girls were the same.

Peppa Pig was replaced with a performance of the Backstreet Boys in the outdoor dining area, and Instagram was shunned in favour of a nature walk in the grounds. We saw a rabbit, hundreds of crickets and the back end of a badger for our troubles.

The farmhouse’s long indoor table was close to the aircon, and provided a place to draw and read when the weather outside reached boiling point. And we spread blankets out on the parched grass to lounge upon and play tea parties.

We did use a satnav (technically a screen) when exploring the local area, but car games provided entertainment on journeys to Barjac for its antique market, and and phones were stashed in bags when out and about, only taken out to pay for fridge magnets and snacks.

As the days wore on, the kids stopped asking for their Kindles, or to watch TV, and I missed my phone less and less. I felt more relaxed than I had in ages, more present and calm. By the time our week at the farmhouse was up I was almost sad to take my device from its drawer, something totally unexpected. And I can’t wait to go screen free again.

Exploring Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières and beyond

• Barjac: Stroll through the shady, cobbled streets of this neighbouring Renaissance village (about 7.4 km away), known for its stone architecture, local artisan shops, and vibrant markets.
• Saint-Montan: Wander around a beautifully restored medieval village clinging to the rocks near the Sainte-Beaume gorges.
• Local Markets: Visit nearby regional open-air markets, such as Barjac on Fridays or Saint-Ambroix on Tuesdays, to sample local goat’s cheese, honey, and charcuterie.
• Gorges de l’Ardèche & Pont d’Arc: See the famous natural stone arch of Le Pont d’Arc (about 16 km away) and enjoy canoeing, swimming, or lounging on the river beaches.
• Bois de Païolive: Hike through a magical, labyrinth-like stone forest filled with bizarrely shaped limestone rocks and ancient oak trees.

Plan fun offline activities

• Cook and bake together: Involve children in prepping meals, measuring ingredients, or baking treats to build teamwork and practical skills.
• Head outdoors: Go for family bike rides, visit a local park, or kick a football around to boost physical health and burn energy.
• Play together: Break out board games, card games, puzzles, or building blocks like Lego for low-stress, interactive group play.
• Create easy access to crafts: Keep colouring books, crafting supplies, and building kits in a visible, reachable spot so family members can grab them out of boredom instead of reaching for a screen

*For more information on Airbnb, see HERE

Flight BA295 had reached a cruising altitude of 37,000ft on its way from London to Chicago before the mid-air emergency

A passenger aboard a London to Chicago British Airways flight says the cabin was “silent” as they dropped 27,000ft in minutes. A “technical issue” caused the aircraft to drop and declare an emergency, and return to London on October 5.

Scott Tanner, 39, was a passenger on the plane when it began descending “noticeably” and they were told to put on oxygen masks. Flight BA295 had reached a cruising altitude of 37,000ft after taking off from Heathrow before the mid-air emergency.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft dropped sharply down to 9,000ft. Scott said their was “silence” for 10 minutes before they were told they could remove their masks, and retuned to London after five hours in the air.

Scott, from Torbay, Devon, told Talk to the Press: “About an hour into the flight I was listening to an audiobook when, completely without warning, the oxygen masks suddenly dropped throughout the cabin.

“An automated announcement instructed everyone to put on their masks immediately. For around 10 minutes afterwards there was no further information from the flight deck.

“There was simply silence apart from the automated announcement repeating on a loop, which was probably the most disconcerting part. Despite this, everyone remained remarkably calm. I did not hear a single scream.

“We could feel the aircraft descending quite noticeably, although it felt controlled rather than like a plunge. The captain then told us that we were below 10,000 feet and could remove our masks.

“He later explained that we would be returning to Heathrow, but because the aircraft was carrying fuel for the transatlantic journey we would need to circle for several hours to burn it off. We eventually landed safely after about five hours in the air.”

Scott says British Airways provided passengers with hotel accommodation, but further arrangements were “frustrating”. He said: “I was initially rebooked via Charlotte despite direct flights being available, and I had to negotiate to have this changed.

“When I asked whether BA might offer some gesture in recognition of what had happened, I was repeatedly sent between different desks and eventually told that any compensation would have to be dealt with online.”

The plane left London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 11:50am, with an expected flight time of eight hours and 40 minutes before landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight crew issued a squawk 7700 code – the international aviation signal for a general emergency – shortly after beginning the steep descent.

Passenger Tom Nicholls told the Mirror there was a “sudden bit of turbulence” during the emergency. Mr Nicholls explained: “The plane adjusted but it didn’t feel like it was descending rapidly. I’d say the pilots did a very good job.

“The oxygen masks popped out soon after and there was a bit of uncertainty onboard. The couple in front couldn’t get to theirs but by the time they’d found a spare seat with a mask, the captain announced we were below 10,000ft so they were not needed.”

A spokesperson from British Airways said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and the aircraft landed safely after our highly-trained pilots returned to Heathrow following a technical issue.

“Customers disembarked the aircraft normally and our teams are working to get their travel plans back on track as quickly as possible.”

LIKE many, I have longed for a Rimowa suitcase, but the brand’s premium prices puts it out of my price range.

I simply can’t justify spending over £1000 on a suitcase, so I was understandably thrilled when I spotted the same luxe aesthetic for just £60 at Dunelm.

Constellation Cabin Suitcase with Front Opening, £60 at Dunelm

The Constellation Silver Cabin Case caught my eye with its sleek silver finish and modern linear hard shell, which gives it a similar, minimalist look to the iconic Rimowa cases.

Like Rimowa, it also has a durable construction with a hard shell protecting the contents, while looking stylish in the Arrivals hall.

It also comes with a 360-degree spinner wheel system, meaning you can glide it along in pretty much any direction.

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But there’s one particular feature that makes it extra appealing to modern travellers like me.

The front-opening opening offers speedy access to your tech essentials, so you don’t have to disturb your perfectly packed suitcase as you’re going through security.

As someone who travels with a laptop, I think that’s actually more useful than simply having a suitcase that looks pretty.

In terms of size, the Constellation Cabin Suitcase measures 55 x 35 x 22cm, including its overall product dimensions, while the Rimowa Original Cabin is 55 x 40 x 23cm.

While they’re the same height, Dunelm’s case is 5cm narrower and 1cm shallower, making it the more compact option.

You’re getting the sleek minimal aesthetic, hard shell construction, 360-degree wheels and a clever tech compartment for £60 rather than £1,090, pocketing £1030 in savings.

With half-term around the corner, this is the sort of cabin case I’d be looking at for a short family break or a European mini break.

Will it meet airline luggage rules?

Before buying, check your airline’s free cabin-bag allowance.

The Dunelm case fits Jet2 and British Airways’ larger 56 x 45 x 25cm allowance, but it won’t be free on every airline or fit under the seat in front.

If you’re looking for underseat bags that nail the designer look, I’ve rounded up some alternatives below.

CabinMax Underseat Cabin Suitcase, £39.95 at ASOS

What’s it good for? Weekend getaways, short city breaks, or business trips where you don’t need multiple outfits or heavy layers.

What you’ll like? It has wide suitcase-style opening, so you don’t have to dig through from the top like a regular backpack.

The Mykonos Hard Shell Vanity Case, £30 at M&S

What’s it good for? Carrying delicate toiletries without worrying about leaks or crushed packaging.

It could also work as a sleek standalone bag for overnight trips if you travel light.

What you’ll like? It has an elasticated rear trolley strap that slips over telescoping suitcase handles for effortless, one-handed wheeling.

Now, these suitcases aren’t Rimowa, so you won’t get the same premium branding, construction or engineering.

But if, like me, you’re mainly after the chic silver aesthetic and some of the practical features seen in expensive luggage, they’re a tempting alternative.

If you’ve had a Rimowa suitcase on your wishlist but can’t swallow the £1,090 price tag, my Dunelm find could be the more purse-friendly alternative.

If you are looking for more dupe deals, you need to read; Our favourite Dyson Airwrap alternatives in the Prime Day sale – including ‘amazing’ 4-in-1 styler down to just £37 and Dunelm launches mushroom lamp alternative to John Lewis version.

STAYING in the UK for October half-term sounds like the smart, budget-conscious choice… until you sit down and crunch the numbers.

Between filling the fridge, shelling out for soft play, buying fuel for days out and those innocent-looking theme park trips that somehow cost £50 before you’ve even passed through the turnstiles, you could easily spend hundreds in a week.

And that’s before the mental toll of cooking three meals a day, clearing up the constant mess and playing full-time entertainment director.

So, I did the maths on another option – cheap resorts with all-inclusive packages for October half-term, starting from £255pp or £51 a night.

With accommodation, meals and selected snacks and drinks included, as well as free childcare at some resort hotels, flying abroad starts to look like something worth pricing up against your half-term plans at home.

Here are the seven best-value resorts I’d be searching for this October half term – and someone else can handle the cooking.

7. Kusadasi, Turkey – from £433pp

Kusadasi gives families an all-inclusive holiday and a change of scenery from the usual Spanish resorts.

It also gives you plenty of scope for time outdoors, with an average October daytime high of 24C.

My pick of hotels for October was the Grand Blue Sky International.

It has pools, (including a children’s pool), play areas and a club advertised for children aged four to twelve.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style as part of its All Inclusive programme, with a later breakfast option if the family pulls off the rare miracle of sleeping in.

At £408pp, this is the priciest of the seven, but it gets you five nights at a mega-resort, with flights and meals included. Not bad.

6. Albufeira, the Algarve – from £378pp

Albufeira is a good fit for an autumn break that mixes beach time with getting out and exploring.

The October daytime high is 23C, ideal for a walk along the beach or an afternoon in the brilliant bars of Albufeira’s old town.

Grand Muthu Forte da Oura is around 750 metres from Praia da Oura beach, with a main pool, children’s pool and playground.

And its stellar all-inclusive programme covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks and selected locally produced drinks.

Lunch and dinner can be buffet-style or served from a set menu, but either way, having those meals accounted for makes your spending money easier to plan.

There is also free childcare year round – check availability before booking.

The five-night deal I found here was just £378pp, with flights, accommodation and all-inclusive food and drinks chucked in.

5. Callao Salvaje, Tenerife – from £330pp

As you’d expect, Tenerife has the highest October average on this list.

With an average daytime high of 27C in October, Callao Salvaje is a strong pick when maximum warmth is what you’re after.

I found a great deal at BLUESEA Callao Garden here.

The apartment-style accommodation has three outdoor pools and activities including mini golf and table tennis.

Its all-inclusive board includes buffet meals, so there’s less need to hunt for somewhere to eat whenever somebody gets hungry.

And for all of this – guaranteed October heat, all you can eat and drink, return flights and your accommodation sorted – you’ll only need to part with £330pp.

4. Benidorm, Costa Blanca – from £325pp

Benidorm makes family time in the sun easy – you’ve got massive beaches, promenades that aren’t a nightmare with a pushchair and plenty to see without committing to a full day’s excursion.

And the weather’s great too, with an average October daytime high of 25C.

I wouldn’t look much further than the highly-rated Hotel Cuco, just ten minutes’ walk from Poniente Beach.

Its buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes with show cooking, and there’s a decent pool at the hotel too.

There’s a mini club for the little ones, as well as a rooftop pool bar which mum and dad might have more interest in exploring.

I found a deal for five nights this October for only £325pp, all-inclusive – that’s mega value for half-term.

3. Oropesa del Mar, Costa del Azahar – from £293pp

If your family wants proper entertainment rather than five quiet days by the pool, Oropesa del Mar could be the perfect pick.

With an average October daytime high of 24C, you get great conditions for getting out, topping up the Vitamin D and working on your tan.

And this hotel’s something special for both adults and kids too.

Magic Fantasy Hotel goes big on the family theme, with fantasy-inspired rooms and a Pirates Buffet serving Spanish and international food with a children’s section.

Over the October break there’s live entertainment, costume contests, and the waterparks fully open. 

At £293pp for five nights all-inclusive, you’re getting flights, meals and plenty to get your teeth into for the week before you’ve planned a single day out.

2. La Pineda, Costa Dorada – from £283pp

La Pineda makes family days super-straightforward.

Its long, flat beach gives everyone room to spread out, and the resort has an average October daytime high of 22C.

Not boiling, but that’s plenty of warmth for time on the sand, whether or not anyone fancies getting in the sea…

Gran Hotel La Hacienda is around 550 metres from the beach and has pools and a mini club for younger guests.

Meals are served buffet-style at its Riviera Maya restaurant, taking the daily “where shall we eat?” discussion off your hands, thank God.

PortAventura World is nearby too if you fancy a theme park day out, though tickets cost extra.

And the five-night all-inclusive package I found comes in at £283pp. Bargain.

1. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £255pp

My number one pick, Lloret de Mar, gives you beaches, coastal walks and a town to explore with the kids.

October’s average daytime high is around 22C.

That’s a comfortable temperature for a beach stroll or an afternoon exploring the Costa Brava without worrying about caking the kids in sun cream every ten minutes.

Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort has several pools, children’s clubs for different age groups and buffet restaurants serving Mediterranean, Italian and Catalan dishes, including loads of great options for children.

Its aquapark is the star of the show though with enough slides and features to keep the kids busy all week.

At £255pp, or £51 a night, this is the cheapest five-night all-inclusive deal I found too, and the one I’d personally be booking.

BOOKING a budget-friendly family getaway has never been easier.

If you want to keep the whole family entertained on holiday without breaking the bank, one of the UK’s top holiday park operators is rolling out some seriously unmissable deals.

Parkdean Resorts is offering action-packed family hols including all inclusive getaways, Nickelodeon Weekenders for Paw Patrol fans, and Tots Breaks where kids eat completely free.

Better yet, these breaks start from an unbelievably cheap £6.19 per person, per night. Here’s our favourite Parkdean offers on right now.

All inclusive breaks

Forget the faff of cooking and supermarket runs on your next caravan holiday, as 45 Parkdean Resorts across the UK offer all-inclusive meal packages.

The deal is available at popular parks including Camber Sands, Highfield Grange, and mega resort Trecco Bay, which is the one of the largest holiday parks in Europe.

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The all inclusive offer bundles in three hot, sit-down meals a day in the site’s main restaurant alongside unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks.

This means you can start every morning with a cooked breakfast, enjoy crowd-pleasing lunch options like burgers and curries, and sip on bottomless Costa Coffees.

The all inclusive option works as an add-on to the cost of your stay and starts from £80 per adult and £30 per child (under 12) for a four-night break.

That works out to a bargain £20 per night for grown-ups and £7.50 per child.

The all inclusive offer is available for four night breaks with Monday arrivals, excluding the school holidays.

However 14 of the parks are offering three-night weekend options, too. Click here to browse which ones.

Tots Breaks

Keeping toddlers entertained and well-fed on holiday can be exhausting and expensive, but Parkdean Resorts has come up with the ultimate solution.

Their brilliant ‘Tots Breaks‘ are tailor-made for families with under-fives, with four-night stays starting from £99.

That works out to £6.19 per person, per night for a family of four.

Best of all, kids eat completely free for the entire holiday.

Little ones get complimentary breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from the Starland Krew Menu, with hits like beef burgers, tomato pasta, and chicken strips, saving families up to £70 on their food bill.

There are plenty of activities designed for young children, too.

Under-fives can dive into messy play, soft play, sing-a-long Tots & Tunes music sessions, or even tackle an adorable obstacle course, the ‘Mini Olympics’.

The entertainment line-up is just as impressive, with Milkshake! Mornings across 40 UK sites, plus exciting meet-and-greets with PAW Patrol characters like Chase and Marshall.

Nickelodeon Weekender

If your kids are obsessed with PAW Patrol, Ninja Turtles or SpongeBob SquarePants, we’ve got good news. Parkdean Resorts have put together the perfect weekend break for Nickelodeon fans.

You can bag a Nickelodeon Weekender family break from £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58 per person, per night for a family of four.

From morning to night, there is plenty of free Nickelodeon-themed entertainment for all ages.

Little ones can complete ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder and learn the Pup Pup Boogie, or head down to the Showbar to learn martial arts from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and earn their very own ninja mask.

The fun does not stop when the sun goes down, with a lineup of evening events including interactive family game shows, dance parties and live shows packed with prizes.

When you’re ready to chill out, families can settle down for a special ‘Movie with the Stars’ screening alongside the actual characters from the film.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

DISNEY has revealed what to expect onboard its huge new ship, Disney Believe from new restaurants to one-of-a-kind performances.

Launching in late 2027, it will be the ninth ship, and the fourth in the Wish class alongside Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.

Onboard will be 7 swimming pools, splash areas, food outlets and restaurants, character meet-and-greets as well as Disney-first experiences.

Something that guests won’t be able to see anywhere is the Encanto musical which will debut exclusively on Disney Believe – and it’s a world first.

Other performances joining the line-up for onboard entertainment are Broadway-style shows, Tangled: The Musical and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Returning will be the fan-favourite Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party which is a nighttime spectacular with a live rock band and fireworks at sea.

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I went on my first Disney cruise with champagne bars and West End-style shows

There will also be a Zootropolis-inspired entertainment hub called Gazelle where during the day it will hold trivia, games, and a family show alongside Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

In the evening, Gazelle will be open for adult-only entertainment which includes silent discos and variety acts.

There are some other strictly adult zones including Sea Notes, a piano lounge inspired by Ariel’s grotto.

The relaxed Wishing Well lounge is centered around its own castle courtyard where adults can relax and enjoy mocktails, cocktails, spirits, and coffees while musical performances take place.

Skygazers is a new observatory-themed pub serving up custom-made craft brews, cocktails and snacks.

Returning venues will include the Haunted Mansion Parlour, Arnaud Lallement, Quiet Cove as well as the Senses Spa, Untangled Salon, and Hook’s Barbery.

When it comes to dining, there will be a brand-new restaurant onboard the Disney believe called Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast.

While guests are eating, characters like Oaken, Anna and Kristoff will perform renditions of songs from the soundtrack.

Another option is 1923 which is onboard the sister ships which celebrates Disney animation and Worlds of Marvel.

Sweet treats can be bought from Inside Out: Joyful Sweets which has nearly 20 flavors of gelato and ice cream.

Two new cafes will be onboard, the first is Big Hero Sips which is inspired by San Fransokyo from Disney Big Hero 6.

Meanwhile, Café Kakamora is focused on Moana – and both will serve up coffee, tea and other specialty drinks.

On the upper deck will be an open-air food court called Mickey and Friends Festival of Dining where guests can choose from barbeque, cantina bowls and salads, pizza, burgers and ice cream.

Pluto’s Pita Platters is one of the new stalls serving up Mediterranean-inspired foods from kebabs to pittas.

Like on Disney’s other ships, there will be clubs for kids, tweens and teens called 2319 with dedicated space for children between 3-17.

At “it’s a Small World” Nursery families can use babysitting services for little ones between six months to three years old.

The ship will have classic staterooms with most having ocean views and 450 are interconnecting which is suitable for larger families.

There will be four royal suites on Believe where guests can step into the world of fairytales – some inspired by The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast.

The Believe Tower Suite is exclusive to the ship and has been called a ‘one-of-a-kind suite for dreamers’.

It’s two-storeys, nearly 2,000-square-foot and sleeps up to eight people – it has two main bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms.

The views will be unbeatable thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Disney Believe will offer four and five-night sailings from south Florida to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

During its journey it will make stops at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

The very first sailing will be on December 18, 2027 – in the meantime, you can book Disney Wish holidays that sail from Southampton – so no long flights.

And the new Disney Believe is just one of many new additions coming to the Disney attractions.

Disneyland Paris is getting a new Lion King log flume as well as the Up-themed Wilderness Explores Sky Swings.

An entire Villains Land will open at Magic Kingdom at Disney World, with a Maleficent rollercoaster and Magic Mirror dark ride.

Two new Cars rides, as well as an Indiana Jones and Encanto ride will be part of the expansion too.

THE historic Birnbeck Pier is currently undergoing an enormous renovation and will open next year for the first time since the 90s.

First look images have been revealed to show what it could look like when visitors can finally step foot onto the structure again.

Birnbeck Pier connects the mainland to a rocky island in Weston-super-Mare, but has been closed to the public since 1994.

The pier is being restored at a cost of £44million and it has been well-received by locals and visitors who are calling it “excellent news”.

In recently revealed images, it shows that along with work on the pier structure, surrounding buildings will be restored too like the Pier Master’s Cottage.

This will become a visitor centre and shop which will also be connected to a new modern cafe building and terrace, which will offer impressive views to the pier.

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Nearby, the Pier View building which has previously been a café, tea room, dress shop, and even military offices during World War Two, will also be restored.

As for what it will become, that’s yet to be decided, but one option being explored is an ice cream parlour.

The Toll House that’s known locally as the ‘shell shop’, will be restored and has potential to reopen as a concession stand.

As for the island, this will also eventually reopen to the public, but it may not be finished in time for when the pier reopens.

When it is complete, visitors will be able to see the restored clock tower and pavilion.

Also on the island will be the refurbished 1888 Boathouse, which will become a cafe on the top floor and an events space below.

Boats will even be able to dock thanks to the restored North Jetty on the island.  

The island used to be very popular thanks to its theme park which had small rides including a miniature railway and water chute. 

Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, told the BBC last month that work on restoring the pier is already a quarter of the way through.

He added: “When people will be able to walk on the pier for the first time, I think it will be a magical moment for the many people like me who were born in Weston and have lived here all their lives.

He continued: “People who have seen this crumbling jewel will be delighted to see it restored.

“The North Jetty will enable us to bring in passenger and other ferry services to Weston.”

People can expect to see the change roll out at dozens of major UK airports

One part of airport security is about to get quicker for travellers at certain UK airports. The Government is set to roll out a “state-of-the-art” scheme regarding passports. People heading off on autumn and winter breaks might see this new system in place as airports gradually upgrade.

BBC Morning Live recently discussed a Home Office announcement claiming that a new “contactless system” for checking passports on arrival in the UK could be up and running by early next year at many major British airports. Consumer affairs expert Harry Kind claims that, although passengers won’t be able to leave their passports at home, this process change should make part of the return process “smoother and faster”.

The discussion stems from a BBC headline claiming the “passport-free” system was coming into effect. In an official update from the UK Government, it claims that passengers arriving in the UK will soon pass through airport checkpoints securely without showing their passports. The system uses facial recognition technology to allow arriving passengers to clear immigration without physically scanning their passports.

This is not a “passport-less” journey. Border Force explicitly states that passengers must keep their physical passports with them at all times. If the facial recognition scan hits a snag or requires additional vetting, you will be prompted to scan your physical passport or be directed to a Border Force officer.

The technology, described as a “cutting-edge contactless system”, will begin rolling out this month and gradually replace every airport eGate “by early 2027”. Here’s how it works:

• Passengers approach an eGate and have their photo taken
• The system checks this live image against verified immigration, travel and passport information
• The eGate opens automatically once these checks are complete

A statement reads: “The system uses state-of-the-art facial comparison technology to verify a passenger’s identity before the UK’s robust border security checks are carried out in full. Legitimate travellers can then simply walk through, without needing to place their passport on the eGate reader.

“If further checks are needed, passengers will need to place their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer, as happens today. Border Force officers will continue to monitor all eGates offering assistance, and passengers should keep their passports with them at all times.”

The phased rollout starts at East Midlands Airport, initially for British citizens. The aim, by early 2027, is to expand this to more airports and other nationalities already eligible for eGates over the coming months.

The national rollout began on October 6, 2026. The government plans to have all UK airport eGates switched over to this contactless tech by early 2027. East Midlands Airport is the first UK airport to officially switch on the live contactless technology.

Standard eGates are currently functioning across 13 major UK airports (including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Stansted), all of which will transition gradually during this phased rollout. Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, claims that this is “a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country”.

He said: “By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK’s robust border security. Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families.”

Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, said: “As an airport committed to providing an effortless travel experience, we welcome any technological innovation that can help to safely make our customers’ journeys smoother, swifter and simpler. This complements changes that we carried out to our immigration hall recently to help improve the flow of arriving passengers through the area.”

A baggily clad skateboarder’s wheels clatter across concrete floors, the noise bouncing off exposed pipes and iron girders. Vaulted skylights set in high ceilings illuminate the industrial space and its central kitchen, from which my main course – a silky lemon risotto, spiked with samphire, rhubarb, garlic, baby onions and basil – has just been transported.

I’m in the Dutch city of Eindhoven, in North Brabant, famous for its historic connection to Philips, the one-time electronics giant. The restaurant, Radio Royaal, is housed in what was once their engine room, in the Strijp-S neighbourhood. Today, Strijp-S buzzes with concept stores, an indoor food market, MU Hybrid Art House and the Area 51 skatepark. The broader area, Strijp, was where the company was largely headquartered: its zones are named S, T and R. In the late 90s, Philips withdrew from the city where it had started in 1891, and the letters I, J and P were never assigned.

Philips had employed about half of the region’s working population, so its departure for Amsterdam inevitably left a huge hole. Fortunately for Eindhoven, this was short-lived, and within a decade the city had reinvented itself as a multicultural hub for design and innovation – so much so that Dutch Design Week, the largest event of its kind in northern Europe, has been held here since 2005.

This year’s iteration, from 17 to 25 October, has a jam-packed programme of exhibitions, workshops and seminars at more than 100 locations around the city, with thousands of local and international designers involved. About 350,000 visitors are expected, with displays spanning everything from a bar made from mushrooms to the manipulation of Dutch wool (which is coarser than other wools, such as merino) for wearable garments.

Well beyond Design Week, however, Eindhoven packs a punch in terms of creativity. On my visit, I discovered a city that is not only vibrant and design-led, but also surprisingly green.

Completely off-limits during Philips’ heyday, Strijp-S is perhaps the liveliest example of Eindhoven’s reinvention, with innovative businesses making the most of the industrial spaces. It’s distinguished, too, by the Trudo Tower, a 19-storey building where facade planters froth with more than 70 species of greenery. Purpose-built in 2020, these eye-catching apartments were designed to provide affordable housing for low-income residents.

Despite the city’s industrial past, about 40% of Eindhoven’s landscape comprises greenery. Walkways – complete with bat boxes – run alongside the Dommel river, while larger spaces, such as Karpendonkse Plas and Philips de Jongh park, provide walking and biking opportunities. This, plus an average commute time of 15 minutes, helps to explain why Eindhoven was named the world’s least stressed city last year.

As you walk from the UFO-shaped Evoluon (now functioning as an exhibition space and conference centre, and given by the company to the city on its 75th anniversary) on the edge of the Het Ven neighbourhood towards Strijp-R, the area becomes both green and residential. Ahead of the times, Philips saw the correlation between nature and healthy, happy employees. As early as 1910, the company started building workers’ accommodation with large gardens, which today are a mix of social and private housing.

Strijp-R’s primary allure, however, is the RK Complex. Formerly a Philips ceramics factory, it was bought by renowned Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek and opened in 2010. Other designers have workshops here, too: the idea, said Hein Eek, was to give young creatives an affordable space to work. The concept obviously works: in more than 15 years, only five of the 25 studios have changed hands.

Visitors flock here year-round to check out Hein Eek’s eco-forward scrap wood furniture and for glimpses into the studios, the cavernous exhibition space and the shop, packed with smaller design objects – ceramics, books, jewellery. The onsite Green Restaurant favours local, seasonal ingredients in hearty portions; it’s attached to the boutique Piet Hein Eek hotel, also one of the designer’s innovations. It has 14 rooms, each featuring a distinctive design style, with doubles from €135.

What makes a stay in Eindhoven even more interesting, however, are the myriad ways this impulse towards repurposing spaces, reusing materials and thinking sustainably shapes the visitor experience. I stayed at Hotel Mariënhge (doubles from €83) in the centre, a former monastery characterised by clean lines and cheeky art, its interiors effortlessly blending old and new.

From here, it’s a short walk to the retail district, where vintage stores range from the highly curated Yatva Vintage to a Salvation Army ReShare store. Near Strijp-R, I happen upon Luna & Lore, owned and run by Luna Hartogs. “Lore is about wisdom passed on from previous generations, and I learned to sew from my grandmother,” she explains, as I rifle delightedly through rails of upcycled vintage clothing. “For me, it’s also about passing things on for people to enjoy.”

“Eindhoven gets called ‘Vintage Valhalla’ – a paradise,” Erik van Gerwen of Eindhoven 365 tells me over dinner at Fifth NRE, itself housed in a former gas factory. “There’s the Philips legacy, but the presence of the Design Academy also ensures a lively community, passionate about innovatively making use of what already exists.”

Creating opportunities is a recurring theme in Eindhoven. I see it again at New Order of Fashion, a nonprofit organisation providing makers with resources to experiment with, as well as a sellers’ platform. It’s also a lab, researching the future of fashion from a regenerative perspective, and a public space aiming to inspire visitors to think about their consumer choices.

I loiter outside the Muziekgebouw concert hall: since 2024, its facade has featured a massive mural of a street musician and classical concert violinist embracing. Named Echoes of Harmony, it was commissioned by Eindhoven city council to represent music’s ability to bridge barriers, and since named best mural worldwide by Street Art Cities.

On the city’s north-eastern edge, graffers can legally unleash spray cans in Berenkuil, a two-level roundabout and now the country’s largest open-air graffiti zone. Ramps and rails make it a beeline for skateboarders, too; again, I hear wheels grinding on concrete. There are no dibs here: the art lasts mere days before it’s sprayed over by someone else, but that, I’m told, is the point. In Eindhoven, perhaps more than anywhere else, the idea that everything is ephemeral, yet also renewable, seems entirely at home.

The trip was provided by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions

Ski holidays have gathered a reputation for being some of the most expensive getaways, but how much will a weekend on the slopes really set you back? Oliver Radcliffe went to find out

Ski holidays have a reputation for being on the pricey side. The very pricey side. Holidays to the Alps are increasingly thought of as a reserve for only the richest, as the Mirror’s trip to Megeve last year highlighted. But it doesn’t have to be. A day on the slopes in Austria’s Gastein Valley might not be as expensive as those new to the mountainside life may think (although it’s certainly all relative).

Spread across the trio of resorts of Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Dorfgastein, the valley forms part of the region of SalzburgerLand, one of the lesser-known alpine destinations. Yet compared with some of Europe’s biggest-name resorts, the cost of skiing here remains reasonable.

While a local dry slope can offer a cost-effective start for beginners, nothing beats real snow for the authentic experience. A trip to the Angertal ski school could be the perfect place to build your skills and get you able to take on the slopes.

One really handy feature of the region is its Guest Mobility Ticket, which provides free public transport throughout the entire region.

So what does a realistic day on the mountains actually cost?

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

The lift pass

The biggest hidden expense for any skier is the lift pass. This is your ticket to the mountain’s ski lifts and gondolas, which transport you to the top of the slopes so you can ski down. Without a valid pass, you won’t be able to ride the lifts. Passes can range from single-day tickets to multi-day, weekly, or even season-long access, with prices varying widely.

In the Gastein ski area, a one-day adult ticket costs €69.50 (~£59). A six-day pass costs €344.50 (~£293), which works out at around €57.40 (~£49) per day, so staying for a few days noticeably reduces the daily cost.

The pass gives access to the main Schlossalm–Stubnerkogel ski area linking Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, as well as the higher-altitude Sportgastein sector.

Ski hire

If you’re not travelling with your own equipment, rental is the next major cost. At the Angertal Skizentrum in Bad Hofgastein, a day’s rental starts from around €26 (£22) for skis and poles and €14 (£12) for boots.

For weekly rentals, expect to spend around €129 (£110) for skis and €65 (£55) for boots. Snowboard rental is priced similarly.

Ski lessons

For beginners, learning can also be the most expensive part. A three-day beginner’s course can set you back around €294 (£250), including 12 hours of lessons with a dedicated instructor.

Lunch on the mountain

Food prices in the mountains are slightly higher than at your local spot, but Austrian mountain huts are usually gentler on the wallet than some French mega-resorts.

A typical slope-side lunch might include €10–€15 (£8.50–£13) for dishes such as goulash soup or Tiroler gröstl, another €6 (£5) for a drink or coffee, and another €7 (£6) for a slice of strudel. Kaiserschmarrn, the sweetened shredded pancake, costs a little more at around €15 (£13)but it will keep you full well into the evening.

Altogether, €15–€25 (£13–£21) is a realistic spend for lunch and an espresso on the mountain.

One recommendation after a day on the slopes of Bad Hofgastein is the brand new Hirsch und Maus, perched at the mountain peak. A traditional Wiener Schnitzel costs the equivalent of €21 (£18). For those fed up with beige carbs, a Caesar salad is around €19 (£16).

Après ski

Après ski is a key part of the skiing experience, but it can be expensive. After a day on the nursery slopes, a half litre of the local Salzburg brew, Stiegl, costs the equivalent of €6 (£5.30) at the trendy Angertal 1180.

That overall figure can drop if you book lift tickets early, bring your own gear, or choose shorter passes such as half-day tickets. Skiing will never be a budget activity, but not every resort caters only to those on six figures, where single-day lift passes often exceed €80–€90 (~£68–£77).

After the lifts close, many skiers swap their boots for bathrobes and head to the valley’s famous thermal spas, soaking tired legs in steaming mineral waters surrounded by snow.

Accommodation

A classic double room at Hotel Zum Stern costs €294 (~£250) per room per night. Shared between two people, that’s about €147 (~£125) each per night.

Five-day holiday estimate (per person)

Based on the assumption that you’d buy a lift pass for each of the five days of a five-day ski holiday, hire skis and boots for the week, and each day have a mountain lunch, a Schnitzel-style dinner, and one beer Apres ski, this is how much you could expect to spend.

• Lift pass, 5 days: €66–78.50 a day, €330–392 (£280–335) a week
• Ski and boot hire, weekly: €194 (£165)
• Lunch, 5 days: €15–25/day, €75–125 (£65–105) a week
• Dinner, 5 days: £16–18/day, €94–106 (£80–90) a week
• One beer a day, 5 days: €31 (£26.50)
• Accommodation, 5 nights: €1,470 per room, halved to €735 (£625)

Total (no lessons): €1,474–1,536 (£1,255–1,305)

• Optional 3-day beginners course: ~€294 (£250)

Total with lessons: €1,768–1,830 (£1,505–1,555)

A British couple were left with a massive £28,000 bill while holidaying in a beautiful Greek island

A mother has said she will never go abroad on holiday again after being handed a £28,000 bill. Diane Steadman, 61, was on holiday on the Greek island of Skiathos on September 11 when disaster struck.

To get between the beaches on their £2,200 holiday, Diane and partner Mick Raftery had used quadbikes they’d rented. However, during one short journey between two beaches, the pair claim they were hit by a local car.

The impact from the rear sent both Diane and Mick flying off the road. While Mick came away with a few cuts and bruises, Diane landed heavily, breaking two vertebrae in her back. Diane recalled: “I felt a jump in my back and I don’t remember anything else.”

She added: “All I remember is waking up on the road. He [the car diver] wasn’t watching the road and didn’t have time to slow down. I was in and out of consciousness, I didn’t have the energy to speak to anybody when I woke up. I tried to be strong but I’m so frightened, I feel like I’m going to die.

After being moved by ambulance to a local medical centre Diane, a mother-of-two, was rushed to the mainland for further treatment, all under the belief the whole incident would be covered by her travel insurance.

However, she was shocked to find out that quadbikes weren’t covered by her policy.

What’s more, although she was under intense pain relief, she was unable to afford a £40,000 operation, so had to borrow a massive £28,000 to fly back to the UK via air ambulance on September 30.

As she waits for an operation to fix her back, Diane has paid tribute to her partner but also admitted she does not intend to go abroad again.

She said: “It’s just been one thing after another, I will not be going abroad again, no way. Mick has been brave and tried to put a smile on my face. I’m scared of the operation, everyone is telling me it’s going to be okay.”

Meanwhile Mick has issued a warning of his own pleading with people to make sure they check the small print of their insurance policies so they know what is and isn’t covered to avoid something similar happening to him and Diane.

He added: “Check your insurance before you rent a quad bike. We were mistaken in thinking insurance covered quad bikes too.”

As well as asking people to check their policies, Mick has also set up a GoFundMe to help him and Diane cover some of their costs following the disaster.

A former Michelin-starred chef has reopened a well-known chippy as part of his Salt and Malt restaurant and takeaway chain

Few foods are as quintessentially British as fish and chips. From seaside holidays to Friday night takeaways, the humble dish has become a much-loved part of life in the UK.

But the classic pairing of crispy battered fish and golden chips is actually more than a century old. Fried fish and potatoes were eaten separately before the two came together in the late 19th century, with English Heritage dating the combination to towards the end of the 1800s.

It wasn’t long before fish and chips became synonymous with a day at the seaside. This is where Reach’s reporter Mark David Taylor went to visit one iconic seaside for a day trip and to try some fish and chips.

Former Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton took over the much-loved seafront chippy after more than 20 years in business, transforming it into one of his Salt & Malt restaurant and takeaway outlets within just a few weeks.

And it appears to have struck a chord with locals straight away – by 6pm on the glorious summer Saturday of Mark’s visit, there was already a queue for tables inside the Weston-super-Mare restaurant, with an even lengthier one snaking outside for takeaways.

Boasting blue-tiled frontage, black and white ‘chessboard’ floor tiles and ribbed glass partitions between booths, this gleaming new Salt and Malt bears a striking resemblance to existing branches, giving the impression that Eggleton is eyeing up further seaside locations. And rightly so, as this upmarket fish and chip concept is absolutely crying out for wider expansion, reports Wales Online.

Featuring sustainably sourced North Atlantic fish, gluten-free chips and daily specials – on this occasion, Cornish Mounts Bay sardines with toasted sourdough, salad and pickles – it’s undeniably a ‘posh’ chippy, yet Eggleton has been mindful not to price out everyday seaside visitors.

Takeaway prices remain reasonably competitive with most seafront chippies – small cod and chips is £12.50, battered sausages are £2.40 and the kids’ meals are £7, chips in a cone at £2 and a large chip box for £5.60.

Inside the restaurant, prices are naturally higher, with battered haddock and chips with buttered crushed garden peas coming in at £19, and a homemade fishcake with cod, haddock, lemon, dill and parsley priced at £14.50.

The children’s menu (for ages 16 and under) in the restaurant is a reasonable £7.50, offering battered fish, sausage, chicken chunks, scampi and halloumi, all served with chips and a choice of peas, baked beans, carrots or cucumber.

Yet it’s the inventive touches and alternatives that sets Salt and Malt apart from your typical seaside chippy.

Alongside gluten-free batter as standard, diners can opt to have their cod or haddock baked in garlic butter rather than battered – perhaps the healthier choice for those craving a ‘beach body’ this summer.

For those less concerned about such matters, free chip refills are also on offer, though the portions are hearty enough that you may not need them.

Mark and his plus one sampled the cod and chips (£18) and the curried cod burger (£16.50), and neither disappointed. The cod was wrapped in crisp, golden batter, with large, moist and succulent flakes of fish inside, accompanied by a generous serving of buttery crushed peas.

Granted, £18 is above average for fish and chips, but this was a superb rendition of the great British seaside staple and well worth every penny. Nestled in a soft brioche bun, the curried cod burger featured a generous portion of lightly battered fish with a subtle curry sauce flavour, accompanied by tartare sauce, coleslaw and pickled red cabbage.

The chips were perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and completely grease-free.

Essentially, the dish brought together all the finest elements of a traditional seaside chippy – fish and chips, a bread roll, curry sauce and classic burger toppings – and the combination was nothing short of brilliant. If summed up in just two words, they’d be “top drawer”.

Traditional chippy favourites paired with stunning coastal views – what more could anyone ask for?

TORN on where to go on holiday next year? You’re in luck – the cool new places have been revealed.

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report has looked at which destinations are seeing the biggest year-on-year searches.

This means these are the destinations which are seeing a boom in interest in demand, and much higher than the year before.

Skyscanner boss Bryan Batista said: “Travel is entering a new era.

“As people become more intentional about how they spend their time and money, they’re making different choices about where they go, how they book and what creates lasting value.”

So here are the top 10 destinations set to be the next big thing for Brits next year.

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1. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The destination with the biggest boom in searches is Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

Searches are up 501 per cent, which could be accredited to it featurin in this year’s Race Across The World.

Expect Soviet architecture and leafy parks overlooked by the Tian Shan mountain range.

You’ll have to stopover to get to Bishkek, with common flight routes being with Pegasus or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, taking around 10 hours.

2. Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada might not be little-know, being a popular winter sun holiday destination.

Yet searches there are up 186 per cent, most likely up after seeing a slight drop by the Middle East conflict earlier this year.

The Egyptian resort is loved by those wanting to fly and flop, or is big with divers.

You can easily find holiday packages to Hurghada with seven nights for as little as £249pp with loveholidays.

3. Malmö, Sweden

Forget Stockholm, Malmo is the trending destination in Sweden.

With searches up 103 per cent, it makes a great alternative city break that is quieter than the other busier cities.

It’s hard not to spot the huge Turking Torso skyscraper, as well as its beautiful castles (and much-loved falafel street food scene).

EasyJet has recently launched new city breaks to Malmo – or you can fly there with Ryanair for £14.99, taking just 1hr50.

4. Trapani, Italy

Sicily’s Trapani, a coastal city in the west, has seen a boom by 95 per cent in searches.

The huge Greek temple of Segesta is its main attraction, dating back to 430BC.

Otherwise it is used as a popular jumping off point to explore the Egadi Ilands.

Direct flights with Ryanair can be found from Bournemouth for £14.99.

5. Samos, Greece

Forget Mykonos and Santorini – after all, Greece has hundreds of other islands to explore without the crowds.

And Samos has seen an increase in searches, up 75 per cent.

Actually nearer to Turkey than Greece, expect all the classics – ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and a fantastic food scene.

Jet2 has added new flights, while TUI has said it is set to be big as well.

6. Chongqing, China

If you’ve ever wanted to step into the set of Blade Runner, you need to head to China’s cyberpunk city of Chongqing.

The city – which has seen searches up 70 per cent – has huge skyscrapers best seen lit up at night.

China is having a moment too, with visas scrapped for Brits until the end of the year, and seeing a huge boom in tourism.

You can even fly there direct with Tianjin Airlines, taking around 11 hours.

7. Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam is often named as one of the most affordable holiday destinations, yet most trend to travel to Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh.

Yet the beach city of Da Nang has seen searches increase by 68 per cent according to Skyscanner (just after it was named a top 2027 holiday destination by Lonely Planet too).

There’s white sand beaches, but it is also, bizarrely, famous for its two beaches – Golden Beach, which is held between two huge stone hands, or Dragon Bridge which is shaped like the creature itself.

To get there, it is best to fly via places like Singapore or Bangkok, or a short domestic flight from other cities in Vietnam.

8. Sal, Cape Verde

Cape Verde remains a popular winter sun destination for Brits.

And a 67 per cent increase in searches to Sal means it is getting even more popular.

Hot weather all year round, no jet lag and short direct flights – all you’d need from a warm break from the UK

Flights to the African island are direct, with tour operators like TUI offering affordable package holidays.

9. Kittilä, Finland

If you want the ideal Christmas break, where better than Lapaland?

With searches up 65 per cent, Kittilä in Finland has it all husky sledding, reindeer safaris and and Northern Lights.

You an even head over to Levi for some fantastic skiing too.

EasyJet fly direct, and they start from £28.99.

10. Guatemala City, Guatemala

The last trending destination on the list is Guatemala City which has seen searches increase 63 per cent.

It is actually the biggest capital in Central America, with everything you could want – fantastic coffee scene and historic museums.

The scenery is pretty stunning two, with a number of volcanoes being the backdrop.

Guatemala’s tourism minister suggested earlier this year that more flights from Europe could connect to the city – but until then, you’ll have to fly via Madrid with Iberia.

A short flight from the UK, the Channel Islands offer wild coastal walks, peaceful beaches and a new style of upscale autumn stays

If you’re craving an autumn escape but don’t fancy spending hours travelling, the Channel Islands could offer the perfect change of scenery. Just a short flight from the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney can feel a world away from everyday life, particularly once summer crowds have disappeared and autumn arrives.

There’s something particularly appealing about spending the day outdoors with the autumn air on your face before retreating somewhere warm and cosy as the sun begins to set. The islands offer plenty of reasons to embrace the season, from dramatic coastal walks and windswept beaches to cold-water swims and changing woodland.

That’s the idea behind Hand Picked Hotels’ new Amber Hours – Autumn by Hand Picked campaign. Designed to celebrate the Channel Islands, the short breaks are a perfect way to breathe in the landscapes as they take on a wilder, more atmospheric character.

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Think bracing walks along the coast followed by Champagne Afternoon Tea, a dip in the sea before warming up in a sauna, or settling beside a window with a glass of wine one of the five Hand Picked Hotels in the Channel Islands that are offering their own take on an autumn break.

Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a brilliant island escape, with golden beaches, rugged coastal paths and pretty villages offering plenty to discover beyond its sunny summer months. From windswept seaside walks to cosy cafés and historic spots, it’s an easy place to embrace the changing seasons and enjoy a relaxing autumn break.

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There are a selection of hotels across Jersey and Guernsey offering autumn breaks with room and food upgrades.

If you fancy a little island adventure of your own, L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa makes a rather lovely base for an Amber Hours escape in Jersey. Sitting right beside the golden sands of St Brelade’s Bay, it’s just a 10-minute drive or around 20 minutes by bus from Jersey Airport – so you can be on the beach before you’ve had time to properly switch off your out-of-office.

Dating back to 1850, the hotel has plenty of character, while its terrace comes with uninterrupted views across the bay. After a bracing coastal walk or perhaps a chilly dip in the sea, you can retreat to the spa for some well-earned relaxation and a choice of treatments.

Enjoy golden days on windswept shores

Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa,

This five-star hotel puts you within easy reach of Jersey’s attractions, while its rooms make the most of the seaside setting, with some offering ocean views. There’s also an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room – ideal for warming up after a day spent exploring the island.

Guernsey is the kind of island escape where dramatic cliff paths, hidden coves and sandy beaches make it easy to forget you’re only a short flight from the UK. With wild coastal walks, pretty scenery and plenty of cosy spots to retreat to afterwards, it’s a particularly tempting choice for an autumn getaway.

An Amber Hours autumn break with Hand Picked Hotels is available at the Fermain Valley Hotel. Located a 15-minute drive or 20-minute bus away from Guernsey Airport, this hotel is perched on a clifftop above Guernsey’s southeast coast for spectacular views and offers a variety of dining options between its steakhouse, Mexican restaurant and tea rooms.

Also in Guernsey is St Pierre Park Hotel, which is 10 minutes by car or 50 minutes by public transport from Guernsey Airport. Home to an award-winning spa and nine-hole golf course, the grounds of this hotel are home to a picturesque lake and gardens, with master suites offering guests their own private garden and hot tub.

Another accommodation option in Guernsey is Hotel Jerbourg, which is the number one choice on Booking.com based on guest reviews. Set on the clifftop at Jerbourg Point with views stretching as far as France on a clear day, this hotel is home to two restaurants as well as a coffee shop with a sun terrace and an outdoor swimming pool open from May to September.

Over on the island of Alderney, Braye Beach Hotel sits right beside a stretch of pristine white sand, with turquoise waters just steps from the door. It’s the sort of place where you can slow right down, taking in beautiful bay views from the sun terrace, spotting local wildlife or simply settling into a peaceful island escape.

Renowned for offering one of the most luxurious stays on the Alderney island thanks to its 4-star status, the hotel boasts beautiful sea views, while the Terrace and Beach Bar is a relaxed space to unwind. For something a little different, The Vaults is a popular spot for sampling some of the finest wines and steaks, or mingle with the locals in our popular Divers Inn pub.

“An absolute Gem”

Meanwhile, the selection of Hand Picked Hotels across Jersey and Guernsey have all earned a rating of 4.3 out of five stars or higher on Tripadvisor, having earned thousands of reviews from visitors. The top favourite is L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, with one guest writing of a recent stay: “The location is fantastic. A sea view room gives a panoramic view of the wonderful St Brelade’s Bay. Direct access to the beach from the hotel.”

They added: “Comfortable accommodation. Well equipped room. Food excellent. Breakfast selection very good and quality high. Dinner in the terrace restaurant was very enjoyable, again with a matchless view.”

Another visitor fed back: “Stunning location, excellent service and customer care. Lovely open air terrace, wonderful glass-fronted dining terrace, good menu choices with different options for dining, outstanding selection of breakfast choices. Nice pool and spa with good treatment options. Good parking. Convenient for airport and access to all other parts of the island. All in all a wonderful experience and will definitely return.”

Although, they went on to note: “The music on the terrace only happened a couple of times but is it really necessary to bring in loud music to ‘entertain’ people in such a stunning location in a place that oozes tranquillity?”

Another delighted guest added: “An absolute Gem found right beside a lovely wide beach which will give you great childhood Vibes and an enchanting memory. Honestly we can’t wait to go back -to walk on the perfect soft white sand , enjoy the beautiful sea view & savour the calm & peaceful oasis that this wonderful hotel serves up. An absolutely fantastic find.”

Meanwhile, someone else wrote of their stay: “Rooms were of a high quality and always attended to by housekeeping every day and night to turn down your bed. Food in hotel was fantastic. From breakfast to evening meals. Can say it is some of the best food we have had on holiday. Location and staff really made this an unforgettable holiday for us.”

TRAVELLERS heading to a busy UK airport could face delays as major upgrades are set to get underway.

A £115 million upgrade at the airport’s train station is expected to cause delays as work begins at the end of the year.

For those who catch the train to Manchester Airport, major changes are expected to start as soon as December.

The project will expand Platforms 1, 2 and 3, lengthening them to allow more trains to serve the airport hub.

In addition to this, the track layouts on the approach to the station will be upgraded alongside railway signalling system improvements.

As a result of the improvements, Manchester Airport station will shut down completely on Sunday, December 6, 2026.

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Rail minister Lord Hendy said: “Manchester Airport is a vital transport hub and this £115m investment from government will deliver more reliable services, increase capacity, and improve connections for the millions of passengers who use the station every year.

“This is the sort of improvement Great British Railways will be designed to deliver.

“By bringing track and train closer together under public ownership, we can take a more joined-up approach to investing in the railway, improving performance, putting passengers at the heart of every decision and growing the economy in the North.”

The £115m investment will be delivered by Network Rail and contractor Kier, and is expected to be completed sometime in 2028.

Passengers will face travel disruption as the programme gets underway.

Network Rail senior sponsor, Simon Daly, praised the improvement plan and apologised for any disruptions it may cause.

Daly said: “Manchester Airport station plays a vital role in connecting people across the country so these improvements will create more capacity for passengers, allow longer trains to serve the station and improve the reliability of services for years to come.

“The station closure on 6 December is an important first step in delivering these benefits. We recognise that any disruption is inconvenient and have worked closely with our partners to put plans in place, so passengers are kept on the move.”

The best big city in the US has been crowned for the tenth consecutive year – and it’s not where you might think

The finest major city in the US has been crowned for the tenth year in a row – and it might surprise you. When considering American cities, New York typically comes to mind first.

However, according to a Condé Nast Traveler’s survey of over 800,000 respondents, Chicago takes the top spot. It’s the first and only city to claim the accolade for 10 consecutive years, initially securing the honour in 2017.

Since then, the city has experienced a decade of evolution that has seen it triumph time and time again.

Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago said: “This historic recognition belongs to the entire city of Chicago.

“From the hospitality professionals who welcome guests each day to the chefs, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders who create remarkable, only-in-Chicago experiences, it takes an entire city to sustain this standard for a decade.

“We do not stay at the top by standing still. Chicago is always evolving, always creating, and always giving visitors new reasons to come back”.

According to Condé Nast Traveler it’s “no wonder” the city has triumphed once more.

The article reads: “A world-class destination known for its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene, it’ll take several repeat visits to get through your list of must-dos.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson added: “This historic recognition reflects the creativity of our residents, the strength of our neighborhoods, and the excellence of the local institutions and businesses that welcome visitors from around the world.

For 10 consecutive years, travellers have recognised what Chicagoans already know: there is no place quite like our city.

“This remarkable milestone is a testament to everything Chicago has to offer and one our entire city can celebrate with pride.”

While Chicago claimed the top spot, New York failed to even crack the top three.

The Big Apple landed in fourth place, trailing behind Boston in third and San Francisco in second.

PUMPKIN patches have always seemed like an unnecessary waste of time and money to me – how can you possibly make a whole day out of a 1-minute chore at the local Tesco? 

Well… after a glorious five hours at Tulley’s Pumpkin Festival near Crawley in West Sussex, I am here to preach with the zeal of the newly converted.

My son and I drove over an hour to reach the countryside site, which grows 1.5 million pumpkins over 100 acres in readiness for their autumn extravaganza. 

During the drive, my son (and I privately) questioned why on earth we were travelling so far and how it could possibly be worth it. 

Within a minute or so of entering their beautifully presented attraction – think huge barrels of autumn-hued flowers, massive crates of pumpkins and specialist gourds in all colours, shapes and sizes – we realised how wrong we were. 

Tulleys Farm is HUGE and an absolute masterclass in how to put on a huge event. 

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First of all… the pumpkin picking. Armed with a wheelbarrow, we set off to the main patch to pick our Halloween masterpiece. 

There were insane numbers of them spread out over an enormous field and we spent a good hour searching for both the largest and smallest, which felt like proper old-fashioned family fun. 

This year, they’ve also introduced Pumpkin Valley, a new attraction featuring huge sculptures of hot air balloons, guitars, hobbit houses and lakes made of pumpkins. 

Pumpkin patches are probably 50 per cent about the pumpkins and 50 per cent an opportunity for a great photoshoot and Tulleys has engineered some fabulous family pics that I’ll be scrolling back to for years. 

They also have a lovely illuminated woodland walk, with plenty more photoshoot backdrops, which was so cute we did it twice – even though it was still broad daylight, thanks to our decision to visit in late September. 

What’s particularly nice about all of this is how calm it all is, despite the huge crowds it draws.

We did wait in a line for 30 minutes for a £12 chocolate milk in a hollowed-out pumpkin, at my son’s insistence, but other than that I don’t think we waited for longer than a minute for anything.

There is a ferris wheel and a carousel for those looking for an extra bit of fun, but other than that it is all about pumpkin fun. 

Musicians roam the site, playing songs to the kids, and also man the stage at a barn where diners have their lunch from a number of food outlets. 

The food and drink offering is good, with a standard bar serving beers, wine and cocktails, and companies sell everything from Greek food and pizzas to burgers and pasta, alongside a number of coffee shacks, although plenty of families brought their own picnics in too. 

Our last stop was the marketplace area, with the aforementioned, many-coloured gourds. 

We had a great time picking out miniature pumpkins – from deep red and dark green to downright ugly, warty ones, all of which are now adorning our living room. 

I was slightly concerned about the costs racking up, as we piled 10 of them in the wheelbarrow alongside our giant pumpkin that is so large I can barely carry it 10 feet. 

But one of the biggest surprises of all… when we got to the till, the whole lot (based on size) was just £17.  

As we finally called it a day, wheeling our treasure to the car, my son proclaimed it was “more than worth the drive and he would have travelled twice as far,” then promptly asked if we could return for the Christmas festival that he’d spotted advertised on the way out. 

Tickets to Tulleys Pumpkin Festival daytime tickets cost from £12.95 to £21.95 for adults and children.

THE top cities in the WORLD have been announced from far-flung Asia to the ‘city of love’ that has cheap UK flights.

Readers of Conde Nast Traveller voted for their “favourite urban sprawls across the planet” to decide which ones are the best and it might be time to book that bucket list trip to Thailand.

Taking the number one spot on the list is Bangkok which was praised for its “buzzy markets, glittering palaces and captivating religious sites unite – street food sellers dishing up tasty food between them all, of course.”

When Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Bangkok she picked up tasty dishes for the equivalent of £1 – you can also pick up beer for as little as £1.14 according to Wise.

She said: “Within an hour of being in Thai capital Bangkok’s Chinatown we have sampled street food including noodle soup splashed with vinegar, fish sauce and sugar; crunchy corn parcels.

“A bowl of salty critters, displayed next to a row of scorpions on sticks; purple mashed potatoes shaped into doughy, salty balls; and traditional sweet luk chup, made with mung beans.”

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She also visited Lebua Hotel’s Sky Bar, which was the filming location from 2011 buddy comedy film The Hangover 2 and it’s home to the “world’s highest open-air whisky bar”, Alfresco 64.

The city coming second on the list is much closer for Brits to visit, it’s Paris.

The French capital is said to have “topped bucket lists of international travellers for centuries thanks to an unrivalled food culture, grand monuments, world-class museums and subtly seductive atmosphere.”

From the UK it’s easy to reach the French capital either on the Eurostar or plane with one-way flights as little as £13.

There’s so much to do in Paris from sight-seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or wandering around the Louvre.

When Travel Reporter Alice Penwill ventured to Paris for an extreme daytrip on the Eurostar she had some suggestions on how to spend time there.

She said: “To start the morning off right, it would be a crime not to pop into one of Paris’ many bakeries, or boulangeries, for a croissant and a coffee.

“Take one to go and stroll along the Seine before heading into the Musée  d’Orsay where you can see work by artists like Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

“Afterwards, head back along the Seine to see the beautiful Notre Dame which has now reopened to visitors. And if you’re a fan of books, pop across to the famous bookshop, Shakespeare And Company.”

Turkey’s capital, Istanbul was named the third best city in the world which was called “chaotic in all the best ways.”

The publication said: “Centuries of history sit alongside a vibrant contemporary culture, with new waves of artisans luring travellers into chic boutiques after tours of places like Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque and the sweet-scented Grand Bazaar.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey suggests visiting the Karaköy neighbourhood which is set on Istanbul’s European side.

She described it as a “trendy pocket of an otherwise busy, but beautiful city.”

If you wander into Karaköy’s backstreets and climb towards neighbouring Galata, you’ll find that cobbled lanes and historic buildings lead to the landmark Galata Tower.

Head up for spectacular views across the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and historic peninsula – it’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

Valletta in Malta comes in at number five and it’s a popular spot for Brits thanks to its 300 days of annual sunshine.

Even in November it can see highs of 18C – and it’s reachable from the UK in just over three hours and flights are as little as £15.

It was voted last year’s top city thanks to its mix of ancient but also modern feel and architecture.

Other popular winter sun destinations that made the list include Cape Town in South Africa which in January and February has highs of 25C – while the UK shivers in highs of 8C.

There’s also no jet lag because Cape Town is either one or two hours in front of the UK – depending on the time of year.

When Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited, she saw Table Mountain, lots of wildlife, vineyards and was impressed with an area called Kalk Bay.

She said: “At the town’s upmarket Harbour House restaurant, we dined on seafood and good wine for the price of a Pizza Hut meal in the UK — all while watching seals swimming in the harbour. 

“Our accommodation was the charming Chartfield Guesthouse, staying in a huge two-bedroom apartment. It was bigger than my house back home, and cost only £94 a night. 

“Kalk Bay is a prime spot for visiting the endangered African penguins of neighbouring Simonstown – there must have been around 100 on the town’s shoreline.”

These are the top 20 cities according to Conde Nast Traveller…

1. Bangkok, Thailand – score 97.68
2. Paris, France – score 97.14
3. Istanbul, Turkey – score 96.67
4. Rome, Italy – score 95.96
5. Valletta, Malta – score 95.76
6. Shanghai, China – score 95.19
7. Tokyo, Japan- score 94.76
8. Seoul, South Korea – score 93.76
9. Sydney, Australia – score 92.72
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands – score 92.44
11. Stockholm, Sweden – score 91.17
12. Vienna, Austria – score 90.97
13. Lisbon, Portugal – score 89.70
14. Hong Kong – score 89.47
15. Cape Town, South Africa – score 88.33
16. Porto, Portugal – score 87.78
17. Madrid, Spain – score 87.70
18. New York, United States – score 86.47
19. Jaipur, India – score 86.22
20. Singapore – score 85.85

A PICTURESQUE UK island is on the verge of being evacuated as water supply drops to “lowest-ever” levels.

Residents may be forced to leave the area if supplies continue to decrease.

Lundy, located off the north Devon coast, is on the verge of being closed – with all residents evacuated – as a result of a severe water shortage.

The self-sufficient English island relies on a combination of rainwater and groundwater to maintain regular water levels.

However, following the dry conditions of this summer, reservoir levels dropped to their lowest-ever levels, at 13 per cent.

This has led to emergency shipments now being put in place to bring water from the mainland to the island in order to sustain its 28 residents.

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Water restrictions have also been placed on tourists – including the removal of plugs to prevent visitors from taking baths.

Pumping water from ponds used by wildlife to a treatment works is being used as a “last resort”, according to Lundy managing director Derek Green.

He told the BBC: “Bringing in pond water is something we’ve never had to do before.

“If we didn’t do this, we would be facing the reality of closing Lundy…it would be devastating for us.

“We’ve got a working farm here and the animals need water every day… so to evacuate those animals, those people and to cancel all those holidays is something that has never happened in the history of Lundy before.”

Green added that there had been “no significant rainfall” on the island since April, contributing to the severe water shortage.

The area is known for its abundant puffin and seal colonies, as well as whale and dolphin spotting.

The 3.1 mile long isle can be reached from Devon’s mainland in less than two hours by ferry, and remains popular among holidaymakers for its picturesque beaches and adventurous hikes.