TRAVEL

In the heart of London’s Square Mile, between the windows of a tapas restaurant, a 150m-year-old ammonite stares mutely at passersby. The fossil is embedded in a limestone wall on Plantation Lane, sitting alongside the remnants of ancient nautiloids and squid-like belemnites. It’s a mineralised aquarium hiding in plain sight, a snapshot of deep time that few even glance at, a transtemporal space where patatas bravas meet prehistoric cephalopods.

How often do you give thought to the stones that make up our towns and cities? To the building blocks, paving slabs and machine-cut masonry that backdrop our lives? If your name’s Dr Ruth Siddall, the answer to that question would be yesterday, today and every day for the foreseeable. Her passion is urban geology, and it turns out that the architecture of central London – in common with many places – is a largely unwitting showcase of Earth science through the ages.

“This is York stone,” she says, pointing at the slabs beneath our feet as we wander the pavement of Eastcheap. An e-scooter swishes past. “It’s a fine-grained sandstone, around 310m years old, quarried in the Peak District. It was once a prehistoric riverbed – you can still see the ripples in the surface – although to picture the world back then you need to imagine Sheffield looking like the Brahmaputra [river, which spans China, India and Bangladesh].”

I’ve joined Ruth, a distinguished geologist and very affable company, on one of the walking tours she offers around different parts of the capital. Her own enthusiasm for street-level geology kickstarted in Athens in the early 1990s where, post-PhD, she was tasked with cataloguing a collection of rocks from Greek ruins. “It was essentially a big pile of rubble,” she smiles, “but it was an absolutely fascinating project. It got me hooked.”

In the decades since – and drawing inspiration from her former colleague Eric Robinson, a pioneer of urban geology – she has seen her adopted home of London in a new light. For Ruth, the city’s walkways, shop facades and statue plinths aren’t merely civic structures. They have epic stories to tell, not only in terms of their social history but their material origins, too. “London is huge, but unlike some cities it has no local building stones of its own,” she says. “It’s basically in a basin of clay, so all the stones you see around us have had to come from elsewhere.”

It brings fresh meaning to the idea of a rock biography. Around 10 years ago, in partnership with a fellow geologist, Dave Wallis, Ruth helped to establish London Pavement Geology, a website and app that gives a free comprehensive list of sites of geological interest around the capital, and increasingly in other UK towns and cities too (my wishlist is currently topped by the lobe-finned fish suspended in Edinburgh’s Caithness flagstones). Her guided walks, offered through the longstanding tour company London Walks (search for “geology”), will this year run on a roughly monthly basis, starting in spring.

Over two hours, we come across sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks from places as disparate as Australia, Brazil and China, each stone type having been selected for its aesthetic value by the architects of the day. Outside a travel agency, Ruth identifies serpentinite, a Cretaceous stone from the Italian Alps. A pillar outside a pub turns out to be made of smooth 290m-year-old larvikite from Norway (magma that cooled kilometres beneath the surface of the planet, and, conveniently, easy to wipe down after a heavy night). And we linger over the Monument column, its Portland stone base crammed with Jurassic oyster shells and pitted with prehistoric shrimp burrows.

It’s a time-travelling, mind-boggling tour. We attract looks – it transpires that if you peer at something usually considered unremarkable, people stare at you – but frankly, when you’re hurdling geological epochs at every corner, who gives a schist? The Monument itself, of course, commemorates the Great Fire of London, which more than any other event accelerated the use of stone architecture in the capital. The Romans were the first to import stone building blocks here, but it wasn’t until the restructuring of London began in the late 1660s that natural, hard-wearing materials became more commonplace.

There’s nothing commonplace, however, about many of the stones we stop at. Near St Paul’s Cathedral – the steps of which hold 30cm-long fossilised orthocones (“They looked a bit like swimming carrots,” says Ruth) – the limestone exterior of a wine bar displays an even rarer find: a small vertebrate bone from 150m years ago. “Possibly a pterosaur,” she explains, “but we might never know.”

Best of all, perhaps, is the co-working space we pass on Houndsditch, its exterior constructed of gneiss from a meteorite impact crater in South Africa. About 6,000 miles from its place of origin, the stone’s surface is still patterned with crack-like veins of black impact glass, which also contain traces of the meteorite’s extraterrestrial minerals. Oh, and it crashed to earth a mere 2bn years ago. Now there’s something to mull over when January feels like it’s going slowly.

The walk was provided by London Pavement Geology. Ruth leads guided walks with London Walks, £20 for adults on a group tour, walks.com

This beautiful town gets 573 hours more sunshine a year than the UK average

At this time of year, it can seem as if the weather in the UK is particularly miserable. The cold, wet weather isn’t helped by the fact the sun continues to set early in the day.

But this won’t be the case forever, with clocks set to go forward in March giving us much longer days. And some parts of the country will get even more sun than others.

Certain areas typically get more sunshine due to their location and local climate. Taking the top spot in the UK for this is a “small” but charming town you may not have heard of.

Located on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, Shanklin boasts the most sunshine hours a year. Based on Met Office data, it gets 1,976 hours of sunshine per year.

This is 573 hours more than the UK average and 44 more than the runner-up of Folkestone in Kent. This data was analysed by Sunsave Energy, which said on its website: “The Isle of Wight receives the gold medal for sunshine.

“Located just off the south coast of England, this little island is famous for its sunny weather, seafront promenades and beach huts. It’s no surprise that Queen Victoria regularly chose to retreat here.

“The Met Office has several climate stations on the Isle of Wight, but it’s the one in the small town of Shanklin (population: 9,000) that tops the UK sunshine charts. With 1,976 hours of sunshine per year, the Isle of Wight is a whopping 573 hours up on the UK average (1,403).”

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Shanklin is a well-established holiday spot that can be found on the south-east coast of the island. Families can enjoy its beautiful sandy beach, amusement arcades, and shops.

For nature lovers, Shanklin Chine is a must-see coastal ravine, featuring waterfalls, trees and lush vegetation. Visit Isle of Wight, the island’s official tourist information site, explains: “One of the jewels of Sandown Bay, the town of Shanklin has long been known as a traditional holiday destination and has everything you need for a great family holiday or to go to with friends or as a couple. With lots of seafront hotels, amusement arcades and crazy golf, it is the epitome of the British beach resort.

“But Shanklin these days is so much more than that. It has a thriving town centre with a host of independent shops, restaurants and pubs and its own theatre.

“Then there is the history of the town, from it being the home of the poet Keats to its vital role in the Second World War. Whatever you like to do on holiday, then Shanklin is certainly a place to ‘Say Yes’ to.”

The other sunniest places in Britain, as per Sunsave Energy, were:

• Folkestone, Kent – 1,932 hours of sunshine a year
• Bognor Regis, West Sussex – 1,919 hours
• Hastings, East Sussex – 1,915 hours
• Weymouth, Dorset – 1,904 hours
• Eastbourne, East Sussex – 1,892 hours
• Southend-on-Sea, Essex – 1,884 hours
• Ramsgate, Kent – 1,846 hours
• Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex – 1,824 hours
• Swanage, Dorset – 1,806 hours
• Bournemouth, Dorset – 1,779 hours

With a history dating back to 1086 and many of its original architecture so well preserved, this charming market town should be on everyone’s bucket list

On the surface, it’s a typical market town in the centre of England but this hidden gem is hiding a wealth of history and boasts over 400 listed buildings and a staggering five grade I listed buildings – including a castle and a Norman Church.

The unassuming place in question is Ludlow, a thriving medieval market town and architectural gem with a huge sense of community, stacks of independent shops and many highly recommended places to eat and drink.

Famous for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Tudor architecture and a largely intact original street plan, Ludlow is seen as a treasure trove of English times gone by.

Steeped in history, Ludlow was first recorded in 1086 when its impressive castle was developed which was later housed within its town walls in 1233 of which many parts of it, and all of its seven gates, can still be identified today.

As time moved forward, Ludlow became a fashionable social centre with many county families building desirable Georgian brick houses in the 18th and 19th Centuries – many of which still stand today.

Alongside Ludlow Castle and St. Laurence’s Church, the town also boasts The Buttercross market hall dating back to 1746, The Readers House, a Grade-I listed gem sporting its original timber-frame structure and the famous half-timbered with Tudor facade, Feathers Hotel built in 1619.

Away from its never-ending architectural treasures, Ludlow boasts a vibrant independent shopping scene and is packed with boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and specialist food shops.

Many reviewers praise Ludlow and its attractions as a ‘lovely place to visit’.

One wrote: “Ludlow castle and Ludlow itself are a lovely place to visit and have a wander around. The scenery is beautiful.”

Another said: “I can’t possibly put into words all I’d like to say about this place. It’s wonderful. This is the second time I’ve been and I’m as full of wonder now as I was the first time.”

Is there a town you think we should be shouting about? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The Caledonian Sleeper picked up passengers at Birmingham International on Thursday evening for the first time in 30 years, with Manchester floated as a potential future stop.

The boss of the iconic Caledonian Sleeper has hinted at the possible next stops as the train begins journeys from Birmingham.

On Thursday evening, the Sleeper called at Birmingham International for the first time, collecting passengers from the city at 10.44pm before transporting them to Scotland.

As the first sleeper service linking Birmingham to Scotland in three decades, it marked a significant milestone for Caledonian Sleeper. Prior to the service’s launch, Managing Director Graham Kelly told the Mirror that additional stops were under consideration, though nothing had been finalised and talks remained at an early stage.

When questioned about whether the Sleeper might call at Manchester – the biggest city on the west coast currently not served by the train and situated directly on the London Euston to West Scotland line – he commented: “We need to look at that from a ‘number of coaches’ point of view. Manchester is an interesting option.”

According to Mr Kelly, the primary obstacle to adding Manchester as a destination involves scheduling complexities.

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“It comes down to timings. Can you land a timing that works? From a timing perspective, would consumers board at that time? It’s something we’d need to look at. I’d expect (the stop in Manchester) would be around 1am (going North) and maybe 4.30am coming down the other way.”

Regarding additional destinations, Mr Kelly indicated that Scottish locations were most probable. “Do we look to expand with any other destinations in Scotland? It’s very much in the early thoughts and planning stage and not something we’re far enough down the line with. It’s very much in our thoughts for the 2026/27 rail year, for 2030 onwards.”

At present, Manchester has no sleeper train services arriving or departing. Should the Caledonian Sleeper extend to Manchester, it would provide an excellent overnight alternative for travellers heading to Scotland or London.

Thursday evening’s Birmingham service featured a traditional Scottish performance by acclaimed Kintyre bagpiper Lorne MacDougall. Among the inaugural passengers was well-known railway enthusiast Francis Bourgeois, who was journeying to Inverness.

“It is the culmination of a huge amount of work and effort of the team at Sleeper, and across the industry,” Mr Kelly remarked. Birmingham has been incorporated into the current timetable without requiring additional rolling stock.

“The UK rail network is a busy place. There’s been a huge amount of work done on train paths, where trains go and when,” Mr Kelly elaborated when discussing the complexities of introducing a new stop. “It’s not as easy as saying ‘I’m going a different way tonight’. Both at night and in the morning, we’ve had to work with Network Rail to retime services, to allow us to have this path going through Birmingham International each day.”

Mr Kelly highlighted that the Sleeper emits seven times less CO2 than equivalent car and aviation routes.

In 2025, the rail service operated at 90% capacity. The addition of the new Birmingham stop is expected to push that figure closer to full capacity. Regarding ticket prices, Mr Kelly confirmed there were “no plans for an increase”.

Addressing the contentious issue of the Sleeper’s seat option, which requires passengers to sit upright in a non-reclinable seat for the entire journey, Mr Kelly explained that UK rail standards prohibit the use of reclining seats. However, he noted that cabin lights had recently been dimmed in response to customer feedback.

One of the UK’s most picturesque towns has quaint cobbled lanes, a renowned antiques market and a sprawling 700-acre park with free-roaming deer, making it the ideal day out

There are charming towns scattered across the country, with riverside walks and cosy pubs that offer that quintessential English backdrop. One picturesque destination well worth a visit is nestled in the southeast, offering a journey into the past.

The pristine historic town of Petworth in Sussex is characterised by winding cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, with a distinctive art and antiques scene. The charming lanes are brimming with antique shops and independent boutiques, along with cafes, delis, and cosy pubs.

One of its most notable eateries is The Hungry Guest on Middle Street, which serves seasonal, locally sourced food that has put the town on the map. Elsewhere, there’s a selection of inviting pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn.

Petworth Antiques Market has also garnered attention in Petworth, thanks to over 40 dealers offering everything from exquisite furniture to ornaments and a wide range of homeware. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”

The magnificent Petworth House and Park is another highlight, with an expansive 700-acre park nestled among the grand 17th-century Petworth House. Within its walls, guests can wander through the historic stately home and find an extraordinary collection of internationally renowned art and sculpture.

The estate stands as one of the finest surviving examples of an English landscape crafted by the legendary Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Visitors can also gaze upon hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout Petworth Park’s grounds or soak up breathtaking vistas of the South Downs, with the park providing an ideal vantage point.

It’s even been featured on the big screen in films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton. One TripAdvisor user raved: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the history of the family. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

Another penned: “We had such a wonderful visit! The house is extremely interesting to explore, and the grounds are gorgeous. Petworth town is really lovely too. We were lucky to see the Turner exhibition at Petworth House when we were there, which was absolutely great! Andrew, Nicola and Kathy were all such wonderful guides/staff. They were really lovely and kind, and they answered all of our questions, which made our visit even more special. Thank you!”

There’s plenty to explore in Petworth, which is conveniently located just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and roughly 50 minutes from Portsmouth. It offers an idyllic day out with its shops, eateries, and unspoilt landscapes, and was even hailed by Condé Nast Traveller last year as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns.

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

Hidden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is a scene of such natural beauty that even Hollywood filmmakers have flocked to it

In the middle of the Yorkshire Dales is a natural wonder that has been created over millions of years – and has been attracting visitors, including Hollywood royalty, for centuries.

The village of Malham, North Yorks., is famed for its stunning limestone landscape and has a soaring limestone ‘amphitheatre’ – Malham Cove – that can be found just a short walk from the village centre.

With breath-taking scenery, climbing Malham Cove is a whole family activity with many reviewers commenting that the terrain is suitable for kids from two-years-old and upwards – planting itself as a firm outdoor family favourite.

Malham Cove is a 70-metre-high, gently curving cliff of white limestone that formed along the line of the Middle Craven Fault – a major geological fault line – and has been eroded backwards from that line by water and ice over millions of years. The result is a scene of such stunning natural beauty, people flock to the village of Malham to climb the cove in their droves.

Today, the sheer rock face of Malham Cove challenges climbers and also protects a pair of nesting peregrine falcons but also the full circular walk around the cove is easy for first timers and children. It has even featured as a backdrop to many movies, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

However, the natural beauty doesn’t end there with Gordale Scar, an impressive limestone gorge once regarded as one of the natural wonders of England, to the east of Malham village and Janet’s Foss, a lovely waterfall said to be home to Janet, Queen of the Fairies.

The village also offers vibrant cafés and charming pubs – perfect for walkers to enjoy after a big hike. Reviews of the area and Malham Cove itself are overwhelmingly positive.

One happy holidaymaker wrote: “What an amazing place to visit. It is very busy with lots of people but it doesn’t take away from this unique place. We stopped at a lovely little pub next to the stream.”

One other said: “Breath-taking natural scenery which is a must for you to visit. The terrain is great for all ages from 2+. Plenty of pubs/cafes and public toilets which is a bonus. Views are spectacular.”

MY boys are all big eaters and keeping everyone fed and watered while we’re on holiday can quickly add up. 

So when I spotted the all-inclusive deal recently launched by holiday chain Parkdean, I couldn’t wait to give it a try. 

After all, what parent isn’t up for getting away from meal prep and cleaning dishes for a bit?

And with prices starting at £100 per adult and £40 per child for three cooked meals a day and unlimited hot and soft drinks, it’s a no-brainer if you want to take a break from the kitchen on your midweek stay.

We visited Parkdean Summerfields just above Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, a lovely little site with welcoming staff and a short walk from the golden sands of Scratby beach.

Just around the corner is sister site California Cliffs, whose facilities are also open to guests at Summerfields.

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We made the most of the pool activities, including aqua paddlers and inflatables, and my six-year-old enjoyed all the kids’ entertainment on offer, as well as the free soft play above the Boathouse restaurant.

Instead of the running buffet you often find with all-inclusive packages, dishes from the Boathouse menu are made to order and brought to your table.

Even as a vegetarian, I was spoilt for choice and had four different evening meals including curry, noodles, pizza and pasta, plus multiple options for lunch and breakfast. 

The boys cleared their plates every meal and declared the curly fries to be the biggest hit of the week.

My teenager probably racked up £100 worth of Costa hot chocolates over the course of our stay, before he’d even eaten any food. 

If you’ve got a tween with an adult appetite, you could consider forking out for the adult meal tariff, as my 11-year-old found some of the options on the children’s menu to be a bit small for him.

One thing I love about the Parkdean offer is that you don’t need to sign everyone on your booking up for the all-inclusive deal.

If some of your party would rather self-cater or pay-per-meal to eat out, that’s fine.

So you’re only paying for those who will make full use of the food and drink package.

While the all-inclusive was launched at selected sites for just a few weeks in the autumn, it’s back with a bang at 42 Parkdean sites this spring.

With so much to love about this deal, the one thing I reckon needs a rethink is the name.

If you’re used to all-inclusive staples found at hotels abroad, such as unlimited alcohol and an all-you-can-eat buffet, you’ll need to adjust your expectations a bit.

You’ll pay extra for booze, branded kids’ drinks like Fruit Shoots, starters and desserts, so calling the Parkdean package something like bites, brews and bubbles included might make it clearer exactly what you’re getting for your money.

And anyone with littlies, stashing a box of cereal at the caravan for early starts is the way to go – my six-year-old usually tucks into breakfast by 7am, so waiting another couple of hours to be fed would be a bit of an ask for him. 

There seems to be variations on the all-inclusive offer popping up around the UK now, after highly rated Potters Resorts in Essex and Norfolk pioneered the concept, particularly after the pandemic.

Some of the big family staycay names like Butlin’s have taken up the baton, launching a drinks package that includes beer, wine, spirits and cocktails on some breaks, starting at £25.95 per adult per day and £10.50 per child aged 6 to 14 per day.

Added to a half-board meal plan, you can prepay for all your drinks and most of your food, although you’ll still need to sort your own lunch… so it’s not quite the all-inclusive you’d encounter on a fly and flop holiday abroad.

Parkdean’s pared-back plan might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re happy with no alcohol but meals and drinks, it could easily become a staycay mainstay in your holiday calendar.

ABERDEEN Station will close for important upgrades as soon as next week.

It will affect travellers across three consecutive weekends with no trains passing through the station while the work costing £3.6million take place.

Network Rail is starting work at Aberdeen Station on January 31, 2026.

It said that the track improvements will “help boost the reliability and performance of one of the busiest parts of Scotland’s railway”.

As a result of the work, Aberdeen Station will close for consecutive weekends starting on January 31, 2026.

During the closures, teams will replace sections of rail and sleepers across multiple platforms.

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Network Rail also explained that engineers will be upgrading equipment that allows trains to move between lines – almost a mile and a half of rail is set to be renewed.

No trains will run through Aberdeen Station between Saturday 31, January and Sunday 1 February, 2026.

Or Saturday 7 and Sunday 8, February and between Sunday 15 and Monday 16, February, 2026.

There are alternatives available through bus routes.

For ScotRail, buses will replace trains between Aberdeen and Dundee, Aberdeen and Montrose, Inverurie and Aberdeen, Dyce and Aberdeen. 

Rail replacement buses for CrossCountry will travel between Dundee and Aberdeen.

LNER trains between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen will run between London Kings Cross and Dundee only.

Buses will then operate between Dundee and Aberdeen, calling at Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “The £8m redevelopment of Aberdeen station in 2022 delivered major improvements for customers and strengthened the station’s role as a key transport interchange.

“Continued investment in essential track and infrastructure upgrades will help improve performance and provide more reliable journeys.”

Aberdeen station was redeveloped in 2022 at a cost of £8million.

During this time there were upgrades made on the passenger experience like a new open-plan ticket office and addition of a first-class lounge.

There were improved retail and eatery stops and the pavilion had restoration work.

Other upgrades made by Network Rail in 2022 were to the tracks and sleepers.

Another train station that’s set to be upgraded is Liverpool Street Station.

Network Rail have put forward proposals for the £1.2billion upgrades and recently released a fly-over video showing what the future could look like for Liverpool Street.

It shows an enlarged, light and airy concourse to ease congestion during busy periods and additional ticket barriers.

Upstairs, the video reveals more eateries and cafes for passengers to use before or after their rail journey, and outside will be more green spaces.

It also shows renders of the new office building that’s set to be built above the station concourse near the Grade II* listed Andaz Hotel.

The City of London Corporation is consulting the public on the plans until January 21.

For more on rail, this small English train station named the best in the UK and it’s getting a £1million upgrade.

And this beautiful 73-mile railway route is getting new trains for the first time in 10 years.

It is one of the world’s most famous and scenic train journeys, featuring 86 tunnels and 37 bridges

El Chepe, in Mexico, stands as one of the world’s most renowned and picturesque rail adventures and among the longest railway lines. The construction of El Chepe (The Copper Canyon route or Chihuahua-Pacific Railway) represented a remarkable engineering feat that took nearly 90 years to complete, with costs reaching approximately $90 million (£67 million).

It officially launched in 1961, and remains one of the most breathtaking railway experiences, whisking travellers through the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico, and linking Los Mochis, on the coastline, to the Chihuahua mountains.

This extraordinary rail adventure covers about 650-670 kilometres (400 miles) between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, Mexico and boasts 86 tunnels and 37 bridges.

The journey, which takes 16 hours to complete, can be done in a day, taking passengers through the Sierra Madre region, home to the Tarahumaras’ indigenous communities, known for their traditional lifestyle and unique culture.

The most complicated section to build was the 258 kilometres (160 miles) from the Creel station in Chihuahua to Heriberto Valdez (San Pedro) in Sinaloa.

The project took enormous technical and human efforts to overcome the obstacles of the imposing Tarahumara Mountains.

ChepeExpress said: “This region frequently serves as the backdrop for stories, films, documentaries, major newspaper articles, magazines and television networks, who come here from all over the world, attracted by the charm of the rustic countryside and the majesty of the railroad.”

Alongside this, the Chihuahua-Pacific route is one of the most “amazing and bold engineering projects, taking passengers through the canyons, great mountains, forests and ravines.”

National Geographic explained: “El Chepe’s First Class has panoramic windows, reclining seats and one on-board meal included in the train’s Urike restaurant, which serves traditional dishes from the states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa; Executive Class has spacious seating and access to its own bar; and Tourist Class includes basic, but comfortable upright seating and an on-board snack service.”

SKYSCANNER has launched its first ever package holiday searcher – but is it as good as the rest?

The website has long been used by holidaymakers wanting to find the cheapest flights out there.

And with a boom in package holidays, they have now added a new option which lets you search for package holidays.

Claiming to scour the internet for 25million deals a day, it is certainly a gamechanger when it comes to finding the best deal.

Trying it out for myself, at first glance it definitely offered up some bargains.

For example, a week in Benidorm came up as just £232pp, including seven nights and return flights with lastminute.com.

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Or for seven nights in Antalya, it was a bargain £168pp when travelling in March.

Yet when it came to destinations further afield, it didn’t seem to bring up anywhere near as many cheap deals.

The cheapest for a week in Dubai in February I found was £1,638 with Skyscanner, using loveholidays.

While TravelSupermarket has deals for more than half this, costing £782 via Southall Travel for the exact same date.

This is likely to be because of the lack of deals they are searching.

When looking for this Dubai deal, Skyscanner had 896 results while Travelsupermarket had 2,133.

And one key feature missing is the “Anywhere” feature.

While Skyscanner has this for their flight search options, it isn’t yet an option for their package holiday searcher.

And TravelSupermarket has their own ‘Anywhere’ which makes it much easier if you know the dates you want to book, but aren’t sure on where to go.

This meant I could find a load of deals for everywhere from Costa Brave and Tuscany to Morocco for a bargain, rather than limiting myself to a destination per search.

I appreciated Skyscanner’s search tools such as being able to order the holidays by being cheapest.

Also being able to choose a price range and board option were useful, as well as choosing whether they were direct flights or even what airline and tour operator to include.

However, I also like the option of being able to see which times of year are cheaper – again something they offer with their flights.

It is also something other websites offer such as loveholidays, so you can compare dates to see if there is a nearby cheaper day to fly out on.

I have no doubt that these functions will eventually be rolled out by Skyscanner, as it evolves.

And when it comes to short-haul holidays like Spain, it definitely came out with some bargains.

But until then, I would suggest price checking their holidays before booking with other holidays, just in case.

Here is also what I think of using Google Flights as an alternative.

A large, shiny pub with a thriving clientele appears to be doing well, but is the most f****d pub in London, according to a new, alarming study into the UK’s pubs

As you walk into the Spread Eagle in Wandsworth, it’s not completely obvious that it’s f****ed.

In fact, it seems like a perfectly nice pub. The bar staff are cheery, the Guinness is delicious and the place is generally spic and span. It’s early on a Thursday evening in January, but the drinkers are out in decent numbers. A sandwich board out front promises Six Nations fixtures will arrive in a fortnight to break the winter’s gloom.

The Spread Eagle is the kind of pub that offers a bit of something for everyone. When I visited, present was a lone man reading a book and tucking into one of the menu’s ‘traditional pub classics’; two mums cradling their children; and a group of marketers discussing Q2 strategy.

While calm enough on a Thursday evening, I get the sense that the Spread Eagle becomes a pretty lively place on a Saturday night when the rugby crowd piles in. Although probably not so lively as to disturb the guests staying over in the 21 ‘eclectically’ decorated rooms upstairs.

Overall, it is a fine-looking place that serves three regular cask-conditioned beers and has ‘an historic pub interior of national importance’, according to CAMRA. It’s not at all obvious that the Spread Eagle is f***ed, but it is. In fact, according to a new study, it is the most f***ed pub in the whole of London.

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The Young’s-run boozer has been handed that unfortunate title by Ben Guerin, a digital comms expert and coder who has built ismypubf***ed.com.

“My friends and I were talking about where to go to the pub, we said we should go to somewhere that’s been affected by the changes. We both run businesses and have been affected. I had the idea on Thursday morning at 11am, had the website live at 7pm. It takes a spreadsheet from 2023, which has every single business in the UK, and another from 2026. You can group those together to work out the change. More than 42,000 pubs were analysed, of those, 78% or 80% were facing increases. 12% were either f***ed or absolutely f***ed, meaning their increase has doubled or more between 2023 and 2026,” Ben told the Mirror.

Based on business rates alone, the Spread Eagle is in an unenviable spot. Its rateable value is due to increase by 622%, from £16,750 in 2023 to £121,000 this year, pushing its annual tax bill up by 833% to £46,452, according to Ben’s analysis of publicly available data.

While the Spread Eagle is the worst hit percentage-wise in London, it is just one of 5,000 pubs across the UK facing a doubling of property tax.

Last week, the head of the Valuation Office Agency told MPs that 13 per cent of pubs – a total of 5,100 – have been hit with a 100 per cent rise in their so-called ‘rateable value’, which is used to calculate their business rates bill.

The average pub faces paying £1,400 a year more, rising to £12,900 over three years. Those with the largest rises in property tax valuations face even bigger increases. The Bertie Arms in Stamford, Lincolnshire, faces a near 2,000% rise – the biggest in the country.

Katie and James Genever, the landlords of the grade II-listed thatched village pub, told the Telegraph that the change would almost totally wipe out their profits. “It just feels like we are being targeted and come at from every angle. Hospitality is being whacked from all sides and used as a cash cow,” Ms Genever said.

The gloomy financial prospects of many pubs is difficult to overstate. A report by UK Hospitality has warned six venues will close every day this year without support – a total of more than 2,000. That far outstrips the 378 that closed in 2025, according to the Institute for Licensing. The British Beer and Pub Association worries pubs will need to sell an extra 1.3 billion pints of beer a year to offset surging taxes.

For Ben, who moved from New Zealand to the UK around a decade ago, the perilous state of the Great British pub is a major concern.

“Pubs are the heart of the local community. One of the things I’ve always loved about the UK in general. Everyone has a charm and heritage. Whether standing out on a pavement on a cold, wet January, or sitting in a beer garden in the summer. It’s really sad so many of them have been shutting down in recent years,” he said.

After weeks of fierce campaigning from pub supporters, Labour now seemed poised to row back on rates increases and offer some support to boozers that have faced a toxic cocktail of cost rises in recent years including: an increase in employers’ national insurance, the minimum wage, energy costs, business rates, inflation, new workers’ rights legislation and a rise in alcohol duty.

The government is expected to announce an overhaul to the way it calculates business rates for pubs within days, which it says will help soften the sharp hikes that a majority of the embattled sector faced in the aftermath of the Budget.

According to multiple reports, Treasury officials have conceded its overhaul to business rates – the commercial equivalent to council tax – left many local pubs facing a huge hike in their overall bill, despite the hospitality industry technically being offered a 5p cut.

At November’s Budget, the Chancellor scaled back the business rate discounts that businesses have enjoyed since the pandemic. It also confirmed the results of a much-anticipated re-evaluation of so-called rateable values, a central government estimate for the amount of rent a site will pay in a year, which left pubs across the country facing considerably larger bills.

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Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, hailed the government’s decision to reopen the business rates increases, branding it a “huge win for pubs across the country”. She added: “This could save locals, jobs, and means publicans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The BBPA has worked closely with ministers on a pub-specific solution that would ensure that bills are reduced in line with the government’s previous promise to pubs.”

Young’s declined to comment.

A HOLIDAY with kids can be costly, especially when you factor in flights, luggage, hotel and spending money.

As a single mum, I have to watch every penny, so when someone shared The Sun £9.50 holidays in our mum Whatsapp chat, it seemed too good to be true.

My friend Cherisse had been collecting tokens in The Sun every day and she booked a weekend away in the UK with her three children for less than £10.

They had booked a caravan for three nights, including use of the park’s facilities – an indoor pool, club house with nightly entertainment, kids activity sessions and a large playground.

We had all been saying that it would be fun to do a group holiday together, but with the cost of living crisis, we’d yet to get that out of the group chat.

But at £9.50 for a weekend away, I signed on straight away.

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Gradually, other families decided to go for it too and eventually all 10 families in our friendship group had booked on.

We were all buzzing for our group trip and the kids were giddy with excitement. There were actually 40 of us in the group, in total.

When I was a child, we’d often go to holiday parks with our friends and my school friends and I still talk about those trips 30 years on.

I was excited to be able to give my kids the same experience.

To get the best deal, we booked early in the season, selecting holiday cabins at Park Dean Kessingland Beach Holiday Park in Suffolk.

It was the first weekend in March and absolutely freezing! But the kids didn’t care.

They were just all excited to get away and spend the weekend together. Us parents were too.

Packing was easy since I could just throw everything in the car, including footballs, colouring books and the kids’ scooters.

As soon as we arrived, the kids were all outside playing together so the parents could unpack and have a cup of tea.

Our cabins weren’t all next to one another, but we were all on the same pitch and it was very safe for the kids to play on the grass outside, with at least one parent being able to see them from every angle.

Some of the families had teenage children with them, so we had built-in babysitters too (thank you Freya, Ava and Harrison).

This was how the weekend continued, only really seeing my children when they wanted food, snacks or money for the arcade.

Much easier for me, as a solo mum, than taking my two children on holiday by myself. It was actually relaxing and I came home feeling like I’d actually had a break.

The old saying ‘it takes a village’ was definitely true here.

It was my first time at a holiday park as an adult and I was really impressed with the caravans. We had a two-bed comfort caravan, which was spacious and very clean.

There is a large living area with a sofa and a small table and the heating, thankfully, was good, so it was really cosy.

I even had a partial view of the sea.

During the day, the kids joined in with craft and sport activities, all included with the price.

There were also more extreme activities like Nerf Gun battles and slime workshops, but these cost a bit extra.

To use the indoor pool, you had to book a session and because there were so many of us, we filled up the pool capacity and had it to ourselves for two hours.

It’s not often you get a stay with a private pool for less than £5 per person for the whole weekend. Plus, since we were the only ones there, the staff let the kids play with the inflatable jet skis – usually these would cost extra.

It was brilliant.

In the evenings, there is a quiz night, kids disco, karaoke and a full cabaret show.

The site has a few low-cost options for dinner including a pub in the clubhouse, a pizza takeaway and fish and chips.

However, most of us opted to cook in our cabins to keep costs down. A quick pasta and my kids were itching to get back to clubhouse to hang out with their mates and play on the arcades.

Us mums enjoyed the evenings too,as the pub even sold cocktails (only £7 each).

Even though it was cold, we still enjoyed rounders on the beach and two of the mums even went for a cold-water sea swim.

It really reminded me of the wholesome holidays of my childhood and everyone agreed it was a brilliant weekend. As we packed up the car to start the convoy home, we vowed to do it again every year.

And we have!

The following year, we paid a bit extra to go to a bigger resort, which has a wider range of activities, a huge adventure playground and a pool and water park.

The cost for the weekend was still less than £150 for a family of four.

I took the kids to Tenerife and Florida the same year and they still said this was their favourite trip.

I think a holiday with 20 of your mates is just brilliant for kids – and the mums!

This year we have booked to go again. This will be our fourth caravan trip. I can’t wait.

Following the very public Beckham family drama that dominated headlines this week, holiday experts at On the Beach have unveiled a brand-new booking perk aimed at easing pre-holiday chaos

Families who fall out can take solace in a thanks to a new ‘ Beckham Clause’ launched this week by a package holiday company.

Following the very public Beckham family drama that dominated headlines this week, holiday experts at On the Beach have unveiled a brand-new booking perk aimed at easing pre-holiday chaos. The move comes after Brooklyn Beckham went nuclear online, publishing a six-page Instagram statement that laid bare a deep family rift and reignited the internet’s obsession with celebrity fallouts.

On the Beach’s new clause applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown. Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.

The perk, officially titled the ‘Family Fallout Refund’ and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses, aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans. The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool. Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”

Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities. Every year, hundreds of holiday bookings need amending with sons, daughters, and partners dropping out due to feuds. The new perk is available on family holidays with 5 people or more and the claim needs to be made at least 60 days before departure.

It’s not the only free perk being made available on holiday bookings in 2026. Anyone holidaying with On the Beach in 2026 and booking up to 60 days before departure is guaranteed a perk.

One of either free lounge access, free gadget insurance, free weather protection or a £50 amazon voucher plus Price Drop Protection. Even better, all bookings will receive 1GB of free mobile data.

The T&Cs

Any family member who withdraws from the holiday due to said fallout will have their portion of the accommodation cost refunded to the lead booker, regardless of who started it, who’s telling their side, or who last posted a cryptic caption.

The party needs to contact On the Beach via its chat, tell them they have had a family feud, inform them which party member is dropping out, and the cash refund will be processed.

Applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August, 2026. Cancellation must be requested 60 days prior to departure. Refund will be returned to the last card used on the booking. 1 cancellation per booking. Excludes Cruises. OTB fees for cancelling hotel will be waived. Cancellation fees will still apply to the flight element, transfers and any extras booked. Save for the above changes to cancellation fees, OTB’s standard terms and conditions apply to bookings – see www.onthebeach.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for details.

An Eastern European resort has been named Europe’s most affordable ski resort in easyJet’s new index

If you’re keen on skiing but worried about the cost, this handy guide will help you find a holiday that fits your budget. Researchers have compared average prices for lift passes, ski hire, hotels, transport, and even beer to create a list of the top 10 affordable ski destinations.

Bansko in Bulgaria takes the top spot. Just two hours from the capital Sofia, this resort sits at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and is recognised as Europe’s most budget-friendly ski destination. Here, you can enjoy £1 beers, slope access for less than £50 a day, equipment rental for around £15, and accommodation for about £45 a night.

Białka Tatrzańska, located a couple of hours south of Kraków in Poland, is another great choice, especially for beginners, families, and groups. The resort is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money.

Borovets, also in Bulgaria, ranks third. As the country’s oldest ski resort, Borovets offers 58 kilometres of slopes spread across three zones in the Rila Mountains. It’s particularly popular with intermediate skiers looking for wide, well-maintained runs.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As people start to look at booking a break on the slopes, we hope that our new index spotlights just some of the resorts where equipment hire, hotels and hospitality can be found for fantastic value.”

Italy’s Bardonecchia comes in fourth. Despite hosting events during the 2006 Winter Olympics, its scenic slopes—such as Colomion and Les Arnauds—are often overlooked. Daily costs here remain under £50.

The Andorran resort of Pal-Arinsal is easily reached via flights to Barcelona or Toulouse. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking affordable après-ski, lower altitudes, and a taste of tapas. Pal offers broad, gentle slopes ideal for beginners, while Arinsal provides higher altitudes and more challenging red runs for intermediates.

Sauze d’Oulx, in Italy’s Via Lattea (Milky Way), is known for its sunny weather and lively mountain atmosphere, perhaps helped along by plenty of Aperol Spritz. This resort has welcomed British skiers for decades.

If you prefer classic Alpine destinations, French resorts Les Deux Alpes and Morzine also make the list. Both offer authentic Alpine experiences at competitive daily costs of around £80.

“With a flurry of snow set to dust Europe in the coming weeks, last-minute ski getaways are sure to be top of mind for many,” added Kevin.

“Direct flights from 13 airports across the UK make all ten destinations easily accessible, offering more choice and connectivity for snow sports lovers looking to discover some of Europe’s best hidden-gem resorts.”

CHEAP SKI INDEX – RANKED

1. Bansko, Bulgaria

Lift pass & ski hire: £63 | Hotel & transport: £79 | Beer: £1.23

Flights starting from £34.99

2. Białka Tatrzańska, Poland

Lift pass & ski hire: £48 | Hotel & transport: £95 | Beer: £2.20

Flights starting from £30.99

3. Borovets, Bulgaria

Lift pass & ski hire: £57 | Hotel & transport: £91 | Beer: £1.54

Flights starting from £34.99

4. Bardonecchia, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £63 | Hotel & transport: £95 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £23.99

5. Pal-Arinsal, Andorra

Lift pass & ski hire: £59 | Hotel & transport: £105 | Beer: £2.58

Flights starting from £27.99

6. Sauze d’Oulx, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £66 | Hotel & transport: £102 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £23.99

7. Sestriere, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £72 | Hotel & transport: £102 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £34.99

8. La Molina, Spain

Lift pass & ski hire: £65 | Hotel & transport: £124 | Beer: £3.01

Flights starting from £27.99

9. Les Deux Alpes, France

Lift pass & ski hire: £80 | Hotel & transport: £163 | Beer: £5.16

Flights starting from £21.49

10. Morzine, France

Lift pass & ski hire: £81 | Hotel & transport: £190 | Beer: £5.16

Flights starting from £23.99

HAVE you ever flown to an airport and realised you’re nowhere near the city it’s named after?

These seven airports have the name of the city in the title, but in some cases are as far as 78 miles away from their namesake.

Airport transfer experts, SCS Chauffeurs, have flagged several European airports where the name can be misleading for first-time visitors.

Furthest away from its namesake is Frankfurt-Hahn Airport which is 78 miles away from the German city.

In fact, it’s closer to Luxembourg in location.

Holidaymakers who land in Frankfurt-Hahn Airport will then have to take an hour and a half car journey to get to the city centre.

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If you’re wondering why airports don’t use more local names – it’s actually designed to help recognition when booking flights.

And being so far from the actual city does have some perks, like cheaper flights as you’ll find that lots of airlines heading to these airports are the likes of Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

In January, a one-way direct flight from London Heathrow to Frankfurt am Main Airport right in the city centre starts from £70 with British Airways.

Whereas a flight in January to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport from London Stansted starts from £15 with Ryanair.

Another is Oslo-Torp Airport which is 68 miles southwest of Oslo.

So if you fly there for an easy trip to Norway‘s capital, expect an extra hour and a half transfer on top of it.

In Germany, Memmingen Airport which is sometimes called ‘Munich West’ is 72 miles away from the centre of Munich.

A one-way ticket from Manchester to Memmingen Airport in January can cost as little as £13 with Ryanair.

Whereas if you fly straight into the city from Manchester landing at Munich Airport, the cheapest one-way ticket is £47 with easyJet.

It’s similar for Stockholm Skavsta Airport which is 62 miles south of Stockholm.

Over in Spain, Barcelona-Reus Airport is also 62 miles outside of the city.

However in this case, it’s worth just heading straight to Barcelona Airport as flights are as little as £17 with Ryanair in January.

Meanwhile, Barcelona-Reus Airport doesn’t operate flights until March which start from £18.

If you’re heading to Paris, check whereabouts you’re flying into as Paris–Beauvais Airport (BVA) is 53 miles away from the capital.

The closest airport to the centre of Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Another is the Düsseldorf-Weeze Airport which is 50 miles outside of the city – very close to the border with Holland.

From this airport it would take just under an hour to get into Düsseldorf both on the train or by car.

For more on budget airlines, here are six new holiday destinations getting Wizz Air flights – and one is a UK-first.

And here are cheap long-haul destinations to visit in 2026 with £119 flights and £8 hotels.

WHEN it comes to planning the ultimate holiday, no one does it better than cabin crew.

With a superior knowledge of secret beachside restaurants and where to find the best weather in January, they know it all – and that includes Jet2 cabin crew Gio Michalakis who recently made his TV debut on ITV’s The Great Escapers.

If you’re still struggling to find a destination for your 2026 break, Jet2‘s Gio Michalakis says there’s no place better than his favourite Greek island, Rhodes.

Talking to Sun Travel, he said: “I know Rhodes like the back of my hand, it’s my second home.

“I go back every year, it’s where my family are from. Last year I was there for 10 days in August, and I’m planning on going back this July. If I can fit it into my work schedule, I try and visit over winter too.

“There’s a gorgeous beach restaurant in Rhodes – and when I say beach restaurant, you’re right on the rocks.

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“It’s called Tambakio in the town of Lindos. It’s absolutely stunning, and great vibes whether you go in the morning for breakfast, brunch, afternoon or evening.”

The restaurant sits on the shore of St Paul’s Bay offering classic mezze dishes, fresh seafood and plenty of local wine.

Rhodes itself is the largest of the Dodecanese islands famous for its pretty UNESCO Old Town, ancient ruins and party scene in Faliraki.

The average flight time from the UK is four and a half hours with flights from £43 in June and July according to Skyscanner.

When it comes to food and drink, the average cost of a pint is around €4 (£3.48) and a glass of local wine is around €3 (£2.61).

A meal for two can be as little as €20 (£17.39) making it much more affordable than some of its well-known neighbours like Mykonos and Santorini.

Let’s not forget the weather. While it might not be as lively with certain places closed for off-peak season, Rhodes can see highs of 18C in January.

In the months of July and August the island sees average highs of 30C.

Another Greek island that Gio recently visited was Kos.

He said: “I’d never been before and surprisingly, it was quite different from Rhodes. Although it’s still a Greek island, it’s different in its own right.

“While I was there I actually I spoke to the Jet2 rep there who was fantastic and recommended we go horse riding.

“We went across the beach as well which was a big highlight and something I wouldn’t normally do – I quite like to sit and do nothing when I go on holiday.”

Gio recently made his TV debut on ITV‘s The Great Escapers, which starred the likes of Loose Women’s Katie Piper and Denise Welch.

Four groups of celebrities competed to create the best holiday experience with unique excursions from joining in a human tower festival to racing buggies around the Algarve.

Gio was there to help and oversee it all and out of all the Jet2 Holidays excursions he helped pick out, one took the biscuit.

He revealed: “It was 100 per cent the catamaran trip that Katie Piper organised on the Costa Brava.

“It was meant to be work, but I genuinely felt l was on holiday, and I got to go along too. The Loose Women were filming on one side and I was on the other – that’s the magic of TV.

“I’d love to do it again although I’m not sure I could charter a whole boat. Maybe that’s one for a big friend holiday.”

When it comes to going on holiday, Gio said there is one easily avoidable mistake that lots of travellers make.

He said: “Don’t try out a TikTok holiday because it gives a false sense of reality – and you might not get what you want out of a break.

“Instead, speak to your Jet2 customer helper because they genuinely know the hidden gems – it’s much better than using Google search.

“They can tailor experiences to what you want and their local knowledge is fantastic.”

For the series, Gio travelled across Europe including his favourite island of Rhodes, but there was another Mediterranean destination that impressed him too.

Gio said: “I didn’t realise how much Malta had to offer.

“It’s not a place that’s been on my radar but it has a great bar scene, places to relax, it’s gorgeous.

“I think the island is suited for everyone too: couples, families, or friends’ holidays. I’d love to go back with my partner and explore the streets of Valletta properly.

“When I was filming with the celebs we were on such a tight schedule, so I’d love to go back. I passed so many hidden bars and restaurants, down the side streets – and you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather all year-round.”

Watch all episodes of The Great Escapers on ITVX.

Katie Piper reveals the ‘hidden gem’ in Spain that’s her new favourite family holiday spot…

Katie Piper ditched the gloomy UK weather for a slice of Spain alongside Sunetra Sarker and Denise Welch for The Great Escapers – and discovered a hidden gem along the way.

Katie stayed in Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava coast which has pretty beaches, coves and is centred around a walled medieval old town.

Katie is a mum of two, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7, and heading to the Costa Brava has meant it’s been added to their family’s travel list.

She said: “I think I’ll go back with my girls, the kids will watch the show and go ‘it’s so unfair you got to go’. It’s affordable and accessible, you can go self-catering or stay in an Airbnb – I think we will plan a trip there.”

“I’ve been to other much more touristy Spanish places, like the Costa del Sol. The Costa Brava is a bit of a hidden gem, it’s touristy enough to take your kids out and walk on foot to restaurants.

“But it’s not lost its culture, like along the strip there’s lots of architecture like gorgeous churches, cliffs, castles – it’s not neon signs and karaoke. It’s a great place for families as well because it’s such a short flight.”

For more on Rhodes, check out what Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire made of her recent family holiday where she found Ibiza-style beach clubs.

Plus, discover the four less-popular Greek islands are set to be huge in 2026.

Many travellers have been sharing their tips on how to get an upgrade on a flight, but a flight attendant has debunked some of the most popular hacks

A flight attendant has lifted the lid on the reality of securing an upgrade, debunking popular social media myths in the process. For those of us relegated to economy, the allure of premium or business class can be tantalising – yet expensive.

In response, globetrotters have taken to TikTok to share their supposed secrets for bagging that coveted upgrade. These range from donning smart attire to lavishing cabin crew with gifts and coffee.

But now, a Virgin Atlantic crew member has set the record straight on what actually works when it comes to securing a superior seat, reports the Express.

Popular social media myths debunked

Smart clothes

Countless social media profiles advocate dressing sharply if you’re hoping to nab a superior seat. The theory goes that you should dress for the cabin you aspire to be in.

Yet the flight attendant revealed: “The rumour we hear all the time is that if you dress really smart, you’ll get upgraded. It’s a fun idea, but honestly, it’s pretty outdated.

“Upgrades these days are all down to things like availability and booking details, not whether you’re wearing a blazer. Looking nice never hurts, of course, but it’s definitely not your golden ticket to a free seat in a higher cabin.”

Presents for crew

Passengers have achieved viral fame on social media by bringing small tokens such as chocolates, coffee or gift vouchers to distribute amongst onboard staff. Some employ this tactic hoping to charm flight attendants and boost their upgrade prospects.

An anonymous Virgin Atlantic crew member has shed light on the common misconception that bringing treats for the crew can lead to free upgrades. They said: “Bringing treats for the crew is always such a kind surprise, and it genuinely brightens our day, but it won’t lead to free upgrades or anything like that.”

However, they did admit that when passengers show extra kindness, the crew are inclined to reciprocate in small ways, such as offering additional snacks or meals from another cabin.

Special trips

If you’re jetting off for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, you might assume your chances of an upgrade are higher. However, the flight attendant confessed that this “rarely happens”.

They explained: “Upgrades are generally based on availability, loyalty status, and operational needs. That said, on very rare occasions, the crew onboard can make exceptions for genuinely special circumstances.”

Injury

Some travellers have claimed on social media that mentioning an injury led to an upgrade. The flight attendant clarified to Travel Insurance specialist InsureandGo that while they can reseat passengers for comfort, it doesn’t equate to a luxury upgrade. Moreover, passengers must still meet the “fit to fly” requirements to be allowed to travel.

Frequent flyer programmes

Loyalty truly does have its perks, particularly when it comes to bagging an upgrade. In fact, it remains one of the most reliable tricks in the book.

The flight attendant revealed: “We really do look after our top-tier members. If there are spare seats and the situation allows, we’ll always try to get our gold-card passengers into their preferred spot.”

How to actually secure an upgrade

According to the flight attendant, the most foolproof method of securing an upgrade is being prepared to pay for it. Complimentary upgrades are few and far between, so stumping up a bit of cash dramatically improves your odds of switching cabins.

The most affordable and efficient approach is to enquire whilst already on the aircraft. They explained: “If you’d like to upgrade once you’re on board, you can simply ask any member of the cabin crew. We’ll check the availability and the cost, and if you’re happy with the price, we can take payment and move you as soon as possible. Upgrading on board is often one of the cheapest options.”

Butlin’s in Skegness has been voted in the top 10 ‘happiest’ destinations in the world – beating out all other seaside resorts in the UK

The UK’s ‘happiest’ seaside resort has been revealed – and it’s got cheap family getaways and a no frills attitude.

Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs., has appeared in a top ten list of the world’s happiest destinations beating out all other seaside stays in the UK – and fans of a beautiful beach and a low-cost family break are encouraged to beat the January blues by booking a holiday there.

Research done by AttractionTickets.com revealed that four of the top 10 happiest places in the world are in the UK. While the Eiffel Tower in Paris beat everywhere to number one, Butlin’s, Skegness took seventh place.

With a possible top score of 25 on the happiness scale, Butlin’s Skegness got 22.95 – with perfect 5 out of 5s in ‘happy’ and ‘perfect’ review scores. Butlin’s Skegness was where the holiday camp’s story began after being founded by Billy Butlin in 1936.

Now, 90 years later, it’s as popular as ever and families can book short breaks from as little as £39pp during quieter periods – we even found some working out at £107pp for a family of four in August, during the school holiday dates.

On site, there’s heaps for families to explore including the impressive Butlin’s Skypark attraction – a large, inclusive outdoor playground designed with kids of all ages in mind – and Splash Waterworld – 3,000sqm of flumes, rapids and pools. Then there are the shows, games and jam-packed programmes with fun activities to ensure you’re not ever sat twiddling your thumbs.

Butlin’s also has holiday parks Minehead and Bognor Regis but it was Skegness in particular that was voted the ‘happiest’ resort in the UK. With its traditional seaside fun, Skegness has a mixture of nostalgic, traditional attractions and vibrant, family-friendly things to do.

Its beach holds the prestigious Blue Flag award, meaning it’s among the cleanest in the world, and Skegness Pier – built over 100 years ago – was the fourth longest in England at the time of its build.

Tripadvisor reviews tell the story of a popular town with one commenter writing: “Skeggy is THE seaside town to visit’.

They added: “It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast – but the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks.”

Another reviewer wrote: “Skegness is a town that is worth a visit whether you are a family with kids or adults looking for a bit of fun, there is an endless choice of things to do.”

Other top areas of happiness in the UK, according to AttractionTickets.com are Warner Bros, Studio Tour in London which came in at number 3, Center Parcs at Longleat Forest at number 6 and the Natural History Museum in London at number 10.

Is there town you think we should be shouting about? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A BALKAN resort has topped an index of Europe’s most affordable ski destinations – boasting £1 beers and slope access for under £50 a day.

Bansko in Bulgaria took the top spot after researchers compared average prices for lift passes, ski hire, hotels, transport and beer.

The resort, just two hours from the capital Sofia, sits at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, where skiers can hire equipment for around £15, with accommodation costing roughly £45 a night.

Białka Tatrzańska, a resort tucked away just a couple of hours south of Kraków, is regarded as a good option for beginners, families and social groups.

The site is known for its down-to-earth atmosphere and ability to make the pound – or złoty – stretch.

Borovets, which ranked closely behind in third place, as part of easyJet’s Cheap Ski Index, is Bulgaria’s oldest resort and offers an impressive 58 kilometres of slopes.

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It is divided across three zones in the Rila Mountains, Borovets is a favourite for intermediates seeking broad, well-maintained pistes.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As people start to look at booking a break on the slopes, we hope that our new index spotlights just some of the resorts where equipment hire, hotels and hospitality can be found for fantastic value.

“So that Brits can comfortably experience the beauty of some of the most underrated mountain towns.”

Italy’s Bardonecchia claims fourth place, often flying under the radar, it offers a high-Alpine ambiance and Olympic heritage.

Its panoramic slopes such as Colomion and Les Arnauds are often overlooked despite the resort’s role in the 2006 Winter Olympics and total daily costs remaining under £50.

Reachable by flights to Barcelona or Toulouse, Pal-Arinsal is the Andorran resort for those wishing that the Alps came with cheaper après, slightly less attitude and a touch of tapas.

Offering up a tale of two resorts, the Pal side is a welcome sight for beginners with wide slopes and soft gradients, whilst Arinsal offers up more dramatic altitudes and lively red slopes for intermediates seeking a challenge.

Tucked away in a vibrant corner of Italy’s Via Lattea (the Milky Way) is sun-soaked Sauze d’Oulx.

Praised for its lively mountain atmosphere energetic mountain buzz – perhaps fuelled by Aperol Spritz – Sauze is proudly Italian and has been welcoming Brits into its glittering amphitheatre of slopes for decades.

For those drawn to more familiar Alpine destinations, French resorts Les Deux Alpes and Morzine appear, proving that authentic Alpine experiences need not come with luxury price tags.

In these resorts, flexibility and value are at the heart of the offering, with daily costs remaining competitive at £80, compared to neighbouring ski areas.

Kevin Doyle added: “With a flurry of snow set to dust Europe in the coming weeks, last minute ski getaways are sure to be top of mind for many.

“Direct flights from 13 airports across the UK make all ten destinations easily accessible, offering more choice and connectivity for snow sports lovers across some of Europe’s best hidden-gem resorts.”

A HOSPITALITY group that operates hotels across Europe has filed for insolvency.

The white label operator, which has a portfolio of 260 hotels, is set to be restructured under self-administration.

Revo Hospitality Group, formerly known as HR Group, operates hotels across 12 European countries and 146 cities.

Founded in 2008, the group has become Europe’s largest white label operator, with a mix of hotels under major franchise brands such as Accor, Wyndham, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG.

It also has its own brands, including Vagabond Club, Hyperion, and Aedenlife.

The recent move affects about 140 companies within the group, however, all 125 hotels in Germany and Austria will remain operational with all 5,500 employees.

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The process will be overseen by administrators appointed by the Charlottenburg District Court in Berlin.

“Around 140 companies belonging to the REVO Hospitality Group have filed for insolvency under their own management at Charlottenburg District Court,” the hotel group said in a press release.

“The approximately 125 hotels in Germany and Austria will continue to operate with all 5,500 employees. The proceedings will be supervised by court-appointed administrators.” 

The future of the 125 hotel locations currently remains unclear.

The group cited the current “economic crisis” as the main factor behind the move, explaining: “140 companies, including the management and holding company, got into difficulties”.

“In particular, increased wage costs and the sharp rise in minimum wages, but also higher costs for rent, energy and food, are weighing on the business,” the statement continued.

“Above all, the strong expansion of the Revo Hospitality Group in recent years led to duplicate structures and integration problems.”

Since 2020, Revo Hospitality Group has reportedly expanded from 51 to 250 hotels, now generating around £1.1 billion in annual revenue and employing around 8,300 staff across Europe.

The Sun has reached out to Revo Hospitality Group for comment.

IF you want Maldives-like overwater bungalows without the long flight, thankfully there is a holiday resort much closer.

Found across the popular resort of Antalya, the resort even has a private beach.

DoubleTree by Hilton Antalya Kemer has been dubbed the Maldives of Turkey thanks to its unique beach cabanas.

With just eight at the resort, each of the rooms are built on stilts overlooking the ocean – just like ones in the Maldives.

It is also a lot closer, with flights to Antalya around four hours, compared to the Maldives ten hours.

While you can’t stay in the huts, each can be privately hired with their own sunloungers and hot tub.

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In the middle is a secluded decking area too, complete with sunloungers and bar.

Outside of the beach huts, the resort has so much to do.

There are ‘festival like’ food trucks scattered across the hotel as well, with snacks including pizza, kebabs and crepes.

If you want a sit down meal, there are five restaurants too with everything from local cuisine to international.

Along with the private beach, there is also a huge central pool with waterslides for both kids and adults.

An indoor freshwater pool, a kids pool and huge kids club is also onsite, while adults can make the most of the onsite spa.

Previous guests have rave about it too, with many praising the friendly staff and high quality food.

One said: “This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in.”

Another agreed: “One of the best all inclusives I’ve been to.”

If you’ve been tempted, it’s also cheaper than the Maldives too.

Basic rooms start from £120, with the beach cabanas costing around £75pp a day.

This is is for four people, and includes butler service, drinks and lunch.

Tour operators like TUI and Jet have package deals too, although the cheapest deal is with Loveholidays.

A seven night stay and flights can be found for £489pp, on an all-inclusive basis, while even in the peak summer deals are around £1,000pp.

With the average cost of a Maldives holiday being around £4,500 – it’s a cheaper (and closer) option.

There’s also an area dubbed the Maldives of Italy.

And in Spain, there is a holiday resort which has overwater rooms too.

Jayne Harrison-Bond and husband Ian landed, enjoyed some sun, sand, and beers, then flew home

A couple jetted off to a Spanish island for some New Year’s Eve sunshine – and still made it back in time to ring in 2024 with family. Jayne Harrison-Bond, 52, and her husband Ian, 53, managed to squeeze in three hours of beach time in Lanzarote while still being home to celebrate with their adult children.

Community nurse Jayne, from Loughborough in Leicestershire, organised the spontaneous getaway after realising December 31 was her only free day during the festive season due to her hectic work schedule.

The adventurous pair secured £75 return flights from East Midlands Airport just three days beforehand, rising early to catch their 5.45am departure to the Canary Islands.

Their entire escapade cost under £100 each – covering flights, beach transport, meals, drinks, and a taxi back to Lanzarote Airport for their 6.05pm return journey. Jayne reflected: “It was lovely, a spur-of-the-moment thing, really. I was the only person at work on New Year’s Day with a sun tan, so I’ll take that.

“Somebody on a Facebook group put about going (to Lanzarote for the day) and we’re reasonably close to East Midlands (airport) ourselves.

“I was working all over Christmas but I had that day (the 31st) off. I said to my hubby, ‘that would be a good day trip’ kind of laughing about it, then ended up booking it on the Sunday.”

Welder Ian and Jayne touched down in Lanzarote at 10.15am, reaching Playa Honda beach by 10.35am after hopping on a bus for €1.40 each. “We did very little apart from the beach,” Jayne shared. “We had some nice tapas and a couple of nice drinks. The object of the day was just to utilise some rest time.”

The pair shelled out €4 each for beers at a beachside bar, before heading to Goliath Terraza for more food and drinks, setting them back €11 each. “My hubby had a large pizza and fries”, Jayne revealed. “I opted for a chicken caesar salad and we both enjoyed another drink.”

A €10 taxi fare got them back to the airport in time to catch their flight home, arriving just before midnight. Jayne recalled: “We’ve got two adult children still living at home; we raised a glass of Buck’s fizz with them. I was back to work the next day at 8am. It was well worth it.”

Jayne’s workmates were taken aback by her whirlwind trip, but the travel enthusiast – who has also made day trips to Alicante and Malaga recently – assured them she managed to get up for work without any issues.

She added: “They said, ‘I don’t know how you went that far for a day out’ but we weren’t exhausted after it or anything. It was a very straight-forward, everyday thing so I would recommend it to anyone.”